The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1879-02-06

onc "eHI on, hesltatlngly. have to
make believe at home all the time, for
father is sick, and the children look to
me for every thing"
"Have you no mother?" asked John,
pityingly.
My mother died three years ago. 1
am the mother now. Mothers have to
be strong, you know, for the children's 8
sake; but sometimes, when l am alone
In my chamber, seem to see the days
coming along, all crowded so full Of
every thing, and they almost stife me. :"
"Poor little girl" thought John.
But only one comes at time,'' he
said, soothingly.
:" know it; but there are so many of
them. But try to think" she contin
ued, earnestly, "of what mother used
to say when l went to her with my
troubles. Look for God, and you will
find him. He is always looking for you. ,
And do look for him.
"And you will find him." said John,
encouragingly.
/" Sometimes-it really seems-as if
| did. feel willing to bear every thing
for his sake-and mothers. Then /
dare to hope / am Christian. But
things will grow hard again. The chill
dren are troublesome, perhaps, or faith
er's toast isn't just right. get dis
couraged and out of patience. 1 can't
be good all the time, but want to, oh,
so much. What should you think
about itp"
The child-like simplicity of the ques-
ton touched John inexpressibly.
81 think you have found him. In your
bright days you recognize him. In your
dark days you must be still and wait,
never thinking for a moment that he will
let you 60"
"And you think I am Christian P"
"Do you doubt it for an instant? But
here comes Mr.. Doane. He will help
you better than can.''
He moved away as he spoke, and
Robert seated himself beside the young
girl. They conversed earnestly togeth-
er for awhile, during which John saw
the black eyes brighten, though there
were tears in them. Then, as it was
getting late, she joined a little party of
her friends, who had waited for her,
and he and Robert passed out together.
"What did you say to that child?"
he asked, as they left the shadow of the
little church behind them. 81 hope
you gave her your benediction."
"I asked her if she could not say with
me, Just then and there, Lord I give
myself to thee. trust thee forever and
ever" 55..f
F"And she said" Hs p.
"She was afraid. It was too solemn.
She did not dare. Then | asked if she
could trust him day by day, feeling that
whatever he sent was right and good !;
and she said yes, though she was cross
and disheartened sometimes, she truly
thought she could.'
"Cross and disheartened! repeated
John, thinking of the sick father, the
children and the ' sitting" days.
Robert, you didn't tell her she was
not Christian?" .ssa4-
was with her every day; that the very
strength which enabled her to make
believe as she calls it, was his gift; !;
that she must have patience and wait
for the light which would surely come,
| for God would show himself to her
more and more as the days went by !;
that he would never leave her nor for
sake her,
John smiled half audibly. Robert
looked up inquiringly.
IS 1t is exactly what l said to her,
though in different words" said John.
Robert passed his arm lightly through
that of his friend, and they walked
along in the moonlight for few rods
without speaking.
"John,' said he, at length, "I be-
lieve you are converted man."
ebay, verily,' said John. +" II saints
and sinners stand apart in the world,
each in separate class, then with the
sinners do l take my place. There l
belong, and there shall l belong till l
| die.' -..'-s.
"Yet you would not say you were not
q Christian ?" said Robert, in puzzled
tone.
$. Neither would I say that the poor
wretch who was arrested yesterday for
stealing loaf of bread was not Chris
tian. For aught l know he may have
fought more nobly against temptation
than I.have. He may have Stunned
more sinfulness than I ever dreamed
Of"
"This is broad, broad field," an
swered Robert. "We may lose our
selves in it. We must not fear our
God. But, John, there is such thing
as true conversion. I know il, for i
came to me. l was sinful and wicked
and liked to be so. God was nothing to
me but terrible name. I did not want
| to bnou him Cirful and wickod am
still, but''-his voice trembled-"h
found me. 1t was real power which
could not resist. 1t was as if God
stretched out his arm and drew me tC
himself"
81 believe you," said John, earnest
ly. "And I believe he has held you
closer ever since. He has shown yor
| uour nath nlainlu and Won have UalkaG