Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-12-29
The LORDS Work.

A new temperance movement had been
inaugurated, in which the churches were
leading with great earnestness of purpose.
They were counting their possible resources,
when one remarked
"There is Miss Crosby. If she would
come with us and give us her influence, she
would count far more than any score Of men
or women in town, but she declines to do
anything except in the way of giving money.
She is good woman, and have no doubt
she is Christian, but she is very exclusive.
If she could be induced to join us weshould
have reason to rejoice
els she a real Christian ?" asked Mrs.
Goodwin, an elderly woman who had not
been long in town.
"No one doubts her piety," was the reply
"Then, of course, she will do her duty
when she sees what it is. | am poor, and
plain, and stranger. | can't give much
money or speak acceptable words in public,
but III go and talk with Miss Crosby if
you'll pray for me while am gone"
Everybody was surprised, but the evident
sincerity of the woman forbade criticism.
They acceded to her proposal, and she
started at once on her mission.
Crosby received her visitor, who said re-
| spectfully;
"You are rich and | am poor, but they
told me you are Christian, and so ven
tured to come and ask you to do the Lords
work."
The face shaded by the plain bonnet was
so good and motherly that Miss Crosby
| could not but respond cordially:
al trust 1 am Christian, and | trust
am willing to do what can for the Master"
| al thought so, and it is blessed thing
when one ike you is willing to do that. |
told the ladies if they would pray for me
would come and ask you to join us in our
temperance work."
ado you mean that | should attend your
meetings 2"
| "Yes, ma'am come and talk and pray with
us, and then go out and talk to those who
need to put away their cups. When you
once begin, the work will come right along,
one thing after another, until you'll wonder
you didn't see it all great while before"
:" | am willing TO do what can, but that
is not my way of working"
al am bold, know, Miss Crosby, but we
are both trying TO make some return for the
love wherewith Christ loved us, and if you
haven't tried you don't know all you can do
| don't believe you would drink wine OF
offer it to anybody else"
al will not do that, but"
The woman looked at her, nothing doubt
ing while the struggle went on in her heart
She was not troubled by the appearance OF
her name in public journals as leader IL
society. Tributes to her scholarship, which
were Justly due, were by no means distaste
full to her But to appear as pronounced
social reformer, and especially as an aggres
sive worker for total abstinence, was cross
she was not prepared to accept,
"There are ten ladies praying for you,
said Mrs. Goodwin. "They are waiting fo
you, too. The Lord calls you to this work
at was sure of that, would try TO do
it, answered Miss Crosby. Excuse M
for a short time"
No sooner had she left the room than he
visitor kneeled to pray, and when she re
turned she too knelt, extending her hand h
her companion in unspoken sympathy. The
4 the older woman's voice was heard in SUP
plication that she to whom God had give
ten talents might not withhold them iron
his service.
Nor more was needed. When Mrs Good
win appeared in the chapel where a few ha
met TO pray, Miss Crosby was with hel
ready TO consecrate riches culture, talent
and influence, all to the work of temperate
reform.
She had thought to choose her own worn
but God had chosen for her, and in doin
his service in his way she has been abur
dainty blessed.
Are there not hundreds of women in on
churches called to this work, and whoI
God will hold TO strict account for burie
talents and unused influence if they fail |
make a hearty response Are you, m
| reader one of these women
| pray you see to it that in this matt,
you fail not of your duty.-Banner.