The freeman. (Parkersburg, W. Va.) 1886-18??, 1886-07-21
Charity and Politics.
A Womsan's Way.
MRS. ESTHER T. HOUsH.

1t was four years ago this fall
that a woman evangelist had
charge of a mission church near
one of our large western cities. She
was chosen by the people, and they
built church for her, where she
labored most effectively, gathering
about her two hundred members,
and conducting all the services of
the sanctuary that were permitted
by the rigid rules of the mother
church. she did some things, too,
not in the category of ministers
lives, for she was not only home
keeper, but did with her own
hands all that was necessary for
the comfort of her husband and
five sons.
Seven weeks before the presi-
Dental election, she began series
of meetings in another church,
four miles distant from her home,
preaching twice every day through
the week, and in her own church
twice every Sabbath. A friend
furnished the conveyance, and she
drove back and forth-a ride of six
teen miles a day. To one who ask
ed how she managed to accomplish
so much, she answered simply:
every easily. rose early, pre-
pared breakfast, did up the work,
arranged things for dinner and at
ter dinnerwas over, rested and mend
ed clothes until time for even
ing meeting. There was SO much
Joy in the service, | never thought
whether [ was tired or not"
Three weeks before the election,
after this months incessant labor,
she began nightly meetings in her
own church. The political power
was at its height; every mass meet
ing threw new fagots on the
blazing heap. Everything seemed
destined to be swept away; reli-
gion, resolutions, neighborly kind
illness, forgotten in the bitter party
snimosities. Quietly, peacefully,
this brave woman kept on her
way. No longer having a horse
turnished-for horses and princi-
pies were alike confscated to the
cam paign-she walked the mile
and a half to her little church,
where, however loud the yells of
political men outside, the song and
sermon went on. Men of all par
ties belonged to that church-Re-
publicans, Democrats, Greenback.
ers. When political meeting Of
their creed was held, the members
| attended. No notice was taken Of
their absence. By and by they
began the evening at the cam
) paign meeting and closed it in the
praise meeting. AT the close Of
the service on the Saturday even.
ing preceding the election on Tues.
day, she said in an earnest voice
81 have held meetings every
evening these three weeks for q
purpose. You have listened tc
many political speeches; now
will make you one"
The men looked from one to an
other with an expression of, 81
wish she wouldn't" But though
she rightly interpreted the mean
ing Of the chances, She continued
Il know that you represent all
political creeds, yet you have never
heard word from rae respecting
those beliefs. 1t is necessary, tc
make you a political speech, that
l should tell you what believe
in regard to politics. There are
1 subjects of more vital importance
to me than who is elected presi
dent of the United States interests
at stakeein these times of election
more VARIABLE than any you have
heard discussed at any mass meet.
ing you have attended"
A look CT relief went about the
room, and mods were exchanged as
much as TO say, Thought she
wouldn't GO back on us."
She stood silent a mement, and
her tones were full of tender feel
! ing:
I "There are many reformed men
among you. I know how hard you
are trying to be true to your pledge
amid all the tenn ptations spread