The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1890-03-12
NELL'S TWO SERMONS.
They We're Both Good, But Grandma's W,
by far the Better.

They We're Both Good, But Grandma's Was
by far the Better.
"'The shadows of great rock, was
part of the text, grandma" and Nell
went on untying her vail before the
great old-fashioned glass in grandma's
room.
Sand was it good sermon, dearT'
"Oh yes! so good-one of Mr.. Hatha-
ways BEST l know you would have en-
joyed it,"
Grandma smiled for answer, as she
went on making grandpa comfortable in
her quiet way; but Nell noticed her
hand trembling little as she softly
smoothed back his hair after he had
seated himself before the fire, and put
his feet upon the foot stool Nell had
placed for him.
They had just come back from church
grandpa, Nell and the rest. The day,
in early December, was cold, and graLd-
pa Chilled in spite of his many wraps)
was glad to get back to the CHEEKY room
and grandma, who, with Nell's help,
soon Invested him Of great coat and
other wraps for the outdoor cold had
rendered almost helpless the aged fn-
gers, once so strong to aid in the battle
of life. Grandpa attended to, Nell be-
gan taking of her own wraps, and
grandma, turning the leaves of the
great Bible slowly read.
1.-THE shadows Of great rock in a
weary land" "Yes; those were the
words, don't know when l have heard
such good sermon, l only wish you
could have been there grandma" and
Nell giving her vail q final pull stood
folding it.
Grandma did not answer. Her eyes
were fixed on the page of the sacret
volume lying before her and Nell
fancied the placid lips were trembling a
little. Then she remembered how many
Sabbath days had come and gone, since
grandma had crossed the church
threshold to listen to the sermons
preached weekly by her beloved pastor.
Poor Nell! she stood like culprit, with
tear filled eyes. 1t was only moment,
and the dear old lady looked up smiling.
81 was thinking little" she said.
"Yes: know, grandma, and made
you think; l am so sorry, but l forgot
how long it was since you had been at
church, am so thoughtless"- and Nell
bent to touch with her lips the aged
cheek!
"Dont let it trouble you for moment
dear" and grandma patted the curly
head, for impulsive Nell Church dress
and ally had dropped on the floor close
by grandma's chair.
when you spoke" the dear old lady
continued, 81 seemed to see it all-the
church, the quiet listening congrega.
ton, and even hear our minister as he
read the text: The shadow Of a grert
rock in weary land"
Nell's eyes rounded with astonish
ment Her words fell fast.
"Why! grandma didn't l make yor
fell bad telling you about it, and dom
you feel bad to stay at home Sunday af
ter Sunday, when you so loved to go tt
church,"
why should I, dear?" and grandm;
smiled down into the eager face.
"You always bring ME back the text
and I have so many blessings already
A happy home, with grandpa Twin,
still; loving children and grandchildren
to cheer and cherish us; a reasonable
degree of health and strength; and
above all, in this book land her han,
touched reverently the Bible lying OF
her lap have my shadow of grea
rock in a weary land" Grandma ha,
finished; she seemed to loose herself il
thought, and Nell gathering up he
church wraps, quietly left the room
Telling it all over to Ned on their wa
to church in the early twilight, Mel
said: sit was like two sermons from tn
same text, Ned, and, grandma's was tn
best."-Emily Steedman, in Rural Ne,
Yorker.
Life would be dreary and helples
! without faith in God. A Christian ha
reason to believe that he is the objec
: of Gods special care. He has a right t
l believe that He who controls the un
t verse is mindful constantly of every on
of His children. Though he may nc
3 always understand Gods ways, yet
q can generally discover the designs {
3 His mercy in the trials to which hi
S faith is subjected. If in any case tn
n divine counsels are hidden to him. sti
r he can accept the assurance: "What
= do thou knowest not now, but thou sha
know hereafter." Inquirer.