The Black range. (Robinson, Socorro County, N.M.) 1882-1897, 1897-06-18

living. When, at the end OF NheedlerS
sermon. she gave a good-sized bank
note TO aid in converting the heather,
no stranger would have suspected what
her heart really was, and no one would
have thought but an hour before she
had ruthlessly despoiled poor woman
of crust of bread from her fathers
table.
Blatchford might have given his
daughter aid had he known her condi-
ton, but his ignorance of that was no
excuse. He knew very well that there
was general suffering in Kansas that
year, and he knew that John Green was
poor AMI III conditioned to withstand
such long siege of hard times. Reason
aud common sense would have taught
him th4s his daughter was in need, yet
he did n3t feel sufficient interest in her
welfare to make any effort to discover
her Whereabouts. He never mentioned
her name, and il he ever thought of her
no one knew it. Indeed, to outward
observation it seemed apparent that no
thought of her ever entered his mind,
and that he was satisfied with his devor
tions to the,Spielxler family.
Like his wife he was an active mem
Der of Wheedler's church. He attended
the Sunday services regularly and dozed
through the tedious sermon. He gave
more than any other TO the minister's
salary. He bought an organ for the
church and hired an organist. In short
he was always ready with his money to
second any suggestion Rev. Wheedler
saw fit to offer. AS natural consequence
he became the most prominent member
of the congregation-at least in Brother
Wheedler's estimation. Brother Wheed-
Ter loved cheerful giver, especially
swhen the gifts were coming to himself
On the very day that John Green
mortgaged all his earthly possessions
to Mills for pitiful sum of money with
which to buy bread, the christian Aid
Society" of Rev. Wheedler's church
held a meeting in Brother Blatchford's
parlors, the object of which was to finan-
cially further the work of converting
the heathen in foreign lands. Rev.
Wheedler was there, as were also all
the leading members of the congrega-
ton. Sister Blatchford had, of course,
taken care that preparations suited to
the occasion were made, and nice
luncheon was duly spread. Brother
Blatchford was there to beg and entreat
everyone to partake unsparingly of his
generous bounty.
''If the world had more such good
Christians as Brother and Sister Blatch-
ford" remarked Rev. Wheedler during
the enjoyment of the luncheon, ''the
church would be better off and its cause
greatly advanced. Such members are
\ the shining lights of our faith, and
their prayers and their gifts are the
means of great good in the saving of
lost souls"
Indeed you are right, Brother
Wheedler," acquiesced Sister Swoops.
Brother and Sister Blatchford live for
the good of their fellow creatures.
Their thoughts, by day and by night,
must be of the poor needy ones who are
in the darkness of sin. The question
ever uppermost in their minds, to judge
from their actions, is: What can do
for the good of the ignorant and be-
nighted?' Such as they are the salt Of
the earth-'the leaven that leaveneth
the whole loaf"
"True, Sister Swoops, true indeed"
said Rev. Wheedler, "and l pray that
they may live to see the fruits of their
works in all their fullness."
This prayer of Brother Wheedler's
was destined to be realized, for it was
written down that Brother and Sister
Blatchford should both live to see the
fruit Of their works in all its terrible
fullness; and not only that, but they
should eat thereof and come to know
the bitterness of it,
During the little play of words just
described Sister Blatchford, from her
position at the head of the table, smiled
sweetly upon those about her, and said,
as plain as actions could speak:
Indeed Brother Wheedler is right,
and am the light of the church--a
guiding angel to those less blessed with
goodness"
Brother Blatchford said nothing and
made very little outward show of his
feelings, but it was evident that he was
greatly pleased, and he praised himself
and felt like patting himself on the
back for being so great and good.
Now" said Rev. Wheedler after a
short silence, 1--WE as church must
raise some funds for sending mis-
sionary to break the bread of life to the
heathen. This is great and glorious
work, and hope our members will
open their, hearts literally to the poor
benighted souls that are going to an
endless death for the want of the Chris
tian Gospel"
Amen to that" exclaimed Brother
Blatchford, "and to show my faith by
my works, | will subscribe fifty dollars
TO that fund"
''God bless you, Brother Blatchford," !"
exclaimed the minister fervently,
"Your crown will be glorious one
when you have finished your work, and
the Master says: We'll done, thou good
and faithful servant. God bless you,