The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-07-09

more important. He was caring for His
cause. Many lessons of faith and hope
and love, of gentleness and patience may
be learned in the home of this widow.
The intercourse of the three shall be
blessed to the good of each.
PROMISE.-The heart of the prophet
did not fail in this hour of trial His
experience at Cherith was sufficient to
strengthen his faith. 1t required no ef-
fort to believe that in some way "the
Lord would provide" Immediately his
mind was illuminated, and he was per-
mtted to see the method by which his
wants would be supplied. The scanty
store of meal and oil, under divine bless
ing, should be adequate for the little
household, himself a member, until the
drought be ended and copious showers
were sent upon the earth. So he de-
clared to the poor mother who had been
distressed at the prospect for herself and
son. She had but to take in the guest.
and, dividing what she had with him,
would have daily increase. (Verses 13
and 1D. The boldness of his promise,
approaching even to rashness, was re-
lieved somewhat by the assurance that
he had received such word from the Lord
Wherefore Elijah made further demand
upon the woman's faith by ordering heI
to serve him first, as an act of courtesy
due to his station, and then to prepare
for herself and son. That might seem to
some an unreasonable demand 1t ap-
peared TO be giving away to a stranger,
upon his mere word, the last of the food
in the little home, expecting more only
| through a miracle.
| FULFILLMENTS.-T woman's faith
was equal to the demand made upon It.
| Who shall describe the workings of her
mind. by which she accepted the prophets
| word. followed his direction, AMI riusted
| his promise? Hers was a sub me rel-
| ance upon the power of God, equallej
| only by that of one in her own country
many centuries after, who pleaded with
| Jesus for her daughter. (Mat hew, xv.
80. She received the prophet, gave him
| room, D 'cnarcd him bread and minis
tered unto h'ni. Verer 15). The days
| Iassed, and the promise was fuli'icd.
| As the LcrI multiplied the lOaVes and
| fishes (Matthew, xiv, 10 TO the feeding
| of the thousand. so there was no lack, SO
| each day the meal and the oil were un-
| diminished, though from IL was taken
what was needed for each days use.
| Verse 16). AS God sent mama to Israel
in the wilderness EXODUS, xvi, 1D, SO
He fed the three-Elijah, the widow, the
son-in Zarephath all the days of the
famine. In many homes there was want
| and sorrow. Which Of the three learned
most and which rejoiced most would be
difficult TO say.
| CONCLUSIONS.-Th are many
points for profitable reflection In this
| passage: /. The man sent on an errand
from God ought not to fear the face of a
mortal. Genesis, XIV, u. Let the mes
sage be delivered and the work per.
formed, assured that a good Providence
| will take care of the consequences. 2
IF one, through stress of circumstances
is driven into obscurity, let him remem
ber that the hidden man of the heart
with soft, still spirit q. Peter, Iii, IL
| thriveS best when separated from the
| world. Many men are led long way
to some distant spot, there to find moth
ing which to human thought is favorable
to their plans. What seems to men ad
verse may In the end prove to be mos
fortunate. 4. They who are poor and IL
distress need not on that account refus,
to meet the wants Of others. 1t often oc
ours that in blessing one is blessed duke
vi. 81; that benevolence is the way Il
wealth. 5. The true minister of religion
carries into a home more than he cal
receive from it, for God goes with him
| That which was there before increase
in quantity and value to the joy of all.