Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1901-12-20

- nv 'houShl OF what ner lover, he
Z lover" she repeated. had said abou
service, about the image of hersel
daily in that kitchen, made her trem
BILE. She had tried To accustom bersel
l 10 the thought of ChriSt'S teacbjn,
about service. Her study Of the diff
ferent passages in the Bible referrin,
10 servants had given her new life on
5 the subject. 1t had all grow. Sweete
and more noble a she went ON. And
now that her life had been caugh
mp into this other life, a newer a n,
'Nll report and good repor;: as de
'eiNerS, and yet true; as unknown
ana Yet well known; as diving. anC
behold we live; as chaStened. and moi
klIIed; as Sorrowful, yet always re
Jolclng; as poor, yet making MANY
rIch' as having nothing, and yet pos
SeSSlng all things"
Have ! been minister OF God -
How often | have complained and
shed tears over little things as
have tried 10 minister 10 the needs
OF this house! Surely at its very
worst | have not endured the hard
ShlpS that Paul speaks Of. know
he is speaking OF preachers, probably.
OF ms sionarieS Of the cross. But
am sure he means that anyone who
ministers 10 the real needs of life
is minister of God And, if have
really been n minister Of God. how
llttIe | have realized It's meaning"
Help me. my Father" Barbara
breathed her prayer, "help me i'm the
,hankfulness for the great JOY Of my
lie 10 live as a servant OF Thine
Through all these possible hardships
may learn 10 keep close to Thee.
help me to bless other lives and give
them encouragement and true
thought Of ministry. II is all so
wonderful, my Father, Thou hast
led me in ways so unforeseen by nv
poor selhshness. 1t is all too won
derful to me. Oh Thou Great but low
ing God, thank Thee. In the name
of Him who has redeemed me.
Amen"
IL was the next day that Barbara
had call from Mrs. Vane.
The old lady had met Mr.. Morton:
and, reading his happiness in his
whole person, she asked him bluntly
TO tell her all about il.
MY DEAR" she cried as she kissed
Barbara on both cheeks and shed a
tear out of her sharp eyes. softened
by her love for Barbara. II conpratu.
ate You both! 1t is wonderful; but
knew al! the time that he loved YOU
md would have you and / knew that
you would give yourself 10 him. II
g all as IL should be. The Marble
square church is a great institution. !
'ut IT rs not so great a love. want
on 10 be married al my house. Nor
on is one OF my boys. | knew him
IS n child, and love him as SON"
Il don't think mother would allow I
ne 10 go away from her. even 10
ou.' Barbara answered. smiling and
Inshlng until She looked like a pic
lre, Mrs. Nane and Mrs. Ward both
nought as they stood looking at her.
We have arranged 10 be married at
lother's.' c,
That's best; yes. that's best" W
he old lady nodded approvinglv. 70
No church display, no show. no W
reap or vulgar Haunting of self on III
he occasion Of the most sacred ex 90 I.
'rience in girls life. ! always said =.
alph Morton deserved the best
oman on earth for n wife and he's
'tting her. The good God bless YOU
9TH. And the impulsiye old lady
ssed barbara again; and, when Bar
ra went back 10 her work she re- 4
aimed some time with Mrs. Ward. I.
king over the great event; for il
IS truly great TO Barbara and Nor =
and his friends, and indeed 10 all u
irhle Square parish. -
For, when the news of the minis
rs engagement became known in
awford, as it did in a very short
ne, because he made no secret of II
ere was CONSERVATION in Marble
lare church and in society gener-
v.
Is II true?" Mrs. Rice solemnlv
led Mrs. Wilsop the first time they
I after the news became known.
1t really true that Mr.. Norton is
ng TO marry Mrs. Wards hired
!? 1t is simply awful. 1t cannot
I'm afraid it is" Mrs. Wilson an -
red, clasping her hands with a &c
gic gesture as If some terrible en- bu
Iity had taken place. 81 had the -,
'rmation direct from Mrs. Vane. Nie
} had il direct from Mr.. Morton ant
self"
Il will break up Marble Square u
rch, that is ALL" Mrs. Rice said. >,
dedly. "A thing like that is too TUT
Gus a social departure for even
Morton 10 make. As much as -
pie like and admire him, not even
great talents can excuse such a
It social blunder"
hey say" Mrs. Wilson suggested
hesitating manner,"that the girl
rally well educated, and not lust T,
ordinary hsed girl. You know ~
Ward has told TIC something =
IT her going out 10 service in or. a
TO help other girls realize its dig III
and-and so forth"
makes no difference!" Mrs. Rice
ed sharply. "She is known as
girl. The idea of being obliged
'ok up to her as our minister's II
Will You submit IA that ."