The L'Anse sentinel., 1908-04-04

dem appearance after n absence Of
three years, Of the mighty test on
Mount Carmel In which the prophets
Of Baal had been defeated and then
slain. and then of the coming OF the
reviving, refreshing rain.
The nation had been profoundly
stirred by the remarkable events, and
In the face Of the popular approval OF
the prophet Elijah the threat of Jeze-
bel was as the mere idle boasting of
a silly child, for there was no one who
would have dared carry out her de-
cree OF death against the prophet,
even though they had been SO In
clined. And because of this the dis
appearance Of the prophet was all
the more disconcerting, and It seemed
as though the welfare Of the school
depended upon his being found.
All through the long period Of fam
Inc which had been marked by the
fierce persecution Of the prophets OF
God, the school had been closed. but
with the revival which had come with
EliJah's return the school had re-
opened and the students had returned,
among them being Elisha. And now
scarcely a week had elapsed after he
had resumed his studies before the
circumstances had arisen which
brought him face to face with the
question as to what was his duty.
There was the strong desire to be
among those who should 60 In search
of the prophet, and It was not difficult
for him to argue that such mission
was larger and more important than
any demand which the farm could
make upon him. But Elisha realized
that his own strong inclinations were
not altogether safe guide, and his
deep purpose to do Gods will and not
his own led him at last to see clear
ly that the highest service to God
sometimes led through the homely
humdrum duties Of life rather than
into the more conspicuous and dis
tinctive religious activity.
Thus 1t came to pass that when the |
searching party started forth Elisha |
turned his face resolutely homeward,
determined to do his part there and |
to be ready when the school should
again begin work. Sc the days passed.
And while Elisha wondered what sue
cess attended the efforts OF the search
ers, he strove to stay his impatience
and forget his disappointment by earn
estly plunging into the work of the
farm. He could not help but envy
hose who should find the prophet,
and pictured to himself the students
gathered about him and listening to
us teachings. How he wished he
night be with them at such time.
What yearning there was In his
leart to know God better. How much
10 felt he was losing by being shut
way upon the farm.
"Oh, God," he groaned one day, his
hastened spirit crying out, not in re-
eilion, but in fervent longing after
ne privileges he felt he was being de-
led, oh, God, help me to prove
'orthy of thy blessing by faithfulness
the present duty"
And as he breathed the prayer he
'ok fresh hold upon the plow handles
nd sent his oxen at smart pace
round the field, turning as true a fur
wv as was ever turned on a Judean
illside.
so intent was he upon the task in
and that he did not observe the soli-
'ry figure approaching in the dis
nee. In fact he was well around the :
eld on his second turn when he OBJ.
'rved that those working with him /.
Id stopped and were looking at
intently. A rebuke rose TO
s lips at this seeming neglect of
ity. his own jealous spirit being al. T
ays impatient with anything which 9
ked like the sighting Of ones work, n
1t 1t rested there unspoken as he 6
It something fall softly upon his "
oulders and turned to see "
LIJAH!
For full minute Elisha stood az 8
ough rooted to the spot while a q
'od OF thoughts rushed in upon him
wonder and exultation, Joy and graft
de struggling for expression. Could :.
all be real? He raised his hand to G.
el the mantle which had been cast
on him and then his eyes followed 70
retreating figure Of Elijah. He sb
ew that he had been called to fol-
v Elijah; he knew what the pres. J.
ce OF the mantle upon his shoul. sy
RS betokened, and with a glad cry oe
sped after the prophet.