St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1908-05-16
that Elisha had said unto her she had


that Elisha had said unto her she had
sought to do
The boy had grown finely and was
just budding into that period of life
where the boyish is fast merged into
the more manly traits of young man.
hood. And then had come this awful
blow, like bolt out of a clear sky.
He had gone out to his father in the
field that morning in the joyous vigor
of his young life, and had been
brought back to her stricken by the
fierce rays of the relentless sun. And
now he was dead and all that re-
NAMED to her was the still lfeless
form which she held in her arms.
may" she half cried, 81 have the
memory of the precious life, and how
sacred and blessed it is. Because this
sorrow has come, would that / had
never known the Joy of motherhood?
Nay! Nay! Ten thousand times nay!"
And the thought subdued the rebel
lous risings Of her heart and brought
q calmer, sweeter train Of thought.
And then came the thought of the
man Of God whose prayer and bene-
diction had brought her the precious
son.
"Ah, il he knew, perhaps 1t would
be different" she whispered softly to
herself. Surely his God is able to do
all things"
why then sit you here thus?"
came the accusing voice of con-
science.
In obedience to the voice she arose
with her burden.
1.-THE room of the prophet is a sa.
cred spot In my home. There | will
lay him and then I will, go and find
this man of God He shall come and
bring yet further blessing to my
home"
Only mothers love could silence
the objections of the husband, who
felt the dangers and hardships of the
journey were too great for her. Only
mothers love could have girded her
with strength for that long, racking
ride over the rugged road to Mount
Carmel and back again.
But faith and mother love con-
qgered and the home where lies the
| little form silent and cold comes in
sight again. She looks up expectantly
| into the face Of the prophet, who
strides silent and thoughtful at her
side.
I'VE are almost there" she ex-
claimed. ''It is well.'
| Elisha looked at her searehingly.
He knew not what he would do. He
knew not what God was ready to do
for him and this woman. But he felt
that her faith was drawing him on
and on to the place Of service.
'Yea, Gehazi hath passed on ahead
with my staff" he said, for he had
sent his servant on before them in
haste, telling him as he went to place
his staff upon the face of the young
child.
May, but thou art come" she ex.
claimed
At that moment Gehazi came forth
from the house to meet them, look
of doubt and fear telling them even
before he reached them that his mis-.
sion had failed.
"The child is not awaked," he said
"But thou art here" exclaimed the
mother with sweet and calm assur.
ance turning to Elisha, "and thy God
will hear thee"
Was Elisha to be buoyed up upon
the faith of this mother. Yea, surely
for at the words there welled within
his heart a new inspiration. The
mothers faith had brought him into
the place of service. The mothers
faith should join with his own il
showing forth the glory and power Of
God.
| Thus In such spirit they entered the
house.
| And behold the child was indeed
dead!
"Ah, God, let it be my life for the
child's life, if need be-" Elisha cried
in anguish of spirit as he stretched
himself upon the little cold body and
laid his face against that Of the chile
and breathed into his nostrils.
God honors the spirit of sacrifice
Heart-throb brings answering heart
sthrob, and the utter surrender of the
prophet to the need before hin
brought the answering touch from
God.
The boy would live!
All, the joy and gladness Of that mo
ment. The mother fell at the feet O
the prophet and worshiped the Cox
who had done this wonderful thing
and then she took her son, her living
son, and went out.
The years have passed. The man o
God who entered SO largely into tn
, lives of this Shuuammite mother ant
her son is dead.
more than ever shall we need q
prove true to the God whom Elish;
served" softly spoke the mother al
her great bearded son leaned owe