Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1908-05-06
sitting m a secluded spo. HIS cloaA

sitting IN a secluded spot His cloak
or mantle was drawn closely around
MIN, but from without the folds of the
garment which enveloped his head
there looked strong face. whose
penetrating eye seemed TO take in
every detail and movement OF the
busy place. Knots of people gathered
here and there talked in low tones
and the furtive glances which were
cast In the direction of the sheet fg
ure indicated plainly that 4 way he
stranger who was the subject of con.
Versation- But no one. moved by
friendly impulse. seemed inclined to
speak a kindly word OF greeting tc tas
stranger or bid him welcome. All thi.
the woman noted and then, as she
passed along on her way. she saw q
man emerge from one OF tie boorns
OF the market place bearing in his
hands some OF the barley cakes he
had purchased there. These La placed
In the hands OF the silent figure who
rose TO receive them.
Evidently the servant Of The
stranger" the woman thought 10 her
self as she watched the two pass on
their way, eating their frugal ruuust
as they went.
Have they no friends?" she asked
herself, that they thus come TO Shu
mem and depart without anyone ask
ing. whence contest thou? or whitbe,
goest thou? 1t was a goodly face
winch the stranger had" she contin.
ued TO herself as she went on her
way. Who can he be?"
10 this last question which arpsc In
her mind came partial answer that
day as she visited the widow. for abe
found that the latter. while out pick
ing up sticks with which to make a
hre oyer which TO cook the little cakes
OF Oil and meal for herself and her
children had met this stranger and his
servant, and he had spoken such
words OF encouragement and blessing
10 her that she had been greatly
helped, and finding that she was OF
a branch of the tribe OF Levi. he had
promised TO see that her son was ell
tereu IN one or the schools OF the
prophets, where he could prepare for
the priestly service.
From that time on the Shunammite
woman watched for tidings OF this
stranger, and over the pathway which
he had passed she found many a poor
and humble one to tell of the deeds
OF Kindness which he had shown them
as he had passed by.
so II came to pass one day that "a
she beheld the man and his servant
passing by her own home she went
forth to meet him and constrained
him to tarry and refresh himself after
his long and wearisome journey. This
ne ala and, as many an one has found
since then, she came to know that the
entertaining of one of Gods servants
Drought blessing upon her household
She had great yearning for good
ness and her greatest delight was to
sit under the teaching of the prophet
Elisha and receive from his hands that
spiritual teaching which she needed
This feeling her husband came 10
share with her, and there was no more
welcome guest in any home in all the
land OF Israel, not even the king him
sell, than was the prophet Elisha in
the home OF this Shunammite woman
and her husband.
But goodness and kindly service
never go unrewarded by God. and il
came TO pass as the prophet came and
went the longing grew upon him "a
pour some special blessing into the
life OF this home whose hospitality he
had enjoyed.
What shall II be?" he asked his
servant Gehazi, with whom one day
he talked the matter over. Would
they that / should speak to the king
that he shew them kindness. or to the
captain of the hosts of Israeli"
Nay, not that, my master" ex
claimed Gehazi, for they dwell in Sc
curity and plenty in their own land
In Shunem. But verify she hath no
child"
10, children are an heritage OF the
Lord; and the fruit OF the womb is his
reward exclaimed the prophet. quot.
ing the words of the Psalmist. 1T
shall indeed be so In this case"
full year has passed since Elisha q
last visit to Shunem. for service I'm
other parts Of the kingdom have kept
him busy, but one day he turns his
steps thither, accompanied by his SER
want, Gehazi.
Let US so up. for this Shunammite
woman rejoieeth in son." he ex.
| claimed "Sha hath ebauyn $780,.