Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1912-06-29
ELIZABETH'S FIRST DUTY

much to her surprise shes responded
that she believed she would remain at
heme
NThe realization of It all swept over
her now afresh at the thought Of how
near she had come to ignoring the
work God had so plainly given her to
do, and with a feeling of gratefulness
that 1t was not too late, she set out
for the meeting.
The enthusiasm of all was manifest
as the meeting was called to order by
the pastor, and In tones which clearly
indicated his deep feeling in the mat
ter he stated the Importance of the
meeting which was for the purpose
of choosing the first missionary for
foreign fields which their church was
to send out; and" he continued.
while there are number who are
exceptionally well fitted, and eager
to take up the work, perhaps there is
one who should be considered first, she
having been the first to bring the mat
to whom 1 refer"
For a moment there was silence and
then, as chances were directed toward
: Elizabeth, her face paled as slowly she
rose to her feet.
Dear pastor and friends" she said
IT feel that / cannot let the meeting
| proceed further without saying a few
words. It is. of course needless for
me to tell you, who have always known
me, how from childhood my heart has
been set on the work of foreign mis-
slons-in fact. since leaving college.
and unknown to my friends, even my
mother. I have been taking q course
| Of study which would especially fit me
/ faa I ha Il raIa tha4 ,fz, i
you recommend me l would now enter
into the field Of work for which have
longed; but have had a revelation and
l believe from God My mothers health
has PefeePtibiy failed since I have
seriously announced nay intention in
regard to this work; and while she
has been bFaVely trying to keep from
me the facts, it has been made plain
to IRE as in a vision that she needs
nae, her emily child; and since my ia
theirs death, the only other member
of her home, l new feel that should l
thus leave her in her declining years,
I would be committing a sin. 1t has
been made very plain to me that my
duty is at home. 1 regret that I could
not have realized this sooner, and thus
have saved some delay in the decision
Of the matter. | wish to make an an
nouncement which L hope will meet
with your approval AS most of you
| being friends and neighbOrs for years
know, my father made provision fol-
my future as to material things; and
it now gives me the greatest pleasure
of my life to divide this income, Civ
ing a sufficient amount for the sup
port Of a missionary in the foreign
field, thus aiding-though in a differ
emit way from that ! had hoped-ir
the work l so much love"
AS Elizabeth resumed her seat there
was intense silence, broken at last BY
the pastors voice in prayer. Aftei
cussion.
Immediately two young women whC
had been active in the church from
childhood expressed their eagerness tt
| be chosen for the work, winning the
heartfelt approval of all present
At the close Of the meeting Elizabeth
was almost overwhelmed by the re
marks of her pastor and many others
commencing her decision in the mat
ter and saying many kind words which
she knew would gladden. her mothe
on her return; and being eager to re
lieve her mothers mind by announc
ing her decision, she left the churcl
early and with peace and content
| ulSht III HeI n6dl y NOudCd ubI wa.
! homeward.
To her many friends it was not
surprise to learn that the new prin
, cipaI in their local school was non
} other than Elizabeth. When the grea
: day came for the departure of tn
two missionaries. no parting word
; impressed them as did E1izabeth's, an
the usefulness in her face was under
stood by them.
; As the succeeding weeks and month
2 passed none could mistake the look o
{ peace and happiness in Elizabeth
= face; and her splendid work in schoc
was commented on on all sides; but t
2 her the following words Of her paste
7 seemed to hold the most Of comfort
Elizabeth, l believe you are one {
3 those fortunate ones who have be
! given "a clear and unmistakable vis1o
I Of duty"
/ PATTY EMERALD.