"What can be the matter with Walter," thought Mama Ellis as she sat
sewing in her pleasant sitting-room. "He came in so very quietly, closed
the door gently and I think I even heard him go to the closet to hang
up his books. Oh! dear. I hope he isn't going to have another attack of
'Grippe,'" and Mrs. Ellis shivered as she glanced out at the snow-covered
landscape. As her eyes turned once more to the warm, luxurious room in
which she was seated, the portieres were pushed aside and a little boy of
ten years of age entered. Little Walter was all that remained of four
beautiful children, who, only a year ago, romped gaily through the large
halls. That dread disease, diphtheria, had stolen the older brother and
laughing little sisters in one short week's time, so that now, as the sad
anniversary came near to hand, Mrs. Ellis' heart ached for her lost
birdlings and yearned more jealously than ever over her remaining little
one. Today his usually merry face was very grave and he looked very
thoughtful as he gave his mother her kiss and allowed himself to be drawn
upon her lap.
"What ails mother's Pet? Is he sick?" she asked anxiously.
"No, Mother dear, I'm not sick, but I feel so sad at heart. You see,"
he continued in answer to her questioning look, "Robbie Goodman and I
always walk together going and coming from school, and I have noticed
that he has never worn any overcoat this winter, but you know its been
unusually warm and I thought perhaps his mother did not make him wrap
up like you did me, but this morning it was so cold and he was just
shivering, but he never had on any overcoat--just his mittens and muffler
and cap were his wraps. Of course I noticed it, for nearly everyone else
was all bundled up; but I didn't say anything as I did not want to be
impolite. After awhile he said, 'My, I am so cold,' and I said: 'Where's
your overcoat?' Then he told me it was too small and his papa can't buy
him any this winter so he is afraid he will have to stop school. His
mama says she would cut his papa's up for him, only then he would not
have any; and of course he must have one to wear when he goes to the
chapel and to see sick people. Even that one is thin and patched. He
says he and his little sisters have been praying so hard for an overcoat
for him and shoes for them, but they did not come at Christmas like they
thought they would, and they are real discouraged.
"Tonight, Mother," continued Walter, "he had an awful cold and coughed
just like our Harry did last year," and the long pent up tears flowed
from the child's eyes. As mother and son dried their tears, the child
looked up with perfect confidence as he said, "The Lord will answer
Robbie's prayer, won't he. Mama?"
[Illustration]
"Yes darling," said Mrs. Ellis; and sent the child off to the play room.
"By the way, my dear," remarked Mrs. Ellis as they sat chatting at the
tea-table after Walter had retired, "what has become of that preacher
Goodman who preached for us once on trial?"
"Oh, he has a mission down on the other side of the city, but he lives
on this side as Moore gives him the house rent free. I met him the other
day. He looked very needy. The man had wonderful talents and might have
a rich congregation and improve himself; but he is persistent in his
ideas concerning this holiness movement, and of course a large church
like ours wants something to attract and interest instead of such
egotistical discourses. I, for one, go to sleep under them." And Mr.
Ellis drew himself up with a pompous air as he went into the library,
whither his wife presently followed.
He had picked up a newspaper and was apparently absorbed, but Mrs. Ellis
had not had her say, so she continued "Walter was telling me about the
little boy. He--"
"Oh, yes," interrupted her husband, "he met me in the hall and poured
out the whole story. The child's nerves were all wrought up, too. He
should not be allowed to worry over such things. He wants me to give up
buying him the fur-trimmed overcoat and get a coat and shoes for Goodman's
children, as they were praying so hard for them, but I have enough to
do without clothing other people's children. If Goodman would quit his
cranky notions and use his talents for people who could understand him,
instead of preaching to those ragamuffins he might now be receiving a
magnificent salary and clothing himself and family decently."
"But Paul," said Mrs. Ellis, "Surely you would not have Mr. Goodman
sacrifice his convictions simply for money and praise, when you yourself,
are convinced that his doctrines are sound? Besides he must be doing a
good work down among the poor classes of the city as it appears the rich
don't want him."
"Then let the poor give enough to keep him."
"They do give far beyond their means but the Lord calls on such as us
to give. I know it has been an unusually hard year but the Lord has
blessed us and He will hold us to an account. I feel very sad as the
anniversary of our darlings' departure draws near and I dread to think
of any little ones suffering while we could so easily help them."
"I don't see how you can feel that we have been so blessed. When the
house is so quiet and I think of those white graves in the cemetery I
confess I feel very bitter."
"Paul, my dear husband, don't feel that way. Just think of our three
treasures in heaven, an added claim to that glorious realm, away from
this cold and suffering. Remember also that we have one left, to live
for, to train. And, Paul, let us train him for the Master and in such a
way that we may never have the feeling that it were better if he, too,
had departed when he was pure and innocent. Let us encourage benevolence
and gentleness and if he wishes to go without the fur-trimmed coat, why
not do as he asks?" Mrs. Ellis kissed her husband and quietly left the
room.
Long and late, Paul Ellis sat there and many things, ghosts of the past,
rose before him. As the midnight chimes rang out he knelt and prayed.
"Oh, Lord, forgive me. I have gone astray and turned to my own way. I
have been prejudiced. It was my influence which turned the tide against
Robert Goodman. Thou knowest. Now, if Thou wilt only forgive and help
me I will walk in the light as Thou sendest it, even consenting to be
called a 'holiness crank.'"
[Illustration: ]
A few days afterward Robert Goodman received a large package from an
unknown friend containing a warm overcoat and three pairs of shoes. His
father also received a present. It came through the mail and was an
honest confession of a wrong done him, also a check for one hundred
dollars. One year later this church gave a unanimous call to Brother
Goodman and the revival which broke out that winter was unprecedented
in the annals of that church. Verily, "A little child shall lead them."
--Luella Watson Kinder, in _Christian Witness_