Transcriber's note: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed.
MABEL WYNN
OR
"THOSE BOYS"
BY
FAYE HUNTINGTON
LONDON
GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND SONS, LIMITED
BROADWAY, LUDGATE HILL
GLASGOW, MANCHESTER, AND NEW YORK.
CONTENTS.
CHAP.
I. THE CONSECRATION
II. WORK
III. OPPOSITION
IV. THE WATCHWORD
V. CONFLICT
VI. SURRENDER
VII. A REFORM
VIII. A PRAYER ANSWERED
IX. FRAGMENTS OF TALK
X. HERBERT'S TRIAL
XI. THE BOY'S MEETING
XII. A LESSON OF WAITING
XIII. A CIRCLE BROKEN
XIV. DUNCAN FOLLOWS HIS OWN DEVICES
XV. DOCTOR MYERS "LENDS A HAND."
XVI. THE INGATHERING
XVII. ALMOST WITHIN
XVIII. TROUBLES
XIX. A BATCH OF LETTERS
XX. LEWIE AMESBURY'S CREED
XXI. DECISIONS
XXII. SOWINGS
XXIII. WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT IT
XXIV. WHERE WE LEAVE "THOSE BOYS."
MABEL WYNN.
CHAPTER I.
THE CONSECRATION.
"My all is on the altar."
WESTVILLE had a new sensation. Deacon Griffin, earnest Christian man
as he was, ever ready to use tongue, hand and money for the cause of
Christ, shook his head, and said he didn't know about these things.
There was so much danger of falling into the ways of the world; the
Church must be wary of innovations.
Then good Mrs. Culver had opposed the plan, and determined to stand
aloof. What was the use in making a stir! They had gone on for years
without such an affair, and for her part, she didn't believe in
new-fangled notions.
However, in spite of strong opposition, a few brave hearts
persevered and carried the matter forward, and Westville had its
first "Sunday-School Institute." These few feeling the want of more
labourers, sensible of their own want of knowledge as to the best mode
of carrying forward the work, invited one whose life is devoted to
the cause to give a course of instruction upon topics connected with
the work, hoping to be themselves better fitted for their duties, and
trusting that others might be led to enter the same field of labour.
Many, like Deacon Griffin, looked upon Sunday-schools as especially
for children; some, like Mrs. Culver, clung to the old ways. As a
child she had recited her seven verses Sabbath after Sabbath, without
question or comment on the part of her teacher; brought her penny for
the mission fund, and carried home a library book, or perhaps a copy of
the "Dayspring" or "Messenger," and had about as much idea as a kitten
what all or any part of it meant; and she taught her class in very much
the same way. True, in maturer years, the precepts and promises stored
in her mind had an influence upon her heart and life. As if Christ's
precious words were not for little children to carry in their hearts as
well as in their memories!
In those three days, much work was done for the Master. With
instruction, discussion and earnest talk were mingled many prayers and
much praise. The interest growing, the audience increasing in numbers,
until at the last session, the great church was filled to its utmost
capacity, and many hearts were throbbing with emotion. New thoughts
had found their way into the minds of gray-headed old men, and to some
of them it now seemed a grand thing this idea of a whole congregation
coming together for the study of God's word. And old men and women
almost through with church-going, the middle-aged, busy fathers and
mothers, and the young, enthusiastic and eager, pledged themselves
to the work and joined in the consecrating hymn. It was grand and
solemn, that chorus of hundreds of voices. Many of feeble faith were
encouraged, slothful souls were quickened, while to some, it was the
hour of a new and entire consecration to Christ. As the song died away,
the voice of the leader, smooth and clear, filled the house.
"Father in heaven," he prayed, "we thank thee for this evidence that
thou hast been with us, directing and guiding us by thy Spirit. We know
not what vast results may grew out of our efforts to advance thy cause,
and we are content to leave the knowledge with thee. Thou hast heard
our solemn consecration. Wilt thou enable us to keep the vow? May we
all feel its solemnity and importance, and may each of us be faithful
to our promise. Wilt thou bless these thy children, who work together
here? May they work hand to hand in Christian love and forbearance,
illustrating in their lives the truths they teach. May they be patient
and persevering, untiring and full of the spirit of devotion. May they
have all needed wisdom and every Christian grace, and may thy blessing
so crown their efforts that multitudes shall throng the streets of
the beautiful city led into the upward way by these thy servants. And
though we no more meet together here, at last, dear Christ, we shall be
together and always with thee. Amen."