The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, October 20, 1899, Image 8

Newspaper Page Text1 IN HIS STEP j:| "What BloulO J: J J 3csus 33 o !fc; By Cbarlcs M. Sheldon. |1 > (\rpt/r[nhle<t anil imt.li+hf't in linn'; farm ! y <$> .itfranrc I'uhlishino Co. <</ (7uV.i >?-$ $>z*'?*? i-i r "There's no virtue in raying :%?> r > this offer when I have the other < no." Rachel wont on thoughtfully. "That's harder to drchle. but I've made up niy mind. To tell tlw truth. Virginia. I'm completely convinced in the lirst ea e that Jesus would n- v? r use any t.:! 111 like a jpK>d voice jurt to make money. But. now, take tliis concert ?>lT?-r. lino is a reputable company to travel with an impersonator and a violinist and a male quartet. all people of j;ood reputation.* I'm asked to i?o as on** of the company and sin^r leading soprano. The salary (I mentioned. it. didn't I'.'T^s to b? jomranteed?$200 u month for the season. But I don't feel satisfied that wnnltl trn \Vl?!?t J?_* v<?n fYtiv&l* "You mustn't ask mo to decide for you," replitd Virginia. with a sad smile. "I believe Mr Maxw !1 was right when ho sai'l we mast each our of us decide according to the judgment we felt fur ourselves t<? V> ( hri.-tlike. I am 'having a harder time thau vmi are. dear, to decide what L<- would d<>. " "Are you?" Rachel asked. Mm rose and >val!:ed over to the window i;nd l^bked ont. Virginia came 'and stwd by her. .The street was crowded with life, and.tlie two young women looked at it silently for a moment. Suddenly Virginia broke out as Rachel had never heard her before. "Rachel, what docs all this contrast in conditions iican to you as yon ask this question of what Jesus would do? It maddens me to think that the society in which I have been brought up, the same to which wo arc lx>th said to belong. is satisfied, year after year, to go on dressing and eating and having a good time, giving and receiving entertainments, spending its money on houses and luxuries and occasionally, to ease its conscience, donating, .without any personal sacrifice, a little mouey to charity. I have been educated. as yon have, in one of the most expensive schools of America, launched into society as an lieire.-s, supposed to 1m? in a very enviable position. I'm per fuctly well, l can travel or stay at tawne, I can do as I please, I can gratify almost any want or desir*, and yet wlien I honestly try to imagine Jesus living tbo life 1 have lived and am expected to live and doing for the vest of tny life what thousands of other rich people do I am under condemnation lor being one of the most wicked, selfi-h, useless creatures in the world. I have not looked out of flits window for weeks without a feeling of horror toward n'.y?elt awl soo the humanity that pours by this house." Virginin turned away and walked up find ilown the room. Rachel watched her nnd could not repress the rising tide of hor own growing definition of discipleship. Of what Christian use was lier own talent of song? Was the best she could do to sell her talent fur so much a month, go on a concert company's tour, dress beautifully, enjov the excitement of public applause and gain a reputation as u /treat singer? Was that what Jesus would do? ftho was not morbid. She was in flouml health, was conscious of great powers as a sing<T and-knew that if >h<> went out iuto public life she could utiulro it irrmtf ilitul < ,f itt< ln.V nttil 1 i/tOATitit well known. It is doubtful if she over- ! estimated her ability to accomplish all ahe thought herself capable of. And Virginia- what she had just .-aid smote Rachel with great force because of the aimilar position in which the two friends found themselves. Jauich was announced, and they went out and were joined l>y Virginia's grandmother. Mine. Page, a handsome, etutelv woman of 03. and Virginia's brother, ltollin, a young man. wln? Bpent most of his time at one of the clul.s and -had no .particular am' l'? n for anything but a growing admiral! n for Rac hel Win-lovc, ai'l wh?H v. r'*:e dined or lunche.d ;.t cue Page . n"e i. if he knew of it, be always pi;.no el Jx' at home. These three made rip ih 1' . ' 1 ily. Virginia's fat ? . had b u .. 1 ...iv or and grain spec.tic; I'er n oil. had died ten years be or*-, la-, f v! fvithin the past v?.>r. Tiiegraialmo her. a southern woman in birth and > hi ing. had all the traditions and f?* im thut accompany the p. -e -i. n of w . and social itaneiiivc that have i. ?. been disturbed. SI. was r -hi. v d. < .i fi.l business w< n.a!? of n re t'. >n . ago ability. The family ; i.o<rit wealth we re invested in iai,_'.' me; nndcr lier person;.', e-ai - \"i r_ri:.i;? ; . tion was, without :;i y re unction. 1. . <ovn Hhei had be -n 'raine d by be" ! e ther to understand th ways ,,f ? baainoK* world, end wn i/ gv u 1 another lind lo'ii com idled i jt?-4<2 >\\ edge the girVs capacity for taking cm /jf her own money. Perhaps two pers .ns ce uld r. t I founti anywhere les < a >a' ! . f in 1. at a'id ing # grl like V .1 ,.;uia t l..n V i . TV 114.. !>... I ...I 1 !1UU JV mi; ;i.i' .iu, v. i , known tho f.rajll> -?in >! ? w;.> plnymnt > of \ ir.'iui: in. ' thinking of vli.t" or nfr mt< ! *'ir i\ in her own homewhci mice do. !*!?:?. on tho corrso which she holiest]; '> ]? -ved Jesus would t-.iio. 1 cj/y -i lnnrh, jih sk ? r?r ;*!? *?l Vi*. *.nia s or. , break iu the front room, >}-.* tried i . picture thv} scene th t Would at ! ' time occi" weon hmc. Pax a and I.. ^ruiiddit'ixhtr r. 'I.ntuLi^^iaq'l tjm^yca o?* KuiBC t to* aCa wtaaliat. . "WwhalLkJ r >: - : M .; , * / ' ' '. ' I ; : ; .> W f .-t >i-v - ? i' ! s s t ! : ' i si s iri ? r ? t-r ; * i a>> Ik' doii; Ji'.? d. li i rrre." Fa id Itcllin dnrinj; ?i.< ? f the pauses in thp oonvcrsat ion. whhh had no; lietn animated. Rat h 1 o.!i : d s:rd felt unnoyid. "Who r. !d yv>av'* she asked. whilo Virginia, who fad bun very silent and rcf rvod, rr.ddouly r. a d herself and appeared v. :.dy to ,v?i:i in the talk. "(>K v.\> lr ar a thin ner tv.o ? n th.o ftroct! p.. sides. can ry oho ' aw Crandnll. the mr.n:t/?-:\ i.l church two weeks ap>. Ho do- sn't j*i> to church t ? hear tl." preaching. In fact. 1 know < \1\-t p< ojd" who don't cither, not win n th- re's something hotter to hoar." Rat la 1 did w<-.t color this time, hnt ll'.e answered <;uiotiy: "You're mb taken. I'm not sfoini? on tin1 stage." "It's a:;rciit pity. You'd make a kit. Ilv.-rvbody is talking about your singin " T! tin.-" Rachel flushed with genuine angcx-. ltfcfoiv she could say anything Virginia broko in. "\Vh< 111 do you mean by 'everyb.?:Iv " "Whom! I r.icnn all the peopl who L-.-.r Mi-s Winslow on Sunday. What oth-T time do they hear her? It's a great pity. 1 sn\V that the general public outside of Raymond cannot hear her voice. "Let us t.Mk ahout something else," said Rachel lit tie sharply. Mine. Page glanced at h? r and spoke with a gentle court, sy. ? "My dear. Roliin r.*u- r < uM pay an i-s'.ir. ct ?-oui; linn tit. II > i lis.- hi-- father in that. Rut we ar - all curious t.> know something . f your plans. Wo claim the ri lit from old acquaintum o, y. ! l.i . v.- And k'ir.-iuia had already to'cl u of war c'?i:e-ut i .-.ap.any etb r " "1 -opposed. of course, that was j abbe prop-rty." said Virginia. smiling ncr >.-> the table. "It was in The News Ve: terd.IV. " "Y'-s. v.--," replied Rachel luwtilr. 1 iu.dev.?ti::sd that, Mtiw. Page. W. il. Virginia and 1 have il--n talking about it. I hsiv<4 decidtd r.ot to r.tn j?t. and tli t is as far as 1 have goim Vet." Rachel wu. conscious ('d thelkiet that t ve e..nv--: >:.t i. n lia.l mi to (hi* lui'nt n narrowing her-hesitation concerni?j_r tli. company's offer down to a ?1< 11 that would nhsolots ly satisfy her own judgment of .Torus' probable action. It lia.1 I a. 11 the last tiling in th world, however, that she had desired to h.i\c her decision liiado in any way so public as this. .Sonudiow what Rolkn Rage had .-aid and hi* itauu<T in sapin : it had hastened 'lu-r judghiont in the matter. "Would you niindtcllin.tr u-\ Rachel, your liaisons for refusing the offer? It looks like a good e<pportutiity f? r :t ym.uig girl like you. Don't yon think tie general public ought to hear you V I feel like IMUin nlwmt that. A voice lii:e yours belongs ton larger audience than Raym. nd and the First church." Rachel Win-low was naturally a girl of {treat res, rve. She shrank fcrotn making her plans or her thoughts public. l?nt with *11 her repression thera was p. \ihlo in ler ; n oi-ea ioiial sc.ddeii breaking out that was -imply an impulsive, thoughtful, frank, truthful espre-sio'u ,,f her nio-r inner pi rsoiinl l' ling. She spoke now in v ply to Mm>. Rage in one of those rare moments < f unres-rve that added to the attractiveness of her whole character. "1 have no other o-a , n than a conviction that .lisu.-i wouM do tlit? same thing," she said, looking iu Mine. Ragff's cy-i s with a ilcar. earnest gnr.e. Mine. J'.-1go turned r>d. and Rollin stared, Refero li-.r grandim tlur Coul l say anything Virginia >i oke. Ilor rising (>4> r shu\\<ti h> w she v.gg stirred. Yinriiiia's pale, ? bar < m pl -\ion wis that "f health, hut if v. ain :ally in i.fn lr.d oMitrast toltachel tropical type ?f h*.ve.ty. ,"r ii.di.-otiier you know wo prom :- I i.i meko t'ml,the standard < t' t ? nd ",< t . r a y :.r. r?Ir. 7-r-'.-., ITj ' r ' > .To u v.v ; ;?I:i!ti ! > all v.ho h .". t >!. V. II IV?) l:> ; i 1" ; i > ;v ?1 k i>l r.D\ ' r. 'lit' I mi.1" t ,i:?l Mr. \> <ll's ! ta'oiii^lit. it i< ]itrf?-tPv nn i.a >lf t.> jiut it l>ru< tic**-. 1 1 ctiiifnVnt -'t tli" tiiin- tli.it t'f v la. j-r. 11:1 ??il woul.i t'.ii.i it out aft< r : i :.! .niii'. noi.uil.iii i? a- visionary aiai al'.-uril. I havf nothing to say al o it I Mi-H V.'rnslow's afiairs, lir.t"- -It. j ; ni- .l mul < ntir.ned with :i sharynrsj t.i.i was 11 v." t > Un !. i "I hoif? yo", i ivc 1: > foolish notions in this matter Virginia." "I Jnvo a ;;r?"it many notion"," rr ( lit 1 Virginia qriHiy. "Whither 'hfj aro fool-Mi or not tb n<l. upon i>;\ 511:.1 ! hi;:? o. wlui* ho v.- uW < j. t > sooi: 1 tiiiii out 1 shall tl" it. ' li.MHse 1110, Indies." said T{. iiiii r.siu-' fro 'i tl.v table. "Th" eonv r. a > mi is beyond i iy depth. * aril r.-tirc to 11.it library for a ri /nr. " 1 '.j Went o t-1 the dining v- '11 it:.' t'u.'iv v (j. -ih uco f. r a iiw i.i< lit ^iin' ! W.l'il t t.ll?il the s -fVil'lt i..; ' ror ;').t in 'oiiH'ihin r : t*? 1 then a ' . her t< /<> i nt * .! . mi; ? * . nr.'1 In r.n^c'. Wis i .nriiil n?!o, n'tlio-rji el a K' ?n i ?i'io l.'.a .id by liu j/. em .. < . J'ac..oi. "I km older by fevi-ral years tua-. , ' you. young lattice," she said, and li? traditional typo of bearing Bcemed to Rachel to rise np like n great frozen wall Ix-twetn her and every conception of Jesus as a tjat rifico. "What yon have promised in a spirit of false emotion, I presume, is in:possible of performance." "Do yon mean, graiehiMrtlMr. fhnft we cannot jtostiibkv act as Jesos would, or do you mean that if wo try to wo shall off- ml the customs and prejudices t f ,'V;eietymked Virginia. "It is i:ot required. It is not ucccsi sary. Besides, how can you net with any" ? M me. Pago paused, broke off her sentence and then turned to Rachel. "What will'yonr mothepsay to your j decision? My dear, is it not foolish? What do you expect to do with your voice anyway?" "I don't know what mother urill say yet." Rachel answered, with a great cr'fi probable nnswor. If there was a woman in all Raymond with great cmhitii ais f?.r Iht daughter's wnccoss art a singer. Mrs. Winslowjfras that woman. "Oh. von will j? a different light after wise thought of iv! My dear," continu* .1 Mine. Page, rising from thr table, "von will live to regret it if viiu tlo not accept ?hc concert coin panv's i.ITi v i r something lik" i*." Km ho] vr-i ! something that contained u 1 int i f th; ^tr was s till having. ami at tor a little rh<> want away, tVeliMg* that her departure was to l a 1 11 o.vi 'i l.y painful conversation betwi it Virginia ami her graudnioth- r. As she ;.! = rward learned, Virginia pass d thro vigil a crisis of iVclin : during that s cene with lwr grandmother that hast , tied her iinal decision as to the use of h? r ikoH' V ami In v s ocial posii-h n. Rat In 1 was* j'la<l to v-cape r.r?l he l y h? r- if. A i inn was lio/vly farming in lwr litis d. and slic tv.rvd to he c.h t > think it out ear* fniljV. lint be??.-vo s he had walked two blccks ej;o was annoyed f<* find Rolliu Pago walking hoside her. "Sorry t.? d.i-'.urb your thought. Hi.-a Winslow, but 1 hapix'iiod to l-o going your way and had an idea you might ::-..t objivt. In fact, I've boon walking h-re i >r a whole block, and yon hiiTen't abject t d." "I did not soo you." replied Rachel. "I wouldn't lain-.l that if yon only thought of no once in awhile." aid Roll in suddenly. Ho took one la-t n.ervous puff of his cigar, tossed i i into the street and walked along with a pale face. Raelu 1 was surprised, but not startled. She had known Eellin as a boy, and there had been a time when they had u<> "1 each other's first name familiarly. Lately, however, something in Rachel's manner had pnt an eiul to that. She was mod to h.is direct : *t jupts at compliment and was sometiin. w .iminill 1>v Sin im T.mI.iv Il.ii. vstly wished liim anywhere el "Do you over think of 1110, Miss Winslow ?" asked Roll in after a par.se "Oh, yes, quite often!" eaid Rachel, with a smile. "Are von thinking of mo new?" "Yes, that is?yes, 1 am." "What V' "Do you want *:? tt> bo afcsoUitrty truthful V "Of course." "Then I was thinking that I wished you wi re not hero. Roilin hit his lip and looked gloomy. Rachel had not i.pokcu anything as he wished. "Now, look here, Rachel?oh, I know that's forilidden, hut I ve got to speak sfhno time? you know how I fee 1. What makes you treat me so hard? Yon used to like mo a little, you know. " "Did I? Of course we used to get on very well as hoy and girl, but we are older now." Rachel still spoke in the light, ea-y way she had ns^d since her first annoyance at seeing hint. She was still somewhat preoccupied with her plan, which and been disturber! by Roilin's appearance. They walked along in silence a little way. Tli > avenue was full of people. Among the j eisons ] assing was ,Ta-p r ( ha e. Ho saw Rachel j.nd Roilin and Imwwd as he went by. Roilin was watching R telwl elo-,el\*. "I v. i-h I were .Taspcr f'ha"0. H; y">o I'd a.ual ton:; show then," he said mi?idi'v. '. ch 1 ? in sniti <f h-ix* H. } <1 d i:> t . y anything nvd q-.vl-. d !. , ... . lift!.. io -i...i . . il : . ?v a :n !i* 1 i-vim 1 ii !j. mm. I n t thrve ' h 1 ei-.:M make) you !:. .]:]-v. l'\ ? l.v. mm a sr- "l many \vr.v "V? li;*, how . ' <!'. yiiii thinL* I cm';" !-r<il.'v in ?{:.? !: 1, with a nervous 1 ay! a Si i v. h;;\-:i e.iit i'i' lu-V Usual .</ df manner. "Yon know what I ino^n." w nt i i Re "in e" > < 1 ly. "anil yeai lor. : : ,'l.t to 1 _rii at rr just bieae.-' J w.u.t mm f<? iaai.y :.i"." I'm not, br.t i; i . 1 fe r J*on ' k Ko'.lin," s.iM !?;;?1> 1 after 1 ' He li' -ileiioii ami then u ii.; his i.a. .e in Mil h a frank, siniolo v.*ay that ). ? ro: i.l ail e h no lnear.iiiy t<> it !? yo 1 the familiarity of th?> family ae ijeaii , Mice-. "It ii. i. ii.oi-sil.le. " Kl.o wa si 11 j a htt' ilul ley ih' fiiet of rcreivi / | a j ri'ii*. ..1 el Ui&iTi::;jr on tl.o :i\> 111 . ! I>iit tlif noise on the stm t and i<" v. *t]!? Mad ? the convcr.-ation as priv.v ? as ir trey v. r in tli'J House, i you ti at is?<3*? you 1hii * ! - ii- you i';:\v me time 1 v.-o.il l"' No!" aiii Rarhd. She : poke firi iy. I'fvhap-s. '.10 thought af; rward, : ho'vh sue did net mean to, she spo ;? harshly. 'lia v w.'.lla d on for some tiroo wih<> t i word, l h y werenenrinj? 1? ic'.u s how, ai I sho was anxious to er.'l t n? scene. A.i they turned off tho avenue is! > (Tv of iho ((i i(t stifjetH Rolkr. i note of dignity in nis voice tnat was H new to Rachel. "Miss Winslow, I Rsk j-oti to ho my j wife. Ib there any hope for mo that yon L ' will ever consent t" "None in tho least." Rachel spoke decidedly. rj 'Will von tell me why V Ho asked j tho question us if ho had a'right to a , truthful answer. "I do not fool toward yornns a woman ought to iWl toward tho* man she ought to marry." 'In othe r words, yott do t not love tl ! me?" " i "I do not, and I cannot." :l "Why"?" That was nnotlj/br question, u r.inl li;uh? 1 was a little surprised that he should ask it. I 'Because"? Sho hesitated for fear v? j sho might snv too much in an attempt ti to speak the exact truth. " j "Tell me just why. Ycu can't hurt f> me move than you have done already." <-] i "Well, I don't an4 can't love you 11 i because, you have no purpose in life. u What do v??u t v> r do to :u.ike the world j' j better? You spend your time in club ,i i life, in r.mr.s^nents, in travel, in lux- u Urv. What is there in si?< !> ; ltf?. tr? ?} . a I tru t a woman 1" 1 j "N..t much, I Eneas," said Rollin. I' , with it litt! * lau^h. "Still, I don't " j know that I aia any worse than the s' ! r st cf the men around me. I'm not to bud as some. Glad to know your re.i- I1 sou." .' I> lie suddenly stor ed, took off his hat. .; bv wrd pravely and turm d back. Raehi i t! w at en home and huYried into her '? room. disturbed in many ways by tin '' event which had so unexpectedly thiv.s; :: itself into her experience. Win n she had time to think it all J', over, she found herself condemned by ^ tin* very judgment sh? ln-d passed en p Rollin l'ave. What purpose had the in life? She had been n'on c.<l and studied f music with one of ihe famous teachers h of Europe. Sl;e had come homo to Ray- a mond and had been singing in the Fkt.-t * ehureli choir now for a ye.-rr. She was s \\;ell paid. Up to that Sunday two weeks ago sin? had -1 Hin quite satisfied with ^ herself .and her position. She had shared ? In r mother's ambition and anticipated growing triumph.; in the musical world. u What possible career was before her ex- ti eopt the regular care; r <>f every sin peer ? * '< She asked the question again and. in " the light of lux recent reply to Rollin. ' askoil again if she had any very great j* p.nrtKise in life herself? What would j, .Tc.-vis do? There was a fortune in her voice. She knew if, not necessarily as n. matter of personal pride or profes- t. si- nal egotism, but simply as a fact. v. ami she was obliged to acknowledge 1 that until two weeks ago she bad pur- '' posed to use In r v. ice to make money " and win admiral ion and applause. Was that a much higher purpose, after all, than Rollir. Pago lived for ? r She sat in her room a Ion# time and tl finally went down stairs resolved to 3 have a -frank tall: with her mother h about the concert company's offer and ( her new plan, which "was gradually 0 shaping in her mind. She had already j' had one talk with her mother and knew t, that she expected Rachel to accept the offer and enter on a successful career as o a p'fibliq .singer. o "Mother," Rachel said, coming, at !l once to the point, as much asshodre.td- 11 ed the interview, "I have decided not " to go out with the company. I have r. v' good reason for it." t. Mrs. Winslow was a large, handsome woman, fond < ? much company, ambi- ii tious for a distinct place in society and v devoted, according to her definitions <>f tJ success, to the success of her children. u Iler youngest hoy, Lewis, ten years h younger than Rachel, was ready re graduate from a military academy in n the summer. Meanwhile she and Rachel ,, wore*at home together. Rachel's father, tl like Virginia's, had died while the fain- a ily were abroad. Like Virginia, she tl found hefself, under her present rule of ' conduct, in complete antagonism with her own immediate home circle. Mrs. Winslow waited for Rachel to c go on. t "Yon know tho promise I made two n weeks ago, mother?" -1 "Mr. Maxwell's promise?" "No, mine. You know what it was, v mother?" 0 "1 suppose I do. Of courso all the j' church members mean to imitate Christ s and follow him as far as is consistent { with our present day surroundings. Rut I what has that to do with your decision v in the concert company's matter .'" ' "It has everything to do with it. ' At't< r asking. "What would Jesus do .'' 1 and going to the source of authority for , wisdom I hav ?.been obliged to say that t I dole,t believe he Would in inyca.se u make that n. e of my voice." p \Y! ; V ) . tlwr" miytliinj; wrong ' alont such a, cnn'tTV" ' "Nn; I don't know that I ran s. y ^ ttit !': i- . " "Do yon ' 1110 In tit in judgment on t tii. v ]. i *>! .* who go out to pin?; i:i v this way '.' Do yon niv.-umc to ."-ay Ilia* i< they arts doing what Chri .t would net I d>7" a "Moth I wi.di you to under- tan I v 3.; . 1 j.ul : lin on tiI c .iidiinn no j t.'.lii r j n ; i<?: al s'ngtrs. 1 simply decide my own eouv.-e. As I look it! it, I ;i li.n' n < nvictii that Jesna wouid do < isoim thing else." v " Wiu.t els..-':" Mrs. Win-low lin l r ; h yi1 i i t her t"in r. She did not u:i?l? vt.url the situ:.tit.1; or 1'a'kol in the Ui'uitof it. 1-ut -he was amnions tli.it la t* dang: if v's can < r .-hould he as ills* ] tia ai le i' as tor nat iral gifts i-roin- \ iscl. : nit >!i f. .: r.>n:h'euit that wli n .1 t'.ic i>: i-t. 'iir.s'i.il cxciii- i 1 nt in t !i*? ! ii . !i irtii l.a?l j i ^ <1 away liriiiii-l v oilfi y > <>11 \.i h l;?-r j nnl'li^ 1 iJ i ' < . >1 1 t i:s> wishes ' f I I ti. family. Sin-v.. ! tally uni vipar U ! for Rachel's icxt run: rk. [to vjz Co*. nxcrD. J An A In nrnml 1'nlr. j "What iminea-o cars Mr. Bullinsf'-r has. Mal e him look ulte unnatt'trl. | ! ilon't l hey V" f j "Vij, l;!n<l o' eerle!"~Clerelank h "j Plain Deafer. t" I niE SUNDAY SCHOOL. ESSON IV, FOURTH QUARTER, INTERNATIONAL SERIES, OCT. 22. >x( r.f the I rxnoiii I"/. > lil. ? I-Jt?. Memory VcrxOK. II1 -Ult? Gotilca 'i'ovt. Ex. rill, Im?Commentary l'rrpareil by tlie ISvv. t). M. S(o:;ri?*. [CVpyrisht, 1 by r>. M. Steams.] 21. "Then 1 proclaimed a fast there a lie river v' Ahava, that wo might aliihl ill-selves Li-faro our (!wl, ti> seek of llha right way for us ami for our little i n.-s iui for nil our substance." lu the e.tilli year of Artaxerxes, the kiu.i of IV;ia, li/.ra ami some 1 ,S0J of Us p.oyle cut t:p to JerttsaU-iu t ? fee t? the welire of those who were there, to tarry up Uleli silver ami gold, a free will offering rota t'ae kiuu an.I his counsel us u:.t > the '( (1 of Israel, for I lie temple ami for sueitSce ami for the will of (lt.il. as I3;ra lijrlit I?e directed (chapter vil). Mzra was ready scrihe in the law of Mo cs ami ad prepared his heart to reek the law of m> l.onl ami to ?lo it ami t > teael; it liapti-r \ :i. ! ). Notice the order of ?ia^ ami tea. 11::iir ami compare Arts i, ; Marl: vi. Oar lesson lie^lns w t i izrn ah.atl to sttnt on the journey an 1 ial.il!:; l.i..11 pieparation l.y a sear-on of ,-eeial waiting i p? n <Sod. ill!. "r'or I was ashatneil to re?;t;iro of te kini; a ha ml of rshliers ami hors -iron i help t;s against the enemy ia the way, eeause we had spoken mato the l.in;. i-yinjr. The hand of oar <!>id is up >n all lent for irond that see'.; Ili.n." S e his d'eivtiivs to the hand of the Lord r.p at iin in chapters vii, IIs; vlii, IS, .">1; Iso Nell. ii. S, IS; klr.ek. iii. 1 I. '."J; \;1:, , eto. It is a > r.s.. to say that \\ e tru?t i tlit* I.ord if we d m't do i., at:,*, while tore would hav e I < . n :.o s'n ia ll/.ra's avim; a 1 and of >.di!!or*. he w.ral I not tits have shown as ran. h faith in <1 1. lid. "So we fastc 1 at; I h sn".;!,! o ?-< lo | r this, and lie \ as entreated . f us.'* id'..- . an her |.e..j !e lasted a: d ; tv.ye.!, ml (led h.ee.rd and delivered ill t. iv. lit. Oar Lord said concern! a;; t'a evil [?itit wi:ieh lie cast out of the < hi!?i aftr llis lrnnsti;:t-ration, Ilowheit this l.in I eth not >>xt Inst l>y prayer and fa t ir; Math, xvii, ill). Haiti ti ns end Paul ere ret apart to missionary work with ::.\vr ami fast iai; (Arts xiii. II, It is rue that overimluluem-e of appetit do >s ot lend to spit it uality, yet tin re is no pedal credit in dour; wiilmnt fool, h it . hen we want souiethiu;; front Col f ;r Sod's ^lory more than we want anything Iso we will he very apt to jrive ours-Ives cattily to prayer and fasting. See Dan. ;. II; x. .'5. ' 111. Ho. "Then I repr.t ate.I 111 of the hief of the priests * " an 1 we .h d ua o them tin' silver and the jroid * * * liit h the kiita and liis counselors had < fefed." TIie>e two verses tei! is that liese offerings included nVso that nhi h as jriv??si to all Israel there present an 1 lint all was for the house of <2od. I do ot know of any ^ivir.i; on record that nn ci.mpr.iv with the jrifts of Israel, hnth triers and people, for the taheruai le and lie temple 111 x. xxxvi, tl, 7; xxxviii, iM1; I Citron, xxii. 14, ltl; xxix, l-'.'t. If lioro was the same zeal for the house of Soil today?that is, the church i f tio.l, out posed of all true believers?to cosnlete it, what an nhtiudnncc of ttiissi< titties and of money there would lie seen > t he clorv of (Jod. 2<>. 27. In those two vorsos lie lolls the xart weight <?f the silver ami gold an 1 t" the vessels, ami, knowing the value of fallout of gold or silver, tin- current vnle of all could ho estimated, hut value niong men and value before God ere of n two wholly different things, though ;e make no reference to this particular ase. We know that in the temple one ay our I.ord saw the rich people casting i of their abundance, and He saw a poor idow cast in 'J mites, which make a f vlung, and lie said that she had ea-t i:i tore than they all. She east in all that he had. even all her living. 2S. "Attd I said unto th in, Ye are holy nto the Lord; the vessels are holy also, ltd the silver and the gold are a free v ill ffering unto the Lord God of your Jailers." As the Lord who called the p ie ts ml Levites to their oflico was holy, so liey were to he holy also?set apart w liolr for Iliut (Lev. xxi, 0. S?. The Lord hose them to stand before Him. to serve lint, to minister'unto Hint, nud it is even o with true believers now, for all beli -vrs are priests, and all are chosen vessels o he holy unto Hint and to bear I lis ante (II Cliron. xxix, 11; I Pet. ii, 5, U-'ts ix, i 20. "Wateli ye and keep them until ye rcigh them before the cliief of the priests t Jerusalem in the chambers of the house f the Lord." Wo think of our Great ligh Priest who will never lose any vosel wlm h the Father has given to Ilim, or no power can ever pluek us out of lis hand, and w? may gladly say. I know ileiin 1 have believed and am persuaded hat lie is able to keep that whl< h 1 have ?'ninitled unto lliin against that ua.v John x. 2S; xvii, <12; xviii, Jb. 15i?. "So took the priests and the Levites he weight of the silver and the gold and he vessels to bring them to Jerusalem into the house of-otir God." In verses " ami 111 we read that all the silver and old ; t! vr-sols were safrly delivered y weight and number at Jcrii-alein, ami bus tlndr work was successfully p? r, I I W.t Ml I. : ? I I...t ' -- ... in. ...II .11 ll)r rent <>f Christ, wo will irlvo if oMit of our ; ti!Wiinl*lii|> of nil that with .)?' ? !j IIi? lias intrusted us in Ilis sorv re, iiiul it may help its to remember <lay iy tiny ilml the Lord woijjheth action i t: I i| irits ami trioth lion ft and veins ami i ill :rivt> every one according to his way. ml the fruit of liis doings il Sam. ii. .'5; 'i ov. v t i. .1 cr. \ vii, 1 >?. "'1 lie hand of our 11 o. 1 was up< n in. ml lie delivered ns from the Iniml of the netny ami of such as Iny in wait I y t w ray." When we heeonie ehihlreii of <i nl iv faith in Christ Jesus, we have from h.'.t time the worhl ami the llesh ami the Ipvil ns our enemies, hut we nee 1 not . , . , .... ? . * ?...?? *-? an HI ?-* Kiviuri in : i 1). ni! tiovvo; 111: y iy, <! >1. v, lii> niiM'lli tho ivf.-f! lis niul .1 :'!i air! will t? i . it. Tlio I >i?l slii:l| ! liver uic f. in Vf.'v I't il \vi1 !. :i*. 1 v. ill prvsurvo iiu* nil illi Imm v.n'y l.i'i'.'-l.iii! 111 f'i?p. i. f), 1 <? I 'I i a. i' . jw>. lie is ubli*. \V<* will r ? Ifi n. .",'J "Avi v. i- i ,v. 'o to J??nis:i!pjn niuf I ? !? thlVC .' .VS." O'l ill.' : o.\t ;iv t! c.ivo in tlir'r i.>p?:t, nu.l b'tni' iflcrit iiri't sin (iflfcrliifFA wore oflfcr".! i.l I -i-;i I Th.-i.' is a.. I 11 ' nil 1 ' '< :: ]>:i s t i': -in !!i ii who is ln>t!i a -i11-vr .; ! ! Inn ,i ..iT.-riasj, hut ii I sii. I v I!; . rc that .'is w <> rue 1 11 j sti:.i- I v o sliuil uIsm bi' glori ii'ii i Until, r, It; v!ii, <10). ROADS OF SILESIA. | Knrrow Tirea Prohibited nnd Fruit Trot'* ilenutlfy nnd Shnd.-*. "Tho roads of Silesia Are kept in splen! did condition." writes United States I Consul C. W. Erdiunn from Brcblun to i Hie state department. , "Tho turnpikes through the province of Silesia 're alnmt 100 feet wide. ; Throe-fourths of the width is macadami'.ed. and one-foevth is natural dirt ; road. The road? are kept in n better I condition than a Rood many macadamized streets that I have seen in the United States. A good reason for this * [ is Hiat the fellies and tires of the wheels are never less than 2 inches and souiej times 8 inches, and the gunge of all I wagons, whether carriage, truck or ; farm wagon, must be 1 1 >' meters (4.03 ' feet). This law iu regard to the width of the gauge and the tires of the wagons is strictly enforced. The fellies and tires of all farm wagons must bo not less than -1 inches; of rock and heavy freight wagons, from 0 to b inches. "The roads are kept in order by men who have elm-go of certain sections, limbs* the supervision of the road master. The man who keeps his section of tlio road in the best order during tho year receives commendation from tlio roadmaster for performancoof faithful service, which testimonial is looked upon by the laborer as a great honor. "On each side of tho public roads aro pathways for foot passengers, which aro kept in good condition. Along Hie inside of the footways and outside of tho road aro trees, planted about 30 feet apart. Most of them are black, whito and red cherry trees of a vcrv fine ounl iiy awl plain trees. known in tin* United States us tin* Mm* egg plum. Thoso trees net only give excellent shade, bnt also return considerable revenue to tlio treasury t f the various counties, tho trnit being rol l at auction, so much per t:v.*, for a term of five years, tin* buyer binding himself to keep the trees well trim nod ami free from injects nnd to I whitewash the same in spring up to tho first limb. "Sb ties lire placed nksig the rondsido to keep tho hubs of wagons from damaging tin* trees. The law against defacing or damaging any tree or shrub on tin* public highways is strictly enforced. As soon as caterpillars inako their appearance they are burnt out with cotton balls saturated with coal oil. "There is no toll collected on any of the public roads, either for Vehicles or foot passengers, excepting when a now bridge is constructed. Then a toll of 10 pfennigs (o<pial to 2.08 cents) per horso is collected until tho construction is paid for. "The roads and bridges nro kept in repairs by the county, which obtains revenue for this purpose from taxation of tho realty adjoining tho highway." CONVICT LABOR. Agitation In Kenlnrky to mtiploy It on Iloiul Improvement. Convict labor and good roads nro a combination which, just at this lime, is all important to th<> Kentucky division of tho Lengno of American Wheel mw triune thfj days of Boono tho state has bet 11 mired npall winter and under THIS IH TIIP. COSTLY KOAI). several incline of dust nil summer, or has been in tho same condition as pearly any other state i*i tho Union. To remedy this condition is what causes tho Krutuckinns to think of the beforo mentioned combination?tho , pneumatic. Tho state can ill afford to i g?> to the expense of building a system | of good roads, and in looking for an nl| tentative measure the division has hit upon tho convicts as the proper class to . help them out. 1 Tho officer?; of the division havo been in communication with prominent men throughout tho country, particularly those interested in the good roads movement and in this way havo rocoivod unexpected encouragement. It seems to vJ bo tho coiiscnsusitf opinion that tho uso j of convicts is tho only way in which the roads of tho country can ho speedily j : and economically placed in proper con-1 I uilion for Ira die at all seasons of tho! j year. In urging tho uso of tho class! some of tho advocated show that in such n o t hoy would not ho coining in contact with any class of froo labor, as tin iia; nwutent of tho public roada in tin '."nii. 1 S.at-s has progressed so little tii,it ih1 : < i ; no such thing as a road bnil-iin c trade, and. again, it is pointed out that go, d mads avo for tho entirq people, and the convicts, being supported by tho people, should bo mudo tQj build and repair them. . The division will use tho matter it is I collecting as the basis for a bill to boj presented in the next legislature. f S|n(t< %l?l Fop llnniN, H Tho stato aid system duos not inter* Bfl fere in any way with present Methods ' of road building, but simply provides A H means ly which an enterprising coin#! try community, desiring to iioaaess first H i class highways, may obtain financial I tuUtanco fur the pnrposo from the# H I cities. Tho state does not pay for build- g 1 ing such roads, bat simply contributesE H j to their rximisc, just as it contributes! I to the eovt of maintaining public! H j schools, which are conducted by tho J" i local school offl< ials, but which, to re- j | colve state assistance, mutt be up to a V HI cerfaia standard. * /- 1

Historical Newspapers of South Carolina