I do not sigh for noble deeds I want to love Him more and more, I would be useful to His poor, And if I may do aught for Thee, The good through me to others done, Could I give e'en the longest life The more we drink, the more it swells, Oh! fill me, Lord, of Thy rich grace, And keep Christ's cross before mine eyes, Oh! cast Thy loving look on me, Whene'er I fall and sin; For I am weak, Lord, very weak, il. D. I. A Maggie Allen's Work. A STORY OF THE MINISTRY OF TRACTS. YOUNG girl lay lonely and depressed on her couch. She had been a sufferer from serious and complicated diseases from her childhood upward, and although very moral, very thoughtful, engaging, and intelligent, had continued, until lately, a stranger to the power of Divine grace. A near and dear friend had been made the means of spiritual blessing to her soul, and after a long and anxious seeking-time, Margaret Allen had found peace. Henceforth her life was filled with a new light, brightened by a new experience; and, with the eager yearning of a newly-converted soul, she longed to do good to somebody else. Fain would she have gone forth to engage in active service on behalf of her Saviour, but alas, she was a helpless invalid, and as such, doomed to perpetual inaction. She could sit and work with her fingers, or write, but she could not move from place to place without the aid of others. Here, then, was a cross to bear-heavy indeed. To long to do good to the bodies and souls of others, and yet to be doomed to remain inactive-cut off from all opportunities of active work-seemed too great a trial of faith and patience. And as she noted how some other people, strong, active, and gifted, passed by all opportunities of doing good, seeking only their own pleasure, or their own aggrandisement, it seemed harder than she could bear. At times she sought to question God's wisdom in thus afflicting her, and would tearfully ask, why He had dealt thus with her. It was in such a mood as this that she now lay, tearful and desponding, yearning, oh so vainly, for something to do for the Master. Just at this juncture a knock was heard at the door-a knock, followed very speedily by the entrance of a visitor. "Ah, Mrs. Willans! I am so glad to see you! I am so lonely!" was Maggie's first exclamation. "What! Tears! What is the meaning of those tears? Are you crying as you count up your mercies ? eh, Maggie ?" The speaker was a middle-aged lady of refined and motherly aspect. She, too, had passed through many vicissitudes, and had experienced many trials of faith, but through it all her Christian character had shone forth with a clear and steady light. It was by means of her ministrations that the invalid had passed from a state of faithless, cold indifference into the region of bright hope and "joy in believing." "No, Mrs. Willans. Mercies! It seems to me sometimes as if I had far more trials than mercies! I would fain do something for Jesus, but I can't. See here, I am chained to my couch, while others, in the full flush of strength and health, care nothing at all about Christian work." "It is well that it was in thine heart.' Was not this commendation given to David in response to his desire to build the house of God, a sacred privilege, which, however, he was not permitted to enjoy. So, Maggie, God says to you." Mrs. Willans' soothing words fell like oil upon the troubled waters of Maggie Allen's mind. Yes, truly, God knew that it was in her heart to do good; and knowing this, would He not accept the desire? Still-still-it was hard to sit still, in forced seclusion and pain, at twenty, the age of exuberant youthfulness, and do nothing. 66 66 'Stay," said Mrs. Willans, a sudden thought strikes me now. It is very near Valentine's Day, and the post will bear many a missive of playful love and affection to many thousands of homes and hearts. Could you not utilise the same agency for doing good, Maggie?" "How?" questioned the invalid, looking up surprised. "In this way. Send a You can write and compose very readily. Now suppose you were to make a service of this work for the Master between this time and next Valentine's Day? You know some to whom a letter, or a leaflet, or a tract, would be a blessing. You know others who would be benefited most by an affectionate, faithful letter. cheering tract to any poor tried child of God whom you may happen to know. Send a rousing, faithful communication to any friend who may be indifferent or careless; and a tract, with directions as to the way of salvation, to any who may be awakened or anxious. Thus you will work for Jesus as truly, and possibly more successfully, than as if you filled some public position in the world's eye. I earnestly counsel you to adopt this plan." "Do you really think that I shall succeed in doing good in this way?" "I do indeed. You are told to 'sow beside all waters,' and the ministry of tracts and letters is so unobtrusive, so secret, and yet so comprehensive and far-reaching, that Christians might do a vast amount of good in this way if they would only lend their energies to the work. As a special department in Christian work it is too much neglected. I fancy that more souls might be won for Christ, and more wavering, anxious ones led to decide rightly, if this agency were only made use of to the extent which it might be." "You have given me a new idea, Mrs. Willans," replied Maggie. "I should never have dreamt of using such an agency for doing good. But I think I'll try it. At any rate, the work will afford me mental occupation, and that is much to me. Then, doubtless, I shall get blessed myself also. Yes, I'll think about it, and see what I can do." A new energy sparkled in her eyes and animated her voice. "No one can be the instrument of blessing to others without being blessed themselves in some way or another. And as a remedy for anxious worry and tearful despondency commend me to some form of Christian activity. Having tried the prescription myself, I know it will answer. Now dry your tears if you please, Maggie, and instead of thinking over your sicknesses and your incapacity for work, try to strike out a new line of usefulness for the Master. Who knows how many jewels you may be the means of winning for the Master's crown if you work faithfully and earnestly?" Maggie said no more; but the suggestion had fallen into good soil, and, having done so, germinated, and bore fruit quickly. To the young girl's soul the advice of her friend came as a direct answer to her yearning for some path of usefulness. She could not teach in the Sabbath school; it was not given to her to labour in any of the various walks of feminine or Christian usefulness which are open to women generally; but here, in the quietude and solitude of her chamber, she could write words of warning, or encouragement, or sympathy, which should find a responsive echo in |