HA!
GIFT OF
THE
GUIDING HAND
OR
ial ^Direction
ILLUSTRATED BY AUTHENTIC INSTANCES
anfc CTolIecteU
BY H. L. HASTINGS
ij
EDITOR OF "THE CHRISTIAN"
BOSTON
H. L. HASTINGS, 47 CORNHILL
LONDON
MARSHALL BROTHERS, So- PATERNOSTER ROW, E. C.
Printed in America
1893
COPYRIGHT, 1881,
H. L. HASTINGS,
BOSTON, MASS.
G.H.6 M-5,1893.
RBPOSITOEY PRESS, 49 CORNHILL.
PREFACE.
One fact is worth two arguments ; and the incidents recorded in this
volume are offered as facts. It is true that some of them are given
anonymously, having been gathered up during years of desultory
reading, from sources so varied that it has been sometimes impossible
to authenticate or ascertain the authorship of a particular account ;
but a very considerable portion of the instances here recorded have
occurred within the experience and observation of the writer, or that
of his qwn personal friends and acquaintances. Others are given
upon the most trustworthy authority, hence, many of these accounts
are known to be true, and all are believed to be worthy of credence.
Called, in the providence of God, to the establishment and direc-
tion of a religious periodical, the writer determined, while rigidly
excluding the pious fictions and lying wonders that defile the denom-
inational literature of the age, to make the recital of authentic
instances of God's gracious dealings with his children, a leading
point of interest in its columns. Accordingly from January, 1866,
each number of THE CHRISTIAN issued, has carried to the tens of
thousands of its readers, accounts of answers to prayer, instances
of providential direction, and tokens of the constant and gracious
leading of God's Guiding Hand.
Many of these accounts, thus given to the public, have been copied
into other journals, reprinted in tracts and widely scattered, and inserted
in books by various compilers. They are now collected and arranged for
publication in a series of volumes entitled, " The Guiding Hand,"
" Tales of Trust," " Ebenezers, or Records of Prevailing Prayer," etc. ;
the labor of classifying and arranging them having been kindly
undertaken by my fellow- worker, Wolcott F. Smith, without whose
aid their issue must have been deferred till a more convenient season.
The first of these books is here presented, with the confident
assurance that it will minister strength to trusting hearts, and prove
a help and comfort to tossed and troubled souls.
(3)
4 PBEFACE.
We do not offer these incidents because we think it a new, or
strange, or wonderful thing that God should manifest his care for
his people, or guide the footsteps of his little flock ; but we simply
follow the example of one who said, " Come and hear, all ye that
fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul." Psalm
Ixvi. 16.
If there are those who regard these accounts as too marvelous for
belief, they are referred to the Holy Scriptures for other instances,
many of which are far more astonishing than those here narrated.
If, on the other hand, they doubt those wonders wrought of God in
the far off ages, as recorded in his word, we lay before them these
accounts, as instances of events continually occurring, through the
wonder-working power of the ever living and ever loving God.
The literature of ancient Israel was full of the records of the
mighty deeds of Him who wrought wonders in the land of Egypt,
who divided the sea by his strength, and who went before his chosen
ones, giving them manna from on high, and water from the' smitten
rock, defending and delivering them, and providing for all their
wants.
" For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in
Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them
known to their children ; that the generation to come might know
them, even the children which should be born, who should arise and
declare them to their children ; that they might set their hope in God,
and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments."
Ps. Ixxviii. 5-7.
In. like manner, it is meet that we make mention of the mercies of
the Lord to us, that our children may learn to trust him, and in an
age of doubt and unbelief, submit themselves to the guidance of
the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.
That this and the other volumes of the " FAITH SERIES" may be
blessed to the profit of the sons of men, and lead them to " set their
hope in God, and not forget his works," is the prayer of
THE AUTHOR.
SCRIPTURAL TRACT REPOSITORY,
Office of THE CHRISTIAN, Boston, Mass., U. S. A.,
August, 1881.
CONTENTS.
Page.
INTRODUCTION 7
PART I.
RELIEF AND DELIVERANCE 15
PART II.
DREAMS AND IMPRESSIONS 139
PART III.
CONVERSIONS 285
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
PAGE.
A Blessed Mistake*.. 344
A Blessed Psalm* 60
Account of Mr. Studly 121
A Child's Text 361
A College and its President* 332
A Fearful Ride* 202
A Hymn in a Tavern* 305
A Life Saved Through a Tract 94
A Memory of Wyoming 163
Ann Young's Text 34
A Pastor's Story* 41
A Poor Cottager 271
A Providential Visit 70
A Rabbit Chase 345
Are Tracts Wasted? 137
A Sleep and What Came of it*. . .320
A Star in the Crown : . .381
A Starving Widow Fed 129
A Strange Opening 339
A Stray Bible 348
A Stream in the Desert 293
ASuieide Prevented 306
A Timely Alarm* 115
A Timely Visit 53
A Word in Season 376
BeggingBread* 198
Brands Plucked from the Fire 328
Bread upon the Waters 352
Captain Britwell's Dream 195
Captain Farming's Deliverance 280
Captain Harris 245
Collins and the Funeral 341
Conversion of Count Gasparin 346
Crossing the Lake 92
Captain Yonnt's Dream 209
Deliverances* 17
Deliverance from Despair 214
Deliverance of James Meikle 87
Divine Retribution 185
Dr. Bond's Vision 165
Elizabeth Walker and the Judge. . 99
Father Harding's Convert*. 372
Fleming's Prophetic Warning* 177
Gobat and the Hyenas 113
" Go to Rotterdam " 247
" Go to the Post-Office "* 244
Guidance in Giving* 266
Help in Distress* 277
Howe and the Magistrate 336
Juxta Crucem 382
Liberty for a Captive 366
Money from a Miser 86
Prayer for a Candle 174
Praying and Dueling 109
Pray over them 313
Presentiments 187
Preserved by a Raven 106
Providences in Bible Translation*. 118
Providence Above Law 241
Providence and Law 134
Providential Illness 33
Provision for Caleb 219
Richard Boardman's Deliverance. .185
Saved from a Robber by Rain 80
The articles designated by a star (*) were
PAGE.
Senator Linn's Rescue 154
Song in the Night 283
Take Care of Him 207
Tennent's Deliverance 141
The Awakened Student* 264
The Bill and the Butterfly 69
The Bullet in the Bible 98
The Burning Parsonage 237
The Captive's Release 130
The Circle of Fire 171
The Czar and the Psalm* 287
The Drowning Lady 257
The Dyke-man's Deliverance 158
The Engineer's Premonition .229
The Explosion* 259
The Falling Chimney 52
The First Awakened 324
The First load of Wood 82
The Flying Engine* 272
The Frightened Robbers 351
The Gold-digging Rat Ill
The Heaven-built Wall 132
The Imperiled Child 251
The Inlidel and the Pirates 369
The Lady and the Robber* , . . 26
The Light-colored Coat* 298
The Little Anchor* 47
The Lock of Hair 104
The Lord's Leading 138
The Lost Book and Saved Sinner. .364
The Lost Deeds 136
The Mastodon's Bones* 81
The Minister and the Sick Girl*... .360
The Mohammedan Book-binder. . 349
The Mysterious Unkindness 356
The Old Flint-lock 84
The Packed Trunk 278
The Pertinent Text 314
The Prisoner of Glatz 66
The Railway Interview 303
The Reprieve 231
The Rescue 107
The Saved Railway Train* 239
The Scattered Tracts 308
The Shipwrecked Crew 213
The Skeptic and the Bird's Nest. . .326
The Speechless Ones* .224
The Suicide and her Bible 378
The Suicide Saved 120
The Timely Ebb tide 117
The Torn Hymn 362
The Tract and the Oyster 377
The Wayside Bethel* 315
The Wedding Robe 152
The Wet Grist* 71
The Widow's Prayer Answered*. . .235
The Widow's Wood* 248
The Young Deliverer 74
Thomas Hownham 191
Thomas Williams' Escape 56
Treasures Hid in the Sand* 90
Wesley and his Persecutors 161
What a Fly Did 379
Who Rung that Bell? 96
written expressly for TUB CHRISTIAN.
INTBODUCTION.
There are no arguments like facts; and God's
providences are facts. Ten thousand voices from
the past proclaim them to the world, and ten thou-
sand voices from the living present echo and indorse
the proclamation. And this evidence is cumulative.
If every trace and record of God's providences up
to this day were instantly blotted out and forgotten,
new facts would be developed to-morrow, and living
men and women would at once arise and testify to
fresh experiences of the gracious guidance of the
unseen hand of God.
There are persons who see nothing of the kind,
so there are men who hunt, and fish, and starve, for
generations, seeing nothing but poverty and want
around them, until some stranger comes and finds
gold and silver and iron and gems beneath their
feet ; drops seeds into the earth, and makes the
desert smile ; and skirts the arrowy water-course
with shops and mills, where streams that have been
idle for ages, are taught to do the work of tens of
thousands of men.
Shall the red savage, who has hunted over the
'4 vvVl
* 'A ' ****>'" ^ ***
>\ : & J !X *' INTRODUCTION.
region for years, and seen nothing, and found noth-
ing, but minks and muskrats, set up his ignorance
and blindness against the higher wisdom of the
stranger, who, with a single glance, saw mines and
mills, fields and fruits, as with an anointed eye, and
knew that they were all sure to come ? Then let the
worldling, buried in his vain pursuits, set his igno-
rance against the experience of those who have tasted
that the Lord is gracious, and proved that his prom-
ises are true.
But the men who utterly deny God's providences
are very few. Let the subject come up in a spirit of
inquiry in almost any company, and instantly some
one or more will have their story to tell, of some
wonderful fact which they have witnessed, experi-
enced, or received from unquestionable authority,
illustrating the general subject of supernatural direc-
tion, and providential care. And he who will note
and gather up such scattered incidents, whether
related by those around him, or recorded in the
writings of the candid and devout in all ages, will
find a mine of precious facts which he can neither
exhaust nor explore. And he who will seek in
patience and in prayer to know and do the will of
God, will most likely soon find for himself facts in
his own experience which will set his own mind
forever at rest.
It is objected by some that the accounts given of
providential interposition are too marvelous to be
believed ; that they must be mere fiction, the product
of imaginative minds and the beguilement of idle
INTRODUCTION. 9
hours. But if we reject modern accounts of God's
providences, what shall we do with the more ancient
records ? No book is so crowded with such matter
as the book of God. Shall we reject the accounts of
more recent experiences because they faintly resem-
ble in their character the records which inspiration
has preserved ? It is true that the Scriptures warn
us against the deceptions of Satanic craft, and the
"lying wonders" wrought by his aid and direction.
But does not this warning imply that there are true
wonders, and that we are to distinguish between
them? If, when the canon of Scripture was closed,
it had been ordained that all instances of miraculous
or supernatural interposition should from that hour
forever cease, how easy would it have been to have
said, "This book contains a record of the wonders
which God has wrought from the creation of the
world ; it must be believed and received ; but any
person who shall hereafter testify that God still hears
prayer, works wonders, or directs the steps of his
people, is to be regarded as an enthusiast or an
impostor, and any account which relates events and
facts resembling those recorded here, is to be rejected
as unworthy of belief." Such a caution as this would
have for ever relieved Christians from all fear or
danger of deception or mistake. But no such caution
was given ; on the contrary, as if He who had worked
wonders hitherto would still work them on the behalf
of his word and his church, men were warned against
the false, implying that there was also something
true to be expected and received.
10 INTRODUCTION.
The current thought that miracles and wonders
belong exclusively to a by-gone age, seems hardly
worthy of a reply. Where is the proof of such an
assertion? Has the Almighty changed? Does not
" every good gift and every perfect gift" still come
down from the Father of lights, with whom, how-
ever man and earthly things may change , ' ' there is
no parallax nor shadow of turning "? "The same
yesterday, to-day, and forever," is His arm short-
ened, or has His promise failed? Do not all His
words read as they did of old ? And is not man the
same ? Was -not Elias * a man subject to like passions
as we are " ? And did not his prayer shut heaven above
rebellious Israel, by the space of three years and
six months, until "he prayed again, and the heavens
gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit"?
No, with the same God, and the same Saviour, and
the same Holy Spirit, and the same gospel, and the
same promises, and the same sinful humanity, where
is the change ? Of old there was failure, and a single
demon defeated the doubting disciples and held his
victim till Christ came down from the mountain and
delivered him. And now, as then, the working of
the Holy One is limited by the faithlessness of the
sons of men, so that over many a lifeless church and
city it may be said to-day, "And he could there do
no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a
few sick folk, and healed them. And he marveled
because of their unbelief." Mark vi. 5,. 6. "And he
did not many mighty works there, because of their
unbelief." Matt. xiii. 58.
INTRODUCTION. 11
A doubting, caviling generation shuts itself away
from the fullness of divine blessing. For them the
sun shines, but they have blinded their eyes. For
them the rain descends, but their vessels are closed
against it, the blessing is ready, but they refuse to
receive it, and frustrate the grace of God.
A word of solemn caution is due to those who
seek the aid and guidance of the Holy Spirit. " Be-
loved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits
whether they are of God : because many false proph-
ets are gone out into the world."
The office of the Holy Spirit does not seem to be
to create or impart new powers of mind or body,
but rather to remedy defects, and repair the ruin
wrought by sin. Man is a wreck, disordered and
diseased; the Holy Spirit " helpeth our infirmities."
Memory, though a natural gift, becomes impaired ;
the Holy Spirit brings all things to remembrance.
Conscience is a natural gift, but it becomes Beared or
perverted ; the Holy Spirit purges and quickens it,
and convinces of sin, of righteousness, and of judg-
ment. Speech is a natural gift, but the Holy Spirit
loosens the stammering tongue, and even bestows
ability so that men speak with new tongues as the
Spirit gives them utterance. The healthful human
body may, by contact with the sick, sometimes
impart strength, or vital force, and thus alleviate
pain, the giver being weakened, as the receiver is
strengthened, by the process ; but when the Holy
Spirit fills a man with gifts of power and healing,
then divine energies work such wonders and cures
12 INTRODUCTION.
as mere human power can never approach or imitate.
So, also, there are persons who are naturally sensi-
tive to unseen influences, and able to discern distant
trouble, and foreknow coming danger, being gifted
with a sort of prophetic instinct, which may be
debased by vice or blunted by neglect, but which
may be improved by culture, and specially quick-
ened and exalted by the presence of the Holy Ghost.
Thus divine manifestations are possible. They are
made through the channels of human thought and
feeling, for man himself with all his powers is
God's creature, and should in every faculty of his
being respond to the moving of the Holy Ghost, as
harp-strings thrill beneath the harper's hand.
Well knowing the importance of these manifesta-
tions, Satan seeks by his fascinations, spiritual mani-
festations, and psychological juggleries , to jumble and
confound all things, human and divine, sacred and
profane, decent and devilish, in one indistinguishable
mass. And as all these manifestations have points of
likeness, since man is the subject of the whole, with
devilish art the precious and the vile are commin-
gled till all are received or all are rejected together.
The most terrible and disgraceful fanaticisms have
thus sprung up among honest but incautious souls,
who, while professing to be lead by the Holy Spirit,
have been swayed by the influence of erring men, or
have found a lower depth of demoniac thrall and been
" led captive by Satan at his will," till they have dis-
honored the Lord, and brought reproach on his cause,
leading others to deny all divine guidance, reject
INTRODUCTION. 13
the Holy Spirit, and sink into formalism and death.
The only safety from these wiles of the devil is
found in the most strict and conscientious adherence
to the teachings of ,the Holy Scriptures. The Holy
Spirit is not given to supersede revelation or encour-
age laziness. To ask direction of the Holy Ghost in
matters expressly commanded or forbidden by the
Holy Scriptures, savors more of impertinence than
of piety. But while the directions of the Scriptures
are unalterably correct as a guide, and infallibly true
as a touch-stone and criterion by which to examine
and decide the true character of our mental and spir-
itual exercises, of course a book of general precepts
and principles can never give specific directions to
meet the special and personal duties of each individ-
ual Christian. Hence the necessity for additional
direction ; and here we find room for the guidance of
the Holy Spirit.
The Acts of the apostles abound with instances of
this direction. "The Spirit said unto Philip, Go
near and join thyself to this chariot ; and Philip ran
thither to him ;" and by that act he sent the gospel
unchallenged into the heart of Ethiopia, and into the
very palace of the Queen. Acts viii. 29, 30. The
Spirit said to Peter, "Behold, three men seek
thee ; ... go with them, doubting nothing, for I
have sent them ;" and the gospel was thus carried
to the house of Cornelius of Caesarea. Acts x. 19,
20. "The Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas
and Saul for the work whereunto I have called
them; .... so they, being sent forth by the
14 INTKODUCTION.
Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia." Acts xiii. 2-4.
Now in all these cases, and in others like them,
of course it could not be expected that written
directions would be given in the Bible for the guid-
ance of the servants of the Lord. The general
precept was, "Go ye into all the world, and preach
the gospel to every creature ;" but we read that
when Paul and Silas at one time ' were forbidden
of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,"
4 * they assayed to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit
suffered them not ;" while on the other hand, to the
cry, "Come over into Macedonia, and help us, "they
were enabled to render an immediate response. Acts
xvi. 6,7,9. And when thus called and directed by
the Holy Ghost, all things conspired to favor their
progress, and instead of tacking and beating, "loosing
from Troas," they "came with a straight course to
Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis."
Thus times and places and opportunities for Chris-
tian service are often pointed out to the child of
God. And while those who ask for the teaching of
o
the Holy Ghost as an excuse for disregarding the
written Word, or to pry into secrets concealed by the
Lord, deserve and may expect disappointment and
deception, those who cling closely to that Word as
the man of their counsel, and ask of God the wis-
dom which they lack, will find to their joy that he
will guide the meek in judgment and teach the meek
his way, and can say with the Psalmist, "Thou
shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward
receive me to glory."
THE GUIDING HAND,
RELIEF AND DELIVERANCE.
"THE LORD PRESERVETH THE STRANGERS; HE RELIEVETH
THE FATHERLESS AND WIDOW." Ps. Cxlvi. 9.
' ' BEHOLD* THE EYE OP THE LORD is UPON THEM THAT FEAR
HIM, UPON THEM THAT HOPE IN HIS MERCY ; TO DELIVER THEIR
SOUL FROM DEATH, AND TO KEEP THEM ALIVE IN FAMINE."
Ps. xxxiii. 18, 19.
"Tnou ART MY HIDING-PLACE; THOU SHALT PRESERVE ME
FROM TROUBLE; THOU SHALT COMPASS ME ABOUT WITH SONGS
OF DELIVERANCE." Ps. XXXii. 7.
THE GUIDING HAND.
EELIEF AND DELIVEKANCE.
BELIVEEANCES.
In the spring of 1848, a young lady of eighteen
years bade good-bye to father, mother, brothers and
sisters, and turned her face from her quiet home, in
the southern part of Vermont, taking the stage
across the Green Mountains for Troy, thence jour-
neying by rail to Buffalo, and there taking the
steamboat on Lake Erie, intending to visit her
friends in the West. Filled with youthful hopes,
buoyant with activity, and health, and bloom, and
beauty, nothing in all her previous mountain life had
ever seemed so productive of joy and happiness, as
the incidents of this first journey from home.
The boat from Buffalo did not stop at the place of
her destination, and accordingly she landed at the
nearest lake-port, Barcelona, ten miles distant from
R. , where her friends resided whom she had thought
to visit first on her western trip.
A mere circumstance, however, had nearly pre-
vented her leaving the steamer at Barcelona. She
(17)
18 THE GUIDING HAND.
had intended to visit other kindred further west, in
Michigan, and a youthful company of associates on
board the steamer, who had with her spent the time
in singing and gay conversation, pressed her earnestly
to go on with them. But an inward impression, that
could not easily be resisted, urged her to leave the
boat at Barcelona. She decided to listen to the
constraining voice, and bidding her gay companions
adieu, she disembarked and visited her friends.
A warm and joyful welcome awaited the young
traveler at R., where, during a pleasant tarry of one
year, and while engaged in teaching a school, she,
when the community was enjoying a season of revival,
became a disciple of Him who once pressed a sailor's
pillow, but showed a Saviour's love, and manifested
a Creator's power.
But alas for her fellow-voyagers ! How uncertain
is human life ! This ill-fated steamer was laden with
travelers who were destined, most of them, never to
see the places toward which they were journeying.
Only five hours after Miss S. was set ashore in safety
at Barcelona, the boat, while proceeding on up the
lake, took fire, and in spite of the almost super-
human efforts made to save her, was burned to the
water's edge, nearly all on board, with the excep-
tion of three or four persons, perishing either in the
flames or by drowning in the lake. Many a home
was desolate from that sad night when the lake was
lit up with the flames of the burning steamer, and
many a weeping eye looked out long but vainly for
the faces of dear ones who never came again.
THE GUIDING HAND. 19
But Miss S. escaped. She obeyed the leadings of
the Guiding Hand, and thus was saved ; saved by a
single moment's decision, only five hours from a
terrible death ; saved to find Christ, the sinner's best
Friend, and go back to her father's home glad in the
Eedeemer's love. Such was the providence of God
in her deliverance ; and though many years have
passed away, she to this day retains a vivid recollec-
tion of that narrow escape from death on board the
doomed Griffith, and thankfully herein records, by
our hand, the story of her deliverance.
About the time the above events occurred near
lake Erie, a young man, who had early given his
heart to God and consecrated himself to the work of
the ministry, in company with three Christian breth-
ren, was crossing a portion of lake Champlain, lying
between two islands, where the waves ran high and
threatening, and the winds blew fiercely. The boat,
which carried them safely over, seemed held together
by a miracle, for it was qld and leaky, requiring to
be bailed every minute ; and it was so rotten, that it
went to pieces on the shore within two days after-
wards, splitting in twain as it lay idle. He was out
on one of his first missions to lost men, and God
beheld the danger, and shielded the boat's crew from
peril on the angry and turbulent waters.
Thus the lives of two persons, at that period
utterly unknown to each other, were spared from
untimely destructions, afterwards to meet and become
" one flesh " at the altar, and share together the joys
and sorrows incident to all who are on life's voyage
20 THE GUIDING HAND.
in the same boat, bound for the haven of endless
rest beyond these mortal shores. Happy will they
be if this voyage ends well.
Some few years after these events, in the year
185-, while this clergyman and his wife were on
their way from the city of Boston to Vermont,
whither they had been summoned to attend at the
bedside of a sick parent, they had together a very
narrow escape from violent and instant death . Reach-
ing by railroad the village of B., at which place they
arrived at nightfall, intending to take the stage to
W , some twenty-five miles, they had already
alighted from the cars, handed their checks to the
stage-driver, and passing round to the opposite -side
of the depot, sprang into the stage, congratulating
themselves and each other on having secured the
hinder seat, as being the most comfortable for the
endurance of the long night ride among the moun-
tains. But scarcely were they seated in fancied
security, and while waiting for the appearance of the
driver, when the four horses attached to the cum-
brous vehicle, becoming frightened by the appear-
ance of the locomotive, with one leap broke the
tie-strap with which they were fastened to the post
in the platform, and commenced running away.
With no one at hand to arrest them, the two sole
occupants of the stage were scarcely aware for a few
moments that, locked in behind the heavy leathern
bar, and with the stage doors closed, they were en-
tirely at the mercy of the frightened steeds. Plung-
ing forward, the brutes turned their heads toward
THE GUIDING HAND. 21
the river, making a sharp curve to enable them to
head toward the north, and so pass up over the
bridge into the village. No guard or fence pro-
tected the river bank, and with increasing speed
the fugitives dragged their helpless victims after
them with no power to resist, while the chance of
clearing the danger and making the curve between
the depot and the Connecticut appeared very small,
and the danger very great. Escape for a few mo-
ments seemed hopeless. Who shall describe the
feelings of those thus exposed to such imminent peril ?
To leap from the flying stage was fraught with jeop-
ardy ; to remain in it, was to court death. And
then, would the horses escape the steep bank of the
river? The bank at this place was twenty feet high,
and the water twenty feet deep. Only a few nights
previously, as they were afterwards told, a man had
driven his team over the bank, and was drowned.
A space of but ten rods of ground was all that inter-
vened. Two rods or less from the precipitous bank,
and running parallel with it, lay a section of the old
railway, with the iron rails still fastened to the
decayed ties. While passing the bend of the curve,
and under full speed, the wheels struck the iron rails,
and the coach was instantly upset. Clasping each
other in their arms, the affrighted pair were dashed
to the earth with great violence, amongst broken
glass from the window and the debris of the shattered
coach body. But during the anxious moments of
their peril, they had bethought them of that God
whose watchful eye was over all his chosen, and who
22 THE GUIDING HAND.
had power to save, and a quick prayer for deliver-
ance had ascended to his ear, and was answered as
quickly. A crowd of inquiring spectators rushed to
the rescue and offered friendly aid to the unfortunate.
Broken spectacles and torn, soiled garments ; a
terrible jar and crash to the earth within twenty feet
of the precipitous river bank ; wounds and contusions
that required the physician's care for ten days ; a
newspaper notice of an accident, and a free ride for
the rest of the journey, were among the results of
the adventure. The body of the coach had, in up-
setting, become detached from the wheels, and the
horses ran away with the latter, leaving the former
on the ground.
At midnight, after a tedious, painful ride, the
preacher and his companion bowed at the bedside of
the sick father, and poured out their souls in suppli-
cations and thanksgivings to that holy Being who
preserves our lives from destructions. Never before
had they been so near a violent death ; never did
deliverance seem to be vouchsafed so speedily. The
newspapers of B. the next morning recorded it as an
11 accident." So it was, perhaps. But there are
two who to this day put down on the pages of
memory this thrilling episode in their checkered
lives, as a providential deliverance from a seen dan-
ger, where there was but a step between them and
death.
Several years later, in the fall of 1861, this same
servant of Christ, with his companion, having come
to the city of R. , had, on a bright October morning,
THE GUIDING HAND. 23
taken seats in the car for a ride of two hundred and
twenty-five miles, to A. Scarcely had they passed
the third station on the route, ere the train, which
had already acquired a speed of ten miles an hour,
was suddenly checked, throwing the startled passen-
gers against the seats in front of them, and causing
a general exclamation of fear and surprise, and a
rush toward the car door. Looking out, the splen-
did engine was seen off the track, plowed into a bank
of earth, and nearly turned on its side, dragging
several of the forward cars after it, and crushing and
damaging the baggage. Every one involuntarily
exclaimed, " What if the train had been under full
speed?" and," What if this had occurred on a high
bank?" Five minutes later and so it would have
been.
Again were these two, who had till now borne
a charmed life, perhaps but a few minutes from
destruction. The train was detained an hour, until
a new one could be made up, before it proceeded on
its swift way as if nothing had happened. There
Were two of those passengers, if no more, who per-
formed the rest of that journey with mingled fear
and thanksgiving, fearing that controlling Power
that seems to hold the destinies of human souls in
his awful hand, thanking the good Father who
ruleth over all, for still preserving their persons
from danger, and enabling them to safely arrive at
the place of their destination.
At a time still later, in the winter of 1866, this
clergyman took the train at K., for the village of P.,
24 THE GUIDING HAND.
intending the next day, which was Sunday, to meet
an appointment for preaching at M. A ride of three
hours brought us to M., at which place, after the
usual tarry and changes, the train started on. Sev-
eral miles beyond M., having just emerged from a
long curve in a deep cut, where high lands hid all
objects on either side, as well as obstructing the view
in front to the open flat land beyond, and while
running at the rate of thirty miles an hour the train
being behind time suddenly the engineer gave the
signal to put on all the brakes, and stop the train.
Nothing is more alarming to a railway traveler, than
this quick, hoarse note of alarm, especially if a glance
at the window exhibits no evidence of proximity to
a station. Quick as the signal the brakes were put
on heavily, the great speed of the train checked, and
the passengers sprang to their feet, and the men out
at the door. The excited conductor, a man of eight
years' experience in conducting trains, came through
the car, and a voice said, " Look ahead on the track."
All did so, and were startled to discover a heavy
freight train on our track, scarcely one minute's ride
in the distance, heading towards us, whose engineer,
with our own, had seen the approaching train in
time, and checked the speed of his engine. Only
one minute between us and a frightful collision that
would have dashed both locomotives and cars in
pieces, and doubtless injured or killed every soul on
board. The conductor had mistaken his orders, and
thereby lost his place. The superintendent of the
road, when made aware of the imminence of the peril
THE GUIDING HAND. 25
to passengers and train, passed an almost sleepless
night, and the involuntary exclamation of all was,
" What if we had met in the curve in the deep cut?"
What destinies hung on that single moment that
separated this freight of panting men and women
from ruin of life and limb ! Is it right to say ours
was "good fortune" only, and that no Almighty
Guiding Hand shielded the trusting and thankful
ones from the dangerous catastrophe ?
There was one at least on board that train whose
work for God was not ended, whose earthly trials
and sufferings in the service of the Master had not
yet accomplished his perfection, and whose life was
yet to be spared for further service in the great
Redeemer's cause.
Why God spares one, as if by special act, and
suffers another to be taken, is a mystery which the
light of eternity will more fully unfold. Let Him
do as he will. But somehow, in view of the many
deliverances recorded of the servants of the Lord,
and our own experience in such matters, we have
come to have an abiding faith that all men, until their
work is done, are endowed with a sort of contingent
immortality, and cannot, if faithful, be effectually
harmed. And it affords great joy to rest in this
faith, and learn to nestle close into the great hand of
Deity. Men in God's service, while on Jife's tumult-
uous sea, are as corks on the waters but not a hair
of their heads will perish while in the line of their
duty, until God is through with them on earth. For
a period of a quarter of a century we have watched
26 THE GUIDING HAND.
the course of human life in this dangerous world,
with seven or eight hundred ministers in this country
who are set to herald the speedy appearing of our
blessed Lord from heaven in his eternal kingdom,
and with gratitude and wonder declare the fact that
we know not a single instance where a minister of
God among them, while in the line of his professional
duty, has been cut off by an accidental or violent
death. Yet no class of clergymen travel more, or
are more exposed to casualties, perils, and natural
dangers, braving toil and risking life and limb every-
where in proclaiming their heaven-born message.
Many have died in their beds, and a few who turned
from duty and took the sword to fight have perished,
while the faithful are yet unharmed. Let them
glorify God. And let each keep at his work, and
fear not, leaving life and all in the hands of the dear
good Master. He is mighty to save. In his king-
dom, there will be no peril or danger, immortality
will be proof against all evil, and the reward of
fidelity is certain and sure.
THE LADY AND THE BOBBER.
In a large, lonely house, situated in the south of
England, there lived many years ago a lady whose
only companions were two maid-servants. Though
far away from all human habitations, they dwelt in
peace and safety, for they trusted in God, and feared
no evil under his protecting care.
THE GUIDING HAND. 27
It was the lady's custom to pass around the house
with her maid-servants every night, and see that all
the doors and windows were properly secured, and
then to lie down and sleep in peace under the shadow
of the Almighty, who was her trust and her shield.
One night she had accompanied her maids about
the house as usual, and having ascertained that all
was safe, they left her in the passage close to her
room, and then went to their own apartment, which
was quite distant, at the other side of the house.
As the lady, thus left alone, opened the door into
her room, she distinctly saw the feet of a man under
her bed. Her feelings may be imagined. Her ser-
vants were far away, and could not hear her if she
called for help ; she might be murdered before they
could arrive , even if they did hear her ; and if they
were there , three weak and defenceless women would
have been no match for an armed and desperate
burglar. Danger was all around her; flight was
impracticable ; earthly refuge seemed to fail. What
then could she do ? She did what it is always safe
to do she trusted in the Lord. She knew that she
had a God to go to, who never leaves nor forsakes
his confiding saints ; and so she possessed her soul
in patience and in peace. Making no outcry, and
giving no intimation that she observed anything
wrong, she quietly closed the door, locked it on the
inside, as she was in the habit of doing, leisurely
brushed her hair, seeking the while, no doubt, the
help and guidance of the Lord whom she served, and
putting on her dressing-gown, she took her Bible
28 THE GUIDING HAND.
and calmly sat down to read the word of God, that
word which is quick and powerful, and sharper than
a two-edged sword, piercing to the dividing asunder
of the soul and spirit, and discerning the thoughts
and intents of the heart.
Guided of the Lord, she selected a portion of
Scripture, perhaps the ninety-first Psalm, or if not
this, some passage which recites the watchful care of
God over his people by night and by day. She read
aloud. Never was a chapter so read before. In that
lonely house, with a desperate robber hidden in the
room, that helpless woman read out the mighty
promises of Him whose word can never fail, and
stayed her soul upon those assurances of divine pro-
tection which cannot disappoint the hopes of the
trusting children of the Most High. Her heart
gained strength as she read the words of truth, and
closing the book she kneeled and prayed to God,
and prayed as she had never prayed before. She
told the Lord her helplessness and need ; she com-
mended herself and her servants in their defenceless-
ness and loneliness to the care of a protecting God ;
she dwelt upon their utter lack of all human defence,
and clung to the sacred promises which were given
for comfort in the hours of trouble and distress.
She lingered long in supplication, for it was her
hour of need, and she came boldly to the throne of
grace, for every other refuge was in vain. At last
she rose from her knees, put out her candle and laid
down upon her bed, but not to sleep.
And how felt the wretched man this while ? He
THE GUIDING HAND. 29
was bold, he was bad, he had companions near, and
in his desperation was prepared for any struggle or
for any crime ; but how must he have felt to hear
the promises of the Almighty God read forth, and to
listen to the pleading voice of that helpless woman,
as she poured out her prayer to the God of her life !
Soon after the woman had laid down, she became
conscious that the man was standing by her bedside.
He spoke to her in a voice very different, we may be
sure, from his usual tone ; begged her not to be
alarmed, and said, " I came here to rob the house,
and if necessary to kill you ; and I have companions
out in the garden ready to obey my call for help.
But after hearing the words you have read and the
prayers you have uttered, no power on earth could
induce me to hurt you or to touch a thing in your
house. If you had given the slightest alarm or
token of resistance, I had fully determined to murder
you, and it was God's good guidance that led you to
pursue the course you took. You must still remain
perfectly quiet, and not attempt to interfere with me.
I shall now give a signal to my companions which
they will understand, and then we will go away and
you may sleep in peace, for I give you my solemn
word, no one shall harm you, and not the smallest
thing belonging to you shall be disturbed."
He then went to the window and opened it, and
whistled softly, as a signal to his comrades to disperse
to a distance, and returning to the bedside of the
lady, who had neither spoken nor moved throughout
the whole, he said, " Now I am going. Your prayer
30 THE GUIDING HAND.
has been heard, and no disaster will befall you. But I
never heard such words before ; I must have the book
you read out of;" and taking her Bible, willingly
enough given, you may be sure, he bade her good-
night and disappeared through the open window.
Directly all was quiet, and the lady composed
herself to sleep, upheld by that faith and grace which
had so signally sustained her in her hour of trial ;
and awoke in the morning to give thanks to Him
who had covered her with his feathers, and pre-
served her from " the terror by night," and been to
her a rock of refuge and a fortress of deliverance in
her hour of need.
But how fared the robber? He came for treasure,
and he got it. He sought gold and silver, and gained
the law of God that is better than thousands of silver
and gold. He carried that away with him which
outweighs all treasures, and shall outlast the world
the word of God that liveth and abideth forever.
No doubt this praying woman remembered him
before the throne, but neither she nor any one else
could trace him in all his course of sin or sorrow
through the world. But God followed him; the
Holy Spirit pursued him, and the message of God's
mercy was in his hands, and for the result we must
wait and hope.
In the month of April, 1867, an aged lady, Mrs.
Hannah P , fell asleep in Christ, in the city of
Boston. It was not our privilege to know her
personally, though acquainted with a member of
her family ; and at his request we endeavored once to
THE GUIDING HAND. 31
call upon her, but failed to find the place of her
residence. She was a native of England, and the
daughter of one of the godly Methodist women of
olden time. In her old age her memory lingered
lovingly about the scenes of her youth, and fre-
quently she would relate to the younger members
of her family the tales of her early English life.
One time, she said, when she was but a little girl,
she went with her mother to attend a meeting of the
Bible Society, or some religious society in Yorkshire,
England. After several noted clergymen and others
had addressed the meeting, a man arose, who stated
that he was employed as one of the book-hawkers of
the society, and told the story of that midnight scene,
as a testimony to the living, saving energy of the
word of God, declaring that, through the influence
of that Bible and the prayers of that Christian woman,
the robber was led to Christ for mercy and salvation.
He paused in his narration, and as the assembly,
thrilled by his story, waited breathless for the con-
clusion, he said, " / was that man." Instantly an
elderly lady rose from her seat in the midst of the
congregation, and quietly said, " It is all quite true ;
I was that lady," and sat down again.
Many years had elapsed since the lady and the
robber parted, and she had never heard of him before
that day. But the Lord had watched and guided,
led and saved that sinful man, and he stood forth a
monument of the wonderful providence and saving
grace of God.
We had met this story some time since in a
32 THE GUIDING HAND.
published volume. A year ago or more, a Christian
brother, having read the articles in THE CHRISTIAN
on " The Guiding Hand," sent us the account in
manuscript. More recently we find the story credited
to the London Packet, in the October number of
which the first part of it appeared, while in a subse-
quent number the editor stated that he had received
a letter fully corroborating the previous account of
the lady and the robber, and narrating the additional
facts of their subsequent meeting at the anniversary
of the society, of which the editor had not heard
when the first part of the story was published in the
Packet.
The gentleman who furnished the manuscript
account of these circumstances having lately called
at the Eepository, we showed him the article copied
from the London publication. He had never met
with the story in print before ; but stated that he had
frequently heard his mother-in-law, Mrs. H
P , relate the account of the anniversary which
she attended with her mother when she was a little
girl, and of the story told by the converted robber,
and confirmed by the testimony of the lady who was
present to hear him.
From these independent sources we compile this
account, and we present it as an illustration of the
protecting care of the Almighty God, as a proof of
the safety of trusting in him, as an example of the
power of his living Word, and of the mysterious
ways by which he seeks and saves the lost ; and as a
fresh encouragement to every child of God to accept
THE GUIDING HAND. 33
with patient trust each trial which may come, relying
upon that gracious providence of Him, who, having
fitted us to be used of the Lord as vessels of mercy
and messengers of grace to men, shall show us, either
here or else hereafter, that all things work together
for our good, and that He who worketh all things
after the counsel of his own will, shall glorify him-
self alike in our willing service and in our patient
trust.
- PROVIDENTIAL ILLNESS.
An English gentleman, doing an extensive business
in a distant part of the country, left his house some
years ago, with an intention of going to Bristol ; but,
when he had proceeded about half way, he was taken
ill, and detained several days. As the fair by this
time was in a considerable degree over, he returned
home. Some years after, the same gentleman, hap-
pening to be at the place where the assizes for the
county were held, was induced to be present at the
execution of a criminal.
While he was mixed with the crowd, the criminal
perceived him, and expressed a desire to speak with
him. On the gentleman's approaching him, he asked,
" Do you recollect at such a time intending to be at
Bristol fair?" "Yes, perfectly well." "It is well
that you did not go, for I and several others, who
knew that you had a considerable sum of money about
you, had resolved to waylay and rob, and then mur-
der you, to prevent detection."
2
34 THE GUIDING HAND.
ANN YOUNG'S TEXT.
Above a century ago, in a sequestered part of
Scotland, a hard- working couple were struggling
through life, and frequently found it difficult to gain
a bare subsistence, and provide even necessaries for
their young family. But though their lot was cast
among the poor of this earth, they were honest.
They lived in a thinly-peopled neighborhood, remote
from town or village, and indeed at a considerable
distance from any habitation whatever. The poor
man could generally contrive to earn a scanty sub-
sistence, barely sufficient to maintain his wife and
four children. At times, indeed, his means of sup-
port were cut oif; for, though industrious when he
could procure work, his employment at best was
precarious. In that secluded district, where there
were few resident gentry, his resources in this respect
were limited and uncertain ; and sometimes this
worthy couple were reduced to great necessity for
want of food, when they experienced unexpected
interpositions of Providence , by which help was sent
to them in the most unlocked for manner. Thus
God often reveals himself to his chosen ones, and in
time of their need proves that he is * * a very present
help in trouble."
At some miles' distance from this humble cottage,
was the residence of an excellent Christian lady
whose piety and active benevolence had gained her
the love and esteem of all the neighborhood. Lady
Kilmarnock devoted her time and fortune to doing
THE GUIDING HAND. 35
good, and was indeed a blessing to those around her.
These worthy cottagers had been frequent objects of
her bounty, and through her aid they had often
obtained most seasonable relief. But, though Ann
Young for that was the former name of the cot-
tager's wife, by which she was still known in the
neighborhood had formerly been a servant in her
family, yet such was her repugnance to appear bur-
densome to her benefactress, that it was seldom
indeed that when in want her distress was made
known by herself.
It came to pass on one occasion that these poor
people were reduced to the greatest extremity of
want; all their resources had failed. Their little
store of provisions gradually diminished, till they
were exhausted. Her children had received the last
morsel she could furnish, yet she was not cast down,
for Ann Young was indeed a Christian. She knew
in whom she had believed ; she had learned to trust
in the loving-kindness of her God, when apparently
cut off from human aid ; and having found by expe-
rience that man's extremity is God's opportunity,
she did not despond.
The day, however, passed slowly over, and no
prospect of succor appeared. Night came at last,
and still no relief was vouchsafed to them. The
children were crying for their supper, and because
there was none to give them, their mother undressed
them and put them to bed, where they soon cried
themselves to sleep. Their father was much dejected,
and likewise went to bed, leaving Ann in solitary
36 THE GUIDING HAND.
possession of the room. And yet she felt not alone ;
many sweet hours had she spent in that little cottage
apart from the world, with her Bible and her God.
Precious had these opportunities ever been to her,
of pouring out her soul to God of spreading her
sorrows, her trials, all before him, and giving vent
to a full, and now, alas ! a heavy heart.
Having seen her children safely at rest, she made
up the peat fire on the hearth, that she might not
afterwards be disturbed for the night. She then
trimmed and lighted the little cruisy a small iron
vessel which served as a lamp and hung it upon its
accustomed place on the wall, and moved the clean
oaken table near it, and having taken a large family
Bible from among the six or eight well-read, well-
worn volumes on the book-shelf, deposited it upon
it. She paused, however, before opening the sacred
volume, to implore a blessing on its contents, when
the following text involuntarily came into her mind :
* < For every beast of the forest is mine , and the cattle
upon a thousand hills."
The text, thought Ann, is not very applicable to
my present condition and opening her Bible she
proceeded to look out for some of her favorite pas-
sages of Scripture. Yet, " For every beast of the
forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills,"
was uppermost in her thoughts. She knelt down
and committed her case to the Hearer and Answerer
of prayer ; and then tried to recall former experience
to bring to remembrance the promises of God, and
those portions of Scripture which used to come home
THE GUIDING SAND. 37
with power to her heart ; but without now feeling
that lively pleasure and satisfaction she had ever
found in the word of God. The text, " For every
beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a
thousand hills," seemed fastened to her memory,
and, despite of every effort, she could not banish it
from her mind. Yet, thought Ann, it is God's own
word ; and she read the fiftieth Psalm, in which the
text is contained. It was, she thought, a beautiful
psalm, but many verses in it appeared to her more
suited to her condition than the one already quoted.
Again she prayed, hoping that, while presenting her
supplication before the throne of grace, she might
forget it; but with no better success. Still she
endeavored to encourage her drooping heart with the
belief, nay, God's blessed assurance of the efficacy of
earnest, persevering prayer, and continued her occu-
pation, alternately supplicating in prayer and reading
her Bible, until midnight. Indeed, early dawn found
her engaged at this same employment. At length
daylight appeared through the little casement, when
a loud, impatient rap was heard at the door.
" Who's there ? " said Ann.
A voice from without answered " A friend."
" But who is a friend?" she replied. " What are
you?"
" I'm a drover; and quick, mistress, and open the
door, and come out and help me. And if there's a
man in the house, tell him also to come out with all
speed, for one of my cattle has fallen down a preci-
pice and broken its leg, and is lying at your door."
38 THE GUIDING HAND.
On opening the door, what was the first object
that met the astonished gaze of Ann ? A large drove
of cattle, from the Highlands of Scotland. As far as
eye could reach in either direction, the road was
black with the moving mass, which the man was
driving on to the market in the south. And there
lay the disabled beast, its leg broken the poor
drover standing by, looking ruefully over it his
faithful colley dog by his side, gazing up as if in
sympathy with his master, and as if he understood
his dilemma, and knew also that his services could
now be of no avail.
The worthy couple were concerned for the poor
drover, and evinced every willingness to assist him
in his misfortune, had it been in their power. He,
in his turn, felt at loss to know how he should
dispose of the animal, and paused to consider what
course he ought to pursue. But the more he thought
over the catastrophe, the more his perplexity in-
creased.
To drive on the maimed beast was obviously
impossible. To sell it there, seemed equally so.
At a distance from a market, it would not be easy to
find a purchaser ; and by remaining in that place
long enough to do so, he must likewise detain the
whole herd of cattle, which would incur more expense
than the animal was worth.
What was to be done? The drover drew his
Highland plaid tighter round him. He shifted and
replaced his bonnet from one side of his head to the
other. "I never," he at length exclaimed, "was
THE GUIDING HAND. 39
more completely brought to my wit's end in my
life ;" and then turning to Ann, he added, " Deed,
mistress, I must just make you a present of it, for in
truth I don't know what else I can do with it ; so
kill it, and take care of it, for it is a principal beast.
I'll answer for it, a mart like that has never come
within your door." And, without waiting for thanks,
he whistled on his dog and joined the herd, which
was soon moving slowly on its weary journey.
The poor cottagers were lost in wonder at this
unexpected deliverance from famine, by so signal an
interposition of Providence. And after they had in
some measure recovered from the surprise such an
incident was calculated to excite, the father assembled
his little family around him to unite in prayer, and
to give thanks to the Giver of all good for this
new proof of his condescending kindness toward
them ! Thus their prayer was now turned into
praise. He then proceeded to follow the advice of
the drover, and found his gift, as he told them, to
be a "principal beast." All was then rejoicing,
preparation and gladness, with the inmates of the
cottage. They had meat sufficient to serve them for
many months to come, and in their first joy they
totally forgot that they had no bread. But He who
"commanded the ravens " to bring to the prophet
" bread and flesh," did not forget it. God does not
work by halves. About six o'clock in the morning,
another knock was heard at the door, which this
time flew quickly open, when who should present
hkoself but the "grieve," or bailiflf of Lady
40 THE GUIDING HAND.
Kilmarnook, with a load on his back. He then
proceeded to relate how that Lady Kiiraarnock
sent for him the previous morning, to inquire ''if
anything had happened to Ann Young." To which
he replied, that he was not aware that she had met
with any calamity, and that when he last heard of
her family, they were all well. " Then," said her
ladyship, " she must be in want; for these few days
she has been incessantly in my thoughts ; / cannot
get her out of my head; and I am sure she is in
distress. So take a sack of meal to her a large
one, too, and take it directly. You had better
convey it yourself, that it may be safely delivered
to her, and bring me word how she is ; for I know
she would almost starve before she applied for
relief."
"I fully intended," added the bailiff, "to have
brought it yesterday, as Lady Kilmarnock desired ;
but being more than usually busy throughout that
day, I could not find leisure to come, but determined
that my first employment this morning would be to
fetch it to you." Thus were these pious cottagers,
by a wonderful interference of Providence, amply
provided for, and Ann Young found out why that
passage of Scripture had been so impressed upon her
mind, and learned to understand more fully than she
did before, the meaning of that old, and yet new,
and true, and faithful word of God, " Every beast
of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand
hills."
THE GUIDING HAND. 41
A PASTOK'S STOKY.
It was December. My quarter's salary, the last
for the year, had been paid me with the usual prompt-
ness. I don't wish to blame my people in the least
in many things they are very kind to their minis-
ter and family. But the plain fact is, that during no
year of the five I have been with them, has my salary
met necessary home expenses. We have tried to
economize in every way ; but as yet are unable to
make the two ends of the year meet on the salary.
We were particularly tried during the month men-
tioned. The weather without was not more gloomy
than the state of things within doors. My three
eldest children were down with the whooping-cough ;
a little babe of only a few weeks was daily threat-
ened ; my wife lay prostrate on a bed of sickness ; I
myself was struggling with the severest cough that
had yet overtaken me ; our hired help had left and
we could obtain no one to take her place ; and one
of the worst features of the case was that I Was
entirely out of pocket, not two months of my quarter
having passed before every cent of my salary was
spent a most unusual circumstance, for ordinarily
it would last me till within a couple of weeks of the
close of the quarter. Six weeks were before me,
during which I would receive no remuneration by
which to meet the expenses that would not stop.
I saw no way of relief. I could calculate on no
outside income of my own ; I had none. My credit
at the stores was good ; but to avail myself of it
42 THE GUIDING HAND.
would inevitably plunge me in debt, for which my
next quarter's salary would not be sufficient. I
dared not draw from the little I had laid aside for
the rainy days of the future ; for when or how should
I be able to replace it? The prospect before me
was dark. Thoughts of it soon began to affect the
peace of my mind. I could no longer apply myself
calmly to sermon labor and pastoral duty. I even
looked around for some employment other than my
regular one, wherewith to turn an honest penny, but
every door was closed. I could endure the tension
of thought the daily worry no longer. I resolved
to lay the whole case before the Lord in prayer.
With this end in view, I first carefully estimated
how much I needed to carry me through the remain-
ing weeks of the quarter, and clear me from all debt.
It would take, I thought, about one hundred dollars.
I next wrote out my prayer, that I might afterwards
know just what I had asked for, what promises I had
plead, and with what sort of a spirit I had prayed.
This written prayer I took to my closet and laid
before the Lord. I asked for these three things :
that I might not get into debt ; that I might not be
compelled to draw from the little I had laid aside
for the future ; and that I might have one hundred
dollars or such sum as the Lord knew I needed to
carry me through the quarter.
After prayer, I somehow became very calm.
Things did not look quite so dark. I felt that in some
way the Guiding Hand would appear. Now, note
the result. It was that same evening I believe, at a
THE GUIDING HAND. 43
very late hour, when my door bell was suddenly
rung. In some surprise I responded to the summons.
A stranger stood before me. He came, he said, to
have me attend the wedding ceremony of his daugh-
ter. I inquired into the circumstances, and found
that the parties were to have been married in Boston,
but on account of the mother's health, had unex-
pectedly changed their plans, and were to be married
at home. Of course I consented to go. As he left
me I said to myself, My first five toward the one
hundred dollars. The Lord means that I shall work
it out. Most willing am I, if he will only give me
something to do."
A few days after this came our Sunday-school
Christmas festival. It was a season of much inno-
cent merriment to the children. The Christmas tree
was heavily laden, and Santa Claus was profuse with
his gifts. Perhaps, thought I, the Lord will remem-
ber me to-night ; but not a penny was announced for
the pastor.
Nothing disturbed in my faith, I was turning to
leave, when a gentleman accosted me, one who held
a bill of a barrel of flour against me. It was one of
the things that had given me trouble. He held in
his hand the bill, and with a good-natured smile,
said he wished to make me a little Christmas present.
He then handed me the bill receipted. It amounted
to ten dollars and sixty cents. Saying a few words
of thanks and remarking on the timeliness of the
gift, I returned home with a lighter heart.
A few days after this, a neighboring pastor called
44 THE GUIDING HAND.
and asked me to exchange with him the next Sunday.
Being in no mood for pulpit preparation, on account
of domestic care, I consented and went. It was a
dismal day. The rain fell in torrents incessantly.
Only a scattering few were present. All my efforts
that day seemed to me the veriest commonplace.
At the close of the afternoon service, and before I
could leave the pulpit, a gentleman hastily came up
and took his seat by my side. I had been introduced
to him that day. He kindly inquired how I was to
return, etc., and then, on leaving me, put into my
hand a bill. He pressed the gift upon me so deli-
cately, that I consented to take it. On going home
I looked at the bill and found it was five dollars. I
have been a minister for twelve years, but this was
the first time that I had received a gift in the 'pulpit
and on the Lord's day.
I now felt more certain than ever that God was
answering my prayer. In a few days, I had received
from most unexpected quarters, twenty dollars
toward the one hundred I had asked for. After
this, twenty-two days elapsed ; and one Monday
evening, as I was sitting with my wife, talking about
the matters of the day, but all the while inwardly
wondering whether the Lord would suffer me to
begin my new quarter, which was only six days off,
in debt, we were startled by a nervous ring of the
door bell. On opening the door the friend who had
remembered me so pleasantly on Christmas eve,
entered. He had been a frequent visitor before, and
his presence now raised no expectations. After an
THE GUIDING HAND. 45
hour's chatty conversation he arose to leave. I
accompanied him to the door with the light. As I
extended my hand to shake good-night, he left a roll
of bills in it. Before I had time to express my
astonishment, he had gone. Not having given me
the slightest intimation of what was coming, this
almost midnight gift seemed like something dropped
from the skies. We opened the roll and counted
seventy-five dollars . * ' Within five dollars of my
hundred!" I exclaimed. "This will suffice. My
prayer is substantially answered." What gratitude
swelled in my heart that night. And the next day
how laughingly I went to the stores, and left word
at each to make out their respective bills ! And
with what joy I speedily cashed them all ! Once
more I was out of debt and what to me was very
strange, I had some money left. But why forget the
five loaves and twelve baskets of fragments ?
Previous to this event, while in one of our church
gatherings, I had been invited to visit a lady who
had formerly been constant at our service. In the
press of my ministerial duties, I had almost forgotten
this follower of the Lord. I was glad to be told that
a visit from me would be welcomed. A few days
after the Monday I have just spoken of, while sitting
in my room, I became strongly impressed to go at
once and see this lady. I did so. The day was
mild and sunny. After spending considerable time
in profitable religious conversation, I rose to leave.
" Stop a moment," she said, and then left the room.
I wondered; but imagined she had gone to get a
46 THE GUIDING HAND.
book to read, or to prepare something to have me
take home to my wife. She quickly returned ; and
then extended to me her hand with a bill in it, asking
me to accept it, I could not do so at first, telling
her I had no need of it ; but she had so many reasons
why I should take it that I reluctantly consented.
On my way home I looked at the gift. It was five
dollars.
This made up the hundred. In two days more
my quarter would end. In just thirty-six days from
the time I offered my prayer, the whole answer came.
One circumstance I afterwards learned with respect
to the seventy-five dollars. It came from three
individuals only. Each of them agreed to give as
much as the other would. One started with twenty-
five dollars; so the three gave twenty-five apiece.
The friend who brought me the gift was overheard
saying some time after, that he was sorry he had not
doubled his gift. Instead of seventy-five, then, I
would have received one hundred and fifty dollars.
Was it because I had asked for the one hundred only,
that my friend did not yield to his first impulse ?
I gather the above facts from my journal, where I
wrote them at the time, and I hope that some strug-
gling disciples will be encouraged by this recital to
be anxious about nothing, but in everything by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to let
their requests be made known unto God.
Give to the winds thy fears,
Hope, and be undismayed :
God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears :
God shall lift up thy head.
THE GUIDING HAND. 47
THE LITTLE ANCHOB.
About fifty years ago there lived in Marblehead,
Mass., a God-fearing sea-captain named Richard
Girdler, who sought to make his vessel a place of
prayer, and who trusted in God amid the perils of
the mighty deep.
One night he was called upon to take charge of the
brig Farns worth, in which he had sailed to Antwerp
the preceding April, and which was now laden and
lying in the stream, all ready for another voyage.
Having arranged matters with the owners, Captain
Girdler went on board the brig next morning, and
found everything ready, with one exception. In his
opinion, before starting on so long a voyage, the ves-
sel needed another hawser and a kedge, which, as our
sea- faring readers know, is a small anchor, not in-
tended for security from storms, but used in calm
weather, to steady the vessel, or by carrying it off to
a distance in a boat, to "warp" or move a ship to
another position when wind and tide do not serve.
He laid the matter before the owners, and received
orders to procure a kedge, and go back to Marblehead
and obtain a suitable hawser for it.
The kedge was easily found, but he could not get
such a hawser as fre wanted in all Marblehead, and
there was no rope-walk there long enough to "lay,"
or twist one, and the weather was too rainy to do it
out of doors. But he would not go without his haw-
ser, and was finally obliged to have it laid in two
glats, or pieces, of sixty fathoms each, which, when
48 THE GUIDING HAND.
joined together, made a strong hawser of one hun-
dred and twenty fathoms, or seven hundred and
twenty feet in length.
Thus provided, the Far ns worth cleared from the
port of Boston for Liberia, October 3, 1826, and
sailed on her destined voyage. During the passage
the service of God was not forgotten ; family worship
was regularly maintained when the weather would
permit ; and all who could be spared from duty were
invited to attend, though two of the crew, who were
Roman Catholics, would not accept the invitation.
About the first of December, 1826, the Farnsworth
reached the bay of Gibraltar, and came to anchor,
and remained there some days, with hundreds of
other vessels that were moored in the bay. On the
sixth of the month the weather looked threatening,
and a gale seemed approaching. They made such
preparations as they could for the fearful encounter,
all the anchors were over, the small bower, and
the best bower ; and the little kedge, with the whole
new hawser of a hundred and twenty fathoms, was
carried out, and everything was made trim and snug
for the coming storm.
They had not long to wait. The wind freshened ;
at nine o'clock in the evening the gale burst upon
them with tremendous power, and at eleven o'clock
it blew a perfect hurricane. Not less than three
hundred vessels of all classes and descriptions had
found anchorage there, and the effect of such a gale
among them may be imagined. Cables parted, an-
chors dragged, rigging was torn, and rent, and swept
THE GUIDING HAND. 49
away, vessels drifted hither and thither, like corks
upon the water, dashing against each other and upon
the shore, and consternation and dismay were on
every countenance.
At a quarter past eleven o'clock the Farnsworth
parted her small bower, and began to drift with the
hurricane ; soon her best bower followed, and away
went the brig before the wind. Up to this time most
of the vessels had gone on to "the neutral ground ;"
some of them little injured, some bilged, some dis-
abled, some crushed by the collisions caused by the
roll of larger vessels, and all in imminent peril, with
death and destruction stalking wildly through the
storm.
Just at this time the danger seemed to increase , for
the wind had shifted, a.nd the Farns worth was drift-
ing directly towards the massive mole against whose
rocky side it seemed that it must crash beyond hope
of escape. A little astern of her, a ship from New
York had already been dashed in pieces upon the
rocks ; and distinctly visible through the surrounding
gloom, lashed by the fury of the winds, roared the
white breakers, which seemed to every one on board
to be weaving for them a sailor's winding-sheet.
What now could be done ? No skill could avail,
no human arm could save them, and He who hushed
the brute waves of Gennesaret with his word, walked
not upon the dark waters to quiet their tumultuous
rage. Eefuge failed them, and they could only pre-
pare to meet their impending fate.
Shrinking from their awful doom, they raised their
50 THE GUIDING HAND.
cries to God, and besought the captain to pray with
them. On the very verge of destruction they all
kneeled upon the deck, while above the voice of deep
calling unto deep, arose the captain's cry to Him who
was mighty to save. And he was heard. He who
once slept in the hinder part of the vessel, and awoke
to save his disciples from the yawning waves, had a
care for this ship where his word was trusted and his
name adored ; and when they arose from their knees
they found, to their amazement, that their ship, which
had been driven from her moorings when held by
three anchors, was now heading towards the wind,
and riding securely, held only by her little kedge
the smallest of the whole !
At midnight the gale abated, but the morning light
disclosed a fearful scene. The ' ' neutral ground " was
packed with ill-fated vessels, piled one upon another
in terrible confusion. Some had gone directly upon
the rocks , and had been dashed in pieces there ; and
of three hundred vessels that were riding quietly at
anchor the day before, not more than fifty remained
unharmed. The rest were either wrecked, or more
or less injured ; and the shore of Gibraltar was strewn
with the fragments of wrecked vessels and the bodies
of the dead.
But how did the Farnsworth escape? She was
drifting rapidly on to the rocks, and her two strong-
est cables and heaviest anchors were gone. How
was the vessel saved from impending ruin ?
The captain sent out a boat and got up his anchors ;
but when he came to heave up his little kedge, he
THE GUIDING HAND. 51
found it almost impossible to raise it. Slowly and
wearily they toiled to heave it up, and when it came
under the vessel's bow, they saw with wonder that
the fluke of the little kedge was hooked into the ring
of a huge old Spanish anchor, that weighed more than
three thousand pounds I
Forty-four years before, in September, 1782, a
Spanish flotilla attacked Gibraltar, and Governor
Elliot, who was then in command there, poured a
storm of red-hot shot upon them, burning, sinking,
and destroying their fleet. This may have been one
of their anchors ; it may not ; no one but God knows
who put it there, and none but He knew where it lay.
He knew all about it, and he "knoweth how to de-
liver the godly" out of danger and temptation.
He would not sufler Captain Girdler to go to sea
without his kedge. A large anchor would not answer,
it must be a little kedge, just large enough to steady
a vessel while lying in the stream, and small enough
so that the fluke of it would enter the ring of that
old Spanish anchor ; and it must be fastened to a new
cable strong enough to hold the brig amid the fury of
the gale. God knew all about it, and he knew just
when to shift the wind to bring the kedge where the
old anchor was, and so deliver them from death by
the very means that seemed to portend a more swift
destruction. Truly, God heareth prayer ; and those
sailors thought so ; for the two who had refused to
join in worship at the family altar now refused no
more, being convinced that God had heard and
answered Captain Girdler's prayers.
52 THE GUIDING HAND.
The facts above stated are believed to be authentic ,
some of them were published in The Youth's Com-
panion (Boston), for April, 1848, and the names,
dates of clearance, etc., were furnished for THE
CHRISTIAN from the records of the Boston Custom
House, and may be relied on as correct.
THE FALLING CHIMNEY.
Some persons believe in a general, but deny a
special providence, forgetting that as the greater
includes the less, so a general providence is made up
of special providences. Zion's Herald asks and
answers the question, "Is there not a special provi-
dence?" in the statement of this recent and striking
fact:
" During the gale on Tuesday, December 5th, 1871,
Rev. Dr. Samuel Harris, of New Haven, who
delivered the course of lectures before the Boston
Theological Seminary last week, was sitting in his
own room, number 99, Maryborough Hotel, Boston,
writing. Being at a loss for a word, he clasped his
hands over the top of his head, and tilted back his
chair to meditate. Scarcely had he done so, when a
chimney was thrown over, and a mass of brick and
mortar came through the roof and the ceiling, crush-
ing the table on which he had been writing. But
for the position he was in, he would have been
instantly killed. The hole made in the roof was at
least ten by fourteen feet. If this is not a special
providence, what is?"
THE GUIDING HAND. 53
A TIMELY VISIT.
The following interesting statement, contained in
a volume entitled "Remarkable Providences," is from
the pen of a minister who says, "The facts I received
but a few evenings ago from an amiable lady of my
congregation, and may be fully depended upon,
though I am not at liberty to mention names. I will
give the account as nearly as possible in her own
words :"
"One afternoon, in the winter of about the year
1808, I had occasion to go from F to S , a
distance of about two miles, and was unexpectedly
detained till late in the evening, when I set out to
return home alone. The night was very frosty and
cold, and the ground was covered with a deep snow.
When I had proceeded some short distance on the
road, I was stopped by two men, who were, I believe,
employed in the military works in the neighborhood.
They asked me if I was going to F ; I gave them
an evasive answer and proceeded, not a little sensible
of the dangerous circumstances in which I was placed.
I went on a little distance, when they again accosted
me, and once more I found means to give them an
evasive reply. They passed on before me, and hid
themselves in the hedge, and as I came near them, I
heard them engaged in a conversation that roused all
my fears ; I paused a moment, and then resolved to
return to S with all possible speed. I set off
to run, with one of these men almost immediately
behind me. Once I fell on the ice almost exhausted,
54 THE GUIDING HAND.
but remembering that my very life was at stake, I
arose, and with aid communicated from on high, I
pursued my journey till I reached the Turnpike
House, into which I ran, and fell in a state of
exhaustion into one of the chairs. At some times
during the pursuit the man was not more than three
yards behind me.
' 'In about two hours I was in some degree recovered
from my fright ; and that I might not alarm my
friends at S with my return, I resolved to spend
the night with a pious old lady, a member of your
church, who at that time was keeping the house of a
baronet in S , who was then, with all his family,
absent from home.
"Late at night, probably at ten o'clock, I arrived
at the house, and still terrified with what I had
passed through, I knocked at the different doors with
all my might, but it was long before I received an
answer. At length the old lady, who was quite
alone, came to a small back door situated among the
stables, to inquire who was there. I mentioned my
name, and she opened the door for my admission ; I
related the circumstances in which I was placed, and
she begged me to stay over night, to which I cheer-
fully assented, and accompanied her into the house.
"As we passed through the different parts of the
house, I could not help remarking the circumstance
that every door, even those we had to enter, and
from which I supposed the old lady had just passed,
were all carefully made secure ; nor was I a little
surprised to find that she had no refreshment to offer
THE GUIDING HAND. 55
me, except a little bread. But as my heart over-
flowed with gratitude for the deliverance I had
experienced, I felt but little concern on that account.
We retired to rest, and I left my friend with feelings
of thankfulness to the great Preserver of my life, for
the escape I had on the past night, which I can never
forget.
"From this period I could not but be struck with
the attention and kindness which the good old lady
manifested towards me. She seemed almost to feel
for me an idolatrous regard, and I sometimes felt
grieved at the trouble she gave herself to promote
my comfort whenever I paid her a visit.
"Mark the sequel of these events : About the
year 1818, as her husband was dead, it was judged
desirable that she should leave S to go to
reside with her son in London. She came, therefore,
to take her leave of me ; and, after some general
conversation, she said : ' Miss , I have some-
what particular to say to you. Do you remember
coining to Sir 's house to me ten years
ago?' * Certainly I do,' I replied; 'nor can I ever
forget the deliverance I then experienced.' 'Do
you remember that you found all the doors bolted
and barred, that I came to you at a door among the
stables, and that I had nothing to offer you for
your supper but a morsel of bread ?' ' Yes, I remem-
ber it all.' Here she burst into tears, and as soon
as she could, she told me that at that time she had
long labored under very heavy depression of spirits ;
that she had been tempted to destroy herself; and
56 THE GUIDING HAND.
that when I went to the house, she had fastened all
the doors, and was passing down the yard with a
determination to drown herself in the sea ; but that
my coming in the way I did, had clearly shown her
that the interposing hand of God had removed the
temptation, and scattered the gloomy feelings of her
mind. She added, that she had ever since endured
much grief on account of the painful event ; that as
she was not likely to live very long, and in all proba-
bility should never see me again, she had come to
the determination, however painful the task, to dis-
close the whole affair, begging me never to relate the
circumstances as long as she lived. I acceded to her
request, nor was the affair known even to her own
family, till her death had taken place."
A few months after this conversation, she suddenly
passed away from a world of sorrow and distress,
comforted with the hope of seeing Jesus, and sharing
the joys of immortality and eternal blessedness in
his presence.
THOMAS WILLIAMS' ESCAPE.
"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is
forgotten before God? "
About 1785, Thomas Williams, by trade a miner,
and at that time about nineteen years of age, was
working in a lead mine near Llanarmon, Denbigh-
shire, North Wales. The mine was under a very
high mountain, and while Thomas Williams and his
partner were working at the farther part of the mine.
THE GUIDING HAND. 57
a vast quantity of rubbish fell down , stopped up their
way, and kept them closely confined forty-eight hours.
At the expiration of this time they were dug out by
their partners ; neither of them having sustained the
least damage, except what they suffered through cold.
About fourteen years ago, the same Thomas Wil-
liams was employed in working in a slate quarry at
Cormistone in the North of Lancashire. He was one
day raised a considerable height from the bottom of
the quarry in order to loosen some stone near the
top, when a large quantity of earth, and huge pieces
of rock gave way, and fell with all their force upon
him, and undoubtedly would have crushed him to
death, had it not been for two of the large stones,
which, as though designed for the purpose, met
together, and formed a kind of arch over him. Hence,
although he was much bruised, in a few weeks he
recovered.
This day, June 5th, 1805, the same man, who is now
a private in the Second Regiment of Royal Lancashire
militia, Captain Ridgeway's company, being employed
with one of his comrades in sinking a well in this
town, Colchester, went down into the well, which
was some forty feet deep, about three o'clock this
morning. He had scarce been an hour in the well
when he heard a crack. He immediately looked up,
and observed the corb a piece of wood in a circular
form, for the purpose of supporting the bricks had
given way. Instantly he endeavored to run up the
rope, hoping by this means to prevent some, if he
could not prevent the whole, of the destructive
58 THE GUIDING HAND.
materials from falling upon him. But the windlass not
being fast, he was prevented escaping by this method ;
and was immediately covered with a vast quantity of
1500 bricks, beside the earth which fell in with them.
The earth and sand enclosed him as high as the
middle of his thighs. The bricks, mingled with the
earth, enclosed him upwards, and pressed with such
violence against his breast and back, as scarcely to
suffer him to breathe. He says he could not breathe
at all for some time.
Around his head the bricks were so laid as just to
give him room to move his head. And the quantity
of earth that covered him above was fifteen feet deep.
He says he was perfectly sensible the whole time ;
and that he first turned his thoughts to his wife and
child, who now reside in the county of Westmore-
land. Expecting never to see them on earth again,
he earnestly commended their bodies and souls to
the mercy and care of heaven. Supposing he should
soon be deprived of his reason, he endeavored to
throw himself on the merits of Immanuel's blood,
trusting therein for life and salvation.
In a little time he found himself able to breathe
more freely, and he began to sing that reviving hymn,
" My God, the spring of all my joys."
This he was enabled to sing through ; and the words,
he says, being the sentiments and experience of his
mind, when he came to that verse,
"Fearless of hell and ghastly death,
I'd break through every foe ;
The wings of love, and arms of faith,
Would bear me conqueror through 1 "
THE GUIDING HAND. 59
his soul was unspeakably happy, and his prospect of
eternity peculiarly delightful.
His colonel and captain hearing of the accident,
hastened to the place, and to the credit of humanity,
appeared to be both deeply affected, and, as I am
informed, they both wept. They determined he
should be got out, if possible, dead or alive. Imme-
diately fifteen men were employed to remove the
materials beneath which he lay. The picket guard
was sent for to keep off the crowd, while the colonel
and captain stood by, ready to give every possible
assistance.
About ten o'clock they heard him shout, and by
eleven, the colonel and one of the men caught hold of
his hand, and brought him out ; not having received
any other injury than that of being a little crushed
with the pressure of the heavy materials. He had
been confined to the dark cell seven hours. He
informs me that he reflected with pleasure on the
omnipresence and omniscience of that God who
heard the cry of Jonah from the belly of the fish
Jonah ii. 2. This night he was at our chapel to
request the congregation to unite with him in thanks-
giving to Almighty God for his gracious deliverance.
Now what must we say to these things ? Must we
ascribe such deliverances to that unmeaning term
"Chance," or ascribe them to the guardian care of
the Infinite goodness, "Who maketh his angels
spirits; and his ministers a flame of fire," giving
them charge concerning his saints to keep them in all
their ways ? Should not every pious heart be swift
60 THE GUIDING HAND.
to recognize the goodness of the Lord, and the effi-
cience of his kind providence, by which he manifests
himself a present help in every time of need, and
redeems from destruction the lives of those who trust
in him?
A BLESSED PSALM.
In this perplexed and vexing world the guidance
of the divine counsel is our comfort and our joy.
And it is a precious thought, when trials and sorrows
roll in upon our fainting hearts, that the Saviour,
who was tempted in all points like as we are, yet
without sin, will not suffer us to be tempted above
that we are able, but will with the temptation pro-
vide a way of escape, that we may be able to bear it.
Little does a godless world know of the secret
grief that wrings so many a quivering heart ; and
less does it know of the wondrous wisdom of divine
providence by which ' ' the Lord knoweth how to
deliver the godly out of temptation," and assuage the
sorrows that threaten to destroy their souls. But
Jesus knows it all the sorrow and the joy, the trial
and the consolation, the snare that Satan weaves, and
the power that breaks its meshes and sets the captive
free. And he who, in the spirit of Christ's love,
sympathizes with the disconsolate, and seeks to heal
the wounds of the broken-hearted, will listen to many
a bitter tale of hidden sorrow and despair, and to
many a glad thanksgiving for delivering grace in
times of special need, manifested in strange and
THE GUIDING HAND. 61
wonderful ways, and proving itself sufficient for
every hour of conflict and distress.
And in such trials and such deliverances, how often
the words of divine Inspiration, brought to view,
illuminated, and emphasized by the Holy Ghost,
are made the instruments of the discomfiture of
Satan, and the rescue of those whose feet had well-
nigh slipped upon the dark and dangerous mountains
of sorrow and despair.
The experience of a personal and valued friend of
the writer, who, having been preserved through
years of the bitterest grief that falls to the lot of
mortals, yet lives to honor God, and serve and bless
his church, so fitly illustrates the goodness of our
heavenly Father, that we lay it before our readers
substantially in the very words in which it was
related to us :
' ' At one time during my years of suffering, I had
prayed, groaned, and begged to have matters differ-
ent, till I thought O God, forgive me for having
such thoughts ! that I could not live any longer ;
and I determined to go down to the wharf and step
off into the water, and let no one know anything
about it. From day to day this temptation grew
stronger and stronger, until it seemed to be* the best
thing that I could do to escape the sorrows which the
wickedness of others had brought upon me.
"After some time, one Saturday night, having
finished my work in the mill where I was compelled
to labor, I thought, ' Now I will go and step off from
the wharf and end the whole.' I prepared myself to
THE GUIDING HAND.
perform the dreadful purpose, but just upon starting
I bethought me of an aged Christian pair whose
friendship and affection I had prized for several
years, and whose sympathy had been deep and ready
in all my sorrows ; and I thought I could not bear to
die without seeing them, and I felt that I must go
and take one more look at their dear old loving faces
before I resigned myself to my bitter fate.
" Accordingly I entered their humble cottage, and
the good sister said, ' Glad to see you ; we have been
speaking of you; sit down.'
" 'No,' said I, for I feared they would begin to
speak to me ; ' I am in a great hurry, but I thought I
would stop a moment.'
" I was going out without sitting down, but they
both said, ' You must stop long enough to hear this
chapter read,' and the old man began to read from
the Bible which lay open before him ; and as I was
unwilling to be rude, out of respect I tarried and sat
down. Slowly and reverently the good old man
read from the thirty-seventh psalm the precious
words :
Fret not thyself because of evil doers,
Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good ;
So shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the Lord ;
And he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the Lord ;
Trust also in him ; and he shall bring it to pass.
And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light,
THE GUIDING HAND. 63
And thy judgment as the noonday.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him :
Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way,
Because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath :
Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
For evil doers shall be cut off :
But those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.
For yet a little while and the wicked shall not be :
Yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place ; and it shall not be.
But the meek shall inherit the earth ;
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
The wicked plotteth against the just,
And gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
The Lord shall laugh at him :
For he seeth that his day is coming.
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow,
To cast down the poor and needy,
And to slay such as be of upright conversation.
Their sword shall enter into their own heart,
And their bows shall be broken.
A little that a righteous man hath
Is better than the riches of many wicked.
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken :
But the Lord upholdeth the righteous.
The Lord knoweth the days of the upright :
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time :
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish,
And the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs :
They shall consume : into smoke shall they consume away.
The wicked borroweth and payeth not again :
But the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth.
For such as be blest of him shall inherit the earth ;
And they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord;
And he delighteth in his way.
64 THE GUIDING HAND.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down:
For the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
I have been young, and now am old ;
Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his seed begging bread.
He is ever merciful, and lendeth ;
And his seed is blessed.
Depart from evil, and do good ;
And dwell for evermore.
For the Lord loveth judgment,
And f orsaketh not his saints ;
They are preserved forever:
But the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
The righteous shall inherit the land,
And dwell therein forever.
The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom,
And his tongue talketh of judgment.
The law of his God is in his heart ;
None of his steps shall slide.
The wicked watcheth the righteous,
And seeketh to slay him.
The Lord will not leave him in his hand,
Nor condemn him when he is judged.
Wait on the Lord, and keep his way,
And he shall exalt thee to inherit the land :
When the wicked are cut off thou shalt see it.
I have seen the wicked in great power,
And spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Yet he passed away and, lo, he was not !
Yea, I sought him but he could not be found !
Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright :
For the end of that man is peace !
But the transgressors shall be destroyed together :
The end of the wicked shall be cut off.
But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord :
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them:
He shall deliver them from the wicked,
And save them because they trust in him.
THE GUIDING HAND. 65
" I cannot describe the emotions of that hour, as I
listened to the calm, tender, comforting voice of that
godly man, and to those more precious and consoling
words in which the Holy Spirit spoke to me that
night. In the whole compass of the sacred volume
there was not another passage so specially appro-
priate to my state and feelings as that. And it came
to me as a new revelation, something which I did
not know that I had ever seen before. And when
he had finished the psalm, and said, ' Let us get
down and thank the Lord,' I hesitated ; could 1
pray? could I live any longer? 'Yes, blessed
Jesus,' I said, ' I will suffer on,' and falling on my
knees with them around their humble altar, I felt
my heart melt, my purpose change, and the dark
temptation to take my life, which had haunted me so
long, vanished from my mind. My hurry was over ;
=1 could stay as well as not, to hear the words of
consolation and trust that distilled from their lips
upon my stricken heart, and I went forth strength-
ened to ' run with patience the race that was set
before me, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher
of our faith.'
' ' Years have passed away since then ; God has been
gracious unto me, and delivered my soul from death,
mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
My aged Christian friends still live, and pray, and
cheer the desolate and sad, and their home has been
an ark of rest, and a bethel of blessing to many a
tossed and troubled child of tears. But they have
never yet learned how much their faithful love was
66 THE GUIDING HAND.
blessed to one poor soul, upon that sad Saturday
evening, when my feet had well-nigh slipped in the
path of darkness, sorrow and despair."
Such was the story, the scenes and circumstances
of which, together with all the persons concerned in
it, are well known to the writer, who has placed it
upon record in the hope that it may comfort some
other soul in the extremity of grief, and also encour-
age the children of God to ever speak a word of
consolation to the weak and weary ones, trusting in
God to give the increase and bless the efforts made
to glorify his name.
THE PKISONEK OF GLATZ.
Dr. W. F. Besser, pastor of Waldenburg, in Upper
Silesia, in his practical commentaries, relates the fol-
lowing incident which occurred not far from the place
where he resides.
In a cleft of a mountain range in Upper Silesia,
through Avhich the wild and raging Neisse forces its
o o o
passage down to the Oder, stands the impregnable
Prussian fortress of Glatz, a natural fastness, almost
unequalled in the world, begirt by mountain-peaks
like walls, and fortified yet more by human skill.
The valley itself is shut out from the rest of the
world ; and one who is enclosed by the massive walls
and gratings of the castle is an exile from the world,
as if buried alive. Woe to the man imprisoned in
Glatz! Everything calls out to him, "No hope
remains for thee ! no hope !"
THE GUIDING HAND. 67
Here, in the second decade of this century, lay the
Count of M , hitherto petted and thronged, now
hopelessly immured behind bolts and bars. By trea-
son against the realm, and especially by personal
violence offered to Frederic William III. of Prussia,
he had drawn down the rage of that monarch on his
head, and was condemned to solitary imprisonment
for life. For a whole year he lay in his frightful,
lonely cell, without one star of hope in either his outer
or inner sky, for he was a skeptic. They had left him
only one book, a Bible ; and this for a long time he
would not read, or if forced to take it up to kill time
and relieve his consuming weariness, it was only read
with anger and gnashing of teeth against the God it
reveals.
But sore affliction, that dreadful and yet blessed
agent of God, that has brought back to the Good
Shepherd many a wandering sheep, was effectual with
the Count of M . The more he read his Bible, the
more he felt the pressure of the gentle hand of God
on his forlorn and hopeless heart.
On a rough and stormy November night, when the
mountain gales howled round the fortress, the rain
fell in torrents, and the swollen and foaming Neisse
rushed roaring down the valley, the Count lay sleep-
less on his cot. The tempest in his breast was as
fearful as that without. His whole past life rose
before him ; he was convicted of his manifold short-
comings and sins ; he felt that the source of all his
misery lay in his forsaking God. For the first time
in his life his heart was soft, and his eyes wet with
68 THE GUIDING HAND.
tears of genuine repentance. He rises from his cot,
opens his Bible, and his eye falls on Psalm 1. 15 :
"Call upon Me in the day of trouble ; I will deliver
thee, and thou shalt glorify me." This word of God
reaches the depths of his soul ; he falls on his knees
for the first time since he was a child, and cries to
God for mercy, and that gracious and compassionate
God, who turns not away from the first movement
of faith towards him, heard the cry of this sufferer
in the storm-beaten dungeon of Glatz, and gave him
not only spiritual but temporal deliverance.
The same night, in his ,castle at Berlin, King Fred-
eric William III. lay sleepless in bed. Severe bodily
pains tormented him, and in his utter exhaustion he
begged of God to grant him a single hour of refresh-
ing sleep. The favor was granted ; and when he
woke again he said to his wife, the gracious Louise,
"God has looked upon me very graciously, and I
may well be thankful to him. Who in my kingdom
has wronged me most ? I will forgive him."
"The Count ofM ," replied Louise, "who is
imprisoned in Glatz."
"You are right," said the sick king; "let him be
pardoned."
Day had not dawned over Berlin ere a courier was
despatched to Silesia, bearing to the prisoner in Glatz
pardon and release. The prayer of penitential faith
had been heard, and deliverance was granted by the
providence of God.
And the God of our fathers still lives ; he hears the
cry of his children, and many times he answers even
THE GUIDING HAND. 69
before we rightly call upon him. Now, as in ages
past, the Lord looks down from heaven to behold
the sighing of the prisoner, and to loose his bonds ;
and still, as of old, the king's heart is in the hands of
the Lord, and he turneth it as the conduits of water
are turned. Let us make him our refuge, and con-
fide in his power with an abiding and unshaken trust.
THE BILL AND THE BUTTEKFLY.
A poor Christian woman in Buckinghamshire I
belie ve Berkhampstead was bereaved of her husband
after a long illness, and left unprovided for, the only
thing of value being a large chest of tools. The hus-
band had only just been buried, when a neighbor,
bearing no good character, called on the widow, and
presented a bill for work done, altogether beyond the
widow's power to pay. The work had been done in
the husband's lifetime, was paid for by him, and the
bill receipted, of which the widow had a distinct
recollection. It availed not for her to assert the fact.
The payment of the bill was pressed again, and long-
ing eyes cast at the chest of tools. In great distress,
the widow retired up stairs to pray, for all effort to
find the receipted bill was vain.
While engaged in prayer, a butterfly flew in at the
open window down stairs. The widow's little child
chased it until it flew behind the chest of tools. Just
then the mother came in, and the child begged her to
remove the box that he might get the butterfly. The
neighbor offered at once to do so ; and while he was
70 THE GUIDING HAND.
removing it from the wall, a piece of paper fell down
behind, which the widow taking up, found to be the
lost bill receipted as she had said. She was overcome
with praise and gratitude to God, who had answered
her prayer by metfus of the butterfly, and caused even
her enemy himself to discover the missing bill.
A PEOVIDENTIAL VISIT.
Two ladies in Xew York, active members of a
temperance society in that city, heard of a poor woman
who w T as intemperate, but who was, notwithstanding,
possessed of many highly estimable traits of character.
They resolved immediately to call upon her, and, if
possible, get her signature to the temperance pledge.
They set out in the afternoon on their errand of
mercy. With considerable difficulty they succeeded
in finding the dwelling where she resided. Many
poor families dwelt under the same roof. But at
length they entered the room occupied by the family,
the mother of which they sought. A woman, in mid-
dle life, was seated in a chair in the centre of the
floor, with two trunks before her, apparently engaged
in arranging the clothes.
The ladies introduced themselves to the woman,
and told her plainly, but kindly, of the object of their
visit. For a moment the woman appeared perfectly
amazed, her lips trembled, tears stood in her eyes,
her cheeks turned pale, and then, clasping her hands
with fervor, she looked upward and exclaimed, "My
God, is it possible ?"
THE GUIDING HAND. 71
The ladies were uncertain what might be the cause
of the manifestation of this deep emotion, when the
woman put her hand into her bosom, and, drawing
out a shilling, showed it to the ladies, saying, "This
money I had placed in my bosom, intending this
afternoon to purchase poison with it, that to-night I
might put an end to my wretched existence. And I
was just now engaged in sorting out the clothes of
my poor children to relieve my husband, as much as
possible, from embarrassment after my death."
Encouraged by the interest which these benevolent
ladies manifested in her behalf, this poor woman
resolved to make a new effort. She said that she had
endeavored again and again to escape'from the thrall-
dom of this terrible vice, but had been unable to do
so. But cheered and strengthened by the sympathy
of those who had come to lend her a helping hand,
she signed the pledge. Many months have now
passed away, and she is a temperate woman, and her
home is the abode of frugality and peace.
THE WET GKIST.
"I have a story for your Guiding Hand," said a
minister one day. "Let us have it, then," was
our reply. "I suppose," said he, "I owe my life to
the providence of God ; and I will write out the
story for you." He did so, and it was as follows :
"My father was a man of prayer, and in our home
the family altar was never permitted to fall down, nor
its fire expire or grow dim. Around that altar our
72 THE GUIDING HAND.
dependence on God was constantly acknowledged,
and the divine blessing continually invoked. Nor
was that blessing sought in vain, but mercies new
and fresh from day to day were granted in answer to
a father's prayers.
"One bright morning in the spring of 1850, after
commending us to the Divine protection, my father
put two bushels of rye into his wagon and started for
the grist-mill at Rockland, R. I., a few miles distant
from our home. When more than half way there he
had to cross a bridge called "The Wharf," along the
sides of which there were no railings, but only some
logs laid upon the end of the planks.
"When on the middle of this bridge the horse
stopped and began to back. My father leaped from
the wagon, and the horse continued backing till the
hind wheels went over the logs and oif the edge of
the bridge, and the wagon-seat and grain-bag tum-
bled out and fell into the stream. At this moment
the horse stopped, the forward wheels caught on the
log, and the hinder part of the wagon hung over the
edge of the bridge, being held by the horse and by
the forward wheels.
"Four or five men soon came to the rescue ; the
wagon was lifted back, the grist fished up from the
water, and in half an hour my father was on his way
back home to dry his grist and get it ready for grind-
ing again.
"There was mystery about this whole transaction.
We could not imagine what had made the horse back
when upon the bridge. He showed no signs of fright,
THE GUIDING HAND. 73
and had never acted so before. My father was
troubled. He had earnestly prayed that morning,
that the angel of the Lord might encamp round
about us that day, and now to be subjected to such an
accident and so much inconvenience, was something
of a trial to his faith, though it did not shake his con-
fidence in God.
4 'He returned home, and we went to work to dry our
grain and prepare it for grinding ; but when we spread
out the rye upon a cloth in the sun to dry, we noticed,
scattered all through it, fragments of a fine, glittering
substance, which on examination proved to be glass!
Thousands on thousands of little fragments and
splinters of broken glass were mingled with those
two bushels of rye, enough to have caused the
death of all our family and a hundred others if the
grain had been ground and baked and eaten.
"We were amazed at this revelation ; and with what
grateful hearts we knelt around the family altar and
thanked God for his wonderful providence which had
so strangely preserved otir lives.
"But how came the glass thus mingled with the
grain? It was all explained very soon. The rye
had been kept in an open barrel, and over this barrel
our neighbors had smoothed axe-handles, using pieces
of glass to scrape and polish them. These pieces of
glass were thus broken and splintered, and the frag-
ments dropped unnoticed into the grain, and were
measured up and placed in the bag to be carried to
the mill. No one suspected the danger, and if that
grist had been ground no human power could have
74 THE GUIDING HAND.
averted the calamity, or saved our family from the
terrible influence of a poison so deadly as powdered
glass. God in his providence interposed and pre-
served our lives ; truly it is but right that they
should be consecrated to his service."
THE YOUNG DELIVEEEK.
The late Mr. Timothy Bradbury happened to dine
one day at the house of Mrs. Tooley, a lady in Lon-
don, who was famous in her day for the love she bore
to Christ, and to all his servants and people. Her
house and table were open to them all, she being like
Lydia in that respect. Mr. Timothy Rogers, who
wrote the book on religious melancholy, and was
himself many years under that distemper, happened
to dine there the same day with Mr. Bradbury ; and,
after dinner, he entertained Mrs. Tooley and him
with some stories concerning his father, who was one
of the ejected ministers in the year 1662. Mr.
Rogers particularly related that he had often heard
his father, with a good deal of pleasure, tell himself
and others, of a deliverance which he had from being
sent to prison, after his mittimus was written out for
that purpose. He lived near the house of one Sir
Richard Craddock, a justice of the peace, who was a
violent persecutor of the dissenters. He bore a par-
ticular hatred to Mr. Rogers, and wanted above all
things to have him in his power. A fair opportunity
offered. He heard that Mr. Rogers was to preach at
a place some miles distant ; and he hired two men to
THE GUIDING HAND. 75
go as spies, who were to take the names of all the
hearers, and to witness against Mr. Rogers and them.
The thing succeeded to his wish ; they brought the
names of several persons ; and Sir Richard sent and
warned them and Mr. Rogers to appear before him.
Accordingly, they all came with trembling hearts, for
they knew the violence of the man.
While they were in his great hall, expecting to be
called upon, there happened to come into it a little
girl, a grandchild of Sir Richard's, six or seven years
of age. She looked at Mr. Rogers, and was much
taken with his venerable appearance ; and he, being
fond of children, got her on his knee, and made a
great deal of her. At last Sir Richard sent one of his
servants to inform the company that one of the wit-
nesses was fallen sick ; therefore he warned them to
come on another day, which he named to them.
Accordingly they came ; and the crime was then
proved. He ordered their mittimus to be written to
send them to gaol. Mr. Rogers, before he came,
expecting to see the little girl again, had brought some
sweetmeats to give her and he was not disappointed ;
for she came running to him, and was fonder of him
than she was the day before. She was a particular
favorite of her grandfather's, and had got such an
ascendency over him that he could deny her nothing.
She was, withal, a child of violent spirit, and could
bear no contradiction. Once, it seems, when she was
contradicted in something, she ran a pen-knife into
her arm, which nearly cost her her life. After this,
Sir Richard would not suffer her to be contradicted
<b THE GUIDING HAND.
in any one thing. While she was sitting on Mr.
Rogers' knee, she looked wishfully at him, and he
said,
* ' I believe your grandfather is going to send me
and my friends to gaol."
" To gaol," said she ; "why, what have you done ?"
4 'Why, I did nothing but preach at such a place,
and they did nothing but hear me."
"But," said she, "my grandpapa shall not send
you to gaol."
"Ay, but my dear," said he, "I believe he is now
making out our mittimus."
She ran immediately to the chamber where her
grandfather was, and knocked with her head and heels
till she got in, and said,
' ' What are you going to do with my good old
gentleman here in the hall ?"
"That is nothing to you," said her grandfather,
"get you about your business."
"But I will not," said she ; "he tells me that you
are going to send him and his friends to gaol ; and if
you send them, I will drown myself in the pond as
soon as they are gone ; I will indeed."
When he saw the child was peremptory, it shook
and overcame him. He stepped into the hall, with
the mittimus in his hand, and said, " I had here made
out your mittimus to send you all to gaol, but at my
grandchild's request, I set you all at liberty."
They all bowed, and thanked his Worship. Mr.
Rogers stepped up to the child, and laid his hand
upon her head, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, said,
THE GUIDING HAND. 77
" God bless you, my dear child ! May the blessing of
that God whose cause you now plead, though as yet
you know him not, be upon you in life, at death, and
throughout eternity !" And then he and his friends
went away.
Mrs. Tooley listened with uncommon attention to
the story; and looking at Mr. Rogers, said, "And
are you that Mr. Rogers' son ?"
"Yes, madam," answered he, "I am."
"Well, "said she, "as long as I have been ac-
quainted with you, I never knew that before. And
now I will tell you something you never knew before :
I am the very girl your dear father blessed. It made
an impression upon me I could never forget." ' Upon
this, he and Mr. Bradbury were desirous to know
how she, who had been brought up with an aversion
to serious religion, came to be so eminent for it.
Mrs. Tooley complied with their request, and very
freely told them her story. She said that after her
grandfather's death, she was left the sole heiress of
his great estate ; and being in the bloom of youth, and
having none to control her, she ran after all the fash-
ionable diversions of the times in which she lived,
without any manner of restraint. But at the same
time she confessed that at the end of them all she
found a dissatisfaction, both with herself and them,
that always struck a damp to her heart, which she
did not know how to get rid of but by running the
same fruitless round over and over again.
She contracted some slight illness , upon which she
thought she would go to Bath, hearing that that was
78 THE GUIDING HAND.
a place of .pleasure, as well as health. When she
came there, she was led by Providence to consult an
apothecary, who happened to be a very worthy,
religious man. He inquired what ailed her.
" Why, doctor," said she, " I do not ail much as
to my body ; but I have an uneasy mind that I cannot
get rid of."
" Truly, Miss," said he, " I was so too, till I met
with a book that cured me of it."
" Books ! " said she, " I get all the books I can lay
my hands on ; such as plays, novels, romances, etc.,
but after I have read them my uneasiness is the same."
" That may be," said he, "but the book I now
speak of, I can say of it what I can say of no other I
ever read ; I never tire in reading of it, but can
begin to read it again as if I had never read it before.
And I always see something new in it."
"Pray, doctor," said she, "what book is that?
Cannot I get sight of it ? " " Yes," said he, "if you
speak me fair, I can help you to it." " Pray get it
me then, doctor, and I will give you anything you
please." "Yes," said he, " if you promise one thing,
I'll bring it you ; and that is, that you will read it
over carefully ; and if you should not see much in it
at first, that you will give it a second reading."
She promised faithfully she would ; and after
raising her curiosity, by coming twice or thrice with-
out bringing it, he at last brought it, took it out of
his pocket, and gave it her. It was a New Testa-
ment. When she looked on it she said, " Poh (with
a flirt) ! I could get that at any time."
THE GUIDING HAND. 79
"Why, Miss, so you might," replied the doctor;
' ' but remember I have your solemn promise that
you will read it carefully."
" Well," said she, " though I never read it before,
I will give it a reading."
Accordingly she began to read it ; and soon saw
something in it which deeply concerned her, and
which caused her to grow ten times more uneasy
than she was before. So she got away back to
London, to see what the diversions there would do
again. But all was in vain.
She lodged at the court end of the town, and had
a gentlewoman with her by way of a companion.
One Saturday evening she dreamed that she was in
a place of worship, and heard a sermon which she
could remember nothing of when she awaked, but
the text ; but the dream made such an impression on
her mind, that the idea she had of the place and the
minister's face, was as strong as if she had been
acquainted with both for a number of years. She
told her dream to her companion on the Lord's-day
morning ; and after breakfast said she was resolved
to go in quest of it, if she should go from one end
of London to the other.
Accordingly they set out, and went to this and the
other church as they passed along ; but none of them
answered what she saw in her dream. At one o'clock
they found themselves in the heart of the city ; they
then went into an eating house, to get some dinner,
and then set out again in search of the place.
About half-past two they were in the Poultry, and
80 THE GUIDING HAND.
seeing a great many people going down the Old
Jewry, Mrs. Tooley determined to see where they
were going. She mixed herself among them, and
they carried her to the Meeting-house in the Old
Jewry. So soon as she had entered the door, and
looked about, she turned to her companion, and said,
4 * This is the very place I saw in my dream." She
had not stood long, till Mr. Shower, minister of the
place, went up into the pulpit ; as soon as she looked
on him she said, " This is the very man I saw in my
dream ! and if every part of it hold true, he will take
for his text, Psalm cxvi. 7. Return unto thy rest,
my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with
thee." When he rose to pray, she was all attention,
and every sentence went to her heart. Having fin-
ished prayer, he took that very passage for his text ;
and there God met with her in a saving manner ;
and she at last gained what she so long sought for in
vain elsewhere, rest in Christ to her troubled soul.
The foregoing account of Mr. Rogers and Mrs.
Tooley is sufficiently authenticated by the gentleman
from whom the writer of the letter had it, the Rev.
Dr. Wood, at Norwich.
SAVED FROM A BOBBER BY BAIN,
A merchant was one day returning from market.
He was on horseback, and behind him was a valise
filled with money. The rain fell with violence, and
the good old man was wet to his skin. At this he
was vexed, and murmured because God had given
THE GUIDING HAND. 81
him such bad weather for his journey. He soon
reached the border of a thick forest. What was his
terror on beholding on one side of the road a robber,
with leveled gun, aiming at him and attempting to
fire! But, the powder being wet by the rain, the
gun did not go off, and the merchant, giving spurs
to his horse, fortunately had time to escape.
As soon as he found himself safe, he said to him-
self, "How wrong was I, not to endure the rain
patiently, as sent by Providence ! If the weather had
been dry and fair, I should not, probably, have been
alive at this hour, and my little children would have
expected my return in vain. The rain which caused
me to murmur, came at a fortunate moment, to save
my life and preserve my property." And thus it is
with a multitude of our afflictions ; by causing us
slight and short sufferings, they preserve us from
others far greater, and of longer duration.
THE MASTODON'S BONES.
Many displays of God's good providence are never
recorded, because of the inability on the part of those
concerned to place them in form for publication. The
following instance may be worthy of perusal.
Many years ago there resided in Crawford county,
Ohio, an estimable gentleman, who was the owner of
a large flouring mill, in the purchase of which he had
become deeply involved in debt. What made his
condition still worse was, the proceeds of the mill
were not sufficient to liquidate the claim, and no
82 THE GUIDING HAND.
other visible resource was open to him for its liquid-
ation.
As the time for the payment of the mortgage
approached, no way appeared to be opened up, and
as the mortgage and interest when due would amount
to the sum of seventeen hundred dollars, it seemed
almost utterly impossible that it could be paid.
Still, with some hope in the providence of God,
the proprietor labored not only in the mill, but made
some additional improvements in connection there-
with, and while employed in improving the "mill
race" he discovered the complete remains of a Masto-
don, which being put in proper shape, he sold to a
museum in Columbus, Ohio, and, strange to relate,
it netted him just seventeen hundred dollars. His
mortgage was paid up and cancelled, and the good
providence of God clearly made apparent, so much so,
that the irreligious were forced to acknowledge it.
THE FIRST LOAD OF WOOD.
Long before our coal mines were discovered, this
load of wood was cut and burned. Those were the
days when our grandfathers in their snow-shoes used
to walk straight over the tops of the fences, and small
houses were sometimes quite covered up by the heavy
falls of snow ; those were the days of which our grand-
mothers used to tell us, as we gathered around the
blazing fire in the long winter evenings. The story
we now relate is one of those then told.
At this period, there lived in one of our cities a
THE GUIDING HAND. 83
lone widow, in feeble health, poor in this world's
goods, but rich in faith. It was a very cold winter,
and Curing its progress there occurred one of the
severest snow-storms ever known. Day after day the
white embankment rose higher and higher around the
city, filling every road and lane. The farmers in the
surrounding country, who had supplied the city with
wood, found the roads quite impassable. Weeks
passed, and fuel became very scarce. Even the
wealthy citizens began to be in want, and to watch
eagerly for the first arrival. The farmer who should
bring the first load into the city might receive almost
any price he chose to name.
The little pile in the widow's back yard grew smaller
and smaller, until none remained. No wood had yet
been brought in, and when it was brought she well
knew she should not be able to pay the price asked
for it. Must she not suffer, perhaps perish with cold,
before she could purchase ? She had no resort but
prayer. Not only the cattle, but the wood upon a
thousand hills, belonged to God, her God, who had
promised to be the widow's stay and staff.
To the eye of sense there seemed no prospect of
relief; but this humble Christian lived by faith, not
by sense. She was not disheartened. It was her
part to pray ; it was God's part to find a way to answer
her prayers.
At last, one farmer, more enterprising than his
neighbors, ploughed his way through, and entered
the city with the first load of wood. But the load
of wood was not sold. On it went, and paused not
84 THE GUIDING HAND.
till it reached the widow's door. The kind-hearted
farmer knew that she must be distressed, and God
put it into his heart to go to her relief. Thus.it was
that the first load of wood brought to the city found
its way not to the mansion of the wealthy citizen, but
to the poor widow, who had neither silver nor gold,
only faith in God, and an interest in his covenant
love and faithfulness.
THE OLD FLINT-EOCK.
My grandfather, in early life, served in the Con-
tinental army, and afterwards removed from Connec-
ticut and settled in the wilds of Vermont.
He lived at this time with my father on the farm
where he had cut the first tree, in the then almost
unbroken forest. Always given to early rising, it
was his habit to build the morning fire build is the
proper term ; for to lay in order the huge pile of logs
and lesser wood, in the wide-mouthed chimneys of
the olden time, was a bit of civil architecture, that
Avould require* a building-committee nowadays.
On one occasion, the fire had gone out on the hearth,
and as friction-matches were in the future, as well as
percussion locks and air-tight stoves, there was noth-
ing better to be done , than to go to the nearest house
for coals, or try for a spark from the flint-lock of an
old continental musket, that always hung over the
chimney-piece. Those old muskets combined great
awkwardness and ingenuity ; the fiery spark upon
which the whole enginery depended lay within a dull-
THE GUIDING HAND. 85
looking, smoke-colored bit of flint stone, only brought
out, as if in retaliation, by a foe of steel. Taking
down the gun, he blew down the barrel, to make sure
that it was not loaded, and put fresh priming into the
gun. The spark descended, flashed the powder into
blaze, and soon a bright fire went roaring and crack-
ling up the chimney, boiling the family tea-kettle as
if nothing unusual had happened. And the family
slept on equally unconscious that a miracle had been
performed that an angel had come down, as it were,
at the morning sacrifice, and stayed the forces of
nature, for their preservation. But at tea, when my
grandfather gave charge to give good heed to the
fire the story all came out. And notwithstanding
that my grandfather was a soldier of the Revolution,
and understood all the ways and tricks of the regula-
tion arms ; notwithstanding the gun was reliable ,
"true to what was best within, "it was heavily loaded
still, having been double-charged the day previous
for a marauding hawk that had wisely kept beyond
range. I shall never forget the look in my father's
face , as he took clown the gun and stepping out upon
the high terrace in front of the house, with one spring
of the lock, without any fresh priming, discharged it
with a deafening report, the contents plowing a black,
jagged rent in the green turf of the slope below.
My grandfather regarded it as a special provi-
dence, for he knew how that death-laden tube had
been in direct range of my parents' sleeping apart-
ment and at an exact level with a row of little heads
in the trundle-bed, when the spark went down that
86 THE GUIDING HAND.
kindled the kitchen flre, the remainder being re-
strained. It was a lesson of the personality and love
of God that has never been forgotten. The thought
of God had come close to us and wrapped us about
like a garment. The idea of a general providence,
that takes in nobody in particular, is no less absurd
than the idea of a general shower that waters and
refreshes the field, causing it to bring forth by hand-
fuls, no single rootlet or blade being reached in par-
ticular.
Blessed are they who abide under the shadow of
the Almighty under the covert of his wings. " How
excellent is thy loving-kindness , O God ! therefore
the children of men put their trust under the shadow
of thy wings."
MONEY FROM A MISER.
"Fifty years ago," writes an aged man from Ver-
mont, "when I was a small boy, I had a good pious
mother. One time she was in a great strait, for food
or fuel, I have forgotten which.
"Though without earthly resources, she yet had
great faith in her heavenly Father, and looked con-
fidingly to him. I did not share her confidence, and
thought within myself, 'I wonder, mother, how you
can think the Lord will send you any money.'
"But He did send it, and in a wonderful manner.
Soon after, an old, rich miser came into the house,
and somehow or other, dropped his old purse, nearly
full of silver money, on the floor. The money
THE GUIDING HAND. 87
scattered well, and rolled in all directions, and we
picked it up and hunted for it till he was satisfied,
and said, 'I guess we've got it all; if there is any
more, you may have it.'
11 When he was gone, it seemed as if it was right
under the soles of his feet, we found just the sum she
wanted ! I believe that helped my faith wonderfully,
It seems as if I had thought of it, since, a thousand
times, when tempted to distrust my heavenly Father's
DELIVERANCE OF JAMES MEIKLE.
When Mr. Meikle was surge on's-mate on board
the Portland, which office he filled with credit for
several years, he had at Leghorn occasion to remark
the interposition of Providence, in a very singular
manner in his behalf. Several of the gentlemen
belonging to the ship had formed a party, in order
to visit the city of Pisa, which is not more than
twelve miles distant, and entertain themselves with
the sight of its famous hanging tower, and the other
curiosities of the place. Mr. Meikle, starting in the
morning of the 12th of April, went on foot by him-
self, and enjoyed, he says, by the way, "pleasant
meditations on the love of Christ." The rest fol-
lowed on horseback. The afternoon was far ad-
vanced before they had sufficiently gratified their
curiosity. In the evening Mr. Meikle's companions
returned ; but he, being fatigued, and observing that
the wind was foul, so that the Portland, which was
88 THE GUIDING HAND.
to convoy, could not sail, ventured to remain at
Pisa. Early next morning he set out for Leghorn ;
but the wind had changed during the night; and
before he had reached the city the fleet had weighed,
and were already several leagues on their way.
By this occurrence he was thrown into inconceiv-
able perplexity. In a strange place, ignorant of the
language, with no clothes except what were on his
body, with little money in his pocket, without one
personal acquaintance, and even but few Englishmen
being left in the place to take interest in the distresses
of their countryman ; afraid, besides, of the fate of his
papers and other property on board, of the loss of
what was due to him on the ship's books, and of
being detained long, before he could find an opportu-
nity of getting home, what was to be done ! In
his distress he applied to the English consul ; but
every expedient suggested by him, and some others
whom he consulted, misgave.
After thus spending the remainder of Friday, and
the whole of Saturday, in fruitless contrivances how
to extricate himself from the embarrassments of his
situation, the Sabbath came ; on which he resolved,
as much as possible, to banish care, and to commit
himself to God. It was his custom, when an enemy
appeared, or when at any time he went on shore, to
put his Bible in his pocket, that, in any event, he
might not be deprived of the consolation which the
perusal of it is calculated to afford ; and on this occa-
sion he remarks, that he was so happy as to have
along with him his dear companion, the Bible.
THE GUIDING HAND. 89
Early in the morning, therefore, he retired to a
forest, which lay a considerable way out of town, on
the road to Pisa, and spent the day in devotional
exercises. He sung psalm Ixiii, "a psalm written
in a wilderness;" which, says he, "gave me great
comfort in my wilderness." He read psalm cii,
which well suits the afflicted when he is over-
whelmed, and poured out his complaint before the
Lord. He engaged repeatedly in prayer, and in
meditation on God and the dispensations of his prov-
idence towards his people, and himself in particular.
As the day advanced, the wind sprung up, and it
began to rain. He took shelter from the storm in
the trunk of a hollow tree, and standing within it, he
wrote a few verses expressive of the wisdom and
goodness of the Supreme Disposer of events ; but the
wind still blowing high, the evening growing chill,
and he becoming faint, for he had tasted nothing all
that day but a draught of water, and eaten little the
day before, he returned to the city. Calling at a
house to which he was invited, he had not sat long
before information was brought him that the English
fleet had been driven back by contrary winds, and
were arrived in the roads. Animated by this delight-
ful, but unexpected intelligence of an event which so
evidently marked the care of Providence, he made all
possible haste toward the shore; but it was late, it
blew hard, and it was morning before he could get
on board. As he rowed toward the ship it fell
calmer, the wind became fair, the signal for sailing
was hoisted, and within two hours after he entered
90 THE GUIDING HAND.
the Portland, the fleet were under way with a fail-
wind and a fresh gale.
The wind which chilled him, and the rain which
drove him for shejter into the trunk of a tree, were
the instruments of his deliverance. " This interpo-
sition of Providence for me," he says, " was aston-
ishing." It appears to have struck even the careless
sailors with surprise ; for they hailed him as he
approached the vessel, in their rough and irreligious
manner, " Come along, you praying d 1 ;" adding,
that the winds would not permit them to leave Leg-
horn without him.
TREASURES HID IN THE SAND.
In the seventeenth century, when the pilgrim
fathers, having left their native land and removed to
America, that they might find "freedom to worship
God," had settled in Plymouth, they suffered great
privations. Among other hardships they endured,
they were sometimes in such straits for bread that
the very crumbs of their former tables would have
been a dainty to them. Necessity drove the women
and children to the sea-side to look for a ship, which
they expected to bring them provision, but no ship
for many weeks appeared ; however they saw in the
sand vast quantities of shell-fish, since called clams,
such as are found to this day in extensive flats that
stretch out from the shore into Plymouth harbor.
Hunger impelled them to taste, and at length they
THE GUIDING HAND. 91
fed almost wholly on them ; and to their own aston-
ishment, were as cheerful and healthy as they had
been in England with plenty of the best provisions.
The godly Elder Brewster, after they had all dined on
clams without bread, returned God thanks, for caus-
ing them to ' ' suck of the abundance of the seas
and of treasures hid in the sand," a passage in Deuter-
onomy (xxxiii. 19), a part of the blessing wherewith
Moses blessed the tribe of Zebulun before his death,
a passage till then unobserved by the company,
but which ever after endeared the writings of Moses
to them.
We have sometimes dug and often eaten clams
from these same flats, the "clam bank" being a
bank whence the poor can always draw, for it never
breaks even in the hardest time, and have marked
the wisdom of Providence which sent the pilgrim
fathers to that precise locality. Starting for some
place in the vicinity of New York ; guided in another
direction by a pilot who is supposed to have been
bribed by the Dutch to land them elsewhere ; driven
about by the winds and currents till he himself had lost
his course ; brought in safety finally to that land-locked
harbor, where countless tons of shell-fish lay buried in
the sands, while the brooks and springs that emptied
there swarmed with myriads of fish ; these wearied
exiles found their home at last upon a bleak and bar-
ren shore, but perhaps upon the best spot that could
have been selected anywhere along the coast as a place
of refuge and support for them in their poverty and
trials that were to come.
92 THE GUIDING SAND.
CEOSSIM THE LAKE.
I went to prayer-meeting one Sabbath night rather
reluctantly, says a writer in the Sunday School Sun.
I preferred, it must- be confessed, to stay at home and
read. The night was so dark and cold, and home was
so warm and pleasant, and then I did not care, I
thought but I fear my own heart was cold to hear
Mr. A's long exhortations, or Mr. B's cold prayers.
What is the use of going ? I said ; why not stay at
home just for to-night? I went, however, to prayer-
meeting, and I was glad I went ; for I heard much
that nii>'ht which benefited and interested me. The
O
subject was God's Providence, and his goodness in
answering prayers. After considerable talk upon
the subject, and several fervent prayers, Dr. C. illus-
trated the matter by the following appropriate story :
"A traveler came to the shore of a northern lake
late one March evening, expecting to cross on the ice
and then go on to his distant home. Asking for a
conveyance, he found that no one was willing to carry
him over. The ice was unsafe. His business was
urgent, and he was willing to attempt the passage,
but not for a thousand dollars would any driver run
the risk. At last a fellow traveler was persuaded
by him to attempt the perilous journey on foot.
Together they went along for a while cheerily and
safely, but aware that the ice was growing thin and
porous, so that in some places they could easily thrust
their canes down through to the water. Then did
the traveler realize his danger, and offer constant,
fervent prayer to God that he would save his own life
THE GUIDING HAND. 93
and that of the impenitent friend he had urged to
accompany him.
4 ' Silently they picked their way around the danger-
ous places, hardly knowing how they went, but
guided on in some mysterious manner. The shore
was in sight, and breathing more freely, they thought
the danger passed. Soon they saw stretched between
them and the land a belt of open water shining in the
clear moonlight. They were too weak and weary to
call for assistance with any hope of an answer, and
at that late hour it seemed unlikely that one would
see them. Again a silent prayer "was offered, and
instantly from a house not far distant a person came
forth with a plank in his hand which he placed over
the water and called out,
* ' ' Come over quickly.' They went and were saved.
Then the Christian asked his companion,
" 'How did you feel when on the ice?'
" 'I felt that I was going to perdition,' he replied,
'and resolved if my life was spared to serve God.'
' * Reaching his home the pious traveler found that
his wife, not knowing his danger, or that he was on
the lake, spent the whole night in praying for his
safe return. Is not this a wonderful instance of God's
overruling Providence and his willingness to answer
prayer ?"
It is wonderful, I thought, and as I returned to my
home, the night seemed no longer so cold or dark, for
I thought of the starlight beyond the clouds, and the
good Lord who ruleth over all, who sent his Spirit
to shine into my heart.
94 THE GUIDING HAND.
A LIFE SAVED THEOUGH A TEACT.
A minister from Exeter stated that not far from
where he lived, >nd quite in the country, there
were two young ladies residing, and both were pious.
It so happened that a poor American sailor, having
taken up the employment of a pedlar, passed that
way, called at the house of these young ladies, and
taking his box of small wares from his shoulders,
requested one of them to purchase some tracts. She
replied, that there was a certain tract which she was
anxious to find, and that she would look over his par-
cel, and if it contained the one referred to, she would
take it. She did so, and finding the tract she wanted,
paid the man, and ordered the servants to provide
him some refreshments, and went in haste to the door
to receive a friend who had come from a distance to
visit her.
The poor man, mean time, gathered up his scattered
wares, proceeded a considerable distance on his way,
and having reached a retired spot, sat down by the
side of the road, and taking his jack-knife from his
pocket, began to appease his hunger with the food so
kindly provided for him. It so happened that in the
course of the day a most horrible murder and robbery
had been committed near this spot, and officers had
been dispatched to seek out the criminal and bring
him back to justice.
A party of them approached this poor sailor, and
finding him employed with a jack-knife, the very
instrument with which the murder was supposed to
THE GUIDING HAND. 95
have been perpetrated, they seized him at once and
put him in prison, where he remained three months
awaiting his trial. During the whole period of his
confinement he was employed in reading the Bible
and religious books to his fellow-prisoners, and was
so exemplary in his whole conduct as to attract the
attention of the jailor, who kindly interested himself
for him, listened to his tale of woe, and believed him
innocent.
When the trial came on, the case was of such an inter-
esting nature that it drew together a vast concourse
of people ; and after the examination had passed, and
the judge had called for the verdict of guilty or not
guilty, a voice was heard to issue from the crowd,
"Not guilty T
Every eye was directed to the spot whence the
sound proceeded ; and immediately a young lady
advanced, with a paper in her hand, and appeared
before the judge. Her feelings at once overcame her,
and she fainted ; but recovering herself, and being
encouraged to proceed, if she had anything to say in
defence of the prisoner at the bar, she stated to the
judge the circumstances of having the tract of the
poor man, presenting it at the same time, bearing the
date of the day and hour when it was purchased.
She stated further, that just as the man was about
leaving her, a sister whom she had not seen for many
years arrived from a distance, and as she was anxious,
for a particular reason, to remember the day and hour
of her arrival, she made a memorandum of it on this
tract, which she had happened to have in her hand.
96 THE GUIDING HAND.
While she was making this statement to the judge,
the poor prisoner bent forward with earnestness to
discover what gentle voice was pleading in his behalf;
for he had thought himself friendless and alone in the
world, and was comforted that any one should take a
part in his sorrows, even though it should not avail to
the saving of his life. But it did avail ; for the hour
of the murder having been ascertained, and being the
same as that recorded upon the tract, it was evident
the' prisoner must have been in a different place at the
time it was committed. He was accordingly dis-
charged ; and in a moment was upon his knees, pour-
ing forth the grateful feelings of his heart to his kind
benefactress.
And this, said the reverend gentleman, holding up
a tract, is the very tract which saved that man's life.
WHO RUM THAT BELL?
That there is a sleepless Providence watching over
all the affairs of men, and often, by special agencies,
bringing to light, as in the flash of a moment, the
crimes which they commit, finds additional confirma-
tion in an event which occurred in Enfield, Conn.,
in 1866, and which merits a more permanent record
than a mere passing thought. A young man, belong-
ing to one of our most respectable families, but who,
from his irregular habits, had been strongly suspected
of being guilty of criminal offences, and had been
once under arrest for passing counterfeit currency,
and escaped by forfeiting his bonds, on Sunday night,
THE GUIDING HAND. 97
a few weeks since, broke into a store at Hazardville,
and loaded a wagon, which he had previously stolen
and drawn to the door, with various kinds of mer-
chandise. He then entered a stable, and attempted
to lead out a valuable horse owned by the man from
whom he had stolen the goods, intending to harness
it to the wagon, and make off with his booty in the
stillness of the night, when he thought no eye could
see him and no ear hear him. Just at that moment,
however, the bell from the village church tower
sounded out an alarm loud and clear upon the night
air, startling the inhabitants from their slumbers,
who, supposing it to be a fire alarm, rushed into the
street, and caught the thief with his plunder, before
he had time to escape from the village.
The ringing of that bell, however, was a mystery.
But upon inquiry, it was ascertained that the sexton,
in ringing the bell for the church service the day pre-
vious had, by a seeming accident, so turned it up and
set it, that he could not pull it down with the rope,
and not having a key to the belfry door, he was
obliged to let the bell remain in that position. Just
in time to detect that youthful criminal, it came down
without human help, and sounded that midnight
alarm. After his arrest, goods were found in his
possession, which Avere taken from a store in Thomp-
sonville a short time previously ; and he confessed
that, with the aid of an accomplice, he had broken into
it and stolen several hundred dollars' worth of mer-
chandise. The owner of these goods had formerly
employed him as a clerk in his store. Thus the
98 THE GUIDING HAND.
ringing of that bell without human hands, brought
several criminal offences to light, and arrested the
offender in his dishonest career.
The writer has since conversed with the young man,
and has reason to believe that the ringing of that bell
was blessed to his temporal and eternal well-being.
THE BULLET IN THE BIBLE.
Old Dr. John Evans, the eminent Welsh preacher,
in his " Sermons for Young Persons," published in
1725, said: "Shall I be allowed to preface this dis-
course with relating a passage concerning an acquaint-
ance of mine, who has been many years dead, but
which I remember to have received, when young
from himself?
When he was an apprentice, the civil war began :
his inclination led him into the army, where he had a
captain's commission. It was fashionable for all the
men of the army to carry a Bible with them: this,
therefore, he and many others did, who yet made
little use of it, and hardly had any sense of religion.
At length he was commanded with his company to
storm a fort, wherein they were for a short time ex-
posed to the thickest of the enemy's fire. When
over, he found that a musket-ball had lodged in his
Bible, which was in his pocket upon such a part of
his body that the shot must necessarily have proved
mortal, had it not been for this seasonable and well-
placed piece of armor. Upon a nearer observation,
he found that the ball had made its way so far in his
THE GUIDING HAND. 99
Bible, as to rest directly upon that part of the first
unbroken leaf, where the words of my text are found.
It was Eccles. xi. 9 : 'Rejoice, young man, in
thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of
thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart; and
in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all
these things God will bring thee into judgment. 9
As the surprising deliverance, you may apprehend,
much affected him, so a passage, which his conscience
told him was very apposite to his case, and which
Providence in so remarkable a way pointed to his
observation, made the deepest and best impression on
his mind; and, by the grace of God, he from that
time attended to religion in earnest, and continued in
the practice of it to a good old age, frequently making
the remark with pleasure , that the Bible had been the
salvation of both his body and his soul."
ELIZABETH WALKER AND THE JUDGE.
The varied means by which God interposes to
rescue his people from persecution and hinder their
enemies from blood-guiltiness, have often been marked
in the history of the world ; and the members of the
Society of Friends, in their quiet trustfulness and
passive endurance of affliction for the gospel's sake,
have often proved the Lord to be a helper and a shield
in times of trouble and distress.
The following account of an experience of Eliza-
beth A. Walker, was communicated by her to
the aged Samuel Grummere, a minister among the
100 THE GUIDING HAND.
Friends, and his record of it was published in the
"Friend's Beview" for October 23d, 1869, as an
instance of the over-ruling direction of the Most High,
even when human reasoning had induced a child of
God to shrink from duty and neglect the teachings
of the Lord.
Elizabeth was once journeying Avith some Friends.
"Coming to Lake Ontario to cross, in order to per-
form a religious visit in Upper Canada, when about
to go on board the sloop, the captain taking one of
the carriage horses by the reins and leading him in,
the other horse followed on board of his own accord,
at which the captain seeming to marvel, was answered,
the horse was used to crossing waters.
After having performed the visit in prospect in that
country, and being about to return, on approaching
Kingston, Elizabeth felt an intimation of duty to have
a meeting with the people there ; but it being the time
of the Supreme Court, and the chief judge and a
number of the great men of that country being in
town, she gave way to reasoning, concluding that if
once on board and set off, the concern might pass
away from her mind.
Accordingly in the morning, coming to the water-
side to embark, the same captain with whom she and
her companions had crossed before, being about to
take them on board, found one of the horses refused
to be led. After using considerable endeavors him-
self and with the assistance of other men to force the
horse on, and all without effect, he queried if it were
not the same horse which had been so remarkablv
GUIDlftGk *bjl>. ' Wl
THE
tractable before. It proved to be the same, and in
relating the circumstance, Elizabeth said she stood in
amazement ; she saw the cause, and said, to use her
own expression, <I saw that I was Jonah.'
However, they hoisted the horse on board by means
of tackle, and proceeded with a fair prospect a little
way, when a friend asking the captain how long he
thought it might take to reach the other side, was
answered, probably half an hour; when presently a
tremendous storm arose, and they appeared every
moment likely to be swallowed up in the waves. In
this awful situation they remained from about eight to
twelve o'clock. The captain said he had attended
that ferry about thirty years, and had never seen the
like ; and that there must be some cause for so great
a tempest.
Elizabeth's companion then coming to her where
she sat overwhelmed with confusion, told her she
must give up to return, their lives being every mo-
ment in jeopardy. She could only answer that she
was now willing to do anything. He then went to
the captain and proposed his returning, but was an-
swered it was equally impossible to return to the place
from whence they came as to go forward. On being
queried with whether there was no other point he
could reach, they being still near the Canada shore,
he replied that he might possibly reach the King's
Navy Yard, but that no American vessel was per-
mitted to land there.
The place being near, and the sentinel on guard in
full view, Elizabeth says she recollected that she had
J;G2 THE & T JIDING HAND.
been a subject of the King of England, and did not
know that she had done anything to forfeit her rights ;
she therefore desired the captain to hail the sentinel
with his trumpet and inform him that one of his Maj-
esty's subjects was on board, and being in distress,
desired permission to land ; but they received answer
that he durst not allow it, as it would be at the peril
of his life.
He was then queried of whether there was any su-
perior officer at the place, and he answered that the
admiral was there. It was desired that he might be
informed that one of the King's subjects being in dis-
tress and danger, did not ask it as a favor, but claimed
as a right to receive protection. A sloop was then
sent out to bring them ashore.
Being landed with their baggage, etc., they had an
interview with the admiral and some other great men,
among whom was the judge before mentioned. She
informed them of her desire to have a meeting, to
which they readily assented, and concluded for it to
be held at what they called the Church ; and a mes-
senger was sent to obtain the privilege, who returned
with the answer that the priest was gone from home,
and the key was lost, so they could not get entrance
to the edifice.
The judge then said that should not disappoint their
having a meeting. There being a large ball-room in
the place, they set about preparing it for the purpose,
and giving notice of the meeting. At three o'clock,
about two hours from their landing, a large number
being assembled, a satisfactory meeting was held;
THE GUIDING HAND. 103
after which, they being retired to quarters for the
night, the judge sent his footman to inquire whether
he might be permitted to pay them a visit, and was
answered that if he desired to do so there would be
no objection.
He came, and in conversation informed them that
he being an Englishman, and brought up in what is
termed high life, had also been in several considerable
stations under government, and that with respect to
religion, he had been an Episcopalian, a Roman Cath-
olic, and a Presbyterian, but now he believed that he
had all yet to learn ; and herewith seemed inclined to
drop the subject as respecting himself; but Elizabeth
thought though he endeavored to give the conver-
sation a different turn that there was still something
throbbing in his heart that had not yet come out.
At length he said he had been a great persecutor,
and being a colonel in the military, as well as a civil
judge, had been severe with Friends on account of
their non-compliance with military requisitions. He
said he had done it in the integrity of his heart, sup-
posing their refusal to proceed from obstinacy ; but
now was satisfied they acted from principle, and he
was therefore determined to persecute them no more ;
and as respected what was past, all the restitution he
saw in his power to make, and which it was his deter-
mination to fulfill, was, that when any Friend came
that way with certificates, and desired to have meet-
ings among them, it should be his part to make way
for them.
The next morning they came again to the water to
104 THE GUIDING HAND.
cross, and the men who had the preceding day assisted
in getting the horse on board, again offered their as-
sistance. 'No,' said the captain, 'the work is now
done, I can take, him myself;' and taking hold of the
bridle, led him gently in.
Some time after, the troubles between the two coun-
tries taking place, Elizabeth was desirous to know
whether this great man had kept the promise he had
so solemnly made not to persecute the Friends for
their religious testimony, and was informed that with-
in his jurisdiction only one member hud suffered on
that account, and that he had not in time informed
them that he was a member, neither did his conduct
bespeak him to be one."
The reader will observe how the Lord, by the "stormy
wind fulfilling his word," brought Elizabeth Walker
not only to bear her testimony to the people, but also
to stand in the presence of the chief judge, who had
been in his ignorance, a persecutor of her brethren,
and thus made her an instrument of the deliverance of
mi innocent people from the afflictions and trials which
they might otherwise have been called to endure
through their steadfast adherance to duty, and the
ignorance and prejudice of their foes.
THE LOCK OF HAIE.
"Do you see this lock of hair ?" said an old man to me.
"Yes ; but what is it? It is, I suppose, a curl from
the head of a dear child long since dead."
"It is not. It is a lock of my own hair ; and it is
THE GUIDING HAND. 105
now nearly seventy years since it was cut from this
head."
"But why do you prize a lock of your own hair so
much?"
"It has a story belonging to it, a strange one. I
keep it thus with care because it speaks to me more of
God, and of his special care, than anything else I
possess. I was a little child of four years old, with
long curly locks, which, in sun, or rain, or wind,
hung down my cheeks uncovered. One day my
father went into the woods to cut up a log, and I
went with him. I was standing a little way behind
him, or rather at his side, watching with interest the
strokes of the heavy axe, as it Avent up, and came
down upon the wood, sending off splinters with every
stroke, in all directions. Some of the splinters fell
at my feet, and I eagerly stooped to pick them up.
In doing so I stumbled forward, and in a moment my
curly head lay upon the log. I had fallen just at the
moment when the axe was coming down with all its
force. It was too late to stop the blow. Down came
the axe. I screamed, and my father fell to the ground
in terror. He could not stay the stroke, and in the
blindness which the sudden horror caused, he thought
he had killed his boy. We soon recovered I from my
fright, and he from his terror. He caught me in his
arms, and looked at me from head to foot to find out
the deadly wound which he was sure he had inflicted.
Not a drop of blood nor a scar was to be seen. He
knelt upon the grass and gave thanks to a gracious
God. Having done so, he took up his axe, and found
106 THE GUIDING HAND.
a, few hairs upon its edge. He turned to the log he
had been splitting, and there was a single curl of his
boy's hair, sharply cut through and laid upon the
wood. How gr^at the escape ! It was as if an angel
had turned aside the edge at the moment it was
descending upon my head.
"That lock he kept all his days as a memorial of
God's care and love. That lock he left me on his
death-bed. I keep it with care. It tells me of my
father's God and mine . It rebukes unbelief and alarm .
It bids me trust him forever. I have had many tokens
of fatherly love in my three-score years and ten, but
somehow this speaks most to my heart. It is the
oldest and perhaps the most striking. It used to
speak to my father's heart ; it now speaks to mine."
PKESERVED BY A KAVEN.
In the year 1766, the especial interposition of
Divine Providence was manifested in a most extra-
ordinary manner to a poor laborer at Sunder land,
This man being employed in hedging near to an old
stone quarry, went to eat his dinner in a deep exca-
vation in order to be sheltered from the weather,
which was stormy ; as he went along, he pulled off his
hedging gloves, and threw them down at some
distance from each other. While at his repast, he
observed a raven pick up one of them, with which lie
flew away, and very soon afterwards returned and
carried off the other. The man being greatly sur-
prised, rose to see if he could trace where the bird
THE GUIDING HAND. 107
had gone with his gloves. He scarcely had cleared
the quarry, before he saw large fragments fall down
into the very place where he had been seated ; and
where, if he had continued a minute longer, he must
inevitably have been crushed to pieces.
THE RESCUE.
Several years ago a ship was burned near the
mouth of the English channel. Among the passen-
gers were a father, mother, and their little child, a
daughter not many months old. When the discovery
was made that the ship was on fire, and the alarm was
given, there was great confusion, and this family
became separated. The father was rescued and taken
to Liverpool, but the mother and her infant were
crowded overboard and were not noticed by those
who were doing all in their power to save the suffer-
ers still on the ship. They consequently drifted out
of the channel with the tide, the mother clinging to
some floating portion of the wreck, with her little
one clasped to her breast.
Late in the afternoon of that day, a vessel, bound
from Newport, Wales, to America, was moving
slowly along in her course. There was only a light
breeze, and the captain was impatiently walking the
deck, when his attention was called to an object
some distance off, which looked like a person in the
water.
The officers and crew watched it for a time, and,
as no vessel was near from which any one could have
108 THE GUIDING HAND.
fallen overboard, they thought it impossible that this
could be a human being. But as their vessel was
scarcely moving, it was thought best to get out a
boat and row to the object. The boat .was accord-
ingly lowered and manned. It was watched with
considerable, interest by those who remained on
board, and they noticed that as it drew near to the
drifting speck the rowers rested on their oars a
moment or two, and then moving forward, took in
the person or thing, they knew not which, and
returned to the ship.
When the boat's crew came on board they brought
with them this mother and her child, alive, and well ;
and the sailor's said that, as they drew near, they
heard a female voice sweetly singing. As with a
common impulse the men ceased rowing and listened,
and the words of this beautiful hymn, sung by this
trusting Christian, all unconscious that deliverance
was so near, came over the waves to their ears :
u Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to thy bosom fly,
While the waters near me roll,
While the tempest still is high ;
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,
Till the storm of life is past ;
Safe into the haven guide,
Oh ! receive my soul at last.
"Other refuge have I none,
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee ;
Leave, oh ! leave me not alone ;
Still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed.
All my help from Thee I bring ;
Cover my defenceless head
With the shadow of thy wing."
THE GUIDING HAND. 109
In due time the vessel arrived in America. The
mother wrote to her friends in England, and thus
the father learned of the safety of his wife and child,
and in about four months from the time of their
separation they were happily reunited.
Who would not have such a trust as this, in time
of trouble and distress ? Even if it were but a delu-
sion and a snare, yet how much better a faith which
can break forth at such a time in holy and confiding
song, than the bitter blasphemies and despairing cries
which mark the hopeless peril of those that know not
God.
But this abiding trust in God is no delusion. The
Lord is nigh to them that call upon him. The eyes
of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are
open to their prayers ; and his Guiding Hand, which
stilled the wind and waters on that memorable after-
noon, which turned the glance of the men on board
this ship to that solitary speck that floated on the
waters, and which turned that captain's heart to stop
and examine, rather than to pass carelessly on,
that same hand guides us in all life's devious way,
and will bring us safely to the heavenly home at last.
PEAYING AND DUELING.
It is sad to hear of Christians becoming soldiers,
but it is blessed to hear of soldiers becoming Chris-
tians. And from the time of Cornelius the centurion,
down to the present day, God has magnified his
grace in calling and in keeping those, who, even in
110 THE GUIDING HAND.
the most trying scenes, were enabled to hold fast
their integrity and remain followers of the Prince of
peace, though among the votaries of strife and blood.
And the influence of such men has been great, and
their testimonies and their prayers have often been
used of the Lord to effect much good to those among
whom their lot was cast, while compelled to endure
the trials of their unwelcome calling and position.
It is related that a pious young man in the army,
not having a place in the barracks ' in which he was
quartered, wherein he could pour out his soul unto
God in secret, went for this purpose one dark night
into a large field adjoining. Here he thought that
no human being could see or hear him. But that
God whose thoughts and ways are superior to ours,
ordained otherwise. Two wicked men belonging to
the same regiment, in whose hearts enmity had long
existed against each other, were resolved, as they
said, to end it that night in a battle.
But God had his eye upon these sinful men, and
his hand, unknown to them, directed all their steps.
They chose the same field to fight in, where the other
had gone to pray. The field, however, was large,
and they might have taken different ways ; but they
were led by Providence to the same spot where the
young man was engaged in earnest supplication.
They were surprised at hearing the sound of a human
voice in the field at that time of night ; and much
more so when they drew nearer, and heard a man at
prayer. They halted, and gave attention ; and the
effect of the prayer was to turn their mutual aversion
THE GUIDING HAND. Ill
into love. They took each other instantly by the
hand, and cordially confessed that there remained no
longer in either of their breasts hatred against each
other.
Of course this praying man had no thought of the
way in Avhich the Lord was using him to save life
and prevent blood-guiltiness. Nor can we know
what purposes of mercy God may serve by us. It is
enough that we walk by faith and prayer, and leave
the results to Him who doeth all things well ; who
worketh all things according to the counsel of his
own will ; whose wisdom is unsearchable, and his
ways past finding out.
THE GOLD-DIGGING EAT.
"All things come to pass according to certain
fixed and unalterable lawso"
So men of science assert, and from this reason,
argue that no one can pray intelligently for the
occurrence of any event, or other than those which
are already certain according to the course of nature,
unless he believes that God will work a miracle in
order to give him an answer. To this the Christian's
faith replies: "Yes, God does bring all things to
pass according to his own fixed laws ; according to
the counsel of his own will. Yet his infinite wisdom
finds room, without over-riding these laws, so to
order particular events, as that their occurrence at
particular times is in gracious answer to those prayers
which he has bidden and invited his people to offer
112 THE GUIDING HAND.
up to him, in the name of Jesus Christ, for things
agreeable to his holy will."
Among the thousands of incidents which daily
confirm the faith of those who take God at his word,
the following is a striking one : During the war, a
gentleman in West Tennessee removed the steps
from his back porch, buried some gold, and replaced
the steps. It escaped the hands of the invaders. The
war closed in 1865. The gentleman removed the
steps, dug up his gold, and believing he had secured
it all, replaced the steps again.
Nearly seven years rolled away, and in 1872, an
excellent and worthy Presbyterian minister of Tus-
cumbia, Alabama, died in the midst of his years and
usefulness, leaving a widow and six little penniless
children. The synod of Memphis resolved to ask
her churches to make a contribution for the benefit of
this family. On a certain Sabbath, one of her pastors
stated the facts, and announced that his church would
make their contribution on the next Lord's day.
Before him sat one of his members, the wife of the
man who had concealed the gold. She felt, "Oh,I
do wish I could make or procure some money that I
might help that dear lady and her fatherless ones ! "
Then she resolved before the Lord that she would
give all the money which he would enable her to
make or control during the next week, to that cause.
That night a rat "according to the laws of his
nature " determined to dig a hole under those back
steps, and did so. Next morning, as the lady,
according to her custom, swept the back porch and
THE GUIDING HAND. 113
steps, she saw a five-dollar gold piece lying in the
earth, scratched up by the rat. She then removed
the steps, and digging, found other pieces, until she
had procured twenty dollars in gold ; and this went
the next Sabbath to the widow and orphans.
She and many others have no doubt that this was
an answer to the prayer and resolve made in her pew
on the previous day, and yet no law of the nature of
any person concerned, not even of the rat, was set
aside or over-ridden.
GOBAT AND THE HYENAS.
"Mr. Gobat, afterward Bishop of Jerusalem,
when engaged as a missionary to Abyssinia, retired
on one occasion, in a season of deep spiritual depres-
sion and gloom, into a cavern, and there poured out
his heart in earnest supplication, beseeching that God
would not desert him, but encourage him in his trials,
lie remained in the cavern some time. When he rose
from his knees, his eyes had become accustomed to
the darkness, and he saw that he had been there with
a hyena and her cubs, which yet had not been suf-
fered to attack him. At the very time when he
deemed himself forgotten, he received this striking
manifestation that the God of providence was nigh to
shield and protect him.
* ' On one occasion this animal was made the instru-
ment of his deliverance from a violent death. While
laboring among the wild tribes of the Druses, a
messenger was sent from one of their chiefs, whose
114 THE GUIDING HAND.
influence it was important to secure, with a message
entreating Mr. Gobat to visit him. The latter,
however, was unable to do so in consequence of
indisposition. ; A second messenger repeated the
invitation, but still, contrary to Mr. Gobat's expec-
tation, he was prevented from complying with the
chiefs wishes. A third messenger prevailed on him
to set out, by the assurance that if he went at once
he might spend the night with the chief, and be
ready to return in the morning, so as to join a ship
about to sail for Malta, in which Mr. Gobat was
anxious to embark. On their journey the guides
lost themselves in the mountain paths. Having at
last, with some difficulty, regained their route, they
suddenly saw by the light of the moon that a hyena
had laid itself down across the path exactly in their
way. They threw stones to frighten it, when the
animal sprang up and ran along the path which the
party were to travel. A superstition is prevalent
among the Druses, that 'the way a hyena goes is an
unlucky one.' Accordingly the natives refused to
go further, and Mr. Gobat had to retrace his steps,
greatly perplexed at the obstacles which had hin-
dered a journey apparently of so much consequence
to his mission. When in Malta he received a letter
from a friend in Lebanon, stating that he had been
visited by the chief, who, with much agitation, had
spoken to him as follows : 'Your friend is truly a
servant of God, and God has preserved him; for I
wished to draw him to my village in order to murder
him. Therefore I sent message after message to
THE GUIDING HAND. 115
him ; but God has delivered him from the hand of his
enemies. 1 "
"Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither
slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper, the.
Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand." "The
angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that
fear him and delivereth them."
A TIMELY ALAEM.
A lady in S , New Hampshire, relates the
following incident, illustrating the watchfulness of
divine providence over the people of God :
" Sometime about the year 1868, my husband was
absent from home, and I was alone in the house
with an old lady, more than eighty years of age, and
quite lame and feeble. The evening was well ad-
vanced, the old lady had retired for the night, and I
was preparing to go to my bed, when I heard a
remarkable noise caused by the rats running up and
down the ceiling as I never heard them before or
since. I spoke to the old lady, and said, 'I have a
good mind to carry the cat up stairs.' She replied,
< 1 would ; for I never heard the rats make such a
noise.' I took the cat, and when I opened the door
into the front entry, I perceived the smell of smoke.
I ran up stairs, and opened the door into one of the
back chambers directly over our bed, and there a
large wooden spit-box standing before a stove, was
on fire ; I caught it up to put it in the stove, and
116 THE GUIDING HAND.
the bottom of it dropped out, and the floor where it
stood was also on fire. I got some water, and soon
put out the fire, and went down and said to the old
lady, 'Truly God sent the rats there, to preserve us
from certain death ; for if I had gone to bed, we
should not have known anything about the fire, until
the burning floor fell on us.*
"We both felt to thank God for his protecting
care. But it was a great mystery to us to know
how the fire came up there ; for no one had been
there, to my knowledge, during the day. I remem-
bered, however, that a woman had been washing for
me that day who smoked ; and as she knew tobacco
was very offensive to me, I thought she must have
gone up into the chamber to smoke. She was in
the house the next day, and owned that she did so,
but was not aware that she had dropped any fire.
As it was, her indulgence in the vile habit might
have occasioned the loss, not only of our property
but of our lives, had it not been for this unusual
noise which attracted my attention, and led me to
discover the danger. The evil habit was the cause
of our peril, but the providence of God provided a
way for our escape.
In this way trifles light as air are made subserv-
ient to the safety and prosperity of the children of
the Most High. Blessed are they who observe his
loving-kindness and give thanks for all his love,
rejoicing that the eyes of the Lord are over the
righteous, and that Israel's Keeper neither slumbers
nor sleeps.
THE GUIDING HAND. 117
THE TIMELY EBB-TIDE.
The following remarkable account of the deliver-
ance of the inhabitants of Holland from the terrors
of an invading force, is recorded in the second book
of Bishop Burnet's "History of His Own Time:"
In 1672, the Dutch were saved by an extraordinary
event, at a time when nothing but the interposition
of Providence could have preserved them. In that
memorable year, when Louis XIY. came down upon
that country like a flood, he proposed that at the
same time he should enter the province of Holland
by land, his fleet, in conjunction with that of Great
Britain, should make a descent on the side of the
Hague, by sea. When the united fleets came up
Avithin sight of Scheveling, the tide, though very
regular at other times, just when they were prepar-
ing to land, changed its usual course, and stopped
for several hours. The next morning the French
and English fleets were dispersed by a violent storm.
Those who hate the very name of a miracle
(although in reality they suppose the greatest of all
miracles, that is, the tying up of the hands of the
Almighty from disposing events according to his
will) pretend, "This was only an extraordinary
ebb." But this very ebb was an extraordinary
providence, as the descent, which must have termi-
nated in the destruction of the republic, was to be
punctually at that and no other time. But that
this retrogradation of the sea was no natural event,
is as certain as anything in nature.
118 THE GUIDING HAND.
Many writers of unquestionable veracity might be
produced to confirm the truth of the fact. I shall
only cite one, who was at the Hague but three years
after it happened : l ' An extraordinary thing lately
happened at the Hague. I had it from many eye-
witnesses. The English fleet appeared in sight of
Scheveling, making up to the shore. The tide
turned ; but they made no doubt of landing the
forces the next flood, where they were like to meet
no resistance. The states sent to the prince for men
to hinder the descent, but he could spare few,
having the French near him. So the country was
given up for lost ; their admiral, De Ruyter, with
their fleet, being absent. The flood returned, which
the people expected would end in their ruin ; but, to
the amazement of them all, after the sea had flowed
two or three hours, an ebb of many hours succeeded,
which carried the fleet again to sea. And before the
flood returned, De Ruyter came in view. This they
esteemed no less than a miracle wrought for their
preservation.
PEOVIDENCES IN BIBLE TRANSLATION.
God's wonderful care for those who labor to
disseminate his Word, has often been remarked.
The following are a few of many instances :
Long before the establishment of Bible societies,
the Rev. Peter Williams, a pious, distinguished
preacher of Wales, seeing that his countrymen were
almost entirely destitute of the Bible, and knowing
THE GUIDING HAND. 119
that the work of the Lord could not prosper without
it; undertook, though destitute of the means, to
translate and publish a Welsh Bible for their use.
Having expended all his living, and being deeply
involved in debt, with the work yet unfinished, he
expected every hour to be arrested and imprisoned,
without the means or hope of release.
One morning he had taken an affectionate leave of
his family for the purpose of pursuing his pious
labors, with an expectation that he should not be
permitted to return, when, just as he was mounting
his horse, a stranger rode up and presented him a
letter. He stopped and opened it, and found to his
astonishment, that it contained information that a
lady had bequeathed him a legacy of 300 sterling.
44 Now," said he, "my dear wife, I can finish my
Bible, pay my debts, and live in peace at home. "
Williams escaped imprisonment that he might
translate the word of God ; others have been kept
in prison to accomplish the same design.
Luther's translation of the Bible was made while
shut in by the gloomy walls of Wartburg castle.
From that lonely hiding-place in the Black Forest
went forth rays of light to illuminate the world
through all succeeding generations.
De Sacy, a French Christian, was thrown into the
Bastile, in 1666, by the Jesuits, and lay there two
years and a half. There he translated the Bible
into French. One night he finished the book, and
the very next day his prison doors were flung open,
and he went forth free, bearing the word of God in
120 THE GUIDING HAND.
the language of the common people. Thus has God
guarded his living Word, notwithstanding the fury
of his foes, and made the wrath and spite of men to
praise his name.
THE SUICIDE SAVED.
A writer in the Sunday- School Workman, relates
an incident occurring in her immediate neighborhood
which illustrates the wonderful providence of God in
the preservation of human life.
" Our maid," she says, "was busy hanging clothes
on the line, when, chancing to raise her eyes, she
saw a female form suspended from one of the windows
of a house, so situated that it could not easily be
seen from any of the adjoining houses.
In an instant the alarm was given, and the poor
woman, who, in a moment of delirium, sought to
destroy her life, was released from her perilous
position. Only a little hook had held her clothes,
and prevented her death."
The man who forged that hook, and he who set it
in its place, little thought of the importance of their
work; but God saw it all the time. Had the hook
been slighted in the making, or had it been fastened
carelessly, and insecurely, it might have cost a life.
But the hook was strong and firm, and right side up,
and it saved a soul from death.
God uses many hooks, not only putting them in
the jaws of the ungodly to turn them back, but also
to pluck his tempted saints out of many dangerous
THE GUIDING HAND. 121
nets. A word, a deed, a smile, a prayer, a tear,
may prove the salvation of some bewildered soul.
Be faithful then. Learn that all your work is done
for God. Slight nothing. Have the same evidence
of your salvation that the little servant girl had, who,
when asked how she knew she was converted, said,
"Because I sweep under the mats."
Life and health may depend upon your present
acts, and untold results may follow some unconsid-
ered effort. Live faithful then, and walk as before
the Lord, remembering that nothing can be trifling
which attracts the notice of his eye.
ACCOUNT OF ME. STUDLY.
" No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper."
Mr. Studly was the son of an attorney in Kent,
who was worth about four hundred pounds a year ; a
man remarkable for his enmity against the power of
religion, and the people called Puritans. His son
seemed for some years to tread in his father's steps,
till the Lord, who had separated him from his mother's
womb, was pleased to call him by his grace in the fol-
lowing remarkable manner :
Young Mr. Studly, being in London, and having
spent an evening in gay company, was intoxicated
with liquor. Returning in the night to his lodging,
he fell down into a cellar, and in the fall was seized
with such horror of mind, that he absolutely thought
he had fallen into hell. He lay there some hours,
though he received little harm from the fall. Stupid,
122 THE GUIDING HAND.
affrighted, and heated with liquor, he imagined that he
was actually in the pit of misery. When he recov-
ered himself, and had got home into Kent, he became
very thoughtful and serious, applying himself dili-
gently to reading the Scriptures and to prayer. His
father soon perceived the change in his disposition
and conduct, and greatly dreading that his son would
turn Puritan, behaved in a very harsh and severe
manner to him, and even obliged him to dress
the horses ; to all which he readily and humbly sub-
mitted. And when at any time his father perceived
that he sat up late at night to read his Bible, he
denied him candle-light ; but being allowed to have
a fire in his chamber, he used to lie all along on the
floor, and read by the light of the fire. He has told
his friends that while employed in dressing his father's
horses in his frock, and lying on the floor to read, he
received such comforts and joys from the Lord, as
were scarcely ever equalled afterwards.
The old gentleman, finding his endeavors to dis-
courage him from religion ineffectual, resolved to
send him to France, hoping that change of air and
levity of manners might cure him of his melancholy.
Accordingly he went ; but being left to his own dis-
posal, he was providentially directed to a godly
Protestant minister, with whom he fixed himself, and
with whom he soon contracted a most pleasing and
profitable friendship. Here he made a rapid progress
in learning and speaking French, an account of which
was communicated to his father. Soon after this he
was ordered to return to England, and by the father's
THE GUIDING HAND. 123
invitation, or the son's persuasion, the tutor accom-
panied him ; and was affectionately received by old
Mr. Studly, who as yet knew nothing of his being a
minister. At length the father surprised the French
gentleman and his son at prayer together, which so
enraged him, that he immediately paid him what was
owing, and dismissed him.
Another expedient was now adopted. Old Mr.
Studly having some interest with a person of honor,
a lady of quality at Whitehall, prevailed with her to
take his son into her family, who was by his educa-
tion qualified for such a station. He hoped by
the gaiety of court life to drive away his melancholy,
as he called his son's seriousness in religion.
o
When fixed in this new station, having consider-
able authority over the numerous servants of the
house, he took the liberty to reprove them for swear-
ing and other vices, with such prudence and gravity
that sin fell down before him ; so that when any of
them were improperly employed, it was enough to
deter them if they heard Mr. Studly coming. When
a year was elapsed, the father waited upon the lady,
to enquire how the young man had approved himself
in his place. She replied, she was heartily glad that
Mr. Studly had come into her house, for he had
effected a wonderful reformation in the family. She
had, she said, been formerly troubled with the unruly
conduct of her servants ; but, by his prudent man-
agement, all was now as quiet as in a private family
in the country . At this the old man perfectly stormed ,
and exclaimed, "What! will he make Puritans in
124 THE GUIDING HAND.
Whitehall ?" He told the lady, that was no place for
his son, he would take him home ; which to her great
dissatisfaction he did.
The only method he could now devise to stifle the
work of religion, was to get his son married to some
gay young lady in an irreligious family. Having
such a one in his eye, he ordered his son one evening
to be ready to accompany him on horseback on the
morning following ; and when on the road, ordered
the servant, who was behind them, to ride on before,
and then addressed himself to the young man to the
following purpose : "Son, you have been the occasion
of great grief to my mind. I have used a variety of
methods to reclaim you from the strange way you are
in, and as yet to no purpose. I have one more remedy
to apply, and if you comply with my wishes in it, I
will settle my whole estate on you ; but if you refuse,
you shall never enjoy a groat of it. We are now
going to such a gentleman's house, and to his daughter
I intend to marry you." The young man said little
in reply, knowing that family to be profane ; however,
they went on to the house, where they were kindly
received and nobly entertained, the father having
before prepared the way.
On their return homeward the old gentleman asked
his son how he liked the lady ? The young man, who
was really captivated with her beauty (for she was
remarkably handsome) replied, No man living could
help liking such a woman ; he was only afraid she
would not like him. The father, heartily glad that the
bait was taken, bid him take no care for that. The
THE GUIDING HAND. 125
courtship that ensued was not long, for in three weeks
they both came to London to buy wedding clothes.
The father had been particularly careful to desire
that while his son paid his addresses, there might be
no swearing or debauchery, lest he should be dis-
couraged. But when the wedding day came , the mask
was thrown off ; they indulged themselves at the din-
ner with drinking healths, and profane swearing ; and,
amongst the rest, the bride herself swore an oath.
At this the bridegroom, as a man amazed, took
occasion to leave the table, went to the stable, saddled
his horse, and rode away unobserved, all being busy
in the house. As he rode along he bewailed his con-
dition, having, he judged, ruined his peace for ever.
He recollected that during the affair he had restrained
prayer, and of course lost his communion with God,
when he should have been doubly and trebly diligent,
that he had inconsiderately fallen in love, and improp-
erly hurried on the match, so that he was now utterly
and deservedly undone. With such painful thoughts
as these he rode on, not knowing what to do, or
whither to go. Sometimes he thought of riding quite
away. At length, being among the woods, he led
his horse to a solitary place, tied him to a tree, and
betook himself to earnest prayer, in which he spent
the whole afternoon. He was led to pray chiefly for
the conversion of his wife, which he sought with
earnest cries and tears, looking on himself as a ruined
man if this were not granted ; nor did he rise from
his knees without some good hope of being heard.
In the mean time all was hurry and confusion at
126 THE GUIDING HAND.
the house he had left. When the bridegroom was
missed, messengers were sent out in every direction
to seek him. But no news of him could be got. He
was crying to God, as Jacob did at Peniel.
When the evening came he returned, and, enquir-
ing where his bride was, found her sitting in her
chamber, pensive enough. She asked him if he had
done well to expose her to scorn and derision all the
day. He entreated her to sit down on a couch there,
by him, and he would give her an account of what he
had been doing, and the reason of it. He then told her
the story of his whole life, and what the Lord, by his
grace , had done for him : and this he did with much
affection and many tears, the flood gates of which had
been opened in the wood ; and frequently in the course
of his story, he would say, Through grace, God did
so and so for me. When he had related the whole
and by the way, this was St Paul's method, by which
many were converted, to tell over the story of his
conversion she asked him what he meant by that ex-
pression, which he so often used, "through grace!"
so ignorantly had she been educated ; and also asked
him if he thought there was no grace in God for her,
who was so wretched a stranger to him. "Yes, my
dear," said he, * 'there is grace for you, and it is that
I have been praying for in the wood. God hath heard
my prayer, and seen my tears ; and let us now go
together to him about it." Then they kneeled down
by the couch, and he prayed ; and they both were so
engaged in weeping and supplication, that their eyes
were much swollen.
THE GUIDING HAND. 127
When they came down to supper, and were at the
table, the bride's .father, according to custom, swore.
The bride immediately said, ''Father, pray don't
swear." At which Mr. Studly rose from his seat in
prodigious anger, and cried, "What! is the devil in
him ? has he made his wife a Puritan already ? " and
swore bitterly that he would rather set fire to the
four corners of his fair-built house, with his own
hands, than his son should ever enjoy it. When he
returned home, he immediately made his will, leaving
his son only ten pounds , to cut off his claim ; and
bequeathed his estate to several others, of whom a
Dr. Reeves was one. Not long after this he died;
and Dr. Reeves sent for young Mr. Studly, paid him
his ten pounds, told him he had been a rebellious son,
had disobliged his father, and might thank himself.
He received the ten pounds, and meekly departed.
The match had been so hurried, that Mrs. Studly
had no portion settled on her, at least to his knowl-
edge, for he left the whole affair to his father's man-
agement ; so that she was also deserted by her friends.
But having two hundred pounds in her own hands,
which had been left by a grandmother, they took, and
stocked a farm in Sussex, where she, who had been
very genteelly educated, has been often seen in her
red waistcoat milking her cows. She was enabled to
do all this with such cheerfulness, that she greatly
comforted and encouraged her husband. "God," said
she "has had mercy on me, and any pains-taking is
pleasant to me." Thus they lived with much comfort,
and an increasing family, for a considerable time.
128 THE GUIDING HAND.
However, about three or four years after their mar-
riage, as he was on the road, in Kent, he was met by
one of the tenants of his late father's estate, and
saluted by the name of landlord. "Alas ! " said he, "I
am none of you? landlord." "Yes, you are," replied
the farmer, "I know more than you do of the settle-
ment. Your father, though a cunning lawyer, with all
his wit, could not alienate the estate from you, whom
he made joint purchaser. Myself and some other
tenants know it, and have refused to pay any money
to Dr. Reeves. I have sixteen pounds ready for
you in my hands, which I will pay to your acquit-
tance, and that will serve you to wage law with them."
Mr. Studly was amazed at this wonderful providence ;
received the money, sued for his estate, and in a term
or two recovered it.
Mrs. Studly, enjoying the blessings of an affection-
ate, pious husband, several fine children, and a plenti-
ful fortune, began to question the truth of her grace,
because of her great prosperity. But it was a severe
rebuke that the Lord gave her for her sin ; for a fine
boy about three years old fell into a kettle of scald-
ing wort, and was taken out by his mother, and died.
This she looked upon as the Lord's discipline for her
unthankfulness, and was thus instructed to know how
to abound as well as how to suffer want, and to accept
without distrust or murmuring the things which are
given us richly to enjoy.
" Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the
Lord delivereth him out of them all." Psa. xxxix. 19.
THE GUIDING HAND. 129
A STARVING WIDOW FED.
A lady was travelling with her young family and
their governess to the sea. They used post horses
with their own carriage. They had not gone many
miles before she discovered that the cook, contrary to
her orders, had filled all the pockets and every spare
nook of the coach with provisions. She was dis-
pleased, and the first time they stopped to change
horses, had everything turned into a basket, and told
the servant to give it away. The governess asked
permission to go with the servant while the carriage
was detained, to see it properly given. A reluctant
consent was obtained, and she hastened into the poor-
est part of the town that lay near the inn. She had
little time for any choice, so turning down a street
she resolved to leave the basket at the first clean
looking house she came to.
Passing several, she stopped at one with a snow-
white curtain in a bright window. She knocked at
the door, but received no answer ; she raised the
latch and went in. A woman, reduced by starvation
or sickness to a mere skeleton, was at a bedstead,
which was the only article of furniture in the room.
She looked languidly at the lady, who, without delay
emptied the basket on the floor meat, tongue, etc.
" I was told to give this away," said she, " and
as I knew no one here, I determined to leave it at
the first clean house I came .to."
Instead of thanking or even answering her, the
130 THE GUIDING HAND.
woman, still on her knees, raised her hands and said :
4 I thank thee, O my Father ; thou knowest my need."
A few minutes told her story. She had lost her
husband after twenty weeks of fever. Nursing him
reduced her strength and devoured her substance.
She was too weak to work, and had been compelled
to part with all her goods, piece by piece, to pay her
rent and obtain bread. " I knew I could work if I
had meat to nourish me, " she said; " but where
could I get it? Where?" she continued, " why, from
Him who sent it by you just as I was asking him to
let me have some, unless it was his blessed will that
I should go to the work-house."
THE CAPTIVE'S EELEASE.
During the war called Braddock's War, says a writer
in the Christian Advocate, my father was an officer in
the British army. One night, as they were running
close to the coast of Barbary, the officers on deck
heard some person singing. A moment convinced
them that he was singing the Old Hundredth psalm
tune. They immediately conjectured that the singer
was a Christian captive, and determined to attempt
his rescue. Twenty stout sailors, armed with pistols
and cutlasses, manned the ship's boats, and approached
the shore. Directed by the voice of singing and
prayer, they soon reached the abode of the Christian
captive. It was a little hut at the bottom of his
master's garden, on a small river. They burst open
THE GUIDING HAND. 131
the door, and took him from his knees, and, in a few
moments, he was on the ship's deck, frantic with joy.
The account he gave of himself was, that his name
was McDonald ; that he was a native of Scotland,
and had been a captive eighteen years ; had obtained
the confidence of his master, and had the privilege of
living by himself. He said he was not at all surprised
when they broke open his door; for the Turks
had often done so, and whipped him when on his
knees. Throughout his captivity, he had held fast
his faith though apostasy would have secured his
freedom and had waited and hoped until the hour of
his release.
And while all seemed dark and unpromising, the
Lord, who looks down from the height of his sanc-
tuary to behold the earth and " hear the groaning of
the prisoner," had planned and provided a way for
his rescue from his long and dark captivity.
And how visible was God's guidance in his deliv-
erance. A song of Zion, sung "by the rivers of
Babylon," brought him help. Had he feared the
wrath of his foes ; had he hushed his song and
whispered out his praises to escape their persecutions ;
or had he sung sooner or later than he did ; or had
the vessel passed by day, when others would have
observed their movements, he might have still re-
mained inbondage, and died a captive in a hostile land.
But God never makes mistakes, and his providential
arrangements are never too early, never too late,
always in time, always in place, and always true and
righteous altogether.
132 THE GUIDING HAND.
THE HEAVEN-BUILT WALL.
In the campaign of Napoleon in Russia, while the
French army was retreating from Moscow, there lay
in a poor, low cottage, in a little village, an invalid
boy. This village was exactly in the course of the
retreating army, and already the reports of its ap-
proach had reached and excited the terrified inhabit-
ants. In their turn, they began to make prepara-
tions for retreat ; for they knew there was no hope for
them from the hands of soldiers, all seeking their own
preservation , and giving no quarter to others . Every
one who had the strength to fly, fled ; some trying to
take with them their worldly goods, some to conceal
them. The little village was fast growing deserted.
Some burnt their houses or dismantled them. The
old were placed in wagons, and the young hurried
their families away with them.
But in the little cottage there was none of this
bustle. The poor crippled boy could not move from
his bed. The widowed mother had no friends inti-
mate enough to spare a thought for her in this time
of trouble, when every one thought only of those
nearest to him and of himself. What chance in flight
was there for her and her young children, among
whom one was the poor crippled boy ?
It was evening, and the sound of distant voices and
of preparation had died away. The poor boy was
wakeful with terror, now urging his mother to leave
him to his fate, now dreading lest she should take
him at his word, and leave him behind.
THE GUIDING HAND. 133
"The neighbors are just going away; I hear them
no longer," he said. "I am so selfish I have kept
you here. Take the little girls with you ; it is not
too late. And I am safe; who will hurt a poor
helpless boy ?"
"We are all safe," answered the mother; "God
will not leave us, though all else forsake us."
4 ' But what can help us ?" persisted the boy. Who
can defend us from their cruelty ? Such stories as I
have heard of the ravages of these men ! They are
not men ; they are wild beasts. Oh, why was I made
so weak so weak as to be utterly useless? No
strength to defend, no strength even to fly."
"There is a sure wall for the defenseless," answered
his mother ; "God will build us up a sure wall."
"You are my strength now," said the boy; "I
thank God that you did not desert me. I am so
weak, I cling to you. Do not leave me, indeed ! I
fancy I can see the cruel soldiers hurrying in. We
are too poor to satisfy them, and they would pour
their vengeance upon us ! And yet you ought to
leave me ! What right have I to keep you here ?
And I shall suffer more if I see you suffer."
"God will be our refuge and defense," still said
the mother ; and at length, with low, quieting words,
she stilled the anxious boy, till he, too, slept like his
sisters. The morning came of the day that was to
bring the dreaded enemy. The mother and children
opened their eyes to find that a "sure wall" had in-
deed been built for their defense. The snow had
begun to fall the evening before. Through the night
134 THE GUIDING HAND.
it had collected rapidly. A "stormy wind, fulfilling
His word," had blown the snow into drifts against
the low house, so that it had entirely covered it a
protecting wall, Imilt by Him who holds the very
winds in his fists', and who ever pities those who
trust in him. A low shed behind protected the way
to the outhouse, where the animals were, and for
a few days the mother and her children kept them-
selves alive within their cottage, shut in and con-
cealed by the heavy barricade of snow.
It was during that time that the dreaded scourge
passed over the village. Every house was ransacked ;
all the wealthier ones deprived of their luxuries,
and the poorer ones robbed of their necessaries. But
the low-roofed cottage lay sheltered beneath its wall
of snow, which, in the silent night, had gathered
about it. God had protected the defenseless with
a "sure wall."
PKOVIDENCE AND LAW.
It is said that John Fletcher, when a young man,
was very anxious to join the army to go to South
America. The vessel was ready to start, friends
secured him an appointment, but the morning he was
to have sailed, the servant, in coming into his room
at breakfast, stumbled and spilled over him the boil-
ing coffee, and so scalded him that he was unable to
go on his journey. He lamented the accident was
disappointed in all his plans ; but the vessel was never
heard from. Fletcher was spared to become a preacher
THE GUIDING HAND. 135
of the gospel, a man who wielded by his pen, as well
as by his voice, an overwhelming influence upon the
minds of men, and being dead yet speaketh. No
miracle was wrought. Wesley, the little boy, is
sleeping in the upper story of Ep worth Rectory. It
is on fire ; he is forgotten ; but suddenly a woman
remembers there is a child asleep, and she calls, and
the child shows his head at the window ; and a brave
man at the risk of himself being burned, mounts a
ladder, and the little fellow throws himself into his
arms and is saved, and Wesley is spared to enlighten
the world.
No law of nature is violated ; but oh ! these sug-
gestions, these thoughts that drop from heaven, that
change and mould the whole sphere of our lives !
This breathing! God breathed into man, and he
became a living soul. Jesus, when he rose from the
dead, breathed and said: "Receive ye the Holy
Ghost." That spirit of breathing, that spiritual
influence, it comes down on the hearts of men, and
may change and fashion and mould and save, and yet
all these laws of nature remain uniform and immu-
table. God is all around us. God's laws stand all
the time. We lean on them like pillars of the universe.
We place our feet on them like the rock of ages.
We hold fast to them, knowing that the foundations
shall give way sooner than they. And yet, in the
midst of all these , there is a sphere under which we
can work in harmony with these laws and have their
protecting power, and still God can care for the men
who care for Him. Here is the whole realm in which
136 THE GUIDING HAND.
we may find safety. I will not say positively that
God never interfered with nature's laws, that there
is never any response in this direction in answer to
prayer. I will not make the affirmation that God
never suspends a .natural law; but I will say, I see
no necessity for it. Christ never showed any
example of it in his own life ; and save when there
was a necessity for declaring God was there, that he
might give a revelation, and men might know it was
from God, we find no such case of miraculous inter-
vention. And now, then, if God can so work, what
is to prevent us feeling we are encircled within his
arms and his power attends us ? Bp>
THE LOST DEEDS.
Dr. Bedell relates that, while Bishop Chase, of
Ohio, was at the house of a Mr. Beck, in Philadelphia,
he received a package from Dr. Ward, the Bishop of
Sodor and Man, making inquiries relating to certain
property in America, of which some old person in his
diocese was the heir. The letter had gone to Ohio,
followed him to Washington, then to Philadelphia,
and found him at Mr. Beck's. When he read it to
Mr. B., the latter was in amazement, and said,
''Bishop Chase, I am the only man in the world
who can give you this information. I have the deeds
in my possession, and have had them forty-three
years, not knowing what to do with them, or where
any heirs were to be found."
How wonderful that the application should have
THE GUIDING HAND. 137
been made to Bishop Chase, and he not in Ohio, but
a guest in the house of the only man who possessed
any information on the subject !
AEE TKACTS WASTED?
Some people think that the day of the usefulness
of tracts has gone by, and that the tract distributor's
task is as idle as the throwing of sand to the four
winds of heaven. But though a printed word may
be wasted, just as a spoken word may be addressed to
careless ears, no one knows upon what ground the
seed will fall. Recently it was reported in the news
columns of a New York daily paper, a man stepped
into a horse-car in New York, and, before taking his
seat, gave to each passenger a little card bearing the
inscription, " Look to Jesus when tempted, when
troubled, when dying." One of the passengers care-
fully read the card and put it into his pocket. As
he left the car he said to the giver : " Sir, when you
gave me this card, I was on my way to the ferry,
intending to jump from the boat and drown myself.
The death of my wife and son had robbed me of all
desire to live. But this ticket has persuaded me to
begin life anew. Good-day, and God bless you ! "
All this is no imaginary story, taken from a religious
novel. It happened to be on a Fulton Ferry car, on
a day in March, 1878, and the man who distributed
the cards was Mr. James Huggins, the proprietor
of the Pearl Street printing establishment.
138 THE GUIDING HAND.
THE LORD'S LEADING.
Thus far the Lord hath led us, in darkness and in day,
Through all the various stages of the narrow, homeward way ;
Long since, he toak that journey he trod that path alone,
Its trials and its dangers full well himself hath known.
Thus far the Lord hath led us ; the promise has not failed ;
The enemy encountered oft has never quite prevailed ;
The shield of faith has turned aside, or quenched each fiery dart,
The Spirit's sword in weakest hands has forced him to depart.
Thus far the Lord hath led us ; the waters have been high,
But yet in passing through them, we felt that he was nigh.
A very present helper in trouble we have found ;
His comforts most abounded when our sorrows did abound.
Thus far the Lord hath led us ; our need hath been supplied,
And mercy hath encompassed us about on every side ;
Still falls the daily manna ; the pure rock-fountains now ;
And many flowers of love and hope along the wayside grow.
Thus far the Lord hath led us ; and will he now forsake
The feeble ones whom for his own it pleases him to take ?
Oh, never, never ! earthly friends may cold and faithless prove,
But his is changeless pity and everlasting love.
Calmly we look behind us, our joys and sorrows past,
We know that all is mercy now, and shall be well at last ;
Calmly we look before us, we fear no future ill,
Enough for safety and for peace, if thou art with us still.
Yes ; they that know thy name, Lord, shall put their trust in thee,
While nothing in themselves but sin and helplessness they see.
The race thou hast appointed us, with patience we can run,
Thou wilt perform unto the end the work thou hast begun.
THE GUIDING HAND.
DREAMS AND IMPRESSIONS,
' ' FOR GOD SPEAKETH ONCE, YEA TWICE, YET MAN PERCEIV-
ETH IT NOT. IN A DREAM, IN A VISION OP THE NIGHT, WHEN
DEEP SLEEP FALLETH UPON MEN, IN SLUMBERINGS UPON THE
BED; THEN HE OPENETH THE EARS OF MEN, AND SEALETII
THEIR INSTRUCTION, THAT HE MAY WITHDRAW MAN FROM HIS
PURPOSE, AND HIDE PRIDE FROM MAN. HE KEEPETH BACK
HIS SOUL FROM THE PIT, AND HIS LIFE FROM PERISHING BY
THE SWORD." Job xxxiii. 14-18.
THE GUIDING HAND.
DEEAIS AND IMPKESSIONS.
TEMENT'S DELIVERANCE.
About the year 1744, when William Tennent, of
New Jersey, a man eminent for his zeal and piety,
was laboring in the great revivals of that time, he
had associated with him a Mr. David Rowland who
was very successful as a preacher of the gospel of
Christ among all classes of people. An estimable
and eloquent man, and deeply devoted to the service
of his Heavenly Master, his celebrity and success
gave great uneasiness to many careless worldlings,
who sought happiness in the enjoyment of temporal
things, and considered and represented Mr. Rowland
and his brethren as hypocrites and fanatics. Many
of the great men of New Jersey held this view of
the case, among whom may be mentioned the Chief
Justice, who was well known for his disbelief in
divine revelation.
There was at this time, prowling through the
country, a noted man by the name of Tom Bell, whose
142 THE GUIDING HAND.
knowledge and understanding were very considerable,
and who greatly excelled in low art and cunning.
His mind was totally debased, and his whole conduct
betrayed a soul capable of descending to every
species of iniquity. In all arts of theft, robbery,
fraud, deception, and defamation, he was so deeply
skilled, and thoroughly practiced, that it is believed
he never had his equal in this country. He had been
indicted in ajmost every one of the middle colonies ;
but his ingenuity and cunning always enabled him to
escape punishment. This man, unhappily, resemble^
Mr. Rowland in his external appearance, so as hardly
to be known from him without the most careful
examination.
It so happened, that Tom Bell arrived one evening
at a tavern in Princeton, dressed in a dark, parson's-
gray frock. On his entering the tavern, about dusk,
the late John Stockton, Esq., of that town, a pious
and respectable man, to whom Mr. Rowland was well
known, went up to Bell, and addressed him as Mr.
Rowland, and invited him to go home with him.
Bell assured him of his mistake. It was with some
difficulty that Mr. Stockton acknowledged his error,
and then informed Bell that it had arisen from his
great resemblance to Mr. Rowland. This hint was
sufficient for the prolific genius of that notorious
impostor.
The next day Bell went into the county of Hunter-
don, and stopped in a neighborhood where Mr. Row-
land had formerly preached once or twice , but where
he was not intimately known. Here he met with a
THE GUIDING HAND. 143
member of the congregation, to whom he introduced
himself as the Rev. Mr. Rowland, who had preached
to them some time before. This gentleman invited
him to his house, to spend the week; and begged
him, as the people were without a minister, to preach
for them on the next Sunday; to which Bell agreed,
and notice was accordingly given in the neighborhood.
The impostor was treated with every mark of atten-
tion and respect ; and a private room was assigned to
him, as a study, to prepare for the coming Sunday.
The sacred day arrived, and he was invited to ride
to church with the ladies in the family wagon, while the
master of the house accompanied them on an elegant
horse . When they had arrived near the church , Bell,
on a sudden, discovered that he had left his notes in
his study, and proposed to ride back for them on the
fine horse, by which means he should be able to return
in time for the service. This proposal was instantly
agreed to, and Bell mounted the horse, returned to the
house, rifled the desk of his host, and made off with
the horse. Wherever he stopped he called himself
the Rev. David Rowland.
At the time this event took place, Messrs. Tennent
and Rowland had gone into Pennsylvania or Mary land,
with Mr. Joshua Anderson and Mr. Benjamin Stevens
both members of a church contiguous to that where
Bell had practiced his fraud on business of a relig-
ious nature. Soon after their return, Mr. Rowland
was charged with the above robbery ; he gave bonds
to appear at the court at Trenton, and the affair made
a great noise throughout the colony. At the court
144 THE GUIDING HAND.
of oyer and terminer, the judge charged the grand
jury on the subject with great severity. After long
consideration, the jury returned into the court without
finding a bill. The judge reproved them, in an angry
manner, and ordered them out again. They returned
without finding a bill, and were again sent out with
threatenings of severe punishment if they persisted
in their refusal. At last they brought in a bill for
the alleged crime. On the trial, Messrs. Tennent,
Anderson, and. Stevens appeared as witnesses, and
fully proved an alibi in favor of Mr. Rowland, by
swearing, that on the very day the robbery was
committed, they were with Mr. Rowland, and heard
him preach in Pennsylvania or Maryland. The jury
accordingly acquitted him without hesitation, to the
great joy of the well-disposed, but to the discom-
fiture of the prosecutors, who, indignant at the failure
of their plans, soon contrived another scheme to
bring reproach upon these servants of the Lord.
The testimony of the person who had been robbed
was positive that Mr. Rowland was the robber ; and
this testimony was corroborated by that of a number
of individuals who had seen Tom Bell personating
Mr. Rowland, using his name, and in the possession
of the horse. These sons of Belial had been able,
after great industry used for the purpose, to collect
a mass of evidence of this kind, which they consid-
ered as establishing the fact ; but Mr. Rowland was
now out of their power by the verdict of not guilty.
Their vengeance, therefore, was directed against the
witnesses by whose testimony he had been cleared ;
THE GUIDING HAND. 145
and they were accordingly arraigned for perjury,
before a court of quarter sessions in the county ; and
the grand jury received a strict charge, the- plain
import of which was that these good men ought to
be indicted. After an examination of the testimony
on one side only, as is the custom in such cases, the
grand jury did accordingly find bills of indictment
against Messrs. Tenucnt, Anderson, and Stevens,
for willful and corrupt perjury. Their enemies, and
the enemies of the gospel, now began to triumph.
They gloried in the belief that an indelible stain
would be fixed on the professors of religion, and of
consequence, on religion itself; and that this new
light, by which they denominated all appearance of
piety, would soon be extinguished forever.
These indictments were removed to the supreme
court; and poor Anderson, living in the country, and
conscious of his entire innocence, could not brook the
idea of lying under the odium of the hateful crime of
perjury, and demanded a trial at the first court of oyer
and terminer. This proved most seriously injurious
to him ; for he was pronounced guilty , and most cruelly
and unjustly condemned to stand one hour on the
court-house steps, with a paper on his breast, whereon
was written, in large letters, "This is for willful and
corrupt perjury ;" which sentence was performed upon
him.
Messrs. Tennent and Stevens were summoned to
appear at the court, and attended accordingly ; de-
pending on the aid of Mr. John Coxe, an eminent
lawyer who had previously been employed to conduct
146 THE GUIDING HAND.
their defense. As Mr. Tennent was wholly unac-
quainted with the nature of forensic litigation, and did
not know of any person living who cculd prove his
innocence, all the persons who were with him being
indicted, his only resource and consolation was to com-
mit himself to the Divine will, and if he must suffer,
to take it as from the hand of God, who he well knew
could make even the wrath of man to praise him. And
considering it as probable that he might suffer, he
had prepared a sermon to be preached from the pillory
if that should be his fate. His affectionate conorega-
o o
tion felt deeply interested in his critical situation, and
kept a day of fasting and prayer on the occasion.
On his arrival at Trenton, he found the famous Mr.
Smith, of New York, father of the late Chief Justice
of Canada, one of the ablest lawyers in America, and
of a religious character, who had voluntarily attended
to aid in his defense ; also his brother Gilbert, who was
settled in the pastoral charge of the second Presby-
terian church in Philadelphia, and who had brought
Mr. John Kinsey, one of the first counselors of that
city, for the same purpose. Messrs. Tennent and
Stevens met these gentlemen at Mr. Coxe's the morn-
ing before the trial was to come on. Mr. Coxe request-
ed that they would bring in their witnesses, that they
might examine them previously to their going into
court. Mr. Tennent answered that he did not know
of any witnesses but God and his own conscience.
Mr. Coxe replied, "If you have no witnesses, sir,
the trial must be put off: otherwise you will most
certainly be convicted. You well know the strong
THE GUIDING HAND. 147
testimony that will be brought against you, and the
exertions being made to accomplish your ruin." Mr.
Tennent replied, " I am sensible of all this, yet it
never shall be said that I have delayed the trial, or
been afraid to meet the justice of my country. I
know my own conscience, and that God, whose I am
and whom I serve, will never suffer me to fall by
these snares of the devil, or by the wicked machin-
ations of his agents or servants ; therefore, gentlemen,
go on to the trial."
Messrs. Smith and Kinsey, who were both religious
men, told him that his confidence and trust in God as
a Christian minister of the gospel, was well founded,
and before a heavenly tribunal would be all-important
to him ; but assured him it would not avail in an
earthly court, and urged his consent to put off the
trial. Mr. Tennent continued inflexible in his re-
fusal ; on which Mr. Coxe told him, that since he
was determined to go to trial, he had the satisfaction
of informing him that they had discovered a flaw in
the indictment, that might prove favorable to him on
a demurrer. He asked for an explanation, and on
finding that it was to admit the fact on a legal point
of view, and rest on the law arising from it, Mr.
Tennent broke out with great vehemence, saying that
this was another snare of the devil, and before he
would consent to it he would suffer death. He
assured his counsel that his confidence in God was so
strong, and his assurance that He would bring about
his deliverance some way or other Avas so great, that
he did not wish them to delay the trial for a moment.
148 THE GUIDING HAND.
Mr. Stevens, whose faith was not of this descrip-
tion, and who was bowed down to the ground under
the most gloomy apprehensions of suffering as his
neighbor Mr. Anderson had done, eagerly seized the
opportunity of 'escape that was offered, and was
afterwards discharged on the exception.
Mr. Coxe still urged putting off the trial, charging
Mr. Tennent with acting the part rather of a wild
enthusiast, than of a meek and prudent Christian ;
but he insisted that they should proceed, and left them
in astonishment, not knowing how to act, when the
bell summoned them to court.
Mr. Tennent had not walked far in the street, before
he met a man and his wife, who stopped him, and
asked if his name was not Tennent. He answered
in the affirmative, and begged to know if they had
any business with him. The man replied, " You
best know." He told his name, and said he was from
a certain place (which he mentioned) in Pennsylvania
or Maryland ; that Messrs. Rowland, Tennent,
Anderson and Stevens had lodged either at his house,
or in a house wherein he and his wife had been ser-
vants, (it is not certain which,) at a particular time,
which he named ; that on the following day they had
heard Messrs. Tennent and Rowland preach; that
some nights before they left home, he and his wife
waked out of a sound sleep, and each told the other
a dream which had just occurred, and which proved
to be the same in substance to wit, that he, Mr.
Tennent, was at Trenton, in the greatest possible
distress, and that it was in their power, and theirs
THE GUIDING HAND. 149
only, to relieve him. Considering it as a remarkable
dream only, they again went to sleep, and it was
twice repeated in exactly the same manner to both of
them. This made so deep an impression on their
minds that they set off, and here they were, and
wanted to know what they were to do.
Mr. Tennent immediately went with them to the
court-house, and his counsel, on examining the man
and his wife, and finding their testimony full to the
purpose, were, as they well might be, in perfect
astonishment. Before the trial began, another person,
of a low character, called on Mr. Tennent, and told
him that he was so harrassed in conscience, for the
part he had been acting in this prosecution, that he
could get no rest till he had determined to come and
make a full confession. He sent this man to his
counsel also. Soon after, Mr. Stockton, from Prince-
ton, appeared and added his testimony. In short,
they went to trial, and notwithstanding the utmost
exertions of the ablest counsel, who had been employ-
ed to aid the attorney-general against Mr. Tennent,
the advocates on his side so traced every movement
of the defendant on the Saturday, Sunday and Mon-
day in cuiestion, and satisfied the jury so perfectly
on the subject, that they did not hesitate honorably
to acquit Mr. Tennent, by their unanimous verdict
of not guilty, to the great confusion and mortification
of his numerous opposers.
Mr. Tennent assured the writer of this that during
the whole of this business, his spirits never failed
him, and that he contemplated the possibility of his
150 THE GUIDING HAND.
suffering so infamous a punishment as standing in
the pillory without dismay, and had made prepara-
tion, and was fully determined to deliver a sermon
to the people while in that situation, if he should be
placed in it.
He went from Trenton to Philadelphia with his
brother, and on his return, as he was rising the hill
at the entrance of Trenton, without reflecting on what
had happened, he accidentally cast his eyes on the
pillory, which suddenly so filled him with horror, as
completely to unman him, and it was with great diffi-
culty that he kept himself from falling from his horse.
He reached the tavern door in considerable danger
was obliged to be assisted to dismount, and it was
some time before he could so get the better of his
fears and confusion as to proceed on his journey.
Such is the constitution of the human mind ! It will
often resist with unshaken firmness the severest
external pressure and violence ; and sometimes it
yields without reason when it has nothing to fear.
Or, should we not rather say, such is the support
which God sometimes affords to his people in the time
of their necessity, and such the manner in which he
leaves them to feel their own weakness when that
necessity is past, that all the praise and glory of this
work, as well as their salvation, may be given to him
to whom it is due ?
The writer sincerely rejoices, that though a number
of the extraordinary incidents in the life of Mr. Ten-
nent cannot be vouched by public testimony and au-
thentic documents, yet the singular manner in which
THE GUIDING HAND. 151
a gracious God did appear for this, his faithful servant,
in the time of that distress which has just been
noticed, is a matter of public notoriety, and capable
of being verified by the most unquestionable testi-
mony and records.
This special instance of the interference of the
righteous Judge of all the earth, ought to yield conso-
lation to pious people in seasons of great difficulty
and distress, where there are none that seem able to
deliver them. Yet it ought to afford no encourage-
ment to the enthusiast who refuses to use the means
of preservation and deliverance which God puts in
his power. True confidence in God is always accom-
panied with the use of all lawful means, and with the
rejection of all that are unlawful. It consists in an
unshaken belief, that while right means are used,
God will give that issue which shall be most for his
glory, and his people's good. The extraordinary
occurrence here recorded may also serve as a solemn
warning to the enemies of God's people, and to the
advocates of infidelity, not to strive by wicked and
deep-laid machinations, to oppose the success of the
gospel, nor to attempt to injure the persons and
character of those faithful servants of the Most High,
whom sooner or later he will vindicate, to the un-
speakable confusion of all who have persecuted and
traduced them.
The foregoing account, taken from the memoir of
William Tennent, most clearly illustrates the wisdom
exhibited in God's gracious providence, and the deliv-
ering power manifested in the workings of his guiding
152 THE GUIDING HAND.
hand. The same God yet lives ; let us trust in him
in every trying hour, knowing that he is still, as he
has been in ages past, a refuge in the day of trouble,
a covert from the storm, a present help in every time
of need.
THE WEDDING EOBE.
Near Elberfeldt, in Germany, there lived two pious
men, very intimate, one of whom had a worldly wife.
The husband was taken ill, and on his death-bed
drew a promise from his friend that he would visit
his wife, pray for her, and lose no opportunity of
recommending to her the grace of God as revealed in
the person and work of Jesus Christ. This the friend
readily engaged to do ; and, upon the husband's
death, which happened shortly after, he visited the
widow, and as long as her grief lasted, his visits and
the truth he advanced were well received. Time
passed on, but as the wound began to heal, his visits
became more and more irksome to the lady, until at
last she told him that unless he would speak of some-
thing more pleasant, he might as well stay away
altogether. Hurt, but not offended, he discontinued
his visits, but not his prayers. After a while, how-
ever, he forgot her entirely. Two years had rolled
by, when awaking suddenly in the night, he felt
unhappy and depressed ; and among other things, he
thought of his friend, and then of the wife, and with
much sorrow of heart he prayed the Lord that his sin
of negligence in forgetting to pray for her, and
THE GUIDING HAND. 153
allowing himself to be hindered from carrying out
his promise, might not be the cause of a precious
soul being lost. He rose early in the morning, and
though he had eight miles to walk, by six o'clock he
was at the chateau where the widow resided. He
rang the bell.
" Can I see madam ?"
The servant looked strangely at him and went
away. In a few moments she returned.
' ' You can see madam ; she has been longing to
o o
see you ; she is dying ! "
He went up, and to his surprise and happiness
found her full of joy and peace in believing. She
stretched out her hand to him and said :
"Ah, sir! I have found a Saviour just such as I
need."
He begged her to repeat, if she were able, the
circumstances of her conversion. She said she felt
able. The night before, when she fell asleep, she
was much disturbed, and had the following dream :
A carriage, she thought, drove up to the house ;
the footman jumped down, threw open the door, and
told her that she was invited to the wedding of the
king's son ; but she must be very quick in dressing,
as he could not wait. She ran to her wardrobe to
find her best dress, but when she put it over her
head, it fell around her in dust and ashes. A second,
and a third met the same fate. The footman cried
out: "Make haste or we must go." Her servant
jumped into the carriage, the door slammed, and as
she heard the wheels roll away, she sank on her bed
154 THE GUIDING HAND.
in an agony of mortified shame. How long she lay
she knew not, but she was roused by a voice whis-
pering in her ear : "There is no robe that will cover
you but the robe of the righteousness of Jesus
Christ."
She awoke and found it a dream ; but though the
vision was gone, the reality of her solemn position as
having to do with the living God, was fully before
her. She cried to him, and before the day dawned
had found salvation through the blood of a crucified
Saviour. This was her story. A few hours after
she fell asleep in Christ.
SENATOK LINN'S KESCUE.
Those who were familiar with the political history
of our country years ago, remember well Dr. Linn,
of Missouri. Distinguished for talents and profes-
sional ability, but yet more for the excellence of his
heart, he received, by a distinction as rare as it was
honorable, the unanimous vote of the legislature for
the office of senator of the United States.
In discharge of his congressional duties, he was
residing with his family in Washington, during the
spring and summer of 1840, the last year of Mr.
Van Buren's administration.
One day during the month of May of that year,
Dr. and Mrs. Linn received an invitation to a large
and formal dinner-party, given by a public function-
ary, and to which the most prominent members of
the administration party, including the President
THE GUIDING HAND. 155
himself and Mr. Buchanan, were invited guests. Dr.
Linn was very anxious to be present ; but when the
day came, finding himself suffering from an attack of
indigestion, he begged his wife to bear his apology
in person, and make one of the dinner-party, leaving
him at home . To this she somewhat reluctantly con-
sented. She was accompanied to the door of their
host by a friend, General Jones, who promised to
return and remain with Dr. Linn during the evening.
At table Mrs. Linn sat next to General Macomb,
who had conducted her to dinner ; and immediately
opposite to her sat Silas Wright, senator from New
York, the most intimate friend of her husband, and
a man by whose death, shortly after, the country
sustained an irreparable loss.
Even during the early part of dinner, Mrs. Linn
felt very uneasy about her husband. She tried to
reason herself out of this, as she knew that his indis-
position was not at all serious ; but in vain. She
mentioned her uneasiness to General Macomb ; but
he reminded her of what she herself had previously
told him, that General Jones had promised to re-
main with Dr. Linn, and that, in the very unlikely
contingency of any sudden illness, he would be sure
to apprize her of it. Notwithstanding these repre-
sentations, as dinner drew toward a close this unac-
countable uneasiness increased to such an uncon-
trollable impulse to return home, that, as she ex-
pressed it to me, she felt that she could not sit there
a moment longer. Her sudden pallor was noticed
by Senator Wright, and excited his alarm. "I am
156 THE GUIDING HAND.
sure you are ill, Mrs. Linn," he said ; "what is the
matter?" She replied that she was quite well, but
that she must return to her husband. Mr. Wright
sought, as General Macomb had done, to calm her
fears ; but she' replied to him, "If you wish to do me
a favor for which I shall be grateful while I live,
make some excuse to our host, so that we can leave
the table." Seeing her so greatly excited, he complied
with her request, and he and Mrs Wright accompanied
Mrs. Linn home.
As they were taking leave of her at the door of
her lodgings, Senator Wright said, "I shall call
to-morrow morning, and have a good laugh with the
doctor and yourself over your panic apprehensions."
As Mrs. Linn passed hastily up stairs, she met the
landlady. " How is Dr. Linn ?" she anxiously asked.
"Very well, I believe," was the reply; "he took a
bath more than an hour ago, and I dare say is sound
asleep by this time. General Jones said he was
doing extremely well."
"The General is with him, is he not?"
"I believe not. I think I saw him pass out about
half an hour ago."
In a measure reassured, Mrs. Linn hastened to her
husband's bed-chamber, the door of which was closed.
As she opened it a dense smoke burst upon her, in
such stifling quantity that she staggered and fell on
the threshold. Recovering herself after a few seconds,
she rushed into the room. The bolster was on fire,
and the feathers burned with a bright glow and a
suffocating odor. She threw herself upon the bed ;
THE GUIDING HAND. 157
but the fire, half smothered till that moment, was
fanned by the draught from the opened door, and,
kindling into sudden flame, caught her dress, which
was in a blaze on the instant. At the same moment
her eye fell on the large bath-tub that had been used
by her husband. She sprang into it, extinguishing
her burning dress ; then, returning to the bed, she
caught up the pillow and a sheet that was on fire,
scorching her arms in so doing, and plunged both
into the water. Finally, exerting her utmost strength,
she drew from the bed her insensible husband. It
was then only that she called to the people of the
house for aid.
Dr. Sewell was instantly summoned ; but it was
full half an hour before the sufferer gave any signs
whatever of returning animation. He did not leave
his bed for nearly a week ; and it was three months
before he entirely recovered from the effects of the
accident.
"How fortunate it was," said Dr. Sewell to Mrs.
Linn, "that you arrived at the very moment you
did ! Five minutes more nay, three minutes and,
in all human probability, you would never have seen
your husband alive again."
Mr. Wright called, as he promised, the next
morning. "Well, Mrs. Linn," said he, smiling,
4 ' you have found out by this time how foolish that
strange presentiment of yours was."
" Come up stairs," she replied. And she led him
to his friend, scarcely yet able to speak ; and then
she showed the remains of the half-consumed bolster
158 THE GUIDING HAND.
and partially-burned bed-linen. Whether the sight
changed his opinion on the subject of pesentiments, I
cannot tell; but he turned pale as a corpse, and did
not utter a word.
I had all of 4he above particulars from Mrs. Linn
herself, in Washington, on the 4th of July, 1859,
together with the permission to publish them in
illustration of the providence of God, attested by
date and names.
. THE DYKE-MAN'S DELIVERANCE.
Iii the Monthly Reporter of the British and For-
eign Bible Society, for January 1, 1867, is an account
of a tour in Germany, by the Society's Frankfort
Agent, Kev. G. P. Davies, and of a pleasant after-
noon he spent with colporteurs Bocke, Vosburg, and
Miiller, faithful laborers in the Bible cause :
We were in the large room of an East Frisian
village Inn, where we had dined together. We were
seated round the turf fire, which was burning briskly
on the flat, slated floor, under the wide, open chim-
ney. All in-doors was in cheerful contrast with the
gray clouds and the cold, drizzling rain which was
falling outside. The conversation turned now on
this topic, now on that ; now on themes related to
Bible work the old themes the hatred of the un-
godly, the indifference of the thoughtless, the joy of
believers, the various forms of encouragement and
discouragement. Then we talked of the dangers
connected with the work in its bearing on the inner
THE GUIDING HAND. 159
life, such as the danger of confounding being occu-
pied about the Bible, with the diligent, personal use
of the Bible ; or, again, the temptation to which the
very best colporteurs are exposed, of sacrificing time
which ought to be spent in house-to-house visitation,
and the diligent prosecution of their work, in inter-
course, otherwise profitable, with friends in whom
they find Christian brethren. "Yet," said one, { Scrip-
ture alone is not sufficient for us ; it must be read
with prayer. We must clothe ourselves in this
double armor if we are to work as we ought."
This allusion to prayer provoked a lively discus-
sion of the question, How far the believer may make
temporal good the subject of prayer ? May we take
everything, our very household cares and wants, to
the throne of grace ?
" Let us look at this matter," said one of our num-
ber, "in the light of facts. I will relate a case that
came within the circle of my personal knowledge.
4 * Here, in East Friesland, our country, like Holland,
lies lower than the sea. We therefore defend our-
selves against the water by high dykes along the
coast, and on the banks of the tidal rivers. Each
holder of land is responsible for the condition of a
certain amount of dyke, and has to keep a dyke-man.
These men live an isolated life in small cottages close
to the dyke, and because their time is not wholly
occupied with this labor, they have always some
other home occupation, generally weaving.
"My mother had such a dyke-man. He lived some
miles distant from our house, and we rarely saw him.
160 THE GUIDING HAND.
He was a married man, and had grown-up children,
one of whom was employed in my mother's service.
" One day my mother was seized with an unaccount-
able sort of uneasiness. She began, she knew not
why, to put meat, bread, and other provisions into a
small bag, and when she had done this she returned
to her ordinary duties.
"Into the dyke-man's house sorrow had entered.
He had been ill. His earnings were spent, and they
had come to their last loaf. On that very day, to
add to their distress, his married daughter, with her
infant child, came from a long distance to see them.
The dyke-man and his wife went to bed fasting,
reserving the bread for the mother and her child.
"The next morning the dyke-man's wife rose in a
wonderfully cheerful frame of mind. She said, 'God
will provide for us this very day. I do not know
how, but I am sure he will.' Her faith was conta-
gious. Husband and daughter shook off their gloom,
and waited for what should come. But the morning
O
passed, and noon came and brought no sign of help
and relief. The afternoon and night set in. The
famished husband lost all hope, and spoke hard
things of her and of God.
* * When his day's work was done the dyke-man's
son, my mother's servant, came to her, and said that
he had a very strong desire to go home and see his
parents. If his mistress would allow it, by leaving
his father's cottage before daybreak, he could be
back in time for his work next morning. * In that
case,' said my mother, <you may go, and as you are
THE GUIDING HAND. 161
going you may just as well take this bag with you,'
giving him the bag of provisions.
' * He set off across the heavy marsh-land in the dark
night, cheering himself with the thought of a few
pleasant hours in his father's cottage. He arrived
and entered, but instead of joy he found hunger and
tears. He had no knowledge whatever of his father's
illness and distress. He gave his mother the little
bag. She opened it : out came bread, bacon, cheese,
and other provisions. They gazed at each other in
amazement. 'Wife,' said the dyke-man, 'you take
first ; it is you who have gained us this.' She replied,
'No; first of all the child, and then the mother.'
Then to the dyke-man she said, 'And now you.'
Then he said again, ' And now, wife, you.' But she
only wept, and took nothing, but quietly said,
' I have meat to eat that ye know not of.' "
WESLEY AND HIS PEKSECUTOKS.
A correspondent of the Advocate of Holiness,
communicates an incident in the life of John Wesley,
which had not before appeared in print, and which
shows the meekness of the man of God under abuse,
and the retributions of providence upon his per-
secutors :
The circumstance was related by an old man about
eighty years of age, named Sheerin, a Roman Cath-
olic, who lived near the town of Boyle, Ireland, and
who saw not only the incident, but also the subse-
quent end of the family. In course of conversation
162 THE GUIDING HAND.
about how some families melt and die out, he said,
"I remember a circumstance that occurred when I
was a very young man. I was on a holiday after
coming out from mass in the chapel of Boyle. It
was customary then, as it is now, to stand in Bridge
street and have a chat with the neighbors. At this
place there was a hotel, owned by one of the richest
men in the town ; he had two tanneries, several large
farms, well stocked, together with other property.
I saw one John Wesley, a very nice old man, with
long white hair ; when he came forward to the part of
the street where the crowd was, he got up on a stone
outside of the hotel door, that was used for a seat,
and commenced preaching to the people. In a few
minutes after he commenced, some of the family
went up stairs and procured a chamber vessel and
emptied the contents out of a window down on his
head. He seemed to take no notice of what was
done, further than taking out his handkerchief, and
wiping his head and face.
4 * When the people saw what was done, and that he
took it so patiently, they said it was a shame ; and
from that forward, they listened to him very atten-
tively during the remainder of his sermon. When
he had ended his discourse, he turned, and looking
at the house, said, ' God forgive you, and I forgive
you ; but I am not sent of God if that family comes
to a good end.' " The old man said the prediction
proved true. In twelve months after, one of the
sons was either hanged, or hanged himself; another
came to a violent death ; and the daughter became a
THE GUIDING HAND. 163
castaway ; the father and mother were reduced to
extreme want, and not a trace of the family was to be
found in about five years' time. This occurred, I
should judge from the old man's statement, between
the years 1780 and 1790.
A MEMOEY OP WYOMING.
The beautiful valley of Wyoming, on the banks of
the Susquehanna river, in Luzerne Co., Penn., has
long been known alike to the student of history and
the lovers of poetry and song.
Dr. W. H. Van Doren records, in The Evangelist,
an incident which recalls the calamities that over-
whelmed Wyoming, and illustrates the gracious care
of an ever-present God, for those who trust in him.
It was in the beginning of July, 1778, that an
aged saint, who with his four sons, lived on a moun-
tain overlooking the valley, found that his barrel of
meal was nearly exhausted, and bade his sons fill
their sacks with grain, and early in the morning de-
scend the long road to the mill in the valley. As
requested, before daylight each of the boys had fed
his horse, and they were all prepared by sunrise for
their journey. And as the day would be too far
spent to have their grain ground, they were accus-
tomed at such times to spend the night near the mill
in Wyoming.
As the patriarch came forth in the morning from
the closet of prayer, and said to the waiting sons,
* * Not to-day ! " the young men were greatly surprised.
164 THE GUIDING HAND.
"But, father, our supply is used up, and why shall
we delay?" they said, as they turned and gazed over
the valley which lay in calm and quiet peacefulness
before them.
"Not to-day, my sons," repeated with emphasis
by the man of prayer, satisfied the youths that the
father meant what he said. He added, "I know
not what it means, but in my prayer my mind was
deeply impressed with this word, Let them abide
till the morrow.'"
Without charging their venerated parent with su-
perstition or ignorance, the obedient sons yielded to
his word, unladed their beasts, placed them in their
stalls, and waited for another morning to come.
That memorable night a horde of savages, with
torch and tomahawk, entered Wyoming Valley, and
commenced their work of destruction, and it is said
that before the bloody drama ended, not a house,
barn, church, school, or mill, escaped the flames ; and
few of the inhabitants escaped the sudden but deadly
blows of the savages. From one end of the valley to
the other the settlers were butchered or burned with
remorseless fury.
In the morning at sunrise, the father and sons were
standing on the highest point, and lo ! the valley was
filled with volumes of ascending smoke and flames.
The awful truth flashed on their minds. The aged
saint kneeled down with his sons on the mountain-
top, and in humble, adoring prayer thanked God for
the promise, " The angel of the Lord encampeth
round about them that fear him."
THE GUIDING HAND. 165
It was said of children, "Their angels do always
behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."
What are all the mailed troops, all the harnessed war-
riors surrounding the steps of royalty, compared with
this celestial life-guard of the saints ? A grand truth,
a glorious promise, that the humblest, most despised,
unknown believer has a nobler life-guard than the
proudest monarch that ever filled a throne on earth.
Great honor have they who fear thy name, O God !
Saints are kings, but kings in exile ; and while they
wander in the desert, their God is near, and his angels
will protect and defend his feeble, waiting flock, and
bring them to their rest at last.
DE. BOND'S VISION.
Among the consequences resulting from the pre-
dicted outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days,
it was declared that ' 'your young men shall SEE VISIONS
and your old men shall dream dreams." And though
this scripture seems almost abandoned to the mercy
of enthusiasts and fanatics, yet the numerous " visions
and revelations of the Lord " recorded in the books
of the New Testament, as well as in the annals of the
church of Christ in all ages, afford sufficient and con-
vincing evidence that this word of the Lord was
never spoken in vain, but has received, and may be
yet receiving, an abundant fulfillment ; and that, not
among the fanatical and extravagant and half-crazed
followers of new notions and strange doctrines, but
among those whose piety, sobriety, intelligence, and
166 THE GUIDING HAND.
usefulness , mark them as chosen vessels to bear the
words of Christ to the perishing sons of men.
In an obituary notice of Dr. Thomas E. Bond,
which was published, shortly after his death, in the
columns of The Christian Advocate, of which he
had been for several years the editor, there was
recorded the following remarkable vision in the early
history of this celebrated itinerant preacher. The
writer mentions it as, "A very extraordinary incident
in the life of Dr. Bond, which we narrate with great
doubt as to the propriety of its publication. He very
rarely mentioned it, and never ventured to designate
or explain it. Its truth is, however, beyond question.
The circumstances forbid the supposition of optical
illusion or temporary hallucination. There are those
living who testify to such of the facts as were sub-
ject to observation, and the memorials of the trans-
action are yet distinctly preserved in the religious
character of sons and daughters of some who were
immediately affected by it.
* 'Being on a visit to his father, he was deeply
grieved to find the church, which he had left in a
state of prosperous activity, languishing, lukewarm,
and weak. His thoughts were much occupied with
the subject, and, of course, it was the matter of earn-
est and frequent prayer. In this state of mind, one
morning, he was walking over the fields to a neigh-
boring house, when suddenly he seemed to be in a
room where a number of people were assembled,
apparently for worship. The room he recognized
as an apartment in the house of a neighbor, where a
THE GUIDING HAND. 167
prayer-meeting was to be held on the evening of
that day. Had he stood in the midst of it he could
not have been more conscious of the scene. There
was nothing of the dim, or shadowy, or dreamy,
about it. He recognized the people, noticed where
they sat and stood, remarked his father near the
table, at which a preacher was rising to give out a
hymn, and near the middle of the congregation he
saw a man named C., for whose salvation he felt par-
ticular anxiety, standing with his son beside him.
"While gazing w^ith astonishment upon the scene, he
heard the words, ' Go and tell C. that he has an
offer of salvation for the last time.'
"Naturally supposing that the too great concen-
tration of mind upon one subject had induced some
hallucination of the senses, Mr. Bond fell down on
his knees and besought God to preserve his reason.
The scene, however, continued ; it would not disap-
pear, nor change in any of its particulars. In vain
he struggled to dispel it ; the voice yet repeated with
indubitable distinctness, 'Go and tell C. that he has
an offer of salvation for the last time.' Yet how
would he dare to deliver so awful a message ! For a
great length of time he struggled for deliverance
from what he still considered an illusion. At length
an expedient occurred to him which he adopted. He
had never been in the room in which he was appar-
ently present, when it was used for a religious
meeting. He, of course, did not know how it was
commonly prepared for such occasions. He therefore
noted with great care the particulars of the scene.
168 THE GUIDING HAND.
He saw where the little table for the preacher, the
benches and chairs for the people, were placed. He
noticed his acquaintances, and where they sat and
stood, and when he was satisfied that he had possessed
himself perfectly of these details, he said, ' I will go
to this meeting, and if I see things there to correspond
with what I now see, it shall be as a sign from the
Lord, and I will deliver the message.' Immediately
the scene vanished, and he was alone in the green fields.
* ' With a spirit indescribably agitated he returned
home, where he found ladies who required him to
escort them a long distance, and it was somewhat
past the hour fixed for the meeting when he reached
the awful place. During the day he had freely in-
dulged the hope that on his entrance into the room
his trouble would disappear. He thought he had
been the subject of an illusion, the fruit of an excited
brain, and that a want of correspondence immediately
to be detected between the real scene and the one
presented to his disordered fancy, would at once
satisfy him as to the morbid character of his morning
vision, and release him from the obligation of deliv-
ering the terrible message with which he was condi-
tionally charged. When he opened the door, however,
he saw again, in all its minuteness of detail, the
morning scene. In vain he searched the room for a
variant particular. There sat his father in the desig-
nated place. The preacher at the table was rising to
give out the hymn. In the midst of the room stood
C., with his son beside him. Everything demanded
that the message should be delivered.
THE GUIDING HAND. 169
4 'After the preliminary exercises, he rose and
stated the circumstances as we have related them,
and then going to C., he laid his hand upon him, and
repeated the words he had heard. The effect was
indescribable. C. and his son fell down together and
called upon God. An awful solemnity rested upon
all present. Many cried for mercy, and from that
time began a revival of religion which spread far and
wide ; the fruits of which are yet seen, after many
days.
"In the midst of this extraordinary scene, the
father of Dr. Bond, who was too deaf to hear his
words, sat an axious observer. He was a calm man,
whose Quaker education had not lost its influence
over his religious character and views. After the
meeting he asked Thomas what he had said to produce
such an effect. He frankly told him all. The old
man mused awhile and said, 'You did right.'
' ' About this incident there will be different opin-
ions. We shall not express any. The principal
actor preferred to express none. We only state the
facts as related by himself, and confirmed, without
inquiry, since his death, by one who was present at
the extraordinary meeting. We think however, with
his father, that he * did right.' To have done other-
wise would at least have been unreasonable, perhaps
impious. Philosophy must leave room for God in
his own world. Incredulity and superstition are
equally dishonorable to the understanding. In all
cases right reason determines by evidence."
While infidelity has been struggling for years to
170 THE GUIDING HAND.
mock each trace of supernatural power away from
the church of God, and, taking advantage of the
unbelieving cowardice of formalists and skeptics, has
caused Christians to hide the knowledge of such facts
as this in their' own hearts; and while fanatics have
brought God's work into disrepute by extravagant
pretensions and unfounded claims ; and while Satan,
having driven the church to cringing silence, and the
world to blind and unreasoning incredulity regarding
all supernatural powers and spiritual blessings, has
taken advantage of this state of things to pour upon
an unreasonable multitude the signs and lying won-
ders wrought by seducing spirits, whose aim and
purpose is to deceive if it were possible the very
elect, and persuade the people that there is no divine
power but that which comes through their profane
witchcrafts and devilish incantations, we rejoice
that God gives grace to lift up a standard for the
people in the midst of a flood of scoffing unbelief,
and testify and prove by credible witnesses and by
numerous facts the presence and the might of the
Holy Ghost in the church, yet working by mighty
signs and wonders to convict the sinner, to comfort
the saint, to save the perishing, and to glorify the
Lord. And we are glad that from day to day fresh evi-
dences and facts are brought to our knowledge, which
show that there is yet a God in Israel whose might
and power are manifested in the experiences of his
humble, trusting ones ; and that the Lord's arm is
not shortened that he cannot save, nor his ear heavy
that he cannot hear. But while we recognize these
THE GUIDING HAND. 171
facts, we also see in the wreck and ruin that has
marked the paths of those whose pretensions to spir-
itual gifts and powers have been loud and boastful, a
most solemn warning to the humble children of the
Lord to "believe not every spirit, but try the
spirits whether they are of God, because many false
prophets have gone out into the world."
The prince of the power of the air seems to be
marshaling his unclean legions for the final fray ; and
if he can persuade men to accept all spiritual preten-
sions, and so receive the "strong delusions" and
"lying wonders" of the devil, or else discard all
supernatural experiences, and so reject the mighty
working of the Holy Ghost ; in either case he suc-
ceeds in his purpose of deception and destruction.
But if any man do God's will " he shall know of the
doctrine," and a loving obedience and strict adher-
ence to the written word of God, with a proper
apprehension of the character of the ' * perilous
times " in which we live in these last days, will
prove a safeguard against fanaticism on the one hand
and formality on the other, and thus " the shield of
faith" shall "quench all the fiery darts of the
adversary."
THE CIKCLE OF FIEE.
The following thrilling tale, related by Dr. Guthrie,
the eloquent Scottish preacher and writer, illustrates
the power of prayer and the guidance of Providence
in a most noticeable degree. May it teach us to give
172 THE GUIDING HAND.
heed to the counsel of the still small voice, remem-
bering that as many as are led by the Spirit of God,
they are the sons of God ; and that though we may
not fully know the errand upon which God would
send us, yet if we seek to know and do his will, he
will guide us by his eye, and direct our steps aright.
"I was in the habit of visiting a decent widow, as
paralysis made it impossible for her to attend church.
She was tended by a very dutiful daughter, who,
working at a flax-mill in the neighborhood, toiled
hard, and contented herself with plain dress and sim-
ple fare, that she might help to maintain her mother.
Before leaving the cottage for her work, she was in
the habit of heaping up the refuse of the mill in the
grate and kindling it. She placed her helpless mother
in a chair right before the fire, and as this fuel burned
slowly away the old woman was kept comfortable till
her return.
" It happened one day that I left my manse, and
skirting the walls of the old church-yard, and passing
the corn-mill, with its busy sound and flashing wheel,
I took my way down the winding dell to the cottage
of the old woman, which stood in its garden, embow-
ered among trees. But, having met a parishioner,
with whom I had some subject of interest to talk
about, I made a halt ; and sitting down on a bank
of thyme, we entered into conversation. Ere the
subject was half exhausted, the widow rose to my
recollection. I felt somehow that I must cut it short,
and hasten away on my visit. But the idea was dis-
missed, and the conversation went on. However, it
THE GUIDING HAND. 173
occurred again and again, till, with a feeling that I
was neglecting a call of duty, as by an uncontrollable
impulse I rose to my feet, and made haste to the
cottage. Opening the door, a sight met my eyes
that for the moment nailed me to the spot.
* * The erection of mill-refuse which had been built
from the hearth some feet up the open, wide chim-
ney, having its foundations eaten away, had fallen,
and precipitating itself forward, surrounded the help-
less paralytic within a circle of fire. The accident
took place some minutes before I entered. She had
cried out, but no ear was there to hear, nor hand to
help. Catching the loose refuse about her, on and
on, nearer and nearer, the flames crept. It was a
terrible sight for the two Wigtown women martyrs,
staked far out in the sands of Sol way Frith, to mark
the sea-foam crawl nearer and nearer them ; it was
more terrible still for this poor woman in her lone
cottage, without any great cause to die for, to sit
there and see the fire creeping closer, drawing nearer
and nearer to her feet. By the time I had entered,
it had almost reached her, where she sat motionless,
speechless, pale as death, looking down on the fire as
it was about to seize her clothes and burn her to a
cinder. Ere it caught I had time, and no more, to
make one bound from the door to the hearth-stone,
and seizing her chair and all, in my arms, to pluck
her from the jaws of a cruel, fiery death.
"By what law of nature, when I lingered on the
road, was I moved, without the remotest idea of her
danger, to cut short, against all my inclinations, an
174 THE GUIDING HAND.
interesting conversation, and hurry on to the house,
which I reached just in the nick of time ? one or two
minutes later, the flames had caught her clothes, and
I had found her in a blaze of fire. Be it mine to live
and die in the belief of a present and presiding, as
well as a personal God ; in the faith which inspired
my aged friend to thank Him for her wonderful de-
liverance, and the boy to explain his calm courage
on the roaring deep, in these grand but simple words :
'My Father is at the helm.'"
PEAYEE FOE A CANDLE.
There was, not long ago, a poor widow, who tried
hard to provide for her family by her work. She
was a pious woman, and had taught her children to
look to their heavenly Father as their ever-living
Friend, who sent them day by day their daily bread.
One morning, however, her faith was sorely tried.
There was only enough food for one meal. She gave
her children their breakfast, and said sadly, as she
sent them to school, " There, now you have had all
I can give you, and I don't know where you will get
your dinner from."
Her little boy, a child of ten years old, looked
earnestly in his mother's face, and said, ''Mother,
are you tired of trusting God ?" The poor widow
was quite overcome : her child's gentle reproof went
to her heart. She had taught him to believe in his
heavenly Father's care, and now he was teaching her.
She said nothing, but as soon as her children had
THE GUIDING HAND. 175
left the house, she went to her bedroom, and there
asked forgiveness for the faithless thought. Not
long after, a lady entered the house. She had no
idea of the circumstances of the family, but, unknown
to herself, she was the means employed by God to
answer the widow's prayer, and to show her the truth
of that promise, " While they are yet speaking, I
will hear." She had brought some work to be done,
and laid down the money, beforehand, saying she
thought they might find it useful to have it at once.
When the children returned from school, a comfort-
able dinner was ready for them, and from that day
they never wanted.
And art thou tired, poor weary one, cumbered with
many cares, art thou tired of trusting God? "Cast
not away thy confidence, which hath great recom-
pense of reward." Hear another instance of God's
answer to prayer :
There was a poor old woman who earned a scanty
living by selling rags. She was strictly honest, and
used to put by her pence for the rent before taking
any for her own use. She became known to a lady
who was kind to her, and often sent her a little help.
This lady went out for some time, and, on the even-
ing of her return, she was kneeling down to thank
God for his preserving care, and was asking him to
show her what she could do to prove her love, when
suddenly it seemed as if she heard a voice saying,
"Go at once, and take poor Sarah a pound of can-
dles."
The lady did not go at first, she thought it was so
176 THE GUIDING HAND.
strange to take candles ; would not a pound of meat
or butter be better ? But the call seemed so clear,
that she put a few things into her basket with the
candles, and went at once to the poor attic where
Sarah lived. ' It was so dark that nothing could be
clearly seen. The old woman was just rising from
her knees, and was astonished to find the lady there.
"What can have brought you here, ma'am, at this
time?" said Sarah. "First," said the lady, "tell me
what you were praying for." "Why, ma'am, you
will think it very odd, but I was asking God to send
me a candle, for my neighbor has lent me a large print
Bible, just what I wanted so much, and I cannot see
to read it without a light ; so I thought it must be
according to God's will that I should be able to read
his holy Book."
Tears came into the lady's eyes, for she felt that
her heavenly Father had indeed condescended to use
her as his messenger, and she held the packet of can-
dles to Sarah, saying, "God has sent them to you."
The old woman wept too, and both united in won-
der and thankfulness to Him who delights to do for
his dependent, praying children, "exceeding abun-
dantly above all that we ask or think."
You may not have what you ask for, but it will
strengthen you under your disappointment, to know
that it was God's will to refuse your request, and that
he did so because, seeing the future, he intended to
give you a higher blessing than the one you would
have asked for yourself. Your child cries when you
take a dangerous plaything from his hand, or deny
THE GUIDING HAND. 177
him some unsuitable pleasure, but he will thank you
when he is older for this proof of your love.
And we are only children here. We must pray
for faith to be enabled sincerely to ask, "Thy will,
not mine, be done;" and when we, too, are grown
older, and have entered into our heavenly home, that
"purchased possession" for those who belong to
Christ, purchased for us by a Saviour's blood, then
shall we be able to look back to life's teachings,
whether of joy or sorrow, and to say from the full-
ness of our hearts, "He hath done all things well."
Therefore, "Be careful for nothing, but in everything,
by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let
your requests be made knoAvn unto God."
FLEMING'S PROPHETIC WARNING.
"The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy ;"
and, as "prophecy came not in old time by the will
of man ; but holy men of God spake as they were
moved by the Holy Ghost," so throughout all ages
the history of the church bears witness, that among
those who have faithfully borne "the testimony of
Jesus" to mankind, there have been men of sound
judgment, sobriety, piety , and spiritual understanding,
who at various times have testified to the impelling
power of the prophetic spirit which has caused them
to speak with a might and a wisdom and a foreknowl-
edge not their own ; and whose words thus spoken
have been made to stand firm against all the craft and
O
scoffing of the ungodly, as a demonstration of the
178 THE GUIDING HAND.
wisdom and the power of that Spirit which "search-
eth all things, even the deep things of God," and
takes the things of God, and shows them to his peo-
ple.
An eminent -example of this may be found in the
history of Robert Fleming, who was born at Tester,
Scotland, in 1630 ; educated at the university of Edin-
burgh and St. Andre ws, under the care of the godly
Rutherford ; called at the age of twenty-two to min-
ister to the church at Cambuslang ; ejected from his
charge, with nearly four hundred other ministers, by
the "Glasgow Act "under King Charles II. ; driven
to wander as a fugitive before his foes ; imprisoned,
released, guided at last to Holland, and called, after
the death of Mr. Brown, to the pastoral charge of the
Scotch church at Rotterdam, where he settled in 1677,
and fulfilled a faithful and successful ministry, beloved
by his flock and honored by his heavenly Master.
The records of his history represent him as emi-
nent in the ministry of the word of God, a Boanerges
and a Barnabas combined, whose labors were owned
of the Lord to the salvation of many. His charitable
disposition caused him to view with regret the strifes
and bickerings of Christians, saying, "I am amazed
to see good men thus tear one another in the dark ;"
and remarking again, "I bless God, in fifteen years
I have not given any man's credit a thrust behind his
back ; but when I had grounds to speak well of any
man, I have done so with faithfulness, and when I
wanted a subject that way I kept silence."
The life of Fleming was emphatically a life of trust,
THE GUIDING HAND. 179
and in all his persecutions his table was spread, even
in the presence of his enemies ; his cup was filled, and
his head anointed with oil ; and he was ready to dis-
tribute, willing to communicate, rich in good works ;
and, for the rest, his treasures were laid up in heaven.
His well-known work on "The Fulfilling of the
Scripture," his "Treatise concerning the way of the
Holy Ghost's working on the souls of men, especially
after conversion, in communion between God and
them," and another in manuscript entitled, "A short
Index of some of the great appearances of the Lord
in the dispensation of his providence to his poor ser-
vants," etc. , which recorded many particular instances
of the Lord's providential dealings with him, during
his life, serve to show something of the current of his
thoughts, and give some tokens of his deep and rich
experience in the things of God. The following
instance of his utterance of a prophetic warning and
its awful fulfillment, is well authenticated by writers
of reputation and veracity :
One day, as he was preaching to his congregation
at Rotterdam) he observed three young men among
the audience, whose behavior was in the highest degree
indecorous. The minister, observing that the conduct
was continued, reproved them therefor, and desired
that in an assembly gathered for such a purpose, they
should at least maintain a decent demeanor. This
gentle admonition seemed rather to increase than
abate their misbehavior ; and they continued peeling
oranges, cracking nuts, and distorting their faces at
the minister. Fleming was hence compelled a second
180 THE GUIDING HAND.
time to admonish them; at which they appeared
still more enraged than before, persisting in their
conduct, and manifestly becoming more callous and
incorrigible.
The worthy minister seemed so impressed and
shocked at their hardened behavior, that in the midst
of the discourse he made a solemn pause, and an
awful one too * 'prophetic of their end." He turned,
and looked them full in the face for some time, appar-
ently with much internal agitation. At length he
addressed them in the following words, and in a most
impressive manner and tone : "My young friends, I
am sorry to be the bearer of such a dreadfully alarming
message to you, and I have begged the Lord to excuse
me from it, but he will not ; therefore I must not
shrink from the painful duty of declaring the awful
and confirmed impression on my mind. I now tell
you that you have not a week longer to live in this
world."
This dreadful sentence, proceeding from a man,
somewhat excited the doubtful apprehensions of the
congregation, who thought it was the ebullition of
precipitancy and rashness ; and some of his intimate
friends were of opinion that religion would suffer
scorn and reproach for it, especially if the prediction
should not be verified. The minister added, ''Let
the event prove the truth of it ; for I am persuaded
I was moved by the Spirit of God to say and affirm
what I did, as prophetic of their end."
Monday passed, and nothing occurred ; but on Tues-
day one of the young men went on board a vessel to
THE GUIDING HAND. 181
prosecute an intended voyage, which was fixed pre-
vious to this affair; and, in consequence of a violent
storm that arose, the ship was driven on shore, and
this unhappy youth perished in the tempest.
On Wednesday another of the young men was con-
cerned in a quarrel with some person, the issue of
which was fighting a duel, with swords, wherein this
wretched victim fell.
On Thursday the only surviving one was suddenly
taken ill, at which he began to be terrified, as two of
his sinful companions were already cut off. He then
was desirous to send for the same minister whom he
had ridiculed. When Mr. Fleming arrived at his
house, he asked the young man what he wanted him
for. The youth begged he would pray for him ; when
the minister requested to know what he would want
him to pray for. The supplicant replied, "For my
life." "That is not in my power to do," rejoined the
minister, "for I am sure you will die." "Then,"
said the youth, "beg, or pray, for the life of my soul,
if you please." Fleming so far consented as to kneel
down by the bed-side, in which posture he remained
for a considerable time ; but at length he arose, with-
out having uttered a word. He then addressed the
young man, saying that he found his lips so closed
that he could not utter a syllable on his behalf. He
accordingly took his leave ; and soon afterward, this
last remaining of the three scoffers died in horror and
despair, accomplishing the prediction of the minister,
and confirming tho declaration of Holy Writ, "He
that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall
182 THE GUIDING HAND.
suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
The scoffer may mock at this narration, as did these
young men at the message of the man of God ; and
the formal Pharisee, who prays by rote for one thing
as weir as another, may doubt and cavil at such facts
as these ; but the man of God who, praying always
in the Holy Ghost, finds himself helped by that
Spirit which maketh intercession with groanings which
cannot be uttered, will recognize the fact which his
own experience has already shown, that there are
things for which no spiritual Christian can pray, and
times when supplication is forbidden. Alas for those
concerning whom God speaks to his servants as he
spoke to the weeping Jeremiah of old, saying, "Pray
not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer
for them, neither make intercession to me, for I WILL
NOT HEAR THEE." Jer. vii. 16. Happy are they in
whose behalf "the effectual, fervent prayer of a right-
eous man" still "availeth much."
Many remarkable prophecies and providences are
recorded in connection with the name of Robert
Fleming. "At one time," his biographer relates,
while journeying in England, "he fell under the York
coach, the great wheel of which passed over his left
leg, but with so gentle a pressure, that the limb
remained unbroken and unhurt. This we shall find
a truly wonderful escape, if we take into account the
lumbering weight of the stage-coaches of that period,
and the slowness of their motion."
In the summer of 1694, during a visit to London,
Fleming fell sick with his last illness. The Lord led
THE GUIDIXG HAND. 183
him gently down the dark valley, and comforted him
with his rod and staff. At the commencement of
the disease, which was a fever, he said to those around
him, "Oh, friends, sickness and death are serious
things !" Still, however, he did not believe that his
end was near, but thought he should recover ; and he
observed to a relative, that if he was appointed to die
of this disease it would be strange, as the Lord did
not use to hide from him the things that He did with
him and his. But the rapid progress of the fever soon
abated his confidence. To a friend who visited him,
he said, "What freedom do you find in prayer for me ?
Seems God to beckon to your petitions ? or does he
bind you up and leave dark impressions on your mind ?
In this manner I have often known the way of the
Lord." The other replied that he was in darkness
about the matter. "Well," said the sufferer, skilled
to interpret the slightest intimations of the divine
Spirit, "I know your mind ; trouble not yourself for
me ; I think I may say that I have been long above
the fear of death." His pains increased, but amidst
his groans and struggles, the tranquility of his soul
seemed to be untouched ; and to every question of
his anxious friends, his answer was, "I am very well ;"
or, "I was never better;" or, "I feel no sickness."
When at length he was so exhausted as to be unable
to speak, and was unfit for his wonted prayer and
meditation, he said to those who were beside him, "I
have not been able, in a manner, to form one serious
thought, since I was sick, or apply myself unto God :
he has applied himself unto me ; and one of his
184 THE GUIDING HAND.
manifestations was such, as I could have borne no
more." Two of his sons attended his death-bed, one
of whom said to him , ' 'Do you know me ?" With an
affectionate smile he replied, "Yes, yes, dear son, I
know you." About an hour after, he earnestly
exclaimed, "Help, help, for the Lord's sake !" and
with a few faint breathings expired. This was on the
25th of July, and in the fifty-eighth year of his age,
after a short illness of eight days.
Of his two sons, Robert rose to eminence, succeed-
ing his father at Kotterdam, whence he was recalled
to his native land by the invitation of the Presbyte-
rian Church at Lothbury, seconded by the personal
request of King William, who highly prized his coun-
sels. He is known as the author of a treatise on
"The Fall of the Papacy," which attracted attention
and was republished in connection with the political
convulsions of 1848. He was an honored son of a
godly sire, an instance of the Lord's mercy to the
third generation of them that fear him, his grand-
father, James Fleming, having been an eminent Scot-
tish minister, whose first wife, (not the mother of
Robert,) was the daughter of John Knox, "who never
feared the face of man," and whose prayers were more
dreadful to Mary, Queen of Scots, than an army of
ten thousand men.
Surely * ' the secret of the Lord is with them that
fear him," " and his righteousness unto children's
children." " Blessed are all they that put their trust
in him." Ps. xxv. 14; ciii. 17 ; ii. 12.
THE GUIDING HAND. i85
DIVINE EETEIBUTION.
A young farmer, who lived at Belton, near Ep worth,
in Lincolnshire, about the year 1720, being at break-
fast in his house, started up, and cried, "I must go
into the barn !" One asked him, "For what?" He
said, "I cannot tell;" and ran away with his knife in
his hand. The first thing he saw, when he came into
it, was his father, who had just hanged himself on
one of the beams. He immediately cut him down,
took him in his arms, brought him into the house,
and laid him on a bed. It was not long before he
came to himself. He then looked upon his son, and
said, "Now God requited me ! Three and twenty
years ago I cut down my own father, who had hanged
himself on that very beam !"
EICHAED BOAEDMAFS DELIVEEANCE.
"I preached, "said Richard Boardman, a celebrated
Methodist preacher who died in 1782, "one evening
at Mould, in Flintshire, and next morning set out for
Parkgate. After riding some miles, I asked a man
if I was on the road to that place. He answered,
'Yes ; but you will have some sands to go over, and
unless you ride fast you will be in danger of being
enclosed by the tide/ It then began to snow to such
a degree that I could scarcely see a step of my way,
and my mare being with foal prevented me from rid-
ing as fast as I otherwise should have done. I got to
186 THE GUIDING HAND.
the sands, and pursued my journey over them some
time, but the tide then came in and surrounded me
on every side, so that I could neither proceed or turn
back, and to ascend the perpendicular rocks was
impossible. In this situation I commended my soul
to God, not having the least expectation of escaping
death. In a little time I perceived two men run-
ning down a hill on the other side of the water, and by
some means they got a boat and came to my relief,
just as the sea had reached my knees as I sat on my
saddle. They took me into the boat, the mare swim-
ming by our side till we reached the land.
"While we were in the boat one of the men said,
4 Surely, sir, God is with you/ I answered, 'I trust
he is.' The man replied, 'I know he is ;' and then
related the following circumstance : 'Last night I
dreamed that I must go to the top of such a hill.
When I awoke the dream made such an impression
on my mind that I could not rest ; I therefore went
and called upon this man to accompany me. When
we came to the place we saw nothing more than usual .
However, I begged him to go with me to another hill
at a small distance, and there we saw your distressed
situation.'
"When we got ashore I went with my two friends
to a public house not far distant from where we landed,
and, as we were relating the wonderful providence,
the landlord said, 'This day month we saw a gentle-
man just in your situation, but before we could hasten
to his relief he plunged into the sea, supposing, as
we concluded, that his horse would swim to the shore ;
THE GUIDING HAND. 187
but they both sunk, and were drowned together.'
"I gave my deliverers all the money I had, which
I think was about eighteen pence, and tarried all
night at the hotel. Next morning I was not a little
embarrassed how to pay my reckoning, for the want
of cash, and begged that the landlord would keep a
pair of silver spurs till I should redeem them ; but
he answered, 'The Lord bless you, sir, I would not
take a farthing from you for the world.' After some
serious conversation with the friendly people, I bade
them farewell, and recommenced my journey, rejoic-
ing in the Lord, and praising him for his great salva-
tion."
PKESENTIMENTS.
In endeavoring to define this strange instinct, im-
pulse, or whatever it may be called, says a writer in
the Evangelical Messenger, opinions have had, and still
have a wide range of difference ; and in attempting to
account for it, there seems to be no greater concord
of views.
Some suppose it to be an impulse from God who
sees the end from the beginning ; others find a solu-
tion in the mission of guardian angels ; others, still,
think that it is a natural gift with some, in which they
excel their fellows as others do in reference to other
endowments ; while those , usually nowadays re-
garded as a little superstitious, account for it on the
ground of a "lucky birthday," or having been born in
some particular phase of the moon. Of all we have
188 THE GUIDING HAND.
ever read or heard on the subject, we cannot say that
anything like a satisfactory solution has ever come to
our knowledge. The case of St. Paul on his perilous
voyage, does not seem to serve as such. It is not
given as a presentiment by the historian, but as the
real appearance of "the angel of God," standing by
him and talking to him.
Several facts, moreover, are noticeable, which are
equally difficult of solution. Sometimes the presen-
timent contemplates the safety, instruction, etc., of
the one who experiences it, while in other instances
that of others alone is contemplated.
And again, one may, through this impression, either
from personal experience or through the medium of
another, save his own life, while a number of others
in the same peril apprehend no danger till the fatal
moment sweeps them away.
Such are some of the facts. A solution will not
be attempted. But here are some instances :
A gentleman with whom we are well acquainted,
purchased a ticket for a point on the railroad fifty
miles distant. The train arrived on time. He entered
a coach, and was sitting with a paper in his hand read-
ing, when the bell sounded the signal "all aboard."
The sound to him was that of a funeral bell tolling
the death of a friend, and involuntarily he arose and
left the coach as the train moved off. In two hours
the intelligence came to him that the train had met
with a frightful accident, and the coach in which he
had been sitting was buried under the general ruin,
with no prospect of any one escaping alive from it.
THE GUIDING HAND. 189
Another man in Iowa, after dinner left his family
for the harvest-field, passing by a fountain or spring,
and filling his jug with fresh water. He had just
commenced his labors when he suddenly dropped all,
and said he must go home ; and in doing so, passing
by the spring again he was just in time to save the
life of his darling and only child which had followed
him at a distance, and in endeavoring to "see the
baby" in the water, had fallen into it.
The following instances are recorded in Shuber's
Mirror of Nature :
"A gentleman, an acquaintance of the celebrated
French authoress, Mme. Beaumont, was about mak-
ing a pleasure trip on the river with some of his
friends. Everything was ready, and he was just
entering the boat, when his sister, a deaf mute, came
suddenly and most anxiously running along, and seiz-
ing her brother's arm and coat, tried to keep him
back ; but finding this unavailable, she threw herself
at his feet, and taking hold of his knees, expressed,
by the most imploring gestures, her wish that he
should desist from going on the water. Touched by
the painful, entreating expression in the face and pos-
ture of the deaf mute, several persons joined in the
prayers of the poor unfortunate girl, and her brother
finally yielded to their wishes. It was fortunate for
him he did so, for the boat had gone but a short dis-
tance on the water, when a sudden gust of wind cap-
sized it. Several of the company found a watery
grave, and he, who could not even swim, would no
doubt have shared the same fate, if his sister, by some
190 THE GUIDING HAND.
divine premonition had not prevented his going.
"Once, on an evening, a rich and benign farmex*
felt, by some secret impulse, impelled to send some
articles of food to a poor family in the neighborhood,
at a late hour. . 'Wherefore so late ; cannot this be
done as well to-morrow?' said those around him.
'No,' replied he, 'it must be done now.' While insist-
ing, the worthy farmer did not know what a blessing
his benevolent action was, just then, to the tenant of
the poor hut, for there the father, who had to nour-
ish and sustain the family, had fallen sick ; the mother
was infirm already, and the children had been crying
for more than two days the youngest of whom was
nearly dead from hunger. Thus the most pressing
wants were at once removed, and perhaps some lives
saved.
"Another gentleman, living near some coal miners
in Silesia, awoke one night from his sleep with an
irresistible impression to go down in his garden. He
arose, went down; the impulse led him out of the
back gate of his garden into the fields, where he
arrived just in time to save the life of a miner, who,
in climbing up a ladder, missed his footing and fell
down the shaft into a coal-tub, which his son was at
that moment winding up, but by the increased weight
was unable to do so now alone.
"A venerable clergyman in England once felt, like-
wise, an unexpected desire to pay, late at night, a
visit to a friend of his, whom he knew to be of a very
melancholy turn of mind. Though extremely wearied
by the cares and labors of the day, the venerable
THE GUIDING HAND. 191
gentleman could not resist his secret impulse. So
he went, and, strange to say, arrived just in time to
prevent his friend from taking his own life. The
nightly visit and friendly exhortations had such a
wholesome effect on the depressed spirits of his friend,
that he never again attempted to commit suicide.
"Professor Buchner, of Marburg, being once in
very pleasant company, felt a strong desire to go
home and remove his bed from its old place to another
corner of his bedroom. He yielded to the impulse.
Having done so, he felt again at ease, and went back
to his friends. During the night a large portion of
the ceiling in the room, just where the bed formerly
stood, crumbled down, and would no doubt have
crushed him to death, had the bed not been removed."
THOMAS HOWNHAM.
The subject of the following providence was a very
poor man, who lived in a lone house or hut upon a
moor, called Barmour-moor, about a mile from Low-
ick, and two miles from Doddington, in the county
of Northumberland. He had no means to support a
wife and two young children save the scanty earnings
obtained by keeping an ass, on which he used to carry
coals from Barmour coal-hill to Doddington and
Wooler ; or by making brooms of the heath, and sell-
ing them around the country. Yet poor and despised
as he was, in consequence of his poverty, in my forty
years' acquaintance with the professing world I have
scarce met with his equal as a man that lived near to
192 THE GUIDING HAND.
God, or one who was favored with more evident
answers to prayer. My parents then living at a vil-
lage called Hanging-Hall, about one mile and a half
from his hut, I had frequent interviews with him, in
one of which he was very solicitous to know whether
my father or mother had sent him any unexpected
relief the night before. I answered him in the nega-
tive, so far as I knew, at which he seemed to be uneasy.
I then pressed him to know what relief he had found ;
and how. After requesting secrecy, unless I should
hear of it from some other quarter, and if so, he begged
I would acquaint him, he proceeded to inform me, that
being disappointed of receiving money for his coals
the day before, he returned home in the evening, and
to his pain and distress, found that there was neither
bread, nor meal, nor anything to supply their place,
in his house ; that his wife wept sore for the poor
children, who were both crying until they fell asleep ;
that he got them to bed, and their mother with them,
who likewise soon went to sleep, being worn out with
the sufferings of the children, and her own tender
feelings.
Being a fine moonlight night, he went out of the
house to a retired spot at a little distance, to meditate
on those remarkable expressions in Heb. iii. 17 19.
Here he continued, as he thought, about an hour and
a half ; found great liberty and enlargement in prayer,
and got such a heart-loathing and soul-humbling sight
of himself, and such interesting views of the grace of
God, and the love of his adorable Saviour, that though
he went on purpose to spread his family and temporal
THE GUIDING HAND. 193
wants before the Lord, yet having obtained a heart-
attracting and soul-captivating view of him by faith,
he was so enamored with his beauty, and so anxious
to have his heart entirely under his forming hand,
that all thought about temporals was taken away.
In a sweet, serene, and composed frame of mind, he
returned to his house ; when, by the light of the moon
through the window, he perceived something upon a
stool or form (for chairs they had none) before the
bed, and, after viewing it with astonishment, and feel-
ing it, he found it to be a joint of meat roasted, and
a loaf of bread, about the size of our half-peck loaves.
He then went to the door to look if he could see any
body; and after using his voice, as well as his eyes,
and neither perceiving nor hearing any one, he re-
turned in, awoke his wife, who was still asleep, asked
a blessing, and then awoke the children, and gave
them a comfortable repast ; but could give me no fur-
ther account. I related this extraordinary affair to
my father and mother, who both heard it with aston-
ishment but ordered me to keep it a secret as re-
quested ; and such it would ever have remained, but
for the following reason :
A short time after this event I left the country ;
but on a visit, about twelve years after, at a friend's
the conversation one evening took a turn about one
Mr. Stangeways, commonly called Stranguage, a
farmer, who lived at Lowick-High steed, which people
named "Pinch-me-near," on account of this miserly
wretch that dwelt there. I asked what had become
of his property, as I apprehended that he had never
7
194 THE GUIDING HAND.
done one generous action in his lifetime. An elderly
woman in the company said I was mistaken ; for she
could relate one, which was somewhat curious. She
said that she had lived with him as servant or house-
keeper ; that about twelve or thirteen years ago, one
Thursday morning, he ordered her to have a whole
joint of meat roasted, having given her directions, a
day or two before, to bake two large loaves of white
bread. He then went to Wooler market, taking a
bit of bread and cheese in his pocket, as usual. He
came home in the evening in a very bad humor, and
went soon to bed. In about two hours he called up
his man-servant, and ordered him to take one of the
loaves and the joint of meat, and carry them down
the moor to Thomas Hownham's and leave them there.
The man did so, and finding the family asleep, he set
them at their bedside, and came away.
The next morning her master called her and the
man-servant in, and seemed in great agitation of mind.
He told them that he intended to have invited a Mr.
John Mool, with two or three more neighboring far-
mers who were always teasing him for his meanness,
to sup with him the night before ; that he would not
invite them in the market-place, as he proposed to
have taken them by surprise near home, as two or
three of them passed his house, but a smart shower of
rain coming on, they rode off, and left him before he
could get an opportunity ; that going soon to bed he
did not rest well, fell a-dreaming, and thought he
saw Hownham's wife and children starving ; that he
awoke and put off the impression ; that he dreamed
THE GUIDING HAND. 195
the second time, and endeavored again to shake it off,
but that he was altogether overcome with the non-
sense the third time ; that he believed the devil was
in him, but that since he was so foolish as to send the
meat and bread, he could not now help it, and charged
her and the man never to speak of it, or he would
turn them away directly. She added that since he
was dead long ago, she might relate it, as a proof that
he had done one generous action, though he was grieved
for it afterwards. This is the fact ; let those that read
make their own reflections.
The above striking narrative is well authenticated,
and was published in the Connecticut Magazine for
April, 1812. It illustrates how easy it is for Him
who feedeth the ravens, to care for all the needs of
his people even in the most mysterious ways.
CAPTAIN BEITWELL'S DEEAM.
Captain Abner Britwell, an old "down-east " sailor,
thus relates how life and his ship were saved on one
occasion, by a miracle of Providence :
"My employers gave me a ship, and I made two
successful voyages in her. The third voyage was to
go to the Pacific. I had a new crew, and after we
had doubled Cape Horn, I began to fear that a mutiny
was on foot. It was not long before I became con-
vinced that such was not only the fact, but that I had
some desperate men on board. I had watched until
I had become assured that the most diabolical plot
was on foot, but I knew not where to place my hand.
196 THE GUIDING HAND.
" One night, while we were off the Chilian coast,
I dreamed that I was keeping my mate's watch, and
that I had crawled into the long-boat to get out of
the way of the rain. While there, I thought three of
my men came and sat down close by me, and com-
menced to converse upon the subject of murdering
their officers, and taking the ship. The names of
these three were Brant, Cummings, and McDermot.
They were ill-visaged fellows, and I had suspected
them from the start. I could hear every word they
spoke, and my heart beat painfully as they laid bare,
step by step, the plan they had concocted. They
were the leaders, and were to have the offices when
the ship was theirs. On the third night the blow
was to be struck. We, in the cabin, were to be cut
down first, and then four of the men, whom they
dare not trust, were to follow.
"I started up from my sleep. My heart was
beating quickly, and a cold sweat was upon my brow.
The dream still sounded in my ears, and it was some
moments ere I could realize that I was in my own
bunk. When I had fairly collected my thoughts, I
turned out, and went on deck, and by a sort of
instinctive impulse I walked forward. It was an
hour past midnight, and the moon was just rising.
I saw three men sitting upon the heel of a spar top-
mast exactly where I had seen these three men
sitting in my dream and as I came near I heard the
words,
' < * Hush ! here comes one of 'em ! ' spoken by one
of the number, and then they started up, and went
THE GUIDING HAND. 197
to the forecastle. I saw who they were Brant,
Cummings, and McDermot the trio of my dream !
"On the following morning, I felt so impressed
with the importance of my dream, that I resolved to
act upon it. I told the officers that I suspected the
source and direction of the mutiny, but I would not
tell them how I gained the knowledge. Those of
the men whom I knew I could trust were called upon
to help me.
66 After dinner I stationed two of my officers at a
convenient point in the cabin, armed with cords and
canvas bags. Then I sent my boy on deck to tell
Brant that I wished to see him. He came down, and
as his foot touched the cabin floor, a bag was thrown
over his head, and he was thrown down and gagged
with little trouble. As soon as he was hauled out of
the way, I sent up for Cummings. He came, and
was treated in like manner, though we had to
administer a light tap on the head before we could
overcome him.
"I sent for McDermot next, and when he had
been secured, the rest was easy enough. We armed
ourselves and went on deck. The crew were called
aft, and I told them of the plot I had discovered. I
did not tell them that thus far I had only dreamed
the particulars, but I professed to have certain infor-
mation. When they found that the ringleaders were
captured and bound, they begged for mercy, and
offered to make a full confession, and behave them-
selves in the future. I trusted them, and they
revealed to me the whole plot, as the leaders had laid
198 THE GUIDING HAND.
it out. It was exactly word for word, and deed
for deed as / had dreamed it. Three days after-
ward we reached Valparaiso, and the three mutineers
were disposed of without much trouble."
BEGGING BBEAD.
" David said, ' I have been young and now am old ;
yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his
seed begging bread.' Well, David did not see what
I am seeing," said Mrs. H. to her sick daughter,
somewhat bitterly, as she adjusted her bonnet and
shawl to go out upon the street.
It was a sunny morning in the autumn of 1856,
when this shadow of distrust and want fell upon the
heart and home of Mrs. H., who then resided in
Springfield, Massachusetts.
She had been a widow for ten years, and was well
advanced in life when her husband died. He had
been for years a minister of Christ's gospel, and,
without stated charge or salary, had been active in
his Master's cause, until death had called him from
labor to repose, leaving his wife, as so many minis-
ters' wives have been left, without property or earthly
resources. She had depended upon the exertions of
her daughter, and this daughter, although in delicate
health, had for six years cheerfully plied the needle
for their support in their pleasant, but humble home,
until she was prostrated by sickness ; not a sickness
of a few weeks' continuance, but of months and years,
during which she was unable to do anything. But
THE GUIDING HAND. 199
through all these months and years Mrs. H. had
found her God a covenant-keeping God. He had
watched over her, had sent her daily bread; but
now she was brought into a great strait. Her means
were exhausted, the last piece of bread was eaten ; it
was late in autumn, and a long winter with sickness
and privation seemed to be staring her in the face ;
and the enemy of souls had so taken advantage of
these circumstances and presented such powerful
temptations to her mind, that she was not aware how
she was questioning the care of her heavenly Father,
and had for a moment lost sight of the promise that
her bread should be given her, and her water should
be sure.
Looking carefully about her room to see if any
portion of her morning's work had escaped her notice
for her household motto had ever been, " If poor,
always tidy" and all things being in order, the
furniture dusted, the stove polished, the window-
curtains raised to admit the sunbeams that slanted
through the branches of the large cotton-wood tree
growing in the adjoining yard, and casting flickering
shadows upon the rag carpet which her diligent hands
had made, her sick daughter, the only member of
her family, being made comfortable for the short time
she expected to be absent, she yet paused a little,
turned to glance at the clock which stood upon the
mantel, " Half past eleven," said she, " and nothing
for dinner;" and then turning from the clock she
gave a long, lingering look at an old-fashioned profile
which hung beside it, and musingly said :
200 THE GUIDING HAND.
"Just as constant as the ticking of that clock,
were his labors in his Master's vineyard ; just as
faithfully as that tells the hour, did he lift his voice
in his Master's cause."
Mrs. II . leaned against the mantel as if absorbed
in thought. Her tall, commanding form was yet
unbowed by age ; and though more than sixty years
had robbed her fair face of its youthful beauty, yet
they had not quenched the light of life and hope
which glowed upon her countenance. But her face
now grew sad as she recalled the by-gone years, the
home of plenty which she had left to share the toils
and struggles of him whose features were outlined
before her ; and the thought of the present needs of
herself and her sick daughter conspired with the
remembrances of the past, to cast a trace of sadness
over a face that had often shed sunshine on many a
troubled soul.
"I think," said she at last, rousing herself from
her reverie, "I will go to Mrs. B and ask her for
a piece of bread for our dinner ; I have no other wny
to get it ; and she has often told me to call upon her
if I should be troubled. A new business indeed for
me !" and the saddened look grew deeper.
"My father," she continued, "was a righteous
man, and was called by those who had no religion,
'St. Paul;' not to make sport of him, but because
his Christian name was Paul, and they saw a similarity
of character between the two, and the same firm
adherence to the truth and love for souls in him as
in that venerable apostle. Well, here am I, his
THE GTJID1KG HAND. 201
youngest child, and am going out to ask for a piece
of bread. Yes," said the discouraged woman, " I am
experiencing more than David did in this respect. I
cannot claim that I am perfect, yet I am trying to
serve the Lord. But my father was a whole-hearted
Christian, and so was my husband, and I want bread!"
When the poor woman had thus poured out the
sorrows of her heart, and was drawing on her gloves
to start upon her painful errand, she heard a gentle
rap at the door.
" There I" said she, "some one has come, and I
wanted to get some bread for dinner ! " but checking
herself she opened the door, when a young woman
whom she had seen but a few times, and one who
ever prefaced her visits to the sick with prayer,
entered, and said :
"I have often heard of your daughter's sickness,
and felt a strong desire to come and see her this
morning. And I brought a simple gift. I hope you
will not feel hurt because it is such a common article,
for when I tried to select something else my mind
was unaccountably directed to this," and she hesitat-
ingly laid upon the table a loaf of bread!
Mrs. H. felt reproved. But oh, how lovingly
and gently had her heavenly Father reproved her !
She told her visitor why she had on her bonnet and
shawl, and then said tearfully and reverently,
"I can now say with David, * / have been young,
and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous
forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.'"
And that night, as she kneeled by her daughter's
202 THE GUIDING HAND.
sick-bed, how earnestly she begged for pardon for
that moment of unbelief, and prayed for strength to
say, " Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him. "
It is now about fifteen years since God sent that
loaf of bread to that widow's humble home ; and in
all that time, in many wondrous ways, he has shown
his care, and his faithfulness has never failed.
Mrs. H. has since passed from earthly toils, and
rests in peace and hope ; her daughter yet survives,
a witness to the mercy of the Lord ; and her hand has
traced this record of her heavenly Father's ever-
watchful care, in the hope that it may strengthen
some poor afflicted child of God who knows the lack
of earthly blessings and enjoyments, and encourage
those who can minister to the sick and distressed, to
seek and follow the directions of God's guiding hand
in dispensing their charities to those who stand in
need of their assistance.
A FEAEFUL EIDE.
That "the angel of the Lord encampeth round
about them that fear him, arid delivereth them," is
not only expressly stated in the word of God, but
also abundantly shown in the history of his people.
Nor need we confine ourselves to the sacred records
in our examination of this subject, for he who walks
the earth with eyes anointed from on high, will often
recognize the wondrous working of mysterious powers
which change the course of human events, and work
together for good to them that love God.
THE GUIDING HAND. 203
Among many strange experiences of an eventful
life, I recall one which may serve to illustrate this
subject; and the simple facts in the case, as nearly
as I can remember them, are now for the first time
recorded, for the glory of God and the good of those
who may read them.
In the winter of 1858, when we resided in Roches-
ter, N. Y., my husband, through exposure in gospel
labor, suffered an attack of lung fever ; and during
the period of his convalescence he employed himself
in completing a little volume, "The Great Contro-
versy Between God and Man; its Origin, Progress,
and End," which, having finished, he carried to New
York and placed in the hands of the printer, and
remained in the city to superintend its issue. While
there an open door was set before him ; and in various
churches, as opportunity was afforded, he testified of
the gospel of the grace of God, especially in the
South street church in Brooklyn, where many heard
the word with joy, and believed on the Lord Jesus
Christ,
The period of his stay being somewhat protracted,
and the work increasing on his hands, he decided, in
accordance with the desire of friends there, to send
for me to come and assist in the labor. Accordingly
on the morning of the 16th of February I received
from him a telegram saying, " Come on to New York
if possible to-night, by the Harlem Road ;" the fare
by that route being somewhat cheaper than by the
others ; and fearing that he might have been taken
with hemorrhage of the lungs, I arranged my house-
204 THE GUIDING HAND.
hold affairs, and took the evening train for Albany,
en route for New York.
Upon entering the railway carriage I felt a strange
sensation of uneasiness steal over me. I had often
travelled alone -and without anxiety, and was cour-
ageous and independent, but I could not dispel a
dreadful apprehension of approaching danger, which
hung like a shadow over my mind. I tried to resist
the feeling, but in vain. All night long, as the train
thundered over its iron track for more than two
hundred miles, the fear of coming calamity lay like a
burden on my thoughts ; sleep fled from my eyelids ;
all efforts to feel unconcerned were vain, and I could
only pray the Lord to spare my life to reach my
journey's end in peace, and meet my husband once
more.
At sunrise we arrived at Albany and I gladly left
the train, thankful that I was safely there, and pleased
to feel that all my gloomy fears and fancies were but
the offspring of disordered nerves, and the results
of physical exhaustion. But when we crossed the
Hudson river and entered the Harlem R. R. cars for*
New York, to my astonishment my apprehensions
returned again with redoubled force, and I felt cer-
tain that some disaster was about to occur. It seemed
to me that the train which we were on was destined
to be smashed to pieces ; and though I tried to per-
suade myself that it was but an idle whim, the result
of mere nervous depression, yet no skill of reasoning,
or force of will could banish the feeling from my mind.
I occupied a seat near the forward end of the car-
THE GUIDING HAND. 205
riage, over the wheels, and, after riding some two
hours in this state of anxiety and perturbation, I
thought I heard a voice saying to me, "Put your
feet up on the seat." I turned to see if any one had
spoken to me, but no one was sitting near; and I
started to draw my feet up beneath me on the seat,
when the thought occurred to me that such a posture
would look strangely to the other passengers, and I
stopped. Again the voice seemed to say, "Put
your feet up on the seat!" and thinking only of the
strangeness of the suggestion, and how foolish I was
to yield to such impressions, I said, "I will not be
so nervous," and planted my feet firmly on the floor.
My apprehensions of danger, however, increased,
and I could but continue in earnest prayer that God
would protect me to my journey's end. A few
moments of suspense thus passed away, and there
was a sudden report as of an explosion, and a hissing
roar as of escaping steam ; the train came to a sudden
stand-still ; the passengers screamed and rushed for
the door, while I, forgetful that I had ever known a
fear, sat calmly in my seat, half amused at the sur-
rounding tumult that filled the car.
At that moment the conductor entered the car and
said, " Be calm ; be calm ; there is no one hurt ;" and
then looking along on the floor as if in search of
something, he came to where I sat, glanced down
upon the floor in front of my seat, and looking at me
with astonishment he inquired, "Are you not fright-
ened?" "Oh, no," I replied, forgetting to mention
that I had my part of the fright before, "Well,
206 THE GUIDING HAND.
you are one among a thousand," said he. He pointed
to the floor beneath my feet. A portion of it, some
eighteen inches square, was stove and splintered up,
and the pieces of a broken car wheel were visible,
crowding their 'way up through the wreck. For the
first time I then noticed that my feet were drawn up
beneath me on the seat. How or when they got
there I never knew. The conductor inquired, " Are
you hurt?" I replied I was not. He said, "If
your feet had been down there you might have been
injured badly;" and turning to a gentleman who
stood by he remarked, " If we had not discovered
just at that moment that the boiler was nearly dry,
and that we were in danger of an explosion, we
should not have halted, and the train would have
been all smashed up."
I had noticed previously an unusual thumping
beneath my feet, but attributed it to the roll and
jostle of the wheels ; but it appeared that there was a
broken car wheel under me, and if that wheel had
made a dozen revolutions more, I should probably
have been a torn and mangled corpse, the train would
have been wrecked, and this story would never have
been told. The stopping of the train at that critical
time, was, I doubt not, the means of saving my life.
After a delay of two or three hours, while another
engine was being procured from Chatham, we pro-
ceeded to New York, where I found my husband
waiting for me at the depot ; and we thanked God
for his preserving mercy to us.
Years have passed since then. I have travelled in
THE GUIDING HAND. 207
safety many thousands of miles, through the favor of
Him who hath given his angels charge concerning
his people to keep them in all their ways ; and
though I have never since experienced such a sense
of apprehension as haunted me through that fearful
ride, or such a strange deliverance from impending
destruction, yet I see no reason to doubt the constant
presence and kindly care of Him whose mighty hand
delivered me "from so great a death" when I took
that fearful ride. Harriet B . Hasfcings .
"TAKE CAEE OF HIM."
* ' I was a father to the poor ; and the cause which
I knew not I searched out." This was the course of
the patient man, and his example is worthy of our
imitation. But we are prone to forget our duty in
the multiplicity of other cares, and sometimes we
need the guidings of a divine impulse to quicken us
to diligence and lead us in our way. And when thus
directed we do well to give heed to the inward voice.
A Christian woman in New Bedford, Mass., relates
the following account, which illustrates this subject :
"In the winter of 1872, while on a visit for a few
days in company with some friends, I was impressed
one morning with the remembrance of an Irishman,
who, some months before, had had the care of our
horse, and had occasionally brought it to the door
for me. This was the only acquaintance I had with
him. With the remembrance of this man, these
words sounded in my ears, ' Take care of him.' I
208 THE GUIDING HAND.
asked my husband if he knew anything about Tom.
He said he did not; the last time he saw him was,
perhaps, two months before, when we were riding,
and he told me Tom had left the stable on account of
his health.
" I said to him, ' Something is to be done for him,'
and asked if he knew whether he was sick, or very
poor. He said he did not. ' Well/ I said, ' some-
thing is the matter, and we must see about it.' He
told me he did not think the stable-keeper would let
him suffer ; Tom had worked for him too many years,
and he guessed he would be taken care of. So I
was quieted, and so was the spirit within me, until
I had been at home a day and a half, when at night
the woman who worked for me by the day, asked me
if I was willing she should have a glass of my jelly
to take to Tom. The moment she mentioned Tom,
it struck me like a thunder-bolt, while the flash of
the Spirit revealed to me that I had disregarded his
teachings.
"I asked the woman what the matter was with Tom ;
she said he was very sick with consumption, and
they were very poor, he having a wife and three or
four children. I told her I was bidden while away
to care for them, but had neglected it to my condem-
nation and shame, and bade her to take the jelly or
anything else there was in the house that would make
him comfortable, and also a dollar for the sick man,
it being all the money I had at the time.
"The next morning was Sunday, and feeling the
matter still on my mind, I asked my husband if he
THE GUIDING HAND. 209
would go, before breakfast, and see what they
needed. He went, found the man very sick and the
family very needy, having in the house only what the
dollar had bought for them in coal and provisions.
They were made comfortable, but Tom lived only a
few days to express his unbounded gratitude.
"Thus I was taught the importance of being
prompt to obey the manifestations of the Spirit."
Instances of this general character are by no means
unusual. Many who read these lines can testify to
personal experience of a similar nature. Well will
it be for us if we learn to heed the Spirit's call, and
" to do good and to communicate forget not, for with
such sacrifices God is well pleased."
CAPTAIN YOMT'S DREAM.
The tender mercies of the Lord are over all his
works ; and the limit of divine possibilities is far
beyond the range of human vision, understanding, or
prescience. By ways we know not our heavenly
Father leads the ignorant and blind, and teaches us
the path in which we should go ; sometimes instructing
us from his living Word ; sometimes by the intima-
tions of his providence ; sometimes by the whisper-
ings of a still, small voice, which struggles for a hear-
ing amid the noisy tumults of our waking hours ;
and at other times by the more vivid revelations with
which he impresses our passive minds in the silence
of our nightly slumbers.
A striking instance of the mysterious working of
210 THE GUIDING HAND.
God to accomplish his providential deliverances, is
related by Horace Bushnell, in the fourteenth chap-
ter of his work on "Nature and the Supernatural, as
together constituting the One System of God :"
" As I sat by the fire," says Dr. Bushnell, " one
stormy November night, in a hotel parlor in the Napa
Valley, of California, there came in a most venerable
and benignant-looking person, with his wife, and took
their seats in the circle. The stranger, as I after-
ward learned, was Captain Yonnt, a man who came
over into California, as a trapper, more than forty
years ago. Here he has lived, apart from the great
world and its questions, acquiring an immense landed
estate, and becoming a kind of acknowledged patri-
arch in the country. His tall, manly person, and his
gracious, paternal look, as totally unsophisticated in
the expression as if he had never heard of a philo-
sophic doubt or question in his life, marked him as
the true patriarch. The conversation turned, I know
not how, on spiritism and the modern necromancy,
and he discovered a degree of inclination to believe
in the reported mysteries. His wife, a much young-
er and apparently Christian person, intimated that
probably he was predisposed to this kind of faith, by
a very peculiar experience of his own, and evidently
desired that he might be drawn out by some intelli-
gent discussion of his queries.
"At my request, he gave me his story. About six
or seven years previous, in a mid-winter's night, he
had a dream, in which he saw what appeared to be a
company of emigrants, arrested by the snow of the
THE GUIDING HAND. 211
mountains, and perishing rapidly by cold and hun-
ger. He noted the very cast of the scenery, marked
by a huge perpendicular front of white rock cliff ;
he saw the men cutting off what appeared to be tree-
tops, rising out of deep gulfs of snow ; he distin-
guished the very features of the persons, and the look
of their particular distress. He woke, profoundly
impressed with the distinctness and apparent reality
of his dream. At length he fell asleep, and dreamed
exactly the same dream again. In the morning he
could not expel it from his mind. Falling in, short-
ly, with an old hunter comrade, he told him the story,
and was only the more deeply impressed, by his rec-
ognizing, without hesitation, the scenery of the
dream. This comrade came over the Sierras, by the
Carson Valley Pass, and declared that a spot in the
pass answered exactly to his description. By this,
the unsophisticated patriarch was decided. He im-
mediately collected a company of men, with mules
and blankets, and all necessary provisions. The
neighbors were laughing, meantime, at his credulity.
No matter,' said he, <I am able to do this, and I
will, for I verily believe that the fact is according to
my dream.' The men were sent into the mountains,
one hundred and fifty miles distant, directly to the
Carson Valley Pass ; and there they found the com-
pany, in exactly the condition of the dream, and
brought in the remnant alive.
" A gentleman present said, ' You need have no
doubt of this ; for we Californians all know the facts,
and the names of the families brought in, who now
212 , THE GUIDING HAND.
look upon our venerable friend as a kind of saviour.'
These names he gave, and the places where they re-
side, and I found afterwards that the California people
were ready, everywhere, to second his testimony.
"Nothing could be more natural than for the good-
hearted patriarch himself to add, that the brightest
thing in his life and that which gave him greatest
joy, was his simple faith in that dream. I thought,
also, I could see in that joy, the glimmer of a true
Christian love and life, into which, unawares to him-
self, he had really been entered by that faith. Let
any one attempt, now, to account for the coincidences
of that dream by mere natural causalities, and he will
be glad enough to ease his labor, by the acknowledg-
ment of a supernatural Providence."
So much we learn from Dr. Bushnell, but who can
tell the rest ? Such histories are never fully written ;
the inside view is only seen by God himself. Who
knows what prayers went up that night from fathers,
mothers, wives, and friends, in far-off eastern homes,
in behalf of those emigrants who had set forth upon
their long and dangerous way ? Who can tell the
midnight groans and secret sighs of hearts that held
communion with the Lord, and craved his blessing
over the absent ones ? And who can tell the uttered
or unspoken pleadings that arose from that storm-
beleagured band, who, perishing amid the rigor of
that awful winter's cold, looked up to God when every
earthly hope and help had failed? Doubtless, if those
rescued ones were called to tell their tale, we should
find in this account not only a story of the wise direc-
THE GUIDING HAND. 213
tion of God's guiding hand, which selected perhaps
the only man in California who had means to send
deliverance to these distressed ones, and faith enough
in the unseen to heed a divine monition, but also a
most striking record of the wondrous virtue of pre-
vailing prayer, poured out by souls in sore and deep
distress.
Enough, however, is visible and undeniable in this
case, to demonstrate the existence of a providential
Protector, and to encourage men to trust in Him.
THE SHIPWKECKED CEEW.
Admiral Sir Thomas Williams, the founder of the
Royal Naval Female School for the education of
naval officers' daughters, was in the command of a
ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean. His course brought
them within sight of the island of Ascension, at that
time uninhabited, and never visited by any ship except
for the purpose of collecting turtles, which abound
on the coast. The island is barely seen on the hor-
izon, but as Sir Thomas looked at it, he was struck
with an unaccountable desire to steer towards it. He
felt how strange such a visit would appear to his
crew, and tried to disregard it ; but in vain ! the
desire of the straightforward and excellent com-
mander became more and more urgent ; and seeing
that they were fast leaving the island behind them,
he told his lieutenant to prepare to " put about ship,"
and steer for Ascension. His lieutenant ventured
respectfully to remark to Sir Thomas that changing
214 THE GUIDING HAND.
their course would greatly delay them ; that just at
that moment the men were going to their dinner ;
that, at least, some delay might be allowed. But
these arguments seemed to increase the captain's
anxiety, and he gave the word of command which is
never resisted. He saw in the countenances of his
officers an expression of wonder and even blame, but
he was obeyed, and the ship was steered toward the
uninteresting little island. All eyes and spy-glasses
were immediately fixed upon it, and soon something
was perceived on the shore.
' * It is white it is a flag it must be a signal ! "
were the cries which at intervals broke from the
excited crew.
When they neared the shore a painful spectacle
met their view. Sixteen men, wrecked on that coast
many days before, and suffering the extremity of
hunger, had set up a signal, though almost without
hope of relief. The shipwrecked men were taken on
board, and the voyage completed.
DELIYEEANCE FKOM DESPAIE,
The following account, extracted from a volume
entitled Remarkable Providences, illustrates the won-
drous ways in which God manifests himself to break
the snare of the fowler, and deliver the souls that sit
in darkness, doubting the love of Him who died for
them, and despairing of that mercy which still ex-
tends to them with open hand a pardon bought with
blood :
During a powerful revival of religion that took
THE GUIDING HAND. 215
place many years ago, in Salem county, N. J., there
was a young woman who was induced by her friends
to attend the meeting, and becoming deeply affected,
was persuaded to approach the altar, where, after
much seeking, with bitter repentance, she was happily
converted to God.
This person became very exemplary in her deport-
ment, and wherever she went, had something to say
in favor of the blessed treasure she had so recently
found, she remaining faithful for a number of years.
She married a deeply pious man, with whom she
lived happily. In a few years he died, and she,
being left a widow, and poor, had to struggle hard
for the support of herself and children ; but at this
time, when the consolations of religion were the most
needed, she gave way to a murmuring and repining
spirit, and became very wicked and unhappy. She
remained in this state many long years. Effort after
effort was made to reclaim her, but all apparently in
vain.
One of her sons at this time embraced religion,
and consequently became deeply solicitous for his
mother's salvation. He prayed and wept, and with
many entreaties urged her to return to the Shepherd
and Bishop of souls. To all this her answer was,
" You need not grieve for me, my son, for my day
of grace is gone the Spirit has not striven with me
for over twenty years ; my damnation is sure." At
this time her health, which had been very good,
began to decline ; day by day she became weaker and
weaker, until it was apparent to all that the fell
216 THE GUIDING HAND.
destroyer had marked her for his prey. The despair
that filled her heart, with the afflictions of her body,
soon wore her down to almost nothing. Brethren
came from all directions, by the importunity of her
son, to pray for her, and point her to Christ, the
friend of sinners ; but in vain. To all of their solici-
tations and entreaties her answer was, " Leave me
alone. I am justly lost. You can do me no good.
The few moments I have on earth, let me spend in
peace. Your prayers only torment me."
Her deeply-affected son now resolved to set aside
a day to fast and pray for the salvation of his mother ;
he therefore repaired to a lonely wood, and with
none but God to see his grief or tears, he fell on his
knees, and with many entreaties besought the Lord
Jesus Christ to have mercy upon her soul. After
continuing this all day, toward evening, with his
face bathed in tears, he fell to the earth, struggling,
and crying, " I will not let thee go until thou answer
me." A heavenly calm filled his breast, joy sprung
up in his heart, and evidence clear and strong was
given, "Thy prayer is answered, go in peace."
It was Saturday morning ; I was at work on my
farm, some fifty miles from the scene I am attempt-
ing to describe, knowing nothing of this woman,
when I felt a powerful impression on my mind to
harness my horse to the carriage, and immediately
drive to Brother P.'s, who resided thirty-five miles
from my house, and whom I had not seen for several
years. I tried to put it off, but my peace of mind
was gone, and, to get relief, I started. I arrived in
THE GUIDING HAND. 21 /
the evening, stayed over the Sunday, and preached
twice, intending to return home next morning; but
being awakened several hours before day, the im-
pression was renewed to go fifteen miles farther to
see Brother T., also, whom I had not met for several
years. I arose at daybreak, and found it raining.
Kesolving to go home, I started; but oh, the horror
of mind that seized me ! To get relief I turned my
horse and drove for the brother's. He was not at
home when I arrived, but soon came, and with joy
welcomed me. I related to him the circumstances of
my coming, and said, "Brother T., in the name of
the Lord, is there anything for me to do here?"
He solemnly paused, then related to me the case
of this woman, who lived only a few rods off, telling
me she was apparently but just alive, and dying in
sin. Now faith sprung up, and, with strong confi-
dence, I went to see her. On entering the room, I
approached the bedside, and beheld the pale and
emaciated form propped up, coughing almost inces-
santly, and her son weeping sadly at the foot of the
bed. She related to me her doleful condition, beg-
ging me not to pray, or mention the name of Christ,
as it filled her with indescribable torment. Lifting
my heart to God, I sat several minutes in silence,
only broken by the sobs of her affectionate son, when
I felt it required of me to reason with her on the sin
and folly of grieving the Holy Spirit by despairing
of that mercy that was ready to receive her ; and
surely the Holy Ghost helped me, for, fixing her
dying eyes upon me, she appeared to drink in every
218 THE GUIDING HAND.
word ; her son and the brother who went with me
looking on with great interest.
We fell on our knees, and, after Brother T. had
prayed, I was drawn out with as much power as I
ever experienced in prayer, to urge her case at the
throne of grace. Tears of sympathy fell from my
eyes, and laying hold on God, I resolved never to
leave the house until salvation appeared. While
thus pleading, she sprang up in bed and cried for
mercy, in language the most affecting I ever heard,
while tears of penitence rolled down her cheeks.
Being thus encouraged, we continued pouring out
our souls unto Him who had promised to hear us,
when, in a moment, while I had my gaze fixed
upon her, I saw her countenance change ; heaven
beamed in her eye, joy sprang up in her heart, and
" Glory, glory!" and loud hallelujahs pealed from
her tongue ; while her son, who had so long looked
for redemption, fell on the floor, and, with rapturous
songs, blessed the God of Israel, his Saviour. She
lived in this heavenly frame of mind three weeks,
and died shouting, " Glory, glory ! victory, victory I"
In this way was the prey "delivered from the
hand of the mighty," and the satanic lies which had
caused this woman to doubt God's love and despair
of her own salvation, were chased away before the
glad tidings of that grace and truth which came by
Jesus Christ, and which abounds to the salvation of
the outermost or farthest off, even to the chief of
sinners, for whom Christ the Saviour died.
THE GUIDING HAND. 219
PROVISION FOE CALEB.
The following interesting narrative was published
in the Annual Baptist Register for 1801-1802, edited
by Dr. John Eippon ; pp. 1097-1099. It was com-
municated by "J. S.," who heard it from the lips of
Dr. Samuel Stennett, the son of Dr. Joseph Stennett,
who was acquainted with the parties and the circum-
stances of the case. Dr. Joseph Stennett, who was
also the son of a minister, died in 1712, aged forty-
nine. He was the author of the well-known hymn,
"Another six days' work is done ; "
and Dr. Samuel Stennett wrote the equally well-
known hymn,
"On Jordan's stormy banks I stand,
And cast a wishful eye "
Dr. Joseph Stennett married a lady in Wales, in
consequence of which he resided there several years ;
and many of his children were born there. He
preached with great acceptance to the Baptist congre-
gation in Abergavenny. There was a poor man
belonging to that meeting, generally known by the
name of Caleb. He was a collier and lived among
the hills between Abergavenny and Hereford. He
had a wife and several small children ; and walked
seven or eight miles every Lord's day to hear the
Doctor, the weather seldom preventing him. He was
a very pious man ; and his knowledge and understand-
ing were remarkable, considering the disadvantages
of his situation and circumstances. The Doctor was
very partial to him, and pleased with his conversation.
220 THE GUIDING HAND.
As before observed, bad weather seldom hindered
Caleb's attendance on the word ; but there was a
severe frost one winter, which lasted many weeks,
and blocked up his way, so that he could not possibly
pass without danger ; neither could he work for the
support of himself and family. The Doctor and
many others were much concerned, lest they should
perish for want. However, no sooner was the frost
broken but Caleb appeared again. The Doctor,
when he was in the pulpit, spied him ; and as soon as
the service was ended went to him and said, "Oh
Caleb, how glad I am to see you ! How have you
done during the severity of the weather ? " who cheer-
fully answered, " Never better in my life. I not
only had necessaries, but lived upon dainties during
the whole time, and have some still remaining, which
will serve us some time to come." The Doctor
expressed his surprise, and wished to be informed of
particulars.
Caleb told him that one night, soon after the com-
mencement of the frost, they had eaten up all their
stock, and had not a morsel left for the morning, nor
any human probability of getting any ; but he found
his mind quite calm and composed, relying on a prov-
ident God, who neither wanted power nor means to
supply his wants ; and he went to prayer with his fam-
ily, and then to rest, and slept soundly till morning.
Before he was up, he heard a knock at his door ; he
went to see who was there, and saw a man standing
with a horse, loaded, who asked if his name was
Caleb. He answered in the affirmative ; the man
THE GUIDING HAND. 221
desired him to help him to take down the load. Caleb
asked him what it was. He said, provision. On his
inquiring who sent it, the man said he believed that
God had sent it, and he could obtain no other answer.
When he came to examine the contents, he was
struck with amazement at the quantity and variety
of the articles. There was bread, flour, oatmeal,
butter, cheese, salt meat and fresh, neat's tongue,
etc., etc., which served them through the frost, and
left some remaining to that present time.
The Doctor was much affected with the account,
and mentioned it in all companies where he went, in
hopes of finding out the benevolent donor, but in vain ;
till about two years afterward, he went to visit Dr.
Talbot, a noted physician of the city of Hereford.
This Dr. Talbot was a man of good moral character,
and a very generous disposition, but an infidel in
principle. His wife was a gracious woman, and a
member of the Baptist Church in Abergavenny, but
could not very often attend on account of the distance.
Dr. Stennett used to go and visit her now and
then ; and Dr. Talbot, though a man of no religion
himself, always received Dr. Stennett with great
politeness ; and he generally staid a night or two at
his house when he went. As they were conversing
very pleasantly one evening, Dr. Stennett, thinking
it his duty to introduce something that was enter-
taining and profitable, spoke of the great efficacy of
prayer, and instanced the circumstance of poor
Caleb. As he was relating the affair, he observed
Dr. Talbot smile, and said,
222 THE GUIDING HAND.
"Caleb ! I shall never forget him as long as I live."
"What ! did you know him?" said Dr. Stennott.
"I had but very little knowledge of him," said Dr.
Talbot, "but by your description I know he must be
the same man yau mean."
Then Dr. Stennett was very urgent to hear what
account Dr. Talbot had to give of him ; upon which
Dr. Talbot freely related the following circumstance :
He said that the summer previous to the hard win-
ter above mentioned, he was riding on horseback for
the benefit of the air, as was his usual custom when
he had a leisure hour, and he generally chose to ride
among the hills, it being more pleasant, rural and
romantic, there being a few farm-houses dispersed
here and there, and a few little cots. As he was
riding, he observed a number of people assembled in
a barn ; his curiosity led him to ride up to the barn-
door to learn the cause of their assembling, when he
found to his great surprise that there was a man there
preaching to a vast number of people.
He stopped till the service was ended ; and he
observed that the auditory were very attentive to
what the preacher delivered ; and one poor man in
particular, attracted his notice, who, as he had a little
Bible in his hand, turned to every passage of Scrip-
ture the minister quoted : he wondered to see how
ready a man of his appearance was at turning to the
places ; and he likewise noticed that his Bible was full
of dog's ears, that is, the corners of the leaves were
turned down very thickly.
When the service was over, he walked his horse
THE GUIDING HAND. 223
gently along, in order to observe the people ; and the
poor man whom he had particularly noticed, happened
to walk by his side. The Doctor entered into con-
versation with him, asked many questions concerning
the meeting and the minister, and found the poor man
to be more intelligent than he could have expected.
He inquired also about himself, his employment, his
family, and his name , which he said was Caleb. After
the Doctor had satisfied his curiosity, he rode off,
and thought no more about him till the great frost
came on the following winter, when he was one night
in bed, and he said he could not tell for certain
whether he was asleep or awake, but thought he heard
a voice say, " Send provision to Caleb." He was a
little startled at first, but concluding it to be a dream,
he endeavored to compose himself to sleep. It was
not long before he imagined he heard the same words
repeated, but louder and stronger. Then he awoke
his wife, who was in a sound sleep, and told her what
he had heard ; but she persuaded him that it could be
no other than a dream, and she soon fell asleep again ;
yet the Doctor's mind was so much impressed that
he could not sleep but tumbled and tossed about for
some time. At last he heard the voice so powerful,
saying, " Get up, and send provision to Caleb," that
he could resist no longer.
He got up and called his man, bade him bring his
horse, and he went to his larder, and stuffed a pair of
panniers as full as he possibly could, of whatever he
could find ; and after having assisted the man to load
the horse, he bade him take that provision to Caleb.
224 THE GUIDING HAND.
"Caleb," said the man, "what Caleb, sir?" "I know
very little of him," said the Doctor, "but his name is
Caleb ; he is a collier, and lives among the hills ; let
the horse go, and you will be sure to find him." The
man seemed to "be under the same influence as his
master; which accounts for his telling Caleb, "God
sent it, I believe."
As for Caleb, he was, no doubt, quite ready to give
credit to the assertion.
THE SPEECHLESS ONES.
While reading a few days since about the speech-
less guest at the royal marriage-feast, I was reminded
of some speechless ones with whom I had been ac-
quainted in days past ; and I thought how much bet-
ter it is to be speechless with astonishment at the
divine goodness here, than to be dumb with despair
and anguish at the judgment day.
A friend and relative of the writer, who was "a
widow indeed," one who trusted in God, and con-
tinued in supplications and prayers day and night,
was once brought into circumstances of peculiar strait-
aess and trial. She had two daughters, who exerted
themselves with their needles to earn a livelihood ;
and at that time they were so busily engaged in trying
to finish some work that had long been on their hands,
they had neglected to make provision for their ordi-
nary wants, until they found themselves one winter's
day, in the midst of a New England snow-storm,
with food and fuel almost exhausted, at a distance
THE GUIDING HAND. 225
from neighbors, and without any means of procuring
needful sustenance.
The daughters began to be alarmed, and were full
of anxiety at the dismal prospect, but the good old
mother said, t 'Don't worry, girls, the Lord will pro-
vide ; we have enough for to-day, and to-morrow may
be pleasant ;" and in this hope the girls settled down
again to their labor.
Another morning came, and with it no sunshine,
but wind and snow in abundance. The storm still
raged, but no one came near the house, and all was
dark and dismal without. Noon came, and the last
morsel of food was eaten, the wood was almost gone ;
and there were no tokens of any relief for their neces-
sities.
The girls became much distressed, and talked anx-
iously of their condition, but the good mother said,
"Don't worry, the Lord will provide." But they
had heard that story the day before, and they knew
not the strong foundation upon which that mother's
trust was built, and could not share the confidence
she felt.
"If we get anything to-day, the Lord will have to
bring it himself ; for nobody else can get here if they
try," said one of the daughters, impatiently. But
the mother said, "Don't worry ;" and so they sat down
again to their sewing, the daughters to muse upon
their necessitous condition, and the mother to roll
her burdens on the Everlasting Arm.
While this conversation was going on , an aged ser-
vant of the Lord, Mr. M. , sat at his fireside about a
8
226 THE GUIDING HAND.
mile away, surrounded by every bounty and comfort
needed to cheer his heart, save the companion of
his youth, who had long rested in hope beneath the
clods of the valley, with his only daughter sitting by
his side. For a long time not a word had been spoken,
and he had seemed lost in silent meditation, till at
length he said, "Mary, I want you to go and order
the cattle yoked, and then get me a bag. I must go
and carry some wood and flour to Sister C."
4 'Why, father, it is impossible for you to go ; there
is no track, and it is all of a mile up there. You
would almost perish."
The old man sat in silence a few moments, and
then said, ''Mary, I must go." She knew her father
too well to suppose that words would detain him,
and so complied with his wishes. While she held the
bag for him, she felt perhaps a little uneasiness to see
the flour so liberally disposed of, and said, "I wish
you would remember that / want to give a poor
woman some flour if it ever clears off." The old man
understood the intimation, and said, "Mary, give all
you feel it your duty to, and when the Lord says
stop, I will do so."
Soon all things were ready, and the patient oxen
took their way to the widow's home , wallowing through
the drifted snow, and dragging the sled with its load
of wood and flour. About four o'clock in the after-
noon the mother had arisen from her work to fix the
fire, and looking out of the window she saw the oxen
at the door, and she knew that the Lord had heard
her cry. She said not a word, why should she ?
THE GUIDING HAND. 227
she was not surprised ; but presently a heavy step
at the threshold caused the daughters to look up with
astonishment, as Mr. M. strode unceremoniously into
the room, saying, "The Lord told me, Sister C., that
you wanted some wood and flour."
"He told you the truth" said the widow, "and I
will praise him forever. What think you now, girls ?"
she continued, as she turned in solemn joy to her
unbelieving daughters .
They were speechless ; not a word escaped their
lips, but they pondered that new revelation of the
providential mercy of the Lord, until it made upon
their minds an impression never to be effaced ; and
long ago they learne.d to trust in Him who cares for
the needy in the hour of their distress, and who, from
his boundless stores, supplies the wants of those who
trust in him.
Another instance presents itself to my mind. In
a humble cottage in Connecticut, two sisters were
watching over and caring for a much loved brother,
who for many long months had been upon a bed of
sickness. At length the younger of them began to
be discouraged. She was dependent for her clothing
upon her labor ; her shoes were worn out, and how
should she get another pair, unless she could leave
the sick-bed and go away from home and work and
earn some money?
"Well," said the mother, "I know you need a pair
of shoes, but don't worry, the Lord will provide."
"Do you think that the Lord will come down
from heaven and buy me a pair of shoes f said the
228 THE GUIDING HAND.
daughter, with an expression of discouragement and
vexation on her countenance.
"No," said the mother, "but perhaps he will put
it into somebody's heart to buy you a pair."
"Perhaps he" will, but I dorit believe it" said the
discouraged girl.
"Well," said the other sister, who was a little more
hopeful, "you won't get them any quicker by fret-
ting, so you might as well be quiet." Thus the sub-
ject dropped, and the day passed as usual.
As the shades of evening were gathering, a brother,
who lived at some distance, and who knew nothing
of their previous conversation, called to inquire after
their prosperity.
After the customary salutations, he said, "You have
been sick here a long time and I thought I would
come round and see if I could not do something for
you ; thought perhaps by this time the girls needed
something." Then turning to the younger sister, he
said, "How is it, aren't your shoes worn out?"
She dropped her eyes, blushed deeply, and perhaps
a little conscience-smitten, "answered not a word."
Nothing was said of the previous conversation, though
it was not forgotten by those who heard it.
The brother soon saw for himself enough to satisfy
him, and said no more but went away. The next
day two pairs of shoes were sent around to her, and
with them came to her heart a lesson which she never
forgot. She lived many years after that, but was
never heard to murmur in that way again ; and often
said that the two pairs of shoes taught her to wait.
THE GUIDING HAND. 229
hope, and trust, even before she learned implicit con-
fidence in Him who sendeth blessings on the just and
on the unjust. The last time the writer heard her
allude to the occurrence, she said, "I was speechless
then, but by the grace of God I will not be in the
world to come." She rests in hope of everlasting
life at the resurrection of the just, and a seat at the
marriage supper of the Lamb, when Jesus comes to
reign. And this story is recorded with the desire
that it may lead some impatient one to wait, and
hope, and trust, and perhaps be a little more patient
with these blessed mothers whose hands are so filled
with cares and burdens, but whose hearts, though
often weighed down with sorrow and grief, are yet
fixed, trusting in the Lord.
THE ENGINEER'S PREMONITION.
The following remarkable instance of deliverance
from danger by mental impression or premonition,
was published in the Home Monthly for February,
1866, and is but another illustration of the care of
Him whose "tender mercies are over all his works :"
One of our railroad engineers, some years since,
was running an express train of ten filled cars. It
was in the night, and a very dark night too. His
train was behind time, and he was putting the engine
to the utmost speed of which it was capable, in order
to reach a certain point at the proper hour. He was
running on a straight and level track, and at this
230 THE GUIDING HAND.
unusual velocity, when a conviction struck him that
he must stop.
" A something seemed to tell me," he said, " that
to go ahead was dangerous, and that I must stop if I
would save life. I looked back at my train and it
was all right. I strained my eyes and peered into
the darkness, and could see no signal of danger, nor
anything betokening danger, and there, in the day-
time, I could have seen five miles. I listened to the
working of my engine, tried the water, looked at
the scales, and all was right. I tried to laugh myself
out of what I then considered a childish fear ; but, like
Banquo's ghost, it would not down at my bidding,
but grew stronger in its hold upon me. I thought
of the ridicule I would have heaped upon me if I did
stop ; but it was all of no avail. The conviction
for by this time it had ripened into a conviction
that I must stop, grew stronger, and I resolved to
do so. I shut off, and blew the whistle for brakes
accordingly. I came to a dead halt, got off, and went
ahead a little way without saying anything to any-
body what was the matter. I had a lamp in my
hand, and had gone but about sixty feet, when I saw
what convinced me that premonitions are sometimes
possible. I dropped the lantern from rny nerveless
grasp and sat down on the track utterly unable to
stand."
He goes on to tell us that there he found that some
one had drawn a spike which had long fastened a
switch rail, and opened a switch which always had
been kept locked, which led on to a track only
THE GUIDING HAND. 231
about one hundred and fifty feet long which ter-
minated in a stone quarry !
"Here it was, wide open, and had I not obeyed
my premonitory warning, call it what you will, I
should have run into it, and at the end of the track,
only about ten rods long, my heavy engine and train,
moving at the rate of forty-five miles an hour, would
have come into collision with a solid wall of rock
eighteen feet high ! The consequences, had I done
so, can neither be imagined nor described, but they
could by no possibility have been otherwise than
fatally horrible."
THE EEPEIEVE.
Sir Evan Nepean, of the Home Department, relates
the following respecting himself. One night, during
his office as under-secretary, he felt the most unac-
countable wakefulness that could be imagined ; he
was in perfect health, had dined early, and had noth-
ing whatever on his mind to keep him awake. Still
he found all attempts to sleep impossible, and from
eleven, till two in the morning, he never closed an
eye. At length, weary of this struggle, as the
summer morning was breaking, he determined to try
what would be the effect of a walk in the park. There
he saw nothing but the sleepy sentinels. But in his
walk, happening to pass the House office several times,
he thought of letting himself in with his key, though
without any particular object. The book of entries
of the day before still lay on the table, and through
232 THE GUIDING HAND.
sheer listlessness he opened it. The first thing he saw
appalled him "A reprieve to be sent to York for
the coiners ordered for execution." The execution
had been ordered for the next day. It struck him
that he had received no return to his order to send
the reprieve. He searched the "minutes." He could
not find it there. In alarm he went to the house of
the chief clerk, who lived in Downing street, knocked
him up, (it was then past three,) and asked him if
he knew anything of the reprieve being sent. "You
are scarcely awake," said Sir Evan ; "recollect your-
self; it must have been sent."
The clerk said that he now recollected he had sent
it to the clerk of the crown, whose business it was to
forward it to York.
"Good," said Sir Evan, "but have you his receipt
and certificate that it has gone?"
"No."
"Then come with me to his house, we must find
him if it is early." It was now four, and the clerk
of the crown lived in Chancery Lane. There was no
hackney coach to be seen and they almost ran. They
were just in time. The clerk of the crown had a
country house, and meaning to have a long holiday,
he was at that moment stepping into his gig to go to
his villa. Astonished at this visit of the under-sec-
retary of state at such an hour, he was still more so
at his business.
"Heavens!" cried he, "the reprieve is locked up
in my desk !" It was brought. Sir Evan sent to the
post-oifice for the truest and fleetest express. The
THE GUIDING HAND. 233
reprieve reached York next morning just at the
moment the unhappy men were ascending the cart.
With Sir Evan Nepean, we fully agree in regarding
this little narrative as one of the most extraordinary
that we ever heard. We shall go further, even, than
he acknowledged, and say that to us it appears as
striking evidence of what we should conceive a supe-
rior interposition. It is true that no vision appeared,
nor was any prompting voice audible ; yet the result
depended upon so long a succession of seeming
chances, and each of these chances was at once so
improbable and so necessary, that we are compelled
to regard the whole matter as of an influence not to
be attributed to man. If one link of the chain might
pass for a common .occurrence as, undoubtedly, fits
of wakefulness will happen without any discoverable
ground, in the state of either body or mind still,
what could be less in the common course of things,
than that, thus waking, he should take a walk in the
park at two in the morning? Yet, if he had, like
others, contented himself with taking a walk in his
chamber, or enjoying the cool air at his window, not
one of the succeeding events could have occurred, and
the men must have been sacrificed. Or if, when he
took his walk, he had been contented with getting rid
of the feverishness of the night, and had returned to his
bed, the chain would have been broken ; for what was
more out of the natural course of events, than that at
two o'clock in the morning, the idea should come into
the head of any man to go into his office, and sit down
in the lonely rooms of his department, for no purpose
234 THE GUIDING HAND.
of business or pleasure, but simply from not know-
ing what to do with himself?
Or if, when he had let himself into those solitary
rooms, the book i)f entries had not lain on the table,
and this we presume to be among the chances, as we
can scarcely suppose books of this official importance
to be generally left to their fate among the servants
and messengers of the office ; or if the entry, instead
of being on the first page that opened to his eye, had
been on any other, even the second, as he never might
have taken the trouble of turning the page ; or if he
and the chief clerk had been five minutes later at the
clerk of the crown's house, and, instead of finding
him at the moment of getting into his carriage, had
been compelled to incur the delay of bringing him
back from the country, all the preceding events would
have been useless. The people would have died at
York, for even as it was, there was not a moment to
spare ; they were stopped on the very verge of exe-
cution.
The remarkable feature of the whole is, that the
chain might have been snapped at any link, and that
every link was equally important. In the calculation
of the probability of any one of these occurrences, a
mathematician would find the chances very hard
against the probability of the whole. If it is asked,
whether a sufficient ground for this high interposition
is to be discovered, in saving the lives of a few
wretched culprits, who, as frequently in such cases,
possibly returned to their wicked trade as soon as
they had escaped, and only plunged themselves into
THE GUIDING HAND. 235
r
deeper iniquity ; the answer is, that it is not for us,
in our ignorance, to mete out the value of a human
life.
Nor can we tell how many praying fathers, mothers,
sisters, wives, or friends, were offering up unceasing
intercessions through that silent night, on behalf of
those poor criminals. Nor do we know how many of
them, in new-born penitence and faith, looked up to
God for deliverance when human hope had failed ;
nor yet what purposes of grace and mercy remained
to be fulfilled in those who were rescued from so
great a death. Only the facts of deliverance are
before us, to show the power and wisdom of the
Guiding Hand.
THE WIDOW'S PRAYER ANSWERED.
In the year 1854, while residing in the city of L.,
Mass. , I became acquainted with a Bro. D. , who lived
there, a humble, faithful, devoted man of God. He
had a small amount of money which he felt inclined to
give to the Lord, if he could understand where he
would have it bestowed. He made the matter a sub-
ject of prayer, telling the Lord to let him know where
the money should be given, and it should go freely.
As he was one day walking along the street, he sud-
denly felt a strong impression of duty to send at once
five dollars of that money to an old lady up in
Northern New Hampshire, with whom he had been
acquainted in former years, though he could not recol-
lect that he had thought of her before for a long while,
236 THE XJUIDING HAND.
and hence was not acquainted with her circumstances
at that time.
This lady was eighty years old, and had an invalid
sister living with her, upwards of seventy. These
two aged women Tiad lived together for years, and
maintained themselves by prudence and economy, with
nothing to depend upon but the blessing of God upon
their own endeavors, for the supply of their wants.
He went immediately home, and told his daughter,
who did his writing for him, to send a letter to this
lady right away, enclosing five dollars, and tell her
that it was from the Lord.
A few days after he received a letter from her
which I read at the time thanking him for the
money, and filled with praise and gratitude to God
for his goodness in providing for her in a time of
great need. She had endeavored to live honestly, and
made it a principle to meet all her engagements with
promptness. She had sometime previous to this con-
tracted a debt of about four dollars and a half, and
the time assigned for its payment was within two or
three days of its expiration. If she walked by sight
she could perceive no visible way of paying this debt
in the time allowed her. But she had learned to walk
by faith, and hence she went out into her garden and
there laid the matter before the Lord, pleading ear-
nestly his care in providing the amount needed to pay
this debt according to her promise.
On reading her letter, it appeared, by a careful
comparison of its dates and statements with Bro. D.'s
account of his impression, that at the very time when
THE GUIDING HAND. 237
she was in her garden on her knees, earnestly plead-
ing with God to remember her wants and provide her
the money to pay this obligation of four dollars and
a half, Brother D., about a hundred miles distant,
received a distinct impression of duty to send her five
dollars of that money which he had devoted to the
service of the Lord.
Such unmistakable and particular answers to the
prayers of God's children, may be surprising to some,
but is there not a more just ground for surprise that
any who are acquainted with him, should for one
moment question his faithful watch-care over the peo-
ple whom he has chosen by his grace and redeemed
by the blood of his Son.
THE B.UKMM PABSQHAGE.
No class of men at the present day claim to attach
more value to facts than the votaries of natural
science. We are glad of it, for the old adage, " One
fact is worth a dozen theories," has always com-
mended itself to us as worthy of acceptance. We
protest, however, against confining the gathering of
facts and the reasoning from facts, to the natural
sciences. We claim that there are facts in morals
and religion just as easily and as fully verified as the
facts of the sciences.
Thousands of families at eventide bow down before
the Lord and seek divine protection from the unseen
dangers of the night. Are their prayers answered ?
The skeptic may deny it, but facts are worth more
238 THE GUIDING HAND.
than assertions. We give one out of the thousands
that can be mentioned. It is from the well-known
pastor of the Nyack Presbyterian church, New York,
furnished by him to the Sunday School Times,
Philadelphia. It-is as follows :
"As we are about to mail this from our delightful
Nyack Parsonage, so generously enlarged and im-
proved by our kind congregation, property, and
perhaps life has been saved by a most signal answer
to prayer. We had just come into the study from
family worship, and this text came into my mind,
'The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,'
then a voice seemed to say, * Go outside of the
house, and six feet from the corner put your hand
upon the weather-boarding.' We did so immediately,
and found the boards almost too hot for the touch.
We sent for several neighbors. The fire company
No. 1, was promptly on hand, and the instant the
axe went through the boards, a bouquet of flame burst
forth, but the strong arms at the engine soon deluged
the burning boards and studding with water, and we
were saved. The instance is all the more remarkable,
as no one had detected the slightest trace of fire.
And now, as the last of the crowd has left the par-
sonage yard, and the fire bells are no longer heard,
we are impressed with the series of providences which
have saved us from awakening in midnight flames
around our sleeping children. And now, while kind
friends come in to congratulate us and ask for a
recital of the story, we declare that more than ever
we believe in the God of Daniel."
THE GUIDING HAND. 239
THE SAVED RAILWAY TRAIN.
The strange and mysterious agencies by which the
Lord interposes for the prevention of calamity, and
the preservation of human life, have often been
brought to the notice of the reader. The following
is another instance worthy the attention of the con-
siderate :
Sometime in the Autumn of the year 186 , a great
political gathering a Union meeting was held at
Mansfield, Ohio, which was attended by many citi-
zens from a distance, who went thither by rail, over
the Atlantic and Great Western, and other railroads
converging to that point ; the Atlantic and Great
Western road passing eastward through the state of
Ohio, and thence into Pennsylvania and New York.
On Monday night a farmer in Pennsylvania retired
to rest amid a heavy and protracted storm which
arose, and dreaming that the high embankment near
his house, which was built across a chasm some hun-
dred feet deep, had given way under a passenger
train, and let it down into the abyss, he sprang from
his bed, ran to the door, and was hastening away to
render assistance to the passengers, when his wife
awakened him from his sleep and enquired what was
the matter.
He related his startling dream, and returned to his
bed again, but could sleep but very little during the
night ; and the impression made upon his mind by
the dream was so deep that he hastened to the chasm
early next morning, to see what condition it' was in.
240 THE GUIDING HAND.
On arriving there he found the embankment standing,
and the road apparently safe, although a torrent of
water poured and surged through the culvert as
though it would wash the whole away.
Tuesday passed, and on Tuesday night the farmer
retired to rest as usual, but could not sleep. That
dream haunted him, nor could he rid his mind of the
thoughts of the dangerous gulf that he had seen. He
at length arose from his bed and hurried to the spot.
Imagine his horror, when he found that "the fill" had
been washed out, leaving nothing but the unsupported
ties and track across the fearful chasm, while, as he
listened, he could hear in the distance the thundering
roar of the approaching train of cars. Clambering
across the dreadful break, he ran with all his might
to meet the train, and signalled it to stop. And so
short was the warning that by the time the engineer
was able to hold up, the engine was but a few feet
distant from the brink of the chasm.
The train was a large one, and was filled with per-
sons who had been at Mansfield, attending the Union
meeting there, and who were struck with awe at their
narrow escape. Had it not been for that startling
dream of the preceding night, and the strange unrest
which hurried the farmer from his bed to give them
the alarm, the train would have plunged down the
frightful precipice, car on car, crushing the crowded
mass of humanity into shapelessness and death, amid
the wreck of the train and the surgings of the swollen
flood. The train was saved, the farmer related his
story, and a handsome pecuniary testimonial told of
THE GUIDING HAND. 241
a gratitude to him which words could not convey ;
and it may be hoped that from many a heart arose a
more devout thanksgiving to Him who preserve th
our lives from destruction by his gracious and mys-
terious providence, and whose tender mercies are
over all his works.
The facts above related are given on the authority
of the Dayton, Ohio, Journal, to which they were
communicated by Mr. Robertson, the mail agent on
the Atlantic and Great Western railroad, between
Dayton and Cleveland ; Mr. Robertson having con-
versed with the farmer and received the circumstances
from his OAVU lips. And such inquiry as we have
since been able to make leads us to credit the account.
PKOVIDENCE ABOVE LAW.
Providence is a manifestation of God's power and
care. He is the author of all first principles. Every
object in nature is impressed with the Maker's seal,
and each new day repeats the wonders of creation.
Nor is there an object, be it pebble or pearl, the
flower-sprinkled meadow beneath or the star-spangled
vault above, a drop of water or a boundless ocean,
in which intelligence may not discern, and piety
adore, the providence of God.
The laws of God are adapted to general action,
and are without change. God saw in the material
creation a demand for certain immutable laws, and
his wisdom so arranged the code that they have
242 THE GUIDING HAND.
moved onward in harmony with the first design.
Human and vegetable nature is the same as in the
past, and will continue to be, thus demanding the
same laws for its regulation. The penalty of these
natural laws re'mains the same as when they received
validity by the divine sanction.
But above and beyond the action of general law,
there seems to be another source of power another
code or system, which takes cognizance of affairs
which are transient and occasional in their character.
These changing scenes are fragments that come be-
tween the drawn lines of universal law, and demand
an especial interposition for their direction. Under
this peculiar arrangement, God manifests himself in
individual warnings, premonitions, and deliverances.
God has foreseen the necessities and demands of
coming events, and has prepared for their reception.
He regards the good of his creatures in general. His
people Israel w^ere suffering as bondmen in Egypt,
and in the fullness of time he raised up from among
them a leader just qualified to emancipate them, and
guide them to the land of promise. There have been
other men providentially raised up as leaders and
reformers, just fitted to meet the demands and emer-
gencies of nations and armies.
But there are direct interpositions of the Divine
Hand. A lad was returning from school in a shower,
and sought shelter in a hollow oak from the falling
rain. While there he heard a voice saying, " Come
away, come away ;" and supposing some person was
calling, he hastened, and had gone but a short
THE GUIDING HAND. 243
distance before the tree was prostrate by lightning.
Here the natural, unchangeable laws were at work,
and the clouds, charged with electricity, were pre-
paring the deadly bolt, but God then put forth a
particular care and rescued the helpless from death.
Two brothers were hundreds of miles distant from
each other ; on a morning one was impressed that
the other was dead ; he prepared himself and went to
his brother's residence to find him a corpse.
I was fifty miles from my home and in excellent
spirits, when at once a tremulous, solemn feeling
came over me, and I could hardly stand. I informed
my friends that I had peculiar impressions, and feared
my family were sick. That evening, while in a
meeting, a lad brought a letter in which I learned
that my little boy was very ill. I hastened to my
home only to see him die. I have never since had
any such emotions.
There are unseen powers continually acting, and
there are mediums of communication between the
Infinite and finite which to us are mysterious. God
feeds the starving poor under this order, and rescues
some helpless mortal from the jaws of death. A
gentleman was going on a certain train, looked at
his watch and supposed he was in time. The watch
had stopped for the first time; he was too late, and
that train was throw r n over an embankment and
nearly all killed. That man is a preacher of the
gospel and has led thousands to Christ. He that is
wise and will observe these things shall understand
the loving-kindness of the Lord.
244 THE GUIDING HAND.
"GO TO THE POST-OFFICE."
"In the year 18 , having a brother living in the
city of R., I went to see him. Going to the store
where he had ^been at work, I found the firm had
suspended, and that he was thrown out of employ-
ment, and had broken up housekeeping ; but could
not ascertain where he was, only that he was board-
ing somewhere out in the suburbs of the city. I
searched for him all day, but in vain.
"It was necessary thai I should find him. What
more to do I knew not except to pray. Finally I
was impressed to write a line and drop it into the
post-office , and I obeyed the impression, telling him
if he got it, to meet me at a stated place the next
morning at ten o'clock.
"I prayed earnestly that the Lord would cause
him to go to the post-office so that he might get my
letter. I felt full of peace, and at rest about the
matter. The next morning at ten o'clock I went to
the place appointed for him to meet me, and he soon
came in.
"There is nothing in all this that is remarkable,
says the doubter of special providences, but wait a
little. As we were walking along the street toward
his boarding place he said, * There is something
strange about my going to the post-office this morn-
ing. I had my arrangements all made to go with a
party this morning early to the Bay, fishing, but
when I awoke, I had such an impression to go down
to the post-office, that I had to forego the pleasure of
THE GUIDING HAND. 245
going to the Bay, and went to the office and found
your letter. Spiritualists' (for he boarded with a
family of table-tippers) ' would say it was the spirits/
"I replied, 'It was the Lord that impressed you
in answer to my prayer, for I prayed earnestly for
the Lord to send you to the post-office this morning ; '
and although young in years and in religion , I tried
to give God the praise for his guidance and his grace."
How many remarkable answers to prayer does the
humble child of God have, to strengthen his faith and
encourage his heart to heed the word that says,* 4 Be
careful for nothing ; but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be
made known unto God."
CAPTAIN HAEEIS.
" Jehovah -Jireh ; the Lord will provide."
The truth of the following anecdote may be de-
pended upon, and as it shows the incessant and
watchful care of Providence over a chastened heir of
glory, and that at a time of unfathomable and com-
plicated distress, it may contribute to encourage some
of the tried saints of God to confide in him, in their
journey through this world to a better.
Captain Harris was taken prisoner in the war
between England and France, and carried to Dunkirk.
During his imprisonment he was observed to be much
depressed in mind, and, in general, very pensive and
thoughtful. And when an order came from the
French government to remove the prisoners to Ver-
246 THE GUIDING HAND.
sallies (a distance of more than two hundred miles
up the country) , his anxiety and perplexity seemed
to be much increased. Being of a very reserved
disposition, he kept his troubles to himself. They
therefore preyed incessantly on his spirits.
But a morning or two before they marched to
Versailles, a Frenchman came into the prison, and
made the following remarkable declaration: "There
is some person in this prison in great distress of mind
for want of money. Who it is I know not ; but the
moment I see him I shall know him, for his person
and circumstances were so impressed on my mind in
a dream last night, that I cannot be mistaken !" The
moment the Frenchman saw Captain H. he said,
* '. That's the man ! " He immediately asked him if
he was not distressed for money ; and before he
could receive an answer, he offered to lend him forty
pounds. Captain H. was struck with wonder and
amazement, that a stranger, and an enemy, should,
in a strange land, make such an offer to a man in his
circumstances.
He then informed him that he had been very
unsuccessful, and had encountered many difficulties
in his last voyage ; that he had been taken with
his ship and cargo, and had lain in that prison for
some time ; that he had expected remittances from
England, but had been disappointed. That he
understood that the prisoners were to be removed to
Versailles ; that all his money was expended except
fourpence, and that he had expected to die on the
road for want. The Frenchman then pressed him
THE GUIDING HAND. 247
hard to take forty pounds ; but he would only accept
three guineas, supposing that sum would supply all
his wants till he received remittances from England.
Captain H. had feared the Lord from the time that
he was seven years of age, but nevertheless was now
in distress. After the Lord had tried him, however,
(and he trieth all the righteous) he thus arose for
his help, and impressed the mind of a stranger and
an enemy, perhaps a French deist, to have compas-
sion on him, and that at the very moment when his
soul was fainting within him. Captain Harris, subse-
quently, was very successful, and was afterward, says
the narrator, in opulent circumstances.
"GO TO EOTTEEDAM."
In the year 1681, a gentleman who lived near Aber-
deen, came to town on purpose to ask advice of some
of the ministers. He told them he had an impression
continually following him, to go to Eotterdam. They
asked him, "For what reason?" But he could tell
none ; on which they advised him to stay at home.
Some time after he came again, and informed them,
"Either I must go to Rotterdam, or die ; for this im-
pression follows me day and night, so that I can neither
eat, nor drink, nor sleep." They then advised him to
go. Accordingly he embarked and went to Rotterdam.
As he was landing, his foot slipped, and he fell into
the sea. A gentleman who was walking on the quay,
leaped in and caught hold of him, brought him out,
and conducted him to an inn. He then procured
248 THE GUIDING HAND.
some dry linen for him, and a warm bed, in which he
slept soundly for several hours. When he awoke, he
found the gentleman sitting by the bedside, who,
taking it for granted he would be hungry, had be-
spoken a dinner 5 -which, to his great satisfaction, was
immediately served up. The Scotch gentleman desired
the other to ask a blessing, which he did in such a man-
ner as quite surprised him. But he was still more
surprised, both at the spirit and language in which he
returned thanks ; and asked him, "Sir, are not you a
minister?" He answered, "I am; but I was, some
time since, banished from Scotland." The other re-
plied, "Sir, I observed, though you behaved quite
decently, you seemed extremely hungry. Pray, per-
mit me to ask, how long is it since you took any
food?" He said, "Eight and forty hours ;" on which
the Scot started up, and said, "Now I know why God
sent me to Rotterdam. You shall want for nothing
any more ; I have enough for us both. ' ' Shortly after,
the revolution ensued, and he was reinstated in his
living.
THE WIDOW'S WOOD.
The following incident, showing the care of God
for his trusting children, and his willingness to sup-
ply their temporal, as well as their spiritual neces-
sities, is related by a minister of the gospel residing
in the state of Maine :
In the year 1832, there lived in the town of Mer-
cer, Maine, a widow woman named Safford, who was
THE GUIDING HAND. 249
left with three children to provide for, and who had
nothing by which to support them but the labor of
her own hands, and the providence of her heavenly
Father.
Of course she had the ordinary trials and hard-
ships of poverty to encounter, but her trust was in
the Father of the fatherless, and the God of widows,
and she believed that he would so supply their needs
that they should lack for no good thing.
In this trust she lived as others lived, and the
worldling perhaps could see no special care of God
in her case, but only the ordinary course of events
as regulated by the general laws of labor and reward.
But at length winter came with its piercing cold,
and howling winds, and drifting snow; and a severe
storm occurring near the close of the week, accom-
panied with bitter cold, prevented her securing her
usual store of supplies, and Sunday morning found
her with only wood enough to make a single fire.
That fire was kindled, and burned itself nearly
out. There was nothing to renew it, and the daugh-
ter, not knowing where the next would come from,
asked her mother if they should not bury up the last
remaining brand in the ashes, and so preserve it for
a little while.
The mother said, "No ;" and with Bible in hand de-
clared her trust in the Lord's promises, and her cer-
tainty that he would supply their needs ; and though
the children doubtingly queried whether her faith
was well founded, she still trusted in her God.
On that same Sunday morning, a Christian woman,
250 THE GUIDING HAND.
the wife of a Methodist minister, not living far dis-
tant, entered into her closet to pray and hold com-
munion with the Lord. As she sought the blessing
and direction of her heavenly Father, something
seemed to say to- her, " Go and send Mrs. Safford
some wood."
This seemed like a very strange direction to go
to drawing wood on Sunday and so she at once dis-
missed the thought as a freak of her own imagina-
tion, and like a pious woman, as she was, sat down
to read the Bible. Now reading the Bible seems
like a much more appropriate employment for such
a day as that, than drawing wood to the neighbors ;
but when the Lord of Sabbaths, who taught that no
day was too good to do good in, calls us to care for
those in need, reading the Bible, and praying, and
going to meeting, do not answer the purpose. And
so the Bible did not seem to read at all good. It
seemed dark, and dull, and stale, as if it was a
sealed book, and so she thought she would go away
and pray again. She did so ; and again the inward
monitor seemed to say, "Send Mrs. Safford some
wood."
She hesitated no longer, but told the boys to fill
the hand-sled with wood, and drag it through the
snow to Mrs. Safford's, saying, "I do not know as
she needs any, but I must send it."
Just as the widow's daughters were looking at the
last consuming brand, and were expressing their
doubts about their future prospects, while the widow
was declaring her unshaken confidence in the prom-
THE GUIDING HAND. 251
ises and providence of God, the boys came with the
hand-sled loaded, and cut short the train of argument
by unloading wood enough to last them till their strait
was over and wood came again.
The widow's children learned a lesson of faith in
God that day ; the mother had another proof of the
heavenly Father's care, which has preserved her to
trust in God even until now ; the minister's wife
learned a lesson of obedience to divine direction ;
and through this record of the facts, it is hoped that
the reader will learn to trust the goodness of
God's providence, and to follow the dictation of his
Holy Spirit.
r
THE IMPEEILED CHILD.
I am no believer in the supernatural. I never saw
any ghosts ; never heard any strange noises ; none,
at least, that could not be accounted for on natural
principles. I never saw lights around the bed or
heard knocks on the head-board which proved to be
"forerunners" of sickness or death; I never had
dreams "come to pass," and to spirits, in the common
acceptance of the term, since the days of the Fox
girls, my very presence has been always a damper.
I am not of that sort who are always on the look-out
for signs and wonders ; and if want of faith in spirit-
ualization or supernaturalism is a sin, I ought to have
been the last one to look for so marked a you may
name it what you please, I call it Divine interposition
as the one I am about to relate ; all the witnesses
252 THE GUIDING HAND.
to which and they are not a few are still living.
One bitter cold day in winter a merry party of us,
nestled down under furry robes, went to meet an
appointment with a friend living a few miles distant,
with whom we were to spend the afternoon, and in
the evening attend a concert to be held near by.
The sleighing was delightful, the air keen and inspir-
iting, the host and hostess genial as the crackling fires
in the grates, and the invited guests, of whom there
were many besides ourselves, in that peculiar visiting
trim which only old-time friends, long parted, can
enjoy. Restraint was thrown aside ; we cracked
jokes ; we chattered like magpies, and talked not a
little of the coming concert, which promised a rare
treat to our unsophisticatd ears. All went merry as
a marriage bell, and merrier than some, till just before
tea, when I was seized with a sudden and unaccount-
able desire to go home, accompanied by a dread or
fear of something, I knew not what, which made the
return appear not a matter of choice, but a thing
imperative. I tried to reason it away; to revive
anticipations of the concert ; I thought of the disap-
pointment it would be to those who came with me to
give it up, and running over in my mind the condi-
tion in which things were left at home, could find no
ground for alarm.
For many years a part of the house had been rented
to a trusty family ; our children were often rocked in
the same cradle, and half the time ate at the same
table; locks and bolts were things unused, and in
deed as in word we were neighbors. In their care
THE GUIDING HAND. 253
had been left a boy of ten years, the only one of our
faniily remaining at home, who knew that when he
returned from school he was expected to bring in
wood and kindlings for the morning fire, take supper
alone or with little Clara E., as he diose, and other-
wise pass the time as he pleased, only that he must
not go into the street to play or on the pond to
skate. He had been left many times in this way, and
had never given occasion for the slightest uneasiness ;
still, as this nameless fear grew upon me, it took the
form of a conviction that danger of some sort threat-
ened this beloved child.
I was rising to go and ask Mr. A. to take me home,
when some one said, * 'You are very pale ; are you
ill?"
4 'No, "I answered, and dropping back in the chair,
told them how strangely I had been exercised for the
last few minutes, adding, "I really must go home."
There was a perfect chorus of voices against it, and
for a little time I was silenced, though not convinced.
Some one laid the matter before Mr. A., who replied,
"Nonsense ! Eddie is a good boy to mind, would do
nothing in our absence that he would not do if we
were there, and is enjoying himself well at this mo-
ment, I'll warrant."
This answer was brought to me in triumph, and I
resolved to do as they said, "not think about it."
But at tea my trembling hand almost refused to carry
food to my lips, and I found it utterly impossible to
swallow a mouthful. A death-like chill crept over
me, and I knew that every eye was on me, as I left
254 THE GUIDING HAND.
the room. Mr. A. rose, saying in a changed voice,
and without ceremony, * 'Make haste ; bring the horse
round ; we must go right away. I never saw her in
such a state before; there is something in it." He
followed me into the parlor, but before he could speak
I was pleading as for dear life that not a moment be
lost in starting for home ; "I know," said I, "it is not
all imagination ; and whether it is or not, I shall cer-
tainly die if this incubus is not removed shortly."
All was now confusion ; the tea table deserted, the
meal scarce tasted; and my friends, alarmed as much
at my looks as at my words, were as anxious to hurry
me off as they had before been to detain me. To me
those terrible moments seemed hours, yet I am assured
that not more than half an hour elapsed from the time
my fears first found expression before we were on the
road toward home. A horse somewhat noted for
fleetness was before us, and with only two in the
cutter the rest staid to the concert, and made Mr.
A. promise if nothing had happened he would return
we went over the road at a rapid pace. I knew
from the frequent repetition of a peculiar signal that
the beast was being urged to his best, yet I grew
sick with impatience at the restraint. I A^anted to
fly. All this while my fears had taken no definite
shape. I only knew that the child was in danger,
and felt impelled to hurry to the rescue. Only once
was the silence broken in that three-mile journey,
and that was when, on reaching an eminence from
which the house was in full view, I said, " Thank God,
the house isn't on fire !"
THE GUIDING HAND 255
"That was my own thought," said Mr. A. ; but there
was no slackening of speed. On nearing home a
cheerful light was glimmering from Mrs. E.'s window.
Before the vehicle had fairly stopped we were clear
of it, and opening the door, said, in the same breath,
" Where's Eddie?"
" Eddie? why, he was here a little while ago,"
answered Mrs. E., pleasantly, striving to dissipate
the alarm she saw written on our countenances. "He
ate supper with the children, and played awhile at
marbles ; then spoke of Libby Rose's having a new
picture-book, and that he wanted to see it. You will
find him over there."
With swift steps Mr. A. crossed the street to the
place mentioned, and returned with, "He has not been
there." Eddie was remarkably fond of skating, and
my next thought was that he had been tempted to
disobedience. I said, calmly, "We will go to the
pond." I was perfectly collected; I could have
worked all night without fatigue with the nerves in
that state of tension, but Mr. A. said, "No, you must
go in and lie down. Eddie is safe enough, some-
where about the village. I'll go and find him." But
there was nothing in the tone as in the words to re-
assure me.
As he spoke he crossed the hall to our own room,
and turned the knob. The door was locked. What
could that mean ? Eddie was either on the inside or
had taken the key away with him. Mr. A. ran round
to a window with a broken spring, which could be
opened from the outside. It went up with a clang,
256 THE GUIDING HAND.
but a dense volume of smoke drove him back. After
an instant another attempt was made, and this time,
on a lounge directly under the window, he stumbled
on the insensible form of little Eddie, smothered in
smoke I Limp and apparently lifeless, he was borne
into the fresh, cold air, and after some rough handling
was restored to consciousness.
From that hour I think I have known how Abraham
felt when he lifted Isaac from the altar unharmed , in
obedience to the command of the angel of the Lord.
True, I had been subjected to no such trial of strength
and faith; my Father knew I would have shrunk
utterly before it ; yet, if it was not a similar messen-
ger that whispered to me in the midst of that gay
party an hour previous, I have no wish to be con-
vinced of it ; and were the book placed in my hands
which I knew had power to rob me of this sweet be-
lief, I would never open it.
Eddie said, on returning from school he made a
good fire, and as the wood was snowy, thought he
would put it in the oven to dry, something he had
never done before. Then, on leaving Mrs. E.'s room,
he went in for an apple before going to see Libby
Rose's picture-book, and it seemed so nice and warm
he thought he would lie down awhile. He could give
no explanation as to what prompted him to turn the
key, it was the first and last time, but this could
have made no difference in the result, for no one
would have discovered the smoke in time to save his
life. The wood in the stove had burned to ashes,
but as the doors were closed, there was no danger of
THE GUIDING HAND. 257
falling embers setting the house on fire ; and had we
staid to the concert everything would have been as
we left it, except that little Eddie's voice would never
more have made music for our ears. Every one said
that with a delay of five or even three minutes we
should have been too late.
Many years have passed since then, yet now, when
the lamp of faith burns dim, and God and his prom-
ises seem a great way off, I have only to go back to
this the first, the last, and only manifestation of this
nature to feel that as a father careth for his children,
so careth he for us. " Deliver us from evil, for thine
is the power," is no mere formality, but words preg-
nant with meaning.
THE DKOWNIM LADY.
The direction of the Holy Spirit of God, resulting
in the preservation of life and the salvation of souls,
is seldom more clearly shown than in the following
incident :
A gay lady in New England once had occasion to
go to a neighboring town, where she had often been
before. In the immediate vicinity was a stream,
which she had to go near, and which at this period
was high. With a view of showing her courage to a
young person whom she had taken with her as a com-
panion, she went into the stream with her horse, and
in a very little time was thrown into the water, had
already sunk once or twice to the bottom, and felt
that she was within a few moments of an eternal
9
258 THE GUIDING HAND.
world, without being prepared for so great a change.
It so happened, that a young man in a neighboring
town had felt a powerful impression on his mind that
morning, that he. should visit the same place. He
had no business to transact ; but, being forcibly im-
pressed with the importance of going thither, he
invited a young man to accompany him. Arriving
at the side of the stream just as the young ladies
were about to cross it, they saw it was improbable
that they could ford it ; yet, as the ladies went, they
determined to follow.
By the time the young lady was thrown from her
horse, the others had nearly reached the opposite
shore ; but, perceiving her danger, one of them im-
mediately followed her on his horse, and in the last
moment of life, as it then appeared, she caught hold
of the horse's leg ; he thus secured her, and catching
hold of the other drowning young lady, she was
saved also. After the use of proper remedies, they
recovered; and the young gentlemen, believing that
the design of their coming from home was now
answered, returned back.
The impressions made on the mind of this young
lady were permanent, and she was led to reflect on
the sin she had committed against God, to pray for
the pardon of her guilt, and to devote herself to the
Divine service. She embraced the mercy of the
Lord, believing in the Redeemer, who alone saves
from the wrath to come.
In the same town with herself lived a young gen-
tleman who had often spent his hours in vain
THE GUIDING HAND. 259
conversation with her. On her return home, he went
to congratulate her on her escape, and, to his surprise,
found she attributed her deliverance to the power of
God, and urged him to seek that grace which they
had both neglected. Her serious conversation was
blessed to his co version, and he became a faithful
minister of Jesus Christ, and thus two persons were
saved from drowning, and two sinners redeemed from
death, by God's good providence and grace.
THE EXPLOSION.
" The Lord is my Shepherd, ... he leadeth me,"
said the Psalmist. And especially is this leading of
the Lord disclosed in the premonitions of danger
which he often bestows upon men, thus delivering
them from unexpected and imminent perils by means
incomprehensible to those around them. "He will
keep the feet of his saints," said the praying Hannah ;
and thousands can testify that he has watched them
with an unslumbering eye, and guided them with his
unerring counsel, and rescued them with an Almighty
hand.
And whenever we have found ourselves in dark
and devious and perilous paths, we have but to look
back and blame ourselves that our eyes were dim,
our ears heavy, our wills stubborn, and our hearts
hard ; and that in our blindness and stiff-neckedness
we rejected the counsel of God to our own disadvan-
tage.
A few days since a brother limped into our office,
260 THE GUIDING HAND.
and when inquired of as to the cause of his lameness,
he stated that a little while before, when visiting a
vessel in the harbor, as he was passing along in the
obscurity of one, of the decks, he fell through a
scuttle, down into the hold of the ship, and his foot
came against a timber with such force as to fracture
a bone, and hence he had become disabled.
" Do you think," said the writer, " that you were
in the place that the Lord wanted you to be in, when
you fell through that scuttle ? "
"No," said he, "I do not. I felt badly about
going, and only yielded to the desires of my brother
who was visiting here, and who wanted me to go.
But it went hard, and I felt badly about it all the
time."
"I thought so," was the reply. " I remember
going once where I felt I ought not to, some ten
years ago, and I have not got over the effects of it
yet, and do not know as I ever shall in this world."
I had been preaching the gospel at various times,
in the streets and about the public places in one of
our large cities, with some appearances of good
resulting therefrom ; and on one occasion I resolved
to announce in the public prints that I would conduct
a service at the usual place the next Sunday after-
noon. I did so, though I felt a strange misgiving
and a reluctance or a restraint about making the
announcement. The season was far advanced, the
weather was cool, and my health was frail ; but I was
" like the horse or the mule, whose mouth must be
held in with a bit or bridle," and I flattered myself
THE GUIDING HAND. 261
that I could endure it ; or, if the weather was unfavor-
able, I could, as before, enter the open area of a
public building, and thus avoid exposure, and so I
disregarded the impression of duty.
The meeting was accordingly held. The weather
was chilly, the wind cold and raw, and blowing in
my face, and the door which I had before found open,
was by some means locked that day. I therefore
stood outside and spoke from the steps, contracted a
cough, which Avas followed by a lung fever and
chronic weakness and congestion of the lungs, which
is a source of trouble and disability to me to this
day; but which admonishes me from time to time,
that when a man neglects the guidance of the Spirit
of God, he does so at his peril, and to his sorrow.
On the evening of the day upon which the lame
brother called, another Christian friend, Mr. W ,
an active business man, and an earnest disciple of
the Lord, entered my office, and spent an hour
relating some of the instances in his own experience,
where he had noticed special indications of the
presence of God's guiding hand. One of these inci-
dents we desire to place on record, and we give the
account substantially iiji his own words :
" In the summer of 1854, I was engaged in busi-
ness in Stockton, California. One day I had come
down from Stockton to San Francisco, on the steam-
boat Kate Kearney, and had brought some cases of
shoes , which were unloaded upon the wharf that they
might be shipped to Oregon for sale.
"At the same wharf where we lay, there was
262 THE GUIDING HAND.
another steamer, the Helen Hensley, a new boat,
which lay bow to bow with the Kate Kearney, the
vessels almost touching each other. The Helen
Hensley was just getting up steam for a trial trip to
Sacramento, and when my goods were unloaded I
went on board of her to see how the new steamboat
looked. Having passed over the boat, I came down
from the upper deck to the bow deck, descending by
a staircase which was located just in front of the
steam boiler. While passing leisurely down these
stairs, an earnest voice seemed to say to me, Be
quick! ' I pulled out my watch, looked at it, thought
of my business which I had to do, and said to myself,
* Yes, I must be quick; ' and, as if urged by some
strange impulse, I hurried down the stairs, hastened
across the wharf, and rushed into the clerk's office on
board the Kate Kearney, to settle my freight bill.
" I had but just entered the office, when there was
an explosion, a crash which shattered the window-
glass of the office to fragments around us, and a roar
of escaping steam which warned myself and the clerk
to fall prostrate upon the floor, to avoid the danger
of inhaling the scalding vapor.
* In a moment the peril was past, and we had
time to survey the ruin. The boiler of the Helen
Hensley had exploded, the wood-work of the vessel
was rent and shattered, the stairs which I had de-
scended were blown to fragments, and portions of
the banisters had been thrown across the wharf with
such tremendous force that they had been driven
through the boards of the cases containing the shoes ,
THE GUIDING HAND. 263
and there remained as tokens of the power which had
hurled them from their place."
Such was the story of Mr. W , and though
skeptics, denying the providence of God, might sneer
at such a record, yet he who has been delivered
" from so great a death," will give adoring thanks to
the God of his life, for the unseen guidance which
was his safety in that hour of peril and desolation.
Many, very many, are the facts which illustrate
the necessity of instant obedience to the call of God.
A moment's delay here, and destruction would have
been inevitable. And often upon the turning of a
corner, the delay or the haste of a moment, hangs
the whole question of life or death, of ruin or de-
struction.
A man saw with ill-concealed regret the steamer on
which he was to take passage, start from the wharf
before he could reach it ; but when there came back
the bitter tidings of a burning vessel and a drowning
crew, he blessed the hand that had held him back
from destruction, even against his own desire.
A gentleman, passing over the New York and New
Haven railroad, courteojusly arose and gave his seat
to an older man who was standing near him. The
train whirled along its iron path with tremendous
speed, it reached Norwalk, the draw-bridge was open,
one awful plunge, the shrieks of the wounded and
the groans of the dying mingled in dreadful discord,
the gentleman escaped unhurt, but the occupant of
his seat was dead.
We cannot penetrate the mysteries of Omniscience,
264 THE GUIDING HAND.
but he who spares the green and takes the ripe, has
his reasons for all the events of his providence. Be
it ours, then, in lowliness and humility to follow the
guidings of his counsel, and thus escape a thousand
perils that surround us, fulfill our mission in this
world, and hear at last his gracious words of welcome
to that world where obscurity and doubt shall give
place to perfect knowledge, and where the clouds
and shadows of the misty present shall vanish in the
sunshine of the great beyond.
THE AWAKENED STUDENT.
The following incident, related by a person con-
cerned in it, illustrates the watchfulness of our heav-
enly Father in preserving us in our defenseless hours.
The narrator says :
"In 1845-46, while attending Jefferson College, in
Pennsylvania, I was boarding in one of the houses
kept for the accommodation of students, and room-
ing alone, in the second story, other students occupy-
ing five or six rooms on the same floor. The stove
used to heat my room was placed in a corner not far
from the door, my bed being opposite, and about
twelve feet distant.
"Just before retiring, one evening, as my custom
was, I covered up the coal fire with the ashes, and
immediately laid down to sleep. Sometime during
the night, the hour I know not, but quite late, as
all the students had retired, as well as the family
THE GUIDING HAND. 265
occupying the first floor and the basement, I was
aroused, got up, unlocked my door, walked three or
four paces, and opened the door to the garret above,
when I found the stairway, and the studding and
lath near it, in flames !
"Without making any alarm I quickly returned to
my room, and taking the water provided for my
morning ablutions I put out the flames as well as I
could, and went down stairs for more. Before sleep-
ing again I satisfied myself that the fire had been
extinguished, but did not speak of the matter until
at breakfast, when I related the whole affair to the
students and others present at the table. They were
of course much startled at their escape from such
imminent peril. And they had good reason to be
seriously impressed with the particular care God
exercised over that house and the lives therein dur-
ing that night.
"It may be that some will say that there is nothing
strange in this , and that it is no evidence of a special
providence. I never can persuade myself so to be-
lieve. Why I awoke just at that moment, being in
good health, with everything quiet about the house,
and opened the doors and looked as I did, and thus
became in God's hands the means of saving property
and lives from destruction, is only known to Him
who rules the nations of the earth, and sees when a
sparrow falls to the ground. It could not have been
long judging from the appearances when I opened
the garret door before the flames would have com-
municated with the floor and roof above, and the
266 THE GUIDING HAND.
consequences that might have followed are known
only to Him who caused me to act as I did, and thus
saved our souls alive. * Oh that men would praise
the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful
works to the children of men ! ' "
GUIDANCE IN GIVING.
"It is more blessed to give than to receive, "and
one of the greatest blessings to the trustful child of
God, is to be used of the Lord for the comfort and
benefit of others. But in a world of beggary and
craft and imposition, it requires not only human
circumspection, but divine guidance to enable us to
" do good and to communicate " at such times and in
such directions as shall meet the approval of the
heavenly Master, and really benefit those with whom
we have to do.
And, that this needful direction will not be with-
held, is evident from the numerous promises of
divine instruction and direction contained in the
Book of God, and from abundant instances where
living witnesses can attest the gracious power and
presence of the Guiding Hand.
The morning prayer-meeting in the chapel of the
Old South church, in Boston, which was continued
daily for so many years, was not only fraught with
many fragrant memories of spiritual blessing, and
tokens of good from the hand of God, but it also
proved, in one instance at least, a place of temporal
THE GUIDING HAND. 267
as well as spiritual mercies to the children of the Lord
who follow the divine counsel with obedient hearts.
One winter morning, a few years ago, a Mr. Wood-
man, a man "not slothful in business, fervent in
spirit, serving the Lord," left his counting-room, a
short distance away, and repaired to this place,
" where prayer was wont to be made," to spend the
appointed hour, from eight to nine o'clock, among
the humble worshippers.
While there, he listened with much interest to the
remarks of a middle-aged gentleman who took part
in the exercises of the hour, and with whom he was
entirely unacquainted ; and when he had concluded
his remarks, Mr. W. felt strongly inclined to go to
him and give him some money. He wondered at
the strangeness of the impression ; the man was
better dressed than he was himself; there were no
evidences of want or poverty about him ; the gift
might be uncalled for, abrupt, and unwelcome ;
and the query arose, whether, after all, it was not a
temptation of Satan, rather than an admonition from
the Lord. The conviction, however, deepened, and
the command, " Give Mm five dollars" was repeated
and impressed with such urgency upon his mind that
he could not resist the inward call.
Accordingly he leaned his head forward on the
seat, that he might not be observed by any one, took
out a five-dollar note, folded it up, and when the
meeting was over, glided up the aisle, placed the five
dollars in the hand of the stranger, to be used as he
saw fit, and hastened away, not waiting for thanks,
268 THE GUIDING HAND.
but feeling the inward approval known only to those
who have " the witness" in themselves.
The next morning Mr. W. was again at the prayer-
meeting, and the same stranger arose and spoke
substantially as follows :
"In days past I have possessed means, and in
those days I delighted to do good. Many is the five-
dollar bill that I have given to the poor and the
distressed. But reverses have overtaken me, and
though I am provided with food and raiment, yet it
is a great grief to me that I am unable to do for the
poor and needy as I formerly could.
"Yesterday morning, on my way to this meeting,
I saw a Christian sister in a neighboring town. She
was sick and poor and friendless, and had neither
food nor fire in this cold weather ; and I felt in my
heart, 'Oh, if I only had five dollars to give her,
how glad I should be !' but I did not have it. But
I came here yesterday morning, and at the close of
the meeting a brother came and put five dollars into
my hand, to use as I saw fit, and went away. I
went from this meeting to that poor woman's house,
gave her the money and told her the Lord sent it to
her, and she believed he did send it. And if that
brother is here to-day, I should like to see him and
speak with him."
Mr. W. made himself known as he was desired to
do at the close of the meeting, and they both rejoiced
in the gracious care of God who had made them
instruments of blessing to one of his little ones in a
time of sore distress.
THE GUIDING HAND. 269
Another instance may be mentioned which is, per-
haps, equally remarkable as an illustration of divine
direction. There was a widow lady in Boston whom
Mr. W. had known for years, and to whose necessi-
ties he had sometimes been enabled to minister in
times of sickness and distress. He had, however, lost
trace of her for some time, till one day he met her in
the street carrying a fine basket of provisions, and
said : "Well, I am glad to see that you have some-
thing good to eat."
"I only wish it was mine," she replied with a sigh,
which convinced him that she must be carrying the .
basket for some one else, and that it was an evidence
of her extreme necessity rather than of abundance ;
and hastily placing five dollars in her hand, he said,
"There, I don't see why you cannot have something
good to eat, as well as other folks," and passed along,
and saw nor heard no more from her for months.
In January, 1867, he visited the state of Maine on
business, and a tremendous storm coming on, he was
blockaded by snow-drifts, which made roads and
railways impassable for some time, and was thus
absent from his business for sixteen days. On his
return, in the midst of the cares which had accumu-
lated during his protracted absence, almost the first
thing in the morning he felt, "I ought to go and see
that poor woman." But business was pressing, and
the matter passed from his mind. Again in the
course of the day the impression came upon him, "I
must go and see that woman ;" and he ascertained her
residence, but found no time to visit her.
270 THE GUIDING HAND.
At night he started for home, and while passing
up Pearl street to see a friend, a reproving voice
within seemed to say, " There, you haven't been to
see that woman. You must go." It was late, and
supper was waiting at home ; but the sense of duty
was too strong to be resisted, and he hastened to the
widow's lowly tenement. As he entered her poverty-
stricken abode, she arose from her knees, her face
covered with tears, and thanked God that he had
sent her relief. She was sick, and starving for food ;
a salted herring was about the only thing she had in
the house, and this her disease would not permit her
to eat. She had been praying for twenty-four hours,
that the Lord would send some one there to relieve
her wants, and now her prayer was answered.
Mr. W. hastened away, and soon returned laden
with all the necessary comforts of life that he could
conveniently bring, which he deposited upon her
table ; and having provided for her wants, he went
his way in peace. It was the last of her troubles
and privations, for the kind hand of God provided an
abundant supply for all her needs, and she yet lives
to rejoice in the mercy of God, who is a father of
the fatherless and a judge of widows in his holy
habitation, and to minister to the needs of others in
distress, and comfort those who are in any trouble
by the comfort wherewith she herself has been so
graciously comforted of God.
These authentic facts, communicated to us by a
person of veracity, we place on record for the con-
firmation of the faith of " the poor, and them that
THE GUIDING HAND. 271
have no helper," that they may still confide in that
God who will have respect unto his covenant, and
who * l will not forget the congregation of his poor
forever ; " and for the quickening of those whom the
Lord has made stewards of his temporal bounties,
that they may listen carefully to the voice behind
them which says, " This is the way, walk ye in it,"
lest they miss the blessing of doing good while here,
grow cold and dark and covetous amid increasing
possessions and advancing years, and hear at last
from the lips of their Judge the awful words, " Inas-
much as ye did it not to one of the least of these my
brethren, ye did it not to me."
A POOE COTTAGEK.
A lady who had just sat down to breakfast, had a
strong impression on her mind that she must instantly
carry a loaf of bread to a poor man who lived about
half a mile from her house, by the side of a common.
Her husband wished her either to postpone taking it
till after breakfast, or send it by a servant ; but she
chose to take it immediately herself. As she ap-
proached the hut she heard the sound of a human
voice, and wishing to discover what was said, she
stepped unperceived to the door. She heard the poor
man praying, and among other things he said, " O
Lord, help me : Lord, thou wilt help me ; thy promise
cannot fail. Although we have no bread to eat, I
know thou wilt supply me, though thou shouldst again
272 THE GUIDING HAND.
rain down manna from heaven." The lady could wait
no longer, but opened the door. "Yes," she replied,
"God has sent you relief. Take this loaf, and be
encouraged to cast your care upon Him who careth
for you ; and whenever you want bread come to my
house."
THE FLYING ENGINE.
Within a few rods of the bank of the Delaware
river, opposite the city of Trenton, and in the town
of Morris ville, Pa., there stood, about the middle of
the present century, a long, two-story wooden block,
containing four tenements, which were occupied by
different families. The block of buildings was sit-
uated some twenty feet northwesterly of the line of
the great railroad connecting New York with Phila-
delphia and Washington, and stood at the point
where the railroad track, curving sharply to the
eastward, crosses the Delaware to Trenton, on the
New Jersey shore.
In one of these tenements, that was nearest to the
river, resided at this time William Kitson, a humble,
Christian man, who, with his wife and four children,
trusted in God and waited for his Son from heaven,
and shared in the protection of those angels who
encamp round about the people of God, and deliver
them in hours of danger and distress.
On the fifth day of March, 1849, notice was sent
along the line to clear the track for the passage of a
train consisting of an engine and its tender, with
THE GUIDING HAND. 273
only three men on board, the engineer, fireman, and
brakeman, who ran as a government express, to
bear the inaugural address or message of President
Zachary Taylor, who had been inducted into office as
chief magistrate of the United States the preceding
day. The train was to run very swiftly, and make
no stops, and all persons were warned to keep out of
its way.
The afternoon wore away, and Mr. Kitson and his
family had just finished their supper and drawn back
from the table, when a cry was heard, "The express
is coming!" and they hurried out to see it pass.
Mrs. Kitson with her little girl, went out and stood
on the steps in front of the house ; her husband stood
in the doorway with one child in his arms, and
another standing by his side , while the other boy ran
to the next door to notify the neighbors of the ap-
proach of the train.
On came the fiery, flying chariot, thundering down
the track, until, as it sped furiously along, and came
still nearer, suddenly, and when no sign of danger
appeared, a voice rung through the soul of Mr.
Kitson, and the single warning word it uttered was,
"Run!" Startled by it, he began to re-assure him-
self, saying mentally, " Surely there is no need to
run," and he stood still and watched the rushing
engine for a few seconds, when the same warning
came again, only this time it was louder and more
thrilling than at first. He was aroused, and a strange
feeling of fear came over him, but still supposing
himself and family entirely out of all danger he
274 THE GUIDING HAND.
remained transfixed to the spot, impelled, yet not
persuaded to go. Looking at the living iron, flying
headlong on its track, and goaded to its utmost speed,
he now perceived that it had already entered on the
curve, and so terrible was the strain that a stream of
fire was flying from its wheels. The machine was
now but a few rods from the dwelling, almost headed
toward the gate, but clinging to the curving track.
Then a third time, as if sounded in the air close to
his ear, came the mysterious warning, "RuN ! " It
seemed like an audible voice. To longer resist its
command was madness, and he stepped backward
into the house, with his little boy in his arms. He
had not gone the width of the room, when the poiir
derous engine, leaping from the track, struck the
steps where he had stood, crashed through the door-,
way and the side of the house, tearing the door frorq
its hinges, and hurling it behind him close to his
heels. One leap cleared him from the pursuing
monster, which, with an awful, hissing roar, plunged
through the floor and landed on the bottom of the
cellar.
The danger was past, and Mr. Kitson was safe,
but where were his family and loved ones ? All had
been imperiled, and yet all were saved. Said Mrs.
Kitson to a ministering brother, a few days after :
"When. I saw the engine coming, something said
to me, <Kun!' I said, 'No, I will not run, I will
stand here and see it pass.' Again something said,
'Run I' I said, 'I won't run.' Once more it sounded
in my ears with such power that I could not resist it,
THE GUIDING HAND. 275
'RuN ! ' I then jumped from the steps, threw open
the gate at the corner of the house leading into the
yard, and passed through, saying at the same instant
to the girl, 'Run! '
4 'As soon as I had entered the gate, I turned,
expecting to see the engine pass upon the track, and
saw it just behind me, coming towards the gate. It
came about two thirds the distance from the road to
the gate, and then made a sudden turn to the left,
and entered the house."
The little girl had heeded her mother's cry, and
had fled and escaped the danger, and Charlie, the
boy who stood by his father's side in the door, was
found crowded into a narrow space of about eighteen
inches wide, between the diagonal path of the engine
and the front wall of the house, covered with the
debris of the ruined building, but safe and sound.
The brakeman of the train was thrown from his
elevated seat on to a pile of boards, and was severely
injured ; the engineer leaped from the flying engine,
as it entered the house, and landed unhurt on the
steps of the next tenement ; while the fireman, stick-
ing by the engine, was carried into the house amid
the crash and ruin, but escaped alive with slight
injuries and scalds.
Mr. Kitson and family were all safe. But had
they remained where they stood another instant, all
would have perished, as the engine struck the house
in its center, just where they had gathered in fancied
security to watch its passing.
The engine was still on the track when Mr. Kitson
276 THE GUIDING HAND.
and his wife, moved by a simultaneous impulse, each
being ignorant of the other's feelings, started to run
as for their lives, to escape a danger which, though
imminent, was unseen, and would have been un-
known had not that mysterious Voice rung its awful
and imperative warning in their ears to save them
from the jaws of destruction. The warning was
timely, and so evidently unearthly as to create a
life-long impression. There was thanksgiving and
praise in two souls that night.
Such were the circumstances attending this terrible
danger and this wonderful escape, as related in sub-
stance by Edwin Burnham, the evangelist, in the
hearing of the writer several years ago, and confirmed
by Dr. Josiah Litch, who received the story tit the
time from the lips of those who had thus been de-
livered from death, and immediately published it
over his signature in the Advent Herald for April
21, 1849. More recent inquiries confirm the truth
of the recital, and the persons concerned are, some
or all of them, still living to bear witness to its truth.
This divine deliverance rebukes that scientific in-
fidelity which leaves destiny to inexorable law, and
ignores all special interference of God in the affairs
of men. Why all persons in jeopardy are not simi-
larly warned, and so permitted to escape, we do not
know, nor are we required to know to enable us to
see our way to faith in a higher, redeeming Power.
One thing we do know, namely, that many persons
who have disregarded such warnings have done it to
their sorrow, while those who have heeded them have
THE GUIDING HAND. 277
been saved from many ills. It is enough for us to
know that, many and mighty as are the angels of the
Most High, they are "all ministering spirits, sent
forth," not like the messengers of Satan to tip tables
and talk nonsense under the guise of ghosts, at the
call, and for the delusion of skeptics and infidels, but
rather "to minister for them who shall be heirs of
salvation," over whom God has given them charge
to keep them in all their ways ; and that in just such,
ways and at such times as pleases God, the angel of
the Lord who encampeth round about them that fear
him, "delivereth them."
HELP IN DISTEESS.
The following fact is related by a minister in Mary-
land, who had it from the person concerned :
"A man in the western part of Maryland was trav-
eling at night, riding a horse quite wild and unman-
ageable, and the night was extremely dark. Passing
through a narrow lane, where a cultivator had been
left near the fence, the horse struck the handle of the
cultivator with his foot, became entangled in it, threw
the rider, and immediately rushed forward, with full
speed. The man, thrown to the ground, was com-
pletely stunned by the fall. The horse ran by a
neighboring house, where the man of the house was
just preparing to retire to bed. An impression
came on his mind that some person was in danger,
and he told his wife that they must go and search for
the sufferer. He remarked that he could not possibly
278 THE GUIDING HAND.
go to bed ; that some one was in danger. Accom-
panied by his wife and servant, he went out to search,
and going through the lane, found the rider, who had
been thrown, lying senseless upon the ground. They
raised him up and carried him to the house, where his
returning consciousness revealed to him that he
was among strangers, who were taking care of him.
Ultimately he was restored, but no doubt would have
perished, had not the man living there been led, by a
providential impulse, to go out and seek for him.
Does not an instance like this plainly show the inter-
posing hand of divine Providence?"
THE PACKED TKUM.
In these days of the poured-out Spirit, says a
writer in the Home Journal, one needs to speak and
write cautiously of some of the manifestations.
Many things not in keeping with taste and reason
are clone ; but may not these very things be in con-
formity with the direction of the Holy Ghost ?
The God-given directions of old were not always
reasonable, judged from a human stand-point. No
warrior would have walked around Jericho day after
day with the expectation of thus overcoming a foe ;
no leper would have believed that a bath in Jordan
would heal him ; no blind man would have judged
that there was efficacy in clay-salve to open eyes.
These' very things were, however, of divine order-
ing. If God could command thus in ages past,
THE GUIDING HAND. 279
may he not do the same now ? May he not have a
David to dance, a Daniel to fall powerless, a Naaman
to wash in a river, a Moses or a Paul to lay on hands,
an Ananias to direct to some street called Straight,
or otherwise ? And if God leads thus, need spiritual
minds be disturbed ? If they cannot see the where-
fore, need it cause a quivering? If a Joshua must
march around Jericho, need those who stay at home
feel disgust ? If a Paul must lay his hands on the
head of some disciple, need others revolt? If the
Spirit tells Ananias to go to Straight street, need it
be called a new inspiration ? And if a Peter prays
on the house-top, and the Spirit tells him to go below
stairs to see strangers, need he be reckoned an
enthusiast and fanatic ? Can a reason be given from
the Word why God may not ask these things of his
own to-day ?
In a Boston meeting, a lady said that she had been
ready to go home for three weeks. Her trunk had
been packed and waiting ; but the Spirit detained
her in the city, why, she did not know. At a meet-
ing a week later in the same place, the leader said,
"If any one has his trunk packed ready for departure,
let him go" discarding spiritual direction in such
matters. Yet patriarchs, and prophets, and apostles,
and disciples, all had directions, at times, about going
hither and thither. This lady referred to, learned
afterwards that her home was closed on account of a
contagious disease, and had she left when she first
intended, she would have found her own door shut
for a limited season against her.
280 THE GUIDING HAND.
CAPTAIN FANNING'S DELIVERANCE.
The following providential deliverance from immi-
nent danger, is related by Captain Fanning, in the
volume containing his "Voyages round the World."
The incident occurred during a voyage in the Pacific,
after seal-skin fur. Captain Fanning says :
"At nine o'clock in the evening, my customary
hour for retiring, I had, as usual, repaired to my
berth, enjoying perfectly good health; but between
the hours of nine and ten, found myself, without
being sensible of any movement or exertion in get-
ting there, on the upper steps of the companion-way.
After exchanging a few words with the commanding
officer, who was walking the deck, I returned to my
berth, thinking how strange it was, for I never before
had walked in my sleep. Again I was occupying the
same position, to the great surprise of the officer
not more so than to myself after having slept some
twenty minutes or the like. I was preparing to
return to the cabin, after answering in the affirmative
his inquiry, whether Captain Fanning was well.
Why I came, or what had thus brought me twice to
the companion-way, I was quite unable to tell ; but
lest there should be any portion of vigilance unob-
served by those in charge, I inquired of the officer
how far he was able to see around the ship. He re-
plied, that although a little hazy, he thought he could
see a mile or two, adding that the lookout was regu-
larly relieved every half hour.
THE GUIDING HAND. 281
"With a strange sensation upon my mind, I again
returned to my berth. What was my astonishment
on finding myself the third time in the same place,
with this addition : I had now, without being aware
of it, put on my outer garments and hat! Then I
conceived some danger was nigh at hand, and deter-
mined upon laying the ship to for the night. She
was then under full sail, going at the rate of five or
six miles per hour. All her light sails were accord-
ingly taken in, the top-sails were single-reefed, and
the ship brought to, forthwith, on the wind. I gave
directions to the officer to tack every hour, and to pass
the direction to the officer who should relieve him,
that we might maintain our present position until
morning ; adding a request that he would call me at
daylight, as he himself would then be again on watch.
He was surprised and looked at me with astonishment,
appearing half to hesitate to obey, supposing me to
be out of my mind. I observed, I was perfectly well,
but that something, what it was I could not tell, re-
quired that these precautionary measures should be
taken. A few minutes before eleven I again re-
tired and remained undisturbed, enjoying a sound
sleep until called at daylight by the officer. He
reported the weather to be much the same as the
evening previous, with a fine trade-wind from E. N".
E. Giving him directions to make all sail, after
attending to some little duties, I followed to the deck
just as the sun came above the clear eastern horizon.
' 'The officers and watch were busily engaged. All
was activity and bustle, except with the helmsman.
282 THE GUIDING HAND.
Even the man on the look-out was for a moment
called from his especial charge, and was engaged in
reefing and sending down on deck the steering-sail
halyards. This induced me to walk over to the lee-
quarter, not expecting, however, to make any dis-
covery. In a moment the whole truth flashed before
my eyes, as I caught sight of breakers, mast high,
directly ahead, and towards which our ship was fast
sailing.
"The helm was puta-lee, the yards all braced up,
and sails trimmed by the wind, as the man aloft, in a
stentorian voice called out, * Breakers ! breakers
ahead I* This was a sufficient response to the inquir-
ing look of the officer, as perceiving the maneuver
without being aware of the cause, he had gazed upon
me to find if I was crazed. Casting a look upon the
foaming breakers, his face, from a flush of red, had
assumed a death-like paleness. No man spoke. All
was silence, except the needed orders, which were
promptly executed with the precision that necessarily
attends the conduct of an orderly and correct crew in
a critical emergency.
* 'The ship was now sailing on the wind, and the roar-
ing of the breakers under her lee, a mile's short dis-
tance, was distinctly heard. The officer to whom the
events of the night were familiar, came aft to me,
and with the voice and look of a man deeply impressed
with solemn convictions, said, 'Surely, sir, Prov-
idence has a care over us, and has kindly directed us
again on the road of safety. I cannot speak my
feelings, for it seems to me, after what has passed
THE GTiTDrttG HAND. 283
during the night, and now what appears before my
eyes, as if I had just awakened in another world.
Why , sir, half an hour's further run from where we
lay by in the night, would have cast us on that fatal
spot, where we must all certainly have been lost.'
"All hands, by this time made acquainted with the
discovery, and the danger they had so narrowly
escaped, were gathered on deck, gazing upon the
breakers with serious and thoughtful countenances.
We were enabled to weather the breakers on our
stretch to the north, with a fair view of them from
aloft. We did not discover a foot of ground, rock
or sand, above water, where a boat might have been
hauled up ; of course had our ship run on it in the
night, there can be no question but we should all
have perished."
SONG IN THE NIGHT.
"If God be for us, who can be against us?" Rom. viii. 31.
Is God for me? I fear not, though all against me rise ;
When I call on Christ my Saviour, the host of evil flies ;
My Friend, the Lord Almighty, and he who loves me, God,
What enemy shall harm me, though coming as a flood?
I know it, I believe it, I say it fearlessly,
That God, the highest, mightiest, forever loveth me.
At all times, in all places, he standeth at my side ;
He rules the battle's fury, the tempest, and the tide.
A Rock that stands forever is Christ my righteousness,
And there I stand forever in everlasting bliss ;
No earthly thing is needful to this my life from heaven,
And naught of love is worthy, save that which God has given ;
Christ, all my praise and glory, my light most sweet and fair,
The ship wherein he saileth is scathless everywhere.
In him I dare be joyful, as a hero in the war ;
The judgment of the sinner affrighteth me no more.
284 THE GUIDING HAND.
There is no condemnation, there is no hell for me,
The torment and the fire my eyes shall never see ;
For me there is no sentence, for me has death no sting,
Because the Lord, who loves me, shall shield me with his wing.
Above my soul's dark waters his Spirit hovers still,
He guards me from all sorrows, from terror and from ill ;
In me he works, and blesses the life- seed he has sown,
From him I learn the " Abba," that prayer of faith alone.
And if in lonely places, a fearful child, I shrink,
He prays the prayers within me, I cannot ask or think,
The deep unspoken language, known only to that love
Which fathoms the heart's mystery from the throne of light above.
His Spirit to my spirit sweet words of comfort saith,
How God the weak one strengthens who leans on him in faith ;
How he hath built a city of love and light and song,
Where the eye at last beholdeth what the heart hath loved so long.
And there is mine inheritance, my kingly palace home ;
The leaf may fall and perish, not less the spring will come ;
Like wind and rain of winter, are our earthly sighs and tears,
Till the golden summer dawneth of the endless year of years.
The world may pass and perish ; thou, God, wilt not remove ;
No hatred of all devils can part me from thy love ;
No hungering or thirsting, no poverty nor care,
No wrath of mighty princes, can reach my shelter there :
No angel and no heaven, no throne nor power nor might,
No love, no tribulation, no danger, fear, nor fight,
No height, no depth, no creature that has been or can be,
Can drive me from thy bosom, can sever me from thee ;
My heart in joy upleapeth, grief cannot linger there ;
She singeth high in glory amidst the sunshine fair ;
The sun that shines upon me is Jesus and his love ;
The fountain of my singing is deep in heaven above.
Paul Gerhardt, 1656.
THE GUIDING HAND,
CONVEBSIONS.
"THE DAYSPRING FROM ON HIGH HATH VISITED US, TO GIVE
LIGHT TO THEM THAT SIT IN DARKNESS AND IN THE SHADOW
OP DEATH, TO GUIDE OUR FEET INTO THE WAY OF PEACE."
Luke i. 78, 79.
"THE MEEK WILL HE GUIDE IN JUDGMENT, AND THE MEEK
WILL HE TEACH HIS WAY." Ps. XXV. 9.
"WHEN HE, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, is COME, HE WILL GUIDE
YOU INTO ALL TRUTH." John Xvi. 13.
THE GUIDING HAND.
CONVERSIONS.
THE CZAE AND THE PSALM.
When Alexander I., Emperor of Russia, came to
the throne, few Bibles were found in his empire, and
great carelessness in reference to religion almost uni-
versally prevailed. A high place in the church soon
became vacant, and the emperor appointed his fa-
vorite prince, Alexander Galitzin, to fill it. He at
first declined the appointment, on the plea of his
entire ignorance of religion, but the emperor over-
ruled the objection as of no weight. Constrained to
accept the position, the prince on his first interview
with the venerable archbishop Platoff, requested him
to point out some book which would give him a con-
cise view of the Christian religion, that he might be
better qualified for his official duties. The archbishop,
rather surprised at the prince's professed ignorance
of religion, recommended the Bible. The prince
said he could not think of reading that book. i 'Well,"
replied the archbishop, "that is the only book there
is, or ever will be, that can give you a correct view
of the Christian religion."
288 THE GUIDING HAND.
4 'Then I must remain ignorant of it ; reading the
Bible is out of the question," was his reply.
The words, however, of the venerable Plato ff
remained upon his mind, and he shortly afterwards
privately bought and read the Bible. The effects
were soon visible. He was not known to be a
"Bible-reader," but his manners were treated with
contempt.
In the year 1812, when information reached St.
Petersburg that Napoleon's armies had entered Mos-
cow, a general panic came upon the inhabitants, and
they packed up their valuables to flee to some place
of security, fully expecting that the French would
soon march upon the capital. The emperor was also
preparing to go out with a body of troops from the
city to withstand the invading foe.
During all this time Prince Galitzin remained calm
and unconcerned, and had a large number of men
employed in repairing his palace, which he continued
to go on with, notwithstanding the prevailing fear.
His companions were astonished at his course, and
some envious persons told the emperor what he was
doing, and ventured to hint that he might be a traitor,
who had some secret understanding with the invad-
ing foe. Alexander sought an interview with the
prince, who was glad of an opportunity to acquaint
the emperor with the foundation upon which his con-
fidence was built.
"Galitzin," said the emperor, "what are you doing?
What means all this? every one prepares to flee, and
you are building ! "
THE GUIDING HAND. 289
"Oh," said the prince, "I am here in as sure a place
of safety as any I could flee to ; the Lord is my
defense."
"Whence have you such confidence?" replied the
emperor. "Who assures you of it?"
"I feel it in my heart, and it is also stated in this
divinely inspired volume," answered the prince,
drawing from his pocket and holding forth a small
Bible, a book which the emperor had never seen
before. He put out his hand to receive it, but by
some inadvertence it dropped on the floor, opening as
it fell. The prince raised the sacred volume, glanced
at the open page, and said,
"Well, permit me to read to you in that very
place at which the Bible lies open before us."
It was that wonderful passage, the ninety-first
Psalm :
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most
High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge, and my
fortress, my God; in him will I trust. Surely he
shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and
from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee
with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou
trust ; his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night ; nor
for the arrow that flieth by day ; nor for the pesti-
lence that walketh in darkness ; nor for the destruc-
tion that waste th at noon-day. A thousand shall
fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand ;
but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine
10
290 THE GUIDING HAND.
eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the
wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which
is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation ;
there shall no evil befall thee ; neither shall any
plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give
his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy
ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest
thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread
upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the
dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
"Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore
will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because
he hath known my name. He shall call upon me,
and I will answer him ; I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life
will I satisfy him ; and show him my salvation."
"Oh, that your majesty would seek this retreat !"
said the prince, as he read the inspiring words.
The emperor stood for a while as a man* aston-
ished. His army was at this time marching out of
the city, and as was customary, he repaired to the
great church for public worship, that being the last
place the emperor visits when leaving the capi-
tal to be absent any considerable time. Entering
there, the religious services proceeded, and the offi-
ciating priest read before the wondering emperor
the same ninety-first Psalm. After the service he sent
for the priest, and asked if Galitzin had mentioned
the circumstances of their interview. The priest
replied that he had heard nothing of the matter.
"Who told you to make choice of that particular
THE GUIDING HAND. 291
passage this day?" said the emperor. The priest
replied that nobody had done it, but that he had
desired in prayer that the Lord would direct him to
the particular portion of the inspired volume he
should read, to encourage the emperor, and that he
apprehended that Psalm was the word of the Lord
to him.
The emperor proceeded on his way some distance,
and late in the evening, feeling a great seriousness
of mind, he sent for his chaplain to read the Bible
to him in his tent. He came and began to read
"He that (Jwelleth in the secret place of the Most
High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
"Hold," said the emperor. "Who told you to
read that?"
"God," said the chaplain.
"How?" said the emperor. "Has Galitzin told
you?"
He replied that he had not seen the prince, nor
had any one told him what to read. "Surprised at
your sending for me," continued the chaplain, "I fell
upon my knees before God, and besought him to
teach my weak lips what to speak. I felt that part
of the holy Word clearly pointed out to me. Why
your majesty interrupted me I know not."
The emperor felt astonished at this, and paid the
greater attention to what was read, believing that
this must be of the Lord's ordering ; he was therefore
very solemnly and tenderly impressed, and from that
time he concluded, morning and evening, to read
privately a chapter in the Bible. The next day he
292 . THE GUIDING HAND.
was with the Princess Metchersky, at Tver. They
agreed to begin the Bible together, regularly to
read it every day, so that they might both read the
same portion on the same day, and be able to com-
municate to one another the particular impressions
or reflections the reading of the day might have
produced.
The world knows what was the end of the French
invasion of Russia. Moscow was burned by its
inhabitants, and of Napoleon's mighty army, one
hundred and twenty-five thousand were slain, one
hundred and thirty-two thousand died of fatigue,
hunger, disease, and cold, in their disastrous retreat,
and one hundred and ninety-three thousand were
made prisoners ; and the expedition, undertaken in a
haughty contempt of the government and providence
of God, ended in the downfall of its leader, and the
overthrow of his mighty hosts.
As for the emperor, the impressions made upon
his mind by that psalm were not transient. He took
Galitzin's Bible, and, to use his own language, "I
devoured it, finding in it words so suitable to, and
descriptive of , the state of my mind. The Lord, by
his divine Spirit, was also pleased to give me an
understanding of what I read therein ; it is to this
inward teacher alone that I am indebted ; therefore
I consider divine Inspiration, or the teachings of the
Spirit of God, as the sure foundation of saving
knowledge."
Such was his testimony to Stephen Grellet and
William Allen, two members of the Society of
THE GUIDING HAND. 293
Friends, who visited him, while employed in gospel
labor in St. Petersburg, seven years afterwards, in
1819. They found him a man of tender heart, and
at repeated interviews the Czar of all the Russias
bowed the knee and united in fervent prayer with
these two lowly men of God, in the presence of Him
who is higher than kings and 'mightier than emperors,
whose throne is in the heavens, and whose kingdom
ruleth over all.
Most of the circumstances in this account are re-
corded by Grellet, in his journal, as received from
the lips of prince Galitzin himself the day before
they left St. Petersburg to pursue their journey to
the regions beyond, whither they went to carry
tidings of Him who came to bring peace on earth and
good will toward men.
A STKEAM IN THE DESEET.
I knew a man of God who earned his bread by the
sweat of his brow. It was impossible to observe
him and not to feel that he was separated from those
around him by the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.
He told me in deep humility that he could not " speak
for the Lord," by which I discovered that he meant
that he could not accost strangers on the subject of
their personal salvation. If he could not speak to
man, he could to God ; and never shall I forget the
first time I heard his voice raised in supplication and
prayer at a little wayside gathering. I knew not
from whom it proceeded, but I felt, whoever it was,
that soul had power with God.
294 THE GUIDING HAND.
He went to live in a village where none cared for
anything beyond this present life ; he was a stranger,
indeed, among them. Early and late he labored in
the fields, but the Lord of the whole earth had
ordained a blessing for this dark hamlet when he
sent his servant there, and a river of the water of
life was to flow through this solitary man, unseen by
all save the One that keepeth Israel, and neither
slumbers nor sleeps.
Yet the servant of God was not required for this
ministry to forsake his calling, but to follow the
Lord in it. He lived in a poor, thatched cottage, on
the outskirts of the village ; and when his work was
done, seated by the low casement of his room in
summer-time, he rested his weary heart in close
communion with his heavenly Friend. Dispirited
by intercourse with the profane and the mocker, he
refreshed himself with new contemplations of the
covenant of grace, or pondered over the promises
which he was every day proving for himself were
priceless treasures for constant use.
As he communed with God aloud, and poured
forth his soul in prayer, a woman of ill character
passed by the cottage door. The sound of the
stranger's voice arrested her steps, and she lingered
by the casement. She listened. Never before had
she heard a soul speaking to the God of its life in
such glad thanksgiving for redemption through the
blood of the Crucified, or imagined such holy bold-
ness in approaching a mercy-seat by her unsought :
it seemed a new language to her ears. The prayer
THE GUIDING HAND. 295
ceased. The listener, astonished and perplexed,
went on her way, and the solitary man, the charge
of angels, lay down to sleep. None but God saw
that tiny rill of life that followed a sinner's steps,
whispering, "Come! and let him that heareth say,
Come ! and let him that is athirst come ; and whoso-
ever will, let him take the water of life freely."
Another day passed. The woman took up her
station in the twilight to listen, and the freedom
from condemnation in which the stranger rejoiced,
seemed to bind her in chains of misery unfelt before.
Her occupation was a degrading one. She possessed
a voice of remarkable power and sweetness ; her
husband frequented the public houses in the neigh-
borhood, and she accompanied him, for he procured
from the landlord or his guests, the beer or spirits
that he thirsted for, with the price of his wife's com-
pany and songs !
Day by day the singer marked the man of God, to
see if his life contradicted in any way his desires
after holiness, for his prayers set a sign upon him,
and she watched for his halting week after week, and
watched in vain. While in many a conflict and in
humble brokenness of spirit this lonely man seemed
to himself a cumberer of the ground, as far as bring-
ing any honor to God was concerned, yet through
him flowed the living stream which should "turn the
wilderness into a standing water, and the dry ground
into water-springs."
The servant of the Lord slept, unconscious of his
ministry, little dreaming that the words he had
296 THE GUIDING HAND.
spoken to the Lord in the silence of that summer
evening, were disturbing the midnight orgies of sin-
ners to whom he had never spoken, and who had
never heard of his existence. The woman's heart
was heavy, and she could not sing ! She turned
away in bitterness of spirit from the scene of degra-
dation in which she had hitherto been contented to
dwell. The anger of her husband raged against her ;
his gains were gone, and all the means of procuring
his evening's wild revelry were over. His persecu-
tion added to the poor creature's distress, but it was
as nothing compared to the weight of misery on her
soul. Heavier and heavier pressed the burden of
her sins ; the way of escape she knew not ; despair
took possession of her soul. Satan now thought the
prey was his own ; he whispered that in " death there
is no remembrance ;" but the enemy added not, "and
after death the judgment."
The heart-stricken woman saw one way only, and
she determined to rid herself of a life which had
become intolerable to her. One morning, when she
thought herself secure from interruption, she went to
a neighboring stable, and, tying a noose in a rope,
fastened it securely to a beam in the roof, and pre-
pared to end an existence too miserable to be borne.
But, as her foot was on the edge of the loft from
which she premeditated casting herself down, the
praise and thanksgiving of the stranger for redemp-
tion through the precious blood of Jesus, came flowing
into her mind. She knelt ; she repeated her prayer
again and again : such sweetness came with the
THE GUIDING HAND.
words, "Redeemed ! pardoned ! through the precious
blood of God's dear Son ! " Nor did she pause ; nay,
she could not. As if the flood-gates of her tears had
opened the way for prayer, it poured forth in a
wondrous tide. The sinner wept at the feet of
Jesus ! The prey was taken from the mighty. Hour
after hour went by ; she heeded it not, and daylight
had fallen into evening before her new-born joy
allowed her to perceive that the day was spent.
When the servant of the Lord returned to his
solitary room, it was to find a rejoicing child of the
faith awaiting him, the fruit of those days that seemed
of no account, save that he walked in fellowship
with Jesus. He had lived near the fountain ; the
stream that flowed in refreshment through his own
soul, had given life to the weary one without.
Year after year, from many a prayer-meeting, arose
the voice of the rescued minstrel, clear and strong,
in strains of praise to the Lord and Giver of life.
And not alone ; her husband was by her side, the first
to give heed to her words, and to believe her witness
to the Lord's long-suffering mercy to himself. Heaven
alone can declare the harvest of that lonely man who
walked with God.
The faithful Christian is mighty in unconscious
power. His soul, as it gravitates towards God, ini-
pressses those with whom he may have to do. The
silent life, the godly walk, the steadfast faith, the
single-hearted service of a Christian man, is more
potent than the strife and babble of many a noisy
tongue that only proclaims the emptiness of the heart
298 THE GUIDING HAND.
from which it speaks. And the Christian can be in
no circumstances however untoward, no position how-
ever secluded, where God cannot use him for his
glory. The circle of divine possibilites reaches far
beyond the stretch of human perceptions. Christ
"must needs go through Samaria," in his journey to
Jerusalem, and though the Jews might disapprove
the act, yet it was a blessed necessity that led the
Son of God to sit faint and weary by the side of
Jacob's well in the vale of Sychar, for thus the
poor water-carrying woman heard the tidings of the
well of water springing up into everlasting life, and
thus many of the Samaritans believed.
So we, in circumstances most unpromising, must
remember that there is a "need be" for all our "heav-
iness through manifold temptations ;" that if not useful
to ourselves our trials may be profitable to those
around us ; and we may still be unconscious instru-
ments of blessing to those about us when in our own
hearts we feel ourselves but cumberers of the ground,
or weary wanderers in a dark and desert land. In all
the desert's dreariness, God yet will lead us by his
cloudy pillar, and guide us by his guiding hand.
THE LIGHT-COLOKED COAT.
The influence of a right act, done under a divine
impulse, can never be fully foreseen by man. No
matter how slight the service, or how trivial the offer-
ing, the Lord who giveth the increase can cause its
fruit to abound. Much zealous and bustling benevo-
THE GUIDING HAND. 299
lence does no good, but may be a fruitful source of
evil, while again some little deed, like Shiloah's
waters, "that go softly," carries refreshment and
mercy to many a weary soul.
We sometimes hear of maladministration of soci-
eties, and diversion of benevolent funds to pay the
salaries of the idle, the incompetent, or the selfish,
who carry "the bag;" and the question arises some-
times, "Was this really the Lord's money? or was it
money ground from the poor by some hypocrite who
devoured widows' houses in secret, and gave alms to
be seen of men? Was it the spontaneous out-gush
of benevolent hearts and hands ? or was it money
diverted from its proper purposes and uses by some
professional beggar, employed to coax and tease and
wheedle and misrepresent, to get money from men,
which would not have been given with a full and fair
knowledge of the actual facts in the case ?"
On the other hand, we hear of a tribe of heathen,
converted by a single tract ; or of a vile sinner thus
brought to Christ and made a flaming messenger of
salvation to the lost ; and when the question is asked,
"Whose penny paid for that tract?" though we can
not always give a definite answer, yet our faith loves
to believe that it was not the ample donation of some
wealthy worldling, or the liberal alms given to be
seen of men, heralded in newspapers, and mentioned
in annual reports ; but rather the scanty mite of some
poor widow, who, out of her privation and necessity,
hath cast in all her living, bedewing it with tears and
following it with prayers, and whose offering, Jesus,
300 THE GUIDING HAKD.
who "sat over against the treasury," and marked the
gift, followed with his eye and attended with his bless-
ing, until its fruits began to be manifest ; and who will
continue to care for and increase it until its full per-
fection in the final harvest day.
But sometimes in this world the chain of causes
and effects is more distinctly visible ; and they who
labor in the service of the Lord, and strive to do good
to their fellow-men, are permitted, even here, to see
such results of their labors as give encouragement to
their hearts, and teach them that they have not toiled
in vain. Such an instance is seen in the case of the
"light-colored coat."
We do not know the origin or early history of this
useful garment. Who made it, sold it, bought it,
wore it, and laid it aside, or who packed it up and
sent it to the office of The Revival newspaper, in
London, we can not tell.
We know nothing of all these matters, but this
much we know, the "light-colored coat" was sent to
some city missionaries in the east of London, who are
fighting with might and main against sin, shame, dirt,
darkness, disease, death, and the devil ; with preach-
ing, prayer, porridge, knowledge, coats, garments,
shoes, soap, water, fire, and every thing else that
they can press into the work as an instrument of
blessing to poor, lost, degraded, sinful men.
Among the distressed and lowly ones there was an
aged weaver, who had lived all his long life in utter
neglect of God. His daughter, the poor and afflicted
tnother of an afflicted family, mourned night and day
THE GUIDING HAND. 301
over her father's lost condition, and vainly strove to
lead him to the house of prayer. His constant excuse
for not going to church was, he had no coat to wear.
If they would procure a coat, he would stay away no
longer. The large, "light-colored coat" came in due
time. It was given to him, and his excuse -was taken
away, and he was prevailed upon to enter the Gospel
Hall, where Mr. Lewis preached the word of salva-
tion ; and there, in all his poverty, wretchedness, and
sin, the Lord met him, and blessed him with light
and life and joy and peace.
In his old age and his poverty he found his way
into the "work-house" at Bethnal Green, where he
ended his weary life in the grace and peace of Christ.
Speaking of his closing hours the missionary says, in
The Revival, "I much wish these lines could reach
the eye of one from whom a large, light-colored coat
was sent, and, through your kindness, forwarded to
me ; for a message has been brought me from a death-
bed in Bethnal Green work-house, from one I have
never seen, saying that he prayed with his dying
breath, that every garment I gave away might be as
dear and as precious to souls as that had been to him,
often repeating again and again with tears, 'That
coat has been the saving of my soul.'"'
Those lines of acknowledgement may never have
reached the eye for which they were designed, but
when the great Judge shall remember and reward
even a cup of cold water given in a disciple's name ;
when the poor old weaver who died among the pau-
pers of Bethnal Green, shall stand in white raiment
302 THE GUIDING HAND.
before the throne of glory ; when the faithful giver
shall hear the words, "I was naked and ye clothed
me," and, "Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the
least of these my brethren, ye did it unto me," from
the lips of the King of saints, then the poor weaver
may know who gave, and the cheerful giver may
learn who received, this needful garment, and to
whom it was thus blessed of God.
And when that day comes, and such results are all
shown forth to the world; when acts of kindness
done in secret for the Saviour's sake, shall shine out
illuminated beneath the Saviour's smile, will the
giver of this garment regret the gift, or sorrow that
it was not left to be a hiding-place for moths, or
grudgingly say, "It was too good to give away?"
And this suggests another question : are there not
other light-colored coats, and dark-colored coats, too,
in every city where Christians dwell, which might be
used in similar ways for the glory of God and the
salvation of lost men ? and would it not be well for
Christians, instead of laying up garments for moths
to devour, to ransack their closets and garrets, and
send their surplus raiment where it will be of use to
some who are perishing in poverty and want and sin,
thus proving to a gainsaying and selfish world, that
they still "remember the words of the Lord Jesus,
how he said, It is more blessed to give than to
receive ?"
" Make channels for the streams of lore,
Where they may broadly run ;
And love has overflowing streams,
To fill them every one."
THE GUIDING HAND. 303
THE RAILWAY INTERVIEW.
God finds work for willing hearts and ready hands ;
and there is no spot where we can not glorify him if
we but follow him fully and trust in him with all our
hearts. It needs only that we be personally purged
from defilement, and thus be made vessels unto honor,
fitted for the Master's use, and he will use such for
his glory and the good of those around us. The fol-
lowing incident from the British Messenger will
illustrate this truth :
A child of God in early life, residing in the sub-
urbs of a large city, to which she rode daily by the
railway train, was painfully exercised in soul about
her duty to the crowds of perishing men who were
her fellow-travellers ; on the one hand, impelled to
speak to every one of them of their guilt and danger ;
and on the other hand, restrained by maidenly mod-
esty and a fear that, by unbecoming forwardness, she
might bring reproach upon the name of Him whom
she desired to serve. Her sufferings on this account
prepared her to be led into closer fellowship with the
Lord ; and she was taught to place herself in his
hands, to walk in him, looking for the opportunity as
well as the strength for service.
On the first morning after she had been led to this
blessed resting-place, she went out with a heart un-
burdened and free, rejoicing in the Lord, and looking
up to know what he would have her to do. The car-
riage she entered was already over-crowded ; but soon
she observed a woman beckoning to her, and removing
304 THE GUIDING HAND.
some bundles from a seat by her side. When they
were seated together, the woman, seeking sympathy,
as well as information about her journey, said that
she had been summoned to a distant part of the
country, to attend a sister on her death-bed.
"Is your sister prepared to die ? " asked our young
friend.
"Oh!" said the woman, "I wish I were as well
prepared as she has been for many years."
"Are you not a Christian, then?"
The woman . looked earnestly in the face of the
questioner, as if to determine the motive with which
the question had been asked ; and then began to tell,
with much emotion, how a letter from a dying sister
had been the means of awakening her to a sense of
her condition as a sinner, and of the agony she had
endured for some weeks, while she knew no Chris-
tian to whom she could unbosom her trouble.
The opportunity had been given, and the message
was not withheld, which was a word of power.
"I believe the Lord himself sent you to me," was
the conclusion of the grateful and relieved sinner as
they parted. And that was precisely the conclusion
of the young believer, who found, in the very outset
of a new course of service, that it is no vain thing to
wait upon him.
Believer, you may have the same proof of his
faithfulness at every step of your course. Here was
a heart prepared for the message ; here also was one
prepared to bear the message ; and both guided unerr-
ingly to the meeting-place, and that one of the last
THE GUIDING HAND. 305
places man would have chosen. Was it a chance
meeting ? No more than it was by chance that the
woman came at that very time to Jacob's well, or that
Jesus reached the gate of Nain just in time to meet
that funeral procession, or that the same Jesus met
Saul of Tarsus on the way to Damascus. But, O
believer ! how blessed it is to go thus quietly with
your hand in His ; not driven, but led to the place of
service : knowing all the while that the work is not
yours, but his "who worketh in you both to will and
to do."
A HYMN IN A TAVEKN.
I have read of a minister of the gospel, who, while
traveling, I think in one of the western states,
stopped at a wayside inn to obtain refreshments for
himself and beast. During his tarry there, he felt
strongly impressed to sing a certain hymn ; and
unusual as it might seem, he was not disobedient to
the Spirit's voice, but lifted his solemn song, and
through it, poured out the pent-up longings of his
heart for the salvation of those for whom Christ had
died.
The song ended. He called for his horse, and
pursued his journey, little thinking what precious seed
he had planted in that lonely spot. Many years after
he passed that way again, and was greeted as a friend
by those whom he had almost forgotten.
He found the lady of the house, and some of her
family, had entered the path of Christian discipleship,
306 THE GUIDING HAND.
and were striving to follow Jesus in the way ; and
they told him there that that sacred song was blessed
of God, and made the instrument of awakening them
from their carnal slumbers, and arousing them to seek
and serve the Lord.
How many souls , groveling in the midst of earthly
cares, have thus been caught up on wings of sacred
song, and borne heavenward with new and strong
desires. Let us bless God for this precious gift, and
so use it here that when the eternal song begins, our
voices shall not be found untrained, but shall take up
the blessed anthem, and sing the praise of Him who
loved us, and gave himself for us, and redeemed us
by his blood out of every nation, and kindred, and
tongue, and people, under heaven.
A SUICIDE PREVENTED.
The Evangelical Messenger records the following
incident, related by Mrs Wittenmyer, in an address
at Cleveland, Ohio :
On a Monday morning, not very long ago, a
Christian lady sat at her sewing machine, busy with
her work, but thinking on other things. Her heart
was troubled because of her unfaithfulness. She had
neglected to labor for the conversion of sinners, and
queried, " But what can I do?" A still small voice
suggested, "You might have spoken to Mr. B ,
when you purchased Carrie's shoes on Saturday ; it
is not too late yet." Her thoughts turned to the fact
that she had known and traded with Mr, B for
THE GUIDING HAND. 307
nearly three years, and had never spoken a word to
him about his spiritual and eternal welfare. The
question arose, "Would I be willing to meet him at
the judgment, with such a record of unfaithfulness
against me ? " The thought was startling. She could
not take such a risk. She promptly left her work
and went to his store. He was alone. Addressing
him, she said:
"Mr. B , I have been thinking of you this
morning, and I am troubled on account of my
unfaithfulness. I have known you for nearly three
years, and have never spoken to you about the
interests of your soul ; and I have come to talk with
you now, for I could not be willing to meet you at
the judgment-seat of Christ, without speaking to you
on that subject."
While she spoke, he was powerfully affected, and
said to her, "You little know what I was thinking of
when you came in : I had made up my mind to take
my own life, and was trying to determine whether to
use poison or a pistol. But when you made known the
object of your coming, I knew that God had sent you
to me." He was led to abandon his wicked purpose,
and turned to Christ for salvation.
"A word spoken in due season, how good is it ! " You
can never know what you can do for the salvation of
sinners until you have made the proper effort. Oh,
neglect not this important duty ! Labor daily to win
souls to Jesus. "He that winneth souls is wise,"
and the "wise shall shine as the brightness of the
firmament,"
308 THE GUIDING HANI).
THE SCATTERED TRACTS.
A Christian lady, whom I shall call Miss E ,
narrated to me the following interesting coincidence :
" The other day," said she, "I happened to take up,
quite casually, an old magazine, and found in it a
story of a man who was converted in India, in a
rather curious way. The man called on a missionary,
and begged to know if he had ever heard of Dr.
Hawker, and if he could direct him to any of his
writings. The missionary gave him what information
he possessed, concerning the works of the venerable
doctor, and wished to know what special reason he
had for making the inquiry.
" 'Sir,' said the stranger, 'I once went down to
the shore near the place where I was residing, in
order to see a vessel sail for England. The ship was
gone before I arrived, and the people who had gath-
ered to see her off were dispersing. As I was turning
to go home, I noticed, scattered along the beach, a
number of pieces of paper, many of which I picked
up. I found that they were tracts, written by one
Dr. Hawker ; I read them with interest, and God
blessed them to my soul. Before then, I was igno-
rant of the way of salvation, and knew nothing
experimentally of Christ. They led me to see that
Christ was everything; they led me to my Bible, to
my God, to my Saviour. And now I feel a great
desire to read whatever other works this good man
has written, if I can procure them.'
"Such," continued Miss E , "was the substance
of the narrative, and it was perused by me with the
THE GUIDING HAND. 309
most engrossing interest ; not merely as an example
of the strange ways in which sinners are sometimes
brought by the Holy Spirit to receive Christ, but
because of its remarkable coincidence with a circum-
stance in which I was personally interested, and
which I will now detail to you.
"When I was a child, I lived at Plymouth; and
my dear mother, who had long loved the Lord, was
a constant attendant on Dr. Hawker's ministry, which,
in common with all who heard him, she greatly val-
ued. My father had been dead many years ; but I
had one brother, who was, unhappily, rather wild, and
fast getting beyond my poor mother's control. Liv-
ing in a great sea-port, he had imbibed a strong
desire to see the world, and nothing would serve but
that he must go to sea.
"This resolution was most painful to my mother,
who labored hard to dissuade him from it, though
with little success. In her trouble she sought the
counsel of her kind friend and pastor, who, soon per-
ceiving that my brother was not likely to settle on
shore, exerted his interest to procure him a berth on
board an East Indiaman, the commander of which he
knew to be a worthy man, and likely to look after
him. He also took an opportunity of giving my
poor brother much sound advice ; and my mother
took care that he should not depart without his Bible,
and a copious supply of good Dr. Hawker's tracts.
The former she instructed him to read daily ; the lat-
ter she made him promise to distribute during his
stay in India.
310 THE GUIDING HAND.
"My brother remained abroad several years, and
when at length he returned, my mother, who had not
forgotten the tracts, reminded him of his engage-
ment, and asked what he had done with them. He
acknowledged that a false shame had prevented him
from giving them away until he was upon the point
of returning to Europe, when the remembrance of
his promise, and his unwillingness to face his mother
without some kind of a performance of it, induced
him to think what he could do with them. 'So,'
said he, *I took the whole packet, and strewed them
along the shore, the very day we sailed. I thought,
perhaps some one may pick them up and read them,
and so my mother's intentions may be fulfilled in this
way.'
"My brother soon after went to sea, and we never
saw him again. But my mother was a woman of
much faith and prayer, and she always believed that
the tracts were not lost, and that her poor son, also,
would ultimately be saved.
"From the tenor of his last letter home, and from
the accounts we received of his dying hour, we had
good ground for hope that her prayers for him were
answered, and that the poor wanderer really found a
rest in the bosom of his Saviour. As to the tracts, I
had not the least expectation of hearing any more of
them in this world ; but when I read the story in the
old magazine, I felt convinced that my mother's
prayers for a blessing on them had also been heard.
For, from the agreement of place and time, I have
not the slightest doubt but that the tracts which the
THE GUIDING HAND. 311
poor man picked up, and which were made the chan-
nel of light and blessing to his soul, were the identical
tracts which my brother had strewn on the shore.
How much further the benefit flowing from them
may have extended, eternity may declare."
Such was my friend's tale, which I thought worthy
of being taken down, because it shows how God may
make use of means, the most simple, and apparently
the most unlikely, to work his effectual purpose. Of
course I do not recommend such a mode of distribu-
ting tracts as scattering them on the sea-shore, espe-
cially when the motive was the unworthy one of
avoiding the cross of confessing Christ. But there
are two lessons suggested by the incident, the one
addressed to believers, the other to unbelievers.
Should this narrative fall under the eye of a ser-
vant of Christ, I would say, let it encourage you to
sow the good seed of the kingdom in hope. When
Dr. Hawker wrote those tracts, and when the good
lady sent them abroad, neither of them could form
the least notion how the Lord would bless them ; but
they acted in faithfulness and in faith, and the result,
(perhaps only a portion of the result,) we have seen.
Every testimony to the fullness of Jesus is something,
however feeble, that the Holy Spirit may use, and
therefore is not to be despised. "In the morning
sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine
hand, for thou knowest not whether shall prosper
either this or that, or whether they both shall be
alike good." (Eccl. xi. 6.)
But to my unconverted readers I have another
312 THE GUIDING HAND.
word. The story is to you a lesson of encourage-
ment, and a lesson of responsibility. What particu-
lar line of truth the scattered tracts pursued I know
not ; but they testified of Christ ; and thus they put
him that found them under responsibility to believe
the record. Now I wish that this page should be to
you what they were to him. To you, as a sinner,
Christ is offered as a Saviour. You have destroyed
yourself, but help is laid on Him. ''The Lord hath
laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah liii. 6.)
God saw that you were under the guilt and curse of
sin, and that you could do absolutely nothing to de-
liver yourself. But in his wonderful mercy he
ordained that his beloved Son should become a man ;
that he should be made a sacrifice for sin, that
"whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life." (John iii. 16.)
And now that you have read this message, God
holds you responsible for believing it. He commands
you to believe it, and it is at your peril if you do not.
' ' He that believeth not God hath made him a liar ;
because he believeth not the record that God gave of
his Son." (Uohnv. 10.)
But if you feel your heart inclined to come to
Jesus, there is great encouragement for you. See,
by the poor man's case, how simple a matter is sal-
vation. He heard the testimony ; he believed it ; he
was saved. Go, and do likewise, and thou she It
prove the same blessed result. Salvation has ever
been just this : the acceptance by a poor, lost sinner,
of Jesus as a mighty Saviour.
THE GUIDING HAND. 313
PEAY OYEE THEM.
The Rev. Mr. Kilpin, of Exeter, an eminently
zealous and useful minister of Christ, relates that a
young woman, on his asking her if she had read the
tracts he gave her, answered with embarrassment,
''Yes ; " though conscious that she had not done so.
He then gave her others, entreating her to pray over
them. She took them, and when she got home, threw
them behind her chamber door, saying, "Pray over
them, indeed ! No, I shall not begin to pray over
books ! " But as they lay there her eye often rested
on them, and she thought she heard them say, "Pray
over us ! Pray over us ! " Probably her conscience
reproached her at such times for the falsehood she had
uttered in telling Mr. Kilpin that she had read them,
and her imagination made the tracts vocal in repeat-
ing again and again the minister's injunction to pray
over them.
At length she thought she would read them, merely
that she might know what she was asked to pray
over. The first contained an anecdote which inter-
ested her ; the next was on eternity, and affected her ;
the third was on prayer, and brought her to her knees.
How remarkable and appropriate were the tracts to
her case, as well as the order in which she was guided
to their perusal ! Was there not a special providence
in the subjects presented to her, and divine influence
exercised to lead her to pray? She soon became a
member of Mr. Kilpin's church, and an active distrib-
uter of tracts. She afterwards continued to be an
314 THE GUIDING HAND.
/
honorable member of the church, married, and
became a mother; and two of her children, as Mr.
Kilpin believes, were brought into the fold of the
Saviour by her pious care and instruction.
THE PEKTINENT TEXT.
One Sabbath morning, while the Rev. Dr. Bedell,
of Philadelphia, was preaching, a young man passed
by, with a number of companions, as gay and thought-
less as himself. One of them proposed to go into the
church, saying, "Let us go and hear what this man
has to say, that everybody is running after." The
young man made this awful answer: "No; I would
not go into such a place if Christ himself was
preaching."
Some weeks after, he was again passing the church,
and being alone, and having nothing to do, he thought
he would go in without being observed. On opening
the door, he was struck with awe at the solemn silence
of the place, though it was much crowded. Every
eye was fixed on the preacher who was about to
begin his discourse. His attention was instantly
caught by the text, "I discerned among the youths a
young man void of understanding." Prov. vii. 7.
His conscience was smitten by the power of truth.
He saw that he was the young man described. A
view of his profligate life passed before his eyes, and,
for the first time, he trembled under the feeling of
sin. He remained in the church till the preacher and
THE GUIDING HAND. 315
congregation had passed out ; then slowly returned
to his home. He had early received infidel principles,
but the Holy Spirit, who had aroused him in his folly,
led him to a constant attendance on the ministry of
Dr. B. , who had been the instrument of awakening
his mind. He cast away his besetting sin, and gave
himself to a life of virtue and holiness. He after-
wards declared openly his faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ, and his desire to devote himself to his service.
THE WAYSIDE BETHEL.
The purposes of divine grace are so entirely beyond
the wisdom of mortals, both in their conception and
in their execution, that man, unable to comprehend
them or pass judgment on them, has only to follow
the direction of the word and Spirit of the Lord, and
leave the results with him. The conviction of duty,
impressed by the Holy Ghost, is never to be disre-
garded; and if we can assign no reason for our
obedience to a divine monition, yet in days to come
all may be made plain to those who know and love
the Lord.
I have read of a servant of God who once, while
on his journey to fulfill his ministry, stopped at a
hotel for refreshment, and while there was impressed
to sing a hymn. He sung the sacred song in deep
and melting strains, and having satisfied his con-
science, went his way. Long afterwards, however,
he came to know that that solemn song had been the
316 THE GUIDING IIAND.
arrow of God to sinner's hearts, and that lost souls
had thus been won to Christ.
And often in such methods as this, our heavenly
Father, choosing his way, his means, his time, and
his place, causes his people, when guided by unseen
guidance and in unknown ways, to become instru-
ments of wondrous blessing to those whose faces they
have never seen. The following circumstance is an
o
instance illustrating this truth :
In the month of July, 1867, Mr. H., a laborer
in the gospel field, called at the Repository, and said,
" If you have got anything for me, I want it in ten
minutes, I am going to sail for Nova Scotia."
We immediately packed up some fifty or sixty dol-
lars' worth of tracts, papers, pamphlets, etc., and
started them for the vessel which was just ready to
sail. The voyage was made, and the missionary
party of four, consisting of Mr. H., his Christian
friend Captain C. and his wife, and Mrs. P., one
of " those women that labor in the gospel," landed
safely at Y., and started on their journey, preach-
ing, praying, singing, and distributing tracts and
copies of THE CHRISTIAN along their way.
One evening, while on their journey to S., they
held a meeting in a church at A. , and at the close
repaired to the hotel where they tarried for the night.
In the morning, as they had a long journey before
them, they arose early, and started, not waiting to
eat, and rode twelve miles to another tavern, where
they breakfasted.
Though they had not had time for their accustomed
THE GUIDING HAND. 317
family devotions, yet they felt no freedom of spirit
to tarry there and pray, and so started again on their
journey. After a short ride they entered " the
long woods," a vast forest, where for nine miles not
a house was to be seen on the road. They had gone
a mile or two into these woods, when the impression
came upon them to stop there and have family wor-
ship. They did so. The sisters remained in the
carriage, while the brethren alighted upon a large,
flat rock by the wayside, and there in the solitude of
the primeval forest they read from the Holy Scrip-
tures those words of eternal life which, are able to
make us wise unto salvation, and kneeling upon the
great rock they poured out their hearts to God in
prayer for his blessing, his "guidance, and the assist-
ance of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer was no novelty to that little company, nor
was the divine blessing a strange or unwonted ex-
perience to them ; but rarely in all their lives had
they felt such a consciousness of the divine favor as
in that blessed hour. It seemed as if the Lord was
especially near to help and bless and comfort their
pilgrim hearts, and make that place forever sacred
to their memories.
66 1 thought of Bethel," said Mr. H., " for surely
the Lord was in that place, and we knew it ; and so
I said, 'Let us build a monument.' So I got hold of
one end of a big stone, and Captain C. hold of the
other, and we laid it upon the rock, and then another
upon that, and so put stone upon stone, till the mon-
ument was finished.
318 THE GUIDING HAND.
"Then we said, * Let us leave a tract here ;' and so
the sisters in the wagon selected one, entitled, 'One
more Invitation,' and we put it on the top of the pile,
and put a little stone upon the corner of the tract to
hold it down, that it might not blow away, and then
we knelt down again and prayed to God to bless it,
and make it the instrument of converting some sinner,
and then started on our journey."
For nearly a hundred miles they scattered tracts
and papers all the way along their course, and sent
them back into the interior as opportunity was
afforded, and proclaimed from place to place the glad
tidings of the kingdom of God to those who had an
ear to hear. Returning over the road some two weeks
later, they stopped beside the great flat rock ; the
tract was gone, they left another and a copy of THE
CHRISTIAN with it, prayed again, and having finished
their mission returned to their homes.
On arriving in Boston, Mr. H. visited the Reposi-
tory, and expressed his regret that he had no means
to pay for the tracts that had been distributed, one
solitary silver half-dollar being the sum total of the
receipts for the tracts and papers, though afterwards,
when he had expressed a desire that some one would
give another like it, " so that the two might jingle,"
a lady handed one in. But we told him to make
himself easy on that score, for the tracts were free,
and we were glad that they were so well distributed.
He told us then of the scene by the way-side in the
" nine-mile woods," and of the tracts left and the
prayers offered there for the blessing on them.
THE GUIDING HAND. 319
A few weeks after we saw him again. He was full
of joy. He rehearsed the story of the Bethel rock,
and said he, We have heard from that tract. A man
on his way through the woods noticed the tract, took
it down, carried it along with him, and it was the
means of his conversion, glory to God !"
The eye of sense might see no special reason why
these praying ones could not have enjoyed their
family devotions as well at the hotel as in the dense
shades of the "nine-mile forest," but the Lord fore-
saw the results of that blessed hour of prayer upon
the way-side rock. The other tract and papers have
not been heard from, but perhaps " after many days"
the scattered bread may be found again.
Till then we must wait and work and pray. And
while to many this record may seem as an idle tale,
and while others may pass and repass that way-side
monument as carelessly as the Canaanites passed by
the stone that Jacob reared at Luz, yet in the memory
of the few that worshiped at the way-side Bethel,
and in the sight of angels that wing their way from
heaven to earth, that rude heap of stones in the "nine-
mile forest" of Pubnico, may have a grandeur which
many a lofty monument does not possess, and a
remembrance when the sculptured memorials of
earthly greatness shall all have passed away; for
the beginnings of a new and endless life in one soul,
may be traced to that lonely place of worship. It
may be that around it will gather something of the
interest which attaches to that Zion of which it is
said, "The Lord shall count, when he writeth
320 THE GUIDING HAND.
up the people, that this man was born there."
Thus does our Father, by his Spirit's guiding,
Direct the ways of those who trust in Him ;
Thus does he bless the saints who walk confiding,
Thus does he save the perishing from sin.
And when earth's solemn mysteries are broken,
In the eternal light that God shall shed,
Then shall our praises loud and glad be spoken,
For all the ways where he our feet hath led.
A SLEEP AND WHAT CAME OP IT.
The importance of any single act in human life can
not be estimated by ignorant and short-sighted mor-
tals. Insignificant circumstances may shape the
mightiest destinies, and untoward events may be
freighted with the richest blessings. Through the
O O O
tangled by-ways of disappointment and trial, God
leads us on to blessedness and rest. Jesus "must
needs go through Samaria," and the need was not
merely because that region lay upon the route to Jeru-
salem, but also because there were there lost sheep
who awaited the good Shepherd's coming, and longed
to hear his voice. And though the eye of sense only
saw a faint and weary pilgrim sitting by Jacob's well,
while his disciples had gone into the city to buy
bread, the eye of faith, looking back upon the scene,
beholds there the anointed messenger of God, wait-
ing at the appointed time and place, ready to speak
"a word in season" to the sinful water-carrier, hav-
ing meat to eat unknown to those around, and bear-
ing a message to the poor Samaritans, which led
many to believe on Him. And so also the servants
THE GUIDING HAND. 321
of God are made instruments of blessing, often with-
out their knowledge and against all their own calcu-
lations. "This also cometh forth from the Lord of
hosts, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in
working."
Near the close of the month of August, 1866, Mr.
S , a Christian brother from Philadelphia, passing
in the vicinity of Boston, took occasion to call at
THE SCRIPTURAL TRACT REPOSITORY, that he might
renew the friendship of other days, and also person-
ally acquaint himself with a work in which he had
felt a deep and active interest. A few pleasant hours
were spent in inspecting and discussing the opera-
tions of the Repository, and the day drew to a close.
The distance of the writer's residence made it incon-
venient for Mr. S to accept the invitation to share
his hospitalities for the night, and as he was a stranger
in the city, it was proposed to send him to the house
of a friend residing in the vicinity. The arrangement
was accordingly suggested to the parties concerned,
and proved acceptable ; and at the appointed hour
Mr. S started for his abiding place, in company
with his host, who proposed, as there was a public
gathering in Faneuil Hall, that they should stop for a
little while, on their way home, and listen to the
proceedings there.
They stopped. Mr. S , feeling little interest in
the objects of the meeting, seated himself at one side
awaiting the pleasure of his companion, and soon fell
asleep. His companion, after passing around the
hall, staying awhile, and satisfying his curiosity,
322 THE GUIDING HAND.
sought his guest to escort him to his residence, but
could not find him. After a somewhat thorough
o
search in all pnrts of the crowd, he, concluding that
Mr.. S had grown tired of waiting and had left,
started for home, expecting to find him there, but to
his mortification, on arriving he learned that nothing
had been seen of his guest ; nor did he come that
night.
Meanwhile Mr. S , having awakened from his
slumber and vainly sought his companion among the
crowd, passing hither and thither, and waiting till
nearly all the people were dispersed, but finding no
one that he knew in the hall, took his leave.
His position was rather embarrassing, for he was a
stranger in a strange city. He returned to the Repos-
itory, and would have taken shelter there, but all
was dark and the doors were closed. After some
wandering among the crooked streets of Boston, he
found a hotel, and secured a resting place for the
night.
In the morning, needing refreshments, he entered
a dining saloon near the Repository, and ordered
breakfast. He was served by a young man of intel-
ligent appearance, whose jet black hair and dark
complexion indicated that his Caucasian blood had
felt the burning sunshine of a tropical climate; and
he was led by an impulse such as Christians under-
stand, to inquire into his history, and speak to him
concerning the faith of Christ, and the blessed hope.
He found an attentive listener, one "whose heart the
Lord had opened," and who desired to know the grace
THE GUIDING HAND. 323
of God in truth. Keturning to the Repository he nar-
rated the haps and mishaps of his night's experience,
which were sufficiently embarrassing to the parties
concerned, but which were quickly passed over to their
place among the "all things" that "work together for
good to them that love God ;" and he spoke particularly
of this young man, whom he had met, and made ar-
rangements by which he could receive THE CHRISTIAN
and other religious publications, and be more perfectly
taught in the way of life. Dining in the same place,
he had an opportunity to speak again to the young
stranger, concerning the things of God ; and so he
departed to his distant home, not forgetting to pray
for, and subsequently to inquire after, one whose
welfare the Lord had thus laid upon his heart.
The good seed took root, and the young man was
led to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and to con-
fess him before men, and lift the voice of prayer and
praise to God, and humbly testify of the grace that
he had found.
Once he was in darkness. Born amid the palm
groves of Hindostan, but a short distance from the
far-famed temple of Juggernaut, his early life was one
of ignorance and heathenish superstition. Brought
to this country by a gentleman some years since, and
living in various cities, he was yet without God,
though in a land of Bibles and Sunday-schools. But
at length, in this, his own mysterious way, the Good
Shepherd found the wandering sheep, and led him to
his fold ; and it was cheering to hear him tell the
story of his former lost estate, and how Jesus died
324 THE GUIDING HAND.
for him though he knew nothing of it ; and how at
last he had brought him home to rest and peace.
When the woman at Jacob's well found Christ and
heard him speak the words of truth and life, she "left
her water-pot and went her way into the city," for-
getful of her former pursuits, and only seeking that
others might share the blessing she had gained. And
this is but the expression of the feeling of all who
hear the Saviour's voice. So this young man thought
and spoke of his father and mother in a far off heathen
land, bowing down to dumb idols, ignorant of Christ,
and without hope in the world ; and longed to go and
tell to them the tidings that the woman of Samaria
told to those whom she had known. The providence
of God afforded him an opportunity to attend school ;
and his future is in the hands of Him who loved him
and pitied him in the darkness of far-off Hindostan ;
who led him all his way in mercy, and brought him
to a knowledge of his grace.
THE FIKST AWAKENED.
In a church with which the writer was acquainted,
destitute at the time of a pastor, but not without
some members who walked with God, the following
fact occurred : A young lady in making a visit to
one of her acquaintance, took an unfrequented path
through a deeply shaded grove, and as the day was
very warm, after pursuing her walk some distance up
a somewhat steep acclivity, she stopped to rest bp-r-
self on a beautiful mossy bank. While seated mere,
THE GUIDING HAND. 325
the tones of a human voice very unexpectedly broke
upon her ear. On turning her eye the way from
whence they came, she saw Deacon M on horse-
back, making his way up the same hill.
The thought occurred to her that she would retire
from the sight of the road, let him pass, and remain
undiscovered. This she did. As the Deacon ap-
proached leisurely on his horse, she was wondering
what could be his object in being so busily engaged
in talking to himself, as she could distinctly discover
that no fellow- mortal accompanied him. As he drew
nearer, and she could hear his voice more plainly, she
ascertained that he was engaged in prayer. The only
sentence that left a distinct impression on her mind
was, "O Lord, have mercy on the dear youth in this
place."
He passed on praying, till the sounds which came
from his lips died away on her ear. But an impres-
sion was made upon her heart, as it may be hoped,
which will never die away, but prepare her to mingle
in the symphonies of the redeemed in ascribing salva-
tion to God and the Lamb. A new discovery respect-
ing Christians was at this instant made to her. "Is
this the manner," she reflected with herself, "in which
they live , and pass on their way about the town ? Do
they thus pray for the youth? How unlike to a
Christian have I lived ! I have never prayed in this
manner ; I have seldom thought of the souls of others,
and cared but very little for my own. While others
pray for me, I live without praying for myself."
Her sins, particularly her neglect of prayer to Him
326 THE GUIDING HAND.
who is everywhere, now became a distressing burden
to her. Soon, we have reason to hope, there was joy
among the angels of God over her as a penitent, and
over many others in the town. She was the first
awakened in a revival.
THE SKEPTIC AND THE BIED'S NEST.
A short time since, a gentleman, conversing of his
visit to South America, spoke of an interview with a
young man, whom he had formerly known in New
York, and who, like many others, having more
money than good counsel left him by his parents,
soon became self-sufficient, and went on from one
vice to another till he became an open infidel. He
had remained thus when he left New York for South
America, but when this gentleman met him, the
avowed infidel had become a humble believer in
Jesus Christ, and the tongue that was wont to blas-
pheme was lifting the voice of supplication for the
blessing of God upon his guilty soul. Greatly sur-
prised at seeing the young man ' clothed and in his
right mind," the gentleman inquired what had wrought
the change.
Said he, "You know I spent much of my time in
fishing and hunting, and a few weeks since, on a
beautiful Sabbath morning, I went in search of game.
Being weary of roaming about the woods, I sat down
on a log to rest. While thus seated, my attention
was attracted to a neighboring tree , by the cries of a
THE GUIDING HAND. 327
bird which was fluttering over her nest, uttering
shrieks of anguish as if a viper were destroying her
young.
"On looking about, I soon found the subject of
her dread, in that apt emblem of all evil, a venomous
snake, dragging his slow length along towards the
tree, his eye intent on the bird and her nest. Pres-
ently I saw the male bird coming from a distance
with a little twig covered with leaves, in his mouth.
Instantly the father bird laid the twig over his mate
and her young, and then perched himself on one of
the topmost branches of the tree, awaiting the arrival
of the enemy.
"By this time the snake had reached the spot.
Coiling himself around the trunk, he ascended the
tree at length ; gliding along the branch till he came
near the nest, he lifted his head as if to take his vic-
tims by surprise. He looked at the nest, then sud-
denly drew back his head as if he had been shot, and
hurriedly made his way down the tree.
"I had the curiosity to see what had turned him
from his malicious purpose ; and on ascending the
tree, I found the twig to have been broken from a
poisonous bush which that snake was never known
to approach.
"Instantly the thought rushed across my mind,
'Who taught that bird its only weapon of defense in
this hour of peril?' and quick as thought came the
answer, 'None but God Almighty, whose very exist-
ence I have denied, but in whose pardoning mercy,
through Jesus Christ, I am now permitted to hope.' >:
328 THE GUIDING HAND.
God sends men to the ant to learn industry, to the
ravens and the lilies for lessons of trust ; and here in
the protection of a defenseless bird's nest from a
cruel foe, shines out the same kind providence which
watches the falling sparrow and numbers the hairs of
our heads. No wonder that the infidel was convinced
of his error ; for surely, none but the fool can say in
his heart, ''There is no God."
BKANDS PLUCKED FEOM THE FIEE.
In the Spring of 1847 I was traveling with a brother
clergyman, on our way to an ecclesiastical meeting
in P , Va. Having to pass through the county
of A , we proposed going by the village at the
court-house, and to call on friends there, but being
engaged in conversation, we passed a cross road lead-
ing to the court-house, and did not discover our mis-
take until we had gone several miles, when it was
too late to return. While we reproached ourselves
for our inattention, the Lord was guiding us in a way
we knew not, and for a purpose we could not per-
ceive.
We had not proceeded far when we perceived a
house on fire about half a mile distant. The younger
of the two put his horse into a gallop, and soon came
up to the fire. It was a log house, and the roof was
in a blaze in three places. On entering the house he
was met at the threshold by the piteous cry of an old
man, who was lying on a trundle-bed in one corner,
entirely crippled with rheumatism, and as helpless
THE GUIDING HAND. 329
as an infant. "O, sir," cried he, "for mercy's sake
take me out, or I shall be burned up alive !" He
became a little more calm when assured that he was
not in immediate danger, and that he would be taken
care of in time. In the loft above was found his aged
and terror-stricken wife, who had been trying in vain
to extinguish the fire with a little tin bucket half full
of watei-, and a small gourd. As soon as the young
minister found an axe, he went heartily to work ; and
after knocking off a large portion of the roof, suc-
ceeded in extinguishing the fire, and had the pleasure
of assuring the old couple that the danger was over
and all was safe. They expressed their gratitude
with flowing tears and many thanks. The minister
told them to give thanks to God, wnose providence
alone had saved them, that they intended to have
taken another road, but had been led this way.
"Wonderful mercy !" said the old man ; and trem-
bling and turning pale at the thought, he added, "Oh,
had you gone by the court-house, we had by this
time been burned to ashes. What a mercy, what a
mercy !" he continued to repeat, and said, "Oh, how
wicked I have been ! I have never believed" in a
providence. I laughed at it, and hated the thought
that God took any notice of us ; but now I feel there
is a providence. Yes, there is a providence that sent
you here to save us from the fire."
He then inquired who we were, and where from;
and when told that we were ministers of the gospel,
and that one of us lived twenty-five miles and the
other one huadred miles distant, he was deeply
330 THE GUIDING HAND.
affected, and said, "How strange it is ! I have
always hated ministers, and would not permit them
to cross my door-sill, and now God has sent two of
them to save such an old, vile, crippled creature as I
am from death !"
He began then to confess the sins of his past life,
and particularly expressed regret that he had so long
opposed his wife, who, he said, always wanted to be
a Christian. He had been a soldier in Wayne's
army, and there, he said, he had learned to drink
liquor, to scoff at religion, and to make Tom Paine's
book his bible ; "and now," said he, "I begin to feel
the guilt of it all. It comes upon me like a moun-
tain's load."
They were told that their sins had kindled the
more dreadful fire of perdition, from which no earthly
arm could save ; and they were both urged to flee
from the wrath to come , and lay hold on the hand
that was nailed to the cross. A tract entitled, "The
Conversion of John Price," was read to them. It
contains a brief notice of the downward course of an
habitual drinker and gamester, and of his wonderful
reformation and conversion to God. One of the
most touching passages in the tract is that in which
he asks his little daughter to read the Bible to him.
She read the fifty-first psalm and the one hundred
and third. The father was much affected, and wept
and said, "Surely, God made her choose those two
psalms."
The old couple, both in tears, listened to the read-
ing, and when it was completed, he said, "Surely,
THE GUIDING HAND. 331
God made you choose that for us, every word of it
comes home to my heart ; and now will you be kind
enough to read to us the same chapters of the Bible
that the little girl read to her father?" The request
was granted, and the fifty-first psalm was read.
"Have mercy upon me, O God," etc. It was distinctly
read. There he lay upon his bed, a man of large
frame, with a finely developed head, a high and full
forehead, a large blue eye, and expanded chest, but
with his arms and legs so contracted by rheumatism
that for sixteen years he had been unable to move
himself without aid. As the reading proceeded, his
broad chest began to heave with emotion, and the
tears ran down his cheeks. On hearing the fourth
verse, " Against thee, thee only have I sinned," he
cried out, "Yes, that is the worst of it; it is all
against God, all against God. Have mercy on
me, O God." He became more composed, and
when the reading was finished, he said, "That is
God's word, and seems made on purpose for me."
His aged wife, who was filled with wonder and
delight at what she had both seen and heard, asked
that the other psalm might be read. The hundred
and third psalm was accordingly read, "Bless the
Lord, O my soul," etc. The old lady was greatly
agitated ; she walked up and down the room, ex-
claiming, "Bless the Lord, O my soul! bless the
Lord, he has saved us this day from fire, and he will
save us from our sins ; he forgiveth all our iniquities.
Bless the Lord, that I have lived to see this day.
My old man will now let me read and sing and pray ;
33$ THE GUIDING HAND.
he wil\ let ministers come to our house, and we will
both seek and serve the Lord together."
After much such talk, we kneeled and prayed,
the first prayer, as the old man said, that was ever
made in that house. We bade them farewell, not
expecting to meet them again until the judgment
day. The old couple lived about three years after
this event, and we are credibly informed that they
lived in a manner to illustrate and magnify the won-
drous grace of God to the chief of sinners, and then
died, both in the same year, fully fourscore years of
age, in the faith and lively hope of the gospel of
Christ.
A COLLEGE AND ITS PKESIDENT.
On the twenty-sixth day of December, 1831, died
Stephen Girard, of Philadelphia, at the age of eighty-
one years. Born near Bordeaux, in France, May
21st, 1750, the son of a seaman, and bred to his
father's calling, he rose in time, to be master of a
vessel, and accumulated sufficient property to estab-
lish himself as a small trader in Philadelphia in 1769.
After his settlement there, various shrewd ventures
and favorable circumstances contributed to increase
his possessions. Some fifty thousand dollars' worth
of property, placed for safe-keeping on board of two
of his vessels in one of the ports of Saint Domingo,
fell into his hands in consequence of the slaughter of
the owners and their families during the insurrection
there. His diligent hand made him rich ; he exacted
THE GUIDING HAND. 333
his dues to the uttermost farthing ; and by labor, fore-
sight, and economy, he amassed a fortune of some
nine millions of dollars, most of which, by his will,
was devoted to purposes of benevolence and public util-
ity. So unsocial, frugal, grasping, and parsimonious
was he that it is said, "he never had a friend ;" yet he
was generous in his benefactions, and especially
mindful of the necessities of those who were sick ;
and during the prevalence of the yellow fever in Phil-
adelphia, in 1793, 1797, and 1798, he gave not only
his money, but his personal labors, for the relief of
the suffering ; performing the most menial services,
acting as both physician and nurse, and for some two
months taking charge of one of the yellow fever hos-
pitals .
Shrewd, but uneducated ; inheriting French ideas
and traditions; in religion a "free thinker," and a
disciple of Voltaire and Rousseau ; his early training
and experience left him with little faith in priests or
ecclesiastics, and when, at his death, he bequeathed
more than two millions of dollars, together with a plot
of ground in Philadelphia, for the erection and sup-
port of a college for orphans , he expressly declared
in his will, that, while the officers of the institution
were to instruct the pupils in the purest principles of
morality, no ecclesiastic, missionary, or minister of
any sect whatever, was to hold any connection with
the college, or be admitted to the premises even as a
visitor,' so that students might be left free from sec-
tarian influences, and allowed to form their own
religious opinions upon their entrance into active life.
334 THE GUIDING HAND.
Work on the college was commenced in July,
1833, and more than $1,930,000 was expended in
building and preparing. The college was opened for
use January 1st, 1848. The main edifice is a splen-
did marble structure, 169 feet long, 111 feet wide,
and 97 feet high ; which, with other appropriate build-
ings, stands in the midst of forty-one acres of play-
grounds and gardens. Since its opening, this place
has been the home of hundreds of orphan boys, who
have there been educated, trained, and fitted for
active life ; though no minister of the gospel has
been allowed to visit or address them.
The importance of religious teaching in early years
can hardly be overestimated ; but it is a matter of
gratitude that men need not be dependent on minis-
ters or ecclesiastics for the knowledge of God, or for
instruction in righteousness ; and hence , while cler-
gymen of all sects are excluded from Girard college,
men of devout and earnest faith have not been want-
ing to teach the pupils there the way of life and
peace.
Dr. Geo. E. Adams tells, in the Boston Recorder,
how one president was prepared for Girard college :
"On the 25th of September, 1829, a new class
entered Bowdoin college, among them, William
Henry Allen. The first recitation of the class, in
Latin, was to Prof. T. C. Upham. At a very early
date, the professor, who never seemed to see any-
body, but always saw everybody, marked Allen, in
his own mind, as one who w r as bound to be a power
in the world ; and resolved to do whatever he could
THE GUIDING HAND. 335
to make him a power for Christ ; and following his
rule to say some word in regard to personal religion
to some one, every day, soon and repeatedly
approached this young man, and endeavored to per-
suade him to consecrate his life to the Saviour.
Allen, however, was rather worldly and ambitious,
indisposed to make of religion a very pressing sub-
ject of attention just then, and though the professor,
strong in faith and prayer, and in the power of God's
truth, was not wont to be defeated in any Christian
enterprise to which his heart was given, it was not
till the young man had been away from the college
for some time, that he confessed to Prof. Upham
that the seed he had sown had sprung up, and begun
to bear fruit.
" 'Now, then,' said the professor to himself,
* Allen must be induced to enter the ministry.* On
this point, the professor failed. 'And I never
could understand it,' said Prof. Upham to me, one
day, 'till I learned that he had been made president
of a college, within whose walls he never could have
entered, had he become a minister, and, within those
walls, was delivering two excellent Christian dis-
courses every Sunday.' "
The care, education, and support of a college con-
taining five or six hundred orphans, between the ages
of six and eighteen including provision for food,
raiment, and an apprenticeship to honest occupa-
tions is a matter which might well deserve the
attention of Him who is "a Father of the fatherless ;"
and so, while he was leading the mind of a worldly
336 THE GUIDING HAND.
skeptic to devote his hoarded millions to so good an
end, he knew how to train the man he needed to
administer such a weighty trust, keeping him free
from ecclesiastical titles or sectarian bonds, that he
might serve his generation by the will of God, on a
broader basis than a denominational platform, and
in a ministry beyond the reach of professional
ecclesiastics. And the fact that William H.
Allen, LL.D., President of Girard college, was
elected and for years served as President of the Amer-
ican Bible Society, leads us to infer that, after all,
Girard college, with its magnificent marble build-
ings, and its grand endowment, is not an entirely
godless concern, but that He who watches over all
the interests of his creatures, has wrought out its
destinies according to the counsel of his own will.
HOWE AND THE MAGISTRATE.
The eminent John Howe, who died in England in
1705, had many remarkable experiences, of which he
kept some records. But in his last illness he called
his son, and sending him to his private desk for a
number of small manuscript volumes, he, for reasons
which he did not explain, made him solemnly promise
that he would immediately destroy them all. But
though he left no memorials of his history, yet the
savor of his piety and zeal remains, and a biographer
writes of him : "We know of no individual of that
age who stands before us with a character so fair and
perfect as John Howe ; who maintained so signally,
THE GUIDING HAND. 337
throughout many a checkered scene, a walk and con-
versation becoming the gospel."
The following incident in his life, illustrates the
guidance of the Lord ; both in the deliverance of his
faithful servant from danger, and in making him an
instrument of the salvation of a cruel persecutor :
When the melancholy state of the times compelled
this excellent man to quit the public charge of his
beloved congregation at Torrington, in Devonshire,
impressed with a sense of duty, he embraced every
opportunity of preaching the word of life. He and
Mr. Flavel used frequently to conduct their secret
ministration at midnight, in different houses in the
north of Devonshire. One of the principal of these
was Hudscott, an ancient mansion belonging to the
family of Eolle, between Torrington and Southmol-
ton. Yet, even there, the observant eye of malevo-
lence was upon them. Mr. Howe had been officiating
there, one dark and stormy wintry night, when an
alarm was made that information had been given, and
a warrant granted to apprehend him. It was judged
prudent for him to quit the house ; but in riding over
a large common, he and his servant missed their way.
After several fruitless efforts to recover it, the attend-
ant went forward to seek for a habitation, where
they might find directions or a lodging. He soon
discovered a mansion, and received a cheerful invita-
tion to rest there for the night. But how great was
Mr. Howe's surprise to find, on his arrival, that the
house belonged to his most inveterate enemy, a country
magistrate who had often breathed the most implacable
338 THE GUIDING HAND.
vengeance against him, and, as he had reason to
believe, was well acquainted with the occasion of his
traveling at such an hour. However, he put the best
face he could upon it, and even mentioned his name
and residence to the gentleman, trusting to Providence
for the result. His host ordered supper to be pro-
vided, and entered into a lengthened conversation
with his gues*t ; and was so delighted with his com-
pany, that it was a very late hour before he could
permit him to retire. In the morning, Mr. Howe
expected to be accosted with a commitment, and sent
to Exeter jail; but, on the contrary, he was received
by the family at breakfast with a very hospitable
welcome. After mutual civilities, he departed to his
own abode, greatly wondering to himself at the kind-
ness of a man from whom he had before dreaded so
much. Not long after, the gentleman sent for Mr.
Howe, who found him confined to bed by sickness, and
still more deeply wounded with a sense of sin. He
acknowledged that, when Mr. Howe came first to his
door, he inwardly rejoiced that he had an opportunity
of exercising his malice upon him, but that his con-
versation and his manner insensibly awed him into
respect. He had seriously meditated on the observa-
tions which had fallen from the lips of the man of
God, and had become penitent, earnestly anxious for
the blessings of eternal life. From that sickness he
recovered, became an eminent Christian, a friend to
the conscientious, and an intimate companion of the
man whom he had threatened with his vengeance in
his sinful days.
THE GUIDING HAND. 339
A STKANGE OPENING.
Among the many remarkable ways in which God
opens the door for his truth to reach the hearts of
men, the following instance was narrated by an
English town missionary, not long ago :
There was a lodging house in his district, which
he had long desired to enter, but was deterred from
so doing by his friends, who feared that his life would
be thereby endangered. He became at length so
uneasy from his convictions of duty, that he deter-
mined to risk all consequences and try to gain admis-
sion. So one day he gave a somewhat timid knock
at the door, in response to which a coarse voice roared
out, < < Who's there ?" and at the same moment a vicious
looking woman opened the door and ordered the
man of God away. "Let him come in, and see who
he is and what he wants," growled out the same voice.
The missionary walked in, and bowing politely to the
rough-looking man whom he had just heard speak,
said :
"I have been visiting most of the houses in this
neighborhood to read with and talk to the people
about good things. I have passed your door as long
as I feel I ought, for I wish also to talk with you and
your lodgers."
"Are you what is called a town missionary?"
"I am, sir," was the reply.
* * Well , then ," said the fierce-looking man , " sit down
and hear what I am going to say. I will ask you a
question out of the Bible. If you answer me right
340 THE GUIDING HAND.
you may call at this house, and read and pray with
us and our lodgers as much as you like ; if you do
not answer me right, we will tear the clothes off your
back, and tumble you neck and heels into the street.
Now what do you say for I am a man of my word ?"
The missionary was perplexed, but at length qui-
etly said, "I will take you."
"Well, then," said the man, "here goes. Is the
word girl in any part of the Bible ? If so, where is it
to be found, and how often? That is my question."
"Well, sir, the word girl is in the Bible, but only
once, and may be found in the words of the prophet
Joel, iii. 3. The words are, 'And sold a girl for
wine that they might drink. " :
"Well," replied the man, "I am dead beat ; I durst
have bet live pounds you could not have told."
"And I could not have told yesterday," said the
visitor. "For several days I have been praying that
the Lord would open me a way into this house, and
this very morning, when reading the Scriptures in
my family, I was surprised to find the word girl, and
got the Concordance to see if it occurred again, and
found it did not. And now, sir, I believe that God
did know, and does know what will come to pass,
and surely his hand is in this for my protection and
your good."
The whole of the inmates were greatly surprised
at this manifest token of providential direction, and
were thus led to serious reflection, and this remark-
able incident has been overruled to the hopefui con-
version of the man, his wife, and two of the lodgers.
THE GUIDING HAND. 341
COLLINS AND THE FUNERAL.
Among the mighty men of God who labored to
spread the gospel of Christ in the newly-settled por-
tions of America, was John Collins, who was born in
New Jersey, in 1769, and died in Maysville, Ken-
tucky, August 21st, 1842. Earnest, logical, devout,
and eloquent, many souls were given him as seals of
his ministry, among whom was John McLean, after-
wards Chief Justice of the United States Supreme
court, to whose pen we are indebted for a sketch of
Collins' life, and various incidents connected with his
ministry.
Unlike many at the present day, Collins could not
harmonize in his own mind the practice of war with
the gospel of peace, and hence, when he would follow
Christ, he forsook the world. When he was con-
verted, he held the office of major of the militia ;
this he laid down when he received a commission in
ImmanueFs army. The one who succeeded him came
to purchase his uniform and arms, and Mr. Collins
said to him, in his own peculiar style, " My friend,
when you put these on think of the reason why I put
them off." The remark made an indelible impression
upon his mind, sunk deep into his soul, and led to
important results. It led him to reflect, and his
reflections led him to act. He, also, renounced his
commission, and became a man of prayer ; he yielded
to the most illustrious of conquerors, enlisted in the
army of the redeemed, and fought under the great
"Captain of our salvation."
THIS GUIDING HAND.
In the experience of Collins, there were frequent
instances which illustrate the direction of the Guiding
o
Hand. The following interesting instance is an
example :
When the country was new and but thinly settled,
Mr. Collins was riding upon the banks of the Ohio
river, some thirty or forty miles above Cincinnati,
in company with a friend, when they came to the
forks of the road ; the left-hand road led more directly
to their place of destination, the right was more cir-
cuitous ; but Mr. Collins, against remonstrance, pre-
ferred the latter, from an impression which he did
not particularly define. It led to the mouth of Red
Oak, where the town of Ripley is now situated.
As they approached this point they saw a funeral
procession, which they immediately joined, and fol-
lowed it to the grave. It was the first funeral in
that place. The corpse was the wife of Mr. Bernard
Jackson, an avowed infidel. The scarcity of minis-
ters in a newly-settled country often prevents the
holding of religious exercises in connection with the
burial of the dead, and the skepticism of Mr. Jackson
may have tended to the same result. But whether
he desired it or not, God had purposed that to those
people who had gathered to open the first grave in
their forest settlement, the gospel of Him who
brought life and immortality to light should be pro-
claimed for the salvation of those whose probation
was yet extended. The hour had come, and the
messenger of God was ready with his tidings. After
the grave was covered, Mr. Collins stepped forward
THE GUIDING HAND. 343
and made known to the people that he was a preacher
of the gospel, and would then preach a sermon to all
that remained. No one went away. Solemnly and
seriously they stood around the new-made grave,
where one of their number had just been laid, and
listened while he read for his text, " I am the resur-
rection and the life : he that belie veth in me, though
he were dead, yet shall he live ; " and preached to
them the word of everlasting life.
The word was quick and powerful, and sharper
than a two-edged sword. The circumstances of the
o
occasion, and the manifestation of the hand of God
in guiding his servant to that mourning group, added
to the solemnity of the hour ; and while death and
judgment, and life and immortality, were set before
the people, all hearts were moved by the power of
the truth. There were many tears and sobs in the
congregation. The infidel husband was overcome ;
and from that day and hour he renounced infidelity,
shortly after became a member of the church, lived
to adorn the Christian religion, and died in peace.
He had one son, who was afterwards a traveling
preacher in the state of Indiana.
Mr. Collins believed in a special providence. The
inclination to take the right-hand road, he believed
was prompted by it, of which he could entertain
no doubt when he saw the funeral procession and
preached to the mourning crowd.
44 And is this," says Judge McLean, who relates
this incident, "too small a matter for Deity? Peter
was called to preach to Cornelius ; and his objections
344 THE GUIDING HAND.
were overcome in an extraordinary manner. Philip,
being prompted by the Spirit, joined himself to the
chariot of the eunuch, and 'preached unto him Jesus.'
And who that believes the Bible does not believe
that the same Spirit operates more or less upon Chris-
tians at the present day ? "
Would that this inward guiding was more devoutly
sought and teachably accepted; then, where we now
see sinners scoffing at a monay-seeking ministry, we
should see them filled with solemn awe at the provi-
dence which guides the servants of the Lord, and
the might that clothes and seals his quick and power-
ful Word.
A BLESSED MISTAKE.
One day as Felix Neff, the Swiss Evangelist, was
walking in a street in Lausanne, a city in Switzerland,
he saw in the distance, as he supposed, a person with
whom he was acquainted. He ran up behind him,
and overtaking him, tapped him on the shoulder and
said, "What is the state of your soul, my friend?"
The person turned quickly about at the abrupt query,
and proved to be an entire stranger. Neff saw his
error, apologized, left him, and went his way.
Some three or four years afterward, a person came
to Neff and accosted him, saying that he was indebted
to him for his inestimable kindness. Neff did not
recognize him, and desired him to explain his mean-
ing. The stranger answered, "Have you forgotten
an unknown person, whose shoulder you touched in
THE GUIDING HAND. 345
a street of Lausanne, and whom you asked, 'How
do you find your soul ?' It was I ; your question led
me to serious reflections, and now I find it is well
with my soul."
By such strange and inexplicable means does God
bring about the accomplishment of his purposes of
mercy and grace. Time, place, and circumstances
are all subservient to his will. And the anointed
sons of God are often led by a way they know not,
and upon errands unperceived, for the glory of God
and the benefit and salvation of mankind. "Thou
shalt guide me with thy counsel," said David. Blessed
are they who are guided by such a gracious hand.
A BABBIT CHASE.
More than sixty years ago, in a retired New
England parish, three youths met by agreement every
Sunday morning, and walked together to church.
One, who was apprenticed to a cabinet-maker, was
an earnest Christian ; another was a skeptic ; and
between these two, during the walk, the subject of
religion was warmly discussed. Each, however,
remained firm in his own convictions.
It chanced one day that the apprentice was in the
hay-field, looking at the men as they were mowing.
Suddenly a rabbit started up among the mowers,
who threw down their scythes and gave chase. The
lad, too, joined in the pursuit, and, carried away by
the excitement, he unwarily set his bare heel on one
of the sharp scythes. Help was immediately called,
346 THE GUIDING HAND.
but such was the loss of blood from the several
arteries, that the surgeon gave no hope of recovery.
The young skeptic called on his companion. In
the apparently dying lad he saw the power of that
religion he had so often attacked. Where argument
had failed, the calm confidence, the lively hope, and
the dying joy of his companion, reached success.
He went from that presence a converted soul.
The lad, however, recovered, but was a cripple for
life. Giving up the thought of learning a trade, he
pursued a course of study, entered the ministry, and
became the well-known and much loved missionary
to the Choctaws, Cyrus Kingsbury, D. D. The con-
verted companion became the no less distinguished
Dr. Joel Hawes, for so many years a preacher in
Hartford, Conn. Two glorious lives dating from the
chance running of a rabbit !
The truth of this story is vouched for by a son of
one of the three friends, Rev. H. D. Walker, of
Bridge water, Mass.
CONVERSION OP COUNT GASPAEIN.
Adolph Monod, one of the most gifted and faith-
ful evangelical ministers of the present century,
preached Christ crucified and his free grace, to his
c-hurch in Lyons, France. One Lord's day, preach-
ing from the text, "God so loved the world, that he
gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should -not perish, but have everlasting life,"
he spoke of the person of Christ as the true God-man.
THE GUIDING HAND. 347
He announced, at the same time, that the next Sabbath
he should show how men could be saved through
faith in this God-man. But the authorities of this
church were full of Catholic and other errors, and
opposed to a doctrine so truly evangelical. Hence,
they informed Monod that if he did not omit the ser-
mon he had announced, they would have him arrested
and brought before the prefect, and dismissed from
his office. Monod, notwithstanding, preached his
sermon, and the authorities made their complaint.
The prefect demanded the two sermons of the accused,
and Monod sent them to him. The prefect was a
Catholic count Count de Gasparin. He came home
at evening to his wife, and found the sermons. He
never liked sermons, especially evangelical sermons.
But he was a man who discharged faithfully the duties
of his office. It was necessary that the sermons
should be read. He came to his wife with the manu-
scripts in his hand, complaining that he would have
to give up the whole evening to this irksome and pro-
tracted labor. She offered, as her husband's worthy
helpmeet, to read the sermons with him, so that the
task might seem to him less tedious. They began.
They read the first. With every page they grew
more interested. They forgot that it was evening
and night. That which was at first an official duty,
became a service of the heart. They finished the
first, and eagerly grasped the second. And what
was the result ? As a magistrate as a prefect
Gasparin was forced to deprive Monod of his place,
because all the authorities demanded it. But he and
348 THE GUTDING HAND.
his wife became evangelical Christians; yes, living,
joyful, and happy believers in Christ. They found
that night the pearl of great price, and it has remained
in the family. Their son, Count Agenor de Gaspa-
rin, has long been the head and pillar of the evan-
gelical party in France.
A STEAY BIBLE.
A missionary in India was descending in a boat the
river Gunduck, when he saw near a village a group
of Hindoos seated on the ground. One of the num-
ber was reading; the rest were deeply attentive.
Curious to witness this scene, he landed and ap-
proached them, when, to his surprise, he found that the
book around which the circle was gathered was the
Holy Scriptures. When he made himself known, the
reader manifested the greatest joy. He immediately
asked many explanations, and while the missionary
remained in the vicinity, he often sought for him and
had many serious interviews with him . His faith was
weak, and he had not sufficient strength to make a
public profession of faith in Christ. But subse-
quently he visited the missionary many times at his
station, traveling for this purpose a considerable
distance. The result was his entire and sincere con-
version. Some time afterwards the Hindoo was
baptized, and his example was blessed as the means
of bringing into the church his brother, and two or
three of his friends.
But whence came this copy of the Holy Scriptures ?
THE GUIDING HAND. 349
Some time before, another missionary, passing down
the same river, had landed and distributed a few vol-
umes containing the four Gospels and the Acts. This
man, of a naturally thoughtful disposition, and already
disgusted with the idolatry in which he had been
brought up, found in the sacred volume a foundation
for a better faith. And, as Andrew communicated to
his brother the knowledge of the Saviour whom he had
found, so did this Hindoo to his friends ; and the vol-
ume, apparently cast upon the wind, was made the
means to several souls of a happy acquaintance with
the way of salvation. What an encouragement thus
to toil on, and sow with tears the precious seed in
faith and hope !
THE MOHAMMEDAN BOOK-BINDER.
When Henry Martyn, during one period of his
Indian career, was located at Cawnpore, in northern
India, he resolved to extend his labors beyond the
soldiers and English residents to whom the regulations
of the East India Company would have confined his
efforts, and to be in reality a missionary as well as a
chaplain. In his "compound" or garden, was a
chabootra, a slightly elevated platform of masonry,
such as natives always have in their gardens, for the
purpose of sitting, in the summer evening, where
they may catch every breath of air. On this he used
to gather together on Sunday afternoons all the
faqueers, or Hindu devotees, of the neighborhood
men deformed, filthy, and sometimes depraved, whose
350 THE GUIDING HAND.
self-inflicted deformities and voluntary filth were
accepted as marks of superior holiness. These he
would address in terms of most earnest exhortation
on the holiness and purity of the gospel.
Overlooking this garden, and within hearing dis-
tance of the chabootra, stood a small kiosk, or
summer-house, in which several young Mohammedans
of the city were accustomed to assemble to smoke
and interchange city gossip. They were always leer-
ing and scoffing at the young Ferringhee Parde, or
English clergyman, and his most unattractive and
unpromising group of listeners.
Among these young Mohammedans was one who
distinguised himself by the coarseness and scurrility
of his remarks. Being somewhat in advance of his
companions in intelligence, he aspired to take the lead
in abusing and insulting the unoffending chaplain.
However, one Sunday afternoon, some remark of
Martyn's appeared to produce an unusual effect on
the young scoffer. His whole manner underwent a
change. He seemed to be listening with interest and
attention, and almost with reverence, so much that
he drew down upon himself the jeers and taunts of
his licentious companions. From that day it was
noticed that his customary seat in the kiosk was
empty. He was never seen there again. What had
become of him?
He was by occupation a book-binder ; and about
this time he was required to bind a book for one of
the English residents. The book was written in
Hindoostanee. As the sheets were passing through
THE GUIDING HAND. 351
his hands he glanced at the contents, and was struck
with their marked similarity in language and thought
to the addresses he had heard from the chaplain. He
read it carefully through before returning it to the
owner. It was a copy of the Hindoostanee translation
of the New Testament which Henry Martyn had
recently completed. And the result, under the
divine blessing, of that "arrow shot at a venture,"
and the earnest perusal of that book, led the young
scoffing Mohammedan book-binder of Cawnpore to
become, after long and prayerful preparation, an
ordained missionary in the church of Christ, and a
very faithful and able preacher of that faith he once
despised.
THE FKIGHTENED KOBBEKS.
It is related that after John Wesley had been
preaching one winter's morning, at five o'clock, at
the Foundry chapel in London, a pious young woman,
who was dressed in white, in returning home, midway
across the fields, saw two men advancing towards her
with no good intention, as she judged from their very
profane language.
She dropped immediately on her knees, with the
lantern in her hand, and said, "O, Lord God, thou
hast promised to be a very present help in time of
need ; help thine handmaid in this time of danger ! "
The two men immediately fled, and she went on
her way, thankful to God for her deliverance from
unreasonable and wicked men.
352 THE GUIDING HAND.
Some time after this, as she was going over the
field again, to the chapel, she saw a man sitting on
the fence, looking very ill and emaciated. She spoke
to him about his soul. He confessed his wickedness,
and said that once he came over that field with a com-
panion, with a design to rob, as they supposed, a
young woman. On approaching her, the object,
which was dressed in white, sunk into the earth,
when they instantly fled, supposing that they had
seen an apparition. He said that his companion was
thrown into a fever, and died raving mad, and that he
had been wretchedly lingering to that time, filled
with apprehension and remorse. The surprise of
the man on learning that he was now speaking to the
same person, as well as her interest in one so providen-
tially brought under her influence, must be imagined.
It seemed as if the hand of God had brought them
together, and that for purposes of mercy ; and the
opportunity was duly improved in the fear and in the
love of the Master whom she served. She exhorted
him to go to the chapel, where he would hear of
Jesus. He did so, and became a Christian.
BREAD UPON THE WATERS.
I was standing by the side of my mother under the
spacious porch of Dr. B 's church, Glasgow,
awaiting the hour for afternoon service, when I
observed two young men turn a corner and walk
toward the church. They were dressed in their
working-clothes, unshaven and dirty, and slightly
THE GUIDING HAND. 353
intoxicated. As they passed the church door, they
assumed a swaggering, irreverent gait, laughed, and
finally commenced singing a profane song. My
mother turned to me and said, "Follow those two
men, and invite them to a seat in our pew."
I soon overtook them, and delivered my mother's
message. One laughed scornfully, and began to
swear ; the other paused and pondered ; he was evi-
dently struck with the nature of the invitation. His
companion again swore, and was about to drag him
away. But he still paused. I repeated the invita-
tion, and in a few seconds he looked in my face and
said, "When I was a boy like you, I went to church
every Sunday. I have not been inside of a church
for three years. I don't feel right. I believe I will
go with you." I seized his hand, and led him back
to the house of God, in spite of the remonstrances
and oaths of his companion. A most excellent ser-
mon was preached from Ecclesiastes xi. 1. The
young man was attentive, but seemed abashed and
downcast.
At the conclusion of the service my mother kindly
said to him, "Have you a Bible, young man?"
"No, ma'am; but I can get one," was his reply.
"You can read, of course?" said she. "Yes,
ma'am." "Well, take my son's Bible till you pro-
cure one of your own, and come to church again
next Lord's day. I shall always be happy to accom-
modate you with a seat."
He put the Bible in his pocket and hurried away.
At family worship that evening my mother prayed
12
354 THE GUTDING HAND.
fervently for the conversion of tnat young man.
Next Sunday came, and the next, but the stranger
did not appear. My mother frequently spoke of
him, and appeared grieved at his absence. He nad
doubtless been the subject of her closet devotions.
On the third Sabbath morning, while the congrega-
tion were singing the first psalm, the young man
again entered our pew. He was now dressed gen-
teelly, and appeared thin and pale, as if from recent
sickness. Immediately after the benediction, the
stranger laid my Bible on the desk, and left the
church without giving my mother the opportunity
she much desired of conversing with him. On one
of the blank leaves of the Bible we found some writ-
ing in pencil, signed, "W. C." He asked to be
remembered in my mother's prayers.
Years rolled on ; my praying mother passed to her
rest ; I grew up to manhood, and the stranger was
forgotten .
In the autumn of 18 , the ship St. George, of
which I was the medical officer, anchored in Table
Bay.
Next day, Sabbath, at the conclusion of public
worship, a gentleman seated behind me asked to
look at my Bible. In a few minutes he returned it,
and I walked into the street. I had arranged to
dine at " The George ; " and was mounting the steps
in front of that hotel, when the gentleman who had
examined my Bible laid his hand on my shoulder
and begged to have a few minutes' conversation.
We were shown into a private apartment. As soon
THE GUIDING HAND. 355
as we were seated, he examined my countenance
with great attention, and then began to sob ; tears
rolled down his cheeks ; he was evidently laboring
under some intense emotion. He asked me several
questions my name, age, occupation, birth-place,
etc. He then inquired if I had not, when a boy,
many years ago, invited a drunken Sabbath-breaker
to a seat in Dr. B 's church. I was astonished
the subject of my mother's anxiety and prayers
was before me. Mutual explanations and congratu-
lations followed ; after which Mr. C gave me a
short history of his life. .
He was born in the town of Leeds, of highly
respectable and religious parents, who gave him a
good education, and trained him up in the way of
righteousness. When about fifteen years of age his
father died, and his mother's straitened circum-
stances obliged her to take him from school, and put
him to learn a trade. In his new situation he
imbibed all manner of evil, became incorrigibly
vicious, and broke his mother's heart. Freed now
from all parental restraint, he left his employers,
and traveled to Scotland. In the city of Glasgow
he had lived and sinned for two years, when he
was arrested in his career through my mother's
instrumentality. On the first Sabbath of our strange
interview, he confessed that after he left church he
was seized with pangs of unutterable remorse. The
sight of a mother and a son worshiping God together
recalled the happy days of his own boyhood, when
he went to church and Sunday-school, and when he,
356 THE GUIDING HAND.
also, had a mother, a mother whose latter days he
had embittered, and whose gray hairs he had brought
with sorrow to the grave. His mental suffering
threw him on a bed of sickness , from which he arose
a changed man. He returned to England, cast
himself at the feet of his maternal uncle, and asked
and obtained forgiveness. With his uncle's consent
he studied for the ministry ; and on being ordained,
he entered the missionary field, and had been labor-
ing for several years in Southern Africa.
"The moment I saw your Bible this morning," he
said, "I recognized it. And now, do you know
who was my companion on the memorable Sabbath
you invited me to church? He was the notorious
Jack Hill, who was hanged a year afterwards for
highway robbery. I was dragged from the very
brink of infamy and destruction, and saved as a
brand from the burning. You remember Dr. B 's
text on the day of my salvation, 'Cast thy bread
upon the waters : for thou shalt find it after many
days.' "
THE MYSTEKIOUS UMINMESS.
The late ingenious Rev. Robert Robinson, of
Cambridge, was once engaged to deliver "the
charge" at the ordination of a minister. He exhorted
him notwithstanding every possible discourage-
ment to persevere in the work to which he was
called, assuring him, that in the end, God would
succeed his labors. With a view to encourage him,
he should relate an anecdote which had been lately
THE GUIDING HAND. 357
told him, and though the names of the parties had
been carefully concealed, he had no doubt of its
authenticity.
He then stated that a certain minister, being
about to travel in the country, was particularly
requested by a friend, to call at the house of a
farmer, an intimate associate of his early years, and
a man whom he often yet visited, and to take up his
abode there for the night. The minister pleaded
that he was a perfect stranger, that he might be con-
sidered a sort of interloper, and several other things,
all of which were overruled by his friend, who
assured him of the piety, and unbounded liberality
of the farmer, and promised him a letter of intro-
duction ; he farther stated that he had often con-
versed with the farmer respecting him, and, in a
word, the good farmer would feel his mind much
hurt, if he passed that way and did not spend a
night under his roof. Under these circumstances
the minister consented, and one summer's evening
rode up to the farmer's gate.
He found the good man standing near ; but
instead of meeting him with the smile of politeness,
he demanded in a surly tone who he was. The min-
ister gave him his name, handed him his letter of
introduction, and assigned his reasons for paying
him a visit. The farmer eyed him with suspicion,
half insinuated that he was an impostor, but at
length told him he might put his horse into the
stable, and walk into the house. At first the minis-
ter hesitated ; he almost determined to ride to the
358 THE GUIDING HAND.
village ; but on second thoughts he resolved to stay.
He unsaddled his horse, and walked into the house ;
and not being asked to walk into the parlor, he took
his seat with the servants in the kitchen.
Supper time came. The servants whispered among
themselves, "It is a wonder master doesn't ask the
gentleman into the parlor." At his request, he was
supplied with a basin of milk. After supper, the
family was collected to engage in the devotions of
the evening; the minister followed at the heels of
the servants, and took his seat near the door, not a
little surprised at the treatment he received. The
farmer read a portion of the Scriptures ; a pause
ensued ; there was evidently a violent agitation in
the farmer's breast ; at length he asked the minister
to pray. They knelt down, and the worthy preacher
forgot his trials ; and, elevated to a high state of
holy feeling, his prayer was eminent for spirituality
and power. When he concluded and rose from his
knees, the farmer, with tears streaming from his
eyes, stepped up to him, and before the whole fam-
ily, solicited pardon for the treatment he had given
him ; assuring him that he had never before so
treated a minister ; and from all that he had ever
heard of him, he had for him in particular a high
personal respect; and finally, that in reference to his
conduct that evening, it was to himself the most
mysterious event of his life. He concluded by beg-
ging him to stay with him a few days, that his kind-
ness might make up for his past unkindness. The
minister begged he would forget what had passed,
THE GUIDING HAND. S59
assured him that what degree of shyness he had wit-
nessed should on his part be forgotten, and that his
engagements would not allow him to stay longer.
Nothing, however, would satisfy the farmer but
that the minister would stay one day longer, and
preach in his house in the evening; to this he at
length consented, and went off in the morning,
attended with the best prayers and wishes of the man
who had received him with so much coldness.
"And what, my brother," asked Robinson, "do
you suppose was the result? No less than three
branches of the farmer's family were brought to a
knowledge of themselves and of the Saviour, under
the sermon delivered in consequence of this myste-
rious unkindness."
The whole congregation were deeply impressed
with so interesting a detail, made in Robinson's best
manner ; but the effect on the mind of the newly
ordained minister was overpowering: he blushed,
then turned pale, fainted, and was carried out into
the air; the usual remedies were administered, and
he gradually recovered. The scene was then
unfolded ; he was the very minister who formed the
hero of the story ; he had followed Robinson through-
out till he came to the effects produced by the ser-
mon ; this he had never heard till then ; and his feel-
ings were overpowered with joy and gratitude.
" Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will,"
360 THE GUIDING HAND.
THE MINISTER AND THE SICK GIEL.
The following authentic instance of divine direction
is furnished by the son of the minister referred to ;
who often heard his father relate the circumstance :
Mr. R , a faithful minister of the gospel as well
as a merchant, some few years before railroads were
known, left his native village for the city of P ,
to make his usual purchases of goods. The distance
of about one hundred miles, was then accomplished in
two days' travel by stage coaches. When near the
end of the second day, some twelve or fifteen miles
from the city, he became impressed with the thought
that he would not reach his destination that day. He
tried to dismiss the idea, and could only think that
an accident would prevent it. However, the stage
stopped at the last exchange hotel, and almost invol-
untarily, he said, "I took my carpet bag and walked
into the hotel, asking for entertainment," concluding
to follow the bent of his mind ; not knowing why or
wherefore.
Supper was announced ; he was the only guest ;
and was waited on by a middle-aged lady. At an
early hour he retired, or purposed to do so, but was
interrupted by a rap at the door communicating with
the room next the one he was to occupy. He
answered the call, when the lady of the dining room
requested permission to get something in the room.
After having asked to be excused for the interruption,
she had scarcely commenced the search, when turn-
ing around she asked: "Are you not a minister of
THE GUIDING HAND. 361
the gospel?" The answer was, " Yes, madam ; and
why do you ask ? "
She replied that her daughter was lying very ill,
and very anxious about her salvation. "To-day,"
said she, "I prayed God to send some one to pray
and talk with her, and the moment you put your foot
in the dining room something seemed to say, 'he is
the man, ask him.'"
Mr. R complied with her request, found the
daughter very sick in body and mind, prayed and
talked till near daylight, when she was able to trust
in the Great Physician of souls, and was made to
rejoice in his pardoning love. Then it was clear to
his mind why he was not to end his journey the
previous day. Such are the ways of Providence
ofttimes, ruling and overruling when we fail to
recognize the Divine hand.
A CHILD'S TEXT.
Rev. Dr. Milnor was brought up a Quaker, became
a distinguished lawyer in Philadelphia, and was a
member of Congress for three successive terms.
Returning to his home on a visit during his last Con-
gressional term, his little daughter rushed upon him
exclaiming, "Papa ! papa ! do you know I can read?"
"No," he said, "let me hear you!" She opened
her little Bible and read, "Thou shalt love the Lord
thy God with all thy heart." It was an arrow in her
father's heart. It came to him as a solemn admonition .
"Out of the mouth of babes" had proceeded God's
362 THE GUIDING HAND.
word, and His Spirit moved within him. He was
driven to his closet, and a friend calling upon him
found he had been weeping over the Dairyman's
Daughter. Although forty years of age, he aban-
doned politics and law for the ministry of the gospel.
For thirty years he was the beloved rector of St.
George's church, in Philadelphia, the predecessor of
the venerated Dr. Tyng.
THE TOKN HYMN.
A few years ago a Jewish lady knocked at the door
of a servant of the gospel, who dwelt in a German
town. The object of her coming was one of benev-
olence. The minister was busy, and his wife received
the Jewess. In the course of a short conversation
she discovered her hostile sentiments towards the
true faith, as well as her ignorance of its doctrines.
Presently the minister entered, and began solemnly
and faithfully to speak of the gospel of Christ. The
Jewish lady boldly confessed her hatred to the doc-
trine of the despised Nazarine, and contemptuously
rejected all other except the Jewish faith. As she
was about to go away, the faithful servant of the
Lord gave her a Bible, with the earnest request that
she would read it. She accepted the Bible, but the
request was disregarded. The Bible was laid aside,
and considered as quite a useless article ; the dust of
days, months, and years collected on its sacred,
unopened leaves.
But the eye of the God of Abraham watched over
the Jewish lady, and he thought of her in love. Six
THE GUIDING HAND. 363
years after our friend's visit to the minister, she went
out one morning to make a purchase in a neighboring
shop. When she came home, and was looking at the
articles she had bought, her eyes fell upon the lines
of an old hymn in which the things were wrapped up.
She read, and felt interested in it. The poetry w r as
about a young lady, a portion of whose history was
related; it told of a sin into which she had fallen,
and of the misery which ensued. "I will try to get
the rest of this poetry," thought the Jewess, "so
that I may learn the end of this poor young lady."
She went back to the shop, and among the torn
paper, the remainder which she wanted was found,
and given to her for a trifle. She hastened home,
eager to learn the end of the story. But how little
had she expected such an end : she not only read of
the misery of the young lady, but also of the way by
which she was led to Christ, and how in his atoning
love she found peace and forgiveness. Finally, her
happy end was described, and how simple faith in a
crucified Redeemer had illumined her hour of death.
"Christ ! " said the Jewish lady to herself; "have I
not once before spoken of this Christ ? " Suddenly
she recollected her visit to the servant of God, his
earnest request resounded in her ears, she remem-
bered his present so long neglected. "I will fetch
the book which will tell me more about this Christ
who gave peace and joy to the dying lady." She
opened its pages, read, and continued to read for
hours. The book, for six years forgotten, was read
with all earnestness ; light dawned in her soul ; the
364 THE GUIDING HAND.
despised Nazarine stood before her as a rejected
Saviour. "I will go to the man again who gave
me the book," thought she, "and learn from him its
meaning." No sooner said than done. She sought
out the man of 'God, who still worked at his post.
The Lord opened her heart, as he did Lydia's, and
in a short time she received Christ with joy ; and now
she counted every thing but loss in comparison with
the unsearchable riches of Christ. With boldness
she confessed her faith, endured trials and opposition,
the loss of possessions and friends. She was bap-
tized, and became a happy member of the church of
Christ. "Is not my word like as a fire 9 saith the
Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in
pieces ? "
THE LOST BOOK AND THE SAVED SINNER.
Some years ago a little boy had a present from his
grandmamma of a little book with verses of Scripture.
It was bound in red leather and had his name written
on it. One day, when he went to visit, the lions at
Lynn Mart, his little book fell out of his pocket.
He was a very little boy, and much troubled at the
loss of the book, for his name was written on it by
his grandmother herself.
The matter was almost forgotten, when a year
afterward the clergyman of a parish about eight miles
from Lynn, gave the following history of the lost book :
He said he had been sent for to see the wife of a
man living on a wild common on the outskirts of his
THE GUIDING HAND. 365
parish, a notoriously bad character. The message
was brought to him by the medical man who attended
her, and who, after describing her as being most
strangely altered, added, "You will find the lion
become a lamb ; " and so it proved. She who had
been wild and rough, whose language had been violent
and her conduct untamed, lay on a bed of exceeding
suffering, patient and resigned.
On arriving at the house, the clergyman heard the
following story from the woman herself, explaining
the cause of the marvelous change : Her child had
picked up the book and carried it home as lawful
spoil. Curiosity or, rather, some feeling put into
her heart by Him without whose leave a sparrow
falleth not to the ground had induced her to read it.
The Word had been blessed to her, and the under-
standing opened to receive the gospel truth. Sin in
her sight had become hateful ; blasphemy was no
longer heard from her lips. She drew from under
her pillow her " precious book," as she called it, which
had taken away the fear of death.
She died soon afterward, filled with joy and hope
in believing, having in those portions of Scripture
found a Saviour to bear the burden of guilt and thus
present her, clad in his own spotless righteousness,
before the throne of God. God's providence had
brought to her that little book to lead her to Christ.
Who can tell the value of a little book or the
scattering of a handful of gospel tracts ? The seed
may seem lost, forgotten ; but what glad surprises
will the harvest bring ! * 'Blessed are ye that sow ! "
366 THE GUIDING HAND.
LIBERTY FOE A CAPTIVE.
A most striking instance of the faithfulness of
God in fulfilling his promises, and in answering the
prayers of his saints, is narrated in the New York
Observer, by J. G. Bass, a city missionary.
In his labors in the King's County penitentiary,
he found a young man, the son of an English clergy-
man, educated and cultivated, a child of many
prayers, whose mother, a woman of deep religious
experience, had labored to lead her children to the
blessed Saviour, and even down through her last
sickness and dying hour, had commended them to
God in prayer, especially imploring the blessing of
the Lord upon this, her eldest boy.
In the year 1871, he came to America, full of
hope ; spent a month in travel, and through letters
of recommendation, joined with his intelligence and
prepossessing appearance, obtained a respectable
place in a mercantile house in New York. There,
away from home, among strangers, he forgot the
counsels of his father and the prayers of his mother,
listened to the seductions of pleasure, formed sinful
associations, contracted evil habits, and in less than
four months from the time he left his father's house,
became a convicted inmate of the penitentiary, with
blasted reputation, and ruined hopes.
But while thus far from home and friends, the eye
of God was upon the desolate prodigal, and this is
the story he tells :
' I was taken to the prison in company with several
THE GUIDING HAND. 367
other men, and put in a cell, to await my turn to
have my hair cut and change my clothes for the prison
garb. Alone in the cell, I felt my utterly helpless,
hopeless, characterless condition ; I was ready to
fall ; my eye measured the cheerless place, the like of
wilich should be my home for months to come. In
the corner of the cell, I saw a piece of paper, and I
instinctively stooped and picked it up ; I needed some
human voice or some printed word then to call me
back from despair. The paper was the first half of
Good Cheer, No. 1, having on the first page an
engraving of < The Kind-hearted Policeman.' The
first thing that struck my eye was an article from
the pen of my own mother. It brought to my mind
the image of my dear deceased mother, her smile,
her counsels, her prayers ; it was like a voice from
the unseen world. As I raised my eyes from reading
the article, blinded almost as I was with tears, I read
at the head of the column, over my mother's article,
these words : The last opportunity.' Conviction for
sin, deep, pungent, seized upon me ; I cried unto
God in my anguish, and on the Sunday following, in
the prison chapel, while singing the hymn,
' Just as I am, without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou bidst me come to thee ;
O Lamb of God, I come ! '
I was enabled to cast my guilty soul on the world's
Redeemer and mine, and find peace and pardon
through his atonement. God suffered me to go to
368 THE GUIDING HAND.
prison, that my mother's prayers might be answered. 9 ''
J.W was still a prisoner, but his soul was free.
He served out his sentence, and is now at liberty,
rejoicing in Christ. The following hymn, which he
wrote and gave to the chaplain, to read to his fellow-
prisoners, will tell the story of his humble trust in
Christ.
THE HYMN.
Just as them art, with naught to plead,
But that I suffered for thy need ;
And for thy vilest sin did bleed ;
Come then, O sinner, come !
Just as thou art, no longer stay,
Hoping thy guilt to wipe away ;
My care with all thy fears allay ;
Come then, O sinner, come !
Just as thou art, though struggling still,
With unbelief and evil will ;
My grace can conquer every ill ;
Come then, O sinner, come !
Just as thou art, thy aching breast,
Shall find in me relief and rest,
I welcome all with sin oppressed ;
Come then, O sinner, come !
Just as thou art, with all thy need ;
Thy Father waits to clothe and feed,
And yearns thy wandering heart to lead ;
Come then, O sinner, come !
Just as thou art, do not delay ;
Yield thyself wholly from this day,
And thou shalt ne'er be cast away ;
Come then, O sinner, come !
THE GUIDING HAND. 369
THE INFIDEL AND THE PIEATES.
A native of Sweden, residing in the south of
France, had occasion to go from one port to another
in the Baltic Sea. When he came to the place whence
he expected to sail, the vessel was gone. On inquir-
ing, he found a fishing-boat going the same way, in
which he embarked. After being for some time out
at sea, the, men, observing that he had several trunks
and chests on board, concluded he must be very rich,
and therefore agreed among themselves to throw him
overboard. This purpose he heard them express, and
it gave him great uneasiness. So he took occasion
to open one of his trunks, which contained some
books. Observing this, they remarked among them-
selves that it was not worth while to throw him into
the sea, as they did not want any books, which they
supposed all the trunks contained. They asked him
if he was a priest. Hardly knowing what reply to
make, he told them he was ; at which they seemed
much pleased, and said they would have a sermon on
the next day, as it was the Sabbath.
This increased the anxiety and distress of his mind,
for he knew himself to be as incapable of such an
undertaking as it was possible for any one to be, as
he knew very little of the Scriptures ; neither did he
believe in the inspiration of the Bible.
At length they came to a small rocky island, per-
haps a quarter of a mile in circumference, where was
a company of pirates, who had chosen this little
sequestered spot to deposit their treasures. He was
370 THE GUIDING HAND.
taken to a cave, and introduced to an old woman, to
whom they remarked that they Avere to have a sermon
preached the next day. She said she was very glad
of it, for she had not heard the word of God for a
great while. His was a trying case, for preach he
must ; still he knew nothing about preaching. If he
refused, or undertook to preach and did not please, he
expected it would l>e his death. With these thoughts
he passed a sleepless night. In the morning his mind
was not settled upon anything. To call upon God,
whom he believed to be inaccessible, was altogether
vain. He could devise no way whereby he might be
saved. He walked to and fro, still shut up in dark-
ness, striving to collect something to say to them, but
could not think of even a single sentence.
When the appointed time for the meeting arrived,
he entered the cave, where he found the men assem-
bled. There was a seat prepared for him, and a Bible
on it. They sat for the space of half an hour in pro-
found silence ; and even then, the anguish of his soul
was as great as human nature was capable of endur-
ing. At length these words came to his mind :
"Verily, there is a reward for the righteous : verily,
he is a God that judgeth in the earth." He arose
and delivered them ; then other words presented
themselves ; and so on till his understanding became
opened and his heart enlarged in a manner astonish-
ing to himself. He spoke upon subjects suited to
their condition, the rewards of the righteous ; the
judgments of the wicked ; the necessity of repent-
ance, and the importance of a change of life. The
THE GUIDING HAND. 371
matchless love of God to the children of men, had
such a powerful effect upon the mind of those
wretched beings, that they were melted into tears.
Nor was he less astonished at the unbounded good-
ness of Almighty God, in thus interposing to save
his spiritual as well as his natural life , and well might
he exclaim, "This is the Lord's doing, and it is mar-
velous in our eyes." Under a deep sense of God's
goodness, his heart became filled with such thankful-
ness, that it was out of his power to express it.
What a marvelous change was suddenly brought
about by Divine interposition ! He who a little
before disbelieved in God, was now humbled before
him ; and they who were meditating his death were
moved to affection.
The next morning they put him in one of their
vessels and conveyed him where he desired. From
that time he was a changed man. From an infidel he
became a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The ultimate effect of this strange sermon upon
those ungodly men, can only be disclosed in the judg-
ment ; but if in the coming glory of the eternal day,
it should appear that others who heard him then were
sharers of the blessing, it would only add another to
the many instances where the leadings of divine
Providence have prepared the way for the manifesta-
tions of divine grace in the salvation of lost sinners.
The word of grace, proclaimed by a sinner to sin-
ners, had proved a savor of life unto life to him who
spoke it, and had melted the hearts of those who
had long been strangers to the message of salvation.
372 THE GUIDING HAND.
FATHEK HAEDING'S CONVERT.
The eccentric Father Harding, though peculiar in
many of his modes of action, speech, and thought,
was yet in a remarkable degree a man of humble
faith and prayer, and was often strangely used and
honored of the Lord as an instrument for the conver-
sion of sinners. Bold for the truth, firm in his con-
victions, patient in persecutions, and strong in the
faith, giving glory to God, he was an ever ready wit-
ness for the Lord, and his testimony was with power.
The following anecdote was related by Albion
Ross, an esteemed minister of Christ, who was some-
times his companion in labor. He received the story
from the lips of Father Harding himself:
Father Harding once attended a meeting in B ,
a town on the banks of the Penobscot river, and while
there, was moved to rebuke the prevailing worldliness
and pride which were creeping into the church, and
eating out the power of godliness like a canker. On
this occasion, if we mistake not, the burden of his
testimony had reference to the too prevalent practice
of religious congregations relinquishing that exercise
of praise which is so comely in the upright, and allow-
ing this important portion of Christian worship to
pass into the hands of wicked, worldly, and profane
persons, who mock the Lord with falsehoods while
professing to honor him with praise ; and if they sing,
"I'm not ashamed to own my Lord,"
sing a lie, for they are ashamed both of Christ and
THE GUIDING HAND. 373
his words; and whose hypocritical praises, blended
with dulcet strains of worldly melody, though in an
artistic point of view they may be excellent, yet con-
sidered as worship addressed to the Almighty and
ever-living God, are more impertinent than the antics
of a monkey in the presence-chamber of a king.
The earnestness with which he rebuked the profan-
ation of God's worship by those who uttered solemn
words with thoughtless tongues, and the pointed tes-
timony he bore against prevailing evils, enraged some
of the people, and he was forcibly and summarily
ejected from the house ; and two rude men, confiding
more, perhaps, in man's wrath than in God's right-
eousness, grasped him by his arms, and dragged him
down the hill, he quietly remarking as he went,
6 'Christ was crucified bet ween two thieves," hurried
him to the river's brink, and pushed him down head-
long amid the dirt and sand and stones.
Recovering himself from his fall, he meekly climbed
the bank, where the two persecutors met him and
pushed him back once more among the stones. Just
at this moment a man, who, while employed in an
adjacent field, had observed their brutal conduct,
came running to the place, ready to fight, and willing
to defend any one who was treated with such indig-
nity and abuse. He reached the place eager to do
battle, but as he was beginning to interfere, and pre-
paring for a struggle, he was stopped by Father
Harding, who exclaimed, "Don't you touch them!"
and falling on his knees, he began to pray for those
who so despitefully used him and persecuted him,
374 THE GUIDING HAND.
with a fervor and unction known only to those whose
acquaintance with God is intimate, and whose faith
overcome th the world. The prayer was ended ; the
old man was victorious through divine power ; and,
as of old on that occasion when an enraged multitude,
filled with wrath at the teachings of the Messiah, had
thrust him forth to hurl him headlong unto death,
"He, passing through the midst of them, went his
way," teaching and preaching as before so the old
man went on in peace, rejoicing in his deliverance
from his enemies, and preaching salvation far and
near.
But this was not the end. God, who sends his ser-
vants forth to sow the seed, watches and waters it
himself when the sower's hand is busy in far off fields,
and it was in his divine purpose to make a blessing
abound even through such a scene of persecution as
that. There was a "need be" for that trial, and so
there is for all the Christian's tribulations, and oh,
what blessings God will bestow amid them all if we
will simply hold fast our integrity in obedience and
faith, and endure all things as he has commanded us
to do ! Then he can work with us and make our
defeats victories, and our sorrows joys.
So it was with Father Harding. Years passed
away ; the scene at the river bank was only remem-
bered as one of many instances where he had been
counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of
Christ, and had been called to endure violence for
his Master's sake ; nor did he dream of any special
blessing on that hour. But one day as he was
THE GUIDING HAND. 375
traveling in a distant locality, he was hailed by a
stranger who greeted him with all the warmth of
Christian love and friendship.
"I do not know you," said Father Harding.
"Don't you remember when those two men were
pushing you down the river bank at B , a man
came running to your defense ?"
"Yes."
"I was that man; and when you forbade me to
touch them, and knelt and prayed for God to bless
those who despiteful ly used you and persecuted you,
I thought in my mind, 'There, I must have just the
kind of religion which that old man has.' And from
that time, again and again, these words would ring in
my ears, 'You must have the same kind of religion
which that old man had,' until at last I sought and
found the Lord, and now I greet you as a fellow-pil-
grim bound for the land of rest."
Such was the substance of their conversation, and
the reader can easily imagine what a blessed Eben-
ezer to the weary pilgrim was this memorial of God's
guiding goodness,' and his gracious care. Often in
after years did Father Harding relate the story, show-
ing how God could make the wrath of man to praise
him, and feeling, like the apostle, that the things that
had happened unto him had fallen out for the further-
ance of the gospel, and that thus, in this strange and
mysterious way, God was pleased to bring home a
lost sinner who might not have been reached by any
of the ordinary instrumentalities which could have
been employed.
376 THE GUIDING HAND.
A WORD IN SEASON.
Mr. Thomas Champness says : "One snowy day I
was preaching in Yorkshire on the top of a great hill,
and there was a family that used to worship in that
chapel that lived a long way from it. I had not a
chance to say anything to them about spiritual things.
There were two young women in the family for
whom I was very much drawn to pray. I was anx-
ious to get a word into their hearts about the Saviour.
This snowy day prevented their return to their farm-
house after the afternoon service as their custom was.
They had to stay until the evening service, and the
gentleman they were invited to stay with was the
same that entertained me. When I went into the
drawing-room who should be there but the girl about
whom I had been praying, and praying that I might
have an opportunity of saying a word to. I felt that
now was the time, and said just a sentence or two,
and then somebody came in, so that no more was
said. During the week she wrote me a letter in
which she said : 'Nobody ever spoke to me about my
soul, and I had been praying to God that you would
do so some day ; ' and the result was that she gave
herself to the Lord Jesus Christ."
Thousands of unsaved souls are to-day waiting, as
you, reader, perhaps once waited, that some one may
say to them a word to guide them in the way of peace.
Their hearts yearn as your heart yearned in the days
when you knew not God. They shrink as you shrunk
from a public avowal of their thoughts and feelings,
THE GUIDING HAND. 377
but they are hungering and thirsting for righteousness
and for rest. Will you not speak to them some word,
as God shall give you a word to speak, and trust that
he will make the message effectual to their present
and eternal salvation ?
THE TRACT AND THE OYSTER.
A professional diver said he had in his house
what would probably strike a visitor as a very strange
chimney ornament the shells of an oyster holding
fast a piece of printed paper. The possessor of this
ornament was diving on the coast, when he observed
at the bottom of the sea this oyster on a rock, with
a piece of paper in its mouth, which he detached, and
commenced to read through the goggles of his head-
dress. It was a gospel tract, and, coming to him
thus strangely, and unexpectedly, so impressed his un-
converted heart that he said, "I can hold out against
God's mercy in Christ no longer, since it pursues
me thus." He became, while in the ocean's depths,
a repentant, converted, and (as he was assured)
sin-forgiven man, "saved at the bottom of the sea."
Are you doing anything to publish and scatter
gospel tracts? A tract which costs a penny may
save a soul. And tracts can be multiplied by millions
if means are furnished to pay their trifling cost.
Some can write tracts ; others can publish them eco-
nomically ; others can pay for them ; others, still, can
distribute them judiciously ; and so all can be helpers
in the work, and sharers in the blessing.
378 THE GUIDING HAND.
THE SUICIDE AND HER BIBLE.
" When I am weak, then am I strong."
The late Rev. T. Wills, in the course of one of
his journeys, preaching at Lady Huntington's chapel,
in Bristol, from, "My grace is sufficient for thee,"
took occasion to relate the circumstance of a young
woman who knew and loved the Lord ; but was
laboring under a strong temptation to put a period
to her life by drowning herself. The enemy so far
succeeded as to prevail on her to go to the river, in
order to put the dreadful plan in execution ; but as
she was adjusting her clothes, to prevent her from
floating, she felt something in her pocket ; it was
her Bible. She thought she would take it out and
look in it again for the last time. She did so ; and
the above-mentioned text immediately caught her eye.
The Lord applied it with its own energy to her soul ;
the snare was instantly broken, the temptation was
taken away, and she returned, blessing him who had
given her the victory.
The relation of this circumstance was blessed to
the conversion of a man and his wife then present ;
and to completing a similar deliverance. These per-
sons, it appeared, previous to this time, had lived in
an almost continual state of enmity ; their habitation
exhibited a scene of discord and confusion ; and often
their quarrels would end in a total silence. Some
considerable time would elapse before a single word
would be exchanged by them. In one of these
unhappy seasons, the wife came to the dreadful
EHE GUIDING HAND. 379
determination of drowning herself. She accordingly
left her house for the purpose, and came near the
river ; but it being too light, she feared, on that
account, she should be detected. She therefore
knew not where to go till it grew darker. She at
length espied a place of worship open. She thought
she would go in, and when it was over it would be
sufficiently dark.
She went in. Mr. Wills was preaching ; and, as
already observed, related the before-mentioned cir-
cumstance. She heard with attention ; the Lord
blessed what she heard to her conversion ; and the
devil lost his ends. She returned another person ;
and when she came home her husband looked at her
with surprise. Her countenance, which before was
the index of a malevolent disposition, now indicated
the temper of a lamb. Struck with her appearance,
her husband asked her where she had been. She
told him. He immediately interrogates her, "And
did you see me there?" She replied, "No." He
added, " But I was; and, blessed be God, I found
his grace sufficient for me also ! "
WHAT A FLY DID.
Near by a church lived a very wicked man, a
rum-seller, by the way, who seemed not to fear God
or regard man. He despised all good things, and
loved to do wrong rather than right. It happened
that the church near him was remodeled, and an organ
380 THE GUIDING HAND.
was put in, and there was to be some good playing
on it, and excellent music by the choir on the "re-
opening" of the church. This man wanted to hear
the music, but he did not want to hear the sermon.
He was puzzled for the time, but finally hit upon
this plan : he would go into the church, take a seat
in an obscure corner and listen to the music, but
stop his ears with his fingers when there was any
praying, preaching, or talking. So he went in and
enjoyed the singing and the sound of the organ, but
when the minister prayed he stopped his ears as
tightly as possible. When prayer was over, and
singing commenced, he took his fingers from his ears,
but stopped them again as soon as the minister began
reading a chapter in the Bible. While he sat thus,
self-made deaf, a fly lit on his nose and began to run
round, and occasionally it stopped and thrust down
its bill as if to take a bite from the skin. The man
bore it as long as he could, and then involuntarily
brushed the fly off with his hand, leaving one ear
unstopped while he did so. Just at that instant the
minister read the verse, "He that hath ears to hear,
let him hear." The words struck him with peculiar
force ; he thought a moment, unstopped his- other ear,
and listened to the rest of the chapter and to the
sermon following. He went from the church with a
changed purpose, became a good man, and lived
many years, trying all the time to do all the good he
could to others, and to repair the mischief done by
his former conduct. The improvement in the church,
the organ, the attractive exercises, were all instru-
THE GUIDING HAND. 381
mental in drawing this man in where a good seed
might be dropped into the soil of his mind, but that
little fly was also necessary to unstop his ears.
A STAR IN THE CROWN.
A young lady was preparing for the dance hall,
and standing before a large mirror, placed a light
crown ornamented with silver stars, upon her head.
While thus standing, a little fair-headed sister climbed
in a chair and put up her tiny fingers to examine this
beautiful head-dress, and was accosted thus, " Sis-
ter, what are you doing? You should not touch that
crown ! " Said the little one, "I was looking at that,
and thinking of something else." "Pray, tell me
what you are thinking about yow, a little child."
"I was remembering that my Sabbath-school teacher
said, that if we save sinners by our influence we
shall win stars to our crown in heaven ; and when
I saw those stars in your crown I wished I could save
some soul." The elder sister went to the dance, but
in solemn meditation ; the words of the innocent
child found a lodgment in her heart, and she could
not enjoy the association of her friends At a season-
able hour she left the hall and returned to her home ;
and going to her chamber, where her dear little sis-
ter was sleeping, imprinted a kiss upon her soft
cheek, and said: "Precious sister, you have one
star for your crown ; " and kneeling at the bedside,
offered a fervent prayer to God for mercy.
382 THE GUIDING HAND.
JUXTA CRUCEM.
From the cross the blood is falling,
And to us a voice is calling
Like a trumpet, silver- clear
'Tis the voice announcing pardon,
IT is FINISHED, is its burden,
Pardon to the far and near.
Peace that precious blood is sealing,
All our wounds forever healing,
And removing every load ;
Words of peace that voiee has spoken,
Peace that shall no more be broken,
Peace between the soul and God.
Love, its fullness there unfolding,
Stand we here in joy beholding,
To the exiled sons of men ;
Love, the gladness past all naming,
Of an open heaven proclaiming,
Love that bids us enter in.
GOD is LOVE ; we read the writing,
Traced so deeply in the smiting
Of the glorious Surety there.
GOD is LIGHT ; we see it beaming,
Like a heavenly dayspring gleaming,
So divinely sweet and fair.
Cross of shame, yet tree of glory,
Round thee winds the one great story
Of this ever- changing earth ;
Centre of the true and holy,
Grave of human sin and folly,
W6mb of nature's second birth.
HORATIU8 BONAK
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THE CKOWNING SIN OP THE AGE The Perversion of Mar-
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Supreme Courts of Ohio, North Carolina and of the United States of
America. Unique paper covers, 50 cents. Fine edition, $1,00,
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buryport clergyman. " BKITISH AMERICAN CITIZEN.
"Please permit me to thank you for your sermon on a heinous sin that is
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unteers, and Vice President of the Society of the Army of the Potomac.
" I wish to extend to you my sincere congratulations for your fearless
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as you do, that criminal abortion is fast wiping out the original race whose
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"Let me say as a physician of over thirty years' experience, the worst
half has never been told by you or any other man. It is a pity too that the
people are not ready and anxious to hear the truth. Still those guilty of
what the late Rev. Dr. John Todd, of this state, called 'Fashionable Murder,'
expect to enter the gates of Heaven, without repentance. * * * I can give
3 r ou evidence to cover every point on which you have thus far spoken."
J. FARRAR, M. D., Boston, Mass.
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