Part 10 (1/2)
”Oh,” said the little Bishop kindling at the sudden recollection of what had been passing in his mind, ”I've left my Sunday pocket-handkerchief in th' pulpit at Wellhaase, and th' owd devil wor tellingowd devil, and so he is; but I didn't knaw onybody could yeer me” In this way the eneing hiood man has in the service of his Master Satan would not raise any vital point of faith or duty with Abe, because he kneould be beaten, and Abe would be blest, and would rise high on the wings of his faith out of the devil's reach; but he could spring a snare upon the good radually worry and tease hiht of better things
COUNTING THE ORGAN PIPES
Another a how Satan so a false scent across his path, and leading hishi hi in Berry Brow Chapel listening, or endeavouring to listen, to the preacher; it was soon after the new organ was introduced into that place of worshi+p Abe sat just opposite the organ, so that he could not avoid seeing it Several tieted about, and indicated signs of impatience from some cause or another; when all at once, to the astonishment of preacher and people, Abe exclaian, I've caanted 'em a dozen times already; if thaa doesn't believe it, caant 'eine the effect produced by Abe's outburst of indignation, that the devil should doubt the accuracy of his counting in a matter so trivial, as well as the annoyance and shame he felt that he had allowed his old eneain Yet it is only an illustration of the insignificant things that serve to call off our minds froh a whole service about a couple of flies, rather than permit a saint to wait upon God without distraction It shows that we need to be very watchful against the influence of that arch enemy, even in the Lord's house
Little Abe, with all his excellences, had his infirmities like other rief to hih unwatchfulness, he was led into folly ”Could ye not watch with ht often be repeated to the Lord's people to-day ”Watch, therefore, lest ye enter into temptation”
AN EVIL TEMPER
One source of temptation to Little Abe was his temper; and yet here feould think he had any trouble at all If people who knew him were canvassed on this question, the uniform testimony would be that he had a most even disposition; few could be found to testify that they ever saw hier He was, however, naturally of a quick, sensitive temper, and had to keep a jealous watch upon himself, in order to hold this tendency in subjection; the consequence was that it seldoained the mastery over him after his conversion Grace turned the lion into a larew in grace, the marks of the old Adam became less distinct Still it was always an occasion for prayer and watchfulness with him; he would not allow himself to be tempted from this side of his character, if he could avoid it Should anything transpire which was likely to rouse the evil spirit, Abe would take his hat and run away, rather than let the eneain ascendancy over him; he felt that it was often better to ”hide than 'bide”
All our readers may not be troubled with a fiery temper, but they who are should watch it closely, or they will burn themselves If you have fire about, keep powder and petroleum out of the way, or there may be an explosion; he that tempts the fire with combustibles must surely pay the penalty sometiether; get the evil terace, and then this ”sin shall have no dominion over you”
CHAPTER XXI
”The Liberal Deviseth Liberal Things”
Little Abe was endoith a generous heart, but with very lienerally say as the Apostles did to the laive I thee;” yet he often devisedto others His own children, and even those of the village, knew they could get a penny froht be the last he had in the world, and ht be seen surrounded by a swar sweets or some other little trifle of him; and you want no better proof of a uered by little children: they only beg where they get sohbour was in want, and Abe had anyhione home to Sally and told her of some poor creatures who had no bread in the house, and then he would wind up his tale of sorroith, ”Naa, lass, we'll be loike to tak' 'eo to the cupboard and take out a big faladden the hearts of the hungry children
People do not need to be rich to exhibit the spirit of true generosity, because it is not so iven, as in the spirit in which it is done, and the sacrifice involved in the act It is a truly noble thing for a wealthy man to bestow of his abundance on the needy around hiain a place in the affections of the people Everyone admires a liberal man; indeed, it is questionable whether admiration for this quality s in the same persons which are actual faults, and hence a man may be intemperate or profane or worldly, and people say, ”Well, but he is such a generous fellow,” and that is taken as e in s, because he has one excellency in his character Men are not often i one virtue more than another, and consequently their verdict on character is not always reliable Give a benevolent ifts becoence for other sins, or he makes morality only a mockery
Generosity is an essential mark of the Christian character, and should display itself in every follower of our Lord This is the spirit which prompted the poor of the Lord's flock to share their scanty h Abe Lockas never in his life worthain the loalks of life, who often enjoy the pleasure of relieving the wants of sufferers around them
”A GOOD NAME IS BETTER THAN GREAT RICHES”
A the people in his own locality no one stood in better repute than Little Abe If any sick person wanted spiritual direction or comfort they would send for Little Abe He was quite at hoenial face would be sure to cheer the sufferer: and then he kneell how to lead the penitent sinner to the Saviour, that the gloom of many a bedside has been dispelled by his humble ave a great a the sick He was ready to go anywhere, any tiht help to sustain the soul in the last trial of faith; and hbour, talking, singing, praying, and trying to cheer hieneral religious factotu those ere in any way connected with Salem Chapel In baptish repute as the regular ministers Often it happened that he was fetched by so child, and he would perforreat satisfaction to the friends, in his blue ss, as he could have done had he worn the white neckcloth, and passed through ordination honours
”WILT TA KNUG?” (KNEEL)
Ato Abe's house, knocked at the door, then opened it a little way, thrust in his face and said, ”Is Abe in?” It was ato see that man there, for he was a wicked, drunken character, a trouble to the neighbourhood where he lived, and often a terror to his poor wife and children Many a tio to the Lord's house and begin to lead a new life; but sin had such a hold upon hinorance and hardihood, professed to disbelieve in God and His Word
”Is Abe in?” asked the face at the door
”Yes, I' up fro over the lamp on the table to see who the speaker was, ”Come in, mon; open th' door and come in”
And in a little further came the face and head, followed by a pair of broad shoulders and a huge body, whereupon Abe saho they belonged to, and rising froreat hard face was clouded and softened with sorrow Ah, it is a hard heart that does not melt sometimes
”What's ta want?” asked Abe, in a kind tone