ONE STEP AT A TIME.
GEORGE MANNING had almost decided to become a Christian. One doubt held him back."How can I know," he said to himself, "that, even if I do begin a religious life, I shall continue faithful, and finally reach the better country?"
He wanted to see the whole way there before taking the first step.
While in this state of indecision and unhappiness, he one evening sought the house of his favorite professor (for he was a college student at the time), and they talked for several hours upon the all-absorbing topic. But the conversation ended without dispelling his fears, or bringing him any nearer the point of decision.
When he was about to go home, the professor accompanied him to the door, and observing how dark the night was, prepared a lantern, and handing it to his young friend, said,
"George, this little light will not show you the whole way to your room, but only one step at a time; but take that step, and you will reach your home in safety."
It proved the word in season. As George walked securely along in the path brightened by the little lantern, the truth flashed through his mind, dispelling the last shadow of doubt.
"Why can I not trust my Heavenly Father," he said to himself, "even if I can't see my way clear to the end, if he gives me light to take one step? I will trust him; I do trust him."
He could hardly wait till he reached his room to fall on his knees, and thank God for the peace and joy that filled his soul.
Early the next morning the professor was summoned to the door.
There he found George Manning. With beaming face he looked up to his teacher, and as he handed him the lantern, said significantly,
"Doctor, your little lamp lighted me all the way home last night."
Early Dew.
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"BENE ORASSE EST BENE STUDUISSE."
"WHAT strange words these are!" says John. "What can they mean?
Perhaps brother Will knows. He studies German."
Brother Will at once sees that they are not German, and so cannot throw any light on them.
I will tell you. They are Latin.
Luther used to say, "Bene orasse est bene studuisse;" that is, "To pray well is to study well."
He sometimes had so much to do that the days were too short, and he knew not how to get through with his work. Then he would say to his friends, " I must pray more today, or I shall not get done."
That was good doctrine then, and it is equally true now. But many people just turn it around; and when very busy, they say, "Really, I have not time to pray today."
When we have the most to do and to bear, then we most need to pray.
Youth's Evangelist.
A SWEET temper is to the household what sunshine is to trees and flowers.