es in their sons even to this fair
day!

Jose deferred his sermon until the close of the service. He wanted
time to think over again what he could say to these simple people.
They sat before him, dull, inert, yet impressionable--bare of feet, or
wearing hempen sandals, and clad in cheap cottons and calicos, with
here and there a flash of bright ribbon among the women, and
occasionally a parasol of brilliant hue, which the owner fondly
clasped, while impatiently awaiting the close of the service that she
might proudly parade it. A few of the men wore starched linen shirts,
but without collars. The Alcalde, with his numerous family, and the
family of Don Felipe Alcozer, sat well in front. The former regarded
Jose expectantly, as the priest turned to deliver his simple sermon.

"My children," Jose began, "when the good man whom we call the Saviour
sent his disciples out into the world he told them to preach the
gospel and heal the sick. We have no record that he asked them to do
more, for that included his whole mission. I am here to do his work.
And, as I believe myself to have been led to you, so I shall preach
what I believe to be given me by the great Father of us all. I shall
teach you the Christ as I comprehend him. I would I could heal the
sick as well. But the gift of healing which Jesus bestowed has been
lost to mankind." He paused and seemed to think deeply. Then he
continued:

"I am your servant, and your friend. I want you to believe that
whatever I do in your midst and whatever I say to you follows only
after I have prayerfully considered your welfare. As time has passed I
have seemed to see things in a clearer light than before. What I may
see in the future I shall point out to you as you are able to
understand me. To that end we must suffer many things to be as they
are for the present, for I am learning with you. I shall give you a
single thought to take with you to-day. Jesus once said, 'As a man
thinketh, so is he.' I want you to remember that, if you would be well
and happy and prosperous, you must think only about good things. Some
day you will see why this is so. But go back now to your _fincas_ and
your fishing, to your little stores and your humble homes, firmly
resolving never to think a bad thought, whether about yourself or your
neighbor. And pray for yourselves and me--"

He looked off into the gloom overhead. Again he seemed to hear the Man
of Galilee: "Ask and ye shall receive."

"And, m