d barely enough in the
house to eat. I did not realize it so keenly until I saw an old man
trudging along Thirty-first Street with a large pack upon his back. That
man was surely going to surprise some of his friends. How much we need a
friend like that!" "Never mind," said Mrs. Worthington softly; "God has
promised to be a friend in time of need, and I believe he will care for
us today."

As she finished speaking, a rap was heard at the door. Mr. Worthington
arose slowly, wondering who could be their early caller. When he opened
the door, he was greatly surprised to see the aged man with the pack and
to find him to be his own father. Mr. Worthington had entered the house
too soon to see his father turn the corner and enter the yard.

As the large burden was laid upon the floor and unpacked, there seemed
to be no end to the good things. A turkey, cake, pies, in fact, all that
was needful for a generous Christmas dinner, as well as a gift for each
one. It was a very thankful family that gathered around the table that
day.

CHAPTER V.

CONSECRATION.

In regard to her children, Mrs. Worthington had passed through a deep
consecration. She fully realized that they were only lent her by the
Lord, entrusted to her care to be trained for usefulness in his service,
and she was determined to do all in her power to prepare them as the
Lord intended. In all sincerity, she had placed her children upon the
altar of consecration, promising God never to let her will interfere
with his designs concerning them.

I do not think a child of God ever makes a consecration that is not
tested in some form or other. This mother's consecration was tested.

A wealthy aunt, having lost all her children and being very lonely,
thought to fill the vacancy in her heart and home by adopting a little
child. After several vain attempts to find a suitable child, she sought
the home of her niece, Mrs. Worthington. She came with many misgivings.
When she made her errand known, her niece said: "Auntie, my children are
no longer mine; I have given them to the Lord, and whatever is his will
concerning them shall be mine. You will have to obtain my husband's
consent." Thus far Aunt A. was delighted with her success, and she
eagerly sought the father. She tried to point out to Mrs. Worthington,
who was heartbroken at the prospect of losing her child, how abundantly
able she (the aunt) was to provide for the child and spoke of the
extreme poverty