is in the form of man He cannot be everywhere," suggested one of
the ladies. "And that's not a pleasant thought."

"Our friend here," continued the speaker, nodding to Mr. Strong, "quoted
a passage in his splendid sermon last Sunday which explains how God may
be and is present in all His creations. Certainly God the Father cannot
personally be in two places at the same time any more than God the Son
could or can." The elder took a Bible from his pocket.

"I had better read the passage. It is found in the 139th Psalm. David
exclaims, 'Whither shall I go from thy _spirit_, or whither shall I flee
from thy presence?' You will recall the rest of the passage. Is it not
plain that the Lord is present by His Spirit always and everywhere. His
Spirit sustains and controls and blesses all things throughout the
immensity of space. Fear not, my friend, that that Spirit cannot be
with you and bless you on sea or on land. We cannot get outside its
working power any more than we can escape the Spirit of Christ now and
here, even if His glorified body of flesh and bones now sits on the
right hand of His Father in heaven where Stephen saw it."

As is usual in all such discussions as this, some soon retire, others
linger, eager not to miss a word. Lucy, you may be sure, was among those
who remained. Her father also, sitting near to Chester, listened with
deep interest.

"Just one more thought," continued the "Mormon" elder, "in regard to
this lady's fear that God may not be able to take care of all His
children always and everywhere. God is essentially a Father--our Father.
The fathering of God gives me great comfort. By fathering I mean that He
has not only brought us into existence, but He has sent us forth,
provides for us, watches over us. In our darkness He gives us light, in
our weakness He lends us strength. He rebukes our wrong actions, and
chastens us for our good. In fact, He fathers us to the end. Is it not a
great comfort?"

"It certainly is," said Lucy, unconscious to all else but the spirit of
the Elder's words.

"In this world," said the Elder, "the God-given power of creation is
exercised unthoughtfully, unwisely, and often wickedly. A
good-for-nothing scamp may become a father in name; but he who attains
to that holy title in fact, must do as God does,--must love, cherish,
sustain and make sacrifices for his child until his offspring becomes
old enough and strong enough to stand for himself,--Don't you think so,
M