Mrs. Middleton’s Mistake and How She Corrected It
By Mrs. C. C. L.
WHEN they were seated alone in the parlor, Mrs. Wiseheart said: “How is it John goes out so much evenings without you? When the tent was pitched here, you and he were always running around together, and seemed to be so happy in each other’s society.” Mrs. Middleton sat silent for some moments, absorbed in deep thought. As she turned her face toward her friend, she said: “I fear I have been making a great mistake. I have often been lonely without him. I have asked him to go to the prayer meeting with me, but he does not care to go. He used to buy me beautiful things to wear, but I thought it wrong to put them on, and now he does not bring me any more.” As the two women talked, Mrs. Middleton’s heart was deeply touched. She began to see that her husband’s soul was just as precious in the sight of God as the souls of other people, and that if she did not win him to Christ, perhaps no one else ever could. Mrs. Wiseheart said, “Did you ever read what it says in 1 Cor. 7: 12-17 about the unbelieving companion?” “Why, no,” replied Mrs. Middleton. “Does it speak of such a case as that? I am sure I should be very glad to see it.” “My dear,” said Mrs. Wiseheart, “let us make this matter a subject of prayer. It will never do for you to lose your influence over John. Can you not plan little surprises for him? Invite in some of his friends; put on your prettiest dress and go for a car ride, a picnic, or some little outing. Take the children into your confidence; find an interesting book, have yourself and the children daintily dressed, and spend the evening together occasionally, in reading and in innocent diversion.” “Of course you cannot go to all the places of worldly pleasure you once did, but I believe God will help you to bind your husband to you. If you will plan interesting and pleasant entertainment at home, I think he will decide it is more pleasant to stay with you and the children than to go out to find other company. Be sure you leave nothing undone you can consistently do to please him and make him happy. It may be that God will touch his heart, and by your conversation and well-ordered, devoted life, you may win your husband to Jesus.” Mrs. Middleton was getting a new vision of life. As she studied the Word and the spirit of prophecy, she got a glimpse of the position of a believing wife in an unbelieving household. She was led to see what a golden opportunity she had to preach Christ to her family. On one occasion, as she was praying, the case of Augustine came to her mind. He was a man of violent temper, yet the prayers and patience of his consecrated wife prevailed in his behalf, and he was led to the Saviour. She said in her heart, “Would that I might thus win my husband.” But how to begin was the question. She studied the situation with much prayer. She and Mrs. Wiseheart decided to talk the matter over with their other friend, Mrs. Heartsease, who was also an earnest Christian. They chose a certain hour each day for prayer. No matter where they were — at home or on the street, together or alone — at the set time they agreed to lift their hearts to God and plead with him for Mr. Middleton’s conversion, and for Mrs. Middleton’s guidance in her efforts to do her part in their home. These prayer seasons soon brought renewed strength and spiritual vigor to Mrs. Middleton’s own life, so that her heart was overflowing with praise and good courage in the Lord. One day, nearing Thanksgiving time, she began to plan a family dinner. She took the children into her confidence. They wanted to have things well started before they told the father. She planned a menu that she knew he would enjoy. Some things were not suited to her own taste, but she recognized that it was his home as well as hers, and she tried to make the best of the situation. That evening when Mr. Middleton came home, he was quite surprised to find his wife dressed as if she were going out; but it was long after the hour for the prayer meeting, and she had not gone. On his inquiring if she were not going to the meeting, she said she had decided to remain at home with him. Mr. Middleton wondered in his own mind if his wife was backsliding or what had changed her mind. But she was so patient and did so much for his comfort16and pleasure that he could not help feeling she was like a good angel in the house. Later she told him that they were considering changing the time of the meeting, and she hoped to get it on the evening he had to be out, so they could be at home on the same evenings. Not long after this there was to be a musical entertainment in their town, and Mr. Middleton brought home tickets for himself and family. He noticed with ill-concealed pleasure that his wife was willing to accompany him. He thought to himself, “I wonder what has got into Marie; I can’t believe she is going back on her religion, for she reads her Bible more than ever, and is so patient with the children. Even though I have been such a grouch at times, she bears it all so quietly. Of course she has some strange notions about parties, fashions, and other things; but let her have them. She has a right to have her own opinions. She is a good wife, anyhow.” Mrs. Wiseheart was much encouraged on her next visit to learn that the Middletons were out to the musical in full force. She did not need to be told that things were going better in the home of her friends. But complete victory did not come at once. The praying women were often reminded that sin and the love of worldly pleasure die hard. Mrs. Middleton’s heart often ached over things she could not control. Sometimes her husband spent his evenings away from home, and sometimes he wanted the children to attend places of pleasure which she could not indorse. At such times she could only flee to her secret place of prayer, and ask God to raise up a standard in their young hearts against the enemy. Mr. Middleton was fond of society and “a good time,” but he loved his children more. One day it occurred to him that the division in sentiment in his home was not conducive to the best results in child training. He admitted to himself that either he was going wrong or his wife was. He had to own she was more patient, economical, and unselfish than he. As he thought over his life for the past few years, he could see only selfishness and personal gratification in almost everything he had done. Something brought that text of Scripture to his mind which says, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” He felt more and more impressed, for the sake of his children and for his own peace of mind, that he must turn over a new leaf. His wife had struggled along alone a good while, and he said to himself: “It’s no use; I can’t hold out longer. I will go with her;” and he did. The prayer band had done its work. “Prayer is appointed to convey
The blessings God designs to give;
Long as they live should Christians pray,
They learn to pray when first they live.”