KNOCK AT THE GOLDEN DOOR.
MRS. MARION B. BAXTER, financial president of N. W. C. T. U. work, at one time felt peculiarly depressed, and as she waited for her train in the railway station, was filled with sad questioning as to whether her work paid, whether it was not in vain, whether the sacrifice was not too great for the results, and happening to look up, she saw at the end of a hallway a door on which was written in bold letters the word "Knock." In an indifferent way she began to think of the word, and said to herself, "I suppose if I knocked, I would find out what is behind that door, see who is within, and know whether or not there is anything there for me." Immediately it flashed into her mind that there was a door at which she was invited to knock by her heavenly Father, that would be opened to her, and within that door stood One who could and would supply all her need. As she responded to the invitation, a flood of peace filled her soul. A short time after an old colored woman who had charge of a station-room, accosted her, asking, "Misse, am you a Christian?" She answered positively in the affirmative. "Well, honey," said the old woman, "I wish I was. I'se a berry wicked woman, and I don't 'pear to know how to be good. Wish I could be a bettah woman." "You must knock at God's door," answered Mrs. Baxter, explaining how our prayers appeal to the infinite heart of Love. The old woman took in every word eagerly. "But how often must I knock? Must I knock when I feel like getting mad?" "Must I knock when I'se sick and down in de dumps? When I'se tempted and tried, and wants to lie and steal and do wicked t'ings, and when I feels weak and discouraged?" "Laws, honey, den I'll jes have to be a knock, knock, knockin' all de time." "That's so," said Mrs. Baxter. "Keep your heart going up to God's heart all the time, and the golden door of his love will stand open to your appeals, and grace will come to help in every time of need." With a shining face the old darkey went to her work, and with new courage and joy, Mrs. Baxter went on with her mission to the poor and lost.