Work should end with Life.
WE remember to have seen somewhere an account of an interview between an aged disciple and her pastor, in which this subject was forcibly illustrated. She had for some time been, through infirmity, unable to attend the public ministrations of the Gospel, or be in any way, as was thought, actively useful. In the course of conversation he made the observation that her work was done. She replied, "It is not done so long as my Master leaves me here." "He leaves his children here to glorify him in laboring for him." And how can you labor? She then modestly related the fact that for a long time she had been in the habit of selecting some unconverted one among her friends, and making him or her the special object of her daily prayer; and in no case had the Lord refused her request. She could count many whom the Lord had given in answer to her prayers. When the names of some of them were given, they were among those whom the pastor thought had been converted through his own instrumentality. These were jewels which would be set in the crown which the Lord would give her. In this, both the aged christians and the pastors in the Church may learn a profitable lesson. The former may learn their responsibility. They have a work to do, in the performance of which they are a blessing to the Church. If they have strengthened in faith as they have increased in years, they have power with God, and will prevail wherever they have his promise to plead. Let all such realize that they are left here because it is more needful for the Church.—Sel.