Will Power by MRS. M. E. STEWARD

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 11, 1914

Will Power

By MRS. M. E. STEWARD

MRS. M. E. STEWARD

"Will you be so kind as to call on my mother?" said Charley to Mrs. Tracy, a medical evangelist.

Mrs. Tracy lost no time in complying with this request, and finding Mrs. Borden very disconsolate, she inquired, "Are you not well?"

"I wish some one would tell me what ails me. I see others looking as bright as the sun shining on the carpet there, but I am always in the dark."

"Happy are those who make sunshine," rejoined the caller.

"That's it; I've had too much trouble. My boy Arthur, three years older than Charley, went West. At first he wrote regularly, but we haven't heard from him for a long time. I fear he's dead; it's most killed me."

"And poor Charley—how he must miss his brother!"

"O, he feels so lonely, too!"

"Do you not fear that home will be so desolate, with you 'in the dark,' that he will go, too?"

Mrs. Borden gave a little gasp; she had never thought of such a thing. Mrs. Tracy knew it was a hard blow, but she saw that it required something severe to arouse the woman.

"What! leave me! There are only we two. O, what shall I do?"

"I would advise you to stop thinking about Arthur, and everything that makes you sad. I know it will take a strong effort, constant watching, and earnest prayer besides. Nearly everything has good and bad in it. Try to see only the good; never speak of the bad. Young people like cheerful company; and it is not strange that they sometimes tire of gloomy folks. I suppose Charley is a good boy?"

"Yes, he is. I'll try for his sake; indeed I will!" She spoke hurriedly, as if she were frightened.

When Mrs. Tracy met the son, they held a consultation. "Thank you very much," he said. "I think I shall know better how to manage the case now. Mother is a real good woman."

"Suppose you tell her so; it will do her good."

"I will. About Arthur, he was inclined to want his own way. Mother probably made a mistake talking to him so much about it. Sometimes I think he will surely come back. Mother dreams about it, and watches for him."

From this time Charley endeavored unobtrusively to please his mother. When he came home, he was sure to bring her a bit of good news, a flower, or something he thought would interest her, and he conversed on cheerful topics. Out of doors he improved things generally, but he left some of the walks unswept so that mother might have some exercise in the fresh air. When she was cheerful, the son seemed so happy that her purpose was strengthened; she became more sociable and forgetful of self.

During the following winter Mrs. Tracy called often and assisted Mrs. Borden in laying a permanent foundation of cheerfulness by obedience to nature's laws—an abundance of fresh air and sunshine in her rooms, a correct diet, and plenty of exercise. Mrs. Borden welcomed every suggestion that promised help. She had been very nervous, and did not possess naturally strong hope and faith and will power to control her nerves. Now her fear of losing Charley and the one way to keep him were her all-absorbing thought and incentive. At first she often burst into tears the moment he was gone. She feared she might do this in some unguarded moment before him, hence she realized that if she would be cheerful when he was at home, she must be so at heart in his absence; and her struggles for complete victory were strong and constant, while she prayed much, though many times all she could do was to cry, "Help, Lord."

Mrs. Borden was not conscious that every effort strengthened her whole character. It was with the deepest interest that Charley and Mrs. Tracy watched her development, like the growth of a symmetrical, lovely plant. One day she noticed a stranger coming down the street. Something about him reminded her of Arthur. It was indeed her lost son! A happy surprise awaited both; mother was not only more companionable, but trouble had taught Arthur submission, and he was a wiser and better man. The family was once more united, and the lessons learned by each member added to the joy of all.