Of no account

by Ruth Lamb

"Well, then, I'll just leave you this little paper. It will tell you all about the mission services. Time and place, and preacher, and everything. If you go to a church or chapel regular, I don't ask you to give up your own service for this. But if you don't happen to be fixed, look in at our place to-morrow. You're safe to have time, and you too, missis, when you have your Saturday's work done so early, and your kitchen floor so as one might eat one's dinner off it."

There was no being angry with such good-tempered, pleasant-spoken visitors. So Maggie took the little handbill and thanked them for it, saying, they would "see about it."

Not that either Adam or his wife had the smallest intention of going near the Mission Room, but they would not say so. They only wanted to rid themselves of their callers in a civil way, and without giving offence by a direct refusal.

So when, after a kindly "good night," the door closed behind the men, they considered they had done with them and their errand also.

But they were mistaken.

[CHAPTER VIII.]

CALLERS AND COGITATIONS.

MR. KENNEDY, the mission preacher, had found out long before his visit to Millborough that those who would rouse spiritual sleepers to anxiety about the well-being of their souls, must carry the gospel invitation to their very doors. For this work messengers were needed. Moreover, these required special qualifications. The message must be lovingly delivered by persons who had themselves experienced its importance and knew its preciousness.

There were doubtless many such who were longing to be of use, and willing to carry it into the dark lanes and alleys of Millborough; but mere willingness was not enough, neither was the experimental knowledge alluded to. Both these things were indispensable, but more was wanted. There must be love for the souls of others, as well as thankfulness for personal salvation. There must be readiness of speech, pleasant looks and manners that would manifest good-will and bespeak a hearing, courage that would not fail under difficulties and disagreeables, and the charity that "suffereth long and is kind, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked."

There were a few such, and the two that called at Adam Livesey's door were of the number. They were of the sort to whom the roughest found it hard to give a rude reply.