"I have seen some cider which was more than negative in its effects," said Mr. Richmond. "I think you were right Ailie. Cider is only the juice of apples, to be sure; but it gets so unlike itself once in a while, that it is quite safe to have nothing to do with it."
"Mr. Richmond," said another girl, "what are you to do if people are rude?"
"The Bible says, 'A soft answer turneth away wrath,' Mary."
"But suppose they will not listen to you?"
"Be patient. People did not always listen to the Master, you remember."
"But would you try again?"
"If I had the least chance. We must not be afraid of 'taking the wind on our face,' as an old writer says. I would try again; and I would pray more for them. Did you try that, Mary?"
"No, sir."
"Don't ever hope to do anything without prayer. Indeed, we must look to God to do all. We are nothing. If anything is to be accomplished for the service of Christ by our hands, it must be by God's grace working through us and with us; no other way. The power is His, always. So whatever you do, pray, and hope in God, not in yourself."
"Mr. Richmond," said Frances Barth, "I do not understand about 'carrying the message.' What does it mean?"