  While attending to her birds one morning, the Witch was interrupted by a knock at the door and a summons from one of her neighbors, who had sent a child to ask if this good soul would come over. Yes, she would be there directly. Donning her sombre colored bonnet and shawl the Witch started for her neighbor's. The unhappy little woman craved sympathy, and had sent for her who knew so well how to render it. She told the oft-repeated story of a drunkard's wife. Her husband had left home the previous evening and had not returned, and after these prolonged sprees she feared his coming, who was the kindest of men when himself, but very savage when under the influence of liquor. Then, too, she was afraid that he would lose his position, which his employer had threatened if he did not attend to work better. The Witch told her to be of good cheer; that all would be well with her yet. She looked at the shabby furniture and still shabbier clothing of the children. This family had once been in comfortable circumstances, but were brought to this state of poverty through intemperance, the prevailing evil. For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty. Proverbs, xxiii, 21. And yet how much good these beverages might do if used in moderation, but too many are with this, like all their other appetites over which they have no control. The mind should be made to strive harder after the knowledge of God in order to subdue these carnal desires. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans viii, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14. Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink, that continue until night, till wine inflame them! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink. Isaiah v, 11, 22. He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians vi. 8. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offense. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Romans xiv, 20, 21. Whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. II Corinthians v, 6. Be not drunk with wine wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians v, 18. Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians v, 16. Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. Titus ii, 12. About midday this fallen image of God came home partially sobered and ferocious as a wild animal. The Witch mentally compared man with beast and gave her dog the preference. He had commenced his wicked profanity, when a hand was laid on his arm and reproachful eyes looked into his. Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Proverbs xx, 1. God created man in his own image. Genesis i, 27. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. I Corinthians iii, 16, 17. After this he sat quietly for a long time apparently lost in thought; then this truly penitent one arose, stood beside his wife and vowed that in future he would be a better man, and their home should be happy as in the old days before this false friend took possession. Tears of happiness were streaming from the little woman's eyes, and our Witch withdrew, thanking God in her heart for this power he had given her. |
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