The Project Gutenberg eBook ofThe Witch Hypnotizer

The Project Gutenberg eBook ofThe Witch HypnotizerThis ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: The Witch HypnotizerAuthor: Zena A. MaherRelease date: January 24, 2014 [eBook #44748]Most recently updated: October 24, 2024Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by David Garcia and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file wasproduced from images generously made available by TheInternet Archive)*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WITCH HYPNOTIZER ***

This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

Title: The Witch HypnotizerAuthor: Zena A. MaherRelease date: January 24, 2014 [eBook #44748]Most recently updated: October 24, 2024Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by David Garcia and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file wasproduced from images generously made available by TheInternet Archive)

Title: The Witch Hypnotizer

Author: Zena A. Maher

Release date: January 24, 2014 [eBook #44748]Most recently updated: October 24, 2024

Language: English

Credits: Produced by David Garcia and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file wasproduced from images generously made available by TheInternet Archive)

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WITCH HYPNOTIZER ***

star

BYZENA A. MAHERstarPUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHORstarSAN FRANCISCOTHE BANCROFT COMPANY1892COPYRIGHT, 1892BYZENA A. MAHERIssued from the Press ofTHE BANCROFT COMPANY

ZENA A. MAHER

star

PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR

star

SAN FRANCISCOTHE BANCROFT COMPANY1892

Issued from the Press ofTHE BANCROFT COMPANY

star

To My Husband, the Truest and Noblest of Men

star

CHAPTER

THE WITCH HYPNOTIZER

Let there be light. Genesis i, 3.Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven. Matthew v, 16.

Let there be light. Genesis i, 3.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven. Matthew v, 16.

In the world of imagination many Witches have lived and died since the one of whose existence and wonders I am about to relate, came into prominence.

She lived quite alone in a little cottage on the outskirts of a large city in America, of course, and why should not the free soil produce all sorts when it is the dumping ground for all creation?

Alone, with the exception of her dog and several cages of canaries which, by the way, were a new departure in the line of pets, for the old-time Witches were supposed to favor cats and parrots, she commanded the respect of all, but there was something so very peculiar about her that some of her more superstitious neighbors looked upon this woman as a kind of good Witch.

There was nothing remarkable about her personal appearance and the peculiarity was not visibly noticeable. It was nothing tangible, but an indescribable something which gave her influence over other minds, to bend them to her will.

Every one felt this more or less in her presence; a giving up of pet hobbies, even, to her ideas, which fortunately were very liberal.

There was that also about her sympathetic nature which invited confidence, and many who were not given to complaining found themselves, they hardly knew why, telling her their secret sorrows.

For years this Witch or woman was herself unconscious of this power, but when she fully realized it, her work to her conscientious heart was laid out, and that must be in doing all the good possible through this genius that was hers.

She had always endeavored to do her best, ever ready to lend a helping hand to any one in trouble.

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.

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.

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.

On reaching home she found a neighbor waiting outside, who entered with her, in the meantime pouring into the ever sympathetic ears her trouble.

She was bewailing over the downfall of her boy who heretofore had been exceptionally dutiful, invariably spending his evening at home, but of late all was changed. He had contracted the card disease with all its adherent vices, which was rapidly developing into a mania. His salary, which was the home support, was being sacrificed on the gambling altar.

Here was more work. The only son and mainstay of a widowed mother fast going to ruin. Yes, something must be done.

Early the following evening the Witch made it her business to pay a visit to the widow about tea time. The son was hurriedly finishing his meal preparatory to starting out for the night, when somehow he changed his mind and stayed at home instead, and our friend, the Witch, knew that in future he would have sufficient strength of will to pass by his old haunt and on home to his waiting loving mother with his earnings in his pocket, which meant more home comforts, more books and evening reading, and happiness to both.

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left; remove thy foot from evil. Proverbs, iv. 27.

The Witch went home well satisfied with her day's work, and that night thought and planned for the good of humanity. Why not venture further into a wider range for action?

She might peddle her songbirds from door to door, and in this capacity gain access into houses where she could more readily acquaint herself with those in need of her assistance.

The next morning our Witch opened her Bible and read as she was wont to do before any new undertaking. Her eyes rested on these lines:

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke xi, 13.

She knelt and prayed long and earnestly for an abundance of this Holy Spirit to guide and help her. She took her birds and started out.

I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments and do them. Ezekiel xxxvi, 27.

Her first stopping place was at a dwelling that stood back some little distance from the street and was surrounded by flowers.

What drew her attention most was the appearance of a little child whose innocent face reminded her that purity still existed. She entered the grounds and rang the bell.

A young woman opened the door and kindly invited her in. The Witch made some remark about the pretty boy outside, when she saw an expression of pain flit over the lady's face. Something wrong here, she thought.

Yes, the child was hers; she had loved not wisely but too well, Her betrayer, a prosperous business man who was as yet unmarried, was allowed to move in the very best of society, but the finger of scorn was pointed at her from all sides.

She was the only daughter of parents who thought very fondly of their lovable grandchild, still felt keenly the disgrace that had been brought upon the hitherto spotless family name.

Does the seventh commandment demand more obedience from one sex than the other? It reads as if it was spoken to both alike. Our Witch learned the man's name and business address, and departed.

She was so in sympathy with this family that she felt in a hurry to get to work, and so signalled a passing car to stop, and entered. It was well filled, but two seats remaining unoccupied she seated herself in one of them.

Presently a little colored girl came in and took the other. A high-bred dame sitting next elevated her aristocratic nose and pulled her skirts aside as if fearing contamination.

Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud; for the Lord hath spoken. Jeremiah xiii, 15.There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! Proverbs xxx, 13.Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud, saith the Lord God of Hosts. Jeremiah 1, 31.Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord. Proverbs xvi, 5.I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. Isaiah xiii, 11.The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down. Isaiah ii, 11.

Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud; for the Lord hath spoken. Jeremiah xiii, 15.

There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! Proverbs xxx, 13.

Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud, saith the Lord God of Hosts. Jeremiah 1, 31.

Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord. Proverbs xvi, 5.

I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. Isaiah xiii, 11.

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down. Isaiah ii, 11.

Why draw this color line so tightly? What of this outer covering? Have not these people immortal souls which may be white as the whitest; and in many cases, brilliant talents?

The Witch remembered a circumstance where a king of oratory, holding a high official position, was debarred from sitting at table with a ship's crew on account of this same color, which was only a heavier shading; and is not all creation a matter of shadow and coloring?

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth. Acts xvii, 26.

A shabbily dressed woman came in. The stamp of labor was on her gloveless hands, and she looked weary, indeed. But no attention was paid her whatever.

Then came two flashily attired females. No less than five gentlemen arose to offer seats. Were they more in need of rest than this poor laboring woman?

Ah, well! perhaps they were more heavily burdened with their follies than she with her cares.

For once the Witch was too busy with many thoughts to concentrate her mind on any individual in particular, and passed on and out of the car to finish her day's work.

She went in to a business establishment and made her way to the office. The proprietor, a busy man of the world, was at his desk. He looked in surprise at the cage of birds; a rather unusual place, certainly, to attempt the sale of a bird, the business house of a man without family.

"I have no use for pets myself, and have no one to give them to."

No one? Then memory stirred; he thought of the one whom he had so cruelly wronged, and of his innocent child in disgrace. Why were these new and better impulses taking possession of his mind? He did not know, but the Witch did.

She saw the result of her work a few days later when his marriage notice was published in the paper. Another family put to rights.

Next, a respectable looking place that might belong to the occupants, for there was not that unkempt appearance about it that is peculiar to rented property.

Our Witch opened the gate and went in. A scowling woman came to the door who looked daggers at the unwelcome peddler, and said she would not have one of those noisy birds in the house.

About this time her tired-looking husband came home from work, and judging from the tirade of abuse heaped upon him, it was evident that she certainly would not tolerate any noise about the premises that she could not make herself.

It was only a matter of time when this quiet, hard-working man would tire of his home life. Husbands with such life partners are not so much to blame if they do prefer the company of other women, the gambling dens and saloons, or any place rather than their homes.

It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than with a brawling woman in a wide house. Proverbs xxi, 9.

How many wives, instead of trying to make home attractive, drive happiness away with their cruel tongues?

Who have said with our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own who is lord over us? Psalms xii, 4.Hold thy tongue. Amos vi, 10.The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. James iii, 6, 8.A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger.A wholesome tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. Proverbs xv, 1, 4.Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:And be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as even God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians iv, 31, 32.

Who have said with our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own who is lord over us? Psalms xii, 4.

Hold thy tongue. Amos vi, 10.

The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.

It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. James iii, 6, 8.

A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger.

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. Proverbs xv, 1, 4.

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

And be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as even God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians iv, 31, 32.

The Witch is yet at her work. She proceeded on her way, thankful that she has made one less shrew in the world.

On her way along she observed a boy sitting on the walk near some shrubbery. He seemed very intent on whatever he was doing. She approached nearer and saw a poor butterfly denuded of its wings lying quivering in his hand, and he was looking at it with the most intense satisfaction.

"My lad, do you know that—

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Proverbs xv, 3.Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. Proverbs xx, 11.

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Proverbs xv, 3.

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. Proverbs xx, 11.

"Understand that it is sinful to torment any living thing."

The boy slunk away, realizing for the first time that it was wrong to torture anything so small as a butterfly.

The disposition to torture seems to be inherent with many boys and if allowed to grow on them will in time predominate over all good impulses, and prompt them to commit the most terrible crimes.

For the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence. Ezekiel vii, 23.

If they were taught to cultivate will power to subdue these evil impulses what a blessing would be derived! How prone to wickedness is all human nature, and how much we need to pray for help to overcome it!

Watch and pray. Matthew xxvi, 41.

The Witch noticed a girl in the regulation uniform of white cap and apron marshalling several children. How oft seen in the want column: "A nurse girl who will wear the cap." Why was this headgear exacted as a badge of servitude? Why ape the Old World customs?

Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down; for your principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory. Jeremiah xiii, 18.Thus saith the Lord God: Remove the diadem and take off the crown; this shall not be the same; exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high.I will overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him. Ezekiel xxi, 26, 27.And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. Isaiah ii, 11.

Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down; for your principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory. Jeremiah xiii, 18.

Thus saith the Lord God: Remove the diadem and take off the crown; this shall not be the same; exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high.

I will overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him. Ezekiel xxi, 26, 27.

And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. Isaiah ii, 11.

Was not this government founded on the principle of equality? Did not the Pilgrim Fathers estimate one good as another if their righteousness was equal? And the distinction was made only between good and evil doers.

A nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God. Isaiah lviii, 2.And ye were now turned, and had done right in my sight in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbor; and ye had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name:But ye turned and polluted my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom he had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids. Jeremiah xxxiv, 16, 17.

A nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God. Isaiah lviii, 2.

And ye were now turned, and had done right in my sight in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbor; and ye had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name:

But ye turned and polluted my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom he had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids. Jeremiah xxxiv, 16, 17.

Then, again, should it not be more essential for these mothers to look more after the morals of the persons who were to be companions for their children and to be less watchful of Mrs. Grundy's edicts?

For the customs of the people are vain.They are altogether brutish and foolish; the stock is a doctrine of vanities.They are vanity, and the work of errors; in the time of their visitation they shall perish. Jeremiah x, 3, 8, 15.

For the customs of the people are vain.

They are altogether brutish and foolish; the stock is a doctrine of vanities.

They are vanity, and the work of errors; in the time of their visitation they shall perish. Jeremiah x, 3, 8, 15.

The Witch recalled an instance where a distinguished political leader married a sewing woman, and his bride was ostracized from society when it leaked out that she had labored for a livelihood. Had all these aristocrats as clean a record?

Am afraid one's hands would be somewhat soiled by too close investigation.

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts. Luke xvi, 15.For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Luke xii, 2.For God shall bring every work into judgment with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastes xii, 14.The just Lord is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity; every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not. Zephaniah iii, 5.

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts. Luke xvi, 15.

For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Luke xii, 2.

For God shall bring every work into judgment with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastes xii, 14.

The just Lord is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity; every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not. Zephaniah iii, 5.

One day when passing the jail our Witch was moved with an impulse to go inside. The warden allowed her to pass in. Her heart ached for these poor wretches whose faces from behind the bars looked so hopeless and unhappy, and whose blasphemous language chilled her. She longed for the time when:

Every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. II Timothy ii, 19.

Who knew but these criminals were as innocent in the light of God's All-Searching Eye as those who less tried have committed less evil?

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans iii, 23.If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. John i, 8.

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans iii, 23.

If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. John i, 8.

Some have better childhood memories of good influences brought to bear on their susceptible innocence, and would not humanity, begot and reared in iniquity, have a natural inclination to evil, and consequently be pardonable for greater crimes than those of a healthier nourishment? And would not those stronger ones with great mental gifts have more to answer for accordingly than those of weaker natures? Well, it is beyond any human comprehension to execute perfect justice.

Then hear thou from Heaven, thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men. II Chronicles vi, 30.I, the Lord, search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah xvii, 10.The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Psalms xix, 9.But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why doth thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Let us not therefore judge one another any more; but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. Romans xiv, 10, 13.Thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art, that judgest; for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself. Romans ii, 1.Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Luke vi, 37.Therefore judge nothing before the time until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts. I Corinthians iv, 5.

I, the Lord, search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah xvii, 10.

The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Psalms xix, 9.

But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why doth thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Let us not therefore judge one another any more; but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. Romans xiv, 10, 13.

Thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art, that judgest; for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself. Romans ii, 1.

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Luke vi, 37.

Therefore judge nothing before the time until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts. I Corinthians iv, 5.

But crime will come to an end in that happy time when we will know each other's innermost thoughts.

What a grand and awful time will be the day of judgment, when the Spirit quickens the dust of centuries! Grand for those who have sincerely tried to serve the King!

Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil: he shall dwell on high; his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks; bread shall be sure. Isaiah xxxiii, 14, 15, 16.Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. Psalms cxix, 2.They that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Malachi iii, 16, 17.

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. Psalms cxix, 2.

They that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.

And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Malachi iii, 16, 17.

Awful for the hypocrites when God's magnetic eyes burn into their souls. In this way the world of sin will be dissolved, but space, in which we move and have our being, will never be destroyed.

One generation passeth away and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth forever. Ecclesiastes i, 4.For this hath the Lord said: The whole land shall be desolate, yet will I not make a full end. Jeremiah iv, 27.Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner; but my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. Isaiah li, 6.Who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire. Malachi iii, 2.Every man's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. I Corinthians iii, 13.For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews xii, 29.The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved; I bear up the pillars of it. Psalms lxxv, 3.All the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. Zephaniah iii, 8.Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. Zechariah xiv, 12.As wax melteth before the fire; so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. Psalms lxviii, 2.Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned and few men left. Isaiah xxiv, 6.All the hosts of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll. Isaiah xxxiv, 4.Woe unto you, scribes and pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widow's houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Matthew xxiii, 14.For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery. Job xv, 34.I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed. Ezekiel xx, 35, 43.

One generation passeth away and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth forever. Ecclesiastes i, 4.

For this hath the Lord said: The whole land shall be desolate, yet will I not make a full end. Jeremiah iv, 27.

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner; but my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. Isaiah li, 6.

Who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire. Malachi iii, 2.

Every man's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. I Corinthians iii, 13.

For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews xii, 29.

The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved; I bear up the pillars of it. Psalms lxxv, 3.

All the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. Zephaniah iii, 8.

Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. Zechariah xiv, 12.

As wax melteth before the fire; so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. Psalms lxviii, 2.

Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned and few men left. Isaiah xxiv, 6.

All the hosts of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll. Isaiah xxxiv, 4.

Woe unto you, scribes and pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widow's houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Matthew xxiii, 14.

For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery. Job xv, 34.

I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.

And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed. Ezekiel xx, 35, 43.

The Witch was not a regular attendant at any house of worship of any set creed, but preferred ones of lesser grandeur, feeling that she met with more sincerity within. But one Sabbath morning her steps led to one of the largest and most fashionable churches in the city. The ushers were busy seating the well-dressed throng. She slipped along and took a seat by the side of a sumptuously dressed lady who shifted and spread her drapery a little more as a hint to the intruder that her presence was undesirable.

Many haughty glances of derision were shot at the poorly clad stranger who had presumed to come in their midst. She looked about her on the throng.

All is vanity. Ecclesiastes i, 2.

Richly attired matrons, conscious only of their extreme style; fair young girls, not a whit less extravagantly garbed than their elders, with cramped waists and all the accoutrements belonging to devotees of fashion.

A pity that such fair flowers like the rose could not remain longer in bud, for both fall into decay all too quickly after maturity. But Dame Fashion seems in a hurry and holds to artificial development.

Make not my Father's house a house of merchandise. John ii, 16.

What more was this great display of finery than one way of advertising goods?

Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and Sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil.Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured. Isaiah i, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.Their land also is full of idols; they worship the works of their own hands that which their own fingers have made. Isaiah ii, 8.The daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet.In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon.The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers.The bonnets, the headbands, and the earrings.The rings.The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantels, and the wimples, and the crisping pins.The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the veils. Isaiah iii, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23.That women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. I Timothy ii, 9, 10.

Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and Sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil.

Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.

But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured. Isaiah i, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.

Their land also is full of idols; they worship the works of their own hands that which their own fingers have made. Isaiah ii, 8.

The daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet.

In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon.

The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers.

The bonnets, the headbands, and the earrings.

The rings.

The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantels, and the wimples, and the crisping pins.

The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the veils. Isaiah iii, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23.

That women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. I Timothy ii, 9, 10.

The eloquent and eminent divine preached a flowery discourse with no reproof pointing to the vanity and frivolity of the hour.

They are shepherds that cannot understand; they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Isaiah lvi, 11.Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard; they have trodden my portion under foot. Jeremiah xii, 10.The pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the Lord. Jeremiah x, 21.Woe unto you, ye blind guides. Matthew xxiii, 16.Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. Titus i, 11.Ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law. Malachi ii, 8.Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, extort with all long suffering and doctrine.For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears;And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables.But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. II Timothy iv, 2, 3, 4, 5.

They are shepherds that cannot understand; they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Isaiah lvi, 11.

Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard; they have trodden my portion under foot. Jeremiah xii, 10.

The pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the Lord. Jeremiah x, 21.

Woe unto you, ye blind guides. Matthew xxiii, 16.

Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. Titus i, 11.

Ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law. Malachi ii, 8.

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, extort with all long suffering and doctrine.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears;

And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables.

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. II Timothy iv, 2, 3, 4, 5.

The great organ reverberated through the building. The choir sang of God's love to all creatures alike. Two women sat side by side, and the one of loftier mien bowed her head, and for the first time in her life felt the love of God in her heart; and the Witch went out from church happy, knowing that through her influence one soul was redeemed this Sabbath morning.

Marching along the road came the Salvation Army. A crowd of juveniles bent on hilarity followed in line, mimicking and ridiculing them. The crowd on the sidewalk jeered, and a high dignitary in church affairs joined his voice with the rest, remarking that this rabble never ought to be allowed to parade the streets Sunday. Who knows how many degraded lives have been elevated by this much ridiculed religious body who do good work in the slums where religion is most needful, and in so doing follow more closely in the footsteps of the Christ than those who spend their energy in striving among themselves for precedence in the public schools and everywhere?

Why all this contention? Should not real Christian worshippers work in harmony?

Have we not all one Father? Hath not one God created us? Malachi ii, 10.And there was also a strife among them which of them should be accounted the greatest.But ye shall not be so; but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. Luke xxii, 24, 26.Do all things without murmurings and disputings. Philippians ii, 14.Shun profane and vain babblings. II Timothy ii, 16.Be at peace among yourselves. I Thessalonians v, 13.Seek peace and pursue it. Psalms xxxiv, 14.Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory. Philippians ii, 3.Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.From which some having swerved have turned aside into vain jangling. I Timothy i, 5, 6.Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.Be of one mind, live in peace. II Corinthians xiii, 5, 11.Avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Titus iii, 9.For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. James iii, 16.Now I beseech you brethren by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no division among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. I Corinthians i, 10.I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. I Timothy ii, 8.Behold, ye fast for strife and debate.Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye brake every yoke?Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?When thou seest the naked that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?Then shall thy light break forth as the morning; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say: Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as noonday;And the Lord shall guide thee continually. Isaiah lviii, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes xii, 13.He hath showed thee, O Man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah vi, 8.

Have we not all one Father? Hath not one God created us? Malachi ii, 10.

And there was also a strife among them which of them should be accounted the greatest.

But ye shall not be so; but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. Luke xxii, 24, 26.

Do all things without murmurings and disputings. Philippians ii, 14.

Shun profane and vain babblings. II Timothy ii, 16.

Be at peace among yourselves. I Thessalonians v, 13.

Seek peace and pursue it. Psalms xxxiv, 14.

Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory. Philippians ii, 3.

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.

From which some having swerved have turned aside into vain jangling. I Timothy i, 5, 6.

Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.

Be of one mind, live in peace. II Corinthians xiii, 5, 11.

Avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Titus iii, 9.

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. James iii, 16.

Now I beseech you brethren by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no division among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. I Corinthians i, 10.

I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. I Timothy ii, 8.

Behold, ye fast for strife and debate.

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye brake every yoke?

Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?

When thou seest the naked that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.

Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say: Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as noonday;

And the Lord shall guide thee continually. Isaiah lviii, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes xii, 13.

He hath showed thee, O Man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah vi, 8.

The Witch resumed work Monday morning. There was more stir in the streets than usual. On every corner were groups of excited men. Nothing but whisky and election would cause so much commotion.

The carriages of the different candidates were out scouring the town for voters.

Some of these aspirants for office had almost impoverished themselves by daily treating the crowd of loafers who are always ready to trade their votes for whisky.

They go about electioneering for themselves. Bosh! if a man has the elements of greatness he will find his place without all this self-praise.

For men to search their own glory is not glory. Proverbs xxv, 27.For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. Galatians vi, 3.

For men to search their own glory is not glory. Proverbs xxv, 27.

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. Galatians vi, 3.

Election day and no mistaking it; the saloons are supposed to be closed, but there is a back door to some of them.

It is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink and forget the law and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Proverbs xxxi, 4, 5.

Is it any wonder that the women of our land clamor for a voice in the affairs of state and nation?

But a woman's place is not at the polls. She can do more good at home in training the minds of her sons, the future voters, and in making her husband's home-coming pleasant, that he may prefer it to haunts of vice. And it is to be hoped that man through debauchery will not become altogether inefficient and make it necessary for woman to take the lead.

But I suffer not a woman to teach nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. I Timothy ii, 12.

In the evening at that most entrancing hour between daylight and dark, when all creation seems in a dreamy mood, the Witch found herself at the entrance of a gilded palace of sin. A number of the inmates were flitting about the flower-laden, well-kept grounds. She approached one of exquisite beauty of person whose face was not yet passion-scarred.

She was dressed in some soft, flowing, white material which gave her more of a seraphic appearance than one of sensualism. The Witch asked what brought her to this stage of immorality. The woman's reply was that she had been reared in wealth, but her father through some unlucky speculation lost everything. She had never learned to work, but had been taught that any labor was most degrading, and she had not qualified herself to teach any branch of learning, never having made allowance for the swift wings of vanishing wealth.

When thrown on her own resources she was at a loss to know what to do, when a wealthy gentleman friend came to her assistance at the sacrifice of her honor.

He soon tired of her, however; her father had died broken-hearted, and her mother was staying with a distant relative who had kindly offered her a home.

The Witch persuaded her to leave this life of disgrace, to learn honest work and brighten her mother's remaining years.

Back to Index Next