t make us his instruments. If we say that this poor
fallen fellow-creature cannot be lifted out of his degradation and turn
away that he may perish, God is powerless to help him through us. Oh,
sir, I cannot do this and be conscience clear. I helped him to fall,
and, God giving me strength, I will help him to rise again."

Her closing sentence fell with rebuking force upon the clergyman. He
too was oppressed by a heavy weight of responsibility. If the sin of
this man's fall was upon the garments of Mrs. Birtwell, his were not
stainless. Their condemnation was equal, their duty one.

"Ah!" he said, in tones of deep solicitude, "if we but knew how to
reach and influence him!"

"We can do nothing if we stand afar off, Mr. Elliott," replied Mrs.
Birtwell. "We must try to get near him. He must see our outstretched
hands and hear our voices calling to him to come back. Oh, sir, my
heart tells me that all is not lost. God's loving care is as much over
him as it is over you and me, and his providence as active for his
salvation."

"How are we to get near him, Mrs. Birtwell? This is our great
impediment."

"God will show us the way if we desire it. Nay, he is showing us the
way, though we sought it not," replied Mrs. Birtwell, her manner
becoming more confident.

"How? I cannot see it," answered the clergyman.

"There has come a crisis in his life," said Mrs. Birtwell. "In his
downward course he has reached a point where, unless he can be held
back and rescued, he will, I fear, drift far out from the reach of
human hands. And it has so happened that I am brought to a knowledge of
this crisis and the great peril it involves. Is not this God's
providence? I verily believe so, Mr. Elliott. In the very depths of my
soul I seem to hear a cry urging me to the rescue. And, God giving me
strength, I mean to heed the admonition. This is why I have called
today. I want your help, and counsel."

"It shall be given," was the clergyman's answer, made in no
half-hearted way. "And now tell me all you know about this sad case.
What is the nature of the crisis that has come in the life of this
unhappy man?"

"I called on Mrs. Sandford this morning," replied Mrs. Birtwell, "and
learned that his daughter, who is little more than a child, had applied
for the situation of day-governess to her children. From Ethel she
ascertained their condition, which is deplorable enough. They have been
selling or pawning furniture and clothing in order