tal for a month. Perhaps the rest and nourishment he would
find there would enable him to get through the trying spring weather,
and in the summer he might be better. While this plan was under
consideration, William found that he could stay in the room that his
father had just quitted until the end of the month, which was half
gone. Still clinging to the hope of finding employment, he gave up the
hospital plan, while in his almost empty room was neither food nor
fuel. His sister did what she could. I applied to the Sick Relief
Society for some coal, which was immediately granted. All this time I
had not applied to my Superintendent, whose kind and ready sympathy
never fails me. The reason was, I have constantly on my heart and hands
so many cases of suffering that I cannot represent them all, and am
anxious to get through difficulties, as far as possible, without
unusual assistance. But in this case God's plans were above my reach.
One day Mrs. Knowles called at my room. While we were talking about
some mission business, there was a knock. It was William. I had an
instant sense that he had providentially called.

"Come in," I said, "and tell your story to my Superintendent." This
interview was the beginning of better times for poor William. Mrs.
Knowles immediately provided him with better clothing. I had only
succeeded in getting some flannel from the Society. Her kindness did
not stop here. In a few days she procured him a job of cutting wood.

_A Difficulty._--William did his first day's work with all the energy
his feeble strength would allow, but on being summoned to the same place
again, an unfortunate circumstance occurred. I think it right to state
the facts, because it shows how wonderfully God's grace can overrule. He
commenced his work as before, but his strength giving out, he accepted
an invitation from a lady in an adjoining house to come in and rest. His
delicate appearance enlisted sympathy. She had had some conversation
with him in his previous day's work, and was now prepared to express the
kindest feelings, especially as she herself had lost a brother with
consumption. Observing his exhausted state, she brought forward a glass
of whiskey, which she made him swallow, strongly advising him to procure
more and use it as a stimulant. The lady's intention was only kind, but,
unfortunately, William acted indiscreetly upon the advice. Encouraged by
the momentary relief afforded by the exhilarating beverage,