The missionary told of her own trials in the
matter,--how she had staid away from meeting lest she should be
called on, and remained unblessed till she was willing to do her
duty. She prayed with her once and again, even a third time, before
she consented, saying, "I will not displease God any more in this."
So, drawing very close to her instructor, she offered two petitions
for herself, and one that her friend might be rewarded for showing
her her duty. Hannah was soon active in the women's meetings, and is
to this day a most useful and consistent Christian.
Another marked feature in Mr. Stoddard's labors was his tact in
setting others to work for Christ. He taught his pupils that they
must toil as well as pray, and soon after the first converts were
brought to Christ, definite labor for others was assigned to them,
not only among their schoolmates and those who visited the premises,
but also in gathering in those not disposed to come to meeting.
Once, when three fourths of the pupils were hopefully pious, Mr.
Stoddard said, "I must bring in more, just to furnish work for these
converts." He himself was happy in his work, because he gave himself
wholly to it, without the least reservation; and amid the many
trials that marked the years of his residence in Persia, he looked
beyond them all, to Him who not only can give joy in suffering, but,
by means of it, bring sinners to the Saviour.
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