New England Religious Herald

Two Mites.

CORRESPONDENCE OF THE N. E. R. HERALD.
New York, October 8th, 1850.

The Widow's two mites were considered by Christ a greater contribution and of more value than the munificent gifts of the wealthy. In giving all that she had, she evinced a devotion to the cause she loved that surpassed all others. It was so extraordinary a charity—a token of love of faith, and of such entire benevolence of heart, that the Saviour thought it worthy of special remark and commendation.

"He called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, 'Verily, I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury. For all they did cast in of their abundance: but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.'"

It was a magnificent charity! What largeness of heart, to contribute all that she had—even though that all was but two mites. We do not wonder the Saviour spoke of her with pleasure: the act awakened his sympathies and allied her to himself—there was the same self denial, and, with it, as a reward, the same living joy, that characterize his own life.

There have ever been found those who have willingly and generously given "of their abundance" to the treasury of the Lord; and, there have been some too, who, like the widow gave their all, who poor and humble though they were have devoted time, talents, and their whole substance to the cause of God and humanity—in feeling their indebtedness to Christ for the hope of salvation and the preciousness of the paternal love and protection of God their Heavenly Father, have longed with true sincerity to render earnest and useful service in the cause of their master; and thus have they brought forth fruits that surely must be well pleasing in the sight of heaven—being the faithful return of thankful hearts; the acceptable offerings and sweet smelling incense of devoted lives, self denying and holy purposes.

A poor black woman, now old in years and full ripe in good deeds, who obtained her living by selling Ginger-bread in the streets of this city, might have been seen day after day and year after year, pursuing unobtrusively her small business. For the most part she was unknown, and apparently as insignificant and uninfluential as thousands of others whom we every day see but scarcely notice, and whose sole possessions are poverty ignorance, and depravity. In the former part of her life she was led by the spirit of God to seek an interview with the late Dr. Watson of this city. She went to his house and with trembling, rang the bell. Directed no doubt by a divine influence, he went to the door himself, and greeting her in a kind manner said, 'you have come to see me about your soul's salvation.' Her errand was thus known without the necessity of her own explanation and the way prepared for the assistance and direction she so much needed. It was a special providence in bringing the two together in so remarkable a way, for she afterward said that if she had been received ever so kindly but had been required to tell the object of her visit and what her soul wanted so much, it would have been more than she could have done and she would have been obliged to have gone away speechless, overwhelmed with confusion and disappointment. Through the instructions of that good man she found the Saviour, and immediately entered upon a devoted and Christian life. She did not ask the question, "Lord what will thou have me to do?" and then fold her hands supinely, vainly expecting that God would make her an instrument of good, but with heart felt purpose and with all her living did she commence the work of helping and saving others. Since that time she has taken forty boys at an early age, from situations of degradation, to her house, and supported them by her own earnings; given them religious instruction; prayed with them; taught them of Christ and the way to Heaven: and in addition afforded them a respectable education and then found them situations in which they could earn their own living and become useful members of society. When asked if she took only colored children, she answered, "Oh no; color makes no difference with me, I take white boys as soon as any and I love them just as much."

Several thoughts present themselves as appropriate to the subject, but we leave the story and its moral to the reader. When God shall make up his jewels will not poor Catherine Brown receive a rich reward?—And if, "the angel who wears the brightest circlet before the Throne of God shall shine not so fair as the meanest sinner saved by grace," how radiant with glory will this one appear, who in being redeemed herself has been the means of saving so many others, and by them, no doubt of many, many more.

F. E. C.