fast in my chest. Take it and break it in pieces." Which done, the holy man prayed and Chromatius was healed. (Text.)
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REPAIR OF CHARACTER
After every trip a locomotive goes into
the round-house, where it is overhauled,
cleaned, and every bolt and nut is tightened.
About every four years it goes into the shop,
is taken to pieces and made over anew. The
criteria in every case are: Can she haul the
load? and can she make schedule time?
It would be a good thing for men
thus to overhaul their habits and tendencies,
in order to maintain the integrity
and efficiency of character. (Text.)
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Reparation—See Duty, Sense of.
REPARTEE
We rejoice more than all in the constant
progress of those liberal ideas to which such
an impulse was given by the victory of
Yorktown. You remember that Fox is said
to have heard of it "with a wild delight";
and even he may not have anticipated its
full future outcome. You remember the
hissing hate with which he was often assailed,
as when the tradesmen of Westminster
whose vote he had solicited flung back
at him the answer: "I have nothing for you,
sir, but a halter," to which Fox, by the way,
with instant wit and imperturbable good
nature, smilingly responded: "I could not
think, my dear sir, of depriving you of such
an interesting family relic."—Richard S.
Storrs.
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REPAYMENT
The baronet in the following story followed nature's favorite method of repaying in kind:
James McNeil Whistler, the famous artist,
was extravagantly fond of a French poodle
that he owned, says the New York Tribune,
and once, when the little dog had some
trouble with his throat, he sent for Sir
Morell Mackenzie, the great throat specialist.
Mackenzie was not a bit pleased by
being called in to treat a dog, but he prescribed,
nevertheless, and had a partial revenge
by charging a big fee. The next day
he "got even" most effectually by sending for
Mr. Whistler in great haste, and the artist,
thinking that he had been summoned on
some matter connected with his beloved
poodle, dropt his work and rushed to Mackenzie's
house. On his arrival, Sir Morell
said very gravely: "How do you do, Mr.
Whistler? I wished to see you about painting
my front door." (Text.)
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REPEATED EFFORT
Persuasion is constantly tried, often with no success whatever. The reason of failure is frequently found in the neglect of perseverance.
In a very small Bible class of young men
the fall of Jericho was the subject of discussion
on a certain Sunday. One of the
members suggested that more members
might be brought in if some of the faith
of the besiegers of old were used. Another
member at once suggested that a list of
those advisable should be made, and that each
should be "encompassed" by calls on seven
days, each day by a different man. The suggestion
was adopted. Next day a young business
man received a visit and an invitation
to attend the class next Sunday. He was
indifferent and did not promise. On Tuesday
the second called and was treated coldly.
But on Wednesday when a third man called
the effect showed. "Two men have called
already; I am considering," said he. On
Thursday when the fourth visitor called,
down came the walls. He promised to attend
and attended regularly. Others were
won. Among them was a musician, who
organized a fine orchestra. (Text.)
(2693)
REPENTANCE
When I've a quarrel in my mind
With one who's far away
To scorching letters I'm inclined,
In which I say my say.
And then I take those scorching screeds
So full of ink and ire,
In which I threaten awful deeds,
And mail them—in the fire.
—Success Magazine.
(2694)
REPENTANCE, LATE
The following striking illustration of the effect of delay in serving God is by James Drummond, in "Parables and Pictures":
There was once a horse that ran away
in the morning and did not return till evening.
When the master upbraided him, the