Grandma's Inspiration at the Miner's Funeral

“I had never had courage enough to even get up in testimony meeting at home, and whatever would I do now! I had not been able to think of a thing to say—my mind had been scared to emptiness. Joe met me and helped me to the hillside where Bill was to be laid to rest. The miners were gathered round and looked at me so strange that I felt that I must run away. Then Joe said, ‘Here’s Mrs. Allison, as will say a few words.’ He pushed me forward beside the rough box coffin, and tried to take baby from my trembling arms, but I held her tight—she seemed all the strength I had. I looked at the men hopelessly, for I could think of nothing to say. Then baby held out her chubby arms to those rude miners and smiled. It was my inspiration. I began, trembling at first, and told them the old, old story of the Christ-Child who had come into the world to teach us to love one another ; how he held out His arms to gather us into His fold, and how every kind word and act endeared us to Him, though we belonged to no church or creed. — The Young Woman's Journal 20:12”