THE STORY OF A FAITHFUL DOG.

 

SIR,—Shortly before Christmas a man named Angelo Testoni arrived at Milan from Brescia, accompanied by a fox terrier. He took a room, where he and his dog began a humble life in common, the dog being left in the room during the day, while his master, having found some small employment, earned a scanty living. At midday the portinaia took the dog his dinner, and in the evening, when Testoni returned, the two supped together, after which they went out for a walk in a lonely street. On the man's return from his daily rounds, the dog could not show his delight sufficiently, and the evening hours made up for the solitude of the day. Finally the man went to bed, and the dog was allowed to lie at his feet.

One day the man did not appear as usual, and the people of the house went up to see what was the matter. They found him lying motionless with the dog beside him. Here begins the story of the "Cane fedele." The dog absolutely refused to let anyone approach his dead master—for dead he was. He barked frantically, and threatened to bite all who came near. A doctor was sent for, but he threatened to bite the doctor. Something had to be done: the municipal dog-catcher was summoned, who threw a rope round the devoted animal's neck and dragged him by main force from the room. Alas for the fate that menaced him !

This was the tale that wrung many a heart next day. Related in the columns of the Corriere delta Sera, it quickly spread over Italy. The day was Christmas Eve, which made things worse. Imagine the dog dying for his fidelity, perhaps even on the Christmas morning ! Then began to pour in

telegrams, telephone messages, express letters : such a day at the municipal kennels had never been known. Visitors came with anxious faces ; they went away—so far—reassured, since the dog was not dead, but in good health, and able to enjoy two meals a day, at ten and at three o'clock, the bill of fare being soup, cooked meat, bread, and water. So far so good ; but on January 7th be would die if not claimed, and if a sum of about £3 were not paid. However, long before the fatal date a Milanese lady carried him off in triumph and also paid the fee, though others had offered to pay it. The artillery officer of Savona, the " nobile possidente," and all the other applicants remained dogless, but happy at the fortunate ending to the story.

WHAT IS YOUR STORY IN LIFE?

Extract the Positive From Environment
 

.--You have all seen on the bosom of the lake the beautiful white lily. How anxious we have been, how we have wished and worked that we might get that blossom. No matter how much scum and debris and filth there is around it, yet that does not destroy your desire for the lily. We wonder how the lily can be so beautiful and white where there is so much filth.
Well, there is a stem that strikes down to the golden sands beneath and gathers nothing but the purest substance that feeds the lily until it develops into the pure and spotless flower, as we see it. Should not this teach us a lesson? It ought to. It shows that although there is iniquity all around us we should not approach it. Do not talk of the iniquity and wickedness that are in the world but elevate your minds and talk of your Saviour. When you see iniquity all around you, it makes you all the more glad that He is your Saviour and we are His children.
Then shall we look at the iniquity around us and dwell upon the dark side? You cannot cure it; then talk of something that is higher, better, and more noble. Talk of those things that will leave a good impression on the mind, and it will lift every soul up out of this iniquity into light beyond.

Psychology Of Story Telling(POST): DEPRESSION UNRAVELED Depression Produced by ...

Psychology Of Story Telling(POST): DEPRESSION UNRAVELED
 


 Depression Produced by ...: DEPRESSION UNRAVELED    Depression Produced by Iron Dignity . --Some preserve a cold, chilling reserve, an iron dignity, that repe...

DEPRESSION UNRAVELED
 


 Depression Produced by Iron Dignity
.--Some preserve a cold, chilling reserve, an iron dignity, that repels those who are brought within their influence. This spirit  is contagious; it creates an atmosphere that is withering to good impulses and good resolves; it chokes the natural current of human sympathy, cordiality, and love; and under its influence people become constrained, and their social and generous attributes are destroyed for want of exercise.
Not only is the spiritual health affected but the physical health suffers by this unnatural depression. The gloom and chill of this unsocial atmosphere is reflected upon the countenance. The faces of those who are benevolent and sympathetic will shine with the luster of true goodness, while those who do not cherish kindly thoughts and unselfish motives express in their faces the sentiments cherished in their hearts.--4T 64 (1876).
Mental Depression From Poorly Ventilated Rooms. --The effects produced by living in close, ill-ventilated rooms are these: The system becomes weak and unhealthy, the circulation is depressed, the blood moves sluggishly through the system because it is not purified and vitalized by the pure, invigorating air of heaven. The mind becomes depressed and gloomy, while the whole system is enervated, and fevers and other acute diseases are liable to be generated.--1T 702, 803 (1868).
Depression and Gloom Result of Insufficient Oxygen.--The lungs should be allowed the greatest freedom possible. Their capacity is developed by free action; it diminishes if they are cramped and compressed. Hence the ill effects of the practice so common, especially in sedentary pursuits, of stooping at one's work. In this position it is impossible to breathe deeply. Superficial breathing soon becomes a habit, and the lungs lose their power to expand....
Thus an insufficient supply of oxygen is received. The blood moves sluggishly. The waste, poisonous matter, which should be thrown off in the exhalations from the lungs, is retained, and the blood becomes impure. Not only the lungs, but the stomach, liver, and brain are affected. The skin becomes sallow, digestion is retarded; the heart is depressed; the brain is clouded; the thoughts are confused; gloom settles upon the spirits; the whole system becomes depressed and inactive, and peculiarly susceptible to disease.--MH 272, 273 (1905).
Good Respiration Soothes the Nerves.--In order to have good blood, we must breathe well. Full, deep inspirations of pure air, which fill the lungs with oxygen, purify the blood. They impart to it a bright color and send it, a life-giving current, to every part of the body. A good respiration soothes the nerves; it stimulates the appetite and renders digestion more perfect; and it induces sound, refreshing sleep.--MH 272 (1905).

The Power of Perseverance

A man woke up early in order to have his morning Prayers. He got dressed, set on his way to the Church.

On his way to the CHURCH, the man fell and his clothes got dirty. He got up, brushed himself up, and headed home.

At home, he changed his clothes, and was, again, on his way to the CHURCH.

On his way to the CHURCH, he fell again and at the same spot! He, again, got up, brushed himself off and headed home. At home he, once again, changed his clothes and was on his way to the Church.

On his way to the CHURCH, he met a man holding a lamp. He asked the man of his identity and the man replied ‘I saw you fall twice on your way to the CHURCH, so I brought a lamp so I can light your way.

The first man thanked him profusely and the two went on their way to the CHURCH.

Once at the CHURCH, the first man asked the man with the lamp to come in and offer Prayers with him.

The second man refused.

The first man asked him a couple more times and, again, the answer was the same.

The first man asked him why he did not wish to come in and pray.

The man replied, ‘I am Satan’. The man was shocked at this reply.

Satan went on to explain, ‘I saw you on your way to the CHURCH and it was I who made you fall. When you went home, cleaned yourself and went back on
your way to the CHURCH, Jesus forgave all of your sins.

I made you fall a second time, and even that did not encourage you to stay home, but rather, you went back on your way to CHURCH. Because of that, Jesus forgave all the sins of the people of your household.

I was afraid if I made you fall one more time, then Jesus will forgive the sins of the whole nation (world) so I made sure that you reached the CHURCH safely.’

Do not put off the good you intended to do as you never know how much reward you might receive from the hardships you encounter while trying to achieve that good. For your righteousness can save your family and nation at large.

Do this and see the victory of the Jesus.