She had promised Him that if He would forgive her many sins, she
would work for Him in ways no one else would; and He took her at her
word--ordering her to go and smash saloons. This, of course, provokes
a smile, among most people, but Mrs. Nation is not the first one that has
worked under God's command--whether real or supposed.
At last, so many fines were heaped up against her, which must be
paid before she could be liberated, that it seemed to her as if she would
never get free; but in this dark hour, a lecture agent appeared, and said
he would pay the amount if she would give him some "dates." She
laughingly says now, that she did not know what she meant: and actually
wondered if he thought she was a fruit dealer. But when he explained
what he meant by "dates," a chance to go on the platform and give the
people a reason for the hatchet that was in her hand, she saw the gates
were opened; and enthusiastically went from jail to the lecture platform.
She became immediately a drawing card--in assembly halls in some
churches, and even at county fairs. She often made "big money" by selling
miniature hatchets as souvenirs. She worked, tirelessly and industriously,
to pay back the lecture agent for the sums he had advanced;
and after a time found surplus amounts on hand.
She did not hesitate very long as to the purposes for which they were
to be applied. Her personal expenses were very small; she dresses plainly;
and believes that God is entitled to her financial gains.
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