THE KING’ S BUSINESS
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o f the Lord Jesus, finishing with a word o f admonition to the crowd o f listless, indifferent fellows coming and going in the transaction o f their business. It was unexpected, stimulating, as good as “cold water' to a thirsty soul.” The following Sunday morning as he and his wife were praying, he remained on his knees for a minute or two and then, without one sound or struggle, fell back dead. Our meeting the next week was a solemn one, but the great majority o f the men turned away from the truth, preferring to remain on the outside rather than come in. Could you have seen that brave little widow sur rounded by her five children, not one old enough or capable o f contributing one mite to their needs! I wish I could draw the picture o f that frail, delicate semi-invalid, facing the future without a dollar in sight for rent and food and clothing! Could you have seen the calm trustful faith; the serene, unclouded, happy face; and have heard the absolute assurance with which she praised and thanked God for doing the very best and Wisest thing for her and hers, you might have comprehended something o f the littleness o f our own faith, and the real help we received in the place where we fully expected to give. And now from this same barn comes one o f the boys to offer his life to God, ask ing that I go down to the school and make arrangements for him to take the two-year course. And still another steps up for a quiet, confidential chat. “Us boys do talk it.over after you leave, and we do believe £tnd trust, but we are just too timid and afraid to step out boldly in this place and confess Christ.” Don’t fail to pray for these boys. So few realize what they are up against and how much help they need from the One who is mighty. Nobody likes to be preached at unless he goes into a church for that special pur pose; so in trying to be all things to all men, in order to win some, our meetings
are often decidedly informal. W e just squat down among our fire laddies and let them fire away their questions at us. Then they tell us what they rèally think and we get down to rock bottom. A fter a steady couple o f hours driving, it certainly did sound good to hear one o f these great big strong fellow? say : “I believe This thing is getting at my heart. This talk has meant more than all the church going and sermons I’ve listened to in my life. Thank you, for coming. Now don’t forget us fellows.” W e certainly must take off our hats to the boys in the fire -engine house, when it comes to a warm welcome. W e want to ring out a good clear note o f praise and thanks for all the encourage ment which comes from the work in the laundries. One little woman interested stopped us as we were hurrying away: “ Such a change has come over this place since the meetings were started. They look forward to them every week, and the day o f the meeting is the all-important day. It is such a bright spot to them. The whole tone o f the place has changed, and as the manager sees the cheery, hopeful faces and the new life ànd energy they put into their work, all agree that it is a wise investment.” Just one more bit o f encouragement to keep you praying for our work, for you who pray shall -share in all the reward in “that day.” Only a poor qld “ darky” trudging along pushing his lawn mower. W e let him pass. Then the thought came: “But a precious soul for whom Christ died. He is counting on us to tell the other fel lows. He has no other plan.” So we hastened back, and as the sweet and sim ple story o f the cross was poured out, he listened and took it in with the simplicity o f a child and, like the eunuch o f old, went on his way rejoicing. “And they that be wise shall shine as the. brightness o f the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”
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