ONE Sunday afternoon I sallied forth, books in hand, to seek for the lost sheep, confidently believing, that He who gives a desire for souls, can satisfy that desire.
In one of the houses at which I called, a man and his wife were sitting with the door open. I offered them a book. Their reply showed me at once that they were foreigners. I spoke to them in French, upon which their countenances brightened, and they asked me in. I took a seat, and listened to their story. They had lived some years in Paris, through the dreadful siege of 1871, and during the outbreak of the Commune, and had literally seen blood flowing down the streets. After the Commune, they had come to London to settle, but all efforts to get on had been unavailing, and they had come to B—n to live by laundry work.
I spoke of the love of God even in trial; but as they looked upon wealth and ease as the greatest proofs of divine favor, they did not understand my meaning. During the conversation, I was pained at hearing the Lord’s name taken in vain by them continually (as is customary in Roman Catholic countries) and paused, to point out what a grievous sin it is in the eyes of God. They both seemed struck, and remarked, “It is such a habit with us, that we never thought it was a sin, but believe you are right.”
I then asked, “Would you like to read the Word of God—you would learn all that God thinks of us, and how He saves us?”
Madame L. replied, “My husband cannot read, but I should like to do so. But we are Roman Catholics.”
I remarked, “Do you think there are two Saviours—one for Protestants and one for Roman Catholics, as you like to designate people?”
“Oh, no! I never heard of but one Saviour,” was Madame L.’s answer.
I continued “Have you ever thought of the meaning of the word Saviour?”
“One who saves.”
“Whom does He save?”
“Sinners,” was the reply.
“Does the Lord Jesus save partly or entirely?”
“Oh, entirely,” she said.
“Yes, the Saviour saves entirely those who believe in Him. Now, we do not find in the Word of God any mention of either Catholics or Protestants. God only recognizes believers and unbelievers, and the Lord says, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My word and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.’”
After about a fortnight I saw them again.
“Ah! We have not forgotten that it is a sin to take God’s name in vain,” said they. “We have been looking so for you, and feared we had offended you.”
The Bible which I brought them was well received and read, though at first listlessly. But the Gospel by John arrested them. Then God the Holy Ghost opened their eyes, and they believed.
They confessed that their sins were washed away in the precious blood of Christ.
None but those who have been praying and watching for the salvation of an immortal soul can know the joy of such news.
It was deeply interesting to hear Madame L. describe the happy change that faith in the Lord Jesus had wrought in her. Before her conversion, when affairs went wrong she was ready to dash everything to pieces; now that she believed, these words, “All things work together for good to them that love God,” were constantly on her lips. She took her cares to God, and looked for blessing in trial. One day when calling, I remarked, “You look sad.” “Yes,” she replied. “Oh, I will tell you about it another time.” When next I saw her she told me that when I knocked she was on her knees, as she was distressed for money; but would not tell me lest it should look like turning from God to me. She was resolved to wait only upon God, as she believed in His promise to supply all her need. She added, that I had scarcely left the house when a person called to pay a small sum that was owing to them, and thus she had received the answer to her prayer.
More than two years have elapsed since the conversion of these dear people, and frequently as I enter their house, I am greeted with these words, “Another answer to prayer.” S. G. A.