Far up the Austrian Alps, Carl kept his flock in all the loneliness of these heights, where but for the tinkling of the sheep bells, perpetual silence reigned. It must have been while reclining on the mountain side, with his sheep browsing around, that his mind was first led to think about God and the great world that lies bond the present. This thought had been in his mind ever since as a boy he had acted as guide to a Swiss traveler who was a believer in the Lord Jesus, and spoke to him about the blood that cleanses from all sin.
That word Carl never forgot; the Spirit of God had fixed it on his memory, and although it had not brought him into the light and joy of God’s salvation, it had made him dissatisfied with the lifeless forms and ceremonies.
It was a never-to-be-forgotten day to the young shepherd, when he became possessed of a Bible, which was sent him by the Swiss traveler. Day by day, while he tended his flock, Carl read its sacred pages, and, apart from any human instrumentality, he learned from it God’s way of salvation through faith in Jesus alone. Carl believed the good news, and was saved. Yes, saved eternally, as every sinner is who reives the Son of God to be His Saour, and believes that His precious blood cleanseth from all sin. He could not keep this a secret, but told of his new-found joy to his friends, and then his troubles began. His ignorant and superstitious neighbors refused to sell him food, or have any intercourse with him: his very life was in danger at the hands of the more bigoted and fanatical of his fellows. But Carl held on his way, often suffering for the Name of Jesus, but never denying his faith. By and by prejudice began to wane, and the children were allowed to gather around to hear Carl read stories from God’s wonderful Book, which few had ever seen or heard of before. The Word of God began to do its work, not only among the children, but in the hearts of their parents also, and it was no uncommon sight on an evening, to see a circle of people seated around on the green hillside, while Carl read to them the wonderful words of life from his precious Bible. His quiet, godly life and testimony began to tell in his favor, and the people were heard to say among themselves—
“Carl loves his Book, and lives like what it teaches.”
For many years, the simple and tender-hearted shepherd went in and out among the dwellers of these Alpine heights, telling to all the story of Jesus and His love.
ML 12/17/1944