Donald and his wife lived many years ago on a little farm in Scotland. They had rented the farm, and looked forward to living there until the Lord called them home. But one day, Donald received bad news. His farm was to be sold, and he must move out. He told his wife the news, and they prayed about it together.
At last Donald went to the man to whom he paid the rent and begged to be allowed to stay on, for they had no place else to go. But the steward was very gruff and said he must leave, as soon as his lease was up. Now Donald knew that the steward didn’t really own the farm, but that he was simply in charge of the estate which was owned by a very wealthy lord, who lived in a fine castle.
Again Donald and his wife told their troubles to the Lord, and then he turned his footsteps toward the castle, to see if he could talk with the owner. But more trouble was waiting. As soon as he reached the big gate, the porter met him and refused to let him in. I believe the hardhearted steward had told the porter to turn him away, and so poor Donald walked down the road in despair. Presently he stopped and looked up again to the Lord for help, and then turning off the road he walked around to the wall of the castle. Quietly, he climbed over the wall where the porter could not see him, and made his way to a side entrance. At last, after passing through more than one large hall, he heard the nobleman’s voice. Poor Donald’s heart trembled. He listened carefully and heard the prayer directed to the Virgin Mary, and St. Francis, asking for care and protection.
When the prayer was ended, Donald knocked at the door of the room. “Come in.”
Donald entered with faltering steps. “Who are you, man? What do you want?”
“Sir, I have lived on one of your farms all of my life, and I have come to beg you that I might not be put out of my home.”
“And who wants to put you out?”
Then the whole story was told, and Donald was assured that his home would certainly not be sold, and that Ile might go home without fear.
With many thanks, Donald bowed before the kind nobleman, and then turned to leave. But at the door he paused.
“My lord, I was a bold man to come right to your room, and you kindly forgave me and have saved me from ruin. May I be bold again and say something further to your lordship?”
“Speak out, Donald.”
“Well, sir, your steward and your porter turned me away, and I would have been a ruined man if I had trusted them. But I came directly to you and you have heard my cause. Oh, sir, if you would but go directly to the Lord Jesus in your need, I know He will hear you, for He has heard even me, and has washed all my sins away.”
With another bow, Donald turned and hurried away.
I cannot tell you if his lordship really turned to the Lord Jesus, but I do know that Donald told him the truth. Dear reader, there is only One who can meet your need as a sinner.
ML 08/29/1954