A.B. was for several years in the army, and during the latter portion of the time, he was converted to God. When he had finished his term of service, he preferred to claim his discharge as he felt his position was a hindrance to his glorifying God. Being a husband and father, he had to find employment in order to provide for his family, but having no trade, he did not know what to turn his hand to, but trusting in God, he was provided for. In due time he was taken into a house of business as a messenger, and for general useful purposes; thus his temporal wants were supplied, also he was happy in the assurance that he was giving satisfaction to his employers.
One morning the head of the firm asked him to tell a gentleman whom he expected, that he was not at home.
This greatly troubled A. B. He did not like to disobey his master, and, as a consequence lose his position, but his conscience would not permit him to tell a falsehood, and for two or three hours he was very unhappy. But he lifted up his heart to the Lord, and found grace to act as He would have him. A short time before the gentleman was expected, A. B. went to his master, and told him respectfully, but plainly, that he could not say his master was out, when he was at home. He then left the room, leaving the result with the Lord. The master made no comment, either at the time or after, so things went on for some weeks as before, except that when a trustworthy person was required to do anything, or to be sent anywhere, A. B. was chosen oftener than anyone else; the master remarking that he chose him because he could trust him.
A few months after this occurrence, he called A. B. to him, and said he had been asked to find some trustworthy person to fill a certain post, where his attendance would only be required occasionally, and, as he did not know a more suitable person, he had recommended him; adding, “You can go on with your usual business the same as before.” Of course, A. B. expressed his thanks to the gentleman. But how his heart was lifted up with gratitude to the Lord for His mercy in thus abundantly rewarding him for his little act of faithfulness, in not telling a falsehood for gain, or to please his earthly master! Dear children, this needs no comment. I will only quote 2 verses from God’s word, “Them that honor Me, I will honor.” 1 Sam. 2:3030Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. (1 Samuel 2:30).
ML 09/12/1909