Following a wild storm that had blown the snow in heaping drifts, the sun broke through bright and clear, and the wind having abated, the men were busily engaged in clearing the roads that had become almost impassable.
It was on Christmas day, and while others were eagerly opening or sending out their presents, the Lord led me to think of some who perhaps at this very time might be in need. Acting upon this impression, and after filling a box with neccessaries, rather than Christmas presents, I started out into the country.
My little horse, now dragging the cutter over bare ground; then, plunging through drift after drift of snow, finally came to a small cottage. Remembering that an old man lived there alone, I went to the door and knocked.
“Come in,” was the response.
On entering, there sat the poor old man endeavoring to keep warm by the scanty fire which he had.
He bade me sit down, and we entered into conversation. After a few words about the storm and things in general, the “Old, Old Story” was retold, and what the Lord in His love and mercy had caused to enter my own soul only a short time before, now went forth as “living water,” and as the dear old man listened to the wondrous tale of God’s love, and how He had proved that love in sending “His only begotten Son into the world, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
The tears coursed down over the withered cheeks, and he there and then drank of that stream, of which, if a man drink he shall never thirst. His soul’s need was so great, and his interest so deep in learning how abundantly that need had been provided for, that he had not even mentioned his temporal need, though, as I afterward learned, not a morsel of food was in the cupboard.
Before leaving, I carried the box in from the cutter, which on receiving he thanked me for over and over again, and I trust in his heart, thanked “the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort,” who so distinctly “led me” on that memorable occasion to this dear old man—the object of His grace.