MY readers will remember that in 1899 I made an appeal for the purpose of sending literature to two friends (Miss S. and Miss B.) for distribution in Ireland. The amount received in response was £8 Is.; and I had the great pleasure of sending a good boxful of Penny Books, Volumes of Old Jonathan and Gospel Echo, and suitable tracts.
Just as this number is going to press I am in receipt of the following letter, which shall speak for itself. I need hardly add that I shall be intensely pleased to send another box to dark Ireland, if friends will kindly help. As the two friends know Ireland, they can work to the best advantage, and nothing is wasted.
—W. W.
“Wimbledon Park, May 12th, 1901.—You will be glad to know that the good box of books you sent us to Galway has proved a very great blessing to the West of Ireland. Where we could not get them into the Roman Catholic houses, we found not only were the Protestants delighted with them, especially Old Jonathan and the bound Volumes of Gospel Echo, but the Roman Catholics would go secretly and hear them read. The kind givers of these books will never know how great a boon they have been and are to those who live where literature of all kinds is most scarce. In one western town of a thousand inhabitants, I could not discover one house where they sold anything in print, not even a paper: hundreds of men standing about, ready for any wickedness, under the influence of the priests, but no food for the mind.
“You will be interested to hear that with much labor and expense, we have built a moveable wooden hall for dark Connemara; our object being for two young men to live in it and hold gospel meetings.... It was a terrible ten weeks. We were cursed, boycotted, and persecuted; our lives threatened and always in danger. Still, we held on through all; and now, blessed be God, the priests have largely lost their power. Open-air meetings are being held, and the whole of that densely dark and wicked town is being permeated with the glorious Gospel.
“Pardon me for burdening you with these matters. I think as you have shown such truly practical interest in the Lord’s work in our hands you will much like to know something about it.
“With kind Christian regards, Yours in Christ’s service, E.S.S.”
Any amount, large or small, will be gladly received for this purpose, and faithfully applied.
“Somebody is praying for me.” Yes, the Hearer of the poor widow’s prayer is himself doing it. Have you not seen that splendid gem in the casket of divine truth, “He ever liveth to make intercession for us.” He forget his anxious ministers! He cease intercession for them! And such intercession! No. He is at all times a sweet savor unto God, in behalf of all his servants. Cheer up; you are not forgotten. Nor let your despondency lead you to forget, that there are those on earth, and One all-prevalent in heaven, who remember you. Wherefore, comfort thyself in this matter, and give thyself anew to thy work.