SHALL I tell you about one of the happiest men I ever knew?
He did not live in a grand house, or ride in a fine carriage, or have servants to whom he said, Do this, or that―no, he was a poor man, living in an obscure street, and for a great part of his life, blind with both eyes.
In my early childhood, he was a teacher in the Sunday school of which my father was superintendent. At that time, Joseph Gill was an intelligent working man. While yet comparatively young he had suffered a great deal with neuralgia in his head, which at last fixed itself in his eyes, and eventually he became quite blind. Still he delighted to be present in the Sunday school, to which he was often led by a little child, and his coming was a signal of joy to all the scholars.
During many years of his life he was a constant teacher in the infant school, and how pleased were the little ones, as Joseph Gill stood up and gave them one of his interesting Bible lessons, or taught them to sing some sweet hymn about Jesus, or made them repeat the simple words of a hymn after him, one of his especial favorites being, “Jesus loves me; this I know, for the Bible tells me so!” All loved the blind man, and as for him, he loved all who loved God, of whatever denomination they might be.
At many a house where Jesus was honored and served, Joseph Gill was often a guest. With stick in hand he would feel his way along the curb-stone, and at last grew such an adept at finding his way about, that it was no uncommon thing to meet him alone in a crowded thoroughfare, with but his stick to guide him.
This good man was well known in the populous neighborhood in which he resided, about four miles from Dudley, Staffordshire.
After he lost his sight he was unable to carry on his usual occupation, but as he had a very energetic wife, she earned a living for them both. Our friend had, therefore, considerable spare time, which he loved to spend in the company of the servants of his Master.
Joseph Gill’s custom was to call at a Christian’s house, spend an hour, and then ask one of the inmates to kindly help him to his next calling place, which would probably be to the house of a Christian of another denomination, but it was all one to Joseph, provided the conversation was about Christ.
The blind man was very fond of religious poetry, and I have read to our friend by the hour together, and when asked if he were tired of it, he would reply, “No, go on; I cannot have too much of that sort.”
How we missed his cheerful company when at last the Lord called him from the darkened path on earth, to the full glory and splendor of paradise.
Having not received a visit from him for some time, and being told he was ill, I went to see him, but how changed the face of our dear friend! Although very weak and looking sadly emaciated, with his accustomed unselfishness he insisted upon rising from the couch upon which he reclined, that I might sit down upon a comfortable seat. It was evident that his pilgrimage was nearly over. My friend begged me to pay him another visit, whirl through personal affliction was not so soon as it might have been. This time Joseph Gill was in bed; I found him more changed than before, and, upon entering the room, perceived that the mysterious seal of death was even then upon the suffering saint. The dying man spoke with great difficulty, but at once recognized my voice, and told me how soon all his trials would now be over, and he at home forever.
We read a short description of heaven in the Revelation of John, when he turned towards me, and taking hold of my hand exclaimed, “I shall soon see your dear mother there!”
“And all those of whom you thought so much on earth,” I replied.
“Yes,” he gasped; “but Jesus is all my hope.” And after a pause he added, “It is a solemn thing to be like me.” Having prayer at his request, he shook hands with me, murmuring faintly, “God bless you, we shall meet in heaven,” and so we parted.
The words Joseph Gill spoke for Jesus and the good seed which he scattered will never be lost. In many a heart the refrain of the songs he taught are still heard, and the seed of the kingdom will spring up and bring forth fruit to the honor of Christ, so that “he being dead yet speaketh.”
Oh, that we may all learn from the useful and happy life of this devoted servant of God, that the favor of God can make His people happy under all circumstances, and enable them to serve Him under all difficulties. RHODA.