WHILE spending a few weeks at the seaside a short time ago, I used often to pass an old Scotch woman, who kept a stall for the sale of fancy articles. Her pleasant face attracted my notice, and we soon became acquainted. She was so pleased to receive the tracts I offered her, that I was encouraged to ask her if she “knew the Lord Jesus”; her face lighted up as she exclaimed, “Yes, my lady, I do. It is now forty years ago since I first knew Him as my Saviour, and this is how it was: when I was left a widow, early in life, I had a good home and enough to live on, for I had a house of my own, well furnished, which I used to let, and thus made a comfortable living. But I got married again. My second husband proved to be a bad man; he soon sold everything that belonged to me, and left me without money or friends. Oh, it was a terrible time!
“One evening I was walking along these cliffs, it was a dark night, but my soul was darker still; I knew not where to go or what to do, I was in despair. Suddenly the thought came, ‘I will throw myself over the cliff and end my misery,’ All the powers of darkness seemed let loose within me, the battle was dreadful, but God came to my rescue. I threw myself on my knees and cried aloud, O God, save me, body and soul!’ Light broke in, I knew my prayer was answered, I knew I was saved.
“From that day to this God has been my Friend, to help and provide for me. Though I am poor I have never wanted bread since, and I know that the Lord has saved my soul, and has gone to prepare a place for me in His own bright home above.”
Such was the tale my old friend told me in her broad Scotch accent, and with strong emotion. As she ended, the tears were coursing down her aged cheeks, and sobs choked her utterance.
My heart swelled with thankfulness for this testimony to the goodness and faithfulness of our God from the aged and tried stall-keeper of the cliff. M. M. R.