In the early days of the settlement of Canada many young men came out from England to seek their fortunes in the vast new territory. Some staked out claims in the rich farming areas; and for the most part these pioneers had to endure the unaccustomed hardships of a rigorous climate and isolation from their widely separated neighbors. It was indeed an event and a pleasure when one came from the home land for a visit.
Among those who came to the new colony was a young man but recently converted. In his new-found joy Edward longed to tell others of the Savior and of the treasure he had found in His love.
Shortly after he landed in Canada Edward met a Christian farmer who invited him to come out to his place. This man too desired the salvation of souls and hoped to get some of his neighbors in so Edward could tell them of Jesus.
Some time went by before Edward was free to go. He traveled by train and then had a long walk to his friend's farm. There he found everyone gone. What should he do? Picking up his bag he continued his weary journey to the next farm and inquired about his friend. He was told that the whole family was away but were due back late that night.
Edward started to leave; but with the courtesy and hospitality so well known in rural Canada his informant cordially invited him to stay for supper and to wait there till his friend came home.
After supper Edward learned that the neighbors round about had been invited in for a social evening. And soon they came. In those days entertainment was very simple and was usually supplied by the guests themselves. So it was on this night, as one after another, they were asked to sing. After a while the host said: "We have a stranger here. Perhaps he would sing something for us.”
“I don't mind," said Edward, "if I can only sing what I like best." They readily agreed to this and he began:
"There is a Name I love to hear,
I love to sing its worth;
It sounds like music in my ear,
The sweetest name on earth.”
When he finished the hymn he sat down. There was an embarrassing silence. To break it the host said: "If you are so fond of the One you were singing about, perhaps you would tell us something about Him.”
This opportunity delighted Edward. Rising to his feet he told the sweet story of the Savior and His great love in going to the cross to die for sinners and to put away the sins of all who would receive Him and put their trust in Him and His finished work.
When Edward was through very little was said, and the guests soon left for their homes. Perhaps for the first time some of them had heard of the blessed Savior, and we hope that some, at least, put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their own personal Savior.
How about you, dear reader? The Word of God says: "Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation." Don't put it off; but confessing yourself a sinner tell the Lord you trust Him and the work that He has done; and He will save you.
"There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:1212Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12). (This is an incident in the early life of Mr. Edward Hayhoe. It was written by his son, our late brother, Mr. Robert B. Hayhoe, and intended for use in "Echoes of Grace." May the desires concerning it now be achieved and the Lord be glorified in it.)