A LITTLE while ago, on the platform of one of the underground railway stations, might have been seen a group of deaf and dumb, who were evidently enjoying the conversation which was going on between them, and all seemed very happy. They had just come from a gospel meeting, where the blessed Lord Jesus Christ had been preached to them in their own language. I said they all seemed happy, and indeed so they were, for all in that happy group, although so sadly afflicted physically, possessed that which more than made up for their affliction. Each one possessed Christ, and all who receive Him into their hearts receive One who can and does give peace and joy, making such able to say, “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:17, 1817For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17‑18)).
While thus earnestly talking together concerning the things of the Lord, they were suddenly interrupted by the appearance of a man, who no doubt thought of having a good deal of fun at their expense. His face was blackened, and he held in his hands a tambourine. Staring hard at them, he approached nearer and nearer, and when within a short distance he stopped. Pointing towards them, he said, “Ah! these are all deaf and dumb; they won’t enjoy my music, but I can amuse them all the same.” Then, speaking louder, he shouted out: “I have performed before lunatics. I can amuse all classes of people.” Other things he said, suiting actions to his words, until the attention of all on the platform was attracted to him. Some were laughing at his sayings and doings, but it was quite evident that the people generally did not approve of his making those dear afflicted ones the subject of his wit. At last a gentleman stepped up to the fun-maker, and quietly remonstrated with him. I think he must have felt a little ashamed, for he said no more, and soon after walked away.
Meanwhile the deaf and dumb, seeing that they were the subject of his remarks, and thinking it best to take no notice of him, turned away and went on with their conversation. But one of their number, a dear earnest Christian woman, felt grieved for the poor man himself, and she felt she would like to speak to him of a loving God, who was ready to pardon, and ready to save. But how should she do this? Speak aloud to him she could not; but a thought occurred to her, and leaving her friends, she quietly walked up to the man, touched him on the shoulder, and pointed up. Looking steadfastly at the man, she still held up her finger, upwards toward God and heaven, till she could see that the man had grasped her meaning, for he nodded his head, saying, “Yes, yes, I know.” She then left him.
That simple sign needed no explanation. It is a common sign among the deaf and dumb. It is significant in itself, and the man understood it too. He felt she was pointing him to God, to Him who sees and weighs all our actions, and before whom we all one day must appear to give an account of the deeds done in the body; and she told me afterward that she believed the Lord would use that simple sign for the man’s eternal blessing.
And now, dear reader, let me do, as this dear deaf and dumb woman did, point YOU to Him. Not as an avenging God, but as a loving and gracious God: One who has shown us His love by the gift of His dear Son Jesus our Lord, and who says that all who come unto Him by Jesus Christ shall receive remission of sins. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” I point you, then, to a God of love, who is ready and willing to save you now, as you read this simple incident.
F. R. H.