AT a preaching of the gospel I noticed an oddly-dressed woman sitting on a front bench in the hall. Her wrinkled face was strangely set off by dark bright eyes, which gazed intently upon the preacher. Several times during the address her bare arm was brought from under the tattered shawl, and her rough hand was raised to her face to wipe away the fast-falling tears. Thinking her to be a seeker after salvation, and one to whom I might be helpful, I went to her at the close of the meeting.
Gently putting my hand on her shoulder, I said, “Will you let me ask you a plain question?”
She turned around quickly, and said, “Certainly, ma’am.”
“Are you a believer on the Lord Jesus Christ?”
“I should say I was!” was her reply, as a half-amused smile came over her face.
“But,” said I, “do you know Him as your own Saviour?”
“I should think I did!”
“If you will, tell me. I should like to hear what He has done for you.”
“So you want to hear something of His goodness to me, do you? Well, then, I’ll tell you a bit.” She rose from her seat as she spoke, and looking at me earnestly said, “He died for me, a guilty sinner—He did. He bore my sins upon Him: He has paid for me with blood, and He saved me from hell—He did, and he told me so Himself.”
“Haven’t you more to tell me?” I asked.
Her face lit up with a bright smile, and she almost jumped as she answered, “Yes, bless His Name, He’s a-coming for me—He is. Do you want more?” she added, looking at me triumphantly, as I stood amazed at her earnestness.
I nodded assent.
“Well, He’s a-going to have a poor old creature like me up in His glory with Him. Will that do for you?”
“Yes, thank you very much; you have rejoiced me wonderfully; and more, you have made the Lord glad by such a hearty confession to His praise.”
I had some further conversation with this happy believer in the Lord. Though apparently so poor in circumstances, no complaint came from her lips, and there was a dignity in her demeanor which struck me greatly. I found that she was a street hawker, “but nevertheless, I’m the King’s daughter,” she said exultingly. I spoke of the glorious time we shall have throughout eternity—of the new song—of Himself! But little more came from her lips; wishing me goodnight, and hurrying from my side, she was soon lost to sight in the moving throng.
Reader, are you rich in faith, as was this poor woman? And can you speak as confidently of being in the glory with the Lord Jesus Christ, as she could? E. E. S.