IN a small village in the county of Essex, there lived a poor woman who earned her daily bread by charring. She was, however, one into whose heart God had caused the light of the gospel to shine.
For some time the spiritual need of the dear village children had lain heavily upon her heart, and she felt led to commence a Sunday-school for them in her own little room.
As was often the case with the poor in those days, she could not read, having received no education; but she had been taught by a lady that beautiful chapter, the tenth of John; and so from time to time as the children came together, she would repeat this portion to them, explaining as best she could the precious truth which she herself through grace had received.
This continued for many years, during which time she learned to read a little.
Thus the seed was sown.
Before going further into this interesting work, let us ask the reader to take a Bible and carefully peruse the passage referred to — John 10. Therein Jesus says, “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” One question: Have you entered?
Many years have passed away since the establishment of that humble Sunday-school, and this dear, and now aged, Christian is living in London, having lain for six years upon a bed of sickness, proving the sufficiency of God’s never-failing grace and faithfulness, delighting to speak of Him and make known His saving grace to any who may visit her.
A few months ago the writer was privileged to read a letter from her, written to comfort one in bereavement. There is in it no mention of her own sufferings, which at times are very great — no murmurings, but much about the goodness of God, the preciousness of Christ, and the joyful hope of His return. It was truly a letter of comfort in the midst of sorrow.
In the chapter already referred to, Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd.”
Reader, another question: Do you know Him as such?
Time rapidly glides away. The days of activity of this humble but faithful servant of God are ended. But the precious seed had been sown in faith, and it pleased the “Lord of the harvest” that this dear servant should see some of the fruit of her labors before being called home. It is written, “Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days” (Eccl. 11:11Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. (Ecclesiastes 11:1)).
A few years ago a lady returned to England after a somewhat long absence. She had a great desire to find, if possible, her old Sunday-school teacher. Going to the little village where she had been brought up, she learned that her former teacher had married a Mr. W―, and had “moved to London.” The task of finding Mrs. W — seemed hopeless, but the Lord directed this lady’s steps to the house of a Christian minister in London.
While at table one day this gentleman was remarking upon the patience of a “dear Christian woman named Mrs. W―,” who was bedridden, and at times in great suffering. It at once occurred to the lady that this was the very person she was seeking.
She determined to lose no time in following up the clue, and on calling at the address she had obtained, soon ascertained that it was indeed as she had hoped. She was admitted by Mrs. W — ‘s daughter, who was taking care of her mother. On one side of the room lay Mrs. W—, her poor afflicted husband on the other. It was some time before the dear old woman could call her visitor to remembrance; but the mention of the little village school brought her back to memory.
“Well,” said the visitor, “after leaving the village I went abroad with a lady. There I married. Now both my husband and son have passed away; and I have come to thank you and thank God for the instruction received in your little Sunday-school, which was blessed to my conversion, and through me to my husband and son.”
Since that visit it has been the privilege of this lady to minister to her former Sunday-school teacher in temporal things.
And now, dear reader, let this history speak to you. It is a blessed thing to have every need, bodily and spiritual, met for time and for eternity.
Would you have the blessed assurance of present possession of salvation and eternal life? Hear, then, His own words: “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved” (vs. 9); and again: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one” (vss. 27-30).
Do you ask how it is that such great eternal blessing can be secured to any one who believes in Jesus?
The chapter before us shows that this immense blessing is the outcome of His unspeakable love: “The Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.”
In order that we might obtain and enjoy the priceless blessing of eternal life, He Himself went down into the deepest, darkest depths of death. He suffered on the cross for you and me. Think of Him there, His holy soul poured forth a sacrifice for sin — yea, “made sin for us, that we might become God’s righteousness in Him” (2 Cor. 5:2121For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)).
All has been met in that precious Saviour’s death. God is now “just, and the justifier of him who believes in Jesus” (Rom. 3). And moreover the “precious blood” which “cleanseth from all sin” has flowed forth.
Now raised from the dead and seated in heaven’s glory, He sends these gracious words to you for your immediate acceptance.
“Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.”
P.S. — Since the above was written, news has been received that the subject of the piece has passed away. The earthly remains were interred on 13th April — “sown in hope,” awaiting that glad day when He shall say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”