In a little street of a certain town stood a cobbler's shop. A lady who passed it frequently used to feel herself strangely drawn to interest in its owner. Only rarely could he be found alone, for the shop was the center of gossip and godless argument. Yet, when she passed him, that lady seemed to see the man as he had once been; not the drinking backslider of that day, but the happy believer in Christ he was before he had found pleasure in unrighteousness. Every thought of him was a prayer. At last she found him alone, and pleaded the claims of God upon his life.
"Madam," he said, "I thank you, but I cannot do it. I know I should have to alter the character of my shop if I let God again have His way with me. I am not prepared for any such step.” She saw, however, that her visit had touched him, and to her Lord she went in prayer for this deluded soul.
The only answer she obtained was to have that man laid upon her heart as a heavier burden than before. This cheered her, for she had often noticed that when the answer to a prayer drew nigh the intercessor would be greatly led out in anxiety, and often in special effort, for the soul requested of God.
While waiting for divine direction she pleaded more earnestly than ever, and then went down to the cobbler's shop to urge once more the claims of Christ.
The shop was cleared of men. The bright face lifted to hers told its own tale. He had Christ for company. God in grace had answered the persevering prayer of a burdened soul for one of his wandering sheep.
"He restoreth my soul.”