THERE was in England once a little band of men who were “great chums” and in a good position in society; they were, in fact, regarded as influential men in the parish.
One evening they were all together in a hotel, drinking and talking all kinds of nonsense and profanity. One happed to say, “I wonder what the people are doing just now over at Pendeen.”
Another replied, “I suppose they are all getting converted as fast as possible.”
“I say, Captain Baines,” said a third, “when I see you converted, I will begin to think there is something in it.”
There was a roar of laughter from the whole company at the thought of Captain Baines being converted! The captain was a mine agent, occupying a very influential position, and a large employer of labor. As the laughter died away he rose from his seat. His companions did not notice how pale was his cheek. A thought had flashed across his mind when he heard his friend’s remark, and the roar of laughter which it provoked. It was this, “Is my salvation so utterly hopeless that these worldly men can afford to regard me as they do? Do my companions think me altogether lost for time and eternity?”
He started up and darted out of the room. The company thought they had offended him. Another moment, and he was outside.
He drove home as fast as he could. His wife could not understand what was wrong with him, he seemed so agitated. He ate nothing, but immediately set out for the place at which gospel meetings were being held. He was the last man we expected to see there. He came boldly forward and took his seat in the front of the congregation, in full view of many of his employees. He had overcome his moral cowardice.
The gospel preacher gave out those lines of Wesley’s:
“Is here a soul that knows Thee not,
Nor feels his want of Thee?
A stranger to the blood which bought
His pardon on the tree?
Convince him now of unbelief,
His desperate state explain.”
As the preacher uttered these last words, “His desperate state explain,” we heard a cry. Captain Baines was prostrate on his knees, and was sending up the thrilling prayer, before the eyes and ears of all, “God be merciful to me a sinner.”
I need hardly tell you that Captain Baines went home rejoicing! His conversion moved the whole neighborhood, and was the beginning of the most remarkable work of God’s grace that has ever occurred in those parts.
ML-04/03/1960