James M'Kendrick, the Scottish evangelist, related the following experience during a visit to the United States.
Few people knew his name was Isac; he was known to all as "Drunken Isac" and the name suited him well. His home was a mere shack beside a stream, about fifteen miles out of Philadelphia. I was to preach the gospel in a hall in the vicinity on the weekend.
A dear high school girl, about sixteen years old was thinking of Drunken Isac at the time. She prayed for his salvation, and wished with all her heart that he would come to the gospel meetings.
Being a sweet singer, she went to the stream and standing outside his door sang gospel songs. While she was singing old Isac opened the door and stood listening. At his request she continued to sing.
Tears ran down the old drunkard's face as he listened to the sweetest story ever told or sung. Then she asked him if he would come to hear a Scotch preacher that Sunday night.
He came— the most disreputable looking old wretch I have ever seen, a picture of dirt, rags and sheer neglect.
He continued to come to every meeting, till on the fifth night, as he left the hall he said to me: "God saved me tonight."
To my shame, I confess I was skeptical; indeed. I resented the presence of such a repulsive looking character among a decent congregation. But a few days sufficed to satisfy me and everyone else.
Isac was born again. His very features were changed. Old habits fell off like autumn leaves. He at once became a shining light for Christ.
Dressed in respectable clothes which were found for him, he visited his old haunts with gospel tracts. He told of his new-found Savior to everyone who would listen.
Everywhere I preached in and around Philadelphia, Isac was there, ready to tell how the Lord had sought and found him. He would always give the date of his conversion and tell how many months since God had saved him— and later on, how many years since he was "plucked as a brand from the burning."
I am sure a great reward awaits that dear high school girl who thought of and prayed for poor old Drunken Isac; and went and sang about Jesus at the door of his shack; and invited him to come and hear the gospel whereby he was saved.
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