Years ago, in Denver, Colorado, a "preacher of the old school" who faithfully proclaimed Christ Jesus, His work, and His Word, was greatly concerned about his four unsaved sons. "Boys," he would say, "your father can preach to the neighbors' boys, and they will believe and be saved, while you, who have Christ set before you every day of your lives, refuse Him and are on your way to hell."
All four sons of the old preacher knew the value of having godly parents. They well knew, too, the blessing of constantly being borne up before the Lord by those same dear parents whose earnest theme always was: "Oh, Lord, save my boys!"
Years passed. The four sons, now grown to manhood, still showed no interest in, nor desire for, the things of God. Indeed, as often happens in the case of "preachers' children," the "old Adam" in each of the four seemed to resent and even to revolt against the pleadings of the Spirit. In turning deaf ears to His voice they willfully a remained unsaved.
As the old preacher neared the end of life's journey, his pleas for his sons became more importunate. Many times he prayed aloud to the Lord on their behalf; and shortly before his death he turned his face to the wall, crying, "Oh, God, if You are not going to save my boys, why did You let me be born?"
With this sad cry the old preacher's life on earth was ended.
Do you, my doubting reader, say that those prayers were of no avail? God says that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Jas. 5:1616Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16). Do you not believe God? Perhaps the final result of the prayers of that righteous old father for his wandering boys may strengthen your faith: within six months after the Lord called him home, each of his four sons, heartbroken and repentant toward God, had confessed his sin and found refuge in the loving arms of Him who says, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:3737All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37).
In the ensuing years all four young men have been outstanding in seeking the lost and in "preaching Christ, and Him crucified." A hymn, "Only Believe," written by one of the brothers, has afforded encouragement and comfort to many tried souls.