THE year 1891 brought to me a very great pleasure, a twelve days’ visit to a little town endeared to me by sweetest child memories, and unseen for nearly forty years. So pleasant was that holiday, taken in company with my dearest earthly friend, that when six months had passed I began to long, secretly, that the following summer might find us in the dear old town again.
In this hope, I sat down one January morning to take account of income and expenditure for the next six months.
The income was fixed; against this I had to place the weekly expenses, and a list of various needfuls for the coming months, hoping I should find a surplus of _4.5 to meet my heart’s desire. To my dismay I could only make sure of thirty shillings, not quite enough for the rail journey for the two of us. I went over all the items again and again: I dared not leave anything out, all were needed, and I saw that for this year the usual fortnightly holiday must be spent, as so often before, at home, taking a day’s outing several times in each week. My disappointment was very great, but I laid it all at the Lord’s feet, only entreating to have all desire for this great pleasure taken away from me that I might cheerfully do His will in full content. Sweet peace fell upon me, and I went about the rest of the morning’s work with a free heart.
Late in that winter afternoon an aged friend called. “Why, Mr. Henry, how is it you are out on such a day? Let me get you a cup of tea at once.” Over our tea we talked of a sick one he had just visited, and various other matters; and suddenly he said, “I want to say something to you, but I am afraid to hurt you.” Wondering in what I had offended I answered, “Mr. Henry, I am willing to hear anything you have to say.” He took a small packet out of his pocket and said, “The Lord told me awhile ago to give you this, but I was afraid. IT IS FOR A SUMMER HOLIDAY.” Wondering, I opened the packet, and saw five sovereigns!
Then I told him my experience of the morning, which deeply interested and delighted him, but he hurried away, the dear old man, to avoid thanks, and again I went to my knees in thankful praise to the God of all grace Who takes note of His children’s wants and wishes, and never denies anything that will be for their profit.
E. STACEY-WATSON.