AN actress in one of the provincial towns, whilst passing along the streets had her attention arrested by singing in a cottage. Prompted by curiosity to look in at the open door, she saw a few poor people gathered together singing―
“Depth of mercy, can there be
Mercy still reserved for me?
The tune was sweet and simple, but she heeded it not, for the words had rivetted her attention, and she stood motionless until invited to enter. She remained during a prayer which was offered by one of the company, and which, though uncouth, was sincere. She quitted the cottage, but the words of the hymn followed her, and she resolved to procure a copy of the book containing it. The book procured, she read and re-read the hymn. Her convictions deepened; she attended the gospel-preaching, and there resolved henceforth to quit the service of the devil. For some time she excused herself from attending on the stage, but one day the manager called upon her, urging her to sustain the principal character in a new play. She had sustained it in other towns with admiration, but now refused to do so, and stated her reasons. At first the manager ridiculed her scruples; but this being unavailing, he represented the loss which her refusal would be to him, and promised if she would comply with his request on that occasion it should be the last. At length she consented, and when the time came appeared at the theater. The character required her on entering to sing a song, and as the curtain rose the orchestra began the accompaniment. She stood before the audience like one lost in thought; the music ceased, but she did not sing; and the band, supposing she was embarrassed, commenced again, and then paused for her to begin, but she opened not her lips! A third time the air was played, and then, with clasped hands and eyes suffused with tears, she sang―not the song of the play, but
“Depth of mercy, can it be;
Mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear?
Me the chief of sinners spare?”
A stillness fell upon the audience; the performance ended. Then some mocked, while the greater part were bathed in tears; and many from that memorable night were led to consider their ways; and the actress henceforth sought to serve the Lord, who in such a singular way had plucked her as a brand from the burnings.
Reader, whoever thou art, however deeply steeped in sin, though thy sins rise up mountains high threatening every moment to carry thy soul into a Christless eternity; yea, though thou hast long pursued the paths of sin and folly, mercy is still reserved for thee Pleasure lover! though thou heist long wandered from thy God, seeking to drown the voice of conscience in the gaities of this poor Christ-less world; yea, though thou hast long closed thine ears to the fond entreaty of the loving Saviour God, mercy is still reserved for thee! Christless religionist! though thou hast despised God’s great love, preferring, through the pride of thine heart, the good works and religious ordinances thou boasted in; yea, though thou hast long refused God’s free gift of salvation through Christ, mercy is still reserved for thee! But beware, oh, careless trifler, for though God has borne long with thee, He will not be mocked. Thou hast heard the good news of free grace, until it seems a worn-out subject, and yet thou intendest to receive Christ some day. Oh, take heed to thy soul’s salvation today! for God has said, “He will not always chide, neither will he keep his anger forever” (Psa. 103:99He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. (Psalm 103:9)). Still He waits to be gracious; and though thou hast long trifled with God’s grace, mercy is still reserved for thee! God in infinite love and grace still offers you pardon. The work of redemption is finished, and God is eternally satisfied. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)).
“Nothing but mercy’ll do for me,
Nothing but mercy―full and free;
Of sinners chief―what but the blood
Could calm my soul before my God?
Save by the blood He could not bless;
So great, so pure, His holiness.”
J. W. H. N.