A simple country lassie, whose humble sphere of service was in a farm kitchen, was converted during a series of gospel meetings held in a neighboring barn.
As many of our readers will doubtless know, it is by no means an easy matter to flesh and blood, to take a decided stand on the Lord’s side, in the midst of a score or more of ungodly farm servants. And so Katie found it. Still she saw that decision out and out for the Lord, was what she was called to in the Word, and she sought by grace to make such a life and testimony her aim. She had many a cross to bear, and many an errand to the throne of grace for help to stand unmovable amid scorn and persecution. They began to see that Katie was not to be driven from her place as a follower of the Lord by fear or force.
The enemy’s next attempt was to draw her by craft and subtlety from the heavenly path. He often succeeds in this when persecution fails.
In the winter season, the servants about the house were in the habit of spending the evenings in dancing. The kitchen was utilized for this purpose, and of course Katie was expected to share the common amusement. No sooner had the dancing begun, than Katie was asked to “take a reel.”
Her answer was a firm and decided, “No.” This was more than they expected, and they determined not to let her off so easily. Two of the men lifted her from her seat, and set her in the middle of the floor, in the circle of dancers. But Katie stood firm as a statue, and would neither move hand nor foot. This enraged them, and in venting forth their anger, one said, “You are holier than the minister, for he can take a dance,” and another declared, “The Bible says, ‘There is a time to dance,’ will you tell us what that means?”
Katie was not able to argue with them as to the meaning of the text, and she did not attempt it, but in reply she said, “I am sure at least, that this is not the time for me to dance in the middle of a company of unconverted sinners, and thus help them to forget God, and to neglect their salvation.”
That effectually silenced the person who quoted Solomon’s word, “There is a time to dance,” and Katie was asked no more.
Satan can quote the Scriptures, and misapply them too, to suit his own purpose, and accomplish his own ends. Let us be on our guard, and yield nothing to Satan’s craft.
“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2