IN a country district there lived a shepherd, a kind-hearted and faithful Christian. He was never backward in grasping opportunities for saying a few words for his Master, the Lord Jesus Christ.
There were two boys employed on the same farm, and their great delight was to give as much annoyance to the shepherd as they possibly could. But he sought grave for each day, and was kept superior to every opposition and persecution. In spite of the treatment he received from the boys, his heart went out for them, and he desired blessing for their souls, and prayed constantly for it.
During the dinner-hour he would go and sit in a ditch at the side of a field on the farm and eat his humble meal. The boys used to follow, and sit a few yards away, in order to keep up their annoyance. After his meal he would take his well-worn Bible from his pocket, and read a chapter out loud to the boys.
This went on for some considerable time, apparently with no effect. Indeed, the boys seemed to get harder and harder, but he still pursued, waiting upon the God of patience, endurance and long-suffering; the One who willeth not the death of a sinner, in spite of his rebellion.
One day, however, one of the boys was particularly quiet, and would not join the other in his disgraceful conduct. The faithful man continued his practice day by day, and the boy still remained quiet and subdued. Some days after, at dinnertime, he confessed the Lord Jesus as his Savior, in the ditch.
There was no more annoyance from him. His great desire was to read the Word of God with the shepherd. They arranged a Bible reading in the farmer’s house, and the two met together for some time, and were much encouraged. They prayed for the other boy, who was still on the wrong road.
Each dinner-hour found them in their usual spot, and soon afterward the second hoy was brought to the Lord, much to the cheer and comfort of the dear man of God, who had borne a quiet, faithful testimony for many days. The Lord honored his patient endurance in spite of all the persecutions, for he longed for the two dear boys, with never-dying souls, to come to the Lord, and to know Him who died for sinners, and such were these boys. The Lord too, was yearning over them, and each day as they heard the Scriptures read, it was a loving voice to them, “Come unto Me... and I will give you rest.” Matth. 11:28.
ML-08/01/1920