In an upper room are three young men. Two of them are brothers whose mother, a pious woman, had departed to be with Christ some years previously. Since then they have been living together in an apartment. They are both strangers to grace and to God. The third young man—their friend since childhood—is a Christian. He has just come in to spend the night, and will leave by an early train in the morning.
This young Christian had visited his friends before, but through lack of courage, he had failed to speak to them of Christ. He had confessed his failure to his Lord, and once more was given the opportunity. It was getting late, but he had not yet spoken to his companions of their need of salvation, although earnestly desiring to do so. He was distressed lest the opportunity be again lost. As he silently asked help of the Lord to speak, a hymn presented itself to his mind. Almost surprising himself at the peculiarity of his action, he sang aloud these verses:
"We've no abiding city here:
This may distress the worldling's mind,
But should not cost the saint a tear,
Who hopes a better rest to find.
"We've no abiding city here:
Sad truth were this to be our home!
But let the thought our spirits cheer—
We seek a city yet to come.
"We've no abiding city here:
We seek a city out of sight;
Zion its name—the Lord is there;
It shines with everlasting light.
"O sweet abode of peace and love,
Where pilgrims freed from toil are blest!
Had I the pinions of a dove
I'd fly to thee, and be at rest.
"But hush, my soul, nor dare repine:
The time my God appoints is best;
While here to do His will be mine,
And His to fix my time of rest."
Some time later the three friends met again. The younger of the brothers reminded their friend of the hymn, saying he could not forget how happy he appeared to be while singing it. "And," said he, "I too am now happy in Jesus, for I am the fruit of it, and am rejoicing in Christ my Savior." He recognized in his conversion the answer to his mother's petitions for her boys, long ago presented at the throne of grace. They had not been forgotten by the Hearer of prayer!