It was one of the strangest dwellings you ever saw. It was out in the country among the hills. The walls were made of turf, several feet thick, and the roof was covered with a kind of grass. There was one small window about two feet square, but scarcely sufficient light could penetrate to allow one to see what was inside. The furniture was very scarce, and what there was rough and plain.
The only occupant was an old man, how old no one knew. His clothing was many years behind the times. Nor did anyone know how long he had lived there. Another old man who lived in a neighboring village claimed it was “ever since he was a boy.”
The old hermit had no relatives, it seemed. One day a gentleman visiting the district called to see the aged man, and much to his surprise he was warmly received. The old man told him part of his history and it was evident he had experienced no little sorrow. But he ended by saying, “I have lived here alone for forty-five years; and yet not alone, for God, my true and faithful friend, has been with me night and day all that time. When I leave this hut where He has been my guest, I will go to dwell with Him forever.”
Hermit though he was, the old man was happy, for he was saved. He enjoyed the blest companionship of the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dear reader, this is the only true and lasting joy. Do you know Jesus as your Saviour and Friend?
He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love,
And thus He bound me to Him.
And round my heart still closely twine
Those ties which Naught can sever,
For I am His, and He is mine,
Forever and forever!
ML 03/14/1965