The daughter of an English nobleman, worldly, proud, ambitious, and fond of pleasure, was brought to know Jesus as her Savior. Her conversion was manifested in her life and ways.
Her father, who was a thorough man of the world, was greatly displeased and sought in every way to lead her into the world, in the hope that she might give up her "foolish notions.”
Temptations in worldly society, extravagance in dress, and traveling in foreign countries were all tried, to drag her down again to the level of the poor world. But her heart was fixed: Jesus was more to her than all the earth could give, and to Him she was resolved to cleave.
Baffled and disappointed, her father resolved upon one last effort, by which his end should be gained, or his daughter's earthly prospects ruined. A large company of nobility were invited to his home. It was arranged that during the festivities the daughters of different noblemen should entertain the company by singing, accompanied with music on the piano. She was chosen as one of the number. It was a moment of trial for the young believer. If she complied, and joined in singing the songs of the world, her testimony for Christ would be wrecked and her communion with God broken. If she refused, her father had threatened to expel her from his home. She would be publicly disgraced, and lose her place in society. The gay company were gathered together, and one after another performed her part.
At last the name of this young lady was announced, and the eyes of all were turned toward her. The crisis had come, and every one wondered how the scale would turn. She arose, and with a calm and dignified composure, took her seat at the instrument. Her father thought he had gained his point. After a few moments of silent prayer, then, with a voice of unearthly sweetness and solemnity, she sang,
No room for mirth or trifling here,
For worldly hope or worldly fear
If life so soon be gone;
If now the Judge is at the door,
And all mankind must stand before
The inexorable throne.
No matter which my thoughts employ,
A moment's misery or joy;
But O, when both shall end,
Where shall I find my destined place?
Shall my everlasting days
With fiends or angels spend?
When the singing ceased the solemnity of eternity was upon that gay assembly. Then without speaking, they dispersed, one after another slipping from the room.
The father wept aloud; and when he was left alone with his daughter, he asked her prayers for his soul's salvation; and her prayers were not in vain, for the proud man was humbled before God to confess himself a sinner, to accept by faith the Savior of the lost as his own, and to follow and live for Him. His life, his wealth and his talents were henceforth the Lord's.
Unconverted reader! it may be the fear of man that is keeping you from Christ. You dread the frown of relatives who, like yourself, are without Christ. You need not. If you claim the Lord Jesus as your own and only Savior, He will strengthen you, and give you courage to own Him before friend and foe, as your own and only Lord.
"How long halt ye between two opinions?",Choose this day between Christ and the world.