IT was summer time. The sun shone brilliantly day after day upon the bell-shaped tents, occupied by the militia, who were up for their special training on the beautiful downs of M—. A very pretty sight it was to look upon; yet one felt sadly that among that vast number of men were many who knew not the Saviour, and the hearts of a few noble workers for the Master yearned to win some precious souls to Him. Permission having been granted them by the commanding officer to use the temperance tent, meetings u ere at once commenced, which were greatly blessed to the salvation of souls. One evening, when the tent was crowded with eager listeners, the hymn was sung—
“In the land of strangers,
Whither thou art gone,
Hear a far voice calling,
‘My son! My son!’”
An address on the fifteenth chapter of St. Luke followed, in which was tenderly depicted the Father waiting with outstretched arms, ready to welcome the prodigal home.
The earnestness of the speaker touched some hearts, and amongst others that of Robert W. He could hold out no longer, and the pent-up tears burst forth, showing very plainly that a tender chord had been touched. One of the Christians present went and spoke to him about his soul. Robert said, “I have not only wandered from God, but have been a wanderer from my earthly home for many years. My father and mother know nothing of my whereabouts, and tonight I feel miserable.”
The glorious truth was then put before him that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and he was assured that none need perish, for Christ had died.
The evening gun fired, and the workers left the camp, feeling glad that the words spoken had taken root in at least one heart. The work begun in Robert’s soul was continued, and finally resulted in a blessed deliverance. The prodigal found a loving welcome home from his heavenly Father, as had been assured to him, and of this he testified the next evening to those who had been the means of leading him to the Saviour. He was now able to sing with joy—
“The wanderer no more will roam,
The lost one to the fold has come,
The prodigal is welcomed home,
O Lamb of God in Thee.”
During the remainder of the camping season, Robert proved by his life that he had experienced a change of heart. Two days before leaving he said to the writer, “Thank God I am now on the road for heaven, and as soon as I leave here I am going to my parents.” What joy was created in that earthly home, as well as the great joy of the angels in heaven over the prodigal returning!
Such is the simple story of one, who proved that God was able to save to the uttermost all who come unto Him by faith. Reader, are you a prodigal? Are you still wandering away from the Father in sin and misery? Jesus waits to welcome you. O! come home! come home!
ML 10/27/1918