(continued from last week)
Then with a sigh the musician placed his cello on the counter, and hurried out into the cold lonely night. “Excuse me,” said Neumark as he bumped into a man in haste.
“Was that you playing in there just now?” asked the stranger. “Yes.”
“Would you favor me with a copy of that hymn you sang? I will gladly pay you for it.”
“Gladly will I give you the hymn, without your money,” returned Neumark. “You will find me in the morning at No. 10 Crooked Lane. But who are you?”
“John Gutig, from the Swedish ambassador’s house,” and with that he departed.
The next morning, Gutig received the promised hymn. Then a few weeks later he again knocked at Neumark’s door.
“Friend,” he said, “My master wants you at once. His secretary has suddenly taken ill, and the ambassador needs someone in his place. I spoke to him of you, and showed him your hymns, and now he has ordered me to fetch you at once. You are not offended?”
“Offended? No, kind friend,” replied Neumark, “I am deeply grateful.” Soon the two men were on their way to the ambassador’s house.
A few questions from the ambassador satisfied him that Neumark would be of real service to him. “Here is twenty-five dollars,” said the kindly baron, noting Neumark’s need.
With radiant face and light step Neumark bounded from the house and made straight for old Nathan’s shop. “Give me my cello,” he cried, flinging down his money, “and remember this:
“Who trusts in God’s unchanging love,
Builds on the rock that naught can move.”
With that, he took up his cello and carried it triumphantly home.
“Mrs. Johannsen, come here,” he shouted. “Listen to my good news,” and he told her of his new position, the money in advance, and showed her his redeemed treasure.
“Now, good friend, go,” he said, “Call in the neighbors, anyone, everyone, and I’ll sing them such a hymn as they never heard before.”
A little later the little room was full, and all eyes fixed upon the glad face of the musician as he began to play. Then with exultant joy he broke into a hymn which has been the cheer and delight of thousands since:
“Leave God to order all thy ways,
And hope in Him whate’er betide;
Thou’lt find Him in the evil days
Thy all-sufficient Strength and Guide.
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love,
Builds on the Rock that naught can move.”
All listened with rapt attention to the beautiful melody, and tears ran down many faces. Old Frau Johannsen sobbed, “Dear Sir,” she cried, “it’s just like being at a service; it makes the good God seem quite near. Surely He has helped you; and that lovely hymn, did you make it?” she asked.
“I? Well, I was the harp,” Neumark replied, “but God swept the strings; He has been very good to me.”
ML-11/27/1966