PART 5
Having nothing more to say I went to my work. You can imagine what my feelings were as I sat all the forenoon, I thought of my dear parents, the difficulties they were in, how I had promised them to do all I could. But what could I do? The Lord comforted me. His word, ‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee,’ was very consoling to me and quieted the loud beating of my heart. Noon hour came on. I took courage to speak to my employer. In a few words I told him of the trouble my parents were in, and asked him if he would pay me part of my salary in advance that I might help them. He answered in a harsh and unfriendly way as usual, and refused to grant my desire, and left the office.
As I stepped into the hall, the janitor asked me if something unusual had taken place between myself and my employer.
‘Nothing that I am aware of,’ I replied; ‘why do you ask me this question?’
‘Something must have taken place about money matters,’ said the honest old man.
‘I should not have asked you the question only for this, that our employer knows no mercy when his money is involved.’
‘Do not be concerned about me, Joseph. I have not done anything wrong; but will you please explain what you mean?”
‘You see, my dear young friend, there must be some storm approaching,’ said the janitor; ‘late last night he sent me to the police station; and early this morning a detective came to the house. Do not be provoked with me if I have been concerned about you; you are very young, and—the temptation—!’
‘I thank you for your interest in me, but do not be troubled about me anymore, everything is all right,’ was my answer, as I pressed the old man’s hand.
I can tell you, Charles, tears of joy flowed as I left the house. According to the janitor’s story, my employer had discovered his mistake the evening before, and, feeling sure that I could not resist the temptation, had the officer in the house, the following morning, for my arrest. At first, I felt hurt over his conduct, and for sometime could not quiet down. But soon better thoughts came into my heart. I recognized the hand of God in love. My heart was filled with thankfulness and joy, and though everything at home looked dreary for myself and parents, yet I could shout in joy and triumph:
‘The Lord is my helper,’ and ‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.’ “Hebrews 13:5,6.
ML 12/11/1938