So said a poor woman to me the other day, when speaking of her husband, and the great change she had lately seen in him.
For many years he had been a slave to drink, but he had been induced to become a total abstainer, and for two years had not yielded to his temptation. His wife, a sincere Christian, was not satisfied with this outward amendment only, and pleaded constantly al the throne of grace for the conversion of her husband; but, while he boasted of his temperance principles, he would not own that anything further was needed, saying, in answer to her entreaties that he would flee for refuge to the Saviour, in whom alone she trusted: “I cannot be better than I am.”
About this time the writer became acquainted with him, and tried to show him from God’s word that all the righteousness in which he was trusting was in God’s sight but filthy rags—that without “repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” he could not be saved. Then, after all had bowed together in prayer, took his leave.
When passing his cottage, some time after this interview, the writer was met by the poor man’s wife, who, with a face beaming with joy, said, “Just step in, sir, and see my husband.” With a bright smile the husband greeted his visitor. “You remember what you said, sir, about ‘filthy rags’? I thank God I have a full suit now. I feel sure the Lord has pardoned me.”
Together they praised God for answering prayer, and bringing peace and joy to another wandering child—one who had been so far off that he had not even known his need of pardon and mercy—and as the writer left this nappy home the wife called after him, “‘Tis the Bible now, sir, every night!”
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