HENRY was born the son of a tavern keeper; but he was a good worker, he had a good job and a comfortable home. His wife Sarah was a fine Christian lady and they had a nice little family. However, Henry was indifferent, if not opposed, to all religion.
When the children were old enough Sarah sent them to Sunday school, but sometimes when Henry came home and found the children singing hymns he was angry and threw their hymn books into the fire.
This went on for some years, Sarah patiently and cheerfully praying for happier days. They had a kind Christian neighbor, Mrs. Kane, who went to the same gospel hall as Sarah did. One day when Sarah was taken ill and had to stay in bed, Henry was perplexed, not knowing how to look after the children and work at the same time.
On Monday there was no one to do the washing, a big job for a family of six. Mrs. Kane, seeing the difficulty, visited the home after Henry had gone to work and after speaking a few words of comfort to the sick mother, undertook to do the washing. By noon she had all the clothes, spotlessly white fluttering in the sun, and after straightening up the house she went home to dinner. Soon after she was back again and did all the rest that women in their wonderful way do to fold and prepare the “washing” for ironing.
When Henry came home after work and found what had happened he said, “It’s a funny religion that makes them do other people’s washing.”
By the end of the week Sarah had recovered and was preparing for Sunday; then a remarkable thing happened. Henry said quietly but firmly, “I’m going to that hall where they do other people’s washing.”
It was a thanksgiving service and just as they were about to begin singing who should walk in but Henry followed by his handsome wife and their little string of children. They all walked right up the aisle and sat down in the front row. The speaker knew nothing about the washing and as he spoke of God’s love and goodness in sending His beloved Son into this world to be our Saviour, Henry’s eyes were fixed on him with interest from binning to end.
At the close when the speaker said good-by to each one at the door, Henry came along, took his hand and said, “I’ve never been in a place of worship like this before, but I’m coming again.”
So he did, for the following week the family were all there again in the front seats.
The Spirit of God was working in love in Henry’s heart and it was not long after this that he confessed the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. He was faithful in attendance with his wife at all the meetings and brought the children regularly to Sunday school.
Henry was thoroughly converted to God, but as so often happens when one becomes a new man in Christ Jesus, when Satan saw that he was robbed of his prey, the enemy of souls raised up a great storm of persecution. So severe were Henry’s tribulations that it was feared he might be tempted to turn back. Many were the prayers that went up for him, however, and to the great joy of all those efforts to turn him back were in vain.
But no sooner was one storm over than another followed. Poor Henry was stricken with a long illness dung which he lost his job, and his hard-earned savings melted away. Winter was coming on. Still by the grace of God and in answer to many prayers this dear fellow “stood fast in the liberty wherewith Christ had made him free.”
By and by the tide began to turn. Henry recovered his health, took an inferior job, and throwing all his energies and skill into his new work, he rose to the top of the firm.
His spare time he devoted to the Lord’s work, became superintendent of the Sunday school and preached the gospel. His little boys and girls grew up, all were saved and joined in the work of the Lord.
Happy in the knowledge of Christ as his Saviour, with his loving wife and joyous family around him, Henry’s story is a testimony to the faithfulness of God and to the precious words of Scripture, “O Lord..., blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee.” Psa. 84:1212O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. (Psalm 84:12).
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion Forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Pet. 5:10,1110But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:10‑11).
ML-03/05/1972