A CHRISTIAN man was walking some time ago through one of the busiest parts of a large city. He stood still at the corner of a street, attracted by a crowd of some hundreds of foot-passengers that surrounded a man dressed like a clown, who was amusing them with all kinds of savings and tricks. He remained for some time looking on, with a feeling of deep pity for the unfortunate object who tried to earn his living in such a world. He waited, feeling that there was something here for him to do.
Finally with an earnest prayer in his heart, he took from his pocket a package of tracts, and choosing one that seemed suitable, he made his way through the crowd, and offered it to him with a few friendly words. The man took it from him with a look of the greatest contempt, and, to the great surprise of the giver, held it up high in a mocking way, as if he were going to treat his hearers to another joke. Then he began to read aloud, with such a clear, load voice, that nobody there could possibly miss a word. Our friend who had given it to him, remained at a distance listening, but with a wounded heart, that such words breathing forth only love and grace should be uttered in this mocking way.
The closing words were: “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.” Luke 12:20.
While reading this, his face changed suddenly, and showed the utmost dismay Immediately afterward the clown pushed his way through the crowd and hurried off, as if he were being followed for some crime. The people looked after him in astonishment, but our friend followed him, and had the good-fortune to overtake him. Walking beside him, he tried to bring him to a standstill, and at last succeeded, but the only answer he could get from him was: “I am lost! I am lost!”
Great was the joy of our friend at the immediate answer to his prayer. He never ceased his efforts until he had set before him clearly the power of. God’s saving love for sinners. While reading the closing words the arrow of conviction had pierced the heart and conscience of the hardened sinner. Filled with the deepest contrition, he fell down at the feet of the Lord, and soon received full assurance of forgiveness and salvation. The same man could be found for many years afterwards working with a band of zealous Christians among the very lowest and deeply fallen, preaching with great blessing the gospel of the free grace of God through Christ Jesus.
ML-11/21/1920