“Here is an invitation to the officers’ ball, which is to be held on Saturday, Mrs. E.” Mrs. E―, the young bride of Captain E —, hesitated to accept the hard, while her forehead showed the troubled state of her mind. “What is the matter?” said her husband, who was just then entering the room, seeing his wife thus agitated. Still meditating, she did not answer. “What is it?” asked Captain E― again.
“Well, James,” she said to her husband, “you know I am a Christian and gave up the dancing hall and theater before I married. I feel this to be a critical moment. I must decline the invitation.”
“What! Are you going to rob the party of its best and fairest dancer?” be said, laughing. “You will not do such a thing. Do you know that old H — will be present?”
“James, that is impossible!” exclaimed Mrs. E―, springing to her feet. “What, Mr. H―, that dear old missionary, that faithful man of God? Impossible!”
“Just he it is,” replied the Captain. “It was a capital idea of Major J― to invite him. Two days ago at a little gathering they counted all who shared the new-fangled views of H―, and J―laughed about the disciples of H — and his ‘Hallelujah singers. He put down the names of all such he was sure would positively decline. Then came suddenly the thought into his mind to invite the old fellow himself, so he wrote the invitation.”
“And Mr. H— accepted?” asked Mrs. E. eagerly.
“He did, I was present when the answer came, and you should have seen J. how perfectly he imitated old H—, and how he rejoiced to perhaps a chance to see the old man at the ball.
“Well I will go too, then, said Mrs. E— briefly, knowing something of the zeal and courage of Mr. H―.
The ball room was prettily decorated with flags and flowers. The orchestra of the regiment played merrily and the dancing began unconstrainedly. During the second waltz there entered the hall almost unnoticed a tall, broad-shouldered man with a long beard. Standing still, he looked earnestly at the glittering scene. Officers in scarlet and gold; ladies in beautiful ball dresses; abundance of lights; music; the delicate and sweet fragrance of flowers, all mixed together, offered an attractive picture to the beholder. Only two pairs of eyes looked upon it with adverse feeling. The music was ended, the dancers led their ladies to their respective places. The center part of the room was now vacant, and during the pause which ensued, the tall form of the missionary made for the open space. The course of the animated conversation stopped immediately, all eyes being directed toward the fearless man.
“There he is, there he is!” whispered many. But no one dared to say a word of reproach toward this earnest, venerable appearance. Now H― stretches out his right atm above his head, at the same time calling with a loud voice to the audience: “Who is on God’s side?” Deep stillness prevails. The second and third time sounds out the question, arousing great consternation. “Who is on God’s side? Who?” The bold eyes under the bushy brows look fixedly around upon those present. A mysterious power from above seems to have fallen upon the dancers, for no one moves or raises the voice against the intruder, this bold witness of the Lord. So unexpected is the call, so sudden the attack, which meets the enemies unprepared, that even the most pronounced opposers are powerless and silent, and as they lamented afterward, unable to put the bold preacher of repentance out of doors.
After the last call a stirring began among a group of dancers and, to the astonishment of Captain E―, he noticed the delicate figure of his wife raising herself, deadly pale, walking slowly through the space, placing herself alongside Mr. H―. With her head raised, stood the youthful witness of the Lord, before so timid, who now was obliged to confess her Saviour in the ball-room. There the two stood, the only ones on God’s side — the strong, daring man, and the weak and delicate figure of the lady in white.
Once more H― raised his voice to address the rest in a few earnest words, testifying to the reality of eternity, and preaching repentance toward God. Then he left the hall. A few minutes later Mrs. E― left also, accompanied by her agitated husband. It is not necessary to state that the ball was thoroughly spoiled to the most of those present, but for a few it was a momentous evening and a time of decision for Christ. All of them will remember through all eternity God’s testimony to them through His faithful servant, though not all, as is to be feared, in the place of eternal bliss and happiness.
SEL.