God's Answers: A Record of Miss Annie Macpherson's Work at the Home of Industry, Spitalfields, London, and in CanadaLowe, Clara M. S.
Religion
God's Answers: A Record of Miss Annie Macpherson's Work at the Home of Industry, Spitalfields, London, and in Canada
Lowe, Clara M. S.
Canada -- Emigration and immigration; Church work with children; Home missions; Macpherson, Annie
"He came from Malaga in the summer of 1875 to the Ophthalmic
Hospital, Moorfields, for treatment. One afternoon, two ladies
belonging to the 'Bible Flower Mission' at the Home of Industry,
brought flowers and texts to give to the patients. One of the
visitors was about to offer a bouquet to the Spaniard, Senor Previ,
when the nurse remarked, 'It's of no use giving him a text, for he is
a Roman Catholic, and besides he can't speak a word of English.'
'Never mind,' was the reply, 'I will offer him a bunch of flowers,
and then see what I can do.' But what about a text? Surely it was the
Lord's doing that for the _first_ time she had brought one
written in French; and it was indeed appropriate? 'There is one God,
and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.' After
pointing him to the Great High Priest, she asked if he would accept a
Spanish Bible. This he refused to do, saying, 'No, I cannot, for it
is a bad, forbidden book; besides, I shall leave the hospital to-morrow
morning.' 'Nevertheless, I will send you a copy,' was the answer. With
great difficulty the lady procured a second-hand Spanish Bible, and
sent it off just in time for him to take away.
"Senor Previ then told us how, after studying that Bible for several
months, the eyes of his soul were opened to see Jesus as the
'_one_ Mediator.' Thus was fulfilled that promise so precious to
all seed-sowers? 'My Word shall not return unto Me void.'
"Soon afterwards he entered Mr. Guinness's College, employing his
free time in distributing Gospels, &c., on board foreign ships, and
assisting every Sunday at the services in the Spanish Chapel, thus
gaining experience for future work in the vineyard. He spoke most
warmly of the kindness of Miss Macpherson, and the happy hours spent
in the 'dear Home of Industry,' where, at a previous workers'
meeting, the ardent desire had first been kindled in his heart to
tell the good news of Jesus, the 'one Mediator,' to his own
countrymen. For some time he prayed earnestly that the Lord would
raise up a friend to go with him. This petition has been fully
answered.
"Mr. Lund then rose, and told us that whence, student in Stockholm
the desire to work in Spain had been laid on his heart for nearly
four years. He studied the language, but, seeing no opening, was on
the point of starting for America, when he received a letter from Mr.
Guinness which entirely altered his plans. He came to London, and on
meeting Senor Previ, offered to accompany him to Spain. The two
brethren earnestly requested the prayers of the meeting for their new
and difficult work."
The prayers here offered were more than answered. The first labourer
has fallen in the field, but others have filled the ranks, and the
light kindled in a dark place is now shining brightly.
Miss Macpherson's own words here follow:--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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