The American Missionary — Volume 33, No. 11, November, 1879 — John Shaqi
The American Missionary — Volume 33, No. 11, November, 1879Various
Religion
The American Missionary — Volume 33, No. 11, November, 1879
Various
Congregational churches -- Missions -- Periodicals; Home missions -- Periodicals
I wish I had space, so I could tell you all of the beautiful,
interesting and helpful things that happen day by day in my work;
but as I have not, I must content myself with giving you one or two
incidents. First, let me tell you about an impromptu prayer-meeting
held in one of the many cabins which dot the hills all over. A few
nights ago I went to see a sweet old Christian, who for three years has
not known an hour’s rest from pain, and yet is as merry as a cricket,
receiving the little offerings of food and shelter which her poor
neighbors bring her with cheerful gratitude as from her God. One day
I asked her how she could be so patient and so gay. “Why, chile, it’s
all on de journey, an’ I don’t know no reason why the way should be
made easier fur me than it was fur the Master,” she answered. While I
was trying to make her more comfortable, several women came in, _none
of whom could read_, and after we had talked a little while about our
sweet Lord Jesus, one said: “Please read the chapter where Jesus says:
‘I pray not for these alone, but for all of them who shall believe on
me through their word.’” A little tin lamp was brought, and as I opened
my Bible I glanced at the living picture before me. The lamp threw its
feeble light over the patient sufferer, and lit up the dusky faces of
the women bending eagerly forward as I read those blessed words. No
sooner had I finished the chapter than one began that beautiful slave
song, “Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus.” Instantly it was
caught up. Our hearts had touched the heart of Christ in this grand
prayer chapter. As soon as it was ended, another chapter was asked
for, and then another, and another, intermingled with prayer and song.
It was just such a prayer-meeting, I imagine, as the one held by the
disciples when, being gathered together, Jesus stood in their midst and
said, “_Peace be with you._” I knew, I felt that I had been with Jesus.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account