The Little Gleaner, Vol. X.: A Monthly Magazine for the YoungVarious
Religion
The Little Gleaner, Vol. X.: A Monthly Magazine for the Young
Various
Christian literature for children -- Periodicals
To add to his affliction, his wife, in 1883, was run over in the streets
of London, and died in an hospital under amputation of both legs. Thus,
left without relation or friend, this poor blind man had to face this
cold and unheeding world alone; and yet he is never alone, for his faith
is so bright that he goes out, walking long distances, trusting to God
to preserve him in his way.
On one occasion, he was taken by a constable before the Lord Mayor of
London, charged with playing an instrument in the streets, and having
been questioned as to what he did, answered that he played a small
instrument by which to keep himself. The Lord Mayor asked him to play a
tune, which he accordingly did, and he at once took the part of this
aged pilgrim, gave him five shillings, and reprimanded the constable for
arresting the poor old man, and told him to look after those who were
doing really wrong things in the streets, and not to bring poor,
helpless men to him like that. This poor man, hearing the severe words
addressed to the constable by his lordship, immediately began to beg
that no punishment might be meted out, quietly remarking, "My lord, very
likely he is a young constable, and has not quite learnt his duties.
Don't punish him; don't punish him." Thus did he show the true Christian
spirit of love for his enemies.
To illustrate the marvellous energy of will and courage of heart in this
old veteran, on one occasion he was badly bitten by a ferocious dog,
which left a terrible wound on his leg. No sooner had it got well enough
for him to crawl, than he walked four miles in awful agony to see one of
his friends, taking four and a half hours over the journey. Such men are
worthy of our support.
Our readers may ask, "How is it that Government does not look after this
old soldier?" But it is explained when we learn that he married "off the
strength," _i.e._, without leave, and so is now left to do the best he
can, unaided by his country.
From town to town this poor man, literally a pilgrim, wanders, seeking
the "wherewithal" to keep body and soul together. Often would he have
been starved, but for friends whom the good Lord has raised up for him
in the most unexpected ways.
Wherever he goes he carries the savour of Christ with him, and boldly
witnesses for his Saviour, abominating the awful language and behaviour
which he has to put up with in the houses where he lodges for the night;
and has even been pushed and struck because he has spoken out against
the evil by which he was surrounded. Thus actually from day to day
dependent upon his "Father in heaven" for his "daily bread," he lives by
faith; and thank God we know that, not having "his portion in this
life," there awaits him in due time the sweet rest of heaven, where he
shall be for ever "comforted" and owned in his Father's kingdom.--H. J.
K., in _Quarterly Record of the Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society_.
A MODEL PRAYER-MEETING.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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