Thoughtful Moments

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 12, 5 October 1945, Page 2

Thoughtful Moments

OUR SUNDAY MESSAGE (Supplied by the W)iakntoiw» Miuwt ei-s' Association).

SAVED FROM SUICIDE

eel to save

The Rev. George Grubb relates this remarkable answer to prayer. "Some years ago I knew a young man of' strong physique, splendid a college graduate and a general favourite. The talents he possessed promised a life of great power and usefulness. But,. falling into wrong and losing his will power he became the victim of the wine cup, "Feeling keenly the disgrace he was likely to bring upon his family t he took ship for Australia. 'I'll begin afresh in a new land ' he told him- ' 9 self. But sadly he had to learn that a new land and new company can never produce a new nature. "Some months later when we had lost all trace of this young man," said the minister impressively "I tossed upon a sleepless bed feeling the awful burden of that young man's soul. 1 seemed to see him entering the gates of for ever doomed.

"I knew he had gone so far astray he would never enter a cburch-- but there was the Salvation Army. The thought of the Salvation Army so possessed me that I rose, from my bed, and falling upon my knees, I cried to God to direct the lad's steps into a Salvation Army. I rem'lined on my knees, pleading this one petition until God gave me the assurance that my prayer was answered." Far away in Australia a young man stood irresolutely at a street corner, pale, thin, emaciated, his hands trembling, his eyes tilled with remorse and misery. He had tried so hard and had failed! He. had struggled, and yes, prayed, for victory over sin, but the heavens t'bove seemed turned to brass! But now his struggles will soon be ended. Only a short street and then tlie silent, dark harbour ! That was the only way to end the fiendish burning thirst! There Avas no one in this new land to care and the people in the old country would never know! He slouched near to the. end of the narrow street. An evil hand seemed to be beckoning to him to hasten on and hide the failure of a ruined life under the silent water! J hen as lie passe:! an unpretentious building he • was suddenly arrested by the loud, cheerful music of a Salvation Army band. The young- man hastening to his doom came to a sudden halt ! An unseen power surrounded him —an unseen hand led him to the threshold of that building. The young man knew it not, but the hand that was leatding him on and up, was a hand that was wound-

He stumbled up the well-worn steps ami entered the where he was greeted withi such a warmth and cheer that he. felt a faint flutter in his dead soulHe tried to tell an officer that his case was hopeless. But before lie was half through his recital lie found himself at the penitent iorm ? sobbing out his gratitude for the glad full assurance that Jesus saves. The Good Shepherd had found His sheep that went astray and was lost! He arose to his feet ? crying: "Thanks be to God who givetli us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Some months later the two men of this incident met in England. Comparing the difference in time between England and Australia, they discovered it to have been the exact hour when the one arose from his lied to pray that his. brother might be led into the Salvation Army that this brother was upon his way to end his life !

PRAYER ANSWERED BY CROSSES By John Newton. [ asked the Lord that I might grow In faith and love and everv grace; Might more of His salvation L r no\v And .seek more earnestly His face. 'Twas He who taiio-ht me thus to pray, And He 1 trust, hn.s answer u prayer ; But it has been in such a way As almost drove me to despair. I hoped that in some favour'd hour At once He'd answer my request And by His love's constraining power Subdue my sins and give me rest. Instead of this He made me feel The hidden evils of my bear:; ,\nd let the angry, powers of Hell Asault my soul in every part, Yea more with His own hand He .seemed Intent to aggravate my woe, Cross'd all the fair designs I schem'd Blasted my gourds, and laid me low. "Lord whv is this?" 1 trembling f * cried ''Wilt Thou- pursue Thy worm to death?" " 'Tis in this way," the Lord "1 answer prayer for grace and faith. "These inward trials I employ ''From self and. pride to set thee* free : '"And break thy schemes ol' earthly j°y, j "'J bat thou inay'st .seek t.liy all in j Me."