Jasper's old shed, and how the light shone in

by A. M. Coker

Tears were streaming down Jasper's cheeks as the speaker ceased; and while the closing hymn was sung the old man remained seated with his face buried in his hands. Not until the service had closed, and the people were beginning to move, did he raise his head.

Phil and Rob stood by, looking almost frightened, and quite glad to see Mr. Armstrong come up, and with a word of kindly welcome say, "I think this must be Mr. Jasper, that I've so often heard of from our young friends here."

Jonas looked up. "Yes, sir, that's my name," he said.

"I'm very glad to see you here on this New Year's Sunday."

"Ah, I wish I had come before; but you see 'tis only a week ago I found out that Jesus had died for me; and now I'm thinking I haven't long to stay here for certain, and I've never done anything for Him, and I'll be downright ashamed when I see Him."

"There's no reward for me; my past has been so bad. I reckon my 'henceforth' will be very short. Ah, 'tis a bad thing to be without Christ so long, and only to find Him just at the last! These boys here," and he looked lovingly at Phil and Rob, "they won't ever have to feel as I do now; for they have begun young to love Jesus; and if it hadn't been for them, sir, I'd never have thought about these things. 'Twas their talk and their hymns that told me about Jesus. And your card that you gave to Rob for me was the very beginning of it all;" and the old man laid his hand tenderly on Rob, who stood listening with wonder to all that Jasper was saying.

For a moment there was silence; and then Mr. Armstrong, who was touched indeed at the simple confession, said brightly, "Then I'm sure I can wish you a 'Happy New Year;' for it must be that, now that you have found Jesus to be your Saviour."

"Ah, but 'twas He found me, sir; He found me He came right into my old dark shed 'seeking for me,' as the boys sang on Christmas Day. Ah, it was wonderful, wonderful! And I've got nothing to give Him in return, nothing, nothing!"

Fast fell the tears from the old man's eyes.

"Well, but you can begin now to do something for Jesus. Tell your neighbours and your friends how the Lord has saved you, and that He will do the same for them; and perhaps through your words some soul will be led to seek Him too, and then there will be a reward for you. So rejoice in the Lord, my brother, and be glad." With these cheering words Mr. Armstrong bade him good-night, promising to pay him a visit before long. And then, between the boys who loved him so dearly, Jonas Jasper walked slowly home, after this his first visit to the Mission Hall; and that night, from the dreary attic in which Phil and Rob lay down to rest, there went up heartfelt praise to God as the two lads knelt to say their evening prayer; and Phil, in simple, touching words, thanked God for the answer given, because Mr. Jasper loved their Jesus too.