The subject was renewed upon another visit, and continued at intervals for some months; so that he became well instructed in the principles of that faith which is said to "abide" and to "dwell" in the true Christian, and which the unbelief of men cannot "make void." After a time the optician left the institution, and was lost sight of for nearly three years. He then addressed a letter to his friend of the telescope, from Middlesex Hospital, telling him that he had suffered sad reverses, and that he was a patient there with a painful eruption; and added, "Through the mercy of God I have obtained precious faith, and I hope to be ever mindful that I can only conquer the enemy by giving myself up, and entirely depending upon the blood of the Lamb. I feel, my dear friend, what tongue or pen cannot describe: I feel that I am preserved by our blessed Saviour from that doom I so deserved; and I now place all my dependence upon this new Friend, and I trust that I may continue in the faith, and rest in the Lord and wait."
When the visitor called he found him afflicted with a kind of leprosy, being covered with sores from head to foot. He however looked happy, and in the course of conversation, observed, "That remark, sir, about the telescope when you first spoke to me, was the leading step in my conversion: I never lost its impression. When I packed or unpacked the instruments I used to think about it, and at last got to desire your statement to be true,—that 'the Lord Jesus, by a power of the soul, could be seen pleading for and saving sinners;' but now, blessed be God, I feel that I have the heavenly gift, and pray for its increase." He recovered from his disease, and has for years proved his faith by holy living.
The other instance occurred in the International Exhibition. A visitor who frequently embraced opportunities to direct attention to some truth contained in the good old Book, was one morning worming his way through the machinery annex, when his progress was stopped by a barrier. As it was the midday hour for refreshment, the whirl and clatter was stayed, the machinery being at rest. A man, a fine specimen of the English mechanic, sat by the motive engine reading Goldsmith's History of England. The visitor noticed this, and, handing him a Gospel of St. John, said, "Here is part of the great biography,—some leading passages in the life of the King now crowned with many crowns; but whose life here was a miracle, from the manger to Golgotha."
"I have read it, sir," the man replied, taking the book; "but I cannot believe all the Bible says about Jesus Christ, and other matters."
"If you have time, I should like to know how it is that you reject the testimony which God has given of His Son?" said the giver of the Book, and the following conversation took place:—
"Well, sir, this is how it is: I was religious in my youth, but when an apprentice, my shopmates induced me to attend theological lectures followed by debates. These discussions shook my faith in the Christian system, and the reading of books has strengthened my convictions."
"This is a serious matter: do please tell me your chief difficulty."
"It is your duty to connect the band of this engine with the various machines."