20 They heard the mothers and the children crying in the streets; they saw their wretchedness.
21 And Jesus said, My friend, here is a work for you to do. Just lead the way in helpfulness; I’m sure the men of Bethany will furnish you the means and help.
22 The spark of hope that had so long been smouldering in the man was fanned into a flame. He threw his ragged coat aside; he was himself again.
23 And then he called for help; not for himself, but for the homeless ones; and everybody helped. The ruined homes were built again.
24 And then he saw his own poor den; his heart was stirred into its depths.
25 The pride of manhood filled his soul; he said, This wretched den shall be a home. He worked as he had never wrought before, and everybody helped.
26 And in a little while the den became a home indeed; the flowers of love bloomed everywhere.
27 The mother and the little ones were filled with joy; the father never drank again.
28 A man was saved, and no one ever said a word about neglect or drunkenness, nor urged him to reform.