"No, dear friends, as a rule we find that each is for himself in this world. And why do we see nothing better? For want of having in us the mind which was in Christ Jesus. Because with our outward sight, we can discern only human beings of like sinful inclinations with ourselves, liable to the same temptations and trials. We want to turn away from this picture, from sin to perfect holiness; from rebellion to perfect obedience; from hate, enmity, indifference, to perfect love, compassion, and self-devotion. But we need the eye of faith for this. Faith sees the remedy for sin, the Reconciler of sinners, the sinless Sufferer, the all-sufficient Saviour in Jesus Christ, the God-man, in whose name I come to you to-night, and whose message I bring."
Much more did the preacher say. He repeated the loving invitations and the sweet promises of the gospel. He called upon many who were present to testify to their faithfulness, and to tell of the joy and blessedness of those "whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered," and who, being "justified by faith, have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
There were some who spoke in answer to this appeal, amongst them Richard Evans, the old smith from Rutherford's. As Adam Livesey listened, he felt convinced of this man's sincerity, and he knew that his life proved it.
Adam began to run over in his mind the names of those he knew who professed to be religious, and taking them as a whole, he was fain to confess that they seemed to be preferable, as companions, to those who made game of them. Had he not gone himself that very day to Richard Evans, feeling sure that he would help him out of his difficulty if he could? And there was Mr. Drummond! Had any manager ever before troubled himself about what the men did with their time or their money outside the works, so long as they were at their posts during the regular hours?
No, it must be because Christ's true servants had in them the loving spirit of Christ Himself, and showed it towards their neighbours. Adam knew well enough that it could not be because they expected to gain anything by it. What would Mr. Drummond be bettered by any change that might take place in Adam Livesey? Yet he and others who felt with him were willing to give up time, and rest, and ease, just because they wanted sinners to come to Jesus for pardon, for weary souls to find rest, and to exchange trouble for joy?
Adam's thoughts were interrupted by another hymn, and before the preacher gave it out he said, "This will just suit those who want to come to Jesus, and I hope many will join heart and voice in singing it"; and he read:—
"Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole,
I want Thee for ever to live in my soul;
Break down every idol, cast out every foe—
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."
And so on through all the verses.
Afterwards the preacher spoke again.
"Perhaps," he said, "many of you would like to take Jesus at His word. You that are tired of your present way of life, without God and without hope, want to accept the invitation, 'Come unto Me.' But you think it is for anybody but you. The message is good—too good to be true for you. You think to yourselves, 'I'm o' no account. Only a poor working man, or weary woman, tired with the task that never comes to an end. Who cares for me? Who would do anything for me?'