On one occasion, he was taken by a constable before the Lord Mayor of London, charged with playing an instrument in the streets, and having been questioned as to what he did, answered that he played a small instrument by which to keep himself. The Lord Mayor asked him to play a tune, which he accordingly did, and he at once took the part of this aged pilgrim, gave him five shillings, and reprimanded the constable for arresting the poor old man, and told him to look after those who were doing really wrong things in the streets, and not to bring poor, helpless men to him like that. This poor man, hearing the severe words addressed to the constable by his lordship, immediately began to beg that no punishment might be meted out, quietly remarking, "My lord, very likely he is a young constable, and has not quite learnt his duties. Don't punish him; don't punish him." Thus did he show the true Christian spirit of love for his enemies.
To illustrate the marvellous energy of will and courage of heart in this old veteran, on one occasion he was badly bitten by a ferocious dog, which left a terrible wound on his leg. No sooner had it got well enough for him to crawl, than he walked four miles in awful agony to see one of his friends, taking four and a half hours over the journey. Such men are worthy of our support.
Our readers may ask, "How is it that Government does not look after this old soldier?" But it is explained when we learn that he married "off the strength," i.e., without leave, and so is now left to do the best he can, unaided by his country.
From town to town this poor man, literally a pilgrim, wanders, seeking the "wherewithal" to keep body and soul together. Often would he have been starved, but for friends whom the good Lord has raised up for him in the most unexpected ways.
Wherever he goes he carries the savour of Christ with him, and boldly witnesses for his Saviour, abominating the awful language and behaviour which he has to put up with in the houses where he lodges for the night; and has even been pushed and struck because he has spoken out against the evil by which he was surrounded. Thus actually from day to day dependent upon his "Father in heaven" for his "daily bread," he lives by faith; and thank God we know that, not having "his portion in this life," there awaits him in due time the sweet rest of heaven, where he shall be for ever "comforted" and owned in his Father's kingdom.—H. J. K., in Quarterly Record of the Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society.
A MODEL PRAYER-MEETING.
It was a cheerful chapel above ground, filled with seats, wide enough apart to kneel down between them, if one wanted to do so, well warmed and well ventilated.
At the time fixed for the meeting, first of all came Brother Punctuality. His watch and actions are always regulated to the minute by the town clock. Once he and the minister came together. They waited one minute for others who came not, and then each prayed, talked, and sang. They spent fifteen minutes thus, and then left.
On their way home they met the rest coming, who said, "Why, are we not to have a meeting?" "Oh, we have had one," was the reply. That cured all, except the most incorrigible, of their delay. Some people are chronically tardy. You can never change them. They are always too late for work, too late for dinner, too late for church. What a mercy if they are not at last among those who come when the door is shut! They disturb the devotions of others. Not so Brother Punctuality; only he has one troublesome fault. When the hour is done he opens that inevitable hunting-watch of his, and snaps it to with such a nervous jerk that it says very plainly to all, "Now, shut up and go home." This is bad enough in ordinary and dull times, but when hearts are warm, and prayers are strong, and the current of love flows fully, let there then at least be a little more latitude.