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GOD A TIMELY HELPER

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 5, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 18.

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GOD A TIMELY HELPER.

We read the other day an interesting incident in the life of Stilling, a celebrated German writer, who died over fifty years ago. In early life he was very poor. He wished to study medicine, but knew not where to go, nor had he any money to take him anywhere. But, young as he was, he had a firm faith in God. He reasoned thus: “God begins nothing without terminating it gloriously. He alone has ordered my circumstances, and everything regarding me he will bring about in his own way.”
His friends were as poor as himself, and they wondered where he would get the money he needed for his education. After raising all the money he could for his long journey to Strasburg, where he was to spend the winter, he started on his way, but when he reached Frankfort, which was three days’ ride from Strasburg, he had only four shillings left. He said nothing, but he prayed much. While walking the streets he met a merchant belonging to his native place, who said:—
“Stilling, what brought you here?”
“I am going to Strasburg to study medicine.”
“Where did you get your money to study with?”
“I have a rich Father in heaven.”
“How much money have you on hand?”
“Four shillings,” said Stilling.
“So!” said the merchant. “Well, I’m one of your Father’s stewards,” and he handed him seven pounds.
He had not been long in Strasburg when his seven pounds were reduced to seven shillings. One morning his roommate said to him, “Stilling, I believe you did not bring much money with you,” and he gave him six pounds.
In a few months after this he had no money to pay his college dues. The lecturer’s fee must be paid by six o’clock on Tuesday evening or he would be obliged to leave college. Five o’clock came, and still he had no money. Then, while he was in great grief, and praying to God for help, a gentleman came in and gave him eight pounds.
Thus it is that God never fails those who trust in him. Some of those who read this article may be poor and trying to get along in the world. Do not get discouraged. Do all you can and the best you can, and God will help you. He may not send people with gold or bank notes just at the very time you need them, but he will find some way to keep his promise,—“I will never fail thee.”—Family Churchman.