A Seeker for Truth by FRED LEE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 24, 1915

A Seeker for Truth

By FRED LEE

FRED LEE

FROM his appearance one would not think he was a seeker for truth. But such is the case. This man is a member of a large and wealthy family. He and several of his brothers hold literary degrees. This is only one of many surprises one meets in China. There is much gold which does not glitter, and many diamonds in the rough. I believe this man is one.

He came to us a few months ago, having walked several hundred miles that he might hear more of the truth about which he had heard one of our evangelists speak. He had started to come to us some time before, but when only half-way here he met a beggar along the roadside. His heart was so touched that he gave all he had to the poor fellow, and had to plod back a hundred miles to get more money with which to come to our place.

For many years he had been seeking for light, and God did not disappoint him. For years he sought peace of heart by chanting many prayers alone on the mountain top, by fasting in a dark, cold cell, or perhaps by doing good deeds among the villagers. However, his mind and soul became darker and darker, and his hope of salvation more dim. Despair had settled down upon his heart when he came to hear this truth.

It was hard for the truth to pierce the darkness of his soul. Many and strange were the questions he would ask of the way of salvation by faith. But gradually he understood its meaning. He had been touched once by the healing hand of Christ. He saw, but not clearly.

Often despondency would settle upon him, and I would see him sitting alone in a most dejected way, thinking of what he might do to overcome, and to merit the grace of Christ. But he is growing, and is learning that it is not by works that we are saved. In many ways he only sees “men as trees walking,” but he is waiting by faith to receive the second touch of the Master’s hand, and he believes he will be made whole.

There are many such men and women in China at this hour. They know the merits of the gospel, they have felt a portion of its power. And now they are anxiously waiting to feel the second touch of the Healer’s hand, and to receive the power to go in peace, and sin no more.