Scotland by H. J. Williams

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 6, 1907

Scotland

By H. J. Williams

EDINBURGH.—Since we arrived in Scotland last fall, my time has very largely been taken up with studies and hospital work, preparatory to running the gauntlet which will enable me to practise as a medical missionary in British fields. However, this has not prevented us from receiving a few of those rich blessings and experiences which come to those who humbly try to follow the Master’s example in bringing the glad tidings of great joy into the hearts and lives of others.

One experience which we had I would like to briefly relate, as perhaps it may be an encouragement to some one. For several reasons, we felt it our duty to remove from our lodgings, and engage quarters at this place. We had been settled only a day or two when our landlady, who is a Christian, came into our room, with tears in her eyes, and said she had felt in her heart, ever since we had been in her house, that the Lord had sent us to her. She told us of her son, who had recently returned from the army a drunkard, and would sell anything he could get his hands on for a drink; in fact, he had gotten about as low as he could go. She asked if there was anything we could do for her boy. We told her we would be glad to do all we could for him.

I had a talk with the boy, who expressed a desire to be rid of these evil habits, but said he had tried many times without success. The mother promised to try to keep him in the house for a week. I gave him treatment each day, and succeeded in getting him over the first few days, which are always the worst in these cases, and got him sober, so he could think with a clear brain. I asked him into my room one evening, and told him how he was breaking his mother’s heart, and that he was ruining his life physically, also his hope of eternal life; that the help we had given him was only temporary, to give him a clear mind, that he might have an opportunity to choose the right way; that the only thing which could save him completely was the power of Christ.

After talking and reading with him for some time, I asked him if he would not accept Jesus as his Saviour, who could deliver him from this thing and from all sin. I told him I could heartily recommend Christ to him as One who would never leave nor forsake him, and who was fully able to keep him from falling. We got on our knees together.

I prayed earnestly that God would give him what he needed just now, and asked him if he would not pray for himself. The only words he could utter were, “God help me, or I perish,” in a very broken voice. He arose from his knees with a new light in his eyes. I told him to tell his mother about it, which he did. It is needless to say there was rejoicing in his house that night, as well as in heaven.

Nearly a month has now passed. The boy has gone steadily onward. Every one remarks at the change which has come into his life. His mother is happy, knowing that her son is at home reading and studying his Bible, instead of lying drunk in some grog-shop.

None but those who have had the experience can know how happy such an experience makes us. We would rather be the means in Christ’s hands of leading just such sin-sick souls to the foot of the cross, and of bringing such happiness into the lives of others, than to be the king of this great nation, and be without Christ and his love.

H. J. WILLIAMS.