It is Sunday night. A sad and wretched man is aimlessly walking along Kearny Street. He has been reviewing his past fruitless life—he is self-condemned and hopeless, despairing, yet rebellious, for his review has shown him what he might have been. He is penniless, and hungry, not knowing where to lay his weary head; and, more than all, his physical suffering is the torture of mind as it recalls the prattle of three darling boys, the cheering and loving words of a devoted wife, the confidence of a generous and patient brother, and the trust and respect of many friends who were ever ready with substantial aid and encouraging counsel; but now, alas! all have abandoned him to his selfishness, to the degradation his indulgences have brought him.
How sad and lamentable the spectacle! How lonely and miserable he is!
He arrives at Commercial Street. He hears the sweet hymns he heard his mother sing when his heart was pure and receptive. His attention is attracted; he listens and then draws near to an assemblage of Christian workers. A young disciple of the Master is now repeating the message, “Come unto Me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This friendless and forsaken man hears the message—his conscience has been awakened, and unconsciously he responds, “Amen.” His heart and mind are touched by the same influence which impels these people of God to come upon the street and hold up the Redeemer of the world. He now desires more than all things else to come to the foot of the Cross, and leave there, forever, all the sorrows and burdens of sin he is no longer able to bear. His response, “Amen,” has brought to his side the man of God who has been instrumental in awakening this hopeless and despairing soul. He invites this hitherto friendless man to go with him to the Helping Hand Mission, near at hand; and there all barriers—will, selfish motives and aspirations, and, more than all, his carnal appetites, were given up—not regretfully, but gladly and honestly.
Now the kingdom of God doth reign, and this sinful and friendless man of one hour ago is on the highway of usefulness, with the best Friend on earth to encourage and uphold him in all the dark and trying hours of his remaining days.
God bless the Helping Hand Mission, is the prayer of this saved man, the author of these simple lines.
