TRUST IN GOD | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 30, 1861

TRUST IN GOD.

In a large, lonely house, situated in the south of England, there once lived a lady and her two maid-servants. They were far away from all human habitations, but they seemed to have no fear, but to have dwelt there peacefully and happily. It was the lady's custom, with her maids to go round the house every evening to see if all the windows and doors were properly secured. One night she had accompanied them as usual and ascertained that all was safe. They left her in the passage close to her room, and then went to their own, which was quite at the outside of the house. As the lady opened the door, she distinctly saw a man under the bed. What could she do? Her servants were far away, and could not hear her if she screamed for help, and even if they had come to her assistance, these three weak women were no match for a desperate house-breaker. How then did she act? Se put her trust in God. Quietly she closed the door, and locked it on the inside, which she was always in the habit of doing. She then leisurely brushed her hair, and putting on her dressing-gown, she took her Bible and sat down to read. She read aloud, and chose a chapter that had peculiar reference to God's watchfulness over us, and constant care of us by night and by day. When it was finished she knelt and prayed at great length, still uttering her words aloud, especially commending herself and servants to God's protection, dwelling upon their utter helplessness, and dependence upon him to preserve them from all danger. At last she rose from her knees, put out her candle,

and lay down in bed, but did not sleep. After a few minutes had elapsed she was conscious that the man was standing by her bedside. He begged of her not to be alarmed. "I came here to rob you, but after the words you have read and the prayers you have uttered, no power on earth could induce me to hurt you, or touch a thing in your house. But you must remain perfectly quiet and not attempt to interfere with me. I shall now give a signal to my companions which they will understand, and then we will go away and you may sleep in peace, for I give you my solemn word no one shall harm you, and not the smallest thing belonging to you shall be disturbed." He then went to the window, opened it, and whistled softly. Returning to the lady's side (who had not spoken or moved), he said, "Now I am going. Your prayer has been heard, and no disaster will befall you." He left the room, and soon all was quiet, and the lady fell asleep, still upheld by that calm and beautiful faith and trust. When the morning dawned, and she awoke, we may feel sure she poured out her thanksgiving and praises to him who had "defended" her "under his wing," and "kept" her "safe under his feathers," so that she was not "afraid of any terror by night." The man was true to his word, and not a thing in the house had been taken. Oh, shall we not hope that his heart was changed from that day forth, and that he forsook his course, and cried to that Saviour "who came to seek and to save that which is lost," and even on the cross did not reject the penitent thief. From this story let us learn to put our whole trust and confidence in God. The lady's courage was indeed wonderful, but the Lord was her defense upon her right hand, and "with him all things are possible."

ADDITIONAL.

We have received an extract from a letter fully corroborating the remarkable anecdote of the lady and the robber, in our October number, and adding some facts that enhance the wonder and mercy of her escape. We quote the words of the letter:— "In the first place the robber told her that if she had given the slightest alarm or token of resistance, he had fully determined to murder her; so that it was God's good guidance that told her to take the course she took. Then before he went away, he said, 'I must have the book you read out of,' and carried off her Bible, willingly enough given you may be sure. This happened many years ago, and only comparatively recently did the lady hear any more of him. She was attending a religious meeting in Yorkshire, where, after several noted clergy and others had spoken, a man arose, saying he was employed as one of the book hawkers of the society, and told the story of the midnight adventure as a testimony of the wonderful power of the word of God. He concluded, 'I was that man.' The lady rose from her seat in the hall, and said quietly, 'It is all quite true, I was that lady,' and sat down again."—London Packet.