- Scottish Tract Magazine, 1843-45.
SOME years since, a gentleman, well known for his liberality and zeal, was passing through an obscure alley in London, on the Sabbath morning, distributing religious tracts as he went along. A woman with whom he left one of the little publications, informed him that she had a lodger in an apartment of the house who appeared to be very ill, and who she thought would feel pleased and grateful if the gentleman would pay him a visit. He instantly complied with the request, and was introduced to a room almost destitute of furniture, where, upon a miserable bed, he perceived the ruins of a fine young man, in the last stage of emaciation and decay.
The gentleman, with his accustomed kindness and fidelity, entered into conversation with him, and was pleased to discover that the unhappy sufferer was not only fully prepared to receive his instructions, but that he appeared to be truly impressed with the character of his state, acquainted with the system of salvation through the crucified Saviour, and manifesting those dispositions of repentance and of faith, which are so essential to the safety of the soul. He confessed he had been brought up in respectability, that he had received a religious education, that he had fallen a victim to the multiform seductions of vice, that he had abandoned his parental home, that his constitution had been ruined by excess, and that his present condition had resulted from his own depravity. He then proceeded in broken language, and with exhausted strength, to describe how in his misery, like the prodigal son in the parable, he had come to himself; how all the impressions of early life had been revived by an influence from above; how earnestly and penitently he had cast himself before the throne of grace; how hope had animated him while dwelling upon the love and mediation of the Redeemer, and how, at last, he was enabled to indulge in some expectations of final forgiveness and acceptance beyond the grave. When the gentleman kindly inquired if he could do anything for him, the young man with considerable hesitation, but yet with absorbing earnestness, said, “I hope I have obtained the forgiveness of God, would that I could receive that of my father!” The gentleman, whose feelings was very strongly excited, offered his services, and inquired the parent’s address; and it was with some astonishment that he heard the name of an individual whom he knew to be occupying a situation of respectability and reputation.
As the situation of the young man admitted of no delay, he immediately repaired to the residence of the father, whom he found at home, and to whom he was introduced. Some embarrassment followed. At length the gentleman said, “I believe, sir, you have a son?” The old man became violently affected, burst into a flood of tears, and sufficiently exemplified how much the conduct of his child had agonised his heart. The gentleman, after some delay, proceeded, with as much caution as he could exercise, to narrate the circumstance which had transpired in the morning, and concluded by offering his services to conduct the parent to an interview with his erring but penitent child. A silent assent having been given, they proceeded to the house where the young man was lodging. They soon arrived at the place.
The gentleman first entered the apartment. The young man, when he saw him, faintly smiled with pleasure; and then, looking further, he perceived the grey hairs and well-known countenance of his father. With all his remaining strength, he uttered the most pathetic entreaties for forgiveness. The whole affection of his father was aroused; and according to the description of the parable before quoted, he ran, took his son in his arms, and gave him the most endearing assurances that he was pardoned. The young man had put his arms round the neck of his father, who suddenly felt the filial embrace relaxed; he looked through his tears, and found that he held the corpse of his child! The effort and emotion had proved too much for his strength, and his spirit had fled to the presence of its God.