WILLIAM & CATHERINE BOOTH (PART 20)

A Divine Prompting

“It was suggested to my mind with great power, ‘Would you not be doing more service and acting more like your Redeemer, by turning into some of those houses, speaking to these careless sinners, and inviting them to the service, than by going to enjoy it yourself?'” I was startled; it was a new thought; and, while I pondered about it, the same inaudible interrogator demanded, “What efforts do Christians put forth, answerable to the command—’compel them to come in, that My house may be filled?’”

Trembling Yet Obedient

This was accompanied by a light and unction which I know to be Divine. I felt both greatly agitated and very guilty as I knew that I had never (thus) laboured to bring lost sinners to Christ; so, trembling with a sense of my utter weakness, I stood still for a moment, looked up to heaven, and said, “Lord, if Thou wilt help me, I will try,” and, without stopping further to confer with flesh and blood, I turned back and commenced my work. I spoke first to a group of women sitting on a doorstep; and, what that effort cost me, words cannot describe.

Experiencing the Joy of Giving

The Spirit helped my infirmities and I secured for me a patient and respectful hearing with a promise from some of them to attend the house of God—this much encouraged me. I began to taste the joy which lies hidden under the Cross, and to realise, in some faint degree, that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Persistence and Divine Guidance

I went on to the next group who were standing at the entrance of a low, dirty court; and, here again, I was received kindly and promises were also given. No rude repulse and, definitely, no bitter ridicule were allowed to shake my newfound confidence, or chill my feeble zeal; and, I began to realise that my Master’s feet were behind; nay, before me, smoothing my path, and preparing my way.

To Be Continued…


Tale Tuesday 087

Date:   16th July, 2024
Title:
: William & Catherine Booth (Part 20)
Source:  God’s generals- The Revivalists 
Author
: Roberts Liardon

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