WILLIAM & CATHERINE BOOTH (PART 21)

Increasing Courage and Hope

This blessed assurance so increased my courage and enkindled my hope that I ventured to knock at the door of the next house. When it was opened, I went in and spoke to the inmates about Jesus’ death, judgment, and eternity. The man, who appeared to be one of the better class of mechanics, seemed much interested and affected by my words. He promised to attend the revival services being held at the chapel with his wife.

With a heart full of gratitude and eyes full of tears, I wondered where I should go next. Just then, I observed a woman standing on an adjoining doorstep with a jug in her hand.

Divine Guidance and Initial Hesitation

My divine teacher said, “Speak to that woman.” Satan suggested, “Perhaps, she is intoxicated.” After a momentary struggle, however, I noticed that the lower part of the house was closed. I introduced myself to her by asking if the people who lived on that floor were out. She responded that they had gone to chapel.

I thought I perceived a weary sadness in her voice and manner, so I said, “Oh, I am so glad to hear that; how is it that you are not gone to a place of worship?”

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Encounter with a Drunken Husband

“Me,” she said, looking down upon her forlorn appearance; “I can’t go to chapel, I am kept at home by a drunken husband. I have to stop with him to keep him from the public house, and I have just been fetching him some drink.”

I expressed my sorrow for her and asked if I might come in and see her husband.

“No,” she said, “he is drunk; you could do nothing with him now.”

I replied, “I do not mind his being drunk, if you will let me come in; I am not afraid; he will not hurt me.”

“Well,” said the woman, “you can come in if you like; but he will only abuse you.”

I said, “Never mind that,” and followed her up the stairs.

Strength in the Lord

I felt strong now in the Lord and in the power of His might, and as safe as a babe in the arms of its mother. I realised that I was on the path of obedience, and I feared no evil.

The woman led me to a small room on the first floor. There I found a fine, intelligent man, about forty, sitting almost double in a chair, with a jug by his side. He had been drinking from it.