Part 6 (1/2)

His father tried to lead him away, but John continued to pray.

Then suddenly in that hour of anguish the grief-stricken man found his G.o.d. Kneeling at his son's side, he implored mercy from Him whom hitherto he had denied.

All at once Mrs. Davis spoke, ”My son.”

The doctor hastened to her side.

In a moment he turned to Mr. Davis and said, ”She is better, she will live.”

Dr. Gordon was an unbeliever, but at that moment he realized that something had control of life, which could act after science had failed.

He looked at John who had not yet risen from his knees, at Mr. Davis who was pouring out thanks to the G.o.d he had just found, then at the woman who had been saved at the point of death.

Like a flash came to him the knowledge of a merciful Christ, and he joined the father and son in their prayer of thanksgiving.

Mrs. Davis rapidly recovered her health, and John soon entered upon his life work. He received hearty encouragement from his father this time, for Mr. Davis had learned the Truth and found his G.o.d at the bedside of his dying wife in such a way as to leave no place in his heart for opposition to work in His service.

John's work was among the poor. He visited from house to house, preaching and praying, and extending material help when such help was most needed.

His sincerity and earnestness were the means of bringing light into many darkened lives, and the message of Christ crucified was eagerly received in response to his pleadings.

At one broken-down house he was met by a frail woman who carried a half-starved child in her arms. It was plainly apparent that in better days she had been a handsome and refined woman.

John introduced himself and asked if he could be of any help to her.

”No,” she answered, ”I am afraid you cannot aid me. I am Rose Williams.

My father is a man of wealth. He is living today in luxury in a neighboring city, and if I would leave my husband I could be clothed in silk and satin instead of these rags, but as long as I stay with him, my father will not help me, not even to keep me from starving. But I would rather starve with my husband than leave him to kill himself with drink, for I love him.

”Drink is the cause of all my poverty and misery. Oh, if Ralph would only let it alone.”

She ended her story in a frenzied cry which plainly showed the tension to which she had been wrought, but John's voice was low and soothing as he said, ”Suppose you and I pray for your husband. I have great faith in the power of prayer. Shall we not pray together?”

Together they knelt down, and offered up an earnest prayer. Mrs.

Williams spoke in low tones at first, then with great excitement. At last she tried to rise, but fell in a swoon on the floor. John placed her on a couch in the room and sent at once for Dr. Gordon.

After his examination, Dr. Gordon looked serious.

”This is going to be a bad case of brain fever, John. From all appearances it has been hastened by lack of proper food, but she may pull through if she has proper care.”

[Ill.u.s.tration: REV. M. GOLDEN

The Founder of the Greek-Amerikan-Christian-a.s.sociation]

John saw that the service of the physician was only part of what was needed for the woman's safety.

He went out and procured bedding and food, and his mother sent over one of her maids, also a trained nurse.

Soon things were made comfortable for Mrs. Williams, but she could not rest.