Norton. We were all in the spirit of prayer whilst they laid the matter before him. He asked for time to consider, the ultimate result of which was his decision to sell it for such a purpose. Oh, how we thanked and praised our kind heavenly Father! The purchase price was $10,000--$2,000 to be paid by October 9, the remainder on time at six per cent interest. Above all expenses, there was now in our treasury $1,300. We gladly agreed to accept the proposed terms and to wait on the Lord for enough means to make up the deficit.
On October 8 while I, with the other members of the board, was in Judge Rhode"s court negotiating for the mortgage, word was sent over the telephone that Mrs. Mary Hayes-Chynoweth, now deceased, would like to have me come to her residence, Edenvale, a most beautiful spot adjacent to San Jose. There was barely time to make the train, but the Lord was on my side. It being a few minutes late, I caught it, and was shortly in earnest conversation with this charitably disposed elderly lady. She asked me many questions and introduced me to her daughters-in-law, Mrs.
J. O. and Mrs. E. A. Hayes, who listened with marked attention to my recitals. Presently Mrs. Chynoweth said, "Mrs. Roberts, I am going to request you to excuse me briefly. I wish to pray with regard to this matter; my daughters will be pleased to entertain you during my absence."
In about a half hour she called both of them for private conference, leaving me with some of the grandchildren. Soon I was invited into the next room. With a smile, this dear lady said, "I feel that G.o.d wishes me to give you $500." Before I had a chance to speak, the Mmes. Hayes said, "We will add $100 apiece." Reader, I was too happy to reply immediately; and when I did, I could but poorly express my grat.i.tude, first to G.o.d, then to them.
In answer to prayer we had our $2,000--first payment--according to agreement. Hallelujah! A $10,000 home for my dear prison friends, in one year, three months, and six days from the day Lucy and I arrived in Redwood City, strangers, with two telescope baskets containing all our earthly possessions, sixty cents, and a little G.o.d-given faith.
Hallelujah! Did I regret the past toil, privations, and disappointments? Never, never; but soon went on my way rejoicing, to secure future support and payments.
During my absence of little less than one month (for I was to return for the dedicatory exercises of the new Beth-Adriel, to take place Tuesday, November 22, 1904) sad news reached me. My poor Lucy was taken so alarmingly ill as to necessitate her immediate removal to her own home. Although I have often heard from her, I have never since had the privilege of meeting her face to face. Her fond dreams of seeing the beautiful new home she had so greatly aided in procuring, were never, so far as I know, realized. If she is still living, I hope she may have the pleasure and satisfaction of reading this book and of knowing how dearly I loved her and how much I appreciated her every effort. This I know, that she sufficiently recovered to resume work for the Master; but on account of the removal of her people, I temporarily lost track of this trophy for the Master"s crown. G.o.d forever bless her wherever she is.
The night previous to our removal from the little old home on St. John Street, I was lying on my couch in the parlor, sleepless for very joy, and reading G.o.d"s blessed Word. I happened to look up. On the wall hung a motto bearing these words:
G.o.d has his best for those Who dare to stand his tests; His second choice for those Who will not have his best.
"Lord!" I said, "I want your best."
"My child," came my soul-answer, "It is for you; but there are hard roads still to travel, hard battles to fight and win, privations, disappointments, losses, much more. "Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee?" Ezek.
22:14."
"Lord, thou knowest," I answered.
Then came a desire to write. I took up tablet and pencil, always ready to my hand on the little stand by my couch, and spent the rest of the night writing the verses that you will find in our next chapter.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
G.o.d"S BEST.
_Child, did I hear you say you want my best?
With nothing less--will you be satisfied?
You add you"ll follow where I choose to lead, Though all forsake, e"en to be crucified.
You ask you know not what ... Well, let it be As you desire ... And now, a little test: Your social standing I shall first require; A humble place must bring to you--my best.
It hurts? ... Of course it hurts--the snubs, the slights, From those whose favor you delighted in, When they were told you"d found "The Priceless Pearl"
And willingly renounced this world for Him.
The step you"ve taken, they p.r.o.nounce insane!
Wilt go a little further on this road?...
Your reputation. How you shrink! Too much to pay?
Child, I do only take you, at your word._
_Beloved one, still more I now desire; Your worldly comforts -- e"en your home which you enjoy.
Can"t part with them? Step out, my child, and try; I promise you I"ll subst.i.tute -- my joy.
You do not understand? But soon you shall: I"m going to trust you in a hard, hard place; Therefore destruction of your idols I must make, To help you run --and win- this glorious race.
Come! take your place within these rescue homes, Where I have brought some priceless gems of earth, To cleanse, to cut, then polish for my crown: Your services I need to enhance their worth.
The world has long rejected them with scorn, These human gems from out the mire and dust; A lapidary I would make of you, Whilst I some precious gems with you entrust.
Your patience and forbearance will be taxed Beyond endurance! And you"ve none, you say.
Then I must teach these lessons to you, child; You promised to go with me all the way._
The trials are too great! Nay, say not so.
Privations too! and disappointments sore!
And just as the gem begins to scintillate, My search-light doth disclose some dreadful flaw.
And you must start anew the task again....
Cheer up, dear child. I never will forsake.
Come, dry those tears and rest a while with me.
I soon will rectify your very sad mistake.
Think not you are the only one who fails, For all have failed. Not all have tried again; Thus have they missed my best, for which they prayed.
Courage. Be brave. The attempt was not in vain.
Now then, that gem with such a dreadful flaw, Bring it to me.... Ah yes! I now will prove Too soon the surface you did undertake To polish--e"er the ugly flaw"s removed.
Plunge it anew into the precious blood of Jesus, Thus anew--the work"s begun....
You"re wining? My beloved, obedient child, Not many live the prayer, "Thy will be done."
I"m going to prove this precious gem by fire; "Tis next in order. This, to consume the dross.
It"s size will be reduced. Nay, do not fear; Perfect and flawless gems must suffer loss.
For further process, see these varied wheels For grinding, till the blemished spot we reach.
Not too much haste! Be careful. Watch and pray; Soon then you"ll learn each lesson as I teach.
You wish to know the names of all these wheels?
These two are Joy and Peace, and this, Long-suffering.
This one is Gentleness, then Goodness next.
Now to the front the wheel of Faith I bring.
And are these all? Not quite. The Meekness wheel So gently polishes. Then Temperance comes in To aid in handling gems with special care: Thus give the final touch of polishing.
(The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. Gal. 5:22-26.)
You ask what motive power propels these wheels.
Dear child, your teacher is the G.o.d above.
He tells you. Surely you have learned his name; His motive power is Love, and only Love,
Press on, press on. The secret now you know; The willing, the obedient stand the test.
Supported by my love, your eye on me, Surely I have--for you--my very best.