The fact of his reading prayers again, and more especially the manner in which he did it, attracted attention.  The earnest tone and meaning he threw into the words of the prayers, and more particularly into the psalm, penetrated much deeper.  One lady knelt down and began to pray for herself in the pew; others were riveted as by the power of the Spirit.  All through the sermon, I felt that the Lord was working among the people, and at the close they were loth to go.  Many more remained in the after-meeting than we could speak to; manifest was the power of the Spirit, and much good was done.

There was great joy in the little village that night, and for several days following the Lord wrought among the people.  Many lasting mementos remain of this week’s ministry, and of the weeks which followed.

Our reticent friend was changed indeed, and immediately gave up the tandem and the pipes.  I do not think he has ever smoked since; he has had something better to do.

Smoking is an idle custom, and too often enslaves its votaries; and even if it does not become a dominant habit, it certainly teaches no lesson of self-denial.  A Christian man needs not to seek relief in any such way.  It is said to be very soothing when a man is in any trouble or anxiety; if so, in this respect it may be said to be next door to the beer-barrel, or to the use of spirits.  If one man may soothe his feelings with this narcotic, another may stimulate them, when he is low and cheerless, with alcohol.  The Apostle James says, “Is any merry, let him sing psalms.”  He does not say, Is any afflicted or low, let him smoke and drink!  No; “let him pray,” and depend upon God.  Many a lesson which might be learned from God on our knees, is let slip altogether because we think there is no ham in relieving ourselves by self-indulgence.  The flesh is a monster which is never appeased, much less subdued, by gratification.

Our friend put away the smoking, and sold his pipes of various kinds, which must have cost a considerable sum, for he realized eighty pounds by them.  With this amount, and some addition, he was able to put stained glass windows into the already beautiful church in which he received his blessing.  This suitable thank-offering was a lasting memorial of his gratitude, besides being an example to others, not only to give their hearts to God, but also to give up their besetments, whatever they might be, and in doing so be free for God’s service.

This young man soon after was removed to a more arduous sphere, and carried great blessing thither; as he did also when he went from thence to a yet more influential and important place.  Though now laid aside by ill health, he sends tracts and writes letters to many, and so continues to be, in the hand of the Lord, the means of winning souls; and in addition to this, sets an example of a holy and godly life.