God’s Free Grace Glorified (1)

It is very quiet in the church. The men, women, and children listen intently to the words of the minister. The words are serious and penetrating. One can hear that the minister’s soul is bound up in the message. He speaks not only to the adults but also to the children. The minister loves his congregation, and he would so gladly hear that they would all freely give themselves over unto the Lord to live to His honor. He points out to them the way which they must travel to their eternal welfare.

Rev. Middel, the minister in Middleburg, had been installed in his congregation several weeks earlier. The congregation is very happy with his coming. Many had already heard much about him. They knew that he was a called servant of the Lord. The Lord had done wonderful things in his life. Enemies had risen up against him, but time and again the Lord had delivered him. Some people could not stand that he rebuked sin, but he had to do that, otherwise he would be unfaithful. The love of God was poured out in his heart, and because of reciprocal love he would do all he could in his power to uphold God’s honor. He would be a witness of the name of the Lord.

The congregation sings a psalm at the end of the service, after which the blessing of the Lord is solemnly laid upon the people. The doors of the church are opened, and the people leave to go to their homes. Many have deep impressions about the sermon which they have heard. They cannot, however, meditate very long about it because suddenly there is a disturbance in the street. The sound of clattering horses’ hooves and the rattling wheels of a carriage are heard. The carriage, which is being pulled by horses, weaves from one side of the street to the other. The coachman sitting on the box of the coach has taken his whip and is beating the backs of the horses. Have the horses stampeded? Can the coachman no longer control them?

Courageous men grab the bits and the reins and use all of their strength to bring the horses to a standstill. The coachman is screaming and using his whip; it is impossible to hold the horses back. Is the man drunk, perhaps? The wheels again come close to the edge of the street. The church goers jump out of the way. This could cause an accident.

Uh, oh, look over there! A young girl has been thrown aside. Just look at those frightened horses. Will they trample upon that child? Will the wheels of the carriage ride over her? The people scream as they jump aside. Swift hands have grabbed the young girl, just in time. The wheels of the carriage did not ride over her. What about the heavy horses’ hooves, did they strike her?

Who is this young girl? The people are not sure, but several men carry her into the consistory room. Several people know who the young girl is. She is the daughter of the minister. Once that is known, the news travels quickly. Soon the story makes the rounds that the young girl is dead, for her eyes are closed.

What a shock among the consistory members! And the minister? Immediately, he sees that it is his daughter Mina. What has happened? The men give a short version of the incident. The janitor comes in with a glass of water. The pale face is carefully moistened. It is very quiet in the room; only a whisper is heard.

Happily, the child opens her eyes. Questioningly, her eyes look about the room. Mina sees her father standing next to her, and a weak smile is seen on her face.

“Where does it hurt, my child?” asks the concerned father.

The young girl points to the left side of her body, “This is where it hurts.”

In the meantime, someone has called the doctor; he will come to the parsonage later to see what can be done. When the doctor arrives, he cannot find anything wrong. There appears to be some internal bruising, and it would be best for Mina to rest for the time being.

It could have been much worse. There are a number of holes in her clothes, but for the rest there is no damage to her body. She was wonderfully spared. The Lord had not yet desired her death. It is a serious calling from heaven for all of them but especially for the minister and for Mina. p

(To be continued)

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