Molly’s Final Step
It was Sunday evening in New York. Bethel Church was crowded to the doors. The sermon had been concluded, and the choir and congregation had solemnly chanted the Lord’s Prayer. “As I looked over this audience to-night,” said Dr. Henderson, descending from the pulpit, “I think of the words of the blessed Saviour, ‘The fields are white and ready to harvest,’ so I’m going to open the doors of the church. Who here is ready to make a start for heaven to-night? Come, sinner! God’s not calling the righteous, but you. There is a prodigal child here to-night who has wandered from home. Come home; there is bread and to spare, and a warm welcome there. Here comes one, thank God!” A young man went forward and took the minister’s hand, followed by two others. “Who else will come? There is some one that is almost persuaded. Remember that to be almost persuaded is to be lost. Come, sinner.
“‘Will you scorn the message
Sent in mercy from above?
Every sentence, oh how tender!
Every line is full of love.’
“Listen to it: ‘Every line is full of love.’ God requires no preparation; come just as you are. Just surrender yourself, yourself to—” “I surrender, Lord.” This exclamation startled the audience, and all eyes were turned upon a tall and stately woman, who suddenly arose in the centre of the church and started forward. This was Molly Pierrepont, making the final step. “Poor Magdalene,” she whispered as she took Dr. Henderson’s hand. “But God is gracious, my child,” returned the minister.
A month went by. It was Sunday evening, and again Bethel was filled to overflowing; but, large as that audience was, a serene stillness prevailed, for out from the choir loft a rich soprano voice, pathetic and appealing in its tone, fell serenely upon listening ears.
“Just as I am thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because thy promise I believe
Oh Lamb of God, I come.
“Just as I am, thy love unknown,
Hath broken every barrier down,
Now to be Thine, yea Thine alone,
Oh Lamb of God, I come.”
Molly has done her part nobly and well, so I close the story with Molly.