A Father's Sacrifice for His Son

In one of the American States was a farmer who had a bright boy. The farm was not a very good one, but that poor farmer worked and scraped until he was able to send that boy to the State University.

The boy did well and his letters home de- lighted his father’s and his mother’s heart. They felt well repaid for all of their sacrifice, After the son had been there some little time, the father said to his wife, “Mother, I can’t stand it any longer, I just must see that boy.”

It was a long drive to the University and as he drew near he thought, “Well, won’t the boy be surprised! He doesn’t know I am coming. Won’t he be delighted to see his old father.” He was driving up the hill to the College when he saw his boy coming down with some gay college companions.

He jumped out and said, “Oh my boy, my son!” The son was ashamed of his poor, old father with his father’s shabby clothes, and he straightened up and said haughtily, “There must be some mistake, sir, you are not my father. I don’t know you.” It is said that that father turned around with a broken heart and went home to die.

That boy was an infamous ingrate and all of us quickly condemn him, but what is your attitude towards your Father in Heaven, your Father as He comes to you in Christ Jesus? Such an illustration as this stirs up the conscience and it begins to function, people become what we term conscience-smitten, This often leads to their turning to God with repentant hearts. Class 5. Illustrations that are used to arouse the emotions so that from this deep stirring within men will be more easily led to the point of decision, whether that decision be to live a richer life for Christ or to begin the Christian life.

The illustration, itself may not touch the matter of decision at all. Yet so deeply does it arouse the inner life that the soul finds it easier to come to that point of decision.