Illustrations

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Salvation: The Disused Harp

A disused harp had long lain in a front room of an old house in Kentucky. No one in the family could play it; but since it was a family relic, care was bestowed upon it. Sometimes, indeed, it had been in the way, and there had been talk of throwing it out on the dust heap. But still it remained in its place, no one liking to do the deed of destruction.

A weary man on his journey stopped at the house and was granted hospitality for the night. Supper was over, and he found his way with others into the front room. There he noticed the old instrument and, taking it up, looked carefully upon it. At once he became deeply interested and began with masterly skill to tune its strings. Then most lovingly he swept his hands across them and produced the loveliest music! All who heard were entranced with the sweet sounds, and for a long time he kept them silent and absorbed with the rapturous strains. When at last he ceased, and all were expectant that he would say something about it, he remarked, "This was my grandfather's harp. His mark is inside. He gave it to me as a boy and taught me to play it. My grandfather played for the king in the old country. During the great Civil War the enemy raided our home, and our harp was never seen again."

That instrument, made for a musician, had been silent for years. At last it was found by its owner and used with great effect. You were made for God's glory. You were designed that upon you there might be played the music of the praise of God. Is this music being played in your life, or are you silent? Oh! put yourself into His hands.

William Moses Tidwell, "Pointed Illustrations."