"Here is an invitation to the Officer's Ball which is to be held on Saturday, Mrs. Estcourt."
Mrs. E., the young bride of Captain Estcourt, hesitated to accept the card, while her forehead showed the troubled state of her mind.
"What is the matter?" said her husband, who was just entering the room, seeing his wife thus agitated.
Still meditating, she did not answer.
"What is it? " asked Captain E. again.
They had recently been married, he being stationed with the English army in India, and this was the first invitation she had received. Alas! she realized for the first time her sad mistake before God when she bound herself to a man of the world in wedlock. Before her marriage she had been led to the Lord, owning Him as her Saviour, but she had never considered whether the man of her choice was one with her in heart and mind as to eternal matters and God. And now, when he was promoted and sent to India, she found it hard and bitter, trying to serve two masters.
"Well, James," she said to her husband, "You know I am a Christian, and gave up the dancing hall and theater before I married. I feel this to be a critical moment. I must decline the invitation."
"What! Are you going to rob the party of its best and fairest dancer ? " he said, laughing. "You will not do such a thing. Do you know that old Hebich will be present ? "
"James, that is impossible! " exclaimed Mrs. E., springing to her feet. "What! Mr. Hebich, that dear old missionary, that faithful man of God ? Impossible! "
"Just he it is," replied the Captain. ' It was a capital idea of Major Jackson to invite him. Two days ago at a little gathering they counted all who shared the new-fangled views of Hebich, and Jackson laughed about the disciples of Hebich. He put down the names of all that he was sure would positively decline. Then came suddenly the thought into his mind to invite the old fellow himself, and so he wrote the invitation."
"And Mr. Hebich accepted?" asked Mrs. E., eagerly.
" He did! I was present when the answer came, and you should have seen Jackson; how perfectly he imitated old Hebich, and how he rejoiced to have a chance to see the old man at the ball."
"Well, I will go too, then," said Mrs. E. briefly, knowing something of the zeal and courage of Mr. Hebich.
The ball-room was prettily decorated with flags and flowers. The orchestra of the regiment played merrily, and the dancing began unconstrainedly. During the second waltz there entered the hall, almost unnoticed, a tall, broad – shouldered man with a long beard. Standing still, he looked earnestly at the glittering scene. Officers in scarlet and gold; ladies in beautiful ball dresses; abundance of lights; music; the delicate and sweet fragrance of flowers; all mixed together offered an attractive picture to the beholder. Only two pairs of eyes looked upon it with adverse feeling.
The music was ended, the dancers led their ladies to their respective places. The central part of the
room was now vacant, and during the pause which ensued, the tall form of the missionary made for the open space.
ft The course of the animated conversation stopped immediately, all eyes being directed toward the fearless man.
"There he is, there he is!" whispered many. But no one dared to say a word of reproach toward this earnest, venerable appearance. Now Hebich stretches out his right arm above his head, at the same time calling with a loud voice to the audience:"Who is on God's side ? "
Deep stillness prevails. The second and the third time sounds out the question, arousing great consternation:The bright eyes under the bushy brows looked fixedly around upon those present.
A mysterious power from above seems to have fallen upon the dancers, for no one moves or raises the voice against the intruder, this bold witness of the Lord. So unexpected is the call, so sudden the attack, which meets the enemies unprepared, that even the most pronounced opposers are powerless and silent, and, as they lamented afterward, unable to put the bold preacher of repentance out of doors.
After the last call, a stirring began among a group of dancers, and, to the astonishment of Captain E., he noticed the delicate figure of his wife who, deadly pale, walked slowly through the space, placing herself alongside Mr. Hebich.
With her head raised, stood the youthful witness of the Lord, before so timid, who now was obliged to confess her Saviour in the ball-room. There the two stood, the only ones on God's side-the strong daring man and the weak and delicate figure of the lady in white. Once more Hebich addressed the rest in a few earnest words, testifying to the reality of eternity, and preaching repentance toward God. Then he left the hall. A few minutes later Mrs. E. left also, accompanied by her agitated husband.
It is not necessary to state that the ball was thoroughly spoiled to the most of those present, but for a few it was a momentous evening and a time of decision for Christ. All the company will remember through all eternity God's testimony to them through His faithful servant; though not all, it is to^be feared, in the place of eternal bliss and happiness.
Mrs. E. had learned for good that the Christian cannot serve two masters. God and the world are too great a contrast. Henceforth she took her stand decidedly and faithfully for the Lord among God's people, to suffer reproach with them for the name of Christ, to serve God with a true and joyful heart, and to wait for His Son from heaven. She has now been in the glory for some years.
Do you think, dear reader, she ever repented of having taken such a bold stand for her Saviour-God? Surely not. But, tell me, would you have had the same courage ? Or on which side are you standing? Are you on God's side, or are you still with the world ? Whither does your way lead ? Is Jesus Christ, the Crucified, your Saviour ? Then worship and serve Him. Break off with sin and the world, and follow Him.