Inspiration of Example

Henry Ward Beecher related an incident about Charles Smith, a laborer on his father's farm in Litchfield, Connecticut. He said, "He had a little room, in one corner of which I had a small cot. As a boy I used to lie there and wonder at the enthusiasm with which that farmhand engaged in his devotions. "First he would read his New Testament, hardly aware that I was in the room. Then he would alternately pray and sing and laugh. I never saw the Bible enjoyed like that! But I want to bear record that his praying made a profound impression on me. It never entered my mind whether or not his actions were appropriate. I only thought how that man does enjoy it! He led me to see that there should be real overflowing gladness and thanksgiving in it all."

-Sermons Illustrated May/June 1990