Praying Wife

Praying Wife
Two men were lately returning home from a beer-shop at a very late hour. One of them said to the other, “When I get into the house to-night my wife will scold me dreadfully.” “Oh,” said his companion, “I shall have something ten times more intolerable than scolding. My wife is always quiet, but she weeps and speaks to me about my soul; and her words are burning like fire in my conscience.” Having reached his house, his wife, as he expected, met him at the door, weeping. He retired to his bed immediately and slept, but his pious wife could not sleep. She wrestled with her God for hours on his behalf. About three o’clock in the morning he awoke, and saw her standing at the bed-side, and wetting his face and pillow with her warm tears. “Margaret,” said he, “what is the matter with you?” She replied, “The thought that my dear husband is an enemy to my beloved Saviour, and that he is likely to have his eternal portion with damned spirits, almost breaks my heart.” This was too much for him; he rose and knelt by his wife, and prayed for mercy. They are now a happy couple, rejoicing in the hope of dwelling together for ever in heaven.
-pp 101-102
Excerpts from “The Welsh Revival” by Thomas Phillips, Banner of Truth Trust 1989 (First published 1860)