He was saved when sixteen years of age.He was first an Evangelist,then a City Missionary for five or six years,and afterwards a Baptist Minister.He then fell under the influence of drink,resigned,and became a commercial traveller,but lost his berth through drink.
He was then an insurance agent,and rose to be superintendent,but was again dismissed through drink.During his drunken career he had delirium tremens four times,attempted suicide three times,sold up six homes,was in the workhouse with his wife and family three times.
His last contrivance for getting drink was to preach mock sermons,and offer mock prayers in the tap-rooms.
After one of these blasphemous performances in a public-house,on the words,"Are you Saved?"he was challenged to go to the Salvation Barracks.He went,and the Captain,who knew him well,at once made for him,to plead for his soul,but S.knocked him down,and rushed back to the public-house for more drink.He was,however,so moved by what he had heard that he was unable to raise the liquor to his mouth,although he made three attempts.He again returned to the meeting,and again quitted it for the public-house.He could not rest,and for the third time he returned to the Barracks.As he entered the last time the Soldiers were singing:--"Depth of mercy,can there be Mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God his wrath forbear?
Me,the chief of Sinners,spare?
This song impressed him still further;he wept,and remained in the Barracks under deep conviction until midnight.He was drunk all the next day,vainly trying to drown his convictions.The Captain visited him at night,but was quickly thrust out of the house.He was there again next morning,and prayed and talked with S.for nearly two hours.
Poor S.was in despair.He persisted that there was no mercy for him.
After a long struggle,however,hope sprung up,he fell upon his knees,confessed his sins,and obtained forgiveness.
When this happened,his furniture consisted of a soap-box for a table,and starch boxes for chairs.His wife,himself,and three children,had not slept in a bed for three years.He has now a happy family,a comfortable home,and has been the means of leading numbers of other slaves of sin to the Saviour,and to a truly happy life.