"My hands were filled with many things That I did precious hold, As any treasure of a king's-- Silver, or gems, or gold. The Master came and _touched_ my hands, (The scars were in His own) And at His feet my treasures sweet Fell shattered, one by one. 'I must have empty hands,' said He, 'Wherewith to work My works through thee.'
"My hands were stained with marks of toil, Defiled with dust of earth; And I my work did ofttimes soil, And render little worth. The Master came and _touched_ my hands, (And crimson were His own) But when, amazed, on mine I gazed, Lo! every stain was gone. 'I must have cleansed hands,' said He, 'Wherewith to work My works through thee.'
"My hands were growing feverish And cumbered with much care! Trembling with haste and eagerness, Nor folded oft in prayer. The Master came and _touched_ my hands, (With healing in His own) And calm and still to do His will They grew--the fever gone. 'I must have quiet hands,' said He, 'Wherewith to work My works for Me.'
"My hands were strong in fancied strength, But not in power divine, And bold to take up tasks at length, That were not His but mine. The Master came and _touched_ my hands, (And might was in His own!) But mine since then have powerless been, _Save His are laid thereon_. 'And it is only thus,' said He, 'That I can work My works through thee.'"
I suppose everyone here can think of three or four persons whom he loves or regards highly, who are not christians. Can you? Perhaps in your own home circle, or in the circle of your close friends. They may be nice people, cultured, lovable, delightful companions, fond of music and good books, and all that; but this is true of them, that they do not trust and confess Jesus as a personal Savior. Can you think of such persons in your own circle? I am going to wait a few moments in silence while you recall them to mind, if you will--Can you see their faces? Are their names clear to your minds?
Now I want to talk with you a little while to-night, not about the whole world, but just about these three or four dear friends of yours. I am going to suppose them lovely people in personal contact, cultured, and kindly, and intelligent, and of good habits even though all that may not be true of all of them. And, I want to ask you a question--God's question--about them. You remember God put His hand upon Cain's arm, and, looking into his face, said: "Where is Abel, thy brother?" I want to ask you that question. Where are these four friends? Not where are they socially, nor financially, nor educationally. These are important questions. But they are less important than this other question: Where are they as touching _Him_? Where are they as regards the best life here, and the longer life beyond this one?