into the Mission, and after quite a while succeeded, and we took a seat
right by the door. He was just tipsy enough to fall asleep, and I let
him do it, for a little sleep often does these men a great deal of good,
changing all their thoughts when they wake. When he woke the testimonies
were being given. I rose to my feet and gave my testimony, and sat down
again. The invitation came next, for all those that wanted this Jesus to
stand. I tried to get him on his feet, but he would not take a stand;
still the seed had been sown.

He told me where he was working and where he lived--wrote it down for
me. He was bent on going, so I said I would go up to the corner with
him. He wanted one more drink--the Devil's temptation!--but at last I
coaxed him to the Elevated Station at Houston Street. He said, "I wish
you could see my home and family. Will you come up with me?" It was 10
P. M. and going would mean home for me about the early hours. But I went
up to the Bronx, got to his home, saw him in, was bidding him
good-night; nothing would do but I should come in. He had a nice little
flat of five rooms. I was introduced to his wife, who was a perfect
lady. He wanted to send out for beer. I objected, and his wife said,
"George, don't drink any more! I think you have had enough."

Now was the time for me to get in a little of God's work, so I told him
my life, and what drink did for me, and I had an attentive audience.
When I finished, his wife said, "I wish my husband would take your
Jesus, Mr. Ranney. I'm a Christian, but, oh, I'd give anything if George
would take Christ and give up his drinking!" He made all kinds of
objections and excuses, but we pleaded and prayed. God was working with
that man, and at 3 o'clock in the morning we knelt down, the wife, the
husband and I, way up in the Bronx, and God did mightily save George. He
went to his business on Monday sober. That was three years ago, and he
has held out well. He has been advanced twice, with a raise in salary,
and comes down to help me in my work on the Bowery. God has blessed him
wonderfully, and He will any one who has faith to believe.

JIM THE BRICKLAYER

Where I meet so many men every day and have so many confessions and try
to lend a helping hand in so many places, I do forget some of the men,
for it seems as though there was an endless procession of them through
the Bowery. But some cases stand out so prominently that I shall never
forget them. I remember o