Around the World in 88 Years -E Book - Arthur Burt

Not everybody emerges suddenly from darkness into light, fromblack to white, like that. Most people change gradually over time,but not so with Grandpa Jolly. The drinking, the smoking, theworld, dropped off like falling leaves in autumn.Grandpa Jolly had a nephew named Albert, who he led to theLord. He presumed that Albert would do as he had done —follow the Lord completely right from the start. And at first, Albertseemed to follow in that way.After a time, Grandpa Jolly was in Preston one day where he ranto catch a bus. Puffing and blowing, he arrived on the platformof the bus, went up the stairs to the top deck, and sat down.When he caught his breath, he looked around and discoveredthat seated across the aisle was his nephew, Albert, smoking acigarette. Grandpa Jolly leaned over, and smacked him across theface, knocking the cigarette out of his lips. That finished Albertwith Grandpa Jolly and with the church meetings… and fromthat point on, Albert backslid.Years rolled by. Grandpa Jolly was now in his 80’s and needed alot of care. Some of his relatives would take turns caring for him,and one of them suggested that maybe Albert would be willingto take a turn.In spite of the way the old man had offended him years before,Albert was gracious and gave Grandpa Jolly a room. There inthat little room, Grandpa finished his days, sitting and smokinghis pipe… doing the very thing he had judged Albert for doing.The Word of God says, “…thou that judgest doest the samethings.” (Rom 2:1)As I look back, I am amazed at the grace of God.After we settled into our new home, I received another invitationfrom the church in Lancashire. I was foolish enough to believethat now, because I was married, I was safe from involvementwith the woman pastor, Marion Simmons. So I went.It is a strange situation when you know that somebody is in lovewith you even though you are not in love with her. Every timeyour eyes meet, it can feed your pride, and it did feed mine. Eventhough I wasn’t in love with her, I went through all the emotions72