Their wagon train was still at Fort Laramie Saturday night, as the wheelwright was finishing up the last of the repairs for their wagons. Several wagon train leaders at the fort decided to stay over on Sunday, and then leave on Monday at staggered intervals, to keep from bunching up on the trail.
Richard heard that a preacher, who was on one of the wagon trains, would be holding a tent meeting on Sunday. He persuaded James and the rest of the husbands and fathers, to bring their families the next morning.
It was sunny on this Sunday morning, and the singing drew them to the big tent pitched outside the fort. The preacher was teaching the congregation a new hymn of such sweetness that they all hurried to get seated and join in. The lyrics seemed almost instinctive, fitting their experiences so well.
"What a Friend we Have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in Prayer."
The third verse was so right for this journey of theirs:
"Have we trials and temptations,
Is there trouble everywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer."
The preacher was telling them how his friend, Joseph Scriven, had written this hymn to comfort his mother when his father died. Unable to get there for his father's funeral, he mailed his newly written hymn, with the musical notations, to his mother in Ireland. It was just two years ago, and not many had heard the new hymn yet. James sang it softly in his fine baritone voice, and Mary Ann's alto voice harmonized with him.
"Folks, my name is Gilmore Callison", said the preacher in a familiar Kentucky drawl. "The text for this morning is in the book of John, chapter 3. verse 3: Jesus replied, Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
James sat up straight and took a deep a breath. This must be it - the secret he was looking for.
to be continued
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