Bob Hanson's appearance would have arrested attention anywhere. Especially was this true as he entered the American Bible Society Depot in San Francisco one afternoon. He was not the kind of a man one usually associates with a Bible Depot. He was a typical cowboy to whom one would more readily attribute lawlessness than piety. One eye was gone (shot out in a fray); his hand was tucked in his hip pocket as though feeling his revolver; his cowboy hat balanced itself on the back of his head. Indeed, he looked like a bandit ready to stage a "hold up.”
To the great surprise of the man in charge of the depot however, he demanded briskly: "I want the Book of Mark.”
As it was handed him he brought his great fist down upon the table with a resounding whack. He said: "This is the book that brought me to God four years ago, in one of the lowest lodging houses in this city. Funny how God works, isn't it? I'll tell you the story.
"For many years I was a cowboy in Arizona. I came to 'Frisco four years ago for a 'blow out.' After a night of 'hitting it up,' I awoke in one of the rottenest lodging houses in this city. But you know, I saw on the table in my room a little book. I read its title: "The Gospel by Mark.' I knew it belonged in the Bible, but why was it in that room? I was troubled and worried, wondering how it got into that place; but I left it alone.
"The next day, after another wild night, I saw the book again and was seized with a great conviction that it was for me. I picked up the book, and went over to the Union Park Square, in front of St. Francis Hotel. There, on one of the benches in the park, I began to read.
"I had never before read the book, and I just turned the pages to the eleventh chapter. I read there of Jesus driving the thieves out of the temple in Jerusalem.
"That very day I had planned to do something which, if discovered, would have sent me to San Quentin. 'There,' said I, 'that is what I am! I'm a gambler, and a thief, and God knows it. Christ could drive out those thieves, He could throw me into hell. He is a great Man all right. He is my Man!' And there on the park bench four years ago I gave my heart to Christ.
"Mister, I want that book of Mark. That book, and that book alone, brought me to God, but the devil has not left me alone. Forty times a day he tempts me, but I tell him, 'Get thee behind me, Satan,' and he leaves me alone.”
Another triumph of grace, another brand plucked from eternal burning, another trophy of redeeming love! What a testimony to the life-giving Word!
Dear reader, you may know nothing of the depths of sin to which this cowboy had sunk, but you need the same Savior. Scripture says: "There is no difference: for all have sinned." Rom. 3:22, 2322Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:22‑23). Degrees of guilt there may be, but all are alike sinners before God on their way to everlasting perdition. Will you not turn now to Him and be saved?