A FEW years ago, it pleased God to lay the writer aside by a severe affliction, and for some time little hope was entertained of her recovery. But our ever gracious God and Father had His own divine ends in view in raising her up from the bed of sickness; and, feeling sure of this, the desire of her heart was that she might be privileged to do something for the Lord.
Soon after her recovery, a man who lived in the town, and whose duty it was occasionally to call, said that his wife was very ill—in consumption—and that he did not think she could live very long. He was asked whether any Christian friend had been to see her, but as he said that no one had been, a promise was then made to call that day (D. V.).
On arriving at the cottage, a young woman named Alice came to the door. Making known to her my purpose in calling, I was introduced to the invalid—a sister of hers. The sick woman’s face bore sad traces of intense suffering and grief. I told her that her husband had informed me of her serious illness, and that I felt sure the Lord had a purpose in sending me to see her. At first she did not care to say much, and her manner at times seemed rather repulsive; but when I enquired if she were a believer in the Lord Jesus, she said “No.” I then quietly said, “What will become of your soul if you were to die?” She did not reply. I read to her portions from God’s word, when I told her of His great love to poor lost sinners, such as she then was; that He was just waiting to be gracious to her—that if she would only believe His word He would fill her soul to overflowing with His own deep, wondrous, peace and joy. She listened most attentively, and her countenance began to wear a happier expression.
Two days later I saw her again; and this time a bright smile was on her face. The following are her own words. She said, “After your visit I was most unhappy. I knew I was not saved, and if I had died then I should have been lost. Oh! the agony of soul I was in I never shall forget. The perspiration was rolling off my face. I was too ill to read the scriptures you had been speaking about, but I asked my sister to read them to me.
“They were these:
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet,, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isai. 1:18).
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28).
She continued, “As this last scripture was being read, peace and joy entered my soul, and I said to my sister, ‘Alice, I am saved. I do believe that Jesus died for me, and now my burden is gone.’ Tears of joy ran down my face; I had never felt so happy before.”
When she had finished telling me the sweet story of this great and glorious change that had so recently taken place in her heart by the gracious working of God’s Spirit, words completely failed to express my thankfulness to God for bringing her so truly and readily to Christ, her Saviour.
Yes, through faith in God’s word, she had not only found peace, but also joy, in believing. “I can praise Him now,” she said; “yes, I can praise Him, for now I know my sins, which are many, are all forgiven, and I have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” And all who knew her were able to testify of her joy in the Lord.
As time passed, she became weaker in body, but oh, how bright within! Death to her had lost all its terrors; heaven grew brighter, and the coming of the One whom she so ardently loved filled her whole soul with joy.
It was a great privilege to see her daily, until she was called home. Upon one occasion she said, “I am always glad to see you; I shall never forget the day when first you spoke to me about Jesus. How I do pray that the Lord may bless you, and make you a blessing to others, as you have been to me.” I replied, “The Lord knew how weak the poor earthen vessel was, and how real the desire was to do something for Him. His grace has been sufficient, and His Almighty power has wrought the work of salvation in your precious soul, for which we shall bless and praise Him throughout eternity.” She replied, “Oh, I want to praise Him now for His great love in saving my soul!”
Her end was now fast approaching, but the treasure in the earthen vessel was shining brighter than ever. Shortly before she died she said to her sister, “O Alice, He has come!” Upon being asked who she meant, she said, “Oh, there is Jesus—look! He has come to take me home.” And, as she lay gazing at the heavenly vision, a sweet smile rested upon her face, and quietly she passed away into the presence of her Lord.
There is a rest, O precious thought!
With Thee, blest Lord, above;
Salvation’s joy to us is brought,
Fruit of redeeming love.
That rest remains with Thee, blest Lord,
Thy presence fills the scene,
Where Thy dear saints shall ever be,
No cloud, nor spot between.
O rest most precious to the soul
That rests, O Lord, in Thee;
To rest in Thee while ages roll,
Through God’s Eternity!
S.R.