A YOUNG lady was once urged by a minister to choose between Christ and the world, because, as he said, she could not have both. She said she was determined to have both. She loved the gaieties of the world, and was resolved to have them. Yet she wished to be saved, therefore would have Christ, too. She was told it was impossible. She must choose one to have the chief place in her heart. “Then,” said she, “I choose the world.”
After this she plunged into all sorts of gaiety, and tried to find happiness in the passing hour. But, one evening, while singing, in a large company, a song about the foolish virgins of Matthew 25, how, they came to the door when it was shut, and could not get in, and ending thus:
“Have we not heard the Bridegroom is so sweet?
Oh let us in, though late, to kiss His feet!
No, no! TOO LATE! Ye cannot enter now,” The thought burst into her mind, “That is just my case; it will be true of me!” She rushed out of the room, and spent the night in tears and prayer. Five days and nights she was in great distress, till at last that text, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out,” came to her mind, bringing her joy and peace in believing.
Going back to the minister, who had heard what was taking place, she was asked by him what was now her choice. Her answer was:
“My heart is fixed, Eternal God,
Fixed on Thee;
And my immortal choice is made;
Christ for me!”
Be thankful to God, reader, that the only door to real happiness is open, and open to you. But, oh! take care, lest you come TOO LATE.
ML 11/22/1903