I WAS walking through one of the little towns in S—a few weeks ago, and noticed a group of about eight little folks standing together. After giving them some picture leaflets, which spoke in simple language of God’s great love in giving His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for sinners, I asked them, “Have you ever heard of Jesus?”
This question seemed rather to take these little ones by surprise, and it was some time before the eldest one could say, “Yes.”
‘And where is Jesus now!”
“Up in heaven, sir,” they said.
Interest now being somewhat aroused, I continued, “And who did Jesus die for? For good or for bad children?”
“For good children,” they replied. “And are you good children?”
There was now a pause. None of them liked to say they were either good or bad children, so I said, “You are all making a mistake. The Bible says, ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’”(1 Tim. 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15).)
How astonished they looked as I told them, in simple words, of what the Lord Jesus had done, how He bore our sins in His own body on the tree, and that the soul who really and truly believes on the Lord Jesus could say, He “loved me, and gave Himself for me.”
With many “Good-bys” from these interested little ones, I passed on my way, perhaps never to meet them again.
But what do my young readers say to this? You may have better opportunities for hearing of Jesus than these little ones had, you may be doing your best and hoping that some day it will be all right with you, but let me tell you through these pages, that the work is all done, and that all you have to do is to
“Cast your deadly doing down, Down at Jesus’ feet,
Stand in Him, in Him alone, Gloriously complete.”
You can never fit yourself for God’s holy presence. You must be made meet by the work and blood-shedding of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the only Saviour, and God has decreed that to Him every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Oh, dear, young reader, confess Him now in this the day of salvation; bow the knee and own Him as “Lord,” and you shall never come into judgment. He is speaking from heaven, —
Hear His blest voice calling, Blessings rich are falling, Jesus alone, Jesus alone, Jesus alone can save.
“To-day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” May the response of every dear girl and boy who may read this be, —
My heart is fixed, eternal God,
Fixed on Thee.
And my immortal choice is made, Christ for me!
ML 11/19/1899