AFTER God showed me my lost, fallen state by nature, and brought me to Himself, I was subjected to much persecution from my fellow workmen. One especially always met me with taunting remarks, and did all in his power to make me uncomfortable at my work. In vain I spoke to this scoffer of death and a judgment to come, he would always turn away with a scornful laugh.
But at last came a time when God reproved him. One night he was taken suddenly ill, and death seemed to stare him in the face. Then his past life with its many sins rose up before him, and he did not know what to do. He desired to see me, and I went, thanking God that He had not allowed him to die in his sins. I was accompanied by a Christian gentleman, who lived near, and we found the poor man suffering greatly, both in mind and body.
The one who had before been my greatest persecutor was now broken down, and he said, that if ever the Lord raised him up in health and strength he would lead a different life. We showed him that good resolutions do not bring a soul any nearer to Jesus, but he clung to his own opinion, saying he would be a different man if he ever recovered. After a few weeks he seemed to gain a little strength, and was at last able to leave his bed.
A short time after his recovery this man was out with one of his friends when some funeral carriages passed by them. The one, who but lately had been at the point of death, raised his hand, and pointing to the carriages said, “I can laugh at that now.” In so short a time he had forgotten the loving hand that had raised him from a sick bed, and now being in health and strength he was gradually falling back into his old ways. So, many in this world call upon God in trouble and sickness, but forget Him in prosperity and health. Soon after this event I left Glasgow, and consequently did not see this man there again.
Many years after, however, I met him not far from my home, and as I reminded him of the Lord’s tender mercy in sparing his life, and of his broken promises and misspent life, he wept bitterly.
After pointing out to him Jesus, as the Lamb of God who bore all his sins on the tree, I left him, and have not seen him since, though many years have passed away.
Reader I if you are going on in your sins, with the future all a dreary blank before you, may you come now to Him, who is waiting with open arms to receive you, and is even pleading with you, saying, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28).)
J. Sp―n.