EVANGELISTIC services were being held in B —. Efforts were being made by God’s people to secure the attendance of those who were, to all appearance, careless about their eternal welfare. During this time the subject of this little narrative, a young man brought up in a Christian home, and surrounded by Christian influences, was pressed to attend the Mission Services, but he excused himself on the ground of preparing for an examination in connection with his profession.
Not many weeks after, his health, which had previously been good, gave way, and he consulted a medical man, who advised him to give up study and office work. This he was very loath to do, as he was desirous of getting on in his profession. Although ill, he seemed to have no serious thought about either his bodily health or his spiritual welfare; but the opportunity was once more taken to speak to him about his soul. He agreed to the truth of all that was then said to him. As time went on he was anxious to know when he might resume work, but was told he must put aside all thoughts of his profession meanwhile, as all study must be avoided. The disease showing signs sufficient to necessitate a change of climate, he was advised accordingly. There was now no doubt that he was beginning to think seriously of his illness. God’s loving hand laid on him was breaking down the barriers.
While away, God, by His gracious Spirit, was plowing his heart, convincing him of his sin and his need. He was led to read an address on “Love,” by a well-known writer; but there was nothing in it for a sin-laden soul seeking rest, for love is of God (1 John 4:77Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. (1 John 4:7)), and to know what love is we must possess the divine nature. This address led him to look into his own heart for some love to bring to God, but he found, what we have all to learn, by God’s grace, that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:99The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)). While absent from home God was leading him, step by step, to see his hopeless position, and that no efforts of his own would bring peace. This was somewhat the condition of his soul on his return, and it was evident to any one that the hand of death was on him; he was so much changed in appearance as to be scarcely recognizable by his most intimate friends.
But there was also a deep soul anxiety, which was revealed in our conversation. The conversation is one never to be forgotten, and the anxious, despairing cry, “Oh, if I had peace with God, death might come.” What a privilege to point a soul in this condition to One who has made peace by the blood of His cross (Col. 1:2020And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:20)). This was done, and he was urged to decide to trust his Saviour, and told that it might be his last chance.
When we met again he told me, “It is all right now, I am trusting Jesus.” He told many that the words “last chance” rung in his ears till he had decided definitely for Christ. I do not think at this time he had any hope of getting better. He often asked how long he would be likely to live. His remaining days on earth were full of joy and peace, although he suffered considerable bodily pain.
Shortly after his conversion he was troubled with the thought that after all he might be lost; but his attention being drawn to God’s Word concerning this (John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24) and John 10:2828And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28)), with child-like faith he said to me, “That is enough for me.” He was also troubled about not receiving the Holy Spirit; but again, God’s Word, which is our only sure guide, put his mind at rest concerning this (Eph. 1:1313In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13)). Although naturally of a reserved disposition, he was ready and willing to tell what the Lord had done for him, and praised God for his illness. He was now confined to the house, and after a rather more severe attack than usual, he took to bed, from which he never rose.
One thing was very noticeable about him, — he never doubted his safety in Christ, and was ever desirous of going to be with Jesus. He was greatly exercised about certain members of his family, and had conversation with them all concerning their eternal welfare. His child-like faith was greatly blessed to Christians around him. One of his late companions being much on his mind, he mentioned the matter to those near him, and, although the hour was late, he desired them to send for him, that he might warn him to flee to Christ. On being reminded of the lateness of the hour, and that he might wait till morning, he replied, “I might be gone before morning, and the opportunity be lost.”
The young man was sent for, and what a solemn scene followed! One young man nearing the end of life’s journey, faithfully dealing with his companion about things eternal! He was now very weak in body, and his friends all thought him near his end, but he lingered on for another week. About two hours before his death, I said to him, “You will soon hear the ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’” “Will I?” he replied, and longed to be away. Shortly after this, having bade good-bye to all around, he fell asleep in Jesus.
Dear reader, this is the story of God’s wondrous grace in dealing with one now with the Lord. Have you accepted God’s offer of salvation? Have you the knowledge of the forgiveness of your sins? (Acts 13:3838Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: (Acts 13:38)), or are you still rejecting while He waits so graciously? Do not delay, He may be speaking to you for the last time through these pages. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:22(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2)).
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