ANTHONY H. had been faithful to his country during a long service in the Marines. He had been all over the world, and had fought in many engagements, out of which he had come unscathed. Anthony was at the time of our acquaintance with him a pensioner, and had occupation as a night watchman. He had several hours during the day to himself, and much of his time was spent in skittle-playing, and in drinking. He was so given over to the service of sin and Satan, that his wife, who herself was unconverted, became anxious as to what would become of him. If she could induce him to attend a religious meeting he might be reformed, she thought, and through her he was induced to attend some gospel services. There the Spirit of God convicted him of his state as a lost sinner, and so wrought upon him, that both skittles and drink lost their charms, and his sin-burdened conscience almost drove him to despair; he saw no hope for himself―one of the worst of sinners―and felt that everlasting doom must be his end.
There was a late sergeant in the Royal Artillery living near Anthony, John Lawson, and he had learned that there was no peace to be found out of Christ. Having passed through the dangers and temptations of a soldier’s life, Lawson loved to labor amongst soldiers, and was the means in God’s hands of leading many of them to the Lord. Hearing of Anthony’s condition, he called on him, and sought to point him to the Saviour. Anthony could not read, so John read to him. The old marine listened intently as his friend read out these wonderful words, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Again Lawson read, “God so loved the world”―and, looking at Anthony, said, “This includes you” ― ‘that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever’ ―and that means you amongst the rest―you, Anthony H― ‘believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’”
Anthony was fairly astonished; he raised his brawny hand above his head, and brought it down on the table before him, saying at the same time, “I don’t believe it.”
Without argument, Lawson read again, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever―and that means you― ‘believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life,’” when again, with a loud voice, Anthony shouted, “I don’t believe it,” as his strong fist came down once more with a crash upon the table.
A third time the words were repeated, but they seemed incredible to the old marine, who had never heard the story of God’s love, and he exclaimed, with more warmth than ever, “I don’t believe it.”
Lawson, who was wise to win souls, seemingly changed the subject, and said, “How long were you in the army?”
“Twenty-one years and fourteen days,” was Anthony’s prompt reply.
At this the sergeant lifted his fist, and, bringing it down on the table, said, “I don’t believe it.”
“Do you think I would tell you a lie?” returned Anthony, angrily. “It was twenty-one years and fourteen days.”
“I don’t believe it,” returned Lawson, dryly.
“Wife,” cried Anthony, “bring me the parchment.” Lawson took the discharge from her hand, quietly asking the old marine if he had ever read it, and if he believed it. Anthony replied that others had read it to him, and that he believed what he had heard.
“How is it that you expect me,” said Lawson, “to place confidence in the word of man, while you yourself refuse to believe the word of God?” and then again opening his Bible, he once more read the same golden text.
Anthony’s eyes and heart were now opened, and he joyfully exclaimed, “I see it all! I believe it! I believe it I thank God.”
From that hour the words he had heard filled his soul with joy during his night watches―he became very anxious to read them for himself, and, instead of sleeping in the day, he would lie on his back, and learn to spell out John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). His wife bought him a spelling book, but he cast it aside, saying he would learn to read out of no book but the Bible, and John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) should be his first lesson. He at once began to preach to his wife, who through God’s mercy received the blessed truth, and now their great joy is to read together, and to tell others of the reality of God’s love, as told in their precious verse.
Friend, you may have read it many times.
Do you believe it? W. T.