Robert Annan was one of the worst men that ever trod the streets of "Bonnie Dundee"; but when his heart received the grace of God he became a shining light for the Savior whom he loved.
Leaving his cottage home early one morning to go to his mission work, Robert took a piece of chalk from his pocket. Bending down he wrote on the sidewalk this single word: ETERNITY.
Soon after, as he walked along the harbor he saw a child fall from one of the vessels into the water. Annan immediately threw off his coat and jumped in. He was a strong swimmer; but the sea was rough and it was with difficulty that he rescued the child. He did so at the cost of his own life!
Robert Annan's dead body was then carried home over the word he had written but a few hours before—ETERNITY. But how blessed an eternity for Robert! At home with the Lord he loved, his earthly pilgrimage was over.
Today, on the very spot where Annan chalked the word it may be seen cut into the stone sidewalk. This was done by the direction of a wealthy young man whose soul was saved and his life made useful through Robert's simple act.
The Hon. James Gordon, son of the Earl of Aberdeen, read the story of Robert Annan. He was so impressed by it that ETERNITY seemed burned into his very soul. Go where he would the word rang in his ears. Finally in his soul's deep distress, the cry wrung from the Philippian jailer was also his own expression: "What must I do to be saved?" And to him came the answer, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31).
The healing balm of Jesus' name calmed his soul. He learned the value of Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary, and soon he rejoiced in the knowledge of salvation.
After leaving home for Cambridge he wrote requesting that ETERNITY be carved upon the sidewalk in Dundee at his expense, that it might stand there a silent but eloquent preacher to every passer-by.
A few days after his letter was received by his mother, the young nobleman was accidently shot and killed!
Thus the one of humble origin and he who was of noble birth were gathered by divine grace into God's heavenly garner.
Reader, think of that word ETERNITY, and remember! You too must spend it—WHERE?
ETERNITY! where? ETERNITY! where?
With redeemed ones in glory, or fiends in despair? ETERNITY! where? oh, ETERNITY! where? With one or the other ETERNITY! WHERE?”