IT was the workshop of a Christian workman. There lay the Bible upon a seat handy for a read now and again, as opportunity permitted. On the walls were scripture texts.
The workman fell ill, and an ex-soldier was appointed to do his work. He had been through the Boer War, and had seen some severe engagements, and, alas! was hardened in sin.
On entering the workshop, he saw the Bible lying in a prominent position, took it up, and threw it out of sight.
It was replaced, and again the ex-soldier threw it aside, saying, there was no reason why a man should have religion thrust into his face like that. He was angry, and threatened to tear the texts off the wall, and expressed a wish that old Jimmy, the Christian workman, who placed them there, should “turn up his toes,” that is die.
Little did he dream that that was the last day he should be in the workshop, and that never again should the sight of the texts on the wall annoy him.
He was ordinarily a healthy man, and only a few days before it was remarked, when in the village inn, how well he was looking. But the day after he threw the Bible away he fell ill, and died within a week.
His death struck terror into the hearts of his fellow-workmen, for they were all aware of what he had done with the Bible, and of the unholy wish he had expressed. The manages of the shop had said, “Take care the wish does not fall upon the old soldier himself,” and so it did. The men looked at it as a judgment from God.
The Bible was again placed upon the seat for daily use, and no one seemed to care to remove it.
How true are the words of Holy Writ, “He that, being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Prov. 29:11He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. (Proverbs 29:1)).
Is this true incident not a warning to every one, who is not prepared to meet God? And meet God everyone must, either now in grace and mercy, or at the great white throne in judgment.
Thank God, the great sin-question has been met at the cross by the Lord Jesus Christ for every poor, vile sinner, who will come to Him. Will you not, my reader, trust in Him? Remember, now is your chance. Miss it, and you may be lost for ever. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Gal. 6:7, 87Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:7‑8)).
Be warned. Be wise. Be in earnest. Tura to the Lord, and trust Him. He is ready and waiting to save.
J. A. D.