The Bargeman and the Bread of Life.

 
A COAL barge had reached its destination, and the men were not sorry, for, whatever may be said in favor of a life on the ocean wave, a barge is so limited in its accommodation, that bargemen are glad to moor in the river with the prospect of soon going to their homes. They were sitting by the little cabin, at their meal, when a stranger stepped on board.
“Men,” said he, “I bring you news of One who fed five thousand with five loaves.”
They were a little startled, but, as the subject seemed seasonable, they listened, while their visitor told of Him who is the Bread from heaven, the Bread of God which giveth life unto the world, and who said, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
Not perceiving the spiritual application of the story of Christ feeding the multitude, one of the men said he wished He would do it now; but he was so far interested in the message of life and satisfaction through Christ as to “I add never heard the like.”
“That is your own fault, my friend,” said the visitor to the bargee, upon which the mar responded—
“Governor, come to my house, and my old woman will brew yer a cup of tea.”
The invitation was accepted, and, in honor of the guest, a, special spread was made, in eluding that luxury of the class―winkles. As they sat round the table the bargeman said “Now, governor, let’s have some more of that you gave us this morning.”
Then followed in Scripture language, a clear statement of God’s salvation set forth as a gift “For 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 3:1616For 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).) Here was God’s gift of His Son, for lost and ruined man.
But, more, the Son of God had also given Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity. (Titus 2:1414Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14).) He gave Himself a ransom for all (1 Tim. 2:66Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:6)); and He surrendered Himself to the cruelty and hatred of man, for He said, “I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to them that plucked off the hair.” (Isa. 1:66From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. (Isaiah 1:6).) The speaker could add of Jesus, “Who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:2020I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)); and, thus told his hearers how that Jesus had died for him, and put away his sins by the sacrifice of Himself.
Then came the application to the bargeman and his wife. “If God has given His Son for sinners, and the Son has given His life for sinners, why should not they be saved, sinners as they own themselves to be?”
Our friend of the water-life had never thought himself a sinner, until now that the Spirit of God began to open his eyes. A sinner, indeed! He had always esteemed himself as good as other folks, and a deal better than some; but in the light of truth, he saw he was guilty, and needed a Saviour.
By way of illustration, the visitor supposed they had a debt owing, and were unable to give anything toward its payment, when a friend coming along bestows all that was needed; so that the person to whom the money was due gives in exchange a full receipt.
“Now,” said he, “suppose the friend who paid the debt brought that full receipt to you; ill you would have to do would be to receive it―the giving would have been his part, the receiving would be your part. God has given Jesus, and Jesus has given Himself to pay your sin-debt; therefore it is paid, and God now offers the receipt to every sinner who longs to be free. Will you accept it?”
“I’ll have it if the old woman will.”
“Then get on your knees and tell the Lord so.”
All three accordingly knelt, the bargeman feeling that he was a sinner, and that Jesus was the Saviour he needed. The Spirit of God had wrought the same conviction in the heart of his wife, so that they were both prepared for the simple prayer that followed. The visitor just told the Lord that they were three unworthy sinners, but that He gave His Son to die for such sinners, and that they believed that He died for them, therefore as His death was for sin, He died for their sin, to pay their debt, and that now they accepted the receipt with hearty thanks.
It was wonderfully plain, God had said, and they believed His word: God offered, and they received His gift.
They were hungry: here was bread, bread provided, bread for them. As they listened to the prayer that seemed to talk with God, they felt it was a reality, and just what they required. The words brought them face to face with a Person, who loved them, and had suffered in their stead.
Two hearts that evening said “Amen,” to the divine plan of salvation, and the bargeman and his wife were saved.
Since then they both have made a public profession of their faith, and are still walking in the path of peace. W. L.