IN a dense forest near to one of the great sugar plantations there lived an aged Indian. Many years ago some of the Lord’s servants, in whose hearts their Master’s love was dwelling, went out to the place to tell the slaves and Indians the story of redeeming love. Among others who came to hear the Word was this aged Indian, whose younger days had been spent in plunder and violence. The Spirit of God used the Word to work deep conviction of sin in His soul. Stealing quietly from his home in the forest, he came to a hut occupied by the missionary, and knocking at the door, desired to speak of Christ. In his own simple way he told how sad he felt because of his sins and wondered if the great God would have mercy on such a sinner as he was.
It is always a delightful service to point a weary sinner to the Saviour, more especially in these lone wilds where the gospel is seldom heard. The missionary sat down by the door and the aged Indian sat by his side. Opening his New Testament, he read the words of John 3: 16— “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”; also Isa. 53.
These he read slowly over several times, telling of God’s love for the world and Christ’s death for sinners. The Indian listened attentively, and then, rising slowly, walked away in deep thought.
He came the following day and heard the same words. The third day a bright smile played on his countenance, and as he took his seat by the door the missionary asked:
“How it is now?” To which the aged Indian replied:
“Happy, happy now; all sins gone.” Then laying his hand on his heart he said: “Peace, peace.”
Desiring to find out on what he was resting, the missionary asked:
“How do you know?”
“You read in Book, God love me, give His Son for me. Then take and beat, beat, beat Him to save Indian.”
He had rested, where every weary sinner, old or young, must rest—in the death of Christ, and, as his changed life and ways made plain, the aged Indian was saved.
“God commendeth His love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5: 8.
“Faith in Christ will save me; Trust in Him, the risen One, Trust the work that He has done; To His arms I now may run—Faith in Christ will save me.”
ML 08/25/1918