A WEALTHY nobleman, in his last illness, asked a preacher of the gospel to come and visit him, and on his arrival spoke to him somewhat as follows:
“I feel very ill and fear I am going to die. Now I want you to talk with me on religious subjects; but, in order to spare you any unnecessary trouble, I tell you plainly that I wish to hear nothing of Jesus Christ.”
“Well,” said the preacher, “it is a good thing that you have told me this at once, for otherwise He would have been the chief theme of my conversation; however, there are plenty of other topics, and to make a start may I ask if it will please you if I speak of God?”
“Oh, certainly!” answered the sick man. “I shall very willingly listen to all that you may tell me about God, for I respect and reverence such a great and mighty Being.”
“So far we agree then,” said the preacher as he took his seat by the invalid, and he began to tell of the love of God in such a feeling and yet soothing way that the sick man pressed his hand as he was leaving, and begged him to come again soon.
At the second visit the nobleman received him warmly, and asked with great interest what new topic he would discuss with him, adding, “I assure you, my dear friend, I was greatly pleased with your last visit.”
This time the preacher enlarged, according to the invalid’s wish, on the wisdom, omnipotence, and omniscience of God, but said nothing to arouse any painful or unpleasant feelings in his listener.
At the third visit the preacher dwelt on the spotless holiness of God, showing clearly thereby that such a pure and holy Being must exclude all from His presence that is not suited to it.
At the fourth visit he spoke of the unbending righteousness of God, and quoted Romans 1:1818For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (Romans 1:18); “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.”
At this point the sick man began to tremble, and, no longer able to remain quiet, he cried out in anguish and despair, “Stay, I pray you; that is more than I can bear, for if the Almighty is really so holy and just as you describe Him, then I am lost!”
The preacher gave no answer, but rose up, and, bowing gravely and respectfully, disappeared.
One day after another came and went, but no preacher appeared.
At last a messenger from the Count knocked at his door, and begged him to come at once to his master; and as he entered the Count’s room he was received with these words:
“Oh, my friend, why have you left me so long? My mind is in a maze of doubt and fear; it is almost as if I were already in hell, or as if hell were in me. For pity’s sake tell me something, if you can, to relieve me, and give me the peace of mind of which your conversation has robbed me.”
“It grieves me, my lord,” replied the preacher, “not to be able to withdraw one word that I have said, but I must repeat that God is certainly gracious and merciful, but also a holy and righteous Being who must punish the guilty, and though I should delight to tell you many beautiful and comforting truths, yet, as you are not willing to hear them, I must leave you in doubt and misery; and so, though my heart bleeds for you, I can do nothing further, as you have yourself forbidden me to give you the only true comfort.”
“Oh, no, no!” cried the dying man in real soul-agony; “tell me what will help me, be it what it may; tell me if you know of a way of salvation still open for me.”
“Certainly, I know of one,” said the preacher; “but then you must allow me to speak of Jesus Christ.”
“Well, well,” cried the dying man, “say what you like, but show me the door by which I may escape from this ever-nearing hell.”
And now for the first time this true servant of God took his Testament from his pocket and read to the trembling man, of the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood alone cleanses from all sin, and who fits the guilty sinner who trusts in Him to be in the presence of God.
He spoke more and more earnestly of Him, whom the nobleman had, till then, rejected and despised, as the One to whom he must go with all his sins, on whom he must cast himself in faith, and through whom he might have full and free forgiveness, and find joy and peace for his anxious soul.
“Just for such sinners as you,” continued the servant of God, “did the Lord Jesus leave the throne of His glory and walk through this world as a Man amongst men; for such sinners did He shed His precious blood upon the cross and pay the ransom price for all who believe on His name.”
These words fell like heavenly seed into prepared ground. The sick man received them joyfully. He grasped the truth that the righteousness of God has been fully satisfied, and that now He can receive all who come to Him through Christ; and soon after he passed away praising God for His mercy and grace to him.
Has this a voice to you, my reader? Many all around us are making light of the atonement, and speaking of the mercy of God apart from Christ. His mercy is full and free, but He is holy, spotless, and pure, and no sinner can stand before Him unless he is washed in the precious blood of Christ.
Is His name precious to you? Or are you trusting to be saved in some other way than simply trusting by faith in the finished work of Christ? God is only known in Christ, therefore do not think that you know Him if you are rejecting the One who came to reveal Him. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.” 2 Cor. 5:1919To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:19).
ML 10/25/1903