SOME time since I was seized with a strong desire to visit a village a few miles distant from my house, to distribute tracts. Before I went I called upon a friend, and mentioned to him what I was about to do; he wished me "God speed," and said, " Call upon J. H. while you are there, you will find him terribly dark, and possessed with the firm belief that his soul is already in Satan's power, past recovery, and that eternal damnation is his doom.”
Arriving at the village, I commenced distributing my tracts. They met with the usual reception at the hands of the recipients; many were grateful, others indifferent, while some seemed to consider it an insult,—strange that the offer of eternal life should be so received. On the completion of my labors, I called at the house of J. H. Inquiring for him, I found that he was in bed and very ill. For fourteen years he had been an invalid, and his sufferings during that period had been very great. Proceeding upstairs, I found him suffering from a terrible paroxysm of coughing. When he had somewhat recovered, I began conversing with him about his health, and then changing the subject, asked him if he were happy as to the future. He replied in the negative, his face assuming a gloomy expression.
Opening my Bible at the fifth chapter of John, I read the 24th verse, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life; " and then turning to the sixth chapter of the same gospel, I read a portion of the 37th verse, " Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." It was enough. In a moment the man's hands were clasped together, the tears coursed down his face, and he broke out into such exclamations of praise as I have rarely heard. No words from me were required, the Spirit of God applied the Word of God to his soul with marvelous power, the man's joy was unbounded.
“Blessed Jesus," said he, “and He to die for me! Oh, I can see Him on the Cross, bleeding for me, and I never to know this before! Why was I not told of it? I always though I had to do so much." Almost bewildered at witnessing so instantaneous a conversion, I sat while J. H. poured out his gratitude to the Saviour, and, when I had opportunity, putting in a word to unfold the tale of God's wonderful love. Each word struck home; he took in everything with a marvelous intelligence, never questioning it, but appropriating to himself every word I spoke. Falling on my knees, I thanked God for this instance of His power and love, J. H. meanwhile giving audible expression to his thankfulness. "Sir," he repeated, time after time, "the Lord sent you here to-night, I am sure.”
A week afterward J. H. was again visited. He was very bright and happy. "Satan," he said, has been troubling me a little, but I tell him, the blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin,' and he then ceases his attacks." He spoke with grief of the long life he had spent in alienation from God, and dwelt with deep gratitude upon the love that had plucked him from the brink of hell, and blessed him with an everlasting salvation.
His disease was now exhibiting acute symptoms, and he rapidly approached his end; but the pain he suffered seemed forgotten in the joy he experienced in the One who had died for him.
Just before the end, he was asked if he felt any fear, "Oh no," he said, “I am just waiting for Jesus to come and fetch me." And he had not long to wait; about six weeks after my first visit to him he went home, exchanging the suffering of this life for the bright presence of his Redeemer. W. H. S.