During the American War, Mr. George N. Stuart, an earnest gospel preacher, had to pass through the lines of soldiers in the middle of the night. As he approached, the sentinel on duty heard the steps, and called, “Halt! Give the password!”
“Chicago.”
“Wrong. Go back to headquarters and get the right word. It would be death to me if I let you through without it.”
In a short time, Mr. Stuart again approached the same sentinel.
“Halt! Give the password!” “Massachusetts.”
Instantly the sentinel lowered his rifle and he was allowed to pass. Then, turning to the young soldier, the Christian said, “You were properly anxious about my having the right, password before you allowed me to pass. May I ask now, Have you the password to heaven?”
“Thank God I have, sir,” said the young man with a smile. “The precious blood of Jesus.”
Do you know that password as your own, dear young reader? “Religion” won’t do. “I’ve done the best I can” won’t do either. Those who expect to enter the courts of heaven with such passwords will be turned away into eternal outer darkness. Give up all your own thoughts and accept God’s only password—the precious blood of Christ.
ML 07/01/1951