The summer holidays had just commenced, and Eddie was found spending them with friends. Right glad was he when the day arrived, and he was able to bid goodbye, for a while, to the routine of school with its necessary restraints and lessons. Eddie was an intelligent and lively boy, bent upon fun and enjoyment—things quite right in themselves; but like many other boys, and grown-up people too, he was quite indifferent as to the future.
An evening, however, came round bringing with it a marvelous change. The friends with whom Eddie was staying were Christians, and he, as usual, went with them to hear a gospel address. An aged servant of God, whose delight it was to lead souls to Christ, preached on. Luke 13:24-2724Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 25When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: 26Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. 27But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. (Luke 13:24‑27). Interesting as was the address to many, it appeared to have no charms for Eddie, who fidgeted about a good deal and watched the clock eagerly, hoping for the close of the meeting.
The preacher, in conclusion, made an earnest appeal to his hearers to enter in at the door of mercy at once. It was, he said, wide open, but would not long remain so; and lovingly did he entreat people to enter, warning them how terrible it would be to find themselves on the outside of a shut door, which would never again be opened to them.
Eddie now hid his face in his hands and as he remained in this position after others had risen, a kind and friendly hand was laid upon him, while a soft inquiry was whispered in his ear. The only response, however, was a sob, and it was quite a long time before he could be induced to rise.
When at length he did allow himself to be lifted, his face, although wet with tears, bore a happy expression, and in reply to an inquiry as to the cause of his emotion, simply said, pointing to the preacher,
“He said the door was wide open, so I thought I had better go in.”
“And did you?” asked his friend.
“Yes,” said he. The tears at once vanished, and joy, which he made no attempt to conceal, took their place.
That night he took his little New Testament to bed with him, and early the next morning was heard singing hymns, later on being found sitting up in bed studying his now precious book and marking the Scriptures which had been blessed to his soul the night before. It was indeed wonderful to see hi n growing in divine wisdom and knowledge from day to day as he was being taught of God.
Reader, whoever you may be; old or young, rich or poor, wise or ignorant, the door through which Eddie entered is still open, through the mercy of God, wide open. Jesus has not yet come to claim His own, but He is coming and that soon. Are you ready? Have you entered? If not, you had better, like the dear boy of whom I have told you, go in at once ere the door be shut against you forever.
“All things are ready; come
The door is open wide,
O, feast upon the love of God,
For Christ His Son has died.”
ML 05/28/1944