Many years ago there lived a man by the name of John Bacon. His occupation was that of a sculptor, a vocation in which he had more than ordinary ability.
We know little of his life and character; the only incident recorded is that before his death he prepared an inscription to be placed on his tombstone, which was full of meaning. It was as follows: “What I was as an artist seemed of some importance to me while I lived; but what I was as a believer in Jesus Christ, is the only thing of importance to me now.”
What a splendid message to leave bind when he left this world. What wisdom is expressed in it. Being a sculptor, he may have made the tombstone himself. How the importance of the message must have burned in his soul as he chiseled the words into the flinty marble.
We all have our interests in this life—our occupations, our relationships, our friendships. Perhaps many of our readers are employed in getting an education, to fit them for their life work.
All these things have their place, and occupy our attention to quite an extent. But we must never forget that these things that pertain to this life, which is only for a time, are of lesser importance than that which relates to the never-ending life to follow.
It was this point that our friend sought to emphasize in his last message, and he did not fail to mention the means by which one could be prepared (believing in Christ).
He must have been familiar with the Scriptures, for this is right in line with its teachings. We will quote two passages from the Lord’s own words that relate to this subject of salvation.
It is the enemy that would seek to occupy us wholly with the things of this life, to the neglect of our soul’s welfare. It is just a question of whether we are going to be wise or foolish.
We trust the reader will be among the wise; that he will see the great importance of being prepared for eternity by accepting the Lord Jesus as his Saviour now.
If he does this, he will, according to the Lord’s own words, have everlasting life, and can look forward to an existence of joy and happiness in heaven forever.
ML 01/25/1931