HE was only "a rag-and-bone man," and hunger and cold had brought on an illness, in consequence of which the parish doctor ordered him to be taken to' the Union Hospital.
For about twelve months, in the convalescent ward, he had the privilege, each Lord's Day afternoon, of listening to the gospel of God's righteousness and love. The message was not unheeded, for we could perceive by the man's countenance and manner that it was taking effect.
As we were going round the circle of hearers on one of these occasions, shaking hands, and inquiring after their welfare, the writer came to this man, and said, "Well, friend, and how are you?
“Well, sir," he replied, "I can say, through the mercy and love of God, I am well internally, for the love of God is shed abroad in my heart, because of the Holy Spirit who is given to us. I also can say I am well externally, for I have on the righteousness of God, which is unto all, and upon all them that believe. I can also say I am well eternally, for the God of all grace hath called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus." (Rom. 5:55And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5); Rom. 3:2222Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Romans 3:22); 1 Peter 5:1010But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (1 Peter 5:10).)
He finished up by saying, "Some people say, All's well that ends well '; but I can say it is well with me before the end comes.”
What, dear reader, is your answer to the love and mercy of God, who sent His Son, the Saviour of the world? Do you say, with the chief of sinners, "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift"? or with the unbelieving world, "We will not have this Man to reign over us"? (2 Cor. 9:1515Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15); Luke 19:1414But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. (Luke 19:14).)
Eternity waits upon your answer.
C. H. F.