CAPTAIN MURLY was an old man. He had taken his part in the battle of Trafalgar, in 1805, where Nelson’s last words were, “Thank God, I have done my duty.” The old captain had served in various engagements, and bore many a medal on his breast, which gave the name of the battle and the honors of the wearer.
We have from the old captain’s daughter her father’s last words. They were in praise of our own great Conqueror, the Lord of All―
“Glory unto Jesus be
From the curse who set me free.
All my guilt on Him was laid:
He the ransom fully paid.”
Good old Captain Murly had learned that neither his medals, his honors, nor skill and courage would take him to glory. None but Christ could admit him there―nothing else than the blood of Christ could fit him for the home above.
“Glory unto Jesus,” said the dying man “Jesus, who has made peace through the blood of His cross.
“Glory unto Jesus who His own self bare my sins in His own body on the tree.
“Glory unto Jesus, who has saved me from death, from hell, and from judgment.
“Glory unto Jesus! He is my rest, my peace, my life, my joy, my aid.
“Glory unto Jesus! I am going to spend eternity with Him. I shall be like Him; I shall be with Him for ever,”
There is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved, but Jesus, and Jesus only. He is the Son of God, by whom God can justify a sinner freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Him.
May we all trust and rejoice in Jesus the Lord, as did Captain Murly.
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SANCTIFIED ADVERSITY.
How we relish the scent of the field, recently bush-harrowed! Yet, do we consider that the fragrance is that of blades and herbs crushed and torn and broken? And the soul of the Christian, who has been harrowed by adversity, gives out a peculiar sweetness, the peculiar savor of Christ, which arises from a broken will and crushed resolutions, and earth’s affections torn asunder. Sanctified sorrow is very real. Adversity meekly accepted as from the Father’s hand brings forth the peaceable fruits of righteousness, love, gentleness, meekness.