THE reason why many souls have not the assurance of salvation, is that they are looking within for something to rest on; instead of simply resting on Christ, and believing what God says about Him, and them, when they believe in Him. This state of matters was forcibly illustrated by a bedridden old lady, whom I saw some time since. God had converted her nephew, a worldly doctor, in a remarkable way; and no sooner was he in the enjoyment of the Lord's grace, than he sought to get all his relatives to share his newly-found joy. Recognizing the state his old aunt was in, he asked me to pay her a visit, apprising her of my coming.
The old lady received me very pleasantly, and we had a long conversation. She knew she was a sinner, —a lost sinner, —and owned it. She desired most fervently to be saved. She knew that no works of her own could avail before God. She believed the Lord Jesus to be the only Saviour of sinners. She had often cried to Him to save her, but no answer had come to her cries as yet. After finding out that she was a truly seeking soul, — ripe for salvation, I might say, —I asked:
“Now what is the hindrance? Why do you not know that you are saved? You tell me that you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, that He is able and willing to save you, and that you are most willing to let Him save you, and yet you are not sure of salvation. Do you think He has got anything more to do for your salvation?”
“Oh, no! I'm sure His work is all finished.
He said so on the cross.”
“Quite true; only I suppose you think there must be something wrought in you, before you can be sure you are saved?”
“Yes, that's just it," she replied.
“And what, pray, is lacking in you?”
Well, sir, I don't think I'm thankful enough for all He has done for me. I think if I felt more thankful, I should know I was saved.”
“Oh, I see where you are," I replied." Now tell me, supposing I were to send you a basket of grapes by my servant to-morrow morning, what is the first thing you would do?”
“Oh, of course I should thank you," replied the old lady, most energetically.
“Well, suppose on the other hand you sent me a basket of grapes, what do you think is the first thing I would do?" I replied.
“You would thank me, wouldn't you?”
“Not first.”
“Why, what would you do?" she asked most eagerly.
“I should take them. Then, secondly, I should send you a hearty message of thanks.”
“I see it I see it!" exclaimed my old friend, as the joy-tears welled down over her wrinkled features. “I’ve just got to take salvation first, and then thank the Lord for what He has given me.”
“Exactly so. 'The gift of God is eternal life.'
What He gives we have only simply to accept, and then thank Him for time and eternity.”
“Dear me, how simple it is!" she exclaimed, falling back on her pillows. “I always thought I must feel something within that I never could feel; but, thank God, I see it all clearly now. It is so simple, I wonder I didn't see it before." Thus she entered into sweet peace, and rest in the Lord.
Reader, can you say with her, “I see it?
W. T. P. W.