“They... declare plainly that they seek a country.”
MANY years ago, a gentleman might have been seen riding through a remote village at the foot of the― Hills. Straw had been laid down in front of one of the houses, and he learned on inquiry, that the wife of the gentleman who inhabited it, was dying, and would leave behind her ten little motherless children, the eldest of whom was only twelve years old.
Mr. U —, as we will call him, was so touched that he could not forbear alighting from his horse, and calling at the door to hear the latest account, and offer his sympathy. He did not know that for the sufferer death had lost its terror, and that if she fell asleep, it would only be to pass into the arms of One who loved her far better than husband or children. The Lord Jesus was hitherto a stranger to him, although he made an outward profession of religion. He loved the world, hunting and music being his favorite pursuits, together with the improvement of his estate, which was situated about seven miles from the village already mentioned. Moreover, he was well known in the county as a Justice of the Peace, and somewhat feared for his stern sense of right. Proud man as he was, his heart was strangely moved by the thought of these ten little children, so soon perhaps to be bereft of their mother, and he returned as soon as possible, to inquire after her, learning to his surprise that, contrary to expectation, she was slowly recovering.
During her convalescence, he was one day permitted to see her for a few minutes, and the peace and joy expressed in her countenance, so impressed him, that he went away firmly persuaded that she had a source of happiness which he did not possess. “They looked unto Him, and were lightened,” she had said to him, but these beautiful words of Scripture conveyed no meaning to him.
In due course her husband, Mr. Y —, as we will call him, paid a visit to Mr. U― (who happened to be out), and he found that Mrs. U — was a Christian, though not in the full enjoyment of peace. He learned too, that she and the clergyman of the church which Mr. U — attended, and who was also a Christian, were very uneasy at Mr. U — ‘s state of soul, especially as he was in the habit of taking the sacrament once a month.
“Have you ever spoken to him about his soul?” said Mr. Y —.
“Oh no, it would be impossible, he is so proud. No one would venture to approach him on such a subject.”
A few days later, when alone with his friend, Mr. Y — took the opportunity of asking him the simple question, “Do you know what it is to have the forgiveness of your sins?”
But not wishing to give account of himself, Mr. U —, instead of answering, quickly changed the subject. Weeks passed, and again the two gentlemen were together; this time they were walking in Mr. U— ‘s beautifully laid out grounds, and admiring the improvements, until taking advantage of a pause, Mr. Y — said, “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? If the Lord Jesus come tonight, would you be ready to meet Him?”
Again Mr. U — made no reply, and his friend had to bid him good-bye, feeling that God alone could work in his soul and cause the light of life to enter. He knew well what the world was, and its trammels, for he was himself of noble birth, and had been brought up in the lap of luxury. The brightest things the world could offer had been his, but God in His mercy had given him instead a cup of heavenly joy. Shall I tell you how the mighty change came about? It was during a battle, that God spoke to him for the first time. He saw one after another falling around him, and the thought that his turn might come next, brought him face to face with death and the hereafter. Where would it be spent? His life was, however, spared, and from that moment he had no rest, until he found peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thenceforth he had the joy of following his Master, who had shed His blood for him on the cross, and he was not ashamed to “declare plainly,” that he sought a better country, like those of whom it is written, that God was not ashamed to be called their God.
But the world still had attractions for Mr. U —, and he could not understand his friend’s manner of life. He did not know why he plied him with these personal questions as to his soul, and, on the occasion referred to above, he went in to his wife, saying angrily, “What business has he to come talking to me about my soul? it is no affair of his.”
Nevertheless he was uneasy, and the Word of God, which is quick and powerful, had reached his heart and conscience, so that when night came, he could not sleep. His sins rose up before him like a mountain, and he was seized with despair at the thought of his lost condition. He felt as if he were slipping down an inclined plane into hell, but at the moment when all hope seemed gone, the Lord drew near to deliver, and he saw a hand stretched forth to save him, and knew that it was his Saviour who had died for him. He believed that his sins were forgiven, because Jesus had borne them on the cross, and there was nothing left for him to do, but to praise and bless the One who had shown him such grace. The night of anguish was succeeded by a morning of joy which was to last throughout eternity.
Mr. U — was in the habit of reading prayers every morning in presence of a numerous company of retainers. Their astonishment would not be easy to describe, when they saw their master fall on his knees, and, instead of opening the prayer-book, heard him in a voice trembling with emotion, give thanks to God for having saved him during the night, and forgiven his sins through the precious blood of Christ.
After breakfast he ordered his horse, and rode off to communicate his joy to his friends, stopping by the way to speak to one and another of the salvation he had found, and entreating them also to receive Jesus as their Saviour. From this moment he was a changed man, as all around him testified, and the Lord was pleased to use him to the conversion of many souls in the neighboring villages. Space will not allow me to tell you here of his work of faith and labor of love; but the day of Christ will declare it.
One often hears of deathbed conversions, but those of which I have been writing bore fruit for many long years. And do you think that either of these men would care to have returned to the world, out of which God had called them? No, they desired a better country, that is an heavenly. They had found a living Person, the Lord Jesus, who attracted them to Himself in heaven.
And now let me ask you, dear reader, what portion you have chosen, an earthly or a heavenly one? This world is hastening on to destruction, besides which it can never satisfy you, but the Lord Jesus has given Himself for you, to redeem you from it.
He has introduced those of us who believe in Him, even now, into what is better than an earthly paradise, peace and joy in our souls, and fellowship with the Son of God, to whose image we shall soon be perfectly conformed in glory. Meanwhile let us be content to suffer for His name in passing through this world, where we have the privilege of declaring plainly that we seek a heavenly country. Now is the moment for testimony and service, which we miss if we live in this scene as if belonging to it. Here we are strangers and pilgrims, there we shall share the joys of the Father’s house.