A Chart of Heaven

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 6
 
"I was one day seated behind the counter," said a clerk in a book store, when an old sailor entered, and regarding me with a serious air said:
"Young man, I want a chart.”
"Very well, sir," I replied, "what chart do you wish, the Gulf of Gascony or the Mediterranean?”
"Stop, stop," said he, "how ready young people are! I want a chart, but these you have mentioned would be of no use to me. I want a chart which will guide me to heaven, for the one I have been using up to the present is out of date. Do you understand me young man?”
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word.”
I understood at once that he wanted a Bible, and taking down several I placed them before him. He selected one, evidently happy that I had so soon caught his thought. He asked the price, paid it, and before leaving turned to me, and said with earnestness of voice and manner: "Do you understand this chart?" "I often read it," I replied, "That is well," said the old man, "and I am glad to hear it, but remember, young man, that is not enough.”
Reader, perhaps you are also one of those who often read the Bible, but the question is this—Has it made you wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus? (2 Tim. 3:1515And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)).