"Why don't they let Him in?" cried a small voice in the art gallery. It was the voice of a boy as he gazed at Holman Hunt's great painting of Christ standing at the door, knocking. Even angels might ask that question as they behold their Lord refused entrance into the human heart.
The power of darkness that shuts out Christ is Satanic. Its deadly influence over men's minds builds up with the years. Often, when opportunity to be saved knocks for the last time, many give a final, "No," to the Savior and perish in their sins.
Such is the last page in the history of an old, penniless woman who was supported by the town— and died alone in her chosen darkness.
She was an ugly-tempered town celebrity, known to everyone as Peggie. She was the terror of the children and the jest of the grown-ups. One day, a Christian lady who knew her well called. To her knock on the door, Peggie responded with a hoarse, "Come in!"
The mud floor of the home was wet and dirty; its furniture consisted of a bed, a small table, a chair, a low stool and a wooden plate. A rack on the wall contained two or three more plates, a basin, a mug and a broken teapot. On the fire was a small iron pot with three legs.
The old woman sat on the low stool by the fire smoking a filthy clay pipe. Her cotton gown and cap were dirty and ragged, and her boots worn through. Her face was wrinkled and ill-tempered. Her wandering eyes told their own story— no rest, no peace within.
"Peggie," said her visitor kindly as she seated herself in the chair, "I came to speak to you about a Friend and Comforter for lonely ones like you."
"Where does he live?"
"At the right hand of God, Peggie; but once He was down here and suffered and died for you and me that He might have us with Him in heaven forever." The effect was electric!
"Go away, go away!" screamed the old woman waving her arms. "If it's Christ you mean, I'd rather be without Him. I've lived without Him more than seventy years, and I'll live on without Him."
"But you are very old, Peggie, and death will come in at your door someday soon. How can you meet God, a sinner laden with sins? You've served Satan long enough. Won't you turn to Christ now?"
Obviously frightened at the mention of death, Peggie removed her pipe and laid it beside the fire. Then gazing intently at her visitor she said: "Will He save me now, just as I am?"
"Yes, just as you are."
For a few moments she rested her head in her hands as if weighing in a balance eternal life in Christ... and eternal death without Him. Then slowly and deliberately she answered: "No! I've lived without Him seventy years and I can live on without Him the rest of my days."
"But, Peggie," persisted the lady, "if you are determined to live without Christ, you must spend eternity without Him!"
But Peggie had made her decision. All further pleading was in vain, so the lady left.
She called again one week later. Having knocked on the door and received no answer, she went in. Peggie's low stool was empty, the fire was out, her pipe lay broken on the floor.
Peggie was dead.
Doubtless, as she smoked her pipe for the last time she did not dream that in a few minutes she would be in eternity.
Oh, reader, be warned, Life is uncertain and death is sure. Open your heart to the Savior now.
Have you any room for Jesus,
He who bore your load of sin?
As He knocks and asks admission,
Sinner, will you let Him in?