MR. BARKER was an evangelist. When he preached the gospel he would make it clear that salvation is the free gift of God and not to be gained any other way.
Once he was staying at the home of a friend who had a son, 10 years old, named Harold. One day Harold said to him: “Mr. Barker, tomorrow is sport’s day at school. Would you like to come?” Mr. Barker said he would be delighted, and then Harold told him he was in one of the races.
The next day Harold met his friend at the gate and escorted him around the field. Then showing him a glass case, Harold pointed out some of the prizes to be awarded to the winners. “Do you see that watch there, Mr. Barker,” exclaimed Harold; “that’s first prize in the race I’ve entered, and it’s going to be mine.”
Mr. Barker wished his young friend good success and waited early to see the race. But the competition proved too keen for Harold. Two other boys came in first and second, and the best Harold could do was to place third. When the prizes were being handed out Harold’s face fell with disappointment as the beautiful watch was handed to another boy. He said nothing at the time, nor did Mr. Barker.
A few days later it was Harold’s birthday, and he remarked to his friend, Mr. Barker, “Tomorrow’s my birthday, and I’m going to get lip early and open my presents which will be all laid out on the table downstairs.” Sure enough the boy was up early the next morning, but Mr. Barker was up before him and was waiting downstairs to see Har old’s joy and surprise when he opened his gifts.
When Harold appeared he brushed aside the larger packages and picked up a small package in the center. It was a beautiful silver watch, the gift of his parents. Putting it to his ear he exclaimed joyfully, “It’s going!”
It was here that Mr. Barker stepped forward and said: “Harold, you wanted a silver watch, and you tried your best to win one at your school sports; but you failed. Now what you could not earn by your own efforts you have received as a free gift. That is like God’s gift of eternal life. It cannot be earned by our own efforts or good works, but it must be accepted as the free gift of God.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of your-
selves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
ML-11/30/1969