AFTER I had been in bed for weeks in a hospital, the nurse inquired of me one Lord’s Day morning, if I would like to get up for a while, so as to be ready to see my friends when they came to see me, as it was visiting day. I was glad to do so.
In the bed next to mine lay a poor Jew, a most ungodly man. He said there was nothing beyond this life for him, and when he died he would be buried like a dog. He knew well he was dying of consumption, and yet he only used the name of God in oaths and curses.
Upon seeing me dressed, he said, “No. 16, will you go to the bookcase and get me a book?” I asked him, “What kind of a book would you like?” His answer was, “A good old love story—a jolly old love tale.”
Going to the bookcase, I looked to the Lord for guidance as to what book to take to the poor fellow. When I opened it, John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) came to my mind. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
I got a Bible, and opening it at John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16), I gave it to the man, fully expecting to have it thrown at my head. I knew the kind of a man he was, for I had spoken to him of the Word of Life before.
Taking the book he read the verse, and seemed speechless, and stared at me. At length he said, “You are a fair knockout!” I do not think I shall ever forget his look as he said it. I told him that was “the truest love story” that had ever been written or ever would be! He seemed greatly upset, and I believe that the power of the Holy Spirit was deeply convicting him of sin.
For three weeks I was not well enough to be out of bed again. The Jew continued all this time to read the Word of God when he was awake. Often when he fell asleep, the Bible would be lying open upon his chest, or be still held in his hands. The nurse would sometimes remove it while he was sleeping, but as soon as he awoke, he immediately wanted the Book.
Then followed my removal to convalescent hospital. After returning I went into Ward F. to see the doctor. I hoped also to see the Russian Jew. I found the bed he had lain in occupied by another patient. Several weeks elapsed before I had the opportunity of seeing the nurse who had cared for the Jew. She was with him when he was dying. She said that it was one of the happiest deaths she had ever seen; he had passed away rejoicing in the One whose Name, at one time, he never heard mentioned without swearing at it. Was not this another “brand plucked out of the fire?”
ML 05/25/1924