A friend, J. J. S, has kindly given me the following account of a wonderful salvation: ―
“Some time ago,” he writes, “I was asked to see an old soldier of the Black Watch Regiment who was in rapid consumption; his doctor had said he could not last long, and his mother was anxious some Christian should see him, as he seemed totally indifferent as to the future.”
My friend prayed earnestly, and felt quite assured the Lord would have him go and see him.
“The moment I saw him I could see he would not be here much longer; he had been a fine brave soldier, had won three medals, and the Victoria Cross, for service in Egypt, India and Africa. He looked bewildered when I went in, and asked who had sent me told him God had sent me with a message of love for him. This I tried to explain. Then came the question: ‘Do you think I shall get better?’ ‘No,’ I answered. ‘I can plainly see you will not be here long. Now I want to ask you a question: Where will you spend eternity?’ At once he replied, ‘Perdition.’ I said ‘That is what the word of God calls hell.’ ‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘Why are you going to hell? Do you want to go there?’ He looked me straight in the face and said: Oh, no; I would like to go to heaven.’ ‘Is it not strange you have booked your passage to hell and yet want to go to heaven? Listen to God’s own word (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)). This is the very message God has sent you.’ ‘But I am a great sinner.’ ‘Praise God that you know you are a great sinner! Now I can tell you of a great Saviour.’”
“He then asked me to reach down his Bible and mark the scriptures, adding, ‘It is more than twenty years since I opened my Bible to read it.’ I left after prayer, calling the following day. He told me he had an awful night. His sins had risen up before him like a mountain and almost made him despair. He looked amazed when I told him I was glad.”
Space will not allow me to write all my friend said, pleading with him. The letter goes on to say: ―
“On my next visit he said he longed to know he was really saved. I read those precious words (John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)), and said, God has offered you a full and free salvation through faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and you will not yet trust Him and thank Him.’ Tears came into his eyes and he exclaimed, ‘I see it now,’ and he at once fell on his knees and thanked God for opening his eyes to see himself a great sinner and to see the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour. The next time I found him looking very sad. He told me he had made no provision for his wife and children. I told him God is our Father, and we knelt down together and asked Him to undertake. We had hardly got off our knees when a well-known gentleman came in and said: ‘I have heard all about you. I will take charge of the two youngest children and find employment for your wife, so they shall not want. You can also have the use of my carriage when you can stand a drive out, and you can send to my house for butter, eggs and milk.’ He also gave him financial assistance. After he had gone tears of joy filled the poor man’s eyes and he exclaimed: ‘All this is too wonderful, I cannot understand it.’ I replied: ‘It was just like our God and Father, for He is love, and He knew how weak your faith is, and has answered your prayers immediately.’ He lived but three weeks longer, and never had a doubt or fear. Just before he died I said: Have you anything that troubles you?’ ‘No, all is bright and happy; I shall soon be “forever with the Lord.”’
My friend pleads with any unsaved one to come to Jesus now. “He is able to save to the uttermost.”
A.A. L.