I WAS asked to visit a dying policeman in Glasgow many years ago by a lady who knew him, and had his spiritual interest at heart. I gladly seized the privilege, and soon made for his lodging. I found him very cheerful, and in one of the old-fashioned box-beds so much used long ago in Scotland. At the foot of it was a shelf, and on it I could see some of the broad type of literature. He welcomed me gladly, and when I said, “You don’t know me, I am Miss Campbell, secretary of the C.P.A.,” “Yes, I do,” was his immediate reply, “and I have been to some of your meetings.” We had a pleasant chat, and on leaving I said, “I want you to think you see a text from God’s Word at the foot of your bed. ‘The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin.’ Think of that, till I meet you again, if I may come again?” “Gladly,” he said, and I left him.
On my second visit, his landlady greeted me with the words: “I wonder what you said to my lodger (he is dying, but not to be told) for he has asked for a Bible? “His asking for a Bible was the first step, I felt, and little by little the Gospel message was given, but no, decision made. He still had a cheerful belief he was going to get better, but a change was advised by the doctor attending him, and on telling me where he was going, I found I knew just the person to visit him and continue the work begun in his soul. Would he allow me to write to two gentlemen? He said, “Gladly, for I go there as a stranger, and it will be nice to know someone.” He promised to write and let me know how he got on, and if his health improved.
After a few weeks I heard from him, and he pressed me to come and see him in his Glasgow lodging again, for, he added, “I have joyful news to give you. The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, has cleansed me, and I am rejoicing in His salvation.”
I shall never forget the change in him every day, and his relatives, who gathered round, and saw the change, could not believe it. His conversation was, “I am going Home to be with Jesus, and I long for the time till I see His blessed face.” “We shall meet up there,” were about his last words to me. Who can measure the preciousness of the Blood, that can, and does, completely change a poor sinner, and give a triumphant death-bed?
Dear reader, are you trusting in Christ’s sacrifice for you? If not, may this dear policeman’s dying testimony speak to you, and give you the assurance of your acceptance in a Home prepared for you in the mansions above, by faith in Him.
Agnes Campbell
(late Hon. Sec. International Christian Police Association).