Some time ago, in a city near a military training camp, an entertainment had been arranged by the local people for the soldiers. A large crowd of the soldier boys responded and seemed to enjoy the music and secular songs. An officer who was in charge of them stated that he desired one of them to come forward and publicly thank the management for the splendid time given them.
Immediately one of them arose, went to the front and expressed their appreciation. Thanking the singers, he stated that they all had enjoyed a very happy evening. "BUT," said the soldier, "I wonder if there is anyone here who can tell us how to meet death? As you know, we leave for the front tomorrow, and I would like it IF SOMEONE CAN TELL US HOW TO MEET DEATH."
A dead silence reigned. The officer in charge was very disconcerted and fidgeted nervously. After a very considerable pause, the man repeated his question. Then the answer came, when one of the singers arose, walked to the platform, and feelingly sang the grand old hymn:
"Rock of Ages! cleft for sin,
Grace hath hid us safe within!
Where the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flowed,
Are of sin the double cure;
Cleansing from its guilt and power.
"Not the labor of our hands
Could fulfill the law's demands;
Could our zeal no respite know,
Could our tears forever flow,
Naught for sin could e'er atone
But Thy blood, and Thine alone!"
Again there was silence. The final result, we do not know; but ONE THING IS CERTAIN, the question asked by the soldier was of paramount importance. It should demand the attention—not only of the soldier—but of every one, since the Scriptures declare: "It is appointed unto men once to die, but AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT." Heb. 9:2727And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27).
Reader! YOU, TOO, MUST MEET GOD! Shall it be in GRACE or in JUDGMENT? The choice is yours.
Toplady, the writer of the hymn, "Rock of Ages," had no doubts nor mere hopes. He could say in the language of Scripture; "I know WHOM I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto HIM against that day." 2 Tim. 1:1212For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12).
Dear reader, will you not, if still unsaved, come in all your need TODAY? The Lord Jesus has said, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:3737All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37).