THE subject of this narrative, living in the New York State, was about forty years of age. At the beginning of the year 1917 the Lord was graciously working in the district where he resided, and he was one of those brought into real soul-anxiety.
After listening to the Gospel one Sunday evening, he made a request that I should go to his house and seek to help him. This I promised to do, and went next evening to his farm, taking with me a friend who shared my interest in him.
It was a cold, dark night, but with the aid of a lantern we found our way along the wheel-tracks in the snow. Arriving at his house, we found both himself and wife (a weak believer) ready to welcome us in.
The poor farmer was manifestly unhappy, and much in the dark as to God. He knew that he was a lost sinner, and was feeling his need of a Saviour. One thing in particular seemed to be troubling his conscience, and Satan was using it to hinder him from getting the gain of the Gospel. He owed a small but long-standing debt, and thought, before he could expect God to forgive his sins, he must first pay that debt. This was evidently a subtle scheme of the enemy to deceive him as to the ground on which God’s forgiveness is offered. We explained that if he desired to pay his debt as soon as possible there was no hindrance to his getting blessing that very night.
This difficulty removed, the next thing was to encourage him to express his need to God. But here was another obstacle. He evidently thought he had to “make a prayer,” and did not know what to say. The case of the publican was then brought before him, and that “he smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me, a sinner.”
Presently, to our surprise and delight, he fell on his knees, saying—
“SAVE! ―SAVE A BAD MAN!”
What infinite pleasure must this cry have been to the heart of God! We encouraged him by telling him that Jesus delights to save all who thus turn to Him. We prayed for him, and light shone into his soul immediately. He saw that God had been favorable to him in Christ, and that through faith in Jesus all his sins had been washed away by His precious blood.
Very soon after this the four of us were singing: ―
“O happy day, that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Saviour and my God;
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.
Happy day! Happy day!
When Jesus washed my sins away.”
Everything became new to him. New desires, new objects, new interests became his! What a happy change it was, after a life of sin and wretchedness.
Readers will be interested to know that in due time the debt he owed was paid, and both he and his wife accepted reproach for Christ’s sake, and sought to walk with those who “call on the Lord out of a pure heart,” and in this new-found joy they have walked together ever since.
One word with the reader. Lasting happiness can only be found in Christ. In Him God has revealed Himself in grace. The One Who died for sinners lives again, is the worthy object of our faith. You have, no doubt, tried the broken cisterns that can hold no water; prove now, where love, and life, and lasting joys are found―even in Christ. My friend the farmer did; why should not you do the same?
A. M. F.