I WISH to write a few words, dear reader, about one dear to me, who has gone to be for ever with the Lord; and to bear testimony to the long-suffering grace of God in the case of R. S. W.
Brought up by godly parents in the nurture and fear of the Lord, he was early brought to a knowledge of his state as a sinner, and, when thirteen years of age, was most anxious to be saved ; but by degrees the impression wore off, and Satan persuaded him that there was plenty of time. No doubt his anxiety was induced by the fact of his elder sister and younger brother being brought at that time to know the Lord. However, years rolled on; R. S. W. was called through his occupation to leave his home, and, like many more, went on with the world and its ways, during which the Lord spoke to him many times, but he turned a deaf ear.
At length the Lord took his father, and then a younger brother, twenty-two years of age, to Himself. Hearing of the sudden death of the latter, R. said, "Oh, how should we feel now, if we had not known he was saved!” clearly showing that his conscience was aroused, though not at rest.
About three years after the death of his brother, R. himself was laid low by what proved a fatal illness. During many weeks he was tenderly cared for by his mother and two sisters, who were in agony of mind as to his unprepared state. He seemed very unhappy himself, but could not be brought to say much, though he owned he had been anxious for some years, and that one particular prayer of his father's for him had continued with him through life, "and," he added, "that prayer will be answered." One Sunday evening, some little time before his death, the Lord brought him in His rich mercy to the knowledge of salvation in Christ. Someone had read to him for a short time, and R. said, “Satan has tried to hinder my hearing what you have been reading." He then became intensely anxious about his soul, and so great was his agony of mind that he had to be supported by two who were with him. His mother spoke to him of the love of God in receiving sinners, and of the sacrifice of Christ for sin, and quoted the words, “Only believe."
He looked up in a moment, his face beaming, all anxiety gone, and said: "Have I only to believe? I do, and Jesus has done all the rest." The peace and joy that followed upon believing were indescribable up to the last. "The very stones will cry out if I hold my peace," he exclaimed. The next morning he wrote the following letter to an absent sister, whom he eagerly wanted to see in order to tell her of his conversion, but he could not wait for the post, so had telegrams sent to her and his brother, who both came at once.
" Dear Sister,—I am very ill today, the doctor in and out in consequence, so you must only expect a line or two, but what upset me was the unspeakable joy I found in being plucked as a brand from the burning. Your prayers are now answered, and I am able to say that Jesus is my Savior. I had been for some considerable time trying to feel instead of simply believing and accepting the gift which Christ offers to sinners: nor could I find deliverance until last night at eight o'clock. The struggle was severe, but, thank God, I found the peace I cannot describe, and since then I have been completely prostrate with joy and thankfulness. We spent the night in weeping for joy. Poor mother! you should see how her burdened mind was relieved. I cannot write much more, I am so exhausted.
“Yours hid in Christ—Bob."
Words of mine cannot describe the joy stamped on that face; it was the joy of Christ, and the calm settled peace of perfect rest in Him. To those who watched him to the end his countenance seemed radiant with glory. His one desire was to depart to be with Him who so loved him, and gave Himself for him. I have copied this letter, his own last testimony, and pray to the Lord that He will make it a blessing to many; that they may come to Jesus before death comes in view, and that they may tell out to others of the love that sought and found them. S. M. C.