Sewell had been brought up in an Industrial School. Afterward he was drafted into the armed forces, and placed in the artillery. He worked there as a blacksmith.
While at his work one day, his officer sent for him. Sewell did not like to go in his dirty, grimy clothes but he was told he must obey quickly, so he went feeling very much ashamed of his appearance.
When he came to his officer, who was a child of God, the officer said: "Sewell, I am glad to see that you know how to obey orders. Now that is the way you must treat the Lord Jesus Christ—come to Him just as you are.”
The words went home to the young man's heart, and there and then he yielded himself to the Savior; and for many years he has been a consistent Christian, and the means of much blessing to many of his comrades.
How many there are who think that they must feel differently, or that they must improve their condition, before they come to Jesus! That is a mistake. Jesus invites you to come to Him just where you are, and just as you are, and just now; and
"If you linger till you're better,
You will never come at all.”
Are you conscious that you are a sinner? Do you find that the publican's prayer, "God be merciful to me, a sinner," suits you? Then that is your recommendation. Come to the Savior, and be assured that He is waiting to welcome you. Only "come to Him just as you are.”
H. M. H.
"To Him [Jesus] give all
the prophets witness, that
through His Name whosoever
believeth in Him shall receive
remission of sins.