I WAS called away to settle the business of my brother, whose end was fast approaching. It makes one feel the great importance of being born again, and of not having on a death-bed to reflect on a life spent “without God, and without hope in the world.” The little conversation I had with my brother before he departed, reminded me of what I had said to him just after I was converted. I was anxious about his soul, because I knew of the doctrine he held. He told me that the soul was nothing but the breath, after it left the body. Though young in the faith, I well remember telling him that “the soul that sinneth it shall die,” and of the great need of coming to Christ, owning himself a guilty sinner, and praying that God would teach him the great value of the soul. Little did he think that so soon he would be reminded of that conversation on his death-bed. I told him in a simple way of the great salvation, and of the consequence of neglecting it. He requested me to stop talking about such things, as he could not stand it.
I had to go home for a couple of days, when he sent for me to come as soon as possible. He kept calling for me until God called him out of time into eternity. Before I got there he had expired; and, I am afraid, without one ray of hope as to the future. It is sad to see those who are near and dear to us leaving this world with that awful word branded on them—lost! and that forever.
We who know of the power of the blood of Christ that has redeemed us, and that it is our title to the inheritance of the saints in light, can thank Him from the bottom of our hearts for His great “love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:88But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8).) May it be ours to serve Him, and that in accordance with His own will and purpose.
Beloved reader, while it is called today, turn to the Lord; while you have health and strength, seek His face. (Isaiah 55:6, 76Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:6‑7).) Follow not, I entreat you, in the footsteps of this poor man, who despised the salvation of God, and became his own bitter enemy for eternity. “Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.” (Job 22:2121Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. (Job 22:21).)
E. A.