WHO is Jesus Christ, and what did He do? “so asked Henry Parsons of a comrade, who, like himself; was in trouble through misconduct.
Henry was a private in H.M. 52nd Regiment of Foot, a noted character, often in disgrace, and, although he had seen some fourteen or fifteen years in the service, did not possess one single mark of distinction. On this occasion he was a prisoner in confinement, awaiting a court martial.
The name of Jesus reached his ears in a remarkable way. A party of soldiers, belonging to his regiment, were picking up grass underneath the windows of his cell, and in their conversation used the precious Name of Jesus profanely. However, that precious Name is ever powerful, even when spoken by those who know Him not. Henry’s attention having been drawn to the Name which his comrades were thus using, he asked the question, “Who is this Jesus Christ, and what did He do?”
His companion, though an ungodly man like himself, told him what he had heard about this Jesus; how the Bible said He died for sinners in order to save them from going to hell, and that heaps of people believed in Him, and made a lot of Him. Henry said no more about the matter at that time, but the name of Jesus sank into his heart, to bring forth fruit later to the glory of God.
A few days after this, Henry’s regiment was ordered to Malta, and he went with it, under arrest, to undergo his punishment in a strange land. But the precious saving name of Jesus had been fixed in his heart, and when the longed-for day of freedom at last arrived, instead of going with his old companions to the canteen, Henry preferred taking a solitary walk, to seek out “The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Institute.” Here henceforth he might be constantly seen among those who listened to the preaching about this same Jesus.
Henry now began to be much laughed at by his old companions; it was soon all over the regiment that old “Bett Parsons,” as he was called, had “turned religious;” but it moved him not; his words were few, though his ways told out much.
There was now one great drawback to Henry’s advance in the knowledge of Christ, which he felt very much; he could not read, and the Bible was to him a closed book. However, he determined to learn, and went to school with the young soldiers when he could, and in a few months, to his great joy, he could spell out of the Bible that name he found so sweet, the name of Jesus.
The marked change in his conduct was apparent to all. In the barrack-room, or on duty, his ways were entirely changed; he became a marked man, and anyone found in his company was taunted with, “Oh! so-and-so is turning religious!”
Henry grew brighter every day; he was often to be seen when off duty, instead of going to sleep, as was his former custom, with Bible under his arm, going up on the flat roofs of the barracks to spell out what texts he could. On one occasion, he asked the writer to accompany him, and to read to him. Although he disliked the undertaking, being then an ungodly man, and also because of the jeers which would be the sure result of being seen with “Bett,” yet he went with him, and read what he wished. Before he left the dear fellow knelt down, and asked the Lord to “save this young man’s soul.” Thank the Lord; that prayer was answered soon afterward. How wonderful are the ways of God in grace!
A few weeks after this, Henry caught the fever, and was called home, but the testimony of his life yet speaketh. In him was seen what the grace of God can do in a slave of sin, by making known the value of the “name” and “work” of Jesus.
And now, dear reader, do you know “this Jesus, and what He has done”? Perhaps you have been favored beyond Henry Parsons, having heard of Him at the Sunday-school, or at your mother’s knee, and you may be able to read about Him in the Bible for yourself; if so, what do you think of Him? Have you found in Him the resting-place for your conscience and heart? Do you see in Him God’s gift to you? Yes, to you. You, dear reader, are going on to eternity, how soon you may be there the Lord only knows. Oh! if called away today where would you spend your eternity? Jesus has died for you, and you need not perish, though you he as deep-dyed in sin as was Henry. Whosoever you are you need “this Jesus.” Oh! if hitherto a stranger to Him, trust in Him today; believe in Him that sent Him, and everlasting life shall be yours. J. T.