Carlo Cammasio was his name, and he was a young Italian guard. He was tall and handsome, and many people stopped to admire him as he stood in his uniform outside one of the buildings in the ancient city of Rome. One evening, as he was returning from his post of duty, he heard happy voices singing, and turned aside to listen. For the first time he heard the glorious gospel, that God had met our need as sinners in giving His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be our Saviour. As he turned to leave, someone handed him a little Italian booklet, “Come to Jesus.”
That very evening, Carlo read through the little book, and then knelt down and thanked God for His love in giving Jesus, and thankfully accepted Jesus as his own Saviour. The next day, on his way home from work, he stopped at the same Hall where he had heard the glad tidings, and publicly told them how the Lord Jesus had saved and cleansed him. Not long after, Carlo took very sick and was told that he would soon die. He was but a young man, and so strong and handsome that his friends could hardly believe the sad news. How would you feel, dear young reader, if you were told that you soon must step into eternity? Would you know where that step would land you? Carlo’s friends came to comfort him, and tried to help him prepare for heaven. But they found him happy and ready to go. He needed no one to help him prepare, for he was redeemed and cleansed by the precious blood of His Saviour, and he fearlessly told all who came to see him of the Lord Jesus, and invited them all to trust in Him.
At last, waving his hand in triumph, the dying guardsman cried aloud, “Christ has cleansed me from all my sins, and Jesus Himself is with me”— and so he died.
His friends were amazed, for they had never seen anyone die without fear and doubt. Carlo’s simple faith in Christ, and his fearless confession led many others to read the Word of God for themselves, and to find that same salvation in which he rejoiced. Jesus said, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:3737All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37).
ML 07/08/1951