Some time ago, a Christian woman sat by the bedside of a dying young man. He had been smitten by a deadly disease, and all hope of recovery was gone. Besides, it was night in his soul. To every offer of sympathy and hope in Christ the only response was, "It is too late, too late!" He had tried to repent, he said, but he could not. He had tried to pray—but it was only empty words.
"And what would you do if you could make up this repentance for yourself, and cleanse your own heart?" said the Christian woman.
"I would be more fit to approach Christ, and would have some slight hope of heaven."
"There is something else you would do."
"What do you mean?"
"You would disappoint the heart of your Savior, and spoil His joy in giving Himself for your salvation. A simple illustration may make my meaning clear.
"Suppose that I have heard of a medicine which I believe can cure you. It is only to be had in a far city. I go by the first train which leaves this place, and undertake the long journey to procure it for you. When I arrive I find that the price for the remedy is so great that it will take nearly all the money I have to buy it. But your life must be saved at all costs; so the medicine is purchased, and I return with it by the next train. You listen to the story of the fatigue and difficulties encountered, and say, 'Well, I will pay part of the expenses of your journey. Here is a quarter for you.' And what if it were a bad quarter? Would it be pleasant for me that you should receive my hearty service for you in such a manner?"
In the weary eyes there sparkled a little smile. "No, indeed. It would be more like a generous gratitude on my part if I freely accepted such wonderful kindness."
The dying man saw the point and felt the power of the illustration. From that moment he seemed joyfully to accept the wonderful gift of eternal life as an entire gratuity from the Giver of all good.
Reader, are you still trying to make yourself in some degree worthy to come to Christ? Be assured all you have done or can do is not worth a bad quarter. Salvation is a free gift! As such it must be accepted, or not at all.
Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come!