Several years ago a colonel of the British army was returning home from India. He was utterly careless, thinking only of fun and folly. He noticed on board the ship a certain gentleman who carried about with him a Bible. This seemed a most extraordinary thing to the indifferent Colonel. On one occasion the two men happened to be sitting together on deck when, to the Colonel's surprise, his companion held out the Bible and said to him: "Do you know what book that is?"
"A Bible," he replied.
"It is the Word of God," the man answered, and said no more.
"The Word of God—the Word of God," repeated the Colonel to himself. "Then it is the truth, and all it says must be true."
Several days passed without further conversation. "Do you believe the Word of God?" was the next query by the gentleman with the Bible.
"Yes," said the Colonel.
"All of it?"
"Yes."
"The fifty-third of Isaiah?"
"Yes."
"The sixth verse?"
"Yes; but what is it exactly?"
"All we like sheep have gone astray.' Do you believe that?"
"I do, and own it too."
“‘We have turned every one to his own way.' And that?"
"Yes, indeed. I have, alas! turned to my own way."
“‘And the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.' Notice it says, HATH LAID, not shall lay at some future time. Yes, the work is done. Christ has died and risen again. Atonement was made by the shedding of His precious blood. God asks nothing more. Do you believe that?"
The Colonel rose from his seat and went straight down to his cabin. There, alone, falling on his knees, he poured out his heart to God, and thanked Him for saving him.
Will YOU not do the same, dear reader?