Though he was only fifteen, and had been ill but a few weeks, consumption was rapidly doing its work with Edward.
Sad to say he knew nothing of his desperate need, or of the Saviour’s love. He was totally ignorant of the precious Gospel, which most of those who read this paper have heard so often.
But the Good Shepherd’s eye rested on this lost sheep. He set out to find him, for He wanted him in His bright home above, and so put it into the heart of one of His servants to go and see the poor lad, and tell him of His wonderful love.
He was found sitting up near a small table, resting his head on a pillow that had been placed upon it; his large eyes unusually bright, his cheeks flushed, and his face thin and worn. He told his visitor he knew he was going to die as his two brothers had before him, and was then asked if he knew anything about Jesus.
“Well,” he answered, “I think I’ve heard tell of Him, but I know nothing about Him.”
So he was told in simple words as one would to a little child “the old, old story of Jesus and His love.” Again and again the visitor called upon the lad and repeated the same tale, till at last his need of a Saviour seemed to dawn on the poor boy’s soul, and he began to see what was the value of Christ’s death on the Cross to put away sins.
The last Sunday he was alive, upon his saying he was going to be with Christ, he was asked why he thought he was going to be with Him. With great difficulty he raised himself up and said, “Jesus Christ loved me, died for me, rose again, and saves me,” and fell back never to speak again; but in a short time was with that blessed Saviour of whom a few weeks before he knew nothing.
It was indeed a wonderful sermon in a very few words. The Holy Spirit had taught this poor ignorant boy; and I could wish that every one of you who has read this true story might be able to say with Edward, “He loved me, died for me, rose again, and saves me.” Dear friend, make His love your own today, and you too will get the blessing.
ML 04/26/1959