Daniel was a young man twenty-five years old. When I first saw him he was just recovering from a serious illness, and seemed very anxious about his soul. He realized in some measure that God had spared him from an early grave, and now his mind was exercised about eternal things. I endeavored to set before him God's simple way of salvation.
"Oh, if I am spared, how differently I will live!" he promised.
I tried to show him that delay was a device of Satan, and that he should NOW trust the Lord Jesus. But Daniel was on the road to recovery; and as his strength returned, his anxiety disappeared. He now seemed to be content with "turning over a new leaf.”
One day, on entering the hospital ward, to my surprise I found him there ill again. He was very much alarmed, and I again spoke to him of his present need of the Savior. My visits were earnestly sought, and I gladly made them, in the hope that at last he would be led, not to rest on "turning over a new leaf," but to come to Jesus, and become at once a new creature in Him.
Although Daniel's illness was even more serious this time, through God's mercy, he was once more restored. After a few weeks he was again convalescent, and hoped to be dismissed in a few days from the building where his life had been in so much jeopardy. He had as yet not received the free offers of the Gospel, but said he waited for "a more convenient season." (Acts 24:2525And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. (Acts 24:25)).
As I was entering the hospital one afternoon, the nurse of the ward where Daniel was a patient hastened to me and requested me to follow her to his bedside. There he lay; and what a sight! Every limb trembled. His eyes wandered wildly, and his lips quivered. In deep pity, I spoke to him 'of the mighty love of Jesus. I told him of His death for the lost, His willingness to save.
For a few minutes he listened. Then, as if my words could no longer be borne, he gave me such a look that I" cannot soon forget it: Oh, the despair and terror that seemed mingled in that gaze! His voice almost filled the ward as he cried out: "It's too late! It's too late!”
Before the sun went down, death had laid hold and the lifeless form of the procrastinator was carried away.