SUCH was the heading of a paragraph in an American newspaper not long since, which gave details of the solemn calling away of one who used to scoff at the truth of God, and the Person of His Christ.
We know where the garbled quotation is taken from; for the tried and tempted man, who, when even by the wife of his bosom challenged to “Curse God and die!” replied in those marvelous words, “Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What! shall we receive good at the hands of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin WITH HIS LIPS.” (Job 2:1010But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. (Job 2:10).)
But, to return to our newspaper paragraph, it went on to relate under date of―Philadelphia, Jan. 18: “The sudden illness of L. T.―, while he was blasphemously personating the Saviour at a supper party, his subsequent paralysis of the heart, and the finding his corpse in his bedroom, have given J―and its vicinity a sensation.” But, to bring this awful story into a small compass, it is related that on a certain Monday this L. T― met some friends of kindred spirit; preparations were made for a supper; the table was loaded with provisions and drink. Everyone was in good health and spirits. Before they sat down, one of the party suggested that T―, who was the oldest present and host, should offer up a prayer; which he did amidst the laughter and jests of those present.
After they were seated, one of the guests said that the reunion, on account of there being thirteen present, was suggestive of “the Last Supper!’ While carousing, T― made use of terrible language which shocked even his ribald companions. Suddenly T—grew pale, and putting his hands to his head complained of pains and moaned out, “I’m afraid it’s my last supper after all;” then clutching his coat, and rising with difficulty, he announced to the rest, “I must vacate the chair, boys; you must get some other president— I’m going home.” He was taken to his house; complained that he felt as if he had received a terrible blow; was put to bed; was left when it was supposed he had fallen asleep, and next morning was found dead in his bed. A horrible smile had settled on his features, and his eyes were starting from their sockets; “as if,” said a relative, “he had seen something awful, and died while staring at it.”
WHAT had he seen? WHERE is he now? That, beloved reader, we must leave and turn to ourselves.
You may say, “I thank God I am not a blasphemer of His name, or of His Son’s name, or of the Holy Spirit.” Thank God, indeed, we say also; but what is the meaning of the word “blaspheme?” Just to “speak lightly of.” Have you never taken that name in vain? never cursed a fellow-mortal yet? maybe your own self, or your own eyes, as is too common? Reader! one known to the writer was always damning his eyes, prefixing the name of God to his curse. God heard and answered his prayer, and if alive he is as blind as the loss of the sight of both eyes can make a man, God in His mercy grant that the eyes of his spiritual understanding may have been opened, that he may have seen Jesus to be his own Saviour; and, though dealt with by the righteous God in government, that he have learned what He is in grace.
“God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap;” and God’s word cannot be broken, and if you sow to the wind, you shall reap the whirlwind. God allows even careless men, careless as to their souls’ salvation I mean, to be startled by such awfully sudden dealings as those which, related already, stirred an American city. May He use the occasion for blessing to many. May He use it to YOU, dear friend, causing you to pause and consider, putting the question to your own soul before Him, Had I been called away where would my soul now be―and that for ETERNITY? Supposing that grandly spread feast, or that crust of bread and cheese last night, had been MY “last supper” upon earth, should I have passed to be “forever with the Lord,” or―you know where―no middle place.
Do I hear you say, “I don’t know I am not sure? I hope I should not have gone to ‘the bad place?’” as people, not liking the plain English of the Bible speak of what God calls “the lake of fire.”
Now you do know; be honest for once; forgive my plainness of speech; be straight and face the truth. You KNOW where, and with whom. Just own all the truth and confess, “Had I been cut off, had the summons gone forth, ‘Thou fool! this night thy soul shall be required of thee,’ I should have been where hope never comes. ―Lost! lost forever!”
Thank God, beloved reader, that the summons did not go forth, as far as you are concerned. God grant that in your case you may learn that “the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation;” that to you, just as you are, is offered pardon, that “through this Man,” the once crucified, but risen and exalted Jesus―whom you have, at least, made light of―that through Him is “preached unto you”―yes, you; your very self as you read this, for they are the words of God in Acts 13― “the forgiveness of sins”―is preached a present proclamation on account of the accomplished and God-accepted work of His Son. He means it, He is “the God who cannot lie,” and further, He adds, “and by Him ALL that believe ARE justified from ALL things.” ALL―ARE―ALL. The first “ALL” includes YOU; the second “ALL” every one of your sins; and the word “ARE” does not mean tomorrow or next week, but now, on the spot―where you are standing or sitting as you read these “wonderful words of light, wonderful words of love,” as fresh and free to you, FOR you, as when by the Spirit of God “the chief of sinners” uttered them at Antioch.
Do take God at His word, if for the first time it may be, and not add to your sins by making Him a liar. What! make God a liar? Yes, for His word also says, “He that believeth not God HATH made Him a liar.” No, no, simply believe and learn, to your great joy it will be that you are forgiven and cleared from every sin, for “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin;” and then should the evening meal you take prove to be your “last supper,” you would go to be forever with Him who, as He partook of “THE Last Supper,” told those few poor things who were around Him that His body was given for them and His blood shed for them.
Only believe: “Now is the accepted time, Today is the day of salvation.” S. V. H.