FROM early childhood I was taught by Christian parents to say my prayers night and morning, but I knew nothing savingly of Jesus, and only looked upon prayer as a duty to God.
When eight years of age my dear father died, leaving my mother without a home. My beloved mother had to leave me to work for her living, and I was sent to my sister's, where I found a very different home from the one I had just quitted. My friends were worldly, and I soon began to follow in their footsteps.
At times, in the secret of my heart, I longed to be good, as I saw Christian people so happy, and I could not find true happiness, whatever way I tried. My mother grieved very much because I seemed so indifferent about the welfare of my soul, and many were the prayers she offered up on my behalf. I sincerely thank God that in His own good time He has seen fit to answer those prayers.
It happened that I became greatly attached to a young girl of about my own age, who often spoke to me and explained things from the Bible, and thus the instruction of early training was graciously revived in my heart. However, I could not see what a simple thing is salvation. I thought I must do much good, and make myself very different before God would pardon me. I could not see the meaning of the words of the Lord Jesus, upon the cross, "It is finished " (John 19:3030When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30)), nor understand that He had done all the work His Father gave Him to do, and that therefore there was nothing for me to do, but to accept with humility and thanksgiving, the salvation of God.
One day, when conversing with my friend, she asked me if I believed God's word. I replied "Yes." She then quoted this beautiful text, "He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life" (John 6:4747Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (John 6:47)), and as she took my hand in hers, she pleaded earnestly, telling me I belonged either to the saved or the lost.
Much more she added, earnestly and lovingly pressing Christ upon me.
During that conversation the Holy Spirit revealed the truth so plainly to me that I said, “Thank God, I am saved through the blood of Jesus. Nothing now shall daunt rue. I will go forth rejoicing to serve God, determined to live only for Him. I know that He will give me grace sufficient for each day."
I trust these few words, by the blessing of God, may help someone who is seeking the Lord Jesus, and who cannot see the way quite plainly. Trust in Him and He will never send you away, for He has said, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:3737All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37).)
A. M. M.