NOW, children, I wish to tell you of a young man, who thought that he would like to be saved, but was waiting until he would have a more convenient time.
This young man was a school-teacher in a country school; he was moral and honest in every way, and was liked by his pupils.
He had one pupil who knew the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, and this pupil desired much to let his teacher know of Jesus and His love to him.
At last the opportunity came, for he was called upon to write an essay, and was allowed to choose his own subject. He chose the words “Ye must be born again,” and sought to show that although one might be moral and honest, that was not enough; to be born again it would be necessary to accept Jesus as the Saviour; and that now, for there was great danger in delay. On returning the essay, the teacher told the pupil it was very good, but said he did not wish to be saved now, he would wait until he could be a good Christian; but he expected to be saved some day. Now, that is what many people think, children, and perhaps you have thought so too; but God would not have us to think that we may be saved some time in the future. He tells us that “now is the accepted time” and “now is the day of salvation.” Satan says, “Put it off.” God says, “Believe now.” Whom shall we obey? I hope you will all say, “Obey God.”
Well, this young man waited too long, I fear. He went away afterwards on his vacation, and soon word was sent, that after a short illness he had died. Nothing was said about his having believed in Jesus. Do you not see from this, children, that it is not good to say “put it off.” That is Satan’s way of deceiving you. Trust in Jesus NOW, and be happy. He wants the children to come to Him, for He loves them and died on the cross to save them.
ML 12/23/1900