As I was walking along the street, a friend accosted me saying, “Have you heard the sad news?” “What news?” I asked. “Why, Mr. B., one of our richest, most cultured, and highly esteemed citizens is dead—died very suddenly,” he replied. “That is sad news indeed,” I answered.
“Yes,” said he, “he went very quickly, and had to leave all behind—home, friends, riches, and honor.” “Oh no, not all,” I remarked, “for the very thing he desired to leave behind, he was compelled to take along.” With a surprised look, my friend said, “What is that?” “His SINS,” I answered. With a changed look he said, “Well, that never occurred to me before.” Alas! alas how many thousands die like him
MAKE YOURSELF SURE
Have you ever yet made your calling and election sure, as you have been bidden to do, in 2 Peter 1:1010Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (2 Peter 1:10)? Carefully read that chapter wherein you will see that by no means does it mean that anything you can do can save your soul or purge you from sin—that was accomplished by our blessed Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, when He cried “It is finished” on His cross on Calvary; but those words “Make your calling and election sure,” mean, believe you are saved, believe it. Without faith it is impossible to please God and believe, so pray for faith to keep you from doubt. Now do it whilst you are well and can work—make sure. Do not leave it till you are ill or on a dying bed, for if you “make your calling and election sure,” ye shall never fall. Come what may, you will be in peace and happily say, “The Lord’s will be done.” I have had a dear friend for years whom I always supposed was out and out for God. Fancy my surprise when just lately I received an agonizing letter from her. To me, however, it was a proof of the “God be merciful to me a sinner” state of her penitent heart. She writes: “I am very ill, and there is no hope of my recovery. I have led a careless, prayerless life, living for self and pleasure, and I entreat you very earnestly to pray and ask God to have mercy on me..... I am told I may suffer great pain before the end. Do ask that my sins, though so late, may be forgiven.”
“Fear not, only believe,” and other words from Scripture was my answer, to which she replied: “Thank you very, very much for your dear, kind, helpful letter. Please continue to send, I want them badly.” So dear readers, I ask you to see to it that you are safe, “safe in the arms of Jesus” whilst you are well. Do not leave this making of your election sure to a dying bed. Be sure the Lord loves you, and work with all your heart for Him each day, every day, and ask Him to direct your way to please Him in something special every day, and how happy and cheerful you will be. EMILY P. LEAKEY