It was a fine summer's' day when I was told that a youth in a neighboring town was dying of consumption. I took an early opportunity of visiting him. On entering the room, I found him seated by a table. A pillow was laid upon it; and, with his arms folded and his head resting upon them, he thought his breathing was easier in that position. On my entrance he looked up. Disease had made sad inroads in a countenance once handsome and intelligent. My attention was arrested by an indescribable expression about his eyes; there was a bold, self-willed character before me.
I addressed him somewhat abruptly: " You are very ill, my lad, and with little prospect of ever getting better." His reply was, " You are plain spoken, at any rate."
I paused for a moment, when I added, " Do you know, in the event of your death, where you will go?"
He answered immediately, " I expect. to heaven."
I asked him the grounds, of his confidence. He gave me them readily: "I never injured any body. I have always done right between Man and man; and the master worked for would give me a character any day."
His eyes kindled as he spoke, and he looked a sort of defiance. After a short pause I proceeded -to urge him for further reasons for his hopes. He gave them pretty fully; but they were briefly summed up in the fact, that he had injured no one, neither stolen nor lied, and he did not know why he should fear.
I scrutinized his features, and there was unbending decision of purpose. I rose from my seat, as if taking my leave, and said to him, " My poor lad, I am very sorry for you; for though there is unspeakable comfort in -the, gospel, blessed joy for those interested, in it, yet it is not for such as you."
He said to me angrily, " What do you mean?"
I replied, " The 'Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance; and, from your own, account, you are not one.—You are seeking to stand before God in the strength of your own character, and it will utterly fail you. If you were honest and true-hearted, you would admit that your conscience accuses you; and that to stifle its cries, you are seeking to prop up a character for goodness; which, so far from serving you, will only shut you out of the blessing the gospel propounds. As a sinner, God presents mercy and forgiveness to you, through faith in Jesus. As having nothing to fear, what want you with the Savior? My poor lad," I proceeded, " hide not your necessity from yourself; you cannot from God. Be open and honest; unburden your heart. Seek to tell the worst you know about yourself; spread it all out before Him; and plead, that for such as you really are, Christ died."
As I spoke, his countenance lighted up with intelligence. He had evidently understood my meaning. He stretched out his hand and exclaimed with some energy, "I've been a rare fool. You have letter t'leet into me. (You have let the light into me.) Now leave me alone a bit, and be, sure and come again soon."
I left him with confidence and hope. His case then called for sympathy and prayer,-ere long, for thanks= giving and praise. The light of the knowledge of the glory of God was revealed to him in the face of Jesus-Christ. (2 Cor. 4:66For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6).) His conscience was purged, through faith in the blood shed upon the cross. (Rom. 3:2525Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Romans 3:25).) He saw himself a lost sinner; God gave him to see that Jesus died for such. Poor fellow, the little-time he was spared was hallowed indeed. He spoke of his Savior with raptures; of his great need of Him, and of the grace that found him. I saw him one morning, after a restless night. He was sitting on his bed gasping for breath; yet his spirit was tranquil and calm. "I know," he said, "Jesus died for me." Shortly afterward-he expired.
Jesus lived,—He lived for sinners,
Outcast in the world He made;
Lived, that in His blessed Person.
God's full grace might be displayed.,
Jesus died,—He died for sinners,
On the cross He cried " forgive; "
Died, that lost and ruined rebels,
Through His precious blood, might live.
Jesus rose,—He rose for sinners,.
Proving that the work was done;
Sweet assurance that the Father
Was well pleased with His Son.
Jesus lives,—He lives for sinners;
High upon His Father's throne;
Liveth, evermore to succor
Those who make His love their own.