HEARING that a man, to whom I had spoken many times about his soul's welfare, had been seized with paralysis, I set out to visit him. As I came near his cottage I lifted up my heart for guidance, asking God to give me the right words to speak. Holding out my hand on approaching his bedside, I saw deep emotion in the sick man's features, so I enquired gently, “Where is the pain, and what is really ailing you?" With half-concealed tears, he answered, “The Lord has borrowed my right side for awhile, I think."
“Nay, I do not think the Lord wants your side; I think He desires something within," said I, adding, "What do you think He wants?"
He said earnestly, “I think He wants my heart."
“Yes, that is just what He does want. God has two hammers which He uses to break our hearts; one is the golden hammer of love, and the other the iron hammer of affliction. He broke my heart with the golden hammer of love, but many will praise Him throughout eternity that He did not leave them to themselves, but that, when love did not bring them to His feet, He used other means to win them."
A few days passed, and I called again at this man's house. On entering, I noticed a restful, peaceful look upon his face, so I asked: “Has Jesus pardoned your sins?” To which he replied, “I hope—No, I will not say I hope—for I know He has done so."
Dear reader, can you say, “I know He has pardoned my sins?" If not, there is something not yet right between you and the God who loves you so much. I know He has pardoned my sins, and rejoice greatly that He has done so, and I know also He is just as willing to pardon yours.
Do not trifle with the Holy Spirit's strivings; do not trifle with the living God, who has the power and the will to save you-with Jesus, who died for you. As I write I am reminded of a true story of a dying man, which I cannot forget. "Two years ago," said he, “I asked God to take His Spirit from me. He did so, and now I know that prayer sealed my doom." M. A. W.