A SERVANT of Christ, when on a visit to a town not many miles from London, was staying at a friend's house, and whilst there, a person came to the door, and asked for someone to go and see a sick man, evidently lying on the bed of death.
He immediately went, and while on the way he heard an account of the man he was about to visit. It was something as follows.
He was the husband of a woman who had been a notable sinner, yea, a terrible sinner; but who, through the grace; of God, had been led to believe on Him who is the Saviour of sinners, even Jesus Christ; and she, having so much joy in the Lord in consequence of having so much forgiven her, was exceedingly anxious that her husband might also enjoy the happiness of possessing eternal life, and of knowing the pardon of all his sins. She used often to speak to him in a very simple manner, that it was only to believe in Jesus, to come as a poor lost sinner, and accept what God had to give, even eternal life through the Lord Jesus Christ, bidding him trust for peace to the finished work of Christ.
All, however, seemed in vain; he would say in a boasting manner, "He," meaning the Lord Jesus, "hasn't done much for me, that I should think of Him"; and such like things; thus despising the proffered mercy of God.
But now he was laid on a bed of affliction, and although naturally a strong man, he became as helpless as a babe. Even in this condition he did not want to hear about Christ; had no thought of dying yet; and said he would wait till he was better before he talked of such things.
When the visitor reached the house, the poor man was lying in a state of great exhaustion, and was gasping for breath. He was so ill that he could scarcely bear to hear the sound of the human voice.
When asked about his soul, he replied,” I’ll wait till I'm a little better, and then I’ll think of these things.”
But in spite of this the visitor spoke to him in tender tones about Jesus who came down into this world, and died upon the cross on account of sin; and how that whoever believes on Him should be saved. No matter how vile a sinner he might be, if he trusted in Jesus, as a poor ruined sinner, he would be saved.
All, however, that could be got from him was, "I'll wait till I'm a little: better.”
Alas! he never got better; in a few clays he died. He had entered upon eternity, and what an eternity for him!
Dear reader, are you saved? Do you know that if at this moment you were: to step into eternity you would spend it with Christ in heaven? Oh, if not, if you are still unsaved, let me entreat you to delay not a moment in coming to Christ! To-day if you will come to Him you may be saved; to-morrow may be too late. You may be strong now; you may be enjoying the pleasures of health; you may have riches; but your health may not last, and your riches may take to themselves wings, and flee away. Oh! trust not to anything short of Christ. Do not say you will wait till you are different from what you are.
This poor man put off and put off until it was too late. Will you be like him? You may be saved if you like now; but to-morrow you may be forever amongst the lost ones. "Believe on the Lord 'Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved," is the message to each sin-burdened one now; but if you die in your sins you will have to listen to those terrible words, “Depart from me." (Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31); Luke 13. 27.) J. A. B.