THE writer had occasion recently to spend a fortnight in an out-of-the-way part of Ireland, and as he was staying close to a farmstead, during the evenings he frequently sat with the household, consisting of two brothers and a sister, all of whom had a reputation in the neighborhood for godliness. Their barn, some years previously, had been the scene of a happy work of grace, when about twenty souls showed tokens of the Lord's dealing with them, amongst whom was Robert, the elder of the brothers.
During an interesting conversation one evening on matters concerning his soul's peace, it became apparent that though Robert had Godward thoughts and aspirations, and professed to be trusting in Christ's finished work for deliverance from wrath to come, yet, like many others, he seemed to be relying on his own works and walk for present peace with God. I need scarcely add, consequently he did not enjoy it.
The teaching of scripture on these points was gladly appealed to, and many passages dwelt upon, which made it clear that the precious blood of Christ not only gives assurance for the future, but present fitness to meet the holy eye of God. it gives a perfect conscience (Heb. 10:1414For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)), removes every fear, meets every inward demand, banishes every accusing thought, and gives the believer "boldness" even now "to enter into the holiest," where God dwells. (Verse 19.)
Robert, though encouraged by these scriptures, still had misgivings, not perceiving the place which works hold in the Christian's life. By reference to James 2, he was shown that works corroborate the profession of faith in Christ, whenever the latter is real. A Christian should, by his daily life, say to each person he meets, "I will show thee my faith by my works." We are justified before men by works flowing from our faith; God knows our hearts, and He justifies us when we believe on His Son.
On looking back, I cannot help feeling that, if poor Robert had known that his end was so near, he might have taken a deeper interest in the precious revelation of God's heart which we have in His word.
Our God would so eclipse for us this poor present scene and its glitter by the glory which shines beyond— a glory, by means of which we can alone truly estimate all the blessing that there is in Jesus for our hearts— that our identification with Him on earth should be unmistakable, and our confession of His Name distinct.
Shortly after these endeavors to bring our friend to a true sense of his state before God, he met with a gun accident, which in a few hours resulted in his death. His brother states that during those few hours of intense suffering he prayed incessantly.
What heavenly joy would have flooded his soul in the almost immediate prospect of being "with Christ"! —what a glory it would have cast over those few last hours! How precious would be the reflection, could we indulge in it, that Robert had stood identified with his Saviour and Lord in a less doubtful way! Are you confessing Christ? J. K.