SUCH were the words of one who was about to pass from this world into that region where all is unclouded sunshine. She had been suffering for many days from congestion of the lungs, but truly her heart was in heaven, and the ground of her peace was that work done on the cross to the satisfaction of God the Father’s heart. Her confidence in Him was bright to the end, and she would burst forth at times with, “Jesus is precious; I soon shall see His face, and be like Him.”
The doctor called to see her just a day or so before she departed, and she said to him, “Doctor, you always told me I would get better, but I’ am going home to glory. Are you bound for glory?”
“Well,” said the doctor, “I hope so.” She said, “There is no hoping about it, doctor; you must be either bound for glory or for that place where the worm dieth not, and where the fire is never quenched.” This dear woman found her home in the Lord’s presence, and seemed to care for nothing else. What glimpses she got of Him! She said once, “I have had a nice time this afternoon; I saw His hands and His feet as they were nailed to the tree; and oh, the crown, the beautiful crown that was on His head!”
Her last words on earth were, “Let me go; I long to see His face, and dwell forever with Him.” So she departed, and tasted the joy of being “absent from the body, present with the Lord.”
Reader, you are on the road to one of two places. I have little doubt but you would like to die the death of the righteous, and your last end to be like his, but perhaps do not care about living the life of the righteous. I daresay you have heard the story of the cross over and over again, but what does it avail you? Let me entreat you to decide for Christ now, or what you have heard may only go to augment your torment in that place where the great gulf is fixed.
This dear soul could say, “I am going home to glory.” She had done nothing to gain it; it was hers because of what Another had done. He charged Himself with all her guilt, and now payment God will not twice demand, first at His hand and then at the poor sinner’s. He has given the best thing in heaven for the worst thing on earth. Christ receives sinners: “He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Oh, then, may you take sides with God against yourself. You have nothing to do; all is done. Christ’s is a finished work; you cannot add anything to a thing that is finished. Soon you will be in eternity, and where do you intend to spend it? Time is short. Oh, heed then the voice of Jesus. Bow to Him now. You have only to neglect the great salvation and you will be lost. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and salvation will be yours.
M. D.