JOHN was about twelve years old, and worked in the brickyards. There he did not hear much that was good. The workmen by whom he was surrounded daily, set him a bad example in every way. In his home too, there was no one to tell him about the Lord Jesus. As old as he was, he had scarcely heard of Christ. One night this boy went to a gospel address that was held near the place where he worked. He sat listening attentively to what was said, and drank in, as it were, the words of the gospel, and his heart was opened to receive the good seed.
When the meeting was over, a Christian man who was greatly interested in the work of the gospel, came up and spoke to him. They had a long conversation together. It seemed to make a deep impression on John. He went out, and remained a long time standing quite still. He was convicted of sin, but while he was there, lost in thought, some words he had heard that evening came with power to his soul: they were,
Immediately he understood, and could see plainly that one look of faith to the Son of God—once crucified for our sins, but now risen and glorified—was enough for his salvation; and his joy was so great, that he had to tell everyone near him of the great discovery he had made.
He hunted up the kind friend who had spoken to him personally, in order to tell him what had happened.
“Well, what can I do for you?” the man asked.
“Sir,” said John, “I came to tell you, that I am saved.”
“Saved!” exclaimed the other in astonishment, and wishing to put him to the proof he added; “But how can you be sure of that?”
“Because,” said John, “I believe in the Son of God; and the Bible says, ‘He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life’.”
He then told him, how he had thought over for a long time all that he had heard, and how that all at once these words had come to him with such force, and that now he knew that he was saved. (1 John 5:1313These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13).) For quite a time they talked together, and it became very clear, that John had found peace; life and peace through faith in the Son of God, and they rejoiced together.
As soon as John returned home, he told his parents “what the Lord had done for his soul,” as he expressed it, and the following day, when he went to his work in the brick yards, he told his comrades the joyful news. His zeal and love for the Lord Jesus were wonderful, and they never diminished. Shortly after his conversion, he attended Sunday school, which was held in the same room where the gospel had been preached, and the following Sunday he brought with him four other boys, older and taller than himself. It could not be expected that such a living example of the grace of God could continue his way, without meeting with opposition and mockery. One day his comrades were making fun of him for his faith in Christ.
“O!” exclaimed the boy, “it is very easy to laugh and mock now, but remember this, there is a road that leads to hell, but not one to take you out of it.” At this they all were silent.
In his friend’s house, where he often went, he had noticed a picture representing “the two paths that never touch each other,” and this was his remarkable application of it, when he warned so earnestly the scoffers, for the boy had seen in the picture, that the broad way that leadeth to destruction (Matt. 7:1313Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (Matthew 7:13)), ended in hell, and that there was no way for coming out again.
He read continually in the New Testament and often came to his friend, asking him to explain that which he did not understand, and the Lord blessed this to him abundantly, for John grew in grace, and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He sought earnestly to obey God’s Word according to the light given him. In such evil, godless surroundings, in the midst of those who swore and mocked, he glorified his Lord and Saviour, who had called him so early in life to be His own.
Dear little friends, you see that you may be converted, although so young. O, don’t think:
“I am too young, the Lord Jesus does not want me yet.”
Yes, He does want you; He longs to save you; that is His joy. When He was on earth, He took the children in His arms, and blessed them. And when the disciples would turn away the mothers that brought their little ones to the Lord, He was much displeased, and said unto them,
“Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.” And in the Old Testament God said,
“Those who seek Me early, shall find Me.”
Then go to the Saviour, dear little friends! No Matter how young you may be. Confess your sins to Him. He will surely receive you, just as He received John. And then you will be, O, so happy!
ML 06/11/1922