I HAD been a very worldly young man, fond of the theater, ballroom, billiard saloon, and gaiety. My endeavors after satisfaction resulted only in what was temporary. I found no real settled joy.
My father died when I was fifteen, my mother was addicted to drink, and I was compelled to seek a new home. Perhaps these circumstances helped me on in the broad road, which, if I had gone on as I was doing, would have landed me in hell assuredly.
Thank God, I was brought to a full stop, and turned right round to the blessed Savior. I had often thought with bitterness what my end would be, and wished to make the acquaintance of some Christian young men, but Satan kept me back. I gave up the thought of ever getting to heaven, so pursued the downward course with more vigor than ever.
At the office one night a Christian clerk was discussing the subject of "Conversion" with two other clerks. I listened to see who got the best of the argument. But what struck me was the lit-up face of the Christian, telling plainly of an inward joy I was a total stranger to. Oh I how I envied him and felt drawn to him. Afterward he entered into conversation with me, asking if I should like to have Christ as my Savior. Of course I gladly said "Yes.”
He then showed me how Christ was waiting with outstretched hands to welcome me. My heart leaped with joy at the thought. When I got home I went straight upstairs, fell on my knees, and poured out my heart to God, telling Him what a wicked hell-deserving sinner I had been, and prayed that I might be washed in the blood of Jesus and made fit for His presence.
It seemed Satan would not let me go. He filled my mind next morning with the thought that it was too big a thing to believe that all my dark career had forever been banished from God's sight. Thus I was filled with doubt.
I went on duty that night. I told my friend that the night before I had taken my true stand before God, and accepted the Lord Jesus as my Savior; but now somehow I feared I was too big a sinner for God to forgive. He pointed me to Heb. 10:17 "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." Also 1 John 2:12: "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake." I saw everything quite clearly and my soul was at peace.
I shall never forget the little scene that followed at two o'clock in the morning. We kneeled on the office floor, and thanked God for His rich unbounded love in giving His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die that any poor sinner who trusts in Him may be saved, and have eternal life.
Won't you trust Him, dear reader, just now? If you are building on the foundation of good works, moral living, almsgiving, church attendance, it is but a sandy foundation.
“Cast your deadly doing down,
Down cat Jesus' feet;
Stand in Him, and Him alone,
Gloriously complete.”
Only Christ can save. May God use this true story of my conversion to make you downright anxious to be saved. May He give you no rest till the great question is settled is the earnest prayer of the writer. J. H. R.