"Well, my dear friend, how is it with your soul?”
It was a startling question, especially when asked by a complete stranger.
The surprise of the one questioned was scarcely as great, however, as the surprise of the questioner.
Mr. M. had mistaken the man whom he had thus addressed, for an intimate friend of his. Seeing him passing down a street, he had touched his shoulder and asked the question.
An apology was offered, an explanation being given, and so the matter appeared to end.
But it was not to be thus concluded.
The awkward position in which Mr. M. had been placed was soon to be recalled to him.
He was called upon by the man, who reminded him of the occurrence, and said; "Sir, to that question I owe, under God, the salvation of my soul. The question that you asked me, as you believed, by a mistake, was really asked me by God Himself: 'How is it with your soul?' and from that moment it seemed to haunt me. I could not get it out of my mind; it kept returning as often as I banished it.
"I knew only too well that things were not as they ought to be with my soul, and the more I thought of it, the more distressed I became. At last the conviction of my need and the sense of my guilt drove me to the Cross, and I sought, until I found, salvation in Christ Jesus. And now I can answer your question. It is well now with my soul, thank God.”
He had discovered who the questioner was and had at once come to thank him for the blessing brought in such a strange way to his soul.
May I ask you who read these lines the question,
"How is it with your soul?”
You care for your body. The things of time and sense claim and receive your attention. But are your soul's interests of no account? Soon the place that now knows you will know you no more. You will be gone from your home and your business. The summons will come and you will have to respond. And then what? "The mourners go about the streets" here. Your body will be in the grave. But your soul-where will it be? Do not resent the question. It may be the last time your eternal welfare is brought under your notice. Give yourself no rest until you can say:
"My sins, O, the bliss of the glorious thought,
My sins, not in part, but the whole,
Were nailed to His cross,
And I bear them no more,
Blessed rest, blessed peace to my soul.”