AT the great age of ninety-two, old Betty, as she was familiarly called in the little village of S—, was dying.
She had been a wonderful woman in her sway; always ready to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in distress, and was highly valued for her sterling principles.
For many years she had lived in an old thatched cottage at the end of the Park; and was highly respected by the great folks at the Hall, in whose family she had served from generation to generation. The little folks of the Hall very much loved the old nurse; and at every festivity held there old Betty was not forgotten.
But now she lay dying; the earthly tabernacle was falling to pieces, and the spirit was ready to depart to Him who gave it.
Only a little while before, the old vicar had left, and the new one had just taken up his abode at the vicarage. He was not long in becoming acquainted with the aged inmate of the cottage. Himself a godly man, he sought to win souls for his Master.
Finding old Betty one day nearing her end, and not knowing that she was safe in Christ, he said to her, while she seemed to be unconscious, "Well, Betty, do you know me?”
“No," was the reply.
."Not know me, Betty?”
“Do you know my Master?”
“Who is he?" asked she.
“The Lord Jesus Christ.”
“Yes; bless His holy name," was the instant reply; "I've known Him a-many years.”
“And what is going to take you to heaven?”
“NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.”
“But have you not done a good deal for your children and grand-children? for I hear you have been a good wife and mother, and an excellent neighbor; will not all these things help you to get there? See how long and faithfully you have served the family at the Hall. Why, Betty, won't all this good-ness help you a little?”
“No, sir," replied the aged woman, with emphasis. “Nothing but my Lord; nothing but His precious blood.”
More to the same purport passed between them, which showed to the visitor how firmly she was grounded in Christ. He knelt down beside her, and gave thanks to the Lord for the bright testimony the aged pilgrim bore to the precious blood whereby she was redeemed, and wherein she was washed.
What power there is in the name of Jesus; what sweetness and unction to the soul of one who loves Him, and is on the point of passing away to be with Himself! Do you know Jesus? That is sufficient to get an intelligent response from a heart that has tasted that God is gracious. So she died; with the foot firmly planted on the Rock of Ages.
We are not in the habit of loving people we don't know, even if we are ever so familiar with their name and their deeds; but the person must be known to be loved. Do you know Jesus? it is He who attracts the heart down here, and claims its allegiance and devotedness; and it is with Himself the believer is going to spend a blessed eternity.