George Whitefield, the famed evangelist who is said to have preached 18,000 sermons to 10 million people had a brother who lived a careless, ungodly life. This brother, when finally aroused to the danger of losing his immortal soul, was overcome with melancholy and despair.
One afternoon while having tea with the Countess of Huntingdon, her ladyship endeavored to raise his hopes by conversing on the infinite mercy of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. For awhile all seemed in vain.
"My lady," said the despondent man, "I know what you say is true; the mercy of God is infinite. I see it all clearly. But oh! my dear lady, there is no mercy for me, I am a wretch, entirely lost."
"I am glad to hear it, Mr. Whitefield," said Lady Huntingdon. "I am glad at heart you are a lost man."
"What! glad that I am a lost man?" echoed Whitefield.
"Yes, truly glad; for Jesus Christ came into the world to save the lost."
"Blessed be God for that!" exclaimed White-field, setting down his cup of tea. "Glory to God for that word! 0 what unusual power is this which I feel attending it! Jesus Christ came to save the lost. I have a ray of hope."
As he finished his last cup of tea his hand trembled and he complained of feeling ill. A short time later —that same afternoon — he died — a saved soul — "a brand plucked from the burning."
Reader, has the devil been trying to make you believe that you are too bad to be saved, or too late? Believe it not; but come to Christ just as you are, saying, "I am lost; Lord, save me! I perish!" You too will find it true that —
Time is gliding swiftly by:
Death and judgment both draw nigh
To the arms of Jesus fly.
Be in time!
Oh, we pray you count the cost
Ere the fatal line be crossed,
And your Christless soul be lost.
Be in time!
Sinner, heed the warning voice;
Make the Lord your happy choice,
Then all heaven will rejoice,
Be in time!
Come from darkness into light
From the way that seemeth right,
Come and start for heaven tonight.
Be in time!