Jonah 2:9.
While visiting in a village near D—, I often met a man, who I found was anxious about his soul’s welfare, I often went to his house and read the Bible and explained it to him.
He was apparently honest, and said he had been anxious, since a man met him one day and solemnly warned him, that if he did not seek God, he would die in his sins, and be lost for all eternity. He never could forget what was said to him, but remarked that he had read his Bible, and knew about Jesus, but could not say he was saved.
I then gave him a marked testament and advised him to study it prayerfully. Some time after this, I heard he had not peace, and so I hastened to see him, earnestly praying to God to do the work in his soul.
I found him very anxious; I never felt my own helplessness more, and slowly and distinctly read a few passages of scripture, looking to God alone for convincing and converting power.
While reading to him John 5:24, it occurred to me that what the clear man needed was faith in Christ. I said to him,
“I think I see why you are not saved, you do not believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“Yes, I do.”
“God says, ‘He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.’ What does H-A-T-H, mean? You say you believe, and have not, thus making God a liar!”
“O!” said he, “I never saw that before.” I quietly waited a few minutes, asking God not to let the message be in vain this time.
Soon the man, with a radiant face, exclaimed,
“I’m safe in the arms of Jesus.”
I went home rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord.
“Jesus Christ: Whom not having seen, ye love; in Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” 1 Peter 1:7,8.
ML 05/24/1942