Close on forty years ago Alexander was a young man residing near, the famous Cloch Lighthouse, on the firth of Clyde. Like most young men, he had tried to find satisfaction in the things of time; and like all, who have tried, he found they were utterly useless in meeting the longings of the human heart or satisfying the cravings of the soul. Now he found himself utterly lost,' afar off from God, and with no resource or help.
His hopes, were raised by the coming of Brownlow North, once a profligate whom God had saved and now used to the conversion of many sinners in Scot At one of the services held in the town of Greenock, Alexander listened, intently to the message. Through convicting Power of the Holy Spirit he saw himself to be included in the "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" of Rom. 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23). He knew that "the wages of sin is death," Rom. 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23); and he realized that as a sinner unprepared to meet a holy God he was in danger of everlasting woe. At the close of the message Mr. North invited anyone desiring a personal interview concerning the way of salvation to call upon him at the house where he was staying.
Here was an opportunity for Alexander. Should he go or should he not go? One voice said, “Go and get the great question settled." Another voice said, "It is no use; the impression, will pass away in a little while, and; nothing will remain; do not trouble about it.”
At last the voice conscience prevailed, and Alexander found himself at the door of the house—halting, wondering if he should enter. The voice of urgency controlled. He rang the bell, and was ushered into the room where the now famed evangelist was sitting.
Mr. North opened up to the young man the Scriptures concerning the utter ruin of man, the glorious remedy provided through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. He read: "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way"; yet the glad and glorious gospel message declares that "the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53:66All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6). He also urged the responsibility of the sinner to accept, personally and promptly, the Lord Jesus Christ as his own Savior. He concluded by quietly quoting the Lord's own words, "Be not afraid, only believe." Mark 5:3636As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. (Mark 5:36).
The interview closed. The anxious soul left the room undecided, for the way of salvation seemed more difficult than ever. Passing along Union Street Alexander kept repeating to himself the words, "Be not afraid, only believe; be not afraid, only believe." Suddenly, standing there in the street, light burst in upon his darkened soul; the way of salvation was revealed by the power of the Holy Ghost. He was a sinner utterly unable to do anything to save himself; God had loved him and given His Son to die for him, the ungodly. The Sacrifice had been accepted, the Victim of Calvary had become the Victor of Glory. The Scriptures emphatically stated that, "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in, thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Rom. 10:99That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9). Alexander believed and was saved right "on Greenock street.