AT the outbreak of the present War a young man, full of enthusiasm, answered the call of the country, and enlisted in an Irish regiment. Without any desire after God or concern about his soul’s eternal welfare, he had lived a most reckless, ungodly life, making the most of the “pleasures of sin.” As every one experiences who has sought after the enjoyment of the world, instead of being satisfied, our young friend was discontented, and the more he followed the course of this world the more discontented he became. Thinking that now he would find an opportunity to gratify the desires of his heart, he was delighted when, after a few months of training, his regiment was ordered to France, but he had not counted the cost. Almost immediately after arriving upon the Continent he found himself in the trenches and face to face with an ordeal which he had not anticipated.
For days the roar of the artillery was perfectly deafening; the sky overhead was brilliant with the bursting of shells; men were falling around him dead and wounded. The subject of our narrative had never before considered being placed in such a position, and now the longing after pleasure, which had previously filled his heart, gave place to serious thoughts regarding his sins and his future. During the battle of La Bassee he thought that his last day in this world had really come, so terrific was the conflict. For a few moments he gazed upon those who had fallen at his feet, and wondered when his turn would come. The thought filled his mind that he must meet God, and of this he was certain, that if killed at that instant he was altogether unprepared. He had lived for himself, and his only object in the world had been pleasure. What was he to do? There was no gospel preacher there; no one to whom he could turn for help and advice. If he cried to God, would God hear him?
In an instant he was upon his knees, and amongst all his comrades in the trench he cried to God for mercy. Amidst the din of battle God heard that simple prayer, and the young man arose from his knees feeling as if he were a new man and possessing courage and strength to stand firm.
Wounded shortly afterward, he was invalided home, and the writer, to whom he told his story, met him at a military camp in the north of Ireland. His face beamed with a heavenly joy as he narrated the story, and he said that never previously had he been so happy. He was preparing to leave for France again, but on this occasion under quite different circumstances. Instead of going to seek satisfaction, his heart was fully content, and he had with him a Saviour who promises never to leave nor forsake those who trust Him.
The young man had cause to be happy; he had discovered the only source of satisfaction. Perhaps the reader is feeling that the world, with all its pleasures, cannot give what he has expected. Let me tell you of One who loves you―One who has died for your sake, One who now asks you to trust Him as a Saviour, and seeks to make you happy in this world and the next. No matter what you have been, the Lord Jesus will receive you just as you are.
The Lord Jesus Christ is willing to receive you now. Through the work accomplished at Calvary’s cross, and in virtue of His precious blood shed, He is able to save the guiltiest sinner. “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:77But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)). “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)). “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:1010For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10)). C. S. Ross.