The two young men had just met in the piano salesroom French Oliver, who sold musical instruments, and Charles Alexander, who sang to win souls for Christ. Both men were native Tennesseans and both possessed wonderful voices. French Oliver, now 24 years old, had used his singing ability on the musical comedy stage for a while. However, he had been converted as a boy of ten; and though now drifting away from Christ, he could not be happy in the atmosphere of the theater. He was instantly attracted to the happy personality of the Christian, who was only three years his senior, and soon expressed to him his longing for "a better life.”
As soon as Mr. Alexander learned that the big "six foot four" Tennessean was a believer, but backslidden from his early faith, he could not rest until he had drawn him back to his Lord. This was soon accomplished and Mr. Oliver, renewed in his soul, experienced a deep desire to win others to Christ. But how? His knowledge of Scripture was superficial, and he was keenly aware of his own past failure. He confided his thoughts to his friend, and Mr. Alexander was only too glad to help him. In fact, he literally took him to train for the Lord.
Learning that the young salesman had been addicted to reading novels, Alexander got him a story called "Titus, the Comrade of the Cross." This was for bait. Then he got him a Bible, "Pilgrim's Progress," and a book of Moody's sermons. Taking these as they came, and reading prayerfully and diligently, French Oliver found the Word of God opening up to him in a marvelous way. Under the able tutelage of Charles Alexander, the young man began a systematic study of the Bible. Many were the hours spent on his knees with his precious Bible open before him, and the natural result was remarkable growth in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord.
Later that same year the two young men agreed to spend their Christmas holidays together. They went to a little boarding-house for what proved to be two of the most profitable weeks of their lives. Together they studied and discussed the Word, sang and composed sacred music, prayed and talked over Christian work. By New Year's Eve young French Oliver had surrendered himself wholly to the Lord and to soul-winning. And on that night they chose a text as a guide for the incoming year. That year-text was Second Timothy-two-fifteen.
These two dedicated soul-winners and Bible students were most zealous in pursuing the course advocated by this verse of Scripture, and in propagating the inspired admonition. For instance, instead of bidding "Good night" to each other, one would say, "Second Timothy-two-fifteen," and the other would answer, "Second Timothy-two-fifteen." The first man awake in the morning would call out, "Second Timothy-two-fifteen"; and the other would return a cheery "Second Timothy-two-fifteen." So eager were they to enlist the interest of others in the study of Holy Writ that every letter they sent out that year bore the reference, "Second Timothy-two-fifteen.”
Finally the year-end vacation was over and the time came to part. Mr. Alexander went with Mr. Oliver to the depot to see him off. A crowd was there to watch the train leave, and French Oliver took his stand on the rear platform. As the train began to move, Charles Alexander called out between his cupped hands: "Second Timothy-two-fifteen!" Loud came the return shout: "Second Timothy-two-fifteen." The train was clearing the depot. "Second Timothy-two-fifteen," shouted Alexander, for all he was worth; and "Second Timothy-two-fifteen" came faintly over the widening space. Once more "Second Timothy-two-fifteen" soared over the heads of the interested crowd, and the waving handkerchief of the man on the speeding train bore mute witness to his unheard response.
A year later Charles Alexander was back in that town again, conducting some young people's services. He spoke to his audience of the great incentive in having a "year-text" and urged them to adopt the one he had used for the past year. As he paused, a young man in a front seat arose. Facing the earnest listeners he said: "I am glad Mr. Alexander took Second Timothy-two-fifteen for his year-text. Twelve months ago I was at the depot seeing some friends off, when I heard a fellow shouting for all he was worth, 'Second Timothy-two-fifteen' to a man on the end of the outgoing train, and he was shouting back, 'Second Timothy-two-fifteen.'
" 'Well,' I thought, 'what is this "Second Timothy-two-fifteen" anyway?'
“I made a bee-line for home and looked it up in my Bible. I wasn't a Christian then, and the first words of that text just hit me square between the eyes: 'Study to show thyself approved unto God.' And me a miserable sinner!
“Then I went on and read the rest: 'A workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.'
"Down on my knees I asked God to forgive my sins and help me to show myself 'approved'; and thank God, He has done it!”
As. he sat down, another man arose and said: "I never saw Mr. Alexander until tonight; but the first Sunday I spent in this town, the man who has just spoken came to me and led me to Christ. He was saved through hearing those two call out 'Second Timothy-two-fifteen,' and I was saved through his having heard it.”
And who can say how many lives have been changed for the better and souls redeemed to God by the faithfulness of those who boldly proclaim the Good News of Salvation? "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." Eccl. 11:66In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. (Ecclesiastes 11:6).