IT was nearly nine o’clock one lovely Sunday evening, when, as I stood talking with a relative, on the pavement in front of his residence, we saw a young girl whom we knew approaching. After inquiring of her welfare, our conversation took a different turn, and little heeding the continuous rush of the passers-by, we proceeded to “the old, old story of Jesus and His love,” and entreated her to yield her heart to the Lord.
Years have passed since then, but my memory still retains a vivid recollection of the glow on those pale cheeks, betraying the deep emotion that the message from God had produced. Encouraged to still greater earnestness, we pleaded with her, as she valued her soul’s salvation, at once to come to Jesus.
For a few moments she stood, apparently halting between two opinions, and then expressed a great desire for salvation. She went on to explain that being in service, her mistress would expect her to be in by nine o’clock, so that she could not linger longer that evening. We felt almost unwilling to let her depart, until she had found that rest for the weary and sin-stricken soul, which the Lord Jesus has promised to give to every one that comes unto Him.
Finding that Lizzie would be at liberty on one evening during the week, we obtained her promise for that evening. But when the evening came we waited in vain for her.
“When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.” (Matt. 13:1919When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. (Matthew 13:19)). So it proved to be with Lizzie; though the seed had been sown only on the Sunday evening before, and though she had appeared to be so much affected by the story of salvation, the enemy had succeeded in catching away that which had been sown in her heart in the few days that intervened. And all this happened at a time when she was softened by recent bereavement, and we knew the sorrow she felt at the death of a tenderly beloved brother.
Her brother had drunk in the gospel message as one long athirst; with deep desire he had taken the repentant sinner’s place at the feet of Jesus. There his longing soul had been satisfied and filled with joy. “But then,” the sister argued, “my brother was dying, and I am enjoying good health.”
By placing before her an attractive picture of this world’s pleasures, the enemy succeeded only too well in persuading the young girl to close her eyes and ears to the truth, and the door of her heart to Him who had knocked and sought admission. Having once yielded herself to the suggestions of the tempter, Lizzie soon became indifferent to the truth, and soon after coolly informed me that if life only were before her—that is, if there were no eternity to dread—she would not think of the Saviour.
Alas, how many at this moment are pursuing the same downward course! It may be that you, my reader, can remember a moment in which you were almost persuaded to cast yourself at the feet of Jesus, and claim His proffered mercy; but you did not improve the golden opportunity, and now, where are you? Consciously afar off from God, with less desire for salvation than you then experienced. And what has the enemy given you in exchange for that “word of the kingdom,” which you foolishly suffered him to catch away? Nothing better than a vision, a mirage of pleasure, which you have been vainly attempting to grasp. And if the Lord were now to deal with you according to your sins, you would be lost forever to all hope of salvation.
Oh! listen to the voice of the Saviour now. Cease to do evil; learn to do well. Oh! receive Christ’s message of love and mercy now, and neglect not so great salvation. Is there not mercy in store even for you?
Come with me to visit one who is shedding bitter tears. Years have rolled away since the little incident of that Sunday evening took place. Lizzie is now a wife and a mother. Do you ask why she weeps? It is not now because of bereavement. She is weeping because she once lightly esteemed Christ, and salvation through Him; because she had been guilty of hardening her heart against the earnest, appealing voice of One, who loved her with more than earthly affection. She deserves not His grace or favor, but if He will now but speak peace to her soul, she will gladly receive His word, and hide the same in her heart.
The seed has once again fallen, not now by the wayside, but into good ground. Lizzie has inclined her ear; she has come unto Him; she hears; and her soul lives. Oh, what mercy to one so consciously undeserving! While Lizzie praises the Lord for His unwearied goodness to herself, at every opportunity she earnestly beseeches those about her not to do as she once did, lest the enemy catch away the seed that is being sown in their hearts.
A. J.