A SHORT time ago, while conversing with a fellow-workman in Hyde Park, something I said led us to speak of the uncertainty of life, and the solemn realities which lay before us in a coming eternity. To my surprise, he seemed deeply interested in the subject, for I had no previous reason to suppose he troubled himself about those matters. We continued for I some time in close conversation, my companion expressing himself very anxious about his soul, and, as we stood leaning against the park railings, I glanced for a moment at the face of my companion, when I observed that his eyes were filled with tears. I endeavored to assure him that Jesus was as willing to save him as he was to be saved; indeed, that He had come into the world on purpose to save, not the righteous, but sinners; that he had nothing to do for salvation but to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, who had given Himself an offering for sin on Calvary’s cross. All this seemed new to him, and, judging from his deep emotion, he was under great exercise of soul on account of his sins. As he was not able to read himself, he gladly accepted the offer I made him, to go to his house that evening, and read a little to him out of God’s Word.
Here we had to bring our conversation to an abrupt termination, as our dinner hour had expired. In the evening I went, as agreed, to my friend’s dwelling, which was some four or five miles from where I lived, in a little obscure street in the heart of the City. On reaching the top of the long flight of stairs which led to my friend’s apartment, I was gladly welcomed by him. He expressed himself deeply sensible of what he called my kindness in coming so far on his behalf. His mother, a widow, was the only occupant of the room beside himself. From her conversation I felt sure she was a simple believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, although with but little intelligence as to His person and work. I gathered that her son was a child of many prayers. I read the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, and sought to show that the work of salvation is all of God; that Christ was the Good Samaritan, and that He, having begun a good work, would not fail to perfect it; for we find that the Samaritan binds up the poor, man’s wounds, pouring in oil and wine; he sets him on his own beast; takes him to a place of safety; does not leave him until he has made full provision for him during his absence: and promises to come again. Thus it is with every poor sinner who believes in Jesus. He is saved; he is kept by divine power. The Good Shepherd having made him eternally secure. The Lord Jesus thus addresses all who by simple faith have received Him into their hearts; “I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:33And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:3).
My friend seemed much struck with the story of God’s love as set forth in this little narrative, although he could not see that God’s grace extended to him. Deeply conscious of his own unworthiness, he thought it would be presumption for him to lay claim to what Christ has made good to all who will trust Him. I endeavored to show him that his fears were groundless, that he was really one of those for whom the Lord Jesus died, and that nothing could give the Saviour’s heart so much delight as a lost one turning to Him. I forbore pressing anything further, feeling that the exercise of soul he was passing through would be helpful to him. After commending him to the Lord, and the word of His grace, I left him, quietly thanking the Lord that He had enabled me to be the bearer of His own message to a seeking soul, brought about through a little word dropped by the wayside.
I would just say, by way of encouragement to those who are seeking simply and quietly, in their own particular spheres, to be light-bearers for Christ, Never let the thought of your own weakness and insufficiency deter you from bearing your testimony to the name of Jesus. “When I am weak, then am I strong,” says the apostle, 2 Corinthians 12:1010Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10). “Our sufficiency is of God.” 2 Corinthians 3:55Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; (2 Corinthians 3:5). And if we pray to God to give us an opportunity of testifying to His grace, we shall often find ourselves unexpectedly face to face with something that will call out, at a moment’s notice, that which He has taught us by His Holy Spirit.
I would add, beloved fellow-pilgrim, it is often not a question of words rather let your life speak, quietly bearing and suffering for Christ’s sake. Marvel not if the world hate you. It hated Christ and will also hate you. A little longer, beloved, and your task will be ended, your school days over, your joy full. You are still in the enemy’s land, but the time is short, and “the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:88Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:8).