INSEPARABLE—that's what Stewart and Billy were. They walked to school together, they walked home together, they spent their free time together. Naturally, then, when one boy began to be concerned about his soul's salvation, they both came to the gospel meeting. One night I met them there.
Stewart was sitting close to the wall, looking so serious that I was certain something was troubling him. Sitting down by him, I asked, "Well, Stewart, are you saved yet? Can you look forward to being with Jesus in that bright and happy home where they see His face?"
He raised his head and slowly replied, "I can't say that, but I would like to be saved and I have been trying all I can since last Friday night."
"And what have you been doing, Stewart?"
"When I went home from the meeting last Friday, I told my parents I would like to be saved, and they told me if I was good, and did what I was told, and kept God's commandments, I would be saved and get to heaven. They said that was in the Bible, so Billy and I have made up our minds to do this, and we will try and live as well as we can from now on," answered the boy.
The manner in which he spoke left no doubt in my mind that he was really in earnest about his salvation, but it was sad to think that he had been put on the wrong track to find it.
I told him: "There is no part of the Bible that says people will get to heaven if they are 'good' and 'keep the commandments.' I'll tell you what it does say. It says there is none good, no, not one. Everyone has broken the commandments. Just read Rom. 3:9-199What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17And the way of peace have they not known: 18There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. (Romans 3:9‑19), and Gal. 3:1010For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. (Galatians 3:10), and you will see."
The boy looked utterly discouraged. He asked, "Then what can we do?"
"You can do nothing, Stewart, but if you and Billy come close, I will let you read in my Bible what Jesus has done for you."
The boys bent over my Bible, and we read, He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes [wounds] we are healed.
"Now all this was for lost sinners," I said. "He suffered and died that they might go free. I am saved by His work, and not by mine. Do you believe that Jesus died for you?"
"Yes, I do, for I am a sinner," said Stewart.
"You are quite sure you believe?"
"Quite sure."
"Well, now, let us see what Jesus says of those who believe." We turned to John 6:4747Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (John 6:47). There Jesus says, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.
"Now what does He say you have, Stewart?" "Everlasting life—everlasting life!" said the boy, and his face lit up as he said it.
We separated then, but the next evening the two boys were back. I asked Stewart how it was with him now.
"Saved, sir, saved! And Billy here too. He saw it first, and we are both happy now."