It was New Year's Eve. In the slums of a large city, a gospel service was to be held in a little mission room at midnight. After praying together, three or four young Christians had gone round the neighborhood and collected a few men who were just leaving the bars at closing time.
These poor, wretched, drink-sodden fellows were invited to the gospel meeting, and were promised coffee and hot rolls free at the close. It was a bitterly cold night, and several responded to the invitation. In the little hall about fifty men, women, and children gathered to hear the gospel of the grace of God.
First a few hymns were sung, and then two brief addresses were given. The hearers were reminded that, only through God's mercy, they had been spared to see the close of another year. Yet none could say where the close of the incoming year would find them. It was pressed upon them, as we would affectionately press home to the reader, how uncertain are our days here, and the importance of having the question of our soul's salvation and eternal welfare settled without delay.
Most of those present listened very attentively; but one, evidently under the influence of drink, was disposed to be troublesome. Another, apparently his companion in drink, but not so far gone, sought to quiet him. In fact, he appeared comparatively sober and anxious to hear the address. Because of his interest, the writer, who was present, hoped the Word might have reached his conscience in some measure. How little the poor fellow, or any of us, realized how near he was to the end of his life here! Ere three days had passed, the sad news came that after a day's hard drinking he had died suddenly in his chair. The Lord only knows whether the Word spoken may have found a place in his heart. "The Lord knoweth them that are. His." Surely, he was not brought to that meeting by chance; but, as far as we know, he died as he had lived—lost.
A solemn warning—the reader may say—to his companions. Yes, dear friend, and may God in His grace use it to them. But has it no voice for you, if still unsaved? How would it be with you if you were thus called away? Oh, be warned now, ere it be too late! As the tree falls, so it lies. "Flee from the wrath to come." Luke 3:77Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (Luke 3:7). The warning of the Word of God is: "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Prov. 27:11Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. (Proverbs 27:1).
It may be that you are not a drunkard living in filth and vice, but God says, "There is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23).
If one has the assurance of sins forgiven and knows Christ as Savior, sudden death will be but sudden bliss. If still unsaved, to die is to be eternally lost.
In closing, we would entreat you to listen to the voice of the One who in wondrous love says, "Come now, and let us reason together... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”