WHAT book can be so deeply interesting that it compels such attention from the dear old lady? It is the Book of books. the Word of God, that shows the way of salvation to lost sinners, and leads them, into the very presence of a holy God. Was there ever another book like it? The following story is but one instance of its power upon the hearts of its hearers:
A student in a German University wanted to go to a distant city to visit a friend, but he had not the money for his railroad fare. He looked around his room to see what he could pawn to raise the money. He decided to go to a Jew with his Hebrew Bible. and Greek New Testament, to borrow the necessary sum. The New Testament had the German translation alongside of the Greek text.
Although the Jew hardly thought it worth it, nevertheless he gave the student the money, and resolved, during the latter’s absence, to read the New Testament with the intention of finding a weapon to fight the Christian faith. He had plenty of time for this, for the young man was gone several weeks.
As he advanced in the reading of the book, the Jew’s astonishment grew, and the truth took hold of him with power, so that he cried,
“O! if only Jesus was My Saviour!” When he had finished the volume, he had to confess he had found nothing that could justify his hatred against Christianity. On the contrary, there seemed to emanate from it, as it were, a perfume from heaven. He accused himself of foolishness, and resolved never again to open the book. But a few days later he felt compelled to take it up again, this time firmly decided to find out whether Jesus, or His apostles, did not deserve the hatred of the Jews. He could arrive at no such conclusion, but once more was impressed with the marvelous comfort offered to the weary and heavy laden.
A third time he read the book. This time his heart was touched, and he found that the Christ was his Saviour. He bought the New Testament, and found it truly to be a lamp to his feet and a light to his path.
ML 08/13/1922