ON one occasion I was traveling upon the under-ground Railway, and while stopping at one of the stations beyond King's Cross, the door of the compartment in which I sat was opened, and an aged woman was helped in by the guard. She needed help, not only on account of her age, but because both arms were engaged in clasping a large bundle. As she sat down, a sigh of relief escaped her, as though to express her satisfaction at being able to rest—after the hurry and bustle to obtain a seat. The door was shut with the official slam—the short shrill whistle conveyed its orders to the engine-driver to proceed, and we were again hurrying forward—a freight of precious souls below—a busy life above—all moving onward, each bent on his own object—some laboring for the bread which perisheth, others for the bread which endureth unto everlasting life.
It was summer-time, and our tunnel-journey increased the heat. The poor old lady, I perceived, was still holding her bundle in her lap, as if fearful of losing it. I wondered why she did not lay it down beside her, or under the seat, and so rid herself of that which gave her so much inconvenience and anxiety, but no amount of persuasion would induce her to do so, and she retained her bundle to the end of the journey; and as she was helped out she seemed to clasp it even tighter than before. The poor old lady brought to my mind two other kind of travelers, to be met with every day, who have their bundles—the sinner with his sins or his self-righteousness, and the christian with his troubles, cares, anxieties, and the like; and very large their bundles often are. Sometimes, too, of an unpleasant savor—especially the one who has been laboring hard for a number of years, in order to obtain salvation.
Doesn't it show how estranged the heart of man has become, when a christian feels that it requires no ordinary amount of courage to name the name of Christ in a railway carriage? It is felt to be a disturbing element—an unwelcome sound, and he who introduces it must be prepared for the reproach of Christ. God, an unwelcome visitor in the world He created and sustains by His power, and His Son still more so! Happy is he who can speak of the One who is dear to the heart of every child of God, and speak of Him, too, in such a way as shall send forth a sweet savor to some poor weary, heavy-laden one, because God honors that blessed name. But man is still the same as he ever was; and if he turned out the Son and heir, he is not likely to spare his followers.
We are traveling onward as through a tunnel, all darkness, but for the light which is introduced-borne on by power outside ourselves, the infidel and the wicked sharing with the christian the fruitful seasons which God gives. But with what different feelings the Giver is regarded—yea, even by His own children—as in a family, one child may have his heart engaged with the family honor, wealth, or distinction; another be altogether occupied with the father himself, and value his love and intercourse as greater treasure than all the wealth and distinction which he may be heir to. And blessed it is to let the light of life shine out amid the surrounding darkness, in order that some lonely wanderer may find the straight way, which leadeth unto life eternal.
Look what a big bundle that poor aged man carries—a life-time's sins! which is increased in bulk every hour, and which, if he be not rid of it, will one day sink him into endless woe. Shall we not let the light of truth shine, in order that he may see and feel its terrible weight and size, even though we be in danger of coming into contempt with the other passengers? Let us tell him how God has loved him, and what He has done in order that he may be set free from the weight of sin, and from its defilement—that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. A word spoken in season, how good is it! But he and his bundle are so closely connected, that they seem part and parcel of each other, and so they are; and iniquity is drawn round him as with cords; and sin, as it were, with a cart rope (Isa. 5:1818Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: (Isaiah 5:18)). And pride may compass him about as a chain: and violence cover him as a garment (Psa. 73:66Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. (Psalm 73:6)). Well, and what is to be done for him in his extremity! Can he free himself from that which binds him as with girths of iron? No. He is helpless. He needs a Deliverer. Perhaps the iron has entered his soul, and he longs for liberty! Well, then, if he believes the precious tale of the love of God—that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life—he shall be free. The sword of the Spirit can cut the strongest cart-rope that sin ever spun, or Satan ever bound the sinner with, in a moment. The cords and chains of the poor captive are as burnt tow before the mighty weapon which is sharper than a two-edged sword, when wielded by the Spirit of God. Has the poor sinner been so used to his bundle, that he is slow to give it up? It is so sometimes, and no easy task to persuade him to leave go his hold. Blessed be God, there are times when He is believed in a moment—the gospel comes in such constraining power, that He is credited instantly, and there is instant deliverance; and then the freed man sits in judgment upon himself and his bundle too, wondering how he could have groaned under its weight so long. The sword touches the bands, and the shoulders are released—the hands are set at liberty. Is not this how Scripture puts it? Look at every passage where the glad tidings are proclaimed and you will be struck with its beauty and simplicity.
Believe and live. Be not afraid, only believe. He that believeth bath everlasting life. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. Everywhere, where it is the question of the soul's salvation, the clearest and plainest language is used, so that there need be no mistake.
Man treats God worse than he treats his neighbor. Man tells his fellow tidings of some great event that has happened, and, as a rule, he is believed. It does not take years to credit his truthfulness. Oh, what has not sin done to cause this slowness of heart-this distrust in the God of all grace-who is???????????????????????????MISSING PAGES 38-39??????????????????????????????????????????
sinner to Christ is divine, for "he that believeth on the Son of God, HATH everlasting life.”
Another passenger, who has accepted the tract offered to him with thanks, and has heard the conversation, but too timid to venture a word while the compartment was full, now that we are alone, quietly asks if I really love the Lord Jesus? "Indeed I do, with all my heart and soul.”
“Well, I hope I do; but I don't love Him half enough.”
“That's true of the most devoted christian; but looking at our love to Him is not the way to increase it—that is beginning at the wrong end. The more we are occupied with His love to us, the more will ours increase; for we love Him because He first loved us. Have you peace with God through Christ Jesus?
“I don't enjoy much peace; sometimes I am happy, and then next day I am miserable. It seems all up and down with me.”
“But you know you are saved, surely?”
“Well, I hope I am, but should not like to say positively, I am saved.”
“But why should there be this uncertainty in eternal things? it is not so in temporal things? Where are you going?”
“To Westminster.”
“But are you sure you are in the right train? may be you are going to Moorgate Street.”
“Oh, no! I'm sure enough of that—doubly sure. I asked the guard, and I saw Westminster on the carriage.”
“Well, now, look at your Bible, and you will see that the believer is privileged to know his present sonship to God. I make inquiry of God Himself in His word, and He tells me I am His—bought with the blood of His own Son—that I have eternal life, and that I shall soon enter fully upon it; that I shall be with Christ, and not only so, but like Him forever. I read it for myself, as true of me, for Christ died for sinners: I am a sinner, the value of His death is mine. Moreover, we have the double witness, for "the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God" (Rom. 8:1616The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:16)).
“Then," said he, with great earnestness, "if you were to die to day, should you have no fear of death?”
“No," said I, "I have been free from that for many years. The flesh may shrink, but faith rests in quiet confidence on the word of the living God. In the 2nd of Hebrews you will see death looked at as a conquered foe, and in the 1 Cor. 3:2222Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; (1 Corinthians 3:22), death is the believer's servant. Besides, Scripture says, "He that feareth is not made perfect in love, because fear bath torment.”
“That's just my case," he replied; "my fears are great; and trouble and anxiety torment me so perpetually, that I am a stranger to peace and rest.”
“That's because you have a great bundle on your shoulders, which the Lord desires you to entrust Him with. It weighs you down and distracts your heart, and prevents your joying in and enjoying the love of God. He says, Roll thy burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain thee—Blessed are they that put their trust in me. As a sinner, I went to Him with my sins, and came away with His forgiveness. As a saint, I go to Him with my cares, anxieties, and troubles, and come away with His peace, to keep my heart and mind. Is it carelessness to trust every care to Him who bids me cast them on Him? Is He not worthy of all my trust? An eastern traveler tells us, that when the load which the camel has to carry across the desert is too heavy to be lifted up, the camel goes down upon his knees, and the ropes are stretched out, and the burden is rolled on the prostrate animal; the straps are thrown across, the burden made secure, and the camel, getting up, bears the burden away in its own strength. This is the thing referred to when the Lord says, Roll thy burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. I cannot argue about it—faith is in exercise, and as a child I believe what my Father says, and I am helped. Troubles, cares, and anxieties come so thick sometimes, that it is no wonder that the load breaks the heart, when it is trying to bear its own burdens. He saves us with an everlasting salvation, and provides for us all the way. Oh, that we had a more simple, unquestioning faith, and that, too, in the face of the most trying circumstances. If we seek His guidance, and are walking as obedient children, what good thing will He withhold from us?”
“But you see many dear Christians very poor in this world!”
“That's where faith and trust shine brightest—because real dependence is there; that they should not trust in uncertain riches. Riches He gives, and often takes away; but what He wishes us to be occupied with, is that treasure He will never take away, and that is Christ. A man being poor does not hinder his joying in God; yea, it is often in the depths of poverty that Christ is more treasured, for better is a little that a righteous man hath, than the riches of many wicked. Besides, he well knows his blessings are not earthly, but heavenly—all treasured up in Christ. Some of the brightest christians I know are those who have to labor hard for what they have, and find it difficult to keep the wolf from the door, as we say; but in such cases, there is more real dependence, and not only contentment, but thanksgiving and praise: as the word says, ‘Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, which he hath promised to them that love him?’ (James 2:55Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (James 2:5).) I am sure care and trouble are the canker-worms which eat away many a Christian’s joy, and interrupt his communion with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ, because they fail to reckon upon the love and grace and power of God, who is caring for His people in all their need.”
“Some years ago, I heard of an incident which will help to illustrate this. A gentleman was driving along in his gig, and on his journey overtook a man with a heavy bundle on his shoulders. He saw the poor fellow was foot-sore and weary, and taking pity on him, pulled up, asking him if he would ride as far as he was going. The man accepted the offer, and seated himself beside the gentleman and they proceeded onward. In a little while the gentleman, observing the poor man had his bundle on his lap, said, 'Why don't you put your bundle under the seat?' The man timidly replied, 'I was so thankful, sir, for the lift you gave me, that I didn't like to trouble you more—I'll keep the bundle here.' The gentleman, pointing to his horse, said, 'What difference will it make to that animal, whether the bundle is on your knees or under the seat? but to you it is a difference, because you are not resting when you might be.'”
“That's simple enough," said my companion.
“But is it more so than what a believer is told to do? The unbelief among christians is astonishing. Look at the christian literature of the day, (with some happy exceptions here and there) doubt, and fear, and uncertainty fill its pages—the hymns learned from childhood are mostly of that character, and it grows with our growth, and strengthens with our strength. I must leave you at this station: farewell.”
“Farewell, I shall think of these things." "Do; and remember the word, 'Have faith in God.' Think of the camel and the burden.”
A word more and I have done. Fellow christian, is it the habit of your soul to unburden itself at the throne of grace, getting the needed succor? not to take it there and bring it away again, but to leave it with Him who has said, "Commit thy way unto the Lord: trust also in Him, and he shall bring it to pass." (Psa. 33:55He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. (Psalm 33:5).) What a precious exchange for that burden of cares, fears, and troubles: the peace of God the peace of God which passeth all understanding, keeping your heart and mind.
And what about your bundle, dear unconverted reader? Accept His invitation, who has said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," Oh! priceless exchange—the freedom and liberty—the peace and rest of Christ for the heavy burden of sin and iniquity. Don't stop short, but go direct to Christ, and you shall be free, and as His freed man, be able to go on your way rejoicing.