AFTER the battle of Waterloo, when the Duke of Wellington had returned to England, he was frequently visited by a man who had invented a bullet-proof breastplate.
He called one day when the Duke was very busy, bearing letters from several of the Duke’s personal friends, recommending his invention. Impatient at the long time taken to describe it, he curtly asked,
“Do you have it with you?”
Quickly the man produced the new breastplate, thinking to himself its success was now assured.
“Are you sure it is bullet-proof?” asked the Duke.
“Quite sure,” replied the man proudly. “Put it on then, and go stand in that corner.”
The man obeyed, wondering what the Duke intended next to do.
“Mr. Temple,” said Wellington to his Secretary, who was in the room, “tell the sentry outside the door to load with ball cartridge, and come here to test this breastplate.” But before the sentry had time to get the balls into his musket, the man, breastplate and all, had disappeared through the open door, never more to appear before the Duke proclaiming the merits of his invention.
There are others besides the breastplate maker, who have “inventions” of their own, which they consider of great value, but which they fear to have tested by the word of God. Religion, morality, self-righteousness, are all gloried in as things to commend sinners to God. But they will not stand the test of the “Judge of all the earth.” One day, sooner or later, they must meet Him, and there will be no “open door” through which they may escape. Nothing will stand but what is of Christ.
All who believe in Him are saved and accepted.
Dear children, will your religion, in which you trust, stand the test? Is it genuine?
“Jesus Christ of Nazareth, . . . neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:1212Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12).
ML 09/07/1924