SADLY altered was the poor, worn-out body, pillowed in an easy-chair, but his spirit rejoicing in his much-loved Lord. He said: “Two months ago, when I felt this sickness was unto death, I asked Him to reveal Himself to me in increased loveliness and nearness. He did; He filled me with Himself―I know the blood has done its blessed, blessed work for my soul; it is His love, His beauty, His perfection, that fills my heart and vision.” He then spoke of feeling a little better that day. “But, ah! that is no pleasure to me.”
Then, clasping his dear, thin hands together, he said, while tears flowed down his face: “My precious Lord Jesus, Thou knowest how fully I can say with Paul, ‘To depart and be with thee is far better!’ Oh, how far better! I do long for it! They come and talk to me of a crown of glory―I bid them cease; of the glory of heaven―I bid them stop. I am not wanting crowns―I have HIMSELF! HIMSELF! I am going to be with HIMSELF! Ah! with the Man of Sychar: with Him who stayed to call Zaccheus: with the Man of the eighth of John; with the Man who hung upon the cross; with the Man who died! Oh to be with Him before the glories, the crowns, or the kingdom appear! It’s wonderful―wonderful! ―with the Man of Sychar alone; the Man of the gate of the city of Nain; and I am going to be with Him forever― exchange this sad, sad scene, which cast Him out, for His presence. Oh! the Man of Sychar!”
Dear reader, will you be entreated to seriously consider where you will spend eternity; it is perfect folly to put the question from you. You know well death is gaining fast upon you; every tick of your watch, or the clock on your mantel-shelf brings you nearer, and nearer, eternity. Are you going to cross the line unprepared? You may be rich in this world’s goods, or poor as regards them, but neither your riches or your poverty need keep you from Christ. “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:3737All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37)). If you are a skeptic, yet perhaps at one time were a professor, or a Sunday school teacher, and have been tempted to read infidel books, and your mind has been poisoned—bring your hard questions to Christ, as the Queen of Sheba did to Solomon (1 Kings 10). He will solve them all. Again, remember He says, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” A. H.