A colporteur, one who sells or gives away Christian literature, was traveling in Brazil. His mule was laden with his precious books, many of which had been given into eager hands that day. The shades of night were beginning to fall, and he was very tired. When he saw in the distance a company of merchants who had stopped to camp for the night, he approached them and asked if he might make camp with them. They readily agreed and invited him to share their evening meal by the fire.
As they sat around the cheerful blaze after their frugal repast, the colporteur drew a Bible from his pocket and asked if they would allow him to read to them. They gladly consented, and he read several portions. Then a lively conversation ensued concerning the things he had read from the Book of books.
They were on the point of settling down for the night when the sound of galloping hoofs was heard in the evening stillness. Very soon a well-dressed stranger rode up and alighted from his horse. He also begged leave to share their camp. One of the merchants showed him a place, and the newcomer seated himself by the fire.
During the conversation which followed, the stranger spoke with deep emotion of his troubles. He had just lost his wife and was feeling very lonely. A remark by our friend the colporteur brought out the admission from the stranger that he knew nothing of salvation but that he wished he had it.
"Is it not strange," he added, "that a man must make so many sacrifices for his own salvation and that of his dear ones, and still never knows at any time if they are sufficient?”
"Well," said one of the merchants, "this man's Book tells of an altogether different way of getting salvation." He pointed to our friend who still held his Bible in his hands.
"And what Book is that?" asked the stranger, greatly interested.
"It is the Word of God," replied the colporteur. "Although it is getting late, I should like to read you a few passages, if you will permit me.”
The stranger listened intently. He heard with great surprise that it is not with silver, nor with gold, that we are redeemed, but with the precious blood of Christ. How amazing to him to be told that he could have the salvation he desired freely, without money! It seemed too simple that all he need do, according to God's Word, was: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31).
The man seemed dumfounded to hear such good news. It was so different from all he had ever been told before. At last he begged the colporteur to give him the Book from which he had been reading; and a little later the weary travelers were all asleep. The next morning they parted company, all going their several ways.
It was many months before the colporteur returned to that district. In the meantime a retired sea captain had bought a property in the area. Every day at a stated hour he gathered his family, his servants and his neighbors in his house and read to them the sacred Scriptures. The colporteur went to the house and recognized in the owner of the estate the stranger who had received the Bible that night by the campfire. God in His mercy had led that man to Jesus Christ, and in Him he had found the salvation and peace for which he had longed.
Have you, dear reader, found this salvation and this peace?