He was an expert in his day when the country blacksmith was a great necessity. Usually the master of the anvil was highly respected in his community, not only for his ability, but also for his valued opinion on general matters. In our village the smithy was a gathering point and the blacksmith himself was an interesting person.
One day when his wife was ill I called to extend sympathy and ask how she was getting along. Before long the subject of religion came up. As usual, the blacksmith soon expressed his mind by saying: "My religion is to do the best one can, and meet death bravely at the end. If a man is sincere and acts up to his belief, he has the same chance as those who make a great profession."
The words were spoken in a defiant voice and the man's visage was anything but pleasant as he uttered them.
His wife had been converted and was well thought of in the village, but her husband was no lover of the gospel or its preachers. That was no great wonder, nor is it always a hopeless sign. Men are often most violent in their opposition to God when their consciences are ill at ease about sin. I saw it would do no good to argue, so I merely said, "I could not meet death bravely, if I had no better ground to stand on than that I have done my best. Thank God, I am able to look forward to it without fear because Jesus Christ did "His best" for me, and in Him alone I stand." I said no more, and he turned away and resumed his work in silence.
On the following Sunday night, to my astonishment he was at the meeting seated beside his wife. For many nights thereafter he was present. On the last Sunday of the year he came forward before leaving, and in a voice trembling with emotion said, "I have lost my old religion, sir. I have trusted in Christ, who did His best for me."
Since then time has proved him to be truly saved, and his testimony to his self-righteous neighbors is, "Do not trust in your religion, or in your sincerity. Throw everything to the winds, and trust in Jesus Christ who saves sinners."
If you are one who believes as the old blacksmith did, I warn you plainly that such religion will never take you to heaven. It may do very well in the eye of man, in the place of business, or in the streets. But it will never comfort you. It will never satisfy your conscience. It will never save your soul. It will never take you to glory. It will be utterly useless in eternity. The door is open to all; the invitation is to "whosoever will," and the testimony of the Son of God is, "By Me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved." John 10:99I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (John 10:9).