Alfred was the son of Christian parents. During his early childhood he had been taught the Word of God and brought up in the fear of the Lord. In his college days he became acquainted with a student who professed himself to be an agnostic, and much to the grief of his friends, Alfred soon became an avowed unbeliever.
After his graduation our young friend took up the study of medicine, and in due time he became a skilled and popular physician. But his heart was cold toward things eternal.
Twenty years Alfred spent in this condition. However, he experienced many a misgiving. This was especially true when he remembered the godly lives of his parents, or heard the dying testimony of some of his patients as they entered the world beyond in peace, confessing their faith in Christ and their certainty of being in heaven.
Late one afternoon the talented doctor was called to see a patient, a humble working man, but saved by grace and bound for glory.
"Tell me my true condition, Doctor; do not hide it from me. I have no fear of death, no dread of the future—all is bright ahead. Forty years ago I came as a sinner to Jesus; He saved me and has kept me happy in His love ever since. It will be the grandest day of my life when He sends for me to dwell with Him."
The doctor was touched by his patient's statement. It was not the wanderings of a lunatic. It was not the day-dream of a visionary. It was the calm, sober statement of a man of faith waiting on the border-land for the appointed hour that would usher him into the presence of his God.
The doctor examined his patient, and, contrary to his usual habit, he told the whole truth: "You may live a day, or you may go within an hour."
"Bless the Lord," was the calm reply. "Open up the blinds; bring in the boys; tell the men in the factory to come in. I want to spend my last breath in telling them of Jesus."
The doctor hastened away. He could stand it no longer. He hurried along, and in fifteen minutes was in his office alone with God.
"There is a reality in being saved after all," he said to himself. "My mother used to tell me so. That dying man knows it, and has the power of it in him. Of that there need be no doubt."
A terrible struggle followed. Pride asserted its rule. The devil put forth his claim. For weeks the doctor was not "at home." Another filled his appointments. And when he returned to his practice he was a different man—a man saved by God's almighty grace: calm in spirit, gentle as a child. In the days of his absence he had met with God, met Him at the Cross, where as a sinner he cast himself on His sovereign mercy, claiming forgiveness and salvation through the merits of Jesus alone. He fearlessly confessed his Lord, and for many a year testified by his life and lip to His saving power. He took his place before men as a follower of the rejected Christ, owning Him as his Savior and Lord.
His townsmen, who had so well known his agnostic principles, stood in wonder. His conversion became the talk of the town. All this was trying to bear, but it served the divine purpose for which it had been allowed in weaning him from the world, and showing him his place as a stranger here, rejected by the world as was his Lord. Grace triumphed, and for many years the doctor witnessed a good confession, and guided many a sick and dying sinner to the Lamb of God.
There is a reality in being saved! Do you know it? If not, you may! Just receive the Lord Jesus as your own Savior NOW.
"Christ died for the ungodly." Rom. 5:6.
"This Man receiveth sinners." Luke 15:2.