Some years ago a young Frenchman went to London to consult Dr. Forbes Winslow, the elder. He was an eminent pathologist in diseases of the mind. The sick man brought with him letters of introduction from leading Frenchmen soliciting Dr. Winslow's best skill and attention in his case.
He presented his letters and the doctor inquired, "What is your trouble?"
The young man replied, "Dr. Winslow, I cannot sleep. I have not had a good night's sleep for two years, and unless something is done for me, I shall go insane."
Dr. Winslow inquired, "Why can't you sleep?" The young man replied, "I can't tell you."
"Have you lost any money?"
"No, I have lost no money."
"Have you lost friends?"
"No."
"Have you suffered in honor or reputation?"
"Not that I know of."
"Well, then," said the doctor, "why can't you sleep?"
The young man replied, "I would rather not tell you."
"Well," said Dr. Winslow, "if you don't tell me I can't help you."
"Well," he replied, "if I must tell you I will. I am an infidel; my father was an infidel before me. Yet, in spite of the fact that I am an infidel, and my father was an infidel, every night when I lie down to sleep I am confronted with the question, 'Eternity! and where shall I spend it?' All night that question rings in my ears: 'Eternity, and where shall I spend it?' If I succeed in dropping off to sleep my dreams are worse than my waking hours; and I start from my sleep again, trembling and full of dread."
Dr. Winslow replied, "I can't do anything for you."
"What!" exclaimed the young Frenchman in alarm. "Do you mean to tell me that my case is hopeless? Have I come all the way from Paris only to have my hopes dashed to the ground?"
Dr. Winslow repeated: "I can do nothing for you, but I can tell you of a Physician who can."
He walked across his study, picked up his Bible lying on a table, opened it at Isaiah 53:55But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5) and 6, and read: "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all."
Looking at the Frenchmen he said: "That is the only Physician in the world that can help you."
A scornful smile curled the Frenchman's lips. He said: "Dr. Winslow, do you mean to tell me that you, an eminent scientist, believe in that worn-out superstition of the Bible and Christianity?"
"Yes," replied the doctor. "I believe the Bible. I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Believing in the Bible and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ has saved me from what you are today."
The young man was startled. He decided that he must think on these things. After a moment he questioned, "Dr. Winslow, if I am honest with myself I ought at least to be willing to consider this, ought not?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, will you explain it to me?"
Then the eminent physician became a physician of souls. For several consecutive days he sat down with the open Bible, and explained the way of life to the young man.
At last light broke through the darkness. He saw Christ as the divine Son of God atoning for sin. He accepted Him as Savior and trusted in His shed blood as payment for all his iniquities. Now the thought of eternity, which hitherto had filled him with sickening dread, was a source of pleasure and delight as he contemplated the joys of being forever with the Lord in the glory of the Father. "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." Psa. 4:88I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8).
Yes, the patient could sleep. Resting in the finished work of Christ he was not long in regaining his health; but above all these blessings, he returned to Paris a believer in Christ Jesus—a saved man.
Unsaved friend, ask yourself the question: "Eternity is at hand; and where shall I spend it?
What a tremendous question! We all need the great Physician. It is only at Calvary that you will find Him and receive the blessing you need, if ever you are to spend a blissful eternity. The matter is urgent. Life is uncertain. Only you yourself can decide in this matter.