Many years ago in the wilds of the Everglades, there lived an aged Indian. When some of the Lord's servants, whose hearts were zealous for the salvation of souls, went to that place to tell of redeeming love, this old man came with the others to hear the Word. His younger days had been spent in plundering and warfare, and he knew nothing of the comfort of the gospel.
The Spirit of God used the Word to work deep conviction of sin in his soul. He realized the wickedness of his way and wondered how he could find forgiveness. One day in great distress he stole quietly from his home in the great swamp. He came to the cabin occupied by the missionary, and, knocking at the door, asked to speak to the servant of Christ. In his own simple way he told how sad he was because of his sins. He wondered if the great God would have mercy on such a sinner as he was.
It is always a delight to a true Christian to point a weary sinner to the Savior. More especially is this so in those lonely places where the gospel is seldom heard.
The missionary sat down by the door, the aged Indian squatting by his side. Opening his Bible the Christian read: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16).
These tender words telling of God's love for all the world and of Christ's death for sinners he repeated slowly several times. The Indian listened attentively. After a moment of silence he rose slowly and walked away in deep thought.
He came again the following day, and heard the same words. The third day a bright smile was on his weathered countenance; and, as he took his seat by the door, the missionary asked: "How is it now?”
The aged Indian replied: "Happy, happy now: sins all gone." Then laying his hand on his heart, he said: "Peace; peace.”
Anxious to know on what he was resting, the missionary asked, "How do you know?”
"You read in Book, God love me, give His Son for me. Then take and beat, beat, beat Him, to save poor Indian.”
He had rested where every weary sinner must—in the death of Christ. As his changed life and ways soon made plain, the aged Indian had been won by divine love.