There was a time of spiritual awakening in a small manufacturing town. The foreman in a department of one of the factories became anxious about his soul.
He was directed to Christ as the sinner's only refuge by many, and by his own employer among the rest, but it seemed to be without result. At last his employer thought of a way to reach his conscience and to bring him to see the sincerity of God's gospel. He wrote a note asking his foreman to come to his office at six o'clock after he left his work.
He came promptly with the letter in his hand. As he entered the room, his employer inquired, "Do you wish to see me, James?”
James was confounded. Holding up the note requesting him to come, he said: "The letter! The letter!”
"Oh," said his employer, "I see you believed that I wanted to see you. When I sent you the message you came at the appointed time.”
"Surely, sir! Surely, sir!" replied James.
"Well, here is another letter sending for you by One equally in earnest." The employer held up a slip of paper with some verses of Scripture written on it. James took the paper and began to read slowly: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28).
His lips quivered; his' eyes filled with tears; he stood for a few moments, not knowing what to do. At length he inquired: "Am I to believe that in just the same way I believed your letter?"
This expedient was owned of God in setting James at liberty. He became a happy believer that very night and has continued to go on his way rejoicing in God his Savior.
Reader, if you are anxious about your salvation, believe God when He speaks to you in His Word. You would credit the word of an honorable man. Will you not trust the One who died to save you?