In a seaman's Bethel, to which many a weary mariner turns to hear the gospel when on shore, there was a meeting held one Sunday evening. One after another of the village fishermen told in simple language what the Lord had done for his soul, and how the gospel believed and Christ received had brought pardon and peace to his heart.
An old tar, who had sailed to many a clime, and who had seen life on many shores, had turned in for an hour that evening. He was due to sail next morning on what well might be his last voyage.
As the old sailor listened to the testimony of these godly seafaring men, the Spirit's power produced a wonderful effect in that man's soul.
In his early years he had been a religious man, and had taken part, as he said, in "Christian work"; but like many others who are busily engaged in the outward forms of what is called "religion," he had neither known God's salvation nor felt his need of a Savior. Profession of such a sort serves well for fair weather. Indeed it may last for a lifetime where it is not exposed to the blast of the world's temptation; but, as a rule, those who have only profession without Christ lose it and lapse into utter indifference when they go out into the world.
It had been so with this sailor. When the test came, he had found his own religion a sham. Then he concluded that everybody who professed Christianity was also a hypocrite. Now the simple testimonies of these converted seafarers in the Bethel that night awoke his conscience and set the man's heart longing to have what they possessed.
He stood up, and with unwonted tears and broken heart, he asked to be prayed for. With right good will his mates went on their knees before the throne of grace and many prayers ascended for him. Then one spoke to him of Christ and His power to save, reading and repeating the verse, "He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him." Heb. 7:25.
God owned His Word, and the old sailor went away rejoicing in the Lord's salvation.
Over a year passed, and again he appeared in the Bethel. This time he too could tell how Christ had saved and kept him all the way.
Friend, Jesus is "able to save"; and if you yield yourself to Him, He will save your precious soul for all eternity.