In a Christian home were two little children, the younger of whom was a boy scarcely a year old. This little child, like most of babes, was very fond of looking at a watch, of having it in his hands, and of hearing it tick. A servant of the Lord, who frequently visited the child’s parents, would amuse and interest the little fellow with his watch. When he took it from his pocket and held it in his hand so that the child could see it, away the little fellow would go, leaving behind all his play-things, which before had perfectly contented him, and on reaching the one who held the treasure in his hand, he would scramble up on his knee and try to get it.
When he saw the watch he did not stop to think of the pretty toys about him, and he did not cry nor mourn over leaving them. Oh! no, the beautiful watch was attracting him, and the toys were forgotten—left behind as things he had ceased to care for.
There are many young people who would like to become Christians who are not as wise as this little babe was. They see many things in the world to attract them, which they know the Lord would not be pleased to have them go on with, if they were Christians; and, their hearts being drawn by these things, they often put off the solemn and important question of their soul’s salvation, listening to Satan’s alluring lie, that it will be time enough when they are older. Thus they will reason, and go on apart from God, rather than give up what seems to them so pleasing.
If any of you, my young readers, have had such thoughts, I trust you will see that what is offered you in Christ is so much better than all these things that you have counted dear, that you will be ready at once to make the happy exchange, even as the dear little babe who left all that had pleased him for what was much more pleasing.
When you think of the wondrous love of Jesus in giving Himself for us, and of His bearing God’s judgment in our stead, is not your heart touched? If only you will accept Him as your own Saviour you will find in Him beauties and worth such as you now know nothing of. You will know Him as risen and seated at God’s right hand in glory, thinking about you and doing what is best for you. In your sorrows and trials He will be with you, for He will never leave nor forsake you; and soon He will come and take you, with all His loved people to His blessed home, there to be with Him and like Him forever.
Think of these things; then think of the world with its glittering show and its passing pleasures, followed by an eternity of woe, and say which you will choose! The paltry things of this world are as nothing compared with all the blessings and joys that are to be found in Christ, and that will last throughout eternity!
Hesitate no longer; come to Christ at once, and these blessings shall be yours. The things which now seem so bright and attractive will lose their value, and the treasures in Christ you will find to be of infinitely greater worth! A.
ML 07/22/1900