While in Williamsburg, Virginia some years ago, we spied a very old gentleman seated on the stone steps of a monument. He could not but attract attention, since with his tall hat and flowing white beard he was the perfect picture of the traditional "Uncle Sam."
I made my way towards him, and after a few words of greeting I was soon seated beside him. He was indeed a very old man, nearly a hundred years of age, as he told me. In spite of his great age, he was clean and neat in appearance and alert. He maintained a quiet demeanor, and was most polite in conversation.
We spoke of the considerable work that had been done in transforming the city into a replica of early American life. "But," I said, "there is one thing which gives an air of unreality to the whole undertaking. The great actors in the drama of life here have disappeared from the stage, and where are they today? Their graves are scattered over the countryside. Some have had monuments erected to them; but, for most of them, only pictures and history books keep their names alive. Many are 'forgotten as a dead man out of mind.' " (Psa. 31:1212I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel. (Psalm 31:12)).
"Our thoughts and feelings on this subject are aptly set out in the Bible, in the book of Job, chapter 14, where we read: 'But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and WHERE IS HE?' Job also asked the question, 'If a man die shall he live again?' The answers to Job's questions are given by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself in John 5:
“‘The dead shall hear the voice of the Son of
God: and they that hear shall live... and shall
come forth; they that have done good, unto the
resurrection of life; and they that have done
evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.'
It soon became apparent that my aged friend was a stranger to the God of grace, and the salvation which it brings. I therefore sought to put before him the "Ruin and Remedy" gospel of God's grace, briefly given to us in Hebrews 9:27, 2827And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:27‑28), which we quote: "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so CHRIST was once offered to bear the sins of many."
Concluding, I said, "But the sad thing is that while many know this gospel, the words of Jesus are true of them, 'Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life.' " John 5:4040And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (John 5:40).
On hearing these words my friend became suddenly animated and with great deliberation said, "Ah! That's the whole question!"
It is indeed the solemn and "whole question" for men and women today. On the answer hangs an eternity of bliss or misery. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31).
In taking leave of the old man I earnestly pleaded that he would no longer put off coming to the Savior. I pointed out to him God's great goodness in lengthening his days so he might have ample opportunity to receive Him. As we shook hands I added that I would not likely see him again in this world; but if he would come to Jesus, it would indeed be a great joy for me to meet him in heaven.
Friend who may read these lines, is your case akin to that described in this narrative? Is it true of you that "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved"? Jer. 8:2020The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. (Jeremiah 8:20).