He was a fine, strapping young fellow, and he listened with interest while the sweet gospel story was preached. Afterward he asked to see the preacher.
"I have not been such a bad sort," he said as he opened the conversation.
"I must admit one slip, though—I got into trouble with the police; but if you ever come to my home I can show you a pile of reward books which I received for regular attendance and good conduct at Sunday school! Then I went to Bible class, and later attended chapel.”
"How old are you?" inquired the preacher.
"Twenty-three years of age," he replied.
"Now, listen," said the preacher. "You will admit that few days have passed that you have not had a foolish thought?”
"Yes.”
"God's Word says: 'The thought of foolishness is sin." Prov. 24:9.
"You have also uttered silly words?”
"Yes, I surely have.”
"And the Lord Jesus Christ said, 'That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.'" Matt. 12:36.
"You have likewise committed naughty acts?" "Yes, I'm sorry to say.”
"The Scriptures tell us: 'We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.' 2 Cor. 5:10.
"Now you have admitted three sins a day; this means that on the lowest average you have committed no less than one thousand a year. So that, on your own confession, you stand convicted of twenty-three thousand sins.”
"I had not thought of that," said the young man. His face assumed a very serious expression as he asked: "What can I do, sir?”
"You can do nothing," said the preacher. "I can only give you God's Word that you must take a sinner's place and claim the sinner's Savior. Then you may be assured that 'the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.'" 1 John 1:7.
In simplicity the plan of salvation was unfolded: God's great love, the Lord Jesus Christ's precious death, and the priceless value of the soul-cleansing blood. The Holy Spirit applied the Word, and there and then that convicted sinner trusted the Savior, and rejoiced in the happy knowledge of sins forgiven.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23.