No. 1.
A YOUNG lady, the daughter of worldly and wealthy parents, was induced by a Christian friend to accompany her to a prayer-meeting, and while there God’s Spirit convicted her of sin, and she returned home deeply anxious about her soul. Her parents were dismayed at what they termed her folly, and for a time they tried in vain to induce her to return to the gay assemblies in which she used to find so much pleasure. At last, by promising to buy her the finest dress in the city, they induced her to attend one more ball—only one. She went—and returned home again without one desire to be saved.
It had been a cold night in winter, and being thinly attired she caught cold, which ended in fatal illness. A short time before she died she asked that her ball dress might be brought to her bedroom. It was brought, and, turning to her weeping parents, she said, “Father, mother, do you see that dress? It is the price of my soul; by its purchase you bribed me to go back into the world, and now I am dying, and I am lost.”
Let us draw a curtain over that painful scene. Wealth and luxury were there and every comfort that this world could give, but it was a Christless household, and from it a Christless soul was passing out into eternity—out into the darkness forever.
You agree with me that this is a dark picture. It is, but it is a true one; and it will as certainly be true of you if you die unsaved. Turn with me to picture No. 2, but ere you do so ask yourself this question—Where shall I go when I leave this world and pass out into Eternity?
No. 2.
Maggie was a member of our own Bible class, and had been converted at an early age.
Her quiet consistent character, both at home and in the workshop, made it manifest to all that she was on the Lord’s side, and those who came in contact with her soon learned that Maggie was a Christian. Sought and found herself, she sought others, and I well remember how she longed to see her brother Alec saved too.
Life was full of promise. Her hand and heart were solicited and won by one whom she both loved and respected, and the two young hearts looked forward soon to have a place for themselves, which they could call “Home.” But a brighter Home had been prepared for her by Another. At the age of twenty-one she developed a complicated chest affection, and a serious operation at the Royal Infirmary was the result. After a short rally her strength declined, and her widowed mother and weeping friends saw in a short time she must leave them forever.
Just twelve years ago, one cold day in the month of December, I stood beside her bedside for the last time. The fair hair had all been cut away from the fevered brow; her pale face was lined with suffering and pain; but over all was a beautiful expression of peace which I shall never forget.
I bent down and whispered, “Maggie, on what are you resting for Eternity?” The heavy eyelids slowly unclosed, and in broken words came the answer—the last words she ever spoke to me “I—am—resting—in—His—love.”
A few days afterward she was safe in the Happy Home above.
It was the last time I saw her on earth, but I know I shall meet her in the Gloryland. Shall I meet you there?
This story has been written, and this paper placed in your hands, dear young friend, with the prayer that you also may get ready. Youth will not always last. Time is flying. Death is busy.
ARE YOU READY TO MEET GOD?
Decide now, I pray you, and you will find in the Lord Jesus everything worth having. He gives peace for the conscience, and joy for the heart; a life of sweet fellowship may be your portion down here, and then the glad joy of all Eternity in His presence.
L. L.
A MAN can no more run from his own shadow than he can get away from the fact that HE MUST MEET GOD!
ART. C.