He was an earnest young man, morally upright in his ways. Nevertheless a day came in his life when the shadow of eternity crossed his path and he became utterly miserable. He saw how unfit he was to stand before a holy God, and his soul was full of deep concern.
In this condition he walked the streets of the city one Sunday, stopping now and then to listen to speakers at various open-air meetings.
As he stood listening at one of these, the speaker quoted largely from the Old Testament Scriptures, and urged his hearers to read and keep the Ten Commandments. This hungry soul listened, seeking for something to soothe his troubled conscience.
After the meeting was over the preacher spoke to him and succeeded in persuading him to join them. In his zeal he gave much money and did all he could to help the cause; but the relief his soul craved he did not find. Most earnestly he strove to keep the Sabbath and live up to the requirements of the law, but with poor success.
As he read and re-read these words he was filled with dismay. Appalling thought! "Instead of getting the longed-for blessing, I'm under a curse, for I fail in every count.”
In despair he again walked the city streets. He listened again to a preacher, and this time he heard those glorious words uttered, "It is finished." The speaker, out of a heart filled with the love of Christ, presented that wonderful transaction which was accomplished on Calvary's cross. With earnest, loving words he urged upon his hearers to rest only and wholly upon Christ and His shed blood, upon Him who "bare our sins in His own body on the tree.”
These words, brought home by the power of the Spirit of God, were like cold water to a thirsty soul. The weary one eagerly drank in the message. Before leaving that street corner he had entered into the meaning of those precious, precious words, "It is finished." He rejoiced in the thought of the One who had finished that work of redemption and was now crowned with glory at God's right hand. Now he saw that he was free from the curse, and had obtained the blessing of God which maketh rich. Light and joy filled his soul. Instead of being in bondage, he was brought to know the glorious liberty of the children of God.