“MINE was a remarkable conversion," said an old Christian, ninety-one years of age, and all but, blind, to one who was recently visiting him.
“How did it occur?”
“Well, I was working with others in Deptford Dockyard some sixty-two years ago, when one of my fellow-workmen, who was busy with some logs of wood, began to hum some lines of an old hymn. Seeing how happy he was, I told him how troubled I was in my soul. He sought to help me, saying," The Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, did He not?”
“Ah, yes, I know that,” I replied;" I've known it ever since I was a child, but I can't get at it right.”
Finding he was really in earnest about his state, the other went off to one of his mates, who was also a Christian, and repeated to him what had occurred. Coming up to him, and seeing how troubled he was, the latter repeated the other's words, that the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, to which he received a similar reply. But seeing his difficulty was not yet met, he added simply, "What more do, on want?”
This was used of God to break the spell. In a moment the light flashed into P.'s soul. He saw that Christ had not only come to save sinners, but also that he was one whom He came to save; and he knew that he was saved. "Sixty-two years ago," said the old man, and the poor, all but sightless face of ninety-one beamed with joy. "What more do you want?" What more, indeed?
What a reality true conversion is! There is much that is spurious around, but when God brings a soul out of darkness into light, it is a real and lasting work, an eternal one.
“What more do you want?" One would think that many want a great deal more, to judge by the way they go on. Human plans and devices to meet soul distress abound on all hands. The amount of religious machinery to put the fallen guilty sons of Adam right with God is extraordinary. God's way is simple enough for a little child. His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, came into the world to save sinners. To this end He bore the judgment of sin on the cross, and died. God was glorified in Him, and raised Him from the dead. As a Savior for all He is seated now in glory at His right hand. Can you, dear reader, say from the heart, like this poor old pilgrim of ninety-one: He came to save me, He is my Savior? If not, "What more do you want?”
There are a thousand and one things to learn about the Savior afterward, for there is an inexhaustible store of spiritual treasure to be found in Him; but this one thing is all you need to escape all the consequences of the fall and of your guilt, and to be sure of heavenly glory with your Savior when He returns.
Our old friend had not only believed on Him, but had followed Him. Joy filled his soul as he poured out thought after thought about the Lord, His love, His grace, His goodness. He was longing for the moment when he should see Him face to face, and rejoiced to speak of Him by the way. Reader, what do you want more?
E. H. C.