WHILE out walking, I met an old man. He sat on a seat reading the newspaper. His face bore an unsatisfied, unhappy look. I went up to him and politely offered him a tract. He looked at it and shook his head.
“Please take this leaflet”, I said; “it speaks of Jesus and of the way in which man can be happy forever.”
“No,” he replied in an abrupt and sharp tone, “I don’t wish it.”
Ah, there was no heart for Christ; no love for His blessed person. The name of Jesus had no sweet sound for the ear of that old man. Saddened, I went further along. In a few minutes, I met another old man with snow white hair. He appeared to be ill and feeble, for he went on crutches and seemed to be suffering. To him I offered the despised tract, and behold, he not only took it, but said with a joyful voice:
“You serve a good Master.”
“Do you know my Master?” I asked.
“Do I know Him?” cried out the old man, a tear rolling down his wan cheeks. “Yes, thank God, I have known Him for fifty years. When I was still a youth, I took Him as my Friend and have never regretted it. He is a good Master and the best Friend that heaven and earth can give.”
“Then do you find Jesus precious also in your old age?” I asked.
“O yes; very precious,” he replied. “He is beside me in my old feeble days, He never forsakes me, and very soon I shall be with Him.”
It was a joy to look on that dear old face on which old age and sickness had carved deep furrows, but which beamed with heavenly brightness. We parted with a hearty hand shake and the words; “We’ll meet again, above!”
Which of these two men do you resemble, my dear reader? Would you not like to be as that worthy old man, who was so happy even in sickness, and on the brink of the grave? If you would, then do as he did, and take Jesus now as your Friend. Truly, you also will never regret it.
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” Ps. 32: 1.
ML 06/23/1912