SUCH was the rejoinder given when, one day seated in his shop, Mr. B. put to his friend Mr. O. the important question, whether he had anything to rest upon for eternity. O. had grown old in the fulfillment of his arduous and perplexing duties as commercial traveler. Habituated to “pushing trade,” and avoiding what would interfere with this object, he was unknown to many of his acquaintances as a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Mr. B. had known him for several years, often felt desirous of speaking to him of the Lord and His salvation, and this day he found his opportunity. O. had called, as usual, to solicit an order; and while discussing the depressed state of business throughout the country, the conversation soon turned upon the sudden death of the leading partner of a well-known firm in the city, B., T., & Co.
O. remarked, “I suppose that is how it will be with myself one of these days.” B. seized the coveted opportunity, and inquired as to how his friend stood with God, in terms already alluded to. O.’s whole bearing changed, the clouds disappeared; the gloom begotten by depressed business, death, and kindred reflections, gave place to brightness and joy, as he replied, “Yes, at perfect rest, ―perfect rest, trusting in Christ.”
And, O dear reader, what rest! Rest for time, rest for eternity. Rest in view of “judgment to come,” ―yea, “boldness.” Rest of conscience through the blood-shedding of Christ; rest of heart in the Person of Christ, the all-satisfying Portion of the redeemed throughout eternity. This rest He offers unto all. Hear His word: ― “Come unto me, and I will give you rest.” He died to secure it for us as a gift, ―died to satisfy the requirements of divine justice when nothing else, nothing less, could suffice. Say, have you profited by that death? Have you found out your need of it? Do you not find yourself ill at ease at the thought of meeting God? Rest you may have, in believing that Jesus bare your “sins in his own body on the tree.”
“God will not payment twice demand, ―
First at my bleeding Surety’s hand,
And then again at mine.”
Wonderful to say, O.’s words were almost prophetic, as the sequel proved. In a few days after this conversation, a circular reached B. to say that “in consequence of the sudden death of their traveler, Mr. O., his son, had been appointed to fill his place” in behalf of the firm.
Sudden deaths may be regarded as of infrequent occurrence, but they do occur; and what unwisdom it is to risk one’s eternal interests for the gratification of the heart’s lusts, hoping and supposing one may not be thus summoned into the presence of a holy, sin-hating God!
God is Love; and that blessed God thus pleads with all and each: ― “Come Now, and let us reason together. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
May the reader hearken, and accept this invitation from God, as the expression of that saving love in which the most guilty may confide.
J. K.