Many years ago a gentleman was driving through a remote village. In front of one of the houses, straw had been laid down. He learned on inquiry that the wife of the gentleman who lived there was thought to be dying, and the straw was to insure greater quiet. She would leave behind her several children, the eldest only twelve years old.
The gentleman, Mr. Alden, was deeply touched at the thought of these little ones soon to be left motherless. He could not forbear alighting from his horse and going to the door to offer his sympathy.
A few days later he returned to inquire after the invalid. To his surprise he learned that, contrary to expectation, she was slowly recovering.
During her convalescence, he was one day permitted to see her for a few minutes. The peace and joy in her countenance so impressed him that he went away firmly persuaded that she had a source of happiness which he did not possess. "They looked unto Him, and were lightened," she had said to him; but these beautiful words of Scripture conveyed no meaning to him.
Later her husband, Mr. Hall, an earnest servant of the Lord, paid a visit to Mr. Alden. He happened to be out, but his wife, a Christian, invited Mr. Hall in. He learned while there, that she was very uneasy as to Mr. Alden's state of soul, and was praying for him.
"Have you ever spoken to him about his soul?" asked Mr. Hall.
"Oh, no; it would be impossible! He is so proud. No one would venture to approach him on such a subject.”
A few days later, Mr. Hall called again to see Mr. Alden. Mr. Hall took the opportunity of asking him the simple question, "Do you know what it is to have the forgiveness of your sins?" Not wishing to give account of himself, Mr. Alden quickly changed the subject.
Weeks passed, and again the two were together. This time they were walking in Mr. Alden's beautifully landscaped garden, and admiring some new improvements. Taking advantage of a pause, Mr. Hall said, "'What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?' If the Lord Jesus were to come tonight, would you be ready to meet Him?”
Again Mr. Alden made no reply. His companion had to bid him good-by, feeling that God alone could work in his soul and cause the light of life to enter.
When Mr. Alden went into his house he said to his wife angrily: "What business has he to come talking to me about my soul? It is no affair of his. I'll do all right as I am.”
Nevertheless he was uneasy. The Word of God is quick and powerful, and at last it had reached his heart and conscience.
That night he could not sleep. His sins rose up before him and he was seized with despair at the thought of his lost condition. He dreamed that he was slipping down into hell; but at the moment when all hope seemed gone, the Lord drew near to deliver him. He saw a nail-pierced hand stretched forth to save him, and he knew that it was the Savior who had died for him. With joy he welcomed Him, and believed that his sins were forgiven. He awoke with the knowledge that Jesus had borne them on the cross. Now there was nothing left for him to do but to praise and bless the One who had shown him such grace. The night of anguish was succeeded by a morning of joy which would last through eternity.
Mr. Alden was in the habit of reading prayers every morning in the presence of his family and the servants. To their astonishment that morning they saw the dear man fall on his knees. Instead of opening the prayer book, they heard him in a voice trembling with emotion give thanks to God for saving him during the night, and forgiving his sins through the precious blood of Christ.
And now let me ask you, dear reader, what portion you have chosen, an earthly or a heavenly one? Are you satisfied to possess only the things of earth? This world is hastening on to destruction, and its fleeting pleasures can never satisfy you. But the Lord Jesus has given Himself for you, to redeem you from it. He offers you eternal love, everlasting joy, and a heavenly portion with Him in the glory. How can you refuse Him?