Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-10-23
A Matter of Life and Death.

Not many years ago there lived in a large
city in Holland Jewish doctor who, like
Paul, had lived Pharisee. Like Paul. too,
he had been by the Holy Spirit turned
from darkness unto light and from the
power of Satan to God; and like Paul, his
hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel
was that they might be saved.
With this object the doctor went day
after day into the part of the city inhabited
by the lowest class of Jews, and from house
to house did he preach and teach Jesus
Christ. In reaching this suburb he had to
pass the magnificent house of rich Jewish
merchant, who had a house of business also
in mercantile part of the city.
1t had often happened to the doctor to
pass this house; but it was not until he had
done so many times that new thought
struck him. Why was it that he was ready
TO 90 day after day and speak of the Lord
Jesus to the poor Jews in the back streets,
and yet he had never felt how accountable
he was to God for making Christ known to
the rich jew in the great house The doc
tor was not one of those who could assent to
a matter as being right, without at once
proceeding to act upon his conviction.
He knew that the merchant was often en-
gagged in the city till late hour, aud he
therefore determined to call upon him one
evening at about ten o'clock, thinking that
by that time he would be sure to find him
at home. ile was surprised at being at
once admitted and shown up stairs, just as
though he had been expected. But this
was explained when he was ushered sud
denly into large ball room, already filled
with company. The music was playing aud
the dancing had begun. The appearance of
the little doctor, so unlike the rest of the
company, caused many eyes to be fixed upon
him. He at once made out the master Of
tire house. and, advancing towards him,
apologized for his untimey visit.
81 was not aware said he, that you
were engaged this evening, but as | have
called upon matter of great Importance,
would ask if you would kindly appoint "A
time when may call again without incon-
venience to YOU"
Certainly" replied the merchant. "May
| ask if the business is pressing ?"
1t is matter of life aud death, replied
the doctor. 9" will call again at your ear
lest convenience
"Allow me to ask one more question,
said the merchant. "Whom does the busi
ness concern ~
Z" 1t concerns the Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus
of Nazareth replied the honest doctor
at is concerning him, and him only, that
came to speak to you, and | am glad that
you will kindly allow me the opportunity OF
doing so another day."
" Stay" said the merchant, with a strange
expression of JOY and astonishmeut. "This
is wonderful" he continued, now speaking
so as to be heard by the doctor only. "My
friend, | have been miserable for many
months past How or why know not but
one thought has continually haunted me by
day and by night. Whether in business OF
at home it has never been absent from my
mind | have tried to put 1t from me, but
| could not. 1t is thought which left mt
no peace, and it was this, Who and wha
was Jesus of Nazareth ? | have asked Goo
in his mercy to help me, and to send m'
some one who could speak to me, and tel
me the truth about this great question
Now he has heard my prayer. | cannot LEI
you go. There is no time like the present.
Then calling the music to stop the mer
chant addressed his astonished visitors
This gentleman" he said, Z" has kindly
come to speak to us on matter of grea
importance-a matter iu which each one o
us is personally concerned May ask yoi
to take your seats, and to give him your at
tention And you, dear sir" he said to tn,
doctor, "will you now speak fully anC
plainly. Tell us all you have to say, anC
keep back nothing"
Aud at once, standing in the middle o
the ballroom, the doctor began to preacl
that wonderful gospel of God concerning hi
Son, which isindeed the power of God unit
salvation to every one that believeth
1t was not long after this memorable even
ing that the merchant made public con
tession of Christ, and remained a consisten
believer, helping forward the gospel he ha'
once blasphemed. | can not now remembe
whether others in the ballroom also received
the truth Into their hearts. 1t is my i'm
preston that some of them did but as thi
story is strictly true, it is well to add moth
ing which is on doubtful authority.
And now, reader, what are your thought
of it Was the earnest doctor wrong, o
right, in his characterizing this as a matte
of life aud death ? And if it was so 70
this man and his guests, what is it for you
- Word Of Life.