“Oh, sir!” exclaimed Andrew, “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. He saved the thief on the cross, He saved the jailor at Philippi. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. He says, ‘Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow, though they be red like crimson they shall be as wool.’”
This was said while they were stopping to take their mid-day meal.
The old captain raised himself up and grasped Andrew’s hand.
“Do you really speak the truth to me?” he exclaimed.
“I repeat what God says, sir, and He cannot lie,” answered Andrew. “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”
“I do, I do,” cried the old man. “But oh! what would I now give had I known this in my youth. What years of wickedness and misery it would have saved me.”
“Ah, sir! there are thousands upon thousands who may say that,” replied Andrew. “Archy, you hear the captain’s words. Don’t forget them, boy. If God in His mercy allows you to return home in safety, repeat them to your young companions, and urge them to ‘seek the Lord while He may be found.’ You may thus render them a service for which they will have cause to thank you through eternity.”
“I will try,” said Archy humbly, “but it is difficult to speak to others.”
“Pray for the aid of God’s Holy Spirit, and He will enable you to do it,” said Andrew.
“I will try,” repeated Archy, for he had discovered his own weakness. Through that discovery alone can strength be obtained.