Called of God

Tuus far God had led Sundar by a way he knew not, and it seemed only to lead him into blacker night. Having studied line by line all the religions he knew, having heard from the lips of many religious teachers all they had to tell, and in spite of all still experiencing a deeper and more unsatisfied longing for the shanti he believed possible, Sundar was led by God to see that in none of these things could he find what he sought. In the silent sanctuary of his own heart came the thought at last, that perhaps in the despised book he had so furiously destroyed there might be some help, and so he yet again took the Testament in hand. Torn with anguish and driven to despair he read there, “ Come unto Me... and I will give you rest.” The words arrested him, and as he continued. to read the story of the cross the wonder grew. No longer did he join with His class-mates in their open abuse of the Christian religion. Sometimes he was discovered in quiet converse with the Christian teacher. Eventually these things were noticed and duly reported to his parents, but his father took little notice, for the boy had been well grounded in the Sikh religion by his devout. mother, and was imbued with its beliefs.

But the Jeaven of the Gospel had entered his heart, and as he read, “ God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life,” a whisper of comfort came to his sore heart. But still the burden of anguish prevented him finding rest. At last he felt he must put an end to the struggle. So one night he made a firm resolve that he would obtain peace before dawn— either in this world or the next. He knew that at five o’clock each morning the Ludhiana express passed at the bottom of his father’s garden, and to end his misery seemed no sin to the Hindu boy.

» In Hindu fashion he bathed, and with Testament in hand he retired to his room to spend the long night in reading, meditation and prayer. Just before dawn’

Sundar became conscious of a bright cloud filling the room, and in the cloud he saw the radiant figure and face of Christ. As he looked upon the vision it seemed to him that Christ spoke saying, “ Why do you oppose Me? Iam your Saviour. I died on the cross for you.” His determined enmity was broken down for ever as he looked upon that Face so filled with Divine love and pity, and with conviction came a sublime sense of forgiveness and acceptance with Christ. At that moment there flashed into his heart the great shanti he had sought so long. Rising from his knees the vision faded, but from that hour Christ has remained with him, and shanti has been his dearest possession. With a heart brimming over with joy Sundar went to his father’s room and told him that he was a Christian. Unable to believe that his son could be in earnest, the father urged him to go to rest, and believing all was right he fell asleep again. But that memorable night the thorncrowned Jesus had called Sundar Singh to follow in His steps, and from that night the cross of Jesus was to be his joyous theme, until that cross shall lift him into the presence of his Saviour for evermore.