I Never Heard Before

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Oct 31, 1911

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 38, Nos. 43, 44.

I Never Heard Before

A picture of old age in hopeless darkness is given by a China Inland missionary, in Szechuen.

"I traveled," he said, "the first day in a passenger-boat down-stream. At the small river ports we were continually taking in and dropping off passengers. Late in the afternoon an aged dame, accompanied by a youthful grandson, came on board for a few miles. Most of the passengers having dropped off, I had a quiet, blessed opportunity of telling her the way of salvation. She was white-haired, deaf, and bent, already in her eightieth year. Alas, how dark, O, so dark, was her soul, and eternity drawing nigh! When questioned about God, heaven, salvation, of life beyond the grave, in sorrow or joy, her sad answer, still ringing in my ears, was, 'I never heard before.'"

Of God, who heaven above did spread, Made this fair earth whereon I tread, Supplied my needs, my daily bread— I never heard before.

That from above a Saviour came To save me from my sin and shame, Jesus His sweet and blessed name— I never heard before.

Death was to me a dismal door To flee life's ills—to be no more! Of life beyond when death was o'er— I never heard before.

O, why should China's millions lie In heathen darkness, hopeless die? Why should this aged sinner cry, "I never heard before?" —Anon.