We Cannot but Indulge the Hope that God Will Save Us
December 13, 2007 As I like to do every few months, I search for "Cruver" to see what interesting things and people come across my computer screen. During my search today, I came across a great resource which has been provided (for free, I believe) by The New York Times. NYT is publishing old articles for research and historical purposes.
December 13, 2007 As I like to do every few months, I search for "Cruver" to see what interesting things and people come across my computer screen. During my search today, I came across a great resource which has been provided (for free, I believe) by The New York Times. NYT is publishing old articles for research and historical purposes.
NYT provided an article (in PDF) which was originally published on January 27, 1862. That's right, 1862! What caught my eye was the fact the article was about a John Cruver who "Suffers the Extreme Penalty of the Law for Murdering Allen Skellinger". And so I read with much interest.
The amazing part of the whole article is John's confession of faith in the only Saviour of sinful men, the man, Jesus Christ. This is the Gospel, in that, God saves even the greatest of sinners, and we cannot but indulge the hope that God will save us from eternal death, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
"...As far as my last words can influence anyone, I would advise husbands and wives to strive by all possible means to make their homes virtuous and happy. To young men and women I would say, be warned by my fate; avoid bad company; shun evil associations in every form, for surely the way of the transgressor is hard. And, ye Christian people, do not neglect the orphan child, which by death has been thrown upon the world's cold charities. Look after the other children. Instruct them in the ways of piety, [and by] your kindness and example, lead them to the Saviour of sinners. ...
... And here I ask forgiveness of all whom I have ever injured in any way, and may God forgive me as I feel I have forgiven all who have ever injured me in any possible way or manner.
Now I feel I am ready to die, having made these my last remarks to you all.
I die trusting alone in the forgiving mercy of God; relying on the merits of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of sinful men. Though as a poor wicked sinner, I cannot but indulge the hope that God will save me from eternal death, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Farewell, farewell, a long farewell! Pray that God may forgive my poor soul.
(Signed) John Cruver 1862"He died minutes later by hanging.
The amazing part of the whole article is John's confession of faith in the only Saviour of sinful men, the man, Jesus Christ. This is the Gospel, in that, God saves even the greatest of sinners, and we cannot but indulge the hope that God will save us from eternal death, through Jesus Christ our Lord.