A BOY in the well!” This was the cry which sounded through the streets on a bright summer’s evening. The day’s work was done, the sun had gone down in purple and gold, the busy workmen rested after their day’s labor. Some asked, “Whose boy was it?” Others “Had not the lid been laid over the well opening,” or “had it been taken off?”
But a young man sprang quickly forward, threw off his coat, and asked help of the bystanders in these words: “Never a word about the cause of the mishap, but let us see how we can save the child. That is the question?” “That’s it” was the answer of a dozen voices, while the well winch was set going, and many pale faces peeped over the edge of the well. One after another called out to the child; some asked if he was frightened; but to all the advices and questions no answer was heard, not a sound came forth.
“The weather has been dry, and there is little or no water in the well,” said one.
“O dear,” said the boy’s mother, “it was only yesterday that I grumbled because there was so little water.”
“Let us have a lantern,” said the first man, and a lantern was lighted and brought there, but in the same moment the boy’s father was seen pushing his way through the crowd. A way was made for him. He had been at work at a neighboring farm, and returning at dusk to his home, was surprised to find the room empty, the street deserted, and all the people gathered round the well.
When he heard what had taken place, and saw his wife wring her hands, he turned very pale. But recovering himself as much as possible he said: “Stand back, leave the child to me.”
Then he carefully examined the winch and the rope, and tied to the latter a couple of sacks rolled up hard. Having done this he let it down till he felt it touch the bottom of the well.
“Now be quite still,” he said, looking around. And lying down, with his face to the well opening, he called out softly and distinctly: “‘John, take hold of the rope!”
This time a faint pull was felt on the rope.
“Pull up, men,” said the man, “steady, mates, steady.”
And again leaning over the well, he said down into the dark: “Hold fast, my child.”
All the time the winch was wound, but the well was deep, and it seemed a very long while.
At last there sounded forth a right good cheer.
“He is saved,” said the crowd. “Thank you, mates,” cried the father, as he lifted the boy in his arms, and carried him down the street.
The child was saved. The father’s voice had reached him. He had learned to obey, and when the well-known voice had told him to take hold of the rope, the child understood and did it. The command was a plain one, and brought salvation to the child.
God has sent His only begotten Son down to this dark world. He has given a way of salvation. Christ is the way.
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
This is His command. If you obey, you are saved. Will you do as the little boy in the well? Will you take hold of the rope “today?”
ML 08/24/1924