A LARGE crowd was rapidly gathering at a well-known seaside resort in the height of the summer season. What could it mean? Many steps were directed thither to seek the cause. Away out to sea could be seen the solitary figure of a young girl standing high above the water on a rock that was perfectly dry; what was she doing there? why did she not get back to the shore? The answer was not difficult to find; the rock upon which she stood was completely surrounded by water! She had evidently been there some time — probably absorbed in a book, or maybe even sleeping, when suddenly she discovered to her dismay that all retreat to the shore was cut off, and that she was unable to get back. She stood there helpless, with a rapidly-rising tide creeping up to the very spot where she was, threatening to engulf her before the eyes of hundreds of onlookers. Could she be allowed thus to perish without an effort to save her? were all indifferent as to her safety? Something must be done, and done immediately if to be of any avail. Look! a boatman is straining at the oar, pulling his quickest towards the now nearly submerged rock; the star of hope is shining for her, the imminent danger has been realized by
one able to save.
Right to her very feet salvation comes, and she steps into the boat and is brought safely to shore.
It was a striking incident, and reminded one of the increasing dangers of the unbeliever, who is helpless in himself. To have attempted self-deliverance would have been to court destruction, and it was altogether impossible; but another saw the imminent danger, undertook and effected the rescue.
“He saw me ruined in the fall,
Yet loved me notwithstanding all;
He saved me from my lost estate,
His loving-kindness, oh how great!”
Is the unsaved reader alive to the seriousness of his state before God? Scripture uses very plain terms to describe the condition of the sinner — “without hope,” “without God,” “without strength,” but thanks be to God we are not left to perish, for “when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom. 5:66For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6)). None could of himself take a single step to God, but the grace of God brings salvation to man. Have we thankfully appropriated it?
Not only is the sinner’s position one of gravest peril, but
the danger is increasing.
Each invitation of mercy unanswered, each entreaty unheeded, every warning disregarded, lessens the opportunity for blessing, until at last it becomes true of some―
“Fixed is their everlasting state;
Could they repent, ‘tis now too late.”
Remember that the last opportunity must come; is it to pass away unused? Persistence in sowing the seed of procrastination, means reaping an inevitable harvest of eternal loss.
We would seek to press home this all-important truth from God’s Word — now is the day of salvation.
Every fleeting moment shortens the time wherein could be settled the soul’s everlasting destiny. “Some moments are the mothers of centuries,” once said an English writer, and we would put it more strongly: some moments even decide eternities. This moment may decide your future, dear reader; let it be for eternal salvation.
“Salvation now, this moment;
Then why, oh, why delay?
You may not see tomorrow,
Now is salvation’s day.”