IN THE early days of the work in Africa the pioneer missionaries encountered many wild animals as they journeyed across the vast stretches of jungle and tall grass.
On one occasion, when accompanied by about a hundred natives, Mr. Watt, the missionary had shot down a big rhinoceros. He thought the animal was dead, but suddenly it jumped up, very much alive, and began making for the natives who scattered and fled for their lives. The animal picked out one man from the crowd and kept after him alone.
The rhinoceros has a big ponderous body but he is exceedingly swift. For a time the native kept well in front, but quick and nimble that he was, the huge animal was gaining on him rapidly. It seemed there was but a minute between him and death. The rhino tossed the man into the air, but another bullet from the missionary’s rifle caused the engaged beast to wheel around and with a furious snort it dashed at Mr. Watt.
He had no more ammunition, so he turned and fled with the infuriated monster at his heels. It was a race for life, the huge creature squealing viciously. Never had the missionary run so fast before. Yet still the rhinoceros kept close at his heels.
At last Mr. Watt felt he could not run any more and gave himself up into the hands of his loving God and Father. Suddenly like a voice from heaven came the words, “Throw off your helmet.” He did so and became immediately aware that the animal had stopped. Looking around to his immense relief the huge monster was plowing up the ground with his horn and tossing his helmet into the air. Exhausted, Mr. Watt sank down on the ground, unable to rise. Looking around there just twenty paces away, the gigantic angry beast was still turning up the hard sun-baked earth in a furious rage. Then finally exhausted it lay down beside the helmet.
A little later the native gun bearer returned with the ammunition. The missionary fired one more shot and the rhinoceros rose no more.
How grateful to God was Mr. Watt for His mercy in sparing his life.
Oh, what a Saviour is Jesus the Lord!
Well may His name by His saints be adored!
He has redeemed them from hell by His blood—
Saved them forever and brought them to God.
Come, then, poor sinner, no longer delay,
Come to the Saviour, come now while you may;
So shall your peace be eternally sure,
So shall your happiness ever endure.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
ML-07/08/1973