IT was an uninhabited tract of country in Russia, across which ran a highroad now obliterated by deep snow. As far as eye could reach stretched an expanse of pure white, interrupted with vast forests of majestic pines standing out in bold relief against the indigo sky and glistening snow; for it was night, and the moon was shining still and cold.
Over the snow came the tinkle of bells, and drawn by three magnificent horses, a sleigh shot swiftly by. Its occupants were a nobleman, his wife and child, and a faithful servant.
They had a long journey before them that cold night, but the horses were fresh, and the travelers well cloaked in furs. The sleigh bells tinkled merrily—but some other sound seemed to have attracted the travelers’ attention. They strained to catch it, and their faces grew pale with fear. It ceased, then again was borne on the wind, this time the sound was unmistakable. In a hoarse whisper came the dreaded word, “Wolves.”
Owing to the extreme cold and lack of food, the wolves were starving. Their natural cowardice had vanished, and they were following on the travelers’ track. These knew the wolves must gain on them, and that it was now a race for life.
In the distance they could already see dark specks emerging from the forest. The count urged on his noble horses, and they sped across the hard snow.
But the wolves were swifter still. Steadily they gained on the horses. On they came, nearer and nearer, till the travelers could see their fierce eyes and long red tongues; nearer still, till they could imagine they felt their hot breath.
There was but one thing to be done. They quickly cut loose one of the horses. The ravenous brutes leapt upon the terrified animal, and it was immediately torn to pieces. Meanwhile the travelers pressed on. But again the wolves bore down upon them. They were forced to sacrifice another horse, which shared the same terrible fate as its companion. The count cheered on his one remaining horse, which plunged forward as though conscious that the lives of all depended upon him.
There in the distance the anxious travelers could distinguish the lights of home. Oh, welcome sight. But the wolves! Once more they were bearing down upon them. Would they overtake them this last half-mile? The servant saw there was no hope. Turning to his master he said, “Sir, you have been a good master to me, you will provide for my wife and children, I will give my life for you,” and before the count could restrain him the noble fellow leapt amongst the wolves, fighting till overwhelmed by them he fell. The servant’s struggle with the wolves caused a few minutes’ delay in their pursuit.
With one supreme effort the exhausted horse reached the home, and the gates clashed to upon the travelers, leaving their baffled pursuers howling without.
With a long-drawn breath the nobleman murmured, “Safe.” Yes, but at what a cost! His devoted servant had met with a terrible death in order that he and his family might be saved.
Can such a deed ever be forgotten? Yes, as the years roll by it will slip from the world memory. But there is one deed which neither heaven nor earth will ever forget. It is the death of the Lord Jesus.
The love of this nobleman’s servant, great as it was, if compared with the love of Christ, is but as the tiny raindrop compared with the fullness of the ocean.
Jesus was the eternal Son of God, yet laid aside His glory, and in deep compassion for sinful men and women came into this world that He might rescue them from their impending doom.
But men hated the holy Son of God and brought Him before Pilate demanding that He should be sentenced to death. They arrayed Him in purple and crowned Him with thorns, thus mocking at His kingly claims. Their bitter hatred culminated in nailing Him to the cross of Calvary. But there were sufferings infinitely greater than those he endured at the hand of man. He bowed His head under the rod of God’s judgment, and bore the wrath due to the creature’s sin.
Oh, reader, are you not filled with amazement as you consider such love as this? Has the thought never flashed in upon your soul that Christ loved even you, and died that you might escape the judgment due to your sins? Can you yet refuse to accept salvation purchased at such a cost? Do but let the magnitude of this love into your heart, and it will impel you to come to Jesus who says, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:3737All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37)).
L. M. B.