By:
Edited by Algernon J. Pollock
THE story which I am about to relate concerns a section of the navy which did valiant service during the War and yet whose deeds were very little known.
Many of our submarines went out on Active Service, risking dangers unknown and innumerable. Others simply failed to return and the cause of their loss will never be known.
Most of our underwater craft did service round the Bight of Heligoland in unacquainted waters and currents. One, the E17, had a rough time. She was carried into the shallows off Terschelling by an exceptional current, and was bumped-and pounded there until she begun to leak. When she fought her way into deep water again, it was obvious that she would have to make for home on the surface, and hardly had that decision been come to when a cruiser was seen to be approaching with guns trained.
The captain of the submarine had to take the risk of diving in order to escape. Under water, however, the leak was worse, the sea began to get at the electric storage batteries, and the submarine filled with chlorine gas. So E17 came hurriedly to the surface again her crew left her and she sunk.
And then it was found that the cruiser was Dutch and not German.
Like the E17 we have been caught in a current of evil and serried into desperate straits. The submarine was in imminent danger of sinking and total ruin. Without CHRIST we are in immediate danger of eternal and irreparable ruin. There was only one Way of escape for the submarine. In her bruised and battered condition, rescue alone could come from a source outside herself. So with every child of Adam’s race― the only remedy for a ruined sinner is a risen Saviour.
And why a “risen Saviour” you ask? Because Jesus died under God’s judgment, due to us for our sins, and rose again in order to become the Saviour of sinners (see John 3:1515That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:15)). Jesus is now seated at God’s right hand in divine glory―a Prince and a Saviour (See Acts 5:3131Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. (Acts 5:31)). The message of salvation declares that “WHOSOEVER will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:1717And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)). The world, that rejected Jesus, also rejects His proffered pardon.
The E17, on rising to the surface, observed a cruiser in sight and at once took it to be an enemy vessel and instantly submerged. Man in like manner distrusts and disbelieves God’s message of love. Yes, poor sinner, it is only from a risen Christ that you can receive salvation and change your name and become a child of God.
The unfortunate traveler we read of in Luke 10:30-3530And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. (Luke 10:30‑35)—when lying bleeding to death and helpless―received help and succor from a Samaritan, the One he considered to be his enemy, but who proved to be his saviour and friend.
What surprise and regret filled the hearts of these gallant British bluejackets when they realized that the ship they had thought was a hostile cruiser was indeed a true friend, who would have brought their vessel safe into port! Alas! their discovery was made too late!
Jesus says “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by ME” (John 14:66Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)). Oh! sinner, be warned in time before you find it too late in eternity. Come to God’s Christ who alone can meet your desperate need.” Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)).
J. GILFILLON.