ONE fine autumn day, the inviting weather drew two young men to engage in their favorite pastime— a row up the river. After rowing for a considerable distance, they came to a bridge, where they stopped, and, being hot, they agreed to have a bathe. After swimming for some time, they began to vie with each other, when one of them climbed one of the posts supporting the foundation of a part of the bridge, which was under repair, and into the river he dived. Little did the young man know what he had done! HE had plunged in amongst the woodwork below the surface of the water, and there he was fixed, and could not stir! He gave himself up for lost, and in a moment all the darkest events of his life crowded into hi! mind, and he felt he must perish forever.
God was gracious, however. His friend succeeded in pulling him out of his perilous position, and he was saved just in time.
A few weeks passed away, and there was no turning to God or true thankfulness in the young man’s heart. Once more he was on the river in a racing boat, when, through inexperience, he was upset. He just managed to clutch hold of the overturned boat, and to hang on, as the stream carried him away with it. Presently a boat put off from the shore, and he was rescued, and, strange to say, on the very spot where he had seen a man drowned.
This second deliverance made him really afraid. How would it be with him, he felt, should God cut him off? When the following Sunday came, the weight of his guilt hung heavily upon him, yet he did not ask God for forgiveness, but continued in misery for weeks.
A young man of his acquaintance at this time called upon him, with the greeting, “Well, old fellow, how are you?” and they added, in a tone of deep earnestness, “And how is it with you and the Lord Jesus?” To this question no answer was returned, but they both started at once for a Bible-class for young men, which was followed by a short prayer meeting, at the close of which this same God-fearing fellow invited those who did not know the Lord Jesus to hold up their hands. Some did so; others had not the courage, and amongst these was he of whom our story tells. Again, such of the young men as did know the Lord were asked to hold up their hands, but still from A. came no response.
That evening, on his return home, A. prayed God to forgive him his sins, and to accept him as a servant of His, and this, such is God’s grace, we are sure He did there and then.
When the young men’s Bible―class next assembled, what we have recounted here was told by A. Now, to the question, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” he is glad, indeed, to answer, “I am!” Young men— it is a young man who addresses you―do not hold back, as did A. at the first, if you really desire salvation. You will never regret a bold front for Christ. Christ will keep you, and He will stand by you, and through Him you shall overcome. Whatever our temptations are, the Lord will keep us, and one thing is certain―the joy He gives, and the pleasure of serving Him, is better than everything else. J.