"Fire! Fire! Fire!" This was the cry which somewhat startled the residents of W., one quiet Lord's Day afternoon. Rushing to the street to ascertain the danger, or, if needed, to render help, a thick volume of smoke was seen to be issuing from a house close by. It was at first thought the occupiers were absent, but this was not the case, but, unconscious of their danger, all were in the upper part of the house asleep. The noise of the crowd outside and the crackling of the flames within, at length awoke one of their number. At a glance he realized the peril, at once aroused the others, and all hasted to escape.
This was not so easy as anticipated, for by this time the fire had possession of the stairs, so that descent by that means was impossible, and all that could be done by them was to rush to the upper windows and cry for help. Kind hearts were there, and willing, eager hands; but all were powerless to assist. Meanwhile the flames increased in intensity, the smoke and heat become intolerable, and it was evident to all that unless some plan of escape was quickly provided, precious lives must be sacrificed. A ringing cheer was given as a man with a ladder was seen approaching; but, alas! when placed against the house, and even raised upon the shoulders of stalwart men, was found to be too short. Another was obtained from the same source, the two securely fastened together, and raised—this time to the window. With trembling hands those inside one by one laid hold, stepped out upon it, quickly descended, and were safe upon the pavement below. Not a moment too soon, for the flames burst forth in all their fury in the room just left. Anxious inquiries were made,
"Are all out?"
"Are all safe?”
"Yes," was the reply, "thank God! All safe, all safe!”
Being an eyewitness to this exciting scene, I have often thought how strikingly it illustrates the sinner's danger, helplessness, and the way of escape. These people were in no more danger physically than every unsaved one is spiritually. Rocked to sleep, or lulled into indifference by the god of this world, thousands do not realize their peril, but the fact remains the same. God has declared, "The wicked (and in that class every one out of Christ is included) shall be turned into Hell." Psa. 9:1717The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (Psalm 9:17).
"Where is Hell?" said a sneering skeptic to one who had offered him a tract.
"At the end of a Christless life," was the reply. Solemn truth!
An old sailor once said he had been all around the world, but in all his travels he had seen no such place as Hell.
"Grandfather," said a little child seated on his knee, "Did you ever die?”
No, the old man had never died, or he might have seen Hell.
Are you trifling with these eternal realities? I beseech you, trifle not. Awake, awake to your danger, for danger there is, whether you believe it or not! Do you say, "How may I escape?”
Thank God, there is a way—one of His own providing. A ladder has been let down from above, so firm, so safe, so all-sufficient, that none need perish. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16).
Christ is the ladder by which we may get from the danger that threatens, to a place of safety. He Himself said, "I am the Way." 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). Not a way, but the way.
No efforts of your own, no self-made ladders, will avail. Helpless, hopeless, cast yourself upon Him. Thousands have done so, and are already before the throne of God. Thousands more are on the way. Join their number, venture on Him; He cannot fail. And, being "safe in the arms of Jesus," let lip and life re-echo the words of Paul, "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." 2 Cor. 9:1515Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15).
But, reader, this should be done at once. In the case referred to, a few moments' delay would have been fatal. So it may be with you.