“Be not deceived, God is not mocked; whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.”
IN what an awful and solemn way was this word brought home to us in H.M.S, N—, while cruising one night in the West Indies.
A few of us who composed that ship’s company, whom God in the depths of His love and mercy had brought to the knowledge of Himself, used to gather on the upper deck in the evening and sing praises to the God of our salvation, and seek to win souls for Christ.
Among others who seemed to be deeply exercised was a young marine, whose name I will not mention, suffice it to say that he desired to be known as one of us, saying that he believed in the Son of God. Shortly after that, however, his conduct aroused suspicion, and having occasion to go down on duty into the fore-part of the ship, the writer of this narrative heard some terrible imprecations and cursing in a voice that he recognized as belonging to the young marine. Going into the next compartment he saw with sadness that it was indeed so.
In the evening we went up on deck as usual, and he came amongst us. We sought by the Word of God that night to lay upon his conscience the awful sin he had committed, exhorting him to repent. He burst into tears, and seemed indeed sorry for what he had done, but alas! the seed had fallen on stony ground and found no root in his heart. He fell away, and one dark night on the silent deep, there was a plunge, he was seen no more, for he “sank as lead in the mighty waters,” until that day when the “sea shall give up its dead.”
Beloved reader, this narrative is true; is it not solemn? Religion apart from Christ cannot save the soul. Saving faith refers the soul to a dying Saviour and to a living Saviour, to one who was delivered for our offenses, and rose again for our justification (Rom. 4:25). Come, weary soul, come, find peace and joy in believing.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8).
W. S.