It is with a measure of shame and regret that my mind travels back to an incident that occurred in my boyhood days.
Having secured a situation in the employ of a large nurseryman at E—, in Middlesex, I commenced my duties on the condition that in the event of my not giving satisfaction after a month’s trial I should be dismissed.
Part of my work consisted in weeding between the fruit trees, and as my eyes would ever and anon, turn towards the lovely ripe plums that overhung my head, I could not resist the temptation of trying to secure a few for myself.
All seemed quiet, and apparently I was alone, so I thought, Now is my opportunity; and very quickly stone after stone brought several fine plums to the ground. These were put in my pocket in the hope of having a feast later on.
Imagine my surprise when, immediately after I had thrown the last stone, I heard a loud voice (which I at once recognized as my master’s voice) shouting from behind the hedge clearly and distinctly, “John! John!” Quick as thought I ran in the opposite direction, at the same time relieving my pocket of the plums by throwing them on, the grass at the edge of the footpath, in the hope that they would bury themselves there, and not be found; but to my great dismay several of them had rolled into the middle of the path.
Meanwhile, my master had found his way to the scene of my operations, and busily engaged himself in picking up the plums, which were indisputable evidence of my guilt. My sin had found me out, and there is little wonder that at the end of the month I was informed that my services would no longer be required.
Although about twenty-eight years have flown away since this occurrence, it remains indelibly impressed on the tablets of my memory.
Reader, you may never have been guilty of stealing fruit, but one thing you have been guilty of, and that is not bringing forth fruit to God. It may be you have long been sowing your wild oats; but let me affectionately remind you that reaping-time is near, and “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Gal. 6:77Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7).). Justice says, “Cut it down”; but Mercy lingers, His longsuffering is salvation.
Surely as I had to bear the consequences of my sin, so surely will you come into judgment for your sins except ye repent, and believe the gospel. (Luke 13:3-53I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3‑5); Mark 1:1515And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:15).)
“Little child, if thou hast found
Pardon through the Saviour’s blood,
Seek to spread the joyful sound,
Seek to bring a soul to God;
Share those blessings rich and free,
Which He kindly gave to thee.”
ML 06/26/1904