Two young people staying with friends, went one afternoon to visit the rugged cliffs.
The girl was a Christian, but the young man unconverted. The weather was fine, the view exceptionally grand, and both were in high spirits. As they neared the cliff, and ventured to look over the edge of it, they saw low down a natural gallery, and wondered if it would be possible to get down into it. It looked dangerous, but what of that,
It was a novel position,
and what a nice thing to be able to say that they had been in it! O, how many will risk their precious lives for such a trifle! The tide was in, and the water was splashing against the rocks many feet below them. It was inspiring! The young man attempted it, and lightly leaping from crag to crag; he helped the girl to do the same, and so they soon accomplished their desire and stood gazing at the marvelous scene around them. They were silently entranced with everything. The time passed quickly, and at last they thought of returning homewards, but that was not so easy.
The young man’s heart sank within him as he realized the impossibility of the thing. It is easier to get down than to climb up, both naturally and morally. How many a one when tempted thinks this little thing, or that, cannot be much harm. There is no law against it, and thus he yields to temptation. But “Thou God seest me” would decide the question at once for a Christian. It may perhaps be the first little step in the wrong direction, so easy to continue in, and so difficult to retrace.
There is always a moment when strength is available from God to resist Satan’s attack, and we are exhorted to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
An hour or two passed, when to their horror they heard a crackling beneath their feet, and found that the little gallery of rock on which they were standing was beginning to give way. There was nothing but death and eternity before them, and they spoke of it to each other. The young man acknowledged that he was unsaved, and his companion, praying within herself, explained to him man’s ruin and God’s remedy in Christ. The girl was calm, and faced death bravely, and trusted God for her friend. Then they began to call, but there was “no voice, nor any that answered.” Another hour or two went slowly by, and it was evident that the worst would soon happen.
Meanwhile the people in the home they had left began to be very uneasy about them, as they had missed dinner and tea, and the evening was drawing on. So a party got ready to go and search for them, but for some time it was in vain. One of the party, however, heard cries, and looking over the edge of the cliff, discovered their whereabouts. With all haste they procured a rope, and to their delight were soon able to rescue them both from their critical position.
How gracious is our God! He is indeed One who hears and answers prayer. Often He brings people to their wit’s end to open their eyes to the realities before them.
Dear young reader, have your eyes been opened? Have you been led to ponder the uncertainty of life, and the certainty of death, and after this the judgment? This true story points to the fact that God’s eye is ever upon them that fear Him, and His ear is open to their cry.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”