THE story of Alexander Clark's bravery is one of the most moving in the history of attempts to save life.
In the month of June, 1929, a fire broke out over a shop in Sunderland. As it was burning fiercely, three little children suddenly appeared at an upper window, and their despairing cries of "Mother!” floated down to the watchers in the streets.
Women cried and men turned pale in the glare of the flames. One after another of the onlookers tried to force his way into the burning building, but were all driven back by the flames. Then Alexander Clark, a young man, who was on his way home, came up, and seeing the peril of the children decided to make a great attempt to save them.
Tears came into his eyes as he heard their cry of anguish, and throwing his overcoat to a neighboring shopkeeper, he asked, "Are there three children?” When told, he cried, "Oh, canny bairns! Oh, canny bairns! “and rushed off.
The fire by this time was like a furnace. To enter the door was to go to almost certain death, but he thought he could reach the children and save them. Climbing the waterspout at the back on to the roof, he let himself down through a skylight.
But the brave man was not able to save those little ones. His efforts were in vain and, sad to tell, he lost his life in the attempt, for the fireman found him dead in a back room with the body of the youngest child beside him.
It is impossible to express our feelings as we think of such bravery! What pity and compassion he must have had to give his life to endeavor to save those children!
His name will be handed down as one whose noble sacrifice touched thousands of hearts.
Such an incident must bring thoughts of the Lord Jesus to our minds, for of Him it will ever be said:
He Died for the Children.
Boys and girls are sinful; all have sinned against God, and sin must always be punished. But "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." He went to Calvary. Those who believe in Him can say, "He bare our sins in His own body on the tree." He bore the judgment of God that must otherwise have fallen on us. He went to the cross knowing that for Him it meant the forsaking of God, and death. Yet He went and laid down His life that He might save sinners. Those poor children knew their danger, they wanted to be saved, but they could not save themselves. They needed a Savior, but no one was found who was able to save. The brave man was willing but not able; but Jesus is "mighty to save." He is both willing and able to save, for He is the Savior of sinners. He always loved the children; they never fled from Him. He said, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God"; and He is just the same to-day though He is in Heaven, crowned with glory and honor.
Alexander Clark failed to save those he sought, but Jesus by His death has saved millions of people, old and young, and in His love and compassion He would save you, if you will come to Him as a sinner who needs a Savior and will trust Him. He took the sinner's place on the cross that He might give you a place with Him in His bright home on high!
How God welcomes those who have discovered their sinfulness and turn to Him in repentance! He is willing to pardon and He loves to forgive for Christ's sake.
Are you one who can sing from your heart—
I have heard of the Savior's love,
And a wonderful love it must be,
But did He come down from above,
Out of love and compassion for me?
Yes, Yes, Oh, Yes,
Out of love and compassion for me.
I have heard how He suffered and bled,
How He suffered and died on the tree,
But then is it anywhere said,
It was love and compassion for me?
Yes, Yes, Oh, Yes,
It was love and compassion for me.
F. S. M.