WHO is there today that has not heard of those magnificent American falls “Niagara,” which with untiring energy pours forth such a mighty volume of water, the sound of which can be heard over twenty miles distant?
Some little distance above the falls on the bank of that mighty river, a rock is frequently pointed out to the traveler, known as “Redemption Point.” It is only a little cape jutting into the water which one might easily pass unnoticed, but beyond it no human being, launched on that broad river, has ever been known to escape death.
It was into this boiling torrent that a seeker after worldly honor and fame dared to plunge some years ago, hoping to do battle with the swift current, and reach the lower bank in safety.
Webb was a man of no ordinary calibre. In his daring he had swum the sea which rolls between England and France, and many another feat had added honor to his name. Now with unsatisfied desire for fame, he determined to risk his life in the foolish and ill-advised attempt to swim Niagara. While preparing for that fatal plunge he turned to those standing around him, saying,
“IT’S ALL LUCK,
and the END I do not think about, I’ll take my chance!” Fatal delusion! yet in how many hearts his words find an echo! No! you do not care to think of
YOUR END.
Yet, depend upon it, “it must come,” and though the flush of health may be on your cheek, every heart-throb brings it nearer. Who knows? You may even now have reached “Redemption Point.” God may be pleading by His Spirit, offering salvation to you Now! Pass that, and your helpless, hapless soul must be lost forever.
Thousands upon thousands thronged the banks of the river on that memorable day. Their hero appeared, took his accustomed dive into the boiling current, rose again as usual, to float and strike out as he had often done before, but he was
PAST REDEMPTION POINT.
The eddying waters had him like a straw in their iron grasp, hurling him into the vortex he had so madly braved—LOST, in the sight of thousands who stood in safety round him—safe themselves, but utterly powerless to save him.
Oh, my reader, you and I are silently, yet surely, carried upon the breast of time’s rapidly flowing river. Take care! lest, half, dreaming, you pass Redemption Point. Every one has a last opportunity, yours may be Now. Miss it, and your precious, priceless soul must be swept “past Redemption Point,” into the vortex of eternal damnation.
Will you not trust Jesus Now? His death, His resurrection can put you beyond the reach of judgment and land you safely in eternal glory.
J. W. H. N.