WHEN I was a child we had a favorite playground, where we used to carry on our games. A beautiful garden skirted the further end, and when tired, it was our custom to go and lounge on some large felled trees that lay there, as though they had been put there for our special use. Over these a plum-tree threw its spreading arms, and in plum-time drew many little eyes to the luscious gems that bedecked the boughs. In spring, too, the tall laburnum would charm our sight with its golden tresses hanging so gracefully down over the garden wall.
One evening in the summer, just as it was getting near our bed-time, we were going to have “just one more game” at “hide and seek,” and already Jemmy Sims had hidden away and given the call, announcing the seekers to be on the lookout. In another part of the ground was a large shed used for keeping carts and barrows, and a good deal of old lumber; and not far from the entrance a deep sewer had been opened and emptied of its black contents. A very large and ugly affair it looked, with its great, wide mouth looking so hungry, and ready to swallow anyone who came near it.
We were specially warned not to go near the place of danger, and I think we were a little bit afraid of doing so.
Jemmy not being found, after looking into every mysterious corner, and behind and in every box, we were about leaving when we heard a sudden scream and a heavy, thud-like fall. We soon found out that Jemmy, being of a bold and venturesome spirit, had eluded our search by quietly slipping out of the shed by the open pit. He had, however, nearly cleared the narrow strip, when his foot slipped, and in he fell, and a horrible pit it was to fall in.
Fortunately the place had been well-nigh emptied, or he must have been smothered. As it was, he was greatly frightened to find himself in such a dreadful place.
I well recollect my father running down to the shed on hearing the scream. What was to be done? It was no use letting the poor boy do his best to get out of the pit; he was thoroughly helpless, so my father got a ladder and gradually let it down, and then descended into the dark cavern, and was not long bringing Jemmy up in his strong arms. We were glad to see our playfellow safe again, and to find he was not much injured by his fall, but that after a good wash—for you never saw such a funny-looking object as he seemed in father’s arms—he never wanted to go near the pit again; and that reminds me of one who has been delivered by Jesus from the pit of sin. He came down on purpose to seek and save hidden ones in the wretched place of wickedness; and who, when they know that they have been washed in His precious blood, take care how they walk, so that they may not become defiled again.—Selected.
“To Him let little children come,
For He hath said they may;
His bosom then shall be their home,
Their sins He’ll wash away.”
ML 03/18/1900