WHEN I was a child we had a favorite playground where we used to carry on our games. At one end was a beautiful garden where we went when we were tired running about. In another part of the ground was a large shed used for keeping implements, and some old lumber; and not far from the entrance a deep sewer had been opened and emptied of its black contents.
We were specially warned not to go near the place of danger, and I think we were afraid of doing so.
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 S. had hidden away and given the call to the seekers to find him.
After looking in every mysterious corner and behind and in every box we were about to search the garden when we heard a heavy thud-like fall.
Jemmy, being of a bold and venturome spirit, had eluded us by quietly slipping out of the shed by the open pit. He had nearly cleared the narrow covering when his foot slipped, and into the horrible pit he fell. He was greatly frightened to find himself in such a dreadful place.
My father ran 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. Father got a ladder and, after carefully letting it down, he descended into the dark cavern, and soon brought Jemmy up in his strong arms. You never saw such a funny-looking object as he seemed in father’s arms. After a good wash he was quite himself, and he never wanted to go near the pit again.
This reminds me of one who has been delivered by Jesus from the pit of sin. Jesus came down on purpose to seek and to save hidden ones in the wretched places of wickedness; and these, 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.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world.” Rom. 12:1, 21I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1‑2).
ML-01/13/1935