YOU have heard, I doubt not, of the rattlesnake—a most deadly reptile. Its food chiefly consists of rabbits, birds, etc., though it frequently attacks man and inflicts a deadly wound with its poison fangs, which may prove fatal in a few minutes. It is provided with a strange appendage to its tail which produces a rattling sound. When on the look-out for its prey it continuously shakes this rattle, until bird or rabbit, attracted by the sound, approaches it.
The serpent, erect and motionless, now fixes its glittering eyes upon the frightened bird or animal, and subjects it to some sort of strange influence, for though half paralyzed with fear, the victim makes not the slightest effort to escape, hovers or plays about nearer and nearer the beautiful destroyer, fascinated by those sparkling eyes, and at length the trembling prey approaches, unable to escape, coming close to the serpent.
In the twinkling of an eye the subtle serpent darts forward and fixes its deadly fangs in the victim which he has lured to destruction.
Remember the words of the preacher: “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” (Prov. 1:1010My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. (Proverbs 1:10).) Satan has varied snares for the unwary, and subtly deludes with the world’s pleasures; but, dear reader, be not deceived, he seeks your soul’s destruction. All that this world can offer is for TIME; your soul must live for ETERNITY. Seek, I beseech you, a refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ. He died to deliver you from the power of Satan, and find you a home in glory with Himself for ever.
Which will you be—lured to destruction, or saved for glory?
ML 10/07/1917