Of all the volcanic eruptions in the twentieth century, possibly the most devastating was the eruption of Mount Pelée in Martinique, when the principal city, St. Pierre, was utterly destroyed with its thirty thousand inhabitants.
When Mount Pelée began erupting in May, 1902, the local paper endeavored to assure the terrified inhabitants that it would probably be but a small affair and that St. Pierre would be a safer place than ever after the volcano had relieved itself a little. The editorial concluded with this reasoning: “Where, then, can we be more secure than in St. Pierre?” Yet within two days the writer and readers were in eternity, and the whole town lay in a heap of smoking ruins.
An Italian ship, Orsolina, lay at anchor loading sugar for the port of Havre. Captain Marina was greatly alarmed by the appearance of the mountain. To his experienced eye there were evident signs of a coming calamity. He went to the shippers and told them his fears, saying he had made up his mind to weigh anchor at once and proceed with what cargo was already on board.
The annoyed shipper said, “You haven’t half the cargo, and cannot go yet!”
The captain replied, “I would rather sail with half a cargo than run the risk of staying here!”
The shippers tried to calm his fears, saying nothing need be feared from Mount Pelée.
“Well,” said the captain, “if Vesuvius were looking as your volcano looks today, I would get away from Naples, and I am going to get out of here!”
They became very angry and said they would have him arrested when he reached Havre. Two officers were sent to the ship with instructions to detain her, but the captain gave orders to weigh anchor. The officers left the ship for the shore, threatening the law’s utmost penalty.
Within twenty-four hours the city was no more. Its thirty thousand inhabitants had been swept into eternity. There was a warning, but the warning went unheeded.
They had thought themselves secure, though the mountain had acted strangely for some time. But now, in the midst of pleasure, business and sin, they were suddenly cut off—the victims of false security.
As to the world, the Word of God says: “When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them . . . and they shall not escape.” Ominous signs are seen today that the Judge is at the door, and signs of “the last days” appear everywhere.
The world has grown more expert in sin; man becomes continually more daring in impiety. The day is not far distant when all warning will cease, and swift destruction shall overtake the ungodly in their sins. Where will you be in that awful judgment day? It is still the day of grace. The long-suffering and gracious God still bears with humanity, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Come now, before this day of God’s mercy closes forever. Yield yourself to the Saviour now—tomorrow may be too late. “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:11He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. (Proverbs 29:1)). “Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace” (Job 22:2121Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. (Job 22:21)).
Within two days the whole town lay in a heap of smoking ruins!