Passing along the main thoroughfare of a large seaport town, I noticed that people were hurrying past me, hot and breathless, towards the end of the street. It was quite dark, and to the stranger it became a matter of surprise why such haste was manifested without any apparent cause or object.
I was making my way to the railway station, but there was plenty of time, and I had no cause to exert myself unnecessarily. But seeing the "eager, anxious throng" pushing onward, I quickly made my way over the footbridge which spans the lock-pit between two docks and forms part of the main road.
The bell which had been ringing for some minutes then ceased, and all hurry and bustle among the foot passengers as suddenly subsided.
On inquiry I found that in this great town, which is intersected by docks, vessels are at certain intervals passed through the dock-gates, during which times the drawbridge is lifted and all traffic is suspended sometimes for half an hour at a stretch. In order to give due notice of this obstruction, the gatekeeper rings a large bell as a note of warning, and those acquainted with the usages of the place are at once aware that unless they make haste they will be delayed.
The bell of grace rings out an invitation to all. The voice of the preacher echoes God's message, "Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation.”
The glad tidings of a dying Savior's love are told out by those who have been sought and found by the meek and lowly Jesus.
We see men hastening on in the race of life; and though the night is dark, and the object of their pursuit is un-discerned by those around them, yet they press forward towards the mark for the prize of their high calling, with Christ.
Others, again, linger by the way, disregarding the ringing of the bell, or the affectionate appeal of the preacher. They have "plenty of time." They want to get over the bridge, and they mean to do so, but there is no cause to hurry.
Presently the bell stops, and the bridge is raised. Those who have passed safely over are at once peaceful and calm.
Reader, the hour is coming—God only knows how soon—when the bell of grace will be hushed forever! The preacher and those who have crossed over will be occupied in singing the song of the redeemed, in the presence of the Lord of Glory. And the door, which no man can open, will be shut forever!
Heaven's gate is still wide open, and the message of God's love is ringing in your ears.
Millions have crossed the bridge; millions more are passing along with fast hurrying feet, accepting the Savior's loving invitation, "COME," and all are welcome.
And so "God is no respecter of persons.”
The day of grace is lengthened out, dear reader, for you, whoever you are, or in whatever circumstances you may be. And Jesus, the Lamb of God, who died for sin, is stretching forth His hands still, and bidding His servants ring the Gospel bell of invitation— "come." And all you have to do is to accept the gift of eternal life so freely offered—will you come?