BOY-LIKE, the one of whom we write was very fond of playing with fire. After school he would wander to the racecourse, and, disregarding the notice which was fixed prominently in the Corporation enclosure which adjoined, would trespass within, and collect the waste papers which were there in abundance, and with this he would make a miniature bonfire. He had often been scolded, and ordered off by the yard keeper, but he persisted in his wilful disobedience.
The shades of evening were beginning to fall on the occasion to which we refer, and once more he and a companion trespassed within the railed enclosure. The papers were gathered, the match struck and applied, and they were gleefully watching the curling flames when the boy’s clothes caught fire, and in a few moments they were all ablaze, which so alarmed his playmate that he fled in terror. The poor boy’s cries of distress arrested the attention of a woman who was in the road a short distance away, who, seeing his condition, shouted to him, “Jump into the water boy!” He heard her words, and turning saw a pool of what appeared to be stagnant water, into which he unhesitatingly jumped. Then followed an awful shriek and the flames leaped upwards. Alas! the poor boy had jumped into a pool of oil, and he fell burned to death, never more to rise. Shortly afterwards his charred body was recovered, burned almost to a cinder.
Among the many lessons you may learn from this brief account of such a sad end are three of the utmost importance.
1. Disobedience is a sin, for had he not disobeyed, both the notice and the oft spoken words of rebuke, he would never have met with that terrible death. We should also remember that if disobedience to our parents and those over us deserves chastisement that those who disobey God merit a punishment very much more severe. Therefore, at all costs obey God, who says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33), and “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Eccles. 12:1). Learn also to be careful both as to taking and as to
2.Obeying bad advice. The advice given the burning boy was given in kindness, and intended for his good, yet it was bad advice O, seek now the blessing and guidance of God, for He makes no mistakes. He will reveal to you His will in the Scriptures, which will make you wise unto Salvation. The Bible is a lamp to the feet, and a light to the path of all who seek its guidance, and its precepts are suitable for boys and girls of all ages. Bear in mind, too, that
3.Earnestness is not always right, for if you are earnest in wrong it increases your danger a hundredfold. Many think they are right and eventually find themselves all wrong. Some would tell you that it matters not what you believe, if you are earnest and sincere. This is wrong, for the boy mentioned above was both. He had faith in the quenching power of that pool, but, alas, he jumped into the very jaws of death. God’s Word states: “There is a way which seemeth right, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12). Come to the Lord Jesus Christ, and He will cleanse you from your sins now, and save you forever.
ML 05/07/1916