The Fog Horn on the Bell Rock
It was on a foggy night that we sailed from the harbor of A. for L. The fog-horn kept sounding every now and again, and the experienced captain told us all was perfectly safe. Most of the passengers had gone to their berths, and many were asleep. About midnight we were startled by the loud boom of a cannon which seemed close at hand.
There was a good deal of excitement among: the passengers as to what this meant. The captain was applied to for information, and he replied that we were passing the famous “Bell Rock” Lighthouse, and that during very foggy weather a cannon is fired every three minutes as a warning to passing vessels, which might run upon the rock in the darkness and be wrecked. Thankful for the wise provision thus made for our safety, we returned to our berths in peace.
In former days, before that warning gun began its useful work, many a noble vessel had been dashed to pieces upon that dangerous rock. Sailing along in the fog unwarned, her captain and crew saw no danger: it came upon them unawares. Now if any run upon that rock, it must be because they fail to hear, or to heed that warning gun. In the midst of reveling’ they might drown its sound; or, hearing it, they might take no notice, but turn again to pleasure.
The Bell Rock gun reminds us very much of the warning gun of Scripture, booming out its solemn word to mariners on life’s rocky shore.
Some there are who hear and heed the warning voice. Others rush on to destruction.
Reader, if ever you-find yourself a wreck for time and eternity, lost, you will never be able to blame God for not warning you of your danger. He has told you as plainly as can be, that if you live and die in sin, you will be shut out from God and heaven forever. Heed the warning voice of God and choose eternal life.
ML 11/06/1938