MANY years ago there lived a Russian nobleman. He had a lovely house and many servants, among whom was a negro. This black servant had been with his master for several years and was true and faithful to his duties and to him. One day the nobleman had an urgent message from a relative who lived many miles away and was very ill and not expected to live. It was the depth of winter and the snow lay thick everywhere. But he must go to his relative at once if he wished to see him alive. He called the negro, whose name was Sambo and ordered him to get out the carriage and four of the fastest horses, for there were no motor cars or express trains in those days. Sambo soon had everything ready and the nobleman and his wife seated themselves in the carriage, whilst Sambo sat on the seat in front to drive. He soon had the horses galloping along.
After some time they reached an inn on the edge of a forest through which they had to pass. Here they stopped for refreshments. The innkeeper strongly advised the nobleman to stop there for the night, as the wolves had been prowling around looking for food, which was difficult for them to find because of the deep snow. However, the nobleman thanked him, but said he must hurry on. "Besides," said he, "I have a good gun and can soon settle the wolves should they attack us." So Sambo again whipped up the horses and they entered the forest.
It was now getting quite dark, and as they drove on they listened for any sound of the wolves. Just as they got about half-way through the forest, they heard in the distance the terrible howling of the pack, and in a few seconds the wolves were after them. The nobleman used his gun effectively, whilst Sambo urged on the frightened horses. But there was a tremendous number of wolves, and all were nearly mad with hunger. They could see that something must be done quickly, so in an instant Sambo unhitched one of the horses and let him go. With terrific growls the wolves were upon him and tore him to pieces.
The prompt action of the negro gave the other horses time to put a good distance between them and their enemies, but before long the wolves were again heard behind them. Again they rushed at the horses, their numbers seeming to be even greater than before. Sambo unhitched a second horse, thus leaving them only enough to pull them into safety.
Again a great distance is put between the wolves and themselves, and they are almost through the forest—but hark! The wolves are coming once more. Sambo knew full well what they wanted more than anything else. It was the taste of human blood. His mind was made up. With one affectionate glance at his master, he threw him the reins and jumped from his seat. In an instant the fierce wolves were upon him. The carriage rushed on and was soon clear of the forest and into the town, where the mad animals dare not follow. The next morning, the nobleman and his wife went back to see if by any chance their faithful servant had escaped. But the crushed bones were the only witnesses of his devoted love and supreme sacrifice.
Dear children, this story, touching as it is, is a very feeble illustration of the wondrous love and tremendous sacrifice of Jesus, God's beloved Son. This negro had a good master and hence was prepared to die for him, but you are a sinner and not good in God's sight. We are all sinners by nature, but the Bible says, “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," Rom. 5:88But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8).
“He knew how wicked man had been, And knew that God must punish sin. So out of pity Jesus said,
`I'll bear the punishment instead.' "
Jesus was punished in your stead, that you might be saved and be happy now and live with Him forever in Heaven. Have you thanked Him yet? If not, do it at once. Just own to Him that you are a lost sinner, and tell Him, too, that you believe He died for YOU. If you really mean this, He will receive you and make you very happy. Then tell others you have trusted Jesus and you will be still happier.
W. J. W.