I REMEMBER, one fine summer day, seeing a young woman sitting on a ridge of rock by the seaside reading a book.
The sun was shining brightly, and the cool sea breeze made it so pleasant as she sat there absorbed in her book.
The tide was rising, and we saw what she did not; that the sea was rushing in between her and the shore, growing deeper every minute. We knew that it would soon be too deep to ford, so we shouted to her. She looked round, and in a moment her pleasure was gone, and distress took its place. Do you blame us for telling her of her danger? She thanked us afterwards when we showed her the way across the deepening waters.
Are you enjoying yourselves, heedless that you are still, if unsaved, under the judgment of God? And nearer and nearer it is ever coming to you. Is it not wisdom to look the truth right in the face? Surely it is, for we know not what a day may bring forth. A man worked with me for some time. I asked him to a gospel meeting, but he did not care to come—he had no interest in these things. At times I spoke a few earnest words to him. He took sick one day, and three days after he was dead. I felt condemned that I had not been more earnest about his soul, but the opportunity was gone forever.
O, children! Now is God’s accepted time; now is the day of salvation.
The girl at the seaside took our warning and was saved from her danger. Will you take warning too?
Passing along the street in Edinburgh one Lord’s day morning, we noticed dense volumes of smoke coming through a roof. Up at the windows we could see some young men sitting in the sunshine, enjoying themselves. As the smoke grew more dense, we saw there was no time to lose. The doorbell was violently rung and the shout of “fire, fire,” soon wakened the inmates from their apathy. They were then in a hurry, and the half-dressed people came rushing out. Their pleasure was spoiled, but safety was before pleasure. We did it for their good. It should not need an apology for such an act.
Heartless wretches we would be, if we could see our fellows perish and not try to save them.
Do you want to be blind to your danger? God says, “He that believeth not, shall be damned.” Mark 16:1616He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:16). “I see the love of God in that verse,” said a preacher, “for if God did not want us to be saved, He would not have said it.” It is to arouse you, so that you may flee to the refuge provided.
And who is the Man that is the refuge? It is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Many have risked their lives, and lost them for others, but He gave Himself, knowing the depths of unutterable suffering to be endured. Will you turn away from such love? He wants you for Himself. What is your answer?
What a Saviour He is. “Blessed are all they that put their trust (take refuge) in Him.” Ps. 2:12. The Lord is round about His people from henceforth even forever. Ps. 125:2. Are you one of them?
“Oh! would ye know my Saviour,
“Ye who are young and gay,
“Yet sometimes feel that earth’s delights
“Must fade and pass away?
“Then early list the voice of love
“Which tells of joys in heaven “When God can say, in righteousness,
“Your sins are all forgiven.”
How will you do without Him? How meet the judgment of God?
F.
ML 03/11/1900