MANY years ago some men I knew had a very narrow escape from being suffocated. They had been sent to paint the badly-ventilated compartment of a large iron ship in course of building at Millwall. Finding the iron walls very wet they at once made a large coke fire in order that they might be able to get on with their work, meanwhile they sat down, while the iron was drying. It was not long, however, before the fumes of the coke brought on, first drowsiness and then sleep, till all the men were completely overcome.
The duty of the time-keeper led him to the place, or, without doubt, they would all have perished. He could see but one man and, getting no answer from him, went up to him and shook him, only to find him insensible. In a moment he guessed what had happened, and half dragged, half carried the man to the fresh air upon deck. Signs of returning consciousness soon occurred in the man, who opened his eyes. After a little while he was able to speak, and these were his first words, “Where’s my mates?” This led to a search, and presently the rest of the half-suffocated men were brought up to deck and restored to life.
The first thoughts of the man brought back to life were for his companions―he sought their safety-and a parable lies herein for the Christian, who may well inquire, “Where are my friends?” Though too feeble himself to do anything to help them; the rescued man breathed his earnest whisper for them, and without his longing inquiry they would have perished.
Who that is saved himself may not breathe a similar desire for his unsaved friends? And the desire, coming up from the depths of his soul, will surely arouse longings and purpose of heart in others. Is it nothing to us that we are saved, rescued in our sleep of death out of eternal darkness, awakened to see what our danger was, and to rest in knowing what our salvation is? Oh! Christian reader, be in earnest for your friends and relations, seek their salvation, and may we all learn our lesson from the painter of the iron vessel at Millwall, as he used his first returning power towards the rescue of his companions. J.M.