THE time fixed for the departure of the train was at hand, and the passengers on the up-platform at Heaton Chapel Station were waiting to be conveyed to Manchester.
Almost at the last moment a gentleman appeared on the platform at the opposite side of the station. Perceiving his mistake, he leaped down upon the rails and ran across the lines to join the group of waiting passengers on the up-platform.
Immediately afterward an express dashed past. It was a close shave. The gentleman had escaped being cut to pieces only by a second or two.
A friend of mine, who was standing on the platform, stepped up to him and said: “Suppose that express had knocked you down and killed you, what responsibility would belong to the railway company”
“None, I suppose," replied the gentleman; "it would have been my own fault.”
“Quite so," said my friend,” for they have provided a means of crossing (pointing to the steps), which you did not avail yourself of. There would have been no one to blame but yourself had you been cut to pieces.”
The speaker then pointed out that God's great judgment express is on its way. Sin must meet with the doom that it deserves.
But those who are overwhelmed by that terrible day will have no one to blame but themselves. God has provided a way of escape. He gave His Son to be the Sin-Bearer, and to make atonement for hell-deserving sinners. Faith in Him is the way of safety. Those who deliberately neglect this great salvation will be overtaken by irretrievable disaster, and it will be entirely their own fault.
All that God could do He has done. All that He could give He has given.
He has not only provided a way of salvation, but He has warned men of the danger of attempting to cross the rails in any other way.
The responsibility rests with you, reader, to avail yourself of God's merciful provision.
Reader, be wise. Get the great question of your soul's salvation settled at once by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
H. P. B.