IT was a fine summer evening, and the beach of the little watering place of W— was crowded with those who, after the bustle and labor of the day, had come to seek a few hours rest and recreation on the shore. Numbers of little boats danced merrily on the waves, which were beautifully lighted up by the rays of the setting sun.
In one of these boats were two or three young men, who intended, when at a sufficient distance from the shore, to refresh themselves by a bath.
Soon one was seen to dive into the water, but, to the surprise of his companions in the boat, he did not rise to the surface. Anxiously they watched the spot where they had last seen him; what could it mean?
John S. was a capital swimmer, perfectly used to the water, and it was, doubtless, without a thought of danger that he had taken that plunge.
Several minutes had now passed, and their anxiety rose to terror. Then a boat put off to the rescue from the pier. The people on the shore had seen the accident, and were anxiously awaiting the result.
As soon as the boat had pushed off from the shore, there was a movement in the crowd, and a man rushed forward in wild haste. It was the father of John S. His eager, distracted gaze followed the boat as he stood on the pier, powerless to save his beloved son.
After several minutes of agonizing suspense, the boat was seen returning, and hundreds strained their eyes to see through the gathering gloom what had been the result of the errand of mercy.
“Is it life or death?” was the eager cry, as the boat touched the pier. The mournful silence of, the boatmen answered the question, and the father’s agonized gaze fell upon the lifeless body lying in the bottom of the boat.
Dear reader, do you think that poor John S. when he left the shore that evening, had any idea of the sad fate that awaited him? And yet how suddenly, in the prime of youth and strength, was he cut off without a moment’s warning.
And, my reader, are you sure that any warning will be given you? “This night thy soul shall be required of thee,” was the solemn word to the rich man in the gospel. Short notice, surely! but even that may not be given you.
Oh! my friend, if still without Christ, think, do stop and think, into what may the next step plunge you; you know very well that it might be that place where no mercy can ever reach you.
It matters not how upright, how religious you may be in the eyes of your fellow-men, all this will not avail you; Christ, and Christ alone,
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