SOME twelve or fifteen years ago a very sad accident befell a young boy well known to the writer.
One evening when Fred G— was about twelve years old, he was riding on his velocipede down a very steep hill, at the foot of which was a railroad track. A freight train was switching back and forth, but the velocipede was going so fast that Fred was unable to stop it. Just as he reached the track he was struck by a freight car and killed. In a moment he was called away from the many friends and loved ones who sorrowed over his sad death.
Only a few months ago another was struck by a train, while he was walking across the track. He lived but a few hours and was unable to tell how the accident happened. But this time, instead of a young boy, it was an old man who was killed. Both had confessed Jesus as their Saviour, and we trust they are now happy in His presence.
But many, many people are going on, careless and indifferent, thinking there is plenty of time. They say that when they get old, it will be soon enough to think of their salvation. Alas! they forget that many do not live to grow old. Fred was only twelve years of age when God called him.
My dear readers, —little boys, little girls, —do not think that you are too young to be laid upon a bed of sickness from which you may never rise; do not think that you are too young to meet with an accident which may not leave you one moment to repent, and turn to Christ. Death comes to the young as well as to the old—to rich and poor alike —both to the saved and to the unsaved. No one is safe until he has come to Jesus and received the forgiveness of his sins.
Young and old are passing on,
Yes, dear reader, tell me, where.
Some to mansions bright have gone—
Heaven itself, with Christ’ to share.
But how sad to think of those
Who despise God’s wondrous love!
Naught for them but endless woes—
No bright home in heaven above.
Then, delay not, precious soul,—
Take salvation while you may.
Jesus Christ can make you whole,
He’s the truth, the life, the way.
ML 03/22/1903