A BOY in the well! This was the cry which sounded through the streets on a bright summer’s evening. The day’s work was done, the sun had gone down in purple and gold, the busy workmen rested after their day’s labor. Some asked, “Whose boy was it?” Others inquired, “Had the lid not been laid over the opening?” or, “Had it been taken off?”
But a young man sprang quickly forward, threw off his coat, and asked help of the bystanders in these words, “Never a word about the cause of the mishap, but let us see how we can save the child. That is the question.”
“That’s it,” was the answer of a dozen voices, while the well rope was set going, and many pale faces peered over the edge of the well. One after another called out to the child; some asked if it was frightened; but to all the advices and questions no answer was heard, no sound came forth.
“The weather has been dry, and there is little or no water in the well,” said one.
“O, dear,” said the boy’s mother, “it was only yesterday that I grumbled because there was so little water.”
“Let us have a lantern,” said the first man, and a lantern was lighted and brought there, but in the same moment the boy’s father was seen pushing his way through the crowd. A way was made for him. He had been at work at a neighboring farm, and returning at dusk to his home was surprised to find it empty, the street deserted, and all the people gathered around the well.
When he heard what had taken place, and saw his wife wring her hands, he turned very pale. But recovering himself as much as possible, he said: “Stand back, leave the child to me.” Then he carefully examined the wheel and the rope, and tied to the rope a couple of sacks rolled up hard. Having done this, he let it down till he felt it touch the bottom of the well. “Now, be quite still,” he said, looking around. And lying down, with his face to the well opening, he called out softly and distinctly: “John, take hold of the rope!”
This time a faint pull was felt on the rope.
“Pull up, men,” said the Irian; “steady, mates, steady.”
And again leaning over the well, he said down into the dark, “Hold fast, my child.”
All the time the wheel was turned, but the well was deep, and it seemed a very long while.
At last there sounded forth a right good cheer.
“He is saved,” said the crowd. “Thank you, mates,” cried the father, as he lifted the boy in his arms, and carried him down the street.
The child was saved. The father’s voice had reached him. He had learned to obey, and when the well-known voice had told him to take hold of the rope, the child understood and did it. The command was a plain one, and brought salvation to the child.
Our heavenly Father has sent His only begotten Son down to this dark world. He has given a way of salvation. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” This is His command. If you obey, you are saved. Will you do as the little boy in the well? Will you take hold of the rope “today”?
ML 05/13/1917