A fine ship was sailing on the Pacific coast, the last port of call had been San Francisco, and there were many homeward-bound passengers on the ship who had been very successful at the gold diggings.
No thought of danger crossed the minds of the passengers and the crew as the good ship glided gracefully through the blue and placid waters, until one of the hatchways began to pour out a thick volume of smoke, then a cry of “Fire” was heard, and almost instantly the deck was crowded with terrified men and women.
The boats were lowered and filled one by one, and among those who waited their to i to leave the burning ship Was a young man, He had carefully fastened around his waist a broad belt, in which was safely stowed all his wealth, the result of hard and successful work in the diggings. He had just buckled it tighter for greater safety when his arm was clutched by a tiny hand, and a frightened voice cried out,
“O, man, save me!”
A little blue-eyed girl gazed earnestly into his face, and while he hesitated the boat filled up.
What should he do? He was a strong swimmer, and could, no doubt keep himself afloat until picked up, but could he also save this little helpless girl? He certainly could not save the child and his gold; one or the other must be sacrificed. His decision was speedily made, for quicy unfastening the belt of gold he flung it into the depths, and, seizing the child, plunged into the waters and struck out for the shore.
He was able to save his little charge, as you shall hear, but does not the story of the young man’s sacrifice bring to your mind another story? We are all in danger; the waters of death, and the fire of judgment alike threaten us, but the Saviour pitied us. His heart was moved with compassion, and He undertook to save us. It was at a great sacrifice, for He had to lay aside His glory and leave the crown and dominion and come down to this earth in absolute poverty. He sold all that He had to redeem us, and gave Himself for our sins. The waves and billows rolled over Him; but blessed be His name, He has passed through them all, and delights now to put all who trust in Him, in perfect safety forever.
If you trust Him, as the little girl trusted the young gold-digger, you will never have need to fear.
The heroic young swimmer was dashed about for some time by the waves, and at last thrown up on the shore. He lay quite stunned for a while, but was awakened by warm kisses on his cheek and a childish voice saying,
“Kind man, I love you or saving me.” He had lost everything in order to save her, and as he listened to her voice he felt well repaid. She never forgot his great sacrifice on her behalf.
Will you not say to Jesus,
“Kind and loving Saviour, I love Thee?”
Ah! He is worthy that all should love Him, but, alas, a great many are totally indifferent to Him; but do not be like them; put your whole trust in Him; give Him your whole-hearted love, because He has first loved you.
ML 03/15/1942