In May, 1889 a terrible flood swept across much of Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas, known in history as the “Johnstown Flood.” Many lost their lives, but many acts of heroism were performed by brave men and women in rescuing victims of the flood. A little girl ten years of age named Alice was alone with her baby brother in their home which was already floating away in the surging waters. Her parents were not home, for perhaps they had already lost their lives in the flood. Alice knew that the Lord would take care of her, and kneeling beside her bed, prayed to Him to save her and little Robert from the fury of the flood.
It happened that a train was going slowly by on a high hill near the flood. The passengers crowded to see the terrible havoc of the flood, when they saw Alice’s house floating, and heard the baby’s cries coming from it. A schoolboy of seventeen, Charles Hepenthal, determined to save the baby from a watery grave, although those on the train urged him not to do so, for it would be impossible to survive in the surging waters.
But Charles was resolved, and out into the whirling gulf he went. He got to the house, and secured the infant, returning through the waters with baby Robert in his arms. A shout went up from the passengers on the train. “Wait!” he cried, “there is still another in the house. I must save her!” Seizing a plank to use as a support, he plunged again into the waters, but his struggle this time was harder.
“God has answered my prayer,” said Alice, as she saw Charles enter the door. He took her and fought his way back to land. Had he waited another minute, it is likely she would have been drowned.
Does not this thrilling story remind us of a greater deliverance — the death of the Lord Jesus who saves all those who trust Him by faith in His precious blood? We were helpless, lost in sin, and without hope, until He came to seek and save us, and to “give His life a ransom for many.” Matt. 20:2828Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28).
Dear reader, has the Saviour found you yet? or are you still drifting with the current of this world, that is going on to judgment and eternal woe? Awake! The Saviour calls to you again, “Come unto Me.” Dare you put Him off another moment? If you do, He may turn away and never call again; then your last hope of being saved will be gone forever.
O what emptiness without the Saviour,
‘Mid the sins and sorrows here below!
And eternity, how dark without Him—
Only night and tears and endless woe!
What though I might live without the Saviour,
When I come to die, how would it be?
O to face the Valley’s gloom without Him!
And without Him for eternity!
ML 09/13/1959