WHEN the drifting ship Dunbar went ashore in the Gap, near to Sydney harbor, all but one on board were lost.
The survivor had a terrible experience. He was carried on the crest of a wave which, after it reached the shore, left him in a hollow place, high up in the face of the rock.
He lay there throughout that dreadful night and all the succeeding day, doubtless expecting every moment to be washed from his place of refuge.
It was not until the morning of the second day that the man was discovered by some people who came to view the scene of the disaster, and means were quickly taken for his rescue. A young man was found who volunteered to let himself down by a rope, and thus succeeded in saving the half-dead seaman.
The position of those without Christ as their Saviour is as perilous as, and infinitely more serious than, that in which the poor sailor was placed; for whereas he was in peril of losing the life of his body, they are in the greater peril of losing their own soul. Each returning wave of time may lift them into eternity.
“There is but a step between me and death.”
“It is appointed unto men once to die.” (Heb. 9:2727And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27).) There is no gainsaying this scripture. It was brought before an infidel, who was vaunting his unbelief in anything the Bible contained, but he was compelled to own the truth of that.
“But after this the judgment” is just as certain. Death for the sinner is the prelude to judgment. Then, if never before, God and he must meet.
Friend, have you had to do with Him about your sins? If so, having life and blessing in a once-crucified and now living Saviour, you must say—
“Death and judgment are behind me,
Grace and glory are before.”
Thank God if you can.
ML 02/08/1903