IN the year 1693 “Torca,” a large and beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, gave warning to its inhabitants that something serious would happen by beginning to smoke; some time after, the center of the island caved in, leaving a large and steaming body of water in its stead.
Those who heeded the warning were saved, while those who disregarded it perished, only a few escaping in boats.
In like manner, all who disregard God’s offer of salvation by Jesus Christ will suffer the penalty of God’s judgment which is soon to fall.
The island referred to is believed to be several hundred feet below the surface of the ocean at the present time.
This shows clearly, my reader, that by this and similar occurrences God is speaking loudly to men.
He is sovereign; His sway is felt in heaven and on earth. “For the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein, for He hath founded it upon the seas and established it upon the floods” (Psa. 24:11<<A Psalm of David.>> The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. (Psalm 24:1) and 2). Great and powerful King as Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was, he had to learn that “the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men” (Dan. 4:1717This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. (Daniel 4:17)). God always warns in mercy before He acts in judgment.
He raised up godly men and prophets of old, and is warning today by His servants, as Lot was warned of coming judgment.
Sodom, in which he dwelt, was a picture of this sinful world.
You, too, arc warned, and remember that “Jesus” is your only refuge; He has come near to us in sinless manhood, full of grace, truth and love. Yea, He has died for us ― “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:2424Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:24)). Having gone into death and fully paid the penalty of judgment due to man, He has risen and ascended to God’s right hand in heaven, and will soon return for “His own.”
Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth,
Is to feel your need of Him.
This He gives you.
‘Tis the Spirit’s rising beam.
F. H. L. C.