The Little Lamp

 
The Rev. Spencer Compton, the earnest evangelical Episcopal minister of Boulogne, related the following incident: ― During a voyage to India I sat one dark evening in my cabin feeling thoroughly unwell, as the sea was rising fast and I was but a poor sailor. Suddenly the cry of “Man overboard!” made me spring to my feet. I heard a trampling overhead, but resolved not to go on deck lest I should interfere with the crew in their efforts to save the poor man. “What can I do?” I asked myself, and instantly unhooking my lamp, I held it near the top of my cabin and close to my bulls-eye window, that its light might shine on the sea, and as near the ship as possible. In half a minute’s time I heard the joyful cry, “It’s all right, he’s safe,” upon which I put my lamp in its place. The next day, however, I was told my little lamp was the sole means of saving the man’s life; it was only by the timely light which shone upon him that the knotted rope could be thrown so as to reach him. Christian worker, never despond, or think there is nothing for you to do even in the dark and weary days. Looking unto Jesus, lift up your light; let it shine that men may see, and in the bright resurrection morning what joy to hear the “Well done,” and to know that you have unawares saved some soul from death!