IT is with the boys that I wish to have a little special talk this time; though the words of warning will apply to the girls, also. All children like to have their own way, but I think that you, dear lads, are the most likely to try to be independent, and to seem like men; and if it be so while children how many dangers may you not fall into as you grow older? Remember the words of the wise king, Solomon, “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.” (Proverbs 1:88My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: (Proverbs 1:8).)
And now I am going to tell you a true story of what happened only three weeks ago. At one of the seaport towns of New Zealand, a boy was fishing one Saturday off the breakwater, when by some means he fell into the sea, and was drowned. I know nothing more about him than that he was buried on the Monday afternoon; and surely God spoke, by this sudden death, to the hearts of those who attended his funeral. Amongst those were two boys, brothers, aged about twelve and thirteen, who little thought that the sun had risen on them that day for the last time. The same evening they slipped out, unknown to their parents, to bathe in the river nearby, and both were drowned! We know not whether, while sinking in the water their hearts may have cried to the Lord for mercy; but this we do know, that their life here is ended, and their eternity begun. “The spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:77Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7)).
Are you ready to meet Him?
It is quite true that many thoughts may pass through the mind of a person who is drowning. A well-known preacher of the gospel has told us that, when a lad, he went on one occasion to bathe in a canal, contrary to his mother’s wishes; and while apparently drowning, the last lie he had told her was brought on his conscience. But, through God’s mercy as he rose to the surface, he lifted his arms out of the water, was seen, and rescued.
But who would peril his salvation on such an uncertainty?
It was while pondering the story of the three boys who were drowned within such a brief space of time, that the following verses were brought to mind, as perhaps suitable for this little paper, being addressed by a sister to her young brother, many years ago, after the death of one of his companions. Thank God, the one to whom they were addressed has, we trust, long been safe upon the Rock, Christ.
May God graciously bless to others their loving appeal even now!
I need not say I love you well,
I’ve told you so before;
But, O! indeed, I want to tell
Of one who loves you more:
Of Him who left His throne on high,
For you to live, for you to die,—
Of Christ, my brother.
I know you think the world is gay,
Religion dull and grave;
But, O! remember, while you may,
Him who alone can save.
Just think, how short your life may be;
Unceasing is Eternity:
O, think, my brother!
Remember him whose childish head
Was laid but yesterday
Within a dark and narrow bed—
A lonely house of clay:
Thou art not now so young as he,
And think—the summons next may be
To thee, my brother!
My God, I cannot change his heart,
I only look to Thee:—
Then, O! to him Thy grace impart,
As Thou hast done to me.
Lord, deign to make his soul Thy care,
Accept and bless a sister’s prayer
For this my brother.
ML 02/03/1918