STRIKE THE MATCH—A TRUE INCIDENT.
A traveler lost his way in a dense wood; he sought in vain to find a way out, trying one path after another; he seemed to get farther and farther in the depths of the forest. The rain began to pour down almost in torrents. Night coming on, the weary traveler’s courage failed him; he sat down discouraged, drenched with rain, tired, hungry, with a feeling of helplessness. He looked around for a shelter of some kind, and resolved to make one more effort to find a way out of the lonely forest. As he walked along he saw in the distance a rude hut. He quickened his footsteps, and at last reached a place of shelter. The little hut was unoccupied. It had only one room, if it could be called a room; an opening in the wall served for a window. It was a cold, dreary place, but it would afford shelter from the fast-falling rain. On the rough stone hearth wood had been placed in order for a fire; a match, the only one in the room, lay beside the wood. As he took the match in his hand to kindle the fire, he said to himself, “What if this fails to ignite? It is my only chance for life.” Tremblingly he drew the match up or over the rough stone; a feeble flame came forth, the fire was kindled, his drenched garments were dried, and he was cheered by its light and warmth. The light was seen from the window of a house in the distance. The lost traveler was soon made comfortable through the kindness of strangers who came to his assistance. There are many traveling through this world following paths that will end in the loss of the soul. Remember that the light of a single match may direct them to a place of safety. The glorious light of the Gospel is shining all around. Jesus says to the hungry, “I am the bread of life; he that cometh to Me shall never hunger.” To those in the storms of life God is a refuge and strength; a very present help in time of trouble. Let all who are journeying through this world seek more earnestly for the employment of every opportunity. Remember, a single match may light up the way enough to guide the lost one home. It is no excuse that you have but little talent; but little is required, and you are held responsible only for the little you have. Strike the match, and do the best you can in guiding others to the right haven, and it may prove just the effort required to set others to work; and the results are not to be computed by the first feeble effort. Strike the match. It is all you can do, and God will do the rest.—Christian Work.