p. 14 | Only a Spark

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Dec 12, 1911

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 38, No. 49.

Only a Spark

A PARTY of young men were on a mountain trip. With their guide they entered the crater of a semi-active volcano, and descended among the lava rocks to the lowest point that was considered safe. As they stood there, gazing down upon rocks which looked just as secure as those on which they were standing, one adventurous young man decided to go farther down. His companions and the guide urged that it was dangerous, but to no avail. He was not afraid, and insisted on satisfying his curiosity. Everything looked safe enough, so, fastening a rope about him, he lowered himself to the rocks below. Held by the rope, he gazed into the black depths of the earth. He had not seen that where the rope passed over the rocks, a spark, small at first, but soon turned into a tiny blaze, was eating the rope, strand by strand. He could not see it; those above could not see it; but it was surely doing its work. The rope gave way—it parted—and the young man was instantly hurled into the depths.

What a price to pay for disregarding counsel!

We shudder to think of it, but are inclined to say, “He was warned.” Let us examine ourselves. Is there a parallel in our lives? Has not our Guide counseled us many times? Do we ever descend into the crater of sin against His will? Is there ever a little spark of selfishness in our hearts that may be fanned into a blaze and hurl us into eternity? Shall we heed the counsel, or pay the price?—New Zealand Christian Herald.