Be on the Look-out by William Chapman White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 18, 1856

Be on the Look-out.

By William Chapman White

PASSING a field, a few days since, I saw several gentlemen engaged setting a long, round net, with a wing upon each side. They were preparing to entrap a flock of quails which were near by. Joining with them for a few moments, we surrounded the tree under which they rested. So soon as the net, which was attached to several small stakes, was properly planted, at the given word we closed in toward them on every side but that of the net, whistling in a low and careless manner. The drove hurried along before us on the ground. As they came against the wing on each side, and we still nearing them, they rushed to the center, entered the elongated part, which grew less and less for several feet. We rushed to its mouth, gave it a turn, or twist, and the little victims were in safe-keeping.

How truly, thought I, was it illustrative of the "fowler's snare," the net of sin. Daily it is set, and thousands are drawn imperceptibly within its folds. The arch-enemy is constantly by the way, with all his subtle influences, planting his gins, laying his snares to beguile, and entice us within his deadly embrace. When once allured to the beginning of transgression, how hard to escape, how sad the position! The careless or indifferent whistle caused the innocent birds not to suspect the intrigue. So, the apparently-innocent pleasures of life are often proffered; and we, off our guard, "suspecting not some danger nigh where we possess delight," sip little by little, till the poison is inhaled, to our great grief. The way of sin is no "friend to grace, to help us on to God." Within the folds of the beautiful flower is often hidden the poison insect. With every rose, there is a spine. Would it not be wise, therefore, to look out for the destroyer? For safety let us dwell in the cleft of the Saviour's side, and say:

'Tis there I would always abide, And never one moment depart; Concealed in the cleft of thy side, Eternally held in thy heart."

[W. Ch. Ad.]