Rescue the Perishing

Many years ago the following incident occurred as the writer of these pages was journeying to Sung-kiang Fu, a large city in the province of Kiang-su, and is quoted from a journal written about the time.

“In the afternoon ot the second day its walls loomed in sight, and I spoke of going ashore to preach the gospel. In the same boat was a Chinaman as passenger, who had been in England; and who, when there, went by the name of Peter. He had heard the gospel, but had not experienced its saving power. I had been speaking to him on the preceding evening about his soul’s salvation, and he had been moved to

* In the Conspectus, page 41, these two workers are classed under their head-quarters, Fan-ch’eng and Sha-sh’i, in Hu-PEH.

^’’Rescue the Perishing.’’’’
tears. I was pleased, therefore, when he asked
to be allowed to accompany me, and to hear
me preach. Our boat drew nearer the walls of
the city, and I went into the cabin to prepare
for going ashore, expecting in a few minutes
to enter Sung-kiang Fu with my Chinese
friend.

“I was suddenly startled by a splash and a
cry. I sprang out of the cabin, and looked
around — every one was at his post but poor
Peter. The tide was rapidly running out,
but a strong wind was carrying us over it.
The low, shrubless shore afforded no landmark
that we could notice to indicate the exact spot
where he fell into the water. I instantly let
down the sail and leapt overboard, trying to
find him. Unsuccessful, I looked arOund in
agonizing suspense, and saw close to me a
fishing-boat with a peculiar drag-net furnished
with hooks, which I knew would bring him up.

“‘Come! ‘I cried, as hope sprang up in
my heart, ‘Come, and drag over this spot
directly, for a man is drowning here.’

“‘Veh bin’ — it’s not convenient — was the
cold and unfeeling reply.

“‘Don’t talk of convenience,’ I cried in an
agony, ’ a man is drowning! ’

“‘We are busy fishing and cannot come,’
was the reply.

“‘Never mind your fishing,’ I cried, ‘I will
give you more money than many a day’s
fishing will bring you, if you will come at once.’

“‘How much money will you give us? ’

“‘Don’t stand talking now; do come, or
you will be too late. I’ll give you five dolla|^
(then worth £1 13s. 4d.)’

“‘We won’t come for that; we’ll drag for
twenty dollars.’

“‘I have not got so much; do come quickly,
and I’ll give you all the money I have.’

“‘How much is that? ’

“‘I don’t know exactly; about fourteen
dollars.’

“At last they came, and in less than one
minute brought up the body of poor Peter.
They were most indignant and clamorous
because the payment of their exorbitant demand was delayed while attempts were being
made at resuscitation. But all was in vain — life was extinct.”

My reader, would you not say that these men were verily guilty of this poor Chinaman’s death, in that they had the means of saving him at hand, but would not use them? Surely they were! And yet, pause ere you give your judgment against them, lest a greater than Nathan say, “Thou art the man.” Is it so hard-hearted, so wicked a thing to neglect to save the body? of how much sorer punishment is he worthy who leaves the soul to perish, and Cain-like says, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The Lord Jesus commands, commands you, my brother, and you, my sister. “Go,” says He, “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Will you say to Him, “No, it is not convenient?” will you tell Him that you are busy fishing and cannot go? that you have bought a piece of ground and cannot go? that you have purchased five yoke of oxen, or have married a wife, or are engaged in other and more interesting pursuits, and cannot go? Ere long “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in the body.” Remember, oh! remember, pray for, labour for, the unevangelized Chinese; or you will sin against your oimi soul. Consider Who it is that has said,” If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; if thou sayest. Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that pondereth the heart consider it? and He that keepeth

38 The Dependencies of China.

thy Soul, doth not He know it? and shall not He render to every man according to his works?”