A PROMISE-KEEPING GOD.
BY MRS. S. H. COOPER.
Many will call to
mind that “den of horrors,” Andersonville prison, where suffering for water was
as severe for food. It is heart-rendering to read the description of that
suffering, and, however much we imagine, it is far short of the terrible
reality.
As proof that God
hears and answers prayer, the following incident is given to us, the parties to
which are still living. Prison yards are surrounded by a “dead line,” a fence,
or some marked limit, beyond which none may go. That at Andersonville was
marked by plowing a single furrow; and many poor fellows voluntarily stepped
over the “line” and were shot, preferring death to life in such a place.
A creek ran
across the inclosure, but its supply of water failed, because of drought. Then the
stale water of the swamp was the supply, as it made its way slowly through the
ground, while the insects in the mud, an the sink on the creek above, added to
its uncleanness. Time passed slowly. Those who were able dug wells in the sand
with church implements as could be improvised, the half of a canteen being used
for that purpose. They often caved in, and if they found water it was in
limited supply, which was drawn up in buckets, made of old boot-legs. While
some were working in relays, others were praying, claiming the promise, “When
the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, I, the Lord, will hear them,”
of Him who made it, and pledged Himself to keep it. It was easy to ask in
earnest, and they continued to ask till one morning the glad cry rang through
the prison grounds of, “Water! Pure water! Plenty of water!” thrilling every
heart within hearing.
On going to see
what God had done for them, they found a spring newly pouring its streams for
their relief. Yes, pouring; so bountifully had God kept His word. It way just
over the “dead line,” and the boys made a board spout to convey it within easy
reach, and their pails were quickly filled-filled in five ticks of a watch.
They rejoiced, they praised, they drank to the glory of God of the abundant
supply He had given them. This was in the fall of 1863, and in 1876 the spring
still flowed.
We gladly accept
temporal good, let us not neglect to accept Christ Himself; the living water,
of which “if a man drink, he shall never thirst.” He came that we might have
life, and have it more abundantly. “Whosever will, let him take of the water of
life freely.”
-From the Advocate and Guardian.
*****
Israel…. Hath not
attained to law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by
faith.- Rom. ix: 31, 32.
For we walk by
faith, not by sight.
-2 Cor. v:
7.
