St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1878-06-21
"Stop, Sir J"

"Stop, Strip
Those who are acquainted with the
Midland Counties of England, more es-
pecially with that part of them known
as ''the Black Country" are aware that
that district abOunds with pits and fur
naces. In many cases the mouths OF
the pits are arched over like an oven,
and thus effectually protected from dan
ger. In others, there are only a few
wooden rails round them, while others
are left quite open, and not protected
at all.
Few sights in England are more grand
and impressive than that which may be
seen in travelling from Birmingham to
WOlverhamptOn, on winters night.
The lofty flames issuing from the mouths
of the furnaces, throwing their glare
over the black and gloomy district
around, present a sight not soon or
easily forgotten.
Some years ago the writer was trav-
cling through this part of the country,
and, wishing to pass from one road to
another, he attempted to cross large
piece of waste ground in order to reach
the main road leading to the town he
intended to go to. The two roads for
distance ran nearly parallel with each
other, but, gradually diverging, led to
different towns in widely separated di-
rections. In thus attempting to cross
this apparently waste and barren
ground, my attention was suddenly ar
rested by loud cries of ''Stop, sir !"
1t was winter time, and, though not
late, it was getting quite dark. could
not see where l was going, did not
know the ground, and was quite I'M
conscious of danger. But "Stop, sir !!
Stop, sir ~ continued to echo in my
ear.
Not seeing the owner of the voice,
and not knowing whether the stranger
was friend or foe, hesitated whether |
should stand still or walk on. Being
naturally of resolute disposition, and
having travelled many hundreds and
thousands of miles, and seen some dan
gers in my time, | determined to stand
still and await the result. The civil
way in which the man addressed me,
even when shouting out, removed any
doubt as to what should do.
No sooner had the stranger come near
than he said quickly, ''Do you know
where you are going, sir"
"Yes," said l. 81 am going across
here into the main road yonder."
"But," replied the man, "dO you
know that this place is full of pits, and
that you may fall into one and break
your neck 2"
"NO,n answered, 81 am a stranger
here, and therefore know nothing about
it,
"Take hold of my arm, SIR" said my
unknown friend, "and will take you
across safely"
l could judge pretty well by the tone
of the mans voice that he was speaking
truly, and thanked him for his kind
attention. At the first cry of ''Stop,"
he might have been footpad, or one
who meant mischief. But l saw that
he really was putting himself out of his
way to serve me, so | gladly accepted
his guidance, and got to the road with
out any risk. He hardly waited to hear
my hearty thanks, but started back to
the road he had left; while l walked
on safely towards the town.
Many a time has this little incident
come to my mind, and think it carries
some useful hints on higher subjects
than the safety either of limb or life,
for which l had cause to be thankful
that day.
1t was certainly most providential
thing that the man, who knew the dan
ger of the place, happened to pass just
at that time. We talk of such things
as ''happy chances" and bits of ''good
luck" but / like to see the hand of God
in all events of life. If not even a spar
row falls to the ground without His
knowledge, know it is not chance that
guides my feet and delivers me from
danger, till my appointed time has
come.
But more than this may be taught by
the incident. The pits in the field may
fifty remind us of the unseen perils and
unknown dangers to which mems souls
are exposed as they journey through
life. Many who know those dangers
and the way to avoid them are anxious
to warn the unwary, and to help them
warned me by his cry of "Stop, sir"
might have passed by thinking my way
was no concern of his, just as many see
sinners going to destruction, and say
in their hearts, Gam l my brothers
keeper 2" But those who are truly
merciful, having the love of God and
man in their hearts, will not only give
warning of danger, but will go out of
their way, and give trouble as we'll as
time to bring salvation to the erring
and the lost. All ! we are all too remiss
in this duty and delight, as it ought to
be, of saving souls. Even those who
rejoice in their own deliverance and
safety often take too little concern
about others yet in danger, upon whom
darkness and death may soon come
Sunday at Home. ...