While the work of rescue was going on, the poor mentally ill patients behaved in such a way as to remind us very forcefully of how insane it is the way sinners behave when their need for salvation is sought by others.
Some laughed at the mention of fire. Only fools could laugh at a calamity like this. Fools make a mockery of sin. Only those who are morally insane would dare to trifle with the fire of sin.
Some said they would not leave their bed in the night to go out. They would not consent to leave their present enjoyment and comfort even if it was to save their lives. There are many like this who prefer the pleasures of a condemned state to the joys of salvation. Their spiritual madness is self-evident by the choices they make.
Some were found hiding under their bed from the fire. In their refuge of lies, they said, “Peace, peace, when there was no peace.” No one but a fool can suppose that a bit of ease or their indifference is any protection against the consuming fire. Be sure your sins like a fire will find you out.
Some seemed too fancy that the rescuers had made up the fire. The rescuers were blamed for trying to burn them up. You would think, to hear some people speak, that preachers were the makers of hell, and the disturbance of the peace, by seeking to convince men about sin and to pull them out of the perishing condition was false. Of course, in making a charge like this they only prove that they are beside themselves.
Many of them fought against the rescuers, biting them and pulling their hair out. What a melancholy picture; what a sad proof of insanity-warring against those who are sacrificing themselves for their deliverance. Missionaries and preachers that could earn a higher salary but instead chose to serve the spiritual needs of others. Yet, many of the world choose to ignore their warnings .Only spiritual lunatics could behave in this fashion.
Some were heard knocking at a closed door to get out, when it was too late. It must have been a terrible awakening to come to their senses and find themselves imprisoned in a devouring fire. Those who refuse to be pulled out of the fire of sin will perish in it. The Scripture says, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation?”
Every sane man and woman went to the rescue. The time is short; the doom of the unsaved was certain; the work was urgent; every other interest was set aside; the only thing needful was for the salvation of their bodies and more particularly of their souls. All sane Christians make it their purpose to get souls pulled out the fire of sin.
This tragedy was real. It was historical. It was dangerous. Many ignored the necessity of responding to the rescuers. Many postponed their decision only to find it was too late. The danger of unrepented sin waits for all those who step out of their bodies into eternity without Christ. It is a simple issue. The responsibility is on the shoulders of each individual person.
Christian Writer 