The National Geographic Magazine some time ago devoted a large section of one of its issues to the subject of dogs and their deeds, and the following story of Barry is well worth repetition. Barry belongs to that breed of dog known to the world as the St. Bernard stock. This famous dog, during his lifetime, actually saved more than forty human beings from being frozen to death high in the Alps. Whenever a snowstorm begins, these well-trained, devoted dogs become very excited at the prospect of saving men from a terrible death. They leap and bark and show every sign of impatience if they are not sent out into the storm immediately. God has gifted these great dogs with a keen sense of scent, so that they can discover a person, although he may be buried many inches beneath the snow.
But the strange and sad part of Barry's unique story is that while he saved more than forty persons, he lost his own life during his last rescue. After digging the perishing man out of the snow, the dog stretched himself over the body of the man, as he had been trained to do, to impart warmth and revive the flickering spark of life. When the man began to regain consciousness, he saw the huge dog hovering over him. In his dazed, drowsy condition, he mistook the dog for a wolf intent on devouring him. Quickly he plunged a dagger into the animal's side! Without a whimper, the noble dog crept away to his home, leaving a trail of blood which led rescuers to the injured man. News of the death of Barry soon spread, causing genuine grief because of such a tragedy. The deeds of Barry the heroic dog stand as a monument to the selfless nature of these St. Bernards.
Why did this man, imperiled as he was, do such a cruel, terrible thing? Because he misunderstood the dog's purpose and mission. He thought the dog had come to devour him, but actually he had come to deliver him. How many today, in regards to spiritual things, have wrong thoughts as to God and His plan of salvation for lost man. Like the man in the parable of the talents (see Matthew 25:24,25) who said, "I knew Thee that Thou art a hard man," they think that God is hard, cruel or even nonexistent. This is exactly what Satan wants man to believe about God and His Son, when the truth is, "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16); and, "The Son of God loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). This is what God wants you to know and believe, dear reader, that you might be delivered from the dreadful peril of eternal separation from God, the second death in the lake of fire.
What are your thoughts right NOW about Christ? You cannot plead ignorance, for have you not heard that He died on the cross for sinners and therefore for you? Have you not heard that He rose from the dead according to the Scriptures, and now lives to appeal to you through His Word? He has salvation for you if you will but repent and accept Him as your personal Saviour. Do you not realize what your awful plight is without Him? Do you not know that He is the only Saviour? Why not allow Him to warm you with His love and save you by His power right now?
Do not neglect nor misunderstand the purpose of Christ's work for you. Turn to Him now in repentance and faith, for He desires to save you with an eternal salvation. Call upon Him as Peter did, "Lord, save me," and immediately hear Him say to you in reply: "Thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace'' (Luke 7:50), and "He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life" (John 6:47). "He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18).
Gospel tract.
Pages: 4
Size: 89 x 139mm
Moments With The Book
Pack quantity: 100
Bible Version: KJV
To purchase: No minimum quantities on any tract purchase so single copies or whatever is required may be ordered. Pack quantities are given for those who want to purchase a complete pack.
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