Rope Wanted (Audio Restored)
William Booth's sermon highlights the selfless sacrifice of Mary in rescuing children during a disaster, urging the community to support such noble efforts.
In the sermon transcript, the speaker tells the story of Mary, a woman who risked her life to save children from drowning in a city near the Mexican Gulf. Despite warnings from her comrades, Mary felt compelled to continue rescuing the children, knowing that their cries would haunt her if she didn't. She went back into the storm with a coil of rope, but unfortunately, she did not return. The speaker emphasizes Mary's selflessness and the need for others to support her mission by sending rope to help save more lives.
Full Transcript
On the shores of the Mexican Gulf, a large city had been built, dangerously near high water mars. One day, a magical wave rolled over it, drowning 10,000 people at a stroke. A community of devoted young women, living on the outskirts of the city, heard the shrieks of the drowning people and rushed to the rescue, saving many of the unfortunate fishes from their doom.
But when the lowering clouds of growling thunders and the moaning seas threatened another storm, they fled, agreeing that their work for the day was done. But one girl, specially concerned for the children, said, I'm going to have another turn. No, Mary, her comrades replied.
If you go again, you'll come back no more. But, said Mary, the little ones are perishing, and if I refuse to save them, their wailing will haunt my dying pillow. So with a coil of rope round her arm, Mary went out again into the storm, but she came back no more.
And when they searched for the dead among the wreckage, they found Mary with an infant in each arm, and seven little children tied together with the rope, one end of which was fattened round her waist. Can't you see, Mary, dragging her little profession along? When a sudden gust of wind blows her over, and the waters drown her where she falls, I shall meet Mary and her little flock in heaven. To salvage an army's house on the wild, white waters of the world, her arms are full of children, and thousands of helpless fishes are being thrown along by her in safety, honor to her, and blessedness in heaven.
Still she wants to do far more, but she's short of rope, and knowing that there must be a good deal of that material unused in these parts, may I ask my friends to send a little along, and thereby earn the blessing of God, the thanks of God.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the story of the drowning city
- The response of the community to the disaster
- The bravery of Mary in the face of danger
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II
- The significance of self-sacrifice
- Mary's commitment to saving the children
- The consequences of her actions
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III
- The metaphor of the rope as a tool for salvation
- The call to action for the audience
- The importance of community support in rescue efforts
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IV
- The legacy of Mary and her impact on others
- The spiritual implications of her sacrifice
- Encouragement to continue the mission
Key Quotes
“If I refuse to save them, their wailing will haunt my dying pillow.” — William Booth
“Can't you see, Mary, dragging her little profession along?” — William Booth
“Still she wants to do far more, but she's short of rope.” — William Booth
Application Points
- Reflect on how we can contribute to the needs of those around us.
- Consider the importance of self-sacrifice in our daily lives.
- Take action to support community efforts in times of crisis.