Underwood's Friend

At the time of Cromwell in England, there was a young man, Bazil Underwood, under sentence of death. He was to be executed at the ringing of the curfew on a certain day. But Bazil Underwood had a young woman who loved him, and who sought his release. Day after day she sought it without success and finally the day of execution came. Throughout the day her efforts, if possible, were increased, but again to no avail. Bazil Underwood was to die unless she could prevent the ringing of the curfew.
She found the old deaf bell-ringer and pleaded with him, but that faithful old servant could not step from duty's path. Curfew must ring. So the woman hurried to the belfry and began the hazardous climb to the bell. At last she reached it and as she grasped its great iron tongue, the bell began to swing to and fro. Each time she was thrown violently against its sides, but no sound rang out. At last the faithful sexton ceased. His duty had been done, but curfew had not rung. Then she dropped from the bell, all bruised and bleeding, but Bazil Underwood was saved. Subsequently, upon Cromwell's return, he was pardoned.
This story illustrates human love, wondrous human love. Wouldn't Bazil Underwood have been most ungrateful if he had spurned the young woman who so loved him? Are you ungrateful, my unsaved one, when you spurn the Lord Jesus Christ who loved you, so much that He gave His life for you? You who have heard of this love so often, you who have grown up in the sound of the gospel, are these truths real to you? Do they not stir your conscience?