A Sad Calamity
A short time before we came to Stockholm, a sad calamity oc-
curred, which cast a gloom over the entire city. Christine Neilson, the
famous Swedish singer, visited Stockholm, and thousands crowded to
the theater to hear her sing. But there were great numbers who could
not secure admittance, and for the benefit of these she promised to
sing in the open air before her hotel, at the close of her last evening’s
engagement. An immense crowd collected, from twenty-five to thirty
thousand people. There was a bridge opposite the hotel, and as the
people crowded upon this at the close of the entertainment, the cry
was raised that the railing was giving way, and the people were be-
ing crowded into the water. A panic followed. In the rush to get off
the bridge, men, women, and children were trampled down, eighteen
persons were killed, and not less than seventy wounded.
We often hear of disasters in theaters and pleasure resorts, where
lives are lost, and many are wounded, and perhaps made life-long
sufferers. But these things do not arrest the pleasure-seekers. They
rush on, thirsting for excitement, and often in the very act they too
are hurled into eternity; without a moment’s warning, their probation
is ended; and what has been their life record? Can Christ say of
these, “Well done, good and faithful servants”? Multitudes are vainly
seeking happiness in worldly amusements. They crave something
which they have not. They are spending their money for that which
is not bread, and their labor for that which satisfieth not. The hungry,
thirsting soul will continue to hunger and thirst so long as it partakes
of these unsatisfying pleasures. Oh that they would listen to the voice
of Jesus, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.” Those
who drink of the living water will thirst no more for frivolous, exciting
amusements. Christ, the well-spring of life, is the fountain of peace
and happiness.
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