Martinique is one of those beautiful Caribbean islands, about 40 miles long and 16 miles wide. It is full of mountains and thick forests. Its highest mountain is Mt. Pelee, 4,429 feet high. And this is what our story is about.

Way back in 1902, Mt. Pelee made the headlines. In April 1902, some harmless volcanic activity was seen near the top of Mt. Pelee. On April 23, a light rain of cinders fell on the slopes of the mountain and sharp underground tremors, feeling like earthquakes, were felt. On April 25, the mountain put on a fireworks displayed for the city of St. Pierre which was at its base.

The volcano kept barking and giving warnings. People became concerned and began talking of leaving. What if the volcano should really explode? The small city of St. Pierre which lay at its base could never survive.

In early May, the government sent some scientists to examine the mountain. They made all their studies and then reported to everyone that there was no cause for alarm. Some of the men sent their wives away to another island but they stayed in St. Pierre for business.

On May 7, there was a terrible thunderstorm. But May 8 was a beautiful day. Everything seemed good. It was a holiday and people were not worried about the mountain even if it did make all that noise. No one was worried - except for one man: his name was Ferdinan Clare. He was not listening to what the experts said. He was not listening to this neighbors and what they thought. He was not even listening to his own feelings about the volcano or how much he would miss his home and friends. He was watching his barometer. As the barometer danced up and down wildly, he knew that it could mean only one thing: disaster was about to happen.

Hurriedly, he got his family together and made his way out of the city. He called to his friends and warned them, but they only laughed. They were having too good a time to leave.

Just as he made his way out of the city away from the path of the mountain's fury, a sudden burst of fire shot out of the mountain with steam and cinders. Some of the people rushed out of their homes and toward the sea. But the steam and cinders followed them there. Boats caught fire and sank. Some ran to their churches. But they died there. In just three short minutes, the volcano destroyed the entire city and killed 30,000.

Safety depended on what men did with the warning. Those who faced it honestly were saved. Those who ignored it, either because of business, fun, or carelessness, died in the tragedy. What men do with the Word of God will determine what happens in eternity. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life. He that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on Him." John 3:36.

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