Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1842-04-05
KeItatous~ RatareIIamp,
From the Neto York Observer.
THE LIFE PRESERVER.

Inc article below has Just been printed by the
American Tract society. We understand that it
is from the pen of Rev William Adams of this
city; and we have been so much pleased with its
point, that we are tempted to give it circulation
in advance of the society .- ...
Commencing long journey which was to take
me upon most ofour western lakes and rivers
had the precaution to provide myself with life
preserver ofthe best construction. My reasons for
doing this were these. | had always felt great
confidence in this simple instrument They are
constructed on principles perfectly philosophical
Several individuals from the circle of my own ac-
quaintance had been saved by them when in i'm
minent peril The expense of the articiewas very
trifing It was not at all in the way So far
from this, found i pqsitiye, souyepinence, as a
cushion by day and pillow by night @
My custom was, every night before retiring to
Sleep to examine my life preserver, and see it was
where could place my hand upon it in an in
slant; and often, when the winds blew and the
waves dashed against the boat felt a sense Of Sc
curity in the possession of that which with the
blessing of God, might preserve me in an emer-
gency; and this of itself amply repaid me for my
purchase f..... 1911 .....- f
Soon after entering the Mississippi river, we
wore not little agitated by an accident which be-
fcl the boat. The night was dark and tempestu-
Gus, and the "Father of waters angry and fright
full, The passengers sprung from their berths
and rushed together into the main saloon. The
accident proved to be of small consequence and
the alarm very soon subsidized. .... .
Returning to my state-room, with this incident
fresh in mind, | fell into sort of waking dream.
Thought was on one of the inland seas in a vi
client tempest Our vessel ,dismasted and disabled,
was rapidly driving on the lee shore Death in
one of its most frightful forms, was staring us in
the face, for the captain heard to say, eve are
all gone for this world" The passengers were
evidently making ready for the last struggle And
now observed, for the first time, that some amid
the general conservation, seemed perfectly calm
and composed They were very solemn but gave
no sign of fear. On looking again l saw that
they were provided with ife-prcservers, large and
strong, of the very best kind. These they had
already attached to their persons and feeling the
utmost confidence in this means Of preservation,
they were quietly waiting the issue. An emotion
of Joy was depicted on their countenances as il
they were thanking Gcd that they had secured, in
good season, what was now of great price.
But how shall describe the terrors and disnay
ofthe other passengers as they passed to and fro
before my eye Very few had any hope of reach
ing the shore. Their faces were pale, and they
wrung their hands in despair. -.
"What fool l was" said one, shat did moi
buy hfepreserver before left home. l always
iiOohl W VO H. uCJ were tApOStu iOI Sdlt T., III
before my eyes every day My friends entreoet
me to procure one, and promised that l would
l thought could obtain one at any time But
put it eff and now it is TOO late"
81 did not believe there was any danger" said
another 81 have passed over these lakes many
times, and never saw such storm before I'll:
true, was warned that come they would, in al
hour when looked not for them; but as l hat
passed safely without life preserver before | con
cluded to run the risk again"
Another observed Fastening TO his trunk ant
returning instantly with the case ola life preserv
er in his hand but an expression of blank despai
on his countenance. The article had once beer
good, but he had not taken care of it. He hat
thrown it loosely among his effects, and it ha,
been punctured by pin. 1t was now mocker,
of his wo. He tried to mend it, but this wa
impossible. There was not time for this
Another produced with great Joy what SCENE
an excellent life preserver, but when.he proceede
TO adjust 1t he found that he had been cheated,
was a counterfeit article He did not procure
nt the right place To all appearance it wassounC
1t would retain its shape and buoyancy- for
while, but would not bear the pressure of man
whole weight 1t would answer very well for
few minutes in smooth water but could not be r,
lied on in an emergency. He had never exam
ined 1t before and now, in the hour Of need, foun
it utterly worthless