Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-10-15

or whom received il tor the first time in their
lives. Several applied to him as 10 the pro-
pricty Of their embracing that location TO full
fil long cherished purpose of their hearts, bot
which, like many other good thoughts" had
been deferred TO "a more convenient season"
They all communicated, together with others
of almost every creed and nation, thus remind
ing MS oil tue promise Of the Scripture--''they
shall come from the East aud the West, the
North and the South. and sit down with
Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, in the kingdom
OF God"
Il was most solemn scene. Mr.. BALcH
first read the service appointed for storm at
sea, after which the whole communion Office.
The terrible conflict Of the elements which
ragged without, was rendered We; more striking
BY the impressive stiffness which pervaded
that company OF Chrisps disciples within.
Gathered around the table, they received
into hearts deeply moved, the consccrated en-
blens OF the Redeeuier's body and blood. All
felt comforted by the blessed ordinance Of
grace. Many bosom before tossed with fear,
was now tranquil through faith. Once more,
nil renewed their vows, and realized the peace
OF God shed abroad in their hearts. and felt,
with yvidness perhaps never before known.
s.Your life is hid with God in Christ" OH
j, wa. night and communion long to be re-
membered
After the communion, | returned 10 my state
room. The gentleman who shared II with me,
had gone below to die, as he expected, in
company with his daughter and son-in law
Left therefore alone. taking last look at the
pictures OF my little family and commencing
them and all dear to me, TO the grace and pro
lection Of God, laid down and slept peace
fully
MONDAY, 2lst. IL 80, continues the log,
the storm commenced raging again IN all ITS
fury, and the sea perfect foam, till s A. NJ,
at which time the clouds began TO break, and
the squalls less furious. Got the ships head to
the ~ w. and hauled the yards round, the
sea still raging as before, and nearly ahead,
curling and breaking over the ship in every
direction. AT noon the storm ceased but the
sea continued more violent TIL T. M, at
which time il ceased gradually with the wind
having lasted about SO hours, during which
time, il gives me much pleasure 10 state, my
officers and crew conducted themselves with
great GOODNESS and presence OF mind"
At halr-pas, O'Clock on Monday morning,
we were in the greatest possible danger.
Mrs. STEpHEss, one of our passengers who
was an eye witness, says OF lt--"a peculiar
lifting OF the haze in the east, with an appear
ance of an amber colorcd belt OF light. low
down on the horizon, warned us OF an ap-
preaching blow. Presently II came, perfect
tornado, driving before it the clouds OF spray,
and as il neared US, fairly lifting up the white
foam f,on the waves. like a shower Of rain.
As the squall struck US, the ship careened over
and buried her gunwales in the ocean, and lay
for a few moments stricken powerless, and
apparently at the mercy Of the savage waves
that threatened to engulph us. This was the
trial, the last round fought between the eie-
ments and our gallant vessel AT this critical
moment, the engine was true TO her duty.
Still went on its revolutions, and round and
round Numbered her iron water wings Grad
ualy recovering her upright position, the good
ship with head quarterlng the sea, came up 10
her course, and all was well. 1t was the eli
max of the orm,--the last great effort OF the
whirlwind king, to send US 10 the sea giants
cave below"
On Monday about IL, the storm had abated
sufficiently, TO admit of standing on the upper
step Of the companion way with safety. 1t
was sublime but an awful spectacle. The
ocean still labored under the effects OF the hur-
ricane. The wind veered 20 points in Sc
hours it is impossible to imagine or describe
the wild and tangled confusion Of the waves
rising 10 height apparently greater than that
of the manmast they leaped and roared
around the ship. as if hungry and maddened
at the loss of their prey. AT times the Great
Western seemed as if lowered into her watery
grave; and every moment you expected 1t to
be filed in, and her requiem sung by the
winds amidst the wilderness of waters.
But our danger was past and with grateful
hearts on Tuesday morning, all assembled IN
the cabin to render an act Of common prayer
and thanksgiving.
Rev. DIR. SMucYER read psalm and made
some appropriate introductory remarks, and
Rev. DR.. BEEcHER addressed the passengers
ut length and with much force on the mercy
we had experienced, and prayer was Offered.
After the religious services were ended, AR
cHIBALp GRACE, ESQ.,, of New York, was
called to the chair, and the Rev. Mr.. MARSH
appointed secretary. On motion 1t was
Resotred, That committee be appointed 10
draft resolution expressive Of our gratitude
TO Almighty God for his great goodness in our
almost miraculous deliverancc from destruc
ton and also the captain, officers, and crew
of the ship, for their arduous labors. and their
skill, firmness, and perseverance in carrying
the ship through her late perous condition.
The same committee were charged with the
duty Of reporting suitable memorial oil our
gratitude 10 the captain, officers and crew.
The following resolution, expressive OF our
gratitude to Almighty God, and of regard for
the Captain, officers and crew, was subse
quenty adopted.
AT meeting of the passengers held on board
OF the Grea, Western, Sept 18th, 1916, and
unanimously adopted
Resolved. In review OF the pcrlls OF the late
gale, which threatened the termination Of our
earthly plans, and endeared social relations
for the allotments of eternity, and of our dehv-
GRANGE with the cheering prospect OF restora-
ton 10 our families and friends, we desire with
grateful hearts 10 render to God the homage OF
our deyout thanksgiving; with our supplica-
tons tina; He will sanctiiy to us the admoni-
tons OF His providence, and render them sub
servient to our present and future well being.
We would also render praise 10 Him for the
calmness and decision and endurance granted
the Captain, officers and seamen Of the ship.
through the whole period Of the pro,racted
storm and for the solemnity, and equanlmlty,
and good conduct which amidst such protract-
ed and appalling dangers characterized the
passengers and inmates Of the ship.
So closes the record of a memorable storm.
But never can its recollection be effaced from
the minds Of those who were exposed to its
periis.
When the danger had all passed, said the