Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-11-02
Have I no Father?

I was once in an awful storm at sea- we were
for many hours tossed about in sight of danger
Gus rocks; the steam engines would work no
longer: the wind ragged violently, around were
heard the terrific roar of the breakers, and the
dash of the waves, as they broke over the deck.
At this dreary and trying time, while we lay,
as might be said, at the mercy of the waves,
found great comfort and support from an apPar-
emily triAing circumstance; it was, that the cap
tain's child little girl of about twelve years old,
was in the cabin with US. He had come two or
three times, in the midst Of his cares and tolls,
10 see how his child went on; and 1t is we'll
known how cheering is the sight of a captain in
such time of danger. As our situation grew
worse, saw the little girl rising on her elbow
and bending her eyes anxiously 10 the door, as
if longing for her fathers temperance. He
came at last. He was large, bluff SaiIor,lke
man;an immense coat great sea boots and an oil
skin cap with flaps hanging down lis neck, were
streaming with water. He fell on his knees on
the floor beside the low berth Of his child, and
stretched his arm over her but did not speak
After little while he asked if she was alarm
ed II dIH6T, INC Jill" "'i'"S'SN1 Nv 'A'S w
with Won, and shall not be afraid
with mel he cried, you could not stand it
for an instant
Father. let me be with you, she repeated
NV child you would be more frightened then,
he said, kissing her, while the tears were on his
rough cheeks.
No, father, will not be afraid if you take
me with YOU o. father, let me be with you'll
and she threw her arms round his neck, and
clunc fast to him. The strong man was over
come he lifted his child in his arms, aud carried
her away with him.
How much felt her departure! As long as
the CAPTAINS child was near, | felt her to be a
sort of pledge for the return and care OF the cap
tam. knew that in the moment of greatest
dancer the father would run to his child; was
Ger, in that were the vessel aboutto be abandon
cd in Ike midst Of the wild waves, should know
of every movement, for the captain would not
desert his child Thus in the presence of that
t.I | had comforted myself and when she
,.,nt felt abandoned for the first time fearful.
arose. and managed to get on deck. The sea
and sky seemed one. 1t was dreadful sight
sauddering, | shrunk back, and threw myself a.
gain on my couch.
Then came the thought the child is content
she is with her father; 'And have no father!
O God thank thee! in that moment could an
swer Yes. An unseen Father, it is true; and
faith is not as sight, and nature is not as grace
Int still | knew had Father-a Father whose
love surpasseth knowledge The thought calm
cd nv mind. Reader, does it calm yours?
.OhT cries the trembling soul, the storm Is
fearful; the sky is hid; we walk in darkness ant
have no light BE still, and know that l an
Cod saith she Lord; be happy and know tina
God is thy Father. Fear not, for am wlll
thee; be not dsmayed, for | am thy God. AL
things are under the dominion ofChrlst' and al
things. yea, even terrible things, shall work to
oether for good for them that love God Temp
est tossed soul. as the child chung to her father
bosom, SO cling thou thy God; in the moment o
thine extremity he will appear to thee, or TAX
thee to be with him.
NV