The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1857-02-03
AN AUTHENTIC NARRATIVE.


which was crossing the one of the great lakes
Three other individuals had taken passage
and night coming on found us waiting for a
breeze.
About o'clock, as the sails were holsted,
another passenger came on board. When we
cleared the harbor he entered the cabin, and
seemed to suppose that he was alone; fer we
had all retired to our births. The lamp was
burning dimly on the table, but it afforded
sufficient light for me to discover that he was
young. Seating himself beside it, he drew
a book from his pocket and read few min
utes. Suddenly, from on deck, was heard
the voice OF the captain uttering oaths, ter
rife beyond description. The youth arose,
laid his book in the chair, and kneeling be-
side it, in a low whisper engaged in prayer.
listened attentively, and tho his soul seem
ed to burn within him, could gather only
an occasional word, or part of a sentence,
such as, "rnercy," "dying heathen," 'sin-
ners" DC. Presently.he seemed in an ag-
ony of spirit for these swcarers, and could
scarcely suppress his voice while pleading
with God to have mercy on them. Ny soul
was stirred within me. There was a sacred
ness in tho place, and was self-condcmned,
knowing that also professed the name of Je-
sus, and had retired, with my fellow-passcn-
gers, to rest, not having spoken of God or
committed myself to his care.
Early in the morning | was walked by a
loud voice at the door Of the companion-way !:
"Here! whose Tracts are these Z" followed by
other voices in threats and mprecations a.
ganst Tract distributors, Bethels, Temper
ance Societies, DC.
thought of the young stranger, and fear
ed they would execute their threats on him;
but he calmly said, "Those Tracts, sir, are
mine. have but few, as you see, but they
are very good, and you may take one, if you
wish. i brought them on board to distribute,
but you were all too busy last night" The
sailor smiled, and walked away making no
reply.
We were soon called to breakfast with the
captain and mate. When we were seated at
the table, Captain" said our young COM
paaion, Gas the Lord supplies all our wants,
if neither you nor the passengers object, |
would like to ask his blessing on our repast.'
"If you please" replied the captain, with
apparent good will. In few moments the
cook was on deck, and informed the sailors,
who were instantly in an uproar, and their
mouths filled with curses. The captain at
tempted to apologize for the profanity of his
men, saying, it was perfectly common among
sailors, and they meant no harm by it.
with your leave, captain said the young
stranger, Il think we can put an end TO it,
Himself a swearer, and having just apollo
gized for his men, the captain was puzzled
for an answer; but after little hesitation
replied. Il might as we'll attempt to sail a.
gainst head wind as to think of such a
thing
But l meant all said,' added the young
man.
well, if you think it possible, you may
try it, said the captain.
AS soon as breakfast was over, the Oldest
and most profane of the sailors seated himself
on the quarter deck TO smoke his pipe. The
young man entered into conversation with
him, and soon drew from him history of
the adventures of his life. From his boy
hood he had followed tho ocean. He had
been tossed on the billow in many a tempest;
had visited several missionary stations in diff
ferent parts Of the world, and gave his testi-
mony to the good effects of missionary efforts
Proud of his nautical skill, he at length boast
ed that he could do anything that could be
done BY sailor.
i doubt it, said tho young man.
Il cam answered the hardy tar, 'and will
not be outdone, my word for it.
"Wcll, when sailor passes bis word he
onght to be believed. / know a sailor who
resolved that he would stop swearing; and
did so.'
'Ah,' said the old sailor, you've anchored
me; I'm fast--but can do it.
Il know YOU can,' said the young man,
and l hope you will anchor all your ship
mates oaths with yours
Not word of profanity was afterwards
heard on board the vessel. During the day,
as opportunity presented itself, he convcrscd
with each sailor singly on the subject of his
souls salvation, and gained the hearts Of all.
By this time was much interested in the
young stranger, and determined to know
more of him. There was nothing preposses-
ing in his appearance; his dress was plain;
his manners unassuming; but his influence
had, by the blessing of God, in few short
hours totally changed the aspect of onr crew.
Tho tiger seemed sofened TO the lamb, and
peace and quiet had succeeded confusior and
blasphemy.
After supper he requested of, the captain
tho privilege of attending worship in the cab
in. His wishes were complied with, and
soon all on board, except the man at the
helm, were assembled. The captain brought
out Bible, which he said was given him in
early life by his father, with request that
he would never part with it. We listened
as our friend read Mathews account of Christ's
crucifxion and resurrection; and then look
ing round upon us he said, He is risen-yes,
Jesus lives, let us worship him.
1t was melting scene. Knees that sell
dom bowed before, now knclt at the altar Of
prayer, whilo the solemnities Of eternity
seemed hanging over us. After prayer we
went on deck and sang. It was a happy
place, a floating Bethel. Instead of confu-
sion and wrath there was sweet peace and
solcmnity. We ceased just as the setting
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