Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1857-05-30

when he considered how slight was the possibil-
lty that the waters would not rise above his
head. Shll he determined to do all he could to
preserve life. The waves were not rough, and
the boat-hOOk supported him.
The awful moment rapidly approached: the
water had reached his knees but he stood
firmly and prayed that he might be preserved
On, on, 1t came slowly and gently but more
fearfully than if it had ragged around its des.
tined prey; soon it reached his waist, and he
then prayed that it might 20 no higher. On,
on, on: II came, and his shoulders were covered
hope died within him, and he thought of him
self no longer, but of those who were so dear
to him-his wife, his children and his father
1t was for blessings on them that he then i'm
plOred Heaven
Still, on, on, on, it came, and he was forced
70 raise his head to keep as long as possible
from death his reason was almost gone his
breath grew feeble, his limbs chill be painted,
ana his prayers became almost guryling MUIR
murs. The blood rushed to his head his eyo-
balls glared as if they would start from their
sockets He closed his eyes with an effort and
thought for the last time on the home that
would soon be SO wretched. Horrible images
were before him-each swell Of the sea seemed
rs II the fends were forcing him downwards and
the cry of the sea-bird was like the veil over
their victim He was gasping choking, for he
had not strength to keep his head above the
waves, every moment they were plashing upon
him, and each cOnvulsive start that followed
only aroused him to the consciousness, if con-
sclousness it could be called, that the next
plunge would be his last
Merciful powers at that very moment. when
the strength and spirit OF man had left him,
and the cold shudder of death had come on, he
felt that the tide rose no higher His ewes
opened, closed, and a fearful laugh troubled
the waters They eddied in his throat, and
the bubbles hoated around his lips; but
they rose no higher; that he knew: again
and again was heaved deep sob, as he drew in
his breath, and gave it forth new agony. A
minute had passed since the salt sea had touched
his lips; this was impossible if the tide still
/ flowed; he could reason so much He opened
his eyes, and family murmured forth - o God
be merciful.' The flow of the ocean mad in
ceased; there he still stood, motionless but
praying and weeping-thinking of his beloved
home, and hoping that his place there might
not be forever vacant. The waters in a short
time subsidized, and he was enabled to stretch
his chill limbs, and then to warm them by ex-
ercise. Soon the rock was left dry, and the
fisherman knelt down upon that desolate spot
among the billoWs, and hid his face in his hands
and praised and blessed his Creator-bis Pre-
server,
U! 1t is the well known bark Of his faithful
dog that he heard above the waves in another
moment the creature was licking his pale cheek
lie was saved-he was saved-f0r his own boat
had touched the shore and his own bow was in
his arms He had been drifted to the land
and had easily found those who had rowed hard
tor the chance of saving his fathers life
" Now hOmeward, hOmeward - he exclaim-
ed. HOmeward, homeward.' echoed the
child, and Neptune jumped and barked at the
welcome sound.
The fisherman 5 family were still duplicating
Providence upon the hillOck that overlooked
the deep, when the old man started from his
knees, and exclaimed, 1--WE are heard there is
speck upon the distant waters"
" w here, where - was echoed by the group .
and he pointed out to what he hoped to be the
absent boat They eagerly strained their eyes
but could see nothing; In q few minutes how
ever, all perceived sail still it was impossi-
bic to tell the direction in which its course Law
Then was the agony of suspense; it continued
however, but short time; a boat was evident
ly advancing toward the shore in a few mo-
ments they could clearly perceive a man at the
bow, waving his hat above his head. and soon
the well known bark Of Neptune was borne to
them by the breeze. The family rushed to the
extremity OF the rude pier, the loud huzza of
the fisherman was answered by the welcome,
welcome Of his father. and the almost inartic
ulate thank God ;" of his wife
And now all was joy and happiness in the
cottage where there had been SO much wretch
edness the fisherman his bow and his dog
were safe from the perls Of the great deep; but
he would return no answer TO the many oues-
tiOns as to what had detained him so long be-
yOnd the usual hour Of his return "Wait. nv
wife, said he, 8 until we have dressed and re-
freshed ourselves, and you shall know all; but
before we do either, let us bless God for his
mercy, for out Of great danger hath He pre-
served me-"
Never was there a more sincere or a more
earnest prayer offered up to the Giver of all
goodness, than assembled from that humble
dwelling And they repeated the words which
had given 80 much consolation in the morning :
" Fearless let him be whose trust is in his
God -