Des Arc citizen., 1858-12-11
A CONTRAST.

A JUN IRASI.
 In the Christian IntelIigencer Phillip Henry, one of the survivors of the ill-fated steamer Austria, gives some incidents of the terrible catastrophe which recently be- fe her, from which we take the following extract. What lesson does it teach to all the living:
 How AN INr1DEL DlED.-On board of the Austria there were but few Christians, probably not more than twenty-five, There were some bold, wretched lnfdels. l saw the boldest, and most Heaven-defy- ing of them all perish. The day before the disaster, tracts were distributed among the passengers, and were kindly received by the most of them; but this mans de- pravity was not satisfied to receive one and stealthily gathered as many as he could from the passengers, and leastcd on his shame that he had destroyed them. He was as bold as lion when there was no danger near; but when God spoke the next day, he trembled at the alarm, and was scarcely able to move.
 saw him go overboard. He threw out his arms as he lay upon his back on the wave, his eyes seemed as if they would start from their sockets, the writh- ings of agony were seen in his features and as he was sinking, the last l saw ol him was, he clenched his hands wringing them in agony, and he just leaving the earth for---ohi what
 A moment more, and, could we have stood on the other side of the river of death, we might have heard the despair ing cry of "Oh, that 1 had been wise!' 1 wept when 1 saw this.
 Though so subdued as he seemed in that hour, and, with Voltaire, would have given all that he was worth for a short re- prieve, yet had he been rescued he would probably, like some others that were hun- bled when flames were rushing on them, cursed when they were delivered. How mysterious! What unsearchable mercy IS mingled with Gods judgment! May we not hope that by their death the God less and wicked on that steamer will be the means of quickening others into life {? We must believe 1t.
 How A CHRISTIAN DIED.-From be- hind the ragings of flames there comes the [" still small voice" of consolation. Allow me briefly to narrate the Christian scene. At this time of the alarm, my travelling companion, H. Schiebe, of our Theolog- ical Seminary, and myself were converse ing in the cabin, and found our means of escape through the skylight. When we reached the deck he was exhausted, and while 1 was attempting 10 find out some means of safety, 1 left him giving conso- laion to those who so much needed it. When l found all hope of relief for the vessel gone, 1 returned to him with life buoy for each of us. As 1 approached him, the following beautiful incident oc- cured: A forlorn female came 10 him in the greatest agony, wringing her hands and burdened with fear, and asked him !" What can do?" He replied, "Trust in the Saviour-He is merc(ul and kind He will hear you" ooh, 1 can't pray
 answered. # 4tt4 hen stsfd fd4 i4e, Ire Il vii " pray with you," and he did so. He then left her and came 10 me. We bade each other farewell, and stood converslng du' ring the few minutes that remained to us on the wreck. We delivered our farewell messages, each to the other, so If either were saved our dear friends would know they were not forgotten by Us In bidding adeu to earth And 1 will repeat to the Christian world some of the testimonials that he left behind him. As he looked around at the hastening flames, and ther at the distant sail, he said "lf 1t IS God will, we will be saved-it may be, but think not. He knows what is best.- " Brother" said he, "my only hope IS II the Saviour-how precious He IS Tel my friends, if you are saved, Idle happy Oh, my poor father and mother! Write them, will you not?" At that momen We heard a fearful shriek at our feet, oi looking down, saw poor creature scream ing wildly, with his head from port hole and the flames encircling il. We mus soon go," he said; "precious brother farewell; a few moments and we wi meet in Heaven" As we had betor agreed we leaped into the ocean at tn same time. That leap parted us. II has gone to higher service, but left m here to pIod on this vale of tears, littl while longer.
 I One small Christian company on tn ouarter-deck was composed of six breth
 ren and two sisters; and after giving eac onr lac, e,rtbIy emhracs and farewell "