The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-01-19

in passionate tones, sol wish we had
never, never come. Do you think there
is real danger?
'sThere is always more or less danger
in storm at sea, cousin" said Helen
and must say the captains unusually
grave face disturbed me a little; bat
come, let me read you some comforting
words from the Holy Book
"No-if yen please, read them 10 yous
| SELF O, dear. | do wish the ship
wouldn't roll sol 1t makes mo i'll.
"Had you not better retire to your
state-room
"No-I feel safer here" said Annie,
looking now quite sick and pale. "Just
listen! O! l am sure the gale increases.
'sLift your thoughts to heaven, Annie,
said Helen, tenderly.
81 don't feel like lifting my thoughts
to anything" exclaimed Annie, almost
pettisbly. "O Helen-I am sure we
shall all pcrish--see, here comes the
captain.
ga bad night, ladies'" he said, hurried
ly, obtaining some extra clothing from his
state-room, and rushing on deck again.
Towards morning, the tempest grew
most appalling. Every time the waves
struck her, the noble ship groaned, strain
ed, and seemed on the point of being
dashed in pieces. Annie was frantic.
At two o'clock the captain came down
with bis hand wounded and bleeding.
OF all the passengers, Helen was the
only one Who had sufficient nerve to bind
it up.
At every movement of the vessvl, An
ME would shrek and cling to her cousin
as if she had the power to save her.
At length the captain appeared agaife.
His face was aschy white.
.sUnless we meet a SAIL" he said, 'wo
are all lost. Oul boats are washed from
the davi:ts, and the ship is leaking at
fearful rate"
Most of the passengers sank down in
despair. Annie wrung her hands, and
in maddenng shouts, cried for help.
Helen and her mother was calm moro
than calm; thoir fortitude was sublime
While Annie grovcled in the most ablect
terror, the young Christian lifted her
beautiful eyes to heaven, and smiled.
Serene in her holy faith, moral fear 20
longer unnerved her heart, aud knceling
on The wet floor, she prayed for her poor
cousin-for those who had no trust In
the Redeemer of souIs--saying, with re-
ference to her own situation, "Thy will,
not mine, be done"
Never WAS there more glorious ex7
hibiton Of the power of the true hte, the
gospel hope over death, than this young
girl exhibited. Until the dreary mora
ING spread its gray wings over the cheer
less waste of waters, she was enabled NOS
only to think calmly and sweetly OF death
but comfort and sustain her pArents,ard
to point those who knew not God, to tho
Lamb who talk tn away the sins OF tho
world.
Terrible rs was that trial, 1t had an
end. The hungry ocean cceived not tho
bodies Of these young beautiful and gift
ed 81 Is. A vessel ST. cd on their course,
saw their distress, and gave them y, wei
come refuge, Armies terror was follow
ed by severe illness, during which the
calm heroic face of her cousin, under
their frightful trial, was ever before her;
and when her health was restored, she re-
solved not to delay the important work
OF seeking the same strength that had
sustained one who, mentally and physlc-
ally, was no stronger than herself.
God is our refurge in distress,
A present help when dangers press
In him undauntcd we'll confide,
Though earth were from her center tossed
And mountains in the ocean lost.
Torn peaccmeal by the raging tide