The Weekly Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, O. [Ohio]) 1861-1???, 1863-05-06
esaILlec.

How much of Bible history does this name
suggest How rich theme for the i'm
agination, since sacred writes have only
given us outlines of those scenes and events
which make Galileo hallowed spot.
It has been called sea; and such it was
eightceh hundred years ago to these I'M
taught fishermen in their rude boats. 1t il
however, only lake about fourteen mil Il
long and six in breadth, deeply set between
rounded aud beautiful hills. Galilec, in
its quiet beauty, must be interesting to
him who has never heard tho story of the
Cross. But yicwod 10y the Bible student,
how animate the holy landscape when
disclosing footprints OF the Savior--whcn
dotted with groups of listening disciples,
when resonant with the music of glancing
oars, or audible with the prayers of
the Son of God? He secs the deserted
boats of the fishermen left to the caro- of
some low bending branch, their soa-grass
nets whitening on the trees and lonely
Xebedec mendiug hs nets, aud thinking Of
those gone to be fishers of men,
But we can rot stand long upon these
shores ,hallowod 10y miracles aud holy teach
ing, or by these waves once stilled 10y II
word 30 let rs hasten to another and more
impressive feature of the picture. 1t is
evening of tho Day of Miraculous Break
ing of Bread; tho wcll-feastcd multitude
are returning to their homes, and jesus is in
the mountains of Bothsaida, ut prayer. Tho
fishermen arc upon Galiee again. Tumul-
tuous night Nature is bclligerent; the
thunder booms her battlc.cry arrows of
ightning-glanco herald her threatcnings ;
the wind has walked the waves, and together
rush tho allies against tho trembling
boat, rs against common foe. Dreadful
moments to the little band of tishermen--
terrible thought that the next wave which
leaps upon the ship may sweep some faint
ing soul into restless grave! But not so.
Wonder, unseen and unknown, stands form
with one foot on tho sea, tho othor ON the
land. HIS vision picrces the thick dark
moss lie secs the unequal conflict and forth
upon the waves lie steps.
Frantic Nature secs the Champion come,
and with backcr scowl and "lcngthened
avelins" prepares to meet Him. The foam
ing waves are soft locks to His fect--the
bowling winds sweet music to His cars.
Now lle meets tho crested battalions as
tho shepherd meets his locks from distant
hills; now wido.and deep yawns Il billowy
grave before Him, but not for Him. He is
drawing near tho ship, where cling the
breathless few, watching tho lightning's s
vivid glare.
All! form there whcro tho darkness
clcaves with lightning, o, a Spirit Spirit
of chaos upon the deep again! But a voice
human words, "Be OF good cheer" Well.
known voice. at is |; be not afraid" Tis
Jesus The Savior is nigh-his loved ones
are safe. The bonds of fear begin to break
and bold Peter returns the words of Faith
Lord, if it be thou bid me come unto thee
upon the water What courage faith III
spires. What burdens it lifts from aching
hearts. Their moistcnod oyos are now dry
their forms now defiant with rigid muscle
they are helping Peter to the waves, Il,
faith he stands moment on the restless
water--his eye fixed upon the Savior y.
faith ho walks by faith has done WIN
never man has done before; vios with IN
Son of God for mastery Of th", element,
Not SO his stony ga2o is oha' p,ed he ha
lost sight OF tho Savior hi., eyes nro war
dermg his feet are sink NO Lo crios "Say
me Lord" stretchinP forth his hand. Jcsu
says, Wherefore d'.dst thou doubt" An
when they were come into the ship, the
all came and worshipod Jesus, saying, "t
U"'t, thor art the Son of God"