Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-03-22
CAPTAIN GEORGES SHIP.
AN ALLEGoRY.

gathered together and built a noble ship
the ribs and sides of which were built oI
British oak, and the sails thereof were
Independence, Enterprise, Industry
and the compass was Truth itself, and
the rudder Justice
In spite of the opposition of wicked
men the noble ship was launched upon
the Ocean of Time, and Captain George,
brave and just man, being chosen
commander, hoisted his beautiful flag ia
the winds, and steered boldly forth on
the Great Ocean. There were seen
happy faces about the decks of the good
ship, and the people of all lands were
taken on board as passengers; and,
after it was thought that they we're suffi
ciently well trained, they were given po-
sitiens among the crew, and allowed a
voice in the management of the ship
Tyrants trembled on their thrones
when they beheld the brave vessel
breasting the pillows of the Ocean of
Time, with her beautiful banner point
ing proudly to the past.
From time to time voices came over
the waves to the passengers of Captain
Georges ship-voices of warning from
other vessels that were sailing on the
ocean: Beware of hidden rocks We
have sailed as you are sailing, trusting
in ourselves and unmindful of the good
God in whose keeping we all are. We
have been shipwrecked time and again,
and after emerging half dead from bill
lows of blood and tears, have learned to
appreciate the dangers of navigation.
We think your course, even now, is not
according to the compass you have
adopted, and is taking you towards
sunken rocks. Bewarel'
Whenever Captain Georges people
heard such voices, they smiled compla-
Gently, and said "Our ship is the most
marvellous ship that was ever launched
upon the great ocean, and we fear none
of the dangers that have overwhelmed
others Your ships have been wrecked
by running one into another We have
plenty of sea room, and therefore fear
no such danger. Go your way"
. They we're happy people-the crew
and passengers of Captain Georges
ship, and they grew rich and multiplied.
They we're proud of their flag too, and
they made many songs about it, which
songs they sang to the people of all
other vessels and to themselves continu-
ally. Once every year they gathered
together to commemorate the anniver-
sary Of the launching of their good ship
on which occasions they praised them.
selves excessively, and thoughttoo much
of their flag to have time to think of
God, and thank Him for the breeze he
sent to display its beauties and impel
their vessel over the great waters.
Captain George had been summoned
in due time to leave his ship and his
crew, and venture forth alone to explore
the great ocean Of eternity. Before he
DEPARTED he left directions to his sue
cessors. He told his people, who called |
him father, to steer warily when they |
came near other vessels, and above all |
things not to lat any jealousies arise |
among themselyes-hetWesn those that
we're stationed on the forecastle and
those on the poop between those whose
duties kept them in the hold, and those
who reefed and furled the sails and stood
At the helm. The good captain had not
been dead long ere evidences of division
among the crew began to be manifested.
The company was largely composed of
, set of men that were reared w the
'rozen regions Of the North, and whose
hearts we're as cold as the climate from
which they came. They we're disfgured
With long noses through which they
yhinel continual complaints against the
,eneral management Of the vessel say.
ng that the regulations drawn up by
CAPTAIN George and his officers for the
government OF the whole, we're rleague
nth hell and q covenant With death.
they spent their time, not in working
Or the general interest, but in making
.utmegs out Of the wood that belonged to
hewhole company in contriving rat traps
hat never caught rats, shoes that would
act the shortest possible time. pewter
lads knives, tin FISH hooks maple sugar
aade of rosin, Goldfish balls of tarred
ope, breeches for women, plans TO i'm
rove the .Biole and abolish marriage,
r give q man as many fresh wives daily
s he might desire modes OF getting up
ham literature, sham works Of art, sham
rhools. sham sentimentality, sham
yervthing. Under the aprons Of these
zen (vhen they wore apronsl their skin
as OF SKY blue color, and hence they I
ame 20 be called Blue Bellies" None
{ these Blue Bellies could ever bo IN !
iducsa 10 20 on deck, much less aloit,
hen The ship vas in a storm On such
ccasious they roul5 sneak down be
yeen decks. and. By thoir vhlaiag com
lainis. d. al they could TO discourage
,ose Who had ihe homer and safety Of
le ship s. heart Bat when the weather {
as fair they would turn their efforts to.