The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-02-24
"Have I no Father 2"

I was once in an awful storm at sea: we
were for many hours tossed about in sight
of dangerous rocks; the steam engines would
work no longer; the wind ragged violently,
and around were heard the terrific roar of
the breakers, and the dash of the waves as
they broke over the deck.
At this dreary and trying time, while We
lay, as might be said, at the mercy of the
waves, l found great comfort and support
from an apparently triaing circumstance; it
was, that the captains child-a little girl
of about twelve years old was in the cabin
with us. He had come two or three times,
in the midst of his cares and tolls, to see
how his child went on, and it is well knewn
how cheering is the sight of captain in
such time of danger. AS our situation
grew worse, saw. the little girl rising on
her elbow, and bending her eyes anxiously
to the door, as if longing for her father 8
appearance. He came at last. He was
large bluff, sailor like man an immense coat,
great sea- boots; an oil-skin cap with flaps
hanging down on his neck were streaming
with water.
He fell on his knees on the floor, beside
the low berth of his child, and stretched his
arms over her, but did not speak.
After little while, he asked if she were
alarmed:
"Father," the child answered, "let me be
with you, and shall not be afraid at ALL"
"With me!' he cried; "you could not
stand it for an instant"
"Father, let me be with you. she repeated
"No, father, I will not be afraid if you
take me with you. O! father, let me be
with you!' and she threw her arms around
his neck, and clung fast to him. The strong
man was overcome; he lifted his child in his
arms and carried her away with him.
How much l felt her departure AS long
as the captains child was near, | felt her to
be sort of pledge for the return and care
of the captain. l knew that in the moment
of greatest danger the father would run to
his child; was certain that, were the vessel
about to be abandoned in the midst of the
wild waves, 1 should know of every move
ment, for the captain would not desert his
child. Thus in the presence of that child
had comforted myself, and when she went I
felt abandoned, and for the first time fearful.
] rose, and managed to get on deck. The
sea and sky seemed one. 1t was dreadful
sight; shuddering, shrank back and threw
myself again on my couch. Then came the
thought: the child is content: she is with her
father; "ard have no father?"
0 God thank thee! in that moment 1
could answer, yes. An unseen Father, it is
true; and faith is not as sight, and nature is
not as grace; but still l knew had Faith
er; Father whose love surpasseth knowl-
edge. The thought calmed my mind. My
dear reader, does it calm yours
OH cries the trembling soul, the storm is
fearful; the sky is hid; we walk in dark
ness and have no light. "Be still, and know
that 1 am,God," saith the Lord; be happy,
and know that God is thy Father.
"Fear not, for l am with thee; be not
dismayed, for l am thy God" All things
are under the dominion of Christ, and all
things, yea even terrible things shall work
together for good to them that love God.
Tempest. tossed soul; as the child clung to
her fathers bosom, so cling thou to thy God;
in the moment of thine extremity he will ap-
pear to be with thee, or take thee to be with
him.