The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1871-12-07
what's Your Longitude.

<AaSthAA y OuOGIs Sthli SLAS Aid9S VI
our vessel as he paced the deck in
mid-ocean. Nothing but the "great
and wide sea" had been seen for
many days; the "sail," therefore,
became an object of much interest.
Looking again through his glass,
he shouted with considerable emo
tion, "Sail half mastr' This sign
of distress was instantly recognized
by the captain, and the order was
given to ''back out
The news Of a ''vessel in distress"
went swiftly through the ship
Passengers PROSTATE with sea-sick-
ness were soon on their feet, and
the invalids somehow managed to
reach the deck. Sailors rushed up
from below and stood ready for
whatever was required of .them.-
The fear that she was a wreck soon
appeared groundless; for she look
ed in good condition and sailed to-
wards US. Could she be a pirate
adopting this device to entrap us?
No; she was manned by a few men,
who had no other appearance than
houest sailors. When near enough
the captain shouted through his
trumpet:
What do you want?'
The answer was inaudible.
"Do you want foodT
Again the wind carried away the
reply. Coming still nearer, we all
caught their words, whats your
longitude?'
The captain was much disap-
pointed and displeased at being de-
tanned for such q question, but he
chalked his longitude on board
which was held aloof by the mate.
The men returned thanks and We
parted.
Though the captain seemed to
think it a trivial matter, it was
probably important to them, and
may be suggestive to US Where
are we in our course over Iife's sea?
The question carries the thought
back to mark the way passed over,
recalling gracious guidance, timely
suecOr in danger, and merciful de
hveranees from manifold evils
The words spoke of the present
whats your longitude?'' What
progress is there in the spirit life?
Is the soul advancing heavenward?
Is there progressive spiritual mo
tion2 Motion is not always prog
ress. A ship driven before the
wind, when the winds are contra
ry'', is in rapid motion, yet may
not go forward. So we are admOn-
ished not to be 'stossed to and fro,
and carried about with every wind
Of doctrine" There is movement
In a eircle-Hever learning, and new
er able to come to the knowledge
Of the truth. There is, alas! a re-
mOtion-going "away |
whats your longi-
tnder' As the mariner takes his
from the sun or the polar
star, so the soul should take its |
course from the Star of Day, from
Christ, the Sun of Righteousness. |
Il begins and ends its life in Him;
for He is the author and fnisher Of /
"alpha and omega" the !
and the end" he that |
would ascertain his true spiritual |
position must look to Christ. who |
IS ''the way, the truth and the life"
whats your lOngitudeY' The |
question brought some cheering |
thoughts of the future. We were
1n our way home, and it was JOY |
20 know that we sped swiftly To- /
yards the harbor. Joyous greet |
ngs were waiting on the shore
The eye looked into the homestead |
md saw seated around the genial /
learth the dear, well-remembered /
iorms of the family group. Famil- /
ar faces were painted TO the mind.
)ne seemed to see the welcome
mile and feel the warm pressure Of
he friendly hand and, as the mind
uraed upward, thoughts came also !