The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1871-10-10
t's,YOur LOngitude3

Whats Your LOngttudef
"a sail yonder!' said the mate of our
vessel, as lie paced the deck in mid
ocean. Nothing but the "great and wide
sea-" had been seen for many days; the
"sail,' therefore, became al Object of
much interest. Looking again through
his glass, he shoutsd, with considerable
emotion, "Sail half-mastr' This sign
of distress was instantly recognized by
the captain, and the order was given to
'back OUT
The news of ga vessel in distress" :"
went quickly through the ship. Passen.
gers, PROSTATE with sea-sickress, were
soon on their eet,and the invalids some
how managed to reach the deck. Sal
lors rushed up from below, and stood
ready for whatever was required of
them. The fear that she was wreck
soon appeared groundless; for she look
ed in good condition and sailed toward
US. Could she be pirate ship, adopting
this device to entrap us? No; she was
manned by few men, who had no other
appearance titan honest sailors When
near enough, the captain Shouted through
his trumpet: .f..E
What do you want p
The answer was inaudible.
"Do you want food?"
Again the wind carried away tile re-
ply. Coming still hearcr, we dill caught
their &&ofds,
"What's your longitude ?"
The captain was much disappointed
and displeased at being detained for
such question, but he chalked his Ion
gitude Oh 4 board, which was Held aloft
BY the mate. The men returned thanks
and we parted.
Though the captain seemed, to think
it trivial matter, it was probably i'm
portapt to them, and may be suggestive
to US. Where are We iii our eotFse Over
life's sea? The question carries the
thought back to mark the way passed
over, recalling gracious guidance, timely
succor in danger, and merciful deliver
ance from manifold evils. The words
spoke of the present -,
"What's your longitude p What
progress is there in the spirit-life? Is
the soul advancing heavenward2 Is
there progressive spiritual motion3 Mo
ton is not always progress. A ship
driven before the wind, when the wind is
contrary" is in rapid motion, and yet
may not 60 forward. So we are admon;
ished not to be atossed to ahd fro, and
carried about with every wind of doc
trine." There Is movement in circle
sever learning ,and never able to come
to the knowledge of the truth" There
is alas! retroacting motion-going
"away backward
''What's your longitude?' AS the
mariner takes his longitude from the sun
or tile polar star, so the soul should take
its course from the Star of day, from
Christ, the Sun of Righteousness. 1t
begins and ends its life in Him; for He
is the author and fnisher of faith-the
"alpha and omega" the "beginning 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 longitude ?" The ques-
ton brought some cheering thoughts of
the future. We were on our way home,
and it was joy to know that we sped
swiftly toward the harbor: Joyous
greetings were waiting on the shore
The eye looked into the homestead, and
saw seated around the genial hearth, the
dear, well-remembered forms of the fam
lily group. Familiar faces were painted
to the mind. One seemed to see the
welcome smile, and feel the warm pres
sure of the friendly hand; and, as the
mind turned upward, thoughts came also
of the welcome frotH the heavenly house
hold, when they shall receive the redeem,
ed soul into their everlasting habita-
tions." Happy they who can cherish
such anticipations, and hope to join the
asolemn troops and sweet societies" of
Heaven.
whats your longitude?" ?" Nearing
the heavenly shore; its breezes refresh
the weary spirit, and fragments of new
songs greet the ear, making sweet melo-
DIV amid the worlds discordant tones.
A few more rising suns at most, y
Shall land IFS on fair CannaH's coast
Then; rRy soul, redeem the time
"Give all diligence to making your cal
ling and election sure for so an entrance
shall be ministered unto you abundantly
into the everlasting kingdom of our
Lord and Satio, Jesus Christ"