Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1874-03-05

Ear away down on the shore of the
Bristol Channel stands small fisherman's
cabin. 1t is just far enough from the water
to be out of the reach of the great waves
that come rolling from the Irish Channel;
and near it is creek, or little river, in
which the fisherman used to shelter his
boat. At the time of my story the man
happened to have left his little cabin and
gone to Tenby. 1t was market day there,
and as the weather was rough and wintry
he had stayed away from home. 1t was
desolate and dreary about that lit
tie house on the cold December day
of which l am speaking. A dull
leaden sky; cold, keen blast, sweeping
up clouds of sand along the shore; the
moaning of the sea birds, and the regular
beat of the waves upon the shore formed
the total of the sights and sounds on the
coast that day.
"A strong wind had been blowing for
! three days, and all who thought of the
sailor at sea prayed to God to keep him
from its dangers. A good brig had just
| made the entrance of the channel, and
was beating up toward Bristol She had
| captain, mate, and six sailors for her
crew. Their voyage had been a pleasant
one, and was now nearly over. They
were thinking of their homes and friends
when the fierce storm came on. The rig
ging was stiff with ice, and it was hard to
handle the ropes or manage the ship. The
men did their duty, as all true English
sailors will do; but it was in vain. The
winds and the waves and the bitter cold
were too strong for Them, brave as they
were, and carried the poor brig steadily
toward the shore. Soon they heard a
tQrr hi 70
of the breakers. The captain called all
hands about him, and raised his voice in
prayer. He prayed for their safety, if
God so wllled 1t, that they might have
strength to meet the fierce waves, and that
II they could not be saved from ship
wreck they might be safe in the mercy of
God
The brig soon struck, and as she lay
with her side to the shore the water for
little space was so calm that the small
boat was safely launched, and every man
seated in it. But alas! before they could
reach the shore a great wave struck the
little boat, and the poor men were cast
into the boiling sea. Four of them, with
the captain, reached the land, and though
scarcely able to move dragged themselves
forward to find shelter. They raised
shout when they came in sight of the
little cabin; but alas there was the creek
between it and them. we must go
through or die said the captain; and
after great struggle, in their tired state,
they reached the other side; but the brave
captain could go no further Leave me,
my men, said he,' get help for your
selves, and then come back, if you cam
The men gained the house, but were
Mortified to find it empty. One man
only took heart as he looked at the fire
place and the wood near it. But alas
there was neither flint nor steel to
strike a light. A moment he stood
in agony; but as he raised his head, he
saw upon the rude mantel a small box
marked Matches With trembling haste
he seized it, and found one single little
matchi Oh, how much depended on that
little match. Here were four sailors;
little way off lay their brave captain. All
their lives depended, one might say, upon
that single match. If it failed, all must
die; for cold and hunger were fast doing
their work upon the poor men. With a
trembling hand and a silent prayer he
drew the match; and as the little feeble
flame broke out, Thank God!' burst from
the men.
"They soon managed to make the wood
catch fire; and, as the bright blaze SHOT up,
the glare brought relief to the poor cap
tain, who lay on the beach too weak to
crawl.
"The feeling that now he should be
saved helped to keep him alive. When
the sailors came to where he lay he was
nearly gone; but they hurried him in, and
gradually he revived.
Remember how much good a thing
that seems so insignificant as amatch can
do."-ChrtStSda1 Leader.