Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1876-01-27
Little Sailor Jack.
A TRUE STORY.

My dear little folks, am going to tell
you about something that happened few
weeks ago near my own home in the
North.
Perhaps some OF you have heard Of the
Islands of Orkney. They lie to the north
OF Scotland and are surrounded by very
wild sea; sometimes, when the wind blows,
the sea lashes itself with white fury. aid
tears round the high rocky sides of the
islands, tossing Hp its white foam, and
shrieking and groanng as if were very
angry and hungry indeed Then the huge
columns of spray look like great arms toss
ing themselves about,and waiting to catch
anything that comes near them, and suck
It away down to the depths where the great
fishes and sea-wecds lie.
Well, one night. not long before Christ
mas, a ship was caught 10 great storm,
and driven upon some sharp rocks, near the
shore of Pomona (the largest island in the
group of Orkney not many miles distant
from where | live. Some fishermen who
were near, saw the ship strike and rushed
down to the shore to try to save the poor
sailors But great waves were rolling in
first rising like CLASSY green walls. then
breaking and tumbling on the beach, boil
ing and kissing in their fury. The fisher
men looked at the waves then at each 9th.
Grand they saw that a boat could not float
As they stood silent and wondering what
to do. great cry came from the ship, and
looking round they saw that part of her
stern had broken off and was sinking very
fast
Then these brave Orkney mel ran for
boat; they could not bear TO see the poor
sailors die, and would rather risk their own
lives than no. try to save them. They
pushed the boat into the water, and Jump
ed into 1t. But great wave lifted the
boat up. and then threw it down. down.
and it was upset, tlinging the men into the
sea. With great difficulty they reached
the shore. Twice again they tried 10
launch the boat, without success
At last the sailors on board the ship man
aged, by the means OF a rocket. to throw a
rope to the men on the beach, who made il
fast; and the poor sailors crept along it,
one by one. and so were saved, all but the
captain, who went down by the stern OF the
ship, and one little boy, named Jack, who
refused 10 venture on the rope. The poor
little fellow was afraid to trust himself to
such u trail looking thing as the swinging
cord, with nothing but the ragin. waves
beneath. The kind sailors begged him to
try, telling him if he did not he would Ger
tainly be drowned before morning; but he
steadily refused. They all said. Good
by" very sadly. and left little Jack to his
fate.
Next morning, when the sailors and fish
ermeu awoke. they saw part Of the ship
still above water, aud. As the storm had
abated. they took a boat and put on to the
wreck. to see what they could save. upon
entering the cabin. what was their surprise
and JOY 10 see little Jack sleeping peace
fully in his bunk; they reused him, and he
sat up. exclaming. You have come to
take me ashore have YOU not? knew you
would be sent"
But We were not sent" said the men,
NV hat do you mean Jack? Who sent us
And how do YOU know we would be sent ?"
why does not the Bible say, ASK and
ye shall teceive:' SO last night | asked
God TO bring Inc safe to land, aud knew if
believed, lie would do what asked.
did believe, and now He has sent YOU for
me.
The sailors brought Jack ashore, also
poor little dog belonging to the captain
On hearing the story OF the wreck, | went
TO see the men, and offer what assistance
could. | asked Jack If he was not afraid
to remain in the sinking ship alone.
''Oh. no. sir" he said simply; II knew
that God would take care of me there as
well as in my own home"
And you see, my dear little folks, ,iHe did
take care OF the boy who loved and trusted
Hin; and will he not take care of you, if
you love and trust Him, too:
took the poor captains dog home with
me. He is very clever. and does such fun
ny things. am getting quite proud OF him.
-Churchman.