John Maynard was well known as a sturdy, intelligent and God-fearing pilot on Lake Erie. He had charge of a steamer traveling from Detroit to Buffalo one summer afternoon. At that time these steamers seldom carried lifeboats.
Smoke was seen ascending from below and the captain called out to one of the crew: "Simpson, go down and see what that smoke is."
Simpson came up with his face as pale as ashes, and said:
"Captain, the ship is on fire!"
Fire! fire! fire! fire! instantly resounded in all directions. All hands were called up. Buckets of water were dashed upon the flames, but in vain. There were large quantities of resin and tar on board, and it was useless to try and save the ship. The passengers rushed forward and inquired of the pilot:
"How far are we from land?"
"Seven miles."
"How long before we reach it?"
"Three-quarters of an hour at our present rate of steam."
"Is there any danger?"
"Danger enough here― see the smoke bursting out! Go forward if you would save your lives."
Passengers and crew, men, women and children crowded to the forward part of the ship. John Maynard stood at his post. The flames burst forth in a sheet of fire; clouds of smoke billowed upwards.
The captain called through his megaphone: "John Maynard!"
"Ay, ay, sir!" responded the brave pilot. "How does she head?"
"South-east by east, sir."
"Head her south, and run her on shore." Nearer, nearer, yet nearer she approached the shore.
Again the captain called:
"John Maynard!"
The response came feebly:
"Ay, ay, sir!"
"Can you hold on five minutes longer, John?"
"By God's help I will!"
The old man's hair was scorched from the scalp; one hand was disabled and his teeth were set; yet he stood firm as a rock. He beached the ship. Every man, woman, and child was saved, as John Maynard dropped overboard. And his spirit took its flight to the God he had lived for and died to serve.
No man of greater love can boast
Than for his friend to die;
Thou for Thine enemies wast slain!
What love with Thine can vie?
We love Thee for the glorious worth
Which in Thyself we see;
We love Thee for that shameful cross,
Endured so patiently.
"O taste and see that the Lord is good."