Among special incidents related was that of the Italian ship, Orsolina, which lay" at anchor loading sugar for Havre. Captain Marina was greatly alarmed by the appearance of the mountain. To his experienced eye there were evident signs of a coming calamity.
He went to the shippers and told them his fears, saying he had made up his mind to weigh anchor and proceed with what cargo was already on board. But the annoyed shipper said: "You haven't half the cargo, and cannot go yet." But the Captain replied: "I would rather sail with half a cargo than run a risk by staying here."
The shippers tried to calm his fears, saying nothing need be feared from Mount Pelee.
"Well," replied the Captain, "If Vesuvius were looking as your volcano looks today, I would get away from Naples, and I am going to get out of here."
They became very angry and said they would have him arrested at Havre. Two officers were sent to the ship with instructions to detain her. But the Captain gave orders to weigh anchor, and the officers left the ship for the shore, threatening the law's utmost penalty.
Within twenty-four hours the city was no more. In a moment its thirty thousand inhabitants had been swept into eternity. There was a warning, but the warning went unheeded.
They had thought themselves secure— though to be sure, the barometer had acted strangely for some time. But now, in the midst of pleasure, business, and sin, they were suddenly cut off, the victims of false security.
Reader, as to this world, the word of God says: "When they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them... and they shall not escape." (1 Thess. 5:33For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:3)) Ominous signs are seen today that the Judge is at the door, and signs of "the last days" appear everywhere.
The world has grown expert in sin; man becomes continually more daring in impiety. The day is not far distant for the fulfillment of the second Psalm, when the great apostasy shall say: "Come, let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us."
The long suffering and gracious God still bears with man's folly, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Soon all warning will cease, and swift destruction shall overtake the ungodly in their sins.
Where will you be in that awful judgment day? It is yet the day of grace. Yield yourself to the Savior. Come now before this day of God's mercy closes forever.
Turn and believe this very hour;
Trust in the Savior's love and power,
Then shall your final answer be—
"Saved by grace for eternity."