WE were rounding the Cape of Good Hope, and no small tempest lay upon us. Sail after sail was blown to shreds. As night gradually drew on, with its increasing darkness — what with a furious wind, a raging sea, and general sickness among the passengers, our condition was deplorable. I was below conversing with a fellow Christian. Numbers were sitting about in silent terror, wondering whether we should weather the gale. A Mr. S― came up to us, and inquired what we thought of the storm. His whole appearance was one of abject misery, most painful to witness. His face was white like death; and his lips quivered with fear. A day or two prior to this, he had said that he did not mind rough weather; and now that it had come upon us, he was terrified.
After conversing with him, I walked away with Mr. C —, an aged Christian friend, to a more retired spot, where we talked together about the fear of death, &c. “If the ship should founder,” he remarked, “to you and I it will be but an immediate and joyous entrance into the presence of the Lord Jesus.” How blessed and peace-giving is faith in Him!
The more entire our dependence on the grace of God, the greater is our joy and peace in believing.
Strength for works of holiness depends on being at rest in Christ.