THE Patrick Morris was a large ferry boat which carried passengers and cars across the strait between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The captain was proud of his ferry and had made the trip back and forth many times.
One day while the ferry was in the harbor at Port aux Basques, a fierce storm came up and the waves in the strait began to roll high. The wind was blowing hard.
Rather than brave the wind and waves out in the strait, the captain of the Patrick Morris kept his ferry in the quieter waters of the harbor, waiting for the storm to die down.
But, while they were waiting, there suddenly came a “Mayday,” that is, a cry of distress from a boat in trouble out in the strait.
The captain was tender-hearted and feeling the urgency of the occasion, he disregarded the raging storm, and gave orders for the ferry to move out into the strait. Slowly the big boat churned its way out of the harbor into the storm.
After driving through the tossing waves for some time the labors of the crew were rewarded. There in sight was a small fishing boat foundering before the wind. The situation was dangerous. But taking the risk the captain ordered the big ferry to be maneuvered into position with its huge loading and unloading door away from the wind, and near to the sinking boat.
“Open the door,” he commanded. As the crew hastened to obey, the electrical equipment whirred and the great door slowly opened.
From this position, it was hoped they could more easily rescue the men on the little boat. But they had made a sad mistake. No sooner was the big door open, than along came a towering wave and washed right up into the ferry. The electrical power supply was knocked out by the sudden pouring in of the water, and the crew could not close the door again.
How terrible were their feelings as wave after wave washed up into the ferry, and sad but true, they knew that the big ship itself was sinking.
About 28 men escaped in the life boats and were able to get safely to shore, but the captain, the first mate, and the chief engineer all went down with the ship.
The captain wanted to save the men in the fishing boat, and he made a valiant effort to do so, but he failed — he was not able.
Let us tell you of a Saviour who came into this world to save sinners sinking down into the dark waters of death and eternal judgment. The Lord Jesus so loved and pitied us that He came from God, went to Calvary’s cross and died there to put our sins away. “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Rom. 5:66For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6). But He rose again the third day, went back to heaven, and now “He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.” Heb. 7:2525Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25).
ML-11/11/1973