NOT an Englishman but knows by heart the famous signal which flew at the Victory’s masthead, the ever memorable day of Trafalgar. How that command was obeyed, and the glorious victory which resulted, is also well known.
Few, however, know of the last command which issued from Nelson’s lips. As he lay dying, his sailor eye detected signs of an approaching gale, and turning to Admiral Collingwood, who was bending over him he said, “Coilingwood, anchor the fleet, anchor the fleet.”
A few moments later Nelson breathed his last, and in the grief at his death and the excitement at the great victory, his order was neglected. The storm sprang up and found the fleet unprepared. And thus many of the prizes were lost and not a few of the British fleet narrowly escaped shipwreck.
And so will it be with us, if we are not grounded on the Rock, Christ Jesus. Trusting to feelings, to our respectability, to our good works may support us well enough in fair weather, when all is calm and bright, but let the waves of temptation and difficulty assail us, let the utter blackness of the shadow of death threaten to engulf our frail bark, and where are we?
Small comfort will our good works be to us in that dark hour, when we have to pass into the unknown to meet a perfectly holy and just God.
Now is the time, before the gale bursts upon us, for us to make sure of our anchorage. Let us then lay aside all confidence in the flesh and let us simply cling as lost and guilty sinners to the Cross of Christ.
Let us lay our weak and trembling hand in His and then rest secure, knowing that from that firm grip, no power in earth or hell can sever us.
Then shall we be ready to face the blasts of temptation and when we are called to enter the dark valley itself, we may say with king David:
“I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.”
G. R. W.