William, the youngest son of a sea captain, born in Daig, East Prussia, August 1857, lived with his widowed mother, who toiled constantly to give him a college education. Besides attending day school, William went to the neighborhood Sunday school. One of the scripture verses that he learned at this time clung to his memory, and through it God was surely speaking to him in “a still small voice”: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Ps. 50:15.
But to William there seemed no “day of trouble” then, so he felt no need of calling on God. For he had not as yet realized that he was a sinner in God’s sight, that “aehave sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)); “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life: but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:3636He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)). Surely to have “the wrath of God” abiding on one, would make it a “day of trouble,” but William was unconscious of this. The years slipped by quietly and peacefully as he was happy in the lowing care and companionship of his fond mother whose tender love he returned with all the ardor of his young heart.
William was now seventeen years of age, and he had entered the university when a sudden change came. His devoted mother died, leaving him sad, desolate, and inconsolable. It seemed as though the light of his life had gone out, and he was plunged into darkness and despair. In his grief, he lost interest in his studies, and seemed unable to apply himself to anything. Surely God was again speaking to him, this time in louder tones, though with a voice of tenderest sympathy and love. “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” But he heeded not the gracious invitation.
Just at this time, his sea captain brother returned from a long voyage, bringing his sailing vessel into port. It was decided that William should go with him on his next trip. He was cheered by the prospect of a free life on the ocean wave, thinking to drown the sorrow of his aching heart in the excitement of this new, venturous life. Little did the poor young man realize at this time that the eye of God was continually looking down upon him in pity and love, guiding his every move.
It was the month of November when the vessel set sail; and for a time all went well. But one morning, as their vessel was plowing the waters of the Baltic Sea, the clouds began to gather, and the wind blew stronger and stronger as the hours wore away, until at last the storm burst upon them in all its fury. The great waves rose mountain high, carrying the little vessel in their arms, curling over it, and then dashing it down into the foaming abyss below, threatening each time to crush it like an egg shell. These giant arms of wind-tossed waves tore away the sail and rigging, splintered the masts, and finally, as in fiendish glee, battered a hole in the hold of the vessel letting the water push its way in. Every available man was called to the pumps, but in vain; for the vessel was filling faster than the frantic efforts of the sailors could pump the water out. All the time the cruel wind was driving the helpless vessel toward the rocks. Darkness had now settled down upon the scene, and the fury of the storm was unabated. The hopeless horror of the situation filled every heart with sickening terror and despair.
Truly God was once again calling to William. Clearly His voice might be heard above the mighty roar of the wind and waves, louder even than the peals of thunder that rolled across the face of the angry heavens. “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.”
ML 10/04/1959