IN one of the wildest parts of the coast of Norway lived old Gas, a weather-beaten and experienced sailor, who in spite of his seventy years was yet ever ready to plunge into the waves if he saw a human life in danger, even if by doing so he risked his own life.
Old Clas had a strange custom, for when the sun had set and the night came on he would throw himself down on the deck of his boat or on the seashore, wherever he happened to be, and would gaze earnestly up into the clouds until he caught sight of the evening star.
When once asked by his friends the reason of his so doing he related to them the following incident related to them the following incident of his past life, which he could not do without deep emotion:— “A star, and the God Who made that star, I have to thank for the saving of my earthly life and of my soul too. If I ever forget the Star of Bethlehem then I shall indeed forget my own self. Forty years ago it was just such a night as this.
The wind howled drearily as it does now. The sea wrought and was tempestuous. My mates and I found ourselves in a frail ship on a treacherous coast. The boisterous waves carried us every moment nearer and nearer to the rock-bound shore, and before we were aware of it we were in the breakers.
“Our captain, an experienced seaman, took his place at the helm as soon as he saw the dangers that threatened us and strove in every way that he could to keep up our courage.
“He was weak in health, but his brave spirit overcame the weakness of his body, and he thundered out his orders through the speaking trumpet with a power and decision that made a man of every one of us.
“ ‘Clas!’ he called, as the wind whistled through the rigging, and our poor masts groaned and shivered in the tempest, stand near me; my strength is failing. Do you see that star over us?’
“ ‘Yes, captain!’
“ ‘If my strength fails me suddenly, steer straight for it, for, should it be hidden, and you lose sight of it, the ship will be wrecked and go to pieces; and Clas, do not forget that there is another Star that you must keep in sight if you are ever to land safely in the Haven where you would be.’
I knew what he meant: he was pointing me to the Lord Jesus Christ.
He was the most conscientious and the truest Christian captain that I had ever known, and he let no opportunity slip of saying a word to us for the good of our souls.
When he could no longer bear the violence of the storm, he called to me once more in a voice that could be heard above the tempest:
‘Keep the star in sight, youngster! keep it in sight!’ Then strength failed him, and he was carried down to the cabin, and I never saw him again alive.
When I heard of our great loss, I besought them to lash me to the wheel, so that until death came I might carry out the instructions of my superior.
“Although the storm continued to rage, and my tears nearly blinded me, I still managed to keep the star in sight.”
The old man was silent for a while, meditating upon the past, sunk in deep thought; then he continued: After we had been steering for two hours through a narrow and dangerous channel, we found ourselves at last, still in a stormy sea, indeed, but beyond the breakers, and no longer in such imminent peril. The star had guided us rightly, and we could once more tack.
As soon as the ship was out of danger, I went down into the captain’s cabin. There he lay, shrouded by a flag, but his manly, resolute face was uncovered, which death itself had not much changed. Rough sailor as I was, I kissed and bedewed his face with my tears. Kneeling down by the hard bunk, on which his body lay, I prayed earnestly that God would guide me through the storms of life, as He had so mercifully guided me that night through the dangers that had surrounded us. My prayer was heard. Since then, by God’s grace, I have kept the Star in sight.
“You will now understand why I am such a star-gazer.” The old man here paused for a moment, then, in kindly tones, added: “You are still young—life lies before you; but keep the Star in sight.”— The Star of Bethlehem.