Old Rob, the coast guard, was the general favorite among us children. During the summer months when many were on vacation, you would often see a group of boys and girls sitting on the beach, with Rob in their midst telling some thrilling tale of the sea.
Years have come and gone since I heard him tell the following story, and I seem to remember it as yesterday. He was telling us of his early life as a sailor, and of a wonderful deliverance from ship wreck which he had when all the crew with whom he sailed, except one other sailor and himself, went down to a watery grave.
Wiping the tears from his cheeks, he said, “And now, my dear ones, I will tell you the cause of the ship wreck. It was because our captain neglected to examine his chart. The chart was there hanging in his cabin, but he seldom looked at it, else we had never sailed so near that hidden rock on which our ship was wrecked.
“But his negligence taught me a lesson for which my soul will ever bless the Lord. It was the means of leading me to examine His Word, and see how I stood for eternity. We are all sailors across life’s sea, where many hidden rocks lie buried. But God has given us His Word that we may know them and avoid them.
“Many, like our captain, give no heed to that chart and become wrecks in soul and body for time and eternity. The Word of God has been a good friend to me for many a year. It guided me to Christ, He saved my soul, and ever since I have made His Word my companion and counselor. Take an old sailor’s advice, children, and believe and value your Bibles. Your souls will be safe, your steps will not slip, and heaven will be sure if you have Christ and His Word in you.”
ML-05/08/1977