From time immemorial mankind has been familiarized with a number of similitudes derived from the comparison of the incidents and progress of human life to a voyage on the sea.
Numerous metaphorical allusions appear both in ancient and modern literature—as well as in the Scriptures—which are drawn from such a source.
The trials and afflictions of life are constantly likened to the storms and tempests of the ocean and the perils of the deep; while rocks, shoals, and quicksand afford familiar metaphors of moral danger and sources of ruin, which are frequently used both in sacred and profane writings.
Sacred poetry and hymns especially abound with such figurative allusions to the sea and sailing thereon, which are familiar to every one; while the popularity of some of the latter is, in a great measure, due to the comparison of life to a voyage on the mighty deep.
There is therefore nothing new in the idea that serves as the metaphorical foundation of this allegory, or in the specific use and application that is made of such metaphors.
The work is rather an endeavor to enlarge the scope and give a wider field of application to this class of metaphors, by throwing them into the form of one consecutive history of a human soul, during its progress through this to the eternal world, somewhat after the manner of Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.
In making use of the metaphorical method of setting forth the truth, we have, moreover, the Divine sanction, in the example of our blessed Lord Himself, whose favorite mode of teaching was by metaphor or parable.
Nothing, for example, that was ever written could for a moment be compared with the beautiful, instructive and touching “Parable of the Prodigal Son,” which may be as appropriately designated a short allegory as a parable.
The important truths of Scripture more especially intended to be illustrated in these pages may be briefly summarized under three divisions in the following order, as they are set forth in the work:
1. The delusive fascinations, together with the unsatisfactory nature and danger of carnal pleasures and worldly pursuits; the numerous snares and temptations of this life; the sad depravity of the human heart; the universal prevalence of sin and opposition to God’s ways; and the awful end of all who will not repent and turn to God, through Jesus Christ.
2. Christ’s gracious and perfect work of redemption—the foundation of all blessing to mankind. The way of salvation: repentance, faith in Christ, forgiveness of sins, conversion, and eternal life of all believers.
3. The renewed Christian life. Progress in spiritual attainments; growth in grace; godly and holy living in separation from the world, and righteous testimony to the truth of God: together with the trials, troubles, temptations and failures, as well as the consolations and triumphs of the Christian life, and the final reception of the believer in heaven.
These leading subjects of Scripture and many other collateral truths (also referred to, and illustrated in the work) are doubtless well known, and indeed familiar to all who carefully read their Bibles; but it has often been found that this very familiarity has tended to lessen a practical and saving interest in them and thus break their spiritual force and influence.
In view of this fact, and the universal attractiveness of the narrative style of teaching, it is hoped that this re-setting of these all-important and vital truths, in the form of a simple parable or allegory, may be instrumental in attracting renewed attention to them and in awakening a fresh interest therein; so that many precious souls may be thus aroused to flee to Christ for life and salvation: who alone is “The way, the truth, and the life.”
And, furthermore, that the children of God may be cheered and encouraged by the perusal of these allegorical illustrations of the incidents and experiences of Christian life, while passing through the numerous trials and perils of their life’s voyage; and above all, that the wisdom, justice, righteousness, love, and abounding grace of God may be more clearly seen and ever magnified by all His saints.
J. A. S.
Moreton Lodge, Tunbridge Wells