By:
T.W.P. Wolston, Editor
THIRTY years ago, just ere the splendid S.S. “London,” a vessel of 2,000 tons, sank in a furious storm in the Bay of Biscay, with 220 souls on board of her, the following letter was written. The letter was given to one of the nineteen persona who got off in the ship’s pinnace a minute or two before the doomed vessel went down, stern foremost, with her freight of living souls. The survivors were picked up by a passing ship, and the letter reached its destination.
S.S. “LONDON,” 10th January 1866.
MY DEAR BROTHER, ―Before your eyes look on this, your brother Frederick and I will be engulfed in the depths of the sea.
We left Plymouth on the 6th. The weather was stormy, but not such as to render any fear of danger. However, as we proceeded, the gale increased, and while I am penning these lines the awful rocking of the ship is such that it is with difficulty I hold my pen. I cannot describe to you the state of agitation which is written on every countenance―some waiting with the utmost composure their fate, others so alarmed at the prospect of death that their shrieks are truly heartrending. But amidst it all I am resigned to my fate. Blessed be God, I am resting on “the Rock.” “I know whom I have believed.” Christ is precious to me. I do not know whether by any means you will receive this. Oh, that I could see those with whom I was acquainted. I mourn over my indifference towards their spiritual welfare, and now, with death staring me in the face, I feel I could do anything if by any means I might be the means of their salvation. Tell Joseph to give his heart to the Saviour at once, and Sarah not to neglect the salvation of her soul. I want to meet them in heaven. And now, dear brother, farewell. Many have been the happy meetings we have had together on earth—our next will be where not a wave of trouble shall roll over us. God bless you and keep you. I cannot say more. —Your affectionate brother, G. T.
This voice from the deep should surely speak to every unsaved reader, as well as to the recipients of the letter. W. T. P. W.