Captain Oldrey was commander of the Hyacinth, a small vessel working up from the Barbados. Standing on deck, he commented that it was the finest weather he had ever seen in that climate.
The atmosphere was perfectly clear. Not a cloud obscured the sky, and there was not the slightest probability of a change as far as he could see from any appearance in the heavens or on the ocean.
Going below to his cabin, the captain laid down on the sofa. A minute or two afterward he happened to look up at a barometer hanging near him and saw that the mercury was falling.
Ordinarily, in such fine weather, he would not have thought to consult this instrument, but so strange did he think it that he rubbed his eyes, imagining he was deceived. He rose from the sofa and, looking at the barometer more closely, discovered the mercury was falling very rapidly.
He went again on deck, but the weather was as lovely as before. Descending again to his quarters he shook the instrument. Still the mercury continued falling. He had never seen a fall so rapid and it finally convinced him that something was about to happen.
He called the first mate and master and told them what he had seen. These officers protested that no storm could be likely with sea and sky so clear and beautiful.
The captain just could not agree. The falling of the barometer indicated a storm, and, having received the barometer's warning, it was his duty as a captain to prepare for one as rapidly as possible. He ordered everything to be instantly made secure and all to be cleared or secured upon the deck.
Captain Oldrey did not relax until all preparation for the worst possible weather was accomplished to his satisfaction. An hour or two went by, but his mind was at rest with the knowledge that his ship was as ready as possible whatever might come.
Suddenly he had proof that the barometer was right! A storm struck and reached its peak almost at once. The wind blew with a fury so great that the sea could not rise into waves, but became one vast plain of foam, on which the ship was swept furiously along.
The Hyacinth escaped disaster and the crew and passengers reached port in safety because Captain Oldrey obeyed the barometer's warning and prepared his ship before the storm arrived.
The Holy Scriptures are the barometer which warn of the coming storm of God's wrath and judgment which will soon break over this world.
Unbelievers may say "Where is the promise of His coming?" 2 Peter 3:44And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. (2 Peter 3:4). To them the sky is clear; there is no probability of change. All will go on as it always has. They have no fear. They close their eyes to the clear warnings given in God's Word. In their foolishness they go on, deceiving themselves and others.