Revelation 20:18.
THE ship was lying in the docks; I, an intending passenger, was inspecting her accommodation; and, whilst so engaged, came across the chief steward, who, having but little to do, was open to conversation, in which we engaged for upwards of an hour. Many were the questions I put to him, as to the sailing qualities of the ship; the ability of her commander; and concerning Melbourne — the port of destination — with which city he seemed as familiar as with his native place. Very courteous was he, and fully did he answer my questions, being intimate with the subjects to which they referred. But he knew not that he was dead in trespasses and sins, nor his need of a Saviour. Ephesians 2:11And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (Ephesians 2:1). We parted, I purposing to speak with him again. A week later we set sail; when I soon found, to my no small regret, that no suitable opportunity offered to converse with him again; as he, being first steward, was occupied in the first saloon, whilst I had engaged a berth in the second.
Scarcely had we quitted the Bay of Biscay, not having left Plymouth more than six days, when it was rumoured that the steward was ill, which, upon inquiry, I found to be correct; and not only so, but that he was quite delirious, so that none were allowed to see him but the doctor. For three days he continued in that sad condition. On the third day, the doctor, believing the poor fellow’s end to be near, gave a friend of mine, a minister of Christ, permission to see him; which, however, appeared fruitless, for his being delirious, he could not receive, or understand what was said to him. The next morning we learned that at midnight he died.
At twelve o’clock the same day, I stood by the ship’s side, and watched all that was mortal lowered into the billows.
Stay not till you are told of opportunities to do good — inquire after them.