A British vessel, the "Thetis," was sent by the Government to search in the Mediterranean for a suspected shoal, or bank. The shoal reportedly was at a certain place and hidden beneath the waters. When his efforts had failed, the captain abandoned the enterprise. His report stated that "the existence of such a danger was all a dream."
An officer on board, however, had his doubts as to the captain's conclusion. He went out by himself on an expedition. In the very same latitude and longitude, and through careful labors, he discovered a reef of rocks, which he reported at the Admiralty. The location was inserted in the official charts, and the discoverer was rewarded with a high appointment.
Word of this came to the captain's ears, but he would not believe in the discovery. He was a shrewd, clever man, but incredulous and obstinate. "The whole thing is a falsehood," he exclaimed, adding, "If ever the keel of the 'Thetis' is under me again in those waters, and if I do not carry her clean over where the chart marks a rock, call me a liar and no seaman."
Two years later, bound for Italy, he had for a passenger in the "Thetis" the British Ambassador to Naples. One windy night he and his chief officer were examining the chart. The officer pointed to the indication of a sunken rock on the map. "What," exclaimed the captain, "is this invention to meet me in the teeth again? I swore I would sail over that spot the first chance I had, and I will do it."
He went down into the saloon, and merrily related the story to the company. "Within five minutes we shall have crossed the spot," he said. There was a pause. Then taking out his watch, he exclaimed, "Oh, the time is already past. We have gone over that fabled reef."
Just then a grating touch was felt on the ship's keel. Then a sudden shock, a mighty crash, and the ship was foundering.
Through the tremendous efforts of the well trained crew, nearly all on board were saved. But, true to the tradition of the sea, the captain remained aboard his sinking ship. He did not survive his own mad temerity. The last seen of him he was standing bareheaded on the dark hull of the "Thetis" as the waters of the Mediterranean burst round her bows and stern. He perished, a victim of unbelief.
So perish thousands in their unbelief of the gospel of the grace of God. Unbelief of God's warnings, unbelief as to the eternal doom of despisers of His grace!
Reader, heed the Spirit and the warnings of God's servants. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31).