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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
to find rest from the fatigue of their labors, being removed from the
dwellings of men. However, as they were moving off, a number of
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boats loaded with people followed Jesus, desirous of learning more
concerning the doctrine that he taught.
The Saviour was wearied from his long and arduous labors, and
being now for a time relieved from the claims of the multitude, he
stretched himself upon the hard plank of the fishermen’s boat and fell
asleep. Soon after, the weather, which had been calm and pleasant,
changed. The clouds gathered darkly over the sky, and a furious storm,
such as frequently visited those parts, burst upon the sea. The sun had
set, and the blackness of night settled down upon the water. The angry
waves dashed against the ship, threatening every moment to engulf it.
First tossed upon the crest of a mountain billow, and then as suddenly
plunged into the trough of the sea, the ship was the plaything of the
storm. Finally, it was discovered that it had sprung a leak and was fast
filling with water. All was now hurry and confusion in the darkness
and amid the roaring of the angry waves. The strong and courageous
fishermen were skilled in managing their craft; but, experienced as
they were to the changing moods of the sea, they knew not what to
do in so terrible a gale, and their hearts filled with despair as they
perceived that the boat was sinking.
They had been so engaged in their efforts to save themselves and
keep the ship afloat, that they had forgotten that Jesus was on board.
But now, as their courage fails them, and they think themselves lost,
they remember that it was he who commanded them to cross the sea.
In their agony of fear they turn to him, remembering how he had once
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saved them in a like peril. They call, “Master! Master!” but the roaring
of the tempest drowns their voices, and there is no reply. The waves
break over them, and each one threatens them with destruction.
Despair seizes them, and they call again; but there is no answer
save the shrieking of the angry blast. Has the Master deserted them?
Has he walked away upon the foam-capped billows and left them to
their fate? They remembered that he had once walked upon the water
to come and rescue them from death. Has he now given them up to
the fury of the tempest? They search for him distractedly, for they can
do no more to save themselves. The storm has so increased that all
their efforts to manage the ship are vain; in Jesus is their only hope.