Voyage and Shipwreck
189
There was much yet to be done. Every effort within their power must
be put forth to avert destruction; for God helps those only who help
themselves.
It was the fourteenth night that they had been tossed up and down
on the black, heaving billows, when, amid the sound of the storm, the
sailors distinguished the roar of breakers, and reported that they were
near some land. They “sounded, and found it twenty fathoms; and
when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it
fifteen fathoms.” They were now threatened by a new danger, of having
their ship driven upon some rock-bound coast. They immediately cast
out four anchors, which was the only thing that could be done. All
through the remaining hours of that night they waited, knowing that
any moment might be their last. The leak was constantly increasing,
and the ship might sink at any time, even if the anchors held.
At last through rain and tempest the gray light fell upon their
haggard and ghastly faces. The outlines of the stormy coast could be
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dimly seen, but not a single familiar landmark was visible. The selfish
heathen sailors determined to abandon the ship and crew, and save
themselves in the boat which they had with so much difficulty hoisted
on board. Pretending that they could do something more to secure the
safety of the ship, they unloosed the boat, and began to lower it into
the sea. Had they succeeded, they would have been dashed in pieces
upon the rocks, while all on board would have perished from their
inability to handle the sinking vessel.
At this moment, Paul perceived the base design, and averted the
danger. With his usual prompt energy and courage he said to the
centurion and soldiers, “Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be
saved.” The apostle’s faith in God did not waver; he had no doubt
concerning his own preservation, but the promise of safety to the crew
had been conditional upon their performance of duty. The soldiers, on
hearing Paul’s words, immediately cut off the ropes of the boat, letting
her fall off into the sea.
The most critical hour was still before them, when the skill,
courage, and presence of mind of all on board would be tested. Again
the apostle spoke words of encouragement, and entreated all, both
sailors and passengers, to take some food, saying, “This day is the
fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken