The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 447

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TEE VOYAGE AND SHIPWRECK 441 the year. The only question now to be decided was, whether to remain at Fair Havens, or attempt to reach a more favorable place in which to winter. This question was earnestly discussed, and was finally referred by the centurion to Paul, who had won the respect of both sailors and soldiers. The apostle unhesitatingly advised remaining where they were. "I perceive," he said, "that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives." But 'Hhe master and the owner of the ship," and the majority of passengers and crew, were unwilling to accept this counsel. Because the haven in which they had anchored ''was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is a haven of Crete, and lieth toward the southwest and northwest." The centurion decided to follow the judgment of the majority. Accordingly, "when the south wind blew softly," they set sail from Fair Plavens, in the hope that they would soon reach the desired harbor. "But not long after there arose ... a tempestuous wind;" "the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind." Driven .by the tempest, the vessel neared the small island of Clauda, and while under its shelter the sailors made ready for the worst. The life-boat, their only means of escape in case the ship should founder, was in tow, and liable to be dashed in pieces any moment. Their first work was to hoist this boat on board. All possible precautions were then taken to strengthen the ship and prepare it to