Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 275
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268 LIFE OF PAUL . The outlinesof thestormycoastcouldbe dimly seen,but not a singlefamiliarlandmark was visible. The selfishheathen sailors determined to abandon the shipand crew, and savethemselvesin theboat which theyhad withso much difficultyhoistedon board. Pretendingthat they coulddo something more to secure the safetyof the ship, theyunloosedthe boat, and began tolower it intothe sea. Had -theysucceeded,they would have been dashed in pieces upon the rocks,while allon board would have perishedfrom theirinabilityto handlethe sinking vessel. At thismoment ,Paul perceivedthe basedesign,and avertedthe danger. With hisusual prompt energyand couragehe saidto the centurionand soldiers,"Except theseabidein the ship,ye cannot be saved." The apostle'sfaith in God did not waver ; he had no doubt concerning his own preservation, but the promise of safetyto the crew had been conditionalupon theirperformanceof duty. The soldiers, on hearingPaul'swords, immediatelycut offthe ropesof the boat, lettingher falloffintothe sea . The most criticalhour was stillbefore them , when theskill,courage,and presenceof mind of allon board would be tested. Again theapostle spoke words of encouragement,and entreatedall, both sailorsand passengers,to take some food, saying,"Thisday isthefourteenthday thatye have tarriedand continuedfasting,havingtaken nothing. Wherefore, I pray you to take some meat ; forthisisfor your health; for thereshall notan hairfallfrom thehead ofany ofyou."Paul himselfsetthe example. " When he had