While at sea and learning the uses of the various nautical
instruments, I also studied their spiritual application, for nothing
else so much resembles the passage of a Christian from earth to
glory, as a gallant ship under full sail for some distant port. The
parallel between ships and souls, of course does not extend to
their original structure or nature, since one is mere inert matter,
fashioned by human skill, visible and perishable; while the other is
immortal, invisible, and the direct handiwork of God.
Simplicity of nature must ever insure immortality under a government
where the annihilation of created beings is impossible. Yet numerous
are the circumstances in which the parallel will hold, and where
the propriety of the metaphor is apparent. Let us contemplate some
few of these for a moment, for time would fail us to review the
curious machine in all its parts, and speak of its accommodating and
beautiful comparison with the faculties of a rational soul; or to the
grace of one regenerated and sanctified by the spirit of God.
Pleasant and entertaining as it might be, to consider how this
metaphorical ship uses conscience for its helm, the understanding for
its rudder, judgment and reason for its masts, its affections for
sails; how education stands in the place of carving and gilding; how
the passions represent too full sails, thus producing danger from
foundering; how pride represents the too taut rigging; how assumed
professions represent deceptive and ruinous false colors; yet, we
must necessarily waive all such considerations.
Still, we must pause to admire the excellence of the model of this
work of God, as much the highest of all this lower creation, as a
ship is superior to every other work of human art. Nor can any words
sufficiently deplore that misfortune by which, on its first being
launched upon the ocean of life, this noble vessel was dashed on the
rocks of presumption, and thus, in an unlucky moment, condemned and
cast away utterly unfit for service.
How poor a pilot is man, even with his highest knowledge and
ability, and how unfit to take his soul into his own keeping. And
how magnanimous the grace of the generous Owner, who, instead of
destroying that insignificant wreck, as might have been expected,
was pleased to repair the ruins; notwithstanding he was well aware
it would be a work of more difficulty and labor, than to construct
an entirely new one, which could have been done by a word; while to
restore the old wreck, would cost the greatest treasure in heaven,
the life of the great owner and builder’s only begotten and well
beloved son! Oh, amazing love! that could so highly value things so
worthless; things only fitted to be cast into the den of wild and
furious beasts, or the dreary abode of unclean birds!
From the Omnipotent Power and Infinite Skill of the divine undertaker
of the work, as well as the invaluable price given to defray the
expenses, reason would immediately conclude, that in rebuilding this
moral and spiritual structure, which was shipwrecked in Adam, but
redeemed in Christ, no pains would be spared, nor anything omitted,
which would be necessary to complete the work on which Jehovah’s
heart was set, and to make the second structure more glorious than
the first.
Nor was the conclusion unfounded, for every material was purchased by
the blood of the Son of God, and laid in bountifully by the gracious
owner. Every piece is hewn by the law in the work of conviction;
every faculty purged from sin and guilt by the great atonement,
received by faith in Christ Jesus; every plank bent by the fire of
divine love, all fitted to their places by the invincible energy of
sovereign grace, and the structure is completed according to the
model prepared in the council of peace, and published in the gospel,
which divine illumination is made visible to the mental eye, through
which it is received into the heart, and leaves its impress there.
Destined for a voyage of vast importance, in seas beset with dangers
and perils, this new vessel will find nothing more needful than a
strong and sound bottom.
If faith is not genuine and enduring; if those principles typified by
the planks and timbers of a ship, be rotten or unsound at heart, not
consistent with each other, and not shaped so as to lie compactly;
or if each is not well secured by bolts of the endurable metal of
eternal truth from the mine of divine revelation; if all is not
carefully caulked with the powerful cement of unfailing love and
redeeming blood; in a word, if Christ is not the sole foundation, and
his righteousness the grand security, then on the slightest trial,
the seams open, the vessel bilges, and every soul on board is lost.
From the hour of active conversion, the redeemed soul is launched
upon the deep, and moves in a new element. As she proceeds onward,
and greater depths surround her, the amazing wonders of divine
counsel appear more manifest, which had hitherto been unknown and
unfathomed by any human line; the latent corruptions within its
own recesses appear more terrible as farther explored, and every
new glimpse still more affrights and humbles; while the mysterious
and inexplicable depths of divine Providence, with its mercies,
judgments, and deliverances also rise to view.
She floats on an ocean of trouble, where temptations inflame the
appetite, and weaken good resolutions, as worms pierce through and
destroy the bottom of a vessel. Trials follow each other, as wave
succeeds wave; nor should we feel ourselves alone, nor more sorely
tempted than others, in this, since it is the experience of every one
who floats upon life’s ocean billows. When our sorrows are mitigated,
our thankfulness should increase: and when the clouds of grief become
thicker and darker, it should wean us more effectually from earthly
things, and kindle within us a more ardent desire for heavenly things.
Nor should the Christian repine at his afflictions, for he could not
well do without them, since no means is more effectual to weaken the
force of innate sin, or to wean him from his earthly idols, even as
the heat of a furnace keeps the seething metal in commotion, while it
separates and drives off the dross; or the unceasing rolling of the
restless ocean, which, I am told serves to keep its waters pure. In
contemplating the fickleness of this uncertain world, let us not fail
to draw instruction therefrom.
Bound, as she is, to take a voyage on this restless, troubled ocean,
the spiritual ship must not only be furnished with rigging suited to
such a bottom as I have described, but she must also be provided with
all necessary nautical instruments before she can safely put to sea;
and oh, how carefully has her gracious owner been, that all her wants
should be supplied.
An invariable and unfailing compass is furnished by the Sacred
Scriptures, whose direction may be safely followed in the darkest
night. The divine illumination will serve as a quadrant by which
the Christian may discover his own latitude, and his position in
regard to the path of rectitude and duty; but in vain will the most
experienced seaman attempt to do this, unless his sun shines, and his
horizon is clear.
How often, by persuading men to neglect the use of this quadrant, and
thereby lose their true situation, has satan decoyed men to accept
his pilotage, and trust to his skill, until he had led them clear out
of the right course, to the very mouth of the gulf of despondency,
among rocks and quicksands on all sides.
Through the spy glass of faith, the Christian may discover his
faithful starry guides, although the heavens be shrouded in clouds;
or may descry the approaching enemy, and avoid him; or may discover
the far off haven of security. In the same manner self-examination
may supply to the believing soul a line and lead, whereby to sound
the waters, discover the way, and learn his distance, both from the
port of departure and that to which he is bound.
A longing to arrive at a blessed end of the voyage, serves as an hour
glass, by which he may mark the swiftly passing hours, and so reckon
his time, that he may be able to give a correct account of it to the
great ship owner; especially as he is sensible that not one hour can
pass unremarked. This glass also admonishes him to set the watch at
the exact minute, lest the steersman sleep at his helm, the hands
slacken their diligence in duty, the vessel lose its way, or storms
or enemies come unawares and find it unprepared. Precious moments,
how swiftly they fly, every wave of the wing hastening us onward to
eternity. Oh, that Christians would more carefully note their falling
sands, and renew their watch more frequently. Failing to do this,
caused David’s penitential agony, and Peter’s bitter tears of anguish.
To often try the pump is no less necessary than to change the watch,
for which purpose is given sincere repentance, such as sinks to
the bottom of the heart, searches out every lust and evil desire,
brings it to the surface, and casts it out, as does the pump-rod the
stagnant bilge-water, which, if allowed to remain, would finally sink
the vessel.
On the ocean of life, where we are constantly meeting vessels,
steering in every possible direction, would that Christians would
show the same courtesy and kindness to each other, that seamen of
every nation and under all colors, do. Then, with what true interest
would they hail each other, with what courtesy answer when asked
where they were bound, and with what good wishes send them on their
way to their place of destination. With what truthfulness would they
give an account of their voyage, of their adventures, of their cargo,
and also of their reasons for the hope that is within them, with fear
and meekness; so that believers might in this way become comforters,
helpers, and directors to each other.
And that they might be thoroughly furnished for so good a work,
their gracious owner has put on board a silver trumpet, whose sound
is never false nor unreliable. I mean the Gospel, which brings glad
tidings to all within sound of its voice, and speaks in a language
which people of all nations can understand. In this language all may
converse together, however much they may differ in other things; and
all imbued with its spirit will gladly bear each other company, and
hold communion together, in so far as time and circumstances will
allow.
Defensive arms, also, are necessary for the safety of the voyage, and
accordingly, see how completely the thoughtful owner has equipped the
ship at his own expense. A full inventory of the armory may be found
recorded in Ephesians, 6: 14-18.
But all else would fail were a cable and anchor wanting, both which
are supplied, the one by hope, the other by faith. Thus completed and
supplied with every necessary, the good ship takes in her lading. The
various gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost, together with the hopes
and comforts arising from their exercise; the bracelets, the signets,
and stuffs, the evidences and manifestations of the divine favor;
goodly pearls selected from the treasury of unsearchable riches in
Christ Jesus, all the special furniture, privileges, enjoyments, and
experiences of the true believer, purchased for him by the blood of
his dying Redeemer, are now put on board by orders of the Spirit
of Sanctification: while, at the same time, every needful store is
furnished by the precious promises and glorious truths of the gospel,
of which a spirit of faith and prayer keeps the key, from whence the
believer may daily draw and drink of the waters of Life; and upon
which he may fare sumptuously every day.
Bound for the port of endless rest, the soul thus equipped receives
sailing orders from the inspired oracles, which, at the same time,
commands her to forsake all, to deny herself, to take up the
cross, and to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. If sincerely
desirous to proceed, she will be very careful to have all things in
readiness, and all hands in waiting for a favorable wind, without
which the truest helm or the ablest steersman will be of no avail.
Oh, Christian friends, were we but as earnest for the port of glory,
as the mariner is for some earthly port, we should not often be
found loitering or off our duty. Our prayers would ascend with every
breath, that the heavenly gale would spring up, and awake the church
from her lethargic slumbers.
How carefully then should we accompany our prayers with watching,
needfully marking every changeful appearance of the sky. How eagerly
should we seize the first favorable moment, when the long wished
for opportunity of sailing was in our power. Eager for departure,
we would not willingly lose one fair breeze, knowing that without
this all previous preparations were fruitless. Nor must the fairest
gale entice us to sea without the heavenly pilot; for without thee,
blessed Jesus, we can do nothing; to thee we must turn in every
difficulty, and upon thee call in every time of danger. We dare trust
no other at the helm, because no other can safely steer us past
the rocks and quicksands. How kind thy promise, to be with us when
passing through deep and dangerous waters. How gracious thy word
which engages never to leave nor forsake us. We will confidently
leave our feeble vessel entirely to thy guiding care, to shape its
course and direct its way; nor will we dread the greatest danger,
with thy hand upon the helm, believing no hidden rock can escape
thy penetrating eye, nor any storm or danger surpass thy skill, or
counteract thy unbounded power.
The hour arrives, all is in readiness, the pilot gives the signal,
the anchor is weighed, and with all sails set, our bark proceeds to
sea. What more majestic sight than a gallant ship, under full sail,
wafted by a fair gale, proudly cutting her way through the vast deep?
And so of the Holy Ghost, spreading every sail, that the kindly gales
of the spirit of all grace, may waft it safe to the heavenly port,
while the beams of the sun of Righteousness gild and brighten the
scene.
Such halcyon days are sometimes vouchsafed to the young convert, just
starting on life’s new voyage. Oh, how should he improve them while
within his reach, by preparing for the coming change! But alas! the
treachery of the heart sometimes perverts such favors into occasions
of spiritual pride. Then may be seen displayed the colors of mere
profession; the streamers of confidence flying; the top gallant sails
of self-conceit hoisted; the haughty royals set, and the vessel of
self-righteousness mounted loftily on the waves.
Alas! how many have been thus wrecked in a vain-glorious moment; and
life has paid the forfeit of such insolence of heart, disdaining to
proportion the sail to the ballast. Such an abuse of mercy could not
escape the all-penetrating eye. The golden season suddenly expires,
and is succeeded by a dead calm. The poor self-admirer lays his head
in the lap of some bewitching Delilah, who lulls him to sleep with
her siren songs.
Now all the Christian graces lie dormant; all precepts, ordinances
and means are lost on a person so fascinated; while the rolling
billows serve only to rock him into a deeper sleep. With no guide at
the helm, such a ship gains nothing in her course. Could conscience
only gain a hearing, all hands would quickly be roused to prepare for
the coming storm; the leisure of the threatening calm would not be
consumed in slothfulness.
Instead of inactivity and delay, when dangers threaten, the real,
active believer is on the alert. While becalmed, he is examining
his stores and cargo, patching his sails, and splicing his rigging.
Spy glass in hand, he is searching for a clear coast. His journal
is revised and his reckoning adjusted, his quadrant applied and his
observations compared. Did we but judiciously employ the hour of
tranquility, we should have little to fear from tempests.
But while all hands are negligently folded in security, and
thoughtlessness fills the dreams of all, the change comes, contrary
winds arise, obstacles spring up, difficulties beset the way, and all
where least expected. Now we are forced by adversity to lower those
sails, which, in the season of sunshine we hoisted, just to gain
applause. Like Babylon, which, in its pride, vainly exalted itself,
and was finally humbled. Dan. 5: 20. Ob. 1: 3.
But notwithstanding adverse winds may blow, the faithful mariner will
not haul in all sail, and lash the helm, thus leaving his vessel to
the sport of fate. On the contrary, he will lose no chance of taking
advantage of every fair breeze, to do which he will trim his sails
to the wind, laying his course as near as possible, even though he
cannot lay it direct. With the Bible in his hand for his compass, he
steers his way, going not to the conclaves of councils, nor to the
decrees of earthly potentates for his creed or the rule of his duty.
Disdaining to be the slave of popularity, he will neither embrace
opinions because of their fashionableness, nor trim his principles
to suit the times, nor yet follow the multitude to do evil. By
experience he is taught to trust no mere professions, but like the
panting slave fleeing from the bondman’s chains and dungeon, he is
suspicious of even a brother fugitive, who says he is travelling the
same road, lest he should be betrayed. For freedom, like eternal
life, is precious, and a true man will risk every power of body or
mind to escape the snares of satan, and secure an everlasting rest at
the right hand of God.