"I have not sailed so many years with good Captain Renton, without
learning his ways, and as I want to be guided by the Bible, I am very
sure that I must read it every day. Sometimes I find it a difficult
job, but I don't mind the other men laughing and jeering at me, as they
are fond of doing; neither, Charley, will you, if you are wise. It is
better to fear God, than poor helpless beings like ourselves. That's
what I always say to myself when the others begin to jeer at me."
I promised Dick that I would do as he advised, and that very day when I
went to my berth, on the half-deck, I got out my Bible and began to read
it. I remembered what Captain Renton often said to me, that I must not
read it like a common book, but that I must earnestly pray to be
enlightened by God's Holy Spirit while I read it, to understand its
truths. I did so, and I then saw that I was an utterly lost sinner,
and, as far as my own merits were concerned, had no right to claim
admittance into heaven. But then I saw also, that by trusting to the
merits of Christ, and to His perfect and complete sacrifice offered up
for me, my sins were washed away, and that God would receive me and
welcome me as a dear son; and that at any moment, should I be called out
of the world, I should be sure of eternal happiness. I also learned
another glorious truth, namely, that Christ the great High Priest, who
has entered into the Holy of Holies, is now at the right hand of God,
and having taken my flesh upon Him, knows all my infirmities, and can be
touched by them, having been tempted as I am, and thus acts as my
mediator, my intercessor, my advocate; thus washing me daily, hourly,
every moment, with His blood, from the sins which I commit. Yet I know
that every sin grieves and offends Him, and I strive with the aid of His
Holy Spirit to resist sin, to refrain from sin, and I sorrow heartily
for the sins of which I know I am guilty. Yet I live in a constant
sense of His boundless love and mercy. I do so now, I did so then.
This gave me a contentment and joy I had never known before, and I no
longer feared any danger, nor felt cast down by the annoyances which my
ungodly shipmates were continually endeavouring to give me.
This knowledge, however, did not come all at once, and many weeks passed
by before I attained to that happy condition which I am sure all
Christians ought to enjoy. I at length spoke to Dick on the subject.
"Of course, Charley," he said, "it's a poor religion to my mind if a man
does not take God at His word and believe what He says; and He tells us
that all who believe on His Son have passed from death unto life, have
entered the kingdom of heaven, and are heirs of eternal happiness. It
seems to me all clear sailing when we know that, though Satan is always
trying to place rocks and quicksands in our way, but when we have got
the true Pilot aboard, we are sure to keep clear of them, for He can
make no mistake. That makes me happy and contented, and afraid of
nothing except that I should forget to pray for that help, which, if I
pray, is sure to be sent me."
Dick and I, knowing that we were not to keep our light under a bushel,
as we had the opportunities, spoke to others, and by degrees several of
the crew joined us to read the Bible and pray together.
The captain heard of our proceedings, and, declaring that he would have
no prayers or psalm-singers on board, Dick was summoned aft to answer
for his conduct.
"I only do what Captain Renton did, sir," he answered, quietly; "and if
I neglect my duty, I do not ask to be treated with more favour than
others."
"Just take care what you are about then," answered the captain; "my eye
will be upon you."
Dick touched his hat respectfully, and without saying anything went
forward.