Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

in great peril. The boat rolled fearfully, and the waves dashed into the cabin windows.There was great fear in the ladies’ cabin. Many were confessing their sins, and cryingto God for mercy. Some were calling upon the Virgin Mary to keep them, while otherswere making solemn vows to God that if they reached land they would devote theirlives to His service. It was a scene of terror and confusion. As the boat rocked, a ladyturned to me and said: “Are you not terrified? I suppose it is a fact that we may neverreach land.” I told her that I had made Christ my refuge, and if my work was done, Imight as well lie in the bottom of the ocean as in any other place; but if my work wasnot done, all the waters of the ocean could not drown me. My trust was in God; Hewould bring us safe to land if it was for His glory.At this time I prized the Christian’s hope. The scene before me brought vividly tomy mind the day of the Lord’s fierce anger, when the storm of His wrath will comeupon the poor sinner. Then there will be bitter cries and tears, confession of sin, andpleading for mercy, when it will be too late. “Because I have called, and ye refused;I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all Mycounsel, and would none of My reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mockwhen your fear cometh.”Through the mercy of God we were all landed safe. But some of the passengerswho manifested much fear in the storm made no reference to it, only to make light oftheir fears. One who had solemnly promised that if she were preserved to see land shewould be a Christian, mockingly cried out as she left the boat: “Glory to God, I amglad to step on land again!” I asked her to go back a few hours, and remember hervows to God. She turned from me with a sneer.I was forcibly reminded of deathbed repentance. Some serve themselves and Satanall their lives, and then as sickness subdues them, and a fearful uncertainty is beforethem, they81