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In Sight of Port

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 29, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 9.

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In Sight of Port

By Mrs. May L. Hanley

MRS. MAY L. HANLEY
WE had been tossed on the briny deep for three long days and nights. To most of the passengers it had been a time of great fear and suffering.
The captain did not leave his post of duty, and the mate, when questioned, did not give any hope that the ship would ever reach land.
The pitching and rolling of the vessel gradually ceased, and we were told that the storm had subsided, and although the craft was disabled, it was thought it would make the port.
How our hearts revive, and courage takes the place of fear! The throbbing of the powerful engines is again felt, and we are steaming toward home. The lighthouse is seen. O, glad sight! For beyond is the city, and that means home and children.
We watched the light as we drew nearer, and after the ship was anchored to await dawn and the pilot, its bright, cheery rays were a token that our loved ones were not far away.
Many now ridiculed their fears during those hours of suspense, and made light remarks concerning the prayers and pledges made when death was thought to be near.
Just three hours after we anchored, the storm struck us anew from the opposite direction, and dragging anchor, we were driven to sea, where we were at the mercy of the waves.
Through it all, the words rang in my ears, “In sight of port, yet lost!” If the pilot had been there to meet us and guide the boat through the channel, we should have been secure before the storm again broke. O how many will have this sad experience! In sight of port, yet lost! But we have a Pilot who is always ready and waiting to guide us through, and we need not be driven back by the storms of life to be buffeted by the waves of discouragement. We have a Lighthouse, and the Light, trimmed and burning, sheds its rays on our pathway.
Imagine our feelings if the captain had said, I failed to reach the port, although I did my best; I’ll just let the boat drift now, and take it easy, and I expect we shall get in some way. But no; he did his duty, and at last we did reach our goal.
Let us all stay by the ship, trusting our Captain and Pilot; for we are in sight of port now.
Thomas, Okla.