Oil on the Waters by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 2, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 37.

Oil on the Waters.

By Editor

THE steam whaler Jan Mayen left Dundee February 4 to proceed to the Newfoundland seal-fishing, arrived at Lerwick on Sunday, having been unable to proceed on her voyage owing to the stormy weather. On Monday, the 18th, the vessel encountered a hurricane, in which she was thrown on her beam-ends and would, it is believed by the crew, have foundered had not the use of oil been resorted to. Three bags filled with oakum saturated in oil were hung over the side of the vessel, and in a brief space the sea, which had been washing completely over the ship, ceased to break. The captain attributes the safety of the vessel to this experiment.

Two strange things we notice: First, that this is called an "experiment." It is a well-attested fact that oil will prevent the breaking of the waves. Secondly, it is exceedingly strange that commanders of vessels do not always resort to it in heavy storms. We have no doubt that many good vessels and many valuable lives have been lost for failure to use a few dollars' worth of oil.

THE latest fanatical effort at time-setting is given to the public in a pamphlet announcing that the Lord will come in October, 1884. Such folly is designed by Satan to bring reproach upon the doctrine of the approaching advent, and cause believers to cease their diligence. "Let no man deceive you."