p. 456 | SUNSET ON THE EQUATOR by E. H. Gates

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 28, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 29.

SUNSET ON THE EQUATOR.

By E. H. Gates

BY ELDER E. H. GATES.

FEBRUARY 26 was a glorious day. The wind was light, and the sea smooth. Of course our ship, the Pitcairn, made but little headway; but as comfort was more desirable than speed, we were perfectly satisfied with our slow movements. At sunset we were five or six miles south of the equator, sailing about four knots per hour.

As the sun sank into its watery bed, the floating clouds above the horizon were lighted up with a glory that seemed like the radiance from the gates ajar. The long bars of clouds stretching from north to south glowed with a splendor which is indescribable. Great banks of cloud also lifted their tops all along the western horizon, looking to the beholders like the shores of fairyland, seeming not substantial enough for mortals to tread upon, but well fitted for the feet of celestial beings. The brilliancy and splendor of the scene was something unearthly, beyond anything we had ever witnessed before at sea, and which can be seen only in tropical climes.

The sea stretching from our ship to those imaginary shores was softly lighted up, each dimpling wave seeming to catch some of the glory of the scene and reflect it to us. The wind blew soft and balmy, seemingly trying to entice us to stay in these favored regions that it might woo us with its caresses forever. The temperature of the air was agreeable, neither too warm nor too cool.

As the sun sank lower, the splendor on sky and cloud changed to a deep crimson hue, and the banks of cloud assumed the forms of lakes, bays, and inlets with islands dotted about, the shores of which were clearly defined and from whose depths were reflected the fleecy clouds that floated above them.

The dog star, Sirius, now shone forth in its bright beauty, while directly in the zenith was seen the constellation of Orion. As the darkness deepened, one by one the shining hosts of the skies came forth to take the place

of the fading beauty of the western horizon.

As we sat long in silent contemplation of the scene, our minds involuntarily reverted to the inspired Psalmist: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard."