THE SEAMAN’S BIBLE

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Jan 16, 1907

THE SEAMAN’S BIBLE.

(Translated from the Christlicher Hausfreund.)

SOME years ago a brave seaman of the English navy died and left behind him, among other possessions, a Bible. This Bible was held by the family in particular esteem; but what gave it so much honor was a few words written on the fly-leaf by its former possessor. They were simple but full of meaning, and read thus:

“In January, 1791, this Bible was given to me by Mr. Neikes, in Herford, England, as a reward. It has been my constant companion for fifty-three years, forty-one of which I spent on the sea. During these years I was in forty-five sea battles and engagements; received wounds, and suffered shipwreck three times. Once our ship was burned, twice our boat capsized, and fifteen times I was afflicted with fever of different kinds, and this Bible was always my trust. All this I certify with my own handwriting.”

Indeed, a much-used Bible! And what a rich history these plain words on the blank leaf relate. One hears the roar of the storm, the beating of the waves, the crash of the shipwreck, the thunder of the battle, the groans of the wounded, the sighs of the fever-stricken,—and from all this suffering and danger one turns to that Book and hears the words “this Bible was my trust.”

Is not the Bible a wonderful Book? Is there anything else that could have supported

his trust? or anything else so enduring? No; indeed.

“And heaven and earth shall pass away, but God's word shall not pass away.” Dear reader, take it to heart, “Blessed are they who hear and keep God's word.”