Notwithstanding their faithless fears, the disciples went to the right source for help, crying to the Lord to save them. This is what we should always do, in every time of difficulty and danger, whether on sea or land, in temporal or spiritual peril; and He, who is the same Saviour still, will hear and answer.

'Dark is the night and cold the wind is blowing,
Nearer and nearer comes the breakers' roar;
Where shall I go, or whither fly for refuge?
Hide me, My Father, till the storm is o'er.

With His loving hand to guide, let the clouds above me roll,

And the billows in their fury dash around me:

I can brave the wildest storm, with His glory in my soul; I can sing amidst the tempest, "Praise the Lord."

Dark is the night, but cheering is the promise;
He will go with me o'er the troubled wave,
Safe He will lead me through the pathless waters,
Jesus the Mighty One and strong to save.

Dark is the night, but, lo! the day is breaking,
Onward, my bark! unfurl thy every sail,
Now at the helm, I see my Father standing,
Soon will my anchor drop within the vail.'

J. F. CROSBY.

There is another instance of Jesus calming the tempest.

33.

'And straightway Jesus constrained his Mat. 14. 22disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit, and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped

him, saying, Of a truth thou art the son of God.'

Here we find the Lord coming to His disciples in the fourth watch, for their preservation (as we formerly saw He went to the Egyptians in the morning watch, for their destruction). The fourth watch was from three to six o'clock, a little before daybreak; so the darkest hour is often that which precedes the dawn. When the disciples were in peril and afraid of sinking, Jesus drew nigh; thus, when God's people are tossed on seas of trouble and perplexity, so great that hope of relief is almost extinguished, whenever they cry to Him, Jesus still whispers, 'It is I, be not afraid.' He permits the trial that they may see His hand in their deliverance. But alas! like the disciples, they sometimes fail to recognise His voice, till He gently rebukes them, saying, 'O thou of little faith, wherefore dost thou doubt?' A picture has been drawn representing this scene, and at the part of the sea where Peter is, the artist has represented the waves as high and storm-tossed, but around the Saviour's feet, all calm and tranquil. Apt illustration of spiritual life! The soul that tries to walk in his own strength, away from Christ, will soon be overwhelmed; but living near the Lord in communion, abiding in Him by faith, the peace that passeth understanding is experienced.

Uncertainty regarding the safety of the soul is the cause of much discomfort and unhappiness; just as uncertainty about our temporal safety causes fear and dread.

'When there was war between France and England, a French vessel that during the war had sailed on a whaling expedition, and been away for two years, was on the return voyage driven by stress of weather very near the English coast; the captain, unaware of the events which had transpired during his absence, and thinking that the two countries were still at war, was afraid to make for land, or hail any passing ship, lest he might be taken prisoner, and cruised about a whole month in suspense. At length a pilot saw him in distress, and spoke him-saying, "Why dont you go into Portsmouth harbour?" The captain replied, "I'm a Frenchman, and I do not wish to be taken prisoner by the English." The pilot cried, "Dont you know there's peace? go in! Peace was proclaimed between the nations of France and England a year ago. Have you been so long away from home as not to have heard the good news? You have now nothing to fear." This explanation satisfied the poor man, and in he went, though he had been lying a month in terror, quite near a port of safety.'"

So neither can any one have true peace of

mind, or lasting joy, who does not know that his sins are forgiven through the merits of Him who came to proclaim 'Peace on earth and good-will to men.' Dear sailors, there is peace for you likewise. Just 'go in' to the harbour of safety. John 19. 35. Believe the record God hath given of His Son, take shelter in the 'Rock of Ages.'

666 Up with thy hands to Jesus,"
O, guilty, tempest tost;
"Up with thy hands to Jesus,"
Or, sinner, thou art lost.
The waves are wildly dashing,
Thy boat is light and frail,
The lightnings sharp are flashing,
And fiercely sweeps the gale.

Then "Up with thy hands to Jesus,"

O, guilty, tempest tost;
"Up with thy hands to Jesus,"
Or, sinner, thou art lost.

"Up with thy hands to Jesus,"
He walks upon the sea;
66 Up with thy hands to Jesus,"
He stoopeth now for thee.
Say not thy hands are feeble,
Thy fingers cannot cling;
His mighty grasp shall hold thee,
And sure salvation bring.