XVI. STORM, STEER ON.

THE mariners sailing with St. Paul bare up bravely against the tempest whilst either art or industry could befriend them. Finding both to fail, and that they could not any longer bear up into the wind, they even let their ship drive. [Acts xxvii. 15.] I have endeavoured in these distemperate times to hold up my spirits, and to steer them steadily. A happy peace here was the port whereat I desired to arrive. Now, alas! the storm grows too sturdy for the pilot. Hereafter all the skill I will use is no skill at all, but even let my ship sail whither the winds send it.

Noah’s ark was bound for no other port, but preservation for the present (that ship being all 100the harbour), not intending to find land, but to float on water. May my soul (though not sailing to the desired haven) only be kept from sinking in sorrow.

This comforts me, that the most weather-beaten vessel cannot properly be seized on for a wreck which hath any quick cattle remaining therein. My spirits are not as yet forfeited to despair, having one lively spark of hope in my heart, because God is even where he was before.