generosity but in order to profit both by his errors and good qualities, we must consider the narrative in detail. It seems that, after a rather tedious passage from Sidon, the party arrived at a place called "the fair havens; " and because in that imperfect state of navigation the season was now dangerous, Paul earnestly forewarned them that the remainder of the voyage would be attended with much damage, not only of the cargo, and the ship, but also of their lives. Nevertheless as the harbour was incommodious to winter in, and the master and owner of the vessel were anxious to leave it, the centurion listened to them rather than to the apostle, and consented to put to sea again. As there is no proof that he had any previous acquaintance with Paul, we cannot attach much blame to him for the decision. It was a mistake which, we may hope, was as much blessed to him in its consequences, as it will be ever to those, who love to examine the ways of providence by the test of Scripture.

The centurion having consented to leave the fair havens, the majority of the party proposed that they should endeavour to make Phenice,

a harbour on the coast of Crete, and winter there. And when the south wind blew softly, and the fineness of the weather and smoothness of the sea had tempted them to believe that the trip was as good as made, they set sail with merry hearts, little thinking how soon the apostle's warning would be brought to their remembrance. For scarcely had they left the havens, when a violent wind arose against them, called, in those days, Euroclydon; respecting which various opinions have been entertained, but which upon the whole may be supposed to mean a wind to the eastward of north: and many, who have made a winter's voyage up the Mediterranean, may probably have seen with what fury it blows, how long it lasts, and with what gloom and raging of the waters it is accompanied. Even in our time, when navigation has been brought to such perfection, it is a formidable occurrence; but at the period of which we are discoursing, it must have been attended with so many circumstances of terror, as to appal the most intrepid. For the gale, which was at first a-head, seems soon to have made a sudden shift, and catching the sails

aback, so that the ship would not bear up to the wind, the mariners put down the helm, and let her drive before it. They appear to have been a most unskilful crew, and the vessel scarcely sea-worthy, insomuch that the passengers must have felt as if abandoned to the fury of the waves, and that nothing but an overruling providence could save them. And now as they were running under a small island called Clauda, the ship perhaps straining violently, an attempt was made to hoist out the boat, in order to pass ropes underneath and round the vessel, and thus prevent her timbers from starting. Even this precarious manœuvre was with difficulty accomplished; for the boat which ought to have been perfectly unencumbered, was scarcely to be got at; and after all, what a state was this for two hundred and seventy-six souls to be placed in! But the danger still increased. Whether they had drifted too close to the shore, or were ignorant of the coast, or too well aware of its difficulties, they were now afraid of running upon quicksands; and instead of manfully endeavouring to steer into deep water, they struck their sails as in despair, and again

suffered themselves to drive before the storm. The tempest raged throughout the night, and the ship was exceedingly tossed, so that on the following morning they lightened her; and on the third day, the prisoners with their own hands threw the tackling overboard, the sailors apparently being too despondent to take any further trouble. In this state they continued many days: there was no sun to cheer them at noon, nor stars to guide them by night: ignorant of their course, worn out by fatigue, and appalled by the astonishing fury of the elements, they abandoned all hope of safety, and saw nothing but a fearful death ready to overwhelm them.

This is exactly the point to which providence often brings those, towards whom it has determined to shew mercy. It is now that the mind is prepared to receive a due impression. So long as all goes smoothly, the greatest benefits are received as matters of course; but when distress has reached its climax, and we look in vain for escape, then should some sudden relief be vouchsafed, the proudest can hardly receive the transition without some softening of the

heart, some feeling, however slight, of grateful emotion. Would that these impressions were more durable and more sanctified; that men would not only be glad because they are quiet; but that they would also continue "to praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men."

Such, we trust, was the case with Julius and many of his party, for Paul having devoted a considerable time to fasting, and having doubtless accompanied it with earnest prayer, stood forth in the midst of the despairing company, and addressed them thus:-" Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as was