The square-rigged cruiser

Front matter

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Preface

It gives ine sincere pleasure to make a few prefatory remarks to this publication, at the request of the author. Our acquaintance commenced in early life, and soon ripened into a strong friendship which has increased with the lapse of years, and now, being, by the blessing of God, "time-honored," I doubt not will always last.

The author of this volume of sermons served an apprenticeship on the seas, and afterward sailed as an officer for some time, and may well be supposed to have a pretty thorough acquaintance with the usages of mariners. Still, it must appertain to the maritime community to pronounce on the merit of the sermons, as it respects their nautical peculiarity.

No doubt many thousands will read these sermons who never had any connection with the seas; such may be assured they will find much to interest, to edify, and to comfort them. The race of man everywhere takes an especial interest in every thing belonging to the watery world; and it has been owing partly to this, perhaps, that these discourses have been delivered by the author in his itinerant labors, in various parts of our country, with so much eclat and success. Those of our population, who have some knowledge of the affairs of "old ocean," and they are not a few, have heard them in good faith, and having been much profited, they will rejoice in their appearance in book form. Others have professed to be edified, although they admitted they could not understand many of the phrases used; yet the novelty of the language seemed so to attract and fix their attention, as to prepare them to receive more readily the moral teachings found in the sermons, which are adapted to all classes, and of easy apprehension. Some of this class, however, may meet with technicalities, which might appear to them awkward, or improperly applied. Others may object to the structure and divisions of the sermons, as not being scientifically correct. The author, in his private correspondence with me, insists "that it is necessary that such readers should bear it in mind, that the work is intended particularly for sailors, whose circumstances differ widely from those on land. The military exercise itself is not the same on shipboard that it is in the tented field; even bread, the staff of life, is there reduced to a flinty temperament; and if the luxury of milk is enjoyed at all, it must of necessity be of goats, and not of kine." The author claims "that it is not best to encumber with nice divisions and subdivisions a book, the taking up and laying down of which must be frequently determined by wind and weather — the fluctuations and shiftings of the dog vane."

The reader will perceive that there are ten sermons, each having an appropriate hymn at the beginning, and another at the close. The volume is designed, not only as a companion for the individual, but as a book of devotion: in some sort, to supply the place of a chaplain in the navy, and on board of merchant vessels; for by the help of it, the praying man may perform divine service every Sabbath, while navigating the high seas, or lakes.

It might be acceptable to the reader to have some brief remarks on the subject and design of each sermon separately.

1. Wonders in the Deep. — This asserts the impartial regard of the Almighty, in respect to man, whether on the land or on the sea, as displayed in his glorious works of creation, providence, and grace; so that the sailor may not in one mood, say with desponding Jonah, "lam cast out of thy sight;" or, in another, presumptuously maintain, "because I am a poor sailor, subject to so many deprivations and disasters, without the means and appliances of the Gospel, God will mercifully save me, irrespective of moral qualifications.' '

2. The Anchor. — This exhibits the analogy of a literal voyage, and the more important voyage of human life. The anchor has ever been a favorite figure of the Christian, of that hope which maketh not ashamed, and is thus defined in the discourse.

3. All Hands, Ahoy! — This sermon is devoted to the extent of human salvation: showing that the vilest sinner may, by repentance toward God, and faith in Christ, attain that rest which is realized by the children of God. It was while the author was delivering the substance of this discourse at Columbus, Ohio, many years ago, comparing the case of a sinner to a ship about to be wrecked, a sailor suddenly sprung out into the aisle — rushed forward in much confusion, then quickly returned to his seat, under manifest embarrassment. He was asked, shortly after, the cause of his excitement. "Why, sir," said he, "the minister had me out to sea again, before I knew it, and raised a thundering storm. Here she was, bearing down on a lee-shore, and ready to strike on the rocks. Every fellow on board stood gazing, with his nippers in his pockets. What could I do, but rush forward to let go the foresheet? But never a foresheet could I find; for I was still in the church."

4. A Voyage to Davy Jones's Locker, etc. — This represents Jonah as a striking type of the voluntary sacrifice, and triumphant resurrection of our blessed Savior. It is also a pointed rebuke of those unreasonable superstitions which some seamen have founded upon the narrative, and which have sometimes influenced them into a course of conduct toward ministers, very foreign to that character of universal benevolence by which the profession is generally distinguished.

5. The Levanter. — This distinguishes between wholesome and useless fears; and is also a running narrative of the disastrous voyage of St. Paul, in which many important, practical truths are illustrated and enforced.

6. Sea-Fight. — This is descriptive of the sinner's conflict — the flesh warring against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. It is partly allegorical; but will be properly esteemed by all who serve on ships of war.

7. Relief at the Helm. — This treats particularly of the sins of the tongue, and the only remedy. It is not only appropriate for a book of sea-sermons, but worthy of the attention of all persons.

8. Storm of Galilee. — Pointing out the most remarkable features, in which our Lord differs from our common human nature. Some very useful doctrines are examined in connection with this subject.

9. Soulwreck. — Warning the Christian of dangers by the way.

10. Short Trip. — A view of the shortness of life, the rapid flight of time, and the certainty of death, as it appeared to Job, under the figure of a swift-sailing ship.

Those who have closely observed how a sermon differs with itself when orally delivered, and when presented to the eye in the impressions of cold type, will not expect these discourses to be clothed with the same unction as when they were delivered by the energetic author to crowded congregations, with all his sailor fervor and habitudes. We, however, have good grounds to hope that they will continue to exert much moral power, and be eminently useful in this form, long after the voice of the now living minister is hushed in the silence of the grave.

We hope, also, that this book will spread, not only on the seas, but through all lands, especially in our own country, and that its circulation will excite in all Churches a just concern for the vast population of sailors who now not only traverse the seas, but have penetrated the remotest lakes and rivers of our mighty continent. 0, will not all Christians sympathize with this important and useful class of their race, and by the distribution of this book and other means, labor for their salvation and happiness?

"The Square-Rigged Cruiser" is now sent forth, to sail over the world, under the command of the great Head of the Church; and will be accompanied with many prayers that she may make a prosperous voyage, touch at many hearts, and convey to myriads of precious souls the inestimable "treasures of wisdom and knowledge — the unsearchable riches of Christ.' '

John F. Wright.

Cincinnati, March 31, 1851.

Contents

SERMON I.

WONDERS IN THE DEEP.

■ They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in the great waters ; these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep," etc., Psalm cvii, 23-30. Page 15