“The sea is good, even though it now seem contrary. Trials come in the ordinary course of things, and seeming adversity is the ‘Adversary’ which appears so that we may grow through the process of overcoming him. Satan is the Tester, or negative Developer, of man. But for trials and obstacles, life would become stagnant and unprofitable for lack of exercise. Behold, the glory of the latter end of Job was the result of an experience in which the Adversary had an important office.”
“But surely such a trial as this tempest is not a thing to be sought?”
“Nay, verily! We are not to go into temptation, or seek for trial! Only such testing as comes from beyond our control can minister to our discipline and profit. Having faithfully followed our highest inward guidance, everything that comes will, in some way, be transformed into blessing.”
“O my beloved! I feel that what you say is true, but yet it seemeth to be a great mystery. Hark! behold the tempest hath a sound like the roaring of lions!”
“Hast thou forgotten the record of Daniel? His uplifting faith closed the mouths of the lions of his day! These will be closed also! Behold it is our inner and secret enemies that are most besetting. It is not the angry roar of the tempest that threatens, but the still, hidden leak. But deliverance from both will come! Yea, we may exclaim, not God be merciful, but God is merciful!”
“I believe it! How glorious!”
“I rejoice that thou dost not doubt. But go now and rest, while I seek the master of the ship.”
“Go, for God is with thee!”
With much effort Serenus lifted the cover of a small hatchway, and passed out upon the dark, storm-swept deck. The violent pitching, noise, and blackness were forbidding; and had he not been free from the bondage of appearances, he would have quailed at the prospect. At length he found Vivian, who was much surprised.
“How camest thou here?” said the master. But before Serenus had time to answer, he continued,—