What a spectacular sunset last night. The sun could be viewed through a small whole in a sky filled with clouds that indicated an oncoming storm. This gave the rare appearance of a sunset high in the sky. The beautiful red rays framed by the dark clouds and lighting flashes cannot really be explained in words. It is suffice to say that the display dwarfed all of the fireworks shows presented less than a week ago. There are moments in life like this that draw us to the majesty of God. George Whitefield writes about such a moment some 300 years ago.
A young but already well known evangelist, George was on ship sailing for America when they came upon a great storm. Here is what he records:
About twelve at night a gale arose which increased so much by four in the morning that the waves broke in like a great river on many of the poor soldiers who lay near the main hatchway...I arose and called upon God for myself and those who sailed with me, for absent friends and for all mankind.
After this I went on deck; but surely a more noble, awful sight my eyes never yet beheld. The waves rose mountains high and sometimes came on the quarter-deck. I endeavored all the while to magnify God for thus making His power known. Then, creeping on my knees (for I knew not how to go otherwise), I followed my friend Habersham between decks and sang Psalms and comforted the poor wet people.
After this I read prayers in the great cabin, but we were obliged to sit all the while. Though things were tumbling, the ship rocking, persons falling down unable to stand, and sick about me, I never was more cheerful in my life, and was enabled, though in the midst of company, to finish a sermon before I went to bed. (George Whitfield Vol 1 by Arnold A. Dallimore pg 154)
A young but already well known evangelist, George was on ship sailing for America when they came upon a great storm. Here is what he records:
About twelve at night a gale arose which increased so much by four in the morning that the waves broke in like a great river on many of the poor soldiers who lay near the main hatchway...I arose and called upon God for myself and those who sailed with me, for absent friends and for all mankind.
After this I went on deck; but surely a more noble, awful sight my eyes never yet beheld. The waves rose mountains high and sometimes came on the quarter-deck. I endeavored all the while to magnify God for thus making His power known. Then, creeping on my knees (for I knew not how to go otherwise), I followed my friend Habersham between decks and sang Psalms and comforted the poor wet people.
After this I read prayers in the great cabin, but we were obliged to sit all the while. Though things were tumbling, the ship rocking, persons falling down unable to stand, and sick about me, I never was more cheerful in my life, and was enabled, though in the midst of company, to finish a sermon before I went to bed. (George Whitfield Vol 1 by Arnold A. Dallimore pg 154)