That Sailor
Upon Whom, Of All Others, The Preaching Of The Cross Is Least Likely
To Have Effect, Is The One Whose Understanding Has Been Cultivated,
While His Heart Has Been Left To Its Own Devices.
I fully believe that
those efforts which have their end in the intellectual cultivation of
the sailor; in giving
Him scientific knowledge; putting it in his
power to read everything, without securing, first of all, a right
heart which shall guide him in judgment; in giving him political
information, and interesting him in newspapers; - an end in the
furtherance of which he is exhibited at ladies' fairs and public
meetings, and complimented for his gallantry and generosity, - are
all doing a harm which the labors of many faithful men cannot undo.
The establishment of Bethels in most of our own seaports, and in
many foreign ports frequented by our vessels, where the gospel is
regularly preached and the opening of "Sailors' Homes," which I have
before mentioned, where there are usually religious services and other
good influences, are doing a vast deal in this cause. But it is to be
remembered that the sailor's home is on the deep. Nearly all his life
must be spent on board ship; and to secure a religious influence there,
should be the great object. The distribution of Bibles and tracts
into cabins and forecastles, will do much toward this. There is
nothing which will gain a sailor's attention sooner, and interest
him more deeply, than a tract, especially one which contains a
story.
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