Fragments of Experience: Sixth Book of the Faith-Promoting Series. Designed for the Instruction and Encouragement of Young Latter-day SaintsVarious
Religion
Fragments of Experience: Sixth Book of the Faith-Promoting Series. Designed for the Instruction and Encouragement of Young Latter-day Saints
Various
Latter Day Saints -- History; Young, Lorenzo Dow, 1807-1895
When this result was reached, it must have been fully an hour after the
capsizing of the boat. A Portuguese man, living in Lahaina, who, from
the first, rendered us much assistance, invited us to take Brother Snow
to his house. There being no Saints in the place, we gladly accepted
his kind offer.
Every possible attention was given to Brother Snow's comfort.
Persons in danger and excitement, often see things a little
differently. The following is Apostle Snow's account of the capsizing
of the boat:
"As we were moving along within some half a mile from the point where
we expected to land, my attention was suddenly arrested by Captain
Fisher calling to the oarsmen, in a voice which denoted some alarm,
'Hurry up! hurry up!' I quickly discovered the cause of alarm.
"A short distance behind us, I saw an immense surf, thirty or forty
feet high rushing towards us swifter than a race horse. We had scarcely
a moment for reflection before the huge mass was upon us. In an instant
our boat, with its contents, as though it were only a feather, was
hurled into the briny water, and we were under this rolling, seething,
mountain wave.
"This was certainly unexpected. It took me by surprise. I think,
however, that I soon comprehended the situation: that we were in the
midst of the turbulent waters, a quarter of a mile from the shore,
without much probability of receiving human aid.
"I felt confident, however, that there would be some way of escape;
that the Lord would provide the means, for it was not possible that
my life and mission were thus to terminate. This reliance on the Lord
banished fear, and inspired me with hope up to the last moment of
consciousness.
"Having been somewhat subject to fainting spells, I believe that after
a few moments in the water, I must have fainted, as I did not suffer
the pain common in the experience of drowning persons. I had been in
the water only a few moments, until I lost consciousness.
"The first I knew afterwards, I was on shore receiving the kind and
tender attentions of my brethren. The first recollection I have of
returning consciousness, was seeing a very small light, the smallest
maginable. This soon disappeared, and I was again in total darkness.
Again it appeared, much larger than before, then sank away and left me,
as before, in forgetfulness. Thus it continued to come and go, until,
finally, I recognized, as I thought, persons whispering, and soon after
I asked in a feeble whisper, 'What is the matter?'
"I immediately recognized the voice of Elder Cluff, as he replied, 'You
have been drowned; the boat upset in the surf.' Quick as lightning,
the scene of our disaster flashed upon my mind. I immediately asked,
'Are you brethren all safe?' The emotion that was awakened in my bosom
by the answer of Elder Cluff, will remain as long as life continues:
'Brother Snow, we are all safe.'
"I rapidly recovered, and very soon was able to walk and accompany the
brethren to our lodgings."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account