A Remarkable Deliverance: A Retold Story

CONJOINT SESSIONS M. I. A. CONFERENCE. 913 "Longfellow's Place among the World's Poets ;" then three or four may be called upon for one-minute sentiments from his writings. The program, of course, may be varied with each poet, and the variations in treatment will show the ingenuity of the program committee, and will vary with the methods of treatment adopted. Manners and Customs of Nations. A very interesting series of subjects might be prepared under this topic, take China, Japan, India, England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Germany, Turkey, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Italy, etc. Our own country affords splendid examples of a variety of peoples and social customs— the Alaskans, the Hawaiians, the Porto Ricans, the Filipinos, and the variations in continental United States. Take any of these nations and peoples, and any number of very profitable and entertaining programs may be arranged on the usages, fashions, and practices of the inhabitants in their whole social life. Let us take Japan for one evening. Give one speaker a few minutes time to name some Japanese festivals and to describe one — another to describe a funeral, — another a marriage — another their form of worship, their street customs. Then let a missionary, or a native, dress in the garb of the country, and sing a national song, repeat a scripture passage, a prayer, or give a recitation. Let three or four spend a minute or two each to explain the people's manner of greeting, their salutations, the order of walking in public thoroughfares, their table manners, some peculiarity of custom in sleeping, eating, drinking, bathing, traveling, etc. Good points in their conduct should be emphasized, with a view to applying them to the betterment of our own lives and conduct. No people on earth are more favorably situated than the Latterday Saints to carry out such programs, for there is scarcely a settlement in our community that cannot produce of original inhabitants of from three to fourteen nationalities ; and if these cannot be found, then these same settlements generally have returned missionaries from all parts of the globe who could speak the languages, sing the songs, recite or read the selections, or give the information wanted. As a demonstration for today's program we have selected the subject, Faith-promoting Topics, and a member of the Board will proceed to relate a re-told story; a song, "The Lord is My Shepherd," will be given by other members ; and a third will relate a personal experience, each occupying five minutes. The talk which I have given may be counted as the first part of our preliminary program which, under other circumstances, could be devoted to opening exercises, and the topic under consideration. A REMARKABLE DELIVERANCE— A RE-TOLD STORY BY CLARISSA A. BEESLEY On the 24th of July, 1853, thirteen elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints arrived in Calcutta, the capital of Hindostan. Among them was Richard Ballantyne. A conference was held. Elder Ballantyne with two companions was appointed to labor in the city of Madras. Some were to go to the River Ganges, to the

914 IMPROVEMENT ERA. north, others to Bombay, others to Siam, and still others were to remain in Calcutta. It was the season of the southwestern simoons. They were then blowing violently across the I Jay of Bengal, thus rendering the voyage to Madras exceedingly perilous. Only two vessels could be found going to that port, one an English mail ship, the other a brig, John Bordman, Captain Scott commanding. In both instances they were met with an absolute refusal of permission to travel. Captain Scott's refusal was that they were "Mormons" of an unsavory reputation, and there were among his passengers two English ladies of high birth who must not be outraged by their presence. However, with the usual persistency of "Mormon" missionaries, they on five successive days visited him, but without success. "Is there no price that will induce you to take us with you?" they asked. "My price," replied the captain, "is 150 rupees, but," he added, "under no consideration will I take you with me." The next morning, Elder Ballantyne awakened from his slumber as with a sudden inspiration, and said to his companion: "Let us go down and ask the captain once more, and let us do it in the name of the Lord." After arising they engaged in earnest prayer, and then for the sixth time approached the vessel. They found the captain engaged in conversation with a Parsee merchant who, as they approached, and after introduction, became at once interested in their work and in the gospel which they were promoting. The captain listened gravely to their request. Taking advantage of the favorable expression upon his face, Elder Ballantyne addressed him : "Captain Scott, we are very desirous of going on your boat to Madras. We have but little money. From that little we need ten rupees to purchase articles for the voyage, the balance we will give to you, and will promise you in the name of the Lord that if you will take us with you, you shall have a safe voyage." The captain was silent a moment, and then said, "It is a bargain ; I will take you." That afternoon they drifted }down the river ten miles, and anchored for the night. On the morrow they again set sail. During the forenoon they reached a point in the river where many ships had been sunk on the quicksands, as evidenced by masts and other wreckage on the bars that marked the narrow channel. As they were about to enter this channel they became suddenly aware that they were being confronted by a large three-mast vessel. It seemed that a collision was inevitable, and to founder by going upon the quicksands meant almost certain destruction. The channel appeared altogether too narrow for both vessels. Excitement ensued ! Orders were shouted, and in the midst of the confusion, Captain Scott rushed to the spot where Elder Ballantyne was standing and, shaking his clenched fist in his face, exclaimed angrily, "You promised me a safe voyage to Madras." "Yes," rejoined the other, "and you shall have it." "Impossible, we are already sinking," cried the captain.

CONJOINT SESSIONS M. I. A. CONFERENCE. 915 At this time the vessel was within a hundred feet of the other but no sooner had the words of rain, assurance been spoken than the big ship eased off and passed them within three feet Pl.wiPr iapt,ahi ridrnothin£; b"t ^ the evening he approached the elders and asked for hterature explaining their strange doctrine The voyage to Madras was made in safety, and by the time that city was reached, a close bond of friendship had sprung up between Captain Scott and the "Mormon" missionaries.