A Pattern for the Saints

A writer in the New York American states that 'there was one feature connected with the disasterous [disastrous] event on board the Princeton which forcibly presented itself to my attention, and which I think is worthy of notice.

In such a throng of visitors moving and pressing about in all directions, it could scarcely be regarded as singular that entire order as to stations of officers and crew should not be completely preserved, even if no accident had occurred-but this was not the fact.

I remarked on going on board and when the men were 'piped down' from 'mauning yard'-that in getting up the anchor-making sail and firing a salute, all went on in great order and regularity, although at the belaying pin of every brace, bowline and halyard, a lady, a senator, or some dignitary of state, would be courteously requested to move a little, to give Jack a chance to do his duty. As the wind was fair on going down the river, sails were used, and occasionally the engine was in motion; but on returning all sails were furled and the engine used exclusively.

Immediately after the accident occurred when, of course, great excitement and rushing followed among the crowd of visitors, I particularly remarked that every officer and man on duty kept his station until ordered by the officer of the deck to go elsewhere; and just where I saw that officer before the explosion there I found him afterwards, giving his directions with no other evidence of excitement than is generally discovered in a sudden squall.

A gentleman considerably excited at the moment said to me, 'I wonder if anyone is attending to the engine?' This enquiry [inquiry] for a moment started [startled ?] me, but hearing, at the next instant, the man at the helm calling out in his usual tone, the depth of water, and to my surprise seeing the flag at half mast already-a conviction at once took entire possession of me, that although a scene of devastation was presented on the forecastle, it had not for a moment put aside perfect order and discipline elsewhere about the ship-and we proceeded safely, though with melancholy feelings, to an anchorage off Alexandria."

If the officers and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, could at all times keep the conduct of these officers in view, it would afford them a pattern which they would find it to their advantage to imitate.

When the vessel is sailing in deep water with no wind, and a serene sky, it is very easy for every man to keep his place; but when the winds begin to rise, the billows roll, and the reefs present themselves, that is the time for every man to be found at his post; and as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints launched forth into the broad ocean of the world, it becomes necessary for all the members, as well as the officers, to be on the look out-to understand their duty, and to do it;-and when the clouds gather blackness, the wind whistles, and the billows roll, we ought the more assiduously to adhere to our post; then is not the time for us to attend to others, for every man has enough to do to attend to his own affairs; and if a great gun should burst, and not only destroy its own usefulness, but scatter its shattered fragments around, and threaten desolation and death, let every man still attend to his own business; let the helmsman, the engineer, and every other officer and man attend to his own affairs, and the ship will move majestically through the waves, she will outstride every storm, and land all her passengers in a secure heaven.