The Pilot's Voice!
The Pilot's Voice!
Isabel Byrum, 1916
"We sail along toward the harbor light,
Over the great life sea ;
The breakers roar and the waves dash high,
Who will our pilot be?
We sail along in the morning bright,
Happy and glad are we;
But still we ask, as the rocks draw near,
Who will our pilot be?
We sail along, there are shoals, they say,
Dangers from which to flee;
We face the storm with a heavy heart,
Who will our pilot be?"
Lizzie DeArmond
Jesus, Savior, pilot me,
Over life's tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treacherous shoal;
Chart and compass came from Thee:
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
As a mother stills her child,
You can hush the ocean wild;
Boisterous waves obey Your will
When You say to them, "Be still!"
Wondrous Sovereign of the sea,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
When at last I near the shore,
And the fearful breakers roar
'Twixt me and the peaceful rest,
Then, while leaning on Your breast,
May I hear You say to me,
"Fear not, I will pilot thee!"
Edward Hopper
PREFACE
Many books have been written for the instruction and enlightenment of the youth of our land, but there is still a need for more. In this day and age, when there are so many unwholesome books afloat to mislead and corrupt the immature minds of our young people, we should do all that lies in our power to counteract the influence of such dangerous reading material , and to help young people to understand themselves, and to be able to judge between right and wrong principles.
All the characters mentioned are real, but their names have been changed, as some of the people are still living and do not care to be so publicized. The object of the story has been to help youths as they start out upon the Journey of Life for themselves.
Byron's experience will help them to see the necessity of being piloted by the One who understands the dangers abounding in the great, broad ocean before them, and will direct them to the Holy Spirit, who alone is able to serve as Pilot. The remindings given by the conscience will show how necessary it is for all to have a tender conscience to guide them through the trials and temptations that assail mankind. But the conscience must have the aide of the Holy Spirit in order to be able to perform its work properly.
How often we hear someone say, "If only I had been taught concerning the fruits of disobedience --how many sorrows and heartaches I could have avoided!" Many lives that could have been bright and happy--is sad and blighted by the effects of sin and disobedience. This simple story will fulfill its mission if it helps honest souls to listen to the warning of "the Pilot's voice."
HISTORICAL NOTE
"Byron" in this story was Noah H. Byrum , born on an Indiana farm about 1871. The events written here took place between 1886-87.
In 1891 Noah met a young lady by the name of Isabel Coston. Noah soon found himself in love with this girl from Michigan, and they were married on September 9, 1893. Isabel was a prolific writer, and persuaded her husband to let her write a story of his boyhood. This book was first published in 1916.