rew several
times remembering the advantage he had before gained from taking
exercise, got up and ran about to warm himself. Those who followed his
example awoke refreshed and fit for work, whereas those who had remained
quiet all the night, found their limbs stiff and their feet and hands
frozen, and it was not till after, with the help of their companions,
they had moved about and undergone great pain, that they were able to
proceed. Some, indeed, had suffered so much, that they entreated to be
left to die rather than undergo the hardships they would have to endure.
Andrew urged them to arouse themselves.

"It is our duty, lads, to straggle on as long as we can. God may think
fit to try us, but let us trust in Him and He may find a way for us at
last to escape, though we are too blind to see it," he observed.

His exhortations produced a good effect, and once more they proceeded on
their journey. The old captain had suffered the most, and it seemed
very probable that he would be unable to hold out many days longer.
Andrew seeing his condition, frequently spoke to him, and though
hitherto he had turned scornfully away, he now willingly listened to the
words the faithful Christian uttered.

"Oh!" he exclaimed at length, "I wish that I had heard you before. It
is too late now, I have been a terrible sinner, God can never pardon so
bad a man as I am."

"Oh, sir!" exclaimed Andrew, "Jesus Christ came into the world to save
sinners. He saved the thief on the cross, He saved the jailor at
Philippi. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. He says,
`Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow, though
they be red like crimson they shall be as wool.'"

This was said while they were stopping to take their mid-day meal.

The old captain raised himself up and grasped Andrew's hand.

"Do you really speak the truth to me?" he exclaimed.

"I repeat what God says, sir, and He cannot lie," answered Andrew.
"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."

"I do, I do," cried the old man. "But oh! what would I now give had I
known this in my youth. What years of wickedness and misery it would
have saved me."

"Ah, sir! there are thousands upon thousands who may say that," replied
Andrew. "Archy, you hear the captain's words. Don't forget them, boy.
If God in His mercy allows you to return home in safety, repeat them to
your young companions, and urge them to `seek the Lord whi