THE ALBATROSS is perhaps the largest seabird known; it is also very strong, but quite harmless.
A young soldier named Joseph had a dear Christian mother. Every day she prayed for her son that he might not have to meet death until he had been brought to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. There came a day, however, when Joseph was nearly launched into eternity by his own foolish act.
Joseph was guilty of some act of rebellion when on board a warship near the coast of Africa, and was given a heavy sentence according to the strict discipline of the time. He was tied to the mast and heavy lashes laid across his bare back. Yet, sad to say, this punishment did not break his proud spirit, for he was full of rage all through and in great pain. He never gave a thought to his mother’s wise counsel to lift his heart to God in times of trial and danger. Rather, he prepared to add to his guilt the crime of self-destruction.
With one wild yell he leaped overboard and would have soon sunk into a watery grave if a strange thing had not happened.
The captain was a merciful man, and really felt sorry for the poor fellow whom he had been obliged to punish so severely according to the rules. So he at once gave orders that a boat should be lowered to try and save Joseph’s life. However, the wind was so strong that the frail craft sent off seemed likely to perish in the heavy seas.
Now what do you think were the young fellow’s feelings when he found himself face to face with death? How graciously God works, and in ways that we should never expect! The fear of drowning aroused Joseph to a sense of still greater danger, that of his immortal soul. In that moment of extremity he sought and found the Saviour who never cast out one soul who turned to Him for mercy.
Almost at the same moment a huge Albatross flew over the water close to the surface, and reaching out his hand Joseph caught hold of its leg. The great bird struggled to get free, but Joseph was able to hang on until the brave sailors reached him and dragged him into their boat. Then he fainted from exhaustion; but under the Lord’s good hand they all reached their ship in safety. The Albatross, rejoicing to be free again, soared away across the waves and was seen no more.
From that day on Joseph had a special affection for every Albatross he met. The story goes on to say that in his old age he had one of those birds stuffed, and when his little granddaughter would come to visit him, she would stroke the bird saying in her baby talk, “Dood Albatoss, you saved our Grampa’s life.”
ML-11/08/1970