Acts 27:7-14 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete… I. IN THE VOYAGE OF LIFE WE ARE BROUGHT INTO MANY A FAIR HAVEN. 1. Life does not consist only of storms. These havens are of various kinds, satisfying the desires of rest, ambition, pleasure. But as these havens were not what these sailors were wishful for, and as they were ready to leave them, we are reminded of one fair haven in which men are not too willing to rest — moderation and content. 2. There were no noble features about these Fair Havens — no stupendous breakwater at Caesarea, no town near, no roadstead full of merchantmen. It was just a refuge for the storm-driven and hindered elsewhere. And so moderation and content form a haven of rest from many of the opposed ambitions of life. 3. There are other harbours which are no true havens. Look at that picture of the death of Chatterton. Through the open window we have vision of a better rest than of despair. Heaven is the last abiding harbour, but moderation, contentment, form a little fair haven on the way. 4. When we are driven to this haven let us be content. It is a fair haven if we have grace to know it. II. VERY OFTEN THESE FAIR HAVENS WILL SEEM TO BE INCONVENIENT FOR WINTERING IN. We shall be willing to be content for a little time, but not for long. And so real content is not found. We imagine the demands of our life are not met by these quiet places of moderation. "Give me neither poverty nor riches," said a wise man; but many risk the former for the mere chance of the latter. They will have all or none. III. WHEN THE FAIR HAVENS ARE BEING TRIED AND DOUBTED, WE SHALL BE SURROUNDED BY MANY KINDS OF COUNSELLORS. There was one here who never withheld his words if he could help others (ver. 10), but he was only a parson — what did he know about ships? Besides, he was a prisoner, and delay might be an advantage. Further, in the opinion of Festus he was mad. What was his opinion against the advice backed by the skill, experience, and interest of the captain and owner? And then the vast majority (ver. 12) were for going on. But vox populi was not vox Dei here. And generally the infallibility of the majority is on the same level as the infallibility of the Pope or that of conceited minorities. So do not listen to tempting voices because they are numerous. There may be one counsel advising keeping in good ways; but then it is only dear old mother's counsel, who knows nothing of the ways of the world, or that of interested parsons, or crazed fanatics. Those who advise me to seek pleasure, wealth, etc., have had long experience. IV. IF AT THESE TIMES WE GIVE HEED TO THE FALSE COUNSEL WE SHALL OFTEN THINK WE HAVE GAINED OUR PURPOSE, BUT SOON FIND THAT WE HAVE LOST IT. The south wind blows softly on many a tempted soul. The ways of sin are easy, and unattended by evil consequences. There is no intention of losing heaven. A religious old age shall follow a worldly manhood. But the haven of Phoenix was never reached by this ship, and Malta was only reached after the destructive storm. (T. Gasquoine, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; |
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