The Swiss family Robinson

Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: THE SWISS FAMILY ROJBINSOfl. CHAPTER I. The tempest had raged for six days, and on tne seven tn seemed to increase. The ship had been so far driven from its course, that no one on board knew where we were. Every one was exhausted with fatigue and watching. The shattered vessel began to leak in many places, the oaths of the sailors were changed to prayers, and each thought only how to save his own life. " Children," said I, to my terrified boys, who were clinging round me, " God can save us if he will. To him nothing is impossible; but if he thinks it good to call us to him, let us not murmur : we shall not be separated." My excellent wife dried her tears, and from that moment became more tranquil. We knelt down to pray for the help of our Heavenly Father; and the fervor and emotion of my innocent boys proved to me that even children can pray, and find in prayer consolation and peace. We rose from our knees strengthened to bear the afflictions that hung over us. Suddenly we heard amid the roaring of the waves the cry of " Land ! land !" At that moment the ship struck on a rock; the concussion threw us down. We heard a loud cracking, as if the vessel waapin-ting asunder; we felt that we were aground, and heard the captain cry, in a tone of despair, " We are lost! Launch the boats !" These words were a dagger to my heart, and the lamentations of my children were louder than ever. I then recollected myself, and said, " Courage, my darlings, we are still above water, and the land is near. God helps those who trust in him. Remain here, and I will endeavor to save us." I went on deck, and was instantly thrown down, and wet through by a huge sea; a second followed. I struggled boldly with the waves, and succeeded in keeping myself up, when I saw, with terror, the extent of ...