have come of it, had not the clouds, which had been rolling up very black and heavy, ever since the fight began, just then broke in a shower of rain so violent, that the burning darts became almost useless in it, and the fire which had caught in several places was put out. Meantime they had the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God,13 also the same weapon with which the King himself once conquered Satan in the temptation in the wilderness;" and with this they parried the darts wonderfully, and then struck nimbly and earnestly in the name of the Lord, at every blow crying to God for help, till at length every one of the fiends, being wounded almost unto the death, threw themselves over the side of the vessel, and

were seen no more.

Then they gave thanks to God for this deliverance, and now again amidst the confusion of the decks. looked towards the Pirate Ship expecting a new conflict. But lo, a great black smoke was seen issuing out of the hold, and fiery-forked flames rose up with it, for their own combustibles had suddenly taken fire, and burned so furiously, that nothing could quench them. And now the night shut in with great rapidity, and the glare of the flames shone lurid over the sea, and the helm of the vessel being abandoned, having been disabled by a shot from the 14 Matt. iv. 4, 7, 10.

13 Eph. vi. 17.

King's ship, she drove on recklessly like a blinded tiger in a burning menagerie, and her shotted guns went off one after another, till at length there was a most awful and magnificent explosion, and for a moment the air was filled with burning, falling fragments, and then all was dark and still.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE ANGEL OF THE COVENANT.

BUT oh, what thankfulness and joy there was on board the King's ship for this deliverance, mingled, however, all night long, with anxious fears and watchings, lest the Enemy might re-appear in boats, or lest the very explosion of his vessel might be only a trick to lull them, for they well knew the greatness of his power and resources, as well as the snares of his malignity and cunning. But the morning dawned without trouble, and the sun rose bright and lovely over the wide horizon, and the sea was smooth, and the wind fresh and balmy, and not a sail or a hulk appeared in sight to give them the least anxiety.

By and by a white flag like an Angel's wing came into view as they were looking eastward, just as if a fleecy cloud had been suddenly created when there was nothing but blue firmament, and then there was speedily a brave and splendid ship setting towards

them, having the King's own colors flying, and everything beautiful and bright. Then Peter and John stood still, and gazed with wonder, for the vessel was coming right towards them, and as soon as she came near enough to speak, one of those on board hailed in a friendly voice, and asked after their welfare. Then they said that all was well, through God's great mercy, but began to tell them something of the great peril they had just escaped; whereupon the Commander ordered his boat, and speedily with his principal officers came on board the King's ship, bringing with them sweet refreshments and delights, that had come from the Celestial Country.

When they had partaken of these, which they did with much comfort and gratitude of so loving a communication, for they perceived and knew that it was from the King, they gave some farther account of the Conflict. Then the friendly visitors told them that they had been all the while in their neighborhood, and were not altogether ignorant of what was going on, for they had even heard the noise of the guns, and had seen the terrible explosion.

You were not alone, said the Commander, for ministering spirits were with you, and one such it was, who saved John from his peril, when the fiends attacked him from behind, and would have killed him. For God, said he, giveth his angels charge concern

ing those that be his children, and will not have them leave them. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation? 2

Then exclaimed John, If we had known that you were so near, and that angels were with us, we had not been so terrified.

No, nor so watchful and prayerful, neither roused up to such strong and earnest faith. But did ye not know, angels or not, that God is with you? Ah, ye must count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing that the trial of your faith worketh patience. But God is always with you. It is of the good pleasure of the King thus to leave his dear people sometimes to a seeming desertion and death, that they may feel more deeply their dependence on him, and their need of his grace to save them. But he is always near them, and never will desert them, when they put their trust in him.

But is it often, asked Peter, that the Prince of the Devils giveth such battle in these seas?

Oh, much worse, much more deadly sometimes. Paul himself once had a conflict with him somewhere in this region, and with his companions was pressed out of measure above strength, insomuch that they despaired even of life. But they had the sentence of 3 James i. 2, 3.

1 Psa. xci. 11.

2 Heb. i, 14.