The Sea and the Soul

The Mariner's Dictionary - By Gershom Bradford

Sea Calming Oil:

Oil used for spreading on the sea in heavy weather to prevent or reduce the breaking crests. Vegetable or fish oils are better than mineral oils for this purpose. It was used as early as the 5^th century.

Oil Bag:

A contrivance from which oil is allowed to drip slowly and spread on the surface of the sea in order to form a slick and reduce the seas.

The Sea and the Soul

By J. Brad Chapman
Written August 24, 2013

When the sailors of old plied the wide, open deep,

in tempests of trea-cherous degree,

with fierce rage in the wind, and dark fear in their hearts,

they sought ways to calm the rough sea.

It’s the spindrift that blows from the crest of the waves

that blinds eyes, causing brave men to fret,

and the breakers that roll o’er the storm-tossed deck,

washing men overboard - that’s the threat.

So,  .  . with a bag poked with holes, filled with oil that drips,

slowly coating the face of the sea,

it then causes the breakers and mist to subside

it affects surface tension, you see.

Now men through the ages have diligently sought

to quell the harsh seas of this life,

by reducing the sadness, the troubles, the hate,

the evil; so pervasive and rife.

Turbulent, buffeted, tormented, distressed,

these are words of the sea and the soul.

but there‘s a solution, like spreading the oil,

that helps soothe, comfort and console.

Prayer is the tool, that God-fearing men use,

to put joy and peace in their lives,

like sea-calming oil, which coating the soul

 lessens the hardships and strife.

          The effectual prayer of a righteous man, (James 5:16)

availeth much, so you see,

a just, upright life, that is moral and pure,

           is a heart-felt prayer’s best guarantee.  (D & C  100:15)

So, .  .  . kneel down on the deck, with firm grip on the rail,

 head bowed in meek humility,

remember that oft, life’s sore tempests and trials,

              prove our worthiness and sanctity.  (D & C 101:4)

          Yes, the prayer of the righteous, is His delight, (Proverbs 15:8)

 so scanning this life’s ruckus sea,

pray to the Father with real intent,

            you’ll “endure well”  storms  He may decree.  (D & C 121:8)

(Psalms 107: 23-31)

             He’ll strengthen you, guide you, and cause you to stand,  

 on the voyages you choose to embark,

He’ll steer you ‘round obstacles and treacherous shoals,

if to His charts (the scriptures) you’ll hark.

So,  .  .  . with stout-hearted  Amen, resolve now to “sail on”,

with prayer - like oil, smoothing the sea.

Square your shoulders to windward, like a brave mariner:

      Destination? . . . Eternity!  (Moses 1:39)

This is a photo of a contraption that someone made to spread oil on the surface of the sea to minimize  the breaking seas and spray. The item was thought to have been constructed in the 1950's or 1960's.

In this photo I  am delivering the M/V  Sounds of Pacific  to Japan from Guam. We had to cross through the infamous "Devil's Triangle" which actually has a worse reputation than the Burmuda Triangle.