IN safety we sit in our homes, I And read about storms on the sea, ' Of the dangers which men undergo, I And how brave in the danger they be.

We read of the waves mountain high, | Of the wind and its terrible roar, ', We hear about sails torn away, | Of wrecks just in sight of the shore.

We read of the shrieks and the cries Of the passengers mad with despair, Some cursing the day they were born, Some earnestly kneeling in prayer.

Some cling to the shreds of the wreck, Some float on the wind-splintered mast, They look, and with gladness they see, Assistance is coming at last.

The Life-boat is coming! hurrah ! Is coming the drowning to aid; She's manned by some true-hearted tars, Who ne'er are of danger afraid.

They pull all together, and see! Soon close to the wreck they have come, With a fervent desire to save all, Determined at least to save some.

They save what they can, then return Through the waves with their load to the land; Oh, surely these brave souls deserve To be met with a liberal hand.

The cry of distress is a call They always with gladness obey; They wait near the coast in a storm.

Aid expect to be summoned away.

The clouds, and the lightning's'flash, The thunder, the wind's hollow blast, Are signs which our sailors know well Are fatal to sail and to mast.

So, waiting for sounds of distress, The Life-boat is ready for sea, And sailors, whose courage we bless, Are waiting of service to be.

Then, all who have money to spare Should give it for Life-boats and men, Who in danger have saved many lives, And are ready to do so again.

THOMAS BAKEB.

December nth, 1891.

NOTICE.—The next number of the Life-boat Journal mil be published 1st February, 1893..