PREFACE. "EVERY man to his station, and the cook to the fore-sheet," is an old naval saying, and in homely language conveys a sound and useful lesson. Men, as a general rule, should adhere to the calling in which they have been instructed; but there are exceptions to every rule. The following sketches, partly founded on facts, are from the pen of a sailor, and as such may perhaps excite the curiosity of the reader. They were written for the author's children, with a view to direct their young minds to the all-important fact, that Religion is a practical affair of the deepest concern to all, and that there is no situation or circumstance of life that does not afford opportunities for bringing its lessons forcibly to mind. |