# Instructing the Cabin Boy explained — A Day at a Time

> Chapter companion for A Day at a Time by Archibald Alexander.

## What happens

The chapter explores how John Wesley, during a voyage from Georgia, overcame a period of spiritual doubt and heaviness by instructing a cabin boy. It argues that action—doing God's will as it becomes clear—leads to deeper knowledge and assurance of God, a principle taught by Jesus Christ.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Trust in God

The chapter emphasizes that acting on faith, even amid doubt, leads to deeper trust and knowledge of God.

### Living in the Present

Wesley's focus on the immediate duty of instructing the cabin boy exemplifies living in the present moment.

### Sacrifice and Duty

Wesley's choice to instruct the cabin boy despite his own spiritual heaviness highlights the theme of duty.

## Character check-ins

### John Wesley

Wesley's journal entry describes his sorrow and doubt during a voyage, and his decision to instruct the cabin boy, which alleviated his heaviness.

### Jesus Christ

Jesus is cited as the source of the principle that doing God's will leads to knowledge of the doctrine (John 7:17).

### Viscount Kenmure

Kenmure's saying about lying at Christ's door like a beggar is used to illustrate utter dependence on God.

## Key lines

> If any man will do his will he shall know of the doctrine.

Anyone who is willing to obey God's will will come to understand the truth.

_This verse from John 7:17 is the chapter's foundational text, linking action to knowledge._

> I began instructing the cabin boy, after which I was much easier.

I started teaching the cabin boy, and afterward I felt much more at peace.

_Wesley's journal entry illustrates the practical application of doing God's will to overcome doubt._

> I will lie at Christ's door like a beggar, and, if I may not knock, I will scrape.

I will humbly wait at Christ's door like a beggar, and if I cannot knock, I will scrape to gain entry.

_Viscount Kenmure's saying exemplifies total dependence on God, used to illustrate doing God's will._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/chapters/xxi-instructing-the-cabin-boy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/chapters