"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will
not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the
way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1 Cor. 10:13)
It was due to the efforts of Samuel Plimsoll (1824-98), British reformer, that the Merchant
Shipping Act of 1876 was passed, requiring all ships to bear a mark known as the Plimsoll mark
and indicating the maximum load line. By this act the Board of Trade of England was empowered
to detain any vessel deemed unsafe, and the amount of cargo was restricted, thus making the long
and perilous ocean voyage of those days much safer. Because of his work, Plimsoll became
known as the sailor's friend. The Plimsoll mark, with its gradations and figures, may be seen on
the bow of ships near the water line.
God's children have a similar mark, though they may not be able to see it. God will not allow us to be tempted (or tested) beyond our capability, but will with each temptation (or trial) provide a way of escape so that we can bear it.