2

PROCEED ON THE VOYAGE.

I earnestly pray for guidance and protection, and keep in the plain path of duty, I need fear no evil. My friends have given me all the assistance in their power; and after many consultations as to the best and safest mode for me to travel, a seavoyage from Liverpool, direct to Genoa, has been preferred to a journey through France into Italy. I landed in this place yesterday morning, after a rough passage of twenty-two hours from Dublin; feeling very weak and dispirited from having suffered much with sea-sickness the whole time I was on board. All the merchants here, to whom my friends had written in my favour, concur in advising me to sail in the M, the captain of which they know to be a man of estimable character.

April the 19th. I have been delayed here much longer than I had anticipated; but have this day embarked on board the M-, heartily recommending myself to the care of my almighty and most merciful Protector; I feel that "the name of the Lord" is indeed "a strong tower;" may I learn more simply to trust in Him. But I must hasten to conclude my letter, as I mean to send it by the pilot, who must return very shortly. I have a very neat cabin to myself, sufficiently large for me to inhabit constantly, furnished nicely with drawers, and every kind of convenience which a person could possibly expect at sea; and what considerably adds to my comfort, is an outside door, which slides back to give air, through which I can go

upon deck, without passing through the large cabin. The captain and mate are respectable looking elderly men; and altogether, so far as one can judge from outward circumstances, every thing promises fair for a prosperous voyage; but I hope that in none of these things do I put my trust, which ought to be fixed upon my unseen Guardian.

The pilot now calls to take leave. God bless

you my dear friend; I know that I have your prayers in my behalf in this my anxious undertaking.

LETTER II.

April 24th, 1819.

AFTER four days of severe sea-sickness, once more I take up my pen, though with such a trembling hand, that I doubt my ability to write; however, even the attempt will beguile the lingering hours. Last night we entered the Bay of Biscay, amidst such tossing as I had never before experienced, or even imagined; and in my ignorance I fancied that we were every moment going to the bottom; each wave, as it struck with violence, I supposed to be a huge rock, against which our vessel would soon be foundered; but, in the anticipation of a

4

CAPE FINISTERRE.

watery grave, I endeavoured to quiet myself with the assured hope, that the mortal part would alone perish, while, even in the fury of a shipwreck, that which is immortal is safe under God's good keeping. The sea was so boisterous the whole night, that all hands were at work. In the morning the wind abated; and the captain came to my cabindoor to enquire after my health. I told him of my midnight alarm; on hearing which he blamed himself for not having forewarned me of what I might expect on entering the Bay of Biscay, telling me, that so far from my fears being well founded, we had had a most favourable gale, which had carried us considerably on our way. And thus it often is with us feeble trembling mortals, when the Lord is shewing only mercy and loving kindness, our minds are filled with distrust; we will not believe that our happiness, our everlasting good, is the end of all his designs. The captain's news made my heart overflow with thankfulness to Him who commandeth the winds and the seas, and they obey him. O that he would command the more unruly affections of my heart, that they too might be in subjection to him.

April 26th. In the middle of the Bay of Biscay; another terrific night; tossed with contrary winds. April 30th. Doubled Cape Finisterre; very rough weather. I was brought upon deck to see land; Cape Finisterre seemed at no great distance. May 3d. The two last days the wind

TREMENDOUS GALE.

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and rain have been very boisterous. This is my beloved Anny's birth-day. Since the Lord gave my sister this little treasure, the anniversary of her birth has been hailed by me with gladness and prayer; and now, in the midst of the contending elements, my thoughts are fixed upon her with a sad and unaccountable presage of ill, heightened by the circumstance of my opening my hymn book, while my mind was so engaged, on the hymn beginning, Happy soul, thy days are ended." May the Lord preserve this darling child, may He hide her under the shadow of his wings, bear her safely through the storms of life, and shelter her in the haven of his love.

The gale arose to such a height as to split the largest sail, and tear some of the others; all hands were at work on deck the entire day; no food was prepared or eaten, but some stolen by the sailors when they came into the cabin for ropes. The continual tossing of the ship has brought on a return of sea-sickness, accompanied with head-ache, and violent throbbing of my temples.

May 4th. We passed a tempestuous night; and still the wind continues so high and contrary, that we have been blown back twenty-six miles.

May 5-7th. Becalmed; the captain is grumbling, foreboding a tedious passage, and saying women were always unlucky passengers. For me, I feel thankful for the calm; it has been a messenger of peace to my mind. I am able to sit

6 ROCK OF LISBON-CAPE ST. VINCENT.

tranquilly upon deck, feeling benefit from the refreshing air; and lifting up my heart in thanksgiving to the God of mercy, who never dealeth with us according to our iniquities. May 8th. A favourable breeze brought us last night past the rock of Lisbon, which appears to be a grand and beautiful object.

Sunday, 9th. At five o'clock this morning we got round Cape St. Vincent, and are now passing Cape St. Mary. We glide smoothly over the wide waste of ocean, not a wave curls the clear expanse, nor a cloud darkens the azure canopy of heaven. "Let all thy works praise thee, O Lord," and let my heart join the universal chorus! O Thou, whose Majesty the heaven of heavens cannot contain, thou wilt not disdain the lowly heart for thy tabernacle, for there thou delightest to dwell. Yet, "Lord! what is man that thou art mindful of him, or the son of man that thou so regardest him?" Surely I can say and feel that God is every where; here, in my little quiet cabin, I enjoy communion with him, and acknowledge his presence. "If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." And such is the comfortable assurance, while floating on the bosom of the wide and desolate ocean, "The Lord is nigh."

Sitting under an awning, kindly erected for me by the sailors, I enjoy many an uninterrupted