Captain of an East Indiaman

A FTEE. leaving the ship ‘’Dorothea,” our father engagedaschief mate on board the ship “America,” and sailed in this position for two voyages, when he again felt impressed by the Holy Spirit, as he believed, to give this situation up also. And in this case, as in the former, he had great cause for thankfulness that he had yielded to the impression, as the next voyage made by the “America” was very tedious and disastrous, while by remaining at home he soon fifter received the position of Captain of an East Indiaman, the largest ship sailing from Philadelphia at that time.

There are no records left us of the two voyages on the “America,” except the following short notice in his Pteminiscences.

“For some time I had felt drawings in my mind to seek a situation in the employ of Whitton Evans, believing it would be best to do so. And on the 17th of 7th mo., 1823, 1 sailed in his ship ‘America,’ for Antwerp, as chief mate, under Captain Eldredge, and made two voyages with him. They were most pleasant voyages. The captain was a fine, noble man, who never spoke an unpleasant word to me. He trusted everything to me, and I tried to do my best. I had no difficulty with the sailors, who were obliging and obedient. The Lord helped me, blessed be His holy name. I do want to thank

Him for His great mercies and favors to me in these days of my need.

“Upon returning from ray second voyage in this ship, I felt that it would he hest for me to leave her. It was a great trial, as both the Captain and owner were very desirous to retain me; but on consulting my Heavenly Father my mind was fully settled that it would he right to decline going in that ship. The result proved the value of consulting best direction, for she went around Cape Horn, and was absent for two years, making quite a disastrous voyage for all concerned. Thus was I kept by a kind Providence from participating in that trouble. And through life, I have found asking Heavenly Father’s direction in all important matters, of the greatest benefit to me; and never when I needed it and earnestly sought it, have I been disappointed, for the Lord is indeed a very present help in time of trouble. Praised be His Name!

“Under this Divine direction, I left the good ship, ‘America,’ and her noble Captain, 5th mo., 1824; and 6th mo., 1st, engaged with her owner, Whitton Evans, to oversee the building of a new ship then on the stocks. Rumor said I was to be her Captain, but to this I paid no attention. Some of my friends thought my plain coat and language would stand in the way; but I told a deeply-interested fi-iend who made this objection, to wait and see if I did not secure the j)osition by the blessing of God, to whom I refer all my success in life. I tried to be attentive to my duties while the ship was being built, was always on hand early and late, and left no stone unturned that might advance my owner’s interests, and .secure my success. The ship ‘New Jersey’ was launched on the first of 12th month, 1824, and on the 3d Whitton Evans conferred on me the command. Thus at twenty-four years of age I was made Captain of an Indiaman, and at that time, the largest ship in the port of Philadelphia. It is not worth while to say I was not greatly gratified and pleased, for 1 had now reached the summit of my ambition as a sailor.”

Our father’s success on this occasion was all the more prized by him, because, as wo have seen, som.e of his friends had strongly opi)osod his adoption of the Friends’ dress, on the ground that it would be, as they thought, certain to hinder his rise in his profession, and he had suffered no little from their disapprobation. But the Lord had taken care of all this for His obedient servant, as He always does, and had, I doubt not, made his very faithfulness in yielding to what he believed to be the Divine requirings, contribute to his greater success. His Reminiscences continue —

“After the command had been conferred on me, some Friends for whom I had great esteem, were very much concerned lest I slionld lose my right of membership in the Society, in consequence of being Master of an Indiaman, which would have to pass through seas infested by pirates, thereby making it probable that arms would have to be used in defense. This, of course, brought me into great trouble of mind. But, according to my usual practice in all straits, I laid the matter before my Heavenly Father, who, in unutterable mercy and kindness, gave me to see that I might go as Captain in that ship, and that no arms would have to be used, of which I informed my friends. But they still insisted that I was mistaken in accepting the position. This again brought me into distress, as I very highly valued their judgment. Upon again bringing the matter before the Lord, He, in His mercy, as in the case of Gideon of old, gave me a second time an assurance that it was right for me to go as Captain. After this I felt no more hesitation about the matter; and the result proved that their fears were groundless, and that my decision was right.

“We took in a cargo for Liverpool, and, on the 23d of 12th mo., 182-t, left the capes of the Delaware. On the voyage to Liverpool, the Lord was pleased to give me wisdom and judgment in sailing and navigating the ship, according to my petition. These things are not recorded to show any sanctity in myself, but to commemorate the kindness of Providence in hearing and answering prayer. When we were foirly out at sea, and I found myself truly Master of the ship, I was impressed by a caution not to feel as Nebuchadnezzar did, and say, ‘Is not this great Babylon which I have buildetl? ’

“Many circumstances occurred during this voyage which tome were manifestly the interposition of Divine Providence on my

Lelialf, especially giving me good judgment as to sailing the ship, and as to how the wind would be the days we were to sail, and the proper times for starting. On nearing the coast of Ireland, the weather had been thick, and we did not know our latitude. Several of the crew, who had been this way before, were certain it was the land about Cape Clear, which is the S. W. point of Ireland. On referring to an old sea journal kept by myself when a boy on board of the ship’Wm. Savery,’ Captain Arnold, I found that when we made the coast of the island, I had taken an outline of the appearance of the coast. On examination, I found an exact copy of the land then in sight, by which we were prevented from running into danger. Who could have told six years before of what great importance that rough draft would be to me in after-life? Thanks and jiraises are due to my Heavenly Fathei’. Captain Arnold suggested to me the advantage it might be to keejj an outline in my journal of all the land we saw; and it was my practice, and this was the result.

‘’ On approaching Liverpool, we had thick, wet weather, with strong winds. No pilot was to be found on their usual cruising grounds. In my distress I cried imto the Lord. He heard me, and sent a fisherman, under whose direction Ave sailed past the pilots’ inner station, before we took one. On the 17th of 1st mo., 1825, Ave arrived at Liverpool, and lay there until the 14th of 2d rao., when Ave sailed for Canton.

“While we lay at Liverpool, I came very near losing my life by falling between two ships into the dock in the night. There AA’as a fender between them, upon which I fell, and thus escaped drowning. I was considerably hurt, but, through Divine mercy, soon got over it. While at Liverpool I was in the practice of attending Friends’ meetings, and became acquainted with a number of A’aluable Friends, among whom were Thomas Robson, whose wife, Elizabeth Robson, was then on a religious visit in America, Thomas Thompson, a druggist, and a number of others, who were very kind and attentive to me.

“We had a pleasant voyage to Canton, where we arrived 6th mo., ICth, 1825. AVe lay there until 12th mo., 17th, when aa’c took our departure for Philadelphia, and reached it 4th mo., 9th, 1826, having had a very pleasant voyage. While at sea, the sailors were required not to use profane language, and very generally refrained. Very seldom was an oath heard on board of the ship ‘New Jersey.’ Even old sailors, hard cases, found they could speak without swearing. The officers were not allowed to use rough language to the seamen, and the result was we had a quiet, orderly crew. My own respect for religion acted on all hands. The authority I had over the men seemed wonderful to me. Quite young, only twenty-four years old, and many of the sailors much my seniors, yet I had very little trouble in the government of the ship. I attributed it then, and do so now, to my Heavenly Father, who gave me the position, and helped me with His directing care and counsel on very many trying occasions, praised forever be His holy Name!”

This first voyage of our father as Captain was a matter of great interest at home, as may well be imagined, and the letters from his family are full of expressions of their pleasure. His father kept a sort of letter diary for him, containing in short pithy entries, all the events likely to interest him. One of these letters is before me, beginning “■ Dear Mick,” which was evidently the name by which he was called in his bo3diood. It contains, among others, the following entries: ‘’4th March — J. 0. Jones seemed much pleased with your arrival at Liverpool, and remarked that Eva.ns had told him in high glee, that the ‘New Jersey ’ had a shorter passage than the ‘Alexander.’ So that it seems very clever for Evans to have such good conceit of his ship and Captain.” “17th March — Came to hand to-day your letter per the ‘Algonquin.’ And mother’s heart is made at ease since reading that ‘the sixteen leaks are stopped.’” “16th April — Dear Mick — The ‘Dorothea,’ Gapt. Mc-Kibbon, sailing very unexpectedly to-day for Canton, I embrace the opportunity of sending one basket of Dosouque’s first class sweet oil of one dozen bottles, cost eight dollars, wliicli will be a good substitute for butter on the homeward voyage. But if not wanted, it is likely will sell at Canton. For I sent one basket of oil with a large packet of papers and letters, by the ship ‘Tobacco Plant,’ Capt. P^eed, who sailed for Canton the 6th inst. The girls are up to the eyes in preparation for the Yearly Meeting, and have not time to write, for we did not expect the ‘Dorothea’ would have sailed before the first of the month. We are all well; and mother better than common. J. S. W.”

This reference to the health of our father’s mother
shows her to have been delicate at this time, and in a
letter from his sister Hannah, dated 3d month, 27th,
1825, fuller details of this are given:

“My Dear Brother: I have come home to commence a letter, to tell thee if possible how truly acceptable thy letters have been, particularly the first one we received, which was the one to mother, and which arrived at a time when our cotnitenances were sad, and our hearts were heavy; for it was then the third day that our dear mother had been tossing upon a bed of languishing, scarcely able to raise her head from her pillow; and we were hovering over her, hushing every little noise that would disturb her, when fiither entered the chamber quickly and said, ‘A letter from Mick! ‘It was Iiastily seized and read aloud, and, I can assure thee, was watered with many tears, some of which were shed in gratitude to Him who has been with thee, and who has blessed us all so much more than we are worthy of.”

On the same sheet are a few lines from the mother’s
trembling hand to her absent boy:

“Dear Mickle — Accept of the aflfectionate love of thy mother, whose daily prayers and petitions are to our Heavenly Father that thou may be preserved and kept as in the hollow of His holy hand, and that He may restore thee to us ag<ain, if consistent with His holy will. I have been very sick since thee left us, but it has pleased the all-wise Disposer of events that I should be restored to health again, for what good purpose I know not. I remain thy affectionate mother,

“Sarah Whitall.”

In another letter written 5th month, 7th, 1825, by his sister Sally, occurs the following sentence: “The same clay I last wrote thee, S. B. called to see us, and told many things about the Captain, which was a great pleasure to the Captain’s mother and sisters!” She also says, in expressing their gratitude for his safety, “We knew not but it might be the Lord’s will to take thee to Himself, and leave us to mourn in anguish deep the loss of a brother, whose spiritual instruction we cannot prize too highly, and who has been the means of encouraging us to press forward in the path of humiliation and prayer, where alone solid happiness can be found while journeying through this vale of tears.”

Similar extracts from the dear home letters midit be multiplied, but these are sufficient to show their character, and to reveal the very tender tie that existed in their family band.

The name of Mickle adhered to our father durino- all his early manhood, and even until we were grown up, but he never liked it, and as he alwoays signed his name John M., his family and friends finally adopted it. But the title of Captain continued to be given him in some circles until his death.

The following entries were made in his diary durinothis first voyage as Captain:

“2d month, 17 fh, 1825.

“I hope while noting some things that appear niicoramon, which have happened to me, I may tliroiigli the divine blessing be preserved from all self-seeking, and mav truly give God the glory and praise which are His due. Amen. J. M. W.”

“On the 3d of 12th month, 1824, I took command of the ship ‘New Jersey,’ anew vessel I had been attending upon while building. One or two things I will mention that may encourage me still more in giving up to the requirings of the Lord. When I thought it right for me to adopt the plain language, and before I thought the proper time had arrived, I was much distressed, thinking I should lose my employment; but being at a Friend’s house where Samuel Bettle, Sr., lodged, he, without my having told him or any one who could inform him, of my inwardly distressed state, said to me that if I was faithful to the Lord’s requiring, He would make a way for me where there was no way. And indeed I have found, although I am a poor, unfaithful, unworthy creature, a way made for me in the hearts of my employers, where to the natural mind there appeared no possibility of a way. Some of my friends thought, and one told me, that I would not get the command of this ship because of my plain coat and language, and my pi-ayer was that if it was right in the Divine sight, I might get it, to show such their error. I said: ‘Oh, Lord, thou rulest in the hearts of men, and if it seemeth good to thee, thou canst incline my employer’s heart unto me;’ which the Lord did do, and for which I desire to be thankful.”

“Sd month, M, 1S25.

‘’There is one thing it would be well to remember, and I pray the Lord to help me to I’ecollect it and act accordingly, which is when anything presents itself to the mind as being wrong, and then doubts arise as to whether this feeling may not be a mistake; for instance in eating we may think we have enough, but still want more; then I say is the time to remember that our stay in this world is short, and that it is better to deny ourselves a small gratification than be in danger of disobeying the voice of Christ, that inward JNlonitor. If we were more spiritual, we should not find so much difficulty in denying self. I never feel better satisfied than when on such occasions I give up, and take up the cross as to that particular. Surely this satisfactory feeling must be the consequence of well-doing. Oh, that such considerations may have due place in my mind!”

“3d month, 2oth, 1825. “Surely if the Lord looks on my omissions and commissions with as hard an eye as I do upon those with whom I have to do, what will become of me? Truly I am not worthy of being suffered to live. My master-sin, anger, again rose in dominion this morning to the destruction of all that is for peace. If the Lord had permitted the temptation to have been stronger, I believe I should have proceeded from words to blows. These are sorrowful tidings, but true. Alas, O my Lord, how long shall I thus go on sinning? I am no worthy of Thy help; but in my great need please do not cast me off-Be pleased for Jesus Christ’s sake to purge out all that displeases Thee, cost me what it may. I beseech Thee to hear me lest I utterly perish.”

This impetuous temper of our father’s was, as he says, his “master sin,” and, all through the earlier entries in his diary, he laments being at times overcome by it. But the work of grace in his heart was so wonderful in this especial particular, that, during all the later years of his life, he was remarkable for his almost uninterrupted serenity under every?- vicissitude. And especially was this noticeable during the years when paralysis and its attendant discomforts and limitations might naturally have been expected to make him nervous or impatient. The unvarying sweetness of his bearing in the midst of all the trials of this time, was most touching and teaching to see. And it would bring tears of loving admiration to our eyes to see him smile, almost merrily, over things that would have made another and less sanctified man irritable and unhappy.

“Ath month, 1st, 1825.

“I have been favored this evening with a glimpse of the divine presence. Oh, how far such satisfaction transcends the joys of time! We may visit our dearest friends, be received with the heartiest welcome, and feel ourselves happy while in communion with them; but if our intercourse has had no connection with our nearest interests, we return from their society unimproved and empty, and feel as it were a hunger for something else, something more substantial. But the case is far different when we are favored to know our Creator present, and can in humble confidence look up to Him, place all our trust in Him, and entirely resign ourselves to Him. Then the soul is satisfied, and every vast desire is filled.”

“4th month, 22d, 1825. “I am in a great strait. I know not what to do. Oli, for wisdom to act in this affair according to the divine will, be the consequence whatever it may. I believe the Lord’s power is over all, and it matters not to Him to save by many or by few. But what He requires me to do if we should be attacked by pirates, I know not. Oh, for right direction and help to be resigned to the Lord’s will. Ah, the need there is for dwelling deep and low, that nothing may prevent us from hearing and understanding the voice of our Guide. Teach me humility, O Lord Jesus, and be jileased to help me to come unto Thee and learn of Thee, that I may find rest to my soul, for I am weak and exceedingly foolish and trifling, O, give me wisdom how to act in this case according to Thy mind, and be pleased to grant that I may put all my trust and confidence in Thee, and may stand wholly resigned in all things to Thy will.”

“4fh month, 2dth, 1825. “In the China seas clear of the straits of Banca, the place where we feared being attacked by pirates. Oh, how thankful I desire to be for the Lord’s goodness and mercy unto me who am so unworthy, in giving me wisdom and judgment in conducting the ship! Oh, for a heart to humbly follow my Lord whithersoever He may please to lead. I desire to stand separated from all that is displeasing in His sight. We passed through nearly half the straits in the night, running by the lead.”

“0th month, Ath, 1825.

“Having arms in Uiis ship is a cause of great trouble to me, and if I should live to return, how will it be about going in it again, if the owner should not be willing to trust the ship without them? If it is the Lord’s requiring that I should testify against this, I desire to be willing to lose my situation for His sake; yea, my life too, if He calls for it. Oh, for a truly devoted heart! I know the Lord is able to provide for my parents and sisters, even in a way that may seem impossible to me. I have experienced His over-ruling power in my afTairs often, and why then, if He calls for anything, should I deny it? He is able to blast, and He is able to bless; oh, then to be His servant in deed and in truth! Oh, that the prospect of any worldly advantage may not cause me to act contrary to the dictates oftrutii!”

“First dmj, Canton, 9th month, 4th, 1825.

“Oh, that I could profitably remember the openings of life mentioned by Job Scott when he says: ‘Thou shouldst ever remember when thou approacbest before thy God in order to worship Him, that of thyself thou canst do nothing; that thy business is to wait in true silence, breathing to Him for help and instruction, not presuming to stir Him up or awake Him before He please, nor to form unto thyself a graven image, or warm thyself by the sparks of thy own kindling, lest thou lie down in sorrow. If thou feelest thy mind ever so empty and barren, keep in true resignation, keep the word of His patience, and He will keep thee in the hour of temptation. Watch and pray continually; trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thy own understanding.’”

“Off Java Head, 1st mo., 26th, 1826.

“O that my soul may bow, with humble gratitude, before my merciful Creator, for all His gifts to me. He has been pleased to help me thus far, to preserve my faith in His power over all His creatures, to prevent me from making any preparation for defence against pirates, — which is always usual in ships passing through these seas, — and in giving me judgment in conducting the ship. What can I render unto Thee, O Lord? Be pleased to accept the thanks of a poor, unworthy creature. And oh, that it might please

Thee to enable me to walk humbly before Thee, and through Thy mercy to offer up myself and all that I have an acceptable sacrifice in Thy sight.”

“Off the Cape of Good Hope, Id mo., 8th, 1826. “My soul is deeply sensible of the necessity of dwelling near the fountain of all comfort; then, let come what will, we can look up with confidence and hope to our Heavenly Father for protection; we can then resign ourselves entirely into His hands; and, having done all in our power, we can take shelter in the faith of His all-sufficiency. That I may become as a weaned child in the Divine Hand, is the renewed desire of my soul, and at times when I think of His wonderful mercy unto me, in snatching me, as it were, a ’ brand from the burning,’ my heart is affected and a fear pervades my soul that I may make ungrateful returns; for, indeed, I was far advanced in iniquity, and making rapid strides towards destruction. For such mercy, I desire to be truly thankful; and to render unto the Lord of the vineyard the fruits thereof in their seasons, is my indispensable duty. He has told us that without Him we can do nothing; therefore, oh, my soul, wait thou patiently upon Him, — Ijatiently, I say, for thou hast great need of patience.”

f At sea, 2d mo., 19//t, 1826. Near the Meridian of London, Latitude 2y- South. 2 P. M., First-day.

‘’How safe are they who dwell in true humility where every thought is brought into subjection, who can resign themselves without reserve to the Divine disposal. How hard it is to believe that the many cross accidents which occur are intended to benefit and forward the heavenward traveller. Surely such as do thus believe live by faith, and not by sight! These have a true stability which no outward thing can deprive them of; they behold all of the creatures in their proper places, and do not fear them, knowing who is able to control and direct their actions. In resignation there is peace. Strive after it then, my soul, seek for it more than for hid treasures. Thou knowest the value of it, although thou hast only had an occasional glimpse of its beauty.”

It was during this voyage that his heart began to be especially turned towards our dear mother, with the feeling that she was the .one intended by his Heavenly Father to be his wife at some future time. It was some years before he felt himself in a position to ask her in marriage but during all this time his heart continued secretly faithful to her, and he felt full confidence that the Lord, who had as he believed, pointed her out to him, would preserve her single until the time came for him to speak. But he would often tell us with great enjoyment how at this time, four years before he spoke to her, he began to mark his own especial invoices of goods with her initials, and how he would smile to himself sometimes to think how little she knew that he did so, or what his hopes about her were. This object of his long considered choice was Mary Tatum, daughter of John and Hannah Tatum, of Park Plain, a large farm just outside of Woodbury. She was a friend of his sisters, and he therefore often met her when at home from his voyages, and he quaintly says — “I used to think of her when at sea, and on my return home was always very careful to make an early visit at her father’s house.” He also relates the following occurrence, showing how, in this as in all else, his whole dependence was upon the teachings of his heavenly Guide. Pie says:

“On one occasion, after the removal of our family to Pliiladelpliia, when she was in the city on a visit, .she took tea with ray sisters, and I waited on her in the evening to her aunt Ann Scattergood’s. It pleased ray Heavenly Father, at this time, to give me such a sense of her excellence, that I was fully impre.ssed she would be a suitable companion for rae, if the way oiened therefor. Ever after that she held a place in ray thoughts, until the right time carae for making it known to her. I recollect that when in younger years we used to meet in the streets of Woodbury, I had always been particularly struck with the sweetness of her appearance, which impression has never left me to this day, now in my sixty-ninth year.”

How true this was his children can testify, who, during all our lives, from our earliest recollections, were used to seeino; our mother treated by our father with the most lover-like and admiring devotion. A dear friend, in writing to me, thus recalls her impressions of this as an outsider. She says:

“When I was engaged to be married, I spent a few days with you in the little Woodbury cottage. Thy jparents had been married about eighteen years. I was so charmed with thy father’s genial, hearty ways in his family, and with his lover-like devotion to his wife, that he became at once my ideal husband and father. And on my return I gave such glowing accounts to my S., that he could not but catch the spirit of it, and from that time began to call himself my ‘Mickle,’ and signed all his poems and love-letters with this name, until our marriage.”

I doubt myself if there ever has been a more lasting and loyal admiration than was his for this “sweetest of women,” as he used so often to call her. Many a time, when other pleasant things would be around him, friends whom he loved, or his children in whom he delighted, he would enter heartily into the enjoyment of all, but would finally turn towards our mother with a sigh of satisfaction, and say: “You are all very nice, but there sits the sweetest woman the sun ever shone upon,” or “the sweetest wife man ever had,” and then he would always seal his words with a loving kiss. To the very last his love and admiration remained unchan<2;ed, and one of the latest thing’s he said during the few days before his death, when because of his paralyzed condition he scarcely ever spoke, was a compliment to her. He had been standing looking out of the window for a long while, without moving, and oar mother said at last, “Father, what is thee thinking about?” At once he turned around with almost a return of his old sprightly manner, and said with a gleam of fun, “I am thinking about kissing the sweetest woman the sun ever shone upon,” suiting the action to the word.

He did not make his feelings known to our mother until he left the sea in 1829, as he felt it would be unkind to subject her to the anxieties and suffering of such a life of separation, but his heart was from this time unwaveringly faithful to her. Meanwhile he made three more voyages. He returned from his first voyage as Captain, 4th month, 9th, 1826, and sailed again in the same ship on 7th month, loth, 1826, bound a second time to Canton. At this time he took a very sorrowful leave of his mother, with but little hope of ever seeing her again, as she was in very delicate health. She had been a very tender mother to him, deeply solicitous for the welfare of her children in every way, and it was a great comfort to our father that she had lived long enough to see her prayers for him answered in his conversion, and also to witness his prosperity in earthly affairs. She died in her sixtieth year, on the 28th of 8tli month, 1826, only about a month after he sailed, but the means of communication were so slow in those days, that he did not hear of it until his return the next year, in 6th month, 1827.

During this voyage lie established a little meeting on board his vessel, with the officers and crew, for reading the Scriptures and waiting for a short season in silence before the Lord. He thus records it in his diary

“First day, 7th month, 30//i, 1826.

“I was this day enabled through divine strength so far to overcome my own fears as to have all the crew collected in the cabin to have the Bible read. And so far from meeting with opposition from the super-cargoes, whom I had feared, they both came in and sat down with us, and when the reading was finished, the elder, the father, Thomas Diehl, said: ‘May the Lord continue to be with us,’ which I felt to be a great help to me. If the Lord is pleased to use so poor a nothing as I am to make known His name in the earth, oh, that lie may purge out all from me that is displeasing and contrary to Him. I feel such strong desires after good, and yet withal at times I am almost discouraged and ready to query: Is there another person in this world who is as I am? Help me, O my Lord, or I perish.”

In his E,eminiscences, he says:

‘’ From this time it was my practice to assemble the crew every First day for the same purpose. This some of the men did not admire, and one First day four or five of them did not shave themselves nor put on clean clothes for the occasion. I said nothing; but as it was the practice of that day to give half a gill of spirits to each man daily, I directed the steward to withhold the allowance from these recusants until further orders. The next First day they appeared at meeting clean-shaved, clean-dressed and in excellent order, after which the daily allowance of spirits was again given out to them. Not one word having been said to them on the subject from first to last.”

The following entries were made in his diary about
this time:

“8th month, 5th, 1826.

“In reading the lives of some of the ancient worthies, I have remarked that they appeared not to have attained to a comfortable settlement in obedience to the teachings of Christ, the true and blessed Teacher, until they came sincerely to cry in the inmost soul: ‘Lord, save me or I perish!’ I have endeavored to feel after this cry that I might indeed be preserved from sin; and at times have thought I felt the absolute need of divine assistance to keep me from sin, and have then entreated for help. But I still feel the necessity of further assistance and more help to overcome the old inhabitants. Ah, when shall I enter the promised land? when will the old man with his deeds be crucified and slain, that my soul may indeed have rest from the foe? The Lord’s time is the best time, and it is that I wish to wait for, patiently wait for!”

“8th month, 6th, 1826.

‘’ This evening in waiting upon the Lord, He was graciously pleased to permit me, a most unworthy creature, to feel His presence and to offer up my prayers for preservation from every hurtful thing. I feel, O Lord, that Thou art my only portion. Thou hast been with me thus far, and hast protected and guided me in my most important steppings along.”

“8th month, ISth, 1826.

‘’ For some time past there appears to have been within me great struggles between grace and nature. Sometimes I feel a strong attraction heavenward — so strong that I am almost induced to think the enemy is discomfited and clean gone. Then again, when occasion ofiers, nature breaks forth with her wonted power, and carries everything before it; so that at times I am tempted to conclude that all is lost. Is there in this world one poor creature tried as I am? Is there one who so earnestly desires to do what is right, and yet does wrong so continually? O Lord Jesus, if Thou art not pleased to save me, I shall utterly perish. I have no strength to resist the tempter when he comes. Be pleased to give me of Thy strength.”

On the 28tli of the 8th month, the day his beloved mother was passing into heaven, our father, all unconscious of his loss, made the following entry:

“In beholding the starry heavens this evening, my mind was struck with awe in reflecting upon the vast works of creation, and I was led to think how wrong it is in us poor fallacious beings to search into the counsels of infinite Wisdom. * * * Oh, mv soul, walk thou with fear and care; search not into things too high for thee. Thou wast at one time carried away; beware in the future. Look unto Jesus who is able and willing to save. Be. content to wait patiently upon Him, for thou knowest that of thyself thou canst not bear the cross in one single tiling, nor resist temptation one minute, but that thou indulgest the flesh in eating, drinking and sleeping, and when occasions oflfer, thou presently gives way to passion, impatience and a great deal of unnecessary talk. Now, seeing such is thy case, why, O my soul, art thou not more serious and more diligent in thy search for good? The time of thy stay in this world is but short; therefore be in earnest to make thy calling and election sure. Be encouraged, hope thou in God, for He is able to help thee.”

“9th month, Isl, 1826.

“O Thou who knowest all things and who now seest the entire inability I feel of even sitting down quietly, and patiently waiting with introversion of mind for Thy arising, be pleased to take compassion upon my weakness, and send strength and patience to a poor, needy creature.”

“9th month, 10th, 1826.

“Twice within the last two days my passions have arisen and my enemy triumphed over all within me that oppoiws his power, I have been led to seek to understand the cause of my very great weakness, my utter inability to resist my impetuous temper. And the only conclusion to which I can come is that it all proceeds from a want of watchfulness, a want of endeavoring to dwell more near the fountain of all strength. Oh, I find no safety, no preservation, no true happiness, hut when I am favored to experience the inward presence tf Christ in my souL”

“th mmih, 24th, 1S26, First day, off the Cape of Good Hope. “We have beet) favored to get along thus far on our voyage safyly, without any accident of an unpleasant nature, and with good expedition. The crew all enjoy good health, and all things look pleasant. How thankful I ought to be for such kindness to a poor, unworthy creature! Oh, my Lord, be pleased to be with me in this way, and keep me in a watchful frame of mind that my passions may not so often rise to my hurt. Be pleased to stay my heart on Thee, and season it with Thy grace, for without Thy help I can do no good thing. May it please Thee to go along with us and preserve us from harm, and give, I pray Thee, wisdom unto Thy poor creature, whom Thou hast raised to this station, to navigate and sail the ship, and to govern the crew with discretion.”

“lOth month, 2d, 1826.

‘’How can the true believer in Jesus hold malice? How can he do anything to injure one for whom Christ died? Surely it is because the flesh with the lusts thereof remain unsubdued. Oh, that what T know so well I could practice! Oli, that I might through grace be enabled to dwell low with the inward Witness, that I might not cause Him to deiart and leave me desolate. I know and feel that without divine assistance, no temptations, however light, can be resisted by me. And although I am sen.sible of this, and that by patiently waiting upon the Lord is the only way for me to obtain help, yet I want patience to wait, am too weak to resist distractions, and can truly say that “the things I would I do not, and the thing I would not that I do.” Is this the experience of all who desire to follow the Lamb? Or is it only because I am so lukewarm, so prodigal of favors bestowed by the best of Friends, who gave Himself for me?

“0 Lord Jesu.s, that Thou wouldst be pleased to help me to follow Thy example as near as it is jDossible for me to do, and in all things obey Thy voice. Be pleased, I beseech Thee, to give me patience and perseverance to seek Thy presence that I may find health to my soul.”

‘’ lOth month, Uth, 182G.

“1 have cause of humble gratitude this day for an evident answer to prayer, and I think a commemoration of the event may not be wrong.

“We have been eiglity-one days at sea, and until this morning we saw no land nor anything to prove our reckoning correct. And as last evening I told the supercargo we should see the island of St. Paul this morning by 10 o’clock, I felt anxious lest he might suppose my calculations incorrect if we missed it. At the hour mentioned the weather was very thick with showers of rain, and blowing hard, and at times clearing off a little. A few minutes after 10 o’clock, and between the squalls, I saw the land seven miles distant, to my great joy. “We had passed it two miles, going at the rate of ten miles per hour. If it had continued thick weather half-an-hour longer, we should have missed seeing it. For all of the Lord’s mercies I desire to be thankful. He was pleased to hear my prayer that we might see the land. He gave me wisdom and judgment in making the right situation; and when we reached it, He caused the clouds to disperse, exposing to our view the desired island. Surely such mercy calls for humble gratitude. Human skill can do much — can find the situation assigned to the land, but when there, it cannot cause the rain to stop, the sun to shine, and to our seeking eyes unfold the distant isle.

“The usual time for sailing from the United States for China, in order to take the direct route for Canton through the Straits of Sanda and up the China Sea, is not later than the middle of the Gth month. Ships sailing after that time, on account of the N. E. monsoon, usually take the Eastern passage and approach Canton from the Pacific Ocean, thus greatly increasing the distance to be sailed over. “We left Philadelphia the 15th of 7th month, as before stated, but, owing to favorable winds, we reached the Straits of Sunda after a short passage, and I concluded to attempt the direct route up the China Sea. Before coming to this conclusion, I a.’^ked of the Lord that if it would be right for us to take that route, the wind next morning might be fair. Accordingly, next morning, 3rd of llth month, 1826, a fine breeze sprang up from the right direction, and we immediately nuule sail by the short route. We have proceeded slowly until entering the China Sea, where calms and batlling winds retard our progress, and bring me into great distress for fear 1 have made a mistake, and that the voyage may be disastrous in consequence.

“The wind is now ahead, and all looks discouraging toward our making a short passage, and sometimes I am ready to fear we may not be able to proceed to Canton by this route, but be compelled to adopt the Eastern. Oh! for patience and resignation to the Divine wi’l- * * * * Oh my Lord, I believe Thou gavest me the command of this ship, and thus far Thou hast given me wisdom in navigating and sailing her. If it is agreeable in Thy sight, be pleased to grant that none concerned in this vessel may be a loser by my ftiult.”

11th month, 12th, 1826, First Day. — ‘’ Blessed be the Lord who has given me a little comfort, a little hope that it may all end well. Praise and bless the Lord, oh my soul for His mercies, and wait patiently upon Him; seek His presence that thou mayest attain the blessing of preservation from every hurtful thing.”

Our father in recalling tins voyage, writes:

“I remember at this time feeling an assurance that we should succeed in our attempt in taking the direct route, and so it turned out, thus demonstrating that a vessel could sail up the China Sea against the N. E. monsoon. This has since been extensively done by other vessels.”

Fird Day, 19th llth month, 1826. — “I have received cause this day to offer up thanks, and reverently to hope and trust in the Lord. We are now in the China Sea, in a part that at this season is subject to very strong currents, and in the neighborhood of very dangerous shoals on one side, and land on the other. Yesterday the weather was very thick, squally and rainy, so that we could not get observations accurately to determine our situation, and this morning it still looked stormy, which made me feel anxious for our safety, knowing the liability there is of being drifted by the current out of our track. In reflecting upon it this morning I felt discouraged, but looked up with a little hope towards my Heavenly Father, who was pleased to hear my prayer; for this afternoon, when I least expected it, the clouds dispersed, and we were enabled to determine our situation with tolerable exactness, and found the current had not affected us of consequence.

First Day evening, 2()th llth month, 1826. — “Again this day have I had humble cause of gratitude. Oh, that due thanks could be returned by me for all of the Lord’s benefits. It is now blowino- a gale, and I am, and have been, a little fearful of a typhoon, as we are now in the China Sea, near Manilla, and near the change of the moon. In reflecting upon our situation with anxious feelings, that Scripture was brought to ray remembrance with a little comfort: ‘Can a mother forget Iier sucking child? Yea, she may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.’ Oh, my Lord, without Thee what can I do? Of what avail would my little experience be without Thy blessing? Oh, please give me a thankful heart for all Thy mercies, and if it is agreeable in Thy sight, be pleased to preserve me in such a frame of mind that access to Thy presence may not be denied me. My only safety I feel is in Thy grace — in dwelling near Thee.

30/A IKh month, 182(3. — “Have been renewedly convinced this day that T cannot save myself, and have been brought to despair of myself in sincerity. I feel a little consolation that not one hasty word escapes my lips without troubling me. But I despair of being able to obey Thee without Thy assistance. May it please Thee, Oh Lord, to help me to dedicate and resign myself without any reservation, that Thou mayest do with me as seeraeth good to Thee. And I cannot but hope that Thou wilt, for when was a strayed sheep Thou sought me out and drew me in a measure from the ways of the world. Thou hast given me desires to love Thee, and hast convinced me that without Thee I can do no good thing. Wilt Thou not help me now, when I so much want it, and am sensible of my own inability to please Thee!

“On our inoj up Canton river, 1th 12th month, 1826. — My heart desires humbly to return Thee thanks, oh my Lord, for all of the many favors bestowed upon me until this time from the day of my birth; but more particularly during our passage out to this place, many times manifesting the evident attendance and superintendence of Thy Providence. I beseech thee in the abundance of Thy mercy to prepare in me a thankful heart for ail Thy favors, the least of which I am unworthy of. My situation I know is exposed to many temptations, but Thou Lord, art oumipotent, neither is anything too hard for Thee. Thou Iiast told ns to look to Thee and be saved. I cast myself entireiy upon Thy care, having no hope in myself, but only in Thee.

I5th 12th month, 1826. — “When I was in the depths of distress, Thou, oh, Lord, wast pleased to comfort me, and ultimately to fulfil all my requests. Now, oh, my Lord, what can I return to Thee for so great mercy? I have nothing to offer. If I give myself, when the first occasion occurs, I immediately forget the donation, and act as if I were my own property.”

In his Eeminiscences he writes concerning this voyage:

“We arrived at our port on the oth of r2tli month, 1826, one hundred and thirty-six days fi-om PhiUidelphia, a remarkably short passage for the season of the year. As we approached Canton, the day before we arrived, 4th of 12th month, 1826, and when close in with the islands at the mouth of Canton river, the wind blew so hard that we could not possibly get our anchors over the bow in order to anchor, if needful, in the passage among the islands. We tried for a long time, but failed. Remembering Him who holdeth the winds in His fist, I earnestly prayed that the winds might cease until we accomplished our object. Very soon it fell nearly calm, and continued so for half an hour, during which time we got our anchors into place, and were ready to enter into port. The wind then began blowing again from the same quarter, and with as much force as before. I called the attention of the Supercargo to the fact as being an answer to prayer.

“As the result of thus taking on this voyage the direct route to Canton through the Straits of Sunda and up the China Sea, instead of taking the Eastern passage, we reiiched Canton considerably in advance of a ship that sailed from New York three weeks before we left Philadelphia, and which took the Eastern passage as usual at that season of the year. This ship had on board the same description of cargo as ourselves, viz.: ginseng. In consequence of our early arrival, we were enabled to sell the whole of our cargo to the great advantage of the shippers, before the other ship arrived. We lay in Canton about two months, and sailed with a full return cargo of silks, teas, etc., for Philadelphia, leaving the other shijj with her cargo of ginseng still unsold and on board.”

“2d month, 7th, 1827. — At Canton. — I desire humbly to return thanks to the Lord for all of the many mercies bestowed upon me until this time from the day of my birth, but more particularly during our passage out to this place, many times manifesting to my mind the evident attendance and superintendence of His providence.

‘’ Thy favors to me, O Lord, have been and still continue to be very many; may it please Thee to give me a thankful heart, that I may not be ungrateful, for I find the need of Thy assistance in my daily concerns to do them with understanding. If it is agreeable to Thee, oh, be pleased to direct me in the way that I should go, as to all my affairs both inward and outward, that I may not bring dishonor upon the truth, nor cause the enemy to rejoice. Oh, Lord Jesus, I feel at times Thy love in my heart, be pleased to redouble its fire that it may consume all that is offensive, and that Thou alone may be the vSovereign of my heart, and the object of each desire!

Although distant from my friends, and unacquainted with any that appear bound to the better country in this foreign land, I find the same kind preventing Hand is stretched forth to meet the seeking soul, and to make that Scripture true, ‘It is good to wait upon the Lord.’”

“od month, lith, 1S27. — Through the Straits of Gaipar, in the Java Sea.

Believing it may not be wrong to commemorate the favors of Providence, especially when they appear to be singular, I will here mention what to me seems an abundant cause of humble thankfulness. On the noon of the 12th we considered ourselves 70 miles north of Gaspar Island, which lies to the north of the Straits of Gaspar, and by what I call a great favor, we were enabled to see the island just before dark, at least 40 miles off. By making the island, I knew we were to the east of the dangerous shoals to the north of it. The wind was light, and the weather being clear, at 10 o’clock, P. M., we saw Gaspar island, and found we had a very strong current setting to the southeast, which, if we had not seen the island before dark, would in all probability have prevented our getting through the straits for several days. When near the narrowest and most dangerous part of the passage it fell calm, and the current setting toward the rocks rendered it necessary to anchor in 30 fathoms of water. I felt in much distress, and in drawing near to the Lord, and feeling I had none but Him for my helper. He was pleased to send a wind that held just long enough to clear us of danger, and then left us. How can I repay such mercy? May it please Thee to quicken me, O Lord. I feel no happiness equal to the enjoyment of Thy presence; do not forsake me, I pray Thee, for 1 am very weak.”

“Sd month, 15th, 1827. — Under a lively sense of my own inability to save myself, I implore Thee, O Lord Jesus, to take pity on my weak condition, and to season my heart with Thy grace. Thou seest how often I fall into passions through impatience. My soul hath desired the Lamb-like nature, the teachableness of a little child, that I may be humble and meek, and not so subject to be carried away by accidents and passions. Oh, my Lord, be pleased to make me more lenient and kind-hearted to all men, and more particularly to those under my control, that I may look over their faults, and if I correct them, do it with moderation and justice. Thou knowest how liable I am to be carried away with the impulse of the moment, and that I want stability very much. Give me a steady, grave deportment, and keep me from all that may bring a reproach upon the profession that I make.”

“3d month, 18th, 1827. — In the Straits of Sunda, at anchor on the S. E. side, a lee shore and near a dangerous shoal. Again I am brought into the depths of distress, and more and more see the advantage and necessity of living near my Heavenly Father, that in such times as this I may be favored to look up to Him with humble confidence and hope. Oh, my God, in this distressing trying season do not forsake me, but please to stay my mind on Thee. All power is Thine, and oh, may it please Thee to care for us. I am young and inexperienced; give wisdom, I beseech Thee, how to act. And give me an entirely resigned heart to Thy will, that all that comes may be received from Thy Hand.”

‘’3d month, 23d, 1827. — Outside the Styaits of Swnda in the Indian Ocean.

“Oh, my Lord, what can I render unto Thee for all Thy mercies, to a most unworthy creature. When in distress from currents that seemed to be carrying us on to a dangerous shoal, Thou wast pleased to hear and help, and to deliver us from threatened danger. I desire sincerely to return Thee thanks, may it please Thee to accept them! I feel more and more convinced of the truth of that saying of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that wiihjut Him we can do nothing. Oh Lord Jesus, I beseech Thee, make Thyself lovely to me, that I may more earnestly seek Thy presence, for I find no solid happiness in any worldly thing.”

In recording this voyage, in his Pteniiniscences, our father says:

“When very much tried at one time, and drawing near unto the Lord, He was pleased to give me an assurance that it would all be right, which turned out to be the case. We reached Philadelphia safely, 6th month, 11th, 1827, 103 days from Canton, for which I desire to be truly thankful, having had a most peaceful voyage. This was the shortest voyage between Canton and Philadelphia then on record.”

These quick passages were a great delight to our father, and he would often recall them in after life with much satisfaction. I have heard it said somewhere that people with Ptoman noses are always ahead in everything, and we children used to tell him that his nose would never permit him to be a laggard. To be ahead of time was an instinct with him, and no doubt it was partly to this characteristic, under the Lord’s blessing, that he owed his great success and prosperity.

On reaching home from this voyage, he was met with the sad news of the death of his precious mother, the record of which is given in a former chapter. He was very thankiul to find his father and sisters in their usual health, and prospering in their school. He remained at home only a few weeks, and on 7th month, 18th, 1827, sailed again for Canton, this being his third voyage as Cay)tain of the “New Jersey,” and tenth voyage as sailor. There were no passengers on the vessel, and the Captain and mates had the cabin all to themselves, which he records as being a great comfort, and adds, ‘^I had plenty of time for reading, as our voyage was mostly prosperous. My reading was altogether in the Bible and other good books, which I much enjoyed.”

A few entries were made in his diary during this
voyage.

‘’At Sea, 7th month, 2Srd, 1827. — Bound to Canton the third time, as ISIaster of the ship ‘New Jei’sey.’ In reflecting upon the many favors shown ns during our last voyage, with the kind preservation that we experienced from all outward harm, I feel desires after a truly thankful heart to the Father of all mercies, and I humbly supplicate for a continuation of His merciful regard, that His presence may be with us in this our way to protect from outward harm, and to draw our hearts into greater nearness to Himself, with a loving concern to walk humbly before Him.”

“7th month, 24:th, 1827. — This day I have felt the bondage of sin. More than once I have suffered passion to arise. Oh! this self, this hated self, when shall it be brought into subjection, when shall every thought and word be subdued? In reading the diary of Samuel Scott to-day I met this expression: ‘Oh, Lord I I am oppressed; undertake for me. Thou tookest upon Thee our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses, and Thou art able to save to the uttermost.’ I also feel the necessity of the Lord’s assistance to overcome my passions, for of myself I can do nothing. Oh, that I may availingly pray for saving grace.”

“At Sea, Bound for Canton, 10th month, Gth, 1827. — On the 2d of this month, at 2 o’clock in the morning, by a very hard squall, we lost three of our yards and four sails, which took us three days fully to replace, thus losing about thirty miles per day in our voyage to Canton. It may be for a reproof to me for over-anxiety to make a short passage, counting the days, and comparing our progress with other ships on former voyages. On my first voyage as Captain I was fully convinced that this practice was wrong for me, but that I slioiild make the best use of the present opportunity, and leave the result to Providence. Oh, that I may indeed do so; may this punishment be a warning to me.”

“IQth month, 25th, 1827. — In the Eastern Passage bound to Qinton. — This day I have had cause of humble gratitude to my Heavenly Father in a most particular manner. We had been running along the south side of the island of Ombray, and found the current set us off from the shore. At 4 o’clock in the morning I told the officer of the deck to call me if we seemed to approach the land, and went to bed. About 5 o’clock I came on deck, and thought we were too near the land. We sounded and found 40 fathoms of water, the current setting directly towards the shore. Immediately we turned the ship’s head from the land, but found, although we were going two or three miles an hour, that we still neared it. Sounded again in 30 fathoms, and then in 26 fathoms, shore appearing very near. I was in much trouble, because if we anchored, we should be so near the rocks that we might find it difficult to get away. But through it all I had a little hope in my Heavenly Father’s mercy, and when we approached so near the breakers that it seemed we must anchor to avoid them, a little breeze filled our sails, and we cleared the threatened danger- I look upon this as a peculiar interference of an over-ruling Providence; and Oh, saith my soul, that I may render again according to the benefit received. I cannot help believing my awakening at the time I did was of the favor of my Heavenly Father; for it appeared to me that if I had not gone on deck at that time, we might have gone too near the land to getaway, the officer on deck not supposing that we were so near.”

“llth month, 4th, 1S27. “Again has another birth-day dawned upon me, and at this time twenty-seven years have passed away since first I beheld the light of this world, and about nine years have also rolled over since the Light which enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world, dawned upon my soul, showing me the folly of sin, and in some degree preserving me therefrom. But how can I enough lament my weakness and ini<piity in not having made further advancement in self-denial and self-abnegati(Mi. And at this time my deficiency in not enough quietly and patiently waiting upon the Lord, to feel His presence in my heart, bears heavily upon me. Oh, Lord Jesus, do not forsake me, a poor weak creature in whom there is no good, no ability to wait, no patience resignedly to endure darkness and dryness. Thou knowest what I can bear; please to help me, and my soul shall praise Thee.”

“nth month, 7th, 1827.” The winds are light and directly ahead, with a current setting nearly adverse, so that I feel afraid of being drifted back to where we were about ten days ago, and this too after having toiled a long time, and passed through an unfrequented strait in order to clear the contrary currents we then had. And I begin to perceive that ’ as the sparks fly upwards, so man is born to trouble,’ at least it appears to be so with me at present. I desire not to complain. Oli, that I had patience, for it seems as though I had none, none even to

wait on the Lord from whom comes all my help I feel like a

bull in a strong net. Oh, that the Lord would pity and help a poor creature, who has no patience nor any other good thing.”

“IWi month, loth, 1827. — About midnight we felt the ship trembling as if running over stones, and supposed it to have been an earthquake on the Island of Euro, then in view. We immediately sounded, but found no bottom with the deep sea line. The officer on deck reported a strong smell of sulphur at the moment of the earthquake, apparently from a passing cloud.”

“Uth month, 20th, 1827. — In the Glllola Passa-e. — Last night was a most trying season; had scarcely any sleep, nor the night before. Weather squally, nights very dark, and currents setting in various directions, and being near the land, it was extremely difficult to know the position of the ship certainly. We were, however, favored to escape all danger, for which I desire to be thankful.”

“ll/( month, 22rf, 1827. — Being remarkably tried with the fear and dread of shipwreck and its consequences, I think some remarks may do to recur to at some future time. We are now in the Gillola passage, at the northern part, drifting about with currents and tides in various directions, in constant danger of being carried on to the land, there being but very little wind to command the ship. If we should be stranded, we may fall into the hands of savages who may enslave or kill iis. These fears give me much anxiety, and manifest the necessity of having faith in God, and trying to keep near Him who hath all power in Heaven and earth. My faith at times seems almost gone, and although I know from whom I got the command of this ship, yet find it hard work to believe He orders the present distressing dispensation. T have lost flesh, and my knees seem ready to fail when distressed by these trying seasons. I sincerely desire, if consistent with the Divine will, to live on shore. The life of man is but short, then why run into perplexities that can be avoided. Nothing to me is more trying than the fear of shipwreck in dark blowing weather. I do not desire wealth, but think a little will content me. If the affairs of my father were settled, I would try, if way were opened, to quit the i<ea, and do something for a living on land after this voyage. But in this, as in all things, I desire to be in the right place, and under best direction. Perhaps if settled on shore, I might grow secure and forget my salvation. Rather than return to the world, its follies and pleasures, I would much prefer slavery in a distant land, never to return home. Oh, that the Lord may care for me and direct me, and do with me as seemeth good in His sight. Lord Jesus! Thou seest how I am tried; I direct my prayer unto Thee, but Thou seemest to disregard me. Be pleased to hear my cry, and not cast me off. If there is instruction intended to be conveyed by the present dispensation, may it please Thee, my Lord, to open my understanding to perceive it, and give me ability to follow Thy will in all things.”

“llth month, 27th, 1827. — Pacific Ocean. — AVe have been fiivored to get along thus far, through the Eastern passage; and although I have sometimes been most sorely distressed by the fear of being wrecked, yet nothing of the kind has befallen us, and I desire to be humbly thankful to a kind Providence. We have latterly been much delayed by light winds and contrary currents, and at times my patience seems almost gone, and I am ready to complain, but check myself with that expression of Job’s — ‘Shall we receive good at the hand of the Lord, and shall we not receive evil also?’ Our passage to the entrance of the Eastern route was uncommonly short, but since then it has been altogether as tedious. Sometimes I think it may be a trial to see if I should complain or not- I hope to be preserved from all evil, and yet am afraid I may give way to repining.”

“12th month, ISth, 1827. — This day we were favored to arrive in safety at the port of Canton, for which I desire to be humbly thankful. Many are the Lord’s favors, and many instances of His protecting care have we experienced on this passage. Praised be His holy name.”

The vessel on this voyage was consigned to John R. Latimer, who resided at Canton; and our father in his Reminiscences recalls with gratitudrthe kind treatment he received from him, which made his stay in Canton a very pleasant one. The vessel laid at this port six weeks, and set sail on its homeward voyage, 12th month, 1st, 1828.

The diary continues:

2d month, 20th, 1828.

“I have had particular cause for humble gratitude this day. We are now in the strait-! of Smida on our return passage. This morning we weighed anchor, and although with several intervals of calm, we passed through the most difficult part of Sunda Straits and reached our present anchorage this evening before dark. As though in answer to my prayer, the wind just remained steady long enough to bring us here. And what makes the favor doubly great is, that in these Straits there are several dangerous rocks with deep water very near them, and to be drified back and forth by the currents during the night is very dangerous, as well as distressing. Oh, Lord Jesus, be pleased to accept niy thanks for the many favors Thou hast bestowed upon us. The protection and regard shown to us this day call for our most humble, and grateful thanks.”

“Near the Island of St. Helena. Homeward bound, 4th month, 4th, 1828. Have been reading to-day the life of that good man and faithful minister John Kichardson, and was much struck with the instances of direct guidance. And the query naturally arises, how could he know it so certainly? Surely by no other means than the inward revelation of Jesus Christ; and by being truly faithful, he was favored to discern it. I think the perusal of the Journals of departed Friends is very profitable, as well as interesting. It has a nntural tendency to stir up the sincere mind to greater watchfulness. And oh! saith my soul and all within me, that I may become faithful and truly zealous for the Lord in my day and generation. I do not desire eminence in the church, but I do sincerely want to be obedient to the voice of my dear Redeemer, that I may not offend Him who has done so much for me, and who is worthy to be followed, loved and obeyed by all. Sometimes in my earnest endeavors to reach after and find my Saviour, He has been pleased to suffer a poor sinner to approach Him, and for this I praise Him. * * * Oh, my soul, thou who knowest so well what is required of thee, why art thou so dull, why so indifferent and cold? Behold, He is altogether lovely, and He hath dealt bountifully with thee. Wait then upon Him I charge thee, patiently wait upon Him, for He alone can save. Hast thou not His promise that ‘They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength?’ Be not lukewarm therefore, but obey.”

From some letters written to his sisters about this
time, I extract the following:

At Sea ith month, 4th, 1828.

“During this passage we have had what I look upon as a remarkable instance of the interposition of Providence on our behalf. It was this; after we passed through the narrowest part of Sunda Strait in which there is a very dangerous shoal called the Stroom Rock, which is above the water, but is particularly in the way of ships in the night, being directly in the middle of the passage, and as the tide in the evening would set directly back into the strait, we being just out, if the wind should continue light and calm as it was when we passed through with the favorable tide, on the turn of the tide we should have been carried back; but in the afternoon a gentle breeze sprang up with which we were enabled to reach anchorage; which we had not done half an hour before it fell entirely calm. I did not want to let go the anchor in deep water, but was afraid the wind would drive us into the bay where we should have had to cross a considerable distance of deeper water, say 28 to 30 fathoms, before we could have shoaled our water much; but as it happened the wind died away while we were on a sjiot of 18 fathoms, which was very favorable to us, instead of letting us get into deep water before foiling calm. It was remarkable, the mate observed it. During the night it was very squally, and blew very hard, and it would have been dangerous to have been under sail, particularly witix six or eight of our crew sick and unable to do duty. Indeed, my dear sisters, the belief that we all, in every place and time, are under the protecting care of our best Friend, is most comfortable; He has been with us and I trust with you at home. It is blessed to believe that the creatures whom He hath created cannot be — are not beneath His care.

Sometimes when the dangers of the sea-faring life present themselves to my mind I feel discouraged, for I know and feel them; but when I think of the protection of Him who made the waves, and can rule the same, who created the world and all things therein, I feel a little better satisfied, and thus reason to myself, what could I do in any situation without His help? And if He is pleased to protect me in this. He can. Thus it is I reason.

With regard to my living on shore at present I do not know what business I could follow, being unfit for almost anything; as to doing nothing, that is entirely out of the question, a life of idleness would not suit me, employment, active employment either for mind or body I want.

If I could be convinced of the propriety of leaving my present business, or that I should not be deviating from the path intended for me to pursue, I would not go another voyage, but I feel afraid of going contrary to the will of Providence, for I know that without the Divine blessing I could not prosper. I do not desire superfluous wealth, and think a little would content me.

At Sea, 5th month od, 1828.

“We are now making rapid progress towards home, sweet home! — the ship sailing eight and nine miles per hour, and all without is pleasant and looks promising. I wish I could say as much of inward affairs.

I sometimes, yes often think of you and of our society of Quakers. It has been said that the society of Friends will not fall through; if so, some there must be, who will be faithful standard-bearers in their generation for the cause of truth.. The question naturally follows who will they be, and how are they to become of service in so good a cause? To the first it may be answered the Lord is no respecter of persons: and as for the second, the only way that I can see, and I have very often thought of it, is for those who know the value and the certain benefit to be derived from waiting upon the Lord, still to continue patiently to wait upon llim in silence, and introversion of mind, that they may feel His presence to enliven, and quicken them, and although they may appear to be nothing worth, yet if they are only faithful to the little and are of the patient waiters, the Lord who is Almighty can make what use of them He pleases. And it appears to me the rising generation have need to look to themselves, that they may be qualified to fill the places of those who have gone, and are going ofl’ the stage of action. That you, my dear sisters, may be preserved in your right places, and have Divine wisdom for your guide, is my sincere prayer at this time, and it has been. I have found from repeated seasons of instruction, that the only way for me to keep, or to be kept from falling, is to draw near unto God, and to keep near Him. I have a little hope at times that through grace I may overcome my hasty disposition, though at others I am almost discouraged by my repeated falls.”

5th month, llth, First-day afternoon- “In turning my thoughts homeward to-day, I could not help asking myself the question, do they think of me at home as much and as often as I think of them? For I believe, not a day passes but my thoughts are with you many times, reflecting how you come on with the school, whether your scholars increase or not, and how you are liked. As all sublunary aflaii-s are liable to change, and a reaction often takes place, or in other words after great heights, great deeps are apt to succeed, I have been a little fearful on your account; your school has advanced with such rapid strides into reputation, that it is much if it continues to hold it, according to the common tide of events. However, as I am very liable to look at the gloomy side of things, I hope my fears may not be realized. In believing that you are sensible whose blessing has attended your endeavors, and without whose assistance you never could have succeeded so well, a little comfort attends me; and, my dear sisters, let us each in our respective allotments seek earnestly and patiently a closer acquaintance with our Heavenly Father, that His blessing may continue to attend us; let us not be discouraged, but press through all to Him who only can help us in our outward and inward besetments, which necessarily are many and various, and which are no doubt permitted to attend us for the trial of our allegiance and love. I had a close and distressing trial with unbelief the other day; and for sometime I could not look into that book of Malt Brun’s, for fear it should upset me entirely, but since then have been favored to get over my doubts, and can now read such parts without feeling any other than pity for the author.

As we approach home my thoughts become more serious about leaving the sea altogether. If it is right, I should like right well to remain on land, but then the thing is, what business shall I follow? My dear father’s debts must be paid, and I know of no business that I could certainly make so much money in as my present one. My pay from the ship is 900 dollars per annum, besides the opportunity I have of trading, which is worth $500 more. Plowever, I hope I may be rightly directed. Up to this time I firmly believe m’self to have been in my proper place as to line of life, and ship, and employer. Why then need I fear, after having thus far been directed?”

The diary continues:

5fA monlh, 29th, 1828.

“We this morning at 4 A.M., were favored to get a Pilot on board for the Delaware, and this evening were safely ancliored above Newcastle.

SOth. — This morning at 8 A.M., I got on board the steamboat and reached Philadelphia at 10 a.m., and found all our family well. My brother Israel is at home from Savannah. For the many favors conferred, oil may I be thankful! We have had a good passage, meeting with nothing particularly striking excepting that we spoke and received letters for England, from the East India Go’s. ship ‘Lord Lowther,’ bound from London for Madras and China. We passed the Cape of Good Hope without seeing it, and the island of St. Helena without making it, arriving at the cajaes of the Delaware 115 days from Canton. My employer, Whitton Evans, appears to be very well satisfied with my endeavors, and has not expressed one dissatisfied word with regard to the vovage.”

Our father remained at home with his beloved family
35 days, and the 5th of 7th month, 1828, sailed on his
eleventh and last voyage, being his fourth voyage as
Master of the East Indiaman, “New Jersey,” bound for
Canton. He had been for some time, as we have seen
very desirous of leaving the sea and settling down in
some business on land, but way had not yet opened
for this.

“At Sea, Sth month, dth, 1828. Latitude 18° South, Longitude 35° West. Bound to Canton.

Upon my arrival in Philadelphia the last time, I had fondly hoped that I might be released from the .necessity of going to sea any more. But when the time of fitting out the vessel came, no way seemed to open for my release, and I did not feel at liberty to move without evidence of best direction. About the time of preparing for the voyage, and when I felt undetermined as to what course to adopt, I attended the North meeting in Philadelphia on a First-Day, at which time Othniel Alsop in a communication seemed to drop advice for a case resembling mine, in which he said it was best not to be in haste, which settled me a little. And afterwards, during a slight attack of sickness, my mind was fully made up to remain by the ship, and not make a way for myself, but leave il to Him who I believe gave me command of this vessel, and who hath hitherto preserved us from danger. Blessed be His Holy Name.

We put to sea 7th month, 11th, 1828, and have thus far made good progress, and have been kept from the pirates that infest the route to India.”

10th month, 15th, 1828.

“We contemplate taking the Palawan passage to Canton — a dangerous route by reason of shoals and often dark blowing weather; and if it were not for a little hope in Him who made the sea and the dry land, I should feel much discouraged. Hitherto we have been preserved from all harm; and oh, that it may please the Lord still to favor and care for us!

“Canton, 12th month, 2d, 1828.

We arrived here after an uncommonly short and comfortable yia.ssage. From the day we crossed the Equator going south, we have averaged about. 200 miles per day for forty successive days which in a sailing vessel is very uncommon, and entered the straits of Sunda in 81 days from the Delaware. Passed through Gaspar Straits, and so up the China Sea by the Palawan jiassage, arriving at the mouth of Canton Kiver 10th month, 31st, in 111 days from Philadelphia, which for the season of the year when we left home is an uncommonly short passage. For the many favors shown me I desire to be very thankful.

In the Palawan passage the weather was very thick, so that we could see but a little way, and when I judged we had come to a point where it was necessary to change our course, no land nor anything could be seen to judge by; and as there were no soundings to be had, the iosition was very trying, particularly as I felt sure we were very near the island of Balabola. In this dilemma I looked to the Lord, and it pleased Him to lift or disperse the fog and mist, and lo, the land was just where I thought. This great favor came in just the right time, so that we shaped our course safely through the dangers. Praised be the Lord!

Indian Ocean, Isl month, 24/A, 1829. — Homeward bound. — Xunierous have been the favors dispensed to us by the all bountiful Protector of men, since I last noted anything in this way. We unloaded and loaded our ship at Canton. I was treated better while there than I had anticipated, sold my merchandize to a profit and received the cash. Left Canton, 12th month, 29th, 1828. With favorable breezes down the China Sea, we passed through Gaspar Straits in nine days, and cleared Sunda Straits in fourteen days from Canton, without anchoring or experiencing any bad weather, and up to this time have been much favored by winds, more so than on any former voyage in this ship.”

“M month, 2lst, 1829.

North Atlantic Ocean- — We are now 2,200 miles from our native land, proceeding rapidly with a fair wind towards our desired haven. Matters as to the outward have a favorable prospect. Wish as much could be said of inward affairs; but alas! that which hath liitlierto hindered, doth still hinder, and at times am very niucli discouraged. Why so impatient, so passionate, so impetuous? No advancement appears to have been made by me heavenward for a long time back.”

This last voyage of our father was very short and successfuL He records with allowable pride that they passed on their way out a ship which had sailed from Philadelphia several weeks before he had started, and that they arrived at Canton before she did, beating her by three weeks, adding that he had told the owner of his ship before sailing, that he expected such a result. The return voyage was made in 101 days, and although theirs was the last ship of the season to leave China, they arrived at home the first, reporting their own arrival out.