Ship Louvre, N. Lat. 8 13 W. Long. 23 7 8.13 23.7 October 30th 1835
Beloved Brethren,
Borne gently onward by the breezes of heavin [heaven] to our destinations among the heathen of the East, I gladly hail this morning, the return of that period when we were accustomed to meet in holy convocation to converse about and pray for the nations sunk in all the superstition and degradations of idolatry.
It is a satisfaction to me to reflect that the sacrifice of your interesting society was made under a deep sense of the duty I owe to the long-neglected, and fast perishing heathens. Yes, the thought that I have left you at the bidding of Him who said “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,” diminishes the pain I must otherwise experience by our separation. Even at this distance, more than 4000 miles, and with the prospect of never seeing your faces or enjoying your society till we reassemble, made holy and glorious like our Lord in the bright world above – even now I am happy. My confidence in God is, I trust, not only undiminished, but really much increased since I left the loved scenes of Hamilton – .
Agreeably to my promise, I now substitute an epistle for the far more, (to me) interesting privilege of meeting with you in person and conversing with you face to face. – All the circumstances which have transpired bearing upon my “exercises and feelings in relation to Missions” since we last met in concert, I neither can, nor need mention. But it may be interesting to you to know some of them. The various occurrences connected with my preparations for my final departure from America, as journeyings, ordination, outfit,&c.etc. are already sufficiently familiar to you. —
After leaving Hamilton (on Mond. morning 14. Sep.) as you may well suppose my mind often reverted to the past, calling up a thousand tender recollections which endeared to my heart the scenes I was then leaving to visit no more. And but for fear of overwhelming the dear partner of my trials with emotions too painful for her then agitated bosom, I could have given vent to my feelings and wept aloud. But by endeavouring to prevent and alleviate hers, I found my own anguish greatly assuaged. Indeed we were happy after the first burst of feeling, in the privilege of so soon, under circumstances so favorable, in starting the work we had long and most fondly desired. Yes amid the gloom that then surrounded, (for it was exceedingly dark for an hour or more) the light of heaven shined in my soul, and all was tranquility in the heart that for weeks had scarcely found time or opportunity for reflection. That was a welcome morning to me. Yes the tenderest ties which bound me to America, were then severed. Home, and native land, Parents, brother and sisters, youthful associates, kindred and friends, together with the dear church where first I put on Christ, All, All I had seen and addressed for the last time on earth. The early hour of four, had that morning witnessed the rending of those sacred and tender ties which attached me to Hamilton, — especially our much loved Seminary, and the house of God. The darkness indeed prevented my once more beholding that hallowed spot where so oft, and so happily I had united my heart and voice in prayer and praise with you and the other dear brethren – where the presence of our gracious Redeemer crowned our interviews and fanned to a flame the Miſsionary feelings kindled by this grace of God in our hearts. The evening before, anticipating the darkness of the hour of our leaving in the morning, I took a walk by moonlight for the special purpose of viewing for the last time that endeared edifice within whose walls “My best friends my brethren dwell.” — Now that I had left all, as we proceeded silently except the rumbling of the carriage wheels, and now and then a crack of the whip, and a word from the driver, – now I could call to mind a thousand interesting circumstances connected with my residence in that Institution, which clearly showed how little I knew when with you the strength of our mutual affection. But I might fill my sheet before I could give vent to all my feelings awakened by adverting to times gone by; therefore I forbear. —
At Utica we met with kindest reception from Br. Bennett and family with whom we remained until 4 o’clock P.M. In Albany, where we arrived, Tuesd. at 12, (noon) I heard of Brn. Abbott and Reed, that we might hope to meet in N.Y. – We reached N. York Wed. morn. about 6 o’clock. Quite disappointed on learning that no boat would leave for Providence until 5 P.M. While we remained in this Metropolis of America, we visited the Book & printing establishment of the A. Bible Society, which, considering the vast influence it is calculated to exert in favor of the cause of Christ, was an object truly interesting to us. Imagine the feelings or our hearts, as we passed through some of the halls whose very walls are Bibles! I thought, I, where are the men to distribute these leaves for the healing of the nations, and press home these precious words of life to the hearts of men by living instructions and a life of Godliness? The I remembered our E. Assn. in H. –. Found Br. Abbott at Dea. Colgate’s, and Br. Reed just as we entered the boat for Providence. We arrived in Boston (after much care and exertion relative to our goods &c.etc.) at 12 o’clock Thursd. 17th. just according to our calculations in Hamilton. From this time until Sat. night, and again all Monday I spent in examining and repacking the goods for our Outfit, shopping &c.etc. Of the meetings, designation, &c.etc. you have learned by the magazines now. I shall therefore omit any remarks relative to Boston further than my stay there was one of almost overwhelming care and fatigue, yet the Lord sustained my body and soul and gave me peace and happiness. At length the welcome day arrived, (Tuesd 22 Sep. 1835) when all things being ready, this beautiful ship Louvre [Loover] bore away with full sails, freighted with
* Feb. 8th Calcutta.
I have now only time to inform you of our safe arrival here on Frid. 5th Inst. between 4 & 5 P.M. Our veſsel came up the Hoogley to Kedgery
about 90 miles from Calcutta, where we anchored, and on Thursd. 4th parted with those of the dear Miſsion Comp. who remain in the Louvre. Our hearts had be come so much united during our voyage that the parting was painful as any we had experienced previously when we left our friends in H.
The little company who were destined for India got aboard a Steamboat and arrived safe and in good health, except one Sister who had been ailing a few days. We are most cordially welcomed and kindly entertained by the dear Miſsionary friends here. —
Do not know how long we shall remain – but hope not over two weeks. Had I time I could say much – My soul longs for the privilege of a full vent of my feelings – O the soul-sickening scenes that everywhere meet the view – words fail to describe.
But I must forbear: I must away my letters in a few minutes –
The Only support on which I can rest is the mighty arm of Jehovah. The Lord reigns. and I fully believe the Gospel will triumph among all nations. I shall write you again – Farewell – Pray much for me and my dear companion, that we may keep at the feet of Jesus – be holy, zealous, wise, and very useful – O that we may be emphatically Miſsionaries of the Croſs. My health and that of my wife is entirely good. Love to all the dear brethren and the Professors.
Samuel S. Day.
E. Aſsn.
* This text (dated February Eigth) is written across the main text of p. 1.
