the sight of land was no small luxury to us whose vision had been confined to the monotonous scenes of a ten week’s voyage at Sea. We passed it on the south. —
To day (27th) the weather is fine. Some of the company took a large fowl which the Capt. calls “Sea-Goose”: white except acroſs the back and on the back of the wings; they are larger than a land Goose. The Skin is to be stuffed to send to America, (chance if it ever gets there) and the meat is to be drest for the table. —
I have enjoyed too little – far – far too little religion during the past month; add to which my health has been poor, and that of Mrs. Day much worse almost the whole of the time. I fear I shall not become accustomed to the Ship as feel like myself again until I reach land again. I am well satisfied we laid the foundation for much sea-sickneſs by our exceſsive labors & anxieties brought upon us by being called so suddenly to leave America: But hope our health will become perfect gain on reaching India. Here I must advise you to avoid, if you well can, such straits, and not leave as if you were shot out of a gun: for coming away with the haste which we did, many, very many inconveniences must be experienced, besides the great liability to sow the seeds of disease which will spring up afterwards and hasten the subject to an untimely grave. My time [sic] We have had no means of acquiring the language of the people to whom I am designated, consequently my time has been occupied mostly when my health would permit in reading, writing and studying the scriptures. The month has on the whole paſsed agreeably, and I trust I find more enjoyment in God now than at the beginning. This evening we spent in prayer &c.etc. as we did the last friday evening of last month, except our companions joined us. The Lord has been with us, and we feel renewed zeal in the cause of Miſsions. We are now rapidly advancing (advancing) toward the land of our destination – Soon we expect to realize all what we have been accustomed to anticipate in the Miſsionary’s life. How sweet the remembrance of your promises to pray for us! Brethren I trust it is unneceſsary for me to say more –you know how much we need your prayers and how much the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous, avail. But I must again bid you Adieu. —
May the Lord spare us to the last frid. eve. of next month that “We again by faith may meet. Around one common Mercy-Seat.”
Dec. 25. The month has fled with amazing speed. It seems but a few days since I recorded the goodneſs of the Lord on the last frid. of Nov. And scarcely leſs rapid has been our progress through the mighty waste of waters on which we sail. We have made 4000 miles easting, beside some 4 or 500 miles which would be measured by the logbook, on account of our zig-zag course through several degrees of latitude! I now begin to feel that we are near the termination of our voyage —
We have experienced some strong wind and rough seas – waves rolling 20 ft. high and exhibiting the most magnificent spectacle I ever beheld. In America I sung “Bear me on”, but never until this month did I fully understand the word “restleſs Ocean.” Sea-sickneſs again returned, but not with such deadly force as before, and it was soon over. Our lat. has been so high to the South that overcoats or cloaks were neceſsary most of this month when we walked on deck. The first day of this month was one of the most pleasant I have experienced since we sailed. The morning opened clear, warm and almost calm. The sun came up more beautifully than I ever before witneſsed. I rose at ½ past 3 oclock and went on deck to see the Eng. ship “Tigris” which came alongside, and which our Capt. was then speaking. Soon some half a doz. of our Company came on deck and in leſs than half an hour the Tigris gliding like a duck upon the waters left us a full half mile astern. After feasting our eyes for some time, our attention was turned to the Sun’s rising. I might make an attempt at a description of this scene, but after my best efforts I am persuaded it must be a meagre description still. For want however of room time and ability I will paſs by this “Sun’s rising at Sea.” In a few hours after, we came up with the T- and could distinctly see several ladies on board her. At 8 A.M. her Capt, the 3rd Mate, Surgeon, and two king’s officers came in a boat to us, when we learned she was 56 days on out from London, bound to Ceylon, 14 paſsenger among whom were Mr. Hardy & wife Miſsionaries to Ceylon. Several visits were exchanged (exchanged,) so that all our company visited the Eng. veſsel. We had a truly pleasant interview and received genteel and almost affectionate entertainment. After visiting the cabins, state rooms &cetc. looking at every interesting objects such as birds, dog, cow &c.etc. we bade them adieu and returned to our own ship. When we had almost reached it several voices cried out “See the whales!” We looked, as it seemed, about ten rods probably (100 rods) and there they were. Three huge monsters gamboling and rolling their enormous carcases to the surface of the water; showing succeſsively heads, bodies, flukes and all! The day paſsed most agreeably —
The scenes have inspired new life in our Company. All is animation among us. And what best of all to me it was a day of more than usual enjoyment of the presence of God. In looking over my Memoranda I find many things I suppose you would like to know but my sheet is full. The month has brought with it more religious enjoyment than last month. This evening (25th) I and my wife met with Br. Reed & wife. The other several places for prayer. I still feel an ardent desire for the salvation and bleſs God for the privilege of going to them with the gospel. You still live in my membrance and prayers. Farewell.
N.B. Direct letters &c.etc. to “Rev. S. S. Day, Care of J. W. Roberts Calcutta.”
To the “Eastern Aſsociation,”Bap. Lit. & Theol. Institution,
Hamilton, Madison Co., N.Y.
USA.
One Sheet, large.
