every hour, until it became terrific. Our little bark was but like a shell upon the whelming waters. Sometimes we were well nigh buried in the ocean depths on one side, while their surges broke over us; and it seemed as if we must be engulphed by the suction of the angry billows. Then we were tossed up and down, till the vessel appeared almost as if standing on its head and stern alternately. I had often heard of seas running mountains high; but I had never witnessed anything like the scene which now surrounded me. For twenty hours-that is, from nine o'clock yesterday morning, till five this morning-I watched the fearful storm; and, during the anxious hours of the long night, I remained, for the most part, on deck, watching almost every wave as it swelled and glistened in the subdued and fitful moon-beams of the midnight. It was a trying time. All the other passengers but one shut themselves into their berths, and he who remained on deck lay along on the bare planks, and buried his head in his cloak. I held as fast as possible by the small rigging near the pilot's wheel, but twice was dashed upon the deck, while the sea broke over, and drenched me to the skin. How slowly, how drearily, the long long hours lingered by. I thought of home-of my dear family-my beloved flock-and every familiar scene of home, and of home pursuits and occupations. I summoned them, as it were, into my presence. Imagination was painfully busy. I seemed to hold communion with those I loved, and who loved me; and who little thought of the perils by which I was surrounded. They, I hoped, were in comfort and safety, and had borne me on their hearts, at the throne of grace, before retiring to their midnight rest. I was alone, as it seemed, in the drear hour of darkness, on the wide ocean, in a frail bark, with sailors in whom I had no confidence; and perhaps I felt the end of all earthly things was at hand with me. On analyzing my feelings, I cannot exactly say that it was fear, but it certainly was apprehension, which at length gained such full mastery over my mind, filling it with terrible imagery, as to bind me to its will, and keep me nervously and sensitively awake, while grasping the rope nearest at hand to prevent my being washed overboard by the surges. Now and then I crawled down the cabin stairs, and, by the light of a solitary lamp, drew comfort from the precious pages of God's holy word. A dear friend, writing to me just before I quitted home, had expressed a hope, that I might realize the comfort set forth in the 91st Psalm. I turned to the golden passage; and never before did I feel, as I then felt, its force and power. It seemed as though penned for me alone; and as if divine mercy and love were speaking to me in it. Turning over my bible, at another time, my eye rested on Lamentations iii. 22-26, 'It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul, therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.' From these portions of scripture my mind derived the sweetest serenity, peace, and assurance. My soul was lifted to God in hearty and confiding prayer; and, though death seemed still to be spreading his dark pinions over me, yet, ere long, all apprehension passed away, even while the storm continued to rage wildly and horribly. I stood calmly waiting the issue. Self-dependence and self-confidence I had none. All was sought and found in God-my covenant-keeping God. Such a process as my mind and heart underwent, accompanied by such a result, amply compensated all the trial I endured. I certainly had long expected that the frail and crazy engines, or some part of the cracking, groaning vessel, must give way under the violence and heaviness of the sea. At length the moon struggled forth, and gave a partial illumination to the scene; but it only served to exhibit more awfully the stupendous magnitude of the waves, which were hissing malignantly around us; while, by the rapid action of the vesssl from side to side, the moon itself seemed to plunge and dart from side to side of the firmament, overhung with dark and threatening clouds. In the midst of all that was terrible, I was struck by the beautiful exhibition of phosphoric light, which played upon the waves, as they were met by the paddles of the vessel. Sheets of light blue flame, of great magnitude, sometimes shot forth, and were so bright that I could have read by them with ease had they been steadily prolonged. Then the course of the vessel was tracked by innumerable spangles of the same phosphoric glare. Silence prevailed. Not a voice, even of the shipmen, was heard; and the pilot fixed at his post, plied his arduous task. At five o'clock this morning the day broke, and the change of scene brought with it a considerable diminution of sea and wind; and soon every indication of safety was mercifully afforded. Greatly worn, and excited by the terrors of the preceding day and night, I went down to my berth, flung myself on my bed; and, though the vessel was still rocking and pitching, yet I instantly fell into a sound sleep for an hour or two. I awoke refreshed, and with my heart filled with unutterable gratitude to my Heavenly Father for mercies so great and eminent. that my future days may be consecrated entirely to his service." Oh EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF THE REV. E. E. ADAMS, HAVRE. Ingouville, March 14th, 1845. TUESDAY, FEB. 4th. Heard to day of the misfortune of Captain S-, may the loss of his ship induce him to lay up a treasure in heaven. I will write him, to shew that my sympathy as a man and a countryman, and my feelings as a minister of Christ are in exercise for those whom providence has brought into trouble. Visited ships, distributing tracts, and holding brief conversations with officers and crews. I find the sailors like little books, which they can read on their way to D- from their meals. Met ten American captains at the office of their broker. They led me into conversation, and gave me an opportunity to defend the Bible, and its doctrines. They listened with great respect and attention, after having offered their objections to certain truths. One was pious, he therefore proved a good auxiliary, in my position. Another had been afflicted and could not see why. Another often speaks roughly about Christians-and another has been an infidel, but now says, "Religion ennobles man. Only one of these ten advocated working on the sabbath, and he did it more for talk than for any thing else. Others condemned the practice, but frankly acknowledged themselves often guilty of it. I closed my remarks with an appeal to their hearts, urging them, especially the bereaved one, to come at once to Christ, who would heal and forgive them. When I left, they bade me "good morning," in a tone that indicated sincerity and feeling. 6th. Visited the Hospital, found a negro, who related some incidents of his varied life. Hope he is a Christian. Gave him a red shirt. 12th. The crew of the wretched "Ville de Lyon" came to Havre to day; found them in the reading-room. Changed my subject for the evening lecture, for the sake of improving their recent providential visitation. "Ye know not what shall be on the morrow." How little we know, how much God knows—our ignorance and his knowledge should lead us to trust him-let us be prepared for the worst. God only can guide and keep us--he only knows whether we and our ships shall reach the haven; we may die before to-morrow, let us be ready now! Such were the topics. 13th. Visited four lodging houses. Met 150 seamen. Talked and gave books; the sailors leaned against the walls, and the chimneys, and over chairs, reading them. One said, "I don't believe God had anything to do in getting us on the rocks the other day." "Do you think he had anything to do in getting you off?" "Perhaps he might." Then it becomes you to love him; He might have left you there to perish. "Yes, he might," responded a dozen voices. Talked with a man who had attempted suicide, by cutting his arm, and trying to cut his throat. "God would not let me cut my throat," said he. Do not try it again, my dear fellow, God may let you do it next time! What if you had succeeded? "Oh, I would now be miserable." Another said, I will have none of your methodism, I am a Catholic. There are only two methods, the one of going to heaven, the other of going to hell. So we * are all methodists. Your religion permits you to swear, that is not Christ's religion, for he said "swear not at all." He took a tract, saying, "I'm not afraid to read it." Would that every one had as much courage. Man is afraid of the truth. Saw a sailor intoxicated. Endeavoured to get him on board his ship, but no one would help me. Offered to carry his legs if two others would carry his body, but the sailors made off, and his own captain passed by with indifference. He was at length got under shelter, and out of the hands of scoundrels, who had mauled him. 16th. Chapel well attended. Saw several who were invited yesterday, among them the man who attempted suicide. 20th. Saw the man I rescued from the gutter and the scoundrels. He had been told who rescued him, and he thanked me, promising to do better. Talked seriously with him about "temperance, righteousness, and a judgment to come.' 25th. Have just buried a young man who lived impenitent, and I fear died without hope. His pious mother is almost heart-broken. He had the impression that Christians are all hypocrites. Many good qualities had he, but death had marked him, and he is gone. Alas! how many souls will go to hell, because Christians sin! 28th. Met two sailors just recovered from a night of debauch. They gave me their names, and the name of a good brother, who induced them to sign the pledge. One was drunk when he signed it. They were both Englishmen, though in the American service. Another has recently left us, who pretended to be pious in New York, and was much caressed. Here he was first of the crew to drink, and be a fool. Saw the papers of another who signed the pledge by a false name, and then filled his journal with bitter railings against tee-totalism. He was missed a few miles from New Orleans, from a ship bound to Havre. Letters from his friends in England, show that he was a youth of great privileges and great depravity. Sailor are praised too much. Let us do more for them. Monthly Chronicle. Agents' meeting, Tuesday evening, April 8th, 1845. The operations of our society during the past month have varied but little from their ordinary course. With some few interruptions, our work on the river has been carried on with regularity, and has afforded to our Agents great encouragement. Fifty meetings held by our agents, since our last report have been attended by 715 sailors. 1526 tracts have been circulated, and from 13 to 17 lodging houses have, by our senior missionary, been visited weekly. In the Day Schools the average attendance of boys has been 87; and of girls 65. The labours of our junior missionary, at Newcastle, have been crowned with complete success in the re-formation of an auxiliary, under the happiest auspices, and which promises to render most efficient aid to the good cause. Our next chronicle will, we trust, report the opening of the Sailors' Church, and the commencement of a series of operations in connection with it, the bearings of which, both upon the salvation of souls, and the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom, eternity alone will disclose. We earnestly entreat the prayers of our friends, that showers of blessings may descend upon the congregations that may assemble there. AGENTS' REPORTS. CAPTAIN PRYNN. In presenting this report, I have to bear my testimony with much pleasure, that God is prospering the work of grace, in the once dark and benighted minds of many of our sailors-many are brought to a saving acquaintance with the truths of the gospel, and are led to seek after salvation through a crucified Saviour, and this is our encouragement, that instances of this kind are not a few-not a month, not a week passes over my head, but I have reason to thank God for the rich displays of his love, and the power of divine grace manifested in the awakening, convincing, and conversion of some of my brother sailors. A young sailor lately brought to a knowledge of the truth, writes me under date of 9th March last, from Gambia, coast of Africa, "We are arrived safe here, after being in great danger on the 23rd February, being within a quarter of a mile of the shore, surrounded by rocks on either side, and tremendous breakers; but the Lord wrought for us, the wind suddenly shifted, and we were delivered from death. Glory to God, he came to our relief. I have found him a God near at hand, and not afar off; he has been with me in trial and temptation, and has brought me through them all, and I feel determined to serve him for his great goodness towards me. I often think of the happy hours at London I enjoyed with you, and I hope to meet you again and sing, 'I love Jesus,' but it is a happiness to me to think, if we never meet on earth again, we shall meet in heaven. Glory, glory, be to God for such a hope beyond this vain world. "Remember me to all my christian brethren, Captains Hogg, Kitwood, and others; tell them to pray without ceasing, and in every thing give thanks-adieu, adieu, God bless you. Pray for me." Many are the enquiries amongst sailors relative to the things that appertain to their spiritual welfare, and most willing are they, and happy to attend the means of grace; in fact, there is a growing interest evinced on this important head, and we most gladly hail the dawn of a more auspicious day, that shall ere long burst on the spiritual vision of many a dark benighted sailor. The intended opening of the Danish Church in Wellclose Square, as a sailor's church in future, is looked forward to by many sailors, with pleasure and satisfaction, hoping it will be made the house of God, and the gate of Heaven to many souls. SAILORS' BOARDING HOUSES. Many foreign-going sailors have during this past month been brought into the Port of London, and have been exposed to far more evils and dangers than all they have encountered on their long and protracted voyages-their enemies, many subtle and strong, have surrounded them, and through the craft and devices of those who lay in wait for them, many it is feared have been ensnared, cast down, and destroyed. I have met five sailors within the last month, one of whom had in four days, run through, and been robbed of, £27 5s. Another in six days had spent, as he said, £17, and thought his money had lasted well. The others had run through sums of £10 14s. £8, and £6 10s. in less than seven days each, and I believe, if a search was made, and the facts brought out, this number might be found to be very great indeed. However, my visits amongst them on the Sabbath, and other days, are not I trust in vain, in distributing the religious tracts, and calling their attention to attendance on the means of grace. May the Lord abundantly bless all measures that are in operation for their everlasting welfare ! I have been enabled to visit from thirteen to seventeen sailors' boardinghouses weekly, most of them different from those of the past month ;-have held eleven Bethel meetings on the river, three Bethel meetings on the Regent's Canal, two Bethel meetings in the London Docks, four religious services on shore; distributed 1057 Tracts, visited 157 vessels, 44 captains and sailors have engaged in prayer, seven new Bethel ships have been added to our list, vessels have been obtained in the Upper and Lower Pool, for agents, with but two or three exceptions. God be praised for all his mercies, Hallelujah, Amen. ful esteem in which the Society is held by them, and the acknowledgment of good received from Bethel meetings. In several instances the captains have requested me to hold another meeting aboard their vessel before they sailed. In other cases I have to deplore the most trivial excuses for not holding a meeting, and have to suffer the mortification of seeing the crew coming ashore as I am going aboard. In consequence of my illness and disappointments from various causes, I have only held six meetings last month, which is a source of deep regret to me. These disappointments sometimes occur from the mate's accepting the Bethel flag, in the absence of the captain, and their unwillingness to hold the meeting without his sanction; sometimes they occur by the removal of the vessel, and other causes, over which we have no MR. ABBOTT.-The meetings held since my last report have been well attended; I have been most cordially received, and my labours gratefully acknowledged. In conversations held with masters, it is pleasing to notice the grate-control. Poetry. THE OLD DISCIPLE'S HYMN. "And even to hoar hairs will I carry you.”—Isaiah xlvi. 4. Bowed down with life's burden, oppressed by its woes, The world is behind me, and seeks to detain O grave where's thy victory? O death where's thy sting? Ere life is completed, and glory is won? Then patient I'll linger thy will to pursue, Then, then, speed thy chariots! my soul longs to be |