Bethel Flag at the mast-head, they had on these occasions a new Dutch Jack as a signal for divine worship. I cannot but consider it as a token for good, the workings of Providence in this cause. The letter from Hull, communicating this pleasant account, is dated (I believe,) the 16th June; and a few days after I read a letter from a captain of the Navy of the King of the Netherlands, dated from Rotterdam, I believe the 17th June, devoting himself to the cause in that part of Europe, and requesting his name to be put down as a subscriber to the Society here--you will see his letter in the Magazine sent herewith. I have written to him in reply, with reports of the Society, Magazines, &c. urging him, as strongly as possible, to proceed in the noble cause, assuring him that the blessings of God will attend his exertions. Thus, my venerable and esteemed father, is the work in a state of progress, and all the Devils in Hell will not be able to stop it-they have too long reigned, in the hearts of seamen, but the Sun of Righteousness is arising with healing in his wings, and they must submit. But while present prospects are most pleasing, there is very much to be done We are only just putting on the armor, and must not boast as they who are putting it off-Satan will not quietly lose his victims-he will raise up enemiesyes, even among those who are the professed friends of the Redeemer, and some half-hearted, cold, calculating prudential persons (we have some out here, and perhaps you may have others in America) will be ready to say "this is not the proper time-the Lord will do the work by his Holy Spirit in his own way," &c. &c. We know this as well as they, but while the great Jehovah is pleased to work by instruments, it is our duty to go forward; and if we work with a single eye to his glory, sailors will be converted, and He shall have the glory. Our anniversary is settled to be on the 20th October, before which I hope you will receive this. Let us have an interest in your prayers for the blessings of God upon Our pious and venerable President, Admiral Lord Gambier, has promised to be with us D. V.-and as the public feeling, as it respects the religious instruction of seamen, has not decreased, I expect that many will not us. be able to obtain admittance, as was the case last year. I shall send you one of the Reports, when they are printed; and as I am not acquainted with the names of the worthies in the different ports of America, who belong to Bethel Union Societies, I shall intreat you or Mr. R. to circulate them, and intreat their correspondence with us, as we are very anxious to know how the cause proceeds in every part of the world. One instance I must relate, which proves the utility of the measures adopted to evangelize Seamen. It was related to me by my worthy friend Capt. Wilkins, in whose ship I attended the first Sailor's Prayer Meeting in the Thames, and in consequence of that attendance, all the public measures that have since been taken arose -he had the account from a Wesleyan minister.-One of our Downs Pilots boarded a ship, to bring her to London-as soon as he got on deck, he began to bluster and swear most horridly, as is too much the custom with these men-the mate came up to him, and said you must not swear here; the captain will not allow it.' This hint was not strong enough; he went on as before, which brought the captain from the cabin, to know the reason; and finding the pilot obstinate, he ordered him out of the ship, and took another. He went off, and soon after boarded another, and immediately as before gave-his orders with oaths and imprecations-a sailor stepped up. to him and said 'you must not swear in this ship, it is not allowed the Bible prohibits it, and our captain won't allow it.' He said it was impossible to navigate a ship without, and swear he must.'-The sailor replied 'why, we've taken the ship to Leghorn and back without swearing, and it's very hard if she cannot be taken from the Downs to the Thames without.' The end of the business was, that he was turned out of the second ship-he boarded a third, and was turned out of her for swearing, and another taken in his place. He was so astonished, that when he met a brother Pilot on shore, he told him all about it, and that the sailors had said that the Bible did not allow swearing; what sort of a book is the Bible? His companion, about as ignorant as himself, holding out his hands, said, 'It is a book about so big, and it is all full of religion.' The Pilot declared he would buy one to see all about it-Who can tell, but that the Lord directed him to those ships, and that he may have designs of mercy to this poor blaspheming pilot? Eternity may, and will, declare many strange and unexpected things. Many will be found in Heaven that we little expect to see there; and many perhaps excluded who we reasonably expected would be there. Ship Caledonia, May 28th, 1827. RESPECTED SIR, It is with feelings the most sincere, that we embrace the present opportunity of addressing these few lines to you, as the worthy pastor of the Mariner's Church, the good effects of which, will always be as deeply felt as admired. We make no hesitation in saying, that since the foundation of the Institution in which you have so zealously engaged from its commencement, we have experienced the most beneficial effects, and which can never be forgotten. We are at present bound on a long voyage, and put our only trust in Him who can control the winds and waves. Please to remember us in your prayers. We are all perfectly satisfied, so far, with our situation. For the future welfare of the church, and its object, and for the health of its founder, we the subscribers, crew of the ship Caledonia, sincerely pray. From the Rev. Dr. Brodhead. New-York, November 17th, 1827. I My very venerable and dear old friend,Believe me when I say, I have not forgotten you. have put off writing to you in the hope of seeing you once more on this side of eternity. I have been detained here from week to week with necessary business, so that I am now almost afraid to undertake a journey to Philadelphia this season. I cannot, however, suffer the opportunity presented by the Rev. Mr. Livingston, to pass, without sending my kindest and best wishes to one who has been to me, for many years, a valuable counsellor in all spiritual duties and conflicts. May the dear Saviour continue to reward you, by giving to you the continual assurance of his eternal and unchangeable.love. I understand that the master has been pleased to withdraw you from the field of public labor, and that another voice is now heard in the Mariner's Church. It is well. For what could you have desired, more than you have seen? The object dear to your soul has been accomplished, and the seamen have a comfortable place for worship. Through your instrumentality has all this been accomplished. And methinks I hear you say, "now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace." And now, my dear old friend, "May the peace of God which passeth all understanding be with you." May you "wait with patience all the days of your appointed time" in the wilderness-pass over the Jordan of death in joy -and enter into the Canaan of everlasting rest, praising the rich and sovereign grace of your almighty Redeemer. The Lord of his mercy grant it. Farewell. I am yours in the bonds of the gospel, J. BRODHEAD. |