December 26, 1819 – Sabbath. – We have entered the Southern Temperate zone, in which Christianity prevails to a very limited extent. As appropriate to the Sabbath succeeding Christmas and suited to follow the discourse on our Saviours birth, a sermon was preached by B. Bingham from I Tim. 1.14. “this is a faithful saying & c”, showing, 1st that we are great sinners,- 2nd, That Christ Jesus came to save great sinners, 3rd, That this doctrine is worthy of all acceptation.” We find by happy experience that the Sabbath of our Lord can be pleasant and interesting and we believe profitable at sea as well as in the dear Christian land of our fathers. The smiles of Providence as to the skies above, the waves beneath, the winds around, and health and peace and means of grace within our floating sanctuary, call forth our gratitude, cheer our prospects of usefulness, and cherish our hopes of glory. (Thaddeus Journal)

Dec. 26th. A pleasant sabbath. Preaching on deck, Mr. B— addressed us from these words, “It is a faithful saying, etc.” It is good to witness, from sabbath to sabbath, these immortals listening to truths, which, without this Mission accompanying them, would not, for a long time, sound in their ears. 0, that the holy Spirit would apply them I How unavailing unless the Lord command his blessing I Yesterday was noticed by us as the Anniversary of the blessed Saviour’s birth. Mr. B— preached from Luke 2, 14th. He enlarged upon the prominent ideas presented to our view in the passage. 1st. The birth of a Saviour is an event worthy of the most grateful and joyful commemoration. 2nd. A wide difference observed between the feelings of infidels and scoffers, and those of angels, in view of a Saviour’s birth. 3rd. To propagate the gospel is the most desirable employment this side heaven. It was peculiarly adapted both to the dsy and the circumstances of most of the hearers,—on our way, as we are, with the glorious news of this most glorious event, to heathen sinners. I would there was some strength imparted by it, to go with more alacrity.
The hymns sung were appropriate. Tho it was a favored season, yet, how far, far short did our feelings fall of what would seem our privilege on that most joyful commemoration! Lord, enter not into judgement with thy servants. (Sybil Bingham)

Dec. 26th. After a distressing seasick night, I awoke early this morning, hearing some one cry out “A heavy shower is rising in ‘the west”. I arose immediately took my tin cup and went on deck and. was so fortunate as to catch three pints of pure rain water as it ran off my umbrella. -This was indeed a prize, being so much better than our imported water; it will serve N. and myself two days.
The storm is over; the sun sheds his scorching beams upon us and we are obliged to seek refuge under the shadow of the sails.- We hope to enjoy a pleasant sabbath: we hope the sun of righteousness will visit our souls with His cheering rays, and inspire us with new zeal and activity in his service. – As usual we have a prayer meeting in the cabin this morning, in the afternoon public services on deck. Our Saviour can as easily be present with his humble followers, while tossing upon the mighty water, as when assembled in a house on land. We shall remember our American friends to-day and have the pleasure of believing that they are praying for us. – Yesterday was Christmas. We observed the day in a religious manner in commemoration of that divine Saviour whom we are going to proclaim to the perishing heathen. We have resolved ever to observe this day in-this manner. – An appropriate hymn was composed by Mr. Conant an Officer of the brig, and we trust a brother in Christ. We will transcribe and send a copy of it. – S. R. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

26. – This Sabbath has been nearly lost. I arose this morning with the headache, which has continued during the day. Brother B, preached from the words ‘Christ came into the world’ &c. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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December 27, 1819 – Have entered upon the last week of the current year, and feel the need of divine aid in examining our hearts and reviewing the history of the year to see what needs to be deplored and corrected, and what should be sought and cherished. (Thaddeus Journal)

Dec. 27th. The sea, this morning, presented, to us, a new appearance. Hot a breath swelled the sails and the vast expanse of waters, like smooth glass, was unbroken. It brought with force into my mind, my favorite hymns-
“Whene’er becalm’d I lie
And all my storms subside,
Then to my succor fly
And keep me near thy side,
Par more the treach’rous calm I dread
Than tempests bursting o’er my head.”
Early on the morning of the 25th we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn and entered the southern temperate zone. The northern, the region of our birth, we shall probably never enter again. But, distant climates need not look strange to us, for if we are the children of GOD, and live near to Him, we can never be far from home. We were greatly favored in passing through the torrid zone— not becalmed an hour, and scorched under a burning sun, but wafted swiftly, by refreshing breezes directly on our way. (Sybil Bingham)

27th. A calm this morning the sun beats down upon us with such scorching beams, as renders it very difficult for us to be comfortable on deck or in our rooms. – I have just been into the water to bathe and find the exercise extremely fatiguing: I fear that I shall receive injury from it instead of obtaining relief. I have so little strength that I should consider it hazardous attempting again, unless I had a rope fastened to me. – We have been examining some of our provisions: find our vegetables nearly consumed. Several of our cheeses begin to spoil, and we shall have to give them to the sailors. When another mission comes out I should recommend that they bring old cheeses instead of new; these will keep sound without any trouble, but it is almost impossible to preserve the new through this sultry region. 3 o’clock P. M. A gentle breeze again which wafts us along at the rate of 4 knots an hour, and renders our situation more comfortable. 0 how I long to be free from seasickness that I may be able to write and walk about without being dizzy. When it is best I shall enjoy health; let me be satisfied that God knows and does what is best. Nancy has been blessed, with excellent health since a few of the first days. Dear Girl she has been severely tried with her sick husband, but I trust God has made his promise good unto her. “My grace shall be sufficient for thee”. – I cannot forbear to mention how greatly the Lord has favored, me in a companion. She is all and more than I could reasonably have asked. I cannot enough feel my obligations to God for the gift. 0 that a continual realizing sense of this expression of his kindness, may influence me to a closer walk with him, and to more faithfulness in his service. – I very much regret that I had. no more time to visit E. Windsor friends. I shall ever remember them with the tender feelings of a son and brother. – I am happy that I can speak of one there and call her mother. Farewell E. Windsor friends, farewell dear friends in Brookfield until another convenient season. Let us look forward with joyful anticipation, to the time when our labours on earth shall be finished; and let our life be such, that we may there meet again with the ransomed of the Lord on mount Zion. Yours &c. S. Ruggles.- (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

27th. Dear Mother, I trust you will be gratified to find the feelings of your absent children so happily blended as to dispose them to unite in their endeavors to afford you all the comfort in their power, by relating the daily occurrences of our lives. Though we frequently speak of things that would appear trifling to a stranger, we are confidant they will deeply interest the feelings of our dear Mother.
We are now in the southern temperate zone where the religion of Jesus, whose birth we have so lately commemerated, is not known or if it is only in a limited degree. 0 when will Christians duly realize their obligations to their God and Saviour. How just is the requisition, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature”, yet how little is it regarded by the generality of those, who term themselves followers of him, who went about doing good. Very much land yet remains to be possessed, and blessed, be God, we have the gracious promise that the time will come, and. we believe the time is not far distant, when Jesus shall inherit every land, even unto the uttermost parts of the earth. 0 how slow of heart are we to believe all that the Prophets have spoken concerning the upbuilding of Zion, and thereby justly incur the admonition, “why stand ye here all the day idle”. If grief could find admittance into the heavenly world how would those hearts which are now filled with pure seraphic joy be grieved that they did so little for the promotion of the cause of Christ while on earth, 0 my mother, may we ever pray for . the peace of Jerusalem; and while your fervent supplications ascend for the cause in general I trust your children whom you have devoted to this best of causes will not be forgotten. Mr. B’s text for Christmas, Luke 2nd 14th Glory to God &c. In the first place was described the manifestations of the birth of Christ. 2nd the birth of Christ the means of promoting peace on earth. 3rd The birth of Christ is an illustration of the glory of God. The discourse was- very appropriate; the important object of our Mission was brought into consideration, which, with the circumstances of our present situation rendered the season peculiarly interesting. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

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December 28, 1819 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Dec. 28th. Truly GOD is good to me, a sinner I This morning is witness for Him, that his tender mercies are more than I can reckon up. O, to praise Him in some little measure as his great goodness demands 1 But a little while deprived of winds, our course is again rapid. Health smiles upon us, and each one able to be employed in body and mind. Myself in far better health than was usual for me—a supply of things comfortable—the cheering voice, the approbating smile of my precious friend to comfort and encourage me—his petitions and his songs of praise to raise my heart to GOD; and what is more, the kindly influences of GOD’s Spirit, I would hope, to cause this heart, so often cold, to feel Some meltings. Through grace, my morning song is,
“He’s GOD with us We feel him ours
His comforts in our souls he pours.” (Sybil Bingham)

28th. Perhaps the particulars respecting our mission family may divert our dear mother a few moments some future day, while sitting by her fire side. We rise about 5 in the morning, family prayers at 7 when a portion of the scripture is read and a hymn sung, and the season closed, with a prayer; breakfast at 8, dine at 1, and sup at 5, on water gruel. Evening prayers at g after which we generally walk half an hour for exercise and then retire. – Tuesday evening we devote to singing Wednesday evening a meeting of the prudential committee to transact on secular concerns, and friday evening the sisters have a meeting by themselves; leaving the other evenings to the disposal of each individual. — Though there are trials and privations of a peculiar nature, attached to the lives of these who leave country and home, traverse the tempestuous deep, to spend their lives in a land of paganism, still If cheerfully complied with, at the call of providence, with a humble desire to Glorify God, there are joys too, which the world can neither give nor take away. Our situation is in many respects much pleasanter than I anticipated, and I think it is every day becoming more and more so, notwithstanding our many little inconveniences. We are denied the society of these dear kindred and friends, whom we so much love, but this makes our little family circle the more precious. The sisters are very dear to me. A few weeks since, and we were all, except in one instance, entire strangers, now the most tender love, and sisterly affection subsists between each of us. 0 may this affection continue to increase till we close our earthly pilgrimage and at length become perfect in endless felicity. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

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December 29, 1819 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

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December 30, 1819 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Dec. 30th. A generally quiet and uneventful passage during this month. “A general time of health, not one complaining among ship’s company or passengers.” Lat. obsd. 30° 45′ South (James Hunnewell)

Dec. 30th. The grandeur and peculiar beauty of the scene, to-night, about the setting of the sun, were truly indescribable. One could but gaze, with admiration. The sun descended, majestically, into his watery bed, tinging, both sky and water, with the most splendid hues:–not the smallest cloud appeared, while the full moon, ascending, upon the sun’s retiring, proclaimed herself queen of the night. As she advanced, her soft beams shed a lustre over the wide deep, not agitated by a single wave,—all seeming to whisper, is it peace within? His works praise him. Does thy soul praise Him, the great Creator? (Sybil Bingham)

30th. Various kinds of waterfowls have been seen to-day. Brother C. shot at one but did not kill it. We have some variety even at sea. Now and then a new object presents itself, of which we take the liberty to inform our friends. While you look to the South for the sun, we look to the north, while you are shivering with the cold of winter, we are suffering the heat of a torrid sun in a calm at sea; while you consider us tossing here and there upon the mighty deep, we have the pleasure of fancying you pleasantly situated in that goodly land which we have left the fond remembrance of which shall ever afford us pleasure. Mr. Ruggles has just entered our little room and says “Tell our friends, that we are very happy to-day.” When he finds a day of comfortable health we enjoy it extremely well, though it seldom happens. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

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