November 18, 1819 – We have new occasion to sing of mercies, favorable winds, safe progress, returning health to the body and thought and life to the soul demand our elevated praise. (Thaddeus Journal)
Nov. 18th. Feel, this evening, that we have abundant reason to sing of mercy. The winds are ordered now in our favor, wafting us much farther in this one day, than in many previous. Health seems returning to our family, and light, I trust, to their souls. Several appeared to have a season of unusual enjoyment at our devotions this evening. My dear friend appears to be gaining strength, and with it earnest desire to be a- bout his great work. Some of the day has passed pleasantly, I hope profitably, in reading with him the Memoirs of Dr. Buchanan. May we find a blessing in the perusal, as we proceed. Devoted some part of the day to the instruction of Mary C—, hope to be systematic in it. 0, to be useful in some little way i Have been conversing a little while, on deck, since prayer, with the sisters. They express a wish for some system in the improvement of time, and to be more spiritually alive. May we look to the proper source for assistance. (Sybil Bingham)
Nov. 18. This morning we have fresh experience of the goodness of God. A fine gale is rapidly wafting us from our native land and dear friends, but we welcome it as a token for good. Yes, we rejoice though the winds and the waves bear us from you. We look forward with fond hopes and pleasing expectations, to the time when we hope to anchor at our destined haven. Not that we are at present unhappy; no, we have much real enjoyment. Our Heavenly Father at times pours upon us the light of his countenance and fills our souls with joy unspeakable. I think I feel more than ever, willing to do or suffer whatever may be for God’s glory or conducive to the happiness of his creatures. This world appears really like a bubble and its enjoyments like a fleeting dream. How soon dear parents, shall we have done with all that is mortal. Perhaps before this reaches your much loved dwelling, you and I may lie mouldering in the dust. We have nothing to shield us from the shafts of death. When we behold our friends feeble, emaciated and languishing on a bed of sickness; it leads us to reflect upon our own mortality and ask ourselves, why is it that we enjoy the blessing of health?
Mr. Ruggles (with many others) was taken ill the day after we came on board. He has been very sick, and we have watch over him with anxious hearts. But God who is rich in mercy, has so far restored him to health, that today, he has been able to sit at the table and eat with us. Mr. Bingham has likewise been quite feeble, but is regaining his health. The rest of us at present our tolerable well. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)
10 o’clock, evening. I cannot retire, without telling you we are happy. I have spent most of the evening in our little room, and Mr. has been reading to me “Buchanan’s researches in Asia.” I could scarcely realize that we, my dear parents were separated by a vast ocean so similar were my feelings to what they have frequently been, when in my native country and surrounded by friends and kindred near and dear. It reminded me of many happy evenings which I have spent beneath your roof, where joy was visible in every countenance, and cheerfulness sat smiling on the brow. These are scenes which will never be forgotten and which I shall ever review with pleasure. I experience much happiness in the society of so many dear christian brethren, especially of one with whom I expect to spend my days. It is a great consolation to have a companion and friend who is willing to share with me the trials and hardships of a Missionary life: to sooth my sorrows and animate my hopes. Such a friend is Mr. W. Kind, affectionate and faithful. O may I have a heart to praise God for such an unmerited blessing. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)
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