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)
Follow Peter T Young on Facebook
Follow Peter T Young on Google+
Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn
Leave your comment here: