February 7, 1820 – Monday. – Advancing still rapidly toward the field of our trials and privations, we have today felt it to be of special importance to inquire diligently and seriously, what qualities of character are specially needful to the missionary in order to meet the trials, to endure the sufferings, and to perform the lablors of a missionary life, what are his peculiar wants; and what should be unitedly asked of God for those who are employed in propogating the gospel. We find much to humble us and bring us on our knees – much indeed to encourage us. Cheerfully have we this evening united with our brethren in America, and with the friends of Christ in different lands, in observing the Monthly Concert of prayer. God was with us. Our hearts were made to rejoice. The affectionate and parting counsels of Brothers Fisk and Parsons were communicated; the design of Christ’s kingdom and of this concert, and the promises of the gospel were contemplated, and the mercy seat approached, we believe, with great satisfaction. We have new occasion to say the missionary cause has peculiar charms for us, and cheerfully will we wear out in its service. Whether success or defeat shall be our particular lot, we are comforted with the firm belief the cause in which we are embarked and the best feelings of the church enlisted, will finally triumph, – the heathen will be converted, and to the praise of divine grace, it shall be everywhere known that there is a God in Zion who hears united prayer. (Thaddeus Journal)
Feb. 7th. After having been shut below deck eight or nine days, we have, this morn, enjoyed a little time out. You can hardly conceive how pleasant it is to us.
The cold is yet piercing, but we can step, without expecting to be drenched by an usurping wave. My system of exercise, you will perceive, has been broken in upon, but I have been able to observe my hours of study, with the exception of one day. I have been out, every morning, for a moment or two. But you would almost wonder how I could be. Still, we have, through these days, been wafted on our way with speed; a circumstance particularly noticable, as, had we not been at the Cape just when we were, but two or three days later, these very winds which now drive us so rapidly, would, in that case, have dashed up against the rude coasts, or kept us standing off to the South, we know not how long. So conspicuous are our mercies! 9 o’clock. This evening have I felt more as I used to when the subject of Missions was brought to my thoughts, than I have since I embarked. An hour or two has been spent in observance of the Monthly Concert, a little season in which I think I have felt that the advancement of Christ’s kingdom was an object which weighed down every personal consideration. There have been times within the few past years, when I have found it good to seek my closet and ask GOD to send me to the heathen:—to-night I feel that I would bless his name that He has brought me thus far on my way to them; ‘tho it be to suffer, yea, I think, to die. Gracious Saviour, thou knowest. Divine Intercessor, intercede for me as thou didst for Peter, that my faith fail not. 0, let me not, like him, deny Thee, tho the cross be in view—suffer me not in my heart, or by my life, to say, I know thee not I But, 0, if, my wicked heart should cause my feet to slide, wilt thou not turn and look upon me, till my soul, like his, melt with godly contrition! (Sybil Bingham)
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