1852 - Barrett, A. The Life of the Rev. John Hewgill Bumby - CHAPTER V. DEPARTURE AND VOYAGE.

I am so overpowered by my feelings, and oppressed by the emotions of my heart, that I should prefer retiring to some corner to weep, rather than standing thus before you; yet I do not at all regret the step which I have taken. But it is the parting from friends, from old and tried and dear friends! O, it is all but enough to break one's heart! I consider that the Missionary work, I mean the foreign work, is the greatest and most honourable with which the affections of man can be connected. O, I would rather be a Missionary than possess the riches or wear the honours of the world. I believe that our beloved country has been raised to her present elevation, and preserved in her lofty position; that our blessings have been given us, our riches bestowed upon us, our possessions granted to us, and commanding influence placed within our hands, in order that we might be a Missionary nation, and spread spiritual Christianity through the world. And while we do this, I feel assured God will not fail to throw around us the shield of His protection. He will not fail to bless us, and make us a blessing. I believe I am called to the work of the Christian ministry; and while I bewail and regret my unprofitableness and unfaithfulness, such have been the circumstances in which I have been placed as the indications of the providence of God, and such the emotions of which I have been the subject as the promptings of the Spirit of God, that I could not with a good conscience remain silent. If my fathers and brethren, when I offered myself for this work, had thought that I was not qualified, then the responsibility would have rested with them; my conscience would have been disburdened, and I should have stood clear in the sight of God, and at the judgment-day. I will not yield to any in love for my country; I am not insensible to the undeserved and

extraordinary kindness of my friends; I deeply feel what it is to go away from them; I have counted the cost; to go away will be to tear asunder all those sympathies which bind heart to heart, and mind to mind; I have thought about the storms of the elements, and the perils of the seas, to which I may be subject; and of the privations, inconveniences, and dangers of residence in a foreign land, and intercourse with a barbarous people. "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God." I accept this expression of your affection with feelings of the liveliest gratitude: I feel myself to be altogether unworthy of such surpassing kindness. The only return I can make, is to love and pray for you. I commend you collectively and individually unto God. Your names are engraven on my heart, and nothing shall obliterate the impression. Farewell! I again commend you to God. Farewell!

September 21st.--Last night, after social worship, in which all the cabin-passengers joined, we retired to rest for the first time on board, under circumstances the most auspicious; but did not sleep much, owing to the feelings

hearts. It is impossible but that the heart should be sick. However, we are the Lord's; and He has a right to do what He will with His own.

Sunday evening, 23d.--Wind strong and contrary. Obliged to put in at Portsmouth. Last night the waves were so rough and boisterous, that the vessel was literally tossed by the elements. As might be expected, this morning found us in great confusion. All on board, with the exception of officers and sailors, were ill, more or less. It has been very unlike the Sabbath, away from the sanctuaries and ministries of grace; but we lift up our hearts to Him who rides upon the whirlwind, and directs the storm.

24th.--Several landed at Cowes to breakfast. Wind has changed in our favour: so we shall soon be off.

25th.--Passed the Lizard-Point. The wide ocean now our home for the next five months.

27th.--Favoured with friendly breezes, we are skirting the Bay of Biscay, without having any of those gales and squalls which we had feared and foreboded. Hitherto the Lord hath helped us.

28th.--The ocean to-day of a deep dark-blue colour, indicating unfathomable depth, has presented a surface unruffled by a single breeze. Have made but little way. Still the quiet is favourable to the spirits of our companions suffering from sea-sickness.

Sunday, 30th.--Divine service on deck, at which all the sailors and passengers attended, with the exception of a few sick ladies. Mr. Waterhouse preached an appropriate sermon from, "Casting your care upon Him," &c. (1 Peter v. 7.) It was most interesting to worship God under the broad expanse of the sky, and in the midst of the ocean. I hope the bread cast upon the waters will be found after many days.

October 1st.--The oldest and most experienced seamen on board never knew the winds and weather so

favourable. It is impossible not to acknowledge the hand of God upon us for good.

2d.--Evening sky variously tinted,--a sublime and beautiful spectacle. Mission-party in good health and spirits.

3d.--The week for holding Missionary prayer-meetings in our native land. Never did I feel it such a privilege to be remembered by those who have power, as since I became a voyager on the great deep.

4th.--Weather warmer: thermometer at 75 deg. Fahrenheit. A canary belonging to one of the passengers escaped from its confinement, and perished in the waters.

Sunday, 7th.--Service on deck, at which I officiated; but a storm of rain coming on, we were obliged to adjourn into the cabin, where I finished my sermon. It is far more pleasant to worship God in the assemblies of Zion, than amid the storms of the ocean; but the same Lord is rich in mercy unto all that call upon Him.

9th.--This evening the water around the ship spangled with evanescent scintillations. Sister much better of her sea-sickness.

10th.--Gliding sweetly through the never-broken waves, at the rate of one hundred and forty or fifty miles per day.

11th.--Breakfast at eight, lunch at eleven, dinner at half-past two, tea at six,--is the history of a day. Captain a plain man, good-tempered, sincerely pious. Chief Mate the son of a Methodist in Cornwall,--lively, amiable, and obliging. Second Mate the son of a Clergyman in Yorkshire,--likely to rise in his profession. Steward a man of colour, and the cook an experienced sailor; both quite equal to the situations which they occupy, and most accommodating to the passengers; but they have vastly too much upon their hands.

12th.--Sky bespangled with innumerable stars: scene enchanting: everything to be thankful for.

Sunday, 14th.--Mr. Eggleston preached on deck to-day, from Rom. xii. 1, a good and very appropriate sermon.

15th.--In the trade-winds, and getting finely along. Best of all, God is with us, and His presence makes our paradise.

16th.--Off Cape-de-Verde Islands. Weather excessively hot. The water on board is becoming disagreeable both to the smell and taste.

17th.--Several vessels at a distance. A dolphin chasing some flying-fish. Friends left behind very dear to my heart. I loved them when with them, and having the opportunities of intercourse and converse; but they seem to be much more interwoven with my affections, now that the waters of the ocean roll between us. I can see their faces and hear their voice no more: my only relief and solace are to "enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus," and mention their names, and plead their cause with the Hearer and Answerer of prayer.

19th.--Setting sun last evening magnificently splendid. Clouds heaped on clouds, of all colours, shades, and shapes. After dark, lightnings played behind them, and occasional flashes spread out into various parts of the heavens.

20th.--A few showers of rain: every drop precious. Basins, bottles, &c., eagerly put in requisition: never drank with more relish. A squall, too: swift in its approach, terrible in its aspect, it swept along like a giant rejoicing to run a race. Had we not been prepared, its stormy greeting might have been too much for us; but we were preserved by God's good hand.

Sunday, 21st.--Mr. Warren preached from, "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself." (Psalm iv. 3.)

25th.--Five weeks have elapsed since, amidst circumstances the most touching and affecting, we left the land of our birth. None but God knows what have been the

exercises of my mind and heart during the interval. It is a mercy, wanderer as I am on the vast ocean, away from all I love best, to be able to recognise God as my Father, and Christ as my Saviour, and the Holy Spirit as my Comforter. If I know my heart, I only wish to live to and glorify God, serve my generation, and save souls from death.

26th.--Thinking of the honour God has conferred upon me, in counting me faithful, putting me in the ministry, and especially in calling me to preach to the Gentiles in the islands of the sea the unsearchable riches of Christ, I have been affected to tears, and had my heart drawn out in prayer that I may indeed be faithful, that I may give up my account with joy, and not with grief. Increasingly do I feel the importance of eminent personal piety in order to extensive ministerial usefulness.

Sunday, 28th.--Have been in company with six or eight vessels. Torrents of rain. Service in cabin; and, consequently, no sailors there.

Thursday, November 1st.--A shark caught this morning; part was cooked for breakfast: I just tasted, and found nothing exceptionable; but could not divest myself of the disagreeable idea that the creature might have fed on human flesh. We have had torrents of rain; which, together with the sad countenances and complaining speeches of many of the passengers, in consequence of the wet finding its way into their berths and beds, have rendered the day somewhat uncomfortable. The Captain has been almost at his wits' end to keep the peace.

23d.--To-day between twenty and thirty of the passengers were ill with eating salt-fish at breakfast: through some means it had become bad. I was ill for ten hours. Poor Mary was in a sad way, as I was insensible. The following day, thank God, I was better.

Sunday, 25th.--Mr. Eggleston preached a good ser-

mon from Heb. iii. 2. To me it was a day of sadness, but also one of profit.

Monday, 26th.--Great mental exercise and spiritual conflict.

Tuesday, 27th.--Last evening a surpassingly fine sunset. A magnificent rainbow-arch spanned the heavens; the moon appeared in silvery brightness, while the western firmament glowed with [cloud-land] sketches, [as though] vast forests, fair lawns, hoary fortresses, and ruined towers, mixing and moving in fantastic dance. O what must be the throne which is "like a jasper and a sardine stone, and round about" which there is "a rainbow, in sight like unto an emerald?" To-day one of the ship's apprentices fell overboard, when the vessel was going at the rate of seven miles an hour; but, being a good swimmer, and the boat being let down immediately, he was soon picked up, and brought safely on board.

Wednesday, 28th.--At noon to-day the sun vertical: no shadow to be observed. Fresh breeze, with a few cooling showers.

Thursday, 29th.--Passed out of the tropic of Capricorn into the Southern Atlantic. The weather remarkably fine. Daylight from five A.M. to seven P.M. The moon shining brightly and clearly, the night is nearly as light and pleasant as the day. Strange to us who have been accustomed to the short, dark days of November in England, to have the light and warmth of midsummer.

Saturday, December 1st.--Since coming into these seas, the appearance of things has very much altered. The horizon is more remote; a wider expanse of ocean is observable; and the sun-sets are even still finer.

Sunday, 2d.--Never, since coming to sea, have I been so much affected as to-day, during the celebration of the Lord's Supper. Recollections and feelings connected

with my personal history and experience, views of my Redeemer, and thoughts of my friends in different places and under different circumstances, all but overwhelmed me.

Monday, 3d.--It is the settled purpose of my soul, trusting to be empowered from on high, to live a life of self-denial and indefatigable labour in the cause of my Divine Master, whose service is perfect freedom.

Tuesday, 4th.--Last night unable to sleep: went on deck, and prayed for my friends in England! For the first time, saw the constellation known by the name of the Southern Cross, and was reminded of the atonement of Calvary. O for more of the Spirit of Jesus!

Wednesday, 5th.--Last night saw the Magellan Clouds, which are like the Milky Way.

Monday, 10th.--Several fine albatrosses caught.

Friday, 14th.--My eyes would be blind not to see, and my heart stone not to feel, the goodness of God towards me as to my health. I have not been seriously indisposed, with the exception of the illness through the bad salt-fish, since leaving home. I have stood the voyage as well as any on board.

Saturday, 15th.--Our last sheep has been killed today, which it is supposed will supply us with fresh meat till we get to the Cape, when we hope to get a further supply of live-stock.

Sunday, 16th.--To-day a water-spout a little way from the ship. In the evening a fiery meteor shot athwart the heavens. Mr. Ironside preached from Heb. ii. 10: "For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings."

Monday, 17th.--We are about sixty miles from the Cape of Good Hope: many are looking out for land.

Tuesday, 18th.--About twelve o'clock, Table-Mountain

was discovered. I bless God for the strong consolation I enjoy as a believer in Christ. I know not what my Master may intend for me, in the way of labour and suffering, in the islands of the sea; but this I know,--that He is graciously carrying on His work in my soul. Never did I feel more resolutely determined to live to God.

Thursday, 20th.--On Tuesday evening, about eleven o'clock, we safely anchored in Table-Bay. The following morning, after breakfast, we were heartily welcomed, and most hospitably entertained, by Mr. and Mrs. Hodgson. Early in the morning we again expect to put to sea.

Saturday, 22d.--Left the Cape of Good Hope. On the preceding evening, when it was blowing very hard, a boat was seen trying to make up to our vessel, apparently in distress. It contained a party from the "Platina," who, on account of the boisterous state of the winds and waves, could not make their ship. With becoming humanity, all hands were immediately employed, assisting the terrified fugitives on board, two of whom were women. Of course, we provided them with accommodation for the night, and most probably saved them from a watery grave. It was most delightful to help the strangers in distress, and deeply affecting to witness their gratitude and thankfulness.

On Christmas-day I thought of my much-loved and valued friends in England. Distance, instead of diminishing, has increased my affection.

26th.--A boat came on board from the "Clematis," American whaler, conveying the Captain of that vessel, who stated, that his ship had been twelve months at sea; his chronometer was broken; several of his men were decrepit with scurvy; and, being in trouble, he requested a few vegetables. Our Captain immediately ordered him some potatoes and pumpkins; the passengers made him up a basket of fruit. He took the latitude and longitude,

and quickly departed, gratified and thankful. I felt the truth of Hannah More's remark, that

and was particularly pleased with the generosity of our men, who plentifully supplied the sailors in the boat with the little comforts which they possessed and could command. The sailors are a noble race of men. O when shall the time come, when the abundance of the seas shall be converted unto Christ!

On New-Year's day read over [to myself] the Form of the Covenant, according to our usage; but, on account of the tremendous rolling of the vessel, and an unusual commotion among the passengers, was less thoughtful and devotional than I could have wished. The God, however, with whom I had to do, knew my heart; and, as Henry Martyn says, "I have no business in life but the work of Christ; neither do I desire any employment, to all eternity, but His service."

January 12th, 1839.--Saw St. Paul's, a small island, 38 deg. south latitude, 77 deg. east longitude. It stands boldly out of the sea, and presents a rocky and barren appearance. It is uninhabited, except by sea-fowl, wild goats, and hogs. About noon, coming alongside the island, we lay-to; and the Captain, with some of the passengers, went out in a small boat to fish. They returned in about three hours, with as much fish as they could conveniently bring, a few specimens of grass, and some penguins.

27th.--Most tempestuous. The raging of the sea and the rolling of the ship were almost terrific: one of the yards was broken, and one of the sails split to pieces. We had to go under bare poles.

29th.--Wind subsided. On the following day the mountains of Van-Diemen's Land saluted our view. How lovely to our eyes, and welcome to our hearts, none

can tell but those who for months have been prisoners at sea. The excitement which prevailed on the announcement of land was quite bewildering. The Captain, especially, was delighted that his calculations and reckonings had been so accurate.

Next day, at six o'clock in the morning, the pilot came onboard,--a steady, well-informed man, but very peculiar and rough in his appearance. In approaching the island of Van-Diemen's Land by Tasman's-Head, through Storm-Bay, and as we went along the beautiful river Derwent, many of the passengers were filled with delight; indicating, by their countenances and conversation, that they were not disappointed after the long and tedious voyage which we had experienced. At ten o'clock we safely came to anchor at Sullivan's-Cove. Mr. Orton, the Superintendent of the Hobart-Town Circuit, came on board, and gave us a hearty welcome. In a short time we were all on shore, variously disposed of among the friends. Some of the gentlemen-passengers were put to inconvenience, as there are but few lodging and boarding houses in the place, and it is expensive to tarry long at an hotel. A few of the Missionary party were obliged to return to the ship to sleep.

The next morning was cold and rainy, though in the middle of summer: snow was seen on the top of Mount-Wellington. Hobart-Town is extensive and straggling. The buildings are thinly scattered; the streets wide, containing a few respectable houses, and some good shops abounding with everything that can be desired, at a reasonable price. The Mission-premises extensive and valuable. The chapel is small and neat; but a spacious and beautiful one is in course of erection,--a building which bids fair to be the Wesleyan cathedral of this part of the world.

Sunday, February 2d.--Went to chapel in company with the Captain, chief Mate, and several of the sailors,

--a party of eleven or twelve. Mr. Waterhouse read Prayers, and I preached. At the conclusion of this service, Mr. Waterhouse baptized the child of a relative of his, who has been resident in Van-Diemen's Land some sixteen or eighteen years. Altogether the season was delightful and profitable. At the ends of the earth I was pleasingly surprised to meet with a congregation so large, and in its aspect so much resembling an English audience. In the afternoon Mr. Eggleston gave us a plain, faithful discourse. Afterwards Mr. Warren preached out of doors, when several New-Zealanders were present. In the evening Mr. Waterhouse preached; and we finished the day with the administration of the Lord's Supper. I shall not soon forget my emotions on the first Sabbath spent on land, after being tossed for nineteen weeks on the billows of the restless ocean. After all, my heart clings to England. I love the very stones and dust of my native land. At the same time, if I know anything of myself at all, my master-purpose, my leading desire, is to live to and glorify God.

March 7th.--I have preached several times in Hobart-Town, to large and interesting congregations. Feel thankful that I am proceeding to New-Zealand. To be a Missionary in the colonies, is like being engaged in the work at home. Everything is British. Have had numerous applications to remain in Hobart-Town for a few years. Some have said, that I am going out of the way of usefulness. Several persons have remarked, "New-Zealand will never do for you: you will soon be back to the colony." Perhaps it may be so: but I am sent to the Heathen; and, in the name of my Master, to the Heathen I will go.

One day, all the Missionaries and their wives dined at the Government-House: a small party of select friends met us. The entertainment was sumptuous, and splendidly served. His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor

and Lady Franklin were particularly affable, and did all in their power to render the occasion interesting and pleasant. Before we left, about eleven o'clock, Mr. Waterhouse read a chapter out of the holy Scriptures, and I engaged in prayer. Her Ladyship seems to be religiously disposed; and Miss Williamson, who is her companion, is decidedly pious.

Have heard that Mr. Turner's house at Mangungu has recently been burned down. In consequence of this calamity, we shall be subjected to some inconvenience on our arrival in New-Zealand; but still the Lord, the Saviour, reigns, and He doeth all things well.

9th.--Left Hobart-Town; and, after a pleasant and expeditious voyage, found that the long-wished-for mountains of New-Zealand, and a considerable length of coast, were in sight. It is impossible to express what I felt in thinking of my friends far away over the deep blue sea, and in looking upon the scene of my future labours. The Lord grant that I may be faithful and useful in this dark and dreary land! Yesterday we were driven, by a contrary current, too much to the southward of the island, and were obliged to put back to sea. This morning, about eleven o'clock, the wind was favourable, and we got over the much-dreaded bar of the river in fine style, and are now safely riding at anchor in the Hokianga. We have to go about twenty miles more, before we find our Mission-station in Mangungu. Soon after our arrival, we were visited on board by several friends, and multitudes of natives tattooed and clothed in blankets.