We had religious services every Sabbath morning, when the weather
allowed, at nine o’clock. Almost all hands would attend, it being left
optional with them. On the way from the Sandwich Islands to China, in
the trade-wind region, we had the service on deck. No preacher ever
enjoyed the sight which met his eye in the objects around his pulpit
more than those which were seen from that place of worship. Immediately
around the speaker were twenty-five sailors, well dressed, wakeful,
well behaved; an awning was over them; their singing was animating;
the beauty of the ocean scenery, the sight of distant vessels, the
sound of the water as the ship went through it, contributed to the
enjoyment of the Sabbath stillness, which seemed to have at sea as
on land a hush unlike the week-days. While natural scenery cannot
inspire the heart with spiritual emotions, yet when these exist they
are sometimes assisted in their peaceful, elevating power over us by
a contemplation of such a prospect as we had on that deck in those
Sabbath hours.--We had in all about seventy men and boys who sailed
with us. The most of these placed themselves under religious influences
while on board; now they are scattered like the driftweed which went by
us; but in the different vessels in which they now sail they may feel
the power of some good impressions which they received; for not only on
the Sabbath, but in the weekly Bible-class, they were affectionately
exhorted by their captain, who added to his spiritual efforts for them
kind instruction in morals, useful information on subjects relating to
their calling, and to the younger portion of them lessons in navigation
and practical seamanship. In the libraries there was a good mixture of
secular books.
Most of the sailors showed by contrast the value of early education
in furnishing the mind with religious ideas as well as the letter of
scriptural knowledge. It is doubtful whether “George,” at his time of
life, can succeed in solving that great mystery “how an ‘elephant’
can go through the eye of a needle;” though had he begun in youth he
might have received instruction which would have at least reduced the
elephant to a camel. Some sailors like him awaken affection for them
which it is pleasant to cherish. But the sea-birds are hardly more
vagrant now than they.