"
Liverpool was reached at 4 A.M., and all went at once on board the
"Peruvian." Then came a trial of patience,--they had to wait some
hours for breakfast,--but restraining grace was so manifest
throughout, that one's heart was continually lifted up in praise and
thanksgiving for this mercy as well as for countless others, and most
especially for the loving-kindness of the Lord in strengthening and
supporting His beloved servants at the time of parting.
From want of space, it appeared impossible, (as far as could be
judged from the first day's experience), to gather all the boys
together, but even amid the difficulties attending first going on
board, Miss Macpherson succeeded in holding a little service with a
portion of them. Some of the passengers and crew gathered round; all
were remembered in her supplications, and a deep solemnity rested on
all. Then she called on those boys who knew what it was to draw near
with assurance to the throne of grace to ask for blessing, and, with
her undaunted energy, exhorted them not to be afraid to speak for
Jesus. Prayer was followed by the oft-repeated hymn,--
"There is a better world, they say,
Oh, so bright!"
The tender brought on board a band of Christian friends, who once
more thronged around her, till the parting signal was given, and then
the last sounds heard on leaving were, "Yes, we part, but not for
ever," and "Shall we gather at the river?"
The following note of cheer quickly arrived, to the joy of many
anxious hearts and the praise of a prayer-hearing God:--
"On Board the 'Peruvian,' off the Coast of Ireland, May 13, 1870.
Pages:
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57