INTRODUCTION. 21 



concerned. A beginning must be made some- 

 where. Individual effort has done something, 

 but these attempts are limited by others who have 

 it in their power to hinder the operation of bene- 

 ficial changes. Difficulties can be overcome ef- 

 fectually when all combine to remove them. The 

 temporal and spiritual welfare of so many thou- 

 sands of our fellow-men afloat on the great deep 

 demand much at our hands. 



The moral and religious element must lie at 

 the foundation of all physical and social reforms. 

 When, therefore, owners, captains, agents, offi- 

 cers, and crews will agree not to lower their 

 boats, even if a fish is seen, on Sabbath, an im- 

 portant step will be taken in the right direc- 

 tion. For while all are systematically violating 

 the law of God, there can be no law on board 

 ship but brute force. Why should any one feel 

 at liberty to prosecute his daily employment at 

 sea, when he would be ashamed to do so on 

 land ? Is the sailor less dependent on the bless- 

 ing of a gracious God than the husbandman 1 

 He is a very godless farmer who will plough 

 or sow on Sabbath because it rained on Satur- 

 day, or may rain on Monday. The difficulties 

 are not insuperable. Meet them at the outset. 

 The responsibility must not be wholly devolved 

 on the captain, to do what he thinks best after 



