204 THE WHALEMAN ; OR, 



like water ; and every countenance gave expres- 

 sions of joyous and exhilarating hope. 



What a fit occasion was this for a most hearty 

 and unanimous recognition from all our company 

 of profound gratitude to God that so many of 

 us had been thus far preserved, and were now 

 indulging in the animating prospect of seeing 

 our native homes, relatives, and friends once 

 more ! The God of heaven and earth should in 

 this manner be honored and glorified in the 

 presence of pagans, and thus put to silence their 

 vain and imaginary superstitions. 



Indeed, one of our number was so deeply af- 

 fected and overcome with the sight before him, 

 and prompted by a sense of the deliverance 

 which a merciful Providence was working out 

 for him and his companions, that he fell upon 

 his knees and blessed the Lord that he was per- 

 mitted " to see once more another ship under 

 sail." 



The two ships that were in sight, and ap- 

 proaching land, were the Niger, Captain Jerne- 

 gan, and the Joseph Hayden, Captain Goosman. 

 Preparations were now madej in the most ex- 

 peditious manner possible, to go on board. The 

 canoes of the natives were got ready ; but before 

 any thing could be done towards carrying us to 

 the ships, they first made a fire in the boats 



