238 THE LIFE OF E. J. PECK 



stormy weather we have had lately, and was now 

 (as sailors say) beating to windward. But, alas ! 

 when she was almost close to us a thick fog settled 

 over everything, and the wind began to blow with 

 great fury. We knew the vessel could not make 

 the land, so we returned to our solitary dwelling 

 and committed the ship and her crew to God's care, 

 and then felt quite at rest." 



The next two days the weather continued very 

 foggy and stormy and nothing could be seen of the 

 ship. However, on the 23rd the fog cleared away 

 and " we had the joy of seeing her again, but some 

 considerable distance to leeward of the island. 



" The vessel, which on approaching we found to 

 be Mr. Noble's brig, the Alert, succeeded in reaching 

 her anchorage in the evening, I immediately went 

 on board, and, of course, our first inquiries were con- 

 cerning loved ones far away. My heart overflowed 

 with thankfulness to God when I read their letters. 

 How great His mercy in having kept my dear wife, 

 and our four little children, in health and strength, 

 for it is now over thirteen months since I heard a 

 word about them. Truly our God is a covenant- 

 keeping God, who will fully keep that which we 

 commit to His trust. Other letters, both from the 

 Society and dear friends, are full of comfort, and 

 one feels more than repaid by such tokens of love 

 and sympathy for leaving all to come to this desolate 

 place." 



