A CORN OF WHEAT 267 



" I gave Mr. Sampson a hearty welcome, and the 

 first thing we did on reaching our little house was 

 to commend ourselves, the work, and the people to 

 our covenant-keeping God. Surely He will keep 

 that which we commit to His trust. 



" Letters from loved ones and friends were all 

 encouraging, so there is much to thank God for. I 

 am naturally much exercised in mind, now that 

 dear Parker has been summoned home to his Lord, 

 to know what the will of God is regarding myself at 

 this critical time. 



" One fact the Lord seems clearly to have im- 

 pressed on my mind, viz., that He does not will my 

 going further North in whaling vessels next year, 

 which I had hoped to do. 



" If I go home this year, I have a strong desire to 

 return to Mr. Sampson next season. But before 

 deciding anything I must know more of my dear 

 brother, and ascertain if arrangements can be made 

 with Mr. Noble's agent here, that, if necessary, Mr. 

 Sampson can live with him, before even I can con- 

 template leaving him even for the winter. 



" Of course, I dare not forget the great responsi- 

 bility connected with my dear wife's health, and 

 what might result from a further heavy mental 

 strain, especially considering the terrible nature of 

 the complaint from which she previously suffered. 

 Our God will surely guide me ! I ask Him for an 

 absolutely single eye for His glory. I ask for wis- 



