A CORN OF WHEAT 265 



solemn sense of the nearness of God and of the great 

 unseen world. 



" After the Eskimos had cleared away sufficient 

 sand and some large stones, the body was lowered 

 into the grave. I then called them together, and, 

 standing close about the open grave, we all sang, 

 ' Safe in the arms of Jesus.' 



'* The Burial Service was read in English (Captain 

 Sheridan being present). I then read a portion of 

 the same service in Eskimo, and afterwards spoke, 

 to the people of the need of our being ever ready 

 through faith in Jesus to meet our God. 



" Poor people ! They seemed deeply touched. 

 May the Lord speak to them and to us all through 

 this pressing sorrow ! 



" After returning to Blacklead Island a boat's 

 crew of Eskimos arrived. They had picked up a 

 few articles belonging to the boat, but nothing had 

 been seen of any of the bodies. 



" Captain Sheridan is sending off another search 

 party as soon as possible, though we all feel that there 

 is little hope of finding either of our friends alive, 

 for the current where we believe the boat was 

 swamped is so rapid, and the water so cold, owing 

 to the immense quantities of loose ice about, which 

 has remained with us this summer, that no one could 

 possibly have survived." 



" Monday, n'jth. Wind too strong to despatch 

 the search boat, as intended. I feel the loss of my 



