268 THE LIFE OF E. J. PECK 



dom, and we have the promise that if we commit 

 our works (ways) to the Lord, our thoughts shall be 

 established. ' In all thy ways acknowledge Him, 

 and He shall direct thy paths.' " 



For the next three or four weeks our missionary 

 was often alone in prayer for the very special guid- 

 ance he needed, while at the same time he had long 

 consultations over the position with his new col- 

 league, Mr. Sampson. 



The people had taken to Mr. Sampson, and his 

 medical knowledge gave him a ready access among 

 them. Then, too, he showed a marked linguistic 

 capability, and began to study the language with 

 much diligence. 



Mr. Sheridan readily agreed to board and lodge 

 the new young missionary if necessary, and to help 

 him in every way possible, if Mr. Peck finaJly de- 

 cided to go home. 



The Alert, which would be the only known 

 means of return to England, was, however, much 

 hindered by successive gales, and it was evident 

 that she would be unsually late in starting on her 

 return voyage. 



Then, while still waiting upon God for guidance, 

 the Divine hand was shown to our Missionary in a 

 remarkable manner. 



About 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, there 

 were sounds of excitement outside the little house, 

 and news was brought that a steamer was close to 



