VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 1 
cause it sets forth the truth, in showing the fall and depravity of 
man, and salvation by faith in a crucified Saviour. The adulte- 
rous fondness for the works of modern poetasters, celebrating the 
exploits of murderers and prostitutes, which has siezed the present 
generation, is a proof, that sound taste is fast declining, together 
with sound religion. I was anew charmed with the beautiful sim- 
plicity and grandeur of Milton's ideas, especially in the first six 
books throughout. It is to be lamented, that he was such an in- 
corrigible republican; but he lived in bad times. 
22d. We were now favoured with the regular south-east trade- 
wind, and proceeded for many days, steadily keeping on our 
course, with fine weather, seldom disturbed b}^ clouds and showers; 
though sometimes annoyed by the uneasy motion of our small 
brig. Going one morning on deck, a sudden heel threw me 
against the companion, by which I hurt my back, and experienced 
much inconvenience for some time. Yet I had gained such a re- 
lish for continual employment in reading and writing, that I did 
not suffer myself to be disturbed by a little pain. I also very 
much enjoyed the conversation of my fellow-travellers, in which 
we generally spent a few hours after sun-set, sitting on deck, be- 
holding the ever-varying play of the numberless waves of the 
ocean, and deriving amusement and instruction from a variety of 
objects; for truly, " They that go down to the sea in ships, they 
see the wonders of the Lord in the deep ;" nor is a voyage so duli 
a business as some would think. The waves, the clouds, the 
stars, shining with double lustre through a clear atmosphere, 
the effect of the sun and moon on the restless surface of the water, 
frequent and beautiful nocturnal exhibitions of lightning on the 
horizon, the appearance of fishes and birds at an immense distance 
from any known land, the progress of the vessel, the unexpected, 
and therefore highly welcome sight of ships of different nations, and 
occasional conversation with them in passing, and, I may add, the 
constant changes of hopes, fears, and reliefs from false alarms, with 
other subjects affecting the feelings; besides the various occupa- 
