14 JOURNAL OF A 
any direction tlie swell gave her. Immediately after sunset, it be- 
pan af^ain to liohten all round the horizon. 
31st. We made good way with a favourable wind till noon, when 
it again fell calm. 
] had been so much pleased with the second little volume of Ris- 
ler's Select Narratives, containing an account of the Spirit of the 
Church of the United Brethren, immediately after its renovation in 
1722, that I resolved to translate it into English. 
In the evening, and during the whole night, it lightned inces- 
santJy. I sat long on deck, very much delighted with the grandeur 
of the scene. 
November 1st. I began to-day to read such parts of the Spectator 
as appeared to me most interesting. 
Addison certainly had a religious feeling, and now and then ex- 
presses himself with truth and effect upon religious subjects: but 
I cannot help remarking, that, had he possessed a clearer view of 
the great price, paid by our Saviour to redeem us from the vain 
conversation received by tradition from our forefathers, which is 
full of sin, and leads to sin and the love of the world, he would, in 
many of his papers, have avoided subjects and discussions tending 
only to excite those passions in the human breast, which had better 
be kept dormant. Indeed, as a principal party engaged in that 
work, he may be considered accountable for the whole of what his 
associates have said in their different essa^^s. Often, however, much 
instruction on religious topics, may be gainedfrom the perusal of 
his writings. I was particularly struck and pleased with the con- 
clusion of a paper, written against vulgar prejudices and super- 
stitions, by which foolish and idle people frequently torment their 
brains. I cannot help transcribing it: "I have, (says he), but one 
" way of fortifying my soul against those gloomy presages and 
" tenors of mind; and that is, by securing to myself the friendship 
" and protection of that Being, who disposes of events, and governs 
" futurity. He sees at one view the whole thread of my existence, 
" not only that part of it which I have already passed through, but 
