10 
CAPE COD. 
grims did, — they were within a mile of its shores ; 
before they could reach it, they emigrated to a newer 
world than ever Columbus dreamed of, yet one of whose 
existence we believe that there is far more universal and 
convincing evidence — though it has not yet been dis¬ 
covered by science — than Columbus had of this; not 
merely mariners’ tales and some paltry drift-wood and 
sea-weed, but a continual drift and instinct to all our 
shores. I saw their empty hulks that came to land; but 
they themselves, meanwhile, were cast upon some shore 
yet further west, toward which we are all tending, and 
which we shall reach at last, it may be through storm 
and darkness, as they did. No doubt, we have reason to 
thank God that they have not been shipwrecked into 
life again.” The mariner who makes the safest port in 
Heaven, perchance, seems to his friends on earth to be 
shipwrecked, for they deem Boston Harbor the better 
place; ^though perhaps invisible to them, a skilful pilot 
comes to meet him, and the fairest and balmiest gales 
blow off that coast, his good ship makes the land in 
halcyon days, and he kisses the shore in rapture there, 
while his old hulk tosses in the surf here. It is hard to 
part with one’s body, but, no doubt, it is easy enough to 
do without it when once it is gone. All their plans and 
hopes burst like a bubble ! Infants by the score dashed 
on the rocks by the enraged Atlantic Ocean ! No, no ! 
If the St. John did not make her port here, she has been 
telegraphed there. The strongest wind cannot stagger a 
Spirit; it is a Spirit’s breath. A just man’s purpose 
cannot be split on any Grampus or material rock, but 
itself will split rocks till it succeeds. 
The verses addressed to Columbus, dying, may, with 
slight alterations, be applied to the passengers of the St 
John: — 
