ving already been deported thence for the offence of being
Quakers, yet anxious to return and take six others with them). Neither
did these Friends know anything of Master Robert Fowler, nor of his
good ship _Woodhouse_.

Yet, though unknown to each other, he and they alike were well known
to One Heart, were guided by One Hand, were listening to the
directions of One Voice. Therefore, though it may seem a strange
chance, it was not wonderful really that within a few hours of the
arrival of the _Woodhouse_ in the Thames Master Robert Fowler and
Friend Gerard Roberts met each other face to face in London City. Nor
was it strange that the ship's captain should be moved to tell the
merchant of the exercise of his spirit about his ship. In truth all
Friends who visited London in those days were wont to unburden
themselves of their perplexities to the master of that hospitable
house over whose doorway swung the sign of the Fleur-de-luce. Lightly
he told it--almost as a jest--the folly of the notion that a vessel of
such small tonnage could be needed to face the terrors of the terrible
Atlantic. Surely a prudent merchant like Friend Roberts would tell him
to pay no heed to visions and inner voices, and such like idle
notions? But Gerard Roberts did not scoff. He listened silently. A
look almost of awe stole over his face. The first words he uttered
were, 'It is the Lord's doing and it is marvellous in our eyes.' And
at these words Master Robert Fowler's heart sank down, down like
lead.

Long afterwards, describing the scene, he says: 'Also when (the
vessel) was finished and freighted, and made to sea, contrary to my
will, was brought to London, where, speaking touching this matter to
Gerard Roberts and others, they confirmed the matter in behalf of the
Lord, that it must be so.'

'It must be so.' This is the secret of Guidance from that day to this.
The Inner Voice alone is not always enough for action; the outer need
or claim of service alone is not necessarily a call. But when the
Inner Voice and the outer need come together, then truly the will of
the Lord is plain, and 'It must be so.'

Master Robert Fowler was not yet willing or ready to sacrifice his own
wishes. A decisive victory is not to be won in one battle, however
severe, but only throughout the stress of a long campaign. The
struggle in his cabin, when he allowed the ship's head to be turned
towards London, must needs be fought out again. The unreasonableness