ion as it actually is at the
present time.

The heartiest, the most genial, and perhaps the noisiest fisherman there
that day was the man whom we have referred to more than once as Singing
Peter. It seemed as if he were intoxicated with joy, and could not
refrain from bursting into song in praise of Redeeming Love. But Peter
was by no means exclusive in his ideas. He could descend to the simple
matters of this life when needful. Like David Bright he was a temporary
visitor to the mission-ship, and waited for the afternoon meeting.
Peter possessed:

"A heart at leisure from itself,
To soothe and sympathise,"

and found time to have a private talk with David, whom he drew out so
tenderly, yet powerfully, that he wormed from him the whole story of his
spiritual as well as spirituous warfare. He even got him down into the
cabin alone, and, when there, proposed that they should pray together.
To this David at once agreed, and the good man prayed with such simple
fervour that David found himself ere long weeping like a child. That
the prayer of Singing Peter was in harmony with his spirit was evident
from the deep "Amen!" which he uttered at its conclusion.

"Many a time, Peter," he said, grasping his friend's hand, as they rose
from their knees, "many a time has my face bin washed wi' salt water
from the sea, but it's not often bin dabbled wi' salt water from my
eyes!"

In the afternoon the weather became unusually sultry, and as the calm
continued, many of the fishing-smacks closed by imperceptible degrees
around the mission-ship, whose flag flying at the mizzen told that the
worship of God was soon to begin. Several of the other smacks also flew
Bethel-flags. These belonged to the whole-hearted ones who had fairly
and boldly come out on the Lord's side. Others drew near, although they
did not fly the flag. Some of these belonged to the half-hearted, who
wanted medicines or books, and were rather indifferent about the
meeting, though willing enough, perhaps, to remain to it.

One way or another there was soon a long tail of boats floating astern
of the gospel-ship, and a goodly congregation on her deck. Her skipper
was very busy. Books were being actively exchanged. One or two men
wanted to sign the pledge. Salves, and plasters, and pills, were
slightly in demand, for even North Sea fishermen, tough though they be,
are subject to physical disturbance.

At last the hour arrived, and the heavy-boote