f the greatest of English classics--great by reason of his creative
power, simplicity, and pathos--has built the superstructure of his
famous allegory upon the slender foundations of a dream. But just as the
immortal work of John Bunyan had a very real support in truths and
influences of the highest power and the deepest meaning, so the pages
which record Mr. Runciman's "Dream of the North Sea," have an actual, a
realistic, and a tragic import in the daily toil, sufferings, and
hardships of the Deep Sea Trawlers. Moreover, the blessed work of
healing the bodies, cheering the minds, and enlightening the souls of
these storm-beaten labourers is not altogether a dream, for the extended
operations which are now undertaken by the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen
furnish material for one of the brightest and most interesting records
of present-day beneficence. But so much remains to be done, so great are
the trials and the sorrows that still brood on the lone North Sea, that
Mr. Runciman's dream in vivid story and deft literary art, goes forth
with a strong appeal to every thoughtful reader. The greatness of the
work yet to be undertaken may to some extent be conceived from the
marvellous results which have already been accomplished. I have
elsewhere said that to this issue many persons have contributed, from
the Queen on the throne down to the humble and pious smacksman in the
North Sea, but that, so far as human skill and genius can achieve a
conspicuous success in any human and benevolent enterprise, it has
fallen to the lot of the Founder of the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen to
accomplish such a success. No one can now write or think or "dream" of
the trawlers on the German Ocean, without referring, and referring
again, to Mr. E.J. Mather, either _in propria persona_, or--as the
author of "Waverley" might have said--in the guise of some _Eidolon_
suited to a Vision of the North Sea. This leads me to explain that
though it had been originally announced that the introductory notice to
this book would be from the pen of Mr. Mather, that gentleman, in view
of the apparent references to himself throughout the tale, shrank from
the task, with the result that the honour and the privilege have fallen
upon me. I close by expressing a hope that Mr. Runciman's dream of the
future may, when it reaches its accomplishment, add fresh lustre to a
work which was begun by Mr. Mather in courage and in hope, and by him
carried to a unique success