n presence of those they serve and when
out of their sight! There exists One out of whose sight we cannot
escape. How comes it that we do not always bear that truth in mind?
Are we more afraid of a fellow-creature than of the Maker and Judge of
all the world? I said thus much to Phineas Golding. He replied with an
oath, which caused me to feel that I had been casting pearls before
swine. And yet I was right, surely; for by speaking the truth boldly on
fitting occasions, I do hold that the truth will in the end prevail, and
may be conquer the unbeliever's heart. On one thing, therefore, I am
resolved, to go on as I have begun, and speak the truth always with
earnestness of purpose.

Of my other shipmates I will speak a word. The master Simon Fuller, is
grave man, the snows of nearly sixty winters settling on his head. He
has made many voyages, and seems a fit man to command men. The first
mate, too, James Festing, is every inch a seaman, but somewhat handy
with his fist, a rope's end, or a marline spike, or, truth to say,
whatever lies nearest, and withal not over choice in his words when
angered, or desirous of getting work done smartly. Of myself, as second
mate, it becometh me not to speak. I have been five years at sea, am a
fair navigator, and an average seaman. I fear God, and strive to do my
duty, though not always succeeding. Our ship's company muster
thirty-five good men, I hope, all told fore and aft. The ship, as is
requisite, is well armed, with six guns with swivels on the quarters,
and muskets, pikes, axes, and cutlasses for all hands. We have to visit
many strange places and strange people, and we must expect often and
again to fight for our lives with the savages. Phineas Golding rejoices
in adventure, and says such chiefly induced him to leave home. He has
never before been at sea, and dreams not of the troubles in store for
him.

_June_.--We have taken our departure from the land, which is even now
sinking astern, a strong breeze blowing from the north-east.

_July_.--We have touched at Madeira, belonging to the Portingalls, as
the old voyagers call them. They are a suspicious people, though civil
when not angered. I witnessed some public exhibitions, which I was told
were religious. I cannot suppose that such performances are acceptable
to our Lord and Master, or He would surely have ordered such. But it
becomes not me, after so slight acquaintance with a people, to pass much
ce