against the question seemed to
hold such an even balance, we determined to commit our case to Him, who
has promised, that "_if two of His people shall agree on earth, as
touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them_,"
(Matth. 18, 19.) and, kneeling down, entreated Him to hear our prayers
and supplications in this our distressed and embarrassing situation, and
to make known to us His will concerning our future proceedings, whether
we should persevere in fulfilling the whole aim of our voyage, or,
prevented by circumstances, give up a part, and return home from this
place.

The peace of God which filled our hearts on this memorable occasion, and
the strong conviction wrought in us both, that we should persevere, in
His name, to fulfil the whole of our commission, relying without fear on
His help and preservation, no words can describe; but those who believe
in the fulfilment of the gracious promises of Jesus, given to His poor
followers and disciples, will understand us, when we declare, that we
were assured, that it was the will of God our Saviour, that we should
not now return and leave our work unfinished, but proceed to the end of
our proposed voyage. Each of us communicated to his brother the
conviction of his heart, all fears and doubts vanished, and we were
filled anew with courage and willingness to act in obedience to it, in
the strength of the Lord. O that all men knew the comfort and happiness
of a mind devoted unto, and firmly trusting in God in all things!

When we made known our determination to Jonathan and his son Jonas, and
told them, that we had maturely considered the subject committed by them
to us, and that, in answer to our prayers, the Lord had convinced us,
that, not having obtained the aim of our voyage, we should proceed,
Jonas, at first, seemed not quite satisfied, but our excellent captain,
Jonathan, without hesitation replied: "Yes, that is also my conviction!
We will go whither Jesus directs us. He will bring us safe to our
journey's end, and safe home again." We were, indeed, glad and thankful
that the Lord had inclined the heart of this man, who but yesterday
seemed to be quite dispirited, to take this resolution, for much
depended upon him, and the rest followed him without difficulty. Indeed
they all submitted to our determination with a willing mind, and their
expressions of resignation affected us much.

During the day, the men had been out a-hunting, when Uttaki