I had striven in vain to save myself from
myself. This book pointed me the way. I should never have read it,
however if it had not been for the kind sympathy of our captain. A
nobler man, or a truer Christian, I never met.
But our captain died, and my strength gradually failed from
privation. I cannot tell you here all that happened, but I must
refer you to a diary which I have daily kept posted, and that will
explain more fully what I am unable to write now.
We are free from the ice at last, and are drifting we know not
whither! My strength is well-nigh gone. Not a man on board can move
a hand to touch a sail. Perhaps these will be the last words I
shall ever write.
I crave from you, my dear father, and from all whom I have wronged,
forgiveness for the sorrow, distress, and injury I have wrought.
Return the Bible, please, if it ever comes into your possession, to
Howard, and tell him how I thank God for its blessed teachings.
Land is in sight; we fancy it must be the Orkneys. A storm is
gathering. Nine men lie dead upon the deck. There appears to be
certain death for us all.
As Mr. Morton finished reading the letter, he paced the room to and
fro, while the hot tears fell freely down his face; and his heart was
full of thanksgiving and praise as he cried, "This, my son, was dead
and is alive again; he was lost and is found.
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