Page:Sketch of Connecticut, Forty Years Since.djvu/86

father. It was a trial to me, but I remembered that he had the same protector on the water, as on the land. When he went away, he said—"Mother, keep up a good heart. I shall come back, and bring you something to help you along." Oh! with what delight I used then to read the 107th Psalm, which speaks of them "that go down to the sea in ships; to do business in the great waters, how they see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep." Many a time, when I have lain awake, in stormy nights, when my bed has shook under me with the winds that rock'd the house, I have thought perhaps my poor boy is among those who "mount up to the heavens, and go down again to the depths, with their soul melted because of trouble." Then again it would come into my mind, who knows but he "will cry unto the Lord, and he will bring him out of his distresses." That thought comforted me. If he can only be made to seek his God, in the days of his youth, what matter is it though he should suffer, and his mother's heart ache? all would be well in the end. When it came time to expect him back, I found myself too anxious and impatient, for one who ought to trust all to God. One day, when I was looking for him, a wagon drove up to the door. My heart was in my mouth. A man got out, and brought me a chest, and said, "This belonged to your son. He died of a fever, a fortnight before we arrived on this coast." My tongue was speechless—something said to me "be still: and know that I am God." All day long, as I went about