The man of God was there; he had committed his interests to the "God of the winds and the waves," and his heart was at peace.
The gay and thoughtless were there, who heeded not that "human life is a vapor, that passeth soon away."
The second bell rang, and the sound fell with that leaden weight upon many hearts, that so often comes upon us, when we are called to part from some dearly loved objects, and we feel that it may be an eternal separation.
The boat was soon gliding over the foaming ocean, and the sorrowing friends returned to their homes, for the driving snow and sleet would not permit them to linger long, to watch its progress.
The last fond look was given, white handkerchiefs fluttered a moment in the sweeping blast, and the last farewell had passed between many fond, loving hearts.
The boat pursued her dangerous way, amid "the windy storm and tempest," and hope animated their bosoms, and some felt sure they should arrive in safety.
The storm and darkness increased, the wind blew with greater violence, and the tumultous sea hove up a hollow, bellowing sound, and seemed threatening swift destruction.
About midnight the boat became unmanageable, and it became evident to all on board, that many, if not all, must perish.
O, who may paint the agony of that fearful night? when death was heralding his approach, in the loud surging of the ruthless blast, and the deep toned thunder of the many voiced waters, as they dashed their giant waves against the ill-fated bark, that groaned and trembled beneath their mighty pressure.
Mingling with the tumultous groans of troubled nature, arose a fearful cry, from lips white with fear.