Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/49

Rh the Tweed, wiped my face with my handkerchief, and went on my way. In the afternoon I reached Peebles, where I met with a warm reception from my dear friends, and the following day went to Edinburgh, and from there to Greenock. There was no one on board the ‘Francis’ whom I knew, save one, a gardener, Richard Davidson, eight years older than I, who had attended a prayer-meeting with me in my native village, and was very dear to me. We left Greenock on Monday, the 4th of April; my friend had his father and mother and two sisters with him. There was an excellent family of five, the Ainslees, nearly related to him, who formed a circle of friends that showed me great kindness.

“On the first Sabbath morning, my friend said to me, ‘There are many pious people on board, but there is no clergyman. We ought to have a service, and you must take the lead.’ I remonstrated, but there was no one else, and he insisted on my opening the meeting with prayer, after singing a psalm. In the prayer I felt that we were alone with God. All around me seemed to have the same feeling, and there was a Bochim. God was there of a truth; we then read a lecture on the Acts by Dr. John Dick, of Glasgow, and my friend closed with prayer and singing. We were six weeks on the voyage, and each Sabbath had a similar service. I had reason to believe that some were born again on board.

“Captain Peck, who was the principal owner of the ship, took me aside before we landed, and said: ‘This is one of the most pleasant voyages I ever made, and I attribute it in great part to your influence. If I can do you any service, I will be glad to do it.’ I held him to his word. Before a year had passed, I went 3