The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-04-05
Letter from Miss Kemper.
written at sea en- route to Brazil.)
S. S. RossE, January 16, l8s

This is our ninth day out from New
York, and while we have been subjected
to some discomfort and uneasiness by
reason of the tossings on the deep, vet
the record, on the whole, has been one of
mercy and goodness. We have, from the
first, had fair winds to fill our sails, and
bright sunshine to gladden. our hearts,
and no element Of pre- eminently pros
porous voyage has, so far, been wanting.
The health of the party has been gene
rally good, and if sometimes, as the dis
tance widened between us and those
dearest to us, our strength has faltered,
and the heart grown faint, still, in the
main, we have been enabled to preserve
cheerful countenance, and, resting in
the sure word of the Lord, have found
1T possible to be strong and of good
courage"
Life at sea must, of necessity, be some
what monotonous, the circumscribed
limits OF our floating home being incom-
patlble with any great variety of amuse-
ments or occupations. Our experience,
so far, has furnished no exception to the
general rule. We read a little, study
less, and spend many an hour in gazing
idly upon the vast and limitless expanse
of water that stretches out around us.
10 me there is something strangely fas-
clnatiag, and at the same time awfully
solemn about this great and wide sea"
1t speaks In wonderful way of Gods
infinite power, while the blue waves, as
they flash and sparkle in the sunlight,
seem to tell US of His goodness and love
IN making what is SO wondrously beau
tiful.
The children keep bright and we'll, and
contribute greatly to our happiness by
their many winsome ways. They render
a more substantial benefit too, by afford
ing occupation for hands and brain; for
to minister to their wants and contrive
for their enjoyment is one of our pleas
ATTEST duties.
If God continues to bless us in giving
us prospering gales, we shall probably
reach Bahia a week from to-day, and it
is from that point that we expect to mail
our letters home. Mr.. Lane, l suppose,
will send you more business-like ac-
count of the voyage. This is for you
alone, and is written because you ex-
PIeSSeu WISH 10 near IRON me on bn6
way to my future home. twill always
be my pleasure to do what you wish, as
nearly as possible. Tossed To and fro, as
we are just now by the "nor' casters, ="
and with the wind, certainly not in the
best working order, I feel that anything
written by me under the circumstances,
will need the most lenient criticism that
your friendship can suggest. When
get settled in Campinas, my head will, 1
hope, be clearer; my hand, am sure,
will be steadier, and then I will try to
send you something from time to time
that will be of more general interest.
Hoping that the first mail that fol-
lows us will bring good tidings from you
and other friends, am with afectionate
greetings.
JANUARY 26, 1882.
AS we could not send our letters from
Bahia, [ open this to announce our safe
arrival there on the 24th, and to say that
we had a pleasant little glimpse of the
city, which [ enjoyed greatly. We ex-
pect to be in Rio tomorrow at noon, but
do not know how or when we shall pro-
ceed on our journey. We are all well
and in good spirits. THE Missionary for
APr5I.