But there must have been a scene even more affecting than the one now recorded. In the boat were fifteen men, who were in the very jaws of destruction. One other heave of the impetuous sea, and their state was fixed, fixed for ever. Some of them, perhaps, had been drunkards, or Sabbath breakers, or neglecters of Religion; but now they were called at once to give account of what they had done, and what they had left undone, and nothing could be left, to which they might look forward, but the punishment which awaits the sinner. It is impossible to conceive a scene more really appalling, although outwardly its awfulness might be concealed by the anxiety and efforts which it caused. But to think of the never-dying soul, hitherto uncared for, unprepared with all its sins upon it, hurried in one moment into judgment, and to the wages of its transgressions, is awful indeed! What may have been the case of these men, the day of Judgment will disclose. “Blessed are the dead which die in the _Lord_.” That it was the portion of James Cullingham so to die, we can have no doubt. His faith, his converted heart, evidenced by his life, afford a warrant of good hope as to his condition. He lived to Christ, and death was doubtless gain to him. Whether at sea, or on his bed, he might sink in peace, for a joyful inheritance would await him.
But what was the lot of the mourners in his own bereaved family on that sad night? James Cullingham had left his house in the morning, and that he was gone, was probably not more noticed than at other times. It was expected that the yawl which took him out, would in due course return.
Soon however, alarm arose on the beach, and rapidly spread itself in the town. In the evening, it was naturally expected that some news would come from the Pilots, for the boat which conveyed them to the vessels must of necessity return. But no news arrived. Elizabeth had been sent to bed by her Mother, who with her other daughter sat alone in the house in the deepest anxiety. The wind became very tempestuous. The snow drifted. A solemn awe was spread over the cottage. But there was nothing to be done, but to wait, and pray, and to support the mind in silence; still hoping that every moment would bring them tidings.