Ravensdale,
October 12/51
My dear James,

I received your letter this morning and have been thinking it may be right to mention to you a thought that has occurred to me within these few days which is that from unusual circumstances that have occurred lately it appears probable that the sea is your providential path. I have not the time to enter into the particulars but I thought that when far from your friends it might be comfort to know that such was at length my opinion. Hear two questions arise. Why did I not consent sooner? I reply, because I took every means to gain information I never obtained so much before. Why then did not God permit me to obtain it sooner. Probably because the time that He saw best was not come. Your going with Captain Scott seemed providential and probably that could not have occurred sooner. The case of the Rebecca and Jacob seems in … She wanted to hasten the event and use every means for the purpose but God would no doubt have brought it about in his own way and His is the best and it is our duty and interest to be guided by Him lest like Jacob we bring on our … trials that we might otherwise escape. Let it be our concern that all such trials be sanctified in his …. Another thought occurred, namely that you will be exposed to strangers and knaves waiting for young persons like you, you had need to be on your sharps. If you can, ask either the captain or mate of the steamer to direct you to a proper person to bring your luggage to the … in Liverpool lest you fall into the hands of some of the sharpers???

Who would rob you on board. Also keep your box safe or you may loose all. Study tidiness above all cease not to look constantly for Divine direction as first impressions are most powerful begin at once to give the Capt. a favourable opinion of your conduct,

Your affect parent, W. Parkinson