The Life of William Bush

by: William Bush

William Bush (1794-1844) was a ship carpenter on board a sailing vessel called the “Henry Freeling,” which was purchased by the Society of Friends and used by Daniel Wheeler in his missionary voyages to the islands of the North and South Pacific. Upon setting out from England, Bush was a man hardened by sin and rebellion, and captivated by the passing pleasures of this world. But through continued interactions with that eminent servant of the Lord, Daniel Wheeler, he says “my Redeemer snatched me from the claws of hell and brought me to the blessed Light of life.” This short publication gives an affecting account of a prodigal’s whole-hearted return to the Father, and includes much of the written correspondence that passed between these two men during the two years they were together at sea.