England; greatly desiring that the present awful aspect of things may be an effectual means of driving every individual of us home to the precious principle of Truth, so mercifully implanted in every heart. The importance of this, as regards our own highly favoured Society as well as mankind in general, is more and more stamped upon my mind; believing that a great weight of responsibility will rest upon us, if instead of letting our light so shine, that others may see and glorify our heavenly Father, we should unhappily be found darkening by our conduct and conversation the path which leads to the kingdom; and thereby causing others to stumble and turn aside. Independently of this consideration, how great is the loss we are sustaining, in contenting ourselves with merely hearing of the inestimable treasure, instead of possessing the thing itself; which at seasons would fill our hearts with love, and peace, and joy unspeakable.

I cannot help mourning over some who are seriously disposed, and desirous of doing what is right; and yet suffer their minds to be led astray with a continued round of publications, containing accounts of the experience of others,-things perhaps valuable in themselves, but still only tending to keep the mind afloat on the surface; feeding upon visibles which can never nourish the vital part, which remains still unsatisfied and hungering and all for want of sinking down to the living and eternal substance; which if once tasted, nothing short of the same soul-sustaining food could ever satisfy again.

Now this is what I want all my beloved friends to enjoy, and to give up all to purchase; to offer up all in measure, upon the same cross to the natural will and inclination, as that on which the meek and lowly Saviour of the world was crucified; and I verily believe, that this must be the heartfelt experience of us all, before we can witness the fellowship of His sufferings, and know Him, and the power of His resurrection, being made conformable to his death. It is those only, who are buried with Him in baptism, that will rise with Him; it is only those, who are willing to suffer in this life with Him, who will reign with Him in life everlasting. There are none who can enter into this truly interesting employment,

of engaging in the blessed and heavenly warfare, with the same advantages as those in early life; because the minds of such are undoubtedly much less charged and encumbered with the surfeiting cares and perplexities of this transitory and perishing world. To these, therefore, I would particularly address myself, with an earnest recommendation in tender solicitude, that they would look at the great and holy pattern; who, though the Son of the Highest, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow." And greatly do I desire, that we may all be amongst the number of those that believe in his power; that so our hearts may be softened into the same child-like obedience, even to the death of every thing in us, that stands opposed to the Divine will. Then, indeed, with the heart shall we believe unto righteousness, and with the tongue confession will, unavoidably and involuntarily, be made unto salvation, even "that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

I hope that all your fears and anxieties are hushed at present, and changed into gratitude and thankfulness to Him, who hath thus far conducted the steps of your brother in safety, and borne up his head upon the mighty ocean; enabling him to put full trust and confidence, in the Almighty and compassionate arm of never-failing strength, as an infant slumbereth on the bosom of its mother. He is often present in my thoughts, and my heart often follows him in love and sympathy across the trackless deep; but thus far no feeling of discouragement as to his safety has dared to show itself. I do greatly desire that the work in which he is engaged may abundantly prosper, to the promotion of the Divine glory, the welfare of our fellow-men, and his own peace and comfort,-the blessed and sure rewards which crown the faithful labourer. For " he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that he that soweth and

he that reapeth, may rejoice together." May that Almighty power, in whose presence is life, continue to surround him by night and by day, and strengthen him to proclaim the day of the Lord, even amongst those who are strangers to His ever great and excellent name; that glory to the righteous Lord may resound from far, and the voice of thanksgiving and praise be heard on high.

CHAPTER XIII.

PROSPECT OF DISTANT RELIGIOUS SERVICE-RESIGNS HIS APPOINTMENT IN RUSSIA-LEAVES HIS FAMILY, AND SAILS FOR ENGLAND, 1832-HIS PROSPECT OF VISITING IN GOSPEL LOVE THE INHABITANTS OF SOME OF THE SOUTH SEA ISLANDS, ETC., LAID BEFORE HIS FRIENDS.

[ABOUT this time, under a prospect of distant religious service, our dear father believed it right to resign his appointment under the Russian government, and to repair to his native country. The commencement and progress of this movement, are alluded to in the following extracts from his letters.]

TO JOHN HIPSLEY, HULL.

Seventh Month 5th, 1832, O. S.

I hinted to thee some time back, the probability of a change being about to take place, as to our prospects in this country; which is now so far developed, as to enable me to inform thee, with some little certainty, how things are going on.

For many months past, it has clearly appeared to be my duty to relinquish my engagements in this land; and as way has from time to time opened, I have gradually moved forward under this apprehension; and have been mercifully, peacefully, and abundantly confirmed in this step, by the difficulties, which at first appeared too mountainous to be overcome, having shrunk into insignificant mole-hills, as the time approached to encounter them. Now every obstacle seems to be removed: I have, I think, proceeded throughout, as things were opened before me, consulting with my beloved family, as each succeeding step has been taken; and in every instance, what has been proposed to them, has found a place in their minds, and been assented to. To break up all at once an establishment so extensive as that in which I have been engaged, would be attended with serious loss and inconvenience; and when the unbounded confidence which has been reposed in us is taken

into view, extra care and caution seem the more needful, that there should be no unhandsome conduct to complain of; and I trust that I have always been anxious to avoid every thing, in the smallest degree calculated to cast a shade upon our religious Society, the principles of which, I have good reason for believing, are held in considerable estimation at this day by many high in office, as well as by others who have had more frequent intercourse with us. After stating undisguisedly my true motive for wishing to retire, it was proposed that my eldest son should succeed me as head of this concern; and that in all respects, every thing else should remain on its original footing.

Although this outline seems to occupy but a small space on paper, it has, from first to last, taken about seven months to bring all the particulars to bear; but the Ukaze [or imperial edict] is now actually signed.

I have frequently mentioned having arrived on the same day, when coming here from England, viz. the 3rd of Seventh Month, O. S.; and now it has come to pass, without the possibility of any contrivance, that on that very same day I am liberated from Russia. I have already had a parting and affecting interview with Prince Galitzin : he particularly stipulated that I should write to him, saying, What is good for your soul, is good for mine." I feel thankful in being able to say, that there is no perceptible alteration in him, after an acquaintance of fifteen years. He has ordered a certificate to be prepared for me in English, for the satisfaction of my friends, which he will sign on behalf of the Emperor.

:

But although things seem to have been so far set in order, as to enable me to leave this country in a comfortable manner; yet the trial of faith, and patience, and of every affectionate feeling has still to be passed through, as regards my dear wife and family here for though the way is clearly seen and opened for my going to England, yet I have not the slightest prospect of any settled residence there; but from the impressions which have been sealed upon my mind, by day and night for many months past, very different scenes are open before me. As I have from the first, made my wife acquainted with the