On the 2nd, he was bled from the arm, the Lord appear for my help and consolation; which produced considerable relief to the and since I have been in this chamber, how breathing: the following day the bleeding was has He appeared for my comfort in the night repeated, and again the oppression appeared season; and I have been enabled to sing to be diminished by it. During the operation, hymns of praise and thanksgiving unto Him. he remarked to his medical attendant,-with- When the ship made her soundings, I made out blood, there is no cleansing.' Dr. W. re- my soundings upon that Rock, whose founplied, it is "the blood of Jesus that cleanseth dation is from everlasting to everlasting. I us from all our sins." "Yes,' said his patient, saw that I should be safely landed, though but not in our natural unregenerate state: extremely weak in body; and I was enabled when we are in the light, as he is in the light, to say, should the Lord see meet to raise me then I believe it will cleanse us from all our up, and strengthen me still to show forth His sins. Yes,' he added with much emphasis, 'I wonderful works to the children of men, or know it.' cut the work short in righteousness, "Thy will O God, not mine be done." I do not see how the end will be.'

Through the day he appeared more comfortable; but in the evening the oppression returned, accompanied by great prostration of strength. This continued nearly an hour; when a little revived, he said, 'I have had a hard struggle. At one time I did not know but it was the cold sweat of death.'

On the 4th, 5th and 6th, he remained in a suffering state. On the morning of the latter day, after making some arrangements respecting his papers, &c., he said he had now done with the things of this world; he had no wish to live, but for the sake of his family, and that the Lord Jesus might live in him; He had been his guide for many years, and he had declared His name unto thousands: he had no hope but in Him;-He was the same Lord over all. It was not the prospect of an immediate release that led him to speak thus, for he did not see that; but it was in his heart, and he must say it while he had words. Many other remarks he made at this time, in a very impressive manner, and with a strong voice. After this he had some refreshing sleep.

He spoke of the last first-day he spent in England, and of the precious season before the Lord, which he had then enjoyed. It was like a little passover, but whether unto death or unto suffering, he could not tell.

For several succeeding days, the disorder appeared very stationary: he lay in a languid state, but apparently suffering little positive pain. On the 11th, he received a letter of sympathy from a kind friend, who remarked that he felt a very comfortable assurance that the Lord would still continue to protect him, &c. The dear sufferer said that he was too ill to write himself, but wished those about him to do so, and to tell his friend that he believed it would be as he had said; adding, I feel the Saviour to be near me every hour of the day.'

After this period, considerable mitigation of the symptoms occurred, and for two successive weeks, he appeared to be slowly gaining ground, so that his anxious friends were ready to take comfort in the hope that his life might In the afternoon of the same day, he re- yet be spared to them. For a time, he seems ceived a visit from his beloved friend S. G., himself to have participated in this expectawhich proved an occasion of deep interest. tion; and a very cheering letter written on His mind seemed to overflow with admiration the 13th to his children, led them also to inof the goodness of his dear Lord and Master, dulge the hope, that the bitter cup might for which had constantly attended him in his the present be permitted to pass from them. varied pilgrimage. He recapitulated briefly His full heart seemed to overflow with the love what had occurred since he left America, al- and praises of the Lord, for all His rich merluding to the consolation he received at thecies towards him; and in the feeling of some death of his beloved Charles, when he was made to rejoice in the midst of grief. He added, the Lord is good to them that love and fear His name. Great things hath He done for me, things so wonderfully marvellous, that they would hardly be believed were I to tell of them. If I have experienced any shortness in my journey Zionward, it has been on my side, not the Lord's,-for He has been faithful, and his promises have been and remain to be, yea and amen for ever. Whilst I was on shipboard, and thought by some of the passengers to be nigh unto death, how did

6

degree of returning health, he was afresh animated to pursue with unreserved dedication of soul, the service of his dear Lord and Master.

On the 19th, he addressed a few lines to his family for the last time, which breathed the same spirit of encouragement and thank. fulness as his preceding letter. The following is an extract.

My very dear children,

I wrote you a few lines on the 13th instant, by the Stephen Whitney packet-ship for Li

CONCLUDING REMARKS.

afterwards remarked to one of the family, and had now been pleased in His abounding who had most affectionately watched over mercy to gather him in peace into the heavenhim, 'perhaps this day will end all your cares ly garner, even "as a shock of corn cometh and troubles.' It was an unusual remark; in his season." but as it was supposed to arise from the feeling of present weakness, it did not excite any particular alarm. The heat of the weather being oppressive, he was placed in a current of air, and was almost constantly fanned. His mouth he said was better; but still it was with difficulty that he was induced to make the effort to take any nourishment. In the afternoon, one of those around him, making some allusion to his returning to England, he remarked, it is very doubtful whether I shall be permitted to return to England.' His friend expressed her hope that it might yet be permitted; for though he felt very weak at that time, his symptoms were better than they had been his only answer was an incredulous smile. After this he was supported from one bed to another; but it was observed that his steps were more faltering than before.

IT is far from being the intention of the Editor to attempt any elaborate delineation of the character of the subject of these Memoirs; this he thinks will be best gathered from the correspondence and memoranda which have preceded. There is however one feature, on which he hopes the reader will bear with him, whilst he offers a few remarks, which appear to be called for by the peculiar opportunities for observation which he enjoy ed,-viz., the mingled fidelity and tenderness with which his beloved father sustained the responsible character of a parent. In revert ing to this particular, those who enjoyed the privilege of a filial relationship, feel that they have abundant cause to rise up and call him Between four and five o'clock that after- blessed. From their early years, the benign noon, a young friend who had been much influence of his devout and pious spirit was with him during his sickness, and had watch- forcibly felt; and it is now a mournful satised by him a part of the preceding night, faction to the survivors to recollect, that their called to take leave, as he was about to attend earliest impressions of good were associated a distant yearly meeting. Our dear father with the affectionate counsels of their departed acknowledged his kindness, adding,-give father. His was not the language of precept my dear love to all my friends. God reigneth only, that of his strikingly consistent examover all: His mercy and goodness have never ple was still more powerful. It was impossi failed me. The end I have not been able to ble to observe from day to day the thankful, cheerful, humble frame of mind which he so About eight in the evening, being offered uniformly manifested, his watchfulness to some tea, he remarked, that he could not see check every rising of improper feeling,—and it; and it was evident that his sight had quite above all, the deep reverence and filial love failed. Shortly afterwards he fell asleep; but which pervaded his heart towards the great his breathing was more laboured than usual. Author of every mercy,-without being made This being observed, he was twice asked if sensible of that blessed and all-pervading prinhe was comfortable, to which he replied, 'yes.' ciple, which regulated the daily tenor of his The difficulty of breathing continued, and he life. His children at once loved and honwas turned partly on one side, which not arous-oured him; for while he possessed their entire ing him, his friends became alarmed; various confidence, and the fullest hold on their affecmeans were resorted to, but nothing seemed to afford any relief. In this state he continued, apparently breathing with the same difficulty as before, till a little after twelve at night, when he gently passed away without sigh or struggle.

see.'

tions, they knew that he was unflinching in the refusal of whatever he felt to be inconsistent with his principles or their highest good. Notwithstanding the kindness of his nature, and the strength and warmth of his parental feelings, his known firmness precluded all hope of inducing him to yield to their incli nations, when these stood opposed to their eternal interests. Many perhaps may have been more systematic in their instructions; but few could keep more steadily or practically in view the superior importance of heavenly things.

The funeral took place on the 15th of the sixth month it was largely attended, and proved a season of much solemnity; in which survivors were loudly called upon to follow the departed, as he had been concerned to follow Christ. Afterwards at the grave side, the voice of thanksgiving and praise ascended to Him, who had sustained His devoted follower From their early years, he patiently labour. through all the conflicts and trials of his pil-ed to imbue the minds of his children, with grimage, who had prepared him for Himself the love and fear of the Almighty. He inthrough the sanctifying operation of His grace, structed them diligently in the holy Scriptures;

son on these all important subjects were exceedingly unsettled, and he passed through deep mental conflict before he yielded to the light of Divine truth in his soul, which dispelled the doubts and reasonings by which he was assailed. It was at this period, that one evening his father and he being alone together, they had much conversation on the points which then pressed heavily on the mind of the latter. Before retiring to rest, his father handed him the Bible, and requested him to read a chapter: he took the book and read the third chapter of Malachi. Deep seriousness overspread his countenance, and after a considerable time of silence he repeated, “The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant whom ye delight in ;"—and he shall be "like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap:" adding, 'yes, he will come into his own tem

and endeavoured to explain in a manner suited to their capacities, the truths they contain. He was also persevering in his efforts to exhibit to them the example of the righteous of other generations: and especially that exemplification of the fruits of his own principles, which the lives of the early members of our Society so strikingly display. For this purpose he set apart a portion of time daily, in which he read to his family works of this description; a practice that was continued up to the period when his religious labours called him from them. Perhaps some might be ready to think that such a course would be found irksome by the young; but certainly in the present instance the result was widely different, and his children can now recall the feelings of solemn interest and enjoyment that often attended these readings, and the short period of quiet by which they were invariably followed. It was also his custom each even-ple, the temple of the heart, and there do his ing, when his children had retired to rest, to visit their chambers, and endeavour to direct their hearts to their great Creator and Preserver. On these occasions, he would repeat, or teach them to repeat passages of Scripture, or poetry of a devotional character, to which his own admonitions were frequently added; and he generally closed these sweet and well remembered seasons with a solemn pause during which, doubtless, his pious spirit was often engaged in committing them to the Lord.

own work. I never understood this chapter before, nor saw, as I now see it, the spiritual nature of the gospel dispensation.' The impression thus made was not soon effaced; and it was evident to his thankful and rejoicing parent, that the prophetic declaration was indeed fulfilled in his experience, that the Lord had come into his temple, and was there work. ing to the purifying of his soul. The change which gradually succeeded was most striking; clearly evincing to those around, that the day had indeed dawned and the day star arisen, As his children advanced towards maturity, in a heart long oppressed with darkness, and instead of relaxing his watchful care, he felt a prey to many doubts. In reference to this that there was need rather of redoubled vigi- period his father once remarked with much lance to shield them from surrounding danger. emotion," this kind can come forth by noEver anxious for their best welfare, yet deeply thing but by prayer and fasting," intimating sensible that through Divine grace alone, their the long continued exercise of soul through youthful minds must be awakened, quickened, which he had been led on behalf of his son. and enabled to lay hold of a Saviour's love; Two avenues to evil, he guarded with eshe was earnest in imploring for them this hea-pccial jealousy in his domestic sphere,—the venly gift, and diligent in watching for oppor- introduction of books of an injurious tendency, tunities to impress upon them the importance and the association which he allowed to his of spiritual things. One instance of the con- children. With respect to reading, he was descension of the Lord, in hearing and answer-liberal in supplying whatever he thought caling his prayers may be here introduced. As culated to improve or expand the mind, and his eldest son attained the age of manhood, furnish profitable exercise to the understandearnest were the cravings of his father, that ing; but very few productions of a frivolous the Lord would direct his heart "into the or hurtful nature escaped the vigilance of his love of God, and into the patient waiting for watchful eye. On these occasions, he regardChrist." He knew well that to the natural ed not the inclinations of those he so tenderly man, the things of God must ever be a mys-loved; and he has been known, when works tery; and he longed that through submission that he disapproved had been lent to his young to the operations of the Spirit of truth they people, to return them himself to the parties might be opened to his understanding. Often from whom they came, accompanied by a with parental tenderness, he silently watched frank avowal of his sentiments respecting the opening convictions of his inquiring mind, them. With regard to society for his family, and as opportunities presented, he laboured to his situation in a foreign country, far separatexplain to him the views he had himself re-ed from those of his own religious views, ceived. At one time the sentiments of his would doubtless have appeared to many to VOL. VII.-No. 8.

40

present unusual difficulties. These he endeav- permitted to believe the counsels and prayers oured to obviate, by rendering home as plea-of their pious father were blessed on their besant and cheerful as possible, and thus leaving half, and that they were made partakers of his children little to desire beyond its precincts. that redemption which is in Christ Jesus, and Perhaps few domestic circles ever presented favoured to know their robes washed and made a happier scene than his own, while its links white in His precious blood. And how full were permitted to remain unbroken. Doubt- of consolation is the belief, that their spirits less the result of such a system has been are now united with his, who so fondly and to make the changes and separations, inevita- faithfully watched over their early years,— ble in a world of fluctuation and mutability, shielded them from temptations to surroundfall heavily on the hearts of survivors; but ing evil,—and turned their feet into the path the shelter thus afforded to their inexperience, that leads to blessedness :-"Therefore are and to the unfixed principles of early years, they before the throne of God, and serve him was an invaluable safeguard; and they can day and night in His temple: and He that now look back with grateful hearts to the sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. wisdom and care of their departed parent. If They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any his labours have not always been attended more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor with adequate results, his children can freely, any heat. For the Lamb which is in the though with shame acknowledge, that the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall fault rested not with him but with themselves; lead them unto living fountains of waters: and as respects those who have been called and God shall wipe away all tears from their from this state of probation, the survivors are eyes."

A. P. 56.

APPENDIX.

do whilst living. There now remains to me only you my dear mother, with whom I wish to come and weep, and to be present at the hus-interment. I shall remain near the deceased, and shall follow him as fast as my strength will permit. ELIZABETH.

Letters of the Empress Elizabeth to her mother, relative to the last illness and death of her band, the Emperor Alexander of Russia.

Dear mother,

B. p. 57.

I was not in a condition to write to you by the post of yesterday. To-day, a thousand and a thousand thanks to the Supreme Being, there is an evident improvement in the state of In the Petersburg Gazette, of the date of twelfth month 15th, 1825, is contained an acthe Emperor, this angel of patience in the midst count of this insurrection; the extract from of his sufferings: for whom-upon whom-will which, although originally intended for inserGod manifest His infinite mercy, if not upon tion, want of space has compelled us to omit. him? Ah, my God! what bitter moments have I passed! And you, my dear mother! I figure to myself your anxiety; you have received the bulletin; you have seen to what we were reduced yesterday, and last night. But Wylie* himself says to day, that the state of our dear invalid is satisfactory. He is excessively weak. My dear mother, I confess to you that I am not myself, and that I cannot say 1832, N. S., that the fever which was to terIt was on the 10th day of the twelfth month, more. Pray with us, with fifty millions of minate the life of our dear mother first appearmen, that God will deign to complete the re-ed; but its form was for some days so mild,

storation of our beloved invalid.

ELIZABETH.

Second Letter, which soon followed.

I have lost all-the angel is no more ;dead, he smiles upon me, as he was wont to

* Sir James Wylie, a Physician.

C. p. 163.

Extracts from the account of the last illness of
Jane, wife of Daniel Wheeler, inserted in the
Annual Monitor for 1835.

and our fears were at that time so strongly excited by the situation of another member of the family, who appeared to be on the very brink of the grave, that at first little apprehension was entertained of its serious nature. At length, however, the high degree of excitement which was obvious, amounting to a degree of delirium, awoke us to a sense of the