in the mail to Birmingham, and proceeded the
same evening towards Bristol; here we ar-
rived early in the morning, and after some
refreshment, went forward to Wellington;
where I found — and —, (whom I think
you know,) were intending to unite with me
as far as our routes might continue together.
I attended both their meetings on first-day,
and had a little to do amongst them in the
morning; but in the afternoon was silent.
On the 14th, we proceeded to Kingsbridge,
where a meeting was appointed for the next
day. I slept at -'s, whose wife is an old
acquaintance of mine. Our mutual satisfac-
tion at thus meeting, was very much damped
by the poor state of her health. The meeting
was a highly favoured time, and we all had
to labour together in love, unity and harmo-
ny. Next day we proceeded to Modbury, to
another meeting; this was rather more dull
at first, but was favoured to end comfortably.
We reached Plymouth the same evening. At
this place, and
had a prospect of
visiting families. It was I believe best that
we separated; as when united, we seemed ra-
ther to depend on the strength of each other,
and perhaps even felt a little too strong.

con

ficulties of time, and would remain with us
through the never ending ages of eternity.
Towards the close, I had to call the attention
of the meeting to myself, as an example for
their encouragement, that none need despair;
for in me they might behold a living monu-
ment of the Lord's everlasting mercy, and the
triumph of Divine grace over human nature
in its most depraved state;-in one, who, like
themselves, had been cradled on the ocean,
whom the everlasting arm had ofttimes been
stretched out to save, when the briny wave
had nearly prevailed against him.
cluded the meeting in supplication. The peo-
ple seemed in no hurry to leave the place, many
coming to shake hands in a very friendly way.
By what I have said, you will have some idea
what sort of a meeting it was; and I think you
cannot refrain from joining with me in the
grateful tribute of admiration, gratitude, and
praise, to Him who "sitteth upon the flood,"
who "sitteth King for ever;"-who only can
"give strength unto His people,-who will
bless the provision of Zion, and satisfy her
poor with bread,”—and fill with that peace,
which the topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal in
value.

Being clear of Plymouth, next morning I crossed the Tamar in a boat to the Cornish side of Hamoaze, passing close under the stern of the Malta man-of-war. We proceeded to Looe, where a meeting was appointed; few Friends live here; but one of the few is that faithful servant, S. T. We were favoured with a comfortable meeting, to mutual refresh

The next day, I proceeded alone to a newly settled meeting at Tavistock, consisting mostly of convinced Friends. I was a little disappointed to find this meeting flat and dull at the first; perhaps I expected too much; but towards the latter end Truth rose into dominion, to our mutual comfort and consolation. I returned to Plymouth the same night. As way opened, I accompanied-and-ment. After dinnner, we proceeded to Tide- in some of their family visits. On firstday the 20th, sat with two families, and attended both the regular meetings, in which I was enabled to obtain considerable relief: towards the close of my testimony in the afternoon, the way seemed clear for taking leave of Friends there, to some of whom I felt closely attached. In the evening, was at a public meeting, held in the Bethel at Devonport, at the request of — and It was well filled; and after the people were informed of the object of our meeting together, great solemnity prevailed over the assembly. - had to break the silence with the voice of prayer. I suppose almost the whole congregation consisted of persons connected with the sea-faring life, with their families. My heart was greatly enlarged towards them, as com- We dined at Liskeard. This meeting was panions and shipmates in the voyage of life; appointed at six in the evening, and was much having the Lord God, merciful and gracious, hurt by the disorderly gathering of the town's and abundant in goodness and Truth, for our people, attracted by the lights in the windows commander; and an all-sufficient Saviour and of the meeting house, perhaps a rare thing. holy Redeemer for a heavenly pilot; who However, at last, we were favoured, and light would never leave His vessel, but would safe- sprung up, which brought weight and solemly conduct us through all the dangers and dif-nity over all; under a feeling of which we

ford, and next morning attended their meeting. This was a memorable time from beginning to end: I can scarcely calculate upon being again permitted to partake of such another heavenly banquet in the course of this jour ney, if ever: but my soul right well knoweth that there is a power, in whom I am happily taught to believe, and with whom all things are possible; who can at His pleasure "bind the sweet influences of Pleiades," loose the bands of Orion, "bring forth Mazzaroth in his season, and" " guide Arcturus with his sons ;"—"He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth" the heavenly treasury of peace, love, and joy, which are at times revealed through the riches and glory of His grace, to His praise.

separated. S. R., an elderly minister, ap-administer an increase of strength, and begetpeared after I sat down, in a weighty and con- ting humble thankfulness of heart. firming testimony. The next meeting was at Fourth month 1st.-Last evening we had Austle, at three P. M. on the following day: a meeting on Martin's Isle, which ended in a it was small, but upon the whole comfortable; very solemn season. A class of Methodists after which I went on to Truro, and attended call Bryanites abound here; their minister, and their meeting held in course next day. This many that were present, made a continual proved a refreshing season to many present, groaning; one poor woman in particular, and to some a time of rejoicing. In the after- who seemed much struck with the solemnity noon, W. T. kindly accompanied me to Cam- of the occasion. I was upon my feet at the borne; and the next day I proceeded to Pen-time, but was favoured with calmness. I could zance: the ground here was covered with plainly hear the words, 'praises,' 'praises,' snow, and the morning very cold and boister- from the lips of the minister and others. ous. I had hastened to be in time for the Fourth month 2nd.-Yesterday, we crosspacket for Scilly, but found she had been deed to the island called St. Agnes, and found tained by stress of weather five days behind the landing rather difficult on account of the her time. The next day was very stormy, and there was rough work among the shipping. An East Indiaman, the Andromache, put into Mount's Bay for shelter, and landed her passengers here from Calcutta.

surf: in consequence of the great ebb and flow of the tides, few of these islands have proper landing places. It being what is called Good Friday, the people were mostly at home; and their Bryanite minister, knowing we were amongst the islands, had appointed a meeting for us at six in the evening, saying, that if we did not come, he would preach himself: so that all was made ready to our hands. There is a good new school-house on this island belonging to the Protestant establishment; but the clergyman will not allow it to be used for any other purpose than as a school. He seldom comes near these people himself, although there is a regular church-house for his use; and yet he does all he can to make it inconvenient for Dissenters to come among them. Our meeting was necessarily held in a dwelling-house, in two lower rooms, which were excessively crowded; and after all, many had to stand outside the open doors and windows. You know that I can bear a tolerable portion of heat, but this was almost too much for me. There was much groaning around us; but no particularly wild extravagances were exhibited, and on the whole it was a highly favoured meeting. We drank tea at the same house with their minister; but carrying our materials with us, we made a distinct table. It was striking to see the home

On first-day the 27th, I attended both meetings at Penzance, which were refreshing and comfortable seasons: Friends in these parts are not numerous. I was lodged at the house of J. S., who has kindly accompanied me to these islands. We sailed the next afternoon, and had a fine but tossing passage. It is not often otherwise at any time, as the set of the tide into the British and George's Channel, and the exposure to the Bay of Biscay and the mighty Atlantic, cannot fail to cause great agitation of the water, particularly when it has blown hard for several previous days to gether. The Wolf Rock lies in the run of the packet, and is only discovered by the breaking of the sea upon it. We bore up for it about ten, P. M., distant from four to five hundred yards:I had just fallen asleep at the moment, and so missed seeing it, which I rather regretted, as I have formerly been several times near it, but have never seen it. In light winds it makes a roaring noise from being hollow, and the breaking of the sea into it may be heard at a considerable distance. At eleven P. M., we were in full sight of the fine revolving light on the island of (St.) Ag-ly fare he partook of; in his absence I inquines; and in a couple of hours afterwards were red of our hostess how he was supported; she anchored safely in the roads of (St.) Mary's. said, they could not afford to pay him much, We landed immediately, and were glad to so had agreed amongst themselves, that they get to an inn, where the people kindly made should take it by turns to board him one day us a fire, as the night was cold. The next each, in the same manner as they lived themday, a meeting was appointed on the Isle of selves; so that he is at a fresh house every Tresco; the people were long in gathering, day: but that one person had agreed to find but behaved solidly; and I was favoured with him a lodging at her sole expense; and that encouragement to persevere with my engage- the society of which he was a member allowment. Next day we had a meeting on Samp-ed him £8 per annum. He is a kind, sincereson's Island in the afternoon, and another on hearted, and unpretending young man, and I Bryer's Isle in the evening; both were satis- felt a regard for him. factory and comforting seasons, tending to

I am very thankful that I am favoured to

ruth, where a meeting was appointed for the next day. This was a comfortable time I trust to many present, and a relieving one to myself; which I desire to remember with gratitude of heart to the great Giver.

have finished visiting all the straggling distant at Portreath, a small port near the entrance of islands; and it is due from me to acknowledge the North Channel; and afterwards to Redthe great support and strength that have been afforded me. It has blown strong ever since I have been here, so that getting about has been difficult, particularly embarking in the dark in strange places, amongst rocks slippery with oozy sea-weed; we could not avoid getting our clothes wet every day, and sometimes twice a-day. My companion is a plain, honest, worthy Friend, to whom I feel under many and great obligations for his kindness and attention.

On fourth-day the 13th, the quarterly meeting was held: this was a favoured time; though in all these meetings I had some heavy work to do, but was strengthened to perform it faithfully. There seemed no getting out of Falmouth without holding a public meeting with After the two meetings in prospect on the the inhabitants, to which the sailors were speisland called St. Mary's, I know of nothing | cially invited. The house was well filled, and more to detain me here; but do not like exactly it proved a solemn opportunity; which I hope fixing my return to Yorkshire. I hope to be will be lastingly and profitably remembered rightly directed, though but an unprofitable by some present. I had to tell them, that like servant; but to be admitted a servant of such themselves, I had been cradled on the boistera Master on any terms, ought to be sufficient ous ocean; that the mercy of the Lord was for any of us unworthy creatures. unbounded as His love; that none need despair, for that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief, &c.

I have lately received an extract from your last letter, and am sorry to find there is so much sickness near you, and that a fear pre- The time of liberation was now come, and vails of the cholera approaching your borders. I set out the next day for Plymouth, and finalBut we have ، a strong city ;" and I humbly ly for this place. Yesterday, I was at a meethope, we shall be mercifully prepared for an ing at Newton Tracey in the morning; none entrance therein, through the strait gate; that | who attend it are members, it was a refreshwe may indeed be amongst the number of the ing season, and a thankful time for me. In few, out of the many called, who are happily the evening sat with Friends of this place; chosen; this gate of the Lord through which many strangers came in, and we were rethe righteous enter into the city of their God; freshed together. all the inhabitants of which are "redeemed with judgment," and converted with righteousness, even the righteousness of Him who died for the sins of all mankind.

Fourth month 6th, Penzance.-On firstday, we had two meetings on (St.) Mary's Isle the first, at Holyvale, was a little disturbed by some rude people; I reproved them for it; and I believe many thought it a solemn time. The meeting in the Garrison town, was larger than any preceding it; and was a highly favoured time throughout.

To S. S.

Barnstable, North Devon, Fourth month 18th, 1831. Presuming that my dear wife has before this time taken her departure from thy hospita- | ble dwelling, I am at a loss how to direct to her, and shall therefore be greatly obliged, if thou wilt forward the enclosed letter, as thou art doubtless in possession of the secret.

I have lately been anticipating the pleasure of returning to my dear wife and all my friends at Carr Wood, intending to stop next first-day at Birmingham; but what poor short-sighted creatures we are! I was on the morning watch yesterday soon after four o'clock, when the love of God filled my heart; and a public meeting with the inhabitants of this town presented to my mind. A willingness was wrought immediately on the opening: the yearly meet ing in Dublin followed; and I bowed in humble resignation to what I believe to be the divine will. In obedience to this, I have informed the Friends here; and the Wesleyan meeting house is procured for seven o'clock this evening. I feel that I am left single handed amongst strangers; but happily I know that there is a Power, which can yet enable me to "run through a troop, or leap over a wall;" in whose blessed will I rest, and in whose mercy I trust.

After the quarterly meeting at Exeter, I Since arriving at Penzance from the Scilly must press forward with all speed to Bristol, Isles, I have been searching out the infirm and as there will be barely time for me to get to invalids at Marazion, who did not get to the Dublin, if I find a steam-boat starting the meetings when I was at Penzance, previously same day. It is very clear that this is not to embarkation. On the sixth-day following, the place of rest for me, but I humbly hope it went eighteen miles to sit with some Friends is a road that leads to it.

TO HIS WIFE.

Dublin, Fourth month 25th, 1831.

My dearest Jane,

I have now the pleasure of informing thee, that I arrived in this city, early yesterday morning. I wrote to thee last from Barnstaple, then looking forward to a meeting at that place the same evening, which proved in the end a truly comforting season: such an one as I have seldom witnessed. It was held in the Wesleyan meeting house, which was much crowded. The people were very quiet and attentive, and I had full opportunity to relieve myself among them, and have since been favoured to finish my visits to the remaining meetings in Devon, and to leave the country in peace; although humbled under a sense of my unworthiness to partake in the least of the Lord's mercies, and thus preserved by sea and land, and enabled to give the glory and the praise to Him to whom all belongs.

stranger, with whom I had some satisfactory conversation before we got to sleep. It was renewed at an early hour next morning, and I never remember to have seen any person so completely overcome by the force of Truth. My feelings were such as led me to conclude, that if I had no other service in Ireland, this was enough, and my reward was ample for coming.

The meeting, so far, has been a solemn time: I have not had to open my mouth in any of the sittings. The disturbed state of this country is certainly appalling.

Liverpool, Fifth month 3rd, 1831.

My dear children, Although I have had but rough doings on board the Etna steam-packet all night, yet I do not like the thoughts of letting this letter be sent off, without an assurance of dear love on my own behalf; at the same time not doubt ing that your dear mother has said all that is needful, in her letter.

I left for Exeter the next day, and attended the select meeting the same evening, which to We have had a very solemn yearly meetme was a heavy time. Here I again met with ing, which continued nearly the whole of last and Next morning the quarterly week. The dreadful situation of the people meeting began with a meeting for worship, in Ireland seems to have created very general which was for some time very flat; but gra- apprehension in the minds of Friends, and I dually improved, and in the end a relieving think very justly in some counties open retime was obtained, but not without plain deal- bellion is the order of the day, and some bareing. The next appointed meeting was at faced murders have been committed in broadSpiceland, about twenty miles distant, on the daylight. These things, and the altogether following evening. We had to experience the appalling signs of the times, have combined truth of the apostolic declaration, of the sym- to bring the minds of many into great humilipathy in the members of the mystical body: ty and abasement of self. In addition to these "if one member be honoured, all the mem- outward circumstances, the general call from bers rejoice with it;" but our lot was to suffer the ministry has been in effect, how long will together:-"whether one member suffer, all ye see the standard, and hear the sound of the members suffer with it." the trumpet? How long will you hear, and see, and disregard the loving-kindness of the Lord?' It was rather remarkable, that the strangers present were all from places distant from each other; and yet all uniformly had to raise a similar language, and to warn the revolting, backsliding sons and daughters in our Society, of a day that is fast hastening upon them, that would shake every building not upon the true foundation-the eternal Rock of ages, Christ Jesus our Lord. I trust the call will sink deep into the minds of many, and bring into thoughtfulness, about their own soul's peace, such characters as the great Apostle describes, when he says,-" of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.”

We reached Wellington the same night, and I had the pleasure of seeing my beloved companions restored to the bosom of their family, to the great delight of all around them. We were favoured to separate under feelings not soon to be forgotten, in that love which absence and distance only serve to strengthen. I pursued my course to Bristol, lodging at the hospitable mansion of B. T., and embarked the next day in the Killarney steamer, for Dublin; a very fine vessel, crowded with passengers, but all strangers to me. Our progress was impeded by contrary wind, and a sea swell; so that although the vessel possessed the power by steam of 220 horses, we were several hours beyond the usual time of arrival. The two first inns were full of guests, but the third took in the stranger, but could only give him a bed in a double bedded room. Thou knowest I often say-any port in a storm;' but I believe there was a secret hand in all this. The other bed was occupied by a

was last week

I understand that poor seized with illness, and died the next day: it was quite my intention to have paid him a visit, when I reached his neighbourhood; but I shall now be too late. I believe he has been

much softened, since an illness which he had with great virulence at Petersburg; the two a few weeks previous to this last attack; and following letters give some description of this has been heard to lament the manner in which awful visitation.]

his family have been educated. We have but one instance recorded in Scripture of any being accepted at the last hour, that none may presume; but there is one, that none should despair.

Hoping shortly to speak to you all face to face, and to recount the mercies, the blessings, and the loving-kindness of the Lord to his poor finite creatures; I remain with full assurance of love, your affectionate father,

CHAPTER XII.

D. W.

Return to Russia, 1831-Cholera at Petersburg, &c.-Epistle to Friends of York quarterly meeting, 1832-&c.

To S. S.

Sixth month 28th, 1831, Ship Army in the Cattegat. I THINK I never witnessed greater variety and changes in the weather, than have befallen us since embarking on the 22nd. Each revolving day has been fraught with changes, again and again reminding us of the uncertainty of all things here below: each day has produced a calm, and each calm has been followed by boisterous winds. My dear wife has suffered greatly from sea sickness; I think I never before saw her so much reduced from this cause.

To S. B.

Plains of Shoosharry, near Petersburg,
Eighth month 31st, O. S., 1831.

Let me acknowledge with reverent thankfulness and gratitude, that we are all in the enjoyment of the inestimable blessing of health, which nothing earthly can bestow; a high privilege at all times, but how much enhanced, when the earth has been opening around us, and swallowing up the people to fearful extent from cholera, in some cases at the short notice of from two to three hours. Old and young, strong and weak, rich and poor, have fallen; but such as were in the constant habit of drinking spirituous liquors were amongst the first victims. Although we have had to stand as with our lives in our hands, yet we have been favoured beyond precedent; as out of our establishment, employing this year more than five hundred persons, not a single man has been taken off by this disease: when it is a well authenticated fact, that in one house in the city, (a large one of course, containing several families,) forty persons have died. What, indeed, can we render to the Most High, for such unmerited mercies showered down upon such poor unworthy creatures; whilst so many thousands have been hastily summoned hence by the undeniable herald of the grave! "Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can show forth all His praise?" Truly in vain is the attempt, my soul right well knows, for any of us to exalt and magnify His ever great and adorable name, without his strengthening aid; though glowing with renewed desires to proclaim to all mankind, if it were possible, his matchless and unutterable love.

It has often been my lot, and it seems as if the measure was not yet filled up, to witness and to share many painful scenes; I sometimes think that a greater portion of suffering is necessary for me than for others, to hold in check and humble a disposition, which is naturally so prone to rebel. It is, at any rate, no more than I deserve, after the days without number that have been passed in folly and From a variety of circumstances which forgetfulness of that gracious Being, who occurred both before reaching the Sound, and hath in unutterable condescension and mercy after leaving it, our suspicions were awakened followed me from my youth up, even to the as to the state of things, in regard to the fatal present day; and who, I humbly trust, will disease at the place to which we were bending never forsake His poor unworthy creature: our course; but the weather threw us out of but by renewed trials and baptisms, will keep the track of the homeward-bound ships, and alive the vital spark, until He is graciously prevented our getting the least information pleased to say, it is enough.' If I know till we entered the Gulf of Finland. From myself, I think that I do not desire a life of ease; but I would gladly devote the few remaining days which may be my portion here, to declaring "the mighty acts of the Lord" to my benighted fellow creatures, though unequal and unworthy to show forth half His praise.

all the accounts we received from the vessels then spoken with, there seemed no doubt, but that the cholera was raging both at Cronstadt and Petersburg; and the nearer we approached to these places, the more alarming the reports became. One night, when off that part of the coast nearest to the seat of war, we were quite annoyed with the unpleasant state of the air; [About this period the cholera prevailed although we were not in sight of the land, I