CHAPTER V.

PROSPECT OF DUTY IN RUSSIA-OFFERS HIMSELF TO THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT TO SUPERINTEND AGRICULTURAL

IMPROVEMENTS

NEAR PETERSBURG-VOYAGE TO CRONSTADT, 1817-INTERVIEW WITH PRINCE GALITZIN AT PETERSBURG, ALSO WITH THE EMPEROR VOYAGE HOMEWARD.

A NEW field of action was now about to open before him, for which his mind had been secretly preparing, until a willingness had been begotten in his heart, to follow the requisitions of his Lord, whithersoever these might lead him, or whatever sacrifice to his natural feeling, an acquiescence in them might involve.

For several years, he had an impression that it would be required of him to go abroad. This prospect frequently cost him much exercise of mind; and one day whilst pacing up and down his parlour, feeling unusually burdened under it, he was led earnestly to cry unto the Lord, desiring that he would be pleased to show him to what part of the world he must go. One of his children was in the room putting together a dissected map, and as his father approached him, his eye rested on Petersburg with such an intimation that thither his Divine Master would send him, that, said he, in relating the circumstance many years afterwards to an intimate friend, I never afterwards doubted:" he however kept the matter entirely to himself, believing that when the right time should come, way would be made for him.

Early in the year 1817, enquiry having been made, by order of the late Emperor of Russia, for a person to undertake the management of an agricultural establishment in his dominions, Daniel Wheeler believed it his duty to offer himself for this service. The Emperor, as the reader may recollect, visited this country, in the year 1814, and was much struck with the perfection of the English system of farming. His attention had been drawn in several ways to the Society of

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Friends; and a casual visit made to the farm of a Friend, on the Brighton road, had given him a favourable impression of their character as agriculturists. This impression, as the event proved, was not soon effaced; for having three years afterwards concluded on the drainage and cultivation of certain marshes and waste lands, in the immediate neighbourhood of Petersburg, and enquiry being made in England for a suitable manager for this work, the Emperor particularly specified his wish, that a member of the Society of Friends should be selected. The information was circulated in the Society, by the late Richard Phillips of Wandsworth; and the following extract from a letter received from a Friend of Sheffield, in reference to this subject, is inserted as showing the manner in which this undertaking was entertained by D. W.

Second Month 15th, 1817.

Little did I suppose on the receipt of thy letter of the 22nd, that I should have occasion so speedily to reply to it. Soon after reading it, I observed to my wife, if such a Friend as Daniel Wheeler had believed it right to embark in such an undertaking, I knew of no person, that for all the purposes required, might be so fully recommended. But this idea did not at that time operate farther on my mind, than to induce me to conclude to take him into consultation, respecting some one well qualified. On the receipt of thy letter, he was engaged in a family visit in a neighbouring meeting. In consequence, I was prevented from communicating the subject to him, until yesterday; when I perceived, to my surprise, that it made considerable impression on his mind, and that, from some questions he put to me, he was making the application to himself. Without noticing this, I told him, I wished he would give the overtures of the Emperor a place in his thoughts; and if any eligible person occurred to him, to inform me within a week. But my surprise was increased this morning, by his coming to inform me, that it would be mere form to defer acknowledging, that his mind was already made up to offer himself for the situation, for which it had been preparing more than two years. Great as the trial will be to many, to

spare such an one out of our Monthly Meeting, there was an assent in my mind, like that of "thou art the man." I have often said, that in respect both to civil and religious attainments, I knew of no one, moving in a similar sphere, who is so much qualified for the superintendence and the direction of others. A novice as to the world, or one who had had little experience as to the ways of men, however much he might have had of agriculture, would want many requisites, essential to the filling with propriety a station, designed to be under the immediate eye of an Emperor. In his character, so much of true dignity is united with Christian humility, as qualifies him to appear before princes.

After acquiring the first reputation in Sheffield as a tradesman, he took a farm, as if to give proof of his practical skill in agriculture; which has excited the admiration of the neighbourhood, and demonstrated that his talents in this direction are of a superior kind.

For a person of his qualifications, to come forward on the ground of religious sensibility, appears to me an extraordinary instance of devotedness; but he has been heard to say, he has been forgiven so much, that he cannot give too great proof of gratitude and attachment to the King of kings. If he enter upon this undertaking, it will be no small sacrifice in a pecuniary consideration, which he will have to make.

One of the first difficulties which presented itself, in regard to this movement, was that of mentioning his prospect to our dear mother. He believed her timid nature would be ready to shrink under such a requirement. His distress therefore on her account was great: but what was his surprise and comfort, when on informing her, and querying whether she could leave her friends and native land to go with him, she sweetly and calmly acquiesced; stating her belief, that if it was the will of the Lord, strength would be given them to bear the trial, as well as ability to perform the service required, whatever it might be.

His own explanation of the motives which induced him to enter into this engagement, is thus given by himself, in a

paper addressed to an official person in Petersburg, during his first visit to that city, from which the following is extracted:

Eighth Month 13th, 1817.

It seems altogether unnecessary to preface what I am about to state in this memorial, seeing that the truth never did, nor ever will need any apology. I shall therefore proceed by observing, that it is now two years and a half since the subject of visiting Russia, and rendering myself useful in promoting the happiness of its numerous inhabitants, was presented to the view of my mind, by that inward principle of light and grace, a manifestation of which is given to every man to profit withal, in which I believe; and Petersburg was the place pointed out to me as the scene of my operations. It was, I must acknowledge, a prospect at which I was ready to shudder: for, although we may at times feel a willingness, and even profess it, to go with our Lord and Master into prison and unto death; yet such is the frailty and weakness of human nature, that when the trying hour cometh, like Simon Peter, we are ready to deny Him. But He who is touched with a feeling and compassionate sense of our manifold infirmities, I trust saw that it was not wilful disobedience, but human weakness; and He who only knoweth the thoughts and intents of the heart,-yea, from whom "the darkness hideth not, but the night shineth as the day,—the darkness and the light [being] both alike to Him,"-in adorable condescension and mercy, doth at seasons qualify his poor, dependent, humble followers, acceptably to breathe the aspiration,-" Lord thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love Thee." However, I must honestly confess, that at the time I could not possibly devote myself to such an undertaking; for I am certain, that no earthly consideration whatever, could have induced me to leave my beloved wife and tender children: but He, who "bloweth with his wind, and the waters flow,"-at whose touch the mountains of opposition melt down and vanish, hath by His wonder-working power, reduced my mind to a willingness to go, whensoever and wheresoever He is pleased to lead, and to do whatsoever he is pleased to call for.

Some time after this, as I was returning home late one evening, I had a sense of invitation after this manner, What if the Emperor of Russia should want a person for the superintendence of agriculture :'-at which time a willingness was begotten in my mind to go, if that should be the case; but when, or in what manner, this was to come to pass, was totally hidden from me. The frequent conflict of soul I had to pass through, none can conceive or have an idea of, but those who have been alike circumstanced; all which was permitted in infinite wisdom, for the subjection of the natural will, and is what I verily believe all must pass through, before they can in sincerity of heart say,— "Not my will, but Thine be done."

In this manner I was prepared for this great event, and I cannot but record it, as a great and signal event in the life of a private individual: for when a letter was received from Russia by Richard Phillips of London, a copy of which was sent to a Friend in Sheffield, and by him handed directly to me, it did not create any surprise, as I was in a state of preparation to receive it, and in daily expectation of something important coming to pass. The circumstances which afterwards took place, are too well known to need enumerating.

I have had to leave my family for short periods of time, having been called upon to proclaim the glad tidings of the everlasting gospel, and to endeavour to stir up the pure mind. by way of remembrance of those things that are most excellent, in visits to my brethren and sisters, in their separate churches, in different parts of England; and I humbly hope the day's work was keeping pace with the day but now a greater trial of faith was to be exercised, a greater sacrifice to be made;-I must not only leave my family, but my country also. The second letter arrived from Russia, and the time seemed fully come. Accordingly I drank the cup with all its bitter dregs of separation, and tore myself away.

If my proposals be altogether rejected, I do not know what I can do more. I have not stood at a distance, but have actually come into Russia, and offered myself, my family, and the sacrifice of nearly all the resources I possess. If this offer be refused, I humbly trust the will will be accepted for the deed, and that