CHAPTER XII. EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL-MESSRS. WILLIAM AND RICHARD THE REFUGEES-CITY OF SAINT JOHN, &c.—FUR- EARLY in February my dear wife and I renewed our attempt to reach Saint John, which we did in the usual time, and with as much comfort as could be expected to attend travelling at this season of the year. In a short time after entering the city, by "the Suspension Bridge," we arrived at our quarters comfortable quarters too, at Mr. William Wright's, in Brussell's street. Here we found everything prepared for our reception, and a most ample stock of very superior hay and oats specially provided for our horse. In a few minutes we found ourselves at home, and so completely domesticated, that the inconvenience and fatigue of the journey were soon forgotten. Sunday, February 14.-Preached in Germain street in the forenoon, and in the Centenary church in the evening. Morning congregation large, and apparently deeply interested in the service. In the evening the house was crowded, and God enabled me to deliver his message with considerable power. After the evening service we held a prayer meeting in the basement story, at which, probably, from five to six hundred persons were present. The Lord was in their midst; His arm was made bare, and His saving power displayed. Of all the prayer meetings held throughout this great continent among Wesleyans, or any other denomination of Christians, perhaps there is not one better attended, or one that is more distinguished for devotional fervour and divine unction, than the Monday evening prayer meeting, held in the basement story of "the Centenary chapel, in the city of Saint John. There are very few circuits, if any, within the same vast extent, favoured with a more efficient staff of " praying brethren." In this spiritual band Mr. David Collins, Mr. Henry Marshall, Mr. Edward Lloyd, and others, occupy a distinguished place. Many, O many are the fervent and effectual prayers, that these zealous and devoted men have offered up to God. May He bless them yet more, and more, and keep them until prayer shall be swallowed up in praise, and faith in full and everlasting fruition. Monday, 15.-Delivered one of the promised lectures this evening in the Mechanics' Institute. The weather was very favourable, and the walking good. The hall of the institute was crowded, and several had to go away, not being able to procure seats. The subject was of a character rather interesting and popular, and owing to these circumstances, the lecture was well received by the audience, and commendingly reviewed by the press. Sunday, 21.-Preached to-day in each of the city chapels. The Lord the Spirit, as on former occasions, and in these very sanctuaries, cheered my soul with a sense of His divine presence, and strengthened me in my inner man, by the communication of His power. I trust the services of this blessed day will be made a blessing to many; they were to my own soul as honey and the honey-comb, more precious than gold, yea than much fine gold. Monday, 22.-Lectured this evening in the Mechanics' Institute, and redeemed my pledge. The weather was rather unfavourable, but owing to the wonted kindness of the people, I was honoured with a full house, and the usual cordial and flattering reception. The object of our visit being accomplished, and the time allotted for that purpose having expired, we began our preparations for returning. The arrangements were few and simple, and, therefore, soon completed. And hence, on Wednesday morning, we took leave of our kind host and hostess. The weather was fine; the roads in excellent order; our equipage in good condition; and after a very pleasant journey, performed in two days, we arrived, through the special goodness of our Heavenly Father, in our own quiet and comfortable home; supplied with additional material for agreeable and grateful reflection in the kindness and benevolence of our dear friend, Mr. William Wright. This gentleman, and his brother, Mr. Richard Wright, are practical ship-builders, and have contributed very largely to elevate New Brunswick built vessels to the distinguished reputation they now enjoy. The Messrs. Wright commenced life. not many years ago, having little else, probably, than a good character, industrious habits, and a determination to go a head, and to succeed. Their career has been alike characterized by probity, honour, and prosperity, and the position they now occupy at the head of the ship-builders of the Eastern Provinces, furnishes another instance, in addition to the numcrous ones, which the history of trade and commerce supplies, of what may be achieved by uprightness, ability, and perseverance. This firm has built some of the best and largest ships that have been constructed in British America. It is not necessary to enumerate them all; indeed, the list, though it would present a great array of both ships and tonnage, would engross more space than is at our disposal; we shall, therefore, only 66 mention "the David Cannon," the Beejeepore," "the Dundonald," "the Guiding Star," "the Star of the East," and the "Morning Light," recently launched; and that is, at present, the largest vessel ever built by any of our Colonial ship-wrights. But, touching the character and dimensions of this superb specimen of naval architecture, the American papers speak in the highest terms of commendation and praise. The following is one eulogy selected from many of a similar character. "The New Brunswickers have abundant reason to be proud of their feats in ship-building; and are now saying a good deal, but not a word too much, in favour of the ship "Morning Light," lately launched at Saint John. She is 265 feet long, and measures 2,368 tons, and is said to be the finest and most expensive ship ever built in British North America." We spent more than a fortnight at Mr. Wright's; cared for in every respect; and so abundantly furnished with every thing that good taste and hospitality could supply, that the only imperfection in our visit was the brevity of its duration. I refer to it now with feelings of mingled pleasure and regret ; and should we never again see this kind friend, in the flesh, we hope that, through the infinite mercy of God, we shall meet him, and his generous and |