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some new and pleasing light. I am sure he will gain not only on my esteem, but also on my affections. Every morning he reads a chapter and expounds it, and then prays. In the evening I or my fellow-catechist read the Scriptures and pray. I am greatly pleased and derive much edification from the enlightened and truly spiritual character of the Captain's observations on the Scriptures, and the unction which accompanies his prayers.

"One of our boatmen, John Pearce, is ill with continued fever, contracted before he left home, where fever was prevailing. He felt indisposed for a day or two before he came on board. May God preserve him to us, and enable me to act judiciously in the treatment of his case!

"Tuesday, September 17.-Lat. 39° 52′, long. 18° 8'. Wind directly aft; sea very smooth; weather exceedingly fair and quite warm, so that we need only light clothing. The nights, too, are very beautiful. As things now are, a sea life is really very delightful. We expect to be off Madeira in a day or two, and have already a foretaste of its balm-breathing atmosphere and sunny clime.

"Our boatman, John Pearce, is happily much better; and now, thank God, there is every hope of his speedy recovery. And what is very pleasing, there is no appearance of the fever spreading to any others on board.

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We have been now ten days at sea. I begin to realise the fact without so much maziness and

wonder as I felt at first. The change from my accustomed avocations to a voyage for a distant land was so abrupt and sudden, that it was impossible not to feel occasionally startled at the newness of my position. Being unable, owing to the shortness of time, to dispose of my practice, I was engaged up to the day of my leaving Burslem, without having so much as the opportunity of visiting absent friends, from whom I had already been separated for years past.

"When I reflect on the circumstances with which I had to contend in entering on this engagement, I feel how great a cause I have for thankfulness to the grace of God which has sustained me, and enabled me to keep faithful to my purpose. Scarcely four months elapsed between my first hearing of the Patagonian Missions and my embarkation. Settled in practice upwards of five years, with a large connexion, many friends, and some strong ties, to dissever myself from long-formed associations, and to settle all my affairs in so short a time, presented difficulties that at times seemed insuperable. However, from the moment of pledging myself to the work, I had a firm confidence that I should be able to overcome every obstacle. But when the time of my departure drew near, and when, after every effort, my affairs were as far from settlement as ever, a fear for the first time crossed my mind as to whether it was really God's will that I should go. One morning, I awoke with

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a feeling of sadness, which deepened upon me. And yet I saw that I could never again be happy if anything prevented my going. I saw

that I could never be the same man, nor look forward to a career of usefulness equal to the past, trifling as that had been. This state of mind continued till the evening of the second day, when suddenly light shone in upon my mind, and comfort and consolation filled my heart. I saw that I had been suffering from the tempter, but now God had restored his energizing grace and strength, and I resolved that nothing short of illness or death should prevent my going forth in his name. My friends who had greatly rejoiced at the momentary hope of my not leaving them, had now the sad disappointment of seeing me more firm in my purpose than ever. I felt for thee, my poor dear Annie, when I was necessitated to check again all thy rising hopes that thy brother would not leave thee. The flush of exultation was on thy cheek, the triumph of thy heart sparkled in thy eye, when I was obliged again to tell thee, It cannot be. No: I must go. It is the will of God. Annie, I must go.' May God comfort the kindest and most tender-hearted of sisters that ever brother was blessed with! God comfort and sustain thee,

Annie!

I shall not readily forget the evening of my leaving Burslem. Though sad to part with so many dear old friends, yet to see such an assem

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blage of Christian brethren, each with a tear in his eye and a prayer on his lips, to wish me God speed, was sweetly touching to my heart. I do not forget you, my beloved friends. How happy is the thought that on so many praying lips my name will often find a place when the Holy One of Israel is sought in fervent devotion!

"Wednesday, Sept. 18.-Everything is so agreeable, that at present our voyage is like a pleasure trip. On deck, where we remain for the most part of the day, enjoying the warm sunshine and the fresh balmy breeze, with a clear sky and the deep blue waters, with the ship steadily stealing away, and all clean and orderly around us, cheerful countenances and pleasing associates, there seems scarce any thing awanting to contribute to our enjoyment. I have felt real happiness this day. Nothing has occurred that could make it otherwise. There has been communion betwixt my soul and God the whole day long. I have had the Scriptures in my hand, reading and meditating the greater part of the day; and the Word has been applied by the Spirit of Truth with refreshing power to my soul. I have been drinking of the river whose waters make glad the city of the living God. Now thrown entirely on the Lord, in body, soul, and spirit given up to God, seeking to draw nigher and closer unto Him whom I love and in whom I am chosen, aspiring after more of the precious influences of the Spirit of grace and love,

desiring to be perfected in the knowledge and love of Christ, I have this day felt that God is willing to give me far more abundantly than all I can ask or think. His banner has been spread over me, and the presence of Christ fills my heart with joys that are unutterable.

"This evening I commenced a class meeting, Erwin and the boatmen joining me. The Lord was graciously present to bless. I was much pleased with the simplicity and earnestness of their experience. Poor Erwin, who has not yet found Christ as his Saviour, was much affected, and, I believe, is not very far from the kingdom of God. May the Lord help him speedily to step in into the glorious liberty of the sons of God!

"Thursday, Sept. 19.-I am deriving much good from witnessing the Christian character exemplified so strikingly in the person of our beloved Captain [Gardiner]. Truly he is a man of God. There is a devotedness to God manifested by him delightful to witness; a fervent piety with great simplicity of deportment, a high tone of exalted greatness of soul, with the absence of all pride or self-elevation. His mind is evidently deeply imbued with the Word of Life. I sink utterly into nothingness by comparison with him. I esteem it a great privilege to have such a living example set before me. Hitherto I have had to struggle on unaided by man in my efforts to gain the mastery over an evil heart of unbelief. Now I feel I shall

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