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life. It is impossible to say what happy effects have been produced by such means, but it is evident that to him they were of a most important nature. In this way he became acquainted with Christians of other Societies. Near the same bed side he often saw the Churchman and Dissenter, who while sympathising with a dying fellow creature, felt also an union of soul unknown before-and the spirit of the times, together with the numerous Christian Societies of the present day are peculiarly favourable to the advancement of such sacred friendships. Christians should hail the happy omen as an introduction to that glorious period, when the holy, peaceful, lovely spirit of the gospel shall pervade the whole crea

tion.

In the year 1815 a Society was formed in London which greatly attracted his attention.*

* Denominated the Society for the Improvement of Prisont
Discipline, &c.
Patron,

H. R. H. The Duke of Gloucester, K. G.
Vice Presidents,

The Marquis of Buckingham-Marquis of Lansdown. 10 Earls-14 Lords, and all the others Baronets and Members of Parliament.

Chairman,

Sam. Hoare, Jun. Esqr.

And a Committee of 36 Gentlemen.

The promoters of this Society were men of a kindred spirit with himself, and he entered so warmly into their plans that " much of his time was spent in visiting the Prisons of the Metropolis, endeavouring to impart religious knowledge to those who were confined in them." A singularly happy instance of the success of his labours greatly encouraged him, of which the following is the substance.

In one of the visits to the Prison in Cold Bath Fields, he perceived amidst the culprits a fine lad of engaging manners and prepossessing countenance. Being struck with his appearance, he inquired particularly into his case, and found after the most minute investigation, that he was imprisoned for the first offence. Anxious to snatch this juvenile offender from the jaws of ruin, he paid particular attention to him, giving him instruction, watching his conduct and looking for marks of contrition. In this he happily succeeded, and the lad was afterwards placed with a respectable tradesman in the Metropolis. His conduct with his Master has invariably proved that Mr. Venning was not mistaken. During his last stay at St. Petersburg, he received a letter from this youth, expressing all the feelings of a grateful heart to his benefactor and deliverer. The contents of this letter, together with the

good conduct of the boy, amply repaid Mr. V. for all the toils he endured in the service of humanity. Had it not been for the timely aid of this good man, the poor youth might have associated with the hardened rebels who were confined in the same prison, and have been irretrievably lost.

This circumstance operated on Mr. Venning's mind in the most powerful manner, and so encouraged him, that when he was once inviting a young gentleman to engage in the same benevolent labours, he said to him, Only succeed in reclaiming one offender, and it will make you a prison man for ever.

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The genuine influence of Christianity expands the soul and breathes good will to every creature. Every person who was well acquainted with Mr. Venning, will acknowledge that he possessed this spirit. He was now completely according to his own phrase," a prison man." Britain shared first in his compassion, but it was not confined there, he remembered that he was a member of the great family of man. He knew that God made of one flesh all the nations of the earth, and that every human being possesses an immortal spirit more precious than ten thousand worlds. While he mused on these things the fire kin

dled the land in which he had once resided came to his recollection, and he determined in the strength of the Lord to visit it again, to communicate what he had learned, and if possible, put in operation there, those plans which he had seen so efficient in England.

Russia was now the place of his destination. The beloved friends whom he left behind will never forget his parting interview. It was solemn and affectionate, but they little thought that they should see his face no more-So uncertain are all things here below. How necessary, how important, to be to be prepared for every

event.

The ship in which our Philanthropist embarked weighed anchor at Gravesend, the 18th of May, 1817. His voyage was rendered highly interesting, by having as fellow passengers the Rev. Edward Stallybrass and Mrs. Stallybrass, who were going as Missionaries, to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ, to the Mongolian tribes in Siberia. In these amiable persons he perceived a combination of excellencies which he well knew how to appreciate. Their hopes and aims were one-ransomed by the same blood-quickened by the same Spirit-heirs of the same inheritance-and servants of the same Lord. He formed an attach

ment to them which they mutually cherished till death.

It is usual for ships bound to St. Petersburg to stop at Elsineur, and the passengers go on shore and remain there until the Captain is ready to sail; this is no loss of time to a person who has business to transact in every town. Accordingly on their arrival at this port Mr. Venning writes: "On Tuesday the 3d of June, I went on shore and set off for Copenhagen, to see the prison, but as it was not in order, I was refused admission until the following day. Mr. F. promised to procure me all the information necessary, and said to me, Two men were lately beheaded for breaking out of prison; prior to this no execution had been heard of. A new prison is now building more secure and more commodious, I was introduced to Mr. Foster,* and saw the prison."

While engaged in surveying the receptacle where those are kept who break the laws of man, he was not unmindful of those who break the laws of God. Another object attracted his attention, which deeply interested him, and which is of far more importance to Englishmen, than a

British Consul at Copenhagen.

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