and the right observance of it. England certainly affords many spiritual helps, which Africa does not; and yet the variety of calls to occupation in England may, in one view, be less favourable than a situation in Africa, because this, in comparison to that, is almost a complete solitude. O, how gratefully ought I to acknowledge the great Providential mercy I have experienced, in having had in England, both whilst living in my large family in Yorkshire, and since the divestment of occupation has given me much time for mental engagements, and for the free consideration of what might tend to usefulness amongst the poor and others. It is true, little is yet done in comparison with what is needed, whilst the field for labour is very wide. Still, these seasons of retirement, have, through Divine help and mercy, led to some exertions in favour of those who needed help, which, imperfect as it may have been, calls for an aspiration of thankfulness, that the orderings of Divine Providence have in any way led to, and permitted, even that degree of fruit which has appeared, yet feelings of deep humiliation may well prevail when I look back.

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I long, when the right time shall come, to join once more in the sublime and sacred exercise of an assembly of silent worshippers, and to witness the solemn waiting of endeared friends at the graveside of a brother or a sister, when the awful transition into the eternal world, calls out the mind to the acknowledgment of the unstable and transient nature of all human things. Dear as is the thought of preparing little untaught children for the first rudiments of Christian instruction, yet my mind greatly enjoys partaking of the high and spiritual

privileges, which Christian communion with exercised and experienced friends often so sweetly affords in our own native land; our highly favoured country, where blessings and privileges do indeed abound, and where the question ought daily to come home, 'How much owest thou unto thy Lord?' and 'What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits?' 'I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.'

"O! that the true Christian missionary spirit may spread in our dear native land, and may its compassions be moved toward many at home, as Iwell as to those in distant countries. Far be it from me to narrow the stream that would flow abroad, or to desire for either myself or others a greater exemption from this labour, even for the last and lowest of the people, than the Divine will would appoint. Only I desire that the many benighted and suffering people in our own country may partake also of missionary labour. May schools be formed, and colonies of industry also; may Christian instruction visits be given; in fine, may all be ready to help in every way where right openings are seen, and may they serve one another in the Redeemer's cause, and from love to himself. I am not satisfied without acknowledging, that amid some trials and bereavements which I have experienced here, there has been vouchsafed to me, through unmerited goodness, such an evidence of Divine mercy and protection, that many of the hours I have spent in this habitation may, I believe, justly be considered as among the happiest of my life.

"12th. We have had this afternoon an unexpected visit from the Governor, just as the child

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ren were commencing the afternoon school. staid in the house a short time to see some refreshment set out for our company, and on going into the school-room, found the Governor very wisely forming his judgment of what the children could do, by pointing out from the lesson-board different letters, not in regular succession. I heard them afterwards a little from the Kosso and English lessons. He inquired about their knowledge of the English language; and himself, and the two civil officers who accompanied, seemed satisfied with their appearance and attainments. One spoke of them as the most intelligent company of liberated African children he had ever seen.

"13th. I have had a good night's rest, and arose this morning much refreshed, and felt, I trust, thankful for the renovated power with which I am favoured. O, that from day to day that grace may be earnestly sought which can perpetually renew the soul in Christ Jesus!

"In my afternoon hour of instruction I have been refreshed. O, what a favour it is that we have had so much satisfaction, and so little disquiet. Whatever else has been going on heavily, the school, both for the children and teachers, has been pleasant and satisfactory. I must endeavour to lead my young people out of the habit of passing time thoughtlessly, by giving employment that will interest them and be attended to in leisure hours. Three are now capable of reading and writing, so as to occupy themselves in reading to good purpose. I have given a Cottage Hymn-book to each of these, and proposed a hymn to be learned by two verses at once, to which they immediately applied. Two of our family (the servants) have

lately been much involved in contention with each other. I trust, however, that has all passed, and that at this present moment the whole family is in peace and good-will. O, may this be maintained, and thankfulness of heart be felt for so great a comfort! I long to see a religious exercise awakened in the minds of these dear young people who are appointed to help the children, and that they may be enabled to lead them by counsel and example in the ways of righteousness.

"17th. Merciful and beneficent was the appointment of one day of rest from worldly cares; and desirous should every conductor of a family be that all partake the intended benefit:-not overloading the preceding day with toil, so as to cause late retiring, or late rising in the morning of the Sabbath. There should not be much preparation of food for either the family or for visitors, so that this may not be a day of weariness, or hard pushing to obtain an hour or two for the sacred engagements of public worship. Let it be remembered, Thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant' were to be included in the first appointment of this sacred day.

"I long greatly for a habitation in which each shall endeavour day by day conscientiously to pursue his own duties, as unto the Lord;' where the sweetness of harmony shall be felt throughout the house, and the comforting presence of infinite and everlasting goodness be acknowledged.

"O, that a deputation of able men would come on a visit to this colony, to see the whole concern of the liberated African department! The school stations want more helpers, and the causes of the great mortality which has existed among the children in the

rains, needs more fully ascertaining. We need also some powerful exertion with regard to the apprenticing system, which, in many cases, is only another kind of slave-trade.

"O, that health may be given to continue through the rains! If that should not be granted, or if any other cause should make it requisite to leave, I would seek to submit with resignation to the view of returning; which yet, to my own choice, would be more difficult than staying. Some people might, if they saw these and other reasonings on the subject, be ready to say, you bring indisposition by your doubts and fears. I do not feel that this would be a just reflection, nor that I am in the way of expecting indisposition till it is felt. A constitution at all times peculiarly susceptible of suffering from damp, must be sensible of these effects in Africa, whatever care may be taken before the rains commence. My only hope is, that, if it be the will of Divine Providence for me to remain, He will give what strength He shall see good.

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My mind is under concern from the fear that some resting too much in the observance of regular seasons for family and public worship, do not yet guard the heart with all diligence, but suffer tempers to be indulged that tend to wound, disturb, and weaken that which is good. The memento seems to be, Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it, are the issues of life.' It is in our lives that we show most fully whose we are, and whom we obey.

"When engaged in the selection of subjects for reading to children, it is necessary to have the mind at liberty for the work, and awake to sympathy with the little ones, so as to adapt instruc