'

"I think thy own remarks are just, especially that such information should be conveyed to the sufferer, in a tender and cautious manner."

To his brother H., under date Third Month 13th, he wrote, in a strain similar to some of the foregoing, as follows:

"I do not know whether thou art aware of it, but I have been for a long time convinced that my complaint is now so deeply rooted-the growth of so many years, that it will never, humanly speaking, be eradicated. I was convinced of this at Gibraltar, I was confirmed in it on the Isle of Wight, and now, after the lapse of four months, with great loss of strength, and aggravated symptoms, the impression can but be deepened. Under these feelings, the choice of situation, as between Hastings, Penzance, or the Isle of Wight, is of comparatively little moment. It is pleasant to me to be where there is sunshine, and when warm enough for me to go out, the pleasure is increased. We have generally had east and north winds here since we came, and although we are well sheltered from their blasts, yet I find care needful in going out, as occasional spitting of blood denotes that my lungs are in a very tender state. When I have ventured out, owing perhaps as much to shortness of breath as weakness, in a walk of half a mile, I have found it needful to rest several times to take breath, on seats placed by the sides of the walks for that purpose. Thou wilt see, my dear brother, that it is necessary for me to be weaning my affections from the things of time, and placing them more fervently on those above, which are eternal. I have been surprised at the deceitfulness of my own heart, to find what strong hold the former have had over me. At the same time, I may humbly acknowledge, that by the mercy of God, through his dear Son, I have felt very little condemnation, but generally a confiding trust in

His faithfulness. And sometimes, in my private retirement, I have been favoured to feel the refreshing influence of his Divine presence.

I have sometimes harboured a doubt, whether I am one of those who are 'at ease in Zion,' or whether I was not indulging in a false rest; but the renewed feeling of spiritual communion has dispelled the doubt. I cannot expect but that one so utterly unworthy as I am, will have to pass through deep probation, before I can be prepared to join the purified spirits, but I trust that when the trial comes, as my day, so may my strength be. Do not think that I write these things boastingly, but rather may I glorify God, whose mercy endureth for ever; and who, while we were yet sinners, so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son to save the world; that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life."

After remaining about three weeks at Hastings, they proceeded to Brighton, where they obtained agreeable lodgings, close upon the sea-beach, and experienced much kindness and sympathy from Friends. For a few days, the dear invalid's spirits became greatly depressed, and much company would have been oppressive to him. At Hastings he once said, when feeling very poorly, "If I should become much worse, we had better return home. In that case, whatever may be the climate, home will be the best place." But now he was more anxious to go forward to the Isle of Wight, but in reference to that island, he once remarked, "That a cloud seemed to rest upon it."

Whilst they were at Brighton the weather became very clear and warm, so that he enjoyed walking or riding out daily; but walking became increasingly difficult, from the state of his breathing. By the genial climate and warm weather, some of the symptoms appeared to be much miti

gated. Here they were joined by their father, and after a little consultation, it was determined to remain at Brighton over the approaching Quarterly Meeting; so that they were there altogether about three weeks. The depression of spirits wore off. About this time, having been one day left awhile alone, he afterwards remarked to his sister, that he had enjoyed a refreshing season, whilst sitting in silence, adding, that he had not been sensible of much good for some time. On being inquired of, whether the depression of spirits had arisen from this cause, he intimated, that he did not think so, but rather that it was somewhat similar to what he experienced in Italy, but only in a less degree. There is some reason to believe that this trying dispensation, relative to the prospect of going to the Isle of Wight, might be somewhat of a preparatory baptism for the last approaching conflict of nature.

About this time he wrote a letter to his brother G., from which the following is an extract :

1

After alluding to the recent decease of two individuals, who had been his companions in labour in the Total Abstinence Society, at Newcastle; he goes on to say, in reference to one of them, (G. H.) "I quite agree with thee, in thy remarks on his serious frame of mind, and his ardent desire, not only to reach the heavenly goal himself, but to draw as many of his fellow-men with him as possible. He was, indeed, a preacher of righteousness, both in life and conversation, and I trust, is now reaping the reward of his labours, in eternal rest and happiness.

"The remarks of a religious character in thy former letter, were very grateful to my mind-not only on my own account but as affording an evidence that thou art continuing to pursue the one thing needful, and to keep thy hold of the pearl of great price. This is certainly of much more importance to us, in every point of view, than the most splendid

earthly treasures, or any thing else which this world can afford.

"I believe religious retirement to be one of the best means of maintaining our souls in health. I was much pleased with the account of Esther Atkins, in the 'Memorials of deceased Friends,' relative to this practice. It appears that she would spend hours of her time, in seeking communion with God. Although, I dare say, we have both seen the substance of the account before, yet I think thou wouldest be pleased with a re-perusal of it.

"I may say that I have been in the practice myself, from the time that I was an apprentice; but through the pressure of circumstances, and not having a suitable place to retire to, I have allowed myself to perform the duty in a very imperfect manner; but still, I believe, it has been of essential benefit to me; and, at times, I have been favoured with a precious covering of good, and felt strengthened thereby to press onward in the narrow path. Many a time I have been enabled to tune my heart to the praise of the Most High, while taking a solitary walk in the evening, a practice which, at one time, I much enjoyed. The calm of a summer's evening, when the sun was sinking towards the horizon, and every thing hushed and still, was a time which I used to love for the purposes of contemplation."

After the Quarterly Meeting, they left Brighton, where they had experienced much sympathy and kind attention from their friends, and proceeded by way of Portsmouth and Ryde, to Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight. He bore the journey pretty well; and the weather being mild, travelling by the outside of the coach and by steam-boat suited him. Their lodgings at Ventnor were pleasantly situated, and he much enjoyed the balmy salubrity of the climate, and was able to walk or ride out daily, and, there being a general mitigation of all the symptoms, except the oppression

in his breathing, he passed his time without much suffering.

He attended the meetings kept up by the few Friends then at Ventnor, either at his own lodgings, or at a small meeting house, which was used a few times, until within four days of his death, even when nature seemed too much exhausted by the effort. He conversed but little, yet appeared sweetly composed, and at times exhibited a heavenly serenity of countenance.

On the

We have now to approach the closing scene. day preceding his dissolution, he rode out, as usual, mounting his little pony without assistance. Yet, in the absence of any acute symptom, his flesh had been obviously wasting, and for a few days the ancles were observed to swell. The lungs became less capable of performing their functions and on the evening of the 2nd of Fifth Month, another indication of approaching change occurred. Preparations were now made to return homew ards, a had been for several days in contemplation. Medical advice was obtained, especially in reference to this movement; but the result was not encouraging. During this day, at times, he spoke of increased debility. The night was passed much as usual; but in attempting to dress himself in the morning, he found he required assistance-saying, "I am a weak creature now." He came down stairs to breakfast, and afterwards spent some time in reading and meditation. After his father was gone out to meeting (being First day), he requested his sister to come and sit by him, that they might hold their little meeting together-so highly did he continue to esteem this precious privilege of waiting upon God, endeavouring to hold communion with him.

In the evening, his father having again gone out to meeting, he reclined upon the sofa, requesting his sister to read some religious tracts to him, "Short and pithy." From