Memoir of the late J. T. Shewell (collected and in part arranged by his ... wife), to which is appended notes of his Italian journey, and fugitive poems

Front matter

MEMOIR OF THE LATE JOHN TALWIN SHEWELL MEMOIR OF THE LATE JOHN TALWIN SHEWELL, TO WHICH IS APPENDED NOTES OF HIS ITALIAN JOURNEY, AND FUGITIVE POEMS. Spssfofch : PRINTED, FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY, BY WILLIAM HUNT, STEAM PRESS, TAVERN STREET. 1870. ERRATA. Page I, line 14 from bottom, for Old Hallows, read All Hallows. ,, 1, . ,, 12 ,, , , liis father, read Thomas Shewell. ,, 21, ,, n ,, ,, given, read giving. ,, 29, ,, 3 ,, ,, Pesident, read President. , , 4S, , , 4 , , , , missionary meeting, read monthly meeting. „ 5S, ,, S „ „ 1S69, read 1866. ,, 79, ,, 12 from top, ,, Gusbach, read Giesbach. ,, 102, ,, iS ,, ,, Gucia, read Græcia. ,, ,, ,,19 ,, ,, Zerxes, read Xerxes. ,, 103, ,,5 ,, ,, Bavens, read Baveno. „ HI, ,, 9 from bottom, ,, Plutarch, read Petrarch. ,, 112, ,, 3 ,, ,, two, read one. ,,121, ,, 16 ,, ,, Linncen, read Linnæan. ., 140, ,, II ,, ,, Liddo, read Lido. ,, 146, ,, II ,, ,, Petronis, read Petronio. >> J77> i> 5 from top, ,, Frisole, read Fiesole. ,, 1S7, ,, 6 and 9 from top ,, Ferni, read Terni. ,, 1S9, ,, 1 from top, ,, Socrate, read Soracte. ,, 192, „ 23 ,, ,, interior, read exterior. ,, 196, ,,4 ,, ,, adificabo, read ædificabo. ,, ,, ,, 4 ,, >i t'be, read tibi. ,, „ ,, 5 ,, ,, Calorum, read Cælorum. ,, 198, ,, 1 ,, ,, iagionam, read ragionam. ,, 208, ,, 9 from bottom, „ St., read Septimius. ,, 209, ,,13 ,, ,, Tullus, read Tullius. ,, 215, ,, 21 ,, ,, Septimus, read Septimius. ,, ,, ,, li ,, ,, mullimammea, read multimammea. ,, 217, ,, 11 and 5 ,, „ Septimus, read Septimius.

ERRATA — CONTINUED. Page 218, line 19 from top, for Septimus, read Septimius. ,, 220, ,, 12 ,, „ Gallic, read Giallo. ,, 232, „ 23 ,, ,, Froscati, read Frascati. „ 251, ,, 4 ,, „ Andruo, read Andrew. ,, 259, ,, 23 ,, „ Tupis, read Tussis. ,, 266, ,, 4 ,, ,, St., read Stephen. „ 271, ,, 10 from bottom, ,, Pastum, read Pæstum. ,, 274, ,, 4 ,, ,, estimare, read æstimare. ,, ,, ,, 2 ,, ,, pigus, read frigus. ,, 281, „ 9 ,, „ Pastum, read Pæstum. ,, 29S, ,, 2 ,, ,, Reubens, read Rubens. >> 299> >> IO from top, ,, Danæ, read Danae. ,, 300, ,, 10 ,, ,, Italian poet, read Julian Port. ,, 304, ,, 23 ,, ,, Falluzzo, read Palazzo. ,, 309, ,, 22 ,, ,, Pastum, read Pæstum. ,, 311, ,, 20 ,, ,, Pceste, read Pæsti. ,, 346, „ 32 ,, ,, Emilæ, read Emiliæ. ,, 356, ,, 12 ,, ,, Fideli, read Fidele. ), 3^7, ,, 6 from bottom, „ Natal, read Natale. ,, 369, ,,7 )> i> Abbengua, read Albenga. >> 375, >> 3 from top, ,, Froscati, read Frascati. ,, 385, ,, 32 ,, ,, Antonius, read Antoninus. ,, 392, ,,17 ,, >, invintit, read invenit. ,, 409, ,, 2 from bottom, ,, Hygenia, read Hygeia. ,, 413, ,, 10 from top, ,, Alacides, read Æacides. ,, 427, ,, 22 ,, ,, unchanginging, read unchanging. *#* The principal portion of the above Errata is attributable to the age and indistinctness of the original Manuscript, and for which the Printer Introduction.

The following Memoir of our much loved and lamented Friend, John Talwin Shewell, has been compiled from various papers, collected and in part arranged by his excellent wife, whose earnest and prayerful desire has been that this sketch of one whose talents and time were consecrated from early youth to the service of his Saviour and Redeemer may prove as an help and encouragement to youth of the present generation ; and that they, seeing in it the blessings which have attended his humble and watchful walk before God, not only in spiritual but in temporal prosperity, may take a little courage, and setting up like him their Ebenezer, may be concerned to " run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith ; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb. xii. i, 2.)

Introduction

. VI The Memoir opens with extracts from a short notice of our much valued Friend, written by his Nephew, Alfred Corder, who thus begins : — " Prompted by affection, and in return for many obligations conferred upon me, I would aid in writing the life of my beloved Uncle, John Talwin Shewell, — a man who by his sound understanding and instructive conversation has in no small de gree enlivened the social circle, and one whose friendship was justly esteemed and valued." The Italian journal has been given in full, in the belief that its simplicity, refinement, and research, cannot fail to charm the reader. The expressions of the time when it was written, with the spelling then in use, have been retained, from the desire to present our dear Friend as much as possible as he was in the social circle ; always remembering that these notes of travel were only intended for his immediate Friends, and not at any time prepared for more public perusal. Pinetoft, 12/// mo., 21st, 1S69. MEMOIR.

Section I. From Brighton To Milan

Containing a few Notes written in France and on the road to Geneva — some hasty Sketches taken in a rapid tour through Switzerland, along the passage of the Simplon, on the Lago Maggiore, and the Lago di Como. - 67

Section II

From Milan, through Brescia, Verona, Padua, Venice, Ferrara, Bologna, to Florence — an excursion to Lucca, Pisa, and Leghorn — the journey from Florence to Rome, and some sketches of the antiquities, etc., of that city, terminating in the Baths of Titus - -

Section III

Containing a continuation of the antiquities, palaces, churches, and other curiosities of Rome and its vicinity — an excursion to Frascati and Tivoli — the journey from that city to Naples, and some account of the latter city; of the Studio, and its treasures — the Villa Reale, and its general aspect — and a visit to the Grotto del Cane, and the Lago d'Agnano 206

Section IV

Containing a continuation of Naples — an excursion to Pompeii — another to Vesuvius — visits to the Studio — excursion to Puzzeoli, Baia, and Cuma — Library and Chambers of Papyri — a journey through Salerno to Pæstum — a voyage across the bay to inspect the remains of Herculaneum, and the Palace and Museum at Portici — the quitting Naples — the return to Rome, and finally leaving it — the route by the Col Ferito to Ancona, Loretto, Fano, Rimini, Forli, Imoli, Bologna, Modena, Parma, Placentia, Lodi, Milan, Alessandria, Turin, with some description of the latter, Asli, Novi, Genoa — the fine route of the Riviera di Panenti to Nice — quitting Italy — Fujus, Toulon, Marseilles — Aix, St. Remi, Tarascon, Aries, and Nis, with a description of the antiquities of the last city - 288

Section V

Contains the visits to Congenies, to Montpelier, and Avignon — excursion to the celebrated fountain of Vaucluse — journey thence to Lyons — visit to that city, and journey to Paris — b X

SECTION V.

— Continued. with a few brief observations on some objects of interest there — return home, and concluding reflections. To which is appended some fragments of a Descriptive Poem relative to the same subjects, briefly referring to Rome, to Naples and its vicinity, and to the country intervening between those two cities : illustrated by a few notes - - - - 386 FUGITIVE POEMS. To my Friend M. A., with a bunch of Aconites — to Lavinia — Night Thoughts — the Complaint — to a beloved Friend under Affliction — Stanzas affectionately addressed to a long and justly valued Friend — Lines written in the Album of a Young Friend — to the Sea — Lines written on the return of a morning in Spring - - - - MEMOIR John Talwin Shewell.

Chapter I

His early life and first religious impressions — his letter to his brother — his self-denial and reward. The subject of this memoir was born 26th of ist mo., 1782, in Old London Street, Tower Hill, within the compass of the parish of Old Hallows, Staining, in the city of London. His father was Thomas Shewell, of the Stock Exchange, eldest son of Edward and Sarah Shewell, of Camberwell ; his mother was Ann, youngest daughter of John and Elizabeth Talwin, of Royston. About four years subsequent to the birth of his eldest son, his father withdrew from business, and by the advice of his relations retired to the Rectory House of Ickleford, in Hertfordshire, the birth-place of his sister, Sarah Shewell. In the seclusion of this quiet village the elder children passed their infancy. Their parents' residence was a commodious brick house adjoining the churchyard, which in after years I saw, and obtained permission to peep within the garden : but, alas !

" 'Tis now a history little known, — That once we called the pastoral house our own." B Thomas Shewell continued to reside at Ickleford till the early part of the year 1790, when, for the greater convenience of training his children, he removed to a house in Hitchen, situated at the upper end of Tile House Street. John Talwin Shewell commenced his education at the neighbouring Grammar School, at that time superintended by a Welshman, named Evans, a very severe master, and one who spared not the rod. Here a nucleus of useful learning was formed, which by continual accre tion became a mine of intellectual wealth to himself and his acquaintance. It mattered little that the air of Hitchen was salubrious and the surrounding country agreeable, for the bustle and excitement of London still possessed charms for the mind of Thomas Shewell, Accordingly, in the year 1793, he re turned with his wife and family, to the neighbourhood of the metropolis, and settled at Mile End.

Here he enjoyed a large circle of acquaintance : and I must break the thread of my narrative, while I offer a tribute of respect to the memory of one of them. The late Edward Wilkinson, of Bow, was a man well versed in the learning of the schools, a sincere friend, and ever a welcome guest at the table of his father : endowed by nature with a genius for making charades, he often amused his parties with these productions, and was also the author of various poetical effusions, amongst others, his " Infancy," and his poem on " Wisdom " may be read with pleasure. Dr. Wilkinson had two daughters, Priscilla and Fanny, who were married to the brothers Ricardo, gentlemen of the Jewish persuasion. It was considered by many as a singular event, and highly displeasing to the fathers on both sides, by reason of their religious scruples.

Change of residence rendered it needful to select another seminary for my uncle. It so hap pened while Elizabeth Talwin, his mother's aunt, was visiting at their house, John Perry being present, described with much earnestness the efforts that were making at Ipswich, by William Candler, to establish a real good Friend's school, to be under the oversight of a committee ; all this seemed to make a great impression upon aunt Talwin, who being " a religiously minded person, and one who desired the best things," she generously offered to bear all the expense should her great-nephew be en tered as a scholar : but there he resolutely refused to go, for he dreaded the surveillance of the worthy elders. There had long been a school in Wandsworth, attended by the sons of " Friends," conducted by John Latimer Moreton, a descendant of good Bishop Latimer; and after his decease, several gentlemen of fortune agreed to support Henry Wilkinson, his usher, as the new master.

This individual was not a member of the Society of Friends, and " had but too little religion." This place was chosen by my uncle's parent's in lieu of Ipswich, and here he obtained a competent knowledge of Latin, French, and Italian. Though a mere child he had a great love for polite literature, and evinced an excellent judgment in the choice of books, by selecting from Lackington's catalogue Dodsley's Collection of Poems, for which he paid the sum of one guinea ; but after so large an outlay it was long ere another purchase was effected. Four years later, J. T. Shewell wrote the following lines in the much prized work, Dodsley's collection of Poems. J. T. Shewell. Efus Liber, a.d. 1799. THOUGHTS. True fame is his whose candid mind, Replete with every virtuous lore, Leaves folly's faithless goal behind, — The boast of pride, the pomp of power.

Such be my lot : from vices free, If doomed life's varied vale to tread ; By friendship, truth, sincerity If blest, no latent fear I dread. I court no plume from flattery's wing My laureate trophies to entwine ; Be joys from genuine worth that spring, And self-approving conscience, mine. The silver medal awarded to him as Optimus Compositionis is still in possession of his affectionate wife. We are now arrived at an era fraught with events of the greatest consequence to the Shewell family ; and after the lapse of years, checkered by alternations of joy and sorrow, we may still advert to it with satisfaction, and remember it with gratitude. Through the kindness of the late Dykes Alexander, of Ipswich, John Talwin Shewell was introduced to the notice of Isaac and Mary Liversidge, worthy Friends, who were in a respectable position.

Here my uncle was placed in the year 1796 ; but the accomplished and intelligent youth, fresh from a fashionable academy, evinced little liking for his master's business. This his new patrons for a while excused ; for they discovered in him such a combination of talents as soon begot in their minds a great regard for their young friend. It would appear, from his own account, that his love of books led him at seasons into what may be termed literary excesses ; but in consequence of some religious counsel, extended by a judicious friend, he determined to exclude exceptionable works from his course of study, reserving only Addison's " Cato," which for a time he retained, but, eventually yielding to impressions of duty, relinquished this also. My uncle occasionally would write verses ; but in this employment he received little encouragement from his master, who would say, " John, don't be a poet ; for poets die in garrets."

His earliest production now extant is here given, and was written when about fourteen years of age, whilst on a visit to his grandfather, Edward Shewell, at Camberwell House, with his cousin Richard Brewster : — TO A FLY. Poor little, idle, fluttering, thing, Whom I a captive prisoner hold : Perhaps a squire, perhaps a king, Thou reignest in thy country bold. Now taken by the sugary sweet, Thou must, alas, till death repine ; For here 'tis doomed thy fate to meet, And languish out in chains of mine. In this small box of paper square, Thou must for life confined be : Th}' food shall be my daily care, Although deprived of liberty. But hark ! Humanity exclaims, " What right hast thou to hurt a fly ? " Go, then : thy liberty regain ! Poor, harmless thing, thou shalt not die. Isaac Liversidge was very diligent in his outward calling, lively and facetious in conversation, and took great delight in his horses " Harry " and " Bounce," fine animals that ran in his elegant curricle.

We have good reason to speak well of I. and M. Liversidge, who, in their love and kindness to my uncle, were ever ready to entertain his brothers and sisters, who were all, I believe, in their turn, for a time at least, fostered beneath their roof. William Shewell, a high-spirited boy, who died when about eight years old, was an especial favourite. On Joseph Shewell being about to be apprenticed to I. L., my uncle, then in the seventeenth year of his age, wrote the following excellent letter, to which is appended this remark, made many years after : " This letter having been so long written, and the ink pale, would have been scarcely legible ; but the happy mother of such a son had copied, and thus preserved it. Its fragments are still most carefully preserved, and prized by the loving brother to whom the lines were penned."

Ipswich, August list, 1799. "My Dear Brother, In answer to thy letter, which I may tell thee I took kind, am now sitting down to write ; yet thou must not expect a relation of occurrences, entertaining only for the moment, and with the moment flown : but as thou art likely to be shortly, as it were, entering upon a miniature stage of life, I would endeavour to inculcate a few useful and homely lessons, such as my own small share of experience has taught me to draw from the daily recurring circumstances it has been my lot to share in. I truly congratulate thee, my dear Joe, upon thy approaching union to a family where the softer virtues of domestic felicity bear so large a sway, where thou wilt meet with every indulgence that endearing kindness can bestow ; but thou wilt remember that these disinterested kind offices only deepen the debt which nothing but a constant and willing adherence to the duties of our station can ever repay.

Thou wilt consider thyself called upon, not only to learn the art of thy profession, perhaps the only source of thy subsistence for thy future life, but to perform with strict scrupulosity every command of him to whom thou hast chosen to surrender the years of thy life between childhood and independence. Thou must endeavour to anticipate every just wish, and do all that in thy power lies conducive to the interests of his affairs, and his well-doing in worldly matters. If ever an idea of disobedience to an order, justly and con scientiously imposed, springs up in thy mind, learn to check it, lest it prove a source of ultimate trouble, that may cause the tear of repentance to flow too late. I am sure, my dear Brother, thy own share of prudence and discretion will teach thee to sub mit every wish and desire of thy own to the superior will of thy governor.

Let them also teach thee to know that the situation of an apprentice possesses not — what the sanguine ideas of youth may represent it — by any means a license for pleasures and indul gences, but rather requires an indefatigable exertion of industry and attention, as well as an unwearied diligence, in the discharge of the important duties of its station. " Thus far, my dear Joseph, have I endeavoured to state my ideas upon the particular part of thy conduct and devices ; but there is a general line of behaviour and principles, which we must make it an absolute duty to pursue, if we would pass through the world with conscious satisfaction to ourselves and respect in the eyes of mankind in general ; and this inestimable rule will finally conduce to our domestic repose, if we suffer neither passion nor indiscretion to seduce us from its peaceful paths.

To make virtue the guide of our actions, to shun with careful avoidance the allure ments and pleasures and the intoxicating effects of pernicious examples, 'to do as we would be done by,' to make all our dealings with an integrity that will bear the scrutinizing eye of justice, constitute some of the noblest efforts of humanity. Keeping these in view, we shall experience delicious self-com placency, honoured with the approbation of the just, which the applause of an unthinking multitude can never bestow. Review, then, in thy just entering on the stage of life, these little precepts, inculcated by fraternal love ; consider with delight thou wilt soon enter under the immediate guidance of those who will shield thee from every temptation, though they cannot form the character of thy mind ; and resolve by the most exemplary conduct to merit the good opinion they now and may hereafter entertain of thee.

"Excuse, my dear Brother, this epistolary advice, which, if thou thinkest dull, insipid, and unentertaining, I have written in vain : yet I could not, from motives of false delicacy, hold back what appeared to me to be a duty to write ; and I hope thou wilt strive in some measure to conform thyself to its rules. I may now tell thee I shall receive thee with the greatest pleasure on thy arrival, and hope the meeting will prove mutually satis factory. I will do all in my power lies to make ' thy yoke easy and thy burden light,' which, with thy own endeavours, will, I doubt not, prove highly gratifying to thy future master. In the meantime, with dear love, I remain, " Thy affectionate Brother, "John Talwin Shewell." About the same time these verses were penned, which give a little insight into the earnest workings of his mind : — Deign, Lord, in realms of endless light To hear my fervent prayer ; Involve me not in darkest night, Where none but sinners are.

Oh, let me tread my steps aright, Directed by Thy care; Thy holy precepts never slight, And still of sin beware ! "When living, let me by Thy might, Thy righteous will declare ; When dead, be raised to regions bright, As our forefathers were. Rejoicing in the glorious sight, Oh, Lord, transport me where, 'Midst hosts of angels, robed in white, Such bliss I hope to share. It would seem, from the testimony of various individuals, that Isaac Liversidge was careful and anxious about the business, even to the injury of his own health ; and in the year 1802, while in the prime of his life, death laid the head of this family low. John Talwin Shewell was still a minor, and had as yet acquired but a slight knowledge of business : he, moreover, understood nothing of book-keeping. Once during his illness his master revived sufficiently to post the ledger ; but now it was sadly in arrear, and it cost my uncle a great effort to continue the work.

However, amidst many tears, it was accomplished ; and his reward was not withheld. Mary Liversidge, now a widow, was thoroughly satisfied with the conduct of her young Friend, and resolved at once to take him into partnership. The arrangement was soon made ; and for thirteen years they carried on the business con jointly, with great success. That life which only can endure, Is holy, innocent, and pure ; And souls intent on future bliss, Nor act, nor speak, nor think amiss. " Watch and pray," my Saviour cries ; And " Watch," assenting Faith replies : Unless we guard our post with care, The foe assails us everywhere. c For while we slumber in our cell, And fondly dream that all is well, He plies us with envenomed darts, And shakes the fortress of our hearts ! Captain of my salvation, hear ! Preserve me in Thy holy fear, And arm me with that armour well, Which can defy the powers of hell !

Chapter II

His inner life, with extracts from his private papers. We now see the bright and active youth at the head of a flourishing establishment, enjoying the confidence of those with whom he dwelt, and his first step placed on the ladder of advancement, which, through prayer and watchfulness, ulti mately led to that position in society, in which he was made a blessing to those around, training them up in the path of intellectual improvement, integrity, and truth ; his influence being based on the solid foundation : " Love to God and man." John Talwin Shewell having reached this position through his own endeavours, unassisted by family influence, let us draw aside the veil, and view, for our own instruction, the working of his heart and its deep searchings, then known only to the ever present Saviour.

It may help to cheer and invigorate us in our onward path. We see him prosperous, cheerful, and respected, a companion sought for his intellectual acquirements and refined taste ; yet he is still a minor, Whence does this strength pro ceed ? Turning to a manuscript written in these early years of his life, we read : — "Through how many painful probations must the Christian traveller go, through how many crosses, through how much self-denial. But let us recollect that as the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering, so must we who follow Him. If we would reign with Christ, we must suffer with Him, we must seek and serve Him. We must seek and serve Him above all things, and reckon nothing too dear or too near to part with for His sake. " Father of mercies, when I behold the many painful instances of degeneracy that surround me on every side, 'What is it,' saith my soul, ' that prevents me from being swallowed up in the general vortex ? ' It is only by Thy grace I am what I am ; it is Thy bountiful goodness alone that prevents my feet from falling.

" Oh, in my passage ' through a perilous world, so full of tempting snares and fond delusions,' may Thine everlasting arms be perpetually underneath for my support in the ways of salvation, in the blessed prospect, through righteousness, of sharing the sublime pleasures of eternity, when the sufferings, the dis tresses, and the errors of time shall be finally accomplished in death. Oh, benign Author of all good, when will that glorious period arrive, ' that my impatient soul shall make a near approach to Thee?'" A well-spent life of innocence, integrity, and virtue never ends ; the departure of a soul so richly qualified is merely a transition from works to rewards. Again we find, in the warmth of his first love to his new-found Saviour, J. T. S. writes: — "What are the chiefest joys, pleasures, and gratifications of time, when compared to that joy unspeakable and full of glory which religion enables us to look for hereafter ?

Does not the voice of Wisdom silently reach me, that they are altogether lighter than vanity, 'that they are utterly unworthy of engagino the affections of an immortal Spirit, whose views and hopes are bent towards an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, that fadeth not away : ' a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Cease, then, O my soul, to seek for permanent repose in this land of inquietude and tears, whose sublimest prospects termi nate in vanity, and whose most refined joys are mingled with vexation of spirit. Oh, my Heavenly Father, I acknowledge my manifold iniquities before Thee ; surely I am utterly unworthy of Thy parental regard. It is only Thy mercy that supports me ; withdraw Thy aid, and I sink into nothing." As his self-examination proceeds, and his sense of sin deepens, we find the youthful pilgrim exclaiming: — " Oh, my Heavenly Father, much I fear that my heart becomes daily more and more alienated from Thee.

I am lulled into a fatal forgetfulness of Thy goodness, and of Thy mercies in times past. What am I, O Lord, that Thou art pleased to permit me longer to exist ? I am worthless in Thy sight ; and what words can picture the deep distress and anguish of my soul, under the heart-rending thought of the loss of Thy good presence and favour for ever ? Most miserable eternally must I be if I forsake Thy covenants, if I turn again to folly, and cease to remember my Creator, whose abundant love has indeed called me from the dark valley of the shadow of death to the blessed participation of life and light. Everlasting praises to that incommunicable name, without whose merciful intervention the enemy of my soul's salvation had indeed triumphed over this poor frail, shaken tabernacle of clay. Dare I indeed intreat of Thee, benign Author of my life and of every good thing I enjoy here, that Thou wouldst be graciously pleased to spare me the anguish, the shame, the unutterable confusion of a guilty conscience, which is truly the depth of hell to my soul.

Oh, preserve the future tenor of my life in Thy holy fear, and then, though Thou art pleased to lead me in the tried path of affliction and sorrow, I know, that at my final close, I shall joy ' in the Lord, and rejoice in the God of my salvation.' " Those that sow in tears shall reap in joy. They who go out mourning, having precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them. May such be my happy experience, when, at the close of a wearisome day, I hope to lay down my head in peace, is the sincere desire of my soul." At times a cloud overshadowed these seasons of earnest prayer and refreshing from the Lord ; and many a youthful heart can sympathize with him in the following painful experience : — "Oh, my true and only Guide, in this dark night of apostacy and infidelity, my soul craves Thy aid.

Dispel, I pray Thee, gloomy shades, stamp my belief, confirm my faith, strengthen my heart, enable me to pierce through the obscurity that the unfaithful world would fain throw around the refulgency of the Gospel, direct my poor feeble understanding to the arising of that beam ing star, that can alone point the way to the humble dwelling of Christ Jesus. ' It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps : ' in spite of all our understanding and prudence, if our reliance is not on Divine wisdom for support and direction, we shall assuredly err from the faith, and like the state spoken of by the Apostle, suffer 'a piercing through with many sorrows.' But the just shall live by faith ; and the secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him." And again he writes: — " O Goodness, ancient and new, how shall I thank Thee sufficiently for Thy renewed visitations of love to my soul ?