hard to gain his own liberty, which he effected, and' that also of six children.

3. After his emancipation, he exerted himself great ly in the service of the Lord, among his own people particularly; often spending whole days and whole nights visiting them on the different plantations. He possessed a peculiar talent for expressing his ideas with clearness, which rendered his discourses pleasing and edifying, as well to white people as to those of his own color. To assist the feeble and indigent, were the delight of his heart, and they always found in him a sympathising friend, and faithful adviser.

4. While thus zealously exerting himself in promoting the welfare of others, he did not neglect the concerns of his own family; he gave proof of his care for their temporal prosperity, by working hard to purchase their freedom; but he was more solicitous for the welfare of their souls, and his instructions were blessed.

5. The infirmities of age increasing upon him, he was fearful there was a declension in his love to Jesus Christ. A few days before his end, he said to a friend who visited him, "I ought to have done more, and loved and served my Saviour better. Yet I firmly trust that he will receive me in mercy, for I come to him as a poor sinner, having nothing to plead but his grace and righteousness, through his blood.

6. His children, and several of his grand-children being round his bed, he addressed them in very solemn and impressive manner, to the following effect: "I rejoice exceedingly, my dearly beloved children, to see you once more together before my departure ; for I believe my Saviour will soon come, and take your father to himself. You know, dear children, what my chief concern has been respecting you, as long as I was with you; how frequently I have exhorted you not to neglect the day of grace, but to surrender yourselves, soul and body, to your Redeemer, and to follow him faithfully. Sometimes I have dealt strictly with you, in matters which I believed would bring harm to your souls, and grieve the Spirit of God, and I have exerted

my parental authority to prevent mischief; but it was all done out of love to you. If I have been sometimes too severe, I beg you to forgive me-oh! forgive your poor dying father!"

7. Here he was obliged to stop, most of the children weeping aloud. At last, one of the daughters recovering herself, said, "We, dear father, we alone have cause to ask forgiveness, for we have often made your life heavy, and have been disobedient children." The rest joining in the same confession. The father then continued: "Well, my dear children, if all of you are satisfied, then attend to my last wish and dying request. Love one another!-Do not suffer any quarrels and disputes to arise among you after my decease.-No, my children," raising his voice, "love one another cordially. Let each strive to show proofs of love to his brother or sister; nor suffer yourselves to be tempted by any thing to become proud; for by that you may even miss of your soul's salvation, but pray for lowly minds and humble hearts. If you follow this advice of your father, I shall see you again in eternal bliss, and be able to say, here, Lord, is thy poor unworthy Cornelius, and' the children thou hast given me. I am sure our Saviour will not forsake you; but I beseech you, do not forsake him."

8. He fell gently asleep in Jesus, on the 29th of November, 1801; being, according to his own account, eighty-four years of age.

the

Life of Simeon Wilhelm,

AN AFRICAN YOUTH.

1. "He was born on the West Coast of Africa, about year 1800. When, nine years old, he was taken into the missionary school at Bashia, not far from the place of his birth. He was of a teachable, affectionate disposition, and a pleasing countenance, and very much gratified with the pains that was taken to instruct, not

only himself, but the African children, in piety and in literature.

2. Having heard, that where the missionaries came from, the people were all called Christians, he was desirous of going thither, that he might qualify himself to be useful to his countrymen. His father wishing him to go, Mr. Bickerstethi consented to bring him, if he would promise to do what he bid him. Simeon agreed to do every thing he wished him to, and he never broke his promise. They left Africa in July, 1816, and in a little more than a month, they reached England. On landing, many things attracted his notice but nothing gave him so much pleasure as attending religious meetings.

3. He was placed in the National School, in Shoe Lane, where he soon rose to the first class; but being unwell, it was feared that the climate would not suit his constitution, and a proposition was made for him to return to Africa, which agitated him very much, and he said to a person who was conversing with him on the subject, "You send me back to my country people! I have not got good learning yet: I not teach them. I do them no good." The person replied, "You know, Simeon, that if you stay here, it is most likely you will die, and then you cannot be useful to them :: but if you go back, you may learn what is good in Africa.. He then raised himself up in bed, threw his arms round the neck of his friend, and said, "If I die, that be God's will-God do right: but if I live and stay here, then I learn so that I teach my country people about Jesus Christ. I do not like to leave you."

4. As he thus cheerfully resigned his life to God, it was thought best to indulge him with staying. He gradually recovered from his sickness, and his gratitude, exemplary conduct, meek and affectionate spirit, increased the love of those about him. When the Scriptures were read and explained in the family, he was always attentive, and became so well acquainted with them, that he could readily find passages when adverted to.. He had been taught a strict observance of the

Sabbath, and a reverence for the Sacred Name; and when he saw the one violated, and the other taken in an irreverent manner, it shocked his feelings very much. And having a great abhorrence to lying, he never was known to deviate from the truth on any occasion.

5. Not many months after Simeon's arrival, another black boy came from Africa, named John Maxwell. He went to the same school, and they became very intimate; but John not having those serious impressions on his mind, he often committed faults with which Simeon was grieved, and he manifested towards him a truly christian disposition, and would advise and caution him in an impressive manner.

6. Not long before his last sickness, he attended a meeting of the Clerkenwell Missionary Association, where much was said, and very feelingly, concerning his countrymen, which affected him deeply, and he was sensible that the Lord,s goodness extended to people of all colors, and of all climes. He was confined to his bed the 16th of July, and the servants of the family waited on him with unwearied affection. He was attended by medical men, who strove to recover him to health and usefulness, but could not.

7. A person who watched over him with kind and affectionate attention during his illness, has furnished the following information :-"He delighted in prayer, and in hearing the Bible read to him; and reminded me of a tender lamb, which the faithful Shepherd bears in his arms, and nurses in his bosom. I asked him sometimes if he was comforted in his mind. Can you think on the Saviour? Yes.' Have you hope that your sins are forgiven you? O, yes-he has shed his blood for me.'

8. "He was very grateful for every thing that was done for him. He desired me one day to read some chapters in the Bible. I read the third and seventeenth chapters of John, and made some remarks on them. After being silent about half an hour, he said, "True repentance! pardoning grace! sanctification !"—and frequently repeated them. I asked him if he wanted

any thing. He answered: No ! I must be silent and pray. I have very much to think respecting true repentance.' He was through the night very silent, and much occupied in prayer.

9. "At another time, after I had prayed with him, and desired that the Lord would give him patience, and teach him by his Holy Spirit, that all afflictions which he sends to his children, work together for their good, he said, 'God hear this prayer,' and soon after, 'Amen! God hear this prayer. One evening he said, 'Pray, and read the Bible; when I hear you read or pray, then I am comforted.-Does Mr. B (who was gone a journey) know I am sick? I answered yes, and he will pray for you. Smiling and clasping his hands he said, 'Yes, he will; and he will send a letter to Simeon-ah! dear Massa!'

10. "In the fourth week, his illness had considerably increased, and his inental faculties were affected, and he observed that his memory was short through sickness, but he loved his Bible, and was glad to hear it read during the sleepless hours of the night. When he was spoken to, he would often say, 'I must be silent I have much to think on, and to pray for : I must be really converted.'

11. The Holy Spirit seemed to be more and more preparing him for his heavenly mansion. After I had communicated something comfortable to him, he remarked with a smiling countenance, 'That is a joyful message'—meaning it was adapted to his state- I am comfortable-I feel no pain-all is over-I pray only that I may love the Saviour more, who is so kind to me.' It was delightful to see him so happy.

12. "He one day asked for soine paper, and tried to write, but being too weak to hold the pen, he said, 'Mr. Decker, tell the boys at Bashia,' naming four of them, that Simeon is going to the Saviour in heaven, but he prays with his dying lips to the Lord, that they may turn with all their hearts to Jesus, and may be really converted by the power of the Holy Spirit. He begs them to give over all their hearts to Him, that