quently expressed his doubt of ever living to manhood; and once, in speaking to her of his father having expectation from his assistance in business, he said, "If father leans upon me, he leans upon a weak plant; but, if I do live, I hope to be a comfort to him." A very short time previous to his decease, he presented his faithful friend with a seal, engraved with the word " Fidelity;" on which occasion he made some pertinent and affecting remarks, at the same time desiring her to consider the little gift a token, and not as a reward for her attention to him.

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When about fourteen years of age, his father presented him with a volume of Specimens of Poetry," by various authors. It was not known that this work had attracted much of his notice, until the period of his last illness, when, in order to illustrate the subject of some conversation with his parents, he repeated, with much feel

ing, a portion of two pieces which he had learned out of that collection; viz. "The Hour of Death," and "Verses written in a Churchyard." The subjects which had in this way arrested his attention, confirm the opinion that his final change was not unfrequently the object of his private meditation, even when in health.

Indeed, the work of religion in the heart of this beloved youth; his faith and obedience; his trials and temptations; and the crown of righteousness which he, at length, received; -are so correctly delineated in a poem, entitled, "The Child of the Lord," that the writer of this memorial is induced to transcribe it. Those who knew him best, will be at no loss in tracing the faithfulness of the portraiture.

But we have now arrived at that period of the brief history of this precious youth,

7 See Appendix, F, G.

8 Ibid. H.

when it was evident to his afflicted relatives that a fiery trial was approaching them; it was, alas! become too apparent that his short race was nearly run, and that every effort was failing which medical skill or affectionate attention could devise. The lovely gift was called for by the Great Giver, in language which could neither be misunderstood nor denied. His it was, and to Him it must be resigned. The command. was distinctly heard, The Master calleth for him; loose him, and let him go.

Conversing with his dear mother on the uncertain issue of his illness, she remarked that it was for us to do all in our power, but we must leave the event to Providence; he promptly replied, "Yes, mother, that is the right way."

"A bruised reed he will not break,

Affliction all his children feel;

He wounds them for his mercy's sake:
He wounds to heal."

He remarked, on hearing the above beautiful lines, that they brought to his recollection a part of some expressions addressed to him by a minister, in a religious opportunity that he had some time before in the family, and which he said often dwelt on his mind, as applicable to his state, " Cast down, but not destroyed." This visit took place at a time when he was rather poorly, and which he has noted in his Diary. While we had the company of the dear friend alluded to, Frederic-James expressed a wish to possess his autograph, which he obligingly complied with; emphatically adding this memento, "To me, said the Apostle, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

On his father lamenting, during his last

illness, his then state of suffering, he admitted that he felt much bodily weakness; adding, "but I wish for an increase of spiritual strength." A belief was expressed, that a portion sufficient for the day would, in mercy, be granted him; that faith in Christ, in which he had placed his trust, was an active and fructifying principle, and, if cherished in the soul, would be found to be strength in his weakness, and a present help in every time of need.

An affectionate aunt, who felt deeply interested on his account, being about to return to her residence in the country, when taking her final leave, expressed a desire that he might feel happy in the prospect before him; to which he sweetly replied, "I am pretty well resigned."

He frequently expressed his concern that his dear mother laid his situation so much to heart. "Mother," he would say,

"take it quietly." At another time he said,