Stom f^e feifirarg of (profeesor Wffiam (Qtiffer ({)a;rfon, to f fetfirari? of (pnncefon C^eofogtcaf ^emtnarj? BX 7795 .A6 A3 w.X Allen, William, 1770-1843. Life of William Allen Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 https://archive.org/details/lifeofwilliamall02alle_0 I I LIFE V FEB 16 1912 WILLIAM ALLEN. SELECTIONS FEOM HIS CORRESPONDENCE. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. IL HENRY PHILADELPHIA : LONGSTRETH, 347 MARKET 184 7. STREET. « KING AND BAIRD, PRINTERS, NO, 9 GEORGE STREET. CONTENTS. I CHAPTER XVI. PAGE. 1821—1822. — Extracts from Correspondence — Death of Walter Venning — Various En- gagements— Intelligence from Ekaterinoslav — Yearly Meeting — Reflections and En- gagements— Visit to Sussex and Surrey — Origin of the Establishment at Lindtield — Letter from Daniel Wheeler — Attends different Meetings — Marriage of his Daughter — Letter from South of Russia — Visit to the Yearly Meeting in Dublin — Various En- gagements — Visit to New Lanark — Letter to the Emperor of Russia — Prepares to set out for Vienna, ......-.--.--1 CHAPTER XVII. 1822. — Journey to Vienna — Exertions on behalf of the poor Greeks — Interviews with the Emperor of Russia, and other distinguished persons — Proceeds to Verona, and endeavours to promote the Abolition of Slavery, &c., ...... 46 CHAPTER XVIII. 1822. — Departure from Verona — Turin — Visit to the Waldenses — Letter to the Emperor of Russia — Journey to Geneva — Sundry engagements there and at Lausanne, Vevay, Fribourg, Berne, Zurich, St. Gallen, Tubingen, Stultgard, Bergzabern, and Strasburg — Visit to Pastor Oberlin — Journey to Paris — Return Home, ----- 77 CHAPTER XIX. 1823. — Distressed Greeks — Society for the Abolition of Slavery — Letter to the Em- peror of Russia — Birth of his Grandson — Death of his Daughter — Correspondence, &c. 103 CHAPTER XX. 1824. — Visit to Lanark — Recommences Lectures — Correspondence — Yearly Meeting — Death of Sir C. Macarthy — Visit to Northamptonshire — Establishment of the School at Stoke Newington — Committee on Greek Refugees — Bible Society, &c. in Russia — Death of John Thompson and Richard Smith — Journey to Ipswich and Needham, 140 CHAPTER XXI. 1825 — 1826. — Schools for the Poor at Stoke Newington — African Institution — Return of D. Wheeler and T. Shillitoe from Russia — Cottage Society — British and Irish La- dies' Society — Death of Professor Pictet — African Concerns — Anniversaries — Yearly Meeting — Correspondence — Establishment of the Schools, &c. at Lindfield — Death of the Emperor of Russia — Visit to several Quarterly Meetings — Conclusion of Hos- pital Lectures — Visit to Ireland — Correspondence, &c. — His Marriage — Letter from Prince A. Galitzin — From Contineas, - - 153 iv CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXII. PAGE. 1S28 — 1S32. — Notice of Yearly Meeting — Departure of Alexander D'Junkovsky for Russia — Correspondence — Declaratory Minute of the Yearly Meeting — Death of his Mother — Capital Punishment — Friends present an Address to King William IV. — Death of Contineas — Attends several Quarterly Meetings — Lindfield — Arrival of Stephen Grellet in England — Religious Engagements wiih him — Political Excite- ment— Reform Bill — Sets out for the Continent with S. Grellet — Quarantine off Helvoetsluys — Arrives at Rotterdam — Amsterdam — Visits Frederick's Oord — Dus- seldorf, --191 CHAPTER XXIII. 1832. — Elberfeld — Barmen — Visit to Friends at Pytmont, Minden, &c. — Hanover— Quedlinburg — Magdeburg — Berlin — Various Engagements there — Interview with the Crown Prince and Princess — Halle — Orphan House there — Weimar — Interview with the Grand Duchess — Leipsic — Meeting with Students — Dresden — Interview with Prince Frederick — With Prince John — Meeting at Orphan House — Herrnhut — Prague — Vienna — Visit to Prince Esterhazy's Estates in Hungary — Munich — Visit to the Colonies on the Donaumoos — Stuttgard — Meeting — Interview with the King and Queen — Departure of S. Grellet to Strasburg — Returns Home, - - - -225 CHAPTER XXIV. 1832 — 1S33. — Correspondence — Journey to the Continent — Paris — Bourdeaux — Re- joins S. Grellet at Bayonne — Philanthropic Exertions there — They proceed together to Madrid — Visits to Individuals and Institutions there — Communication to the King — Interview with the King and Queen — Departure for Valencia — Engagements there and at Barcelona — Second Communication to the King — Cross the Pyrenees to Per- pignan — Toulouse — Return by Bayonne, Bourdeaux, Paris, and Calais, to Stoke New- ington, 260 CHAPTER XXV. 1833 — 1834. — Anti-Slavery Movements — Memoranda — Correspondence — Death of W. Wilberforce — Col. Beckwith's Labours among the Waldenses — W. A. Visits Neighbouring Meetings — Engagements and Correspondence — Attends the Yearly Meeting in Dublin — Meeting on behalf of Descendants of Friends in Ulster — Yearly Meeting in London — Letters respecting African Produce, &c. — Emancipation of Slaves — Manual Labour School, Lindfield — Friends' Continental Committees — Quar- terly Meeting at Hitchin, . - - - 301 CHAPTER XXVI. 1835 — 1836. — Letters from Rome — Disposes of his share of New Lanark — Visit from Professor Tholuck, &c. — Yearly Meeting — Visit to Lancashire — Letters from Munich and Halle — Death of his Wife — Again visits Lancashire — Correspondence — Religious Engagements in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire — Yearly Meeting — Foreign Let- ters— Notice of Thomas Shillitoe — Of Sophia Vansittart — Journey to Ireland — Lan- cashire. 329 CHAPTER XXVII. 1837 — 1838.— Visit to Hitchin — Decease of R. Christy — Religious Retirement and Prayer — Yearly Meeting — Death of the King — Letter to J. J. Gurney — Friends' Ad- dress to the Queen — Exertions in the Anti-Slavery and School cause — Yearly Meet- ing— Interview with Marshal Soult — Letter from the Duke of Sussex — Death of Joseph Lancaster — Aborigines Committee — Committee of the Quarterly Meeting — Case of a young man in the Army at Chatham, 379 CONTENTS. V CHAPTER XXVIII. PACE. 1839 — 1840. — Notice of Count Confalonieri — Engagements in the School, Bible Cause, &c. — Letters from Russia — Address to the Parishioners of Lindfield — Prospect of Religious Service on the Continent — Friends present Addresses to the Queen, to Prince Albert, and the Duchess of Kent — Journey to the Continent — Religious and Philanthropic Engagements in Belgium — Interview with the King — Visit to Rotter- dam, the Hague, Amsterdam, and Zwoll — Orphan Establishment at Veenhuisen — Religious awakening at Osnaburg — Visit to Friends at Minden and Pyrmont — Pro- ceeds to Hanover — Interview with the Prince Royal — With the Queen — Letter to the Prince — Magdeburg — Arrival at Berlin — Interviews with several of the Royal Family — Institutions — Religious Engagements — Correspondence — Departure from Berlin, 414 CHAPTER XXIX. 1840. — Journey from Potsdam — Visit to Luther's Cell at Witteraberg- — Arrival at Leip- sig — Letter from Berlin — Visit to Dresden — to Weimar — Interview with the Grand Duke and Duchess — Gotha — Visit to the Castle of Wartburg — Frankfort — Dusseldorf — Religious Engagements there — Visit to Count Von der Recke's Institution at Dus- selthal — To Pastor Fliedner's at Kaiserswerth — Antwerp — Peaceful retrospect of the Journey — Voyage to London — Arrival at Home — Yearly Meeting — Anti-Slavery Convention — Second Journey to the Continent — Paris — Strasburg — Stuttgard — Visit to Institutions — Interview with the King and Queen of Wurlemburg — With the Duchess Louise and the Queen at Kircheim — Arrival at Munich — Visit to the Donau- moos — Letter from the King of Wurtemburg — Departure from Munich — Constance — Journey to Geneva — Meets P. Bedford — They travel together to Lausanne, Berne, and Basle — Visit to Beuggen — Bonn — Dusseldorf — Brussels — Ghent — Antwerp — Ar- rival at Home — Letter to the King of Prussia, - - - - - - - -470 CHAPTER XXX. 1841 — 1844. — Letter to his Grand-daughter — Death of his Niece — On religious Perse- cution— Letter to the King of Sweden — Visit of A. Beyerhaus — Attends the Quar- terly Meeting of Suffolk — Correspondence — Interview with the King of Prussia, in London — Friends present an Address to the King — Letter to F. Fox — Reflections — Illness at Lindfield — Letter from J. J. Gurney — Returns to Stoke Newington — De. dining Health — Last Illness at Lindfield — Death, - - - - - - - 507 Testimony of Gracechurch Street Monthly Meeting, - 534 LIFE OF WILLIAM ALLEN, CHAPTER XVI. 1821 — 1S22.— Extracts from Correspondence — Death or Walter Venning — Various Engage- ments— Intelligence from Ekaterinoslav — Yearly Meeting — Reflections and Engagements — Visit to Sussex and Surrey — Origin of the Establishment at Lindtield — Letter from Daniel Wheeler — Attends different Meetings — Marriage of his Daughter — Letter from South Russia — Visit to the Yearly Meeting in Dublin — Various Engagements — Visit to New Lanark — Letter to the Emperor of Russia — Prepares to set out for Vienna. First Month, 1821. — In the opening observations at the commence- ment of this year, after speaking of the diligence of the great enemy of souls, William Allen says — " 0, how I long to be purified from all that obstructs the work of grace ! Qth. — Dear Mary read to me my notes of the journey of 1817, and we enjoyed each other's company. 8^/i. — Morning Meeting at eleven. The memoirs of Joseph Gurney Bevan, by Josiah Forster, were read ; very satisfactory." EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO BARON FAGEL. " 16iA of First Month, 1821. <' I avail myself of thy kind permission, to send a few queries relative to the Maison de Force, at Ghent, and to which we shall be greatly obliged to thee to procure answers for us. We are endeavouring to obtain returns throughout Europe, of the proportion between criminals and population — the results of efforts to effect their reformation, and the circumstances which have tended to check, or encourage crime. One of our great objects is, to promote the education of the poor, in all countries, in connection with a knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, which, independently of all other considerations, contain the best system of morals which the world has ever seen. I beg thy acceptance of an English copy of a selection of Scripture Lessons, made by my fellow traveller, S. Grellet, and me, in conjunction with two or three of our friends at Petersburg; also a report of the British and Foreign .School Society, the Prison Discipline Society, and other tracts. Vol. II. 1 2 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1821. If any benevolent persons at Amsterdam, the Hague, Antwerp, or Brussels, would, in ihy opinion, be gratified with the reports of these, and other benevolent societies, and thou wouldst please to give me their names, I would have a little packet sent to each. I long to see all the world employed in doing good to man." In conveying to Stephen Grellet some information respecting those objects, in which tliey had been mutually interested in their late journey, William Allen says — " I have received a very nice letter from Flouki, of Odessa, whom thou mayest remember as one of the teachers at the Lyceum, and an encourager of the Juvenile Bible Society. Things appear to be going on well there, and I find that Odessa is rapidly increasing in consequence. Julien, from Aboj has been in London ; he gives a good account of Dr. Haartman, and his wife. They have started a school on the British system there, and the door is wide open for communication. I have sent some books both to Abo and Helsingfors. From Malta, I learn that the representation to government on behalf of the schools, has been of great use, that they are going on well, and have even become an object of attention to the Turks and Moors, who visit the island. We hope, in a short time, to have the beautifully printed Italian Scripture Lessons introduced into their schools ; we have sent them to different parts of Italy, but I am very sorry to find that a spirit of bigotry has so far prevailed at Vienna, as to accomplish shutting up of the schools at Milan. We are receiving subscriptions from friends in the country, for pub- lishing the Scripture Lessons in different languages, and are now print- ing an edition in Spanish, from one of the authorized Spanish versions. We are about to send out a master, who has been trained at the Borough Road, to establish the system in South America. At Stock- holm, they have now two schools upon our plan ; the door is kept open there, and at Christiania." On the 21st, W^ilHam Allen mentions calling at John Rowe's, to see Nathan Hunt, from North Carolina, and afterwards speaks of him as a very remarkable minister. He attended several meetings for worship, appointed at the request of N. H., both for different classes of our own members, and for persons not in religious profession with us ; he also accorapained him to Rochester, and appeared to derive satisfac- tion and comfort from the labours of this dear friend, on various occasions. He several times alludes to the serious illness of Priscilla Gurney of Earlham, and on the 13th of Second Month, addressed to her the follow- ing letter.: — 1821. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 3 ''Plough Court, Second Month ISth, 1821, " Sister, beloved in the Lord, '« Thy precious innocent spirit feels very near to nie in the fellowship of the Gospel of our dear Redeemer, ' who having loved his own who were in the world, loved them un(o the end.'' My heart glows with the belief, that thou art one of those whom he hath loved, and still loves, whom he wills should be with him, where he is, even in his glory. Take courage then, and though thou wilt feel the flesh to be weak, and though the enemy may, for a short season, attempt to create dismay, yet as thy soul continues to be ' deeply anchored in God,' thou wilt know the accuser of the brethren to be cast down for ever. Let faith and patience have their perfect work ; recline upon the breast of thy Beloved ; cast all thy cares upon him, for he careth for thee, and I firmly believe, that when the frail tabernacle breaks down, thy precious immortal spirit will be presented before thy Redeemer's throne of glory with exceeding joy. Farewell! Farewell in the Lord! and if thou shouldst be enabled, pray that thy poor weak brother may be preserved to the end. Believe him ever affectionately thine, William Allen." " Second Month 19th Review of the week. I have been engaged on an important work, during the last week, viz : drawing up a memorial to Lord Bathurst, respecting the establishment of a plan for the education of the poor in the Ionian Islands, and also a memorial on the subject of Malta." These documents were accompanied by a letter, in which William Allen thus addresses Earl Bathurst :— '< Esteemed Friend, " I herewith beg leave to submit, for thy perusal, some remarks upon the state of the poor in Malta, and some observations upon what appears to me the best means for ameliorating the moral condition of the people of the Ionian Islands. The great object which I have in view is, to prevail upon the upper and middle ranks of society, every where, to combine their etTorts, to better the condition of the poor, and above all to raise their moral character, by removing, as far as possible, from about them, those circumstances which tend to encourage vice, and to give their children a bias on the side of virtue, by an education suited to their state in society, and founded upon those grand principles of religion and morality, so clearly developed in the scriptures of truth. I feel much for those countries, and I see that great good may be done, if it is set about, and carried on, in the proper way. I could have said much upon prisons, hospitals, and other public institutions, but have forborne, from a fear that the communication would be thought too long. I may just observe, that though I consider politics quite out of my province, yet I am not an indifferent spectator of what is passing upon 4 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1821. the great theatre of the world. I feel sympathy with those members of Government who, under very difficult circumstances, have, I fully believe, the best interests of our country deeply at heart, and my prayer is put up that they may seek after and obtain divine support and direction. I remain, with great regard and esteem. Thine, very respectfully." William Allen was much afTected on hearing from Petersburg of the death of his dear friend Walter Venning. In alluding to this event, when writing to the Princess Mestchersky, he says — "As respects him, I fully believe that the work has been cut short in righteousness, and I cannot but contemplate his blessed spirit as centred in his Master's rest. When I first heard of his death, I was ready to exclaim, < Gathered to the just of all generations.' 0, what a glorious company I May we, my dear Friend, be favoured to per- severe in faith and patience, that when our day's work is ended, we also (not from any works of righteousness which we have done, but through the merits of the dear Redeemer) may be permitted to join those who are gone before, where there is no more sin, no more sorrow. I am anxious to hear of the return of the dear Emperor to his capital. May he be mercifully preserved!" A letter written soon afterwards, and addressed to John Venning, thus conveys the flow of sympathetic feeling which was called forth on hearing of his loss. " The solemn event, in which we are both so deeply interested, was indistinctly announced before I received dear Paterson's letter with tl e details. How my soul sympathizes with you all ! But, we sorrow not as those who have no hope. The dear deceased loved his Saviour, who not only kept him from falling, but has, I firmly believe, presented him before the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy. Our dear Walter, while here on earth, could at times, in the full assurance of faith, adopt the language, \st. — My dear mother sent for me this morning, parti- cularly desiring to see me for a few minutes before I went to town ; ■when I reached her bedside, she appeared in a sweet tender state of mind, and though her speech is very imperfect, I clearly understood the substance of what she wished to communicate. She said that the canopy of divine love had been over her that morning, and that under the influence of it her friends had felt very near to her in .spirit, that her soul saluted them in the love of the Gospel, and wished them God speed to the heavenly city, and she desired me to convey her feel- ings to the meeting of Ministers and Elders. The Yearly Meeting met at eleven, and closed at this sitting. Friends parted in a sweet frame of mind. Sixth Month \st. — Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, last sit- ting; I gave my dear mother's message to Friends in a few words. It seemed to be felt throughout the meeting. bth. — Baron Fridani introduced himself to me. He came with Dr. Salemi. The Baron was very useful to us about the Scripture Lessons at Paris. He is another of the refugees from Ilaly. Went to John Sanderson's, to attend a committee on H. Kilham's concern. Qth. — John Bowring came by appointment to breakfast with me this morning, in order that we might write letters to Spain, on the subject of the Slave Trade. We accordingly wrote the sketch of a letter to the minister of state at Madrid, to one of the most eloquent of the Corlez, to Count Torreno, &c. I am to send the rough copies to Thomas Harrison, and when he returns them to me, they are to be trans- lated into Spanish, and sent by Bowring to Madrid. — Correspondence committee of the British and Foreign School Society. Some interest- ing letters from Spain, New York, and South America. Took Joseph Price with me to a conversazione at J. Bowring's. Met the Baron Fridani, Berchet, Ugoni, B. la Roche, and several others. Fridani is a Sicilian; he is desirous of promoting schools in Sicily, and is a friend of Pictet^s. 1822. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 35 nth. — Dr. Lushlngton and W. Crawford called about tlie Inquirer. Dr. L. thinks he knows of a most suitable person to conduct it, if we could insure him two hundred pounds per annum, for three years certain ; this, I think, is objectionable; but it was at last agreed, that, if he produced, at least, four sheets in each number, and edited the work, he should for one year be guaranteed two hundred pounds. Sixth Month 10th. — To town with my sister A. H. and Maria Brad- shaw ; E. J. Fry and her husband were waiting at Plough Court, and they, with M. B. and I, went to the Borough Road School, to meet the Prince and Princess of Denmark and the Baron Be Stael. The Prin- cess is a very superior person, — affable and intelligent. They went through the details of the school, and seemed pleased ; they staid above an hour and half. llth. — To the African Institution at twelve. L. Howard went with me as far as Steinkopff's, where he introduced me to Professor Blum- hardt, of Basle, who says their training establishment is going on well ; it is on the missionary plan. 15ih. — I had a bad cold and felt very unwell ; and if I had not engaged to take Pepys, and R. H. Solly, down to the visitation of the Royal Society at Greenwich, I believe that I should not have gone. We set off about a quarter-past one ; met Davy, Wollaston, &c., &c. I felt very low and dull. The Prince of Denmark, who has just been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, was there. We dined at Greenwich. It was a suffering time to me, from bodily indisposition, and, because my mind was not in it. The Prince dined with us, also the INIarquis of Lans- downe, Lord INIelville, Lord Darnley, Lord Aberdeen, &c., &c. I6th. — Went to Winchmore Hill meeting, though I was so unwell, I had some thoughts of staying home. I, however, felt most easy to go, and was glad that I did. I was engaged in ministry, and feeling rather better than worse, in the afternoon, went to Tottenham. It was a precious meeting. I felt it right to speak on the subject of the spiritual warfare. llth. — My cold is better to-day, and I am peaceful in the review of the religious labours of yesterday. l8//i. — Received a letter from Petersburg of a discoura":in£r nature with respect to the schools. I suspect that the enemies of education have worked upon the prejudices of some, and the fears of others, to impede this great and good work." By letters from Petersburg, of a more recent date, however, it appears, that the clouds which threatened to overwhelm the great cause of edu- cation in Russia, were happily dispersed ; and, shortly afterwards, John Venning writes — "For your information, and that of your committee, I have the pleasure to send you, herewith, an extract of a letter, received yesterday from 36 LIFE AND CORnESPONDENCE 1822. his excellency, Mr. Papof, relative to the school for poor Russian boys. I have given in the outline of a plan for the establishment of a model school for two hundred boys and two hundred girls; the boys to be under the superintendence of Mr. Heard,* the girls under Miss Kilham. It will be laid before his Majesty in a few days, and as the beloved Monarch supports whatever is good and beneficial to mankind, I have little doubt but that, through the over-ruling and merciful goodness of the Lord, the plan will succeed. Our foreign school has now one hundred and twenty boys, and had we room, we should have five hundred. The progress they are making is wonderful. The Lord's hand is mani- fest in the institution. I could tell you some things that would awaken all your love to our Great Master, but must defer it." In the letter from Basil Papof, above alluded to, he says, in reference to the application to the Emperor, on behalf of James Heard, — <\st. — I made some beautiful observations this evening with my astronomical circle, and have completely succeeded, by Bailey's method of high and low stars near together, in putting it into the meridian to the fraction of a second, so that now I may be always sure of my observations. JVinth Month 2nd. — Z. Macaulay called, and we conversed about the Slave Trade ; went up together to the Duke of Wellington, and confer- red with him on the subject ; he seems hardly to know what is to be done about it at the Congress ; he talked of a registry, but I said that nothing, in my opinion, would put it down, but making it piracy by the great Powers of Europe. I obtained his permission to let letters, &c., be sent to me in his bag from London. From hence, I went to Down- ing-street, saw the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and requested him to ask Earl Bathurst for a note to introduce me to Prince Melternich at Vienna ; he promises to speak to him. I saw, also, A. Gordon, Earl Bathurst's private secretary, who was very kind, and I requested him to tell the Earl that if he felt any difficulty about giving me a note to Prince Metternich, I would not press it, as perhaps the introduction to the Duke of Wellington would be sufficient ; he promises to write and let me know, and he says that he will also consult the Earl about what may be necessary in the way of passports, &c. The Duke of Wellington told me that my shortest way would be by Brussels, Frankfort, Ratisbon, &,c. Called on Baron Fagel, but he was out. Went to Spicer-street, Spitalfields, to the school examination ; the children answered admirably. I addressed the parents, who seemed 1822. OF WILLIAM ALLEN, 43 some of the most respectable of the working class in that district, and particuUirly adverted to the subject of observing the first-day of the week, and attending a place of worship ; it was satisfactory to myself. 3rd. — Having felt it best to write a short letter to the Emperor of Russia, to inform him of my coming, and to prepare the way ; I drew up the following this morning : — TO ALEXANDER THE FIRST, EMPEROR OF RUSSIA. "Permit one who has felt deeply and affectionately for thy present and future happiness, to recall himself to thy remembrance. Since the last memorable interview which Stephen Grellet and I had with thee at Petersburg, when our Heavenly Father was pleased to comfort us together with the sweet feeling of his divine presence and love, often, very often, have I been tenderly drawn to visit thee in spirit, and, as I was enabled, to raise the secret prayer for thy preservation ; but for some time past, it has been impressed upon my mind, as a religious duty, to try to obtain another interview, and this sense of duty has so increased, that I cannot feel peace in mind, without giving up at least to make the effort. If, however, any insurmountable obstacles should occur to prevent it, I trust that my Great Master will favour me with peace, in having made the attempt. I purpose by divine permission, to be at Vienna about the 20th or 22nd of the present month called September, our style, and as I shall have encountered some fatigue, hazard, and expense in the journey, may I beg thee to admit me to an interview as soon as convenient to thee, after my arrival, of which the Duke of Wellington, the minister from our Government, will be apprized. In a fresh feeling, as I humbly trust, of the flowings of Gospel love towards thee, I remain, Respectfully and afTectionately thine." '< I went up to Count Lieven, with whom I had much conversation? and felt it righf to give him my letter to read ; he seemed well satisfied with it, and I then sealed it in his presence and gave it to him ; it was directed, according to the Emperor's wish, 'a sa propre main,' and the Count promised to send it by the very first opportunity. We parted under afTectionate feelings, he requesting me to call upon him as soon as possible after my return. Hence, I went to Chandos House, to Nie- mann, the Austrian Ambassador, who received me very kindly, and put me into the best way of getting a passport, directing what sort it should be ; he said he would not only sign it himself, but send it to the Prussian Minister, &c. I then went to Downing-street, and called upon ray friend Gordon ; he had spoken to Earl Bathurst, who had ordered for me precisely the one in question ; he went to the Foreign Office while I was waiting, but finding that he could not get it for an hour, he pro- 44 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1822. raised to send it, and did so accordingly. In the course of my ride this morning, I was mercifully favoured with the renewed evidence, that this undertaking is riglit, and my mind was humbled. JYinth Month 'ilh. — Meeting, and Monthly Meeting also. My mind was low, but was secretly sustained ; and in reference to going forth in my journey, with so little outward support, I seemed to have a pre- cious degree of evidence that the act of faith was accepted, and these words, addressed by the Almighty to Abram, were presented to my mind, with such sweetness, that my spirit was contrited, and my eyes were filled with tears — ' Fear not, I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.' The reply of our dear Redeemer to the apostles, when they said, < Lo, we have left all, and followed thee,' was also brought to my remembrance. < Verily, I say unto you, there is no man that hath left home, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundred fold now in this time, and in the world to come eternal life.' It seemed as though this were given me for my own encouragement only. In the second meeting, I was under considerable exercise of mind, for I had concluded not to lay the subject of my journey before Friends, as a religious concern, to be considered, according to our rules, by the Monthly Meeting of men and women Friends united, but merely to ask for a certificate of membership, and my station as a minister. I, how- ever, became uneasy with this determination, and hinted to Josiah Forster, who sat next to me, that I wished to speak to him ; we accord- ingly went out together, and I told him, that it seemed best for me simply to lay before Friends, the state of my mind in reference to this subject. He encouraged me to do so, and afier returning to the meeting, and explaining my views, a joint conference of men and women Friends was held ; after a pause, in which I felt a little sense of divine love, I told Friends, that it had appeared right for me to pay a visit to the continent, for objects not necessarily connected with my station as a minister, and therefore, at one time, I had only thought of asking for a common certificate of memjjership, but as I believed it would also be right for me to seek out and visit pious persons on my return from Vienna, I wished to lay the concern before them, and more especially, as during my late journey, I had some prospect of this service, but was prevented from accomplishing it, by my illness in Greece. I said that I did not wish to stamp things high, but should feel relieved, if I were left at liberty, should way open, to visit the brethren in those parts; after some time, several Friends spoke encouragingly. I had been exceedingly low before, but this unity of the brethren and sisters, and, above all, the sweet feeling of our divine Master's presence, revived me. It was concluded to appoint a committee, to draw up two certificates, one for me to take with me, the other to be forwarded for the approbation of 1822. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 45 the Quarterly and Morning Meetings, and if approved, it is to be sent after me. Peter Bedford was kindly employed in taking my passport to the Austrian, Prussian, French, and Dutch Ambassadors, to be vise'd, and brought it quite finished. He, and Josiah Forster, dined with us. I was engaged in preparing for the journey — writing letters, &.C., to my dear sister, and beloved children, at Eastbourne. A''inth Monih bth. — My mind low and humbled, but still a belief prevails, that it is ray duty to leave all my outward comforts, and un- dertake this journey ira thefaitli. — To town between nine and ten. W. Wilberforce called, and I took him up to Z. Macaulaj's, where we met James Stephen, Sen., and had much conversation on the subject of the Slave Trade, which we all agree, ought to be made piracy by the Great Powers, and if it cannot be done by all, then to entreat each power, separately, to do it for itself, &c. Dined with W. Wilberforce, at Z. Macaulay's, and left them under very precious feelings. I con- clude to sleep in town to-night, as my nephew, D. B. Hanbury, and I, are to start early to-morrow morning. Robert Forster called, and brought me a list of pious persons, known to Stephen Grellet, and whom he visited. Peter Bedford supped with us, and we had a sweet time of religious retirement before we parted. In a letter received from my dear children this morning, is the fol- lowing paragraph from Cornelius, which, from the coincidence of feel- ing it exhibits, is remarkable; that very text respecting Abram, which was immediately applied to ray mind, was given to him to apply also instrumentally." "Thou wast brought very sweetly near to me in spirit this morning, whilst we were holding our religious meeting, and I felt almost as though I could have embraced thee in the love of the everlasting Gos- pel, and bid thee, most affectionately, farewell in the Lord. My mind was humbled in gratitude for this precious feeling, and the fresh belief was granted, that our gracious Lord and Master was not only very near to thee now, but that he would also be mercifully pleased to be near thee in the arduous service now before thee, and cover thy head in the day of battle ; and this language seemed sweetly to revive in my remembrance, ' Fear not, I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.' " '< How can I be sufficiently thankful for such children as I am blessed with." 46 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1822. CHAPTER XVII. 1822. — Journey to Vienna — Exertions on behalf of the poor Greeks — Interviews with the Emperor of Russin, and other distinguished persons — Proceeds to Verona, and endea- vours to promote the Abolition of Slavery, &.c. JVinth Month 6th, 1822. — My mind, though under the heavy burden of the concern before me, was sweetly supported by best help. Peter Bedford, J. T. Barry, and Robert Forster came to see us off. We went to the Custom House quay, where Daniel and I embarked on board the Talbot steam packet for Calais, taking an affectionate leave of our beloved friends. I felt low, but calm and resigned, and com- forted with a feeling of divine love. We proceeded rapidly down the river, but the tide was not in our favour, and the last few miles were very tedious. — We had a long way to walk after landing, before we reached the pier at Calais, and were much fatigued when we arrived at Meurice's hotel ; but ray mind has been turned to the Lord throughout the day, and I have been favoured with much tranquillity. 1th Rose about six: I have a humble hope, yea covfidence, that I am in the way of ray duty. I went to Quilliac's to see after the car- riage brought here by Josiah Forster and Peter Bedford ; it was not sold, and I think it will do for us, with some alterations, which I ordered. We started from Calais about half-past two. The country is flat, and reminds me of Holland; we see great quantities of tobacco hung up to dry against the outsides of the cottages." Proceeding through Belgium, the travellers arrived at Brussels on the 9th, and put up at the Belle Vue Hotel. William Allen mentions meeting with James Biggs, an Englishman, who had been active in establishing a boys' school, on the British system, and says — «' The school is in a flourishing state, the master was trained at the Borough Road, and is a zealous man and well qualified. We dined at the table d'hote, where I had much interesting conversation with a young Englishman, who seemed very intelligent. I urged him to unite some useful objects with those of pleasure, and he received what I said very well. Called upon a pious friend of J. Biggs's, and had some agreeable conversation ; also upon a bookseller, who has been a Jew, but is converted to Christianity. Mnfh Month lO?/;.— My mind was a little comforted and supported on waking in the night, — anxiety diminished. 0, how sweet to trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon our God! A person from 1822. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 47 Ostend called about schools ; he is sent by the government, or at least, by the municipal authorities, to obtain information. I had much con- versation with him on benevolent subjects, and also on religion, which, though a Roman Catholic, he received well ; I advise him to send a young man to the Borough Road to be instructed. Louis Merfens, a pious person with whom Stephen Grellet was acquainted, called; I found him an extremely interesting man, and we had much conversa- tion, principally on religious subjects. I urged him to endeavour to establish a school for poor girls, and to organize a ladies' committee, which he seemed disposed to do. I gave him some tracts, and also the Scripture Lessons for the schools here ; there will be great difficulty in introducing them, for, on one hand, the priests are enemies to the diffusion of divine light and knowledge, and, on the other, the deists hate and despise divine revelation ; but it is a work of the ever blessed Redeemer; he is omnipotent, and we must leave all to him. L. J. Mertens is a man of considerable property ; he is very earnest for me to endeavour to find some pious suitable person who would set up a boarding-school here. He says there is room for several such establishments, and that, if they were superintended by persons of good principles, the consequence in forming the minds of the next generation, would be incalculably great. He is a distributor of Bibles and Tracts. Charlier, the pastor, came in, also J. Biggs ; Mertens was earnest with me to dine with him, but I settled to go in the evening, and did so. He has an amiable wife and eight children, who seem to be 'well brought up. The evening was spent in conversation, but my mind was clothed with a precious feeling of the Master's love, and what passed was not common conversation, but pointed towards the one great object which brought me out. What was said seemed to find a ready entrance to all hearts. I was led to dwell much on the benefit and strength of religious retirement in families, and of sitting in silence, and we parted in, I think I may say, the love of the Gospel. On re- turning to the inn I felt much peace in this day's work. JSlnth Month llth. — Rose about half-past five ; my mind calm, with a humble trust that I am in my right allotment. We left Brussels about nine o'clock. Saw a good deal of hemp to-day, put up in shocks like wheat. Lodged at Orey, a small village. 12th. — Anxious on waking, not knowing how we should overcome the difficulty about the language, &c., but hope sprang up, and I became comforted ; I try to keep my mind stayed upon the Lord, who is all- powerful. We breakfasted at Lifege, and after passing Battice, a charm- ing view opens on our left ; it is a fine country from thence to Aix la Chapelle, which city is in the Prussian territory. We lodged at Juliers, and the following night at Remagen. Soon after leaving this place, we have a capital road by vineyards and gardens ; the Rhine is close on 48 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1822. our left, and the views are beautiful. If the mind were quite at ease to enjoy them, they would indeed afford pleasure. We had a charming ride this morning, and reached Neuwied a little after eleven ; only German is spoken here, so that I am driven to my resources, but I get on very well. I inquired after John Phillip Wiltz, a pious character, whom Stephen Grellet found out, and with whom Robert Forster has corresponded, at S. G.'s request. He is in very infirm health, in con- sequence of an accident which he met with by fiilling down a precipice, when taking something to a poor sick person late at night, but he has a precious mind. I find that the pious people here form part of a regular society, called the ' Inspirees,' and sometimes Quakers ; that the society has existed more than one hundred years, and that its members have printed rules. They were first refugees from France, Alsace and the Palatinate, and they now correspond with similar societies, in different parts of Germany. J. P. Wiltz says that they have been visited several times by Friends ; that Claude Gay was here about thirty years ago, also L. Seebohm, from Pyrmont, and, about eight years since, Stephen Grellet visited them. Robert Forster sent Wiltz a large box of books, which he has distributed widely and with good effect ; some were pre- sented to the Prince and Princess of Neuwied, and he has forwarded a number of them to Bergzabern, a place not far from Strasburg, where there is a great awakening, and they have been exceedingly well re- ceived every where. The district in which Bergzabern is situated, is to the north of Strasburg, on the western side of the Rhine, and is in the dominions of the King of Bavaria. A young woman, who preaches occasionally, and whose name is Barbara Heyneman, resides there; she has suffered much persecution from the priests, but the King of Bavaria has put a stop to it. The Inspirees, — though they think they are one with us in principle — are only so in part. They agree with us in believing in the imme- diate influence of the Holy Spirit, and in the unlawfulness of war and oaths, — that baptism with water forms no part of the christian dispensa- tion, and that the ceremony of taking bread and wine, called the sacra- ment, w^as not instituted as an ordinance. But they differ from us in their worship, as they have singing and stated prayer. They meet every evening in the week for prayer, as well as twice on the first-day. They think it is not permitted to go to law at all, but that they ought to suffer patiently all manner of injuries. JVinthMonth 15th I concluded to attend the worship of the Inspirees this morning ; and Guillaume Noe, a nice young man, who speaks French, and who has been kindly useful to us, came to show me the way. The meeting was held in the house of one of the community ; the women sit on one side, and the men on the other. There were about thirty present, and my mind was brought into tenderness in sitting with 1822. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 49 them — believing, from their countenances, and my own feelings, that they had known something of the renovating power of truth. We after- wards went to call upon the father of our guide, an elderly man, and one of their principal persons ; he is confined to the house, and is never likely to be out again. I sat a few minutes by him in silence, with ray mind retired, and, before parting, addressed a few words to him in German, which occurred to me at the time, and which he seemed to feel much, and took an affectionate leave of me. I then walked by myself on the banks of the Rhine. My soul was poured out in secret prayer to the Lord, that He would graciously support and direct his poor solitary one, who had left all in faith ; and He was pleased to con- trite my heart under a sense of his sweet presence and love. J. P. Wiltz said, that if I did not visit the Prince of Neuwied, I should ever after regret it. I therefore determined to make the attempt this afternoon ; I took Daniel with me, and though I had no letter of intro- duction, we were pretty soon admitted. The Prince was very affable, also his mother and sister, who live with him ; his wife is suffering from mental aberration. I endeavoured to make the most of the little time I had, and explained to him that the religious people of Neuwied, though they called themselves Quakers, differed essentially from us, in several respects. I however told him, that they resembled us in others, and gave him Benezet's Observations, J. Woolman, Brief Remarks and Thoughts, and H. Tuke's Principles, all in German, except the first ; I also gave him a copy of the Scripture Lessons. We conversed about schools, prisons, the poor, &c., and I believe he was pleased with the visit, as well as gratified with the present of books. We parted very cordially. On my return, I went to our friend W^iltz, and spent a con- siderable time with him. He wishes for another supply of Friends' books, and particularly for fifty copies of W. Penn's Fruits of Solitude, in German ; he informed me that the King of Prussia has ordered the New Testament to be read in all schools, and that he has given leave to have school books printed for the use of persons of their communion, a thing unheard of before. I find from Wiltz, that the Inspirees, and the French Prophets, of the Cevennes, have one common origin. There were four Frenchmen by birth, refugees in England, who resided in London, about the year 1700. They went to Constantinople, under an impression of religious duty : Charles Portalis died at Leghorn, on his way back, but the other three, viz. : Jean Alluet, Elie Marion, and Nicolas Facio, returned to London, and published a book, containing somewhat of their history ; it is signed with their three names, and Wiltz gave me a copy, in French and German. He gave me further information, respecting pious persons in different places, and I find that they have regular annual assemblies for conference, attended by deputies from distant parts ; this meeting Vol. n. 4 50 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1822. circulates, and is to be held at Neuwied, in about a fortnight. Before we parted, we had a religious meeting with Wiltz, his wife, and some of his children, and two young women ; there was a solemn comfortable feeling during the silence ; I had something to communicate, which I delivered in French, and never got on so well in this way before : J. P. Wiltz interpreted into German. It was a confirming time, and we took leave under a degree of the precious feeling of gospel love. I find that the poor, at Neuwied, are suffering very much, in conse- quence of the ruin of their manufactories. I mentioned to Wiltz our plan for colonies at home ; he says, that it is admirably adapted for this country, where a vast quantity of land remains uncultivated. JVinth Month 16th. — Left Neuwied about seven o'clock ; the scenery of this place is delightful. Daniel read to me in the Testament, and my mind was contrited, at the words in the fifth chapter of Luke, addressed by our blessed Lord to Levi, as he sat at the receipt of custom — 'Follow me' — only two words, but so effectual, that he immediately arose — « left all,' and followed Christ. 0, that I may do so too ! I had a precious feeling of divine love, as I rode along — this serves to keep me up under my numerous discouragements. The Rhine was close on our left, vine-covered hills on the right, and a fine prospect before us. As we advanced, a beautiful expanse of water was terminated by a bridge of boats, connecting Coblentz and Ehrenbreitstein. At the latter place, very extensive fortifications are carrying on, and many men are employed. There is a strong castle at the lop of the rocks. We have had some truly grand views this morning, particularly on approaching Montabaure. We lodged at Koenigstein, and reached Frankfort the following day ; soon after our arrival, I went to the post-oflSce, and found a letter from Samuel See- bohm, in reply to an inquiry, whether he could meet me here, stating, that he was sorry he could not join me. This was a little discouraging, as it is exceedingly difficult to get on without an interpreter, but looking to my great Master, it was presented to my mind, that I had been led to undertake this journey, under feelings which had never yet deceived me, and I became calm and comforted. I also found here a letter from my precious child, and a few kind and feeling lines from dear J. T. Barry : all well at home to the 10th ; this is so far relieving. I found out C. S. Lix, the Moravian, recommended by W^iltz, and at his house, I met with J. D. Marc, a converted Jew, the missionary from the Jews' Society ; he seems an agreeable man, and has an excel- lent wife, born in Spitalfields. P. Bedford knows the family ; they are now residing here, but expect soon to be removed to Dusseldorf. I had some talk about a servant, who could act as interpreter. Marc recommended a converted Jew, whom he knew to be a very honest man, and who could speak English. I saw the person, and must think about it. I went to see Frederick Meyer, the senator, and had a good 1822. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 51 deal of interesting conversation with him. I find, that they have excel- lent institutions here, but that it would take several days to see them. He says, a society of ladies has been very useful amongst the poor, and that there is a new prison building. I gave him our prison rules and questions. On parting with him, I again went to Lix's, and on con- versing farther with J. D. Marc, about the servant, finally agreed to take him, — his name is Balthaser Narolsky. Both Marc and Lix introduced me to their families. I had some religious communication with them under a comfortable feeling. Lix offered me the use of the Moravian meeting-house, if I wished to have a meeting, but it did not seem laid on me at present. I parted affectionately with these dear people, and felt my mind strengthened and comforted. Jfinth Month I8th. — Marc called. I find that Professor Leander Van Ess is now established at Darmstadt. The Catholics are eager for Bibles, and there is a great stir among them ; they come to Frankfort from a distance to purchase them. I gave Marc a copy of the French Scripture Lessons, besides other pamphlets. He wants more of Tuke's Principles in German, and would be glad of Tracts, We left Frankfort in the afternoon, with Narolsky. 19th. — My mind calm and comfortable, though I go on in simple faith, seeing nothing but that it is my duty to proceed. We entered the Bavarian territory to-day. I think my plan for colonies at home would answer admirably for this country, as well as for Russia and Prussia. 21st. — On arriving at Nuremberg, I went to inquire after several persons whom Stephen Grellet visited when here ; one of them is deceased, and some were absent. Neumann was of this number, but his wife received me in a very becoming manner, as a christian friend, and as one who claimed kindred with all those who love the Saviour. I felt her spirit near to me, as a sister in the truth, and gave her one of my Brief Remarks in German. This kind friend sent her grandchild to show me the way to one of their pastors, who seems to be a superior man; he gave me some information about the Bible cause, &c. I after- wards met with another interesting character, who was very kind, and I regretted that I could not stay a day or two at this place." After passing through Ratisbon, where they made but a short stay, he continues — <«23rrf. — I had been very low in the night, respecting my journey; but during the day, my Divine Master granted me his support, and sweetly calmed me, so that my mind was stayed on Him, and my faith strengthened in the renewed evidence, that he had indeed sent me on this errand, and would support me through it. Soon after our arrival at Pfetter, Narolsky informed me, that a gentle- man in the inn, with signs of an order at his breast, told him, that he 52 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1822. should be very glad if he could speak a word or two to me. I imme- diately went down stairs, and was accosted in a very kind and respect- ful manner by Le Chevalier dePrentner, of Straubing, who formerly held an official situation at Munich. He is particularly interested about prisons — says that much is doing to ameliorate the condition of them, and that they are building one at Munich. He wishes me, when I come there, to see Le Comte de Reigersberg, Minister de Justice, a Munich. He says, that it has been very painful to him, when he has had to pro- nounce sentence of death, and wished to know, whether I thought it absolutely necessary. I soon gave him my sentiments, also, one of our Prison Discipline Reports, the Prison Questions, and Rules for Prisons; I likewise gave him Friends' Address on the Slave Trade. I was much pleased with him, and with this opportunity. Ninth Month 2^th. — My mind was comforted and refreshed, as I rode along. I have been favoured with a little sweet feeling of my heavenly Master's love, and trust that some congenial spirits, at our Quarterly Meeting, are sympathizing with me. We have passed the last douane, in Bavaria, to-day, and have entered the dark country of Austria." On arriving at Scharding, the first town in the Austrian dominions, all William Allen's books and pamphlets were taken, and secured in one parcel, which was to be presented to the censor, at Vienna, and receive his sanction before any use could be made of them. The parcel was sealed with a leaden seal, and a deposit was required, amounting to nearly four Napoleons; this was to be returned, on the money being demanded at Vienna. Proceeding by Lintz, on the road towards Vienna, he writes, after passing Molk — '< This stage I spent almost wholly in silence, meditating upon the concern which brought me from home, but still, the fixed and settled feeling remains, that I am in the way of my duty, and that I must go on in the faith. I was humbled, in best help and support being thus granted, even in the needful time. We are now in a very open country, but here and there are small enclosed patches, full of saffron, in blossom. The roofs of the houses are universally covered with little squares of wood resembling tiles ; the walls are brick and plastered, and are of considerable thickness, and there is iron grating before the windows. We meet with a remarkable breed of hogs, with curly hair, somewhat like sheep. Ninth Month 21th. — We started from Burkersdorf, a little after six, and reached Vienna between seven and eight o'clock. The two first inns we drove to were full, I then came to the City of London Hotel, and here we are well accommodated. The master, Alexander Schwabe, speaks English, and was six years with T. W. Smith ; he is 1822. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 53 much attached to W. F. Reynolds — this appears like something provi- dential. Lord Strangford lodges in the same house, and seemed quite glad to see me. After breakfast, I copied my letter to the Emperor of Russia, and wrote a note enclosing it to Baron Wylie. The Emperor is at the palace, I drove there and met with Baron Wylie, who was rejoiced to see me ; he opened my note, and sent the enclosure to the Emperor, who was in the house but was engaged. In descending the great staircase, where the soldiers were keeping sentry with fixed bayo- nets, I saw a tall genteel person, in military uniform, covered with gold lace, come out of a passage, which communicated with the Emperor's apartments ; the guards presented arms, and there was I with my hat on; he was lower down than I, and I hung back to give him time to go forward, but he halted, and looking back with a smiling countenance, said, < Are you not an Englishman ?' I said I was, and gave him my card. ' 0,' said he, ' you have been to see me in London.' By this I found it was Prince Esterhazy : he asked me, why I had not been to see him : I told him I was but just arrived, and he then wished me to call upon him, at his father's, to-morrow, which, though it was first-day, I thought it right to engage to do. I returned to the hotel, and shortly afterwards, Baron Wylie sent for me, to say, that the Emperor would see me this evening, at eight o'clock, and that he seemed quite pleased with my arrival. When I went, at eight o'clock, however, Prince Metter- nich was with him, and about half-past ten, he sent to express his regret that it should have happened so, and to request me to come at eight o'clock, to-morrow evening. I returned to the inn ; my mind peaceful and calm, with the full conviction that I am in the way of my duty. JYinth Month 2Sth. — Went to the censor's office about the books ; I cannot, however, get them, and unless Prince Metternich will write a line, they must go to the censor, where they are liable to be detained a month, or more. I received a note from Baron Wylie, inviting me to dinner, and de- siring me to bring Daniel. Called upon him at the palace, and then went to Prince Esterhazy, but, although he was at home, and waiting for me, I was denied by a military man, to whom I gave my card. On returning to the hotel, I wrote the Prince a note, who, in reply, sent his English servant, to say how sorry he was at the mistake, and re- questing me to call upon him to-morrow, at my own time. Dined with Baron Wylie, at three o'clock. The streets of Vienna are narrow, and the houses high and remarkably well built, with, very generally, double windows. Returned to the hotel in the afternoon, and at half-past seven went back to Baron Wylie, who informed the Secretary in W^aiting that I was come, and shortly afterwards I was sent for. On entering the Emperor's apartment, he immediately advanced to meet me, and took me by the hand in the most cordial 54 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1822. manner, expressing the gratification he felt in seeing me. After con- versing a little, he made me sit down by him, and said he had nothing to do all the evening but attend to what I had to say. He asked whether we should first pray together. I replied, that having several subjects to speak upon, which might be considered as of an outward nature, if he pleased, we would discourse upon them first, and then take a little time for retirement ; but I left it entirely to his decision, whether this should be first or last, and he was quite willing that I should proceed. Not knowing whether this might not be the only opportunity of seeing him, I put down the subjects on which I wished to speak with him. The first was the Colonies. He told me that there had lately been a great accession to the number of the Mennonites from the neighbourhood of Dantzic, and that he continued to be extremely well satisfied with them. I related to him some of the circumstances of the visit which Stephen Grellet and I paid to them, as, the meetings we held among them, their religious sensibility, &c. The Emperor said he was far from being satisfied with some of the other colonists, particularly the Duhobortsi, of whom he has no favourable opinion ; he said that he had been amongst them, but he did not seem to know much about the Malakans. I, however, laboured to explain the wide difference between the Malakans and the Duhobortsi, the Malakans believing fully in divine revelation, and valuing the Scriptures, which the others do not ; of this he was apprized. I told him, that, from what we had seen of them, and the little meeting which we had with some of those at Simferopol, we believed them to be a simple-hearted people. The Emperor said that he had located several of them in South Russia, but he had not yet received any report of them. I ex- pressed a hope that, if they were sufficiently settled in their principles, they might, by degrees, draw over the Duhobortsi to them. I then showed him my plans for colonies at home, with the drawings of cot- tages, &c., and briefly explained the outline of them, leaving them with him for a few days, that he might look at them more at his leisure. I stated, that a modification of them might be highly usefiil in Russia, and that some of the seigneurs might, by these arrangements, draw a greater revenue from their peasants than they had at present, while, at the same time, they might be preparing them for freedom ; he fully agreed with me, and seemed interested in the subject. We now spoke of Schools, and I thought it right to tell the Emperor of the report which had been current in England, that he had sup- pressed schools upon the British system throughout his dominions. He said this was not the case, that if I came into Russia I should find them flourishing, and that he only discouraged those who would teach from the French Lessons, reminding me that it was we who first put him upon his guard against them. He said that he had ordered no other 1822. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 55 book to be taught throughout his dominions, than that very selection of the Holy Scriptures which we made at Petersburg. I informed him of the fund which we had raised for printing them in the diflferent lan- guages of Europe ; that they were printed in French, in Italian, and in Spanish, and were likely to be used throughout South America. The Emperor expressed much gratification on hearing this. The conversa- tion on this subject was extremely relieving to my mind. I laid before the Emperor the present state of the Slave Trade, and showed him the drawing made by Samuel Croad, of Portsmouth, of the Vigilante, one of the French slave ships, lately taken by Sir R. Meade's squadron at Bonny, or rather by the boats under one of his captains. I showed him also the thumbscrews taken on board this vessel, and left, the drawing, with the description, for him to look at after I was gone. He assured me that he was entirely with us in this business, and quite disposed to do everything in his power to make the abolition complete. I expressed ray decided opinion, that nothing short of making the Slave Trade piracy, or, at least, putting the persons engaged in it, out of the protection of the laws of their country, would accomplish this end. I earnestly entreated him to endeavour to carry this point in the Congress, and if this should be found impossible, that he would then set the example himself, and use his influence with other Potentates also, to do it separately, that the guilt and the odium might rest upon those nations that refused to concur in the measure. The Emperor most fully agreed to the desirableness of such a procedure, and I said that we depended very much upon him in the discussions which would take place on the subject in Congress. I found that he had read Sir James Mackintosh's speech, in which he was treated with some asperity, but, so far from expressing any resentment, he spoke of it in a very christian manner, merely as a misconception, and asked ray opinion of Sir James. I then stated to the Emperor that his having, in the tariff, prohibited the sugars of those nations that had abolished the Slave Trade, and admitted them from the nations that had refused to abolish it, was much taken notice of in England as an inconsistency. He assured me that he had resorted to the measure of prohibition, purely as a matter of self-defence, and that it was, as I understood him, con- fined to refined sugar, with a view to protect his own sugar refiners; that while, since the treaty of Vienna, other Powers had increased their prohibitions, he had refrained from doing so, until at length he found that the balance of trade was turning against him, but that he was one of the last to adopt those measures; that with respect to sugar, if he had seen the business at the time, in the point of view in which it was now placed, he would have given it a consideration. I put into his hand the letter from Thomas Clarkson, and that from Wilberforce, both which he laid aside to read when I was gone. He smiled when 1 e 56 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1822. took Clarkson's letter, and said, ' That is Clarkson's writing.' I men- tioned to him that in the parcel of books, which had been seized by the douaniers, were several things relative to the Slave Trade, which I wished to have laid before him, and we then had some conversation relative to the desirableness of my going to Verona, to be at hand to urge the business with the Duke of Wellington, and to furnish facts to meet the arguments of the French. I said, that I by no means wished to go, unless the Emperor thought it most advisable ; he replied that he would turn the matter over in his own mind, and in the course of two or three days, he would tell me what he thought ; but that I must see him again, and, at all events, wait. I happened to have one of ' Friends' Address to the Inhabitants of Europe on the Slave Trade,' in German, which he desired to keep, meaning, I believe, to show it to the Emperor of Austria ; I said, I wished that leave could be obtained to reprint it here. I informed him of what Friends had done in raising a subscription, and printing Tracts on this subject, in different lan- guages, with which he expressed himself much pleased. The conversation then turned upon the Greeks. I related what dear Grellet and I had seen of them in our travels, and my conviction, that, by proper treatment and, management — especially of their youth — they might be made a fine people. I mentioned what we had seen of Bambas's school at Scio, the progressive state of improvement among the people, and their eagerness for the Scriptures and Tracts ; also the kindness with which we were entertained amongst them, but that some of these very persons had since been murdered, and their families sent into slavery in Turkey. The Emperor seemed to feel deeply for them, and said, he had proofs that this rebellion against the Turks was orga- nized at Paris, by the revolutionists, who wished, above all things for a war, and to make the Greeks the means of embroiling the Powers of Europe — that the Greeks were certainly an oppressed people, but that their resistance was premature, they were not prepared for it, and the consequence was, that they were now ten times worse off than before — that if he were to interfere, war might become general; he considered it a permission of Divine Providence, that must be submitted to. I mentioned the circumstance of his having put down the Freemasons' societies in his dominions. He said it had long been done in the place where we now were, and that he had proofs of their concerting mea- sures, secretly, which might prove dangerous. I stated my hope, that this prohibition did not extend to societies bona fide for benevolent purposes, observing, that good men should be encouraged to unite their efforts in doing good, and dwelling a little upon the usefulness of such societies. With this he perfectly agreed, and set me at ease on the subject, assuring me, that it was far from his intention to discourage these associations, and giving, as a proof, his continued patronage and 1822. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 57 support of Bible Societies. On my adverting to the circumstance of the resio-nation of Prince Alexander Galitzin, as President of the Prison Discipline Society, the Emperor said, that, knowing the Prince had too much upon him, he had nominated another person. I showed the plate of the tread wheel for the employment of prisoners, with which he seemed interested, and I left it with him ; he repeatedly expressed his gratification at seeing me, inquired about dear Stephen, and said that he often thought of him and of me, and prayed for us. During the whole of the conversation, there was such a sweetness to be felt, that all fear was taken away, and we conversed with the familiarity of old friends and acquaintance. I ventured to entreat him to endeavour to get the Emperor of Austria to relax a little in some of his measures, which savour too much of intolerance, and I related the mischief which had been done among the Catholics of Smyrna, who had been almost ruined by a fanatic missionary priest ; he received every thing in the kindest manner. It was now drawing towards ten o'clock : as I ex- pected to see him again, I did not wish to proceed farther with these topics, and made a pause, in which ray mind was favoured to feel some- thing of the overshadowing of the Lord's power. The Emperor took hold of my hand and said, ' Have you anything for me ? I am now ready to hear what you may have to communicate,' at the same time inclining his head towards me. After a short silence, I addressed him in the fresh flowing of Gospel love, saying that I had been brought into a feeling of sympathy with him, believing that he had experienced many and deep trials, and had been, and was, surrounded with difiiculties ; here he pressed my hand and seemed aflfected ; but I encouraged him to look to the Lord for support and direction, saying I did believe that if the Emperor kept his eye singly to Him, with a desire to do His will, that whatever tribulation might be suflered to befall him, it w'ould be a means of establishing him more firmly on Jesus Christ, the sure foundation ; I dwelt also upon the safety of those who love the Saviour, and endeavour to stay their minds upon God. Much more than I can possibly recollect flowed freely with, as I thought, the power of the Holy Spirit, and I concluded with the text, ' Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him.' We were both contrited with the sweet feeling of Divine Goodness, and on my remarking that this made me forget for the moment the diflTerence in our relative situa- tions, he put his arm afTectionately round me. On parting, he repeated his wish to see me again after three days. It was now between ten and eleven o'clock, and I returned to my nephew at the inn, with reverent thankfulness to my Great and Good Master, who is an ever present help to the least and feeblest of his servants, who rely entirely upon Him. JVinth Month 29th. — Went to Prince Esterhazy, about eleven o'clock, 58 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1822. and was immediately admitted. The Prince speaks English quite fluently, and the first business we entered upon was the Slave Trade, the conduct of the French respecting it, &c. I then spoke of prisons, and showed him the plan of a prison for three hundred. This subject he took up warmly, and wishes to correspond with me respecting it ; he is also desirous of having further conversation with me before I go. I now took the liberty to remark that the Austrian Government, on account of its rigour, was not, at present, respected by the thinking part of the community in England, by that part who were friends to religion and government ; that its shutting up the schools, at Milan, had excited feelings of strong disgust, and that many considered the government as bigoted, and hostile to the progress of light and know- ledge. He allowed that perhaps they were rather too strict, but that this arose from their fear of the principles which brought about the French revolution ; he however assured me that the emperor was a very worthy man, and a good domestic character. We conversed upon the state of the poor, and I explained to him my plans for colonies at home, with which he appeared pleased, and wished to know more about them. The Prince expressed a desire to see me again the day after to-mor- row, and says, he expects to be in London in the Third Month next, when he wishes me to call upon him. After my return to the inn, I had Narolsky in, and read several chapters in the Epistles to the Thes- salonians, to him and Daniel ; we then sat some time in silence, and T afterwards had to make a few remarks on one of the verses we had been reading, — 'Quench not the Spirit.' The subject opened instruct- ively, and I had peace in alluding to it. JYinth Month 30th. — I received a notice to attend upon the head of the police, Comte Sedlnitzky. I was in hopes it was to receive my books, which had been seized ; but when I entered the olfice, I was surprised to see the Count hold in his hand the very pamphlet, ' Friends' Address on the Slave Trade,' which I had given to the Emperor of Russia. He said that Count Nesselrode had applied to him, by order of the Emperor, for leave to have it printed, and that there was no ob- jection: it might be printed and sold at Vienna. This is a pleasing circumstance, as it shows the zeal of the Emperor. The Count recom- mended me to call on Prince Metternich, which I did, but he was absent. I sent in the evening to inquire what time I could see him, but found he was on the point of setting off on his journey towards Verona, and that the Emperor of Austria follows him to-morrow. Re- ceived a note from the Duke of Wellington, stating, that he should be happy to see me at eleven o'clock to-morrow. Tenth Month 1st. — I determined to make a vigorous eflbrt to get my books which had been seized, and went to the office of the head of the police, Count Sedlnitzky. The Count was not there, but I spoke to 1822. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 59 the person immediately under him, stating, that I urgently wanted some of the tracts, to show to the Duke of Wellington, whom I was to meet this morning by appointment. He was very civil, took my address, and in a few hours the books were sent to me. I then waited on the Duke, and after a little delay, he came out of his room, and called me in to him. After some conversation respecting the Slave Trade, I told him this was a large subject ; that I knew he was very much harassed at present, that Lord Strangford was then waiting to speak to him, and that if he would permit me, I would wait upon him when he had more leisure. He seemed to take this well, and said he should be glad to see me at eleven o'clock, the day after to-morrow, as he did not set ofT, towards Verona, for some days. Hence I went to Sir James Wylie's. I find that the Emperor intends setting out to-morrow, and that he is to meet the King of Bavaria by the way. I concluded it best to address a few lines to the Emperor, stating, that I should wait his orders, and afterwards met Prince Esterhazy, who behaved in the most afTable manner. After dinner, I received a note from Sir James Wylie, to say, that the Emperor wished to see me at half-past five o'clock, when I accordingly went. He received me very kindly, and made me sit down with him at the table ; he had read over my papers, about colonies at home, said he liked the plan very much, and when it is perfected, I am to send him the particulars, either through Sir James Wylie, or Prince Alexander Galitzin. He invites me to send to him, whenever I think proper, and says, he is always glad to hear from me. With respect to Friends' Address, he told me that he had made a communication to the Austrian government, through Count Nesselrode, and that leave had immediately been given for reprinting it ; he said he should be gratified, if I thought it right, to go on to Verona, as it would give him more opportunity of conversing with me, but he advised me to consult the Duke of Wellington. I told him, that my inclination was to return home as soon as possible, but that if it appeared to be my duty, and that I might be useful, I was ready to make the sacrifice. We had much general conversation, in perfect freedom, and this was in a high degree interesting. We spoke of Sarah Kilham, with whose exertions he expressed himself perfectly satisfied. I recommended her school to be made a place for training pious young women as school-mistresses. I was sensible, during the whole of the interview, of a precious cover- ing of the Lord's spirit, and it seemed so to increase, that I gave up speaking of outward matters, and the conversation turned entirely upon what related to a better country. The Emperor asked me, if I would not take some tea with him, to which I readily assented ; he rung his little hand bell, and the servants came, and received his orders: two cups were brought in, but mine had sugar in it. The Emperor imme- diately ordered it to be changed, and this led me to speak further of the 60 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1822. poor Africans, but we soon came again upon religious subjects, and these were the topics on which he delighted to dwell. He said he had suffered from being educated by those who had no sense of vital reli- gion, but that since the year 1812, when his mind was first reached by the power of truth, he had endeavoured to live conformably to what he believed to be the divine will ; he felt that he was a poor weak creature, but he constantly prayed for assistance. He said, that finding so little company that suited him, he spent much of his time alone, in his room, for he felt that he suffered loss, when he was much with those who were in the spirit of the world; 'but,' said he, 'when I am with you, and such as you, who love the Saviour, I can breathe.'' He said, that he found it necessary to keep up the warfare continually ; he then opened his whole heart to me, told me of his trials, and his temptations, comparing them to the thorn in the flesh, which the apostle describes. 'And if,' said he, 'the holy apostle was thus tried, need we wonder, if it is the experience of such poor weak creatures as we are. But let us remember what the answer was to him when he prayed to be delivered — 'My grace is sufficient for thee.' Here it does not appear that he was exempted from the trial, but was shown where he was to find his sup- port under it.' We now sat some time in silence, when I kneeled down, and supplicated for the blessing of preservation. The Emperor knelt on the floor by me. On rising, we were again silent for a few- minutes, and then, under a sense of the renewed visitation of our Heavenly Father's love, took leave of each other, not knowing but that we might possibly meet again at Verona. He grasped my hand, and it came into my mind to tell him, that though I was conscious of being a very weak and feeble instrument, I believed that our Divine Master had sent me to comfort and encourage him; he replied, 'I be- lieve so.' He then embraced, and kissed me. One of the last things he said, was, ' When you write to Grellet, tell him all about me.' After leaving the Emperor, I sat some time with Sir James Wylie ; he has been a kind and true friend, and parted with me affectionately, wishing much that I may join them again at Verona. On returning to the hotel I felt reverently thankful, that I had been strengthened to give up, in simple faith, to the apprehension of duty. I had, in the course of conversation, to tell the Emperor, how the concern came upon me, how jealous I was, in the first instance, lest it should arise from crea- turely activity, and my affection for him, but that, whenever I attempted to put it off, it returned again, and I only found peace in submitting. Tenth Month 2nd. — I endeavoured to find some person to interpret for me to the poor Greeks, who are passing through here almost every day, seeking refuge from their bloody enemies the Turks. Many of them have lost their wives and children, as well as their property, and have walked till their feet are inflamed. The Austrians will not let 1S22. OF %VILLIAM ALLEN. 61 them stay here, but force them to go on to Ancona ; hitherto they have not permitted them to take the shorter road by Trieste. A poor fellow, who has lost all, is at the inn, and is almost deranged ; I went up to see him, and gave him something for his present exigencies. According to appointment, I then waited upon Prince Esterhazy. We had a discus- sion on the Slave Trade, and he says that he agrees with me in principle, but it is evident that he has not been an advocate for the Abolition. Finding it of little use to press this subject further, I merely stated my feelings respecting it, and turned to the subject of prisons, in which he does seem interested ; I dwelt upon the great duty of attempting to reform criminals, but observed that it was better to prevent than to cure, and we went into the subject of education. He says he has large estates in Hungary, where something of the kind is much wanted. I referred him to the first article in the ' Inquirer,' and promised to lend it to him to read, as I have only one copy. His father coming in, I took my leave, but the Prince requested me to come again to-morrow, at ten o'clock, which I agreed to do. [n the afternoon I went to the printer's to see how they were getting on with the Address on the Slave Trade ; I find we can have it to-morrow evening. It seems that morals are in a very low state here. In the evening, the valet de place brought me two Greeks, resident in this place, who speak French, and are in office in the Greek church. They described to me the deplorable situation of the refugee Greeks ; that the residents here had had a fund, but it was exhausted, and they dare not raise a subscription without leave of the police, and this they did not know how to obtain ; I engaged to apply on their behalf, both for this, and for leave to go by Trieste. I was informed that the son or brother of Jean Vlastow, of Scio, whom I had visited when there, was now at Vienna ; I wished to see him, and he accordingly came to me. He seems very energetic, and of strong passions ; his wife and children have joined him within these ten days. He gives a terrible account of the massacre at Scio ; he mentioned several persons who would be thoroughly trustworthy in the application of any funds for the relief of the refugees, and is to come again to-morrow. Tenth Month 3rd. — Wrote a note to the Minister of Police, requesting an interview, and had a very kind answer, appointing one o'clock. Gusella came with a written statement about the Greeks ; sent for Pan- taleon Vlastow, and had more conversation with him respecting Greece. He reminded me of their college under Bambas, and of their library, both of which are burnt and destroyed. He says, he has one thing greatly at heart, and that if I could assist them in it, he should consider me as a father. All the professors are killed or dispersed, but the col- lege had two young Greeks, of excellent talents, training at Paris, under Koray, the famous Grecian ; they are from twenty to twenty-three years 62 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1822. of age, and are the hopes of their country. The charge is five thousand francs per annum, for the two, or about two hundred pounds — say fifty pounds a quarter. They were paid for by the college, but they are all ruined together, and these young men, unless means can be found to retain them, must leave their studies. I inquired particularly, whether they were training as philosophes, of the French school, but he assured me, that they were brought up on the principles of the Greek christians. In reflecting upon it, I thought we might, without much difficulty, raise fifty pounds for one quarter, and have time to correspond, and, perhaps, I might visit them, at Paris, before the next was due. I accordingly agreed to advance fifty pounds, in the hope that Robert Forster, to whom I purpose to write, will be able to raise the money by subscription. I then went to fulfil my appointment with Prince Esterhazy. We talked about the poor Greeks, and he promises to send my application to the Minister of Police. I explained to him my plan of colonies at home, with which he was particularly pleased, and engaged me to let him have a copy before my departure. On leaving him, I hastened to the Duke of Wellington, who received me very kindly, and put into my hands a letter he had just received from Zachary Macaulay, together with Sierra Leone Gazettes. He said he had been considering the subject, and thought it very desirable that I should go to Verona. I told him that it would be very disagreeable to me to be thought intrusive or meddling, and that, if I could not be made useful, I had much rather not go. He replied, that if it were very inconvenient to me, it was not his business to press it, but, that having so many things to attend to, he did not feel himself so thoroughly versed in the subject as I must be, and as I might be able to assist him on this point, he particularly wished I should go. I had not been without a feeling, that such might be the issue, and I told him that my heart was so bound to the cause, that though it was no small sacrifice, in every respect, I would go. He seemed pleased with the decision, and I have arranged to set off to- morrow. About one o'clock, I waited upon Count Sedlnitzky, the Minister of Police. He received me with great kindness, and after thanking him for the permission to print Friends' Address, on the Slave Trade, a proof of which I gave him, I presented the request of the poor Greeks. With regard to the matter of Trieste, he said, that it was prohibited, lest the Turks should reproach them, with giving facilities to their enemies to get away by sea, and fight them ; but with respect to the application about the subscription, he would consult others. I thought he seemed as if he would concede this point, though he feared that a part of the money might go to aid their brethren in arms. P. Vlastow came this afternoon, and we had more talk about Greece. 1822. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 63 I wrote a letter, requesting dear Cornelius to pay the fifty pounds to Mavracordato, taking his receipt. I also wrote a letter about the poor Greeks, to Prince Esterhazy, begging him to go to-morrow to the Min- ister of Police, and second my application, as he promised. Tenth Month 4:th. — "Wrote a long letter to Z. Macaulay, about the Slave Trade. Vlastow and another Greek came, and took up an hour or two. It is heart-rending to hear details of woe which one cannot relieve, but I do think strong remonstrances ought to be made in favour of the wretched Greeks, taken as slaves into Asia, by the Turks. I must speak to the Duke of Wellington about them, at Verona. 5th. — Advanced ten Napoleons for the poor Greeks, who daily pass through here, on their way to Ancona. I went to Prince Esterhazy's, and gave him a copy of my plan for -colonies at home. He took leave very kindly, and says, that in consequence of my request, the government will permit the Greeks to make a collection for the refugees passing through ; and with regard to my other request, that although they can- not give them passports to a port in the Adriatic, they will give them passports to Leghorn, whence they may go to Ancona by water; this is a very great thing gained. The Prince says he is glad I have been here, and that hereafter any suggestion of mine will be listened to from him. I went to Count Sedlnifzky, to ask if there would be any difficulty about my staying at Verona; he said, none at all, but advised me to apply to their minister at Munich, and make use of his name. He says I ought, by all means, to see the prison at Lintz. With regard to my application on behalf of the poor Greeks, he said precisely what Prince Esterhazy had told me, and my heart expanded with gratitude in having been made the humble instrument of obtaining some relief for this poor oppressed people. The Count was very kind and respectful, and we parted excellent friends. Having now done all my work here, I went, with a light heart, to the hotel, sent for the poor Greeks, and gave them the good news, for which they were very thankful. I left fifteen hundred of the Address, &c., in German, under thecaieof Alexander Schwabe, who promises to circulate them through all Austria ; then took leave of Lord Strangford, who stays some days longer, and a little before three, started with an easy mind, thankful that my journey had been thus far prosperous." William Allen pursued his course towards Munich, only stopping to lodge, and for occasional refreshment, except at Lintz, where, accord- ing to the recommendation of Count Sedlnitzky, he went to see the prison, or house of correction. It is for the whole district of Upper Austria, and Saltzburg, and contained about two hundred prisoners, most of whom were employed. He says — "They are all taught to read, being generally, if not universally, 64 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1822. ignorant when they come in. Every thing is extremely neat and clean." He several times mentions the beauty of the country, and on approach- ing Saltzburg, says — " We have seen nothing of mountain scenery so fine, since we set out ; it is like the Alps in miniature." As they drew near to Munich, he writes — <■<■ My mind thoughtful, but calm, though I am approaching this great capital without a single letter of introduction. We drove to the Black Eagle, where we are well accommodated. I took a person to show me the way to Dr. Ringseis. He seems a man of taste for the arts, and has some beautiful engravings, busts, and cabinets of minerals ; he appeared quite rejoiced to meet me, and was very kind, going with me to the Baron Gumpenberg, who accompanied us to the old President Rausch, where we met Langmire, and some other persons whom I did not know. The President is a sweet-spirited man. I find that the persecution of the protestants has so much increased, that not more than five persons, who are not members of the family, are permitted to meet for the pur- poses of worship. This prohibition took place about the time of Hein- leth's return from Russia ; before that period there was a congregation of from fifty to sixty. It seems that things are in a very poor way here. The departure of Gossner, for Russia, appears to have been a disadvan- tage. The poor people now meet in small companies, within the restriction of the police. I endeavoured to encourage Langmire. In the evening Dr. Ringseis took me to the minister of finance, Baron Lerchenfeld ; he seems to be a clever, thinking, man, I was intro- duced to his wife and daughters, and staid tea with them ; we had much conversation on the subject of the Abolition of the Slave Trade, and on education ; he seems rather inclined to have a school on the British system. We talked of the prison plans, and on the plans for colonies at home ; he is perfectly aware of what has been already done in North Holland. Tenth Month llth. — Went to the Maison de Force, with a letter of introduction from Dr. Ringseis. This is a large mass of buildings, in some respects, very much upon the plan of the Maison de Force, at Ghent, but not so perfect. Various works of industry are carried on. The prisoners are taught to read, and also receive religious instruction in their way. If a murderer does not confess, he is imprisoned for life, but not executed. On the whole, it appears, that the main thing want- ing is, a good system of prison discipline ; but the severity of the police in all these countries, checks and keeps down public spirit and liberal benevolent exertions. We are informed, that the institution of Count Rumford, for the poor, is neglected. We just saw the outside of the building. On our return, 1822. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 65 we found Baron Gumpenberg, who spent some time with me in religious conversation to our mutual comfort. In the afternoon, I went to Dr. RintTseis, and had some serious conversation with hira. He wishes me, by all means, to see the Crown Prince ; and, as he is intimate with him, he will write a letter of introduction. I had to go to Brook Taylor, the British Minister, about my passport. He received me very kindly, and it was well I went myself, and explained the matter to him, as the Austrian Ambassador refused to sign a passport for Verona, having had general orders to that effect. B. Taylor, however, kindly undertook the whole business ; and, in the evening, I received a handsome note from him, with a special passport, as Courier to the Duke of Welling- ton, and countersigned by the Austrian minister. He said, that this was the only way of getting through the difficulty. I went with Baron Gumpenberg, to spend some time with President Rausch. We were comforted together, and parted in much love. I afterwards met Dr. Ringseis, and we went together to the Baron Lerchenfeld. There was a mixed company, but I had some interesting conversation with him, and left him a Manual, Reports, &c. Tenth Month 12th. — I finally concluded to go by Tegern See, in hopes of seeing the Crown Prince, at least for a few minutes: and, a little after nine, we started from Munich. It was past four when we arrived. The situation is beautiful ; somewhat resembling the lakes of Westmoreland. The water is extremely clear; and, if ray mind had been at ease, I should have enjoyed it. The place was in a bustle, from the number of carriages setting off from the palace, and I began to be afraid that I should at last miss the Prince. I, however, wrote a note to him, and sent it by Narolsky, together with the letter from Dr. Ringseis. He was gone out for a ride ; but, on his return, a messenger came to inform me, that the Crown Prince would see me instantly. I accordingly went with him to the palace, and was shown up the great staircase, and through a grand corridor, to the Prince's apartment. He speaks English well, and received me very kindly, inquired after Stephen, and also, what had brought me on my way to Verona, on which J satisfied him. He talked so much, and so quickly, that I had some difficulty in edging in what I had to say. He commended the zeal of Friends in endeavouring to get the African Slave Trade abolished. 'But why,' said he, 'do you not interfere in endeavouring to put an end to the white Slave Trade?' He then spoke strongly of the atrocities of the Turks, in Scio, and inquired why the English did not rise up against them. I told him the subject had excited strong feelings in our country. I said, as his time was precious, (he being about to set out early the next morning,) I would be as brief as possible. I then adverted to several subjects, and it was agreed that I should correspond with him Vol. II. 5 66 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1822. on my return to England. I must write to him respecting the restric- tions upon the pious people at Munich, with regard to their worship. I was very glad of this opportunity, as it has opened a channel of com- munication. I returned to the inn, satisfied in having done all that seemed possible in the time, though my mind was not completely relieved. The Prince desired me to remember him to Stephen Grellet. I then went after Counsellor Kobel, to whom Dr. Ringseis had given me a letter, and found him a very agreeable man ; he happened to have the direction of the horses, and wrote a note to the post-master, desiring him to supply me at any hour we wished : this proved a great accommodation, as we had been told we could not have any until twelve o'clock, and I now concluded to set off at eight. Tenth Month 13th — Started at half-past eight. I never saw any thing like the ride this afternoon. Mountains, rocks, torrents, narrow defiles, interspersed with cottages, all in various combinations. It is grand indeed. The Tyrolese are a fine looking race of people. The costume of the peasants is singular. The men wear green hats. lAth. — In one of the stages, the driver told us there was not a Bible to be found in five or six villages ; and another said he had never seen a Bible. We breakfasted at Inspruck, the capital of the Tyrol. As I walked alone up a long ascent, near Schonberg, my mind was turned to the Lord, my soul was raised in prayer and praise, and I was secretly comforted. Faith revived, and I looked forward to Verona as a duty. Our driver does not know how to read or write, for, though when a boy, he went to school for two years, he has forgotten all he learnt there, and he says, that this is the case with many adults. The cruci- fixes by the road side, through the Tyrol, are extremely numerous, and particularly revolting to the feelings. Tenth Month 16th — On arriving at Brenzoll, we got into difficulty about horses, the imperial train being just before us. I was obliged to submit to have the letter bag fastened on to my carriage, and as horses are so scarce, it is on the whole an advantage. As another carriage from the same inn that we came from was before us, and could get no horses, the person who was in it, stood at our horses' heads, and refused to let us proceed ; the driver said I was a courier ; he said, I was not. I quietly beckoned him to come to the side of the carriage, when I showed him the official character in which the British Minister, at Mu- nich, had placed me, and he immediately gave way. 11th. — We entered Verona about three o'clock, and proceeded to the inn to which we had been recommended. We found that we could be accommodated, and I felt grateful that here again, where we had anticipated considerable difficulty in finding lodgings, there was a place just ready for us ; but the inn is very full. 1S22. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 67 I8ih We went, tliis morning, to find out Sir James Wylie, but he was not within ; we then went to see the ruins of the amphitheatre ; only a small part of the exterior wall remains, but the stone seats are very perfect, and seem to have been recently put in complete repair, its form is elliptical, and it is said to be capable of seating twenly-four thousand people. In this place Bonaparte harangued thirty thousand of his soldiers ; he stood upon one of the upper rows and was heard distinctly. I waited, by appointment, on the Duke of Wellington ; he made me sit down with him, and entered into the subject of the Slave Trade. He began by remarking, that we had not merely to consider what was desirable, but what was practicable ; that if the other Powers made it piracy, how were they to act against France without going to war, that if we attempted what was impracticable we should effect nothing, and the mischief would go on increasing. He read me a paper, or the rough sketch of one, which he had prepared on the sub- ject, and he wished me to make some memoranda of facts, which I am to search for and send to him. He handed me a packet from Zachary Macaulay, and gives me free access to himself at all times. In the afternoon, I wrote a note to the Duke with the requisite information. Lord Strangford is here. Tenth Month 19th. — General Macaulay came in; he arrived the evening before. I am glad he is come, as it may tend to liberate me the sooner, for when I have done my part with regard to the Slave Trade, and feel relieved in my mind, I can leave the rest to him. He seems an interesting man ; he is not able to live in England on account of ill health. He tells me, that there are great numbers of pious per- sons in France, and that the cause of vital religion is gaining ground in Geneva ; this is indeed good news. We took a walk together by the Corso, and out at the Mantuan gate, talking over our aflfairs. The weather is beautiful ; the soil near Verona is very poor. 20th. — General Macaulay came to read to me the sketch of a paper he had drawn up for the Duke of Wellington, to show the necessity of making the Slave Trade piracy. We had some conversation on the subject, and then went by appointment to wait upon the Duke. General Macaulay gave him his paper, which he read very attentively, and then said, that we were altogether mistaken in the very ground of our appli- cation, to have it made piracy, for that the present Congress, was not a mere continuation of the Congress of 1815, which consisted of eight Powers, that is, I suppose, of Great Britain, Russia, Austria, Prussia, France, Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, but that the present only con- sisted of the first five, and could perform no act to bind the last three. That so far from the present Congress interfering with the internal man- agement of individual states, ith Month 2bth My mind was supported and comforted during the night, and whenever I awoke, sustaining Goodness was felt to be near. A message arrived from the Prince, requesting us to go to him ; he received us most kindly, and expressed his pleasure in our having been to Eisenstadt. We then spoke of our journey, of the improvements he might make with regard to the cultivation of the land, and in ameli- orating the condition of the peasantry, and conversed upon several subjects of importance. He freely acknowledged his sense of the responsibility of the trust committed to him, and said it was his earnest desire to promote the welfare of the people. He observed, that if his life were spared, he fully intended, in two or three years, to take leave of politics, at least of the active part he had taken in them for the last seventeen years, and devote his time and attention to improving the condition of the peasantry in Hungary. We had a long and interesting conference. If I had chosen to make myself known at Vienna, in my scientific character, I might have been introduced to the Emperor, with other men of science just now assembled here, from different parts, but I was most easy to keep in retirement. In the evening, Stephen and I took a walk on the outskirts of the city by the ramparts. The sky was a beautiful blue, very different from what we see in England. The trees, and walks, palaces, and public buildings, are very fine ; I felt a melancholy pleasure in pacing along the interior square of the palace, where I had the interview with the dear Emperor Alexander, in 1822. As we walked along, engaged in serious conversation, Stephen expressed his belief, that after all my trials, my sun would yet go down in brightness. 0, that it may be so! I can appeal to my Lord and Master, in the language of Peter, 'Lord, thou knowest that I love thee,' and I love thy cause, however conscious I may be of my short-comings, and that I am indeed an un- profitable servant. O that I may be received within the gates of that city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. J\''in(/i Month 26th. — Several persons called upon us this morning, amongst whom was a young man under deep religious feeling, who wishes to join the Reformed Church ; he is at present a student in medicine. He is desirous of going to England or America, but as he does not speak English, we recommended him to Basle. We had much important conversation with the protestant clergyman here, who is a 254 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1832. very agreeable man ; and when I reflect upon our intercourse with him, upon the openings in Hungary, and particularly the conference with the Minister at Oedenburg, my faith is confirmed, and I believe that my impressions respecting Vienna were in accordance with the divine will. We now felt released from this city, though much regret has been expressed at our short stay, and it is plain that we should have found work to do if we had remained longer. We supped at the table d' hole, and about nine o'clock had our luggage taken to the port ; the principal officer there, having met with us the evening we were at Baron Eskeles, at Hitsingen, was very civil, and helped us through nicely. We had comfortable seats in the diligence, and shortly after started for Munich. Though we did not feel ourselves justified in making a longer stay, yet we left Vienna with mournful feelings, reflect- ing upon the superstition, bigotry, and worldly-mindedness which prevail. The suspicion under which we move about, is also very dis- couraging. The next morning we had superb views of the Danube, with mountains, rocks, and forests ; we passed many towns in our route, and on sixth-day arrived at Brennau, the Austrian frontier ; here there was some delay about our passports, but at length the difficulties were all surmounted, and we proceeded towards Munich, which we reached at six o'clock on seventh-day morning, having travelled about three hundred miles without stopping to rest. We were sorry to find that the King of Bavaria was absent to AschafTenburg. We are very deficient in introductions for this place, I therefore advised our seeking out the protestant clergyman, which we did, and found him a clever man. W^e were glad to learn that his sentiments are wholly opposed to those of the Socinians, or Rationalists, — indeed he says that the King of Bavaria would not permit such doctrine to be preached. W^e had much interesting conversation with him in his summer-house, in a large garden, and in the evening took a v.-alk in the beautiful public gardens. Ninth Month 30th. — After some search, with the assistance of a valet- de-place, we found Joseph de Baader, a person well known to Stephen twenty years ago ; he seems likely to be very useful to us. Stephen and I had a solemn time of silent worship, which felt to me strength- ening. We dined at the public table, where we met with some interesting persons. In the afternoon, Joseph de Baader called, and accompanied us to Dr. Ringseis, with whom we found Baron Freyberg, and had an opportunity of conversing upon several topics of much interest. In the evening, we-received a message from Prince Oettingen Wallerstein, the Minister of the Interior, who had heard of our arrival from Dr. Ringseis, requesting to see us about eight o'clock; on our going to him he received us with the utmost cordiality. The state of the poor in Bavaria, was one of our great objects with him ; he said this subject was of immense importance to the government at the present 1832. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 255 juncture, when they were distressed with their poor, and knew not what to do with them. This of course opened the way for an expla- nation of the plan of rural colonies, and we also conversed freely on other subjects. It was between nine and ten o'clock when we came away, and the Prince took leave of us very kindly, appointing us to meet him again. Thus has our Gracious Master wonderfully opened the way for us. We returned to our hotel with thankful hearts, and were sweetly comforted together, in a sense of the Lord's goodness." ^ During the two following days, Stephen Grellet and William Allen were much occupied in endeavouring to perform the work whereunto they believed themselves called; they met with some interesting persons of various classes, and were treated with great kindness by the English Ambassador, Lord Erskine ; they had also farther communication with Prince Oettingen Wallerstein, who was very desirous that they should visit the colonies on the Donaumoos, between Ingolstadt and Neuburg, where a great experiment was then in progress, under the direction of the Bavarian government. After fully considering the subject, they believed it best to acquiesce in the proposition ; the Prince appointed Joseph de Baader to accompany them as an interpreter, and on the 3rd of Tenth Month they left Munich for Neuburg, where they lodged that night. The next morning, W. A. says — " In company with an intelligent, agreeable young man, a Protestant, we proceeded to the Donaumoos, or the Bog of the Danube, an exten- sive plain, stretching nearly from Neuburg to Ingolstadt. There are several villages, some larger, others smaller, containing a population of about three thousand. There is complete liberty of conscience in this country, a striking contrast to Austria, where bigotry and super- stition reign. Many of the inhabitants are Protestants, and the village of Maxweiler is a small, but very interesting settlement of Mennonites. W^e felt such a flow of christian love towards them, that we requested they would assemble in one of their houses, in order that we might have a season of divine worship together. It was remarkable how soon they were collected ; we were favoured with a covering of solem- nity and peace, wherein many hearts were contrited, and it was a time which I believe will long be remembered. De Baader interpreted what was addressed to them, and he did it beautifully ; he seemed deeply impressed with what he had to repeat ; this was a most satisfactory opportunity. We distributed a number of tracts, which were gratefully received, both in this and other villages — indeed they were eagerly sought for. The cottages of the Mennonites, the excellent culture of their land, their cleanliness, and manners altogether, are much superior to the generality of the colonists, but none of them appear to have a regular system of cultivating their land, and there are scarcely any gardens throughout the colony. Roads' have been made, and canals cut in every direction. From, Maxweiler we went to Carlshuld, 256 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1832. remarkable on account of the secession of a Priest, with a great part of his flock, from the Roman Catholic religion ; and although he has been induced to recant, as well as many of his followers, others of them still adhere to, the Protestant faith. There are schools in the different vil- lages, and the children appear to be generally taught to read. We understand that the colony is furnished with Bibles from the Bible Society. This is a very interesting place, and one might spend a month here very well. The people greatly need improvement in habits of cleanliness, and I think if the women could be employed within doors, instead of working out in the fields, it would be a great benefit ; they almost universally go without shoes and stockings, as well as the children. I was tired when we returned to the inn, but very thankful for this memorable day. Tenth Month oth. — Rose about five. I had it strongly on my mind to write a letter to the Prince Oettingen Wallerstein, which I did, and gave it to Joseph de Baader, to put into his hands to-morrow ; it con- tained observations on what we had seen, with some hints." In this letter, William Allen says — " My dear friend Stephen Grellet and I were much struck with the magnitude of this undertaking, and pleased by observing that no dis- tinction was made between Roman Catholics and Protestants, but that they were encouraged by a paternal government to live together in peace and harmony, all worshipping God in the way which they believed most acceptable in His sight. This great feature in your plan is con- sistent with sound policy, with the best interests of the state, and with true christian feeling, and could not but lead us earnestly to desire your success. I have suggested to the inspector the importance of letting the colo- nists have gardens, and of furnishing them with fruit trees. We could not but regret the extreme dirtiness of many of their houses and per- sons, and think that if some of the most respectable females in the neighbourhood were recommended to form associations in order to visit the cottagers, to promote works of industry amongst the women, to speak kindly to them, and give them advice about their household affairs, and whatever might conduce to their welfare, it would have a very happy effect. . Please to present us most respectfully to the King, and assure him that we should have been glad of an opportunity of expressing to him in person the strong desires which we feel for his happiness, and that of his people, and our prayer is that the divine blessing may rest upon him and them, and that by a continuance of the enlightened policy which has led to the measures we have witnessed, he may not only strengthen and benefit his own kingdom, but afford to other nations an example worthy of imitation." " Some of the poor people came all the way from the colony this 1832. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 257 morning to beg for more tracts; they told us that after we were gone, the cottagers assembled in groups to hear them read, and that several were affected to tears. One person was very anxious to induce the possessor of a tract to let him have it, but the man replied that he would not part with it, even if any one were to give him two dollars. We regretted much not having a larger supply with us, but our chief stock had consisted of the ' Thoughts,' and ' Brief Remarks,' which we had received from Louis Seebohm, and all these were gone.* We took a cordial leave of De Baader, and about twelve o'clock, set off from Neuburg on our way to Stuttgard. We lodged at Augsburg, a place memorable for Luther's famous confession, and the next day proceeded to Ulm, a large gloomy town on the Danube, and the fron tier of Wurtemburg ; from thence we went by Geisslingen, Goeppingen, and Plochingen, to Stuttgard. Our road lay through a romantic and delightful country, — rocks, steep hills covered with trees, rich in autum- nal tints, and vineyards planted on terraces, like Greece. The people in general were well clothed, and there was much fine Indian corn hung * Some time after William Allen's return home, he forwarded a number of books and tracts to the colonists of the Donaumoos, together with various kinds of seeds suited to their soil and climate. The following grateful acknowledgment, written nearly two years after the above visit was paid, shows with what lively feelings they recurred to this memo- rable occasion : — " Maxweilcr, 3rd nf Ninth Month, (September,) 1834. " Deak Friends, and much honoured Brethren in Jesus Christ, William Allen and Stephen Grellet: We well remember the kind visit which you paid us in christian love, the 10th of Oc- tober, 1832, in our little colony of Maxweiler ; it was at an unexpected time, yet we cannot but believe, that it was the Lord Jesus who, in his infinite love, sent such dear friends to us, to increase our love to God, and our faith in the Saviour: we doubt not your words were dictated by the Holy Spirit; they flowed from your lips in love, and under this feeling, they penetrated our hearts. Since that time we have very often spoken of you, and thought of the fatigue and difficulties you encountered in your journey to seek out Christians, and exhort them to love and have faith in the Saviour. Yes — we desire to be often visited by such friends, and to be confirmed in the christian fiith, but, as we cannot enjoy that advan- tage, may we be united in spirit, and when we have finished our short pilgrimage here, may our Lord, through His divine grace, grant eternal felicity to you and us, that we may rejoice together without interruption, and without end ! Yes, Lord Jesus, may it be so! Amen. Dear Brethren in our Lord Jesus, we hope you will receive these lines in that love in which they are written. We have learnt that you have travelled far with the sole view of contributing to the spiritual and temporal good of the brethren, which we can indeed bear witness to ourselves, and that you are disposed to do all in your power to assist in pro- moting the prosperity of our colony. Facts have |)roved your charity towards us ; and that the inward man may be renewed, you have sent us some edifying works, — lively testimo- nies of your love. May the Lord reward you hereafter, according to His good pleasure. We can only express our gratitude to you in words, but may the Lord condescend to pre- pare our hearts to render thanksgiving unto Him, and enable us, in our prayers for you, to feel the gratitude we owe for your goodness. There is a great desire to receive the publi- cations you have sent, and we doubt not they will be road by many, with attention, and be instrumental in leading to the salvation of the soul." After some information respecting the agricultural state of the colony, &c., tlie letter concludes, and is signed bv the minister and two other persons. Vol. H. " 17 258 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1832. up against the outside of the houses. We reac^ied Stuttgard soon after six, and were well accommodated at the hotel, Kiinig von England." While at Stuttgard, both Stephen Grellet and William Allen, to their mutual comfort, renewed the intercourse which in former years they had enjoyed with several serious persons in that city, and they also became acquainted with others, who were sincerely desiring to follow their Lord and Saviour. With this class, they not only had an oppor- tunity of much useful and religious conversation, but also held a meeting for divine worship. On their first arrival, the King was not in Stutt- gard, but W. A. says — "We had an interview with the Queen, who received us very cordially, and conversed freely with us, as with christian brethren. There was a sweet solemnity over us, and Stephen and I were both engaged in communicating counsel and encouragement: she evinced much religious sensibility, and on our taking leave, when I exhorted her to hold fast, she replied that she hoped she should, and begged us to pray for her. Her two daughters were with her, the younger about six years old. It was a memorable opportunity, and afforded us peace. We afterwards received a note from the Queen, expressive of much christian feeling. I have been favoured to-day with a sense of the overshadowing of divine regard, which has been comforting and strengthening. I have nothing to depend upon in time or eternity, but the unmerited rnercy of God in Christ Jesus. Tenth Month Wth., — The King having returned to Stuttgard, we received a note appointing us to meet him at twelve o'clock ; we accordingly attended at the palace at the time proposed, and were very kindly received. We had much satisfactory conversation, particularly on religious subjects, and, on taking leave, he parted with us very affectionately. There are many useful institutions here, and we find that, in conse- quence of the great benefit arising from infant schools for the poor, one has been opened for the children of persons in good circumstances. I ought to have seen the agricultural establishments for the poor at Korn- thal and Wilhelmsdorf, but time presses." Stephen Grellet and William Allen had, for some time, believed that Stuttgard would be the point at which they should separate, the former having a prospect of going to Strasburg, the Ban de la Roche, and Switzerland, and the latter purposing to return home. They felt much on this occasion, but believing that their work here was accom- plished, they parted in great unity of spirit, S. G, setting out that after- noon for Strasburg, and W. A. proceeding, the next morning, towards Frankfort, where he arrived on the 13th. He visited Dr. Pinkerton and his family, then went to Mayence, and from thence down the Rhine to Cologne. He mentions, with interest, the beauty of the scenery, 1832. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 259 and was also pleased to meet with agreeable company. From Cologne he travelled by land to Dusseldorf, from which place he pursued his course by a steamer to Rotterdam. In speaking of the voyage on the Rhine, he says — " We passed some rafts of timber with houses upon them, and a con- siderable number of people, I should think that some of them were nearly three hundred yards long, and of proportionate breadth ; they were floating down the stream. My mind was a good deal tendered in reading the Bible to-day, and I was comforted in the solid conviction that we have revelation to rest upon. Oh ! the sweetness of that inward feeling, under which we can truly adopt the language, 'I know that my Redeemer liveth,' — yea, he liveth, God over all, blessed for ever! We did not reach Rotterdam till midnight ; the next morning thanks- giving, prayer, and praise ascended to ray God, and I felt that His peace was worth all the world. About twelve o'clock I set off" in the stage for the Hague, and in the carriage met with a Dutch gentleman, a member of the Societe de Bienfaisance ; we had much interesting conversation about the colonies, &c. I had a satisfactory interview with the Secretary of the Minister of the Interior, and returned to Rotterdam the next day. Tenth Month 20th. — We started about half-past seven, in the steamboat for London. I had a peaceful retrospect of our labours during our late journey, in which I have travelled about three thousand miles, and was favoured to reach home in safety, on first-day, the 21st ; I met with a joyful reception, and, in humble gratitude, can set up my Ebenezer." Stephen Grellet, in writing to William Allen from Strasburg, under date of 10th Month 12th, says— " Soon after we parted, the recollection of our reading in the morning was sweet, particularly the latter part of the chapter, (Acts xx.,) the parting of Paul, with those who came to him from Ephesus. My nature deeply felt the separation from a beloved brother, and very nearly attached co-worker in the service that our great Master has had for us in these nations, yet I was comforted in the hope springing up, that we should mingle again in actual attempts unitedly to serve Him, in some farther portion of the work. I reflected, with grateful feelings, on the help that the Lord had granted us, and on the sensible guidance of His divine spirit, in directing our steps aright during our various journey- ings, and also that he had enabled us to close our united engagements as we have done, peacefully. I did not doubt, my dear brother, but that thou wouklst carry thy sheaves with thee, and, in the retrospect, feel that peace which the Lord alone giveth. ' Thou wilt ordain peace for us, for thou only hast wrought all our works in us.' Last evening, whilst a servant was in search of Weguelin, he acci- 260 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1832. dentally met with professor Ehrmann, who, hearing that he was engaged on behalf of an American, thought of Isaac Hammer, and sought me out at the inn. On hearing of thee, he was overjoyed, but felt tried that thou hadst been so near, and that he had not seen thee ; this was also the case with Weguelin. Several here remember thee in near affec- tion, and desire their christian love." In a subsequent letter from Basle, he writes — << I went yesterday to Blumhardt and Spitder ; they are both delighted with the account of thy ' Colonies at Home.' Blumhardt says it is the very thing they want for their missionaries in various parts, especially on the Caucasus, and that it would also be useful in this neighbourhood. Spittler thinks it might be admirably connected with his plan for schools, and the training of schoolmasters, which thou art acquainted with. He says, thy yearly contribution is a great assistance to them, and that thy aid was, in the first instance, the main help in promoting the establishment, for they were under great discouragement when they received it. We afterwards went to Beuggen to visit the institution ; it is an orphan house, as well as a school for training masters, and truly it deserves the interest thou hast taken in it. There are now about eighty children, and twenty-four young men preparing for masters. I had a meeting appointed in the afternoon, and to the poor the Gospel was preached. Zeller, the inspecter, and his wife, are well qualified for the station, as father and mother to the orphans ; they rule by love. Much love is sent to thee from that family, also from Blumhardt and Spittler. All who know thee regret that thou art not with me ; thy visit has left a sweet impression on their minds." After mentioning some other meetings and religious visits, S.G. says — " I miss thee very much in these engagements, but I try to keep close to, and lean upon, my only help. Perhaps I may contemplate thee this evening as at Stoke Newington, enjoying the comfort of being restored to the bosom of thy dear family. We may truly say, the Lord has been very good and gracious to us, and that none of his promises have failed ; and yet how often have we to take up the language, < Why art thou cast down, 0 my soul!' &c., let us, however, attend very closely to the charge, ' Hope thou in God.' " CHAPTER XXIV. 1832 — 1833. — Correspondence — Journey to the Continent — Paris — Bourdeaux — Rejoins S. Grellet at Bayonne — Philanthropic Exertions there — They proceed together to Madrid — Visits to Individuals and Institutions there — Communication to tlie King — Interview with the King and Queen — Departure for Valencia — Engagements there and at Barcelona — Second Communication to the King — Cross the Pyrenees to Perpignan — Toulouse — Re- turn by Bayonne, Bourdeaux, Paris, and Calais, to Stoke Newington. Soon after William Allen's return home, he was much occupied in attending the conferences of Friends held in London, on the revision 1833. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 261 of the Rules of Discipline of their Religious Society. The 12th of Eleventh Month, he mentions being at the Morning Meeting, where the extensive concern of Daniel Wheeler to visit, in the love of the gospel, the inhabitants of some of the islands of the Pacific Ocean, New South Wales, and Van Dieman's Land, was laid before the meeting, and says — "A certificate was ordered under a covering of solemnity. Eleventh Month 28th. — I had a long and interesting conversation with Lord Brougham, respecting my late journey ; he says, that he will send any of ray packages to foreign courts by the Ambassadors' bags, so that communication is now open to the continent, as well as to the colonies." William Allen received a letter from Stephen Grellet, dated from Turin, in which he writes — " I have visited the family of the banker, Vertu, and seen the young man who, at thy request, was sent as special courier to Verona, in 1822. He mentioned to me, having heard from Baron Wylie, that thy letter to the Emperor Alexander, of which he was the bearer,* was sent to him the evening of its arrival, that the Emperor was then out, but on returning late at night, he read the letter. Baron Wylie, before retiring to bed, went into his apartment ; it was then two o'clock, a. m., and he found Alexander sitting at the table in tears ; surprised at the sight, and full of fears, he inquired what had occurred thus to afflict him : the dear Emperor, pointing to thy letter, said, ' Read that, and see whether I can help being afflicted for these dear Waldenses.' It was then that he bestowed the gift for the establishment of the hospital at La Tour, which I have lately visited." Although W. A. believed it right to separate from Stephen Grellet at Stuttgard, and to return home for a time, yet he was not then without thoughts of joining him again in a visit to some parts of Spain and the South of France, and, in addressing him soon after the receipt of this letter, he says — " And now, my dear friend, with regard to Spain, thou knowest how ray heart is in the work, and how strongly I am attached to thee in the bonds of the gospel ; but I do not yet see my way." << Tioelffh Month 26th. — The evening being fine, I treated myself with going into ray observatory, and had some beautiful observations. 29th. — Accompanied several members of the Capital Punishment Committee, to Lord Chief Justice Denman. I read to him the address of the society, and we had much interesting conversation on the subject of the criminal code and prison discipline. First Month 10th, 1833. — Called upon Lord .John Russell, and was very kindly received. I gave him some account of our late journey on * See page 81. 262 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1833. the continent, with the objects which we had in view, and asked for letters of introduction to ^Madrid, for Stephen Grellet ; I also mentioned that there was some probability of my joining hira. He readily agreed to give the letters, but seemed to wish that / might not go." The foreign correspondence into which this journey introduced William Allen, engaged a large portion of his time. He adapted his plan of rural colonies to different countries, and sent a manuscript copy to most of the Rulers whom he had visited. The King of Bavaria, in acknowledging the receipt of it, writes — "I recollect the interview when I had the pleasure of meeting you at Tegernsee, in 1822. I am much obliged to you for the continued philanthropic concern which you preserve for the inhabitants of the Donaumoos, and shall certainly omit nothing that may be applicable to the ground and climate of the colonies, and what farther you will be so kind as to furnish, according to your offering, in plants and seeds, will be with thankfulness accepted. I am, with sentiments of true esteem, Your affectionate Lewis." The King of Wurtemburg, after mentioning the pleasure which he had received from the letter and manuscript, together with some small publications and reports, says — " In expressing to you ray thanks for the communication of these writings, I beg you to be persuaded that I feel an interest in them, proportioned to the philanthropy which dictated them, and I shall willingly, as much as lies in my power, promote the object you have in view, which is, to spread prosperity and true happiness among men, by labouring to diminish the misery which still weighs down the poorer classes in every country. With this view I have transmitted your works to the authorities of my kingdom, who are charged with the care of the subjects referred to, and shall esteem myself happy if it shall please Divine Providence to crown my efforts with complete suc- cess." Having noticed, in some of the English periodicals, affecting accounts of the extreme destitution and suffering of many of the inhabitants of the Donaumoos, in consequence of the failure of the harvest, and the almost total destruction of the potato crop, William Allen wrote to inquire into the truth of the statements. In replying to his letter, Joseph de Baader says — '< The misery of these poor people is, at this moment, really beyond all description, and not in the least exaggerated." William Allen immediately raised a subscription amongst his friends, which was forwarded to Prince Oettingen Wallerstein, with a request that it should be distributed amongst the most necessitous families, 1833. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 263 without any distinction with regard to rehgion. A satisfactory account was received of the appropriation of the money. The aid thus afforded proved most seasonable, and thanks were conveyed on behalf of the King of Bavaria, "for the benevolent and generous support procured for the relief of the Colonists on the Donaumoos." " First Month \Gth. — The prospect of duty to rejoin dear Stephen Grellet, for a short time, in his religious engagements on the Conti- nent, has weighed heavily upon my mind for days and nights past, and so increases that I must give up, and stand resigned to obey it. The greatest pang that I feel is, leaving my beloved wife, who requires ray tenderest care ; my concerns at Lindfield are also very important, but I must commit every thing to my Divine Master. He has graciously been with me all my life long, to the present hour. In the evening, I had some very comforting conversation with my precious wife respect- ing my future prospects. She feels deeply, but freely gives me up. 18 — Examination of the boys at the Borough Road School; Lord Chichester was in the chair; — very satisfactory. 10//i. — Received a parting letter from Stephen Grellet, very precious : he was to sail for Philadelphia on the 8th. 19th. — I finished reading Pringle's South African Sketches ; a very interesting and useful work, showing how shamefully the aborigines are treated, even by permission of the British Government. Dined with the Committee of the Useful Knowledge Society :* a large party, be- tween fifty and sixty. I had much conversation with several ; it was a very useful committee. 21st. — Called on J. Sydney Taylor, then had a conference with J. T. Barry, at Plough Court. Waited on Lord Howick, by appointment and had a full and free conversation with him on the subject of the three bills, — Lennard's, Lloyd's, and Ewarl's, on Capital Punishment. I find it is proposed to have a prison upon Dartmoor, and to employ the prisoners in building it. I expressed ray approbation of this plan, but spoke very closely and honestly on the subject of the punishment of death, reminding him that in more than one instance of late, innocent persons have suffered. I mentioned to him our determination never to cease our exertions while the law remains as it is. He smiled cordially, and expressed himself kindly. I then proceeded to the Lord Chancel- lor's room, at the House of Lords, as he had appointed ; he came out * Being much interested in the general objects of this society, William Allen was diligent in his attendance of the committees, whore he endeavoured to exercise the influence he might possess, in guarding against the introduction of objectionable matter into the publications of the society. 1834. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 319 to me. I held in my hand the Times newspaper, and expressed my grief on seeing in it a speech made by him in the House last night, in which he put the matter of the remission of the punishment of death, on the subject of expediency^ and justified its infliction. This called forth some strong invectives against the supporters of the bills, and he said there were not one hundred persons to be found in the kingdom who adopted my notions on the punishment of death, I coolly told him there were thousands, and that the number was constantly increas- ing. I was pained at his sentiments, and soon afterwards came away. 2^rd. — To Devonshire House — Committee on foreign visits. A letter was read from James Backhouse, from Flinder's Island, where the aborigines from Van Dieman's Land are now located, — states great improvement among them since his former visit last year. Five o'clock to the House of Commons ; met the Duke of Wellington going to the House of Lords ; the way is open to call upon him at Apsley House. Met many members in the lobby, and endeavoured to fix them to sup- port Lloyd's Bill. I was universally well received, and about six o'clock came away. Sixth Month 21th. — Committee of the Anti-Slavery Society at one o'clock; he proposed that, on the 1st of Eighth Month next, the day on which the Slaves in our Colonies will be emancipated, there should be some public manifestation of gratitude to God, made by all the friends of this great measure. At the House of Commons in the after- noon, and was examined by the Educational Committee for about two hours, Lord John Russell in the chair. I think nearly twenty members were present. 29th Plough Court, then to Lord John Russell. I am to send the committee a set of the Reports of the British and Foreign School So- ciety, and some copies of the Scripture Lessons. In the evening writing notes to Members of Parliament, about the punishment of death — finished twenty-three. Seventh Month 3rd. — House of Commons, to meet J. T. B. Saw members in the lobby, then went into the gallery ; Lennard's Bill : Lord Howick supported an amendment which would have nullified the bill, but sixty members were present, and a strong body of our friends, in consequence of our exertions ; several nobly supported the bill, and Lord Howick said that, seeing what was the sense of the House, he gave up his opposition; this was met by cheers." Several succeeding days record farther exertions on this subject. On the 9th he writes — «' There is great excitement at the House — Ministers have resigned." Shortly afterwards, however, he mentions that the affairs of the Cabi- net were adjusted, and that all was going on again. Seventh Month l\th. — I had long wished to see Capt. Brenton's Asylum for poor destitute children, and the day being fine, I went over with some of my friends to Hackney Wick this morning, and we had a 320 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1834. very gratifying visit to the establishment. There were forty-seven boys, many of whom have been taken from the streets, and are now brought into orderly and industrious habits. Ten acres of land are attached to the institution, which the children cultivate under the care of a super- intendent. Capt. Brenton says, their system is mildness, constant in- spection, constant labour or amusement, constant innocent occupation. The boys seldom stay more than six months in the school ; the funds not admitting of their remaining a year, which would be preferable. There is a committee of respectable persons at the Cape of Good Hope, and such as have no objection are sent there, or to the Swan River ; many of them have got into profitable employment and are doing well. We were quite delighted with our visit. 14th. — At William Crawford's, Raymond's Buildings. Prison Dis- cipline Society; Samuel Hoare, Dr. Julius, &c., there. 15th. — Wrote to Prince Alexander Galitzin, and to A. D'Junkovsky." In his letter to Prince A. Galitzin, W. A. writes — *' The friendship of those who love the Saviour, and who desire above all things to serve Him acceptably, is of a more permanent nature than the friend- ship of the world ; while absent from each other in ,body, they are at times brought near in the bonds of Christian fellowship ; they are also at seasons permitted to feel sweet unity of spirit with some who were inexpressibly dear to them, while in this probationary state, but who have now entered into the joy of their Lord. We have indeed a goodly company on the other side of Jordan, and 0, that through redeeming love and mercy, we may, in the Lord's time, be permitted to join them, and unite in the eternal hallelujah ! In looking back upon the occurrences of past times, the late dear Emperor Alexander is often brought sweetly to my remembrance, particularly the inter- views we had at Vienna and Verona. The parting opportunity at the latter place, when my prayers were put up for him at the throne of grace, while he knelt by my side, was a time never to be forgotten. Our British and Foreign School Society goes on prosperously ; also the Bible Society, which has passed a vote that every liberated slave in our West India Islands who can read, shall receive a copy of the New Testament. The great day of emancipation is fixed for the 1st of the Eighth Month. I enclose a paper, published by our Anti-Slavery Society, on the occasion." Seventh Month 16th In addressing Elias Eliason, one of the Friends of Stavanger, W. A. says — "I feel comfort, as often as I recollect the sweet feeling of christian fellow- ship, with which we were favoured in our religious opportunities with you. Continue to keep near to the Holy Spirit of God, which brings into humility and contrition, yea, and into a sense of the Divine presence and love ; then will your meetings, though held in silence, be times of refreshing, and you will feel your spiritual strength renewed. Live in love, and the God of love and peace will be with you. I remain, dear friend, your affectionate brother in the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, William Allen. W. A, was much concerned to find, that obstacles had been opposed to the introduction of Sierra Leone produce into this country, as well as that of the Gambia. He wrote several letters to influential persons upon this subject, and, in addressing Lord John Russell, says — 1834. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 321 " It lias long been an object with the friends of Africa, to encourage the natives to trade with us in the products of their country, instead of the bodies of each other, and particularly at our colonies of Sierra Leone and the Gambia, where wide fields for useful exertion are now opening. At Sierra Leone, the captured negroes at the different settlements have sown the cotton seed which has been sent to them from time to time, and they are now beginning to raise it in quantity. Several bales have been already sent over, and our manufacturers pronounce the staple good. From the Gambia, two parcels of paddy have been imported into this country, and passed the customs, but the third has been stopped by the machinations of the agents of the slaveholders of North Carolina in this country, who wish to have the monopoly of the article. May I beg of thee to use thy influence with the Lords of the Treasury, in favour of the memorial of Forsters & Co. I am a perfect stranger to them, but their case appears to be that of the Anti-Slavery cause, and is therefore near my heart. I think it would be well to call the attention of Parliament to the state of our African Colonies, for I am sure much may be done if it be honestly set about."* After introducing the subject to the notice of T. S. Rice, W. A. observes — " Is it not monstrous that the slave-holders of North Carolina, and their agents here, should be patronized by our government, while the agents of our own Colonies, who are doing what Wilberforce, Clarkson, Buxton, and all of us had for years been anxiously longing for, should be discouraged ? Was it not deemed by some of the most active members of the present government, an object of paramount importance, to encourage the Africans to trade in the innocent pro- ducts of their country, instead of the persons of each other? I cannot bring myself to believe that the Lords of the Treasury will ever sanction such proceed- ings. I have not the smallest interest in any trade to Africa, but I am sure it would be a measure of sound policy in the government, to encourage such of our merchants as are employing their capital in importing the products of Africa, and opening new channels for the exportation of our manufactories." '■^Seventh Month 2Sth. — Walked to Raymond's Buildings, to Wil- liam Crawford's Chambers, to attend the Prison Discipline Committee. Dr. Julius, who is going to New York to examine the gaols there, was present. Crawford read to us the report which he has prepared for government, on the state of the American prisons. Eighth Month 1st. — A day of Jubilee. Eight hundred thousand of our fellow creatures released from slavery this day, in our West India Islands ! My spirit is clothed with thankfulness. A large meeting was held at the Freemason's Tavern, where the members of the Anti- Slavery Committee, and the friends of the Abolition of Slavery, dined together. I thought it right to attend the first part of the time. The Earl of Mulgrave, who presided, made an excellent speech, and gave us much information on the state of affairs in Jamaica. Several other * Some time afterwards, W. A. received the followiDg reply : — " My DEAR Friend, "T understand that directions have been given by the Treasury, to admit the cargo of paddy, on payment of the lower duty, and previously to any decision being made on the general question, the subject has been referred by the Treasury to the Board of Trade for their opinion; the Secietary for the Colonies will also be consulted. Yours faithfully, J. Russell," Vol. II. 21 322 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1834. persons also spoke well. I cannot describe my feelings, on beholding, on this occasion, the countenances of many with whom I had laboured for a great part of my life, but who were now met together at the con- summation. Reverent thankfulness not only prevailed in my heart, but I believe in the hearts of many present, and we were ready to exclaim, < What hath God wrouglit !' I had some conversation with several whom I much wished to see, and endeavoured to interest Lord Morpeth in ftivour of the introduction of the produce of Africa into this country, also T. F. Buxton and Dr. Lushington. After having for more than forty years abstained from the use of sugar, on account of its being the produce of the labour of slaves, now, that they are de- clared free by the government, I recommenced taking it this day at Peter Bedford's.* Eighth Month 2nd. — C. Hughes, the American Secretary of Legation, who was so kind to us at Stockholm, and a friend of his dined with us. Also Alfred Cope, of Philadelphia, and his friend. Hughes and I had much discussion on the subject of truth and principle. I afterwards reflected with peace on the sentiments that I had expressed respecting these important points, and trust the conversation would not be unin- structive to the young people. 3rd. — Some of the lads from the boys' school spent the afternoon ■with us. I look them to the summer-house in the garden, where I read to them the chapter in Gurney's Distinguishing Views, « On the Per- ceptible Influence of the Holy Spirit.' 9th. — Disgraceful riots at New York, to put down the Anti-Slavery Society — houses demolished — bodily injury inflicted on people of colour. The riots lasted two or three days, a striking example of the demorali- zation consequent upon permitting slavery." After William Allen's return from Dublin, his mind was frequently occupied in revolving the subject of establishing a School of Lidustry, at Lindfield, where a select number of boys might be received as boarders, upon low terms, with a view to the labour of the children * That this testimony agiinst Slavery, small as it may appear to some, was not without an important influence, is evidenced by the following notice which the Editors have received : — " When G. W. Alexander visited Holland, in 1844, to promote the Abolition of Slavery by the Dutch Government, P. Elout, a judge, and person of high consideration at the Hague, in conversation on the subject of Slavery, said, ' It is to William Allen I attribute all I have felt and done for the cause of the slave. When he was at the Hague, many years since, I was invited, together with a number of serious individuals, to take tea with him. I was then quite a youth. He took no sugar with his tea, whxh surprised me. I was more surprised by the reason he gave for this. He told the company that he had long abstained from the use of it because he could not, with peace of mind, partake of that as a gratification, for which thousands of innocent people were compelled to labour in cruel and hopeless bondage. I was struck with this example of self denial, by so great a man as I thought him to be, in a thing so seemingly small in itself, and 1 was led to consider how great must be the evil of a system which could make so deep and so religious an impres- sion upon his feelings. From that period my own sentiments have been engaged in the cause of the negro, and my efforts given to procure their emancipation in the colonies of Holland.' " 1834. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 323 being made available to reduce the expenses of the institution. On examining his premises, he found that arrangements could be made for the accomplishment of this object, and that he could carry out his favourite scheme of each having a separate sleeping-room. He accord- ingly commenced the alterations, and on the 14th of Eighth Month, addressed a letter to T. C. Wakefield, Jun., of Moyallen, in which he says — "I recollect thy zeal at the last Yearly Meeting in Ireland, on the subject of the children of those who once belonged to our Religious Society, and who still wish to have them educated in its principles. I find that on my school premises at Lindfield, I have ample means for making an experiment with twelve boys, and am accordingly fitting up little chambers, and preparing to receive them. Enclosed is a sketch of the establishment; I could easily procure the number in England, but I will give Ireland the preference." The prospectus alluded to, states that — "The boys are to be brought up in habits of industry, and are to be employed in cultivating land, under a person well skilled in husbandry. They are to be taught to do every thing for themselves, as far as practicable ; they are to make tlieir own beds and to keep their ovi'n apartments clean, and are to be instructed in the most effectual means of supplying the necessaries and comforts of life, by the cultivation of the land on the spade, or garden plan. They are to be taught reading, writing, arithmetic, English grammar, geogra- phy, land measuring, and such other branches of useful knowledge as may be practicable ; they will have the use of a select library. Care is to be taken that they be well instructed in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, in the evidences of the christian religion, and in the principles of the Society of Friends ; and that their conduct and demeanour be consistent there- with. It is proposed, that for the first year the number be limited to twelve. One of the objects of this undertaking is to ascertain how far such an establishment may be made to support itself by the labour of the children in connexion with a farm. Ten pounds are to be paid with every boy upon admission, for board, lodging, clothing, &c., for one year. The whole concern will be under the superintendence of William Allen." " Eighth Month 30th. — Received a precious letter from dear Stephen Grellet, dated Burlington, Seventh Month 29th. He found his wife and daughter as well as he could expect, but had a tedious voyage of forty-three days. . I also received the following letter from Prince Alexander Galitzin : — " Si. Petersburg, 1st August, 1834. " Sir, — I had the pleastire of addressing to you, on the 23rd of April, 1833, a letter in which I mentioned that His Majesty the Emperor, had been pleased to order that your work called ' Colonies at Home,' should be translated into the Russian language, and that I had charged your well known friend, Alexander D'Junkovsky, to translate it. Now I take this early opportunity of informing you, that as soon as the translation was ready, I sent, by the Emperor's order, copies of it to His Majesty's ministers of finance, of the interior, and of the imperial domains, to be applied for the gradual improvement of the state of the peasants. In consequence of it, the minister of the interior has now communi- cated to me, that he found the work very useful, particularly for the German colonists established in the different parts of Russia, and therefore ordered that 324 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1834. the work should be translated into German, and that printed copies of it be dis- tributed in the several colonies in the interior of Russia. Having thought that it might be agreeable to you to know this, inasmuch as you are the author of a work which has proved useful to a large country with many millions of inhabitants, I hasten to communicate the intelligence to you. May our Lord Jesus be always with you. Yours most sincerely, Prince Alexander Gamtzin." Soon after this date, William Allen received a letter from Paris, men- tioning the prosperity of the Schools at Palermo. The writer says— " One of my friends has written to me that there are now six in that city, on the Lancasterian method ; they contain fifteen hundred children, and are succeed- ing remarkably well." " JYinth Month 6th Rose at six. I am hastening towards the close of all things here ; the query arises, < what lack I yet ?' Answer, ' more of the meekness and gentleness of Christ.' I am too sensitive on oppo- sition to my views ; more true humility is wanted. O, Thou who art all-powerful, help! One mind really imbued with heavenly love, will shed a sweet influence upon all those with whom it is associated. 10th. — Meeting, and Monthly Meeting. I felt a little spiritual refresh- ment, and was engaged in ministry on the words, < Be of good comfort, rise ; he callefh thee.' 12th We had an important meeting this evening of Friends' Con- tinental Association at Stoke Newington, when report was made of the distribution of some of the funds collected at the Yearly Meeting in 1833, and a circular was drawn up, which states that, ' During several years past most of the Continent of Europe has been visited, at diflferent times, by members of our Religious Society ; in the course of their travels they have met with pious persons, who are zealously endea- vouring to promote the spread of the Gospel, and who would cheerfully receive and circulate Friends' tracts and other religious treatises. In some parts of France, particularly towards the line of the Pyrenees, a wide door is now opening, for such exertions. As the principles of infidelity are publicly and regularly taught in some places, this com- mittee has had the smaller work of J. J. Gurney, on the Evidences of the Christian Religion, translated into French, and an edition of one thousand copies printed at Nismes, which are now in the course of circulation. In Spain the way seems preparing for the diffusion of gospel light. In Greece, translations of Friends' tracts are eagerly re- ceived and applications have been made for tracts in the Norwegian lan- guage. There are also openings in South Africa, and in Western Africa, in the neighbourhood of the River Gambia, and in Sierra Leone.' Several very interesting letters were read, amongst which was one signed by Frank, Louis, and Armand Courtois, of Toulouse, in which they write, — ' We have received, on your part, and that of your committee, one hundred copies of a very interesting work of Mr. Gurney 's. We are going to send it to several of our friends, that it may be rapidly circulated. The sale, by means of pedlars, is much slackened in the South of France ; however, we think that the Scrip- tures are producing their effects. We have been in Spain, and have been able 1834. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 325 to distribute some Spanish Bibles. May God open to us the doors of that benighted country. We have heard with joy, that a Society is forming- at Paris, among the Mem- bers of the Cliamber of Deputies, for the Abolition of Slavery. We have writ- ten to our Paris friends, to say that we are ready to do all in our power to con- tribute to this truly christian and philanthropic undertaking. I We hope your health continues to be good, and that you are strengthened from above to prosecute the labours you have undertaken for the temporal and eternal welfare of man. All our family, and Mr. Chabrand, desire to be particularly remembered to you. We shall never forget the edifying conversations we have had with you, and hope some day to meet you again here below, either in England or France. It is sweet for christians to know that there is a re-union of the children of God, more permanent than that on earth, even in that rest prepared for His* people, where Christ himself will be their portion for ever. There, dear friend, we trust we shall meet again, delivered from this body of sin, and become partakers of that heavenly inheritance, which has been purchased through the sufferings and death of our blessed Redeemer. It will always be a very great pleasure to hear from you.' " In his answer to this letter,^W. A. says — " Very many times since we parted from each other at Toulouse, have you been brought to the view of my mind in affectionate remembrance ; though far separated in body we may meet in spirit, when under the fresh influence of the Saviour's love, we think of each other as united in Him. I have had a sweet letter from dear Grellet since he reached home; he is in the full enjoyment of his divine Master's peace, and his heart is filled with love to all those among whom he has laboured. Please to give my love to our friend Chabrand, and to your dear parents and family, and let me know how the Lord's work prospers in your hands : you serve a good master. I hear there is a great awakening about Osnaburg." A letter from Captain Macphail, the resident at Santa Maura, contained a grateful acknowledgment of the box of seeds sent to him : he says — " I have tried several patches of Indian corn for forage : the experiment has been successful, and it seems generally approved. Nothing is so much wanted here as forage ; many animals die of want every winter, and the summer is scarcely better. I mentioned before that I have successfully cultivated potatoes, turnips, and clover, all novelties here. Mr. Yeardley sowed some lucern and mangle-wurzel, both of which have produced fine crops already, though on a small scale. You ask if we have any Greek copies of the Scripture Lessons, and of the Bible in modern Greek. We have about forty copies of the Lessons, and there are several in the girls' school. We have a translation of Genesis in modern Greek : a few copies were kindly left here by Mr. Yeardley." JVinfh Month 15th. — Called on Dr. Farre, Queen's Row, Penton- ville, and was highly gratified to find that he had been engaged for years in making experiments upon Indian corn, and that he has now succeeded in obtaining a kind that will grow in a northern climate. Very much depends upon the time of sowing. Count Jenison de Walworth called, and brought me letters from Maxweiler. It appears that the colony is in great distress, on account of the frosts late in the spring, and the great drought, there having been no rain for three months," 326 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1834. During William Allen's stay at Lindfield in this month, he went over to Dale Park, accompanied by one of his nieces, to spend a night with his valued friend John Smith, and his amiable family ; he enjoyed this social intercourse with persons for whom he felt a strong regard, and in whose society he was always interested, and he speaks of it as a very agreeable visit, affording him much satisfaction. On his way, he Stopped at Ashington to rest the horses, and says — " Lucy and I took a walk of nearly two miles to the pretty village of Worm- inghurst, which is situated on an eminence ; and having made inquiry respecting the ancient residence of that devoted servant of the Great Master, William Penn, a farmer very kindly took us to the spot where his house formerly stood ; several workmen were employed in digging up the old foundations, which are very massive, and show that the building must have been large. The view from hence, is beautiful and extensive." On returning to Gravely, he writes — " Read Samuel Scott's Diary in the evening, to our mutual edification. J\''inth Month 21th. — Comforted in the night, and was favoured with openness in prayer. Left Gravely at seven. Conference at the schools, and then proceeded to Newington, which we reached between six and seven o'clock ; enjoyed being all together again. Tenth Month Zrd. — Friends' Continental Association ; a very satis- factory meeting. In reference to the admission of paddy from the Gambia, at the lower duty, I have received written assurances from Lord Brougham and T. S. Rice, (as well as Lord John Russell,) that they will attend closely to the subject. — ' Offences will come.' I have been considering how important it is to endeavour to keep the mind in such a state of watchfulness as never, unnecessarily, to hurt the feelings of any one ; to be kind and affectionate towards all by whom we are surrounded, and to live in love; this can only be attained by keeping under the influence of the Spirit of our dear Redeemer. Qth. — Lispector's Committee at the Borough Road ; we are getting on rapidly, and find it difficult to keep pace with the applications for masters. These committees are becoming more and more interesting. Those who knew what this institution was at its commencement, must be struck with admiration at its present position, and evidently extend- ing influence. Tenth Month ll^A.— Dr. Farre, Lieut. Col. Colebrooke, Col. Beck- •with. Count Jenison de Walworth, and T. B. Wrightson, dined with us. Col. Beckwith sets out for the Valleys of Piedmont very shortly, and Wrightson is about to travel on the continent to collect information on the subject of the punishment of death. Count Jenison encourages me to keep open a communication with the people of Maxweiler. l~lth. — On going up stairs last night, I observed a large fire at the back of the house, and it proves to have been the Houses of Lords and Commons, which were burnt down. 1834. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 327 l8//i. I find that four boys are likely to come from Ireland to my new scliool at Lindtield. 21$;. — My mind comfortably stayed upon the Lord ; it is, however, trying to me to be obliged to leave my dear wife when I visit Lindfield, she being too feeble to encounter the fatigue of the journey. Eliza came with me this time, and we set off a little after seven ; we stopped at the schools, where I met John Glaisyer, and attended the anniversary of our Branch Bible Association, held in the Reading Room. G. Brown, the secretary of the Parent Society, made an excellent speech ; it was a satisfactory meeting. He and his wife lodged with us, and we spent an interesting evening. 22716?. — Rode over to Brighton this morning to attend a meeting con- vened on behalf of the British and Foreign School Society ; the Earl of Chichester was in the chair ; there was a very respectable company, and good Dr. SteinkopfF advocated our cause : an auxiliary was formed, and everything succeeded admirably. Proceeded afterwards to Cuckfield, in time for the Bible Meeting there, and as president was obliged to take the chair. Brown described the operation, progress, and present state of the Parent Society, in a capital speech. This has been a satisfactory day. 29th. — I leave Lindfield this time, with a pleasing conviction that all the tenants are in a way to pay their rents." In a letter written soon after this date, William Allen observes, in reference to Lindfield — " It is very possible that I am too sanguine. I remember what Charles James Fox said in the House of Commons, when the friends of the slave-merchants within those walls, charged the abolitionists with enthusiasm ; turning to the speaker, he exclaimed, ' Enthusiasm, Sir ! why there never was any good done in the world without enthusiasm.' We must feel warm upon our projects, other- wise, from the discouragements we are sure to meet with here, they will drop through." • Eleventh Month 2nd. — Attended Southwark Meeting this morning, and was glad that I was there. It was a favoured time, and I walked home in comfort, 3rd Passing along Paradise Row to-day, these words of Paul, in reference to his Divine Master, were sweetly revived in my mind, with an earnest wish that I might be able to say so likewise, ' Whose I am, and whom I serve.' 1th. — Friends' Continental Association met here this evening ; an interesting time. A number of tracts are to be sent to the Courtoises of Toulouse, and fifty copies of Gurney's Evidences, in French, to Professor Tholuck of Halle. A letter from the former conveys the following interesting information : — , "Notwithstanding the prevalence of infidelity, much is doing in France ; the gospel is preached, not only in protestant temples, but by numerous pedlars and. evangelists; the reading of the scriptures has rendered many more serious, the moral misery which is felt, is generally attributed to the want of religious con- victions. Under many circumstances, favourable opportunities occur forannounc- 328 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1834. ing the gospel : we lately travelled with some officers, who felt painfully anxious on the subject of tlieir conversion ; their consciences reproached tliem strongly for their sins, and especially for the cruellies they had been guilty of during the Spanish war, so that again and again they renewed the subject. They received with thankfulness a New Testament each, and said they should never forget that night. We have been admitted to preach in the women's prison, and many have appeared touched, and shed tears. If we had more time and zeal, much might be done, for God has opened here a wide door." In reply to this communication, William Allen writes — " I was gratified by receiving your letter, dated ' Oct. 27.' I see by it, as well as by your former letter, that if our Divine Master favours us with health and strength, we may pretty constantly find something to do in His great cause ; and truly ' His work is honourable and glorious.' With regard to the sale of the little treatise of Gurney's, we wish you to fix such a price as shall be an encouragement to the colporteurs to dispose of it ; circulation is our object. We beg you to keep all the money you may receive for this publication, or any other that we may send you, as a fund for translating and printing such things as we may direct. In the parcel lately forwarded, you will find two copies of the Scripture Lessons of our British and Foreign School Society : we wish to know what would be the expense of printing them in Spanish, at Toulouse, from the text of the Bishop Torres Amat's Bible, or do you think I had better propose to him to print it himself in Spain 1 O, what a field is here, should our dear Lord open the way into it, but the clouds hang heavily over that land at present." " Eleventh Month 13th. — Charles Fox and his wife, who are lately returned from the continent, were at Plough Court to-day. They bring an account of the death of Mary Ann Calame, of Locle, near Neuf- chatel, — this is affecting intelligence. She had a school for two hundred and forty poor children, and was a pious and excellent Christian. Dined with the Useful Knowledge Committee : Lord John Russell in the chair. He made some inquiries about Lindfield, and wishes to see it. Eleventh Month 2\st. — Committee of the British and Foreign School Society, A sub-committee appointed about education in the West Indies. 25th. — This afternoon, I read Silvio Pellico's account of his ten years' imprisonment ; a horrible description of Austrian tyranny, 21th. — On waking, in the night, my mind was turned to the Lord, and affected with a sense of His goodness ; under this feeling, my prayers were put up for preservation, and that God would indeed make me His servant ; which I consider would be the greatest honour that could possibly be granted me. It is sweet to meditate upon Him in the night-watches. On rising, my strength seemed renewed, and I was less anxious than is often the case. I ought to rely with more confidence on my dear Lord, and to tmst more in Him, and not be afraid. 30th. — Meeting at 11, (at Lindfield.) I sat down in deep spiritual poverty, but was soon sensible of the calming influence of divine good, so that ray mind was stayed upon the Lord, who, I trust, condescended to regard this little company. I was engaged in ministry, and believe that some present as well as myself, felt comforted. 1834. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 327* Twelfth Month 5th. — Friends' Continental Association. A good meeting, — much business." At this meeting, a letter was read from Frank, Louis, and Armand Courtois, in which they say — " We have received, with much pleasure, your letter of the IGth instant. May the Lord Himself bless our endeavours, and render our correspondence an occa- sion of blessing to many souls, and a source of encouragement to our own. It is our earnest desire to consecrate ourselves entirely to the service of our Master, and we trust. He will, mercifully, not despise our great weakness, but give us a measure of His spirit, proportioned to our need. May He, very dear friend, give you and the other friends who meet at your house, an abundant supply of His grace, so that the committee you have been forming, may become a new means of spreading the Gospel, and the happy consequences it must ever pro- duce on the hearts and condition of men." They then proceed to state, that a door for usefulness was opened at Algiers ; that the protestants in the French colony there, were without the means of religious instruction, and that some persons at Geneva knew of a very desirable schoolmaster, who was willing to enter upon this field of labour. " We felt ourselves called upon to attempt something," they observe, " hav- ing in particular been occupied in giving religious instruction to a great number of soldiers, who, after having remained some time in our prisons, were incor- porated in the regiments in Africa. A greater number still have, occasionally, been under our notice on their way thither, from Bourdeaux, Bayonne, &c., and all expressed an ardent desire to continue to receive instruction, after their arrival. All these considerations made us feel it a duty to promote this undertaking. Our Infant Schools are going on well. We have, every Sunday, the happiness of announcing the love of God manifested through Christ, to from three to four hundred soldiers in the hospital, and a good many in the prisons ; they listen with eagerness and respect." It was agreed by the committee, to encourage the work of instruction at Algiers. A letter from John Kendall, of Bathurst, St. Mary's, stated that the cotton seed which had been collected at New Lanark, was highly prized by the natives, and he says — " I have much pleasure in acquainting you that I have seen the good effects it has produced. Numerous applications have been made to my brother, to secure a supply of seed for next year. It is his intention to send you a sample of it by the next vessel." From Corfu, also, there were accounts of the successful cultivation of cotton, and likewise of the castor oil plant. Twelfth Month 6th. — Captain .Smyth, of Bedford, sent me an inter- esting extract of a letter which he had received from Sir John Herschell, now at the Cape of Good Hope, stating that the southern heavens are very rich, and full of extraordinary objects ; some of the globular clus- ters are of such magnificence as of themselves to repay the trouble of bringing a large telescope to view them. The Magellanic clouds, how- ever, are the most wonderful and mysterious phenomena which these 328* LIFE AND COBRESPONUENCE 1834. heavens present. He complains much of the atmosphere, and almost regrets bringing his seven feet achromatic. Twelfth Month \dth. — British and Foreign School Committee. Don Angel Villalabos attended ; he is sent by the Spanish Government to obtain information respecting this system, in order that it may be intro- duced into Spain ; thus may we hope that the memorial, which S. Grellet and I presented to the King and Queen, when we were in Madrid, was not without its effect." A letter from Alexander D'Junkovsky, received about this time, says — "I have not words to express to you my gratitude for the kindness with which you have written to me; it proves that neither the six years which have elapsed since leaving your hospitable roof, nor the two thousand miles which separate us, have altered your friendship and your christian love towards me. Your letter is full of that christian peace, and that warm belief in our Lord and Saviour, which you have always professed ; it has really comforted me, and in reading it, I felt as if I were near you, and heard your precepts of virtue and of faith ; please to receive my sincere thanks for it. I was pleased to hear that you continue to give lectures at the schools estab- lished under your care at Stoke Newington. Here, with us, some young men, who have studied chemistry in foreign countries, give public lectures on that science, and they are very well attended. Our Imperial Economical Society, of which I am a member, encourages such lectures ; they are given gratuitously." Prince Alexander Galitzin writes — "It is a peculiar satisfaction for me to receive your letters, now and then, and to know what you are doing, as the tendency of your mind, grounded upon the solid foundation of christian charity, leads you always to the common welfare. Accept my best wishes for your prosperity and health, and be assured of my most sincere regard and constant friendship." On the 24th, William Allen went to Hitchin to attend the Quarterly Meeting of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire : he says — " I met a loving reception from my dear brother Samuel and his Phebe, and spent a comfortable evening with them at their fire-side." He mentions the meetings the following day as times of favour, and adds, " I was glad I was there." He also speaks, with comfort, of the sweet feelings which prevailed in his visits to some Friends, with whom he and his brother had an opportunity for religious retirement, and says the evening was spent agreeablj'. After his return home he had a severe attack of illness, which pre- vented him from attending his own Quarterly Meeting. When recover- ing, he writes — " I have had dear read to me in John Churchman's Journal, a book from which I have often derived much spiritual comfort ; it is a precious con- firmation of our belief in divine guidance and superintendence. I have seen, during this illness, that my dependence upon, and faith in, my dear Lord and Master have not been so perfect as they should be ; hence much of that anxiety which has been injurious to my health. I am well aware of the effect that the mind has upon the body, and earnestly desire to be enabled, fully and unreservedly, to trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon my God." 1835. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 329 CHAPTER XXVI. 1835 — 1836. Letter from Rome — Disposes of his share of New Lanark — Visit from Professor Tholuck, &c. — Yearly Meeting — Visit to Lancashire — Letter from Munich and Halle — Death of his Wife — Again visits Lancashire — Correspondence — Religious Engagements in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire — Yearly Meeting — Foreign Let- ters— Notice of Thomas Shillitoc — Of Sophia Vansittart — Journey to Ireland — Lan- cashire. "First Month 9th, 1835. — T^wo boys from Ireland, sent by Mary James Leckey to our new school at Lindfield, arrived at Plough Court this morning. 10/A. — Dear Eliza went to Lindfield to-day; also the two boys. 11th. — To Westminster meeting in the morning; Stoke Newing- ton in the afternoon. In the latter, I had a short communication upon these words, ' Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this pre- sent world.' 16th. — Storm of wind and rain in the night; my mind peacefully stayed on the Lord. British and Foreign School Committee, satis- factory; Robert Forster and I afterwards called on the Portuguese Consul about schools; he is to bring the Ambassador to the Borough Road." W. A. mentions the receipt of an interesting letter from Rome, dated December 15th, 1834, in which the writer says — " The kind readiness with which you complied with my request, relative to Prison Discipline Tracts for my friend, encourages me now to be still farther troublesome to you. On my passage through Florence, some weeks since, I missed seeing B., who was at that time at Venice, but I hear from a mutual friend, that he is as earnest as ever in his desire to improve the condition of the Tuscan crimi- nals. The books you were good enough to procure for him, cannot fail to be eminently serviceable. I have, since I entered Italy, formed an acquaintance with a person whose rank gives him great influence, and, under his auspices, it is hoped that an experiment may be made of introducing school education in the north of Italy. There is amongst the educated class, a great demand for the Scrip- tures. Through the free port of Leghorn, facilities are now afforded for their introduction. Some dozen copies granted by the Bible So- ciety have been already distributed, and the supply is by no means equal to the demand. But to return to the object of my letter, I am sure that another parcel of books, similar to those you were so good as to procure for B. would be very acceptable in this quarter, and Vol. II. 22 330 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE might lead to much good. I should esteem it no small favour if you would bestow a few lines upon me, and would beg you to give me your opinion as to the expediency of infant schools, and as to the best plan of instruction for the education of the poor. There is a spirit of inquiry now abroad amongst the people of this country, which cannot be subdued. The great difficulty, at first, will be to find teachers, but under all circumstances, it is certainly desirable to make an experiment, and the effects of the school established by the Austrian government in the Lombardo- Venetian kingdoms, clearly proves that the Italians are not so utterly benighted as to be insensible to the advantages of early instruction." A liberal supply of the works requested was sent, according to directions, together with some copies of the Scripture Lessons and other publications, and, in answering the letter, W. A. writes — " If there is one thing more than another that ought to claim the attention of the Christian philanthropist, it is the establishment of schools in which children should be instructed in their duty to God and man." " Fi7'st Month 2lst. — Attended the Anti-Slavery Committee at Aldermanbury. It was proposed to address the public on the sub- ject of the state of things in Jamaica. The planters are behaving very badly, and imprisoning the Baptist Missionaries. First Month 22nd. — Meeting, to comfort, when these words were revived, ' God is our refuge and strength ; a very present help in trouble,' &c. Called at Cowper Street, and heard that my nephew, .Joseph Allen, of Dover, died last evening of confluent small-pox, after a few days illness ; he was a fine young man of twenty-two years of age, universally respected and beloved. This is a keen affliction to my dear brother Samuel and his wife. What shall we say? 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts, saith the Lord.' 2Ath. — To W. Crawford's, Raymond's Buildings, to meet John T. Barry and a French gentleman, who interests himself very much on the subject of Capital Punishment. We went together to Cold Bath Fields Prison, where every thing appeared perfectly clean and in good order. There were eight hundred and ninety-six pri- soners, about one-third women ; the men were at work on the tread- mill. 2Sth. — The Bavarian Ambassador called, and brought C. F. Kleinschrod, the secretary to Prince Oettingen Wallerstein, at Munich ; he is to go with me to Lindfield to-morrow." 1835. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 331 He accordingly fulfilled his intention, and was much interested and delighted with the colony. During William Allen's stay at Lindfield, several more boys arrived from Ireland, and he says — " I had a very important conversation with William Watkins, the master, respecting the new arrangements for the boarding- school. Second Month 1th. — Rose between five and six ; my mind com- forted in the Lord, and strengthened to commend this undertaking to his kind notice and care ; petitions were also put up for those dearest to me, under contrite and peaceful feelings. Eliza and I set off for Newington ; learned that Cuckfield parish had taken in one hundred acres of waste land, to employ the able-bodied poor. Joyfully received at home; a pleasant evening. \5th. — If the love of God, and his Christ, rule in the heart, it will keep down pride and selfishness, and make us gentle and kind to all around us : when this is not the case, ought we not to be alarm- ed, and to search diligently for the cause? How great and impera- tive is the duty of frequently turning the mind to the Lord. Second Month 2\st. — Adolphus Bach and the Portuguese Consul- General, Van Zeller, dined with us ; he spoke encouragingly with regard to the establishment of schools in Portugal, and is to come with the Ambassador to see the Borough Road. A satisfactory visit. 2&th. — Met the Portuguese Ambassador and Adolphus Bach at the Borough Road School, together with Van Zeller and his son. Crossly showed the school capitally; the Ambassador was de- lighted, and said he would write to his Prince. They were struck with seeing the persons sent from Spain, a second having arrived, and feel that they must not be left behind. I then spent some time with Fames, the seedsman, ordering seeds for Kleinschrod, who is acting in the neighbourhood of Munich upon the plans recom- mended in my little agricultural work ; he informs me that the King has had it translated and printed in German, and widely circulated in his dominions. Third Month 4th. — Dined with the Useful Knowledge Committee. I protested publicly against the remarks on war in the volume of Entertaining Knowledge, Article Hindoo, and also made some ob- servations on the Penny Cyclopa3dia; I had much satisfaction in doing so. 5th. — Called upon Antonio Bergnese, the intelligent printer whom Stephen Grellet and I saw at Barcelona, and appointed him to meet 332 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1835. me at the British and Foreign School, I then went up to Lord Brougham, and took him to the Borough Road, where we found Joseph Woods. Brougham had never seen the present building; his last visit to the institution was fourteen years ago, and he seemed much interested and pleased. 1th. — Lord Brougham and Antonio Bergnese dined with us to- day; a satisfactory visit; the former was particularly interesting. \Ath. — Rose before six ; my mind low and poor, and panting after more of the feeling of the divine presence and love. Lord, I be- lieve, help thou mine unbelief! ' Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a'right spirit within me.' " William Allen had, for some time, been desirous of disposing of his share in the Cotton Mills at New Lanark, whenever he thought that there was a suitable opening for him to withdraw. At the beginning of this year he had some negotiations on the subject, and in the Fourth Month, mentions having signed a deed of transfer to one of the partners in the concern. All the vacancies in his school at Lindfield, were filled up during this month, three more boys havincr arrived from Ireland, and one from the North of England. Fourth Month 9th. — He writes — " Attended the examination of the boys at the Borough Road school ; Lord Morpeth in the chair. The Duchess of Sutherland were there, also the Duke of Richmond, Sturges Bourne, &c. The examination went off exceedingly well. lOth. — Wrote twelve notes to Members of Parliament, to entreat them to promote the removal of Smithfield cattle market to Isling- ton." Several foreign letters also occupied a considerable portion of W. A.'s time; his correspondents at Toulouse reported favourably of the success of their efforts to promote the evangelization of the north of Africa, where they observed, that duelling and vice were making awful progress, and led them to desire, more and more, that the Lord would permit them to be the humble instruments of bringing a speedy remedy, to the horrible consequences resulting from the want of religious feeling. After mentioning the encour- agement they had received from hearing of the establishment of an Evangelical Society at Geneva, willing to co-operate in this labour, they proceed to relate some of the difficulties which they had to encounter, from opposition to the progress of Gospel truth in their own neighbourhood ; but this did not prevent their persevering in their attempts to afford religious instruction, wherever it was ad- missible. " In fact," they observe — 1835. OP WILLIAM ALLEN. 333 " We could not hope that darkness would suffer light to be spread, without a slruggk. We every day feel, more and more, how aw- ful is the present moment, and how urgent the call to work with redoubled energy. We beg you to give us your advice on these points; your christian experience will be most precious to us." In replying to this letter, after referring to the subject of books and tracts, and to their christian undertaking at Algiers, W. A. in- forms the writers of the exertions made at Jamaica, in the cause of education, and says — " School-rooms are already built at Spanish Town for two hun- dred boys, two hundred girls, and two hundred infants, and teach- ers are sent out by the British and Foreign School Society. The different missionary societies are extremely active in the West India Islands; never was there before the prospect of such a har- vest. Thanksgiving and praises be forever rendered to the great Lord of the harvest ! and may you, my beloved friends, be com- forted in these blessed words, ' He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal.' We sympathize with you under your present discouragements, but remember, ' Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.' How sweet is a little feeling of the good presence of our Divine Master ; David said, ' My meditation of Him shall be sweet.' Let us recommend to you to wait upon the Lord for a renewal of your spiritual strength ; trust in Him with all your heart, and lean not unto your own under- standing; thus may you, beloved brethren, adopt the language, ' God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea ; though the waves thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.' " Fourth Month 12th. — William Allen left home for Lindfield, ac- companied by S. Corder and one of his nieces ; they afterwards at- tended the Quarterly Meeting at Brighton, and also the Montlily Meeting. On his return to Lindfield he writes — " We spent great part of the morning at the school with William Watkins, and were well satisfied with the progress of the boys." And again, " We went to see them at work on the land, — it was a fine sight. They all came to us to tea, and I let them play at cricket in my field." Soon after his return to Newington W. A. found that Professor Tholuck, of Halle, was in London, and mentions having a very sa- 334 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1835. tisfactory visit from him and his young friend Ernest Miihler, and from Augustus Beyerhaus, of Berlin. They gave him much interesting information respecting his continental friends, and the exertions of individuals in different parts, in the cause of religion and humanity. Professor Tholuck and Miihler afterwards spent some time with him at Stoke Newington. He says — " Beyerhaus told us of a small committee, or society of pious soldiers, subordinate officers, who distributed bibles and tracts, and also of a worthy miller, who is similarly engaged. Fifth Month 9th. — Called on Lord John Russell, to know if we might depend upon his taking the chair at our annual school meet- ing on second-day; he is quite willing if circumstances do not occur to prevent ; he introduced me to his wife ; there was something very agreeable in her appearance, indicating much simplicity and good sense. llth. — Anniversary of the British and Foreign School Society, Exeter Hall ; Lord John Russell was prevented from being present, but Lord Brougham took the chair, and was rapturously received by the people. The hall was crowded, there was much interest excited, and the spirit was kept up till the last ; Williams, the mis- sionary from the south seas, related some striking anecdotes. Tho- luck, who lodges with us, went to dine with the Archbishop of Canterbury, but Miihler returned to Newington. 15th. — Anti-Slavery Meeting, at Exeter Hall — met with Jeremy and Dr. Morison in the committee room, T. F. Buxton, George Stephen, &c. The great room appeared full, Lord Brougham was in the chair, and made an eloquent and powerful speech, embracing the principal points of our subject, and it was gratifying to see how those parts conveying liberal sentiments, were received by the au- dience. Buxton next made an excellent speech, and some other persons spoke well ; the meeting was not over till past five o'clock." In looking forward to the approaching Yearly Meeting with some degree of solicitude, W. A. writes — " We have comfort in reflecting that our great Master is all- powerful — that the cause we wish to advocate is His, and we de- sire to keep our eye steadily fixed upon Him." He afterwards says, that the answers to the queries from Lan- cashire, contained great exception with regard to unity, and that this arose from several persons, holding important and responsible stations within the Quarterly meeting, having publicly advocated sentiments not in accordance with the acknowledged views of 1835. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 335 Friends. The subject was under the care of the Quarterly Meet- ing, but the Yearly Meeting also appointed a committee, consisting of thirteen Friends, to assist in endeavouring to restore unity. W. A. was one of the number, and writes — "It was a trial to me, to let my name stand, but I was not easy to withdraw." In a letter to Stephen Grellet, referring to the Yearly Meeting, he says — " William Forster brought forward a concern to address the governments of Spain and Portugal, in the name of the Society, imploring them to prevent their flags from covering the Slave Trade. The accounts from Daniel Wheeler are very interesting and confirming. J. and M. Yeardley returned the certificate grant- ed them two years ago, with an acknowledgment that help had been mercifully afforded them, in the course of their labours in Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, &c. The allusion in thy last letter to the help with which we have been favoured in our travels together, affected and contrited my spirit." In the letter to which William Allen refers, Stephen Grellet men- tioned returning his certificate to his own Yearly Meeting of Minis- ters and Elders, where he says, " much solemnity prevailed," and then adds — " This very feelingly brought me to review the divers parts of my religious engagements whilst in your nation, and on the conti- nent, when I had thy dear company. Often is my heart lifted up with gratitude to my blessed Master, who condescended, when sending His poor servant to such peculiar service, to prepare and send also with him for the same work, thy oicn self. We cannot forget the precious seasons we have had together, and the consoling evidence often given to us, of our blessed Lord's guidance and pro- tection." " Fifth Month 30th. — Dear Isaac Hadwen dined with us to-day, and afterwards went up stairs to see my dear wife, who has been very feeble lately, and was not well enough to be with us ; it was an interesting and agreeable interview ; he is now in his eighty- second year, and speaking cheerfully of the help from above, which had been graciously vouchsafed to him from time to time, he said, ' One lift more, and that to Heaven !' I was quite affected. Sixth Month Gth. — Called upon Lord Brougham ; interesting con- ference ; he engages to bring in a bill to the House of Lords, on the subject of Capital Punishments. Then to Downing Street with 336 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1835. Forster and Co.'s Memorial ; Lord Glenelg was engaged, so I ap- plied to Sir George Grey, who was very kind, and said he would follow it up. From thence, Josiah Forster, George Stacey, and I, proceeded to call upon Lord Palmerston, in order to speak to him about Friends' Address to the governments of Spain and Portugal, on the subject of the Slave Trade, but he did not come to his office; we, however, saw the under secretary, who seemed pleased that the attention of the Society had been turned to this point, and said he would lay the Address before the Foreign Secretary. llih. — At Lindfield. A letter received this morning, announces the decease of my dear and long-loved friend, Joseph Foster, of Bromley. The event took place quite suddenly, when he was taking a ride near Dorking, on the 9th instant. He will be a great loss, especially to the British and Foreign School Society." On his return home, W. A. writes — " I was much concerned at finding my dear wife so low and poorly. — Engaged in writing letters to America." In one of these letters, which was addressed to an old corres- pondent, with whom intercourse had latterly been much suspended, he says — " I avail myself of the opportunity of the return of our friend H. H. to bring myself once more to thy remembrance. It would re- joice my heart if I could hear that now, in thy declining years, thou hadst been favoured to feel the sweet influences of a Saviour's love, and hadst been brought to rely upon Him as thy only hope of sal- vation. May I beg of thee to read with attention the little publi- cations which I send thee." "Sixth Monl/i \4t/i. — The remains of my dear friend, Joseph Foster, of Bromley, were interred at our burying ground, at Stoke Newington, before meeting ; a great feeling of solemnity during the lime of silence ; I was very low, and brought even to tears. There was a very large attendance, and the meeting-house was crowded. In the afternoon I was again very low, and under much depression of spirit, in the prospect of leaving my beloved wife in so languid a state. Nothing but a sense of duty would separate us; I believe, however, that I am called to the service of my Heavenly Master, to whom I owe her and all my blessings, so that I dare not draw back. After our family reading, I took a solitary walk in the gar- den, and poured out my supplications to Him who sees in secret, committing my all unto Him, and I was favoured with a peaceful calm." 1835. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 337 On the following day, William Allen loft home for Liverpool, in order to attend the Quarterly Meeting for Lancashire, and unite with the other members of the Yearly Meeting's Committee in the prosecution of the business entrusted to them. He says, that the service was particularly trying to his feelings, from the affection which he felt for the individuals, yet he considered that the cause of Truth must be supported, and he dared not flinch from engaging in it. On one occasion, he writes — " Being low and distressed I opened the Bible, and was comfort- ed in reading the 111th and 112th Psalms." From Liverpool, the committee proceeded to Manchester, and were closely engaged for about ten days ; during this time, they had interviews with the parties concerned, and prepared a document, which was left with one of them for consideration ; the committee proposing to meet again in the Eighth Month. Whilst in Lancashire, W. A. visited James Cropper's School of Industry, at Fern Head, near Warrington, with which he was much interested; he also went to see Penketh School, and says, " I regretted that the master was absent." He reached home in time to attend his own Quarterly Meeting, where, though low, he appeared to be refreshed by the ministry of several Friends. After the return of C. F. Kleinschrod to Munich, he forwarded to W. A. a copy of his translation of the "Colonies at Home," and in the letter accompanying the work he says — " The few precious moments of your society last winter, your very kind reception, and the view of your most important philan- thropic institutions, are kept in my thankful memory. Your life and working is a continued blessing to your countrymen, and the best example for every one who has in purpose to exercise true Christianity and benevolence to his fellow creatures. But it is long since I was convinced of this opinion. Two years ago I translated your manuscript on ' Colonies at Home,' into the German language, and spread it through a great part of my own country. I sent also some copies to the Austrian Government, to Vienna, and to the most renowned Archbishop Pyrker, in Hungary, a particular friend of mine, who wrote me recently, that he considered this method of colonization of the poor, as the most successful, and that it will be introduced into the above-mentioned country. I now send the book for your acceptance." C. F. Kleinschrod is " Counsellor of the Bavarian Ministry." 338 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1835. When Professor Tholuck was about to return to Halle, after hav- ing spent some time under William Allen's roof, W. A. says, in a letter to S. Grellet— " There being a large company, I took Tholuck and Thomas Shillitoe into another room, and we sat down together in silence, and had a sweet religious opportunity. I addressed our friend, who was greatly contrited; and T. S. afterwards said a few words to him. It was a season ever to be remembered. In a short note which he sent me when on the point of departure, he says, * My dearest fatherly friend, I thank you once more for all, I thank you more especially for the last holy quarter of an hour; we shall find it again, with its fruits, in eternity.'" In writing to W. A. from Halle, under date of June 25th, Tholuck says — " Once more I address you from my study, to which the grace of the Lord has safely led me back, and in which, in the midst of the trials and numberless engagements of my station, I feel often re- freshed and comforted by the recollection of all the good I have experienced in your blessed country, and more especially under your own roof. My dear paternal friend, I have no one here to whom I can look up for consolation, for exhortation and reproof; I am surrounded by hundreds who want continually to receive from me. Under such circumstances you will easily perceive how pre- cious such a recreation as I have enjoyed, must be to me. Oh ! my heart pants for more communion with aged brethren from whom I can learn, by whom I can be edified. The Lord, however, knows best why He desires me to take my only refreshment from the fountain, instead of the brooks and channels. I have resumed my public functions ; I have before me a class of one hundred students, to whom I explain the Gospel of St. Matthew, a little band of from forty to fifty, with whom I meet for private conversation on holy subjects, and an audience of four hundred students, to whom I am allowed to preach the Gospel of Christ. I am happy to say that I am returned to this extensive field of labour, with new spiri- tual and bodily energy. My dear Ernestus Miihler has none in England, for whom he sends up warmer prayers, than you and your family." Several times after William Allen's return from Manchester, he alludes, with feelings of acute distress, to the evidently declining health of his beloved wife. Seventh Month 11th, he writes — " Dr. Farre called to see my dear wife ; we think there is cause for anxiety, but not for immediate alarm. 1835. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 339 Seventh Month I2th. — First day. At Stoke Newington meeting in the morning, but being poorly with a cold, I did not go out in the afternoon ; I sat with my dear wife in the work room, and we enjoyed each other's society. Read to her in the Psalms." That night she became very ill, and soon appeared to lose all consciousness of what was passing around her. Her affectionate husband says — " I was exceedingly distressed, and was engaged in fervent vocal prayer for her, and for us all. Dear Eliza and Lucy were present. I sent for Dr. Farre, but I have no hopes ; I am favoured, however, I trust, to feel best help near to sustain and keep us. Mth. — A day of distress and sore anguish, attending continually on my precious wife. The last portion of Scripture I ever read to her was the 31st Psalm, and the last verse I have gratefully to ac- knowledge was soon after verified in my own experience, ' Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.' I5th. — My beloved seemed much in the same state, but rather more sinking towards morning. My secret prayers were fervent and constant that our gracious Lord and Master would look down upon my inexpressibly precious companion, and in mercy favour her with an easy dismissal, and also that he would favour us with a sense of His good presence and love ; this, I humbly trust, was granted. About half-past nine o'clock she was gently released, and I reverently believe that her blessed and purified spirit, through the merits and sacrifice of our adorable Redeemer, was re- ceived into His everlasting rest. We sat some time in silence ; I then knelt down by the bed-side, and was enabled to give thanks for the support graciously vouch- safed, and for the consoling trust that the spirit of the dear departed had been received into the mansions of rest and peace. I suppli- cated for those dear unto her,^and that we, for the future, might serve our Great Master still more faithfully. It was indeed a me- morable time ; but O, how keenly nature feels ! how she was made a blessing to me in every way ! Her judgment was sound, her in- tegrity great ; much as she loved me, she always gave me np cheerfully for the service of the church ; she was very diffident in speaking on religious subjects, and I believe refrained from advert- ing much to the future, for fear of wounding my feelings, as she well knew the depth of my affection for her. I little thought that first-day evening would be the last time we should be able to con- 340 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCK 1835. verse together, but precious is the remembrance of that day. O, how I shall miss her society and love ! Her mind was in a sweet tranquil state. Seventh Month 16th. — Private retirement and prayer in my study; read the 103rd Psalm, and was comforted in the renewed trust, that my beloved is at rest in Jesus. I was much tendered in the belief, that we who are left are under his compassionate notice. My de- sires are strong that the Lord would make me more thoroughly his servant, and that the residue of my days, whatever that may be, may be more faithfully devoted to my dear Saviour. I looked back into my private journals, at the records of my past trials and afflictions, and also of the mercies of which I have been made a partaker. In the evening I felt faint, and walked with dear L. in the garden, when I became a little better. Ah! my anguish is great, yet I am strengthened to say with poor Job, ' The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord !' nth. — A sweet time of retirement, when access was granted in prayer. 18th. — Opened my Bible upon the 46th Psalm, which I read to much comfort, and was afterwards engaged in prayer. It is a blessed privilege to pour out the soul to our compassionate Saviour, to come to him with our sorrows and our wants. He is a friend with whom the devoted heart can commune continually, and of whom we can never be deprived, unless we forsake him. Some acceptable visits of sympathy. Seventh Month — First-day. Retirement, sweet. 'Draw me, I will run after thee,' is the language of my soul. I proposed that we should have a time of religious worship in my study, which was readily acceded to, and E., L., M. and I sat down together, and re- mained in silence for nearly an hour. Our spirits were refreshed in the Lord, and we had a comforting sense of His good presence. 20//i. — Retirement and prayer, under very precious feelings. Received a letter from dear Stephen Grellet, dated Burlington, (N. J.) 6th of Sixth Month. I was affected most tenderly by this pas- sage, addressed to mv beloved wife and me: ' But my dear friends, yet a little while, and your portion will be in that rest that re- mainelh to the people of God, of which class you are.' My sister Hoare and Sarah paid a kind visit. Very low in the evening. 22nd. — My mind dwells on the dear object of my affections, but I have been sweetly supported with a sense of the Saviour's love. 1835. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 341 I have seen clearly that faith is the gift of God ; 0, how 1 have prayed for more of it. 'It is good for me to draw near to God,' and verily my blessed Saviour has manifested himself as the Com- forter. Dear E. and L. came to me in my study, and we sat to- gether in silence and sweet unity of spirit; I had the word of en- couragement for them, expressing the belief that if we endeavoured to cleave unto the Lord, He would manifest Himself still more unto us, and indeed I thought that we might each adopt the language, 'My heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.' About nine o'clock, we proceeded to Winchmore Hill, where the remains of my beloved wife were to be deposited. Though under great depression, my mind was preserved in calmness. There was a covering of so- lemnity in the meeting, and at the ground my dear daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Hanbury, spoke sweetly. I have nothing more now to desire, but to be enabled to fill up the measure of my duties and suf- ferings, and that through infinite mercy, and the merits of my dear Redeemer, I also may receive a peaceful dismissal, and rejoin her blessed spirit, together with the spirits of other beloved ones gone before, to unite in praising, blessing, and magnifying Him that sit- teth upon the Throne, and the Lamb for ever and ever. — Amen, Lord Jesus. In a religious opportunity in the evening, I had to bear testimony to the blessedness of being engaged in the Lord's service, encourag- ing some present to enter more decidedly into it, and quoting the language, ' His work is honourable and glorious !' " Whilst deeply feeling his bereavement, William Allen was not insensible to the affectionate sympathy of his friends, or to their tributes of regard to the memory of his beloved wife, and the fol- lowing letter from Thomas Clarkson, as well as that from J. J. Gurney, were perused with interest as well as comfort. "Plaijford, July 22, 1835. "My dkar FRIE^D, William Allen, " A letter arrived here this morning, conveying to me the painful intelligence that your dear wife had quitted her mortal existence. I was then suffering under the mournful thought that more of my beloved friends had left their earthly habitation in the last three months, than in as many years before ; among them were friends whom you esteemed also. I allude, among others, to William Smith, the late Member for Norwich, and dear Joseph Foster, of Bromley, whose loss I shall never cease to deplore, at least as often 342 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1835. as his name is brought to my recollection. You may imagine then what my feelings were, when the intelligence of this morning was communicated to me, for it brought up, additionally, the recollec- tion of early and interesting circumstances in my life, which it will always be dear to me to remember. The very first house in the country, about London, in which I was received and encouraged, in my early pursuits in the cause of the Abolition of the Slave Trade, was that in which you now live, and in which she, my de- ceased friend, died. She and her brother Samuel Hoare* and I, dined there together forty-nine years ago ; it was then her father's, and I think he was present. I have always remembered that visit with gratitude, and I have never entered the house since, but a pleasurable feeling has come over me, which it is out of my power to describe ; besides she was always particularly kind to me, even to my last visit about seven weeks ago; she seems to have posses- sed a sweet serenity and complacency of mind to the last. I have just time to add my wife's sympathy and condolence to my own. I remain, dear William Allen, Yours ever, affectionately, Thomas Clarkso\." J. J. Gurney's letter was written from Coalbrookdale, a few days afterwards : he says — " Truly affected were we, my beloved friend, on arriving here last evening, to hear of the decease of our late dear cousin. I can truly say, that the intelligence gave me an unfeigned touch of sor- row. So are the tender ties which bind us to this passing world, broken one after the other ! So is the lesson read to us, from day to day, that life is but a vapour, and soon vanisheth away ! I well know that the event must have been deeply touching to thee, but the eye of faith can pierce through the cloud, and embrace the flight of her purified spirit to an infinitely happier region. We can- not doubt that the end of her mortal career was perfect peace, and that through the infinite merits and mercies of the Saviour, whom she loved and served, she is now joined to the countless company of saints and angels, who for ever 'sing His praise. I take it for granted, from the circular letter which I found here, that our meeting again at Manchester is put off until the 12th prox- • One of the earliest members of the Abolition Committee, see vol. I, p. 20. 1835. OP WILLIAM ALLEN. 343 imo. 0 ! that when we do meet, the blessing of the Almighty, in its fulness, may rest upon our labours ! We have, I think, abundant cause to trust the Great Head of the church ; although we are surrounded by everything calculated to bring us low, and to heep us in the valley of humiliation. I have been more than a little affected by the death of my dear friend Lord Suffield ; and also by the accounts of the aggravated suffer- ings of our black brethren in the West Indies. Thus the good are taken, one by one, from the earth, while the cry is raised, ' Why do all they prosper who deal very treacherously? Yet I know that we ought to be ashamed of the want of faith with which we are at times beset ; we know that the cause of jus- tice, religion, and virtue, is infinitely dearer to our Holy Head than it can be to us, and in His own good time, He will assuredly arise and vindicate His own cause." ''Seventh Month 24th. — I was affected in reading the 116th Psalm; it seemed strikingly applicable to my condition. 25th. — Rose before six. Much contrited before the Lord. To town in the morning, and on my return, found my sister Hoare and Sarah ; their kind sympathy was consoling, 26th. — First-day. Stoke Newington meeting, morning and after- noon ; but I was much broken down. I told L., I thought I could not meet the servants at the family reading, and had pretty much concluded to remain in my study whilst she read to them ; but as the time drew near, I was not easy without making the effort, and a little strength was afforded. We had a solemn pause afterwards, when I addressed them, and was much revived and comforted." A few days afterwards, William Allen went down to Lindfield, and during his stay, attended the Monthly Meeting at Brighton, where, though his spirits were depressed, he says he received some comfort. Eighth Month 2nd, First-day, he writes — " Meeting in the morning. I was very low in walking to the reading meeting in the evening; but on entering, felt a little sustain- ing help. The room was nearly full, there was a great solemnity over us, and my poor mind was strengthened and comforted. I read I. Cor., chap, xv., and the last chapter of the Gospel of Luke, and was led to address the company. It was a memorable oppor- tunity. Eighth Month 3rd. — Spent a considerable time in examining the boys, some of whom make good progress. A poor woman, whose 344 1.1FE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1835. husband was very ill, called to say he was worse. Though very tired, I went to visit them in their cottage on Walsted Common; lent them a Bible. 4:th. — Returned to Stoke Newington to-day ; but, O, what a dif- ference from former arrivals, when the beloved of my heart was ready to receive me ! But her blessed spirit is now, I trust, with her dear Saviour. I found a sweet sympathizing letter from Ed- ward Pease. 9th. — Finished writing to nineteen members of Parliament, urg- ing them to support Buxton, Burrell and Lushington, in the House of Commons, on the 13th, on the subject of the Mauritius. lOth. — Morning Meeting; it was a solemn time, in which my poor mind was tendered and comforted. Set off for Manchester in the evening, as one of the Yearly Meeting's Committee. Peter Bedford and I again lodged at the Albion Hotel." From this date until the 26th, W. A. was occupied with the other members of the Committee, in a series of engagements con- nected with the Discipline of the Society of Friends ; but as the business which claimed their attention was not brought to an issue, they adjourned their proceedings until the Twelfth Month. He several times mentions low seasons in the recollection of his srreat loss, but one occasion, after speaking of his precious wife, he says — "I cannot entertain a doubt that it is everlastingly well with her. May these lines apply to me : — ' Soon shall close thy earthly mission, Soon shall pass thy pilgrim days ; Hope shall change to glad fruition, Faith to sight, and prayer to praise !' He afterwards writes — " These words were sweetly impressed on my mind, in my pri- vate retirement this morning, — ' Thy loving-kindness, O God, is better than life.' Eighth Month 26th. — Benjamin C. Fisher, from Ireland, called. He says that twenty-three English acres of land are about to be taken for a school of industry for the descendants of Friends in the Province of Ulster. The farm is situated near Ballinderry, and not fat- from Jacob Green's residence. At half-past twelve, Peter Bedford and I took our departure from Manchester, in the Peveril coach ; we had agreeable fellow-passen- gers all the way. I was pleased to see the carriage waiting for me at Islington, and was gladly received by my dear nieces. 1835. OF WILLIAM ALLEN. 345 30t/i. — First-day, Stoke Newington meeting. In the afternoon, some subjects opened upon my mind, and I spoke in ministry on the words, ' Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith ;' showing the privilege of' looking unto Jesus.' JVint/i Month 20th — Quarterly Meeting. I have not often known one more satisfactory. The first was a solemn meeting, and revi- ved my poor heart, and the second was very comfortably con- ducted. Tenth Month 2nd. — Count De Livradio, the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Queen of Portugal, called at Plough Court, to see me on the subject of education; he has an open hearty manner, and is very animated : he promotes schools for the poor, and is opposed to the punishment of death. In the evening I was in the chair at a public meeting held at Stoke Newington, when an auxiliary to the British and Foreign School Society was formed. It was a good meeting. Srd. — Rose before six : my mind calmed and comforted, a peace- ful feeling and humble trust. It is a blessed practice to retire morning by morning to wait upon the Lord. 9lh. — Friends' Continental Association : several interesting letters were read. Augustus Beyerhaus states, that there is a great de- sire for tracts in Silesia, and that there is a religious revival at Lauban, on the frontiers of Bohemia." In a letter from Frank, Louis, and Armand Courtois, they deep- ly deplore the dreadful state of Spain, and observe — " It is very lamentable that in this age, a war of destruction should be allowed to take place. The doings of Mina are really not in harmony with the present time. Oh ! when will war and violence be for ever banished ! may christians feel it more and more their duty to spread that gospel which is a law of peace and love ! The details in your last letter interested us very much in- deed. We have been labouring here under many difficulties, the efforts of the Romish clergy are very great, and the work of the colporteurs is almost stopped. Other doors are however opened, the Bible Associations, in particular, have been very much blessed, and offer means for the extensive circulation of the Scriptures. Our minds have been much occupied lately in considering what could be done to ameliorate the penitentiary system in France; we are grieved to see so many unfortunate beings sent to prison and to the galleys, where they become so totally corrupted ; could you Vol. II. 23 346 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1835. give us some good hint on this most important question ? We hope the Lord will allow us to do something, or to urge others, more qualified than ourselves, to act." " Tenth Month \2th. — Retirement. — Much contrited before the Lord, with fervent prayer for more faith. It seemed as though the spirit of supplication was upon me, and that Divine Goodness was near. R. Maxwell Macbrair, who is going out to the Gambia, called. I am to speak to Sir George Grey about the captured slaves sent from Sierra Leone. They suffer in consequence of no provision being made for them." The next day William Allen went to Lindfield, where he was encouraged with the general aspect of his various objects of inte- rest. In reference to the boarding-school, he says — " The boys work with great alacrity and cheerfulness, and we are pleased and comforted with the prospect of a successful issue to our enterprise ; indeed I am consoled in the belief, that He who knows the purity of my motives in entering upon this undertaking, will condescend to bless the work. I am bound to render unto Him thanksgiving for the calm, and the degree of peace, with which He has been mercifully pleased to favour His poor unworthy servant." On another occasion, when speaking of his whole concern at Lindfield, he writes — " I am sure that if I had only consulted my own bodily comfort, I should gladly have relinquished such a care and responsibility, but there is a service in this work, and I have found this to be the case at seasons to my spiritual comfort. Tenth Month ISth. — Received a precious consolatory letter from S. Grellet, in which he writes — ' By a letter from our dear friend John Kitching, I have just re- ceived the very affecting information of the heavy affliction which thy dear Lord and Master has seen meet to permit thou shouldst have to endure. It is a close trial indeed to nature, your ties were so strong; but I do not doubt that thou also witnessest the efficacy of divine grace, to strengthen and comfort thee under thy sore be- reavement. ' My grace is sufficient for thee,' has been a word of promise from the Divine Master, that I have felt sweetly springing up in my heart towards thee, whilst contemplating thy great loss, and feeling very tenderly with and for thee in thy affliction. As thy earthly ties are breaking up, thy heavenly are becoming stronger. I hope that the Lord's presence and sustaining power, which has repeatedly supported thee amidst great and sore trou- jggg OP WILLIAM ALLEN. 347 bles, will again be near thee. My confidence is, that He will be with thee to the end of thy tribulated earthly race. I was nearly attached to thy dear departed wife, from the first that I became acquainted with her. She embraced the truth in the love of it; in the same love she has maintained it, and has also died in it. Thus she has a portion, as I believe, among those thus described, ' Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.' ' Eleventh Month lOth. — Wrote a long letter to James Cropper in reply to his, about schools of industry." In this letter, W. A. says — " Thy letter on the subject of thy school of industry at Fern- head, was uncommonly interesting to me; the facts are particularly valuable, they are precisely the things that we want. We are both engaged in a most important work, one that has occupied my mind for years, and I rejoice, and am exceedingly comforted in the suc- cess that has attended my exertions, and in having such a fellow- labourer. If our experiment succeeds, similar schools will be mul- tiplied, and the good resulting from them will be incalculable." FAeventh Month Wth. — Woodbridge, of Boston, North America, * who has published much on the subject of education, called upon me; he accompanied me to the Committee of the Useful Know- ledge Society; Brougham was in the chair; it was a satisfactory meeting." The attention of William Allen having been afresh directed to- wards the affairs of Africa, particularly with reference to the Gambia, he addressed a letter to Lord Glenelg on the subject, and after mentioning the interest he felt in every thing calculated to better the condition of the natives, and, above all, to spread the light of the gospel among them, he says — " If this country were to avail itself, as it might, of the oppor- tunity of doing good, which is afforded by its possession on the Gambia, much might be effected, not only for Africa, but for the commerce of England. It is greatly to be regretted, that the French should be permitted to retain Albreda, to which they have not the smallest right, either by treaty or otherwise, and which has always been a great annoyance to us, as affording a shelter to dealers in slaves. The good effects of inducing the natives to traffic in the produc- tions of their country, has been strikingly shown in the timber trade. I have for years past endeavoured, by correspondence and other- wise, to promote their innocent commerce, and I receive from time 348 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE 1835. to time, specimens of their merchandise, but none of them are of equal importance with the cotton. I have collected from our manu- facturers in Manchester and Scotland, the seeds that have come over of some of the best kinds, and sent them to the Gambia, where I am much gratified to find they have succeeded, and I send here- with some of the cotton produced from them. Our manufacturers highly approve of it, and would purchase any quantity at a good price. If the colonial office would encourage Governor Kendall at St. Mary's, to promote the growth of cotton, our manufacturers might be supplied from our own colonies, instead of depending so much upon the slave-holding States of North America. I want words to express my conviction of the importance of such a step, when I know that the abominable system of slavery in that blood- guilty land, could not be supported or exist, if the merchants had no vent for their cotton. I am quite sure that sound policy* as well as humanity, call upon us to do all in our power to procure the raw material through our own colonies. There is also another subject which urgently claims attention, *and calls for a remedy, and that is the deplorable condition of the captured slaves, who are continually sent from Sierra Leone to Macarthy's Island, where I am informed, through the VVesleyan Missionaries, they are left without shelter or medical attendance, and that there is consequently a shocking mortality among them. It is, indeed, a great mistake to suppose that nothing more is neces- sary than to land these poor people there, where they are as much strangers as the natives of New Zealand would be under the same circumstances. I am in no way connected with the Wesleyan Missionary So- ciety, but the enclosed paper will show that they are using laudable exertions for bettering the condition of the captured slaves." In continuing the diary, he writes — " I walked over to Dalston to pay a visit to my cousin Martha Wallis; she was very feeble, but seems in a sweet state of mind; she says she has loved the cause of truth and righteousness, though unable to do any thing for its advancement; that her whole depen- dence is on the merits of her Redeemer, and in Him she can trust. She says the enemy was very busy with her the other night, but after a season of conflict, she was favoured with such a calm and such a feeling of peace, as she had never experienced before; my tears flowed in hearing her; I believe, indeed, that she is not far from the kingdom of God. I was much comforted in this visit." During the latter end of the month, William Allen had a severe jggg OF WILLIAM AIXEN. 349 attack of indisposition, and after nnentioniiig lying awake for sonae hours, and endeavouring to stay his mind upon the Lord, he says— " Though low I was preserved calnn, and towards morning had some good rest, but I have symptoms or warnings that the earthly house of this tabernacle is beginning to give way. In my retire- ment I was favoured with inward comfort and support. Ticelfth Month 4