pilot on board with us. If I should have been land. We are now very near a small island instrumental in any degree in fanning the im- called Oxholm, on which resides a respectable mortal spark, which I believe to be mercifully English widow, who suffered shipwreck here kindled in the heart of this young Englishman about twenty years ago; her husband was at Elsineur, I shall think myself amply com- captain of the ship, and perished at the time. pensated for coming so far. She could never be prevailed upon to leave Seventh month 8th.-I think the Danish the island, and by the interest of Admiral coast surpasses all I ever saw before for beau- Greig, of the Russian navy, and his friends, tiful plantations, interspersed with houses, she was enabled to open a boarding school, to from Cronenburgh Castle to Copenhagen: at which the children of very respectable English this place, the devastations committed by the families in Russia are sent: last year she had British fleet, under the late Horatio Nelson, about forty scholars. There are few other are still visible, and are suffered to remain in houses, besides those belonging to her estabnearly the same ruinous state as they were lishment. She has cultivated a piece of land as left by our shipping. The king's residence is a garden; and from the view we had of it just principally here. I observed at Elsineur a now, wears the appearance of management and few solid countenances; but I thought the neatness: she has also the care of the lightgenerality of them seemed to be living as house close to her dwelling. The island is not without God in the world, and the faces of more than from three to four miles in cirmany plainly show the low price at which cumference, and only four leagues from the spirituous liquors may be purchased. The main land. pilot, who brought us through the grounds, appeared to be a thoughtful man, and conducted himself in a solid manner while with us; my heart yearned over him as he left the ship, and I could not help craving that the divine blessing might rest upon him. 13th, first-day-Steering towards the island of Hogland, and expecting shortly to see it. I have had my silent sitting in the cabin this forenoon; but ships at sea are not very quiet places. I was however favoured with a sense of my own weakness, and humbled therewith. My mind has for these last two days begun to feel a burden upon it, which increases as we draw nearer to Petersburg; and He only, who seeth the end from the beginning, knows what is to befall me there. But I am fully sensible, He will require no more than what strength and ability will be furnished to perform; and I have abundant cause to trust in Him, "who walketh upon the wings of the wind, and maketh the clouds his chariot;"-who not only commands the storm, but at His pleasure rebukes it, and causes the undulating waves to be at peace: of which I have had renewed instances during our passage from England. I have this morning thought more than usual of my dear wife and family, desiring they might be comforted by the Great Comforter; and I have traced some of them to their seats 10th, fifth-day. Fresh gales and fine weather; pressing forward before the sea and wind. I felt myself rather unwell this morning, and when I endeavoured to hold my solitary meeting in the cabin, I might have said, as Mary did, "They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him." But I trust I am endeavouring to learn in all states to be content,-a very necessary qualification (however difficult of attainment) for all poor finite beings. In the afternoon, saw the island of Gothland, and hauled to the northward a little, to obtain a fresh departure from it. In the evening, poverty of spirit and indisposition of body were my portion; I retired to rest early, and in the morning was favoured to feel my mind quietly resigned and comfortable, and nature refreshed. 11th, sixth-day.-Off the east end of Goth-in Sheffield meeting, among my beloved brethland, still running before the wind and sea. ren and sisters; whom, though absent in body, One of our sailors had managed, whilst we my heart is often with, and on whose account, were at Elsineur, to get a supply of Hollands, I have frequently felt, and still feel an affecwith which the poor fellow had kept himself tionate interest, that every age and every in a state of intoxication, and was twice dis- class among them may come to know Him, missed from the helm, for not keeping the ship" who is from the beginning," and sit under in her course before the sea. This man when His teaching; whose teaching remains to be sober is an excellent sailor, and well knows excellent, to those who are happily found in how much depends upon the steering of a ship in these narrow rocky seas; but such is his love of liquor, that his own life, the ship, and all her crew may take their chance, if he can but get his darling grog. He looks very grave at the helm this morning. 12th, seventh-day afternoon.-Gulf of Fin the counsel of His will:-"bread will be given Seventh month 15th.-Arrived at Cron- stadt. on board an old ship of war, fitted up as the Harbour Master's office. In the places where the public business is transacted, are paintings of the saints richly ornamented, before which the members of the Greek church repeat their prayers; they make a point of bowing and crossing themselves as soon as they see them. I observed the people, employed in the office, stared very much at me, principally I believe on account of my wearing my hat. On going into the presence of the Port Admiral, of whom I had to obtain a pass, I observed he also noticed my hat; and finding he could speak English, on his coming to inquire my name, I said, I hoped the keeping on my hat would not be considered as intended disrespect, and entered into an explanation of my reasons, for not taking it off unto man; when he stopped me by saying, when it was omitted from any motive of religion, he did not wish it. I left Cronstadt in the steam-packet that afternoon for Petersburg, and on landing there I was met by one of the Bible Society's agents, who conveyed me to the Bible Office, the gift of the Emperor to the Bible Society; at which place I was treated with great kindness and courtesy, and found in it a quiet asylum for several days. an English family, and had a good opportunity of explaining to the head of it, the nature of our silent meetings, which was such as he had no conception of. He had an idea that Friends went to meeting to meditate, and he thought that might be done at home; and that on account of the young people, we should, at any rate, read the Scriptures. I told him we read the Scriptures to them at home. He then concluded, it must be the bias of education, that reconciled us to sitting in silence. I replied it could not be so, as related to myself, for I was brought up in what is called the Established Church of England. This led to many questions on his part, all of which I was enabled to answer; and best Help being near, I explained to him the nature of true worship, and that there was at seasons a power to be felt, which was before words were, and which will remain when words have ceased. He asked whether I came to a knowledge of the truth, whilst I was in communion with the Established Church. No, I said, never whilst I was pestered with words. I could not help inveighing against words, as they seemed to place all their confidence and dependence in them. 23rd.-Received a message that I was to be introduced to Prince Galitzin to-day: I had little time to spare for preparations, but had not many to make, having no clothes but what I landed in, my luggage having been detained at the Custom House. I was accordingly conducted to the splendid mansion of the Prince, the entrance and marble staircase of which were well lined with attendants; in whose countenances surprise and anger were evidently depicted, at my assurance in keeping on my hat. We waited a short time in an open gallery, as the Prince was engaged; and took The next morning, I had an hour's conversation with Basil Papoff: he is called 'his Excellency,' and I think with some propriety, as he appears an excellent man. He thought my business would go on slowly, as the Emperor was so much engaged on account of the marriage of his brother, the Grand Duke Nicholas. I was introduced to the minister of the Moravian congregation here, also to William Glenn, who is going to Astrachan to translate the Scriptures into the Persian language. I have also met another person from Scotland, who I have since found is desirous of knowing a turn into a spacious room, the walls of which the way of Truth more perfectly. 17th. I traversed a considerable part of the city, and went up the country opposite the summer palace of Kamenny Ostrof, where the Emperor now resides. I think the generality of the soil is better than I expected to see it. I recognised clover and several kinds of grasses by the roadside, and abundance of weeds in the gardens, of pretty much the same kinds as we have in England. In returning, we passed the hut that Peter the Great at one time inhabited; and we saw the boat built with his own hands. We passed through the public gardens, which are beautiful. Most kinds of provisions are good here; but the water at this season is unwholesome. Thirteen cartloads of Bibles and Testaments have been sent off to-day for Moscow. 21st.-Took possession of a room at an inn kept by an Englishwoman. Drank tea with were hung with pictures of all the imperial family of Russia, from the first to the last. In a short time a messenger came to say that the Prince was at liberty; when we were ushered into his apartment of ample size. The Prince came forward, and met us in a very courteous manner; and on introducing me, he took me by the hand, and we retired to the back part of the room, and sat down at the end of a writing table. He asked many questions with great affability in Russian,-my companion interpreting betwixt us. Amongst others, he inquired what family I had; which being answered, he wished to know whether I would bring them all with me, if I came to reside in Russia. I said, 'Yes; I should not leave a hoof behind;' at which he seized my hand, and expressed his satisfaction. He then inquired, how I should do, as there was no place of worship for me, no meeting; In the afternoon, I met with some very humiliating circumstances in the course of my business at the Custom house, which helped to keep under the creaturely part. [From this time to the 15th of eighth month, Daniel Wheeler was employed in examining the waste crown lands and the marshes in the vicinity of the capital, in preparing reports of his investigations, &c.] they were given forth, and without which the natural man will ever read them in vain,—or when he has done, if he thinks he knows any thing, he knows nothing as he ought to know. He gave me a kind invitation to his house, and we parted in a friendly manner. no society, how was that? I told him the worship of Almighty God was not confined to either time or place, that is, neither in this mountain, nor at Jerusalem; but in every place incense should be offered to His name, and a pure offering. After pausing a little, he desired the sentence might be thoroughly explained to him. He then seemed quite to understand it, bowing his head in a reverent manner, and appeared to ponder over it. In 27th, first-day.-After I had sat down in the midst of this, I found my mind drawn into my room to hold my meeting, I was interrupted silence; but the Prince kept asking question by the coming of an individual, whom I had after question, as if afraid of losing time; my before seen. He resides about twenty versts answers were now very short; and at last, I from hence, and had come on purpose to endeavoured to explain to my companion the inquire into the principles of Friends. He situation I was in, but could not make him had once had a sight of 'Barclay's Apology,' understand me. The conversation then turned but was never able to get it a second time, to agriculture, and the soil of the neighbour- and I much regretted I had not one to give hood, and to the Emperor; but as a burden him. He is well acquainted with the Scripstill remained with me, I cannot recollect all tures, but very desirous of having them exhe said, or what answers I made him. At last, pounded and explained. After a long conwe rose from our seats as with one accord; versation, I referred him to the never-failbut before the Prince had time to bid me fare-ing and only key, the Holy Spirit, by which well in his way, I found my time was come: and I was enabled to declare unto him the everlasting foundation, even Christ Jesus, the rock of ages, who was "to the Jews a stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness;" but to them that obey his gospel inwardly revealed in the secret of their hearts, Christ crucified, the power of God, and the wisdom of God unto salvation. As I stopped at the end of every sentence, my companion interpreted, as if he had been accustomed to the work, and might have known what he was going to do. After we had finished, we stood like statues for a short time; and on my moving, as if I was at liberty, the Prince took me by the hand, saying, although our languages are different, the language of the Spirit is the same.' He held my hand till we got near the door, when I bade him farewell, and departed, comparatively as light as a feather. I cannot but admire how I was guided; for in delivering what was upon me to the Prince, at the end of every sentence, all was taken from me, as if I should have nothing further to say; but when had had sufficient time to interpret, then a supply was again vouchsafed. Whereas if I could have proceeded, as it were without stopping, I should have overpowered the interpreter, and the work would have been marred altogether. Thus the blind are guided in ways that they know not, and in paths that they have not seen: but truly the pillars of my tabernacle were mightily shaken. May I ever be preserved in that humility, through which alone the grateful heart can bless His holy name; "who redeemeth our lives from destruction, and crowneth us with loving-kindness and tender mercies." Eighth month 3rd, first-day.-I spent the day at home in retirement. In the evening the city was illuminated, and I understand there was a great display of fire and waterworks at the country place of Peterhoff, on account of its being the saint's day of Dowager Empress Mary. On the 15th, I began a letter to my dear wife, and had finished two sides of it, when I seemed quite at a loss for a subject, which I could not account for. I went into the yard, and walked up and down for fresh air; but had not been there long, when I received a message, that the Emperor would see me that afternoon, and that I was to be at five o'clock at the lodgings of Prince Galitzin, which are close to the gate of the palace of Kamenny Ostrof. Having been kindly assisted in procuring a conveyance, I was there in time, and the Prince received me with his usual openness. In about half an hour a messenger came, and (bareheaded) conducted me through the garden, and the different guards, who stared at me not a little. At last we entered the palace, and after going through a range of rooms, I was shown into the apartment of the Emperor, who received me with more parade than I expected; but I thought afterwards this was only on account of the page, for as soon as the door was shut, he took me by the hand, saying, 'Sit down, sir.' I was not, however, quite ready to sit down; for the salutation arose in my heart, of "Grace, mercy, and tune, a fine ship for Hull. I concluded to repeace be multiplied, from God the Father, and main on board, although the ship was not our Lord Jesus Christ," upon the noble Em- quite ready for sea; and, as night came on, I peror, &c. As I proceeded I took off my hat, began to be very uncomfortable, and was fearand the Emperor stood quite still, until I had ful I had been making more haste than I finished; when we both sat down. He had should have done, and that in my hurry I had several questions to ask, and expressed his sur- not hit upon the right vessel. I walked the prise and satisfaction at the manner in which deck till late, and a willingness was wrought I had been led into Russia. I had a great deal in my mind to quit the ship in the morning, to say to him, and full opportunity to express if required. This exercise, being amongst every thing that arose on my mind. He men- entire strangers, made the pressure very tioned my memorial, and I think touched upon heavy. I retired to my cabin, and got some every particular head distinctly, and said he rest, and when I awoke in the morning, I agreed to the whole. I then gave him a paper found my accusers were all gone, and tranI had ready in my pocket book, which brought quillity again restored; for which I was thankthe peculiar principles of our Society into ful. Going on shore in the course of the day, view; this he read, and questioned me about I found a long looked for letter from home, all of them; which gave time to clear myself and thankfulness was raised in my heart to fully. I had a good deal to say to him on si- the Giver of every good and perfect gift, for lent waiting. I remember my last words were, the cheering account it contained. the expression of a desire that attended my mind, that when time shall rob thee of thy earthly crown, an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled—a crown immortal, may be thy happy portion.' He held my hand fast in his for some time, and did not utter another word. I then returned to Prince Galitzin, and on taking leave, I had a little matter to express to him, which, who was present, interpreted. The next morning, I finished my letter to my wife, in time for the post, and thought myself clear of Petersburg: but in the evening, I found something like an invitation to such of the English people as inclined to sit down with me. 23rd. We got out of the Mole this morning, and having been boarded by the guardship, by eleven o'clock all impediments were removed, and we proceeded down the Gulf, with a fair wind. 24th, first-day.-When I awoke in the morning, I found the ship was rolling, which she would not have done if the wind had not been fair, and the sea following us; so that I got up cheerfully. I went into my state room in the forenoon; but found I could not get into any settlement of mind. The thought of proceeding homeward with a fair wind was too much for me to be able to keep out of view; but I trust the Father of mercies saw my weakness with his eye of compassion. - The next day, after dining with J. Paterson, he invited me to go to hear their sermon, 31st, first-day. Having no opportunity of which I declined; but afterwards I told him, sitting down in the cabin, I held my sitting that if his friends inclined to sit down with upon deck; and though I met with many inme in a large room at the Bible Office, if I had terruptions, yet I was favoured with settlement any thing for them they should have it, and if of mind in a good degree. In the afternoon, not, they must forgive me. It was according- rounded the Falsterbo Reef, on which lay the ly fixed that we should meet at seven o'clock wreck of a large ship, and at five o'clock the next evening. I repaired thither about made a signal for a pilot to carry us through the time, and found a larger number assembled the Grounds; but could not perceive one than I had any expectation of, including four coming off to us. As I was walking the ministers of the Independent denomination. deck, it just passed my mind, how soon our Scarcely an individual amongst them had sat prospects are blighted; and going to the quarin silence before, in this way: it was, however, ter-deck, I heard the sailor who was heaving exercising to me, and we had a solemn sitting. the lead cry, 'by the deep four, a quarter less I was enabled to declare the truth amongst four,-by the mark three, a quarter less three,' them about three-quarters of an hour, to the and immediately after I felt the ship strike on relief of my own mind, and the sitting ended a rock; in a few seconds she struck a second well there seemed something like an unwil-time, and then stuck fast. The crew were of lingness on their part to break up: I was, I course all in a state of consternation, and the trust, thankful when it was over. The forepart of the 18th and 19th instant, was employed in taking leave of my friends, and preparing for my homeward voyage. On the 20th, I went down to Cronstadt by steamboat, and proceeded at once on board the ForVOL. VII.-No. 1. captain was almost speechless; and indeed it was a serious moment, for the ship was under full sail when she struck, and on a lee shore too. The first thing was to take the sails off her; then the boats were lowered, and two anchors carried out with strong hawsers. 5 During this time several ships passed, to whom never have another opportunity of doing so; our captain waved his hat by way of signal being with my dear family about to be reto keep off; and very mortifying it certainly moved from scenes like these, to a land of was, to see the different ships take in their strangers, amongst a people whose language pilots, and make sail. Soon after, a large we know not. I do not wish to multiply boat full of men approached, with whom, the words unnecessarily; but as there are perhaps captain agreed, after hard bargaining, to car- few present who are acquainted with my mory out a large anchor for us; this took up tives for leaving, I have believed it would be some time, and as night came on, the wind right for me, near the close of this meeting to rose, and things began to wear a gloomy as- inform you, as ability may be afforded. Nearpect. I was favoured however to feel quietly four years ago, in the vision of that light ness cover my mind like a canopy; and a in which I believe, it was clearly manifested petition arose in my heart to the Father of that it would be right for me to remove with mercies, to bless the endeavours of the toiling my dear family to that land. Many were the Whilst the Danish boat was receiving conflicts and deep the baptisms I passed the anchor and cable, finding I could be of no through, known only to Him who seeth in seuse, I went below, and stretched myself on cret; but whilst abiding under these impresthe locker, with my arm supporting my head. sions, for he that believeth maketh not haste, I continued in this position till the sailors be- I was brought into a willingness to give up gan to heave upon the cable; and, at length, thereto: and thanks be to the Preserver of I plainly felt her keel grate upon the rock. men, I can now say without boasting, I am Being fully satisfied that she moved, I hasten- willing to go whithersoever He may be pleased ed on deck with the pleasing intelligence. to send me. With these feelings, I went over Shortly after one in the morning the ship last summer to see this strange land; and floated, and was soon in deep water again, though I met with many trials, my faith was which was cause of humble thankfulness. We not shaken, but remained fixed on Him, "who anchored in Elsineur roads the same afternoon. walketh upon the wings of the wind." [The voyage to England was completed in safety.] crew. CHAPTER VI. Removes with his wife and family to Russiavoyage thither, 1818-settlement at Ochta near Petersburg-William Allen and Stephen Grellet—agricultural success— -visit from the Emperor, &c. 'Painful as the separation is to me, I would not have my dear friends think that I consider my lot hard; for in sincerity I can adopt the language of," What shall I render unto the Lord for all his mercies?" Few have received greater benefits from His hand,-few have experienced greater deliverances; and none more unworthy. I am weak and frail; yet in me you behold a monument of His everlasting mercy. He has kept me from the devouring sword;-He has preserved me from the raging pestilence, when thousands have fallen by my me from shipwreck, when the deep was ready to overwhelm, and the briny waves to swallow me up :-but, above all, He has showed me his marvellous truth. DURING the ensuing winter, D. W. was ac-side;-He kept me alive in famine;-He saved tively engaged in winding up his affairs preparatory to leaving England. Ample provision of agricultural implements, seeds and cattle, was also made; and, at length, all being in readiness, he embarked for Russia, with his wife, family and assistants, in all twenty souls, on the 22nd of sixth month, 1818, The following memoranda are from the pen of a friend, and refer to this period. On the 18th of sixth month, 1818, we were agreeably surprised by seeing our dear friend Daniel Wheeler, come into our meeting at Sheffield; for he had taken leave of us, not expecting to meet us again before embarking for Petersburg: towards the close of the meeting, he expressed himself nearly as follows: It has afforded me consolation once more to sit with my dear brethren and sisters, though in great weakness; and painful my feelings have been, when thinking that I may To this Power, my dear friends, I commend you, which is able to do all things for you. When we are far separated, we may still pray for each other; and perhaps those prayers may prove more availing, than whilst we have been together. In the words of the Apostle,-to His grace, which is able to keep and preserve you alive in the most holy faith, I commend you, together with myself and my dear family, all that go, and all that stay; and in the love of the everlasting gospel, 1 salute you, and affectionately bid you farewell.' The last visit our dear friend D. W. paid before leaving his native country for Russia, was at the house of S. E. of Hull, where he |