subject, I saw that if I was favoured to prosecute what was at present before me, so as to afford a peaceful retrospect on my leaving Pyrmont, the business of the morrow must be left to the morrow; with the assurance, that as was the day, so would be the counsel and help for the fulfilling the business of the day; if there was but a moving forward one day at a time in simplicity: and here I was enabled to leave this subject for the present. Fourthday, our visit to the families of Friends here was brought to a close. Fifth-day, I went to meeting, very unequal to face a crowd-poor, blind, naked, and miserable indeed. Glad would I have been, could I have found a sufficient excuse from the indisposition I laboured under from a sleepless night, to remain at our hotel; but this could not be the meeting was numerously attended by Friends and others; and in it strength was afforded me to labour, and to obtain relief to my poor, tried mind. The people separated in a quiet, solid manner; many manifesting an affectionate regard towards us. that his stay would be very short there: this information made it needful for us to use our utmost endeavours to reach Burgh that night, a journey of seventy-five English miles, which we were favoured to accomplish at a late hour, much exhausted through the shaking of our wagon over the bad roads. The nearer we approached the capital, the more the weight of the prospect before me increased. Seventh-day, we left Burgh, intending to reach Potsdam, a journey of sixty-five English miles, by night, which we were favoured to accomplish. First-day, we remained quiet in our hotel, until we understood the places of worship were closed. Necessity appearing to compel us to leave Potsdam for Berlin, a journey of about twenty English miles, we were favoured to arrive there safely, late in the evening. We had been addressed to private lodgings; but when we arrived at the house, the whole of the family were from home: fatigued in body, and under increasing exercise of mind, I had been looking forward with a comfortable hope, that when we reached BerAfter taking rest and refreshment, we took lin, I should be favoured to witness some outan affectionate farewell of Friends here, which ward quiet in private lodgings; but, alas! my caused many tears and expressions of deep disappointment in this respect was very trying heartfelt sorrow, to which their countenances to the fleshly part, as night was fast approachbore witness. We proceeded towards Pyr- ing. Persons who passed the streets observmont: our first halt was at Buckeburgh. We called on the counsellor of the chamber of the prince and his sister; her countenance appeared placid, and her mind much more quiet than when I saw her before: our unexpected visit was very grateful to them. We proceeded to Hameln, where we took up our abode for the night. Fifth-day, we reached Pyrmont, and proceeded with a visit to the families of Friends. First-day, the meeting was numerously attended by strangers; and the frequent going out and coming in of such, was an exercise of patience. At the reading meeting in the evening, the members and attenders of meeting very generally gave us their company: a sense of holy solemnity was mercifully felt to be near to us, during the time of silence, of reading, and of verbal communication; for which favour I believe most of our minds experienced a sense of thankfulness. Fourth-day, we began to make preparations for our departure from Pyrmont; attended the usual meeting, and took an affectionate leave of Friends: finished packing our luggage. We proceeded to Hameln that evening, where we lodged. Fifth-day morning, by starting early, we reached Brunswick to lodge, weary in body, but I believe we could say, peaceful in mind; which was cause for great thankfulness on my part. Sixth-day, we left Brunswick, where we had been informed the king of Prussia was to leave Toplis for Berlin, but ing we were strangers, and labouring under difficulty, proposed to our interpreter different places for our accommodation; at last we proceeded to the place we understood the most likely for us to find shelter, which proved to be only a common wagoners' house, and so full of guests as scarcely to allow of our finding beds: here we were glad to lay down our weary bones, although our bed-room windows looked into the common stable-yard, and the traffic which was going forward there during the night allowed of but little quiet: our bedrooms were very small, and abounded with fleas and flies; and the weather was extremely hot: these, together with the smell from the numerous stables, and a violent storm of thunder and lightning, occasioned my having a very distressing night. Second-day, we procured lodgings which promised us more comfort about mid-day, accompanied by my kind companion and Lewis Seebohm, we proceeded to one of the universities in search of a professor, with whom I had made an acquaintance when at Hamburgh; he not being at home, we left our address. In the course of the evening he made us an agreeable visit, and offered to give me the names of a few serious persons in Berlin, which I gladly accepted, under feelings that led me to hope they would prove the means, in some way, of helping me in the prosecution of my religious prospects there, as I had come without reference, except being in possession of a letter from a kind friend in England, addressed to a person who, it appeared, was one of the chaplains in attendance about the court. Having heard of William Hoffman, who, by the inhabitants of Berlin, was reputed to be of our religious Society, we made him a call that evening. We found him living in a poor, miserable apartment; his room was so small, we could scarcely sit down to be comfortable. We learnt that his means of subsistence were derived from teaching a few young men the French and English languages. It appeared, during our conversation with him, that he was one amongst many more, whose minds had been awakened, when Sarah Grubb visited these parts; most of whom, he told us, were now removed by death, and others had sorrowfully made shipwreck of their faith. William Hoffman, it appeared, did not associate for worship with any of the different professors, but secluded himself very much from society from reports we received, he was much esteemed for his circumspect conduct. He had several Friends' books in his possession; we added to his little stock as far as our means allowed, and left him under feelings of regard. Third-day morning, we called upon an individual, towards whom my heart glowed with feelings of religious love, although we were quite strangers to each other: by endeavouring to abide under these precious feelings, willing, should any little service be called for, to be faithful therein, matter was given for communication: by yielding obedience I found peace, accompanied by a belief that my offering was well received. Whilst on my way from Pyrmont, my mind was at times tried with the consideration of how I was to proceed, should my prospect continue of a visit to the King of Prussia, in order that an interview might be obtained; having nothing but the letter given me by a kind friend in England. I endeavoured at times to console myself with a hope that this letter would do the needful for me; but the event proved that this was not to be the means through which my help was to come. We next proceeded to the residence of the person to whom this letter was addressed; but he was not at home. This disappointment produced fresh cause in my mind to seek for Divine help, to be preserved in a becoming manner in the exercise of faith and patience; earnestly craving of the Lord that all my movements might be directed by Him. We concluded to make another attempt to present this letter, and proceeded accordingly, under anxious feelings of mind, to meet with him. The subject of an interview with the king now pressed with increasing weight on my mind, accompanied by a fear, lest the want of prudent promptness on my part, or a too hasty movement to attempt its being effected, should mar all my hopes of a faithful discharge of duty, and involve me in condemnation of mind, from which I never might be able to rise. But adorable mercy did not leave me to become a prey to the temptation of despair, but awakened afresh in my mind the assurance, that, although some bitter cups would be meted out to me to drink, before the way would open with clearness for me to take my departure from Berlin, yet if I maintained a full and perfect reliance on that never-failing arm of Omnipotence, which thus far had carried me through my many provings, I should still find it to be all-sufficient, and know of a truth the Lord's strength to become perfect in the times of my greatest weakness. When we reached the residence of this person, we were again disappointed; and from the feelings of my own mind, I believed it would be safest for me, at present, not to make further attempts to see him. We returned to our hotel, and endeavoured to sit down in quiet. After awhile the way seemed to open on my mind with a degree of clearness, that it would be right to read over deliberately the list of names of serious persons given us by my friend the professor, who called upon us from the university. This we accordingly did, and with a care on my part whilst they were being read over, if the feelings of my mind were particularly directed to one name more than another, to keep that name in view; and when the list was gone through, to see how far it would be right for me to make such individual a call. Whilst the list was thus read over, my mind was in a particular manner bound to an individual therein named, I therefore proposed our proceeding to his residence, which we accordingly did; but he was absent from home. Although I felt some disappointment, yet I was not discouraged; for a secret hope attended my mind, that I was now in a proper channel for help: we then made inquiry when we should be most likely to meet with him at home, which having learned, I was favoured to return in quietness to our hotel, and I retired to rest; enabled under holy help to renew covenant, to be willing to do my very best, in accomplishing whatsoever appeared to be the Divine mind and will concerning me, whilst resident here. Fourth-day morning, 4th of eighth month, 1824, we again proceeded to the residence of the individual, who yesterday was absent from home; finding him within, we sent a request by the servant, that when it was convenient, he would allow us to have an interview with him; on which we were soon shown to his apartment. I presented him with my certificates, which he appeared to read with attention. Feeling the evidence in my own mind that I had now taken the right course towards way being made for the discharge of apprehended duty; I felt as if I was with a welldisposed friend, although, as to the outward, we were total strangers to each other. During the time he was reading my certificates, I was afforded a suitable opportunity for retirement of mind, with a view to seeing with some degree of clearness how I was to proceed, in order to receive that help from him, which it was the design of my Divine Master he should afford. I then informed him of my apprehensions of duty, to obtain, if possible, an interview with the king, and that I must throw myself upon him for help, in pointing out the most certain way to proceed in order to obtain it. This appeared to affect his mind with momentary embarrassment, but as it regarded myself, the belief that these movements were thus far ordered by the Lord, gave me confidence, that all would work together for good at last. After pausing, he gave us the address of Count, who, we were informed, filled a station about the court, as likely to afford me help, and he encouraged us to call on the countess, and make use of his name. This interview thus far was cheering to my mind, and acted as a spur to my exertions. be well allowed us with the count, we waited awhile, not knowing but our new comer-in would soon depart, which not taking place, all my fears respecting him vanished, and I could no longer hesitate to present my certificates to the countess, and afterwards to our new comerin: the latter appeared to read them with much interest, making his observations on parts as he went along, so that it was evident his mind was favourably impressed towards our religious Society. My good Master having thus in mercy condescended to open a wide door for me, to lay before the countess and her vis iter my apprehensions of duty to have an interview with the king and his son the crownprince, I accordingly did so; during which, I thought I felt as I went along, that they were in degree permitted to be dipped into a feeling of my situation, and that interest was excited in their minds on my account. I presented the stranger with a copy of the address to Hamburgh, which he read; and having finished the reading of it, he said, he was to meet the king on his arrival, to whom he should present the address, and inform him of my request to have an interview with him. At his departure he expressed in a feeling manner the desire he entertained that the Divine blessing might attend my engagements. We then took leave of the countess, concluding to wait on the count the next morning. Fifth-day morning, we proceeded to the residence of the Count ; on our getting sight of the house, I observed a carriage drive swiftly from the door, which led me to fear we should be disappointed in seeing him, which proved to be the case. The countess hearing we were in the hall, had us invited into her sitting-room; and we passed a considerable The king, we were informed, was expected at Berlin that day for a short time. The call was proclaimed in the ear of my soul, to lose no time in the attempt to obtain an interview with the count. We therefore made the best of our way to his residence; but on our arrival he was from home. We made application for an interview with the countess, which was readily granted us: she spoke good Eng-time in conversation with her and her female lish, so that our interview promised more sat- companion, which perhaps at another time isfaction than otherwise might have been the would have been very interesting to me; but case; and the more so, from the proof she being somewhat sorrowful because of our havgave in conversing with her, of her genuine ing missed the count, I was deprived of that piety and true humility of manners. Whilst pleasure, which my dear companion Thomas we were in conversation with her, a person Christy partook of: we returned to our hotel, advanced in life entered the room, who, from and in the evening we made a further attempt, the ribbons and stars which hung about his and found the count at home. On our being person, appeared to be a man of some distinc-introduced to him, I thought it was evident tion in the government: he took his seat amongst us, and we found he spoke some English, and I feared he would prove an obstruction to having such a full and select opportunity with the countess as appeared desirable. I was however assured in my own mind I need not be afraid, before this person, to present the countess with my certificates to read; as this appeared to me to be the best way to proceed preparatory to informing her of my views in calling upon her. Being desirous of having as early an interview as could VOL. III.-No. 8. the countess had prepared his mind for the business we were come upon, as he received us with open arms. We sat down together under feelings of much solemnity; I gave him my certificates to read, and then laid before him my prospect of duty to attempt an interview with the king and his son, the crownprince; telling the count I must throw myself upon him for help, and requesting his utmost exertions for my relief. I felt such an evidence, after I had thus expressed myself, of his willingness to do his part faithfully towards 37 accomplishing my views, that I was fully sat-praise of the kingdoms and states that surisfied with the matter being left under his care. We returned to our hotel, and shortly after this interview with the count, information was received that the crown-prince had been applied to on my account, and that the time for our waiting on him was concluded upon; at which the creaturely part in me began to feel dismay but O! the merciful evidence I was favoured with, that the all-sufficient arm would be near to sustain me in the needful time; whereby I was enabled to hold up my head in hope, that neither the cause in which I was engaged, nor my kind friend the count, who had been instrumental in making way for me, would be disgraced through me. round her. In order that this good work might go forward in a way that I believed was consistent with the Divine will, there were some matters that must claim the proper attention of those who were in authority. One of these matters appeared to me to be, that endeavours should be used on the part of the government, to bring about a proper respect for the day called sunday; not a superstitious, but a correct religious observance of it, in a manner consistent with its original design; for if things were suffered to go on as they then were, I was led to fear they would be the means of drawing down on Prussia the displeasure of Almighty God, and not his good pleasure." keeping on our hats had not hurt the prince's feelings, he handsomely replied, "If I had suffered my feelings to be hurt by it, you would have had cause to think badly of me." We presented the prince with several Friends' books, and the address to Hamburgh. The prince then informed us, he understood from the king, that arrangements were making for my having an interview with him also. Fifth-day, 11th of eighth month. This day The prince appeared to receive kindly what being appointed for our having an interview was offered on this and other subjects; and I with the crown-prince, we left our hotel ac- concluded with expressing the desire which cordingly, I may say of myself, feeble in attended my mind, that the prince and princess body and feeble in mind; and arrived at the might be true help-meets to each other, instrucastle. The prince's apartments being under mental in the Divine hand in furthering each repair, he had taken up his abode in a differ- others' present and eternal welfare, and uniting ent part of the castle, and our guide not being in a concern to be found holding out, by their expert in inquiring for the prince's new apart-example, this language to each other and to ments, we lost much time in finding the en- the people at large, "Come, let us go up to the trance to them; this added not a little to the house of the Lord, to the mountain of the God discouragement of mind I was suffering under, of Jacob; who will teach us of his ways, and fearing that we should be behind the time ap- we will walk in his paths." At our parting, pointed by the prince. At length we made the prince taking hold of my hands, in a feelout the entrance, and were shown into an anti-ing manner said,-"Do not forget me,-do room, in which were several livery-servants, not forget me." On my saying, I hoped our attendants on the prince, one of whom took charge of us our passing through the rooms with our hats on, appeared to excite surprise. After waiting awhile in the room, in which we were left by the servant, our kind friend, the count, gave us his company; and shortly after introduced us to the prince. On entering the prince's apartment, he received us in an affable manner, offering me his hand: having seen my certificates, he was by them acquainted with my views in coming to this country. After he had put some questions to me, and I had made replies, I informed him, that during my residence at Berlin, my mind had been renewedly impressed with a belief, that the present day was an important one to Prussia; a day of renewed visitation from Almighty God,—a day in which the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ Jesus our Lord, was afresh dawning in the hearts and minds of many of the inhabitants of that nation: to which the prince replied, he believed so too. I then added, "earnest had been the prayer of my soul, that nothing on the part of the prince, the clergy, or the people, might be suffered to prevail, that would have a tendency to retard the progress of this good work; but that Prussia might become the beauty of nations, and We made an early call on our kind friend the count, he being in attendance on the prince when we made our visit to him. I felt much for him at the time, from his not being able to understand what passed; and the responsibility that would attach to him, should anything I might say give offence: but on my informing him how it was with me in this respect, he replied, he was glad to be present at the opportunity; for although he could understand but very little of what I had to say, yet he was made sensible of the substance, from the feelings he had here, putting his hand to his heart. He said the prince, after our departure, told him he rejoiced at having made acquaintance with those good men; the count further added, the desire he felt, that we might remember him in our prayers to Almighty God. CHAPTER XXV. movements thus far in the business, had been under the influence of best Wisdom, and that the will would be taken for the deed. Although the individual carried himself with as much distance towards us as before, yet he furnished us with two letters, one addressed to the governor of the prison at Spandau, and one to admit us to the town-prison; that for the townprison we were ordered to present to the chiefmagistrate of the city for his signature. We accordingly proceeded to his residence. I may remark, that the town-prison is for the recep tion of those who are waiting to take their trial; here great caution is used in admitting persons of any description, before the prisoners have been tried. At first he spoke rather sharply to us; but when he inquired of me, was curiosity my motive for desiring to go to No information having been received of the arrangements for our visit to the king, we waited on the Prince Witgenstein, who is in attendance on the king: he received us in an affable manner. On his being made acquainted with the cause of our call, he informed us that the king had left Berlin for his palace at Charlottenburgh, but was expected to return on second-day; and as he should be with the king before that time, he would use his endeavours that my wishes should be accomplished. Having felt drawings in my mind to pay a visit to the prisoners in the state-prison at Spandau, about ten English miles from Berlin, to which criminals are removed after sentence is passed against them; and the subject coming before the view of my mind with increasing weight the town-prison, and I presented him with my whilst we were sitting with the Prince Witgen- certificates, and he had read them, he appeared stein, and in a manner that led me to believe cheerfully to add his signature to our order, it would be right for me to open my prospects saying, had not his engagements with governto him in this respect, I mentioned the subject ment concerns required his attendance elseto him, requesting his advice how to proceed where, he would gladly have attended us. We to obtain permission. I had rather doubted proceeded to the prison and produced our orthe liberty being granted us, as I understood der; the person in authority met us at the that one of my countrymen, who had obtained this permission, had made such unfavourable reports in print, relative to the state of the prison and prisoners in various respects, that it gave great offence to those in power. The prince however put the question to me, whether curiosity was my motive for desiring to visit the prison; but when I told him my real motives for making the request, he appeared disposed to enter into my views, and gave us a letter. From the many titles upon the address of the letter, we supposed the person to whom it was addressed was a person of consequence in the government. With this letter we proceeded as directed: but the manner in which we were received did not give me a favourable opinion as to our reception by the person to whom the letter was addressed. I concluded our standing in his presence with our hats on, caused him to treat us with a kind of hauteur we had not before met with this I found, without great watchfulness, the creature was ready to recoil at; but feeling the evidence in my own mind, that the cause which had brought us to him was not my own, but my Divine Master's, I endeavoured to rise above noticing his treatment. We were ordered to be with him again the next morning. Seventhday morning, we proceeded to ascertain the result of our visit with the letter presented yesterday. I was not wholly without apprehension, that our request would not be granted, from the manner in which we had been received: had this been the case, I could have sat down satisfied with a refusal, believing my gate, and asked us if we had called at his house, and been disappointed at not meeting with him. To our agreeable surprise, he proved to be the magistrate, whose name, amongst other serious persons in Berlin, had been furnished us by my kind young friend, the professor before mentioned. His countenance bespoke the pleasure which the prospect of attending upon us afforded him; and from the feelings of affection awakened in my mind towards him, his company felt equally grateful to me. Our first visit was to a man about twenty years of age, in a room by himself; his legs were chained to the floor, and one arm to the wall; the cause of which, we were informed, was, that he had repeatedly made his escape from prison. He was committed for having twice wilfully set fire to buildings, whereby a whole village was destroyed; and about two years ago, sentence of death was passed upon him: but the merciful laws of Prussia, and the merciful disposition of the king, had prolonged his life: his present situation, notwithstanding the greatness of his crime, awakened in me every feeling of pity I was capable of. I endeavoured, as ability was afforded, to lay before him the awful situation he was placed in, through his own evil conduct, not knowing how soon an order might come for his execution: he appeared very calmly to hear what I had to say, without, as we could observe, manifesting signs of sorrow for his conduct, or a sense of the awful uncertainty of his life, until, at our leaving him, I gave him my hand, when a change took |