erformed on the morrow, if by any
means it could be accomplished, or the duty performed at once. In going
to the House of God, he left all worry about the world on the outside
of it, the moment he entered the porch; the drudgery of every-day life
did not go with him into the pew; the prejudices of an ambiguous man
troubled him not, while the disposition to "take things easy," while
others bore the burden, was never fostered by him.

But he did carry something into the house every time he entered! He
took in with him his Bible, his sweetest temper, his most charitable
disposition, a vigorous condition of soul-life, a sensible care of the
temporal body, and also the continued desire to be always walking with
God, as well as the desire for larger acquisitions of intuitive
spiritual knowledge--very proper things to take into the House of God
with you at all times; and our departed brother had enough of these,
and to spare.

But to cease from reflection, we close this chapter with one of our
friend's favorite little gems of poetry, believing that when you have
read it, you will agree with us that James Knowles was a man to be
beloved, indeed; for through these few lines his spirit breathes back
again to us from the great beyond:

If you cannot be a leader
In the crowd that pours along,
Raise the fallen, lying prostrate
Under foot, amid the throng.

Though your work be never mentioned,
Though your name may not appear,
Speak one word for "Jesus only,"
And the Lord, at least, will hear.

CHAPTER II.

CORRESPONDENCE AND COVENANTS.

The following letter was written to his mother while an apprentice as a
printer in the city of Belfast, Ireland:

BELFAST, January 15, 1829.

DEAR MOTHER:--I write this letter to you for the purpose of letting
you know how I am doing. I am devoting the most of my leisure hours
to reading and improving my mind, some way or other. Indeed, it is
not much time I have to devote to things of that nature; but all the
time I have I am busy. I meet with a good many advantages in every
respect, where I am now. I have the advantage of having a room to
apply my time to whatever study I resolve to persevere in. If I had
time, I would give you a more correct account of my transactions
through the day; but if I have time to meditate a little, I hope I
will be enabled to give you some account of the sermons that