he
young, let us hope that mercy may be taught us a part of religion.

* * * * *

Though far advanced in years, I take as lively an interest as ever in
passing events. I regret that I shall not live to know the result of the
expedition to determine the currents of the ocean, the distance of the
earth from the sun determined by the transits of Venus, and the source
of the most renowned of rivers, the discovery of which will immortalise
the name of Dr. Livingstone. But I regret most of all that I shall not
see the suppression of the most atrocious system of slavery that ever
disgraced humanity--that made known to the world by Dr. Livingstone and
by Mr. Stanley, and which Sir Bartle Frere has gone to suppress by order
of the British Government.

* * * * *

The Blue Peter has been long flying at my foremast, and now that I am in
my ninety-second year I must soon expect the signal for sailing. It is
a solemn voyage, but it does not disturb my tranquillity. Deeply
sensible of my utter unworthiness, and profoundly grateful for the
innumerable blessings I have received, I trust in the infinite mercy of
my Almighty Creator. I have every reason to be thankful that my
intellect is still unimpaired, and, although my strength is weakness, my
daughters support my tottering steps, and, by incessant care and help,
make the infirmities of age so light to me that I am perfectly happy.

* * * * *

I have very little more to add to these last words of my Mother's
Recollections. The preceding pages will have given the reader some
idea--albeit perhaps a very imperfect one--of her character and
opinions. Only regarding her feelings on the most sacred of themes,
is it needful for me to say a few words. My mother was profoundly
and sincerely religious; hers was not a religion of mere forms and
doctrines, but a solemn deep-rooted faith which influenced every
thought, and regulated every action of her life. Great love and
reverence towards God was the foundation of this pure faith, which
accompanied her from youth to extreme old age, indeed to her last
moments, which gave her strength to endure many sorrows, and was the
mainspring of that extreme humility which was so remarkable a
feature of her character.

At a very early age she dared to think for herself, fearlessly
shaking off those doctrines of her early creed which seemed to her
incompatible with the unutterable g