CHAPTER III.

THE diary proceeds :

6

"Aug. 30. Got up early, said my prayers, and then went out for a walk, taking Bogatzky's Golden Treasury' with me." After recording the events of the day, he adds, "Very much teased, but by God's grace bore it patiently."

Among other entries under the date of Aug. 31, is the following: "Several boys came in, asked me a great number of questions, and made me show my colours and principles, for which I was well teased. After prayers, went to bed, and shortly after, some boys came in and put a dog upon me, which I pushed off:

they repeated this several times, teasing and questioning me; but at last they went. O God! have mercy upon me; confound their machinations, and turn their hearts."

In a letter to his grandfather, dated Aug. 31, he thus writes:-"I wish very much to be examined and placed, for till then I shall have nothing to do, and shall have all the troubles of a new boy. If you can give me some comfort and advice, I shall be very happy. I have much more to tell you, when I can do it vivá voce. I have by God's help kept to my principles, and still hope to do so, whatever I may suffer." In a second letter, written the same day, he says:

"MY DEAR GRANDFATHER,

"It is with deep regret I write to tell you of

's death," (naming one

of the masters, whose valuable life terminated just at the commencement of another half-year's work of usefulness.)

"A little before his death, his father came into the room, upon which Mr. in his delirium, called out, Christ is the Rock!' which, though uttered in delirium, showed that his mind must have been previously fixed on Christ.

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Within these few hours I have also been a little comforted, and though since I wrote to you my condition has not been at all changed, yet I have received comfort from (naming one of the masters, to whom he afterwards became warmly and gratefully attached,, "who, though now himself much dis tressed, and having much upon his hands, yet, having accidentally met me, and having heard my troubles, said that he would look after me in two or three

days, and at the same time gave me some good advice.

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Were it not for Mrs. H- -'s kindness, I should have been much worse off, but though badly off, I may truly say I have much to be thankful for. I hope better days are approaching; but if it should not be so, you may rest assured that He who has hitherto protected me, and kept my feet from falling, will enable me to sustain whatever he chooses to lay upon me."

some

The following extracts from letters of counsel and encouragement which John received about this time, and prized not a little, may afford some cheering and valuable hints to those who are entering on the untried scenes of a public school :

From the Rev.

:

"I have thought much of you during

the last few days, fearing you may have much to encounter on your first introduction to a public school. But, with your good sense, good conduct, and industry, never fear but you will soon begin to make your way and find yourself at home and happy. Above all, dear Johnny, try and choose good companions, and never forget to pray God to keep you from all that is sinful, and all that is dishonourable. I look forward with much hope and confidence to your doing honour to the name you bear, and remember that the happiness of your whole life much depends upon your conduct for the next few years." His grandfather writes:

"MY DEAREST JOHNNY,

"I have received your two letters this morning, and hasten to write to you a word of comfort and counsel. Be not