having empowered and directed my labours, has owned and blessed them to the salvation of many; and the work is greatly spreading. Seventy-one meet in class under this roof every Sunday; the whole of whom I led myself till within a few months back, when my wife was made ClassLeader, and took the females. In addressing

those who attend me, I scarcely ever omit, more or less, to show the necessity of full salvation,entire heart-holiness, as alone qualifying us to enter into that place where only righteousness shall dwell. Nothing but a free, full, and present salvation is the doctrine of the Gospel of Christ; and where it is preached, there will the blessing of God be manifest. At the time I heard from you, I was labouring under very dangerous illness; during which I was supported by the most merciful manifestations of the love of Christ, filling me with joy unspeakable. He was my Friend and my Physician. My health is now graciously restored and confirmed, and I am enabled to rise at four o'clock in the morning and begin my studies. I drink nothing now but milk or water, and twice a week abstain from animal food; being desirous of setting an example of self-denial, in a country remarkable for self-indulgence of every kind, even among many of those who profess religion. Having attained the limits of fifty years, and seeing nothing I have ever done but what I should pray the Lord would blot from the

book of his remembrance, I now, after I have been so long borne with, though so unprofitable, would strive with increase of years to increase in every self-denial, and live closer and closer to God. I have, by the blessing of the Lord, been brought through the writing of a book to demonstrate the truth of Christianity against the cavils of infidels. I have given it to the Society for the benefit of our Missions, and hope it may be productive of good. I am occupied in writing a Scriptural Illustration of Faith, with a view of inciting Christians to the practice and exercise of it; as the condition on which we attain an assurance of present pardon, and as a means whereby we receive grace, and work out a free, a full, and an everlasting salvation. This, therefore, should I ever be brought through it, will be a practical work; and I have presented it to the Lord, and pray for his guidance, instruction, and blessing. You see I mention all my little concerns with the confidence of one who is addressing his father and friend; but my remarks are incoherent and illdigested, as I am labouring under much anxiety, having three of my children dangerously ill. I cannot refrain from telling you, the Mission cause is greatly prospering here. Friends are raised up to the cause in many a quarter among men of the first respectability, and the number of white members begins to increase considerably. The reverse has hitherto been sadly true. In these parts I have

walked singular and alone; having had none of my own colour and condition to converse with. But the Lord has been with me, and he is Father, Brother, Friend.

"Believe me, my dear Sir,

[Little more than three years after the date of this letter, this eminent man was called to his reward above. To that holy cause, on the promotion of which his benevolent mind was so intently set, God permitted him to fall a sacrifice. A riotous assault being made on the house of Mr. Radcliffe, our Missionary stationed in St. Ann's, Mr. Drew, being a Magistrate, promptly interposed to quell the rioters, and defend the Minister of Christ. By the exposure of his person, in this act of piety and benevolence, he got a severe wetting, which threw him into a violent fever, that terminated his valuable life in four days. During the illness his mind was abundantly supported by the consolations of faith and love. When near his death, he directed his pious negroes to be brought into his room, when he addressed them in the most solemn and affectionate manner; and then gave out and sung, with astonishing energy,

"Our souls are in his mighty hand,
And he shall keep them still;

R

And you and I shall surely stand
With him on Zion's hill.

"O what a joyful meeting there!
In robes of white array'd,

Palms in our hands we all shall bear,
And crowns upon our head."

To Mrs. D., whom he was leaving behind with nine children, he said, "Lavinia, have faith in God." Lying at the feet of Jesus, confessing himself the chief of sinners, full of faith and the Holy Ghost, and exhorting and blessing those around him, he awaited the final summons; when his purified and happy spirit rose in triumph to the skies. The poor negroes were deeply affected at their loss. One of them, who afterwards came to England, observed, that, had they each had nine lives, they would have given them all to have saved his. The regulations of our Missionary Society not permitting the Committee to accept the work of Mr. Drew, above referred to, it was published in England by Mrs. D., after her husband's death, in two volumes, octavo, under the title of "Principles of Self-Knowledge."]

CHAPTER V.

MARCH 11th, 1824.-I HAVE now finished the seventy-fourth year of my age. Taking a retrospect of my past life, I am constrained to say,

"Goodness and mercy have followed me all my days." And, glory be to God, my last days are my best! I often think with gratitude, what a mercy it is, that in my old years I am enabled to live free from all the distracting cares of this world. Herein I clearly see the kind hand that has led me, as well as fed me, from my infancy, and in those days when I knew him not. My soul is humbled in the dust, to think of the goodness of God. I can truly say, I have proved him a Father to the fatherless.

"O how shall I thy goodness tell,

Father, which thou to me hast show'd!"

My prospect is unclouded; and, I believe, I never before felt such an establishment in grace, such an inward recollection of thought, and such a heavenly frame of mind. Truly, my divine Shepherd makes my soul to lie down in green pastures.

MAY 7th. This is a day which I have been anticipating with pleasure and sacred delight. Glory be to thee, my God, that I am permitted to see another annual return of the memorable day in which my soul was brought out of darkness into marvellous light! Never, I trust, shall I forget to praise thee for what thou didst for me, a poor sinner, this day fifty-three years ago. Unworthy worm as I am, surely I may ask, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?"