in all points like as we are, though without sin, is able to succour them that are tempted. Many of the baptisms of Christ belonged to his office of a minister, in which he was an example for all ministers. These baptisms are to be distinguished from the offering of his life upon the cross, for the sins of mankind. In patiently bearing our measure of such sufferings, on behalf of others, we fill up our portion of "that which is behind, of the afflictions of Christ in our flesh, for his body's sake, which is the church." See Col. i. 24.

I want also to impress upon thee, the importance of being "instant in season; out of season;" for I am persuaded, that where religious labours are only used in set seasons for public worship, they will be of comparatively little effect. The mind of the labourer will, in the intervals, get from under the power of the Holy Spirit, and his ministrations will lose the savour of life. On the other hand, if the mind be kept in a close walk with God, attentive to the pointings of his Spirit, he will frequently open to the view, out of set seasons, opportunities for speaking a word to restrain evil, or to direct in the way of holiness, by turning people's attention to the inward manifestation. of the Holy Spirit, as a witness in the conscience, against sin; and as a Comforter to those who work righteousness, and seek daily for the renewed, or continued evidence that their sins are blotted out in the blood of the Lamb. In these opportunities, "out of season," much is to be done, under the putting forth of the True Shepherd, in the way of remark, conversation and example.

It is well to be cautious of impeding such services, by too readily clothing these simple exercises in the formal garb of preaching or prayer; nevertheless, we must preach, and pray too, when these services are opened before us, of the Lord. Where the mind is kept under the power and guidance of the Spirit of Truth, there is often, in fields of labour like Port Arthur, a right opening for reading small portions of Scripture, and for making comments, in simplicity, on such passages as may impress the mind for instruction, or on other passages or subjects, that may not at the time have been read. At other times, there may be no such openings for expression; and then, it is safest to let the simple reading, with a pause, for inward exercise of soul, suffice.

I wish particularly to commend to thy Christian sympathy and notice, the poor creatures, sick in the hospital, or in the exempted building, and those in solitary confinement. Often, "man's extremity is God's opportunity;" and I believe, if thou give thy mind.

to exercise before the Lord, for these, he will reward thee with fruit from among them. I would also recommend thy visiting, as frequently as can be done, the out-stations, including the constables' huts, &c. The men on Woody Island, told G. W. Walker and myself, that they had no Bible, nor any books: we gave them a few tracts, and promised to mention their situation to thee. On lending books, or receiving them again, it would be well to take the opportunity to converse a little on their contents: this would tend to increase the attention and interest of the men, in reading them.

I would also recommend thy taking a lively interest, in unison with the Commandant, in classifying the prisoners. Much evil may be prevented, by putting men who shew signs of religious reformation, by themselves, as, I think, is done in your schoolroom. Those whose conduct is improved, or improving, from inferior motives, ought to be separated from the more vicious; and so on, in different grades, till the worst, not sleeping in cells, are left by themselves; and those sleeping in cells should be apart from the others, in a day-room, unless their cells be used also as day-rooms.

No

When we put a good, or a well-conducted man, among those who are worse, we ought always to calculate upon his becoming as bad as his companions.; for such is the evil tendency of human nature, that nothing but a miracle of grace can preserve such a man from contamination; and we cannot insure such a miracle. doubt, but God would afford the needful grace, if the man were to seek it; but who among the sons of men, can assure themselves that such a man will never get off his watch, and fall into the snare of the devil.

I think the Catechist ought to consider it as one of his official duties to superintend the School, every time it is conducted. If he neglect it, the interest of the teachers and pupils will be sure to flag.

George W. Walker joins me, in the salutation of Christian regard; and in desires, that thou mayst so walk with God, and labour in his fear, and in the ability that he giveth, as to receive his blessing abundantly thyself, and as to be made of the Lord, abundantly, a blessing to others.

Thy sincere friend,

JAMES BACKHOUSE.

**

"An unfortunate Son, now embraces the afforded opportunity, of imparting to you, in the strongest terms, his fervent desires for your welfare, &c. Since the receipt of your last letter, I have, through the want of a friend, and which I shall long feel the need of, become convicted to Norfolk Island. *** My present situation here however, unfortunately, for me, dear Parents, [is such] that nothing but pure conduct, and the help of God alone, can afford me again the opportunity of meeting with you in this world. Dear Father and Mother, mine is a bitter lot in life; but I, myself, am alone to blame. Bid my brothers and sisters ever to bear my situation in mind, ever to refrain from drinking and loose company; and bid my sister M. to be careful over her son, lest he meet with my present unfortunate situation. And may every blessing that God can impart, attend you all through life, is the prayer of your unfortunate, though affectionate Son,"

***

"My dear Father,

**

No. 2.

"Norfolk Island, 26th April, 1835.

"It is the heart-felt duty of me, to write to you at all opportuniWhat will be your surprise, when I inform you, that

ties.

***

upon my arrival in the Colony of New South Wales, I was immediately forwarded to this Penal Settlement, an Island in the South Seas, about 1,000 miles distant from Sydney. *** I cannot for a moment, imagine, that it was the intention of the British Government, for me to be forwarded here; and this most particular and important point, I have most earnestly to beg of you, to find out. I am quite aware, that certain Prisoners are so sentenced, to be forwarded to this penal place of punishment; but such persons are generally old offenders, and individuals who have been more than once convicted. *** If such is the law of my Country, that I, for the first offence, be transported to a Penal Settlement, (and that, the most severe in their dominions,) I must humbly submit to the same, and endeavour to obtain by my good conduct, a removal; but I cannot become reconciled to so strange a proceeding as yet; however, I shall most patiently wait for your reply, which I hope will be favourable."

"I am much concerned respecting the welfare of you, my dear father and mother, and my dear brothers and sisters. Tell them, I most earnestly hope, that my misfortune will be an everlasting warning to them; and whatever they do, strictly to obey your commands, and live an honest, upright, and religious life; for illgotten booty, only tends to make people miserably unhappy, instead of comfortable. Had I my time again, I would lead a very different life indeed, to what I have hitherto accustomed myself to. *** Accept yourself, my dear father, the kind love of your ungrateful Son,

* * *

No. 3.

"Norfolk Island, 11th April, 1835.

"My dear Wife and beloved Children,

"Through all the chances, changes, and vicissitudes of my chequered life, I never had a task so painful to my mangled feelings, as the present one, of addressing you from this doleful spot,— my sea-girt prison, on the beach of which I stand, a monument of destruction; driven by adverse winds of fate, to the confines of black despair, and into the vortex of galling misery. I am just like a gigantic tree of the forest, which has stood many a wintry blast and stormy tempest; but now, alas! I am become a withered trunk, with all my tenderest and greenest branches lop'd off.

My head begins to assume an honourable colour, and will ere long be silvered o'er; but I am not now wearing my country's uniform, as a veteran soldier, after having carried arms through an eventful war, and having braved the field, under victorious Wellington, in battle's doubtful day. Nor am I filling an enviable and honourable, civil post, with credit and respect. All which I have done. No, L——, I am wearing the garb of degradation, and the badge or brand of infamy, N. I. which being interpreted, is Norfolk Island, the "Villain's Home." I am with heart rending sorrow, and anguish of soul, which no language can convey, now ranged and mingled with the veriest outcasts of Society. My present circumstances and picture, you will find truly drawn, in the 88th Psalm, and the 102nd commencing with the 3rd verse to the 11th inclusive; which you and my dear children, I request will read attentively, before you proceed any further. I shall take leave

of this subject, by requesting you and my sons, to pay particular attention to the several passages I have selected from Scripture, all of which are applicable, either to my own or your situation, past or present. Now L, as you value the good things of this world, and the salvation of your own and our dear children's souls, you will forthwith, study and reflect upon these awful and solemn truths. You and I have lived a long time without God in our hearts and injured as I am, I entertain but one opinion on the subject of my conviction; viz. That it was permitted, to bring me to a sense of my depravity and wickedness.

"You will make our children read, and get off, the above Scripture passages. [A number having been marked down.] Never let them read any political works. Keep their minds from being entangled with political men, and their productions. This, you need not be told, has been the prelude to all my present misery. Party spirit runs very high in Van Diemens Land. A licentious press evinces, invariably, a great degree of contumely towards all authority, endeavouring to bring it into the hatred and contempt of the people. Yet they must acknowledge such authority was wisely instituted, for the furtherance of even-handed justice, between the several members of a community. No just citizen, no honest man, or well-wisher of his country, will lend his hand to such an engine, that wields such weapons; for it always injures, if not destroys, the cause and party, it pretends

The writer was once a non-commissioned officer in the army, and was first transported for insurrection in Yorkshire, aud subsequently, for forging a name to a deed in Van Diemens Land.