friends were as ignorant as himself of the name he wished to learn.

He then reflected that it would be well to go to the place from whence his mother had removed; yet here a difficulty arose in his mind: he would be a stranger in a strange place, unacquainted with any one who had known his relations. His funds were limited, for at the time he left Brookfield, he had little more money than sufficient to defray the expenses of his journey to Providence.

He made known his situation to his nautical acquaintance, and asked his advice in regard to what he ought to do. This gentleman told him that it seemed he was thrown 6 his own resources upon I think, as you appear to have acquired a pretty fair education,' said he, for one so young, you had better, if possible, procure some respectable employment, and trust that future circumstances may conduce to reveal the name of your mother.

I will follow your advice,' replied Simon, and hope I may be able to find a situation ere you leave this port, for I am much inclined to regard you as my friend, and when you leave me I shall be lonely indeed.'

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'But what if you should go with me,' said the gentleman, I would like much to take you upon the voyage I am about to make; you would be gratified, and would learn much, too, from what you would see. I expect to return here before the expiration of another year, when you will be more likely to find your friends than at this time, because your brothers and sisters will be better known, in consequence of having resided longer in the place.'

Simon was pleased with the captain's proposal, and thanked him for his kindness. Having learned that his

new friend was a man who feared God, and sought continually the best good of his crew, this lonely-feeling young man resolved to engage himself on board his vessel, and trust to the Providence of his Heavenly Father to guide him, at some future time, to the embrace of his only parent.

It hardly need be said here that early pious instruction had been greatly blessed to Simon; and it was confidently believed by his friends that he had been led by the goodness of God to exercise that humble faith in our divine Redeemer, which is alone acceptable to the Father of our spirits. When he went on board the vessel, he took with him, in his trunk, in which his wearing apparel was nicely packed, a bible and hymn-book, which were the last gifts of her who had so fondly watched over his helpless years. He valued these presents more than any thing else he possessed, for with the sight of them was associated much, very much, that he loved in memory to cherish, which his early and beloved friend had said to him ere she bade him a last farewell.

In better spirits than would be expected by many, Simon embarked on board of the vessel, which soon after spread her canvass to a prosperous gale, and was soon wafted far beyond the place where dwelt the mother of this unfortunate young man, ignorant of what had befallen her son.

After this vessel set sail from Providence, no satisfactory tidings respecting her, or any of those on board, were ever heard.

Mrs. Nelson had not dwelt long in Providence, ere she found an opportunity to visit Brookfield, which she gladly availed herself of. On arriving within a few miles of the

place, she stopped at the house of some aged relative to pass the night. She was kindly welcomed by these friends, who, being Christians, loved her as none but the followers of Jesus could. They looked upon her as one whose lot in life had been checkered by misfortune, and they longed to have her rest her disquieted soul by faith upon the arm of Almighty love. Aware of the fact that she possessed a strong and vigorous mind, it seemed to their view greatly desirable that her energies and talents should be made subservient to higher and more ennobling purposes than they had hitherto been.

Mrs. Nelson had not been long in the house of her friends, when she inquired after her son Simon, and was told that he had left Brookfield to seek for her. She was greatly disappointed on learning that he was no longer where she had, until that moment, fondly expected to behold him, and could hardly support herself on hearing this afflicting intelligence. The conviction flashed across her mind, in an instant, that she should never again be permitted to see this lovely youth, and she grieved for him even more than though she had heard of his death.

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'O,' said she, when I supposed he was happy, with her he loved even more than myself, I was contented; but now, to know that he is gone, and know not where, is a greater trial than I can bear.'

Her friends strove to comfort her, but she almost, for a while, refused to be comforted; yet after her pious friends had endeavored to lead her to discover the hand of God in this unlooked for and trying dispensation, and commended her to their Father in Heaven in prayer, she became more composed, and retired to rest.

On the following morning she arose, weary and unrefreshed. In vain had she courted sleep during the night; it forsook her eyelids, and she had passed that wakeful night in contriving some means whereby she might possibly learn something concerning her absent son. Her heart sickened at the thought, that she was not again to meet on earth the lady who was greatly endeared to her on account of her tenderness to him over whom she now sorrowed.

'If I could but mingle my tears with those of this loved friend, on this occasion,' said she, it would be a solace to my feelings; as it is, I must submit to the trial of going to Brookfield, that I may learn all that our friends there have heard in respect to his going to Providence.'

She started at an early hour, and reached Brookfield in safety. Her friends in that place were surprised when she acquainted them with the cause of her sorrow; for they had supposed Simon must be with her, though they had felt disappointed in not receiving a letter from him after he had arrived at Providence. They soothed the feelings of this distressed mother, by informing her of the pleasing fact, that her son was greatly beloved by all to whom he was known. It was also a reflection which ought to have comforted her, that she might, by preparing for a better world herself, expect to behold her son in heaven.

Mrs. Nelson was directed to the public house, at which Simon awaited the stage-coach, thinking perhaps something might be learned more definite concerning him. She tarried only a few days at Brookfield, and then journeyed to the place whither she had been advised to

call, in hopes of obtaining the information she so much desired.

All she could learn, was what we have before related, and this account was given her by a person who rode in the same vehicle to Providence, that conveyed the captain and his youthful friend. The same individual lodged at the hotel with these persons, and consequently became acquainted with these circumstances, which, as he told Mrs. Nelson, interested him so deeply that they were indelibly engraven upon his mind.

Strangers as these people were to Mrs. Nelson, she was solaced by the sympathy they manifested for her. She returned, however, with an aching heart to her home, and it was long, very long, ere she could speak with calmness of this heavy chastisement. Every effort was made that ingenuity could suggest, to hear something of Simon, but all in vain.

His friends could not ascertain that he had ever had his name entered at any custom-house in the country, since he first sailed; and if he had returned, and sailed again, it was without the usual protection enjoyed by seamen. After using all the means in her power to find this lamented one, Mrs. Nelson relinquished the idea, entirely, of ever again beholding him.