Page:Narrative of a Visit to the Australian Colonies.djvu/205

1833.] the convictions of the Holy Spirit as a reprover of evil; he saw the sinfulness of sin, and felt the terror of the Lord in his soul, because of his transgression; and, in repentance, he began to cry for mercy, to that God whom he had despised; for he now no longer doubted the existence of that Almighty Being, whose hand lay heavy upon him in judgment. He lamented his folly, abhorring himself in deep humiliation ; and the Lord was pleased to open his understanding, to look upon Jesus, as the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world ; and to give him an evidence by the Spirit, of the pardon of his sins, through faith in that atoning blood which was shed upon the cross, for the redemption of sinners.

The sense of the love of God, who had been thus merciful to him, contrited him greatly, and he earnestly desired to live to his glory; but he found that the natural depravity of his own heart had been so greatly increased by indulgence in sin, that he was very easily ensnared. He now experimentally learned, that he could only stand against temptation by watchfulness and prayer to God, who alone was able to deliver him. In these exercises he persevered, and God was honoured by his upright conduct, which gained him also the favour of pious persons, who became acquainted with him, and who esteemed him as a brother in Christ, notwithstanding, he was still a prisoner. His master was interested in the management of "a Sabbath school;" and in this, R. King gladly rendered assistance, from a desire to do what he could, toward training up children in the fear of the Lord, in the hope that they might be preserved from the snares into which he had fallen.

As he grew in grace, he felt more strongly his own unworthiness and helplessness, and understood better than when he was first awakened from sleep in sin, that it is for Christ's sake alone, and through his intercession, that mankind have access to the throne of grace; and he became diligent in waiting upon God, with his mind stayed upon Him, and in lifting up his heart in prayer, according to the sense of his necessity, given him at the time.

After having maintained a Christian character for a