Page:Narrative of a Visit to the Australian Colonies.djvu/89

1832.] occupant, in it, (to use his own words,) he contrasted his privilege, in being allowed to meditate in quiet, and to wait for the Spirit's influence, with the privations of those who in former ages wandered in sheepskins and goatskins, in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. Before quitting the place we kneeled before the Lord, and I prayed for this "brand plucked out of the burning," as well as for myself. When I ceased, he prolonged the voice of supplication, ascribing glory, honour, and praise to Him that liveth for ever and ever, who in the riches of his mercy had called him out of darkness into his marvellous light, and translated him from the kingdom of Satan, into the kingdom of his own dear Son. In the course of conversation, this monument of divine goodness, desired that I would tell audacious sinners of the mercy that God had shown to him; and assure them that he found such comfort and pleasure in righteousness, as he never could have thought of whilst he remained in sin. When he became awakened he found himself in ignorance also, and since that time he had learned to read.

But though a few were to be found at this settlement who had turned to the Lord, and were bringing forth fruits meet for repentance, and most conducted themselves pretty well under the discipline exercised over them, there was still great depravity existing: many were so far under the dominion of the devil, as to be led captive by him at his will. The effect of the corruption of human nature, increased by indulgence in sin, produced a description of character liable to fall into temptation whenever it came in the way, and far from being always restrained by the fear of punishment.

The number of prisoners at the settlement at the time of our visit, including the out-gangs, was 177; formerly it was about 300. Many of them were employed on Sarahs Island, in ship-building, and others at out-stations, chiefly as a wood-cutting gang at Philips Creek, where they were superintended by a constable, and lodged in huts of the humblest construction; but these, being furnished with good fires, were not very uncomfortable, particularly when the