Page:Narrative of a Visit to the Australian Colonies.djvu/93

1832.] lamp we had, gave barely sufficient light to read by; but the comforting sense of our Heavenly Father's love, which often attended our minds, made up for all privations. One of the prisoners, who, for some time past had exhibited much religious thoughtfulness, a few times joined his exhortations to ours, and pleaded with his fellows, on the necessity of preparing for the awful day of the Lord. He began by telling them, that they had known him when he indulged in sin as much as any of them; but that they must have marked the change which had taken place in his conduct and character; and he could assure them, that he was much happier in walking in the fear of the Lord than ever he had been in sin; he therefore entreated them to turn to the Lord and seek mercy through that Saviour, in whom he had found mercy.

The person acting as steward on board the Tamar was transported when 14 years old. He attributed his early turpitude, to the influence of had company, which led him to use strong drink and disobey his father, and to practice many other evils. When gambling with his associates on a First-day, at the suggestion of one of the party, they robbed a young man who happened to pass. For this offence several of them were transported. Though he had forsaken his evil ways and was now filling an honourable post, he still felt keenly the bitter consequences of his former vices, for which he was still in bondage.

6th mo. 22nd. We had the crew of the pilot-boat assembled, along with the persons on board the Tamar, and, after reading a portion of Scripture to them, spoke on the importance of avoiding to ridicule religion in their companions or others, who might be disposed to attend to its duties; we also exhorted them to consider what would be the feeling respecting having given way to such ridicule, when reflecting upon it, on a death bed.

The pilot put us on shore on the north beach, upon the sand of which we walked a few miles, in company with the mate, and picked up some small Helmet-shells, and specimens of a large digitated sponge. Several Black-fish—a small species of whale—were driven upon this beach in the late