Page:The Aborigines' Friend and the Colonial Intelligencer - 1855 - Vp0215.pdf/52

52 Of his conduct and attainments at Sibford school. Richard Routh states that "We found him a peaceable and innocent character, and we do not remember, at any period, his ever having intentionally done wrong. In meetings for worship. Scripture readings, and other serious opportunities, his deportment was thoughtful and suitable for the occasions. He committed to memory, weekly, portions of the Sacred Volume, and, in a severe attack of indisposition he had whilst at school, the remembrance of these texts gave him great comfort; and when too poorly to read for himself, be took great pleasure in listening to others. He also expressed a great desire that his parents might be brought to acknowledge of their Saviour."

The testimonies of both his employers are highly satisfactory, his good conduct, and general docility, and application, making them no trouble, and inducing them to promote the object in view, that of learning the trade. Whilst in Banbury be frequently accompanied his master to farm-houses, where his conduct was equally correct.

Amongst his school-fellows he contracted warm friendships, which were sustained until his decease; and letters from two of these juvenile correspondents, received after his death, proved and expressed the strong attachment that existed between them. His company was earnestly sought by numerous juvenile applicants at each successive vacation, and these visits of friendship have been maintained at intervals ever since. In his visits to Buckingham, Shipston, Banbury, &c., as well as those to his early friends in London, Covendon, Derby, &c., the warmest encomiums were expressed, or afterwards conveyed by letters, and he bore away many gratifying proofs of attachment in presents of books, ring, and other mementos, which he highly valued.

It will now prove a lasting satisfaction to each and all of these generous friends, that their intercourse tended to foster that propriety of conduct which formed a native element in his character; and, further, that they impressed him with the knowledge and love of his heavenly Father and Redeemer, which became, in his last moments, both a solace to himself and a rich legacy to survivors.

Whilst at Banbury his right hand was severely mutilated by a combing machine, but, by the kind and able treatment of Dr. R. S. Wise, his hand was restored. The confinement to his room for several weeks, and the necessarily painful dressings attending the cure, had no prejudicial effect on his patience or temper, and his sense of thankfulness under it, expressed both to the doctor and kind mistress of the family, amply proved his gratefulness to man, whilst he was equally sensible of that Source from whence he oft acknowledged all his blessings flowed.

This illness might, in the appointment of Divine Wisdom, have been permitted as a fitting means to introduce his mind to that further purification which he was favoured to experience prior to