its superintendent; and amongst the teachers were Major, afterwards Colonel, Handfield, of the Ordnance Department, and Mr. Frederick Smith, a solicitor. He was placed in charge of one of the lowest classes. He found the engagements of the school exceedingly valuable to him. Very frequently, however, the thought occurred to him, 'How can I teach others the truths I know so imperfectly myself?' It is not wonderful that in a heart so ready to receive the truth, the good seed of the word should by degrees germinate and bring forth fruit. One of the earliest results of his joining the Sunday-school was a willing determination to give up the pleasures of the world. Then his former companions were exchanged for the association of the people of God. Soon he found his highest, choicest, privilege in that throne of grace which he had so frequently neglected. His Bible, hitherto but occasionally opened, he found an invaluable treasure-house of precious truth. The House of the Lord, which he had too often attended simply from a sense of duty, he felt to be that spot more especially brightened with the presence of his Saviour, where he would fain linger as though unwilling to leave the 'gate of Heaven.' The scene before him was completely changed. 'I trust,' he writes, that old things had passed

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away, and all things had become new. I could not, however, like some Christians, trace my change of heart from any particular period, or from any special discourse or event. A series of circumstances led me to the Lord. The books of a beloved aunt,—the faithful preaching of the word,-Christian association,-all contributed to produce the great change of being turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. Perhaps the best test of Christian. character and sincerity is the fruit of a holy, devoted, and active life. "By their fruits shall ye know them.”

Union with the Surrey Chapel school led him gradually to engage in public instructions. His first efforts were so discouraging, that in recalling them to his memory he often expressed his wonder that he ever overcame the difficulties connected with public speaking. He was accustomed to attend the writing class at the Surrey Chapel school on Thursday evenings. It was usual to close every meeting of the class with singing and prayer. On one occasion he was accidentally the only male teacher present; it accordingly devolved on him to dismiss the school in the usual manner. After detaining the children for some time, he went, at the request of the teacher of the girls, to the desk and gave out

a hymn. He then attempted to offer prayer, but failed. He next endeavoured to repeat the Lord's Prayer, but could only remember a short portion of it, and was obliged to conclude in the utmost confusion. He resolved secretly never to make another effort in public. It was, indeed, an unpropitious beginning, and not a little singular when contrasted with that fluency of speech and ease of address for which in after years he was so

remarkable.

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By degrees he was persuaded to make another attempt to take some part in the school services. His first address to children was delivered at the Mint School in the Borough; his second in Kent-street; afterwards he appeared in his own school. His first address at Surrey Chapel school was from Genesis iii. 9, And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?' With reference to the second of these engagements he says,More than thirty years after my first appearance at Kent-street, Mr. West, the superintendent, told me that an old scholar, who had died in the faith and love of Jesus, had traced his first serious impressions to my early address. God gave power to what was delivered in much weakness and trembling. To Him be all the glory!'

The duties of the Sunday-school led him natu

rally enough to join the Sunday-school Union. He was soon appointed a member of the committee, and attended its quarterly meetings, at which were discussed subjects connected with the well-being of Sunday-schools. Here he was first introduced to his much-loved and valued friend William Freeman Lloyd, with whom he afterwards laboured for many years in the Tract Society. He was at one of the quarterly meetings held in Little Wild-street Chapel. The subject for discussion was, 'The desirableness of rewarding the children in our schools.' He felt deeply interested in the question, and, under the excitement of the moment, rose to speak. The chairman's eye, however, had first rested on another, who rose at the same time, and he sat down, grateful for his escape, and wondering much at his temerity. The speech of his predecessor being ended, despite of his efforts to avoid being called upon, he was summoned by the chairman, Mr. Lloyd, to speak. He explained his views briefly and simply, and from this time was emboldened to take part in the debates.

These were the commencing scenes of that public life for which Mr. William Jones was thus gradually, and by agencies at that time little ap

preciated as to their ultimate tendency, being prepared and fitted. It was at the Union meetings he first knew Mr. Lloyd; through him he was first known to the committee of the Religious Tract Society; and then follows the most important engagement of his life. Our movements in life often turn upon apparently trifling circumstances; but all are under the direction of Him who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working.'

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On the 1st day of June, 1812, it was his happy privilege to be admitted as a communicant at Surrey Chapel, under the pastoral care of his venerable friend, the Rev. Rowland Hill. According to custom, he appeared at a church meeting held on a Monday evening, at which Mr. Hill presided. With much fear and trembling, the stripling, then but seventeen years old, rose to offer himself for admission as a communicant. A few characteristic but kind questions, on the reasons which led him to take this step, and on the leading doctrines of the gospel, were proposed to him. To these his replies were judged to be satisfactory; and Mr. Hill, after another interview in private, felt justified in admitting him into Christian fellowship. From this moment commenced that kind and fatherly interest which