abundantly able to assist me, and would do it with all possible speed, did they but know my situation: I have written to them, and undoubtedly shall receive assistance as soon as it can be effected; yet it will take time: a wide ocean rolls between us, and an inclement season is coming on.

"It is my sincere desire and prayer that the exertions of your society, and all similar institutions, may be crowned with success-the oppressed be set free-and the whole family of mankind be happy in the knowledge and belief of another and a better world, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; and subscribe myself, "Your humble brother in Christ,

"BENJAMIN BURRITT."

In a postscript, he mentions the names of the several prisoners to whom were given some Bibles and Testaments, previously received from the Bristol Society, which it was thought not requisite to transcribe; to the postscript he adds The books thus disposed of are usefully employed, as far as I can judge. I wish I had a few more Bibles and Testaments; as some of the German prisoners have applied to me for books to read, and they are steady well disposed men; they mentioned a Bible or Testament as their choice.'

To the Committee of the Bristol Auxiliary Bible Society."

GENTLEMEN,

Stapleton Prison, Oct. 13, 1813

"I received one dozen of Testaments, by the hands of Claude Guiot, for which I cannot but feel grateful, and take the liberty to return my sincere thanks: they are all usefully employed in my school. While I have the honour of addressing so useful and respectable an Institution, permit me to state the situation of my school, for which the books were intended. Soon after my arrival at this unfortunate place of confinement,

destitute of every thing valuable, and in an idle situation, I remembered the unwearied exertions of my affectionate parents to give me an education; and was convinced it was my duty, as well as interest, to make myself useful to my fellow-prisoners; accordingly, I pro. posed a school: it gradually increased to the number of twenty-two Americans, and four Frenchmen. I considered the knowledge of the holy scriptures as the most important of all pursuits, and have not failed to make them a considerable part of our daily studies A great proportion of the French prisoners are unbelievers, and unfriendly, (which is certainly owing to ignorance, or wilful depravity,) of course they were unwilling that my school should occupy their places during the hours of study. I was determined to pursue my object against all opposition, knowing that Satan's kingdom will be pulled down, and the everlasting gospel of Christ be finally established throughout the whole habitable world. I also considered it the most pleasing employment to contribute my mite, with the rest of the world, in promoting so glorious and so desirable an object.

"A number of my scholars sell part of their allowance of beef, to pay me for their instruction, by which means our expenses are defrayed; some pay nothing, and from some I get sixpence per month; on the whole, we are poor, but I hope honest. I shall proceed as far as ability will permit; and feel rewarded with the thought of being useful, and not a miserable blank in creation, while in this confinement; hoping that the time is not far distant, when it will be consistent with God's wise and just providence that we shall be permitted to return to our native countries, and the enjoyment of our friends.

"I should be very glad to receive a few Bibles, should the society think proper; they will be advantageous, and thankfully received in the school. With sentiments of respect and esteem, I have the honour to be,

"Gentlemen,

Your most obcdient and very humble servant,
“BENJAMIN BURRITT."

The candid reader will, I have no doubt, readily excuse the few incorrect sentences in the foregoing letters, not being the productions of one who had been favoured with a liberal education, and permit his attention to be fixed upon the benevolent spirit by which he is actuated, in the laudable endeavours he is exerting to render himself importantly useful to his poor uneducated fellow-captives. May the praise-worthy example of this individual rouse into activity many others, in the various prisons of this nation, to render similar services to their unfortunate companions; thus may the adversities of human life be made, through the Divine blessing, subservient to the future prosperity of thousands in what respects their happiness in the life to come, as well as contribute essentially to their comfort on this side of the grave.

I wrote to Benjamin Burritt in the 11th Month, (November,) 1813, and requested him to give me an account of his school at that time; which, although it may contain some repetion, will not, I trust, be unacceptable to the reader.

To Thomas Pole, M. D.

Stapleton Prison, November 6, 1815.

ESTEEMED FRIEND,

"I received, by the hands of Mr. Smith, some useful articles, proofs of your benevolence, and regard for the unfortunate. Although a destitute stranger, far from my native home, yet I have cause daily to praise the great Parent of being and excellence for pious friends, and, above all, for the glorious blessings and privileges of religious improvement. I have before me

your Address to the Committee of the Bristol Adult School Society: the truth of the remarks, and objects aimed at, are inviting to every enlightened mind. Although the judgments of God are abroad in the earth, yet his Holy Spirit is operating upon the hearts of many to do good, in their day, to the present rising genera tion. How ought those to rejoice who have the means to promote this glorious object; theirs is an approving conscience, and the promised blessings of Heaven.

"In reading the eighth Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society, I found a letter of correspondence from Hartford, state of Connecticut; among the officers of the Society (with many of whom I am acquainted) I found the name of Samuel Merwin, of NewHaven. My father is one of the deacons of his Society. It reminded me of the Sabbath-days when, under his instruction, with my aged parents, we offered up our prayers, as well as praises and thanksgiving, for all the blessings which we enjoyed, both temporal and spiritual; also the period when we were students together under Dr. Timothy Dwight, President of Yale College. I can but sigh, and pray for the return of those happy days.

"Great exertions have been, and are now making in America for diffusing the Gospel light and knowledge, to Christianize the Indian tribes on our western frontiers, with much success. To the arduous labours of the British and Foreign Bible Society, the world is already greatly indebted for the widely extended cir culation of the word of eternal life; and to mortal beings, what can be more precious?-The period, and the authors of its commencement, will be transmitted by pious Christians through unborn generations.

"I am confident that in this depot much good might be effected. Here is to be found a body of men from different parts of the world-various in habits and dispositions-ignorant of the Supreme Being, the justice of his providence, his perfections and excellence: from such a body of men, (soured by hardships, priva

Lions and penury, secluded from the common bounties of the world) we may hope much, but can expect little progress without means. Devotion and public worship are requisite to newness of heart-they are means commanded to be made use of. What a blessed thing would it be to see established, within these walls, the church of Christ! In the place of infidelity, blasphemy, and every evil work-the fear and love of God, obedience to his requirements, seeking mutual happiness with disinterested benevolence, considering the world as an embryo of existence.

With cheerfulness, esteemed Friend and Countryman, I have the honour to comply with your request respecting my school. Soon after my arrival at this unfortunate place, with a numerous body of prisoners (whose dissoluteness, ignorance of conduct, and manners were painful,) I remembered the exertions of my affectionate parents to give me an education; and concluded it was my duty, although a prisoner, to become useful, and not continue a blank in creation. Accord ingly, I proposed a school, and it gradually increased from six to twenty-seven; and I have had the happiness to see my exertions crowned with some success. Yet here you cannot expect any thing very extensive from the destitute situation of myself and fellow-prisoners. I have gone to the extent of my abilities to do good, and shall continue. All that I have received from them for instruction, has been but barely sufficient to pay the expenses of a place; and the allowance of food is barely a subsistence. Yet many of my scholars work in the course of the day, and with their small earnings and allowance, live comfortably. Some have, at times, sold part of their allowance of meat, to assist me in paying for my school-room: from some I have required nothing.

"My night and day school employs all my time; and I have great satisfaction to think I am doing good. As long as I continue in this place, it will be my. endeavour to do good to my fellow-prisoners. I have