shall also have more time to give to our preparatory studies, and to taking leave of our friends in London and its neighborhood.' On the 22d of April, Dr Heber finally took leave of Shropshire; from a range of high grounds near Newport, he turned back to catch a last view of his beloved Hodnet; and here the feelings which he had hitherto suppressed in tenderness to others, burst forth unrestrained, and he uttered the words which have proved prophetic, that he 'should return to it no more!' At Oxford, where he passed two or three days with his friend Mr Otter, he was greeted with affectionate interest by his acquaintance, who happened to be there, and by others who had come from a distance on hearing of his intended visit, to bid him God speed. To the members of his own college of All Souls, he expressed his sense of the high honor which this society had conferred upon him, in requesting him to sit for his portrait, to be placed among those of the distinguished persons which adorn the walls of their hall.. The six weeks between Dr Heber's arrival in London, and the moment of sailing, were occupied in obtaining information relative to his new duties, in attending the meetings of the religious societies connected with India, and in making the necessary preparations for his voyage. So much was he engrossed by these duties and occupations, that he could give but little time to the society of those dear and valued friends, the parting from whom was now the severest pang he had to endure. On the 1st of June Dr Heber was consecrated at Lambeth, and about the same time he resigned the rectory of Hodnet, which he had only retained thus long in compliance with his brother's wishes. The following letter is the last written in England. It was addressed to his mother. To Mrs Heber. LINCOLN'S INN, June 15, 1823. 'My dearest Mother, We have now nearly finished our packing, and I have quite got through my preachings, &c. Dear Emily is, of course, low at leaving her friends, but she is well. Our little darling is quite well again, and I am in as good health. and spirits as I can expect to be. I think and hope I am going on God's service. I am not conscious of any unworthy or secular ends; and I hope for his blessing and protection both for myself and for those dear persons who accompany me, and whom I leave behind. God Almighty bless and prosper you, my beloved mother. May He comfort and support your age, and teach you to seek always for comfort, where it may be found, in his health and salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord! 'Bless you dear Mary*-you and your worthy husband. May He make you happy in your children and in each other, in time and in eternity! 'I know we have all your prayers as you have ours. Believe me that we shall be, I hope, useful, and if useful, happy, where we are going; and we trust in God's good providence for bringing us again together in peace, when a few short years are ended, in this world if He sees it good for us ;-if not, yet in that world where there shall be no parting nor *Mr Heber's sister. sorrow any more, but God shall wipe away all tears from all eyes, and we shall rejoin our dear father and the precious babe whom God has called to himself before us!' 10 CHAPTER VIII. On the 16th of June, 1823, Bishop Heber with his family sailed for India, that land of disappointment, and sorrow, and death!' He made several sketches of the southern coast in passing, under one of which he wrote the following quotation. 'And we must have danger, and fever and pain, The following extracts from his journal and letters give an interesting account of his voyage and we hope will entertain and instruct our read ers. 'SHIP GRENVILLE, June 22.-This day, being Sunday, the decks were all beautifully clean, having been well scrubbed on Saturday night. The awning was spread over the quarter-deck, and the capstan and sides of the vessel concealed and ornamented with flags of different nations. Chairs were set for the officers and passengers on the poop, and round the after part of the deck, and spars laid across the remainder as seats for the sailors, who attended church in clean shirts and trowsers, and well washed and |