mischief they were doing, but found the cottage empty; on which he drove the cows out some distance up the lane, and then made up the fence to prevent their return.

CHAPTER VII.

We have now arrived at the most important period of Mr Heber's life. The quiet private station which he had hitherto filled was to be exchanged for one where his conduct would attract the attention of the Christian world, and where he would become an object of anxious solicitude to many; one for which much was to be forsaken, much suffered, though undoubtedly there was much also to be enjoyed the comforts of domestic life were,in a great degree, to be given up; his literary pursuits neglected, and the scenes which he loved, the familiar faces that surrounded him, and the society of his mother and of his family, were to be replaced by strangers in a strange land. It will be interesting, and we trust it will be instructive, to trace the feelings and causes which

to this change.

gave rise

For many years Mr Heber had watched with interest the progress made by Christianity, wherever English influence extended; and he assisted, by every means within his power, the exertions of the various religious societies to which he belonged; but more especially to India

had his thoughts and views been anxiously directed. With Martyn* he had, in idea, traversed its sultry regions, had shared in his privations, had sympathized in his sufferings, and had exulted in the prospects of success occasionally opened to him. Many of Martyn's sufferings and privations he saw were caused by a peculiar temperament, and by a zeal which, disregarding all personal danger and sacrifice, led that devoted servant of God to follow, at whatever risk, those objects which would have been more effectually attained, and at a less costly sacrifice, had they been pursued with caution and patience.

Without looking to anything beyond the privilege of assisting at a distance those excellent men who were using their talents for the advancement of Christianity, be would frequently express a wish that his lot had been thrown among them; and he would say, that, were he alone concerned, and were there none who depended on him, and whose interests and feelings he was bound to respect, he would cheerfully go forth to join in that glorious train of martyrs, whose triumphs he has celebrated in one of his

*Henry Martyn, a missionary to the East, died at Tocat on his return to England, in the year 1812,

hymns. He felt that any sacrifice which he could make would be amply rewarded by his becoming the instrument of saving one soul.

On the erection of the Episcopal see in India and on the appointment of Dr Middleton to its duties, his interest in that country increased; he had long known and venerated the learning and piety of that excellent man, and faithful minister of Christ; and he now watched his progress through the arduous task which he had undertaken, with deep anxiety.

Besides the concern which he took in the religious state of the East, those regions had a romantic charm in his mind; he loved to view human nature in its varied forms,and his imagination was alive to the terrible natural phenomena of tropical climes, to the magnificence of their scenery, and the beauty and variety of their animal productions. He had frequently traced on the map long journeys through countries which he afterwards visited; as well as through those more distant regions of Australasia and Polynesia, with which, had a longer life been granted him, he would in all probability, have also become acquainted.

In December, 1822, the news of the death

of Bishop Middleton of Calcutta arrived in England. The recommendation of his successor was in the power of Mr Heber's friend the right honorable Charles W. Williams Wynn, at that time President of the Board of Commissioners for the affairs of India; and the first information Mr Heber received that he was thought of to fill the arduous office is contained in the following letter. The obstacles to his ac

ceptance of the offer were such as, to a less elevated christian, would have been insurmountable; and even to him they presented so formidable an aspect as twice to determine his rejection of the proposal.

From the Right Honorable C. W. W. Wynn.
East India Office, December 2, 1822.

'You will have seen in the newspapers the death of the Bishop of Calcutta. I cannot expect, and certainly do not wish that with your fair prospects of eminence at home, you should go to the Ganges for a mitre. You would, however, extremely oblige me by giving me, in the strictest confidence, your opinion as to those who have been, or are likely to be suggested for that appointment; and you would add to the