mencement and early progress of his disease, which were afterwards communicated to us.

6

It would appear probable, that the indisposition of which he complained on the 3rd of December, was the incipient warning of the disease. For though, during five days afterwards, no further medical assistance was thought requisite, yet it appeared from his observations to his school-fellows, that he was not well. He was heard to remark that he did not know what was the matter with him, for he felt neither well nor ill, but yet uncomfortable.' On some days he had considerable head-ache; but still did not give up his school exercises till after the 6th. On the evening of that day, as Mrs. A states in a letter to a friend, "he said he had a slight head-ache. He was considered not well enough to go to Church on the following day [Sunday]; but he joined a part of the family, which was necessarily detained at home, in reading a portion of the Church service. When not so engaged," adds Mrs. A, "he took out his little text book from his pocket, and showed it me with great pleasure, and talked to me of some of his friends."

On Monday morning, having been sent for by Mrs. A, he said, he still felt poorly, and thought he had pain in his head; but was not quite certain; he did not feel as usual, and was

weak.' On his examination by a medical man, he was considered a little poorly; but not specifically ill. His feelings, however, indicated more; for on being asked whether he would like to go to bed, he said he should.' A bed was made up for him in a room by himself, where he remained about a week. He took medicine, of one kind or other, daily. Three or four days after he took to his bed, a relative of Mrs. Aa surgeon, happened to call, whose opinion respecting Frederick was asked. He said there were certainly all the indications of low simple fever, in a very mild form; it would probably run on for several days, whatever treatment was pursued. He recommended, however, bleeding, and an emetic, as the most probable stay to the disease, on which leeches were applied, and a strong purgative was administered. The next day he felt much relieved; but still not as usual; he however appeared almost well, and sat up occasionally for two or three days. He then ceased to complain of any pain-his pulse was not at all high-and his tongue had become moist. At this time meat broth was given to him, and he walked out, for about ten minutes, with a servant, which he enjoyed much. The next day, he was so much better, that he was desired to walk out again (though the unfavourableness of the day prevented him doing so), and his medical

attendant said he need take no more medicine. He, however, walked in the hall and schoolroom, and looked out the books to be taken home with him. In the afternoon of the same day, [Friday, 19th] he amused himself with looking at some prints, on which he made remarks.

Early the next day our servant arrived, who was appointed to take charge of him; and, as his medical attendant said he might, with care, undertake the journey, and that a change of air was likely to be useful to him, he was sent forward, in a close carriage, to W- and, from thence, inside of a fast coach, attended personally by the servant, to Exeter.

In conclusion of the letter from whence the above particulars are taken, Mrs. A— mentions, that the dear boy "asked for his Bible and Prayer-Book in his illness; and took great pleasure in reading 'Zadoc." " "We could not read to him," she adds, " from his deafness"; but, as far as the oppression of his head permitted him, he seems to have read the Scriptures; and, no doubt, pondered the instructions and supports thereof in his heart.

CHAPTER VII.

FREDERICK'S RETURN HOME, AND FINAL ILLness.

Thy Providence, Father, by deep tribulation,
Calls aloud on thy servant to render to Thee,
Submission of soul to thy sore dispensation,
And faith to believe it is good, e'en to me.
I bow to thy will-of my child make surrender,
And wait for thy finger to point out thy will,
To which I acceptable homage may render,
And best thy designs may ever fulfil.

In all the stages of the lamented boy's progress to B. —, and in all the movements and circumstances of his anxiously looked-for return, our consolation was, that-whether able of ourselves to help and guide or not-whether present with him or absent from him-we had One, ruling in the heavens, and controuling all the affairs of this earth, to whom, through a compassionate Mediator, we might bring our cause, and, with a consoling promise of blessing, might cast all our cares upon him.

When we had tremblingly waited the arrival of the coach up to its full time on Saturday even

ing-anxiously and prayerfully hoping that he might come we were speedily relieved from our suspense by the driving up of a carriage to the door, with the servant and the dear child. It is needless to attempt to describe the mixture of feelings which now occupied our breasts,—of thankfulness for his arrival-of tremblings for his safety of sympathy for his condition—and of hopes for his speedy restoration. Those only who have experienced the like, can enter into them-and with such persons description is un

necessary.

He appeared not more worn down by the disease than we had anticipated; but his countenance was heavy-his voice unnaturally drawling -and his hearing scarcely impressible except by a man's voice. He was evidently ill-though, under the very careful attendance of the servant, he had performed the journey pretty well;–and I could not but feel, notwithstanding the favourable reports we had received of his case from B-, very anxious about him. He spoke little, or nothing, except in answer to any questions; and he returned but a feeble and imperfect response to the endearments with which he was received. We gave him some tea, and then, supported by my arm put round him, he walked up-stairs to his bed-room,-from whence, dear lamented child! he was never to walk again.