you, and I am sure you are a prudent man. I will, therefore, state to you, in confidence, what I know of this matter myself; and I shall probably have to ask your counsel and assistance. When captain Hazell was dangerously sick in the summer of 18-, about seven years ago, I know he executed a will, or rather two copies. Mr. Grippit told him one was enough, but he would have it his own way; and said to the lawyer that one might be lost or mislaid. It was in the evening. I was in bed in the room; and I suppose they thought I was asleep. I heard the lawyer, Squire Grippit, ask the captain if he declared that paper to be his last will, and he said he did. I saw him sign it. I never knew the contents of it; but I saw the old deacon, Dr. Manna, and the squire write their names, as witnesses, to both papers. One the captain desired Mr. Grippit to keep, and what he did with the other I never knew till the evening before I sailed. That evening the captain said to me, that he had made, his will and put it away in a place which he would show me, that it might be found at his death. Of course, I cannot say that it is there now; but, if I could gain admittance to the house, I could go directly to the spot." "The key is left with me," said Mr. Foster, "for the convenience of showing the house. What an awful sinner Lawyer Grippit must be !" he exclaimed, as he untied his apron and put on his coat and hat. "We shall want a light," said Fritz Hazell. They proceeded to the old cottage. As they entered, Fritz paused to take a glance at the little room. The old dutch clock stood in the corner; it had run down, like its venerable master, and was now motionless and still. Enoch Foster locked the door, on the inside; and they descended to the cellar, and removing about ten inches of the earth from the northerly corner, they struck upon a hard substance; -"Here is the iron chest," said Fritz. After considerable difficulty, they found the spring. Upon lifting the lid, they beheld a mass of gold and silver coin, which would have delighted the eyes of Christopher Grippit and Sukey Mc Flaggon. Fritz took up a sealed package and held it to the light. Old Enoch read over his shoulder, "The last will and testament of Peter Hazell." Lord have mercy upon us," exclaimed the old man; "what a sinful world we live in!" They now held a short conversation. It was resolved to shut down the chest and replace the earth; and then, without any delay, to post off to the judge of Probate, present the sealed package, and relate their perfectly intelligent story.

It is high time to bring the history of Fritz Hazell to a close. The hymeneal hopes of Sukey Mc Flaggon, and her day-dreams of riches, were grievously disappointed. The judge having opened the will, and perceiving the well-known signature of Lawyer Grippit as a subscribing witness, was greatly shocked and surprised. He could account for Mr. Grippit's constant averment, that he had never heard that old Hazell had ever made his will, only upon a presumption of a deep-laid scheme of fraud. Such was the fact. Grippit knew that he was the only surviving witness; one copy of the will had been in his possession, which he destroyed; the widow Mc Flaggon was the

sole heir at law; and as the other copy was not forthcoming, after waiting a month, he presumed it to be lost, or among the papers of the deceased. He then boldly proposed to Mrs. Mc Flaggon to claim administration to old Hazell's estate, and to become the lady of Christopher Grippit. Thus, as her attorney, he had free access to the papers of the defunct; and, not finding the other copy, after making diligent search, he flattered himself that it was lost or destroyed.

The report that old Peter Hazell's will was found, and that Fritz had come from sea, flew with the speed of wind from one end of Still Valley to the other. Grippit was summoned, as a subscribing witness, to prove the will; but he had passed beyond the reach of earthly subpoena. The crime which he had committed, no man better understood, in its effects upon the perpetrator, and he resorted to suicide to avoid them.

After some trifling legacies, and fifty pounds to Sukey Mc Flaggon, captain Hazell left his whole estate "to Patrick Mc Fillagin, commonly called Fritz Hazell."

Fritz was now about eighteen years of age. He was convinced that he was not sufficiently robust to endure the fatigues of a seafaring life. The means of gratifying his love of study were now entirely at his command. He prepared for college, and entered at the age of twenty. We have seen already, that the inclinations and the whole temperament of this young man were grave and reflective. He took orders when he was nearly six-and-twenty; and, at the present time, supplies to serious christians a stronger aliment than the congregation of parson Syllabub could have digested some twelve years ago.

that

About a year since he had a visit from his old friend captain Rodney; and as they walked home together from church," I told you long ago," said Rodney, "though you were an excellent seaman, you would make a better minister, and I find my words have proved true." In the afternoon of that day, he complied with the request of captain Rodney, and preached an old sermon, written with a peculiar reference to some of those incidents which gave so great an interest to their voyage in the Antwerp; and it was with a feeling of deep sensibility, that these old friends turned their eyes upon each other, when parson Hazell pronounced the memorable text,- "Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days."

FAMILIAR LETTERS.-No. III.

PATERNAL SOLICITUDE-INTEGRITY RECOMMENDED TO YOUNG MEN.

* *

MY DEAR J-s. I had a very handsome letter from your friend, J. Dp, Esq, post paid, in which he says, (I had told him where you are),-"It gives me much pleasure to hear of your son * * *. Nothing can be so contemptible, in the character of a person in charge of property, as want of integrity; and I have no doubt but you instil that, with other important duties in your epistolary correspondence, from time to time." You will join with me in giving your cordial assent to the sentiments thus expressed. How mean, how

contemptible, how wicked that person, who is not faithful to the trust reposed in him! How often must he change situations and places, where any person has the least knowledge of his character;-and in a short time, where shall he find an individual, with whom to associate, who has the least claim to respectability! How soon is he driven to herd with the common damned-how rapid his progress in iniquity-and often, how fearful his end! "Honesty is the best policy." How earnestly does the Psalmist pray, (Psalm xxv. 21,)—"Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait on thee." It is recorded, to his everlasting honour, (1 Kings ix. 4,) that this was his attainment;-" And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and judgments, then will I establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.” 1 Chron. xxix. 28-"He died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour." The man of integrity, in all his transactions, is respected and trusted, by all with whom he associates.

This day twelve months, I was on my way home from seeing you on board at Berwick, when many anxious thoughts passed through my mind, in regard to your safety and success, in the place which was offered to you, and in which you have now completed one year. For the goodness which God hath made to pass before us, how careful should we be to offer praise, saying,-"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." It is He alone who can make our way prosperous, and give us good success; who can hold up our goings, and guide us in his ways. He keepeth the feet of his saints. Let us commit our way and our work to Him who can bring it to pass. Of what avail is all worldly substance, without the blessing of God! This alone maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow therewith. "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." All things,-adversity as well as prosperity. "Before I was afflicted, I went astray," said David, “but now have I kept thy word." On the other hand, all things are, in the proper sense of the word, against the wicked,-even their prosperity. When they become rich, they forget God. Agur's prayer is most appropriate:-" Give me neither poverty nor riches, but feed me with food convenient for me." Food and raiment are all that we really need. What is over and above may be of benefit, or for a curse to others, but never can be of any service to us. Now of what advantage is it to vex ourselves in heaping up wealth, when we do not know to whom it shall pertain? The durable riches that will avail us, both for time and eternity, are alone worthy of setting our heart and affections upon. If we are rich in faith, and heirs of God, and fellow-heirs with Christ,―heirs of that kingdom which cannot be moved, it is well with us in life,—it will be well with us in death, and for ever. One thing işneedful; let us choose the good part that shall not be taken from us. May we covet earnestly the best gifts-those gifts which come down from above. same time, diligence in our lawful calling is essentially necessary. We are to provide things honest in the sight of all men. He that doth not work shall not eat. He that does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his own house, hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. The slothful man does not roast that which he taketh in hunting. His house droppeth through. He is incessantly crying, "Yet a little sleep, yet a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep;" and he is not aware till his poverty come like one that travelleth, and his want as an armed man. In these circumstances, the first thing he thinks of, to relieve his urgent necessities, is most likely something unlawful. He is so poor that he is tempted to steal, or cheat, or beg, or betake himself to the highway; and, ere ever he is aware, he may have polluted his hands with blood, or vilely cast away his own life. I hope that you will be ever on your guard against loose and immoral company; and that the more you are subjected to hear the profane conversation, either of the low or the great vulgar, you will hate it the more. You cannot watch too incessantly against every appearance of evil. We have had two good sermons to-day from the Rev. J. Mc G— 4, 5; and 1 Samuel xv. 23. One also in the evening, from Isaiah lxi. 11. A most impressive discourse, delivered from the Tent, to a large audience. The collection is for the Scottish Missionary Society. I am your affectionate father. Greenlaw, Berwickshire,

At the

*

from 1 Peter i.

NAUTICAL

INTELLIGENCE.

MELANCHOLY SHIPWRECK.

BERWICK, October 8th. THE consequence of the gale of Tuesday week, has been numerous disasters to vessels along the whole eastern coast; and it is much to be feared, that a large number of the calamities which occurred, and these too of the worst kind, are yet to be heard of. On our own portion of the coast, the only case attended with loss of life, which we have yet ascertained, was that of a foreign vessel, which struck, or had gone down close to the cliffs, about a mile and half to the north of the town. Early on the morning of Wednesday, a wreck was discovered on the rocks, at the place just indicated, being near a spot, called the Sandybeds. When first seen, she was a few hundred yards from the cliffs, and only her topmasts were above water. In the course of the day, she went to pieces, the fragments drifting in with the tide to the foot of the cliffs. All that could be ascertained was, that she was a small galliot, and named the Helena,' of Bremerhaven; even the nature of her cargo could scarcely be guessed at. Nothing whatever has been heard or seen of the crew, and there cannot be the slightest doubt, that they have all met with a watery grave. Their number, from the size of the vessel, is computed at five or six. In the course of Tuesday, a vessel was discovered attempting to make the harbour; an attempt which seemed warranted only by the strongest necessity, as the swell on the bar at the time, was such as to render the danger imminent. Having reached the mouth of the harbour, she was driven upon Spittal Point; and shortly afterwards had been forced sufficiently high to allow the crew to walk on shore, where they were received by a great crowd of persons. The vessel was discovered to be, the George,' of Ryde, in ballast, bound to Sunderland, north of which she had been driven by the storm. On the following morning, the surge increasing, she was driven over the Point into smooth water in the river, whence she was taken to the quay, and has since been found to be very little injured. On Wednesday afternoon, another vessel was discovered making for the harbour, but she did not succeed in reaching it till early on Thursday morning, when, by the assistance of a party of men on the pier, she was brought sufficiently far up to be out of danger. She was found to be the Ochiltree,' of Glasgow, bound from Hamburg, with a general cargo, chiefly butter and hams.

DREADFUL Loss OF LIFE.-On Wednesday morning, the 6th instant, Whitby was visited by a most afflictive dispensation of Divine Providence. At the period in question there was a rough sea, with the wind from the east, and a fishing yawl in the roads; having hoisted the signal, the life-boat belonging to the east side of the harbour was manned, for the purpose of taking off provisions and fuel, which they supposed the signal indicated they wanted. When the boat had reached the bar, it encountered a very heavy sea, which, on account of the quantity of fresh water issuing out of the harbour, rendered the sea still worse, and by which she was upset. Her crew were precipitated into the water. The scene, at this moment beggars description-the shrieking of females on each side of the harbour, which could be heard distinctly-the simultaneous running of the inhabitants from all parts of the town to witness the catastrophe. The life-boat on the west pier was promptly launched from the sand, and manned with brave fellows, wishful to render assistance to the erew of the other, part of which had succeeded in getting on to the keel, she still remaining bottom up. Others, however, were not so providential; and one, afterwards known to be Turner, was observed to catch hold of an oar, by which he supported himself, till taken up by the life-boat. When they reached the boat, they rescued those upon her, and en deavoured to turn her up, knowing there was one under her. However their attempts were abortive, and they cut her bottom away so much as to rescue him from his perilous situation, in a very exhausted condition. On the arrival of

the boat to the shore, the utmost anxiety was manifested by the assembled thousands on the beach, who rendered every assistance to drag her on shore. Four are drowned.

6

Letter from Passengers on board the Mathesis,' to Captain Gordon. 11th August, 1841.

We, the undersigned passengers on board the Mathesis,' commanded by you. beg leave, in the most respectful and grateful manner, to tender you our most sincere thanks for the heroism and intrepidity which you displayed on the late calamitous fire. We are certain that had it not been for the coolness and composure of mind, shown by you, when deserted by your crew, who betook themselves to the boats, we must have abandoned all attempts to extinguish the fire. The plan for subduing the flames, suggested by you, and adopted by us, is well worth recording, as it may be the means of saving many lives, should the like unfortunate event befal any other vessel. Allow us to recount a few of the occurrences which took place at that awful period. Immediately on discovering the ship to be on fire, we commenced pouring water into the store-room, where it originated; that we were in a few minutes obliged to desist from, on account of the dense and suffocating volume of smoke which issued from the after-hold, and filled the whole of the vessel between decks: when, to all human appearance, the destruction of the ship appeared inevitable, you put courage into our hearts by the coolness which you displayed, and by the cheering and animating manner by which you stirred us up, to use every exertion to save ourselves and the vessel. You ordered all the hatches to be closed and covered with sails, and these to be well soaked with water, so as to make them adhere to the seams, by which means the air was kept from the devouring element. We now commenced filling the water casks, and pouring down the contents into the sail cabin and companion. We wrought in this manner, without intermission, from five o'clock in the afternoon of Monday the 9th, till seven in the morning of Tuesday the 10th inst. Still finding that the smoke issued in a frightful manner, you ordered one of the ship's pumps to be taken up and put over the starboard side of the quarter-deck; you then set the crew, who had again come on board, to work the pumps, and fill the vessel to the lower beams. Meantime the passengers continued filling casks, and pouring water into the after-hold, and by this means got the water as far up as the lower deck. We are convinced that had you not suggested this plan of filling the ship, all attempts to save her would have proved fruitless and unavailing.

Your conduct, on that occasion, is beyond all praise. We are sure that every one has reason to look up to you as the instrument, under God, by which they were saved from impending death. In conclusion, let us assure you that the remembrance of your exertions to save us will never, we trust, be effaced from our memories; and that many of the children, who on account of their tender age, cannot be sensible of the value of these services, will, in a few years to come, when they hear your name mentioned, exclaim, this man snatched us from a painful death. We remain, etc., etc.

RIO DE JANEIRO, 31st August, 1841.

Mr. JAMES GORDON, Aberdeen. Sir,-We are sorry that the occasion of our addressing you should be to convey ill tidings of your bark, "Mathesis;" which vessel caught fire at sea, on 9th August, put into this port on the 25th. Every one here is loud in praises of the spirited and judicious exertions of Captain Gordon, on this trying occasion, by which the fire was got under without loss of life, and, we trust, without material injury to the ship. The cargo must be all damaged, or nearly all, as Captain Gordon was obliged to pump the vessel full of water up to the lower deck beams. Captain Gordon has consigned his vessel to our care; and you may be assured no exertions shall be spared, on our part, to do the best for your interest that circumstances will allow. We have procured from the government here the use of a warehouse, free of charge, to lodge the passengers in, and have hired part of a wharf for storing the cargo.