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ther moth nor rust doth corrupt.’ Honesty is the best policy,
I am convinced, and I would not for £1,000 repeat my evil
courses— Psalm xxxviii 14. When I think of the happy
days I once passed with good Mr. Blicks, in the old house in
Blue Anchor Yard, and reflect that since that happy time I
have recklessly plunged in sin, and stolen goods and watch-
es, studs, rings, and jewellery, become, indeed, a common
thief, I tremble with remorse, and fly to prayer—Psalm v.
Oh what sinners we are! Let me hope that now I, by God’s
blessing placed beyond temptation, will live safely, and that
some day I even may, by the will of the Lord Jesus, find mer-
cy for my sins. Some kind of madness has method in it, but
madness of sin holds us without escape. Such is, dear father,
then, my hope and trust for my remaining life here—Psalm
c 74. I owe my bodily well-being to Captain Maurice Frere,
who was good enough to speak of my conduct in reference
to the Osprey, when, with Shiers, Barker, and others, we
captured that vessel. Pray for Captain Frere, my dear father.
He is a good man, and though his public duty is painful and
trying to his feelings, yet, as a public functionary, he could
not allow his private feelings, whether of mercy or revenge,
to step between him and his duty.’’
‘Confound the rascal!’ said Frere, growing crimson.
‘‘Remember me most affectionately to Sarah and little
William, and all friends who yet cherish the recollection of
me, and bid them take warning by my fate, and keep from
evil courses. A good conscience is better than gold, and no
amount can compensate for the misery incident to a return
to crime. Whether I shall ever see you again, dear father, is

For the Term of His Natural Life