as widely as he could; and many a packet of the Dialogue accompanied the merchandize he sent to different parts of the world. Thomas Brown' made its appearance in Van Diemen's Land at an early period of its history; and I cannot but think that to the exertions of the friend alluded to, both at home and abroad, much of the popularity of the tract may fairly be ascribed.

"Thomas Brown' used to be familiarly chanted in the streets of London. Here and there, two persons gave life and variety to the recitation; while, in other instances, the whole weight of the piece was sustained by a single individual. One man was so constantly engaged in reciting the tract, that he seemed to have no other occupation. A respected friend of mine used often to joke me on this circumstance. 'I have met with your friend Thomas Brown,' he would say, ' and I really think that you ought to allow him a pension for his good services.'

"The tract, on which I have said so much, has afforded pleasure to thousands; what amount of profit it has imparted is only known to Him who knoweth all things. It may be self-love that whispers in my ear the soothing conviction, that some of my readers will value it none the less when they know that it fell from the pen of Old Humphrey. Such as it is, it will be influ

encing the thoughts, the words, and the deeds of many, when its author is no more. How truly may it be said, that from a small seed a great harvest of good or evil may arise! Well may we be cautious of what we write or speak. Evil words may be as thorns in many sides, while words fitly spoken are as apples of gold in pictures [or baskets] of silver.'

While round us hours and years unceasing roll,
A word may warp, or warn, or win a soul."

The want of success by Mr. Mogridge in obtaining an acceptance of his prose compositions among the booksellers, induced him to employ his pen again in the kind of metrical tracts which had already proved so adapted to the popular taste. In a short period three papers were written, and sent to the Religious Tract Society, under the signature of X. Y. Z. A communication soon informed him that two of them had been approved of and accepted by the Committee; that if he preferred to retain his anonymous position, any sum he might name should be forwarded to him; but suggested, as more desirable, a call in Paternoster-row. There was a kindliness of expression and friendliness of spirit in the letter which favourably impressed him, so that, though he had resolved to remain un

known, he altered his resolution, and availed himself of the invitation.

An interview took place in the Society's rooms between Mr. Mogridge, Mr. Lloyd, the editorial superintendent, and Mr. Jones, the secretary. On the entrance of the former, his eye glanced around, as if under the influence of momentary trepidation; but on being requested to be seated, he recovered his usually quiet self-possession, and entered into conversation with that bland and agreeable air which was so characteristic of his manner. He was informed that his tracts had received the cordial approval of the Committee, and that they warranted the hope that he would become a regular contributor to the Society's publications. With much modesty he expressed his doubts how far he should be able to meet the expectations they so favourably entertained: that his habit was to write on any object that casually met his eye, whether a tree, a flower, or a landscape; and he feared that the buoyancy and flow of his thoughts were unsuited to the force and sobriety required in religious tracts. But after a free and friendly conversation, he said he was encouraged by their kind commendation, and would supply them with other manuscripts, trusting they would prove equally acceptable with those already adopted.

If this interview made an agreeable impression on the officers of the Institution, it did not less favourably affect the mind of Mr. Mogridge. In a memorandum he has left behind him, he thus notices the circumstance and its results: "I called at the Religious Tract Society, and had a pleasant interview with Mr. Lloyd, little imagining that my connexion with him and that Institution, in whose transactions he performed so important a part, would continue so long as it has done. It is well to look back to the ways in which we have been led, and gratefully to acknowledge the almighty Hand which has sustained our steps. Of my frequent meetings and communications with Mr. Lloyd, I cannot speak too freely, nor too thankfully. It was really a holiday to have an appointment with him. While walking out together, his love of nature and kindly feeling for the young and old were fully manifested; and when seated together within doors at our manifold manuscripts, there was in him a sunny cheerfulness that relieved the ennui of literary labour, a liberality that called forth a desire to be liberal in return, and a tenderness and delicacy, on shadowy points, that much endeared him to me. I shall go to 'the place appointed for all living,' and he will be 'gathered to his fathers,' yet will the record live when the

hand that is now making it is motionless, that I felt deeply his debtor. To him I submitted my plans, and with the able assistance of his sound judgment and experience, carried out the various works proceeding from my pen which have been published by the Society. He who has written a hundred books, must have much to lament, or much for which to be grateful. If he have written ill, what cause has he for grief! and if well, what thankfulness is due to his heavenly Father!

A fair prospect of a literary engagement, in a connexion that was consonant with his moral and religious feelings, at once raised the hopes of Mr. Mogridge, and prompted him to write such works as were adapted to the objects of the Society. And as he felt he had a freedom and aptitude in expressing his thoughts in verse, in a flowing and striking style, he turned his attention to the preparation of tracts and small books in the metrical form. Among those issued at different times may be mentioned:

HONEST JACK, THE SAILOR.

THE SABBATH-BREAKER RECLAIMED ; OR, THO-
MAS BROWN.

THE TWO WIDOWS.

"TEN THOUSAND BRIGHT GUINEAS OF GOLD."

E