There are few persons more social in their character than the subject of our narrative.  To such, how beneficial and salutary is the influence arising from that friendship and communion so well provided for among the Wesleyans, and of which he soon availed himself.  For want of this, many suffer; and, surrounded by the temptations and seductive influences of the giddy and polluted votaries of pleasure, they look back to the empty enjoyments of the world—­they eat, drink, and are merry, while to-morrow they die.  Providentially for James, there was one person in the establishment in which he labored who feared God, and to whom the gospel had come with life and power; he was a class-leader at a neighboring Wesleyan chapel.  He took him to his class, where he constantly met, until his leader was translated from the Church militant below to the Church triumphant above.  It was the privilege of James to witness, in his dying hours, his firm and unshaken confidence in the Redeemer.  He was “ready to depart, and to be with Christ.”

In July, 18—­, James became connected with a Sunday-school in T——­ street.  At this period the number of scholars was fifty, and teachers six; while the school required every assistance that he could render.  With the assistance of a devoted young man, who soon became his colleague, the school was put into order and efficiency.  Here, in consequence of the want of teachers, and the close, unhealthy, cellar-like appearance of the place, the school was not very prosperous; but the society and cause were still less so.  In fact, but for the vigor and vitality evinced in the Sunday-school, the chapel would have been soon given up.  In September, 18—­, he writes, “I have been fifteen months in connection with this school.  The future may show to me great good resulting from this school, but at present we have only enough to encourage us.”  For five years he had much to contend with from the apathy of friends, or from the neglect of those who ought to have been the friends and patrons of the school; as well as from the indifference of parents to the religious welfare of their children.  There have been a few pleasing indications of good; and, considering the difficulties they have to contend with, the conduct of the children was generally favorable.  The few exceptions were forgotten in the sweet smiles and affectionate remembrances of others.

I will conclude this sketch of James with a remark or two of his own:—­“I am,” says he, “one of those who owe much to Sabbath-schools; to deny it, would be foolish and sinful.  Many a happy hour have I spent in the Sabbath-school; many more I hope to spend.  My firm belief is, that the Sabbath-school should have every Wesleyan child, whether he be rich or poor; and I cannot but deplore that false pride, evinced by many respectable religious people in the present day, which prevents their children being sent to the Sabbath-school, ’because they have learning enough through the week;’ while they will let them ramble out, or play within the house instead:  thus training them for Satan rather than for God!