air. Such were not his views. He shortly had to remove from business for
a time, and to take one or two sea voyages, which happily restored him to
his former health, and enabled him to return to his duties.

After exercising as a prayer-leader as well as a teacher for some time,
he became impressed with the conviction that it was his duty and
privilege to preach the gospel. He was encouraged to proceed, and his
name placed on the local preachers' plan. He then ceased to attend the
Sunday-school.

In a letter to a brother, George observes: "I can scarcely remember
anything of serious impressions while at school; though, I doubt not, the
instructions I there received had a salutary influence upon my mind. If I
remember rightly, several of the elder children were converted during the
revival at M.; and most of those who continued steadfast were, or had
been, connected with the school, either as teachers or scholars."

George was not satisfied with his attainments in the divine life, but
sought to possess higher enjoyments and more extensive usefulness,--"to
deeper sink, and higher rise, and to perfection grow." He was soon
enabled to testify that "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all
sin;" and had much delightful evidence that to be more holy was to become
more happy and useful. He labors devotedly and successfully as a local
preacher, and is determined to live to the glory of God.




CHAPTER V.