this out. It is no easy task that I am preparing for myself. I know
that I fully expect to be very much disappointed, but I am determined
to try it. I am determined to try and make the people see that I am
not going to give way to everybody that asks; but that I am going to
set on foot and help on all useful industrial schemes of every kind,
for people of every age. I am hard at work, studying spade
husbandry, inspectors' reports of industrial schools, &c. I am glad
you are all so happy. I am so busy. Best love to all.

'Your loving

'J. C. P.'


Coley was thus already serving a vigorous apprenticeship in pastoral
work, while preparing himself for receiving deacon's orders. It was
a trying time both to his family and himself, for, as before said,
his standard was very high, and his own strong habit of self-
contemplation made his dissatisfaction with himself manifest in his
manner to those nearest to him. He was always gentle and unselfish;
not showing temper, but unhappiness.

Here are letters showing a good deal of his state of mind: the first
only dated 'Saturday evening,' but evidently written about this time,
in reply to the cautions with which his sister had replied to the
above letter of eager plans of improvement.


'My dearest Fan,--Your letter has just reached me from Honiton, and I
have read it with very great interest. I liked it better on a second