51
portation of them. The venerable and constant friend and advocate of that oppressed race of men^ attentively listened to this heart-cheering intelligence, and after a few moments reflection on what he had heard, lie rose from his chair, and in an attitude of devotional reverence, poured forth this pious ejaculation: "Thanksgiving and praise he rendered unto the Lord God." After a short pause, he added—"I can now die in peace,"
Thus were his feelings sublimed by the solemn conviction of the controlling influence of the Deity. To him he considered the acknowledgment due, for this change in the conduct of Friends, and to him was it fervently offered. At this interesting period, Lay's mind also appears to have conceived the prophetic and joyful anticipation, that as he had lived to witness an event which he so ardently desired, and so faithfully laboured to promote, he would now be permitted to close in tranquillity his career on earth. This expectation was soon realised; for a short
