70 REMINISCENCES OF 



Chester ; and, deeming I should probably be devoid 

 of social comforts, he had asked Mr. Yates to look 

 after me. I found my new friend a kind and 

 benevolent member of the Wesleyan Methodist 

 Society, and an earnest reader of scientific books, 

 though not a practical man of science. Mr. Yates 1 

 house became from time to time a veritable haven of 

 rest to me, especially in seasons of temporary in- 

 disposition. In a few weeks Mr. T. R. Williams, 

 the brother-in-law, had returned from Scarborough, 

 and his home in like manner was opened to me. 

 Through these friends I was introduced to a third 

 Wesleyan, Mr. W. H. Johnstone, a partner in the 

 great house of A. and S. Henry & Co., and who also 

 treated me with a kindness never to be forgotten. 



The benefit which these three families conferred 

 by their unselfish thoughtfulness towards the lonely 

 and almost friendless student taught me a lesson, 

 upon which I have endeavoured to act during my 

 own maturer life, viz., the beneficent influence that 

 a little kind attention to lonesome lads may produce, 

 in thus bringing them under the influences of happy 

 homes. 



One result of these friendly acts was to familiarise 

 me with Wesleyan circles, and led to my being a 

 member of that religious body for some years. My 

 geology prevented me from ever accepting many of 

 the doctrines propounded from their pulpits, but I 

 can never express too strongly or too kindly the 

 good influence which this union with Methodism 



