In the present chapter we read the brief account of his early years, and though there are but few way-marks to guide us, we feel assured from many of his later expressions that there is one thread to be traced all the way along from infancy to manhood;-obey the law of right conduct-including obedience to parents and caretakers-rejoicing in all unforbidden things, until a higher law is revealed in the soul; and then keep a single eye to its revelations.

Samuel Jones Levick was the second child of Ebenezer and Elizabeth W. Levick, and was born on the thirtieth day of Eighth Month, 1819. The place of his birth was the house-long since removed-on the northwest corner of Second and Callowhill Streets, Philadelphia.

His mother used to tell of his early attempts at both walking and talking, and we learn that he began to go to school before he was four years old. It is thought that his first teacher was Eliza Janney, who was assisted by her mother, and who, in the faithful discharge of her duty to the little ones, was noted for being strict. Samuel and his brother William were both left-handed, and the teacher was most persistent in her efforts to correct this irregularity. When they were learning to write she would tie a piece of red flannel around the hand or wrist, in order that they might distinguish the right from the left, and be compelled to use the former in holding pencil or pen. After this good start upon his academic career, it is probable that he attended the schools of George Glover, of Thomas Branson,

and of Daniel Fuller; and that he was accompanied by his brothers William and James; the latter of whom being several years his junior was no doubt an object of tender care as well as of fraternal affection. One who was an intimate playmate of Samuel's at this period, spoke of him as a handsome, rosy-cheeked and very active boy.

In the Fifth Month, 1832, when in his thirteenth year, he was entered a pupil at Westtown Boarding School, where he remained-vacations excepted-about three years.

It is probable that he entered his father's counting-house soon after leaving Westtown, and with his wonted energy and ability applied himself to the acquisition of knowledge in mercantile pursuits. By a member of the family we are informed that he was an early riser, and that it was his practice to go, before breakfast, to market to purchase calfskins from the farmers, and then sell them to the firm. By these transactions he became initiated into business habits, at the same time that he was earning for himself some spending money. It must have been refreshing to the farmers to see this rosy-cheeked, healthy and hopeful boy, coming from a refined home at those early morning hours, and in his frank, outspoken manner, negotiating with them. for the purchase of the skins; and while there may have been some who were willing to take advantage of his youth, and his lack of experience, yet the number was probably much larger that would enjoy giving a generous bargain to the frank young customer.

From the time of his leaving Westtown until he began to keep a diary we find nothing on record as to his life, but it is probable that he was, in a business way, occupied with his father, and as the oldest son, looking toward being taken into partnership when he should become of age. Some of his later writings indicate that such, at that time, was the intention of both father and son. At home, no doubt, he occupied the important place that an oldest brother usually does, being looked up to as an example, and beloved as a dispenser of favors. His friends and associates, outside of the family circle, we may imagine were objects of especial interest to him, as he must have been to them; for he was of a social disposition, free of speech, sympathetic and quite averse to concealment.

Of his religious impressions during the very important period-from sixteen to nineteen years of age—it would be instructive as well as desirable, to have some account; but we can only infer from later manifestations, that he was then under the preparing Hand, and that all things were working together for good in the case of one who-through a walk in the strait and narrow way-developed into a highly favored Gospel minister.

Once, in a public testimony, he referred to an incident belonging to this period. He went to New York City to transact some business for his father, in that district known as "The Swamp." Just before entering the countinghouse of the first merchant that he was to call on, he was

beset by a temptation to depart from the "plain language." He permitted the reasoner not only to approach him, but to persuade him that, in view of his youth and of the seniority of those whom he expected to meet, it would be more respectful to address them with the usual compliments, &c. While struggling with this temptation, there was presented to his spiritual ear, in language both clear and emphatic, the following solemn warning: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve!" "If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him." He at once heeded the warning, obeyed the injunction, made the choice, and went on his way with a peaceful mind. On entering the counting-house and attending to the required business, he adhered closely to the language in which he had been educated, and was never more courteously treated when engaged in a business transaction. He regarded that incident as a turning-point in his life, and as a test of loyalty to his convictions.

On another occasion, also in public testimony, he spoke of the sacrifice that he had had to make in laying aside a diamond-pin. It seemed a small thing, and quite harmless -so the reasoner usually argues-but he found that his peace consisted in taking up the cross and turning a deaf ear to the pleadings of the enemy. Here, as in the other instance, he was abundantly rewarded; and by such experiences he was being gently disciplined into a life of simple obedience and of unreasoning compliance with every clear

manifestation of duty. In later life, when great liberties were granted him as to outward things, he could recur to the close walking and the strict fidelity of his early years, and receive the answer of a good conscience for the course pursued at both these periods of his life.

CHAPTER IV.

EARLY MANHOOD.

On the thirtieth of Eighth Month, 1838, Samuel J. Levick entered upon his twentieth year, and the five years which follow this date embrace so much of his religious experience that the period might almost be called that of his spiritual evolution.

At the beginning of it we find him deeply interested in the "moral reform" movements which were then claiming so much of the attention of intelligent, humane and progressive people, and which, at the same time, were arousing a spirit of antagonism that found vent in bitter retort, daring threats and frequent acts of mob violence. Incendiary fires, wilful destruction of property, and even loss of life, resulted from the fearless utterances of the Abolitionists and the vengeful spirit of their opponents. The leaders in these reforms-and most especially in the anti-slavery cause