The Works of the Rev. John Newton, late Rector of the United Parishes of St. Mary Woolnoth & St. Mary Woolchurch Haw, London

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THE

WORKS

THE REV. JOHN NEWTON,

RECTOR OF THE UNITED PARISHES

OF

ST. MARY WOOLNOTH AND ST. MARY WOOLCHURCH HAW,
LONDON.

From the last London Edition,
PUBLISHED BY DIRECTION OF HIS EXECUTORS

IN SIX VOLUMES,
VOL. VI.

NEW-YORK:
PUBLISHED BY SAMUEL WHITING & Co.
AT THEIR THEOLOGICAL AND CLASSICAL BOOK-STORE,,

No. 96, nearly opposite Trinity Churchy Broad-Way.

J. SEYMOUR, PRINTER.
1811.

ADVERTISEMENT.

JL HE Executors of the late Rev. John Newton
feel highly gratified in presenting to the public a com-
plete edition of his works. The first five volumes are
already well known, having been published many years,
and were nearly reprinted at the time of the Author's
death.

The greater part of the present volume consists of
letters, intended by the Author as a continuation of
Cardiphonia. These were selected by himself, and
transcribed under his own direction, and some of them
very carefully revised. The Executors would gladly
have availed themselves of the kind offers of his corres-
pondents to increase the collection, but could not con-
sistently with the injunction of their revered Friend,
who expressly desired that none might be printed
except those which were selected during his life-
time. .

IV ADVERTISEMENT.

The remainder of this volume is occupied partly by
papers extracted, according to the Author's direction,
from Periodical Publications ; and partly by small
pieces printed during his life, but never before collect-
ed, and concerning which no instructions were given
by the deceased.

These pieces are,

A Sermon, preached on a public occasion, in the

year 1800.
Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade.
Addresses to the Inhabitants of Olney, and St. Mary

Woolnoth, London. And
A Letter on Political Debate.

The Thoughts on the African Slave Trade may
appear to some a temporary publication, but the
Executors regard it as an important historical docu-
ment, by one who had been personally engaged in the
traffic, and was well acquainted with its horrors ; as
such, it will be read with interest by posterity.

The Addresses to the Inhabitants of Olney and St.
JVJary Woolnoth, show the Author's earnest and con-
stant attention to the eternal interests of all his parish-
ioners ; and at the same time furnish useful examples
to clergymen, of the different means which may be

ADVERTISEMENT. ▼

used to promote the welfare of their people, and of the
different style and manner of address which may be
adopted.

The Letter on Political Debate is part of a friendly
correspondence which took place between the Author
and a Minister in the country in the year 1793. It
contains some important and interesting considerations
on the subject, and was therefore deemed worthy of
preservation.

These are all the works published or prepared for
(he press by the Author, excepting only the Life of the
Rev. Mr. Grimshaw, the copy-right of which was*
given to the society for relieving poor pious

CLERGYMEN OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH.

The Executors commend the whole to the blessing
of Almighty God, calling upon every reader to unite
with them in fervent prayer that God would raise up
many, who, like his departed servant, may be examples
to the believers in word, in conversation, in

CAHRITY, IN SPIRIT, IN FAITH, IN PURITY.

London, October 1. 1808.

/

THBOLGGI', .

CONTENTS.

LETTERS INTENDED AS A SEQUEL TO CARDIPHONLV

Page

Eighteen Letters to several Ladies -.---.-- 5

Twenty -one Letters to Mr. and Mrs. W- ■■- - - - - 59

Eleven Letters to J S , Esq. 112

Eight Letters to -- 141

Eighteen Letters to the Rev. Mr. S 166

Fourteen Letters to the Rev. Dr. . ------ 201

Four Letters to Miss W * - 250

Six Letters to the Rev. Mr. S 262

Twenty -one Letters to Miss 287"

Five letters to Mr. and Miss M B— - 337

A Letter to 352

Three Letters to Miss G 355

Three Letters to Mrs. C 364

-MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS EXTRACTED FROM PERIODICAL
PUBLICATIONS.

A Letter to a Friend in Trouble -------- 37T

On Pliny's Letter to Trajan 386

Letter to a young Minister ---------- 398

On a Decline in the Spiritual Life 405

On Dreaming -- 413

On Reading the Bible ---: 415

Plain Tests of True Doctrine ---419

To a young Lady on her Birth-day - - 433

Thoughts on the Doctrine of the Trinity 436

Letter to a young Woman ---------- 443

Memoirs of the Rev. R. Riccaltoun ------- 447

On Female Dress -- 453

On Religious Feasting -.-. 459

Thoughts on Faith, and the Assurance of Faith - - - 465

VU1 CONTENTS.

Page
On Covetousness --------_____ 473

On the Comforts and Snares of Social Affections - - - 480

Sermon on the constraining Influence of the Love of Christ 489
Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade - - - - - - 518

Address to the Inhabitants of Olney -----_. 54.7

Token of Respect to the Inhabitants of St. Mary Woolnoth 563
Letter on Political Debate ----------583

Index ---- 595

Index to the Texts of Scripture - - -, 635

LETTERS
TO VARIOUS PERSONS

INTENDED AS A SEQUEL

TO

CARBIPHONIA,

Vol. VI. B

Jri

iflaTOH

EIGHTEEN LETTERS

TO

SEVERAL LADIES.

LETTER I.

To Miss M****.

Dear Madam, September 10, IT 60.

A ADDRESS my letter to you, but consider myself as
writing to the whole of the little society I had the plea-
sure of meeting at vour house, and at Miss K****'s.
I still reflect with pleasure on the opportunities I was
favoured with among you ; and if, as I hope, my little
visits were not unacceptable to each or any of you, let
us not lose a moment in apologies or compliments to
each other, but refer the whole praise where it is
wholly due. Salvation, in its whole extent, and in each
particular step, is of the Lord. Though we can but
lisp a little word about his goodness, yet when he is
pleased to be near us, his presence and blessing can
work by the meanest instruments, and cause our hearts
to burn within us. On the other hand, when he with-
draws, we can no more help each other than we can
help ourselves : then, the very best of us prove misera-
ble comforters, fruitless teachers, and blind guides.
Could I bring my heart to this point, to regard myself
as insufficient to think one good thought, or to speak
one profitable word, any further than as influenced by
that enlivening Spirit which Jesus is exalted on high to

4 To Miss i»/*##*. Let. 1.

bestow, I should be well ; but, ala6 ! I am often hurt by
a fond desire of being or doing something considerable ;
and this, so often as it prevails, like a sudden fatal
blast, spoils my fairest blooming prospects of comfort
and usefulness. It is a great point to be constant and
diligent in the use of all appointed means, and yet to
have our souls waiting only upon God, in a deep per-
suasion that neither the best means, nor the closest at-
tendance upon them, can do any thing for us in them-
selves ; and that nothing short of renewed communi-
cations from him, can either satisfy or sanctify our
hearts.

The best advice I can send, or the best wish I can
form for you, is, that you may have an abiding and ex-
perimental sense of those words of the apostle which
are just now upon my mind — " Looking unto
" Jesus." The duty, the privilege, the safety, the un-
speakable happiness, of a believer, are all comprised in
that one sentence. Let us first pray that the eyes of
our faith and understanding may be opened and
strengthened ; and then let us fix our whole regard
upon him. But how are we to behold him? I answer,
in the glass of his written word ; there he is represented
to us in a variety of views ; the wicked world can see
no form nor comeliness in the portraiture he has given of
himself; yet, blessed be God, there are those who can
" behold his glory as the glory of the onlv begotten
" Son of God, full of grace and truth ;" and while
they behold it, they find themselves " changed into the
'' same image, from glory to glory," by the transform-
ing influence of his Spirit. In vain we oppose reason-
ings, and arguments, and resolutions, to beat down our
corruptions, and to silence our fears ; but a believing
view of Jesus docs the bui<ines.s. When heavy trial; m

Let. 1. To Miss M**##. 5

life are appointed us, and we are called to give up, ov
perhaps to pluck out, a right eye, it is an easy matter
for a stander-by to say, " Be comforted ;" and it is as
useless as easy — but a view of Jesus by faith comes
home to the point. When we can fix our thoughts
upon him, as laying aside all his honours, and submit-
ting for our sakes to drink off the bitter cup of the
wrath of God to the very dregs ; and when we further
consider, that he who thus suffered in our nature, who
knows and sympathizes with all our weakness, is now
the supreme disposer of all that concerns us, that he
numbers the very hairs of our heads, appoints every
trial wc meet with in number, weight, and measure, and
will suffer nothing to befall us but what shall contribute
to our good — this view, I say, is a medicine suited to
the disease, and powerfully reconciles us unto every
cross. So when a sense of sin prevails, and the tempter
is permitted to assault us with dark and dreadful sug-
gestions, it is easy for us to say, " Be not afraid ;" but
those who have tried, well know, that looking to Jesus
is the only and sure remedy in this case — if we can get
a sight of him by faith, as he once hung between the
two thieves, and as he now pleads within the vail, then
we can defy sin and Satan, and give our challenge in
the apostle's words, "Who is he that condemneth?
<: It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again;
"who also maketh intercession for us :" Rom. viii. 34.
Again, are we almost afraid of being swallowed up by
our many restless enemies? or, are we almost weary of
our long pilgrimage through such a thorny, tedious,
barren wilderness ? A sight of Jesus, as Stephen saw
him, crowned with glory, yet noticing all the suffering*
of his poor servants, and just ready to receive them to
himself and make them partakers of his everlasting joy,

v To Miss Jtf****. Let. 1.

this will raise the spirits, and restore strength ; this will
animate us to hold on, and to hold out ; this will do it,
and nothing but this can. So, if obedience be the
thing in question, looking unto Jesus is the object that
melts the soul into love and gratitude, and those who
greatly love, and are greatly obliged, find obedience
easy. When Jesus is upon our thoughts, either in his
humbled or his exalted state, either as bleeding on the
cross, or as worshipped in our nature by all the host of
heaven, then we can ask the apostle's question with a
becoming disdain, " Shall we continue in sin that
" grace may abound ?" God forbid. What ! shall I sin
against my Lord, my love, my friend, who once died
for my sins, and now lives and reigns on my behalf;
who supports, and leads, and guides, and feeds me
every day? God forbid. No; rather I would wish
for a thousand hands, and eyes, and feet, and tongues,
for ten thousand lives, that I might devote them all to
his service : he should have all then ; and surely he shall
have all now ! Alas, that in spite of myself there still
remains something that resists his will ! but I long and
pray for its destruction, and I see a day coming when
my wish shall be accomplished, and I shall be wholly
and for ever the Lord's.

I am your affectionate servant.

Let. 2. To Miss M* «

LETTER 1

To Miss M****.
My Dear Sister, November 2, 176 J.

Y«

OUR letter was welcome and comfortable. I praise
the Lord on your behalf, and shall not cease to pray,
" that you may be filled with his will in all wisdom
" and spiritual understanding ;" that you may go on " to
" adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things ;"
and that a sense of his presence and power " who so
" loved us as to wash us from our sins in his own
" blood," may be your establishment, and strength, and
comfort continually. You have reason, indeed, to praise
him, and so have I. O what a wonder of grace, that
he should sav to those who were children of wrath,
" Behold, I go to my Father, and to your Father, to my
" God and to your God/' " Henceforth I call you
" not servants but friends," and as a proof of it, " Ask
" what you will, and it shall be done unto you." Here
are words sufficient either to raise our souls up to
heaven, or to bring heaven down into our souls, ac-
cording to that glorious promise which to many is
fulfilled even in our day. Rev. xxi. S.

Let us not be greatly discouraged at the many tri-
bulations, difficulties, and disappointments which lie in
the path that leads to glory : seeing our Lord has
told us before ; has made a suitable provision for every
case we can meet with, and is himself always near to
those that call upon him ; a sure refuge, an almighty
strength, a never-failing, ever-present help in every

8 To Miss JK****. Let. 2.

time of trouble ; seeing likewise that he himself was a
man of sorrow, and acquainted with grief for our sakes.
He drank off the full cup of unmixed wrath for us ;
shall we then refuse to taste of the cup of affliction at
his appointment ? especially when his wisdom and love
prepare it for us, and proportion every circumstance to
our strength ; when he puts it into our hands, not in
anger, but in tender mercy, to dp us good, to bring
us near to himself; and when he sweetens every bitter
draught with those comforts which none but he. can
give. Let us rather say, None of these things move us,
neither do we count any thing on this side eternity
dear, so that we may finish our course with joy, and
run with patience the race which is set before us.

The time is short: — the world is passing away; all
its cares and all its vanities will soon l^e at an end.
Yet a little while and we shall see him who has found
a way to make us love him, though we have not yet
beheld him — " we shall see him, as he is," every vail
will be taken away, every seeming frown be removed
from his face, and every tear wiped away from ours.
We shall also be like him. Even now, when we con-
template his glory as shining in the glass of the Gospel,
we feel ourselves, in some measure, transformed into
the same image ; what a sudden, wonderful, and abi-
ding change shall we then experience, when he shall
shine directly, immediately, and eternally upon our
souls without one interposing cloud between ! Because he
lives, weshalllive also : — because he shines, we likewise
shall shine forth as the sun, in our Saviour's brightness ;
then shall we sing with understanding those glorious
songs, Isaiah xii. lxi. 10. Rev. v. 9. and vii. 10.
without one jarring note, or one wandering thought
for ever.

Let. 2. To Miss AT****. 9

" Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved,
Xl let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and
" spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord;" —
" Let us lay aside every weight ;" " Let us not be sloth-
" ful," but followers of that cloud of witnesses who in
every age have set their word to the truth and power
of God. They were once as we are now ; they had
their complaints and their fears, their enemies and
temptations ; they were exercised with a wicked heart,
and a wicked world ; and I doubt not but many of
them, in a fit of unbelief, have been ready to conclude,
" I shall one day perish by the hand of Saul," but at
length, the " blood of Jesus, and the word of his testi-
" mony," made them more than conquerors, and now
their warfare is finished, they are " before the throne
" of God and the Lamb, and shall go no more out."
While we are sighing, they are singing ; while we are
fighting, they are triumphing; but their song, their
triumph, their'joy, will not be complete till we are
called up to join them. The Lord prepare us for, and
hasten, the happy hour.

The strain of your present experience requires you,
above all others, to be humble and watchful, and I
trust you are so. However, it is our duty to exhort
one another daily. One of the greatest contradictions
in human nature, and the very strongest proof of our
depravity, is that the communication of extraordinary
measures of divine comforts, which in their own nature
have a direct tendency to humble, has, through our cor-
ruptions, sometimes a contrary effect ; not in the pre-
sent moment, indeed that is impossible, but afterward.
Paul himself was liable to danger in this matter. See
2 Cor. xii. 7. You will do well, therefore, to entreat
the Lord to give von a double guard on this side. t«

Vol. VI. C

10 To MissM****. ■ Let. 2.

keep you in continual remembrance what you were by
nature, and what you still are in yourselves. We
are often forced to buy this recollection by bitter
experience.

Again, be watchful : — many eyes are upon you.
Satan envies you. Oh ! he hates to see any persons,
especially young persons, walking very closely with
God; so far as he is permitted, he will spread snares
for your feet every hour : he desires to have you, " that
" he may sift you as wheat." Further, the world ob-
serves you ; many would rejoice at your halting ; and a
little thing in you would give them more pleasure and
advantage in opposing the truth, than a greater slip in
some others who are content to plod on in the common
way. Nay, it is well if there are not some even among
yourselves, professors and members who would be glad
to see you brought down to a level with themselves,
since they cannot persuade themselves to join and imi-
tate you. These things you know without my telling
you, and I do not mention them to discourage you. No,
were every leaf upon the trees, and every blade of grass
a sworn enemy to our souls, we are safe under the sha-
dow of our great rock : the blessing is his, and he will
not withhold it ; but the appointed means are our part,
and it is our wisdom and happiness to be found waiting
on him in the use of them.

Yours, &c.

let. 3. To Miss JIT**##. 11

LETTER III.

To Miss M****.

Dear Madam, April 5, 1761.

1 DESIRE to praise God on your behalf, and fre-
quently to remember you both at the throne of grace ; I
may say each of you, for as I understand Miss §**** is

now returned to Y ■, I consider h'.r as a part of

my correspondence. I hope the Lord is with her like-
wise, and that she can, by sweet experience, set her seal
to that comfortable truth, that all things, both shall, and
do, work together for the good of those that love God.
Things continue much with us as they were when I
wrote last. For myself, I every day have proof that
the Lord is gracious, merciful, and kind. I hope my
experience in some measure corresponds with yours;
I say, in some measure; for I think you rather describe
-what I would be than what I am. Blessed be his name
for a taste, though it be but a taste, of the water of life.
I long for fuller draughts, and I trust he has given me
that hungering and thirsting after his righteousness
which shall at length be satisfied, and which cannot be
satisfied with any thing short of his love. Often I cry
out, " Oh ! remember me with the favour thou bearest
" to thine own people." I know there are heights and
depths in communion with God, to which many of his
dear children are admitted, which are far beyond my
present attainments : but this rather encourages me
than otherwise ; for they, (even the very best of them,)
were once as poor as myself, and have nothing now,

13 To Miss iH****- Let. 3.

any more than I, that they can call their own ; and he
who has done so much for them, is rich enough to do
as much for me : the^ fountain of grace, though ever-
flowing, is ever full ; and as the sun shines as easily and
powerfully on ten thousand, as upon a single person, so
the Sun of Righteousness can enlighten and comfort all
his children with one single glance of his love. I de-
sire to praise his name for what he has already shown
me, and to hope in his mercy that I shall yet "see
" greater things than these."

As I have nothing particular to impart of my own,
I shall transcribe part of a letter I lately received from
a young woman, a relation of mine in London. She is
not a member of a congregational church, but a hearer
of Mr. Jones. She used to make herself merry at my
expense for being what she called a Methodist. After
the Lord awakened her, she walked three years in the
valley of the shadow of death, almost without a glimpse
of bope. How it is with her now, I shall give you in
her own words. She writes thus among other things,
for I have not time to give you the whole : —

"Ail the glory to himself who is worthy; I find
*' the Lord better to me than all my hopes, and all my
" fears. Though I am often beset with temptations of
" various kinds, from without as well as from within,
" yet my gracious Lord gives me to wrestle with him
" till he gets the better for me, for it is not in me. I
" know, and blessed be the Lord for teaching me, that
" I am but a poor, weak, helpless creature, but he
" strengthens me, and blesses me, and gives me to re-
" joice in him almost all the day long. Though I have
" not always love, and joy, and peace alike, yet I have
" not let him go since I wrote to you last. I can hold
" him fast, and I pray, and hope, and trust I ever

Let. 3. To Kiss M****. 13

"shall. I believe 'my Beloved is mine, and I am
" ' his.' From what I have found already, I dare not
" doubt his love or his power : though, to my shame be
" it spoken, I too often wander from my God, if not
" in word or deed, yet, alas ! my heart too often be-
" trays me. I find the Lord to be a jealous God, who
" will not accept of a divided heart ; and, indeed, if I
" know any thing of myself, it is the whole desire of
" my soul to give up all and every thing, myself, my
" soul, my body, my health, my strength, my friends,
" my all, as a willing sacrifice into his hand. I bless
"my God for such a disposition, and often find the
" sweets of it ; and I always find that the more watch-
" ful I walk, the more comfortable I am." She then
adds, " I believe it is a month since I wrote the above ;
" and thanks and praises to mj dear Lord, I have had
" much of his presence and love in my heart ever since.
" I find that stupidity and deadness which I have had
" much of in times past, greatly removed. The Lord
" has kept my soul so open to prayer that I can pray
"and praise all the day long. I never find any thing
" keeps me so low at the throne of grace, as a sense
" and feeling of the loving-kindness of the Lord to my
" soul: it makes me nothing, it so empties me of self.
" It is not a sense of sin without the love of God, will
" humble me ; I think that only makes me peevish
" and dissatisfied ; but when the Lord lifts up the light
"of his countenance upon me, then it is that every
"thing in me falls low at his footstool. I have found
" such power lately as I never had before ; I used to
" be as ready to yield to temptation as the devil was to
" tempt, but now, (all the glory be to him that gives me
" this power,) I find that word to be faithful and true,

U To Miss K*%**. Lcl.4

" ' Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.' When
"temptation besets me, instead of reasoning with the
" enemy till I lose all the Lord has given me, I flee
"to Christ, and tell him how it is with me, and
" cry mightily to him till he makes me more than
" conqueror."

I hope this little extract from my cousin's letter will
be acceptable. I have several from her in the same
strain, for she is not now in what is called the warmth
of her first love, but has been walking comfortably in
the Lord's way three or four years past ; I think, in-
deed, every letter discovers a growth upwards in know-
ledge and love, and downwards in humility. May the
Lord enable us so to do.

Yours, &c.

I

LETTER IV.

To Miss K****.
Dear Madam, June 1, 1761.

FREQUENTLY reflect with pleasure on our little
interviews the last year. I trust the Lord was with us
of a truth. Surely my heart burned within me, and I
have, and shall have, much reason to bless the Lord
for those sweet and unexpected opportunities. The
remembrance of them has exceedingly engaged my
heart to you both, and to Miss S****. I think a sight
of the very ground we walked over together would
bring to my mind much of what occurred in our con-
versation. May the same gracious Lord enable me so

Let. 4. To Miss £#***, lo

to write, and you to read, that we may experience a
fellowship in spirit, and may drink plentifully of the
refreshing streams of his love and grace.

It gives me much pleasure to hear that the Lord
leads you into the green pastures of his love, so that
you are constrained to cry out, " How great is his
" froodness ! How great is his beauty !" May he
show you yet greater things than these, and make your
soulfresh and flourishing, as a tree planted by a continual
stream. Then I am sure you will love, and serve, and
praise him ; you will not be ashamed of his name and
cause ; you will not be backward to speak for him ; you will
not find fault with any of his dispensations' : in a word,
then your life and conversation will be a proof of your
heavenly calling, and all who behold you will be con-
strained to acknowledge that you have been with Jesus
indeed.

This is the way, and there is no other to glorify him
in the world. We know, from experience, how little
reading, and hearing, and resolving, can do for us, when
the Lord is absent, and our hearts in a hard and stupid
frame. Alas ! how can we render, unless we first re-
ceive ? But, oh ! when his spirit and power is with us,
what a delightful surprising charge ! then, old things be-
come new, hard things easy ; and out of weakness we
are made strong ! then our enemies attempt in vain to
bind and ensnare us ; he enables us to run through their
troops, to leap over their walls, to esteem their darts and
swords as straw and rotten wood, and to go forth in bis
strength conquering and to conquer. I hope my lettev
■will find you in this experience, with your bow abid-
ing in force, and your enemies under your feet, and
may it long continue. This is a privileged, glorious
state indeed ; but it calls for much watchfulness and

16 To Miss A"****. Let. 4.

prayer. The Lord expects a particular closeness and
obedience from those whom he thus delights to honour,
and Satan watches with envy and rage to find an open-
ing by which to assault such a soul.

I hope you will remember, that all your comfort and
prosperity depends upon keeping near to him who is the
sun, the shield, the life of his poor children, and that
neither experiences, knowledge, nor attainments, can
support us, or maintain themselves, without a continual
supply from the fountain. This supply is to be kept up
by constant prayer, and prayer will languish without
continual watchfulness. I trust you will bear me to
put you in mind of these things, though you know them.
We are yet in an enemy's country, and are directed to
exhort one another daily, lest we be surprised by some
stratagem and guile of our bitter adversary, who has
many thousand snares and instruments to employ against
us, and well knows how to use them to the most ad-
vantage, and to avail himself of our weak side. Yet wc
need not fear him, if we take, and keep, and use, the
■whole armour of God, and remain under the shadow
of that Rock which is higher than ourselves.

As to mc, the Lord deals gently with me : — my trials
are few and not heavy, my experiences run in a kind of
even thread, I have no great enlargements, and am
seldom left to great darkness and temptation : I am
often wandering away, but the Lord seeks me out, and
brings me back from time to time, much sooner than
I could expect. I am enabled, through grace, to keep
myself from the evil of the world, so that I have not
been left to bring a blot on my profession. But, alas !
my heart is a filthy, defiled heart still. 1% is well
that He only who knows how to bear with me, knows
what is within me. My comfort is comprised in this

Let. 5. TpMifsM****. U

one sentence, — " I know whom I have believed" — I
know that Jesus is mighty to save; I have seen myselt'
lost in every view but the hope of his mercy ; I have
fled to him for safety ; I have been preserved by him
thus far ; and I believe he will keep that which I have
committed to him even to the end. Blessing and honour,
and glory and praise, be to his name, who hath loved
poor sinners, and washed them in his most precious
blood. Amen. For the rest, alas ! alas ! I am unfaith-
ful and unprofitable to a degree you would hardly be-
lieve; yet, vile as I am, I taste of his goodness every day,
and live in hope, that in his own time he will enable me
to show forth his praise. I have been much exercised
with respect to the ministry ; my heart is led that way,
but the Lord's hand keeps me in ; I need much hum-
bling; there is that in me which seeks great things,
though I am, as I said, sadly unfaithful in small ones ;
therefore, for my pride, I am set aside for the present.
I hope you will help me with your prayers ; entreat the
Lord to empty me of all creature-dependence, that I may
live to him alone.

I am your unworthy servant.

LETTER V,

To Miss M****,
My dear Madam, May 25, 170;

H<

.0 W can I begin better than with the apostle's words ,
" Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
" Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all consolation.
" who, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten
"us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus
Vol. VI. D

IS To Miss 31****. Let. 5.

" Christ from the dead." What a fountain of life, and
joy, and praise is here ! that the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ should vouchsafeto be our Father, our
God ; that he who is the source of all mercy, and con-
solation, should direct the streams of his fulness to flow
into Our souls: that when we were dead in sins, he should
look upon us and bid us live: that when we were sunk into
the depth of despair, he should send his word and raise
us to a lively hope : that he should give us such a
bright prospect, and such a sweet foretaste of the ex-
ceeding riches of his glory.— Oh ! who can say which
is the most wonderful part of this wonderful subject?
that he should provide such a happiness for such hell-
deserving wretches, and that he should commend his
great and undeserved love to us in such a wonderful wa}',
as to give his own and his only Son to be born, to be
buffeted, to be crucified for us. — Alas ! alas ! for our
stupidity, that we can write, or hear, or speak of these
things, with so little feeling, affection, and fruitfulness.
Oh ! that the power of God would set my heart and pen
at liberty while writing, and fill your hearts while reading,
that we may rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of
glory ! Oh, this unbelief! Why can we not pierce through
the vail of flesh and blood, and by faith behold the hum-
ble worship of heaven ? What countless multitudes have
gone before us in the path that leads to that kingdom !
They were, in their time, followers of an unseen Saviour,
as we are now ; but now they see him as he is, face to
face, in all his glory, and in all his love ; with them are
joined the innumerable hosts of angels. Angels and
saints, however distinguished, are joined in one happiness
and one employment. Even now, while I write, and
while you read, they are praising the Lamb that was
?lain, and casting their crowns at his feet. And perhaps

1st. 5. To Miss 31****. 19

this scene is not so far distant as we imagine. Where
is heaven ? Is it some millions of leagues from us, far
beyond the sun and the fixed stars ? What have im-
mortal spirits to do with space and place ? Who knows
hut a heaven- born soul, who is freed from the clog of
this vile body, and filled with all the fulness of God;
may pass as easily and quickly from one verge of the crea-
tion to the other, as our thoughts can change and fly from
cast to west, from the past to the future? Perhaps,
even now, we live in the midst of this glorious assembly :
heaven is there where our God and Saviour displays him-
self; and do not you feel him near you, nearer than any
of his visible works ? Perhaps there is nothing but this
thin partition ot flesh and blood between us and those
blessed spirits that are before the throne ; if our eyes
were open, we should see the mountains around us co-
vered with chariots and horses of fire : if our ears were
unstopped, we should hear the praises of our great
Immanuel resounding in the air, as once the shepherds
heard. What a comfortable meditation is this to
strengthen our weak faith in such a dark declining day
as this, when sense would almost persuade us that we
are left to serve God alone. When we are wearied with
looking on careless sinners and backsliding professors,
let us remember that we have invisible friends present
in our assemblies, our conferences, and our closets, who
watch over us, and in ways which we cannot possibly
conceive, are helpers of our joy, and witnesses of our
conflicts. They are with us now, and we shall soon be
with them. Ah ! how little does the vain world think of
the privileges and the company in which a believer lives!
and, what is worse, how faintly do we think of these
things ourselves ! and thh is the reason we arc so full of

20 To Miss M****. Let. 5.

fears and complaints, so prone to distrust the Lord's
methods of dealing with us, and so easily drawn aside
to seek for something to rest upon in creatures like
ourselves.

With respect to my own experience, I have little now
to add to what I have formerly offered ; at least, little
variety : for, in one sense, every new day is filled up
with new things ; — new mercies on the Lord's part,
new ingratitude on mine ; — new7 instances of the vile-
ness of my nature, and new proofs of the power of
sovereign pardoning grace : — new hills of difficulty,
new valleys of humiliation ; and now and then, (though
alas ! very short and seldom,) new glimpses of what I
would be, and where I would be. The everlasting
love of God ; the unspeakable merits of Christ's right-
eousness ; and the absolute freeness of the Gospel pro-
mises ; — these form the threefold cord by which my
soul maintains a hold of that which is within the vail.
Sin, Satan, and unbelief, often attempt to make me let
go and cast away my confidence, but as yet they have
not prevailed ; no thanks to me, who am weaker than
water : but I am wonderfully kept by the mighty power
of God, who is pleased to take my part, and therefore
I trust in him that they never shall prevail against me.
A vile sinner, indeed, I am ; but since God, who alone
has a right to judge, is pleased to justify the believer in
Jesus, who is there that shall dare to condemn ? I
bless the Lord for that comfortable portion of scrip-
ture, Zech. iii. 1 — 5. When the Lord is pleased to
pluck a brand out of the fire to save it from perishing,
what power in heaven or earth shall presume or pre-
vail to put it in again ? No ; He has done it, and who
rati reverse it ? He has said it, and his word shall

Let. C. To Miss M****.

stand. And I humbly believe, (Lord help my unbe-
lief,) that not one good thing shall fail of all that the
Lord my God has, in his word, spoken to me of.

Yet, alas ! I must still charge myself with a great
"want of watchfulness and diligence ; the enemy cannot
destroy my foundation, but he spreads many nets for
my feet, to weaken me, and to interrupt my peace ; and,
to my shame I must confess, he too often prevails. The
Lord in great mercy preserves me from such sins as
would openly dishonour my profession ; and a mercy I
desire to esteem it, for I can infer from my heart what
my life would be, if I were left to myself. I hate sin;
I long to be delivered from it, but it is still in me, and
works in me. " Oh wretched man that I am, who shall
" deliver me r" I bless God for Jesus Christ my Lord.
To his grace I commend each of you.

I am yours.-

LETTER VI.
To Miss M****.

Dear Madam, September 18, 1762.

X REJOICE to find that the Lord prospers his work
in your hearts, and that you can say from experience,
he is a faithful and good shepherd. — Oh ! happy they
who are in such a case, who know for themselves how
good it is to draw near unto him, to sit down and rest
under his refreshing shadow, and feast upon his plea-
sant fruits !

Through grace I also continue waiting on him after
my feeble measure ; and I trust in his love, that, though

22 To Miss J/****\ Let. 6.

I sometimes faint, I shall not utterly fall ; though I too
often step aside, he will not suffer me to wander quite
away.

There is, indeed, an evil heart of unbelief that would
lead me I know not whither; but, oh ! what a precious
mercy to be walled in on every side by everlasting love
and free grace ! Do not your hearts rejoice in that
word, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and under-
" neath are the everlasting arms ?" And if he is
pleased and engaged to uphold us, what power or
policy can force us from him ? No ; we may rejoice in
it as a certain truth, let Satan and unbelief say what
they will to the contrary, that the Lord's afflicted peo-
ple on earth are as safe, though not so quiet, as his
glorified people in heaven. They are embarked on a
troubled sea, the tempests often roar around them, and
the waves seem ready to swallow them up ; but they
have an anchor within the vail, sure and steadfast, which
can neither be broken nor removed. They have a
pilot, a guardian, whose wisdom and power are infi-
nite, and who, of his own good pleasure, has engaged
his truth and honour that he will bring them safe
through all to the haven of eternal rest. Let us there-
fore trust, and not be afraid ,- let us rejoice, and say,
"The Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song, and
"he also is become my salvation."

How happy should we be, could we always believe
the glorious things which are spoken to us as children,
in the word of him who cannot fail of accomplishing
his promise. But are we not fools and slow of heart
in this matter ? at least I am, and hence proceed my
many complaints. — Alas ! what a hard heart have I,
that can doubt, and repine, and limit the Lord, after
all the great things he has shown me ! Wretched heart,

Let. G. To Miss iK*#*#. 26

that can stand it out still, against oaths, and promises,
and blood. Methinks I may sum up all my wants and
prayers in one sentence — Lord, give me faith ! Oh, if
faith was in daily exercise, how little would the world,
and the things of time and sense, seem in my eyes !
What a dreadful thing would sin appear, that spilt mv
Saviour's blood ! And how would my very heart re-
joice at the sound of Jesus' name ? If I had faith to
pierce within the vail, and see what is going forward
in yon blessed world, how earnestly should I long to
be dissolved that I might join in worship there ! and how
willingly should I spend and be spent for the GospelV
sake ! However, though it is not with us as wc would
wish, we have reason to bless God it is so well with us
as it is ; that we are not altogether dead in trespasses
and sins, strangers and enemies to the glorious Gospel
of the blessed God. We have reason to be thankful
that we know something of our disease and our phy-
sician. He who has taken our case in hand will in his
own time, perfect the cure. An hour is coming on
when we shall no more say, I am sick ; we shall see
him as he is ; we shall be like him • we shall weep no
more, all tears shall be wiped from our eyes, and the
days of our mourning shall be ended.

Having, therefore, such promises, let us be animated
to run the way of the Lord's commandments with an
enlarged heart. Let the joy of the Lord be our
strength. Opposition, temptation, affliction, we must
expect ; these things lie in the path-way to glory ; but
we may remember him who hath trod the path before
us, leaving us an example that we should follow hk
steps. I say, tempted and opposed we may be ; but it
is not probable that we shall be spit, upon, buffeted.
and crucified for him, as he was for u^-

24 To Miss J/*** *. Let. 7.

4

We shall have but a taste, at the most, of that bitter
cup which he drank off to the dregs. And he is near
us to support us in our distresses, to carry us through,
to make us more than conquerors, and then to put
the crown of righteousness and victory on our heads
with his own hands. Let us, then, go forth without the
camp, bearing his reproach ; let us not hang down our
heads like bulrushes, but rather count it all joy if we
are called to the honour of suffering disgrace, or any
kind of inconvenience, for his name's sake, Above all,
let us pray to have our conversation as becometh the
Gospel of Christ ; that those who speak evil may be
ashamed and put to silence, when they behold our
meekness, humility, and Christian carriage.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
all. Remember to pray for your unworthy friend.

LETTER VII.

To Miss M****.

My dear Madam, March 22, 1763.

GLADLY embrace the first opportunity that has
offered of writing post-free since I was favoured with
your last letter. It gives me great pleasure to hear
from you ; and, if our correspondence is made mutually
profitable and pleasant, I trust we shall join in giving
aU the praise to him who hath taught us to lisp some-
thing of the gracious truths of his Gospel. He is
pleased to hide these things from the wise and prudent,
and to reveal them unto babes. We have, indeed,
whereof to glory, but not in ourselves; the right hand

Let. 7. To Miss IT***.*. 2;>

of the Lord has been exalted in our behalf; the right
hand of the Lord has brought mighty things to pass.
When we were utterly helpless and hopeless, he saw
and pitied us, and bid us live. He did not cut us oft
in the midst of our sins, (as is the case of thousands,)
but waited to be gracious ; and when his hour w as come,
his time of love, he revealed himself as our mighty Sa-
viour, he poured oil and wine into our wounds, he gave
us beauty for ashes, the garments of praise for the spirit
of heaviness ; he opened our blind eyes, he unstopped
our deaf ears, dispossessed the legion, and brought us
to sit at his feet clothed and in our right minds. What
a wonder of mercy is this, considered in itself! but much
more if we think of the means by which it was effected ;
that in order to bring about this blessed change, that
mercy and truth might meet together in our salvation,
and the righteousness of God harmonize with the sin-
ner's peace, the Lord Jesus, who was rich, humbled
himself to become poor ; to live an obscure and suffer-
ing life, in the form of a servant, and to die a shameful,
painful, and accursed death, that we, through his po-
verty, might be made children and heirs of God ; might
receive grace to serve him here, and dwell with him in
alorv for ever. For this end he willinmy endured the
cross, and despised the shame, he hid not his face from
shame and spitting, he gave his back to the smiters, his
cheeks to them that plucked off the hair, he submitted
to wear a crown of thorns, to be nailed by the hands
and feet to the accursed tree, to endure the fiercest
assaults of Satan, yea, to drink the full cup of the wrath
of God when "it pleased the Father to bruise him."
and to make " his soul an offering for sin '."
Vol. VI. &

26 To Miss M****. Let. 7.

Oh ! for this love let rocks and hills

Their lasting silence break ;
And all harmonious human tongues

Their Saviour's praises speak.

Yes, we will praise thee, dearest Lord,

Our souls are all on flame ;
Ilosanna round the spacious earth,

To thine adored name !

The apostle well knew the force of his argument t©
a believing soul, when he said, " I beseech you, there-
fore, brethren, by the mercies of God." Surely no-
thing can be more reasonable, than that we should live
to him who thus died for us. Shall we, we who are re-
deemed from hell at such a price, shall we continue in
sin? God forbid! Shall we not rather say, "The
" love of Christ constraineth us" to devote ourselves,
our all, to him alone ; to abstain from all appearance of
evil ; to hate every false way, and to know, study,
desire, and love nothing but Jesus Christ and him cru-
cified, that we may feel the power of his resurrection,
have fellowship in his sufferings, and be made conform-
able to his death.

What you observe of the way in which the Lord
makes his precious promises food to his children's faith,
namely, by inclining their hearts to watchfulness and
diligence in all his appointed means, and enabling them
to walk unspotted from the vanities and pollutions of
the world, waiting for the consolations and teaching of
his Holy Spirit, is, I hope, the very sense of my soul.
The promises were not given to slacken our endeavours.,
but to animate us to earnestness. An evangelical de-
pendence on the Lord for righteousness and strength,
and an evangelical obedience to his oommands, are well

Let. 7. TvMissN****. 27

suited to each other; they arc, indeed, inseparable, and
in equal proportion ; where one declines, the other
cannot flourish. Too many, as you say, are for sepa-
rating what God has joined together. But let their
mistakes humble ;;nd warn us, and show us the neces-
sity of keeping close to the Lord. We must not pre-
sume ; for our hearts are as deceitful as others. Yet
we need not be terrified ; for the Lord whom we serve
is able to keep us from falling, and to preserve us from
every evil. We live in dangerous times ; the work of
the Lord is greatly on the revival in many places, and
therefore errors and offences abound ; for where the
good seed is plentifully sown, the enemy will always
find means to sow his tares. But our Lord will keep
his own children that wait upon him for strength and
direction every day. He will give us to grow in grace,
and in the knowledge ot his truth ; and by the words
of his lips we shall be kept from the paths of the
destroyer.

Let us further comfort ourselves with the prospect
of a future time when every evil and infirmity shall
cease. You know who hath said, " Surely I come
" quickly. '.1 And do not our hearts echo to his words?
Do not the Spirit and the bride agree ? Yea, " Amen,
" Even so come Lord Jesus." Come and put an end
to our fears and failings. Come and deliver us from
this scene of strife and confusion. We are weary of
living in the tents of Mesech. We are weary of our-
selves. Oh ! we can hardly bear to pass day after day
with such faint unworthy apprehensions of thy beauty
and thy goodness. We are weary and ashamed of our
holy things. So much coldness and wandering in
prayer, in reading the word, in thy public ordinances,
that we cannot but saw — Oh that I had wings like a

28 To Miss 3/****. Let. 8.

dove, that I might fly far away from this vain ensnaring
world ! When will this conflict cease ! when shall all
our tears be wiped away ! when shall we see thee as
thou art, and be formed into thy complete resemblance!
Well, the time is short, and passing fast away. Hold
out, faith and patience, a little longer, and he that shall
come will come, and will not tarry. In the mean time,
may we have grace to improve the present, as the only
opportunity we can have of glorifying our Lord and Sa-
viour in a sinful world. When we get safe home, Ave shall
not think we have done and suffered too much by the

way.

I am yours.

LETTER VIII.

To Miss M****.

Dear Madam, June 11, 1763.

OINCE my return from Yorkshire, I havehad butlittle
leisure to recollect all I have seen, and heard, and been
partaker in, for near these two months past. These oc-
casional opportunities are now at an end for a season ;
and my principal intercourse must be with him who is
always near. — Oh ! for grace to improve this high
privilege aright ; then I shall have no need to regret the
defects or loss of creature-converse.

The Lord has led me to many pleasant streams ; but
T desire especially to rejoice in liberty to draw nigh to
the fountain. Methinks my heart joins with the desire
\>[ those who said, " We would see Jesus." When we
♦:omc to heaven, without doubt we shall find great plea-

Let. S. To Miss ]$****. 29

sure in communion with the " general assembly of the
" church of the first born ;" but the very heaven of all
will be to behold him Avho for our sakes was crowned
with thorns and nailed to the cross. All the rest would
be but poor company if he were absent. And thus pro-
portionally I find it to be on earth. I delight in his
people; but they can only profit me so far as I am
enabled to see him in them, and to feel his presence in
my own soul. My whole study and desire is comprised
in this short sentence — " To walk with God" — to set
the Lord always before me ; to hear his voice in every
creature, in every dispensation, ordinance, and provi-
dence ; to keep frirn in view as my portion, sun, and
shield ; my strength, advocate, and Saviour. And all
my complaints may be summoned up in this one — a
proneness to wander from him. This is too frequently
the case with me, I hardly know how or why. Through
mercy, I am in a measure delivered from the love of
this present evil world ; the desire of my heart is towards
God; I account his loving-kindness to be better than life,
and esteem all his precepts concerning all things to be
right, and just, and good. Idonotevenwishfora dispen-
sation to admit any rival into my heart ; he richly de-
serves it all, and I am willing and desirous to be his
alone, and to be wholly conformed to him. Yet still I
find the effects of a depraved nature ; and notwithstand-
ing all my struggles against inward and outward evil, I
am too often carried away from the point of simple faith
and dependence. The lively experience of a Christian
is not hard to be described ; neither is it hard to say
much about it. But to feel what we say, to sit down
under the shadow of the tree of life, to abide in Christ.
to feed on him in my heart by faith with thanksgiving.
this I find a rare attainment, easily lost, and not so soon

30 To Miss Ji****. .Let. 8.

regained. I know enough of it to make me desirous of
more, and yet so little, that I have frequent cause to cry
out, My leanness, my leanness ! and to lie low in the
dust before God. A remaining root of pride and self-
righteousness often springs up and interrupts my peace.
Indeed, as to the ground of my hopes and acceptance, I
am mercifully kept from doubts and fears ; I trust in
him who has wrought out a perfect righteousness for my
justification, and has stretched out an everlasting arm
for my salvation. I see the honour of the divine
attributes effectually secured, and that God is not only
merciful and good, but faithful andjust, in saving an un-
worthy believing sinner. But what I want, is not only
to expect a heaven hereafter, but to experience a heaven
begun below, to live up to the privileges of the Gospel, to
have enlarged desires after holiness, and those desires
abundantly answered. I want more of the influences of
the Holy Spirit, under his various characters, as the
teacher, quickener, comforter, and sealer of the people
of God. I want to know more clearly what the apostle
desired for his friends in those two comprehensive
prayers, Eph. i. 17 — 20, and iii. 16 — 19- How little
do I understand of that height and depth, and breadth
and length, he there speaks of ! How faint are my ideas
of the glorious hope of his calling, and the exceeding
greatness of his mighty power ! Well, blessed be God
for the little I have ; I trust it is an earnest of more ; he
has given me to hunger and thirst after righteousness,
and he has said, I shall be filled. I remember the time
when I was easy enough about these things ; the language
of my heart was, " Depart from me." Yea, I resisted
his Spirit, despised his mercy, and counted the blood of
the covenant an unholy thing. But, oh ! he " was found
" of me that sought him not." He passed by me, and

Let. 8. To MhtM****. 31

bid me live ; he saved me in spite of myself ; he would
not give me up ; he appeared in the "hour of my distress,
snatched the prey from the hand of the mighty, and
delivered the lawful captive. And ever since, how
good has he been to me ! how gently has he led me !
how often has he restored me when wandering, revived
me when fainting, healed my breaches, supplied my
wants, heard my prayers, and set up a seasonable stand-
ard against my enemies, when they have been coming in
upon me like a flood ! And even now he is with me, he
is never weary of doing me good, and I believe he will
be with me, even to the end, till at length he brings me
home to his kingdom to be near him for ever. Hence,
indeed, arises a great part of my grief, to think that I
should be so cold, and barren, and unprofitable, under
suchamazing displays of undeserved love. O Lord, touch
the rock, and cause the waters to flow ; soften and in-
flame my heart, that I may at length become thy dis-
ciple indeed.

I trust you will continue to prize the means of grace,
and to watch against every appearance of evil. Take
heed lest either of you be hardened through the deceit-
fulness of sin. Beware of that worst of evils, spiritual
pride. Pray earnestly for a deep sense of your own
insufficiency. I did not throughly approve the question
that was proposed concerning a power in ourselves,
though I believe you understand it in a good sense ; but
let us beware of trusting in any other power than the
power of Christ received continually by faith. I know
carnal minds will abuse this principle, and so they will
every other doctrine of the Gospel ; hut let it suffice us
that he who knows us besthas said. "Without me ye can
x( do nothing."

-I am vour affectionate and obliged servant

32 To Miss JM****. Let. &

LETTER IX.
To Miss M****.

Dear Madam, January 3, 1764.

_T is a time of trial among your friends here ; nor have
I wholly escaped. Mrs. N**#*' has kept her chamber
more than ten weeks ; and we see no present prospect
of her recovery. Her complaint is a nervous fever, at-
tended with a complaint in her head and stomach, which
medicines seem insufficient to remove. Through mercy,
her illness has not often risen to a very high degree ; but
.continuing so long, it has rendered her very weak and
feeble, so that sometimes she can hardly bear any one
to walk across. the room.

I sympathize for my friends, and I feel for myself.
But, blessed be God, I do not mourn as those who
have no hope. I know it is not an enemy hath done
this. It is the Lord, who hath saved me out of all afflic-
tions, he who gave me all my good things, he to whom
I have surrendered myself and my all ; he it is that hath
laid this trial on me for my good. I believe it to be ne-
cessary, because he is pleased to appoint it; and, though
at present it is not joyous but grievous, I trust that in
the end he will cause it to yield the peaceable fruits of
righteousness. I desire to submit to his will in all things ;
and though I feel the depravity of my nature too often,
yet, upon the whole, he enables me to trust to him, and
leave all in his hands. I pray that her health may be
restored when he sees best, but especially that her sick-
ness may be sanctified to both our souls. In this we hope
and .desire the concurrence of your prayers.

Let. 9. To Miss Jlf****. 33

At such times as these, the unspeakable blessing of
having a hope in God according to the Gospel, appears
with double evidence. Faith in Jesus prepares us tor
every event. Though he put forth his hand, and seem
to threaten our dearest comforts, yet when we remember
that it is his hand, when we consider that it is his design,
his love, his wisdom, and his power, we cannot refuse to
trust him. The reluctance we feel is against our judg-
ment ; for we are sure that what he chooses for us must
be best. Then, again, to think how much less our suf-
ferings are than our sins have deserved ; how many
mercies we still enjoy on every hand, how much heavier
burdens are the portion of many around us; to compare
the present momentary affliction with the exceeding
weight of glory which shall be revealed ; to recollect that
the time is short, the hour is swiftly approaching when
the Lord shall wipe away all tears, and constrain us
with wonder and joy to sing, " He hath done all tilings
" well." Such considerations as these, together with
the remembrance of what he suffered for us, are always
at hand to compose our souls under troubles, and will
be effectual according to the degree of taith. Our faith
also is strengthened by affliction ; we learn more of our
own insufficiency, and the vanity of all things about us;
and we discover more of the power, faithfulness, and
nearness of a prayer-hearing God. Upon this ground
Habakkuk could sit down and rejoice under the loss
of all. He could look at the blasted fig-tree and the
withered vine, see the herds and flocks cut off, and every
creature-comfort fail ; yet, says he, " I will rejoice in the
" Lord, and joy in the God of my salvation." O the
name of Jesus, when we can speak of him as ours ; this
is the balm tor every wound, cordial for every care ; it is
as ointment poured forth diffusing a fragrancy through
Vol. VI. F

3i To Miss ##***. Let. 19.

the whole soul, and driving away the hurtful fumes and
fogs of distrust and discontent !

I am affectionately yours.

LETTER X.

To Miss M****.

Dear Madam,

J. AM afraid before this you have charged me witlt
neglect and unkindness. I confess I have delayed too
long, but can truly say, my affection for you and all my
dear friends at Y , remains unaltered and un-
abated. Let my various removals, and the necessary
new engagements they have brought upon me, plead
my excuse, especially as I have not been often faulty
in this way ; and I hope I shall not in future give you
so just reason of complaint.

The Lord has at length brought me into the ministry
according to my desire, and beyond my hopes placed
me in a fruitful part of his vineyard, where his Gospel is
known, loved, professed, and possessed by many. I
have a large congregation, and a comfortable pros-
pect of usefulness. This, I doubt not, will rejoice you,
and stir you up to praise him on my behalf, and to pray
for me, that I may devote my all to his service, and, in a
deep sense of my own insufficiency, depend continually
upon him for wisdom, strength, and grace, to help in
time of need. I can justly ask this of you, as I am sure
you have a constant place in my heart, and a frequent re-
membrance in my prayers,

Let. 10. To Miss 31****. 35

I long to know how you go on : I hope comfortably.
I hope you still find that the joy of the Lord is .our
strength, that his service is perfect freedom ; that it is
good to wait upon him, and that you daily enjoy his pre-
sence both in public and in private. Are you nototten
filled with admiration and love at the thought ot his dis-
tinguishing grace in calling you out of darkness into
light? And when you are enabled by faith to view
Jesus as dying for sin, and now pleading for sinners be-
fore the throne, are not your hearts melted into godly
sorrow, and inflamed with a holy zeal to hate every
false way, and to cleave to him with full purpose of
heart? These are sure signs that you are walking in
the good old way, that you are interested in the blessings
of the everlasting covenant, and yon may be confidently
assured, that he who has begun the good work in you
will perform the same unto the day of Christ Jesus.

Many are the trials and exercises we must expect to
meet with in our progress ; but this one consideration
outweighs them all, The Lord is on our side ; and if
he be for us, none can be against us to harm us. In all
these things we shall be more than conquerors, through
him that has loved us. Afflictions, though not in them-
selves joyous, but grievous, yet, when sanctified, are
among our choice mercies ; in clue time they shall yield
the peaceful fruits of righteousness ; and even at present,
they shall surely be attended with seasonable and suf-
ficient supports. One great desire ol the believer, is to
understand the good word of God more and more ; and
one principal means by which we advance in this
knowledge is, the improvement we are enabled to make
of our daily trials. The promises are generally made
to an afflicted state ; and we could not taste their sweet-
ness, nor experience their truth, if we were not some-

36 To Miss Jf***#. Let. 10.

times brought into the circumstances to which they re-
late. It is said, " I will be with them in trouble ;" but
how coi Id we know what a mercy is contained in these
words, unless trouble was sometimes our lot ? It is said
to be the believer's privilege to glory in tribulation. But
we never could know that this is possible without we
had tribulation to glory in. However, this is matter of
joy and glory indeed, to find peace and comfort within,
when things are disagreeable and troublesome without.
Then we are enabled to set to our seal, that God is true ;
then we learn how happy it is to have a refuge that can-
not be taken from us ; a support that is able to bear all
the weight we can lay upon it ; a spring of joy that
cannot be stopped up by any outward events. A great
part of the little we know of our God, his faithfulness,
his compassion, his readiness to hear and to answer our
prayers; his wisdom in delivering and providing, whea
all our contrivances fail ; and his goodness in overruling
every thing to our souls' good ; I say, much of what we
know of these things we learnt in our trials, and have
therefore reason to say, It was good for us to be afflicted.
And as the Lord has brought us safe through thus far,
we have good ground to trust him to the end. We
know not what is before us. Perhaps we may meet
greater difficulties by and by, than we have ever yet seen ;
but if we keep in mind, who delivered us from the
lion and the bear, we may face the Philistine also with-
out terror. God will be with us, and strengthen us with
strength in our souls. Only it is our wisdom to keep
close to him, that when the evil day comes, we may
have confidence before him in all our troubles. When
afflictions overtake us in a careless frame, and find
guilt upon the conscience, then they are doubly trou-
blesome.

I am vours, &c.

fcet. II. Tp Miss M****. 3y

LETTER XI.

To Miss M**»*.

My clear Sisters, July 20, 1768.

WE agreed to exchange a letter once in three months,
but we both began in the same week : I have been
waiting ever since for yours ; and perhaps our letters
may meet upon the road again. If so, we shall be still
puzzled ; but if you have not yet written, let me have
an answer to this within one month, and then you may
expect one from me about a quarter of a year after-
wards. Indeed, some things I have lately engaged in
will oblige me to drop a great part of my correspond-
ence ; but I cannot prevail with myself to give up yours,
because, both present and absent, the Lord has helped
and comforted me by you ; and so long as I can re-
member some precious seasons I have enjoyed at

y >s0 i0ng will you have a peculiar place in my

heart. However, you must not expect two for one.

I wish you could make it suit one, two, or all of you,
(the more the better,) to come and see us at Olney. So
I told you when I saw you ; so I tell you again. I
think you would like to spend a little time with us.
Through mercy, we continue to go on very comfortably;
our society has been enlarged by several additions ; and
all in general are in a thriving way. Soon after I re-
turned from Yorkshire, I began to expound the Pil-
grim's Progress in our meetings on Tuesday evenings ;
and though we have been almost seven months travel-
ling with the pilgrim, we have not yet left the house

SS To MissM****. Let. li.

Beautiful ; but I believe shall set off for the Valley of
Humiliation in about three weeks. I find this book so
full of matter, that I can seldom go through more than
a page, or half a page, at a time. I hope the attempt
has been greatly blessed amongst us ; and for myself,
it has perhaps given me a deeper insight into John
Bunyan's knowledge, judgment, and experience in the
Christian life, than I should ever have had without it.
The Lord is pleased to supply me still in public ser-
vice, and to continue my acceptance, with his people.
But with regard to what passes between him and my
own soul, there is, for the most part, a very awful dis-
tance. I mourn under such a deadness and barren-
ness in secret duties, as I believe very few, who are in
any measure alive, are exercised with. It puts me
often to a stand, and affords the enemy a handle to
present the most distressing doubts and fears as to my
own state. I dare not plead in answer to his sugges-
tions, that I must be right, because the Lord is pleased
to assist and own me in the work of the ministry ; be-
cause the apostle plainly supposes, a man may speak
like an angel to others, and be but sounding-brass him-
self; may speak to good effect to them, and be himself
a cast-away. But though I dare not rest upon this
plea, the Lord affords me a better ; and has been pleased
to give me such, a view of the all-sufficient righteous-
ness of Jesus, and the certainty of the promises in Him,
that these doubts seldom pierce more than skin-deep,
and, at the bottom of my dry, complaining frames, he is
pleased to maintain a stable peace. I trust I am safe ;
but I am sure I am not comfortable. I have every
thing to make me so that this world can afford ; but I
hope the whole of this world would not satisfy me with-
out the light of his countenance, and a more cheerful

Let. 11. To &• M****. |9

ability to love, serve, and praise. For this I sigh, for
this I pine. After all, he knows what is best for me,
to humble the pride of my heart, and to maintain in me
a spirit of dependence and self-abasement. Perhaps
he sees I am not fit to be trusted with comforts, espe-
cially when my outward path is in all respects so very
smooth. I hope his grace is in a measure with me,
otherwise I should grow quite careless, or the evils I
feel in my heart would break out to the observation of
others ; neither of which, I hope, is at present the case.
To Him and not to me, be the praise ; for if he did not
hold me up continually, I am sure I should soon wo-
fulty fall.

I rejoiced to hear it was well with you : yes, it is
well ; you have a good Shepherd who is able to keep
you from falling, and to supply all your wants, to shield
vou from all dangers, to feed you with heavenly manna
and living water ; and ere long you shall see his face
without a veil, and shine like the sun in his kingdom
for ever. May I not address you with the angel's sa-
lutation?— Hail ye who are highly favoured ; the Lord
is with you ; blessed are ye among women. I need
not tell you, that it becomes you to be deeply humbled ;
you know it and desire it. It becomes you likewise
to be bighly thankful. Complain not of crosses by the
way; who was ever spiritually-minded without them?
These are among the evidences that you are children;
and the Lord will make a rich amends for all. Then
we shall weep, we shall sin no more.

Your truly affectionate brother and s°rvant.

40 To Miss itf****. let. 12.

I

LETTER XII.

To Miss M****.
Dear Madam, March 1, 1769.

NOW write a little before the time appointed, lest
some hinderance should again make you think me
forgetful.

I was glad to find you were all living, as I had some
apprehensions concerning Miss K*##*, and especially
glad to find that you were all alive in the very best sense,
even to God. We have need enough to mourn over
our unfruitfulness ; but let us remember that it is a
special mercy of God, to be enabled to hold fast our
profession. For we live in perilous times, when there
are such dreadful falls of professors as might well shake
and terrify us, if we were not, indeed, founded upon a
rock. But the Lord knows them that are his, and he
will keep them ; yea, he teaches them to improve the
miscarriages of others, as motives to stir them up to
greater watchfulness, and to show them the necessity of
crying daily to him, " Hold thou me up, and I shall be
" safe." I suppose you have heard the unhappy case
of *****, a man whom I loved as a friend, and hon-
oured as an eminent believer : how often have his
letters made me ashamed ! his dreadful fall has affected
me more than any thing of the kind I ever met with,
since the Lord gave me acquaintance- with his people.
O, how great is the deceitfulness of the heart of sin,
and Satan ! How should the apostle's words be laid to
heart, " Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed

Let. 12. To Miss AT****. 4|

" lest he fall!" 1 Cor. x. 12. However, as I said,
those who feel their weakness, whose dependence upon
Jesus is Scriptural, such a dependence as makes them
'diligent in the use of appointed means, and desirous of
being kept from the appearance of evil ; these shall be
preserved. That is a gracious and supporting promise,
(to those who feel they can do nothing for themselves,
are jealous over their own hearts, and see the snares
that are continually spread for their feet,) which the
Lord makes to all his faithful people, Rev. iii. 10.
Alas ! unless he vouchsafe to keep the city, the watch-
man waketh but in vain. But faith in his name and
promise, gives us confidence and encouragement to aim
at that watchfulness on our parts, to which his word
exhorts us. The Lord does not keep his people by
teaching them so to rest in the promises of his care, as
to sit down secure and careless in themselves. But he
preserves them from falling from him, by putting his
fear in their hearts, by making them sensible of their
dangers, and drawing them to come boldly to his throne
of grace, that they may obtain mercy, and find grace to
help in every time of need. And when his Spirit bears
witness with our spirits, that we are thus looking to
him in the way of duty, weak and unworthy as we are,
we may triumph in his salvation, and be firmly per-
suaded, that neither the world nor Satan shall be able
to separate us from his love. Great is the consolation
provided for humble souls in what the Scripture de-
dares concerning the power, grace, offices, faithfulness,
and compassions of the Redeemer. These things are
always equally true in themselves, but not always
equally evident to us ; for we cannot comfortably apply
'hem, but in proportion as his Spirit is with ns. It is
V"L, VI G

42 ToMssll****. Let. 12.

therefore wisely and mercifully appointed, that if we
grow slack and careless, our comforts and peace should
decline, that we may perceive in time that we are get-
ting out of the right path, and cry to the Lord to re-
store us again. While those who are always alike, who
can talk of assurance and perseverance while they are
evidently indulging a trifling and careless spirit, and ex-
pect the promises will be accomplished in another way
than that path of diligence, humiliation, and prayer
which the Lord himself has marked out ; these per-
sons, I say, always give cause to fear, that they know
very little of what they are talking about.

My paper is almost full, and all that I have written
is quite beside my first intention. But it may not be
the worse for that ; I love to give up my heart and
pen, without study, when I am writing. The Lord
knows the state of my friends, their present tempta-
tions, Sec. and I look to him to give me a word in sea-
son. Things with us are as usual. The great Shep-
herd is still pleased to guard our fold, so that the
enemy has not yet been suffered to distract us with errors
and divisions, nor has one turned back after having
fully joined us. Our number increases every year,
though not very fast. As to myself, I am much exer-
cised with a deadness of spirit in secret, which makes
me often groan. But, through grace, I can say, that as
I never saw more of my own vilencss, so, I think, 1
never saw Jesus more precious and desirable, or was
more clearly sensible of the vanity of every thing with-
out him, than I have of late. " None but Jesus," is
my motto. All wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and
happiness, which does not spring from and centre in
Him, my soul desires to renounce,

Let. 13. To Miss JU**#*. 43

May the Lord bless each of you with an abiding
sense of his precious love, that your hearts may burn,
and your lives shine ! So prays yours, &c.

LETTER XIIT.

To Miss '

Dear Madam,

I

DULY received your letter of the 15th of Decern
ber, and am very willing still to include Mrs. H**** in
Our correspondence. I hope she finds in every change
of life, that Jesus is still the same, gracious and precious
to her soul ; and my prayer is, that neither the com-
forts nor cares of a married state may damp the frame
of her spirit towards him. The heart is deceitful, the
world ensnaring, the enemy subtle and powerful; but
we know who has said, M My grace is sufficient for
" thee." He is able to keep us, not only safe as to the
end, but also lively, faithful, and dependent by the way,
in every circumstance and station to which his provi-
dence calls us.

I observe your last is written in a more complaining
style than usual. Causes of complaint are, indeed, in-
numerable ; but remember, " the joy of the Lord is
" your strength." Ee not surprised that you still find
the effects of indwelling sin — it must and will be so.
The ivame of our fallen nature is depraved throughout,
and, like the leprous house, it must be entirely demo-
lished, and raised anew. While we are in this world,
we shall groan, being burdened. I wish you to long and
breathe after greater measures of sanrtification ; bu

4* To Miss jl/****. Let. 13.

we are sometimes betrayed into a legal spirit, which
will make us labour in the very fire to little purpose.
If we find deadness and dryness stealing upon us, our
only relief is to look to Jesus — to his blood for pardon
— to his grace for strength ; we can work nothing out
of ourselves. To pore over our own evils will not cure
them ; but he who was typified by the brazen serpent is
ever present, lifted up to our view in the camp ; and one
believing sight of him will do more to restore peace to
the conscience, and life to our graces, than all our own
lamentations and resolutions.

Further, we must expect changes. Were we always
alike, we should dream that we had some power ov
goodness inherent in ourselves ; he will therefore some-
times withdraw, that we may learn our absolute depend-
ence on him. When this is the case, it is our part
humbly to continue seeking him in his own appointed
means, and patiently to wait his promised return. It
is a point of great wisdom to know our Gospel liberty,
and yet not to abuse it ; to see that our hope stands
sure and invariable, distant from all the changes we
feel in our experience, that we are accepted, not be-
cause we are comfortable or lively, but because Jesus
has loved us, and given himself for us ; and yet, at the
same time, to be longing and thirsting for the light of
his countenance, and a renewed sense of his love upon
our hearts. Two things we should always guard and
pray against ; "that the knowledge of our acceptance
may not make us secure and careless, and likewise,
that our endeavours after conformity to his revealed
will, may not subject us to a spirit of bondage. The
apostle, who well knew the nature of our warfare, ex-
horts us to " rejoice in the Lord always." He knew
what conflicts we should meet with from afflictions, im-

Let. 14. To Mrs. #*###. 45

perfections, temptations, and desertions : yet he says,
akvays ; which can only be practised by those who see
and keep in mind that they are complete in Christ;
that he is all in all to them ; their righteousness, wis-
dom, and strength ; their sun and shield ; their friend
and representative before the throne ; their shepherd
and their husband. If I may speak my own expe-
rience, I find that to keep my eye simply upon Christ,
as my peace, and my life, is by far the hardest part of
my calling. Through mercy he enables me to avoid
what is wrong in the sight of men, but it seems easier
to deny self in a thousand instances of outward con-
duct, than in its ceaseless endeavours to act as a prin-
ciple of righteousness and power.

John Bunyan, in his advanced years, took notice of
the abominations that had still too much place in his
heart ; one of them was, he says, a secret cleaving to
the covenant of works. I am sure this is no small
abomination in a believer ; but, alas ! it cleaves as close
to me as my skin, and costs me many a sigh.

I am yours, &c.

LETTER XIV.

To Mrs. H*»**.

Madam, Sept. 21, 1770.

XjlS the engagements you lately have entered into, have
not separated you from each other, I can as formerly,
write to you both at once. I should be glad to hear
that the third in our correspondence was as comforta-
bly settled in H likewise. However, I beg you

A(> To Mrs. #****. Let. 14

will mention my love to her when opportunity offers,
and tell her, that I hope to be always mindful of her.
Your being both removed from Y- must doubt-
less be a great trial to her ; but I trust she will find an
all-sufficient God always near, to make good every
change and every loss.

I congratulate Mrs. C#*** on her marriage, and
Mrs. H#*** on the Lord's goodness in preserving her
life, and giving her a living child ; for the rest I may
speak to you without distinction. The grace of God
enabled you both to walk honourably in single life ; I
trust the same grace will enable you to adorn your pro-
fession in the married state. I need not tell you, that
both the sphere of your comforts and your trials is now-
enlarged. Your opportunities for usefulness will be
increased; so likewise will the snares and temptations
in the path of duty. I take it for granted that you are
very happy, that you are united to your husbands, not
only by marriage, but by mutual affection, and, what is
better still, by mutual faith ; and that, as you sought
the Lord's direction before the connexion was formed,
so you came together evidently by his blessing. What
i shall I say to you ? Only, or chiefly this — Beware
of being too happy — beware of idolatry. Husbands,
children, possessions, every thing by which the Lord is
pleased to afford us content or pleasure, are full of
snares. How hard is it to love a creature just as we
ought ; and so to possess our temporal blessings as
neither to overvalue nor undervalue therfl ! How rare is
it to see a believer go on steadily, and in a lively, thriv-
ing spirit, if remarkably favoured with prosperous cir-
cumstances ! It is hard, but it is not impossible: im-
possible, indeed, it is to us ; but it is easy to Him who has
said, " My grace is sufficient for you." My desire is,

Let. 14. To Mrs. H****. 47

that you may be both witnesses of the Lord's faithful-
ness to this his good promise. I wish you health,
peace, and prosperity ; but above all, that your souls
may prosper ; that you may still prefer the light of
God's countenance to your chief joy ; that you may-
still delight yourselves in the Lord ; be daily hunger-
ing and thirsting after him, and daily receiving from his
fulness, even grace for grace ; that you may rejoice
in his all-sufficiency, may taste his love in every dis-
pensation ; that every blessing of his common provi-
dence may come to you as a fruit and token of his
covenant love ; that the frame of your spirits may be
heaven- ward, your conduct exemplary, and your whole
conversation may breathe the meekness, simplicity, and
spirituality which become the gospel of Christ. I
have strong confidence in the Lord for you, my dear
friends, that it shall be even thus — And it will rejoice
my heart to hear that it is so.

However the Lord may be pleased to indulge us with
comforts and mercies here, still this is not, — cannot be*
our rest. Indwelling sin, the temptations of Satan,
changing dispensations, and the vanity which is inse-
parably entwined with every earthly connexion, wiil
more or less disturb our peace. But there is a brighter
world, where sin and sorrow can never enter; every
moment brings us nearer to it :• — -then every imperfection
shall cease, and our best desires shall be satisfied beyond
our present conceptions : — then we shall s>.e him whom
having not seen we love : we shall see him in all
glory, not as now, through the medium of ordinances,
but face to face, without a veil, we shall see him so as
to be completely transformed into his perfect image.
Then likewise we shall see all his redeemed, and join
with an innumerable multitude of all nations, people, and

4S To Mrs. C*#*¥. let. 15,

languages, in singing the triumphant song of Moses and
the Lamb for ever ! Then we shall look back with
wonder on all the way the Lord led us through this wil-
derness, and shall say, " He hath done all things well.'"
May this blessed hope comfort our hearts, strengthen
our hands, and make us account nothing dear or hard,
so that we may finish our course with joy. Pray for us ;
and believe me to be

Your affectionate friend and servant.

LETTER XV.

To Mrs. C****.
My Dear Madam, May 2, 177 1.

A SPENT about five weeks at London lately, which
has occasioned me to delay answering your letter some-
thing longer than usual. But I have not forgotten you.
The change of your situation will probably change the
methods of Satan in his unwearied attempts to disturb
the peace of those who love the Lord ; for he knows how
to suit himself to our circumstances, whatever they be.
It may likewise draw forth the weakness of indwelling
sin, in ways different from your former experience, and
give you new views of the evil and dcceitfulness of the
heart. But, as I trust you had an eye to the word,
Spirit, and providence of God, when you entered into
the marriage relation, and sought his blessing by repeated
prayer, you need not fear but his grace will be sufficient
for you. The more the Lord blesses you in outward
things, the more sensible you will be, (if your heart is kept
alive,) that true happiness is only to be found in himself;
for sin and vanity are closely connected with every thing

Let. 15. To Mrs. £•****. 49

beneath the skies. In this view I trust lie will enable
you to number your crosses among your mercies, as ne-
cessary to keep your soul from cleaving to the dust, and
to quicken your prayers and desires heaven-wards. Our
necessary connexions in this liie, especially those which
are most pleasing, are attended with many snares.
rviay the Lord ktepyou sensible of the danger, that you
ma) be continually crying, " Hold thou us up, and then
11 we shall be sake ;" and be watchful against the first ap-
pearances of a decline in the power of tho life of faith.
I am, however, fully persuaded that a due attention to
the concerns of our relative duties and callings in this
world, can never be properly hinderances to us, in walk-
ing with God. These things may require some of our
thoughts, and much of our time ; but if we can manage
them in obedience to his will, and with a reference to
his glory, they are then sanctified, and become religious
actions. And I doubt not but a believer, acting in a
right spirit, may be said to worship God in the shop 01
kitchen, no less than when waiting on him in his ordi-
nances. But he must teach us to do this, for we have
no sufficiency of ourselves ; yea, he must teach us and
strengthen us continually, for we cannot live by past
experience, without a new supply of grace from hour to
hour : and this he has promised. See Isa. xxvii. 3. It is
not the action, (if lav lul,) but the spirit with which it is
performed, that the Lord regards. We are naturally
desirous to do some great thing ; but all the law is ful-
filled, evangelically, by love. And a person called by
providence to sweep the streets, if he does it to the Lord,
performs as acceptable a service as another who should
pre ach the Gospel to thousands. As to cares and anx-
ieties, which are unnecessary, and therefore sinful, you
will not be wholly without them white there is any unbe-
Vol. VI. H

50 To Mrs. C****. Let. 15.

lief and sin remaining in the heart. Your great mercy
will be to be humbled for them, and to take occasion
from all that you feel amiss, to adore the free grace of
God, to rejoice in the perfect work, boundless com-
passion, and prevailing intercession of Jesus. He knows
our frame, and remembers that we are but dust. And
though many evils arise in our hearts which are new to
us, they are not new to him. He knew what we were,
and what we should be, before he called us ; and yet it
pleased him to make us his people.

I am sorry to hear that you have uneasinesses and
differences in your church ; for, through mercy, I wish
well to all the Lord's assemblies without respect to names
and parties. I shall be glad to hear that the Healer of
breaches is pleased to settle you comfortably again. In
the mean time, I trust you will account it a privilege
that you live in a place where the preaching of the
Gospel is not confined to one denomination. 1 bless
God, we are still favoured with peace here. May we
prize it: it is that to the soul, or to a church, which
health is to the body. There may be life, but there can
be no comfort without it. While Satan can prevail to
break a people's peace, there is usually a full stop put
to edification. There may be preaching, and hearing,
and praying ; but every thing will be weak and languid.
For the Holy Spirit, whose emblem is the peaceful dove,
will not dwell in the midst of strife and contention.
Nay, it is an awful token that he is withdrawn already,
when these evils are greatly prevalent. When ordi-
nances are powerful, and both ministers and people taste
that the Lord is gracious, things may arise, through human
infirmity and Satan's subtlety, to threaten the continu-
ance of peace; but then it will be as at the breaking
out of afire, where every one exerts himself to extinguish

Let. 1C. To Mrs. C#**#. 51

it before it can get to a head. We have many com-
bustibles, and the enemy will throw sparks upon them
to set all in a flame ; but happy they who so value peace,
as to be willing to give up any thing but truth to pre-
serve it. We join in love to you both. Pray for us.

I am affectionately yours.

LETTER XVI.

To Mrs. C****.
Dear Madam, Feb. 14, 1772.

I

FIND by the date of your last, that I have not been
so punctual to the time of answering as formerly. In-
deed, business of one kind or another so grows on my
hands, that I am in arrears to many.

I hope the Lord, who has mercifully given you chil-
dren, will enable you to bring them up in his fear, and
accompany your endeavours with his blessing ; and
make them in due time partakers of his grace, that they
may know and love the Lord God of their parents.

Your warfare, it seems, still continues; and it will con-
tinue while you remain here. But he is faithful who has
promised to make us more than conquerors in the last
conflict — then we shall hear the voice of war no more for
ever. Whatever we suffer by the way, the end will make
amends for all. The repeated experience we have of
the deceitlulness of our own hearts, is a means which
the Lord employs to make us willing debtors to his free
grace, and teach us to live more entirely upon Jesus.
He is our peace, our strength, our righteousness, our
all in all: And we learn from dav to clay, that though

52 To Mrs. C****. Let. 16.

diligence and watchfulness in the use of appointed
means is our part, yet we are preserved in life, not by
our care, but his. We have a watchful Shepherd who
neither slumbers nor sleeps ; his eyes are always upon
his people ; his arm underneath them : this is the rea-
son that their enemies cannot prevail against them.
We are conscious to ourselves of many unguarded mo-
ments, in which we might be surprised and ruined, if
we were left without his almighty defence. Yea, we
often suffer loss by our folly ; but he restores us when
wandering; revives us when fainting; heals us when
wounded ; and, having obtained help of him, we con-
tinue to this hour ; and he will be our guard and guide
even unto death. He has delivered, he does deliver;
and in him we trust that he will yet deliver us.

We have had but few alterations at , since

my last ; only that of late the Lord has been pleased
to give his word a more convincing power than for some
lime before. We have had several awakened within
these few months, who appear to be truly in earnest.
Upon the whole, though we have many causes of hu-
miliation, I hope it is with us in some measure accord-
ing to that pleasing description, Acts ix. 31. Help
us to praise the Lord for his goodness to us.

As to myself, there is little variation in my path.
The law of sin in my members distresses me; but the
Gospel yields relief. It is given me to rest in the fin-
ished salvation, and to rejoice in Christ Jesus as my
all in all. My soul is athirst for nearer and fuller com-
munion with him. Yet he is pleased to keep me short
of those sweet consolations in my retired hours which I
could desire. However, I cannot doubt but he is with
me, and is pleased to keep up in my heart some sense
ot the evil of sin, the beauty of holiness, my own weak-

Let. 17. To Mrs. C«***. 6$

ness, and his glorious all-sufficiency. His I am, and
him I desire to serve. I am, indeed, a poor servant ;
but he is a gracious Master. O ! who is a God like
unto Him, that forgiveth iniquity, and casteth the sins
of his people into the depths of the sea. I shall not
always live thus — the land to which we are going is far
different to this wilderness through which he is now
leading us. Then we shall see his face, and never,
never sin.

If either of you or yours should come towards Lon-
don, we shall be glad to see you ; but, if not here, we
hope to meet in glory. There is but little probability
of my seeing you in Yorkshire. We may meet how-
ever at present, I hope we do, at a throne of grace.
I intreat a frequent remembrance in your prayers, both
of me and mine. This is the best proof we can give of
our love to our friends, to bear them upon our hearts
before the Lord. Afford me this, and I will pay yon
in kind as the Lord shall enable me.

Yours in the best friendship.

LETTER XVII.

To Mrs. C****.
My dear Friends, June 5, 1776.

MIGHT apologize for my long silence, but you set
me the example ; so let us exchange forgiveness. You
are busy ; and I can assure you I have but little leisure.
However, I can say with you, that my regard remains.
I still remember with pleasure past times in which we
have taken sweet counsel together ; and I look forward

54 To Mrs. 6'****. Let. 17.

to the happy period of all interruptions, when I trust
we shall meet to spend an everlasting sabbath in praise
to Him who has loved us, and washed us from our sins
in his blood.

Mrs. N###* and I are still, by the Lord's mercy,
spared to each other. She joins me in love to you
both, and to your husbands. We are not only spared,
but highly favoured with health, peace, and an abund-
ance of temporal mercies. I am still supported, and
in some measure owned, in the pleasing service of
preaching the glorious Gospel to my fellow- sinners ;
and I am still happy in an affectionate, united people.
Many have been removed to a better world, but others
have been added to us ; so that 1 believe our numbers
have been rather increased than diminished from year
to year. But most of our old experienced believers
have finished their course, and entered into their rest.
Some such we had, who were highly exemplary and
useful ornaments to their profession, and very helpful
to the young of the flock. We miss them ; but the
Lord, who has the fulness of the Spirit, is, I hope,
bringing others forward to supply their places. We
have to sing of abounding grace, and at the same time
to mourn over the aboundings of sin ; for too many in
this neighbourhood have resisted convictions so long,
that I am afraid the Lord has given them up to hard-
ness of heart ; they are either obstinately determined to
hear no more, or sit quietly under the preaching, and
seem to be sermon- proof. Yet I hope and pray for a
day of power in favour of some who have hitherto heard
in vain. Blessed be God, we are not without some
seasons of refreshment, when a sense of his gracious
presence makes the ordinances sweet and precious.
Many miracles he has wrought, among us in the twelve

Let. 17. To Mrs. C****. 55

years I have been here. The blind see, the deaf hear,
the lepers are cleansed, and the dead are raised to
spiritual life. Pray for us that his arm may be re-
vealed in the midst of us.

As to myself, I have had much experience ofthede-
ceitfulness of my heart, much warfare on account of the
remaining principle of indwelling sin. Without this ex-
perience I should not have known so much of the wis-
dom, power, grace, and compassion of Jesus. I have
good reason to commend him to others, as a faithful
Shepherd, an infallible Physician, an unchangeable
Friend. I have found him such. Had he not been
with me, and were he not mighty to forgive and deliver,
I had long ago been trodden down like mire in the
streets. He has wonderfully preserved me in my out-
ward walk, so that they who have watched for my halt-
ing have been disappointed. But He alone knows the
innumerable backslidings, and the great perverseness
of my heart. It is of his grace and mercy that I am
what I am ; having obtained help of him, I continue to
this day. And He enables me to believe that he will
keep me to the end, and that then I shall be with him
for ever.

I hope your souls prosper, and that all the comforts,
employments, cares, and trials of life, are sanctified by
his blessing, to lead you to a more immediate depend-
ence upon himself; that he enables you to glorify
him in your families and connexions, and conforms you
to his image, in love, spirituality, meekness, and resigna-
tion. Many things must be attended to in their places ;
but O the blessing of being taught to do and to bear
all things for his sake ! The life of faith is, to be con-
tinually waiting on him, receiving from him, rendering
to him, restin0 in him, and acting for him. In every

56 To Mrs. <?****. Let. 18.

other view the present state is vanity and vexation of
spirit. But when the love of Jesus is the leading and
constraining motive of our conduct, the necessary busi-
ness of every day, in the house, the shop, or the field,
is ennobled, and makes a part of our religious worship ;
while every dispensation of Providence, whether plea-
sant or painful to the flesh, is received and rested in as
an intimation of his will, and an evidence of his love
and care for us. Happy they who do not stop short in
names, forms, and notions, but are desirous of knowing
what effects such a gospel as we profess is capable of
producing in the spirit and conduct of those to whom it
comes, not in word only, but in the demonstration and
power of the Holy Ghost.

I commend you and yours to the Lord. I shall
always be glad to hear from you ; and remain your
affectionate friend and servant.

LETTER XVIIL

To Mrs. C****.
My dear Friend,' June 12, 1779.

Y.

OUR last letter was long in coming; but I have de-
prived myself of all right of complaining by the slow-
ness of my answer. You plead want of time ; allow
me to plead the same. During the first years of our
correspondence you had no family, and I had few en-
gagements, compared to what I have had since. As we
grow older, connexions and businesses multiply, while,
alas ! for my part, my ability to attend to the many
things which call upon me, seems rather to decline.

Let. 18. To Mrs. £****. 57

My regard for you still subsists, and I use you no
worse than I am constrained to use many others whom
I have long and dearly loved, and who have equal rea-
son to say I am become a poor correspondent.

For three years past Mrs. N**** has experienced
much ill health; and this alone has abridged me ot many
of those hours which I used to employ in writing to my
friends. Of late she has been better upon the whole^
but seldom comfortably well for many weeks together.
But in the course of these trials we have had much ex-
perience of the Lord's goodness and compassion ; and I
have found him, and still find him, a God hearing
praver, a very pleasant help in time of trouble. She
joins with me in love to you both, to Mrs. H****, and

m; other friend at Y •, whose name used to stand

with yours, and of whom I have heard nothing for a
long time.

The life of leisure you once had is now changed for
the care of a family. It is an honourable and impor-
tant charge. .1 hope the Lord continues to bless you in
it ; and that you have comfort in seeing your children
grow up like olive plants about your table. May he
give you wisdom and success in your attempts to bring
them up for the Lord ; that in due time you, and the
children he has given you, may appear together at his
right hand.

As to myself, though I have now entered the six-
teenth year of my ministry here, and have almost
finished the fifty-fourth of my life, my health and
strength/ through his blessing, continue firm ; and
through his mercy I feel myself no more weary in his
service, or weary of it, than at first. I have comfort in
the flock he has committed to my care: I have seen
many of them depart in peace, and I rejoice to think
Vol. VI. I

58 To Mrs. <?****. Let. 18.

they are safely housed out of the reach of storms. He
has from time to time raised up others to supply their
places, and in general they walk agreeably to the Gos-
pel, in peace among themselves, and united in affection
to me. I speak of the serious people chitfly. Multi-
tudes in the town are mere hearers ; and some will not
hear at ail. But all behave civil, and give me no other
trouble than that which I ought to feel most sensibly, a
concern for their precious souls, that when the light of
the Gospel shines around them, there should be so
many who prefer darkness to light, because their deeds
are evil.

Every year, and indeed every day, affords me new
proofs of the evil and deceitful ness of my heart, and of
my utter insufficiency to think even a good thought of
mvself. But I trust in the course of various exercises,
I have been taught more of the power, grace, and all-
sufficiency of Jesus. I can commend him to others,
not from hearsay but from my own experience. His
name is precious ; his love is wonderful ; his compas-
sions are boundless. I trust I am enabled to choose
him as my all, my Lord, my strength, my Saviour,
my portion. I long for more grace to love him better ;
for, alas ! I have reason to number myself among the
least of saints and the chief of sinners.

I am yours.

TWENTY-ONE LETTERS

TO

Mr. and Mrs. W****

LETTER I.
To Mr. W****.
Dear Sir, Jan. 25, 1766.

Y<

OU, (and consequently Mrs. W****, for you cannot
suffer alone,) have lately been in the furnace, and are
now brought safely out. I hope you have much to say
of the grace, care, and skill of the great Refiner,
who watched over you ; and that you have lost nothing
but dross. Let this experience be treasured up in your
hearts for the use of future times. Other trials will
come : but you have found the Lord faithful to his pro-
mise, and have good encouragement to trust him again.
I would take the liberty to address myself particularly
to dear Mrs. ****, upon a theme my heart is well ac-
quainted with. You know your weak side ; endeavour
to set a double guard of prayer there. Our earthly
comforts would be doubly sweet, if we could but venture
them without anxiety in the Lord's hands. And whtre
can we lodge them so safely ? Is not the first gift, the
continuance, the blessing which makes them pleasing, all
from him ? Was not his design in all this that we should
be happy in them ? How then can we fear that he will
threaten them, much less take them awav, but with a

C9 To Mr. W***#. Let. 1.

view to our further benefit ? Let us suppose the thing
we are most afraid of actually to happen. Can it come»a
moment sooner, or in any other way than by his appoint-
ment? Is he not gracious and fnithtui to support us
under the stroke? Is he not rich enough to give us"
something better than ever he will take away ? Is not
the light of his countenance better than life and all its
most valued enjoyments? Is not this our time of trial,
and are we not travelling towards a land of light ? —
Methinks when we view things in the light of eternity, it
is much the same whether the separating stroke arrives
at the end of seven or seventy years ; since, come
when it will, it must and will be felt ; but one draught of
the river of pleasure at God's right hand will make us
forget our sorrows for ever ; or the remembrance, if
any, will only serve to heighten our joys. — Further, what
life did he lead whom we call our Master and our
Lord ? Was not he a man of sorrows and acquainted
with grief ? has he marked out one way to heaven
with his painful footsteps, and shall we expect, or even
wish to walk in another? With such considerations as
these, we should endeavour to arm our minds, and pray
to the Lord to fix a sense of them in our hearts, and to
renew it from time to time ; that when changes are either
feared or felt, we may not be like the people of the
world, who have no heme, no refuge, no throne of grace,
but may be enabled to glorify our God in the fire, and
give proof that his grace is sufficient for us in every
state. It is neither comfortable for ourselves, nor ho-
nourable to our profession, to start at every shaking
leaf. If we are sensible of this, mourn over our in-
firmities before the Lord, and faithfully strive in prayer
against the fear that easily besets us ; he can, and
he will, strengthen us with strength in our souls, and

Let. 2. To Mrs. W****. CI

make us more than conquerors, according to his sure
promise.

A proneness to idolatry is our bosom sin : I have
smarted for it. I dare not say I am cured ; yet I
would hope the Lord's wonderful interchange of com-
forts and chastisements have not been wholly lost upon
me, but have been accompanied with some measure of
hi^ sanctifying grace. At present, that is, ever since

mv settlement at • , I have been favoured with an

interval of ease. I never had so long and general an
exemption from sharp trials. When I consider and
feel what I am, I am amazed at his forbearance.
Surely I deserve to be visited with breach upon breach.
But his compassions are infinite. Yet I must not ex-
pect to have always fair weather in a changeable world.
I would desire neither to presume that my mountain
stands strong, nor yet to afflict myself with needless ap-
prehension of what a day may bring forth. O that I
could improve the present, and cheerfully commit the
future to him who does all things w isely and well, and
has promised that all shall work together for good !
I am, dear Sir,

Your very affectionate and obliged servant.

To Mrs. W****.
LETTER II.

My dear Madam, March 8, 1768.

HEX I sentyou my w ell-meant, thoughfree, advice
in my last letter to Mr. ****, I was little aware how
soon I should be called to practise my own lesson.

62 To Mrs. W****. Let. %

However, upon trial, I can confirm what I then said,
and assure you, upon new and repeated experience,
that the Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trou-
ble, and he knoweth them that put their trust in him.
The Lord has been pleased to put us in the fire ; but,
blessed be his name, we are not burnt. O that we
may be brought out refined, and that the event may be
to the praise of his grace and power ! Mrs. #### was
taken ill, on Monday the 24th of February ; and from
that till last Wednesday was a sharp season. But let
me not forget to tell you, that this visitation was ac-
companied with spiritual supports both to her and to
myself. I hope we may say, the Lord drew near in
the day of distress, and gave us some degree of peace-
ful resignation to his will. Yet the evil heart of im-
patience and unbelief had room to show itself, (I speak
for one,) and I have the greatest reason to lie ashamed
in the dust, and cry, " Unclean, unclean." But truly
God is good ; he considers our frame ; he remembers
we are but dust : he delighteth in mercy, and there-
fore we are not consumed.

I believe the Lord gave our dear people a remark-
able tenderness of spirit to sympathize with us, and to
strive in prayer as one man in our behalf. O ! what a
privilege is it to be interested in the prayers of those
who fear the Lord ! — James, v. 15. I hope I shall
consider her recovery in this view — as the effect offer-
vent prayer. May it likewise prove an occasion of
much praise to a prayer-hearing God.

May my soul learn by what I have lately felt, and
may you and yours learn at a cheaper rate, to keep
closer to the Lord than ever. Alter all, this is but a
reprieve : separation, sooner or later, must take place.
The day must come when all creature- com forts shall

Let. 8. To Mrs. W****. 6S

vanish. And when we view things in the light of eter-
nity, it seems comparatively of small moment whether
it is this year or twenty years hence. If we are inter-
ested in the covenant of grace; if Jesus is our heloved,
and heaven our home ; we may be cast down for a little
season, but we cannot be destroyed ; nay, we shall not
be overpowered Our faithful God will surely make
our strength equal to our day ; he that has delivered,
and does deliver, will deliver to the end ; and it will not
be long before he will wipe away all tears from our
eyes. Therefore let us not fear : whatever sufferings
may be yet appointed for us, they shall work together
for our good ; and they are but light and momentary in
comparison of that exceeding and eternal weight of
glory to which we are drawing nearer every hour.

Well, the day is coming when all the Lord's people
who are scattered abroad, who praise him in different
ages and different languages, shall be collected toge-
ther and stand with one heart, consent, and voice before
the throne. O the glorious assembly ! how white are
their robes, how resplendent their crowns, how melodi-
ous their harps ! Every hour the chorus is augmented
by the accession of fresh voices ; and ere long we hope
to join them. Then shall we remember the way by
which the Lord led us through this dark wilderness;
and shall see that all our afflictions, our heaviest af-
flictions, were tender mercies, no less than our most
pleasing comforts. What we shall then see, it is now
our privilege and duty to believe.
Believe me to be, dear Madam,

Your most affectionate and obliged servant.

64 To Mrs. 7T****. let. 3.

LETTER III.

To Mrs. W****.

Very dear Madam, July 24, 1766.

J. AM truly glad that Mr. *##* and you go on comfort-
ably. For so I trust you do upon the whole, notwith-
standing the incidental workings of unbelief and tempta-
tion. These, like fits of the tooth-ach, though trouble-
some, are not mortal ; and only give us painful but ne-
cessary conviction of the need we have of a compas-
sionate and almighty Physician. They are like winds
to the trees, which threaten to blow them quite down,
but in reality, by bowing them every way, loosen the
ground about them, circulate the sap, and cause them
to strike their roots to a greater depth, and thereby se-
cure their standing. If a tree were to grow all upwards,
and the roots not to enlarge in proportion to the branches,
it would be laid flat upon the ground by the first storm.
It is equally unsafe for a believer to be top-heavy ;
and therefore the Lord suits and changes his dispensa-
tions, that, as they increase in gifts, knowledge, judg-
ment, and usefulness, they may grow downwards like-
wise, and increase in humility. Since we have been en-
abled to put ourselves in his hands, let us stand to our
surrender, and leave him to carry on his work in his own
way. It is a commonly received maxim, that if short-
sighted, feeble man were to have the distribution of the
weather, we should have but poor harvests. But, indeed
we are as well qualified to direct and manage the sea-
sons of the year, as we are to prescribe what dispensa-

Let. 3. . To Mrs. ?r*#*#. 6.5

tions are most proper to promote the growth of grace in
our souls. Rejoice, therefore, my dear friends, that ye
are God's husbandry. The early and the latter rain, and
the cheerful beams of the Sun of Righteousness, are surely
promised to ripen your souls for glory; — but storms and
frosts likewise are useful and seasonable in their places,
though we perhaps may think we could do better with-
out them. In our bright and lively frames, we learn
what God can do for us ; in our dark and dull hours,
we feel how little we can do without him ; and both are
needful to perfect our experience and to establish our
faith. At one time we are enabled to rejoice in God ;
at another we are seeking after him sorrowing : these
different seasons are equally good in their turns, though
not eqally comfortable ; and there is nothing we need
fear but security, carelessness, and presumption. To
think ourselves rich and increased with goods, or to sup-
pose we are safe a moment longer than while depending
upon Jesus, would be dangerous. Let us pray the Lord
to keep us from such a mistake ; and, as to the rest, we
shall do well. Let us be faithful and diligent in the use
of all appointed means, especially in secret exercises, and
then leave him to lead us as he pleaseth ; and, though our
path should lie through the fire or through the water,
we may trust his power and love to bring us safely
through, and at last to fix us in a wealthy place, where
our warfare and tears shall cease for ever.
I am, dear Madam,

Your verv affectionate and obliged servant,

Vot, VI.

6G To Mr. JV****. Let. 4.

LETTER IV.
To Mr. W****.

My dear Sir, July 9, 1767.

1 CONGRATULATE you on that comfortable de-
claration, " We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus
" Christ the righteous, who now appears in the presence
" of God Jor us." An awful cause we had to manage in
the court of heaven ; and when we expected to be ask-
ed, what we could say, that judgment should not be
given and executed speedily against us, we were dumb
and without plea. We could not dt ny the fact, or offer
the least amends. We could neither stand nor flee.
But since Jesus has been pleased to take our affairs in
hand, how are appearances changed ! The law is ful-
filled, justice sati:-fied, and heaven opened to those who
were upon the brink of despair and destruction. And
Jesus did not plead for us once only, but he " ever
" liveth to make intercession for us." Let us then take
courage. That word uttermost includes all that can bt
said : take an estimate of sins, temptations, difficulties,
fears, and backslid ings of every kind, still the word ut-
termost goes beyond them all. And since he ever liv-
eth to make intercession, since he is the righteous one
who is always heard, since his promise and compassions
are unchangeable, may his spirit enable us to apply the
conclusion without wavering to our soul's comfort, that
he is indeed able, and willing, and determined, to save
us even to the uttermost.

This point being comfortably settled, that he will

Let. 4. To Mr. JF****. 67

neither cast us off himself, nor suffer any to pluck us out
of his hands, but that he will surely bring us. through
fire and through water, to the wealthy place bis love has
provided tor us ; the next important inquiry is, since
we may hope tor heaven at the end, how may we at-
tain as much of heaven by the way, as is possible to
be hoped for in this defiled state of things r Do we
indeed, through grace, hope to live with Jesus hereafter?
then surely we desire to walk with him here. When I
speak of walking with Jesus, my idea is helped by con-
sidering how it was with his disciples. They lived in
his presence ; while he staid in a place, they staid ; and
when he removed, they went with him. Having him
thus always near, always in view, the sight ot him un-
doubtedly gave a composure to their whole behaviour,
and was a check upon their eyes, their tongues, and their
actions. Again, when they had difficulties and hard
questions upon their minds, they did not puzzle them-
selves with vain reasonings ; when they were in want,
they looked to him for a supply ; and when in danger,
though liable to fear, yet recollecting that he was with
them, they little doubted of deliverance. Now I want
a faith that shall in these respects be the evidence of
things not seen ; I mean, to have such an abiding, ex-
perimental conviction oi his nearness and presence as
it I actually saw him. Surely if he were now upon
earth, and I expected a visit from him this afternoon,
my heart would bound at the thought. With what a
mixture of joy and fear should I open the door to re-
ceive him ! How cautious should I be, net to do or
say any thing that might grieve him, and shorten his
stay with me ! and how gladly, if he gave me leave
to speak, should I catch the opportunity of telling him
all ! Surely I should be unwilling to let him go till he

G8 To Mr. Jf****. Let 5.

had healed my breaches and renewed my strength ; till
he had taught me better how to serve him, and promised
to support and own me in his service ; and it I heard
him say, with an audible voice, " Though they fight
" against thee, they shall not prevail, for I am with thee
" to deliver thee, ' I should be ready to bid adieu to
fearand to triumph in the Psalmist's language, " Though
" an host should rise against me, in this will I be con-
" fident." But, alas, my unbelieving heart ! are these
things not true, even at present ? Is he not as near and
as kind ? Have I not the same reasons and the same
encouragement to set him always before me, and to tell
him my wants, my fears, and my dangers, as if I saw
him with my bodily eyes r From hence it appears with
what propriety the Christian life is called the life of
faith, and from hence likewise it too plainly appears,
that though I am by office called to teach others, I have
need to be taught myself the first and plainest princi-
ples of my profession. Lord increase my faith.
I am, with great sincerity, dear Sir,

Your most obliged and affectionate servant.

LETTER V.

To Mr. W****.
Dear Sir, October 2, 176-f.

T is because I love you that I rejoice to think you
are in the Lord's hands, and that I desire to leave you
there. Happy is the state of a believer ; to such, all
things are for good. Health is a blessing, a great
mercy; enabling us to relish the comforts ot life, and to

let. 5. Tc Mr. W****. 6.9

be useful in our generations ; and sickness is a great
mercy likewise to those who are interested in the cove-
nant ; for it is and shall be sanctified to wean us more
from the present world, to stir up our thoughts and de-
sires heaven-ward, to quicken us to prayer, and to give
us more opportunity ot knowing the sweetness and suit-
ableness of the promises, and the power and wisdom of
a promise-performing God. Troubles have many uses
when the Lord is pleased to work by them for the good
of his children, and are necessary upon this account,
amongst others, that we should miss the time, relish,
and meaning of a great part of the Bible without them,,
I hope the Lord blesses you both with a measure oi
submission to his will, confidence in his love, and then,
with respect to other things, you will say, All is well :
uncertainty and brevity are written upon all below ;
therefore may we be enabled both to weep and rejoice
as those who know we shall do neither very long here.
By the Lord's goodness, it is appointed both for you
and for us to have more temporal happiness in posses-
sion than the greatest part ot mankind have in idea,
and yet our best here would be a poor all, it it was indeed
our all. We should be thankful for present things;
hut, O what great thankfulness for spiritual blessings,
for pardon, peace, and eternal life ! Our gourds must
one day wither; but our portion will be ours for ever.
Jesus, the fountain, will be full, when every creature-
stream will be dried up. Such discoveries ot his pre-
sence as we have a warrant to pray for here, are suffi-
cient to comfort us under all the pains, losses, and trials
we can ieel or iear ; but still it will not appear by all
that he will give or show us in the present liie, what we
shall be when we see him as he is, a:.d are made per-
fectly like him. O ! then let us rejoice in the Lord,

TO To Mr. W****. Let. 5.

and welcome every dispensation, knowing and believing
that /all we receive is conveyed to us by infinite love
and unerring wisdom.

B**** A**** has been sick nigh unto death ; we
know not well how to spare her, as she is very useful
in her situation, and has been often made, ^though with-
out her intending or observing it,) a teacher to me.
The Lord has heard prayer on her behalf and she is
raised up again. I look upon our old believers here, as
misers look upon their gold, with a mixture ot plea-
sure and pain. I am daily apprehensive' some ot them
will be called home ; but I long and pray that, beiore
they are removed, others may be raised up to supply
their places. I wish I had it more at heart. The work
seems, (so far as it comes under m\ knowledge,) much
at a stand as to new awakenings and conversions. I
trust you will pray for us, that the arm of the Lord may
be revealed. Things go on comfortably in our society :
I can see some grow ; and I think there are few of them
with whom I am not better satisfied than with myself.
Mv coldness and stupidity when I am retired out of
sight is amazing. Blessed be the Lord, I hope I can
say, it is burthensome, and robs me of much of the
comfort I might otherwise enjoy in the many blessings
the Lord affords me. But why should I weary you
with my complaints? Let us turn our thoughts to
Jesus. In him we have peace, wisdom, righteousness,
and power. He knows our weakness, wants, and tempt-
ations, and is every way a suitable High Priest and
Saviour. May the Lord give you a sense ot his love
while you are reading this. May his peace rest in your
hearts, and his presence dwell in your house. May
your children be all taught ot God, and your servants
be the servants of Jesus. May we all be daily grow-

Let. 6. To Mrs. W#**#. 71

ing in his knowledge and grace, be guided by his counsel
through the present lhe, and at last meet in glory. Be-
lieve that our hearts are v\ith you, and that we have an
affectionate sense of all your kindness, particularly in

coming to see us.

I am your affectionate and obliged.

LETTER VI.
To Mrs. W****.

My dear Madam, October 31,1767.

JL PI EAR you still continue poorly in health : shall I
say I am sorry? I hope this is allowable; we have the
best example and authority to sympathize with suffering
friends. Yet our sorrow should be mixed with joy, for
we are directed to rejoice alwavs in the Lord ; al-
ways— not only when we are well, but when we are
sick ; not only upon the mount, but in the valley. I
rejoice, therefore, that you are in safe hands ; in the
hands of Him whom you love best, and who best loves
you. You need not fear that he will lay more upon
you than you are able to bear, for he has engaged his
faithfulness to the contrary. I trust this sickness of
your body is, and shall be, for the health of your soul ;
yea, perhaps even now, if you were able to write, you
would tell me that as your afflictions abound, your con-
solations in Christ do much mere abound. All the
fruit shall be to take away sin; therefore be of good
courage: behold we count them happy that endure ; yea,
blessed are those servants whom the Lord chastiseth.
Xow he deals with vou as a child ; he intends this dis-

12 To Mrs. W****. Let. 0.

pensation to revive in you a sense of the uncertainty
and vanity of all things here below, to give you a nearer
and closer perception of the importance and reality of
unseen things ; to afford you the honour of a conform-
ity to Jesus, who went through sufferings to the king-
dom. But how different were his sufferings from yours ?
There is no sting in your rod, nor wrath in your cup ;
your pains and infirmities do not cause you to sweat
blood, nor are you left to cry out, " My God, my God,
" why hast thou forsaken me ?" Then, again, our trials
are intermixed with abundance of mercies ; temporal
mercies, which appear exceedingly valuable to those
who feel the want of them, and have a load of poverty,
neglect, &c. superadded to grievous pains and sick-
nesses to struggle with ; but, especially, spiritual mer-
cies. In a time of sickness we may see in the strongest
light the privilege of being a believer, to have a right to
cast ourselves and our all upon the covenant mercies of
a. God in Christ. Sickness is a bitter evil indeed to
those who have no God to go to ; who can have no
relief from their earthly friends, and yet know not where
else to apply either for patience or deliverance. When
you meditate on these things, I trust you find your
heart sweetly composed into a frame of resignation to
bear, as well as to do, the will of your heavenly Father *
and though your recovery may be slow, and your phy-
sicians shake their heads, as uncertain what to try for
you, yet when the fit time is come, the great Physician
who has taken charge of your case can heal you pre-
sently. Diseases hear his voice. To the Lord our
God belong the issues from death. I pray as I am
enabled for your recovery at the best season, but espe-
cially that the rod may be sanctified, and you brought
forth from the furnace refined as sold.

Let. G. To Mrs. W****. 73

I sympathize likewise with dear Mr. **** ; nay, per-
haps he is more to be pitied than you. You know what
you feel, but his affection will be apt to aggravate every,
circumstance, and his imagination be busy in painting
and foreboding scenes which I hope will not yet take
place. I know what it is, by repeated experience, to
watch night and day with anxiety over a life in many
respects dearer to me than my own. I have been a
long student in this school, and can tell you, my dear
Sir, by experience, that the Lord our God is faithful
and merciful. When he makes two persons happy in
a mutual affection, he sees now and then a need-be to
put their faith and patience to a trial, and to quicken
them to prayer by touching them where they are most
sensible ; hereby he humbles us for the idolatry, unbe-
lief, and ingratitude of our hearts. But he pities us still,
and takes occasion from our distresses to make the
suitableness and seasonableness of his mercy and power
more clearly manifested. Some time ago this was my
trial. I know that you then bore a friendly part with
me, and remembered me at the throne of grace. I
hope I shall now do my best to repay your labour of
love. I wish we may learn from all our changes, to be
sober and watchful, not to rest in grace received, in ex-
perience or comforts, but still to be pressing forward,
and never think ourselves either sate or happy, but
when we are beholding the glory of Christ by the light
of faith in the glass of the Gospel. To view him as
God manifest in the fle?h, as all in all in himself, and
all in all for us ; this is cheering, this is strengthen-
ing, this makes hard things easy, and bitter things
sweet. This includes all I can wish for my dear
friends, that you may grow in grace, and in the know-
ledge of Jesus. To know him, is the shortest descrip-
Vol. VI. L

74j To Mr. J^****. Let. 7.

tion of true grace ; to know him better, is the surest
mark of growth in grace ; to know him perfectly, is
eternal life. This is the prize of our high calling ; the
sum and substance of all we can desire or hope for is,
to see him as he is, and to be like him ; and to this ho-
nour and happiness he will surely bring all that love his
name. We need not think much of any way that leads
to this blessed end.

I am, with a sincere regard,
Your most affectionate friend and obliged servant

LETTER VII.

To Mr. W****.

My dear Sir, October 29, 1 768.

_I HOPE your souls prosper; that the Lord hears from
you and you from him often ; and that you both live a
life of taith in the Son of God, are strong in his might,
and comforted by refreshing views of his glory. The
great secret of our profession, (O that I could learn it
better !) is to be looking at Jesus. I am a stranger to
the court ; but I am told that those who wait there
form themselves* into little parties, have their own con-
versation, or make their remarks upon what passes,
till the king appears ; then every thing is hushed and
dropped, and their attention is fixed upon him alone.
O ! that thus by the eye of faith we might obtain such
a sight of the glory, beauty, and love of King Jesus, as
might unite our scattered thoughts, and attract all our
powers and affections to himself. But, alas ! we are
prone, (at least I may speak for myself,) to forsake the

Let. 7. To Mr. JF***#. 75

fountain of living waters, and to hew out broken cis-
terns. Instead of receiving him, I am often looking in
myself for something to enable me to do without him,
or at least for something to strengthen the warrant he
has given me in his word to come to him. The Lord
be merciful to my unbelief and slowness of heart; though
taught and warned again and again, I am frequently re-
peating the old mistake, and seeking the living among
the dead. I have some faint idea of the life of faith,
and can talk a little about it ; but to experience myself
the power of what I preach to others, this is too often
what I find not. Yet I must praise him ; if I did not,
might not the very stones cry out and shame me? for
surely he has dealt marvellously with me. He found
me in a waste howling wilderness ; in more than the
prodigal's distress, with my heart full of madness and
rebellion, and beset with horror on every side. In this
state I was when he first passed by me, and bid me live.
He sent from on high, and delivered me out of deep
waters. And, O what has he not done for me since !
given me to know, yea, to preach, his Gospel ; cast my
lot in a pleasant place ; filled and surrounded me w ith
mercies on every side ; and spoken good concerning me
for a great while to come, even for ever and ever.
Praise the Lord, O my soul ! Come, my dear friends,
and magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his
name together.

I am, my dear friend,
Your most affectionate and obliged servant.

76 To Mr. 7T**** Let. 8.

LETTER VIII.
To Mr. W****.

My dear Sir, July 8, 1769.

J. HAVE been thinking of you and yours upon my
knees, and would be thankful for the information I had
yesterday from Mr. ***'*, that the Lord is raising you
up again. Indeed, I have heard that, in your illness,
you were favoured with such sweet foretastes of the
glory that shall be revealed, that death appeared to you
not only disarmed of its sting, but a very desirable mes-
senger ; and that you had strong hopes that the hour
of your release was at hand. In such a frame it is no
wonder that you longed to depart and be with Christ;
yet, as many will have cause to rejoice at your reco-
very, I hope you likewise are made sweetly reconciled
to life, and willing fo wait and suffer yet a little longer,
if by any means the Lord shall be pleased to honour
you with usefulness in your station. If we look to our-
selves only, and consider our immediate interest, who
that has a good hope through grace would not wish to
be out of this wilderness, and at home in our Father's
house, where all temptations and enemies shall be shut
out, and we shall enjoy the unclouded light of his coun-
tenance for ever, without the least abatement or inter-
ruption. But St. Paul, though he had been taken up
into the third heaven, and knew more of the state of
glorified spirits than was perhaps ever vouchsafed to a
child of Adam ; and though trom the tastes he had re-
ceived; he had very strong desires to be at the fountain

Let. 8. To Mr. 7F**#*. 77

head, yet was content to defer the full possession of his
happiness a little longer, if in the mean time the Lord
would be pleased to make him serviceable to his church
and people. At the longest, the time is short ; ten, or
twenty, or fifty years, is but a span in comparison to
the eternity that awaits us. And though we should
weep all the while, yet our tears would ere long be
wiped away. If we consider this life chiefly with re-
spect to the things which make up a great part of it, as
eating, drinking, buying, selling, putting on our clothes,
and putting them off, a spiritual mind may well be
weary of such a train of necessary trifling. But besides
that, even the common actions of life are sanctified, and
become a part of our acceptable service, when per-
formed in a spirit of faith, love, and dependence ; this
life, poor as it is in itself, will become exceedingly im-
portant in one view. It is the only opportunity we have
to hold forth the power of Gospel truth in the midst of
a crooked and perverse generation, to show our readi-
ness to bear the cross, and to tread in the steps of a
suffering Saviour, and to be subservient to the promot-
ing his cause, and the encouragement of his people.
Many of our years were wasted in the service of sin
before we knew the Lord; and though they are happy
who are taken out of this vain world soon after their
conversion, yet I think they are more honoured who
are preserved to bear a testimony to his goodness, and
to be useful in their generation for a course of years
Therefore though, if the Lord had seen fit to remove
vou, you would have escaped some trials which in this
world you will be sure to meet with, and would have
had your hungerings after Jesus abundantly satisfied ;
yet upon the account ot dear Mrs. ****, your child-
ren, your place in the church and in the world, as w

78 To Mr. JP*#*#. Let. 9.

as upon my own account, I cannot but rejoice that
there is a prospect of your continuance longer on this
side the grave.

When I look at the state of the land, I know not how
to spare one praying person. They are the chariots
and the horsemen of our Israel ; and I hope you will
live to be an earnest and prevalent pleader in behalf of
a sinful people.

It is a happy and most desirable frame to be ready
and willing either to live or die, and to be enabled so
absolutely to give ourselves up to the Lord's disposal
as to have no choice of our own either way, but only
intent upon improving to-day, and cheerfully to leave
to-morrow and all beyond it in his hands, who does
all things well.

I am, dear Sir,

Your affectionate and obliged servant.

LETTER IX.

To Mr. W****.
My dear Sir, December 2, 1763.

X KNOW our hearts are all alike by nature ; but I have
reason to believe, that the general tenour of your expe-
rience is very different from mine ; yea, you tell me so
yourself. Through mercy, I am favoured with daylight
which is sufficient to see by ; but the sunshine, in which
many of God's people rejoice, is not my portion. An
evil heart of unbeliel fills my sky, with many clouds ;
and though, so far as the foundations of faith and hope
are concerned, I can and do rejoice, believing that the

Let 0. To Mr. JF****i 79

Lord has loved me with an unchangeable, everlasting
love, and that he will surely do me good ; yet I am one
way or other so beset and cramped in my soul, tnat as
to m\ frames, I often for the most part go mourning all
the day long. I trust I have the name of a child in the
Lord's family, yet I may fitly com pare myselfto a servant;
for I set forth many a dish to my Master's guests, of
which, (to my own apprehension,) I am not suffered to
taste. The Lord supports, yea, he owns me, in my pub-
lic work ; he graciously keeps me in my outward walk :
these are unspeakable mercies. O that I could praise
him more on account of them ! But as to the state of things
between him and my own soul — alas ! I could write a roll
that like Ezekiel's, would be full of mourning, lamenta-
tion, and wo. Well he best knows why it is his pleasure
I should live at such a distance, as to sensihle commu-
nion. He has a right to do what he will with his own ;
and, so far as his sovereignty and wisdom are concerned,
I desire to submit. If he is pleased to accept my worth-
less name, to own my feeble services, to preserve me
from the errors of the times, and to keep me from being
a scandal to mv profession ; though he appoints me a
wearisome conflict with indwelling sin, still I ought to
praise him. Ere long this conflict will be over ; I shall
not always be burdened with this body of death. Only
I pray that, whether I enjoy the light of his coun-
tenance or not, at least I may desire it, thirst after
it as the hart after the uater-brook, and feel an
emptiness in all earthly things without it. It my
soul be not satisfied with him as with marrow and
fatness, I pray that it may not be satisfied, or take
up with any thing short of him. Rather let the whole
world appear like a wilderness to me, than that I should

80 To Mr. W****. Let. <J.

be content that the Comforter who should comfort my
soul is at a distance from me.

In the mean time, as I have but a small portion of
spiritual consolation, so I am not much exposed to the
fiery darts and black temptations of Satan. He fights
against me, it is true, and too often gains advantage ; but
he is not suffered to come upon me in a way of storm
and terror, as he is against many ; neither have I out-
ward trials worth mentioning. I believe the Lord keeps
a kind of balance with his people ; afflictions and com-
forts are set one against the other ; and perhaps this may
be one reason why I am led thus. My day at present
is easy, and therefore my strength is but small. If he
should at any time call me to harder service, I may de-
pend upon his faithfulness and care to administer pro-
portionable support.

Adored be the grace that has enabled us to make the
choice of Moses, and to prefer even the complaints and
exercises of the people of God, to all the seeming plea-
sures of a blinded world. The weeping of believers is
happier than the mirth of careless sinners. I can
heartily say, Let not my soul eat of their dainties. My
first desire would be, to rejoice in the Lord's presence;
but till this is granted, I would make it my second to
go mourning after him till I find him.

And may the Lord give to my dear friends who have
a more sensible enjoyment of his love a proportionable
measure of a humble and watchful spirit, that you may
abide in his light continually.

I am your much obliged servant.

Let. 10. To Mr. 7F****. SI

LETTER X.
To Mr. W****.

B

My dear Sir, December 16, 1770.

i LESS ED be God that he hath given us the begin-
nings of the life of faith, and that he hath favoured us
with any growth ; but there is an unsearchable fulness,
a rich treasure, which can never be exhausted ; and we
have as yet received but little of the Lord in comparison
of what he has yet in reserve for us. May not a be-
liever be taught something by what we frequently ob-
serve of the men of the world ? Perhaps when such a
one first enters upon business in a little narrow way,
he is in some measure content with a moderate in-
come, and thinks himself happy if he can bring the year
round, pay his debts, and, as the saying is, make both
ends meet. But by-and-by his acquaintance en'atges,
his trade increases, his hundreds become thousands ;
then he pities his former small way, he pushes all his
interest, strikes into new branches ; he began with a
view to a maintenance, but now he pushes tor a great
fortune, and, like the insatiable fire, the more he gets,
the more he craves. Well, let the world have the
world ; the whole of it can make but a poor all. How-
ever, the Lord grant that you and I may be thus wise
in our generation. I remember when the Lord first
set me up, (if I may so speak,) my heavenly trade lay in
a small compass, my views were very narrow ; I wanted
to be saved, and, alas ! I hardly looked further than a

Vol. VI. M

82 To Mr. JT***#. Let. Id.

bare subsistence and security ; but since the Lord has
been pleased in a measure to bless me, I hope I feel a
desire of being rich. May I, and all whom I love, be
thus minded ; not be satisfied that we have life, but la-
bour in his appointed way, that we may have it mure
abundantly ; not only to believe, but to be strong in
faith ; not only to hope, but to rejoice in hope ; not
only to desire, but to hunger, and thirst, and pant ; to
open our mouths wide, that we may be filled with his
goodness, as well as taste that he is gracious. O what
a happiness is it to be lively and thriving in the ways
of God ; to drink into the spirit of Jesus, and to walk
with that simplicity, dependence, and heavenly mind-
edness which become a son or a daughter of the Lord
Almighty ! I trust the Lord has given me thus to will ;
but when I would do good, evil is present with me.
On this account cr life is a warfare; and it is never
well with us, but when we find it so. But vie have a
good captain, good armour, good provisions, infallible
balm to heal our wounds, and, (what one would think
might make even a coward fight,) are assured of the
victory beforehand. I shall he glad to hear the success
of your last campaign. I trust \ou have been enabled,
in the Lord's strength, to put some of your enemies to
flight ; that some spiritual Goliah who came out against
you, has been cut down by the sword of the Spirit, and
that like Gideon's soldiers of old, you are still pressing
on, and, though faint, yet pursuing. To be sure fight-
ing is warm service, flesh and blood will not much
like it; but the time is short, we shall not fight always ;
we are going where we shall hear the voice of war no
more for ever A few brushes more, and the King will
say to us, Come near, and set your ieet upon the necks of

Let. 11. To Mr. JF****. 33

your enemies. Then the redeemed shall enter into the
kingdom with songs of triumph and shouts ot everlasting
joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

As to myself, I have little to say in my own behalf.
The Lord has appointed me a seniinel to give the camp
notice of the enemy's approach ; I am ashamed to say
it, but indeed I am such a wretch, that I am some-
times halt asleep upon my post. It is of the Lord's
mercy that I have not been surprised and overpowered
bf tore now. Such is his condescension, that he comes
to aiaken me himself, and only says, Arise, watch and
pray, that you enter not into temptation. I have good
reason to believe my enemy has been as near to me as
David was to Saul, when he took away his spear, and
yet I did not perceive him. Well it is for us that there
is one who watches the watchmen, a Shepherd who
himself neither slumbers nor sleeps, and yet knows how
to have compassion on those who are prone to do
both.

Believe me to be,

Your most affectionate and obliged.

LETTER XI.
To Mr. W****.
My deal' Sir, April 12, 1771.

J. OFTEN review my late London visit with much
satisfaction ; rejoicing that I tound so many of my dear
friends thriving in the good ways of the Lord. Surely
his service is pertect freedom ; his ways are ways of plea-
santness, and all his patns are peace. He is a sun and

S4 To Mr. rr****. Let. 11.

a shield, a hiding- place, and a resting-place, to them
that fear him. May we still press forward : we have
not yet attained. There are larger measures of grace,
establishment, and consolation set forth in the Gospel,
than all we have hitherto received. The Lurd has set
before us an open door, which no man can shut ; he
has ^iven us exceeding great and precious promises;
has hid us open our mouths wide, and has said, he will
fill them. He would have us ask great things, and
when we have enlarged our desires to the utmost, he is
still able to do exceeding more than we can ask or
think. May we be as wise in our generation as the
children of this world. They are not content with a
little, nor even w ith much, so long as there is any pro-
bability of getting more. As to myself, I am but a
pooi man in the trade of grace ; I live from hand to
mouth, and procure just enough, (as we say,) to keep the
wolf from the door. But I must charge it to my un-
belief and indolence, which have been so great, that it
is a mercy I am not a bankrupt. This would have
been the case, but that I have a friend, (whom you
know,) who has kindly engaged for me. To tell you
the plain truth, I have nothing of my own, but trade
wholly upon his stock ; and yet, (would you think it
possible,) though I often confess to him that I am an
unprofitable and unfaithful steward, yet 1 have upon
many occasions spoke and acted as if I would have
people believe that what he has committed to me was
my own property. Ah, Sir ! if you had a servant like
me, that should affect to show away at your expense,
you would hardly bear with him long. ^ ou would be
ready to sav, What is this I hear? Give an account
of your stewardship, for thou inayst be no longer
•rward. I learn sometimes, from family relations, to

Let. 11. ToMr.JV****. 85

form a little judgment of the Lord's patience towards
his people. What a family has he to bear with ! Those
to whom he stands in the relation of a husband, admit
idols in their hearts against him ; his friends hold a
secret correspondence with his enemies ; his children
repine against him, and quarrel one with another ; his
servants serve themselves. I do not wonder that those
who are not well acquainted with the freedom and se-
curity of the Gospel covenant, should live in daily fear
of being turned out of doors. I am sure I deserve it
every day of my life. But he is God and not man ; his
wavs are not as ours ; and as it has pleased him to re-
ceive us as children, he has promised that we shall
abide in his house for ever. It is our mercy that we
have an atonement of infinite value, and an Advocate
who is always heard, and who ever liveth to make inter-
cession for us.

How I have run from one thing to another ! But by
this means I have got through a good part of my paper.

Do you ask after ? Its present state may be

summed up in two sentences : — The Lord is gracious,
and Satan is busy. The Lord is, I hope, carrying on
his work — reviving, healing, sealing, and feeding his
people. And I am sure batan is carrying on his work :
some he is leading blindfold up and down the town, and
miserable spectacles they are : he is stopping up tne
ears of others. He is spreading nets in all quarters ;
so that believers can hardly stir a step without being
ensnared. He has taken a professor or two in his
toils ; and now he seems to laugh at them, and to laugh
at us. And all this while he is as assiduous in fighting
against the peace of the upright, as if he had nothing
else to do. We are a besieged citv, and it is not to 'jc
conceived, much less expressed, what showers of fiery

$6 To Mr. W****. Let. 12.

darts he discharges against us every day. "The noise
" of his archers is heard in the places of drawing water,"
Judges v. 11. And I am persuaded no soldier who
served in Germany can show so many wounds as some
of us have received in conflict with this enemy. How-
ever, though he thrusts sore at us, the Lord is our
helper. We are kept by the power of God. The
banner of salvation still flies upon our walls ; and I be-
lieve Satan gnashes his teeth at the sight.
I am, dear Sir,
Your much obliged and affectionate servant.

I

LETTER XII.
To Mr. W****.
My dear Sir, December 5, 1771.

WAS balked on the Friday I dined with Mrs.
****, to find you could not be at home. Then I wished
I had staid with you on the Tuesday evening ; so ready
are we, at least, so ready am I, to want to recall the
day that is past, and correct the disposal of Divine
Providence. At length I retreated to my acknowledged
principles, that the Lord knows where we are, and when
it is needful we should meet ; that the word disappoint-
ment, when translated into plain English, means little
more or less than the grumblings of self-will against the
will of God ; and that we should never meet a disap-
pointment in the path of duty, if we could heartily pre-
fer his wisdom to our own. I considered that, though
to have had your company would have been more
pleasant, yet an opportunity of trying to bow my stub

Let. 12. To Mr. fV****. 37

born spirit to the Lord's disposal, might at that time be
more profitable ; so I endeavoured to make the best of
it. I am desirous to learn, (but I am a slow scholar,
an d make bungling work at my lessons,) to apply the
great truth of the Gospel to the common concerns of
every day and every hour ; not only to believe that
my soul is safe in the Redeemer's hand, but that the hairs
of my head are numbered ; not only that those events
in life which I call important are under his direction,
but that those which I account the most inconsiderable
are equally so : that I have no more right or power
to determine for myself where or how I would spend a
single day, than I had to choose the time of my coming
into the world or of going out of it. Thus I would
believe we did not meet according to our desire, be-
cause it was not his pleasure we should. When he
sees it proper that we should come together, he can

easily lead you to , or me to London ; though

neither of us at present have any prospect of the means
by w hich our determinations may be guided. O ! would
it not be a blessed thing simply to follow him, and to
set him by faith always before us ? Then we might be
freed from anxious cares, and, as I said, out of the
reach of disappointment ; for if his will is ours, we mav
be confident that nothing can prevent hs taking place.
When I go into a post chaise, I give myself up, with
the most absolute confidence, to the driver : I think he
knows the way, and how to manage better than I do ;
and therefore I seldom trouble him either with ques-
tions or directions, but draw up the glasses and sit at
my ease. I wish I could trust the Lord so ; but though
I have given myself up to the care of infinite wisdom
and love, and, in my judgment, believe they are en-

88 To Mr. W****. Let. 1.8.

gaged on my behalf, I am ready to direct my Guide,
and to expostulate with him at every turn, and secretly
to wish that I had the reins in my own hand. " So
" stupid and ignorant am I, even as a beast before
'J him." In great trials we necessarily retreat to him,
and endeavour to stay our souls by believing he does
all things well ; but in small ones we are ready to forget
him, and therefore we are often more put out by little
things that happen in the course of every day, than by
the sharpest dispensations we meet with.

I am, with sincerity, my dear Sir,
Your most obedient, obliged, and affectionate servant,

LETTER XIII.

To Mr. W****.
My dear Sir, June 2, 1772.

I

T is true — I confess it. I have been very naughty.
I ought not to have been so long in answering your last
kind letter. Now I hope you have forgiven me. And
therefore I at once recover my confidence without trou-
bling you w ith such excuses as the old man, ever desirous
of justifying himself, would suggest. We were glad to
hear of your welfare, and of the prosperity with which
the Lord favours you at home, and in the two <ireat
houses; which, I hope, will continue to be like trees
planter! by the waters of the sanctuary, maintaining the
leaves of Gospel doctrine always green and flourishing,
and abounding with a constant succession ot blossoms,
green and ripe truit; I mean believers in the states ol
babes, young men, and lathers in Christ.

Let. 13. To Mr. Wf***. 89

" Awake, 0 heavenly wind, and come,
" Blow on these gardens of perfume ;
" Spirit divine, descend and breathe
" A gracious gale on plants beneath !"

And while you are using your best endeavours in watch-
ing for the good of these vineyards, may your own
flourish. May your soul rejoice in the Lord am' in the
success of his work, and every ordinance and provi-
dence administer unto you an especial blessing !

The illness under which I have laboured longer than
the man mentioned, (John v. 5.) is tar from being re-
moved. Yet I am bound to speak well of my Physi-
cian : he treats me with great tenderness ; assures me
that it shall not be to death, but to the glory of God ;
and bids me in due time expect a perfect cure. I know
too much or him, (though I know but little,) to doubt
either his skill or his promise. It is true, I suffer sad
relapses, and have been more than once brought in ap-
pearance to death's door since I have been under his
care ; but this fault has not been his, but my own. I
am a strange refractory patient; have too often neglected
his prescriptions, and broken the regimen he appoints
me to observe. This perverseness, joined to the exceed-
ing obstinacy of my disorders, would have caused me
to be turned out as an incurable long ago, had I been
under any hand but his. But, indeed, there is none
like him. When I have brought myself low, he has still
helped me. Blessed be his name, I am yet alive ; yea,
I shall ere long be well ; but not here. The air which
I breathe is unfavourable to my constitution, and nour-
ishes my disease. He knows this, and intends, at a
proper season, to remove me into a better climate; where
there are no fogs nor damps, where the inhabitant shall
Vol. VI. N

9§ 'Jfo Mr. 7F****. Let. 13.

no more say, T am sick. He has brought my judgment
to acquiesce with his; and sometimes I long to hear him
say, Arise and depart. But, to tell you the truth, I am
much more frequently pleased with the thought of sta\ ing
a littie and a little longer here, though in my present
situation I am kept alive merely by dint of medicine; and,
though his medicines are all salutary, they are not all
pleasant. Now and then he gives me a pleasant cordial;
but many things w hich there is a need be for my taking
frequently, are bitter and unpalatable. It is strange that
knowing this is, and must be, the case, I am not more de-
sirous of my dismission. I hope, however, one thing
that makes me willing to stay is, that I may point him
out as a Physician of value to others. We sometimes
see in the newspapers acknowledgments of cures re-
ceived. What sheets and quires of advertisements would
be necessary, if all the Lord's people were to publish
their cases. Methinks mine might run in this form :

i: I, A. B. of the paiish of C, long laboured under
" a complication of disorders. A fever, (of ungoverned
" passions,) a dropsy, (of pride,) a phrensy, (of wild
" imaginations,) a lethargy, and a dead palsy. In this
" deplorable situation I suffered many things of many
" physicians, spent my all, and grew worse and worse.
" In this condition Jesus, the Physician ot souls, found
" me when I sought him not. He undertook my re-
rt covery freely, without money and without price, (these
" are his terms with all his patients.) My fever is now
" abated, my senses restored, my faculties enlivened ;
" in a word, I am become a new man. And from his
" ability, his promise, and the experience or what he
" has already don< , I have the fullest assurance that he
11 will infallibly and perfectly heal me, and that I shall
" live tor ever a monument of his power and grace.

Let. 14. To Mr. TV****. 9i

f May many, may all, who are sick of the same diseases,
(t be encouraged, by this declaration of my case, to seek
" him likewise. For whosoever comes unto him, he will
" in no wise cast out."

When will you come and see the flock at ■ ?

By the blessing of the good Shepherd, we have had a
good number of lambs added to the fold of late, who
are in a very promising way. You would like to hear
their bleatings. The voice of joy and thanksgivings is
heard in our tabernacles, saying, The right hand of the
Lord is exalted ; the right hand of the Lord bringeth
mighty things to pass. Pray for us, that these gracious
drops may be the forerunners of a plentiful shower.
For, notwithstanding what I have said, wickedness still
abounds amongst us in the town. And many, having
long resisted the convictions of the word and Spirit, are
hardened and bold in sinning to a great degree. So

that is like the two baskets of Jeremiah's figs, the

good are very good, and the bad are exceedingly bad.
I am, my dear Sir,

Your affectionate and obliged servant.

LETTER XIV.
To Mr. W****.
My dear Sir, July 28, 1772-

XT was not in my power to reach you after I called
upon Mrs. ****. Indeed, that London is such a noisy,
hurrying place, I wish you would leave it, fill your
coach with those" whom you love best, and come and
sperrd a few davs with us. li^rc. wo could chat with-

92 To Mr. W***#. let. 14.

out interruption, and I could show you a set of pro-
mising young plants which have sprung up since you
were here last ; if vou cannot come to look at them, vet
I hope you will pray for them, that they may flourish
like the palm-tree, and bring forth fruit in old age.

Give my love to Miss ****. I trust and pray that,
wherever she feeds, the Lord will be her shepherd, and
will lead her in the green pastures of his truth, and
cause her to rest by the refreshing streams of his love.
We know he is not confined to names, places, or in-
struments. There is but one Lord, one faith, and
therefore but one church composed of all who are
vitally united to him, and who receive from his fulness
grace for grace. To him I commend her, and congra-
tulate her upon the privilege that it is given her early
in life to know his name, and to feel the constraining
power of his grace. In every other respect, the Lord
has blessed you abundantly ; and if he vouchsafes you
this blessing also, to see your children as they grow up
walking in wisdom's ways, I doubt not but he will give
your hearts to love and praise him for all his goodness.
May grace, mercy, and truth, be with you all.

We finished our little peregrination in peace, and our
return home was crowned with new mercies; but we
likewise find the return of old complaints and tempta-
tions. This evil heart of unbelief; this wicked spirit of
self; this stupidity and deadness in the things of God :
this cleaving to a covenant of works; this grovelling
attachment to the things of time and sense : for these
tilings we groan, being burthened. But we have heard
of One who is able to save to the uttermost ; and we
find that his compassions fail not. His arm is not
shortened, nor his ear heavy ; and, though our many
iniquities might justly keep good things from us, yet

Let. 14. To Mr. ?r***#. §3

still he is gracious. In secret, I am for the most part
dull and heartless, as usual ; but he is pleased to enable
me and permit me to speak for him in public. I feel
enough to make me frequently utter David's prayer,
" O take not thy word of truth utterly out of my
" mouth." He might, he might justly do it; he might
lay me aside by sickness, or, what is unspeakably more
awful, he might take away his gifts from me, and cause
my right eye to grow dark, and my right arm to wither.
Sometimes I am almost ready to fear the sentence is
coming forth ; I feel such a total inability, the Scrip-
ture a sealed book, and my heart hard as the nether
millstone. I know not how I 6hall make mention of his
name again ; I am ready to sink at the prospect ; but

It is he who supports me through all,
When I faint he revives me again.

In the midst of these exercises, I have reason to
hope he blesses the word of his grace. I have come
to the know ledge of three or four more since my return,
who have been seeking him for some months past, and
appear to have right views and warm hearts. And I
have reason to hope that he is at work upon more than
I am yet acquainted with. A young woman came to
me last night in great distress ; when I asked her the
cause she said, " O, Sir, to think that he died such a
" death, and that I should sin so against him !" Poor
soul, she had no thought of teaching her teacher, but
what she said, and the simplicity with which she spoke,
had almost melted my heart ; though the stubborn thing
soon got over it, and grew hard again.
Believe me to be sincerely,

Your affectionate and obliged servant.

9i To Mr. FT****. Bet. Id,

Y«

LETTER XV.

To Mr. W****.
My dear Sir, September 14, 1772.

OU are hungering and thirsting to feel the powei
and savour of the truth in your soul, humbling, quick-
ening, strengthening, comforting you, filling you with
peace and joy, and enabling you to abound in the fruits
of righteousness, which are, by Jesus Christ, to the
glory and praise of God. Are these your desires ? He
that has wrought them in you is God ; and he will not
disappoint you. He would not say, Open your mouth
wide, if he did not design to fill it. O ! he gives boun-
tifully ; gives like a king. A little is too much for our
deserts ; but much is too little tor his bounty. Let me
tell you a heathen story : — It is said that a man once
asked Alexander to give him some money, I think, to
portion off a daughter. The king bid him go to his
treasurer and demand what he pleased. lie went and
demanded an enormous sum. The treasurer was start-
led, said he could not part with so much without an
express order, and went to the king, and told him he
thought a small part of the money the man had named
might serve for the occasion. " No," said the king,
" let him have it all. 1 like that man : he does me
" honour ; he treats me like a king, and proves by what
" he asks, that lie believes me to be both rich and ge-
" nerous." Come, my friend, let us go to the throne
of grace, and put up such petitions as may show that
we have honourable views of the riches and bounty of

let. 16. To Mr. W*#*#.

our king. Alas ! I prefer such poor scanty desires, as
it I thought he was altogether such an one as myself.
Speak a word lor me when you are near him ; entreat
him to increase my love, faith, humility, zeal, and know-
ledge, a thousand fold. Ah ! I am poor and foolish ; I
need a great supply; I cannot dig, and yet am often
unwilling to beg.

The other day, I met in a friend's house a volume
of Mr. Whitfield's Sermons, lately published by Gur-
ney. I have read several of them. They are, indeed,
more loose and inaccurate than printed sermons usually
are ; but I think them the more valuable in one respect
on this account, that they give a lively idea of his manner
of preaching, which can hardly be guessed at from the
sermons formerly printed in his name. But in these,
I cannot read a page but I seem to have the man before
my eyes. His voice, his gesture, every particular, re-
turns to my memory, as if I had heard him but yester-
day. In this volume, I think it may emphatically be
said, He being dead, yet speaketh. I should suppose
his friends will be glad that this striking picture of him
is preserved. Though doubtless the world, who de-
spised his preaching while he lived, will think meanly
enough of sermons published just as he preached
them.

I am, sincerely, dear Sir,

Your much obliged and affectionate servant,

96 To Mr. JF#**#. Let. 16.

T:

LETTER XVI.
To Mr. W****.
My dear Sir, November 14, 1772.

HE heart is very deceitful ; I know but little of my
own, and cannot see at all into other people's. This
is a day in which the many falls of professors give us
warning not to judge too hastily by appearances, to be
cautious whom we trust, and especially whom we re-
commend. However, I have great reason to believe,
that you will never have reason to be angry with me

for having recommended ■ to you. I have had

seven or eight years' trial of him, and judge him to be a
simple-hearted, honest man. I account him a good
sample of our flock. They are mostly like him, not
abounding in that archness which the world calls wis-
dom ; they are more spiritual than clever, have more
grace than politeness, and are more desirous, (if they
could,) to live above the world than to make a noise
and cut a figure in it. They know the Lord and the
truth ; but very few of them know much of any thing
else. Such are the people whom, for the most part, the
Lord chooses and sets apart for himself ; simple,
poor, afflicted, and unnoticed in the present world, but
rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom of glory.

We jog on here much in our usual way. Only as
our numbers are increased, the enemy has a larger
held for action amongst us, and we have frequent
proofs that he is not asleep. However, upon the whole,
I trust the Lord is with us, and preserves us from his

Let. 1G. To Mr. W****. 97

devices. Of late we have had no new awakenings that
I know of; I beg your prayers for us, that the Spirit from
on high may be again poured out upon us, to make
the wilderness a fruitful field. Indeed, notwithstand-
ing the Lord has a few people here, and the preaching
of the Gospel abounds so much amongst us, I think
wickedness prevails and increases at , to a dread-
ful degree. Our streets are filled with the sons of
Belial, who neither fear God nor regard man. I wish
my heart was more affected with what my eyes see
and my ears hear every day. I am often ready to fear
lest the Lord should testify his displeasure in some
awful way ; but he is full of mercy, he has a remnant
amongst us, therefore I am willing to hope he will
yet spare.

And surelv if he were strict to mark what is amiss,
I myself might tremble. O ! were he to plead with me, I
could not answer him one of a thousand. Alas ! my
dear friend, you know not what a poor, unprofitable,
unfaithful creature I am. So much forgiven, so little
love. So many mercies, so few returns. Such great
privileges, and a life so sadly below them. Instead of
rejoicing in God, I go mourning for the most part.
Not because I am shaken with doubts and fears; fori
believe the Lord Jesus, who found me when I sought
him not, is both able and willing to save to the utter-
most; but because indwelling sin presses me close;
because when I would do good, evil is present with
me ; because 1 can attempt nothing but it is debased,
polluted, and spoiled by my depraved nature ; because
my sins of omission are innumerable. In a word,
there is so much darkness in my understanding, per-
verseness in my will, disorder in my affections, folk
and madness in mv imagination. Alas ! when shall ir,

Vol. VI. O

98 To Mr. W****. Let. 17.

be otherwise. I seem to have a desire of walking with
God, and rejoicing in him all the day long ; but I can-
not attain thereto. Surely it is far better to depart and
to be with Jesus Christ, than to live here up to the ears
in sin and temptation; and yet I seem very well con-
tented with the possibility of continuing here a «;ood
while. In short, I am a riddle to myself; a heap of
inconsistence. But it is said, " We have an advocate
" with the Father." Here hope revives ; though wretched
in myself, I am complete in him. He is made of God,
wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
On this rock I build. I trust it shall be well with me
at last, and that I shall by and by praise, and love, and
serve him without these abatements.

I am your much obliged servant.

LETTER XVII.

To Mr. W****.

My dear Sir, April 20, 1773.

IT is time to thank you for your kind letter, but I am
so much taken up, that I can hardly pay my debts of
correspondence in due season. However, I do not love
to let yours be long unanswered, because till I have
quitted scores, I have but little hopes of hearing from
you again. We were glad to hear that you and Mrs.
**** were well, and to find by your writing, that the
Lord makes your feet like hinds' feet in his good ways,
and leads you in the paths of pleasantness and peace.
I doubt not but you likewise have your share of trials :
but when the love of God is shed abroad in the heart

Let. 17. To Mr. W****m 9S

by the Holy Ghost, it sweetens what bitter things the
Lord puts into our cup, and enables us to say, None
of these things move us. Yes, the life of faith is a
happy lite, and, if attended with conflicts, there is an
assurance of victory ; if we sometimes get a wound,
there is healing balm near at hand ; if we seem to
fall, we are raised again ; and if tribulations abound,
consolations shall abound likewise. Is it not happiness
to have an infallible Guide, an invincible Guard, an Al-
mighty Friend r — to be able to say of the Maker of
heaven and earth, He is my Beloved, my Shepherd, my
Saviour, and my Husband ; and to say to him — ■

Let waves and thunders mix and roar,
Be thou my God, I ask no more :
While thou art Sovereign, I'm secure,
I shall be rich till thou art poor.

O the peace which flows from believing that all events
in which we are concerned are under his immediate
disposal ; that the hairs of our head are all numbered ;
that he delights in our prosperity ; that there is a need-
be, if we are in heaviness, and that all things shall
surely work for our good ! How happy to have such
views of his sovereignty, wisdom, love, and faithfulness,
as will enable us to meet every dispensation with sub-
mission, and to look through the changes of the present
life, to that unchangeable inheritance to which the Lord
is leading us, when all evil shall cease, and where joy
shall be perfect and eternal ! I trust he who loves you
strengthens you in this life of faith, and fills you with a
peace that passes all understanding.

Perhaps you have heard that I have not been well.
My illaess was not so great as to confine me from my

100 , To Mr. W****. Let. Ih

work, and the Lord was pleased to give me a peaceful
frame ot mind under his hand, so that I did not suffer
much. For about a week I was set to learn the value
of hearing by the want of it; for I was so deaf that I
could join in no conversation; but now, thanks to the
great Physician, my complaints are all removed.

A minister of Jesus Christ is as high a style, (accord-
ing to the spiritual heraldry in the word of God,) as
mortal man can attain. His department is much more
important than that of a first Lord of the Treasury or
Admiralty, a Chancellor, or a mere Archbishop. I can
wish Mr. **f* no higher preferment than to be an am-
bassador of the King of kings. It is, however, a very
serious business ; and he is young enough to admit of
time for due deliberation. Many in the time of their
first love, while a sense of divine things and compas-
sion for souls have been very warm upon their minds,
have been desirous to preach the Gospel; but this desire
alone does not amount to a divine call. In those whom
the Lord has not designed for the service, it gradually
weakens and dies away; or, if they too hastily push
themselves forward into the work, they have often cause
to repent it ; for the ministry must be a wearisome and
discouraging service, unless we are clear that God has
called and appointed us to it. I hope it will appear
that He who called Samuel of old is calling him ; then
his desire will abide and increase ; and, though some
difficulties may occasionally intervene, you will upon
the whole see the steps of Divine Providence favouring
and leading forward from the blossom to the fruit.
I am your much obliged and affectionate servant.

Let. 18. To Mr. FT****. 101

LETTER XVIII
To Mr. W****-
My dear Sir, August 13, 17fS.

V V E are always glad to hear from you, because your
paper is perfumed with the name of Jesus. You speak
well of him, and you have reason, for he has been a
good friend to you. I likewise am enabled to say
something of him : and I trust the chief reason why I
would wish my life to be prolonged is, that I may em-
ploy more of my breath in his praise. But, alas !
while I endeavour to persuade others, that he is the
chief among ten thousand, and altogether lovely, I seem
to be but half persuaded of it myself; I feel my heart
so cold and unbelieving. But 1 hope I can say this is
not I, but sin that dwelleth in me. Did you ever see
my picture ? I have it drawn by a masterly hand.
And though another person, and one whom I am far from
resembling, sat for it, it is as like me as one new guinea
is like another. The original was drawn at Corinth,
and sent to some persons of distinction at Rome. Many
copies have been taken, and though perhaps it is not to
be seen in any of the London print-shops, it has a place
in most public and private libraries, and I would hope
in most families. I had seen it a great many times
before I could discover one of my own features in it ;
but then my eyes were very bad. What is remarkable,
it was drawn long before I was born, but having been
favoured with some excellent eye-salve, I quickly knew
it to be my own. I am drawn in an attitude whi^Jb

102 To Mr. lf***m. Let. 18.

would be strange and singular, if it was not so common
with me, looking two different and opposite ways at
once, so that you would be puzzled to tell whether my
eyes are fixed upon heaven or upon the earth; I am
aiming at things inconsistent with each other at the same
instant, so that I can accomplish neither. According
to the different light in which you view the picture, I
appear to rejoice and to mourn, to choose and refuse,
to be a conqueror or a captive. In a word, I am a
double person ; a riddle : it is no wonder if you know
not what to make of me, for I cannot tell what to make
of myself. I would and I would not ; I do and I do
not ; I can and I cannot. I find the hardest things
easy, and the easiest things impossible ; but while I am
in this perplexity, you will observe in the same piece a
hand stretched forth for my relief, and may see a label
proceeding out of my mouth with these words — " I
" thank God, through Jesus Christ, my Lord." The
more I study this picture, the more I discover some
new and striking resemblance, w hich convinces me that
the painter knew me better than I knew myself.

Give my love to Mr. *##*. He has desired a good
work ; may the Lord give him the desires of his heart.
May he give him the wisdom of Daniel, the meekness
of Moses, the courage of Joshua, the zeal of Paul, and
that self-abasement and humility which Job and Isaiah
felt when they not only had heard of him by the hear-
ing of the ear, but saw his glory, and abhorred them-
selves in dust and ashes. May he be taught of God,
(none teacheth like him,) and come forth an able mini-
ster of the New Testament, well instructed rightly to
divide and faithfully to distribute the word of truth.
In the school of Christ, (especially if the Lord designs
him to be a teacher of others,) he will be put to learn

Let. 19. To Mr. JP****. 103

some lessons not very pleasant to flesh and hlood : he
must learn to run, to tight, to wrestle, and many other
exercises, some of which will try his strength, and others
his patience. You know the common expression of a
jack of all trades. I am sure a minister had need be
such an one ; a soldier, a watchman, a shepherd, a hus-
bandman, a builder, a planter, a physician, and a
nurse. But let him not be discouraged ; he has a won-
derful and a gracious Master, who can not only give
instructions, but power, and engages that his grace shall
be sufficient at all times, and in all circumstances, for
those who simply give themselves up to his teaching
and service.

I am sincerely yours.

LETTER XIX.

To Mr. W**»*.
My dear Sir, August 29, 1774.

1 HAVE been often with you in spirit in your new
habitation. In my idea of it, it is a grand place ; a
temple where the Lord is worshipped ; a castle guarded
by Almighty Power. If I mistake not, it has several
privileges beyond most of the houses in your neigh-
bourhood. Does not the sun often shine into it in the
night season ? Have you not some rooms so far ex-
ceeding the gallery of St. Paul's, that if you speak but
in a whisper, your voice is heard beyond the clouds ?
Have you not a very fine prospect from it, when the
air is clear? According to my notion of the situation,
when vou look one way, vou have a long vis-ta which

104 To Mr. W****. Let. 19.

would take one a good number of years to travel over,
and a great number of curious Ebenezers erected, (instead
of mile-stones,) all along the road. If you look tne other
way, there is always a kind of mist, which prevents ob-
jects which are near at hand from being clearly seen;
but, what is very extraordinary, I am told you can see
through that mist, to a land that lies a great way off,
and that the more you look the better you can see. If
every house around you had the like advantages, it would
be certainly the finest village in the kingdom — a little
heaven upon earth. All houses, from the king's to the
labourer's, however they differ in other circumstances,
agree in this, that they must have windows whereby
they may receive the light. A palace without a win-
dow would be but little better than a dungeon ; and a
man would almost think himself buried alive in it.
Many splendid houses are dungeons with respect to
spiritual light. A believer could not bear the thoughts
of living in any situation, unless he enjoyed the light of
the sun of righteousness ; and with this any situation is
tolerable. You know the value of this light ; and you
are favoured with it. Therefore I doubt not your house
is a good one. May you enjoy it more and more, and
now you are withdrawn from the noise of the town, and,
(as I suppose,) in some measure from the hurry of bu-
siness, may your leisure be sanctified, and a sense of
the Lord's presence brighten every hour of your future
life ; and may you dwell, as Jacob lodged for one night,
at the gate of heaven, till the appointed moment when
the gate shall open and let you in, to be for ever with
the Lord. In the mean time you are happy that the
Lord has favoured you with many opportunities and
advantages of promoting his glory, and the good of his
people, and given you a heart to improve them. I

Let. 19. To Mr. FF****. 105

would tell you how it is with me if I could ; at the best,
it would be an inconsistent account. I am what I
would not, and would what I cannot. I rejoice and
mourn ; I stand fast, and am thrown down in the same
moment. I am both rich and poor ; I can do nothing,
yet I can do all things. I live by miracle. I am op-
posed beyond my strength, yet I am not overpowered.
I £ain when I lose, and I often am a loser by my gains.
In a word, I am a sinner, a vile one ; but a sinner be-
lieving in the name of Jesus. I am a silly sheep, but
I have a gracious, watchful Shepherd. I am a dull
scholar, but I have a Master who can make the dullest
learn. He still bears with me, he still employs me, he
still enables me, he stills owns me. O, for a coal of
heavenly fire to warm my heart, that I might praise
him as I ought ! As a people, we have much cause of
complaint in ourselves, and much cause of thankfulness
to him. In the main, I hope we arc alive, though not
as we could wish ; our numbers, rather increase from
year to year, and some flourish. In the ordinances,
we are favoured in a measure with his presence. But,
O for a day of his power ; that his work may run
broader and deeper, and the fire of grace spread from
heart to heart, till the whole town be in a flame ! To
this I hope you will give a hearty Amen, and often re-
member us in your pravers.

T nm sincerely yours.

Vol. VI.

1G6 To Mr. W****. Let. 20.

LETTER XX.

To Mr. W****.

My dear Sir, May 25, 1775.

J. WAS thinking of writing to you before I received
yours, and I have been thinking of it often since. Yes-
terday I had the agreeable information, that Mrs. *****
was safely delivered of a daughter. This quickened my
resolve, and determined me to congratulate you and
Mrs. ###* and your son and daughter, upon the happy
event, the very next post. I trust that you, and all
nearly concerned in this mercy, rejoice in it, not only
as an accession to your family, but especially as you
see the good hand of a covenant God appearing for
you and yours in answer to prayer. This makes tem-
poral mercies, mercies indeed, when we can receive
them as the fruits and pledges of special love ; when
they are sanctified by the promise and prayer, and
when we can read in them the name and gift of Him
who died for us. Pray give my love to the parents,
and let them know that my heart is with them. May
the Lord make them very happy in themselves, in each
other, and in their family ; and may they think they
hear him saying upon this occasion, as Pharaoh's daugh-
ter did to the mother of Moses, " Take this child and
" bring it up for me, and I will pay you your wages.
The Lord's wages is good pay indeed. Who can ex-
press the honour and the comfort of bringing up a child
for Jesus ? The Lord has given you this honour ; and
I am sure you prefer it to all worldly considerations.

Let. 20. To Mr. 7r****. 107

May he give you the desire of your heart for each and
every one of your children. Mrs. **** and I are now
in the line of parents. For though she never felt a
mother's pains, and there doubtless are some feelings of
a father to which I am a stranger ; the Lord has given
us a child whom we love as our own, and look upon as
our own. We think it an advantage, rather than other-
wise, that she was born, (if I may so say,) to us, above
five years old, which saved us all the trouble and ex-
pense of pap and cradle ; it is a great mercy to u.- t :at
he has given her an amiable and manageable disposition,
so that she is quite a companion ; we love to please her,
and she studies to please us ; and she is in general,
ruled with a word. I trust she is sent hither to be
numbered in due time amongst his favoured people,
and to know the Saviour's grace in her youth. Help
me, dear Sir, with your prayers in her behalf. You
ask if my soul be more alive to Jesus than ever ? I
can say he is precious to my soul, and that I love his
ways and his service. He is my hope, my end, my
portion ; and I esteem his favour better than life. But
lively feelings are seldom my lot. Blessed be his name,
He keeps and supports me. He keeps the flock com-
mitted to my care, so that we are in the main preserved
from offences and from strife. Now and then he
brings a stray lamb into the fold, and often he is seen
in the fold himself. Then the sheep are happy, for
they know his voice, and admire his love. And we
know he is present when we cannot see him, or else the
wolf would quickly break in and scatter us. Here is
our security — that his eye and his heart are upon us
continually. Mr. ****, (for you ask after him likewise,)
is well, and I hope goes on well. I do not think he is
lukewarm ; nor has his preaching been in vain. He is

108 To Mr. W****. Let. 21.

a young man, and must learn some things, as others
have done before him, in the school of experience ; but
I trust he is sound and honest, and that none who were
concerned in helping him through his difficulties, and
bringing him into the ministry, will have reason to re-
pent it.

I am sincerely yours;

LETTER XXL

To Mr. w****.

My dear Sir, May 3, 1776.

Wj

ILL you accept a short letter as an apology for a
long silence ? I have been working my way through a heap
of unanswered letters, (I should have said half through;)
had there been one from you in the number, it would
have been dispatched amongst the first ; but as there
was not, I have deferred a little and a little longer, till
I am constrained to say, Forgive me. I hope, and trust,
you find the Lord's presence with you in your new ha-
bitation ; otherwise you would think it a dungeon. There
is the same difference amongst people now, as there
was between the Egyptians and Israel of old. Multi-
tudes are buried alive under a cloud of thick darkness,
but all the Lord's people have light in their dwellings.
Ah ! how many great and fair houses are there without
the heavenly inhabitant. It might be written upon their
doors, God is not here ; and when \ ou go in, you may
be sure of it, for there is neither peace nor truth within
the walls. This thought has often struck me, when I have
been to see some fine seats, as they are called. When

Let. 21. To Mr. W****. 109

the Lord is not known and acknowledged, the rooms are
but cells in vvhich the poor criminals have license to
eat and sleep a little while, till the sentence under which
they lie condemned shall be executed upon them. On
the other hand, the houses of believers, though most of
them called cottages, are truly palaces ; for it is the
presence of the king that makes the court. There the
Lord reigns upon a throne of grace, and there a royal
guard of angels take their stand to watch over and mi-
nister to the heirs ot salvation. After all, the best houses
upon earth are but inns, where we are accommodated a
little tiaie, while we are doing our Master's business. It
is hardlv doing you justice to say, you live where you
have a house. Your dwelling, your home, is in heaven,
here you are but a sojourner; but, to express it in a more
honourable manner, you are an ambassador, entrusted
with affairs of great importance, to manage for the King,
your Master. Every believer, while upon earth, in his
several callings, is an ambassador for Christ, though not
called to the ministry. He has something of his Master's
character and interest to maintain. He derives his sup-
plies, his supports, his instructions from above ; and his
great charge and care is, to be faithful to his commission,
and every other care he may confidently cast upon the
Lord, to whom he belongs. In this sense we are to take
the state upon ourselves, to remember our dignity, and
not to stoop to a conformity to the poor world among
whom we live ; we are neither to imitate their customs,
nor regard their maxims, nor speak their language, nor
desire their honours or their favours, nor fear their
frowns, tor the Lord whom we serve has engaged to main-
tain and protect us, and has given us his instructions,
to which it is both our duty and our honour to conform.
And though the world that know him not, cannot be ex-

11& To Mr. W*f**i Let. 21.

pected to think very favourably of us, yet they can do
us no real harm, if they do not prevail upon our unbe-
lief, and make us shrink from his service. And if through
grace we are preserved, so as not to be ashamed of him
now, hereafter he will not be ashamed of us. If they
account us as gazing-stocks and laughing-stocks at pre-
sent for our singularity, it they reproach, revile, and de-
spise us, we may pity them ; for a day is coming when
they shall be ashamed, and when we shall stand forth
with boldness, and shine like the sun in our Lord's
kingdom. Then, at least, if not qefore, the difference
between them that fear the Lord and them that fear
him not, will be manifest. How different will be their
language concerning him! Isa. xxv. 9. ; Rev. vi. 16, 17.
And how different will his language be to them! Matth.
xxv. 34 — 4 1 . O, what manner of love, that we who were
like others by nature, should be thus distinguished by
grace! We knew him not, and therefore we could not
love him ; we were alienated from him ; sin, self, and
Satan ruled in our hearts ; our eyes were blinded, and
we were posting along in the road that leads to death,
without suspecting danger. But he would not let us
perish. Though when he knocked at the door of our
hearts, we repeatedly refused hiin entrance ; he would
not take a denial, but exerted a gracious force ; made us
willing in the day of his power, and saved us in defiance
of ourse'.ves. And from the happy hour when he
enabled us to surrender ourselves to him, how tenderly
has he pitied us, how seasonably has he relieved us, how
powerfully upheld us ! How many Ebenezers have we
been called upon to rear to his praise ! And he has
said he will never leave us nor forsake us. And, O
what a prospect lies before us ! When by his counsel
he has guided us through life, he will receive us to his

Let. 21. To Mr. W****. Ill

kingdom, give us a crown of glory, and place us near
himself, to see him as he is, and to be satisfied with his
love for ever. How many years did we live before we
had the least idea of what we were born to know and
enjoy ! Many things look dark around us, and before
us, but the spreading of the Gospel is, I trust, a token
for good. O, that we might see the work running not
only broader as to numbers, but deeper as to the life,
power and experience, in the hearts, tempers, and con-
versation of those who profess the truth. The Lord

has removed many of his dear people from to

flourish in a better world. Not only many of the old
cedars, but several of the choicest young plants are
taken away. Should I be sorry that the days of their
mourning are ended, and that they are out of the reach
of snares and storms ? Nay, I should rather rejoice ;
and I do. Yet I feel bereaved. I miss them ; they
used to pray for me, comfort me, and often teach and
shame me by their example. Pray that the Lord may
raise us up more. I trust he has not wholly withdrawn
from us. We walk in peace, and have some season*
of refreshment; now and then we hear of a new inquirer.
I would be thankful when, as an angler, I catch a sin
gle fish. But O, that the Lord would put his great n<
in my hand, and fill it with a shoal !
I am, dearest Sir,

Your affectionate and obliged servant.

ELEVEN LETTERS

J**** S****, ESQ:

My dear Friend, Augusts, 1766.

JL AIM very willing to meet you with a letter at York,
though I have no particular advice to offer. It seems
probable, as you say, that your expected interview with
the G#**# will afford you some further light into your
future path. I am in no pain about the event. Man
is a proud creature, and prone to please himself with
the imagination of influence and power; but in reality,
he has none any further than as it is given him from
above. The G****, or whoever else are displeased with
you, have their commission, and limits assigned them
by one whom they little think of; and when they seem
to think they can do most, they shall in effect do no-
thing but as instruments of his will. I trust the Lord
will stand by you, put his love into your heart, and
suitable words into your mouth, and over-rule the minds
of them with whom you have to do. And if he has
further service for you in that situation, you will find
that his hook and bridle will hold them in, so that they
shall not be able to hurt you. As you know whom you
have believed, and where to apply for strength suited

Let. I. To J. 5****, Esq. US

to your day, according to his promise, I am so far from
trembling for the event, that I congratulate you on the
honourable opportunity that is before you of witnessing
a good confession in such a presence, which I trust the
Lord will own and bless you in. Fear them not. Re-
member Jesus stood before the High Priest, Herod, and
Pilate, for you. But how different are the cases ! You
may perhaps meet with some expressions of dislike, but
the laws of the land will protect you from the full effects
of their resentment ; and even the laws of politeness
"will in some degree restrain them. You are not going
to be buffetted, blinded, and spit upon. Look at your
regimentals, and let them remind you of Him who wore
a scarlet robe for you, not as a mark of honourable ser-
vice, but as a badge of infamv. You are a soldier : if
you were appointed to march against a battery, though
it is a service not agreeable to flesh and blood, yet a
sense of honour, and what you owe to your king, your
country, and yourself, would prompt you to reject any
rising thought of fear, that might betray you to act a
part unsuitable to your character with disdain. But, O
how much stronger and more animating are the motives
which should influence us as Christian soldiers ! I trust
you willfully feel their influence. There is but a veil of
flesh and blood between you and that unseen world
■where Jesus reigns in all his glory. Perhaps you will
be attended with such companies of the heavenly host
as made themselves visible to the shepherds. IIuw
will they rejoice to see you fervent and faithful in your
Master's cause ! Nay, he himself will be there ; and,
though you cannot see him, he will be looking upon
you, as he did on his servant Stephen. Then think of
the day when he, in his turn, will own and confess you
before an assembled world. Yea, perhaps upon the
Vol. VI. Q

114 To J. S****, Es$. Let. 2.

spot he may witness his approbation ; and if you can
hear him whispering in your heart, " Well done, good
" and faithful servant," you will little regard what is
said against you. As to consequences, leave them in
his hand, they shall be all good and glorious to them
that fear him. He may suffer a cloud to appear, but
he can blow it away in a moment ; he may permit this
or that source to be stopped up, but he can open twenty
in the room of it. He can show you how little de-
pendence there is to be placed on the friendship and
favour of men, when once we are enabled to be active
and hearty for him ; but these failures shall only give
occasion of showing you likewise, how all-sufficient he
is in wisdom, love, and power, to give more and better
than creatures can possibly deprive us of. Fear not,
be strong — yea, I say unto you, be strong ; the Lord
of hosts is with you.

I am yours, &c.

LETTER II.

My deai- Sir, April 13, 1767

X HOPE you find, while you attempt to water others,
that you are watered and blessed in your own soul
May the Lord open your mouth, and strengthen your
hands, and own your labours, if it is his pleasure to
employ you in his public service. The fields are, in-
deed, white for harvest ; and though I must govern
myself by such views as the Lord is pleased to give
me, when I look round and seethe state of things, and
the miserable darkness and security of poor sinners, 1
am not sorry that there are those who can and do at-

Let. 2. To J. $****, Esq. 115

tempt those services which I cannot. When I see the
heart humble, and simply devoted to the Lord, in what-
ever way Christ is preached, I can, yea, and will, re-
joice. Give me leave to suggest, that the enemy of
souls will owe you a bitter grudge for your zeal ; you
will have many eyes upon you, and hearts against you ;
the work is great, and the heart deceitful. I doubt
not but you are apprised of the need of watchfulness
and prayer; yet you will not be angry with me for
reminding you.

You will have two counter-streams to withstand,
either of which is sufficient to bear us offour feet, unless
the Lord upholds us ; I mean, opposition and popula-
rity. The former is troublesome, and in some respects
perilous, as we are too prone to catch something of the
same spirit. But the latter is much more dangerous.
Our friends are often eventually our worst enemies. It
is not easy to find a preacher that has been honoured
with much popularity, who has not been at some times
greatly hurt by it. It is apt to make us forget who,
and what, and where we are ; and if we are left to sup-
pose ourselves persons of consequence, but for a single
hour, it will surely prove to our loss, and may expose
us to a wound that may leave a lasting scar, even though
the Lord is pleased to heal it. It behooves us, my dear
Sir, to keep up a clear distinction in our minds between
gifts and grace. I can say from experience, that it is
possible to have a tolerable degree of liberty for out-
ward service, so as to hold a congregation pretty fast
by the ears, to make them weep, yea, and perhaps to
weep with them, when the heart is far enough from a
right frame before the Lord. These things you know :
I had them not in view when I began, but they occurred
in writing, and I set them down as a humbling part of

116 To J. £***#, Esq. Let. 3.

my experience. May the Lord enable us to walk hum-
bly, and then we shall walk safely ;- to such he will give
more grace. He will be their light, their strength, and
their joy. May you ever find him so.

I am, dear Sir, yours, &c.

LETTER III.

Dear Sir, June 15, 1767.

jL OU perhaps think me long in answering your ac-
ceptable and obliging favour, but I was willing to take
a second thought concerning the point on which you
desire my advice. I shall begin with this, and may the
Lord help me to write as I ought.

I am fully satisfied with your views, and your abili-
ties for the ministry, and should have greatly rejoiced to
have seen you upon our list, if the Lord had inclined
you that way, and opened you a door in his providence
at your first setting out. But I fear the thing is, hu-
manly speaking, impracticable, after the steps you have
taken. Considering your situation in life, and the pub-
lic manner in which you have preached, I apprehend
you have made yourself too obnoxious for any bishop
to accept your application. But, as the Lord has all
hearts in his hands, and can bring to pass things that
are most unlikely, I ought to suppose the thing so far
possible, as to admit the consideration of another par-
ticular, whether, if you could procure ordination, you
could properly, and with integrity, accept of it, and
enter as a minister of the established church, with a
previous and fixed determination to use your liberty in-
differently, of preaching in all places and circumstances

Let. 3. To J. S****,. Esq. 117

as you do now. And, I must own, that if you are de-
termined to pay no regard to those regulations which
seem to me incumbent on ministers in the establish-
ment, I think you had better remain as you are. If
you are satisfied with your present call, you are now
free to act as your conscience shall lead you : why then
should you fetter yourself? For, more or less, you will
find episcopal ordination a restraint. As to the posi-
tive engagements you would bring yourself under to the
bishops, I think all is included in the term canonical
obedience ; to which you must bind yourself by oath.
The measure of this obedience undoubtedly must be
the canons ; and the sense, in my judgment, is obe-
dience to all their requirements, so far as the canons
extend, and where conscience does not unavoidably in-
terfere. Indeed, I am not sure that the canons do ex-
pressly prohibit a minister from preaching indifferently,
when he pleases ; and therefore it may seem you are
not bound by them. This I think is an excuse for those
of my brethren, who having been ordained before they
considered or knew the nature of their function, and
awakened afterwards, have been led insensibly, and by-
steps, to extend their labours far and wide. But things
are so well understood now on both sides, that for a
man to apply for ordination with a design to act con-
trary to the general rule of parochial cure, carries the
appearance of disingenuity ; and if the canons are silent,
I believe the laws of the land give everv minister such
a right in his own parish, as not to allow any other
person to preach in it without his consent, unless he
claims as a dissenter the benefit of the Act of Tolera-
tion. I apprehend all the church ministers who act
notoriously irregular, are exposed to suffer inconve-
niences for it, if ever it shall please God to permit their

118 To J. S&MUfzJSjp, Let. 3.

superiors to put their power by law in force against
them.

As to those who are already in this way, and who think
it their duty to go on in defiance of all that might be
done against them, I have nothing to say ; I rejoice in
their zeal and success, so far as they appear to act for
the glory of God and the good of souls, and the Lord
is pleased to honour them with usefulness; but I can-
not so vvell approve of a person's entering into orders,
with a view to disregard the established regulations of
the church. In your case it seems not at all necessary,
for you would not preach better, nor probably to greater
numbers, if you were ordained; for your red coat and
shoulder knot will probably excite the curiosity of the
people as much as my gown and cassock can do. And
then I have some reluctance to your giving up your
connexions in the army, and especially as you assured
me that your influence, both with the officers and
soldiers, is no way lessened by your commencing
preacher. The continual removes of your regiment
will give you the opportunity of declaring the glad
tidings in a great variety of places; your rank in the
army will excite the attention of the people wherever
you go ; and how useful the Lord ma) make you amongst
the soldiery, who can tell ? So that supposing you are
satisfied in yourself as to your present proceedings, you
seem to have fairer and more extensive opportunities
for usefulness than any of us, and none can charge you
with inconsistency, or give you trouble for what you
do. I do not wonder that your family should wish you
to take orders, because it would in some measure re-
move that odium which they suppose you are under by
preaching in your present capacity. But I am per-
suaded this alone would not be a sufficient motive to

Let. 3. To J. 5****, Esq. 119

you. Mr. H****'s judgment has a considerable weight
with me ; but, in the present case, I am constrained to
differ from him, for the reasons I have suggested above.
However, I trust that the Lord whom you serve, will
be your best and infallible counsellor, and in time give
you clear satisfaction as to what he would have you
to do.

I am sorry to see myself so near to the bottom of my
paper, before I have opportunity to say something
of that precious name, Jesus. Continue to look to
Him, my dear friend, and he will guide you with his
eye, give you support for the present, and direction for
the future. If he were upon earth, and you could get
near him, would you not lay your difficulties before
him ? You have the same liberty and encouragement
to do it now, as if you saw him with your eyes. I need
not tell you this; you know it; yet though our judg-
ments are fully convinced that he is as near, as kind,
as attentive to our concerns, as ready to hear and as
willing to assist as our own hearts can wish, it is not
always easy to reduce these sentiments to practice.
Unbelief, that injurious bar, interposes and starts a
thousand anxious thoughts to hide him from us. If
you find, through grace, that you are submissive, and
only desirous to know his will, and continue waiting
upon him, then fear not ; he will not suffer a soul that
depends upon him to take a wrong step in a matter of
such importance. And if you find that he has assisted
and owned you in what you have done hitherto, I would
not have you entertain an uneasy doubt that 3*011 have
acted wrong.

T am. Sir, yours.

.120 To J. £****, Esq. Let. 4.

LETTER IV.

Dear Sir, July 14, 176/.

JL THANK you for your favour of the 3d. I wish I
could offer you advice worthy of the confidence you
place in me. Your reasons for a settlement are weighty.
I can only say, be much in prayer, and attend to the
leadings of Divine Providence, and I doubt not but he
will make your path of duty clear ; not perhaps all at
once, but by degrees, and, though slowly, yet surely ;
so that after you have been exercised with uncertainties
for a season, you shall find, that he is overruling all to
bring about what he has already appointed for you.

As you seem to think that you may, upon cool reflec-
tion, be induced to see it the duty of a minister more
peculiarly to attend to the charge of a single flock, my
principal objection to your applying for ordination
amongst us, is so far lessened. And I trust, if you alter
your sentiments on this point, it will be owing to reflec-
tion and real conviction, and not to a bias arising from
the motives and views you mention in your letter. When
a person has a becoming diffidence of his own judgment,
he is apt to be influenced, (perhaps too far,) by the ad-
vice and example of those whom he esteems wiser and
better than himself. It is no wonder, therefore, that
if you attend only to the advice and example of those
of our friends who are warm for itinerancy, when you
consider their zeal, their motives, and their apparent
success, you should think it matter of duty, not only to
follow, but, if possible, to go beyond them. For my
own part, the love and esteem I bear to many persons

Let. 4. To J. £*'***, Esq. 121

in that line is so great, that I know not if I durst trust
myself to be shut up long amongst them in a room, lest
they should, as it were, compel me to break through all
bounds, and totally forget the views I have had upon
mature deliberation, and in my cooler hours. But I
find it best, when good men are divided, to hear what
may be said on both sides. I imagine your connexions
have chiefly led you to consider the plausible appear-
ances on the one side of the question. But I can assure
you, there are, (if I mistake not,) some weighty consider-
ations to be offered in behalf of regularity. And, by
way of balance to what has occurred to you against it,
I could wish you had an opportunity of conversing with
my friend Mr. T****, who, perhaps, might be of use to
settle your judgment and determination as to your
future conduct. Though the difficulties in the way of
your ordination are great, they are certainly not insu-
perable. They were very great against me : yet the
Lord opened a way. Some concessions will perhaps
be expected from you, with respect to what will be
called the irregularity of your late proceedings ; and
therefore the strongest bars will be laid in the way by
your own honour and conscience, unless you should see
that, all things considered, it is best for a clergyman
generally to restrain his zeal within the bounds allowed
and prescribed by law ; for, I dare say, unless you see
it so, you will not say so.

You may depend upon the business you intrusted
me with, being kept a profound secret. Though you
have not mentioned the person, yet as you seem to
speak as if she were not a stranger to me, I suppose I
guess who she is ; and if I guess right, I congratulate
your choice ; for it seems suitable in every respect. I

Vot. VT R

122 To J. £****, Esq. Let. %

have reason to be a friend to marriage ; and I doubt not
but if the Lord is pleased to give you a suitable partner,
it will both add to your comfort and strengthen vour
hands in his service. Commit yourself, therefore, to
him ; act so far as he affords you an opening ; consult
him step by step ; follow his providence close, but do
not force it. We are prone to pursue things that ap-
pear desirable with too much keenness ; but in his lead-
ings there is usually a praying time and a waiting time.
Yea, he often brings a seeming death upon our hopes
and prospects just when he is going to accomplish them,
and thereby we more clearly see and more thankfully
acknowledge his interposition.

The bearer of this is a simple, honest man ; a good
proficient in the Lord's ways for the time of his stand-
ing. Like most of the flock, he has many exercises,
both inward and outward. If you have time to speak
with him, he will tell more at large how it is with us.

I rejoice that the Lord brought you honourably off
from your challenge, and gave you victory without
fighting. This shows his power over all hearts, and
that he is a sure refuge and buckler to all who trust
him. O that we could trust him at all times, and
pour out our hearts before him ! When Moses was in
any difficulty, he repaired to the tabernacle, and always
found direction and support. This was his peculiar
privilege, the people could not come so near ; but
under the Gospel, all the Lord's people have the pri-
vilege of Moses, to come into his immediate presence,
and tell him all their wants at all times. How happy
should we be if we could fully improve this privilege,
and bring every thing, as fast as it happens, to the
throne of grace. Surely he does not sit between the

Let. 5. To J. ,S'****, Esq. 123

cherubim for any other purpose than to give us an-
swers of grace and peace all the day loug.
I am, dear Sir,

Your affectionate servant arid fellow-pilgrim.

LETTER V.
My dear Friend, Sept. 28, 1767.

Y<

OURS of the 3 1st of August from York, gave much
pleasure to me, and to your friends here. I rejoice
that the Lord enabled you to stand up for his truth,
and gave you the victory in the manner you relate. It
is a proof that he is indeed on your side ; and I think it
is an intimation that you are in the right place. In-
deed, I own I could never heartily wish to see you in
our uniform ; for I think you bid fair to be more ex-
tensively useful by keeping your stand in the army, and
continuing to preach where the Lord opens you a door.
As to considerations of a personal nature, I doubt not
but you desire to hold them in subordination to the will
of God and the calls of duty ; and why might not what
you hinted to me take place while a captain, as well as
if a clergyman? Of this you are the best judge ; but in
general, I know the Lord can and will order all things
for the good of his children, and especially of those
who are desirous to give themselves up, without reserve,
to his service, and to cast all their care and concerns
on him by faith and prayer.

I hope Mr. ]]**** and you are mutually comfortable
and profitable to each other. I understand his heart is
warm for the work, and perhaps your zeal and example
have quickened his desires tc> what I sometimes hear

124 To J. 3****, Esq. Let. 5.

called, an apostolic mission, and what others disapprove
by the term irregularity. For my own part, I wish
well to all, both regulars and irregulars, that love and
preach Jesus. But I remember a question something
to the purpose, (and that he was a man of a warm zeal,
and as little under the influence of worldly wisdom as
any we hope to be in this day,) who somewhere asks,
" Are all apostles r" If it should be allowed, (which I
should be unwilling to contradict,) that in the case
of some, perhaps^in your case, there are some circum-
stances which, taken in connexion with the event of
things, do evidently justify their acting in that way
which some call irregular ; it will not follow, therefore,
that every young man who has a fair and peaceable
right to expect orders in the church, and a providential
appointment to the cure of souls in a particular place,
would do well to follow their steps. It appears to me
that a parochial charge is a weighty thing, and that a
minister who keeps much with his own people, watches
over and warns them publicly and from house to house;
acquaints himself with their situations, tempers, and
temptations, and thereby knows how to speak a word
in season to them, and is on the spot to guard them
against the first symptoms of a declension, or the first
appearances of error ; I say, such an one appears to
me in a competent sphere of duty, and if he admits en-
gagements manifestly inconsistent with such a close and
sedulous attention, he may appear more important to
himself, or in the eyes of the world, but will not, upon
the whole, be so useful. There is that in us by nature
which may dispose us to be well pleased at aiming at
great things ; and though I trust that many who set out
as if they expected^ to convert whole countries, act from
nobler motives, even a gracious concern for the glory

Let. 5. To J. S****, Esq. 125

of God and the good of souls, yet our own evil is so
deeply and closely entwined with the good which the
Lord puts into our hearts, that I believe many who
earnestly desire to promote the gospel interest, do in
some respects hurt it, by overlooking all regard to
order, treating the most express and positive engage-
ments as not worthy of notice, drawing a sort of war-
rant thereby for any person to undertake any service,
who thinks himself qualified for it.

As to yourself, my dear Sir, my whole heart goes
with you in your endeavours to serve the Lord ; what
he has done for you, and by you, are satisfactory proofs
to me of your call. But I write thus to beg you not
to make your own case a precedent ; but when you
meet with young men of right views and promising
talents, who seem properly qualified to serve God in
the established church, if they are ready to catch your
fire, I would wish you rather to assist them with a
bridle than a spur ; advise thern to follow the leadings,
and wait the openings, of Providence ; to begin with
small things, and not to think their time lost, if the Lord
should give them at first such an easy service as may
afford them leisure for a close study of the word of
God and of their hearts, that they may come to be
solid, Scriptural, experimental, and judicious preachers,
be furnished with an acceptable variety, and prove,
both to the church and the world, workmen that need
not to be ashamed. Some young men have been loose
and raw preachers all their days, by thinking a warm im-
pression of a text of Scripture, and a com passionate
feeling for the souls of sinners, almost the only neces-
sary requisites. When a young tree puts out blossoms
in great abundance, the skilful gardener pulls many off,

126 To J. 5*'***, Esq. Let. 6.

and, though he thereby lessens its fruitfulness for the
present, he secures it for the future.

I am yours, &c.

LETTER VI.

My dear Friend, November 9, 1767.

A THINK we fully agree in our sentiments about
preachers. The gifts, the views, the services of those
who are sent and taught by the same Spirit, may be,
and are in many respects, different ; but if they are sent
and taught by him, they will preach the same Jesus,
they will equally confess their dependence on the Holy
Spirit for their ability and success, and, more or less, he
will own their ministrations, and give them living witnes-
ses and seals that he has employed them in his work.
Those who agree in these essentials, would do well to
agree amongst themselves, and to wish each other pro-
sperity in the name of the Lord. When I see a com-
petency of spiritual knowledge, and a humble frame of
mind, I would not look further, nor inquire whether the
instrument is a scholar or a gownsman, before I give
him the right hand of fellowship. But I own, if people
attempt to teach others what they very poorly under-
stand themselves ; or if the deportment savours of self-
confidence and a desire of being noticed, I am ready
to fear that they run before they are sent. I wish that
none of us who are called regular, may affect to despise
those who, from a principle of love to the Lord and to
souls, think it right to move more at large than we do.
And I wish that none in your way would censure and

Let. C. To J. 5****, Esq. 127

condemn us for being incumbent upon what we con-
ceive to bo our proper work and charge, but candidly
believe we may have other reasons than the fear of
man, or the love of ease, (though, alas ! I know not to
what charge I dare plead an absolute Not guilty,) for
not choosing to depart from our present path, and to
imitate yours. I say I wish there may be this mutual
candour on all sides ; but if not, those will be happiest
who can bear the misapprehensions of their brethren
without being either grieved or offended. It is a small
thing to be judged of men. If the Lord condescends
to smile upon us, and gives us to maintain a good con-
science in his sight, so that we can humbly appeal to
him that we aim at his glory, we may be content to
bear any thing else. We shall all be of one mind ere
long. In the mean time, may we ever remember, that
not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom
the Lord commendeth.

I am glad you have been at H ; I made no

doubt but you would love my dear friend ; possibly I
may overrate him ; I own he is but a man, but I think
him an uncommon one ; an eminent instance of the
true Christian spirit. This is what is most taking with
me. Gifts are useful ; but they are mere tinsel, com-
pared with the solid gold of grace. An eminency m
gifts is specious and glittering; but unless grace is pro-
portionable, very ensnaring likewise. Gifts are like
riches : if well improved, they give a man fairer oppor
tunitiesof service ; but if the Lord favours a man with
great gifts, and in consequence thereof, considerable
popularity, that man stands in a dangerous situation : k
he is not kept humble, great soon will be bis full ; and
to keep such a man humble, more than n common share
of trials is usually needful. My prayer for you and

128 To J, 5****, Esq. Let. C.

for myself, my dear friend, is, that we may never be
suffered to infer grace from gifts, or to mistake the ex-
ercise of the one for the exercise of the other. We
have need to be saying continually, " Hold thou me
" up and I shall be safe." How else can we stand ?
If we meet with opposition, it has hurt its thousands.
If we are exposed to caresses and popularity, they have
slain their ten thousands. Jesus alone is able to pre-
serve us, and he is able to preserve us fully ; in the lion's
den, in the fiery furnace, in the swellings of Jordan,
if he be with us, and maintain in us a sense of our un-
worthiness, and our entire dependence upon him, we
shall be safe.

I see that, beside the general lot of affliction in com-
mon with others, you are likely to have one peculiar
trial, which might be lightly regarded by some, but not
by me. Indeed, I can sympathize with you ; and, from
what I have formerly felt, I am sure nothing but the
grace of God can compose the mind under such a dis-
appointment. But remember, he has given you him-
self. If he sees fit to overrule your desires, be sure it
is best for you. The Lord sees all consequences ; if we
could do so, we should acquiesce in his appointments
the first moment. If it is for your good and his glory,
it shall yet take place, (you would not wish it other-
wise;) if not, he can make it up, perhaps in kind, (for
there is an old proverb, " That there is as good fish in
" the sea as ever came out of it ;") but if not so, he
can easily make it up in kindness, and give you such a
taste of his love that you shall gladly forego all, and say
as David, Psal. lxxiii. 25. Let other things turn out
as he pleases, you must be happy, for the Lord himself
is your guide, your shield, and your portion. Keep
your eye and heart, my friend, upon his work, and he

Let. 7. To J. S***#, Esq. 129

will take care of your other affairs, and not withhold
any good thing from you. All hearts are in his hands ;
when his time is come, hard things are made easy, and
mountains sink into plains.

I am, dear Sir, yours, &c.

LETTER VII.

My dear Friend, January 4, 1768.

iVl Y heart is as much with you, I trust, as it would be
had you the most canonical appointment, and the most
regular sphere of service. And I would as willingly
hear you in your usual places, as if you preached in St,
Paul's. But as I have already answered your letter,
this, and more that I could offer from it, now I have it
before me, may be little more than repetition.

I hope the entrance of the new year will be blessed
to you. The last was to me a year of peculiar mercies !
But, alas ! as to my part in it, I have little pleasure in
the review. Alas ! how much faintness and unfruitful-
ness has the Lord borne with from me ! Indeed, I am
almost continually a burden to myself, and find such a
difference between what I seem to be in the pulpit and
in public, and what I really feel myself to be before the
Lord, that I am often amazed and confounded ; and
was it not that the Lord has been pleased in some mea-
sure to establish me in the knowledge of my justifying
righteousness, and the unalterable security of his cove-
nant of grace, I should be ready to give all up. I am
kept at a great distance from the full possession of my
prtviU ges ; but, through mercy, the evils I feel are con-
fine'1 within myself; the Lord keeps mo from stum-
Vot.VL * S

130 To J. S****, Esq. Let. '«"„

Ming outwardly, and does not suffer Satan to distress
me with those grievous temptations which he has always
in readiness when permitted. I trust my hope is founded
upon a rock, and that he to whom I have been enabled
to commit my soul, will keep it to the end. Yet surely
I am a wonder to myself.

Exercises of mind are common to all who know any
thing of themselves, and have some just views of their
obligations to redeeming love. But those who preach
to others must expect a double portion. We need them
in order to keep us humble, upon which, as a means, our
success and comfort especially depend. We need them
that we may know how to speak a word in season to
weary souls. Innumerable are the trials, fears, com-
plaints, and temptations, which the Lord's people are
beset with ; some in one way, some in another : the
minister must, as it were, have a taste of all, or it might
happen a case might come before him to which he had
nothing to say. And we need them likewise to bring
our hard hearts into a feeling disposition and sympathy
with those who suffer, otherwise we should be too busy
or too happy to attend unto their moans. Surely much
of that hasty and censorious spirit, too often observable
in young converts, arises from their having, as yet, a
very imperfect acquaintance with the deceitfulness of
their own hearts. But, the old weather-beaten Chris-
tian, who has learnt by sorrowful experience how weak
he is in himself, and what powerful subtle enemies he
has to grapple with, acquires a tenderness in dealing
with bruises and broken bones, which greatly conduces
to his acceptance and usefulness. I desire, therefore,
to be resigned and thankful, and to give myself up to
the Lord to lead me in whatever way he sees best;
only I am grieved, that it is so much his appointment to

Let. 8. 23oJ.S****,Esg. 131

keep me thus low, as it is the necessary consequence
•f my own tolly and remissness.

I am yours, &c.

LETTER VIII.

F

My dear Friend,

ROM what I have heard, I suppose this will not
come premature to congratulate you on the accomplish-
ment of your wishes. If the late Miss C#**# is now
Mrs. S****, we present our warmest wishes of happi-
ness to you both iq your union — a union in which, I
trust, you will both see the effect of his love and favour
who has previously, by his grace, united you to himself.
I was much pleased when you first mentioned your
views to me ; for I thought you were remarkably suited
and fitted for each other, and I had a good hope from
the beginning, that the difficulties which seemed at first
to occur would in due time subside. I rejoice with
you therefore ; yet as one who knows that the sweetest
connexions in the present life are attended with their
proportionable cares und abatements. No one has
more reason to speak with thankfulness and satisfac-
tion of the marriage state than myself. It has been,
and is, to me, the best and dearest, of temporal bless-
ings ; but I have found a balance, at least an abate-
ment, in the innumerable inquietude^ and painful sen-
sations which at times it has costmu. So it must be
in the present state ; we shall, ip^e way or another,
feel that vanity is interwoven in every circumstance of
lite, and it is needful we should feel it, to correct that
proneness in ©ur hearts to rest in creatures. How-

133 To J. 5****, Esq. Let. 8.

ever, the God of all grace has promised to sanctify the
changes we pass through, and he will not afflict us with-
out a cause, or without a blessing. Upon your en-
trance on a new way of life, you will probably find the
enemy will change the manner and method of his at-
tacks ; he suits himself to our occasions and situations.
With such an amiable partner, your chief danger per-
haps will lie in being too happy. Alas ! the deceitful-
ness of our hearts, in a time of prosperity, exposes us
to the greatest of evils, to wander from the fountain of
living waters, and to sit down by broken cisterns.

The fondness of a creature love,
How strong it strikes the sense.

Permit me to hint to you, yea, to both of you, Beware
of idolatry. I have smarted for it ; it has distressed
me with many imaginary fears, and cut me out much
cause of real humiliation and grief. I would hope that
others are not so ungrateful and insensible as I am ;
but for myself I have chiefly found that the things
which I have accounted my choice mercies, when I have
seen the hand and tasted the goodness of the Lord the
most sensibly, have been the principal occasions of
drawing out the evils of my heart, seducing me into
backsliding frames, and causing me to walk heavily and
in darkness. And this moment, should the Lord visit
me with breach upon breach, and bring the thing that I
most fear upon me, I must justify him ; for I have turned
all his blessings into occasions of sin, and perhaps those
most upon which my heart has set the highest value.

Yet still I must congratulate you. So sure as you
are joined you must part, and such separations are
hard to flesh and blood ; but it will only be a separation

Let. 8. To J. £'****, Esq. a 3*

for a little time. You will walk together as fellow-heirs
of eternal life, helpmeets and partakers of each other's
spiritual joys, and at length you shall meet before the
throne of glory, and be for ever with the Lord. May
you live under the influence of these views, and find
every sweet made still sweeter by the shining of the
Sun of Righteousness upon your souls ; and every
cross sanctified to lead you to a nearer, more imme-
diate, and more absolute dependence on himself. For
this I hope frequently to pray, and I entreat your joint,
prayers for us. To which I must add, my hope and
expectation, that if ever occasions should call you into
these parts, you will certainly give us the pleasure of
receiving you both at the vicarage.

Your experiences and mine seem something alike,
only you appear to me to have a quicker sense both of
sin and grace than I have attained. Perhaps you think
differently. It is a question that can be decided only
by Him who searches our hearts. But it matters not
who is best or worst, since Jesus is necessary and suf-
ficient for both. I trust he is my righteousness and
strength, and that I do not deliberately look for either
elsewhere. But the old leaven — a tendency to the co-
venant of works, still cleaves to me, and my judgment,
(imperfect as it is,) is much clearer than my experience.
I think I can point, out the way to others, but I find it
not easy to walk in it myself. However, I am learning
to cease from complaints, unless to the Lord, and would
rather invite my friends to join me in praising his good-
ness and grace. I am not what I would be ; but there
is a period coming, when I shall be so, yea, more than
my heart can conceive. I hope to see Jesus, to be
like him, and with him for ever.

I am your very affectionate, &c.

134 To J. 5****, i%. Let. 3.

LETTER IX.

My dear Sir, November 14, 176S.

Y<

OUR last letter, (which I am glad to find is without
a date,) gave me much pleasure. As the Lord has shown
you where your dangers lie, and has revealed himself to
you as your wisdom and strength, I doubt not but you
shall be led in the path of duty and safety. Sometimes,
indeed, he lets us make a trip, to increase our circum-
spection and humiliation, to keep us sensible of our
nothingness, and to endear to us the name of Jesus, our
gracious Advocate. It is difficult to preserve a right
frame of spirit in our necessary converse with temporal
things ; so as not to overvalue or undervalue the many
tokens of his love, with which he is pleased to surround
us. But, though the lesson is hard, and we are dull
scholars, our Master is able to teach us all things that
concern our comfort and his glory ; and he has pro-
mised he will teach us. Indeed, we are in his school
from morning to night ; every occurrence of every day,
all that passes within and without, has a voice, and a
suitableness to advance our proficiency. The provi-
dences that affect our persons, families, and acquaint-
ance ; the workings ot our own hearts, the conduct of
others before our eyes, whether good or evil, all concur
to expound and illustrate the word ot God, and what
we there read concerning the two great mysteries of
sin and grace. The best exposition ot divine truth is
always before us ; and we Qiaj read and study it when
we lie down or rise up; when we sit in the house, or
when we walk by the way. In this way, though we are

Let. 9. To J. ,$****, Esq. 135

slow to learn, yet the Lord enables us to get forward a
little. And in proportion as we advance, we see more
of his fulness and sufficiency, and the emptiness and
vanity of every thing else.

I heard, some time since, that you were on the point
of quitting your regiment Whether this report arose
from the information, which as you mention in your
letter you had received from the commanding officer, but
which you did not think of sufficient authority to deter-
mine you ; or whether you have received a turther in-
timation, I know not. Wherever this may find you,
I hope it will find you just where, and just as the Lord
would have you to be ; casting all your care on him,
and having nothing much at heart but to know his will,
and cheerfully to comply with it. This is a happy
frame ; for they that thus trust in the Lord, shall never
be moved : they shall not be afraid of evil tidings : he
will guide them by his eye, direct all their paths, and
give them his testimony in their consciences that their
ways are acceptable in his sight.

I am, &c.

LETTER X.

Jly dear Sir, May 20, 1*69.

1 AM more sorry than surprised that you are con-
strained to leave the army. I was apprehensive from
the first that, sooner or later, this would be the case.
However, as I know you have acted with a simple view-
to the glory of God and the good of souls, I trust he
will give you the reward of those that suffer for right-
sonsness' sake. May he now make you a blessing

136 To J. ■$****, Esq. Let. 1<X

wherever he shall be pleased to fix or send you, and
give you many seals to your labours, that you, and all
about you, may rejoice in your present situation. And
as you are not now under either military or ecclesiastical
restraints, I doubt not but you will gladly spend and be
spent for his sake. The campaign is short; the vic-
tory already secured : we have but a few skirmishes
to pass through ; and then, he who has promised to
make us more than conquerors, will put a crown of
eternal life upon our heads.

We were truly concerned to hear of Mrs. S*#**'s ill-
ness, but hope your next will inform us of a happy re-
covery. I know how to sympathize with you in this
article. When we have had such views of the world,
that we are in a measure weaned from all connexions
but one ; when we have, (if I may so speak,) but one
gourd in which we rejoice, how do our spirits flutter
when we think a worm is touching its root ! I have been
a grievous idolater, and have loved to a sinful excess ; yet,
through marvellous mercy, we are both spared to this
day. But how often has the Lord punished us in each
other ;■ what anxiety and distress have I at times endured
for want of faith to trust my dearest concerns in his
hand who does all things well; and for wantof that mode-
ration, with respect to all things below the skies, which
becomes those who are called with the high and holy
calling of the Gospel. Such is the effect of our de-
pravity, that we are almost sure either to undervalue or
overvalue the blessings we enjoy. But the Lord is good;
he knows our frame, pities our weakness, and, when he
corrects, it is with the affection of a father. I hope he
will spare you to be long comforts and helpmeets to each
other : yet knowing how happily you are united, I can-
not help, when I recollect how I have smarted, giving

Let. 10. To J. £-**##, Esq. 13 1

you a gentle admonition. Beware of idolatry. He,
who in mercy brought you together, will not needlessly
grieve you. He loves you both, unspeakably better than
you love each other, and therefore you may safe'y com-
mit health and life, body and soul, into his keeping.
Pray for me that I may myself learn the lesson I would
prescribe to you ; for though it is easy to talk and write
while all things are smooth, yet when the trial has re-
turned, and I have been brought to a pinch, I have still
found that I had yet much to learn, and that when judg-
ment is tolerably clear, the actual experience and feeling
of the heart may be sadly mixed and disturbed.

As to your complaints, I might transcribe them, and
send them back in my name. I seem to have all the
causes of grief and shame that are common to others ;
and not a few, that I am ready to think peculiar to my-
self. But, through mercy, I can also follow you in what
you say of the all-sufficiency of Jesus. His blood, right-
eousness, intercession, and unchangeable love, keep me
from giving way to the conclusions which Satan and un-
belief would sometimes force upon me. It is he who
must do all for me, by me, and in me. I long to
live more above the influence of a legal spirit and an
unbelieving heart. But, indeed, I groan, being burdened.
I have no reason to complain of a want of liberty in pub-
lic, but I wish I could be more concerned for success,
and more affected to see poor sinners hardening under
the sound of the Gospel. I am afraid that if I am
enabled to fill up my hour, and to come off with tolera-
ble acceptance, I am too easily satisfied. Indeed,
this is a mercy which demands my thankfulness ; but
the great concern should be, that neither my preach
ing nor their hearing may be in vain. However, the
Lord grant me to be faithful !
Vol. VI. T 1 am yours. 8fe.

138 2fc ■& S***%Jfcf. Let. 11.

LETTER XL
My dear Friei id, Januai-y 19, 1773.

JL HE evils of which we mutually complain, are the
effects of a fallen nature ;■ and though we feel them, ii
the Lord gives us grace to be humbled for them, if they
make us more vile in our own eyes, and make Jesus
more precious to our hearts, they shall not hurt us, but
rather, we may rank them among the all things that
shall work for our good. i\ll our complaints amount
but to this, that we are very sick ; and if we did not
find ourselves to be so, we should not duly prize the
infallible Physician. Our perverseness and froward-
ness illustrate his compassion and tenderness ; and
what by mournful experience we learn of the deceit-
fulness of our own hearts, qualifies us the better to
speak to the case of others, and to offer a word of
warning, exhortation, and consolation to his people.
yrhere is no school but this in which we can acquire
the tongue of the learned, to speak a word in season to
them that are weary, or be preserved from the pride,
vanity, and self-righteousness which would otherwise
defile all our best services. It is better of the two,
that we should have cause of bejng covered with shame
and confusion of face before the Lord, than, for want
of a due sense of the evils within us, be suffered to
srow wise and good in our own conceits, as we cer-
tainly should when the Lord is pleased to give us some
liberty and success in our public work, unless we were
ballasted with the mortifying conviction of what we are
in ourselves. Yet I hope he will enable us to watch
and pray against any actual backslidings of heart,

Let. 11. To J. £****, Esq. 139

and that llic remembrance of what wc liave already
.suffered in this respect, may suifice to remind us that
we are nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing, but
by his power working in us. It lie is pleased to keep
our eye and our heart simply dependent upon him, his
good word provides us with ample encouragement
against the remnants of indwelling sin, which will cleave
to us while we are in the body. We are complete
in him. Our righteousness is in heaven. We have an
advocate with the lather. We are not under the law,
but under grace. In a little while all sins, temptations,
clouds, and veils, shall be done away for ever.

I find that many of my complaints arise more from
the spirit of self, than I was formerly aware of. Self,
as well as Satan, can transform itself into an angel of
light. To mourn over sin is right; but I do not always
rightly mourn over it. Too often a part of my grief has
been, a weariness of being so entirely dependent upon
Jesus, of being continually indebted to him for fresh
and multiplied forgiveness. I could have liked better
to have some stock, ability, and power of my own, that
I might do a little without him ; that I might some-
times come before him as a saint, as a servant that has
done his duty, and not perpetually as a poor worthless
sinner. O that I could be content with what is, and
must be, my proper character ; that I could live more
simply upon the freeness and fulness of his grace !

There is no sin more to be dreaded than the great
sin of thinking we can do a moment without a fresh
application of the blood of sprinkling to our con-
sciences, and a renewed communication of his Spirit
to our heaits. This life of faith is the life of Christ in

140 To J. S**#*, Esg. Let. 11.

the heart. " Not I," says the apostle, u but Christ
" liveth in me." His strength is made perfect in my
weakness. I am nothing. He is all. This is foolish-
ness to the world ; but faith sees a glory in it. This
way is best for our safety, and most for his honour.
And the more simply we can reduce all our efforts to
this one point, " Looking unto Jesus," the more peace,
fervour, and liveliness, we shall find in our hearts, and
the more success we shall feel in striving against sin in
all its branches.

I am yours, &c.

EIGHT LETTERS

LETTER I.
I>ear Sir, July 30, 1767.

JL OUR letter gave me much pleasure, and increases
my desire, (if it be the Lord's will,) of having you so near
us. As I hope it will not be long before I have the
pleasure of seeing you, I shall be the less solicitous if my
frequent engagements should constrain me to close before
my paper is filled. I can only advise you, to resist to the
utmost, every dark and discouraging suggestion. The
Lord has done great things for you, and wonderfully ap-
peared in your behalf already; take encouragement from
hence to hope, that he will not forsake the work of his
own hands: Judges xiii. 23. There is much weight in
the apostle's argument in Rom. v. 10. Surely he who
showed us mercy before we asked it, will not withhold it
now he has taught us how to plead for it agreeably to
his own will. Though sin has abounded in us, grace has
superabounded in him ; though our enemies are many
and mighty, Jesus is above them all ; though he may
hide himself from us at times for a moment, he has given
us a warrant to trust in him, even while we walk in dark-

143 To **#*. Let. 1.

ness, and has promised to return and gather us with
everlasting mercies.

The Christian calling, like many others, is easy and
clear in theory, but not without much care and difficulty
to be reduced to practice. Things appear quite other-
wise, when felt experimentally, to what they do when
only read in a book. Many learn the art of navigation,
(as it is called,) by the fire side at home, but when they
come to sea, with their heads full of rules, and without
experience, they find that the art is only to be thoroughly
learnt upon the spot. So, to renounce self, to live upon
Jesus, to walk with God, to overcome the world, to hope
against hope, to trust the Lord when we cannot trace
him, and to know that our duty and privilege consist in
these things, may be readily acknowledged or quickly
learned ; but, upon repeated trial, we find, that saying
and doing are two things. We think at setting out that
we sit down and count the cost ; but, alas ! our views
are so superficial at first, that we have occasion to cor-
rect our estimate daily. For every day shows us some
new thing in the heart, or some new turn in the manage-
ment of the war against us which we were not aware
of; and upon these accounts, discouragements may
arise so high as to bring us, (I speak for myself,) to
the very point of throwing down our arms, and making
either a tame surrender or a shameful flight. Thus it
would be with us at last, if the Lord of hosts were not
on our side. But though our enemies thrust sore at us
that we might fall, he has been our stay. And if he is
the captain of our salvation ; if his eye is upon us, his
arm stretched out around us, and his ear open to our cry,
and if he has engaged to teach our hands to war and our
fingers to fight, and to cover our heads in the day or bat-
tle, then we need not fear, though a host rise up against

Let. 2. To ****. 143

us ; but, lifting up our banner in his name, let us go
forth conquering and to conquer ; Rom. xvi. 20.

We hope we shall all be better acquainted soon.
We please ourselves with agreeable prospects and pro-
posals ; but the determination is with the Lord. We
may rejoice that it is ; he sees all things in their de-
pendencies and connexions, which we see not, and there-
for he often thwarts our wishes for our good ; but if
we are not mistaken, if any measure we have in view
would, upon the whole, promote our comfort or his
glory, he will surely bring it to pass in answer to prayer,
how improbable soever it might appear ; for he delights
in the satisfaction and prosperity of his people, and
without a need be, they shall never be in heaviness.
Let us strive and pray for a habitual resignation to his
will ; for he does all things well. It is never ill with
us but when our evil hearts doubt or forget this plainest
of truths.

I beg an interest in your prayers, and that you will
believe me to to be,

Dear sir, your affectionate servant.

Y<

LETTER II.
My very dear Friend, February 22, 177Q.

OU will believe that we were all glad to find that
the Lord had given you a good journey, and that he is
pleased to support and comfort you with his presence ;
and that we all sympathized with you in your present
trial, and are greatly interested in your brother's illness.
Praver is made both for him and you amongst us

144 To ****. Let. 2.

publicly, and from house to house. And as you know
we have had repeated cause to say, He is a God that
heareth prayer, we hope that our prayers in this behalf
likewise will open a door for praise.

And now may the Lord direct my pen, that I may send
you what Mr. Philip Henry calls, " A word upon the
" wheels ;*' a word in season, for your refreshment and
encouragement. I rejoice and I mourn with you. The
little acquaintance I have had with your brother, (inde-
pendent of his relation to you,) has given him a place in
my heart and esteem; and I can form some judgment
of what you must feel at the apprehension of losing so
near and dear a friend. But though he is brought very
low, and physicians can afford little assistance, " to
" God the Lord belong the issues from death." He
can speak a returning word at the last extremity ; and
what he can do he certainly will, if it is best upon the
whole. But if he has otherwise determined, he can
enable you to resign him, and can answer your desires
in what is of still greater importance than prolonging
the natural life. Considering how much his best in-
terest is laid upon your heart, the pleasure he expressed
at your arrival, his willingness to hear your prayers for
him, and the liberty you find to improve every oppor-
tunity of speaking, I am willing to hope, that you will
be made a messenger of light and peace to his soul,
The Lord's hand is not shortened that he cannot save.
He can do great things in a small time, as you know
from your own experience. In a moment, in the twink-
ling of an eye, he can command light to shine out of
darkness. If he speaks it, is done. Your brother's
amiable character and regular deportment would un-
doubtedly be to his advantage, if he were to stand be-
fore a human judge ; but we know that we have to do

let. % Zb*** 145

with a God who searches the heart, and to the demands
of whose holy inflexible law, the whole world must
plead guilty, and cast themselves entirely upon his
mercy in Christ, or be confounded. This we cannot
make out another understand, but the Lord can con-
vince of it in an instant ; and then how plain, how pleas-
ing, how welcome, is the Gospel method of salvation
by free grace in the blood ot Jesus ! One glimpse of
the worth of the soul, the evil of sin and the importance
of eternitv, will effect that which hath been in vain at*
tempted by repeated arguments. I hope the Lord will
be with your heart and mouth, and that he will afford
you the moUia tempora fundi ! and direct your words
to the heart. Perhaps now you may be heard when
you touch upon your own most singular case, and de-
clare the manner and the effects ot the Lord's wonder-
ful dealing with yourself, which, as it cannot be gain-
said, so neither can it be accounted for upon any other
principles ihan those of the Scripture, respecting the
power, grace, and all-sufficiency of Jesus to save to the
uttermost.

You may perceive I would willingly help you if I
eould, though I know the attempt is needless, for the
Lord is with you ; and though 1 feel my own poverty
in the endeavour ; accept it, however, as a token of
my affection, and as a proof that my heart is warmly
engaged with yours in your present concern.

I was sorry to be prevented accompanying you to

W , but I lound afterwards it was right; you

were better engaged, and I should but have interrupted
you. I was with you, however, in spirit, as I returned
alone in the chaise, which were two of the most plea-
sant hours I have known for some time I preached
that, evening at Weston, from Deut. xxxii. £ — ri. a

Vol, VI V

146 U'o ****. Let. 3.

passage which exhibits the history of a believer in mi-
niature— an Iliad in a nutshell. The night was stormy,
so that we had but lew people. Two persons who
were well the day before you left us, are since dead,
one of them buried ; a poor profane creature suddenly
cut off; the other lived at Emberton, but spent most
of his time at Olney, a sort of gentleman, young, jovial,
jesting, and thoughtless. He was taken ill on Satur-
day, and died on Monday evening. O ! my friend,
what do we owe to the grace of God, that we were not
cut off in the clays of ignorance, as so many have been!
Blessed be God for Jesus Christ.
Believe me to be,

Your most affectionate and obliged.

My Bear Sir, March 8, 17T&-

VV HILE it is the Lord's pleasure we should be se-
parated, I would be thankful for the convenience of
post, by which we can exchange a few thoughts, and
let each other know how we go on. You are remem-
bered by me, not only jointly with the people, but
statedly in the family and in secret ; and, indeed, there
are not many hours in the day when I do not feel your
absence and the occasion of it. I find your brother is
little better ; but it is an encouragement to know that he
is no worse. His disorder is alarming and dangerous;
but though physicians and friends can do little, there is
a great physician to whom all cases are equally easy,
and whose compassion is equal to his power. If be
ivho does all things well sees it best, he can and he will

Let. S. To ****. 147

restore him : if not, he is able to give him such a view
©f what is beyond the grave, as would make him desir-
ous to depart, and to be with Christ ; and make yovi
perfectly willing to resign him. This is my prayer ;—
that he may find to live is Christ, and to die, gain;
for this I commend him, to Him who is the way, the
truth, and the life, who has overcome death, and him
that has the power of death, and is exalted to save to
the uttermost. That word uttermost has an extensive
meaning ; it includes a conquest over all difficulties,
and a supply of all that is necessary. How totally,
and, (if possible,) how often should I have been lost, had
not Jesus engaged to save to the uttermost. And
many a time I think I should have given up all hope,
but for those two texts, his own gracious declaration,
" Him, that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast
a out," and the apostle's assertion under the influence
of the holy spirit, that " He is able to save to the
" uttermost." — " In nowise," takes in all possible cha-
racters.— ' To the uttermost" reaches to all possible
circumstances. He can enlighten the most ignorant,
soften the most obdurate, succour the most tempted,
comfort the most distressed, pardon the most guilty.
O mav his precious name be engraven upon our hearts,
and sound sweeter than music to our ears, for he has
loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
and will save to the uttermost in defiance of all our
sins, fears, and enemies !

Your present trials are great; but God is faithful,
who will not suffer you to be overpowered ; and your
consolations at some seasons are great likewise. I
know the hour of conflict is sharp, but the victory in
which it terminates is sweet. Your conjectures how
Dr. ^##* and myself would behave under a fiery trial.

148 To ****. Let. 3.

are highly precarious, and seem to depend upon a sup-
position which, though it may steal into our thoughts,
has no place in either of our judgments, namely, that
some believers have a latent habitual power above
others, which will appear in exercise when it is wanted.
Undoubtedly Dr. **##, if left to himself in similar
cases, would do as Job, Jeremiah, and Jonah have done
betore us. The grace ot the promise is and shall be
sufficient for our support ; but while you are borne up
by a power above your own, it is right and fit that you
should feel your own weakness. It must and it will be
so with all to whom the Lord hath given that frame of
spirit in which he delights. As to myself, my v<ry
heart sinks at the ap: rel ension ot sharp trials ; the
Lord has Ions dealt uitha marvellous accommodation
to mv weakness in this respect; what supports me when
I look forward to them is, a persuasion of his nearness,
faithfulness, and all sufficiency ; but 1 know there is a
great difference between viewing the battle at a distance
and being actually engaged in it : this I find, that in my
present calm and easy situation I have not a grain of
strength to spare. And when I think of the questions,
Jer xii. 5. I can only say, Be thou my strong tower
whereunto I may continually resort. In a word, trials
would not deserve the name, nor could they answer the
ends for which they are sent, it we did not feel them ;
they are not, they cannot be joyous while present, but
grievous ; but in the end, they shall surely yield the
peaceable fruits of righteousness. The God whom you
serve is able to support and deliver you, and I trust
you shall have cause to praise him tor this also, as you
know you have tor those through which he has already
brought you, 2 Cor. i. 3 — 1 1 .

William (J**** is one of those who have been lately

Let 4. To ****. 149

▼isited with the putrid fever and sore throat. He had
been tor some time, (longer than I knew ot,) under a
concern about his soul. His illness brought him to the
brink of the grave ; bu' the Lord has been gracious to
him, not only in sparing his life, but in filling him with
peace and consolation to a degree lie is not ahle to ex-
press. He now rejoices with the joy ot an unexpe-
rienced soldier, who is little aware ot h hat he may meet
with in the course of the war, and seems hardly to un-
derstand us, when we hid him expect changes ; tor his
mountain stands so strong, he thinks he shall not be
moved. Thus it is ; nothing but experience can teach
us the lesson, which in words is so plainly set before us,
that through many trihulations we must enter the king-
dom. hut the Lord knows and pities our weakness,
and shows us the nature of our calling by degrees, as
we are able to bear it.

Believe me most cordially yours.

LETTER IV

My dear Sir,

^INCE the occasion of our intercourse with C#**#,
we listen tor the post with anxiety ; the accounts we
received yesterday, give me a very lively idea of your
situation, whiie you are expecting so critical and danger-
ous an hour as that which you have in view. I can, and I
do feei for you, yet I know you are and shall be support-
ed. Prayer is made without ceasing amongst us, for you
and your brother. And we know and believe that the
Lord, on whom we call, is rich in mercy, and mighty to
save. We ?ee many amongst us who have been re-

15* To ****. Let. 4.

stored from the gates of the grave in answer to prayer,
when the healing arts of medicine had proved utterly-
ineffectual. This encourages us to hope that our
prayers shall terminate in praises to the Lord, to whom
belong the issues from death. In the mean time, I
should be glad to drop a word that might afford you
some consolation in your present trial. I have just
arisen from my knees, to take the pen in hand : may
the Lord be with my heart in writing, and with yours in
reading what may occur to me.

I drank tea last night with Mr. ****. I had sent
him my book a few days before, and I found he had
read it about half through. I expected he would say
something about it, and he did. Though he seemed to
perceive and approve the main design, and to be pleased
with what he had read, yet I suppose many things were
not much to his purpose. What he chiefly fixed on was,
the second chapter, and he told me the description I
had given of the Gospel was exactly suited to the state,
the wants, and desires of his mind ; that he had read it
tv\ice over, and found much comfort from it. This
gave me pleasure. He is, as you know, a man much
exercised with a sense of the evils of his heart, and
therefore I account him a competent judge. I hope I
would rather be instrumental to the peace and consola-
tion of one such person, than honoured with the ap-
plause of thousands who live at their ease

Since I left him, I have been led into some reflec-
tions, on the admirable suitableness of the Gospel-way
of salvation by Jesus Christ, to all the possible varieties
ot a sinner's condition. When once he knows himself,
and is acquainted with the holiness, justice, and majesty
of the God with whom he has to do, no other expe-
dient can ever satisfy him, or give peace to his con-

let. 4. To ****. 151

science. And when once he knows Christ as the way,
and receives faith in his name, he is provided with an
answer to every discouragement and tear that can arise.
And here persons of every age, country, character, si-
tuation, and capacity, unite and agree. Their views of
themselves, of the Saviour, of the ground of their ac-
ceptance with God, and of the communion with God
which the scripture speaks of, are so similar, that many
think they learn them one of another, which is indeed
sometimes true with respect to the influence of means,
(God having appointed to diffuse the knowledge of sal-
vation by his blessing on preaching, &c.) yet every one
of them is taught of God, and receives personally for
himself an inimitable conviction, which, as it cannot be
easily described so as to be understood by those who
have not experienced it, (for which reason it is compared
in the scripture to tasting, Psal xxxiv. 8. and 1 Pet.
ii. 3.) so all attempts to gainsay it, are like attempting,
(as we commonly say,) to persuade us out of our senses.
I remember that three or four years ago, I mentioned
some part of the Gospel truth to a gentleman who
called on me here, and he answered, " If it is a truth,
" you are indebted for it to Calvin." As well might
he have said, because Calvin had seen the sun, and has
mentioned it in his writings, we build our knowledge of
its light and influence upon his testimony. These are
acknowledged throughout the world, whenever there is
an eye to behold them. Here the courtier and the
«lown, the philosopher and the savage, are upon a level.
And Mr. Occam, the Indian, in describing to me the
state of his heart when he was a blind idolater, gave
me, in general, a striking picture of what my own was.
in the early part of my life; and his subsequent views
•nfthe Gospel corresponded with mine as i^fi answers

15£ tfb ###$. Let. 4

to face in a glass, though I dare say when he received
them he had never heard of Calvin's name.

I am sure I can say for myself, that I received not
the Gospel from man. The little instruction I had re-
ceived in my youth, I had renounced ; I was an infidel
in the strictest sense of the word. When it pleased
God to give me a concern ior m\ soul, and tor some
years afterwards, I was upon the seas, or in Africa, at
a distance from the influence of books, names, and par-
ties. In this space the Lord taught me bv the Ne\y
Testament the truths upon which my soul now ventures
its everlasting concerns, when I did not know there was
a person upon earth who had the same views with my-
self, or at least did not know where to find such a per-
son ; perhaps, I may rather say, I took it for granted
that all people who were religious, were of my mind,
and hardly suspected that any who professed a regard
to the Bible, could doubt or deny what to me appeared
so plain. Your case likewise has been pretty much
like my own. How different were your views when

vou left , to what you had when you went there,

and how little did men contribute to that difference!
These things I am sure of, that the proper wages of
sin is death ; that I and all mankind have sinned
against the great God ; that the most perfect character
is unable to stand the trial of his holy law. When I
saw things in this light, I saw the necessity ot a Me-
diator. And in the account the scripture gave me of
Christ, his adorable person, his offices, his matchless
love, humiliation, obedience, and death, I saw a provi-
sion answerable to my need. His blood is declared to
be a complete atonement for sin ; his righteousness, a
plea provided for the guilty ; his power and compassion
are both infinite ; and the promise of pardon, peace, apd

Let. 4. To ****. 153

eternal life, is made to them who believe in his name.
He himself is exalted to bestow that faith to which the
promises belong, and he will give it to all who ask.
This I have found to be very different from the assent
we give to a point of history. It changes the views,
dispositions, desires, and pursuits of the mind ; pro-
duces that great effect, which is emphatically called,
being bom again ; without which our Lord assures us
no man can see the kingdom of God, whatever his qua-
lifications may be in other respects. O, my friend, let
us praise the Lord who has enlightened our dark un-
derstandings, subdued that natural enmity we felt against
his government and his grace, and has given us a hope
full of glory ! Now we are enabled to trust in him ;
now we find a measure of stability in the midst of a
changing world ; now we can look forward to death and
judgment with composure, knowing whom we have be-
lieved, and that we have an advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous.

Having little news to communicate, I have let my
thoughts run at random upon the subject you best love.
As Cicero says to Atticus, Adamicum, amice deamicitid,
or to that purpose ; so the letters from me to you, so
far as they are not taken up with necessary occurrences,
should be concerning the love and grace of our adora-
ble redeemer. O ! to think where, and what we were
when he showed us mercy ; what great things he has
done, and is preparing for us, and that he so loved us
as to wash us from our sins in his own blood ! These
are themes suited to warm our hearts, to bear us up
under all our troubles, and to fill us with joy unspeak-
able and full of glory. O that my heart might take fire
as I write ! Surely I am in my better judgment per-
suaded, that life is not worth a desire, but as affording

Vol. VI. X

154 To ****. Let. 5.

opportunity to spread the savour of his name, to set
him forth in my ministry for the comfort of his people
and the salvation of poor sinners. I trust you pray for
me that I may be faithful ; that I may give myself
wholly to this service, and, by continuing in it, save
myself and those that hear me.

I am inviolably yours.

LETTER V.

My dear Friend, March* 15, 17 70.

J HOUGH I have hardly time to write, I cannot be
silent upon this occasion. You will easily judge what
satisfaction your letters by yesterday's post gave us.
Blessed be God — the God who answers prayer, and
who alone does marvellous things. I rejoice with you ;
I rejoice with your brother. Now a chief point in our
prayers will give place to praises, and we shall have the
sweetest encouragement to continue praying for the re-
establishment of his health. If we had let the good news
transpire, how quickly would it have flown over the
town ! But we have thought it best to keep it to our-
selves a few days. When we shall meet on Tuesdav
evening, I purpose to impart it to the people in a body,
by reading your letter ; my heart jumps at representing
to myself, how they will look, how they will feel, how
they will pray and give thanks, when they hear what
God has wrought ! I am willing to hope we shall have
a comfortable, a memorable evening. In the mean
time there is some self denial in keeping the secret —
for myself, I feel it at my tongue's end continually, and
am ready to speak of it to every one I see, but we think,

Let. 5. To #**#■. 155

upon the whole it will do better to come in a lump to
them.

You need not wonder, if upon this very affecting and
important occasion, the enemy attempts his utmost to
disturb you. Me fears for his Kingdom, which has al-
ready received many severe shocks, in the spread the
Lord has lately given to his Gospel ; he sees a new in-
strument raising up, (as we hope,) to deliver souls out
of his power ; he knows how nearly you are concerned
in these things, and therefore, so far as he is permitted,
will cut you out trouble. And you may be assured
there are wise reasons for his having such a permission,
but all your conflicts shall lead to consolation, and end
in victory : and at last you shall be moie than a con-
queror. JVolJ'e conquered, but died upon the field of
battle. Hannibal was a famous and a frequent con-
queror, yet at length was vanquished in his turn. But
the believer shall so conquer in the close ot the cam*
paign, that he shall never hear the sound of war any
more ; so conquer in time as to triumph to eternity.
This we owe to Jesus ; we overcome not by our own
might, but by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word
of his testimony. He has conquered for us, and goes
before us ; and fights in us by his spirit, and in his own
time he will bruise Satan under our feet. In the mean
while, he will be your strength and your shield ; your
song and your salvation. In his name you may lift up
your banner, and bid defiance to Satan and all his
hosts.

Remember me affectionately to your brother. I can
truly say, I esteemed him, I loved him beiore; my re-
gard has been increased by the share I have taken in
his concerns during his illness, but ho- much more is
he dear to me, since I know that we are united in the

156 To ****. Let. 6.

love of the truth. With what pleasure shall I now re-
ceive him at ■ ■! now the restraints we were mu-
tually under, for fear of giving each other pain, are re-
moved. I think, when the Lord permits us all to meet
here again together, we shall have much to say on the
subject of redeeming love ; much to ascribe to the wis-
dom, power, and goodness of a wonder-working God,
who causes light to shine out of darkness, and has given
us the light of the knowledge of his glory in the person
of Jesus Christ. What an amazing change in our
state, in our heart, in our views, is the result ,of this
discovery ! Old things pass away ; all things become
new. Then we see how unavoidably we must be men
wondered at by all who have not experienced the same
things, and we are content to be so for his sake who
has loved us, and to account his cross our glory.
Believe me to be, my dear Sir,

Most affectionately yours,
In the nearest and strongest bond of friendship.

LETTER VI.

My dear Friend, Charles Square, April 29, 1780.

W]

E seldom send any thing to a friend with a more in-
terested and selfish view than a frank ; for we expect
not only to have it returned, but that what we send
empty should be returned full. I hope when the weather
will not allow you to be all day in the garden, you are
preparing a cargo for my frank; letters, essays, thoughts,
bon mots, tales, fables, in a word, miscellanies of all
kinds, in prose or verse, whatever bears the signature

Let. G. To ***** 157

of your hand, or of your manner, will be welcome ; and
as long as you find materials, I will endeavour to find
franks, and to send you pepper-corns of thanks in return,
as often as I can.

The recovery of my arm has advanced happily without
interruption. I can now put on my great coat, have al-
most done with my sling, and hope, in a few days more,
to be released from the bandages. Blessed be the Lord,
my best physician and friend, my present and all-suffi-
cient help ! I have seen no reason yet to regret my fall,
nor have I been permitted to do it ; yet I may consider
it as a chastisement, though of a gentle and merciful kind.
A sinner need not spend much time in searching out the
cause of an affliction ; but that the afflictions of such a
sinner as I, should be so seldom, so moderate, so soon
removed, depends upon reasons which I should never
have known but by the word of God. There I am
taught to spell his name, " The Lord, the Lord God,
" long suffering, abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity,
" transgression and sin ;" and thus I read the reason
why I am not consumed.

The spring, long retarded, begins to force its way,
and to make its appearance in the trees which surround
our square. The close behind our garden seems as
green as your meadows, and the cows that are feeding
in it, have very much the look of country cows. St.

Luke's church affords us a sort of substitute for ■ ■ —

steeple. Islington, (by the help of an imagination which
loves to concur in putting an agreeable deception upon

itself,) passes for ■ ; and the New River, if it did

not run under ground hereabouts, would soon obtain a
new name, and be called the Ouse. We take the same
liberty with persons as with places, and cannot walk
much in the streets without meeting a somebody that re-

158 To****. Let. 6.

calls somebody else to our minds. But to impose upon
ourselves so far as to think any place like Orchard Side,
or any persons like Mrs. ###* or Mr. ****, exceeds our
present attainment in the art of substitution. In other
respects, our situation is, upon the whole, so well, that
I may apply to either of you —

Excepto quod non simul esses, caetera laetus.

But, indeed, a removal from two such dear friends is a
dislocation, and gives me at times a mental feeling,
something analogous to what my body felt when my
arm was forced from its socket. I live in hopes that
this mental dislocation will one day be happily reduced
likewise, and that we shall come together again, as bone
to its bone. The connexion which the Lord himself
formed between us, was undoubtedly formed for eter-
nity, but I trust we shall have more of the pleasure and
comfort of it in time. And that I shall yet hear you
say, " Come, magnify the Lord with me, and let us
" exalt his name together, for he hath turned my
" mourning into joy, and he hath taken off my sack-
" cloth and girded me with gladness."

How the world goes, I know not ; for I seldom see a
news-paper for a fortnight together ; w7henl do, I meet
with so little to please me, that I seem rather to prefer
a state of ignorance, which gives me more scope for
hoping for the best. The prevalence of wickedness
and insensibility, however, forces itself upon my notice,
whether I will or no. And I am afraid, in the conten-
tions which are fomenting and spreading throughout the
kingdom, I see such seeds of trouble, as were sown in
the early part of Charles the First's reign, and which
quickly produced such plentiful crops of confusion and

Let. G. To ****. 159

misery. Yea, I am afraid the present times are worse ;
there is an equal degree of party rage, without any por-
tion of the public spirit, which undoubtedly influenced
many individuals in those days. I see but few Hydes
or Falklands amongst the courtiers ; but few Hampdens,
Pyms, or Blakes, to dignify the opposition. The pre-
tences on each side are but a thin veil, through which
it is easy to perceive that the contest is chiefly between
the ins and the outs, and that while some plead for
arbitrary power, under the name of constitutional pre-
rogative ; others who clamour for liberty, mean nothing
better by the word than licentiousness. So that if my
calling as a Christian would permit me to take an active
part in this uproar, (which, in my view, it does not,) I
must still remain neuter, till I could find more men of
principle on one side or the other to associate with.
I must be content to look on, and patiently wait the
issue, and should be ready to sink with apprehension,
but for two supporting considerations. The first, that
the Lord reigns, and will surely accomplish his own
wise and gracious purposes. The second, that in the
midst of all this confusion, he is manifestly spreading
the light of his Gospel and gathering singers into his
fold. While he maintains and multiples the means of
grace amongst us, and increases theijumber of praying
souls to stand in the breach, I turik we have a pledge
that we shall not be given u»> tnat our motto will be
no worse than cast down. ->ut not destroyed. There is
a third, a personal gro",d °f comfort. He has said, it
shall be well with t'~m tnat lear God, and his word is
sure. His peop1 nave properly nothing to lose, have
nothing to fe^' *°r lie *s l-ieir sun a»d shield, and ex-
ceeding g'at rewaro1- His power, providence, pre-
sence, ' ^-sufficiency, wil Head them safely, and,

160 To ****. Let. r,

upon the whole, comfortably through every possible
change, and bring them to their unchangeable rest.

Mrs. **#* is not at home, but she knows what I am
about, and sends her best love. She has very tolerable
health. I was at first afraid the hurry and anxiety of
her spirits, on account of my fall, would have brought
a return of all her nervous complaints. I felt more for
her than for myself, while the four men were almost
displacing my bones which were right, in order to put
that right which was out of place. But while I was in
that attitude, I may say with Nehemiah, "Sol prayed
'" unto the God of heaven ;" I prayed for her, and the
Lord heard me. She was at first exceedingly terrified,
and felt the effects of the shock for a little time, but I
hope they are quite subsided.
I am, dearest Sir,

Your most affectionate and obliged.

LETTER VII.

My dt^r Sir, Charles Square, May 6, 1780.

JL OU will 1/a.ve no reason to apply to me, Luke vii. 32.
For when you p'^e? I am ready to dance ; and when
you mourn, a cloud »omes over my brow, and a tear
stands a tiptoe in my ^ye. I observe your letters
usually begin and end in w allegro strain, and you put
the more serious part in the i^dle : as this seems the
fittest place for it, I will try to Mutate you, though it
will be something, if either my be^nmg or my ciose
should entitle me to your smile, exce, smile at

the presumption of your humble imitator, nd rcconect

the fable of the frog, who tried to imitate thSx%

Let. 7. To **#*. 10 J

On Thursday I attended, in my robes, the church-
wardens and several of the gentlemen of the parish.
We had large nosegays in our hands, and, all but myself,
favours in their hats, accompanied by a number of little
boys smartly dressed, and carrying white wands. Thus
marshalled and accoutred, we paraded the streets, and
a tall man who has some other name, but is best known
to me by that of the organ- blower, pointing successively
to the marks, corners, and abutments which distinguished
ours from the circumjacent parishes, proclaimed at each,

the boundary of the parish of St. ■. The chorus,

consisting of a number of huzzas, was performed by the
youths, who likewise beat the marks and walls with
their wands. This ostentatious service draws abund-
ance of eyes ; ladies, gentlemen, porters, and carters,
all stop and turn and stare. Alter the procession, and
distributing ribbons and cakes to the parishioners, we
divided into two parties for dinner : all passed with
much decorum and courtesy, and nothing happened
that made me sorry I was among them. This little
parochial farce is acted annually on Ascension-day.
I am afraid my overture is very dull, but if you could
suppose it the translation of a fragment dug out of Her-
culaneum, giving an account of some custom that ob-
tained (mutatis- mutandis) in ancient Rome, then both
the ears of your classical attention would doubtless be
nailed to the subject.

Do not wonder that I prize your letters. Besides
the merit which friendship puts on them, as being yours,
you always send me something I should value from a
stranger. Some thoughts in }our last I shall be the
better for, if it be not my own fault. How wonderful
is that tincture, that inexpressible something, which
gives your sentiments, when you speak of yourself, so

Vol. VI. Y

162 To ****. . Let. 7.

gloomy a cast, while in all other respects it leaves your
faculties in full bloom and vigour ! How strange that
your judgment should be clouded in one point only,
and that a point so obvious and strikingly clear to every-
body who knous you ! How strange that a person
who considers the earth, the planets, and the sun itself
as mere bawbles, compared with the friendship and
favour of God their Maker, should think the God who
inspired him with such an idea, could ever forsake and
cast off the soul which he has taught to love him ! How
strange is it, I say, that you should hold tenaciously
both parts of a contradiction ! Though your comforts
have been so long suspended, I know not that I ever
saw you for a single day since your calamity came upon
you, in which I could not perceive as clear and satis-
factory evidence, that the grace of God was with you,
as I could in your brighter and happier times. In the
midst of all the little amusements, which you call tri-
fling, and which I would be very thankful. you can attend
to, in your present circumstances, it is as easy to see
who has your heart, and which way your desires tend,
a3 to see your shadow when you stand in the sun.

I shall enlarge my commission for filling the franks
and parcels which I hope to receive from you. I have
a little back parlour, which bears the name of my study.
It is at present much unfurnished, and I must beg you
therefore to send me a few mountains and valleys,
woods, streams, and ducks, to ornament the walls ; in
return I will join my praises to Mrs. ****'s and your
own, which, indeed, considering how destitute I am of
taste and virtu, will be but like putting a cypher on
the wrong side of a significant figure, which adds a

Let. 8. To **#*. 1G3

round 0 to the line, but nothing to the sum. But let
the great boast of their Raphaels and their Titians, it
shall suffice for me if I may inscribe on the pieces in
my study, **** p'uuit.

My bandage is taken off, and my arm almost in
statu quo. I wish to be thankful to Him who maketh
sore and bindeth up, who woundeth, and his hand-.
make whole.

Accept our best love, and believe me to be,

Most affectionately yours.

LETTER VIII.

My dear Friend, Charles Square, Hoxton, June 3, 1780.

o

'N Monday we went to Greenwich, and returned to-
day time enough to preach my monthly preparation ser-
mon in the forenoon. The visit was as pleasant as a kind
reception could make it ; but there is a something ne-
cessary to make one " Totus teres et rotundus"in our
proposed schemes for pleasure, which it is not in the
creature's power to supply. However, I had much to
be thankful for, and particularly that Mrs. **** uas
well all the time. Two very agreeable hours I spent
solus in the park, a situation which I think is hardly to
be equalled upon the earth. Rural prospects equally
striking, or more so, may be found in abundance ; but
the embellishments of such, a city, at a distance so con-
venient to the eye, and of such a river with the naviga-
tion, are local advantages peculiar to the spot. Were I
to traverse the park daily, perhaps when familiarized to
the objects, the effect? would not be so ^reat. But I

164 To ****. Let. 8.

believe twenty years or more have passed since I was
there, and therefore all appeared to me in a manner
new. The cloud of smoke hanging over London, to
which every house contributed its quota, led me to
moralize. I thought it an emblem of the accumulated
stock of misery, arising from all the trials and afflic-
tions of individuals within my view. I am persuaded a
detail of these, were our minds capable of receiving it,
would have the effect of the cave of Trophonius, and
give such a solidity to our features, that no occasional
incident, however jocular, would move our laughter, or
even extort a smile. A person would hazard his repu-
tation for humanity, who was disposed to be merry
among the lunatics in Bethlehem, or in the midst of a
group of agonizing sufferers in Bartholomew's Hospital,
or on a field of battle. And what is the world at large
but a more extensive and diversified scene of wretched-
ness, where phrensy and despair, anxiety, pain, want,
and death, have their respective wards filled with pa-
tients ? I thought it likewise an emblem of that cloud
of sin which is continually ascending with a mighty cry
in the ears of the Lord of hosts. Sin overspreads the
earth; but in London the number and impunity of of-
fenders, joined with the infidelity and dissipation of the
times, make it a kind of hot-bed or nursery for wicked-
ness. Sin is studied as a science, and there are pro-
fessors and inventors of evil things in a variety of
branches, who have an unhappy address in teaching
others to sin with an eclat. Could we have knowledge
of the monstrous enormities and villanies which are
committed in a single day, within the compass of the
prospect I had from Greenwich Park, or Blackheath,
it would make us groan and tremble. Such were a
part of my meditations, accompanied with some degree

Let. 8. To ****. IG5

of praise to Him who snatched me out of that state,
wherein I stood axiAntisignanus in iniquity, and brought
me to a knowledge of salvation and peace.

I was rather alarmed yesterday. The Protestant
Association under the influence of Lord George Gor-
don, met in St. George's Fields, and from thence pa-
raded through the city to Westminster, joined and ac-
companied in their march by many thousands of the
blackguards from all quarters ; they walked, however,
with great decency and quietness ; how they behaved
in the avenues to the Parliament-house, and what weight
their petition acquired from such a respectable attend-
ance, I have not yet heard. But I believe things went
on pretty well, considering the multitude assembled.
However, I do not much like these motions and com-
motions, and my foreboding spirit fancies no small re-
semblance between the present appearances and those
which were forerunners of the civil wars.

I am your very affectionate and endeared friend,

And obliged servant,

EIGHTEEN LETTERS

The Rev. Mr. S******.

I

LETTER I.

My dear Fiiend, November 27, 1767

CONGRATULATE you and Mrs. **** on your

settlement at B , in your new house, where I hope

the Lord will dwell with and bless you both, and make
you blessings to many.

Visits, &c. of ceremony are burdensome ; yet some-
thing is due to civility ; and, though we cannot have
equal comfort in all our acquaintance, it is best to be
on peaceful and neighbourly terms. You need not have
much of it, but so far as it cannot be prudently avoided,
bear it as your cross. I would not wish to have you
attempt to force spiritual things too much upon those
who do not like them ; or to expect them from those
who have not experienced them. But, like a physician
among sick people, watch opportunities of doing them
good if possible.

You know not what the Lord has to do ; some whom
you now can hardly bear, may prove your comforts
hereafter ; and if in the mean time they are disposed to

Let. 1. To the Rev. Mr. 5****. 1G7

be friendly, and show you good offices, they have a
right to a return in the same way.

I approve and rejoice in your faithfulness, but in some
things, perhaps, you would do as well to keep your mind
more to yourself; I mean in your free and unreserved
speaking of ministers, Sec. Our Lord's direction to his
disciples, in something of a similar case, was, Let them
alone. So far as it is needful to withstand them, do so
in the Lord's strength ; but in mixed conversation, it is
a good rule, to say nothing without a just call, to the
disadvantage of others. I must agree with Air. B****
that such expressions as, drowsy Dissenters, are as well
avoided in public prayer, being more likely to give of-
fence than to do good. And I thought some few
things you said at Mr. W****'s might as well have been
spared, considering the spirit of some of your hearers.
I endeavour to bear a testimony against every thing
wrong, but as in professors, without distinguishing be-
tween church and meeting ; for, alas ! the best of us
have cause for humiliation. My judgment of many
persons and things agrees with yours ; but I have seen
there is good sense in the old proverb, " Least said,
1,1 soonest mended.'1 We are sometimes mistaken in
our own spirits, and though it becomes us to be plain
and open upon proper occasions, it is not our duty to
be very busy in disturbing a nest of hornets. I was once
in a large company where very severe things were
spoken of Mr. W**f*, when one person seasonably ob-
served, that though the Lord was pleased to effect con-
version and edification by a variety of means, he had
never known any body convinced of error by what was
said of him behind his back. This was about thirteen
years ago, and it has been on my mind as an useful
hint ever since.

Believe me to be afTectionctely youif .

16S To the Rep. Mr. S****. Let. 2.

I

LETTER II

My dear Friend, July 15, 176S.

WAS glad to hear that you and Mrs. S**** were
again safely restored to each other, and that the Lord
had freed you from your complaint. No doubt it was

far from pleasing to be so straitened at R •. But

to be made, in a measure, submissive to the Lord's will,
to appear to a disadvantage at those times and places
when, perhaps, we should particularly desire to do our
best; I say, to be content to appear weak and poor,
from a real sense of our weakness and poverty in his
sight, to see his wisdom and love in appointing us such
humbling dispensations, and to submit to them, is a
nobler attainment than to be able to speak with the
tongue of an angel. The Lord who opened the mouth
of Balaam's ass, could, if he had pleased, have enabled
it to have preached a sermon an hour long, and with as
much method and accuracy as the most learned in aca-
demies or universities. Speaking is but a gift, and if
he is pleased sometimes to open our mouths freely, we
know not but a wicked man might equal or exceed us.
But grace is the peculiar blessing which he bestows
upon his dear children, and upon them only. Your
streams may sometimes run low, but only when he sees
it good and necessary ; at other times you shall be as
if you were taking water from Ezekiels river. Plow-
ever, rejoice in this, that the fountain is yours, and no-
thing can cut you off from it.

I am affectionately yours.

Let. 3. To the Rev. Mr. S****. 169

LETTER III.

My dear Friend, September 30, 177S.

X HIS has been a sort of busy week; but seldom have
I felt more unfit to teach others, or more unfit to preach
to my own heart. () these outside services are weari-
some things, when the Lord leaves us to feel our own
hardness and emptiness ! But I would learn to glorv
in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon
me. As to myself, though cause enough to be hum-
bled, I have none to be cast down, if my righteousness
is in heaven. And as to my ministry, I ought to desire
it may appear, that the excellency of the power is of
God, and that there is nothing in me but weakness.

Dust and ashes is my name,
My all is sin and misery.

So we say, so we believe, and yet we would fain o0
forth as if we were wise and good. The Lord help us to
discover self in all its various windings, to resist it bv
the sword of the Spirit, as we would the devil, for
surelv it is his great engine. It would be a fine thing
to have the knowledge of Paul and the eloquence of
A polios united in our dear persons ; so that we might
be the tip top characters in the foolish dispute among
professors, Who is the best preacher? But I can tell
you of a finer thing, and more within our reach, because
it is what the Lord invites even the meanest of the flock
to seek for ; I mean, the character to which the pro-
Vor VI. Z

170 To the Rev. Mr. 5****. Let. 4.

mise is made, Isa. lvii. 15. Let the discourses of
others be admired for ingenuity, learning, or pathos,
but may we be ambitious that ours may savour of a
broken and contrite spirit ; then shall we be best able
to commend a precious Saviour, and then we may war-
rantably hope the Lord will not suffer us to speak in
vain.

I am affectionately yours, in the best bonds.

LETTER IV.

Dear Sir, February 17, 1769.

I CANNOT agree with your friends, or with Witsius,
respecting the degrees in glory. Perhaps we are not
capable of stating the question properly in this dark
world. I see no force in the argument drawn from
1 Cor. xv. 40, 41. ; or rather, that does not appear to
me the sense of the passage, or that the apostle had any
respect to degrees of glory. The text in Matt. xix.
28, may be compared with Rev. iii. 21. However, ad-
mitting such degrees, perhaps they will not be distri-
buted, (accordingto human expectation,) to such as have
been most employed in active life, Matt. x. 41. As
wickedness is rated by the judgment of God, not ac-
cording to the number of outward acts, but by what
the heart would do had opportunity offered, Matt,
v. 28. ; so the lord will graciously accept the desires
of his people, and they shall in no wise lose their re-
ward, because his providence has appointed them a
narrower sphere.
One man like Mr. Whitfield is raised up to preach

Let. 4. To the Rev. Mr. S****. Ill

the Gospel with success through a considerable part of
the earth ; another is called to the humbler service of
sweeping the streets, or cleaning this great minister's
shoes. Now if the latter is thankful and content in his
poor station, if he can look without envy, yea, with
much love, on the man that is honoured ; if he can re-
joice in the good that is done, or pray for the success
of those whom the Lord sends, I see not why he may
not be as great a man in the sight of God, as he who is
followed and admired by thousands.

Upon a supposition of degrees of glory, I should
think it probable, the best Christian will have the highest
place. And I am inclined to think, that if you and I
were to travel in search of the best Christian in the
land, or were qualified to distinguish who deserved the
title, it is more than two to one we should not find the
person in a pulpit, or any public office of life ; perhaps
some old woman at her wheel, or some bed-rid person,
hid from the knowledge of the world, in a mud-walled
cottage, would strike our attention more than any of the
doctors or reverends with whom we are acquainted.
Let us not measure men, much less ourselves, by gifts
or services. One grain of grace is worth abundance of
gifts. To be self-abased ; to be filled with a spirit of
love, and peace, and gentleness ; to be dead to the
world ; to have the heart deeply affected with a sense
of the glory and grace of Jesus; to have our will
bowed to the will of God ; these are the great things,
more valuable, if compared in the balance of the
sanctuary, than to be an instrument of converting
a province, or a nation: see 1 Cor. xiii. 1 — 3.
In a word, I should think, from Luke vii. 47, that
those who love most, will be most happy ; that those
who have most forgiven, will love most. And as, in the

172 . - To the Rev. Mr. S****. Let. 4.

present life, every believer thinks himself a peculiar in-
stance of mercy, and sees his sins in a peculiar light of
aggravation, I apprehend it to be so hereafter. The sin
of nature is equal in all ; and so I think would actual
sin be likewise, but for the differences made by the re-
straining grace and providence of God. He is not
perhaps, in the sight of God, the greatest sinner, who
has committed the most notorious acts of sin in the
sight of man. We should not judge one wolf to be
fiercer than another because he had opportunity of de-
vouring more sheep. Any other wolf would have done
the same, in the same circumstances. — So in sin. So,
(think I,) in grace. The Lord's people,every one of them,
would be glad to do him as much service, and to yield
him as much honour, as any of the number have at-
tained to. But he divides severally, to one 60, to one
30, to one 100, as he pleases ; but they are all accepted
in the same righteousness; equally united to Jesus; and,
as to the good works on which a supposed difference is
afterwards to be founded, I apprehend those that have
most, will gladly do by them as Paul did by his legal
righteousness, count them loss and dung for the excel-
lency of Christ Jesus the Lord ; Matt. xxv. 37. But
it may be said, Is then nothing to be expected for so
many trials and sufferings, as some ministers are called
to for the sake of the Gospel? In my judgment, he
that does not find a reward in being excited, supported,
enabled by the Holy Spirit of God in the work of the
Gospel ; who does not think, that to have multiplied
labours owned to the conversion even of a few souls
is a great reward ; who does not account the ministry
of the Gospel, with grace to be faithful in the discharge
of it, a reward and honour in itself sufficient to over-
balance all the difficulties it may expose him ; whoever,

Let. & To the Rev. Mr. 5****. 173

I say, does not thus think of the service of Jesus in
the Gospel, has some reason to question his right to
the lowest degree of glory, or, at least, has little right to
look for eminence in glory, even though he should
preach with as much power and acceptance, and in
the midst of as many hardships, as St. Paul did.

You will hardly think by my letter that I am strait-
ened tor time at present, yet this indeed is the case ; but
I have dropped into a gossip with you insensibly. I am
glad the Lord has visited you and comforted you of
late. Think it not strange if such seasons are followed
by temptations and darkness. St. Paul was in danger
of being exalted above measure ; and you know the
means the Lord employed to preserve him. You are
no better than he ; and need not desire to be more
graciously dealt with. His grace shall be sufficient for
you. As to every thing else, submit yourself to him.

I am yours, &c.

L ETTER V.

My dear Friend, July 7, 1770.

I

RECEIVED your piteous, doleful letter ; I hope it
it needless now to attempt to comfort you, and that this
will find Satan cast out, and the man restored to his
right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus. I pits you that
you have so many conflicts; yet I rejoice with yOtl,
because I know the Lord intends you good by these toss-
ings, and will thereby keep you humble and di pendent.
Is it not better to he sifted and shaken, than to be left

174- To the Rev. Mr. 6'****. Let. 5.

to fall in such snares as some have been taken in, whom
you have accounted better than yourself? But why are
you so ready to throw down your shield, and to talk of
running away from the battle? He that harasses you
while you hold the Gospel plough, would be presently
with you if you were ploughing in the field. Nor can
any change of circumstances put you out of his reach,
unless you could tell how to run away from yourself.

It is said, " Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that tread-
" eth out the corn." I am sure the Lord has not
muzzled you : how is it then, that while you set forth a
free salvation to others, you do not feed upon it your-
self; but contradict your own preaching, and reason
and complain, as though you had found out that the
blood of Jesus Christ cannot cleanse from all sin ; or;
as though the Lord were as changeable as you are ? I
know you are a staunch Calvinist in your judgment,
or I should think you an Arminian, by some of your
complaints.

When the enemy would tempt you to murmur
about a provision, tell him that he knows, (for he walks
to and fro the earth,) that, taking the kingdom round,
there is not one minister of the Gospel in ten, so well
provided for as you. And if so, you may ask him, if
you have not much more cause for thankfulness than
murmuring. What you have, the Lord has given you ;
and if he sees that is too little, he will moreover give
you such and such things : 2 Sam. xii. S. But then it
must be in his way and time, and not in your own.
How can you teach others to live a life of faith, except
you learn, by daily experience, to live it yourself? And
the life of faith is maintained, not by bags and coffers,
but by pleading the promises in prayer, when we have
nothing else to look to.

Let. o. To the liev. Mr. 5****. 175

As to the success of your ministry, it is no part of your
concern, further than to make it matter of prayer. Faith-
fulness and diligence is our part ; the rest is the Lord's.

I suppose you are quite as acceptable in 13

as Jeremiah was in Jerusalem ; and probably see more
to encourage you in your hearers, than he did in his.
He was not very popular, but he was plain and honest;
and if not owned to save the souls of others, he deli-
vered his own. And after all, the Lord did just as
much by him as he purposed before he called him ;
and he did not a tittle more than he had purposed be-
forehand, by the preaching of St. Paul.

But it seems you think other people preach better
than you. I hope you will always think so ; if you
should be mistaken, it is a fault on the right side. But
other people think so too. I am not so sure of that ;
but if they do, it is perhaps to chastise you for your un-
believing fears. If you have a mind to outdo yorself,
and to outdo us all, I will give you a receipt — Believe.
The more you believe, the better you will preach. If
the ministers they commend are faithful, simple preachers
of the truth, depend upon it, the more your people like
them, the more they will like you. I believe you are
as free from a fear of being outshone by others as most
men ; but there is some of this leaven in all our hearts ;
let us watch and pray against it, and heartily wish and
pray, that all who preach Jesus, may do it with more
power and success than we can ourselves, We shall
not be the poorer for their riches ; but our Lord and
theirs will take it well of us : and if he sees us simply
content to take the lowest place, he will raise us up
higher, for it is a standing law in his kingdom, that he
that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

I have touched on all your complaints, and brought

176 To the Rev. Mr. S****. Let. 6.

myself to the end of my paper. Notwithstanding what
I have written, I could fill a sheet with sorrowful stories
in my turn ; but, " The Lord is good."

I am affectionately yours.

I

LETTER VI.
My dear Friend,

MIGHT defer answering your last till I see you ; yet,
because I love you, I will write. I apprehend your
mind is darkened with temptation, for your views of the
Gospel, when you preach, are certainly clearer than
your letter expresses. You may think you distinguish
between evidences and conditions, but the heart is de-
ceitful, and often beguiles our judgment, when we are
judging concerning ourselves.

You say, " I hope it is my desire to cast myself upon
" the free promise in Jesus Christ ; but this alone does
" not give assurance of my personal interest in his
" blood." I ask, Why not ? Because you lean to con-
ditions, and do not think yourself good enough. It ap-
pears to me, that if I cast myself upon his promise, and
if his promise is true, I must undoubtedly be interested
in his full redemption ; for he has said, " Him that
" cometh I will in no wise cast out." If you can find a
case or circumstance which the words in no xvise will not
include, then you may despond.

It is certainly a delusion to imagine oneself of the
number of Elect, without scriptural evidence. But have
you not that evidetice ? I think, as the saying is, you can-
not see the wood for trees. You tell me what evidences
you want, namely, spiritual experiences, inward holiness,.

Let. 6. To the Rev. Mr. 5****. 177

earnest endeavours. Ail this I may allow in a right sense;
but in judging on these grounds, it is common and easy
in a dark hour to turn the Gospel into a covenant of
works. But take it your own way— If a tear of being
deceived, a mourning under a sense of vileness, a hun-
gering and thirsting after righteousness, a sense of the evil
and danger of sin, a persuasion of the- preciousness and
suitableness of Christ in his offices, &c. ; if these are not
spiritual experiences, I know not what are. And will you
dare denv, that God has given you these? As to inward ho-
liness, when we meet, you shall define, ifyou please, what
you mean hv it. The holiness of a sinner seems princi-
pally to consist in self-abasement, and in admiring views
of Jesus as a completeSaviour — these are the main prin-
ciples from whence every gracious fruit is derived. In
proportion as we have these, we shall be humble, meek,
patient, weaned from the world, and devoted to God.
But if you will look for a holiness, that shall leave no
room for the workings of corruption and temptation;
you look for what God has no where promised, and for
what is utterly inconsistent with our present state. If you
say, you must doubtless expect to feel evil in your heart,
but that you are discouraged by feeling so much ; I ask
farther if you can find from the word of God, how much
a holy person may feel ? For my own part, I believe
the most holy people feel the most evil. Indeed, when
faith is strong and in exercise, sin will not much break
out to the observation of others ; but it cuts them out
work enough within. Indeed, my friend, you will not
be steadily comfortable, till you learn to derive your
comforts from a simple apprehension of the person,
work, and otlices of Christ. He is made unto us of
God, not only righteousness, but sanctiiication also.
One direct appropriating act of faith in him. will
Vol. VI. 2 A

178 To the Rev. Mr. 3****. Let. 7,

Strengthen you more, than all the earnest endeavours
you speak ot. Evidences, as you call them, are of use
in their place ; but the best evidence of faith is the
shutting our eyes equally upon our defects and our
graces, and looking directly to Jesus as clothed with
authority and power to save to the very uttermost. So
you preach to others — so you deal with exercised con-
sciences ; why not preach so to yourself? Will you
point out a ground for their hopes upon which vou are
afraid to venture your own? Has He not. kept you
sound in the faith in wavering times ? does he not pre-
serve vou unspotted from the world ? does he not enable
and own you in your ministry? has He not often refreshed
you with his consolations ? Do you not tell others, that
the blood of Jesus cleanseth from all sin ? Whv then
do you give way to doubts and fears? I would have
you humbled before the Lord for your unworthiness.
In this I wish I was more like you ; but rejoice in Christ
Jesus, and resist every temptation to doubt your interest
in his love, as you would resist a temptation to adultery
or murder Plead the apostle's argument, Rom. viii. 31
-»~38, before the Lord and against Satan, and do not
dishonour Christ so as to imagine he will disappoint
the desire which no power but his could implant in your
heart.

Yours in the best bonds, &c.

LETTER VII.

My dear Friend,

1 SHALL be glad to hear that you and Mrs. ****arc
in health, and that your souls prosper. Mine was dull

Let. 7. To the Rev. Mr. S****. 179

and languid when with you, and has been too much so
ever since. But I trust the Lord, the good Shepherd,
will lead me sately through this wilderness, and biing
me at last to see him in his kingdom. I am weary of
living at such a distance, yet cannot quicken myself.
Pray tor me and mine, that we may be favoured with a
season of refreshment. I have every thing else ; but
the want of more lively and abiding communion with
him, makes my chariot wheels move heavily.

To him I owe my wealth and friends,

And health and safe abode ;
Thanks to his name for meaner thing's,

But these are not my God.

I find vanity engraven in capital letters, on myself
and every thing around me ; and, while encompassed
with mercies, and so thoroughly satisfied with my out-
ward condition that I could hardly wish a single cir-
cumstance altered, I feel emptiness, and groan being
burdened. If you think, by my writing in this strain,
that I am very spiritual, you will be greatly mistaken.
But I can say, 1 wish to be so.

My preaching seems, in some respects, contrary to
my experience. The two points on which I most
largely insist, are, the glories of the Redeemer, and the
happiness of a life of communion with God. I can
often find something to say on these subjects in the
pulpit ; but at some other times, my thoughts of Jesus
are so low, disjointed, and interrupted, that it seems as
if I knew nothing of him but by the hearing of the ear.
And answerable to this, is the sensible communion I
have with him. Alas ! how faint, how unfrequent ! I
approach the throne of grace, encumbered with a thou-
sand distractions of thought, each of which seems te

180 To the Etv. Mr. 5'****. let. 8.

engage more of my attention thari the business I have
in hand.

To complete the riddle, I would add, that, notwith-
standing all these complaints, uhich seem great enough
to forbid my hope, to plunge me in despair, I have peace
at bottom. I see, I know, I cannot deny, that he is
all-sufficient; can, and does pity and help me, unwor-
thy as I am ; and though I seldom enjoy a glimpse of
sunshine, yet I am not wholly in the dark. My heart
is vile, and even my pravers are sin; I wish I could
mourn more, but the Lord forbid I should sorrow as
those that have no hope. He is able to save to the ut-
termost. His blood speaks louder than all my evils.
My soul is very sick, but my Physician is infallible.
He never turns out any as incurable of whom he has
once taken the charge. That would be equally to the
dishonour of his skill and his compassion. Had he been
willing I should perish, he would not have wrought a
miracle, (for I account it no less,) to save me from sink-
ing into the great deep, when he first put it in my heart
to cry to him for mercy. And, O what astonishing
goodness has followed me from that day to this ! Help
me to praise him ; and may he help you to proclaim
the glory of his salvation, and to rejoice in it yourself.

I am affectionately yours.

LETTER VIII.

Dear Sir, December 6, 1772.

1 LONG for you to learn to distinguish betw een what
are properly the effects of a nature miserauly depraved;

Let. 8. To the Iicv. Mr. 5****. 181

and which shows itself in the heart of every child of
God, and the effects of Satan's immediate temptations.
What you complain of are fiery darts, but you cannot
be properly said to shoot them at yourself; they come
from an enemy, and the shield of laith is given you, that
you may quench them; why then are you so read} to
throw it away? You seem to think yourself better at
one time than at another; now I believe that we, as in
and of ourselves, are always alike. Look at the sea;
sometimes it rages and tosses its waves, at another time
it is ca'm and smooth But the nature of the sea is not
changed ; it is net grown more gentle in itself than it
•was before; wait but till the next storm, and you will
s< e i[ rage again as much as ever. Our unrenewed
purl is as imtameable as the sea. When temptations
are at a distance, or the Lord is present, it may lie
quirt but it is always deceitful and desperately wicked.
Or like a lion, which may be sometimes awake, some-
times asleep ; but whether asleep or awake, it is a lion
still, and a little matter will rouse it from its slumber,
and set it i oaring ; though, while sleeping, it may seem
-as harmless as a cat.

If we could muse less upon ourselves, and meditate
more upon the Lord Jesus, we should do better. He
likwise is always the same: as near and as gracious
in the storm as in the calm. Yea, he expresses a pe-
culiar care of those who are tempted, tossed, and not
ccmlorted. Though you are sore thrust at that you
may fall, He will be your stay. But I wish you could
more readily rest upon his word, and rejoice in his
righteousness, even in that only.
Believe me to be,

Sincerely and affectionately yours*

182 Wq the Rev. Mr. S****. Let. 9.

LETTER IX.

My dear Friend, October 22, 177S.

1 F the lives of the two Henry's and of other good mea,
were written by inspired men, you would not be so much
discouraged at reading them. Depend upon it, they saw
as much reason to be ashamed of themselves as we do.
To us they appear in their best clothes, and we are
told more of what the Lord wrought for them, than
of the effects of indwelling sin under which they
groaned. It I should outlive you, and I should have

a call to write the life of the Rev. Mr. ****, of ,

I should perhaps find more to say in your favour
than you are aware of; and if you would have the
darker side known, as well as the brighter, you must
write it yourself.

I am glad Mr. **** preached among you. > There
are some points on which we must exercise mutual for-
bearance. I have heard him speak sometimes as if he
considered assurance to pertain to the essence of faith.
Yet I do not think he would willingly discourage a weak
believer. He is a frank honest man, and I am per-
suaded would not have been offended, if you had hint-
ed to him in conversation any thing in which you seem-
ed to differ ; and perhaps, were he to explain himself,
the difference would not appear to be great.

I hope you are both well reconciled to the death of
your child. Indeed, I cannot be sorry for the death of
infants. How many storms do they escape ! Nor can
I doubt, in my private judgment, that they are in-
cluded in the election of grace. Perhaps those who

Let. 10. To the Jtto. Mr. 5****. 18S

die in infancy, are the exceeding great multitudes of all
people, nations, and languages mentiontid, Rev. vii. 9.
in distinction from the visible body of professing be-
lievers, who were marked in their foreheads, and openly
known to be the Lord's. But I check myself, and
would not indulge opinions about points not clearly
and certainly revealed.

I am, sincerely,
Your affectionate friend and brother.

I

LETTER X.

My dear Friend, June 24, 1774.

RETURNED home in safety, under that invisible
and gracious protection to which we are always equally
indebted, whether at home or abroad, and which had
preserved all in peace during my absence. Many, un-
doubtedly, who left their houses on the day I went to

« •, will never return to them again alive; and

probably many who left their families in peace, have
found, or will find when they come back, that some un-
expected calamity has quite prevented the pleasure they
proposed in seeing their habitation again. To live as I
have long done, from year to year exempted from the
distresses with which the world is filled, to see so many
falling and suffering around, yet I and mine preserved;
sickness and death marching about and ailing almost
every house with groans, and yet not permitted to
knock at our door ; this is a mercy for which I am not
sufficiently thankful. Indeed, ingratitude and inspnsi-

184 To the ffev. Mir. **#*. Let. 10.

bility towards the Lord, are evils which I may abhor
myself for; and did I act in the like unfeeling, stupid
spirit towards my fellow-creatures, they would soon be
weary of me. But he is God and not man. I often
call upon my heart, and charge it not to forget his be-
nefits : but there is so much stone and lead in its coin-
position, that I' can make little impression upon it.
Melt it, O Lord, with the fire of thy love !

Though I was very glad to see you and our friends
at your house, I was not pleased with myself when
there. Particularly, I was sorry I gave way to the dis-
course about Baptism, which, as we all seemed well
persuaded in our own minds, was little better than idle
talk. When tea was almost over, it occurred to me,
how easily I might have turned it to a more profitable
subject ; but then it was too late. Methinks it did not
require much study to find out that we were but poorly
employed. Perhaps I may be wiser hereafter ; but
one word draws on another so strangely, that we are
liable to be entangled before we are awaie, for Mr.
Self loves to speak last.

I thought of you yesterday I hope you had a plea-
sant visit. I should have been glad to have been with
you ; I love that house. There seems to be no leisure
in it to talk about persons or opinions. The inquiry
there is concerning Jesus; how to love him more, and
serve him b' tter ; how to derive from him, and render
to him. It this is to be a Moravian, I do not wonder
they are reproached and scorned. Where the spirit of
the Gospel is, there the cross will be. But as 1 am
acquainted only with two families, I cannot say how-
it is with the rest; but why should I not hope they are
all in the same way? If they have, notwithstanding,

Let. 11. To the Rev. Mr. 5****. 185

some little peculiarities, I apprehend very few of those
societies which are ready to censure them, can exceed
them in the real fruits of the Spirit.

I am your sincerely affectionate.

Y<

LETTER XI.

My deal' Friend, September — , 1774.

OUR judgment in the Gospel is sound ; but there
is a legal something in your experience, which per-
plexes you. You are capable of advising others ; I
wish you could apply more effectually what you preach
to yourself, and distinguish in your own case between
a cause of humiliation and a reason of distress. You
cannot be too sensible of the inward and inbred evils
you complain of; but you may be, yea, you are, im-
properly affected by them. You say you find it hard
to believe it compatible with the divine purity to em-
brace or employ such a monster as yourself. You ex-
press not only a low opinion of yourself, which is right,
but too low an opinion of the person, work, and pro-
mises of the Redeemer ; which is certainly wrong.
And it seems too, that though the total, absolute de-
pravity of human nature is a fundamental article in
your creed, you do not experimentally take up that
doctrine, in the length, and breadth, and depth of it, as
it lies in the word of God. Or else, why are vou con-
tinually disappointed and surprised that in and out of
yourself you find nothing but evil? A man with two
broken legs will hardly wonder that he is not able to
run, or even to stand. Your complaints seem to go
Vol. VI. 2 8

180 To the Rev. Mr. £*#*#. Let. 1U

upon the supposition, that though you have nothing good
of your own, you ought to have; and most certainly
you ought if you were under the law ; but the Gospel is
provided for the helpless and the -worthless. You do
not wonder that it is cold in winter, or dark at midnight.
All depends upon the sun ; just so the exercise of grace
depends upon the Sun of Righteousness. When he
withdraws, we find ourselves very bad indeed, but no
worse in ourselves than the scriptures declare us to be.
If, indeed, the divine rectitude and purity accepts and
employs you, it is not for your own sake, nor could it
be were you ten thousand times better than you are.
You have not, you cannot have, any thing in the sight
of God, but what you derive from the righteousness
and atom ment of Jesus. If you could keep Him more
constantly in view, you would be more comfortable.
H^ would be more honoured. Satan transforms him-
self into an angel of light. He sometimes offers to
teach us humility ; but though I wish to be humble, I
desire not to learn in his school. His premises per-
haps are true, That we are vile, wretched creatures : —
but then he draws abominable conclusions from them ;
and would teach us That, therefore, we ought to ques-
tion either the power, or the willingness, or the faith-
fulness of Christ. Indeed, though our complaints
are good, so far as they spring from a dislike of sin ;
yet when we come to examine them closely, there is
often so much self-will, self- righteousness, .unbelief,
pride and impatience, mingled with them, that they
are little better than the worst evils we can complain

ybf.

We join in love to you both. Let us pray that we
may be enabled to follow the apostle's, or rather the
Lord's command by him, Rejoice in the Lord always,

Let. 12. 9h the Ilea. Mr. S****. 182

and again I sav, rejoice. We have little to rejoice in
in ourselves, but we have right and reason to rejoice in
Him.

I am, for his sake, sincerely yours.

LETTER XII.
My dear Friend, February 11, 1777.

1 HE words " for them," Tsa. xxxv. 1. had better have
been omitted, for they have no business with the text,
and only perplex the sense. This is the judgment of
the best commentators. But if retained, the best mean-
ing is, that when the power of Edom is destroyed, the
places which before were desolate and barren, shall re-
joice over them ; to the destruction of the one, the glory
of the other shall succeed.

The whole chapter is chiefly a pastoral description of
the blessed change which the Gospel shall effect; as if
a dry wilderness shall be changed into a well watered
and fruitful country. There is no need to seek a par-
ticular and express meaning of the words " reeds and
"rushes;" they only enliven the description and contrast.
Dry sandy deserts, (as in Africa,) are the haunt or ha-
bitation of serpents or dragons. But such an altera-
tion shall ensue, that instead of dry places, there shall
be rivers and pools ; water not merely to refresh the
grass, but in great abundance, as in these places where
reeds and rushes usually grow. What is often said of
parables, that they do not go on all-fours, is true of
many prophetical descriptions; there are circumstances
which heighten the beauty of the painting; but if we

IftS To the Rev. Mr. £**##. Let. 12.

attempt to deduce doctrines from every such circum-
stance, we rather enervate the Spirit of the passage, than
explain it.

It must be allowed, likewise, that our translation,
though in the main excellent and faithful, often misses
the beauty and clearness of the original, owing some-
times to a servile dependence on the Masorite pointing,
and sometimes to the translators not attending to the
genius of the Hebrew poetical language, which is con-
siderably different from the prose. " In the habitation
" of dragons, where each lay ;" the word each makes the
passage bald. " In the places where dragons lav, (or
" lurked,) shall be grass, &c." In the eighth verse like-
wise, instead of " but it shall be for those," the original
points out a glorious thought which is quite lost in the
version, because it follows an improper division of the
verse. Dr. Lowth's later version, which, when read,
seems to speak for itself, is to this purpose : " The un-
" clean shall not pass over it; but he shall walk with
" them in it, and the fool, (or the weak,) shall not err
" therein." This is the reason why no lion or unclean
shall be there, and why the weakest of his people shall
-not be destroyed or wander ; because he, (their God
and Saviour, verse 4.) shall walk with them and be
their guard and guide.

However, in public preaching, I meddle as little and
as gently as possible with these differences. I some-
times intimate, that the words will bear another sense;
but I should be unwilling to make plain people suspect
their bibles are not right But there are innumerable
places in the prophets which are capable of a much
clearer translation than what they* have at present.
Txt me add one more, Isa. lxii. 5. Instead of " So shall
"thy suns marry thee,"itshould undoubtedly be, So shall

Let. 13. To the Rev. Mr. 5****. 189

thy Maker, (or Creator,) marry thee, agreeably to the
following part of the verse.

Believe me to be affectionately yours:

LETTER XIII.

My dear Friend, March 11, \t7&.

X HOPE Mrs.S****'s cold is better, and the children's
complaints on the mending hand. What a many care-
ful hours by day, and sleepless hours by night, have I
escaped by not being a parent ! It is well when they
that have children, and they that have none, are alike
pleased with the Lord's appointment.

I had no dread of the Fast-day ; for whether overtures
towards peace had been proposed or not by Lord
N**** I should most certainly not have prayed for
havock, but should, both in prayer and preaching, have
expressed my desires and longings for a stop to the ef-
fusion of blood. But 1 fear we are not yet come to
the crisis. The steps now taking would, humanly
speaking, have done something awhile ago ; but they
are now too late, and, I think, will be rejected. But I
know not the Lord's secret will. That I am sure will
take place. As to outward appearances and the pur-
poses of men, pro and con, I pay little regard to them.
Indeed, they are no more stable than the clouds in a
storm, which vary their shape every moment. It is
enough for us that the Lord reigns, is carrying on his
own cause, and will take care of his own people. The
best, the only wav in which we can serve the public, is
by praying for it, and mourning for those sins which

190 To the Rev. Mr. 8****. let. 14.

have given rise to these calamities. Alas ! what signi-
fies one day of humiliation in a year? When the day
is over, every thing goes on just as it did before. The
busy world, the gay world, and the religious world, are,
I suppose, much the same since the fast as they were
betore it : buying and selling, eating and drinking,
dancing and playing — and the professing sheep biting
and tearing each other like wolves ; or else like decov-
ducks, enticing one another into the world's snares.
And though I find fault with others, I have enough to
look upon at home. The Lord pardon them and me
also ! My heart is deceitful and wicked ; my services
poor and polluted, my sins very many, and greatly ag-
gravated : so that I should be one of the last to be cen-
sorious. And yet I cannot help seeing that the profes-
sion of many is cold where it should be warm, and only
warm in animosity and contention. The Lord help us !'
for we are in a woful case as a people.

I am sincerely yours.

LETTER XIV.

My clear Friend, September 4, 1778.

IT
ELCOME from K •• I hope you were the

instrument of much good abroad, and brought home
much comfort and peace in your own heart. How
many are the seen and the unseen mercies we are fa-
voured with in a long journey ! And what mercy to
find Mrs. S**** and your family well on your return,
as I hope you did !

The same good Providence which has preserved you
and yours, has taken care of mc and mine. But Mrs.

Let. 14. To the lUv. Mr. S****. 19i

**** has been sometimes ill ; no oftener and no more
than we have bten able to bear, or than the Lord saw
was most tor our advantage. After so many years' ex-
perience of his goodness, we surelv, have reason to be
convinced that he does all things well. At present, she
is tolerably vvell.

We are his sheep ; he is our shepherd. If a sheep
had reason, and were sensible ot its own state, how
weak to withstand the wolf, how prone in itself to wan-
der, how utterly unable to provide for its own. subsist-
ence ; it could have no comtort, unless it knew that it
was under the care of a shepherd ; and in proportion to
the opinion it formed of the shepherd's watchfulness and
sufficiency, such would be its confidence and peace.
But if you could suppose the sheep had depravity like-
wise, then it would act as weoiten do ; its reason would
degenerate into vain reasoning, it would distrust the
shepherd, and find fault with his management. It
would burden itself with contrivances and cares; trem-
ble under the thoughts of* a hard winter, and never be
easy unless it was surrounded with hay-stacks. It
would study from morning till nijjht where to hide itself
out of the wolf's way. Poor, wise, silly sheep ! if thou
hadst nut a shepherd, all thy schemes would be fruit-
less ; when thou hast broken thy heart w ith care, thou
art still as unable to preserve thyself as thou wast be-
fore : and if thou hast a sood shepherd, they are all
needless. Is it not sufficient that he caretta for thee?

Thus I could preach to such a sheep as I have sup-
posed ; and thus I try to preach to my own heart. But
though I know I cannot, by any study of mine, add a
cubit or an inch to my stature, I am prone to puzzle
myself about twenty things, which are equally out of

192 To the Rev. Air. 6'#**#. Let. 15.

toy power, and equally unnecessary, if the Lord be my
shepherd.

I am yours, &e.

LETTER XV.

My dear Friend, November 4, 1778.

IVlR. **** told me on Saturday, that when he left
, you and two of your children were ill of the

putrid sore throat : the next day he sent me word, that
you were better, but unable to preach. I have not had
opportunity of writing since; but \ou have been often
on my mind. I hope you will be able to inform me
soon, that the Lord has caused his rainbow to appear
in this dark cloud, and that you and Mrs. **** found
him a present help in time of trouble. The disorder, I
know, is very alarming, and the event fatal in many in-
stances. It would have been no less so to you, it it had
received commission to remove you by a quick passage
out of the reach of sin and sorrow ; but 1 hope your
work is not yet done ; and if not, I know the most dan-
gerous disease cannot affect your lire. Till the Lord's
purposes by us and concerning us are fulfilled, we are in
perfect safety, though on a field of battle, or surrounded
by the pestilence. I trust you will be spared auhile
longer to your family, friends, and people. Upon the
same grounds, if either of your children should be re-
moved, I shall not so directly ascrihe it to the illness, as
to the will of God ; for, if, upon the whole, it be the
most for his glory, and best for you, they likewise shall
recover. Should he appoint otherwise, it must be best.

Let. 15. To the Rev. Mr. £**##. 193

because he does it ; and a glance of the light of his
countenance, the influence of that grace which he has
promised shall be afforded according to our day, will
enable you to resign them. I do not say it will cost you
no pain, but, in defiance of the feelings of flesh and blood,
you will I trust hold nothing so dear that you have re-
ceived from him as to be unwilling to return it into his
hands when he is pleased to call for it. He will help you
to remember, that you owe him all ; that your children
are not properly your own. He lent them, and every
creature comfort you enjoy, and has a right to resume
them. We do not like to have any thing forced from us
which is our own; but it would be dishonest in us to want
to keep what we have only borrowed, if the right owner
demands it. Further, the Lord is not only sovereign, but
infinitely wise and good ; and therefore it is our interest,
as well as our duty, to acquiesce in his appointments.
Should you be called to the trial, I wish you the same
supports and the same submission as Mr.**** had when
he parted with his little one lately ; and as you have the
same God, and the same promises, I hope you will.
Thus much upon a supposition that this should find you
under the rod. But I shall be glad to hear that the mer-
ciful Lord has healed both you and them, and that you
are now feeling the meaning of Psal. ciii. 1 — 5.

Mrs. N *** has been favoured with a comfortable
share of health since she was at Bedford ; a little indis-
posed now and then, but slightly, and soon better. The
many attacks she has hnd the last two years, have ren-
dered such considerations as I have offered to you, fa-
miliar to my thoughts ; sometimes I have felt the Jorce
of them, sometimes they all seem to fail me. For I can
do nothing, or I can do all things ; just as the Lord is,

or is not, present with me. In my judgment, however. I
Vol. VI. 2 C

194 To the lie*. Mr. 5'****. Let. 1C.

am satisfied that I have at all times great cause for
thankfulness, and at no time any just reason to complain,
for I am a sinner. Believe me to be,

Your very affectionate friend and servant.

LETTER XVI.

Dear Sir, November 18, 1778.

_1 HAVE observed, that most of the advantages which
Satan is recorded to have gained against the Lord's
servants, have been after great and signal deliverances
and favours ; as in the cases of Noah, Lot, David, and
Hezekiah. And I have found it so repeatedly in my
own experience. How often, if my history were written
by an inspired pen, might this proof of the depravity of
my heart be inserted ; " But John Newton rendered
" not again according to the benefits received ; for his
" heart was lifted up." May it be far otherwise with
you. May you come out of the furnace refined ; and
may it appear to yourself and all around you, that the
Lord has done you good by your afflictions. Thus vile
are our natures ; to be capable of making the Lord such
perverse returns as we often do ! How should we blush
if our earthly friends and benefactors could bring such
charges of ingratitude against us, as he justly might.
No ; they could not bear a thousandth part ; the dearest
and kindest of them would have been weary of us, and
cast us off long ago, had we behaved so to them. We
may well say, Who is a God like unto Thee, that par-
donest iniquity, and passest by the transgression of the
remnant of thine heritage. It seems that the prophet

Let. 1G. To the Rev. Mr. &#**#. 195

selects the Lord's patience towards his own people, as
the most astonishing of all his perfections, and that which
eminently distinguishes him from all other beings. And
indeed, the sins of believers are attended with aggrava-
tions peculiar to themselves. The inhabitants of Sodom
and Gomorrah were great sinners, but they did not sin
against light, and love, and experience. Pharaoh was
proud, but he had not been humbled at the foot of the
cross. Ahab killed Naboth for his vineyard, but not
altogether so basely as David killed Uriah for his wife.
I see many profligate sinners around me, but the Lord
has not followed them with mercies, instructions, and
pardons, as he has followed me. My outward life,
through mercy, is not like theirs ; but if the secrets of
my heart were laid open, they who are favourable to
me, would not think me much better than the worst of
them. Especially at some times and seasons, since I first
tasted that he was gracious. And yet he has borne
with me, and is pleased to say, He will never leave me
nor forsake me.

Well, when we have said all we can of the abound-
ings of sin in us, grace still more abounds in Jesus.
We cannot be so evil as he is good. His power is a
good match for our weakness ; his riches for our po-
verty ; his mercy for our misery. We are vile in our-
selves, but we are complete in him. In ourselves we
have cause to be abased, but in him we may rejoice.
Blessed be God for Jesus Christ.

I am sincerely yours.

196 To the Rev. Mr. S#*#*. Let. If,

LETTER XVII.

My dear Friend, December 29, 1785.

I^O it seems I owed the letter, and charged the fault
of not writing, to you- It must be so, because you say,
you are very certain it was so. Remember, however,
I am writing last nou\ I hope when this comes, it will
find you and yours comfortable, and your heart and
mouth full of gratitude to Him who crowneth the year
with his goodness. Well, these returning years each
bear away a large portion of our time, and the last year
cannot be far off. O that precious name which can
enable a sinner to think of his last year and his last
hour without dismay ! What do we owe to him who
has disarmed death of its sting and horrors, and shown
us the land of light and immortality beyond the grave !

May he be with us in the new year. Yea, he has
promised he will even unto death. Therefore, though
we know not what a day may bring forth, we need fear
no evil ; for he knows all, and will provide accordingly.
O, what a relief is it, to be enabled to cast every care
and burden upon him who careth for us ! Though the
ni(Tht should be dark, the storm loud, and the billows
high, the infallible Pilot will steer our barks safely
through.

This has been an important year with me, it has in-
troduced me into an entire new scene of service ; and
it has likewise seemed a very short year. O, how the
weeks have whirled round ! It has not been "without
its trials ; but comforts have much more abounded.
With respect to my public work, I have been much fa-

Let. 17. TotheKev. Mr.S****. 197

voured with liberty, peace, and acceptance. I hope it
has not been wholly a lost year ; though with respect
to my part and share of it, I have reason to say, Enter
not into judgment with thy servant.

Let us help each other with our prayers, that the
little uncertain remainder of life may be filled up to
the praise of our dear Lord ; that we may be united to
his will, conformed to his image, and devoted to his
service. Thus we shall show forth his praise ; if wc
aim to walk as he walked, and, by a sweet constraining
sense of his love, are formed into an habitual imita-
tion of his spirit and temper, in meekness, integrity, be-
nevolence towards men ; in humility, dependence, resig-
nation, confidence, and gratitude towards him.

I pity such wise-headed Calvinists as you speak of.
I am afraid there are no people more fully answer the
character, and live in the spirit of the pharisees of old,
than some professed loud sticklers for free grace.
They are wise in their own eyes ; their notions, which
the pride of their hearts tells them are so bright and
clear, serve them for a righteousness, and they trust in
themselves and despise others. One modest, inquiring
Arminian is worth a thousand such Calvinists, in my
esteem. You will do well to preach quietly in your
own way, not minding what others say, while your own
conscience testifies that you preach the truth. If you
are travelling the right road, (to London, for instance,)
though fifty people should meet you and say you are
wrong, you, knowing you are right, need not mind
them. But, alas ! the spirit of self, which makes us
unwilling to hear of contradiction, is not easily sub-
dued.

I am yours.

IW To the Rev. Mr. 3****. Let. 18.

LETTER XVIII.

Bear Sir, March 29, 1 78 1 .

IT is certain I did not wish to leave , and like-
wise that if the Lord had left me to choose my situa-
tion, London would have been almost the last place
I should have chosen. But since it was the Lord's
choice for me, I am reconciled and satisfied. He has
in this respect given me another heart ; for, now I am
fixed here, I seem to prefer it. My sphere of service
is extremely enlarged, and my sphere of usefulness like-
wise. And not being under any attachment to systems
and parties, I am so far suited to my situation. My
hearers are made up of all sorts, and my connexions are
of all sorts likewise ; I mean of those who hold the
head. My inclination and turn leads me chiefly to
insist on those things in which all who are taught of
God agree. And my endeavour is to persuade them
to love one another, to bear with one another, to avoid
disputes, and if they must strive, to let their strife and
emulation be, who shall most express the life of the
Son of God in their temper and conduct.

I preach my own sentiments plainly, but peaceably,
and directly oppose no one. Accordingly, Church-
men and Dissenters, Calvinists and Arminians, Me-
thodists and Moravians, now and then I believe, Papists
and Quakers, sit quietly to hear me. I can readily
adopt No Popery, for my motto ; but Popery with me
has a very extensive sense. I dislike it, whether it be

Let. 18. To the Rev. Mr. 5****. J 99

on a throne, as at Rome, or upon a bench, or at a
board, as sometimes in London. Whoever wants to
confine me to follow his sentiments, whether as to
doctrine or order, is so far a Papist. Whoever en-
courages me to read the Scriptures and to pray for the
teaching of the Holv Spirit, and then will let me follow
the light the Lord gives me, without being anjiry with
me because I cannot or will not see with his eyes, nor
wear his shoes, is a consistent protestant. The depra-
vity of human nature, the Deity of the Saviour, the in-
fluences of the Holy Spirit, a separation from the world,
and a devotedness to God, these are principles which
I deem fundamental. And though I would love and
serve all mankind, I can have no religious union or
communion with those who deny them. But whether
a surplice or a band be the fittest distinction of a mi-
nister, whether he be best ordained by the laying on,
or the holding up of hands ; whether water-baptism
should be administered by a spoonful or tub-ful, or in
a river, in any river, or in Jordan, (as Constantine
thought,) are to me points of no great importance. I
will go further — though a man does not accord with
my views of election, yet if he gives me good evidence
that he is effectually called of God, he is my brother :
though he seems afraid of the doctrine of final persever-
ance ; yet if grace enables him to persevere, he is my
brother still. If he loves Jesus, I will love him, what-
ever hard name he may be called by, and whatever in-
cidental mistakes I may think he holds. His differing
from me will not always prove him to be wrong,
except I am infallible myself.

I praise the Lord for preserving you from harm when
you fell ; I have had such falls from horses, and received

200 To the Kev. My. S#*#*. Let. 18.

no hurt. When I dislocated my shoulder, I was at my

own door, and in the greatest apparent safety. But we

are only safe naturally or spiritually while the Lord holds

us up.

I am yours, &cr

FOURTEEN LETTERS

The Rev. Dr. ****.

Reverend Sir, September 6, 1768.

x HE prospect of corresponding with you, gives me
great pleasure, as I know you will kindly dispense v\ith
my neglect of forms' and bear with me and assist me,
while I simply communicate such thoughts as may
occasionally and without premeditation occur, currtnte
Saldino. Amongst a thousand mercies with which I
am indulged, I often distinctly enumerate the use of the
pen, and the convenience of the post ; but especially
that the Lord has given me so many friends amongst
those who fear his name, without which, in my present
sequestered situation, the pen and the post would be
useless to me, (for I know but one subject on which it
is much worth my while either to read or to write.) I
hope you will not be angry with me for my promptness
in adding your name to my list of such friends.

I had a sale and not unpleasant journey home, though
the roads were disagreeable enough. But the pleasure
of my visit would have made mc amends, had the dif-
ficulties of the way been greater. You have been otten
in my thoughts since 1 saw you, and the topics ui our
Vol. VI. S 1)

202 To the Kev. Dr. ****. Let. 1.

conversation have not been forgotten. The patience
with which you heard me differ from you, and the dis-
passionate desire you expressed to search out truth tor
its own sake, affected me much. Such a disposition is
to me a sure evidence of the finger of (rod ; for your
learning, your years, and your rank and character in
the university, would have the same effect on you, as
the like considerations have on too manv, if the grace
of God had not taught you that notwithstanding any
distinctions and advantages which are admired amongst
men, we are all naturally upon a level as to the per-
ception of divine truths ; and can receive nothing that
is valuable in the sight of God, unless it be given us from
heaven.

When we begin to know ourselves, and to feel the
uncertainty and darkness which are inseparable from
our fallen nature, how comfortable and encouraging is
it to reflect. that God has given us his infallible word, and
promised us his infallible Spirit to guide us into all ne-
ce-sary truth ; and that in the study of the one, and in
dependence upon the other, none can miss the way of
peace and salivation, who are sincerely desirous to find
it. But we are cautioned to keep our eye upon both ;
and the caution is necessary, lor we are too prone to
separate what God hath joined together, Isa. viii. 20.
1 Cor. ii. 10, 11. What strange mistakes have been
made by some who have thought themselves able to in-
terpret Scripture by their own abilities as scholars and
critics, though they have studied w ith much diligence;
A sicrnal instance was the celebrated Grotius. And
many more modern might be named. I remember
when I was once talking with the late Dr. T****upon
an important point of doctrine, and several arguments
he used made no impression upon me : he told me at

Let. L To the Rev. Dr. *#*#. 203

last that he had collated every single word in the
Hebrew Bible seventeen different times, and that it
would be strange indeed if he had not found the point I
was speaking ot, had it been really there. But unless
our dependence upon divine teaching hears some pro-
portion to our diligence, ue may take much pains to
little purpose. On the other hand, we are directed to
expect the teaching and assistance of the Holy Spirit
only within the limits, and by the medium of the written
word. For lie has not promised to reveal new truths,
but to enable us to understand uhat we read in the
Bible : and if we venture beyond the pale of Scripture,
we are upon enchanted ground, and exposed to all the
illusions of imagination and enthusiasm But an at-
tention to the word of God, joined to humble supplica-
tions for his Spirit, will lead us to new advances in true
knowledge. The exercises of our minds, and the ob-
servations we shall make upon the conduct of others,
and the dispensations of God's providence, will all con-
cur to throw light upon the Scripture, and to confirm
to us what We there read concerning ourselves, the
world, and the true happiness revealed to sinners in and
through Jesus Christ. The more sensible we are of the
disease, the more we shall admire the great Physician ;
the more we are convinced that the creature is vanity,
the more we shall be stirred up to seek our rest in God.
And this will endear the Gospel to us ; as in Christ, and
in him only, we can hope to find that righteousness and
strength of which we are utterly destitute ourselves.

I observe in many news-papers, the attestations of
persons who have been relieved in diseases, by the me-
dicines w hich they have tried, and therefore recommend
to others from their experience. Innumerable cases
might be published to the honour ot the great Physi-

2Q4> To the Rev. Dr. *#**. Let. %

cian ; none more memorable perhaps than my own. I
was labouring under a complication or disorders ; fired
with raging madness, possessed with many devils, (I
doubt it not,) bent upon my own destruction; but he
interposed, unsought, undesired. He opened my eyes,
and pardoned my sins ; broke my letters, and taught
my once blasphemous lips to praise his name. (), I
can, I do, 1 must commend it as a faithful saying,
That Christ Jesus is come into the world to save sin-
ners ; there is forgiveness with him ; he does all things
well ; tie makes both the dumb to sp< ak and the deaf
to hear.

I remain, with due respect,

Dear Sir, your most obedient servant

LETTER II.

Reverend and dear Sir, November 1, 1768.

)Y this time I suppose you have received and perused
Mr. li****'s book. In point of lact, I think lie has un-
answerably proved that the sense of the Articles and the
sentiments of the most eminent men in our church, till
about bishop Laud's time, are expressly in favour of
what is called Calvinism. How far you may be satis-
fied with his endeavours to establish those points trom
Scripture, particularly the doctrine of the 17th Article,
I know not; nor am I very anxious about it. The
cour.'-e you are taking to read the Scripture tor your-
sell, in an humble dependence upon the pion ised teach-
ing ot the Holy Spirit, w ill, I doubt not, lead you into
all necessary truth. And the best ot men are permit-
ted to retain some differences in sentiment upon less

Let. 2. To the 7?rr. Dr. ****. 30^

essential points. I remember the time when election
and predestination were an offence to me ; and though
how Scripture, reason, and experience concur to esta-
blish me not only in one or two, but in all the particu-
lars mentioned in Mr. B****'s book, yet I believe se-
veral persona whom I love and honour will not receive
thrill with the same satisfaction. But the longer I live,
the more I am constrained to adopt that system which
Ascribes all the power and glory to the grace of God,
and leaves nothing to the creature but sin, weakness,
and shame. Every one must speak for themselves, and
for my own part, I cannot ascribe my present hopes to
mv having cherished and improved an inward some-
thing within me, which Mr. Law sp* aks ot ; but on the
contrary, 1 know I have often resisted the motions and
warnings of God's Spirit ; and if he had not saved me
with a high hand, and in defiance of myself, I must have
been lost. Nay, to thi> hour I feel an evil principle
within me, tempting me to depart trom the living God.
I have no inherent stock of goodness upon which I can
hope to hold out hereaiter, but stand in need ot a con-
tinual supply, and emphatically understand our Lord's
words, " Without me you can do nothing." tor I find
I am not sufficient ot myselt so much as to think a
good thought.

1 have had opportunity of reading but a few pages of
Dr. Smith's Select Discourses. He is very learned,
sensible, and ingenious. 1 could admire him as a phi-
losopher, but I cannot approve him as a divine. A
sentence or two in his ninth page seems to me explana-
tory of his whole system ; where, speaking ot our Lord
Christ, he says, " his main scope was to promote a
" holy lite, as the best and most compendious way- to
" a right belief." If this sentence were exactly in-

20G To the Rev. Dr. ****. Let. 2.

verted, it Mould speak the very sentiment of my heart.
That by our own industry and endeavour, we shall ac-
quire a qualification to enable us to a right faith, seems
tome as improbable, as that any cultivation which can
be bestowed upon a bramble-bush will tnable it to pro-
duce figs. I believe human nature is totally depraved ;
blind as to any spiritual understanding, dead as to any
spiritual desires ; and till we have rect ived faith, though
tempers, inclinations, and circumstance^ occasion a
great variety of appearances and outward characters
amongst men, yet the description of the carnal mind,
as enmity against God will equally suit us all. And I
beheve that when God is about to show mercy to any
child of Adam, he bigins by enlightening the under-
Standing to perceive something oi the wisdom, grace,
and justice revealed to angels and men in the person of
Christ crucified, and thereby communicating that prin-
ciple oi living faith which is the root of every gracious
temper, and the source of every action that can be
called good in a Scriptural sense : John iii. 6*. Matth,
xii. 3j — Sj. Ephes. n 1 — y. Tit. iii. 3 — 7. I be-*
litve that on the double account of inward depravity
and actual transgression, ue aie, (considered as in our
natural state,) liable to the curse ot the law ; trom which,
oniv faith in Jesus, as the proper atonement for sin,
can set us Iree : John iii. in. 56. and viii. 1^4.
and tl;at the moment we truly believe, we are justified
from all things, Acts xiii. 39- and delivered from all
condemnation ; Rom, viii. J. in a word, that Christ
is the all in all in a sinner's salvation; that we have no
righteousness in the sight oi God but in his name, no
power but so lar as we are ingraited in him by faith, as
branches deriving sap and influence from the true vine :t
John xv. J. isa. xlv. ~4. 1 Cor. i. JO. Upon these

Let. 2. To the Rev. Dr. ****. 207

principles I find that I cannot have satisfaction or com-
fort in the mystical writers, notwithstanding they say
many excellent things occasionally, which may be very
useful when understood in a Gospel sense.

It would be impertinent to offer an apology for ex-
pressing myself with freedom, after the liberty you gave
me. Hov\ever, I wish you to believe, that I would not
at any time, and especially when writing to you, betray
a dogmatical spirit. In every other point I hesitate
and demur, (and it becomes me to do so,) when I differ
from persons of learning and years superior to my own.
But with respect to the grounds of a sinner's accept-
ance in the sight of God, and the sufficiency, the all-
sufficiency, the alone-sufficiency of Jesus Christ to do
all for, in, and by, those who believe on his name, I
have that conviction, that more than human demon-
stration, that perhaps I may sometimes seem to pass
my proper bounds, and to speak in a too positive tone.
But I think that the views which constrain me to dis-
sent from Mr. Law, Dr. Smith, and many other re-
spectable names, would embolden me to contradict even
an angel from heaven, if I should hear him propose any
other foundation for hope than the person, obedience,
sufferings, and intercession of the Son of God. Upon
this subject, even my phlegmatic spiiit Mill sometime?
catch a little fire.

Pardon for infinite offence ! and pardon

By ivcans that speak the value infinite !

A ;> irdon bought with blood ! with blood divine !

With blood divine of him I made my foe !

Persisted to provoke ! though woo'd and aw'd.

Blest and chastis'd, a flagrant rebel still '■

Yet for the foulest of the foul he dies !

208 To l he Rev. Dr. ***••:. Let. 3.

The dryness of Spirit you speak of, though not plea-
sant is salutary. Such thirstings and longings as are
expressed in the hundred and forty-third Psalm, are
certainly from God, and will certainly be answered ;
for to \i horn did he ever say, " Seek ye my face in vain?"
I commend you to the keeping of the great Shepherd,
and remain,

Dear Sir,

Your obedient humble servant.

I

LETTER III.

My clear Sir, January 11, 1769.

T is true, I am obliged to plead business in excuse for
my want of punctuality to some of my correspondents ;
but I should be ashamed to make such a plea to vou.
The most pleading parts of our employment bid fairest
for our attention ; and I shall expect to spend tew
hours of my leisure with more satisfaction to imself,
than when I am answering your obliging letters ; espe-
cially, as vou encourage the freedom I have already
used, and give me hope that the thoughts I offer are
not unsuitable to the tenour of your inquiries into the
truths of God. The Lord, on uhom ue both desire to
wait for instruction, can make us mutually helptul to
each other; and I trust he will, for it is hisowii work;
— I can easily say, I am nothing; I wish I could more
truly feel it, for he will not disappoint the teeniest in-
strument that simply depends upon him, and is willing
to give him all the glory

Let. 3. To the Rev. Dr. ****. 209

Our preliminaries are now settled. What you say
in your last is so satisfactory, that it would be imperti-
nent in me to trouble you any further either about Mr.
Law or Mr Calvin. Whatever portion of truth is in
either of their writings, was drawn from the fountain
which we have in our own hands ; and we have the sure
promise of Divine assistance to give success to our in-
quiries. I trust the defect of memory of which you com-
plain shall be no disadvantage to you ; for you are not
seeking a polemical system, but an experimental posses-
sion of truth; and, with respect to this, if you had all your
faculties in full vigour, and could recur in a moment to
all that you have ever been master of, you would still
stand upon a level with the meanest of mankind. In
this respect, what Elihu says, Job xxxvi. 22. is em-
phatically true, There is none teacheth like him. That
heavenly light uith which he visits the awakened mind,
(like the light of the sun,) requires only eyes to see it.
And a single sentence of his word, when explained and
applied, by his Spirit to the heart, will have more effect
than the perusal of many folios. There is a majesty,
authority, and evidence in his teaching, equally suited
to all capacities. The wisest renounce their wisdom
when he interposes ; and the weakest are made wise
unto salvation : Jer. ix. 23, £4. Isa. xxxv. 8. I have
somewhere read an acknowledgment of the great Sei-
dell to this purpose : — '* I have taken much pains to
" know every thing that was esteemed worth knowing
" amongst men, but of all my disquisitions and read-
" ings, nothing now remains with me to comtort me at
" the close ot lile, but this passage ot St. Paul, l It is
" * a faithful raying, and worthy otail acceptation, that
" ' Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners ■ —
" to this I cleave, and herein I find rest.'1 You may
Vol. VI. <i E

210 'do the Rev. Dr. •*>***. Let. S.

be well assured, dear Sir, that he who has taught your
heart to say, " Thy face, Lord, will I seek," will be
undoubtedly found of you ; for when did he say to the
seed of Jacob, " Seek ye my face in vain." Though as
you have more to give up in point of those abilities and
attainments which are highly esteemed amongst men
than many others in the lower sphere of life, he may
perhaps lead you in such a way, as to give you a lull
conviction, that these advantages can contribute no-
thing to spiritual wisdom and the peace which passeth
understanding.

If I had the pleasure, (as I hope one day to have,) of
receiving you here, I could show you exemplifications
of the same grace in a very different light. Here the
poor and the weak, and the despised of the world, re-
joice in the light of his salvation. Some who have
hardly bread to eat, are content and thankful as if they
possessed the whole earth, and can trace the hand of
God in directing their petty concerns, and providing
them daily food, as clearly as we can in the revolutions
of a kingdom. Some who know no more of what passes
without the bounds of the parish, than of what is doing
beyond the Ganges, and whose whole reading is con-
fined to the Bible, have such a just understanding of
the things of God, and of the nature and difficulties of
the Christian life, that I derive more instruction from
their conversation, (though none think themselves less
qualified to teach,) than from all my books. I doubt
not but you would be pleased with their simplicity. We
live in much- harmony, and are out of the noise of dis-
putes, being, through mercv, of one judgment and of one
heart. I speak now of the serious people, whom I
consider as my own peculiar charge. As to the bulk
ot the parish, it is too much like other places.

Let. 3. To the Rrv Dr. ****. 211

Indeed, the great points of immediate concernment
maj be summed up in a few words. To have a real
conviction of our sun and un worthiness ; to know that
Jesus is the all sufficient Saviour, and that there is no
other : to set him before us as our Shepherd, Advocate,
and Master ; to place our hope upon him alone ; to
live to him who lived and died for us; to wait in his
appointed means for the consolations of his Spirit; to
walk in his steps and copy his character, and to be
daily longing tor the period of our warfare; that we
may see him as he is. All may be reduced to these
heads ; or the whole is better expressed in the apostle's
summaries, Titus ii 11, 12, 13, 14, and iii. 5 — 8.
But though the lessons are brief, it is a great thing to
attain any good measure of proficiency in them ; yea,
the more we advance, the more we shall be sensible
how far we fall short of their full import.

Next to the word of God, I like those books best
which give an account of the lives and experiences of
his people. Gillie's Gospel History contains a valuable
collection of this sort, especially the first volume.
Some of the letters and lives in Fox's Acts and Monu-
ments, in the third volume, have been very useful to me.
But no book of this kind has been more welcome to me
than the Life of Mr. Brainerd, of New-England, re-
published a few years since at Edinburgh, and I believe
sold by Dilly, in London. If you have not seen it, I
will venture to recommend it, (though I am not fond of
recommending books;) I think it will please you.

I suppose you have read Augustine's Confessions.
In that book I think there is a lively description of the
workings of the heart, and of the Lord's methods in
drawing him to himself. It has given me satisfaction
to meet with experiences very much like my own, in a

212 To the Kev. Dr. ****. Let. 4

book written so long ago. But nature and grace have
been the same in every age.

I make no apology for the miscellaneous manner of
my letters. I sit down to give you my thoughts as
they arise, without reserve and without study. I beg
a remembrance in your prayers.
I am very respectfully,

Reverend and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate and obliged servant

LETTER IV.

My dear Sir, February 11, If 69.

JL HOUCiH by the Lord's mercy, I have not, since
the years of my miserable bondage in Atrica, been
much subject to a depression of spirits, I know how to
sympathize with you under your present complaints;
but while I am sorry for your trials, I rejoice much
more to observe the spirit of submission and dependence
•with which you are favoured under them. Whatever
may be the immediate causes of your troubles, they are
all under the direction of a gracious hand, and each, in
their place, co operating to a gracious end. I think the
frame of your spirit is a sure evidence that God is with
you in your trouble ; and, I trust, in due time, he will
fulfil the other part of his promise, to comfort and de-
liver you, because he has given you to know his name:
Psalm xci. 14, 15. It will be always a pleasure to me
when a letter comes with your superscription; but
while writing is so painful to you, I shall be willing,
(since you are pleased to receive mine so favourably,)
to send you two or three for one, rather than expect a

Let. 4. To the Itev. Dr. ****. 213

punctual return of answers, till vour health and spirits
shall enable you to gratify me without inconvenience to
yourself

Your savins that, " if I have never been in the like
'• circumstances, it is impossible for me to conceive the
" uncomfortableness of them," reminds me of one ad-
mirable peculiarity of the Gospel, which seems a fit
topic for a paragraph in a letter to you at this time. I
mean the encouragement it affords us to applv to our
great High Priest, trom the especial consideration of his
having felt the same sorrows w hich we also feel. Though
he is now exalted above all our conceptions and praises,
is supremely happy in himself, and the fountain of hap-
piness to all his redeemed ; yet he is still such an one
as can be touched with a feeling of our infirmities;
Heb iv 15, \6. He has not only a divine knowledge,
but an experimental perception ot our afflictions : lsa.
lxiii. 9- And as Dr. \\ atts well expresses the thought — ■

Touch'd with a sympathy within,

He knows our feeble frame ;
He knows what sore temptations mean^

For he has feit the same.

You complain of a dejection of spirits, which I ap-
prehend nearly expresses the sense oi xSnuom,, Mark
xiv. 53, which is one out of many ot those emphatical
words the evangelists u>e to give some apprehension of
that depression, agony, and consternation of spirit which
filled the soul of Jesus when he entered upon the great
work of atoning for our sins. All that he endured from
the hands ot wicked men was probably very light, in,
comparison of what he began to sutler in the garden,
when he was exposed to the fierce conflicts of the

214 To the Rev. Dr. ***-*. Let. 4,

powers of darkness, and when the arrows of the Al-
mighty drank up his spirits, and it pleased the Father
to bruise him ; Zech. xiii. 7. How different the cup
he drank himself, from that which he puts into our
hands ! His was unmixed wrath and anguish ; but all
our afflictions are tempered and sweetened with many
mercies. Yet we suffer, at the worst, unspeakably less
than we deserve ; but he had done nothing amiss.

Now let our pains be all forgot,

Our hearts no more repine ;
Our sufferings are not worth a thought

If, Lord, compared with thine.

But what I chiefly intend is, that having suffered for
us, he knows how to pity and how to relieve us, by an
experimental sense of the sorrow which once filled his
own soul, (yea, all his life long he was acquainted with
grief,) even as we, (if it be lawful to compare great
things with small,1) are prompted to pity and to help
those who are afflicted in the same way as ourselves.
May he be pleased, by the power of his Holy Spirit, to
reveal, vt ith increasing guidance and power in your soul,
this mystery ot redeeming love. Here is the source of
consolation, that Jesus died for us, the just for the
unjust, to bring us to God. The knowledge of his
cross, like the wood which Moses cast into the spring,
F-xod. xv. 25. sweetens the bitter waters of afflic-
tions, and sanctifies every dispensation of providence,
so as to reh'def it a means of grace. A comfortable hope
of our acceptance and reconciliation in him, is, I appre-
hend, that [' preparation of the Gospel of peace," which
for its continual use and application, the apostle com-
pares to shoes, which, whoever wears, shall walk saiely

Let. 4>. To the Rev. Dr.****. 215

and surely through the thorny and rugged paths of our
present pilgrimage, Ephes. vi. 15. Deut. xxxiii. 25.
Though there may he many tribulations, yet since there
can be no condemnation to them that are in Christ
Jesus ; since in the path of sufferings ^ve may see his
footsteps before us ; since it is the established law of
the kingdom, Acts xiv. £2. ; since the time is short,
and the hour coming apace when all tears shall be
wiped from our eyes, and his grace engaged to be suf-
ficient for us in the interim ; why may we not say with
the apostle, " None of these things move me, neither
" count I my life dear, so that I may finish my course
" with joy?" There is no proportionate ground for
comparison between the sufferings of the present life
and the glory which shall be revealed in us; Rom. viii.
18. So the apostle thought; and no man seems to
have been better qualified to decide upon the point;
for on the one hand, his outward life was full of what
the world calls misery, 1 Cor. iv. 1 0 — 1 4. 2 Cor. vi.
4 — 10. and xi. 23 — 28. And on the other band,
he had been caught up into the third heavens, and
had seen and heard more than he could disclose in
mortal language.

I shall be glad when you are able to inform me that
your health ami spirits are better, which 1 shall pray
and wait tor. The Lord has an appointed time ior
answering the prayers of his people. While his hour
is not yet come, we can do nothing but look and wait
at his -mercy-seat. But though he seems to tarry, he
will not delay beyond the fittest season. Though he
cause grief, ha will have compassion. Weeping may
endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. In
the mean time I commend you to those most gracious
and comfortable promises, Isa. xli. itt. and xliii. 2.

21G To the Rev. Dr. **#*. Let. 5.

which, I trust, will be your present support, and the
subject of your future praises.
I am respectfully, dear Sir,

Your obedient and affectionate servant.

LETTER V.

Reverend and dear Sir, March 21, 1769.

jLN my last I engaged to write again before long,
though I should not have one of yours to answer. And
I hope soon after you receive this your leisure and spirit
will permit you to write, at least a few lines, to intorm
us of your welfare. My anxiety on your account would
be greater, but that I know you are in the hands of him
who does all things well, and conducts his most afflic-
tive dispensations to those who fear him, with wisdom
and mercy. As lam not fit to choose for myself, so
neither for my friends. The Lord knows what is best
for us all ; w hen there is an especial need-be for our
being in heaviness ; how to support us in the furnace ;
and at what season, and in what manner, deliverance
will best comport with his glory and our good : the two
great ends which he has in view, and which are inse-
parably connected together. He knows our frame and
whereof we are made ; his pity exceeds that of the most
tender parent : and though he cause grief, he will have
compassion. The afflictions which at present are not
jo\ous but grievous, shall, when we have been duly ex-
ercised by them, yield the peaceable iruits ot righteous-
ness. I trust the Lord gives you a measure of patience
and submission to his holy will ; it so, every thing shall
be well ; and when he has lully tried you, you shall

Let. 5. To the Rev. Dr. ****. 21S

come forth a3 gold. The thoughts of what we have de-
served at his hands, and what Jesus suffered for our
sakes, when applied by his Holy Spirit, havea sovereign
efficacy to compose our minds, and enable us to say,
Not my will, but thine be done. How unspeakably
better is it to be chastened of the Lord now, than to
be left to ourselves for a season, and at last con-
demned with the world.

The path of affliction is sanctified by the promise of
God, and by the consideration of our Lord Jesus, who
walked in it himself, that we might not think much to
tread in his steps. Yea, it has been a beaten path in
all ages ; for the innumerable multitudes of the redeemed
who are now before the throne, entered the kingdom
by no other way. Let us not then be weary and faint
in our minds, but cheerfully consent to be followers of
them who, through faith and patience, are now inherit-
ing the promises. If, after much tribulation, we are
accounted worthy to stand accepted before the Lord in
his glory, we shall not then think much of the difficul-
ties we meet in our passage. Then sorrow and sighing
shall cease for ever, and songs of triumph and everlast-
ing joy shall take place : — O happy transporting mo-
ment, when the Lord God himself shall wipe all tears
from our eyes.

Till then, may the prospect of this glory which shall
be revealed, cheer and comtort our hearts ! Hitherto
the Lord has helped us. He has delivered us in six
troubles, and we may trust him in the seventh. Yea,
if he was pleased to deliver us when we thought little of
him, much more may we assure ourselves of his help,
now that he has taught us to come to his throne of
grace,awd given us encouragement to come with boldness,

Voi, VI, 2 F

318 To the Rev. Br. ****. let. 5.

that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help at the
time of need.

The news- papers, (which in this retired place are the
«hief sources of our intelligence,)give us but a dark view
of what is passing abroad. A spirit of discord is spread-
ing in the nation, and we have hints and items respecV
ing ecclesiastical matters, which I hope are premature
and without sufficient ground. But, whatever storms
may arise, there is an infallible and Almighty Pilot, who
will be a sun and a shield to those who love him. I
endeavour to answer all fears respecting political mat-
ters with the sure declarations of the word of God.
Such as Psal. xcix 1. and xxix. 10, 11. Isa. viii.
12 — 14. and li. 12, 13. John iii 35, &c. Jesus is
King of kings and Lord of lords : King of the church,
and King in the nations ; who doth his pleasure in the
armies of heaven, and among the inhahitants of the
earth. Therefore by faith in him, we may adopt the
triumphant language of the ii. xxvii. xlvi. and cxviii.
Psalms, for the Lord is good, a strong hold in the day
of trouble, and know eth how to deliver them that trust
in him.

Oh, Sir, what a light does the Gospel of Christ throw
upon the world when our eyes are open to receive it !
Without it, all would be uncertainty and perplexity :
but the knowledge of his person, blood, and righteous-
ness ; of the love he bears us, the care he exercises
over us, and the blessings he has prepared for us — this
knowledge gives peace and stability to the soul, in the
nuMstof all changes and confusions. And were it not
for the remaining power of unbelief in our hearts, which
fights against our faith, and damps the force of divine
truth, we should begin our heaven ever, while we are

Let. 6. To the Rev. Dr. ****. %m

upon earth. We have need to adopt the apostle's
prayer, and to say, " Lord increase our faith."
Believe me to be, with great respect,
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient and affectionate servant,

LETTER VI.

Very dear Sir, June 12, 177Q,

1 MAKE haste to answer your obliging favour of the
o 1st ; the contents gave me much pleasure. I am glad
to find that, though you have your share of trials in dif-
ferent ways, the Lord is pleased to support you under
them, an I do you good by them. So I trust you shall
find it to the end. That valuable promise, "Thy shoes
" shall be as iron and brass," intimates, that we must
not expect a path strewed with flowers, or spread with
carpets, but rather rough and thorny, otherwise such
shoes would be unnecessary. But it is sufficient if
streng'h is given according to our day, and if the Lord
is pleased to be with us ; though we should be led
through fire and water, neither the flame shall kindle
upon us nor the floods drown us : his presence and love
shall make us more than conquerors, and bring us at
length into a wealthy place.

Such a case as Mr. ****'s, if it could be generally
known and understood, would be more effectual than
many volumes of arguments to confirm what the Scrip-
tures teach concerning the author, the nature, and effects
of that £reat change which must be wrought in the
heart of a sinner before he can see the kingdom ot God.

820 To the Rev. Dr ****. let. 0.

His natural and acquired abilities were great ; his
moral character, as it is called, unblemished ; be was
beloved and admired by his friends, and perhaps had
no enemies. To see such a man made willing in an
instant to gbe up all his supposed advantages, to rank
himself with the chief of sinners, and to glory only in
those self denying truths which a little before were fool-
ishness to him, and to see him as suddenly possessed
of a solid peace, reconciled to the thoughts of death,
and rejoicing in a hope and a happiness of which he
had, till then, not the least idea, is indeed wonderful.
But though such an instance bears the impression of the
immediate finger of God, no less evidently than the
miracles wrought in Egypt, yet it cannot be perceived
or understood in its full extent, by any person whose
mind has not been enlightened by the same divine in-
fluence. And I doubt not, but if the Lord had spared
bis lite, he would by this time have been either pitied
or scorned in the university as much as he had formerly
been admired. I think you may be well assured, Sir,
that the pleasure you feel, and the tears you shed, when
yeu peruse the account, are the effects of your having
yourself received the same Spirit. I trust that your
praver,that the Lord would be pleased to stretch out the
arm of his mercy in like ?}iannertoyouaho) shall be fully
answered as to the main point; but it is by no means
necessary that it should be just in the like manner as to
the instantaneous and inexpressible clearness ot the dis-
covery. The Lord sometimes shows us how he can
finish his work in a short time, and thereiore some of
the objects of his mercy do not receive the light of his
salvation till towards their last hours ; but perhaps if
Mr. **** bad been appointed for life and usefulness in
this world, he would have been taught these things in a

Let. 0. To the 7?ev. Dr. #*#*. 321

more gradual manner. The Lord compares the usual
method of his grace to the growth of the corn, Mark
iv. L26 — c29. which is perfected by a slow and almost
imperceptible progress. The seed is hidden for a time
in the soil, and when it appears, it passes through a
succession of changes— the blade, the stalk, the ear,
and it is brought forward amidst a variety of weather ;
the dew, the frost, the wind, the rain, the sun, all con-
cur to advance its maturity, though some of these agents
are contrary to each other, and some of them perhaps
seem to threaten the life of the plant. Yet when the
season of harvest returns, the corn is found ready for
the .sickle. So is the work of grace in the soul ; its be-
ginnings are small, its growth for the most part slow,
and. to our apprehensions, often precaiious: but there is
this difference in the resemblance — frosts and blights,
drought or floods, may possibly disappoint the husband-
man's hope;' but the great Husbandman of the church
will not, cannot be disappointed. What he sows shall
flourish in defiance of all opposition, and if it seems at
times to fade, he can and he will revive it. This is his
usual method ; but he has not bound himself by rules ;
and therefore to show his manifold wisdom, he exhibits
some peculiar cases, like that of our late friend, to
quicken our attention, and to convince us that he is very
near us, that his word is truth, and that he can do what
he pleases. For the most part his people are exercised
with doubts and sharp temptations ; for it is necessary
they should learn not only what he can do for them, but
how little they can do without him. Therefore he teaches
them not all at once, but by degrees, as they are able
to bear it. I can say as you do, that I am much
a stranger to those extraordinary manifestations of God
in my soul; however, if the Lord has given us to see

222 To the Rev. Dr. #***. Let. 7,

the necessity, the worth, the suitableness, and wisdom
of that method of salvation which is revealed in the
Gospel ; if Christ is made precious and desirable to
us, and we are willing to account all things but loss for
the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus the Lord : —
though there may be a difference in circumstances, the
work is the same. And we have as good a right hum-
bly to appropriate to ourselves the comfort of his pro-
mises, as if an angel were sent from heaven, (as to
Daniel,) to tell us that we are greatly beloved.
I am respectfully, dear Sir,

Your obedient and affectionate servant

LETTER VII,

i

My dear Friend, November 27", \¥1$.

BELIEVE it is a considerble time since I wrote last,,
but much longer since I heard from you. I hope your
silence has not been occasioned by illness, or at least,
that if you have been afflicted, you have found your trials
so sweetened, and so sanctified by the divine blessing,
that you have been enabled to rejoice in them. My af-
fection prompts mc to wish my friends an uninterrupted
course of health and peace, but if different dispensations
are appointed them, it gives me comfort to think, that
their trials come from his hand, who loves them better
than I can do. And my better judgment tells me, that
the afflictions of those who fear God, are on his part
tokens of his love and favour ; and with respect to them-
selves, necessary means ot promoting their growth in
faith and grace.

Let. 7. To the Rev. Dr. ****. 223

When Moses came to inform Israel that the time was
at hand, when the Lord would put them in possession
of the good land he had promised to their fathers, he
found them in a state of great affliction ; and had it not
been so, they would have been little disposed to receive
Iris message with pleasure ; for they had a great natural
love to Egvpt; they hankered after it even in the wil-
derness. If, therefore, Mo^es had come to them, and
proposed a removal, while they were in a prosperous
and happy situation, they would probably have been
very unwilling to have left it. The Lord therefore, who
knew their weakness and their undue attachment to a
country which was not to be their rest, was pleased first
to embitter Egypt to them, and then the news of a
Canaan provided for them was welcome. And thus he
deals with his people still. Our affections cleave inor-
dinately to the present life. Not withstandingthe many
troubles we meet with, sufficient, as it should seem, to
wean us from such a state of vanity and rfisappoinment;
we can but seldom feel ourselves, in good earnest, de-
sirous to be gone ; how much less should we be so if
every thing went smooth with us ! It is happy for us if
■we have suffered enough to make us desire a better
country, that is a heavenly ; but surely all the painful
experiences we have hitherto met with, have not been
more than sufficient to bring usintothis waiting posture.
Yea, as long as we live, new trials will be needful, to
put us in remembrance of what we do indeed already
know, but are too prone to lose the practical sense of.
Jlinc i/lce lacryma ; not that the Lord delights in griev-
ing us and putting us to pain; on the contrary, he rejoices
in the prosperity of his servants. No, itis not for his plea-
sure, but for our profit, that we may be made partakers ol
his holiness. Perhaps, you may sometimes have ob-

224 To the Ret). Dr. ****. Let. 7.

served a bird, in a hedge or upon the boughs of a tree :
if you disturb it, it will move a little further or a little
higher, and thus you may make it change its place three
or four times; but if it finds after a few trials that you con-
tinue to follow it, and will not suffer it to rest near you?
it takes wing at last, and flies quite away. Thus it is
with us, when the Lord drives us from one creature-
rest, we presently perch upon another ; but he will not
allow us to fix long upon any. At length, like the bird,
we are sensible that we can have no safety, no stable
peace below ; then our hearts take flight and soar hea-
venwards, and we are taught by his grace to place our
treasure and affections out ol the reach of changes. So
far as this end is accomplished, we have reason to be
thankful for the means and say,

Happy rod,

That brought me nearer to my God.

Blessed be God for that Gospel which has brought
life and immortality to light ; which reveals a Saviour
who is the way, the truth, and the life : who is both
able and willing to save to the uttermost all who come
unto God by him. The desires we feel towards him,
faint and feeble as they are, are the effect of his own ope-
ration on our hearts, and what he plants he will water.
He does nothing by halves. Far be it from us to think
that he should make us sensible of our need of him,
teach us to pray for his assistance, make so many express
promises for our encouragement, and then disappoint us
at last. What then would become of his honour and
his truth, since he has already declared, u Him that
u cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out." To
harbour a doubt either of his power or compassion,

Let. 8. To the Rev. Dr. ####. 225

is to dishonour him. Men often disappoint our expecta-
tions ; either their purposes change, or their power falls
short, or something intervenes which they could not fore-
see; but to him all things are known, all things are easy,
and his purposes are immutable. He came into the world
to save sinners, to save all who put their trust in him.
This was the joy set before him ; for this he bled, for
this he died. Having redeemed us by his blood, and
reclaimed us in our wandering state by his word and
Spirit ; having made us willing to commit ourselves unto
him, he will not leave us to perish by the way, or suffer
any power to pluck us out of his hands.

My pen has run at random ; one line has followed
another without study or reserve. I sat down with a de-
sire to fill the sheet, but knew not what I should say.
Thus I usually write, (without form or constraint,) to
those whom I love. If the Lord shall be pleased to
make any thing I have offered a word in season to you,
I shall be glad.

I am with great respect,
Dear Sir,
Your affectionate and obliged servant

H.

LETTER VIII.
My clear Sir, July 9, 1771.

AVTNG no letter to answer, I must fill up my
paper as I can. It would be a shame to say, I have
no subject. There is one which is, or should be, always
ad uvguem, and which can never be exhausted — the
love of Christ ; the fountain from whence all our spirit-
Vol. VI 2 G

^G To the Keo. Dr. ****. Let. 8.

ual blessings flow ; the ocean to which they tend. The
love of God towards sinners is in Christ Jesus our
Lord. It is treasured up in him; it is manifested in
him ; it is communicated through him. Permit my
pen to enlarge a little upon this thought.

The love of God is treasured up in Christ. He is
the head of his church ; and all spiritual and eternal
blessings are given in him, and for his sake alone : Eph. i,
3, 4 The promise of life is in him ; and to him we are
directed to look, as he in whom alone the Father is well
pleased: Matt. iii. 17. God beheld our lost, miserable
condition, and designed us mercy ; but mercy must be
dispensed in a way agreeable to his holiness, justice,
and truth. Therefore, in the covenant of grace, sin-
ners are no further considered than as the persons who
are to reap the benefit ; but the whole undertaking,
both as to the burden and the honour of it, was trans-
acted with, and devolved upon Jesus Christ the Lord,
who freely engaged to be their Saviour and Surety.

The manifestation of the love of God to sinners, is in
Christ Jesus. His goodness and forbearance is, in-
deed, displayed in every morsel of food, and in every
breath we draw ; but his love to our souls is only re-
vealed in Christ. And, () what love was this, to give
his own only Son ! In this gift, in this way of redemp-
tion, he has commended his love to us, set it forth to
the highest advantage possible, so that neither men nor
angels can fully conceive its glory, Rom. v. 8 ; and the
apostle there emphatically styles it mv wnv ayavw, His
own love: love peculiar to himself, and of which we
can find no shadow or resemblance amongst creatures

Nfec viget quidquam simile ant secundum.

Let. 8. To the Fev. Dr. #**«. 227

The effects of his love are communicated only through
Christ Jesus. He is made of Ciod unto us, wisdom,
righteousness, sanctificatibn, and redemption. " All
" tulness is in him." He has received, and he bestows,
every good and perfect girt. lie gives grace, and he
will give glory All our springs of life, strength, peace^
and comfort, are in him ; and without him we can do
nothing.

I trust, my dear Sir, in expressing my own senti-
ments on this point, I express yours also. That Jesus,
who was once a man of sorrows, who now reigns the
Lord of glory in that nature in which he suffered, is
your hope and your joy. Yes, the Lord who has given
you many seeming advantages, as he did to St. Paul,
has enabled you, like him, to sacrifice them at the foot
of the cross, and to say, The things which were once
gain to me, I count loss for Christ : yea, doubtless,
and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
inowledge of Jesus my Lord, &c. Phil. iii. 5 — 10.
This is to build upon a rock, to build for eternity, to
rest upon a plea, which will over-rule every charge in
life, at death, and at judgment They that put their
trust in him shall be like Mount Zion, which cannot be
moved. And other way of attaining stable peace, or
receiving power to withstand and overcome the world,
there is none.

Believe me to be, dear Sir,
Your obliged and affectionate humble servant

228 To the Rev. Dr. ***'#. Let. 9.

Y<

LETTER IX.

My dear Sir, January 9, 177:

OU have put a happy end to our little controversy,
by referring me to Dr. Franks1 Nucleus, a book which
I have read over and over with the greatest pleasure.
I look upon Dr Franks to have been a very eminent
Christian ; and if you account him a Mystic, I shall not
differ with you about a term. I do nut find that he
■was an explicit Calvinist ; nor is that necessary to en-
gage my hearty approbation, when I see a man bearing
testimony to those great doctrines, the belief of which,
I think, are essential to the character of a true Chris-
tian ; when his zeal, his humility, his love and faith, give
the most admirable proofs that God is with him of a
truth.

Your own sentiments, which you are pleased to fa-
vour me with, afford me likewise great satisfaction.
The Lord, who has given you a heart to seek and follow
him, will, I trust, lead you on from strength to strength ;
and if there is any thing jet remaining, the knowledge
and experience of which would add to your comfort and
progress in the divine life, he will show it you in his
good time. He is the only effectual teacher; and he com-
municates instruction to those who simply seek him, at
such seasons and in such degrees as he in his sovereign
wisdom sees best. I have too great a respect for your
character and years, as well as too clear a sense of the
little good that is done by controversy, to attempt to
dispute with you. I shall be happy and honoured it I
should ever drop a sentence that God may be pleased

Let. 9. To the Rev. Dr. ****. 2%»

to make useful to you ; and I hope I am equally desi-
rous to learn ot you, and profit by you. The Scripture
warrants us both not to call any man master. Christ
alone is the Lord of conscience ; and no ipse dixit is to
be regarded but his. Men are to be followed so tar ae
we can see they speak by his authority ; the best are
defective ; the wisest may be mistaken. Yet truth can
be but one. The more uncertainty and division we
find in the judgments of our fellow-creatures, the more
need have we to rely upon the word and authority of
the only infallible Judge. He permits those whom he
loves to differ in some things, that there may be room
for the exercise of love, meekness, mutual forbearance,
and compassion ; but when men presume to take his
chair, to intrench upon his work, and think themselves
qualified and authorized to enforce their own senti-
ments by noisy arguments, and to prescribe themselves
as a standard to others, though they may mean well,
they seldom do well : they set out, (as they think,) in the
cause of God ; but it is soon leavened by unsanctified
tempers, and becomes their own cause ; and they fight
more for victory than for edification. When the Lord
enables any to avoid these evils, and they can freely,
simply, and in a spirit of love, open their minds to each
other, then his blessing may be humbly hoped for.

I hope I love true candour ; but there is a candour,
falsely so called, which I pray the Lord to preserve me
from. I mean that which springs from an indifference to
truth, and supposes that people who differ most widely
in sentiment, may ail be right in their several ways, be-
cause they seem to mean well. Lut the Gospel is a
standard by which all men are to be tried, and a depo-
ditum which must not be given up as a point of indif-
ference because nmnv persons ot respectable charac-

230 '1% the Ke&. Br. ****. Let. 1Q.

ters, in other things, do not approve it. St. Paul ob-
served no measures with those who would introduce
another Gospel. There is a great difference between
those who maintain erroneous systems, and those who,
though they are mistaken in some things, are faithful to
the light they have already received, and are honestly
seeking more from the Lord. To the latter I would
show all possible candour ; as to the former, candour,
or rather Christian charity, requires me to be tender
•and compassionate to their persons, but to give ne
place to their principles, no, not for an hour. The ques-
tion is not, what I should think or hope if left to my
own judgment, but what the unerring word of God *
determines. By this I must abide.

I remain, begging an interest in your prayers,
My dear Sir,
Your affectionate and obliged servant

LETTER X.

My dear Sir, February 22, 1776.

1 HAVE longed to tell you, that the prospect of our
correspondence being revived gave me very great plea-
sure. I attributed its discontinuance sometimes to the
gout, with which 1 knew you were often afflicted ; then
I began to think, perhaps you were removed to a better
world : but when I understood you were still living,
I apprehended you saw no utility in the friendly debates
we were formerly engaged in, and therefore chose to
drop them It was this suspicion that prevented mc
writing again; for, had I been sure your silence waf

Let. 10. To the Rev. Dr. **#*. 231

not owing to this cause, you would have heard from
me again and again, for with you I should not have
stood upon the terms of letter for letter.

I ought not, however, to have induced such a suspi-
cion, nor to have imputed your silence to a cause so ,
contrary to the spirit of your letters ; for in them you
have always showed yourself gentle, candid, and patient,
and not disposed to break off the intercourse merely
for difference in sentiments. Some difference in our
sentiments there has seemed to be all along ; but I be-
lieve with you, that we essentially agree, and I cordial-
ly join you in the hope and persuasion that the differ-
ence, whatever it may be, will not abate my respect
and regard for you, nor your kindness to me.

I desire to praise God in your behalf, that he hath
graciously supported you under your long affliction and
confinement, and now given you a prospect of goino-
abroad again. It is the prayer of my heart, that all
your crosses and comforts may be sanctified to you,
and that you may suffer no more than a gracious God
sees needtul to answer his salutary purposes in favour
of those who love him, to manifest, exercise, and strength-
en your graces, and to give you an increasing sense that
his pouer, wisdom, goodness, and faithfulness are en-
gaged to promote your best happiness, and to ripen you
for his kingdom and glory.

My leading sentiment with respect to the divine life
is, that it is founded in a new and supernatural birth.
In this I doubt not we agree. Mankind are miserably
divided and subdivided by sects, parties, and opinions :
but in the sight of God there are but two sorts of cha-
racters upon earth — the children of his kingdom, and
the children of the wicked one. The criterion between
fhem, (infallibly known only to himself,) is. that the

232 To the Rev. Dr. ***#. Let. 10/

former are born from above, the other not. If a per-
son be born again, notwithstanding any incidental mis-
takes or prejudices from which perhaps no human
mind in this imperfect state is wholly free, he is a child
of God and an heir of glory. On the other hand, though
his professed opinions be quite conformed to the Scrip-
tures ; though he be joined to the purest church; though
he seem to have all gifts and all knowledge, the zeal
of a martyr, and the powers of an angel ; yet if he be
not born of God, with all his splendid apparatus, he is
but a tinkling, (or, as I should rather choose to render
the word,) a stunning cymbal.

From this new birth, anew life, new perceptions, and
new desires, take place in the soul ; sin, which was once
delighted in, becomes a burden : and God, who before
was little thought of, is sought after as our chief good.
The need of his mercy is felt and acknowledged, and
Jesus is approved and sought as the only way and au-
thor of salvation. These things I believe are n_ver
truly and experimentally known but by the teaching
and operation of the Holy Spirit ; and as he is God
and not man, unchangeable in purpose and almighty in
power, I believe when he once begins his work, he will
in his own time accomplish it. I believe hatred of sin,
thirst after God, poverty of spirit, and dependence upon
Christ, are sure tokens of salvation ; and whoever have
them I would esteem my brethren and my sisters, though
they should be found among Arminians, Mystics, 01
Papists. Yet, I believe, some thus far wrought upon,
may be, and are, entangled with errors dishonourable to
the grace of God, and detrimental to their own peace.
There is much remaining darkness upon the mind ;
many persons are greatly hindered by a reasoning spirit,
and numbers are kept down by their attachment to a

Let. 10. To the Eev. Dr. *#**. 28S

favourite system, sect, and author ; so that perhaps they
are long strangers to that steadfast hope and strong con-
solation which the Gospel-truth, when simply received,
is designed to afford us, and which depends upon the
sense we have that we are nothing, and that Christ is
all in all, and that our best graces and services are, and
always will be, in this life, defective and defiled, and
that the sole, exclusive ground of our hope and re-
joicing is Jesus Christ, as made unto us of God, wis-
dom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

I desire to be more a partaker with you in that sense
which the Lord has given you of the deficiency you
find in your own graces, dispositions, and tempers, and
the want of due contormity to the mind that was in
Christ. If you have cause of humiliation on these ac-
counts, surely I have more. At the same time it is my
prayer, that he may comfort you with those views of
the freeness and riches of his grace, which enable me
to maintain a hope in his mercy, notwithstanding I feel
myself polluted and vile. For when my state and ac-
ceptance with God is the point in question, I am in a
measure helped not to judge of it by what he has done
in me, so much as by what he has done for me. I can
find no peace but by resting in the blood of Jesus, his
obedience to death, his intercession and fulness of
grace; and so claiming salvation, under him, as my head
surety, and advocate, answer all objections which con-
science or Satan interpose with the apostle's arguments
in Rom, viii. 33, 34. Were I to hesitate in this important
matter till I feel nothing contrary to that image to which
I hope I thirst after, a growing conformity, I might wait
'hnn dcfluat annus — I should spend my life in perp!< xity.
and at last should die in terror. lint I believe I arii

Vol. Vf. 2 If

234 To the Rev. Dr.****. Let 11,

already justified freely by his grace, through the redemp-
tion that is in Jesus.

That the Lord may be your guide and comforter, i&
the sincere prayer of,

Dear Sir,
Your affectionate and obliged servant. -

A:

LETTER XI.

My dear Sir, July 30, 1776.

S you agree with me in the main points of what I
offered in my last, I should think myself to blame to
weary you with debates on the single article of perse-
verance. Though 1 believe this sentiment to be true,
I am persuaded a man may warmly fight for it, and yet
himself fall short ; and I trust you will attain the end
of your hope, even the salvation of your soul, though
you should continue to differ with me in judgment
upon this head. I shall only say, The belief of it is
essential to my peace. I cannot take upon me to judge
of the hearts and feelings of others ; but, from the
knowledge I have of my own. I am reduced by neces-
sity to take refuge in a hope which, through mercy, I
find strongly encouraged in the scripture, that Jesus,
to whom I have been led to commit myself, has en-
gaged to save me absolutely, and from first to last. I
think he has promised not only that he will not depart
from me, but that he will put, keep, and maintain his
fear in my heart, that I shall not depart from him : and
if he does not, I have no security against my turning

Let. 11. To the Jlcv. Dr. ****. 235

apostate. For I am so weak, inconsistent, and sinful,
so encompassed with snares, and liable to such assaults
from the subtilty, vigilance, and power of Satan, that,
unless I am " kept by the power of God through faith,"
I am sure I cannot endure to the end. I believe the
Lord will keep me while I walk humbly and obediently
before him ; but were this all, it would be cold com-
fort. I am prone to wander, and need a shepherd whose
watchful eye, compassionate heart, and boundless mercy,
will pity, pardon, and restore my backslidings. For
though by his goodness and not my own, I have hither-
to been preserved from dishonouring my protession in
the sight of men ; yet I feel those evils within, which
would presently break loose and bear me down from
bad to worse, were he not ever present with me to con-
trol them. And therefore I conclude, they who com-
fortably hope to see his face in glory, but depend in
whole or in part upon their own watchfulness and en-
deavours to preserve themselves from falling, must
either be much wiser, better, and stronger than I am,
or at least cannot have so deep and painful a sense of
their own weakness and vileness as daily experience
forces upon me. I desire to be found in the use of the
Lord's appointed means for the renewal of my spiritual
strength, but I dare not undertake to watch a single

c? » o

hour, nor do I find sufficiency to think a good thought,
nor a power in myself of resisting any temptation.

My strength is perfect weakness,
And all I have is sin.

In short, I must sit down in despair, if I did not be-
lieve, (the apostle, I think allows me to be confident,)

236 To the Rev. Br. ***#, Let. 11.

that he who has begun a good work in me, will per-
form it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Had I the pleasure of conversing with you, I think
I could state the texts you quote, in a light quite con-
sistent with a hundred other texts which appear to me
to assert the final perseverance of the saints in the
strongest terms : but it would take up too much room
in a letter. And indeed, nvu est tanii. Volumes
of controversy, as you observe, have been written upon
these subjects, and Te Deum has been professedly sung
on both sides, but no man can receive to his comfort
and edification any Gospel-truth, except it be taught
and given him from heaven. 1 do not think my senti-
ments would add to your safety, but I believe they
would to your comfort ; but not if you received theui
as my sentiments : there is no more life and comfort in
the knowledge of a Goepcl-truth than in the knowledge
of a proposition in Euclid, unless we are taught it by
the Lord himself. I therefore dismiss the subject by
referring you to Phil iii. 14, 15.

I must begin my next paragraph with an apology,
with entreating vour candid construction, and assuring
you that nothing but a sense of duty towards the Lord,
and friendship for you, would put me upon what, (if I
had not these motives to plead, ) might be deemed highly
officious and impertinent. I have heard you speak of
your living in . Your situation in college con-
fines you much from it ; and now years and infirmities
are growing upon you, it is probable you will not be
able to visit it so often as formerly nor to do what you
wish to do when vou arc there. "Will you excuse me
asking you how that living is supplied? Perhaps I
onlv szive vou the opportunity of affording me pleasure

Let. 11. To the Rev. Dr. ****. 287

by telling me, that you have taken care to provide them
with a taithtul curate, who has your views of the Gos-
pel, though not mine, and, with a zeal for God and a
warm desire of usefulness to souls, is labouring to im-
press your people with a sense of divine things, to warn
them of the evil of sin, and to invite them to seek Jesus
and his salvation. 1 should be ready to take it for
granted this is the case, only that I think such a minis-
ter would be noticed and talked of in that part of the
country, as ue hear more or less of the effects of the
Gospel when it is preached throughout the kingdom ;
and nothing of the kind has yet reached my ears from

. If it should be otherwise, permit me to hint,

that though you are past the ability of labouring much
among your people personally, yet if the Lord prolongs
your life, you have a probability of being greatly useful
in a secondary way, by affording your sanction and ap-
pointment to a proper man v ho would teed and watch
over your flock. And I hope the Lord committed that
place to your charge in his providence, that the people
there might in his time have the word of lite preached
to them ; and if they heard it thankfully and improved
it, I am sure it would add much to your comlort. I
shall not enlarge, but rather conclude as I began, with
'entreating you to excuse mv ireeciom. Indeed, 1 ought
not to suspect you will be displeased with me for it,
alter the pi oofs you have given me of your candour and
kindness. Yet I shall be glad to be assured from
yourself, that you take it as I mean it.
I am, dear Sir,

Your affectionate and obliged servant.

23$ To the lieu. Dr. ****. Let, 12.

LETTER XII.

My dear Sir, December 5, 177S.

HE kind and affectionate terms in which you write,,
coming from a person whom I so greatly love and re-
spect, cannot but be highly pleasing to me. I am sflad
to find likewise, by what you say of yourself, that the
Lord favours you with patience and resignation to his
will, under those infirmities which you find increasing
as you advance in years ; and that your hope for time
and eternity is in Jesus, the Friend of sinners.

But I must confess, that though the former part of
your letter gave me great pleasure, the latter part gave
me no small pain. It appears, to my grief, that during
the intermission of our correspondence, the difference
between us in sentiment is considerably increased. You
desire me, however, to open my mind to you freely,
and the love I bear you constrains me to avail myself
of the liberty you allow me ; yet I feel a difficulty in
the attempt. After the many letters we have exchanged,
I hope it is needless to tell you that I am not fond of
controversy, that I have no desire to prescribe my
judgment in every point of doctrine as a standard to
others ; yet a regard to the truth, as well as to you,
obliges me to offer something upon the present occa-
sion. But I hope the Lord will not permit me to drop
a single expression unsuitable to the deference I owe
to your character and years.

You state two points as fundamental truths of the
Christian religion ; the first of which, I apprehend, is
so far from deserving the title of a fundamental truth.

Let. 12. To the Rev. Dr. #*.#*j 239

that it is utterly repugnant to the design and genius of
the Gospel, and inconsistent with the tenour of divine
revelation both in the Old and New Testament; and,
however you may think it supported by a tew detached
texts, I am persuaded you would never have drawn it
yourself from a careful perusal of the Scripture ; namely?
" That our righteousness is as truly and properly de-
" rived into us by a spiritual birth from the second
" Adam, as our corruption by a natural birth from the
" first." Our sanctification indeed is so, but righteous-
ness and sanctification are by no means synonymous
terms in the language of Scripture ; otherwise the
apostle, when he says, Jesus is appointed to us of
God, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemp-
tion, would be guilty of gross tautology. The Scrip-
ture declares we are all by nature, and, till partakers
of the faith which is the gift and operation of God,
dead. And this in a twofold sense — dead in law, tor
he that believeth not is condemned already, and dead
in trespasses and sins. Christ is our life in both these
senses. By his atonement he delivers those who be-
lieve in him from the curse of the law ; by his whole
obedience, including all he did and suffered, (for his
death was an act of obedience,) he cleanses and justi-
fies them from all guilt and penalty. And, as the spring
and pattern of their sanctification by the power of hi
Holy Spirit, he forms them anew, communicates to
them and maintains in them a principle of spiritual
life, and teaches them and enables them to love and
walk in his footsteps, and to copy his example in their
tempers and conduct. ]}ut this their personal obe-
dience, the fruit of that holy principle which he
implanted in them, is too imperfect and defiled to con-
stitute their righteousness ; it will

240 To the Rev. Dr. ****. Let. 1%.

demands of that law under which our nature is consti-
tuted. So tar, indeed, from bearing the examination of
that God who is glorious in holiness, they can find in-
numerable flaws and evils in it themselves. And, there-
fore, no one who is really enlightened to understand the
purity, strictness, and unchangeableness of the law, the
holiness, justice, and truth of the God with whom we
have to do, can possibly have any abiding peace of con-
science, or assurance of salvation, till he is weaned
from grounding his acceptance, either in whole or in
part, upon what Christ has done in him, and taught to
rest it wholly upon what he did for him when he obeved
the law on the behalf of man, and was made sin foF
us who knew no sin, that we might be made the right-
eousness of God in him.

Though the scheme of the Quakers, as set forth with
some supposed improvements by Mr. Law, is in your
view very amiable, to me it appears much otheruise 1
cannot think it either honourable to God, or safe for
man. I apprehend it was invented to relieve the mind
of some who would fain be wise, under the prejudices
and vain reasonings which arise against the express and
reiterated declarations of God's sovereignty in the great
business of salvation with which the Scriptures abound.
I am often reminded of Job's question, '"Shall mortal
" man be more just than God:'" Poor mortal worms, who
are unable to account for the most obvious, appearance?
around them, are afraid that the Judge of all the earth w ill
not act right, if he should act as he has solemnly assured
us he will; and therefore hypotheses are framed. salvo9
provided, and Scriptures are strained, to account for his
conduct in a way more suited to our limited appre-
hensions. For I allow, in some respects, and upon a
superficial view, Mr. Law's .scheme may appear more

Let. 1-2. To the Rev. Dr. ***#. 2U

agreeable to what we call reason and the fitness of things
than St. Paul's. But this to me is an argument against
it, rather than for it. The Lord tells me in his word,
that his thoughts and ways are as far above mine as the
heavens are higher than the earth. And if I did not
find many things in the Bible proposed rather to my
faith than to my reason, I could not receive it as a re-
velation from God, because it would want the grand
characteristic impressions of his majesty, and what the
apostle calls the cotffeMnrra and ayjf »#>»«?-<»> the unsearch-
ables and untraceables of his counsels and proceedings.
And after all,, trie proposed relief is only to the
imagination ; for in defiance of hypotheses, these things
will remain certain from Scripture, experience, and
observation ;

First, That a great part of mankind, perhaps the far
greatest part of those who have lived hitherto, will
be found at the left hand of the Judge in the last
day.

Secondlv, That a multitude of those who are saved,
were for a course of time as obstinately bent upon sin,
and did as obstinately resist the call of God's Spirit to
their hearts, as those who perish.

Thirdly, That the means of grace which the Scripture

declares necessary to salvation, Rom. x. 13, 14.; have

been hitherto confined to a small part of the human race.

I know indeed, in order to evade this, it is supposed,

from a misunderstanding of Peter's words, Acts x. 34.

that men in all nations may be saved in their several

dispensations, without any knowledge of Jesus or his

word ; and accordingly Mr. **** gives us Gentilism,

that is idolatry, as one kind of dispensation of the

Gospel. Alas ! what may not even well-meaning

men he driven to when they leave the good word of
Voi. VI. C I

%$ To the llev. Br. ****. Let. 12.

God, the fountain of living waters, to defend the
broken, corrupt cisterns of men's inventions ! Indeed,
I am grieved at these bold assertions ; it is but saying
that men may be saved without either faith, love, or
obedience.

I do not wonder, my dear Sir, that though you are
persuaded God will not fail on his part and forsake
you first, yet you have sensible fears and apprehensions
lest you should forsake him. The knowledge you have
of your own weakness, must make your system very
uncomfortable, while it leaves your final salvation to
depend, (as you express it,) entirely upon yourself ". Nay,
I must add, that either your heart is better than mine,
or at least that you are not equally sensible of its vile-
ness, or your fears would be entirely insupportable; or
else, which I rather think is the case, the former part of
your letter, wherein you speak so highly of the throne of
grace, and confess so plainly that without the grace of
Christ you can do nothing, is your experience and the
real feeling and working of your heart, while the latter
part, wherein you approve the plan which leaves sinners
to depend entirely upon themselves, is but an opinion,
which has been plausibly obtruded upon you, and which
you find at times very unfavourable to your peace. It
must, it will be so. The admission of a mixed Gospel,
which indeed is no Gospel at all, will bring disquiet into
the conscience. If you think you are in the same cir-
cumstances, as to choice and power, as Adam was, I
cannot blame you for fearing lest you should acquit
yourself no better than he did. Ah ! my dear Sir,
Jesus came not only that we might have the life which
sin had forfeited restored unto us, but that we might
have it more abundantly ; the privileges greater, and
the tenure more secure : for now our life is not in our

Let. 13. To the Rev. Dr. ***#. 243

own keeping, but is hid with Christ in God. He un-
dertakes to do all for us, in us, and by us, and he claims
the praise and honour of the whole, and is determined
to save us in such a wav as shall stain the pride of all
human glory, that he who glorieth may glory in the
Lord.

I long to see you dientanglcd from the scheme you
seem to have adopted, because I long to see you happy
and comfortable. It is good to have our hope fixed
upon a rock, for we know not what storms and floods
may come to shake it. I have no doubt but your soul
rests upon the right foundation, but you have incau-
tiously admitted wood, hay, and stubble into your edifice,
which will not stand the fiery trial of temptation. I
"would no more venture my soul upon the scheme which
you commend, than I would venture my body for a
voyage to the East Indies in a London wherry.

I know you too well to suppose you will be offended
with my freedom. However, in a point of such im-
portance, I dare not in conscience disguise or suppress
my sentiments. May the Lord, by his Holy Spirit,
^uide us both into the paths of peace and truth.
I am, dear Sir,

Your affectionate and obliged servant.

LETTER XIII.
My dear Sir, June 5, J779.

I. HOUGH I love to write to you, I am not willing tc
take up your time with controversy We see, or thinly
we see, some points of importance in a different light-.

244 To the liev. Dr. ****. Let. 13.

And where our sentiments differ, I think I have the
advantage of you, or I should, of course, accede to
yours. But I am ashamed to insist upon notional dif-
ferences with a person from whom, as to the spirit and
influence of those things wherein we agree, I ought to
be glad to learn. The humility, meekness, and spiritu-
ality which your letters breathe, sufficiently evince that
you are taught of God ; and wherein we are other-
wise minded, I trust he will, in his due time, reveal to
us both what may be for his glory and our comfort to
know distinctly. I cannot retract the judgment I
passed upon Mr Law's scheme; but I was then, and
still am persuaded, that, notwithstanding your favour-
able opinion of that author, his scheme is not properly
yours. If you fully entered into the spirit of his writ-
ings, you would soon be weary of my correspondence.
I believe, indeed, your acquaintance with his writings
has led you something about, and exposed you to em-
barrassments which would not have troubled you if,
with that humble spirit which the Lord has given you,
you had confined your researches more to his holy
word, and paid less regard to the dictates and asser-
tions of men ; and I believe if we could all be freed
from an undue attachment to «reat names and favourite

o

authors, and apply ourselves more diligently to draw
the water of lite from the pure fountain of the Scrip-
ture, our progress in divine knowledge would be more
speedy and more certain.

I am ready to think that much of the difference be-
tween us may be in the modes of expression we use.
If you mean no more by what you advance, than that
every justified person is also regenerate and sanctified,
and that no supposed acknowledgment of the death
and atonement of Christ is available without a nc«-

Ut. 13. To the Rev. Dr. ****. 245

birth in the soul and the inhabitation of the Holy Spirit,
there remains little to dispute about, for surely I mean
no less than this. Yet still it appears to me necessary
for our comfort, when we know what is in our hearts,
and necessary likewise to give the Redeemer the glory
due to his name, that we be sensible that our sancti-
ftcation is not the cause, butthe effect, of our acceptance
with God. I conceive that by nature we are all in a
state of condemnation ; that when we are by the Holy
Spirit convinced of this, the first saving gift we receive
from God is faith, enabling us to put our trust in Jesus
for a free pardon, and a gratuitous admission into the
family of God's children ; that they who receive this
precious faith, are thereby, ipso facto, interested in all
the promises respecting grace and glory. They resign
and devote themselves to the Saviour ; he receives and
accepts them, takes possession of them, and engages to
care and provide for them, to mortify the principle of
sin in their hearts, to carry on the work he has begun,
and to save them to the uttermost. But the precise
reason why they are saved, is not because they are
changed, (that change, so far as it takes place, is rather
the salvation itself,) but simply and solely because He
lived and died for them, paid the ransom, and made the
atonement on their behalf. This is their plea and hope
when they first come to him, John iii. 14, 15. when
they have finished their course upon earth, 3 Tim.
1. 12. and when they appear in judgment, Rom.
viii. S4.

If you mean by a rigid Calvinist, one who is fierce,
dogmatical, and censorious, and ready to deal out ana-
themas against all who differ from him, I hope I am
00 more such a one than I am a rigid Papist. But as
to the doctrines whirh are now stigmatized by the name

'£o the Rev. Dr. ****. Let. 14.

of Calvinism, I cannot well avoid the epithet rigid, while
I believe them : tor there seems to be no medium be-
tween holding them and not holding them ; between
ascribing salvation to the will of man, or the power of
God ; between grace and works, Rom. xi. 6. ; between
being found in the righteousness of Christ, or in my
own, Phil. iii. 9. Did the harsh consequences often
charged upon the doctrine called Calvinistic really be-
long to it, I should have much to answer for if I had
invented it myself, or taken it upon trust from Calvin;
but as I find it in the Scripture, I cheerfully embrace
it, and leave it to the Lord to vindicate his own truth
and his own ways, from all the imputations which have
been cast upon them.

I am, dear Sir,

Your affectionate and obliged.

LETTER XIV.

Dear Sir, September 1, 1779.

iVXETHINKS my late publication comes in good time
to terminate our friendly debate. As you approve of
the Hymns, which, taken altogether, contain a full de-
claration of my religious sentiments, it should seem we
are nearly of a mind. If we agree in rhime, our appa-
rent differences in prose must, I think, be merely verbal,
and cannot be very important. And as to Mr. Law,
if you can read his books to your edification and com-
fort, (which I own, with respect to some important
points in his Scheme, 1 cannot, ) w hy should I wish to tear
them from you ? 1 have formerly been a great admirer

Let. 14. To the Rev. Dr. **#*. 247

of Mr. Law myself, and still think that he is a first-rate
genius, and that there are many striking passages in his
writings deserving attention and admiration. But I feel
myself a transgressor, a sinner : I feel the need of an
atonement of something to be done for me, as well as
in me. If I was this moment filled by the mighty power
of God with the Spirit of sanctitication in a higher degree
than Mr. Law ever conceived , if I was this moment as
perfectly holy as the angels before the throne, still I
should want security with respect to what is past. Hi-
therto I have been a sinner, a transgressor of that holy
law which says, " The soul that sinneth, it shall die."
Therefore I need an atonement in the proper sense of
the word ; some consideration of sufficient importance
to satisfy me that the holy and just Governor of the
world can, consistently with the perfections of his na-
ture, the honour of his truth, and the righteous tenour
of his moral government, pardon and receive such a
sinner as I am : and without some persuasion of this
sort, I believe the supposition I have made to be utterly
impossible, and the least degree of true holiness utterly
unattainable. The essence of that holiness I thirst after,
I conceive to be love and devotedness to God : but how
can I love him till I have a hope that his anger is turned
away from me, or at least till I can see a solid founda-
tion for that hope ? Here Mr. Law's scheme faiis me,
but the Gospel gives me relief. When I think of the
obedience unto death of Jesus Christ in my nature, as a
public person, and in behalf of sinners, then I see the
law, which I could not obey, completely fulfilled by him,
and the penalty which I had incurred sustained by him.
I see him in proportion to the degree of faith in him,
bearing my sins in his own body upon the tree; I see God

248 To the Kev. Dr. ****. Let. 14.

well pleased in him, and for his sake freely justifying the
ungodly. This sight saves me from guilt and fear, re-
moves the obstacles which stood in my way, emboldens
my access to the throne of grace, for the influences of
his holy Spirit to subdue my sins, and to make me con-
formable to my Saviour. But my hope is built, not
upon what I feel in myself, but upon what he felt for me •
not upon what I can ever do for him, but upon what has
been done by him upon my account. It appears to me
becoming the wisdom of God to take such a method of
showing his mercy to sinners as should convince the
world, the universe, angels, and men, that his inflexible
displeasure against sin, and his regard to the demands
of his truth and holiness, must at the same time be
equally displayed. This was effected by bruising his own
Son, filling him with agonies, and delivering him up to
death and the curse of the law, when he appeared as a
surety for sinners.

It appears to me, therefore, that though the bless-
ings of justification and sanctification are coincident,
and cannot be separated in the same subject, a believing
sinner, yet they are in themselves as distinct and dif-
ferent as any two things can well be. The one, like life
itself, is instantaneous and perfect at once, and takes
place the moment the soul is born of God ; the other,
like the effects of life, growth, and strength, is imperfect
and gradual. The child born to day, though weak, and
very different from what it will be when its faculties
open and its stature increases, is as truly, and as much,
alive as it will ever be ; and if an heir to an estate or
a kingdom, has the same right now as it will have when
it becomes of age, because this right is derived not
from its abilities or stature, but from its birth and

Let. 14. To the Rev. Br. ****. 349

parents. The weakest believer is born of God, and an
heir of glory ; the strongest and most advanced can be>
no more.

I remain, my dear Sir,

Your most obedient, &c.

Vol. VI s K

ITOUR LETTERS

Miss W****.

LETTER I.

Dear Miss, March 3, 1772.

X OUR obliging request to hear from me has not been
forgotten ; and if my leisure were equal to my inclina-
tion, I should write very often.

And no*, what shall I say? May the Lord direct
me to send you a profitable word. It rejoices my heart
to think, that at a time of life when you might have been
plunging into the vanities of the world, you are seeking
Jesus. The Lord who appointed the hour of your birth,
and the bounds of your habitation, was pleased in his
good providence to withdraw you early from the giddy
circle of dissipation in which you might have lived, and
to favour you with theadvantagesof example, instruction,
and ordinances. You live at a distance from those en-
snaring temptations by which the minds of young per-
sons are blinded and stupified. Yet this alone would
not have secured you. His providence has been sub-
servient to his grace ; otherwise, by this time, you would
have been weary and impatient of restraint ; you would
have accounted the means of grace burthensome, and

let. 1. To Miss PW**i 251

your home a prison. The evil of the heart is too deeply
rooted to be overcome by any thing less than the power of
God. Whatever your papa and mamma, or the ministers
of the Gospel, could have told you concerning your state
as a sinner, and your need of a saviour, you would not
have believed them, if the Lord himself had not borne
witness in your heart to his own truths. You are now
seeking him that you may find him, yet if he had not
found you at first, you would never have sought him at
all. This I mention for your encouragement, as a good
reason why you may be assured that you shall not seek
him in vain. I take it for granted, that though you are
but a young soldier, you have already met with conflicts,
There is a subtle enemy who labours to distress, hinder,
and wound all who desire to serve the Lord. If you
Could give up this purpose, and be content to make the
world your portion, you would meet with no disturbance
from him ; if you were asleep, he would make no noise to
awaken you. Those who are content with his service
and wages, he manages with so much address, that
though he leads them captives at his will, though he
dwells and works in their hearts, though all the'faculties
of their mind and members of their body are under his
influence, yet they are not at all aware of him; yea, when
many in this state pretend to dispute his very existence,
he does not attempt to undeceive them. Thus while the
strong one armed keeps his house, his goods are in
peace ; but when the stronger than he, the gracious Re-
deemer, comes to deliver the prey out of the hand of the
mighty, and to release a soul Irom Satan's captivity, then
the enemy begins to show himself as he is : and therefore
I suppose by this time you can tell in a measure, from
your own experience, why he is called in the Scripture,
an accuser, an adversary, a serpent, a roaring lion ; and

252 To Miss IF****. Let. 1.

what is meant by his wiles, devices, and fiery darts. He
knows how to aggravate sin, to strengthen unbelief, to
raise objections against the truth of the Gospel, or to
work upon the imagination, and to fill us with dark, un-
comfortable, wild, or wicked thoughts. But if he assaults
you in any of these ways, you need not fear him ; tor
he is a conquered and a chained enemy : Jesus hascon-
quered him, he has broken his power, and taken away
his dominions, so far as concerns those who flee for retuge
to the hope of the Gospel. And Jesus h- Ids him in a
chain, and sets limits to his rage and malice, beyond
which he cannot pass. Nor should he be permitted to
open his mouth against the peace of his people, but that
the Lord intends, (for his greater confusion, to make
him an unwilling instrument of promoting their good.
By these exercises they learn to prize his free salvation,
and to depend upon his gi ace alone; for they find they
are not able to stand against their enemy by their own
strength. Therefore, fear him not; he who delivered
Daniel trom the lions will deliver you, make you more
than conqueror by faith in his name, and at last bi uise
Satan under your feet.

I wonder how my thoughts have turned upon this
subject. I am sure I did not intend it when I sat
down to write, and if I had studied for one, I certainly
should not have chosen this. Ii it should prove a word
in season. I shall be glad. Perhaps it may ; for though
I know not the present state of your mind, it is known
to the Lord, and I began my letter with a desire that
he would direct me what to send you. However, if it
does not so directly suit you now, it may perhaps litre-
after, and in the mean time you may lend it to your
mamma. She knows what temptations mean.

Go on, my dear Miss; and may the Lord be with

[Let 2. To Miss 7f ****. 253

you. Give yourself to him every day, and many times
a day; remember how many claims he has to you;
especially remember this one, that he bought you with
his own blood He died that you might live. May
the name of Jesus be written upon the tablet of your
heart, and be as a seal upon your arm ; that all your
de.sires and all your actions may be regulated by his
•word, directed to his glory, and animated by a living
principle of grace, derived from him who is the foun-
tain of grace. Two things alone are worth a seri-
ous thought — his presence and his image ; the one to
make you comfortable in yourself, the other that you
may shine to his praise as a light in the world. These
blessings, and the increase of them, are gifts which he
bestows without money and without price. Yet it is our
part to wait upon him for them, by prayer, by reading
his good word, and frequenting his ordinances. Thus
you shall know if you follow on to know the Lord.
I am your affectionate liiend.

Y

LETTER II.

My dear Miss W****, November 13, 1772.

OUR letter tells me you received my last on your
birth-day, and, for aught I know, this may come about
the same time.

I hope, that since the birth-day you speak of, you
have been enabled to wait steadfastly and patiently upon
the Lord, and have seen much of his goodness. I am
glad you complain of evil thoughts, fears, and tempta-
tions ; for, though these things are not joyous but griev-

251 To Miss W****. Let. 2.

ous, they always accompany a work of grace : and if
you were wholly unacquainted with them, you would
have reason to suspect you were not in the right way*
The way to the kingdom is a beaten path ; you are, I
hope, following the footsteps of the flock. If you could
ask any of the happy souls now in glory how they came
there, they would all tell you, that they were led
through many tribulations. For though they did not
all suffer greatly by persecution, poverty, and worldly
troubles, yet they all had much to suffer from indwell-
ing sin, unbelief, and Satan.

As to evil thoughts, they as unavoidably arise from
an evil nature as steam from a boiling tea-kettle. Every
cause will have its effect, and a sinful nature will have
sinful effects. You can no more keep such thoughts
out of your mind, than you can stop the course of the
clouds. But if the Lord had nofc taught you, though
your thoughts would have been as evil as they are now,
you would not have been sensible of them, nor con-
cerned about them. This is a token for good. By na-
ture your thoughts would have been only evil, and that
continually. But you find something within you that
makes you dislike these thoughts ; makes you ashamed
of them, makes you strive and pray against them, and
convinces you, that though you do not wilfully speak or
do evil, yet upon the account of your evil thoughts
alone you are a sinner, and stand in need of such great
forgiveness, that if there were not a precious, compas-
sionate, and mighty Saviour, you could have no hope.
Now this something that discovers and resists your evil
thoughts, what can it be? It cannot be nature; for
•we naturally have vain imaginations. It is grace. The
Lord has made you sensible of your disease, that you
might love and prize the great Physician. The know-

Let. e. To Miss &»*#**. ass

ledge of his love shall make you hate these thoughts,
and faith in his blood shall deliver you from the guilt of
them; yet you will be pestered with them more or less
while you live here, for sin is inwrought into our con-
stitution, and our souls must be freed from our bodies
before we shall be fully freed from the evils under which
we mourn.

Your other complaint of temptations is likewise a
good one. If you were to visit some young ladies who
know no other end of living but to dress and dance, and
frequent public places, and if you were to ask them if
they are troubled with Satan's temptations, they would
think you were out of your wits. Poor things ; they
know nothing of the matter. They are blinded by the
god of this world ; they go on quietly in the way of sin
and vanity, careless of their souls, and unmindful of
eternity. While they continue in this course, you may
be sure Satan will not disturb them. They are asleep,
and it would not be for his interest to do any thing that
might awaken them out of their pleasant dream. And
if you were thus asleep, he would be content that you
should sleep on and take your rest. But when he sees
any one awakened out of this sleep, he probably tries
first to lull them asleep again ; and if the Lord prevent
that by his mercy, then Satan alters his measures, and
roars like a lion disappointed of his prey. Be thankful,
my dear, that he treats you as an enemy ; for miserable
is the state of those to whom he carries it as a friend.
And remember that he is chained ; he may terrify, but
he cannot devour those who have fled for refuge to
Jesus. And the Lord shall overrule all for good.

The fear you express on account of the falls of some
professors whom you thought better than yourself, will
I hope, be a means, by the Lord's blessing, ol keeping

250 To Miss 7f****. Let. 3,

you from falling as they have done. It is said, Be not
high-minded, but tear; and again, Blessed is the man

that feareth aUays. It you were coming to •,

(I should be glad it you were,) and you heard betore
you set out that many had been robbed, and that the
robbers were still upon the road, I could not blame you
for being afraid ; but if that fear led you to procure a
guard sufficient to protect you, then you might travel
with safety, notwithstanding others had been robbed.
So if the falls of professors, and a sense of your own
danger, make you cry earnestly that God would keep
you ; he will hear and answer ^our prayer, and you
shall stand safe supported by his power, though many
fall around you. They fell because they did not look
to him. You cannot be too jealous of your own heart,
or too cautious of the snares you are exposed to, but
you have no cause to distrust the Lord ; he is able, and
faithful to keep those from falling who, sensible of their
own weakness, cry daily to him, Hold thou me up, and
I shall be safe. Continue in prayer, that you may be
preserved humble and abased in your own eyes, and
then I am sure you will not tall.
I am sincerely,

Your affectionate friend and servant.

I

LETTER III.

My dear Miss, March 23, 1773.

N your last you intimated some expectation of receiv-
ing a letter from me on or about your birth day : — " So
" she shall/' thought I, " if we live so long ; and accord-

Ut. S, To mis FT****. 257

in<*lv I made a memorandum in my head, to write to Miss
W**** the twenty-third of March, that she may have it
on the twenty-fourth, which is her birth- day. Just now
I sat down to comply with this order; but how did I
stare, when, taking up your letter, I found your birth-day
was not the twenty-fourth, but the fourth. So all my
punctuality is thrown away, and all the pretty things I
might have tried to say upon the subject of a birth-day,
are almost three weeks out of season. Well, I must
make the best of it, and congratulate you, not that you
are exactly so many years old, (I know not how many,)
but so many years and twenty days.

If I thought you did not seek, and in a measure know,
the Lord's salvation, I should not congratulate you at all.
I have often been struck with the absurdity of worldly-
people making their birth-day a season of joy, unless in
the year when they come to age, and are released from
the restraints of parents, tutors, and guardians, and at
liberty to act just as self dictates. In other respects,
should they rejoice every year on a certain day, that they
have a year less to live where their hearts and their
treasures are fixed, and are a year nearer to their eter-
nity which they cannot bear to think of? Ah, how many-
are jovial on their birth-day, v\ho will at length see cause
to wish they had never been born ! But you have reason
to bless God tor your birth, since he has been pleased
to make you partaker of a new and heavenly birth, and
to admit you into the number of his children. He sent
you into the world at such a time, and under such cir-
cumstances, as that, in his appointed hour, you might
hear and receive the Gospel of his grace.

Were it possible you could be informed of the his-
tory of all who were horn into the world, the same year
or the same dav with yourself. I mean especially of
Vol. VI. 2 L

258 To Was JP****. lei". 3.

your own sex, it would give you an affecting view of
the mercies by which the Lord has distinguished yoa
from thousands. Many of them are already in eter-
nity, and perhaps the greater part of these taken away
before they knew why they came into the world. Could
you visit those of them who are still living, you would
find some crippled, deformed, blind, or deal; some de-
fective in their faculties, some languishing under incur-
able diseases, some struggling under poverty, destitute
of friends or food ; some, having been accustomed t®
evil examples from their infancy, and not being fa-
voured with the means of instruction, are, though young
in years, already grown old in sin Perhaps you would
hardly rind one in the whole number so remarkably
favoured in all respects as yourself. When you had
finished your survey, would not your heart adopt and
feel the sentiment in the hymn —

Are these thy favours, day by day,

To me above the rest ?
Then let me love thee more than they,

And try to serve thee best.

But the chief mercy of all is, that the Lord hath drawls
you to seek his face, and to place your happiness in his
favour ; without this, the possession of all that the earth
can afford would be of little worth. May he encourage
and animateyou to press forward to the prize of your high
calling. May his good spirit teach, Warn, and comfort
you, and keep you ever mindful that there is no safety
but in a continual dependence upon him. Satan is a
watchful enemy ; he studies our situation and disposi-
tion, that he may spread snares for us to the greatest
advantage, and is not only to be dreaded when he fight?

Let. 4, To Miss JT***#. 259

directly against our faith and peace as a roaring lion,
but is otten as near and as dangerous, when we are
ready to think him at a distance. He sometimes lays
his schemes with little noise, and prevails before he is
perceived. But they that humbly look unto the Lord to
keep them, shall be preserved. I hope you will be
constant in all the means of grace, especially in secret
prayer, and a close attention to the word of God ; if
these are neglected, or a formal spirit indulged in them,
public ordinances may be frequented, and yet the soul
grow lean and dry, and get little benefit from them.
But it we are aware of our weakness and danger, and
look continually to the Lord to hold us up that we
may be sate, he will keep our teet out of the net. There
are too many professors who live below their privi-
leges ; they have every thing of religion but its power
and its comforts. But it is your happiness to be ac-
quainted with a favoured few, who approve themselves
in good earnest, and follow the Lord with their whole
heart, like Caleb of old. I trust the Lord will give
you to be like minded ; to walk as a stranger and pil-
grim, and to have your heart and conversation in hea-
ven, where Jesus is ; then you may well rejoice in every
returning birth-day, and say, Now is full salvation,
nearer than when I first believed.

Believe me to be your affectionate friend.

LETTER IV.

My dear Miss> November 9, 1773.

X AM at a loss how to write, not having a letter to an-
swer. It is true, your mamma gave me some hint of a

260 To Whs JF****. £et. 4.

subject, but I have nothing very interesting to offer
upon that head at present. My best wishes and prayer6
attend you, that the Lord may guide, shine upon,
and bless you in every relation and circumstance
of life that may be before you. I have reason to speak
■well of the marriage state ; and it always gives me plea-
sure when, in the way of my office, I am called to tie
the marriage knot, when I have reason to believe the
prospect is warranted by prudence, the parties united
by affection, and that they come together in the fear
and in the name of the Lord. I think I may take it
for granted, from your mamma's letter, that these re-
quisites concur in your concern, and therefore I heartily
bid you God speed. And I congratulate your lover,
whoever he be, believing that if the Lord bestows you
upon him, and gives him a heart to value you aright,
you will prove a treasure and a blessing to him. How-
ever, let me remind you upon this occasion, that vanity
is deeply engraven upon all below the skies, and that
the more happy we are in creature-comforts, so much
the more are we exposed to snares and crosses. O,
how happy is it to know the Lord, the fountain of living
■waters! for every other acquisition without him will
prove a broken cistern. But as he has taught your
heart to choose and rest in himself supremely as your
portion, you have a warrant from his gracious promises
to hope, that he will bless you in all your connexions
and concerns. In the mean time I trust you are pray-
ing to the Lord to guard and strengthen you against
the new stratagems and devices which Satan, so jar as
he is permitted, will plot against your peace and stead-
fastness, when you shall enter upon a new and untried
,.-:>';,ation. Pray that you may be deeply impressed with

Let. 4. To Miss »'**##. 3C1

the uncertainty of this state of things, and the empti-
ness of all creature good in comparison of the light of
God's countenance, which is better than life. How
different, for the most part, is the appearance between
a wedding day and a dying-day ; yet, however long the
interval may be between them, the latter must come,
and then the space, which in prospect might seem long,
will affect us no more than the remembrance of a morning
dream. Could I have been told when I married, that
Mrs. N****and I should live together more than twenty-
three years ; that our affection should increase as we
went on ; that the Lord would favour us with a path
remarkably smooth, and exempt us from nine trials out
of ten which are ordinarily found in wedded life; how
would my poor vain heart have been elated ! Well, all
this and more has happened. For almost twenty-four
years past, I have never seen a single day or hour in
which I wished to change my situation with any person
upon earth ; and we are still spared to each other. But
now, shall I tell you what I see when I take a review
of past times. Forgetful as I am, I can recollect in-
numerable instances of the Lord's mercy. \Y7e set out
in life like two strangers who had a wilderness before
them, and knew not a single step of the way ; but, oh !
how wonderfully has He led us ! I can recount likewise
innumerable evils, snares, sins, trials, and inquietudes,
which, if put together, would make a large abatement
of what, if viewed in the lump, might seem a uniform
course of happiness and satisfaction. And as to all
the rest, it is gone beyond recall • the shadows of the
evening are beginning to advance over us, and how
miserable should we now be if our hope was only in
this life! AJay the Lord write upon your heart, while

362 To Miss JfW**#, Let. ^

you are young, a conviction, that communion with him
and grace to glorify him and serve him in the world
are the only things which make life, in its best estate,
valuable or desirable.

Pray for me, and believe me to be,

Sincerely yours*.

SIX LETTERS

TO

The Rev. Mr. S****

LETTER I.

My dear Sir, August 1, 1774.

WE were very glad to hear so favourable an account
of your health, but your letter to Mr. ****, (we were
with him when it came to hand,) rather balked the
hope we had entertained, that you would be well in a
few days. Therefore we shall be glad to hear from
you again, for we sincerely feel ourselves much in-
terested in all that concerns you. However, I know
that you are in safe and merciful hands, and that the
Lord Loves you better than we can do. Though we
may mistake in estimating particulars, we are sure that
the sum-totai of all dispensations will be good. Health
is good while the Lord preserves it, and sickness is still
better when he appoints it. He is good ft hen he grants
our wishes and multiplies our comforts ; and 'e is
good when he sends us trials and crosses. We are
short-sighted, and cannot see how many and what im-
portant consequences depend upon every turn in life;
hut the whole chain of events are open to his view.

264 To the Eev. Mr. £##*#. Let. I.

When we arrive in the land of light, we shall have an
affecting retrospect of the way by which the Lord our
God led us in this wilderness. We shall then see that
whenever we were in heaviness, there was a need- be for
it. We shall then, I doubt not, remember, amonost
our choicest blessings, those things which, while we
were here, seemed the hardest to account for, and the
hardest to bear. Perhaps we were sinking into a luke-
warm formality, or spiritual pride was springing up, or
Satan was spreading some dangerous snare for our
feet. How seasonable and important at such a time is
the mercy which, under the disguise of an affliction,
gives an alarm to the soul, quickens us to prayer, makes
us feel our own emptiness, and preserves us from the
enemy's net. These reflections are applicable to all
the Lord's people, but emphatically so to his ministers.
We stand in the fore-front of the battle. The nature
of our employment exposes us to peculiar dangers;
more eyes are upon us ; our deviations are more ob-
served and have worse effects, both with respect to the
church and the world, than if we were in private life.
By our own sufferings we learn likewise, (the Lord
sanctifying them to that end,) to sympathize with the
afflicted, and to comfort them from the experiences we
have had of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness to
ourselves. I trust you will be thankful for your late
exercises, and that we in due time shall have to join
you in thanking the Lord for restoring you to health
and strength, and that you will come forth, under the
fresh anointings of his Holy Spirit, to publish the glad
tidings of salvation, and win many souls to the know-
ledge of Jesus.

I mentioned having been at Mr. ****,s. We went
-on Tuesday morning, and did not return till Saturday

Let. 1. To the Rev. Mr. 8****. 2G5

evening. Had not the Sabbath service called me home>
I believe we should have staid longer. It was a happy
opportunity ; I believe mutually so. We talked of
you, and should have been glad to have had you with
us. I have seldom been in a family where I thought
myself more at home, or where I have been more sa-
tisfied that the blessing of the Lord dwelt. I returned
in some measure thankful and refreshed. I have great
reason to be thankful that my spirit is not confined
within the paper walls of a denomination ; for I have
had frequent proof that the Spirit of the Lord will not
be restrained within such narrow bounds. May my
soul be ever free to unite with all that love the Lord
Jesus Christ in sincerity, without regarding those lesser
differences which will soon be done away.

Your prayers and kind wishes for me and mine I
heartily thank you for, and hope we shall repay you, (as
we are enabled,) in kind. Many here have, indeed,
reason to speak well of the Lord. He has been very
gracious to us. But, alas ! most of us may complain
of ourselves. But unworthy as we are, he bears with
us ; he multiplies pardons, and keeps us upon the whole
in a persuasion that his loving kindness is better than
life. The workings of a corrupt nature, and the sub-
tilty of our spiritual enemies, cause us much exercise ;
but we find one with us who is greater than our hearts,
and greater than he that is in the world. When I look
at some of my people, I am filled both with joy and
shame ; joy, to see that the Lord has not suffered my
labour among them to be in vain ; shame, to think that
I have preached so much more effectually to them than
to my own heart. It is my mercy that I am not under
the law, but under grace. Were it not for this thought,

Voi. VI. 2 M

266 To the Rev. Mr. 5****. Let. 2.

I should sink. But it is given me to know that Jesus is
all to them who are nothing. The promise whereon I
trust, and the power of trusting in it, are both from
him, and therefore I am encouraged to plead, " Re-
" member thy word unto thy servant, wherein thou
" hast caused me to hope." A sure promise, a com-
plete atonement, a perfect righteousness, an Almighty
Saviour, who is able to save to the uttermost, and has
said, " I will in no wise cast out." These are the
weapons with which I, (alas, how feebly!) oppose the
discouragements which arise from self and unbelief.
I am sincerely, dear Sir,

Your affectionate and obliged.

LETTER II.

My dear Friend, October 6} 1774.

HAVE two letters to thank you for ; and was think-
ing of answering the first, when the second came. The
contents gave me pleasure. My poor prayers have
been, and shall be, for you ; and that I might be with
you in spirit as much as possible, I thought I would
write to you on your wedding-day. May the good
Lord say Amen to your engagements and desires, and
give you in each other a help meet, a counsellor, a
comforter; may he fill your hearts with his peace, give
you a daily increase of happiness in your connexion,,
that you may be

Enamour d more, as more remembrance swells
With many a proof of recollected love !

let. % To the Rev. Mr. .5****. 2G7

And while the Lord blesses your relation outwardly,
in the midst of his best gifts, and the most endearing
satisfaction that creatures can afford, may you both
have grace to remember that you are not your own,
that this is not your rest, that the time is short, and
that the light of God's countenance is still compara-
tively, " The one thing needful."

I have been interrupted since I began my letter, and
I must leave it again soon to go to my children, for it
is almost eleven. I may now salute you as one, and
from the time of my standing in wedded life, I shall take
the liberty of assuming the professor's chair, and offer-
ing you a little lecture upon the subject. May the
Lord prompt my heart and guide my pen.

Marriage is undoubtedly the most important concern
with respect to this world, in which we can engage.
It has an influence upon every action, and every hour
of the future life. The success depends not upon ap-
pearances, for they are changeable, nor upon our pre-
sent affections or purposes, for we are frail inconstant
creatures, and prone to be soon weary of the possession
of our warmest wishes, but entirely upon the blessing
of the Lord, without which no union can subsist. We
see too- many instances of people who come together,
with all seeming advantages, and yet, from unforeseen
causes, the affection which promised to be permanent,
gradually subsides into indifference, and perhaps ter-
minates in disgust. We cannot wonder at it, when we
consider how seldom the Lord is duly acknowledged
either in the choice, the pursuit, or the attainment of
the object. It is your mercy and Mrs. ****'s, that he
taught you both to seek his direction, and to depend
upon his providence in bringing this weighty affair to
an issue: and therefore you may cheerfully expect re-

268 To the Rev. Mr. 5****. £et. 2.

peated proofs that he did not bid you seek his face in
vain. Since I began this paragraph I have been with
my children, and the passage which came in course for
my exposition to them was Genesis xxiv. It was quite
a-propos to the case upon my mind. The historical
part of the Old Testament, so far as it concerns nations,
is undoubtedly put into our hands as a specimen of the
Lord's government over all the nations of the earth,
and the history of his care and providence over the per-
sonal and family concerns of his children from age to
age. His interposition is not always so obvious to
sense now as it often was then ; but it is as real and
necessary in itself, and not less evident to faith when
in exercise. He provided and prepared you for each
other ; he opened the way ; he has brought you toge-
ther, and now he will be with you to bless your union,
to guide you with his eye, to be your sun and your
shield. And yet there are so many evils in our hearts
to be checked, and the comparative vanity and empti-
ness of all below the skies is a lesson so very needful
to be learnt, and so unattainable in any other way than
by experience, that we must expect at times to find
bitter mingled with our sweet, and some of our sharpest
pains flowing from the same source with our most
valued pleasures.

I am now far advanced in the twenty- fifth year of
marriage ; and though I set out blindfold, and was so
far infatuated by an idolatrous passion, that for a while
I looked no higher for happiness than to a worm like
myself; yet the Lord, whose dealings with me have
always been singular, did not deal with me as I de-
served. He sent, indeed, again and again, a worm to
the root of my gourd, and many an anxious trembling
hour I suffered ; but he pitied my weakness, gradually

Let. 2. To the Rev. Mr. «**•*. 26*)

opened my eves, and while he in some measure weak-
ened and mortified the idolatrous part of affection, he
smiled upon that part of it which was lawful and sub-
ordinate, and caused it to flourish and strengthen from
year to year. When I look back upon my past lite,
and look around in the world, I mean especially as a
husband, I cannot but say, my lot in life has been most
happv. Lew, I think, can have been more favoured;,
and, to the best of my recollection, I never wished,
for a single minute, it were possible to exchange situa-
tion with any person upon earth. And yet what
is it I nave known! When I recollect my wedding-
day, the circumstances are so present with me, that it
seems as if it were but yesterday, and all the interval
but a dream. If I take that interval to pieces, I see
indeed that goodness and mercy have followed us all
our days ; I see, as I have said, that we have had a
large share of such happiness as this world can afford,
but at the same time mingled with so many trials, that
though the Lord mercifully parcelled them out, and has
brought me safely through them one after another, taken
together, they have made very large abatements in the
article of pleasure.

My dear friends, you will now acquire a new set of
feelings ; how sickness, or pain, or trouble, affects you
in your own persons you know, but how you will be
affected by them in the person of a husband or a wife,
you have yet to learn. I wish you may know as little
of it as is consistent with your best good ; but if the
Lord loves you and you love each other, now and then
something of this sort will be needful. Yet be not
afraid ; he delights in the prosperity of his children,
and will not causelesslv afflict. One trial of mine I

2/0 To the lieu. Mr. 5****. Let. 8.

wish you may be wholly freed from, the experience of
a deceitful and desperately wicked heart, and that you
may never have to confess, as I do to you, that my per-
verseness and ingratitude have discovered themselves
most frequently and most flagrantly, by occasion of that
very instance of his goodness, which in a temporal view
I account the chief blessing of my life. This has been
an abatement indeed. How often have I wondered
that he has not punished me in kind, and taken away,
the desire of my eyes with a stroke. One trial we have
yet to come — the alternative of leaving or being left.
The flesh shrinks at the thought of either : and since
we know not how soon, or in what way, a separation
may take place, there can be no abiding peace till we
are enabled to commit ourselves, and all that we hold
most dear, to the care and the disposal of our Lord.
I have been long aiming at this, and it seems so right,
so eligible in theory, that sometimes I think I have suc-
ceeded ; that I have made an absolute surrender, and
am well satisfied that he should do what he pleases, and
that what he pleases, must be best : but, alas ! the
next alarm convinces me how weak I am, and how
afraid and unwilling to trust him. Yet, surely it is
the desire of my soul to say, without reserve or excep-
tion, Not my will, but thine be done. So far as we
can attain to this, we are happy.

I have left no room to answer your letters. I could
have wished for a more favourable account of your
health, but hope the Lord will gradually confirm it.
lie can, for he is power ; He will, for he is love — if it
be upon the whole best for you. I am glad to hear of
Air. ****J the second, and wish him much success, and
commend my love to him. Air. ***** the first, has lost

Let. 3. To the Bcv. Mr. S****. 271

his wife ; T suppose he had her not much above a year.
So trail are all things here below.

1 am sincerely yours.

J
LETTER III.

My dear Sir, May 31, 1775.

A HOUGH we agreed to waive apologies, it would be-
come me to make a very humble one if I should long
delay writing, now you have favoured me with a second
letter. I thank you for both, it gives us real pleasure,
to hear of your and Mrs. ****'s welfare.

I rejoice that the Lord keeps your spirit alive in his
work, and lets you see that your labour is not in vain.
O the honour, the blessedness of being an instrument in
his hands of feeding his gathered sheep and lambs, and
bringing wanderers into his fold ! Thai is a striking and
beautiful thought of the apostle, "as poor, yet making
" many rich." When I feel my own poverty, my heart
wandering, my head confused, graces languid, gifts ap-
parently dormant, when I thus stand up with half a loaf,
or less, before a multitude, and see the bread multiply
in the breaking, and that, however it may be at the
time with myself as to my own feelings, the hungry,
the thirsty, the mourners in Zion, are not wholly disap-
pointed ; when I find that some, in the depth of their
outward afflictions, can rejoice in me, as the messenger
by whom the Lord is pleased to send them a word in
season, balm for their wounds, and cordials for their
cases, then indeed I magnify mine office Let who will
take the lead in the cabinets of princes ; let those v.

212 I'o the Rev. Mr. £****, fcet. 3.

the Lord permits shine in the eyes of men, as states-
men, generals, or favourites, He has given me the de^-
sire of my heart, and I am more disposed to pity than
to envy those whom the world admires. On the day
when the Lord admitted me into the ministry, and I
received ordination, I thought he had then ennobled
me, and raised me to greater honour and preferment
than any earthly king could have bestowed ; and, blessed
be his name, I think so still, and had rather be curate

0f than in any situation the world can afford,

if detached from the privilege of preaching the Gospel.
Yet I find the ministry a bitter sweet ; the pleasure is
tempered with many things that make a near and pain-
ful impression upon the spirit; but upon the whole, it is
given unto me, (and I trust to you likewise,) to rejoice
in it.

The civility of your genteel neighbours is an agree-
able circumstance, so far as it can be preserved without
inconvenience. I am quite of your mind, that our call-
ing as Christians, does not require us to be cynical,
and that many professors, and perhaps preachers, bring
needless trouble upon themselves, for want of a gentle,
loving spirit. The Gospel teaches us to show benevo-
lence and an obliging carriage to all. Yet there is an
extreme upon the other hand, which is, upon the whole,
more dangerous. They are singularly favoured whom
the Lord is pleased to guide and to keep in the golden
mean. What we call a polite and cultivated behaviour,
is certainly no real bar to that faithfulness we owe to
God or man ; and if maintained under a strict Scrip-
tural restraint, may greatly soften prejudices, and con-
ciliate the good- will even of unawakened hearers in a
considerable degree. But, indeed, those who have it,
ieed of a. double guard of watchfulness and

Let. 3. To the Rev. Mr. S***#. . 273

prayer, for latct unguis in htrba ; and unless the
e\e be kept very single, and the heart dependent upon
the Lord, we are more liable to be drawn into a com-
pliance with the ways 01 the polite world, than likely
to prevail on them to follow us, so far as we follow
Christ. And I could name instances where it has ap-
peared to me, that the probable good effects of a very
faithful testimony in the pulpit, have, (humanly speak-
ing,) been wholly defeated, by too successful endeavours
to be agreeable out ot it The world will often permit
a minister to think, and perhaps to preach, as he pleases,
provided he will come as near them as possible in a so-
ciable conformity. Sat verbum sapienti. I hope you
will not be angry with me, but rather impute it to my
cordial affection, if I feel some fears, lest the kindness
of your neighbours should insensibly, in some degree at
least, damp your zeal and abate your iufluence. I trust
nn fears are groundless, and my admonitions quite un-
necessary ; but let me plead the old line in my excuse ;

Res est solliciti plena timoris amor.

I see you possessed of all advantages, recommended
by family, situation, education, and address, and en-
con. passed, it seems, with people who are disposed to
receive you favourably upon these accounts. I see
you stand in a post of honour, and therefore I know
Satan eyes you, and watches subtilly for an advantage
against you. Were he to raise a storm of persecution
against you, and attack you openly, I should be in little
pain for the event. For i believe the Lord has given
you such a sense of the worth ol the Gospel, that you
would not be threatened easily into a timid silence ; and
perhaps that natural warmth et temper which you sneak

Vor. VI. 2 N

274 To the Bev. Mr. ,?****. Let. S.

of, might be of some advantage, were the assault made
on this side. This perhaps Satan knows ; he knows
how to suit temptations to tempers and circumstances ;
and if, like Achilles, you have a vulnerable heel, I ap-
prehend you more in danger of suffering loss by the
smiles than by the frowns of men. Since I have seen
some eminent ministers, whom I need not name to you,
so sadly hurt, both in their experience and in their use-
fulness, (and many more in private life,) by worldly con-
nexions, I am ready perhaps to take the alarm, and to
sound the alarm too soon. But I know that the heart
is deceitful in all, and I know that often the first steps
by which we deviate from the path of duty, diverge so
gently and imperceptibly from the right line, that we
may have actually lost our way before we are sensible
we have missed the road. After all, I hope this, my
grave remonstrance, has sprung entirely from my own
misapprehension of a few lines in your first letter, and
will stand for nothing but to show that I love you, and
that, professing myself a friend, I dare be faithful. If
you think me faulty, of course you will not write till
you have forgiven me, and therefore I hope you will
forgive me soon, or my punishment will be heavy
enough.

I hope often to think of Mrs. S****. May the Lord
preserve her safely to and through the hour of trial,
and make her a joyful mother. May you both rejoice
hereafter in being parents to a vessel of mercy. Phase
to give our respects to her. You may assure her, I
can hardly think ot any person whose idea affects me
with m.re esteem and regard than hers. We should
have been glad to have seen you both here, had your
journey taken place, and shall be so at any time. As
to myself, I have no more expectation of seeing the

Let. 3: To the RrV. 2lr. .V****. 275

Yorkshire hills than the Alps. But I know that incli-
nation is not wanting. Mrs. **** wished me to write
a good while a<io. for her mind run a little upon some
pretty flowers she expected from . \\ lien sea-
son and opportunity suit, if you can spare her any of
your Yorkshire bf auties, please to direct them to Mr.
•***, accompanied with a line, desiring him to forward
them immediately.

The Lord has transplanted some more of my flowers,
or rather his own, to flourish in a better climate ; hut
he has likewise given us a few slips and seedlings to
supply their place. The word does not flourish here
as I ought to wish it, but, through mercy, it is not
wholly without effect. We are in good harmony; or-
dinances are prized, and a Gospel conversation main-
tained by those who profess. Should you ask, how it
is with myself, I know not what answer to give. My
experience is made up of aenigraas, but the sum and
solution of all is, That I am a vile creature, but I have
a good Lord. He has chosen me ; and I, through his
rich grace, have chosen him. I trust there is an en-
gagement between him and my soul, which shall never
be broken, because he has undertaken for both parts,
that he never will forsake me, and that / never shall
forsake him. O, I like those royal, sovereign words, " I
" w ill," and " You shall !" How sweetly are they suited
to the sense and long experience he has given me of
my own weakness, and the power and subtilty ot Satan !
If my conflicts terminate in victory, it must be owing
to his own arm, and for his own name's sake ; for I in
myself have neither strength nor plea. If I were not
so poor, so sick, so foolish, the power, skill, riches,
wisdom, and mercy of my Physician, Shepherd, and Sa-
viour, would not be so signally illustrated in my own

276 To the Rev. Mr. 5****. Let. 4;

case. Upon this account, instead of complaining, we
may glory in our infirmities. O, it is pleasant to be
deeply indebted to him, to find him, and own him all
in all :

Our Husband, Shepherd, Brother, Friend,
Our Guide and Guard, our Way and End !

I beg a frequent interest in your prayers, and remain;
Dear Sir,

Your affectionate and obliged.

I

LETTER IV.

My dear Sir, July 26, 1775.

HAVE been a little impatient till I could find a lei-
sure hour to thank yon lor your very obliging answer
to my last. I ventured a good deal upon my opinion
or you, or I should not have written so freely; and I
am not disappointed. You may be assured that I
never heard a word concerning ycu but what was good ;
and I pit ad the manner of my writing as a proot that
I saw nothing in you but what tended to endear you to
me. Had I observed any thing with my own e^es
which I had disapproved, it is piobablel should have
been deterred by it, from expressing that fidelity which
you are so kind as to take in good part. AJy suspicions
did not arise Irom any tear ot you, personally consi-
dered, so much as Irom the feelings of my own heart,
and the sense 1 have of the weakness of human nature,
and the subtilty of Satan in general. Nay, upon so-

Let 4. To the Rev. Mr. 5****. 27f

cond thoughts, I believe that there was nothing in your
letter trom whence such suspicions could be fully and
warrantablv deduced. However, whether I would or
not, my thoughts took such a turn, I seemed to be
almost satisfied at first that thev were groundless; yet
I was determined to communicate them to you, for
such reasons as these — First, I was persuaded that, at
anv rate, it would do no harm to drop a word by way
of putting you upon your guard, since I knew that you,
as well as myself, were still within gun shot of the
enemy. Secondly, I really expected that you would
think favourably of my intention, and love me the
better for it. And of course I believed, thiidly, that
the proof you would give me. under your own hand, of
your humility and uprightness of spirit, in receiving my
hint as I meant it, would heighten mv regard for you,
and thus our friend-hip would be mutually strength-
ened. All has happened according to my wishes ; and
I ought to ask your pardon, when I coniess that in the
interval between my letter and yours, I sometimes felt
mv heart go a little pit-a-pat, tor fear you should be
displeased. I wronged you by entertaining the most
distant apprehension ot this kind. How sorry should I
have been to have grieved you, or to have appeared to
you in the disagreeable light of a busy-body, or a dic-
tator ! However, if I had not pretty well known
mv man, I ran a considerable risk. Indeed my pen is
apt to express the sentiments of my heart with little re-
straint, when I writ*- to those whom I cordially love
and esteem ; but surely no one has less right than my-
self to set up tor a censor. I ha\e enough to watch
over and bemoan at home ; and any cautions or ad-
vices which I occasionallv offer to my friends, would,
as coming from me, be highly impertinent and presum-

278 To the Rev. Mr. 3*****. Let 4,

ing, did not the word of God seem to bear me out in
supposing that the hearts of others are in some degree
like my own.

Much of what you say of yourself, I think I can
adopt likewise. I hope I am pretty generally consi-
dered among my acquaintance as a lover of peace, and
therefore I am amicably treated and borne with on all
sides. But I am a sort of a middle man, and conse-
quently no great stress is laid upon me where the
strengthening of a party, or the fighting for a sentiment,
is the point in view. I am an avowed Calvinist : the
points which are usually comprised in that term, seem
to me so consonant to Scripture, reason, (when enlight-
ened,) and experience, that I have not the shadow of a
doubt about them. But 1 cannot dispute, I dare not
speculate. What is by some called high Calvinism, I
dread. I feel much more union of spirit with some
Arminians, than I could with some Calvinists ; and if I
thought a person feared sin, loved the word of God,
and was seeking alter Jesus, I would not walk the
length of my study to proselyte him to the Calvinist
doctrines. Not because I think them mere opinions,
or of little importance to a believer — I think the con-
trary ; but because I believe these doctrines will do no
one any good tili he is taught them of God. I believe
» tuo hasty assent to Calvinistic principles, before a
person is duly acquainted with the plague of his own
heart, is one principal cause of that lightness of pro-
fession which so lamentably abounds in this day, a chief
reason why many professors are rash, heady, high-
minded, contentious about words, and sadly remiss as
to the means oi divine appointment. Tor this reason
I suppose, though I never preach a sermon in which
frhe tincture of Calvinism may not be easily discerned

Let. 4. To the licv. Mr. 5****. 270

by a judicious hearer, yet I very seldom insist expressly
upon those points, unless they fairly and necebsarilv lie
in my way. 1 believe most persons w ho are truly alive
to God, sooner or later meet with some pinches in their
experience which constrain them to flee to those doc-
trines for relief, which perhaps they had formerly
dreaded if not abhorred, because they knew not how
to get over some harsh consequences they thought ne-
cessarily resulting from them, or because they were
.-tumbled by the miscarriages of those who professed
them. In this way I was made a Calvinist myself; and
I am content to let the Lord take his own way, and his
own time, with others.

I remember to have seen a letter from you to Mr.
****, but I can recollect nothing in particular of the
subject : but I suppose if I had disliked it, or received
any unfavourable impressions from it, some traces of
it would have still remained in my memory. From
what I have written above, and from the beginning of
Omicron's ninth letter, (which was written in answer to
one from Mr. ****,) 1 hope you will believe that I should
be much more likely to blame his forwardness in giving
the challenge, than your prudence in declining. I trust
**** means well ; but, as you say, he is young, and I
know not but the kind reception he met with in York-
shire might send him home with a greater idea of his
own importance than he carried with him from hence.
I suppose it was just about that time, whet > 'a Spirit
was a little raised, that he wrote to you. \ ~»ung njen
often make mistakes of this kind. The Lord's blessing
upon years, exp* rience, and inward exercises, cures
them ot it by degrees, or at least in a degree ; for, alas !
the root of self lies deep, and is not easily eradicated.
We were vefv glad to hear that Mrs. S**** was

280 To the Rev. Mr. ,S*#*#. Let. 5.

likely to do well after her delivery. 1 hope, if the Lord
spares the child to you, he will be numbered anions the
children of his grace. If he call him home by a short
passage, he will escape a number of storms and troubles
incident to human life. I know not how to regret the
death of infants, especially under the dark apprehen-
sions I have of the times. How do they appear to
you ? The prevalence of sin, and the contempt of
the Gospel, in this long-favoured land, make me appre-
hensive that the present commotions are but the begin-
nings of sorrows. Since we heard ot the commence-
ment of hostilities in America, we have had a prayer-
meeting extraordinary, on a national account. It is
held on Tuesday morning, weekly, at five o'clock, and

is well attended. We are not politicians at j

but we wish to be found among those described, Ezek.
ix. 4 We pray for the restoration of peace, and a
blessing upon our public councils.

1 am your affectionate and obliged.

LETTER V.

My dear Sir, Septembers, 1776.

F I were disposed to make you wait as long for my
letter as I did for yours, you have taken an effectual
method to prevent me. I have now daily a monitor
at my elbow, saying, when will you write to Mr **** ."
If I answer, " Before very long," the reply is, "Nay,
" it must be very soon, for he docs not know whither
" to send the flowers, and it is high time he did." Thus
I am likewise precluded lium making any merit of

het. S. To the Rer. Mi\ S****. 28X

writing so speedily, notwithstanding your long silence;
for vou may br ready to think, ** I should not have
" heard from him these two months, if Mrs. **** had
" not wanted the flowers." However, to be even with
you, I shall beg the favour of a letter from you a post
or two before you send them, to prevent, (it necessary,)
by a timely inquiry, such a sorrowful disappointment as
we had last year. And I promise, in return, not to
over-rate your punctuality in writing so soon, but to
consider it as an occasional favour, which I must not
often expect ; but owing to the importance of the
flowers, and your kind readiness to oblige her. Sic-
vos non vobis. So much for a business, in which,
for want of taste, I have no great personal interest my-
self. Hut let not this discourage you ; for though a
violet or a cowslip pleases me almost as much as any
of the pompous or high-sounding words of the parterre,
]\lr ****, Mrs. ****, and Mrs. ****, are sufficiently
qualified to congratulate your skill and felicity as a
florist.

After all, I acknowledge flowers have their value :
they are very beautiful, and therefore pleasing ; they
are very transitory, and therefore instructive. All flesh
is grass, and all the glory of man as the flower ; the
flower is more conspicuous and beautiful than the grass,
but likewise more precarious and liable to fade. Mi-
nisters, some of them at least, have a beauty beyond
the grass, the bulk of their hearers. They are adorned
with gifts and advantages of knowledge and expression
which distinguish them tor a time ; but t! e flower fadeth.
How precarious are those distinctions for which some
admire them, and for which they are in danger some-
times of admiring themselves ! A fever, or a small
change in ttie animal system, may deprive them of their

Vol. VI. £ O

To the Bev. Mr. S****. Let. 5

abilities ; and while they remain, a thousand things may
happen to prevent their exercise Happy are those
wise and faithful stewards, who know and approve their
talents while afforded, who work while it is day, aware
how soon, how suddenly, a ni^ht may overtake them.
They may be hastily removed, cut down by the scythe
of death ; or, as the stalk remains after the flower is
faded, they may outlive their usefulness, and then the
poet's words may be applied to the most accomplished
instrument — r

Stat magni nominis umbra.

However, the true servants of the Lord have something
that will not decay. Grace is of an abiding nature,
and will remain when the gilts of knowledge and elocu-
tion are withered. We know not what changes we may
live to see; but the love and promises, which are the
pleasing subjects of our ministry, are unchangeable.

It gives me much pleasure that we are remembered
by^you and your friends ; for then, I hope, you pray lor
us. We are likew ise mindful of you. Though absent
in body, I am often present with you in spirit. Satur-
day evening, in particular, is a time when, if I am not
prevented, my mind travels round the land to visit the

brethren, and I seldom miss taking II in my

way

The ignorance of the common people is indeed la-
mentable ; we have affecting instances of it even here,
where there has been no sound but the Gospel heard,
from the pulpits of either church or meeting, for many
years. You ask what I. think the best method of re-
moving it. 1 know no better, no other, than to go on
praying, preaching, and waiting. When we have toiled

Let. ft To the Rcr. Mr. ,<?*#**. 2&3

all night and have taken nothing, we have still en-
couragement to cast the net again. It must, it will be
so. till the Lord opens the understanding, then light
ihines out of darkness in a moment. Should this ig-
norance be so far removed from the head, that people
can form to'erable notions of the truths we preach, there
is but little real advantage gained, unless the heart be
ehangeH by divine power. But the moment the heart
is touched, they will begin to know to purpose. A wo-
man who bad heard me for years, went home one day,
and expressed a pleasing surprise that I had entirely
changed my manner of preaching. "Till now," said
she, " I have often listened with attention, but could
""never make out any thing of his meaning; but this
'" afternoon he preached so plainly, that I understood
u every word." The Lord had opened her heart so
suddenly, and yet so gently, that at first she thought
the change was not in herself, but in me. It is well
that he is pleased so to work, that we should have no
pretence for assuming any thing to ourselves. He lets
us try and try again, to convince us that we can do no-
thing of ourselves ; and then, often when we give up the
case as desperate, he comes and does all.

Do not you feel something of 1 Sam. iv. 13. in this
dark day? I am not a politician, much less an Ame-
rican ; but I fear the Lord has a controversy with us.
I cannot but tremble at the consequences of our present
disputes, and lest the disappointment our forces met with
at Charlestown should be the prelude to some more
important miscarriage. The plans of our operations
may, for aught I know, be well laid, according to hu-
man wisdom, and our generals and admirals well quali-
fied and supported to carry them into execution ; but
I am afraid the Lord God of Host* is but little acknuw-

284, To the Ret. Mr. #****. Let. &

ledged or thought of in our councils, fleets, or armies.
I see the nation in general hardened into that spirit of
insensibility and blind security, which in all former ages
and nations has been the token and forerunner of
judgment ; and therefore I lay but little stress upon
the wisdom of the wise, or the prowess of the valiant-
I think if our sins were not ripe for visitation, the Lord
would have prevented tilings from coming to the pre-
sent extremities. I should have better hope, if 1 saw
his own people duly impressed witti the present awful
appearances; but, alas! I fear th.it too many of the
■wise virgins are slumbering, if not asleep, at sue!) a
time as this ! May the Lord pour out upon us a spirit
of humiliation and prayer, that we may pievail, if pos-
sible, for our country ; or if wrath be decreed, and there
be no remedy, we may have our hearts kept in peace,
and find him a sure sanctuary for ourselves. Two
texts seem especially suited ior our meditation, Luke
xxi. 34 — 36. Rev. iii 10.

I trust the Lord will reconcile you to his will, if he
removes your sister. He is all-sulricient to make up
every loss ; and, indeed, it is wrong to grieve much for
them who are called away from sin and sorrow to
periect and endless happiness.

I have had an excrescence growing on my thigh six-
teen years ; it is now threatening to get bigger, and tht re-
fore I expect soon to go to London to have it eradi-
cated. It is not pamtul, and the surgeon tells me the
operation will be neither difficult nor dangerous ; only I
must keep house for some weeks, till the wound be
healed.

I am sincerely yours.

Let. 6. To the Eev. Mr. «***#» 28*

LETTER VI.

My dear Sir,

J.F you think proper to furnish an article for the York
Courant, you may inform the printer, that on Saturday,
the <2i8th of Septemher last, his present majesty king
George, (may he live for ever !) the duchess of New-
castle, lady Wheeler, prince William, and several other

illustrious names, arrived at . They travelled

in disjjuise, or, as we say, incognito ; but it is thought
and huped, they will appear in iheir best robes before
they leave the place ; to which they already discover so
strong an attachment, that they are in a manner rooted
to it. You may further add, that the same atternoon
in ■ aforesaid, a comet and eclipse were both vi-
sible at the same time. I could enlarge in the mar-
vellous strain, but perhaps this is a quantum sujjicit ;
full as much at once as will gain credit in a newspaper.
Mrs. **** returns you thanks tor your present and
your care. And we both wish that what flourishes at

l\, ,f may flourish at Olney. What avails it for a

flower, or a man or woman, to bear a good name, if
degenerated from the characteristic excellences which
the name imports ? A tulip that has lost its colours, a
shrivelled, deformed, irregular carnation, w ould not long
preserve their places in your parterre ; much less could
you suffer weeds to rear their tawdry heads among your
choice flowers. — But, alas! how is the Lord's y;aiden,

9 O '

the professing church, over-run ! Almost every lily
grows among thorns or baleful plants, which convert
all the nourishment they draw irom the soil into poison.

28fr To the Rtv. Mr, fif####. Let. 6,

A time is coming when all that he hath not planted
shall be rooted up. May we, as under gardeners, be
furnished with grace, wisdom, and diligence to detect,
and, as much as possible, to check every root of bitter-
cess that would spring up, both in the plantation at
large, and in our own hearts.

I am like your flowers, getting apace into an autumfi
state. The Lord grant I may find the declension of
vigour, which I must soon expect to feel, balanced by
a ripeness in judgment and experience as you speak.
If it be so with me, it is in a great measure hidden
from me. To be sure I have had more proofs ot an
evil nature and deceitful heart than I could possibly
expect or conceive of twenty years ago ; though I then
thought I found as much of it as I could bear. I be-
lieve likewise my understanding is more enlightened
into the three great mysteries of the person, love, and
lite of J( sus. Yet I seem to groan under darkness,
coldness, and confusion, as much as ever. And I be-
lieve I must go out of the world with the same language
upon my lips which I used when I first ventured to a
throne of grace — Have m^rcy upon me, O Lord, a
poor worthless sinner. My feelings are faint ; my ser-
vices feeble and denied ; my defects, mistakes, and
emissions innumerable ; my imaginations are wild as
th' cloud* in a storm ; yea, too often toul as a common
sewer. What can I set against this mournful confes-
sion ? Only this — that Christ hath died and is risen
again ; I believe he is able to save to the uttermost,
and he hath said, " Whosoever cometh unto me, I will
" in no wise cast out." Upon his person, worth, and
promise, rests all my hope ; but this is a foundation
able to bear the treated weight.

1 am your sincerely affectionate and obliged

TWENTY ONE LETTERS

TO

Miss

##*•■#

I

LETTER I.

My dear Child, OIney, September 8, 1779.

WAS glad of your letter, for we were just thinking
of you, as it seems you were of us, that it was a long
time since we heard from you. When you want a letter
from me you must write : if I send you one for one, I
think it will be pretty well.

R#*** died about a fortnight ago, and I buried him
and three others within a week. All four were rather
young people, that is, about thirty years of age. Last
Sunday evening I preached a funeral sci mon for Richard ;
the text was Gen. xiix. .9- That short verse contained
h\> history ; and I hope it contains yours likewise. The
fiiv-t part is sure to you it you li.vq ; you will meet with
many troops, sins, tears, cares, and troubles, which will
fi_ht against you, and seem at times almobt to overcome
you ; yea, overcome you they certainly would, if you
were to li^ht them in vour own strength. If you should
not seek and love the Lord Jesus, you would be de-
stroyed by them. But I cannot bear to entertain such
a thought ; surely \ou must, \ou will love uim. You

288 To Miss ****. Let. 2.

hear a great deal of his beauty and goodness ; beli; ve
it, for it is true ; and that a great deal is but little of
what ought to be said of him. But pray him to show
himself and his own love to your heart ; then you will
love him indeed ; all the world would love him, did
they but rightly know him. Well, if you love the Lord
Jesus, you will certainly overcome at last ; and then
you shall have the crown of life, and all the happiness
which is contained in the promises made to them who
overcome, in the second and third chapter of Revela-
tions. My dear child, pray to him, and never be con-
tent or satisfied t?Il vou feel your desire and love fixed
upon him. Nothing less will content me for you. If
you should behave to me and your mamma with the
greatest tenderness, affection, and attention as you
grow up, (as I hope you will, and you yourself are sen-
sible you ought,) still I should weep over you, it I saw
you negligent and ungrateful towards the Lord. We
love you, and would do much to show it; but we could
not, we dare not, be crucified for you. This was such
love as only he could show ; judge what a return it
calls for from you. Not to love the Lord, is a dispo-
sition of the height ot wickedness and the depth of
misery.

Believe me to be yours.

LETTER II.

My dear Child, Old Jewry, October 22, i77*.

JL OU may well expect to hear from me ; but you will
hardly expect a long letter, if you remember what little

Let 2. To Miss ****. 289

leisure I have in London. Almost every day loads me
with debt, and brings me letters which I am not able
to answer ; but my dear Betsey must not be forgotten.
We have been here a fortnight and upwards ; the Lord
gave us a pleasant and safe journey. Your mamma has
been, upon the whole, comfortably well ; and as you
know we are at Dr. ****'s, I need not tell you that we
are situated as much to our minds as can be, in the
inidst of so much noise and smoke. But here I can
have no garden ; no pretty walks amongst trees and
fields; no birds but such as are prisoners in iron cages,
so that I pity them, for all their singing.

But the same sun that shines at N ■, is often

to be seen at London ; and the Lord Jesus, like the
sun, is in all places at once. Go where we will, we
are not far from him, if we have but eyes to see him;
and hearts to perceive him. My dear child, when you
look at the sun, I wish it may lead your thoughts to
him who made it, and who placed it in the firmament,
not only to give us light, but to be the brightest, noblest
emblem of himself; there is but one sun, and there
needs not another ; so there is but one Saviour ; but he is
complete and all-sufficient, the sun of righteousness, the
fountain of life and comfort ; his beams, wherever they
reach, bring healing, strength, peace, and joy to the soul.
Pray to him, my dear, to shine forth, and reveal himself
to you. O, how different is he from all that you have
ever seen with your bodily eyes ! he is the sun of the
soul, and he can make you as sensible of his presence
as you are of the sunshine at noon-day; and when
once you obtain a clear sight of him, a thousand little
things, which have hitherto engaged your attention, will
in a manner disappear.

Vol. VI. 2 P

290 To Miss **##. Let. 2*

As by the light of op'ning day,

The stars ure all conceal'd ;
So earthly beauties fade away,

When Jesus is reveal'd.

I entreat, I charge you, to ask him every clay to show
himself to you. Think of him as being always with
you ; about your path by day, about your bed by night,
nearer to you than any object you can see, though you
see him not; whether you are sitting or walking, in
company or alone. People often consider God as if
he saw them from a great distance : but this is wrong ;
for though he be in heaven, the heaven of heavens can-
not contain him ; he is as much with us as with the
angels ; in him we live, and move, and have our being ;
as we live in the air which surrounds us, and is within
us, so that it cannot be separated from us a moment.
And whatever thoughts you can obtain of God from
the Scripture, as great, holy, wise, and good, endeavour
to apply them all to Jesus Christ, who once died upon
the cross, for he is the true God, and eternal life, with
whom you have to do ; and though he be the King of
kings, and Lord of lords, and rules over all ; he is so
condescending and compassionate, that he will hear and
answer the prayer of a child. Seek him, and you shall
find him ; whatever else you seek, you may be disap-
pointed, but he is never sought in vain.

Your very affectionate,

Let. 8. To Miss ****. 291

LETTER III.

My dear Child, Charles' Square, Hoxton, April 8, 1780

1 HAVE heard of you several times since I received
your letter, which I wished to answer before. I would
be thankful that you are well, and I hope you are
happy, that is, in the common sense of the word ; for
strictly speaking, happiness is not to be found here. I
hope, however, you are cheerful, thankful, and, in some
degree, satisfied with your lot ; and, in order to this, I
would wish you to look around you, and see how many
children are sick, while you are well ; poor and desti-
tute, while you are provided, not only with the neces-
saries, but the comforts of life. How many again, are
exposed to hard and unkind treatment, whereas you are
noticed and caressed, and have kind friends abroad and
at home. Once more consider how many are brought
up in ignorance and wickedness, have nothing but evil
examples, and it is to be feared will go from bad to
worse as they grow up ; while you have the advantage
of good education and good examples, and are placed
where you can hear the precious Gospel, by which the
Lord gives faith and salvation to them that seek him.
Then ask yourself how it is, or why you are better off
than they ? And I hope there is something within you
that will tell you, whatever the reason may be, it is not
because you are better in yourself, or deserve better
things than others. Your heart is no better; you like-
wise are a sinner : you were born with a sinful dispo-
sition, and though you are a child, you have sinned
against the Lord ; so that had he been strict to mark

395 To Mis$ ****. Let. 3.

what is amiss, he might justly have cut you off long
ago. The reason why you are so favoured, must be
the Lord's mercy and goodness. He pitied you when
you did not know how to pity yourself; and in his pro-
vidence he removed you from a place where you would
probably have remained ignorant of Him, and he
placed you under our care, and made you dear to us,
that we might feel a pleasure in doing every thing in
our power to promote your welfare. And I hope that
you and we shall have reason to thank him that you
came to us. The days are growing long, the summer
is coming, and among the many pleasant days of sum-
mer, there is one which I hope will bring you home. I
believe you will be glad to come, and we shall be glad
to see you : I hope you will like the house. There are
green trees in front, and a green field backwards, with
cows feeding in it ; so that it has some little resemblance
of the country.

Your mamma desired Miss **** to send you a cake,
which I hope you received ; and if you did, I suppose
it is all gone by this time : for they say, you cannot eat
your cake and have it. It is a true saying, and full of
meaning. Look at all that appears good and pleasant
in this world ; could you call it all your own, it would
last but a little while, and when you go into another
world, the remembrance of what you had in this, will
be but like remembering you once had a cake, but it is
gone, quite eaten up. But it is not so, my dear child,
with respect to that feast which Jesus prepares for poor
sinners. The pleasures which he gives are repeated
from time to time, and are pleasing even when we re-
flect on them. And in the other world, when earthly
pleasures will be quite ended, they that love him shall
have pleasure without interruption and without end.

Let. *j To Miss ****. 295

rivers of pleasure at his right hand for evermore. The
Lord bless you, and keep you. It is one of my plea-
sures while here to think of you, to feel for you, and to
write to you as

Your affectionate.

LETTER IV.

My dear Child, August 3,1730.

JL OU may be sure your mamma and I were very glad
to hear that the Lord preserved you from harm, and

that you were safe and well at N- . I wish you

to have a deep impression on your mind, that your
safety, whether abroad or at home, or the continuance
of your health from one hour to another, is not a matter
of course, but the effect of the care and goodness of
Him who knows we are helpless as sheep, and conde-
scends to act the part of a shepherd towards us. May
you learn to acknowledge him in all your ways, to pray
to him for his blessing, and to praise him daily for his
mercies ; and then you will do well. This is the great
privilege which distinguishes us from the beasts of the
field ; they likewise owe their preservation to his pro-
vidence : but then they are not capable of knowing him
or thanking him. There are many young people who
are contented to live without God in the world ; but this
is not only their sin, but their shame likewise. They
thereby renounce the chief honour they are capable of,
and degrade themselves to a level with the beasts. But
let it not be so with you. Pray to the Lord to teach
you to love him, and when you think of him, fix your

294 To Miss #*##. Let. 4.

thoughts upon Jesus Christ; upon him who conversed
on earth as a man. The great God has manifested him-
self in a way suited to us, as weak creatures and poor
sinners. God is every where present, but only those
who look to him in Christ can attain to love, trust, or
serve him aright. When you read our Saviour's dis-
courses, recorded by the evangelists, attend as if you
saw him with your own eyes standing before you ; and
when you try to pray, assure yourself before you begin,
that he is actually in the room with you, and that his
ear is open to every word you say. This will make you
serious, and it will likewise encourage you, when you
consider that you are not speaking into the air, or to
one who is a great way off; but to One who is very near
you, to your best friend, who is both able and willing to
give you every thing that is good for you.

Though you have not been gone from us a fortnight,
we seem to long to see you again. August is come al-
ready ; and December, which we hope will bring you
here again, will be here before long. I shall be glad if
you make the most of your time, and return so much
improved, that we may be able to keep you at home ;
for it is no pleasure to us to have you at such a distance
from us. But there is no suitable day-school in this
neighbourhood, and if you must be at boarding-school,

I believe you must be at N • ; for, after you have

been so long there, we should not be willing to take you
from Mrs. ****?s school to put you to another ; it
would seem a slight to her ; though our motive would
be only to have you nearer to us, people would think
we had other reasons.

My advice to you will be chiefly with respect to your
religious concerns and your moral conduct, liut there
are other things belonging to your mamma's provit

Let. 5. To Miss *#**. 295

She wishes, as you grow up, you may not appear to a
disadvantage when compared with other young women;
and, indeed, if you should be every thing; she wishes
you to be, you will do honour to the school you come
from.

I think you are in general willing to oblige her, and
I am persuaded a little care and resolution on your
part, would soon make it easy and familiar to you to
follow the example she sets you, as well as the advice
she gives you. I hope therefore, for her sake, for
mine, for the sake of your governess, and especially for
your own sake, you will endeavour to be notable. It
was a grief to me that my time was so unavoidably
taken up, that I could spare but little to converse with
you ; but we agreed, you know, to make it up by letters.
It is now your turn to write, and I shall be glad of a
long letter from you soon, in which I wish you to open
your mind, to tell me what you think, feel, hope, fear,
or desire, with the same freedom as if you were writing
to one of your school-fellows.

The Lord bless you, my dear child, and give you to
increase in wisdom and grace, as you increase in years.
Always think of me as

Your very affectionate father.

LETTER V.

My deal- Child, November 1, 17S0.

CONGRATULATE you that you are now within
a month of December, when von will besnn to count the

296 To Miss ****. Let. S.

days, and to see the vacation peeping over the head of
a short interval. I may congratulate your mamma, and
myself likewise, (provided you come to us improved as
we wish you,) for we long to see you, and have done so
every day since you left us.

Your mamma is often indisposed, but seldom very
ill, at least not long together ; but both she and I have
many feelings with which we were not acquainted when
we were young like you. The advantages of youth and
health are seldom rightly known at the right time. It
is indeed a mercy if, when we are growing old, we have
some proper sense of the folly and vanity we indulged
in early life, and can be ashamed as we ought, to think
how many opportunities we neglected ; how many
talents we misimproved. Yet repentance cannot recall
the day that is past. It is my frequent prayer that you
may be wiser than I was at your time of life ; that you
may have grace to remember your Creator and Re-
deemer while you are yet young. Depend upon it, my
dear, whenever you really know the Lord, you will be
sorry you did not know him sooner ; whenever you ex-
perience that pleasure which is only to be found in
loving and serving him, you will wish you had loved and
served him, (if possible,) from your very cradle.

I have no news to tell you ; but one thing I can as-
sure you, which though you have often heard, I hope the
repetition will be always pleasing to you, I mean, that
I am your very affectionate friend, and feel for you as
if I was really and truly your father.

let. S. To Miss ****> £97

LETTER VI.

My dear Child, January 10, 1781.

TELL many of my friends abroad, that my time is
so much taken up, they must not expect me to write to
them ; and yet 1 have offered to begin a new corre-
spondence with you, though you are in the same house
with me. I would have you take notice, and I believe
you will, of this, amon^ many other circumstances by
which, as occasions offer, I take a pleasure in showing
you that 1 dearly love you, and long to contribute every
thing in my power to your improvement and to your
satisfaction ; and I persuade myself the hope I form of
a suitable return of love and attention from you, will
»ot be disappointed. The Lord, in his good provi-
dence, gave you to me, as a gift, and committed you to
me as a trust ; at the same time, he gave me a great
love for you : and whatever we do for those we love,
we do with pleasure.

I thank you for your letter of yesterday. It en-
courages me to hope that the gracious Saviour is knock-
ing at the door of your heart. I doubt not but you
write what you think and feel, yet there is more mean-
ing in your expressions, than either you or I can fully
comprehend. You are, as you say, a sinner ; a young
sinner, and yet a great sinner. It is not your case alone,
we are all born in sin ; but to be sensible that you are
a sinner, is a mercy afforded but to few children at
your age. May the Lord keep the persuasion alive in
your heart. But the word sinner includes so much, that
a whole long life will hardly suffice to give you a full

Vol VI. a Q

298 To Miss ****. Let. 6.

sense of it. Thus much I hope you know already, that
a sinner needs a Saviour ; and that Jesus is the Saviour
of all sinners that seek him. I commend you to him ;
if he has taught you a little, he will teach you more.
Put yourself simply into his hands, and wait patiently
his time ; he works powerfully, but for the most part
gently and gradually. You know the sun does not
break out upon us all at once in the dark night; there
is first a glimmering dawn in the sky, which gives us
notice that he is coming, and prepares us for his ap-
pearance. By degrees that faint light grows brighter;
we see clearer and further ; it becomes broad day, and
after that the sun rises.

Your part is to oray to him, to hear his word, and to
listen with attention when you hear it preached. I
trust you will find your light increase, and your diffi-
culties abate : I wish you to be as cheerful and easy as
possible. Cheerfulness is no sin, nor is there any grace
in a solemn cast of countenance. On the other hand,
I would not have you light or giddy with levity ; it will
hurt your own spirit, and hinder you from the pursuit
of what in your serious moments you most desire. I
know your natural spirits are changeable ; sometimes
they are highly volatile : I would have you correct
them by thinking you are a sinner Sometimes you are
grave enough ; but if you feel uneasy, then try to think
what a Saviour you read of. Be sure you do not indulge
a hard thought of him, as though he were severe, and
stern, and ready to take advantage of you. Form your
ideas of him from the accounts the evangelists give you,
that he was meek and lowly when upon earth, full of
compassion and gentleness, ready to pity, to heal, to
help, and to teach all who come to him ; and they will
tell you that he had in particular a great love for chil-

Let. 6. To Miss ***#, 299

dren. He tells you so himself. You read how he took
them in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed
them. When you think of this, shake off gloomy
thoughts, speak to him in your heart, and say, Lord
bless me too.

One of the best methods of keeping free from uneasy,
troublesome thoughts, at least of lessening them, is to
be always employed ; strive and pray against indo-
lence, look upon it as a hurtful, yea, a sinful thing.
Read in English and French, write and work. Your
mamma and I will be both willing you should diversify
these employments as may be most agreeable to your
own iclination ; but we wish not to see you idle. Now
is the time of life for you to acquire useful knowledge,
that you may make yourself agreeable, and that you
may be useful and qualified to fill up that station in the
world which the Lord may allot you. I will gladly
assist you as much as I can, in what falls under my
department; but you know I have but little time. God
has given you a good capacity, and therefore the less
assistance will be necessary, if you are not wanting to
yourself. You may depend on our doing what we can
to make you happy. If we seem to cross your wishes
sometimes, or not to comply with your desire, you may
be sure we have some reason for it. You snail go out
with us, as often as we think it will be proper and right ;
and we shall not leave you at home for our own plea-
sure, but because it would not be good for you to be
too much abroad. We expect and hope you will be ruled
by a hint or a word ; and then you will find us studious
in contriving how to make every thing as agreeable as
possible to you. Because you desired a letter soon, I
have written thus much; although I had other things to

30& To Miss ##**. Let. 7.

do. and it is preaching morning. T shall hope tor a
letter from you very much. The Lord blest you.
I am, my dear child,

Your affectionate father.

LETTER VII.

My dear Child, October 17, 1781.

I SEND you the first letter; in future you must not
expect me to write but in answer to yours. We wish
to hear soon that you are well, and that you like your
situation. I do not w ish you to like any place so well
as home : upon one account you ought not ; for it is
impossible any persons should ever love you so well as
your mamma and I do ; and therefore you are bound
to love us dearly, and that will make you love home ;
and the more you love home, the more diligent you v\ ill
be in the improvement of your time at school. For
your return to us must in a great measure depend upon
yourself; it is no pleasure to us to send you abroad.
I thought for a day or two the house looked awkward
without you, and I miss you a little every day still ;
but we are forced to part with you for your own good.
I cannot bear the thoughts of your growing up like a
tall weed ; I want you to appear like a pretty flower;
and it is observable that the best of flowers in a garden
-would in time degenerate into tawdry weeds if they were
not cultivated ; such is the importance of education to
children. The Lord has been good to you ; he has
given you good understanding and natural abilities —

Let. 7. To Miss ****. 894.

and much that is engaging in your disposition. It would
be a great pity that, with all these advantages, yow
should proveonlva weed. To prevent it, I was obliged

to transplant you from London to H , where I

hope you will thrive and flourish, increasing in wisdom
and favour as vou increase in stature.

I have written you many letters in a religious strain,
which I hope you have preserved, and will now ni>d
then read them over, the more willing perhaps because
your papa wrote them. I would not overdo you upon
this subject; though the truth is, this is my chief desire
for you, that you may know the Lord and love him ; if
not, though you were accomplished and admired beyond
anv of your age, and though you could live in all the
splendour of a queen, I should weep over you ; I should
lament your birth, and the day when you first came
under my care. But I know that I cannot make you
truly religious, nor can you make yourself so. It is the
Lord's work, and I am daily praying him to bless you
indeed. But he has a time ; till then, I hope vou will
wait upon him according to your light, in the use of his
appointed means, that you will make conscience of pray-
ing to him, and reading his word, and hearing when
you have opportunity. I hope he will enable you to
behave obediently and affectionately to your governess,
and in an obliging manner to all around you, so as to
gain their love and esteem. I hope you will likewise
carefully abstain from whatever you know to be wrong.
Thus far I may hope you can go at present ; but I do
not wish you to affect more of religion in your appear-
ance, than you are really conscious of. There is some
danger of this in a family where a religious profession is
befriended. Young people are apt to imitate those
about them, and sometimes, (which is abominable,) to

102 To Miss *###. Let. 8,

put on a show of religion in order to please, though
their hearts have no concern in it. I have a good hope
that the Lord will teach you, and guide you, and that
the many prayers and praises I have offered on your
behalf will not be lost.

When I began my letter, I did not mean to write
half so gravely, I rather thought to find something to
divert you ; but you are very near my heart; and this
makes me serious. I long to come and see you, but
it cannot be yet, nor can I say when : but I shall bounce
in upon you some day when perhaps you are not think-
ing of me.

I am, my dear,

Your very affectionate.

W,

LETTER VIII.

My dear Child, November 10, 1781.

H EN your mamma and I come to see you, it must
be on a Monday, for more reasons than one ; which it
is not necessary for you to know : and as there is
but one Monday in a week, something or other may
prevent oftener than I wish. However, I promise to
think of you when I cannot see you, and sometimes we
talk of you. " Christmas will soon be here ; then we
* shall have her at home, and then who knows but she
tl will be so improved, and behave so nicely, that we
" shall be sorry to part with her again." When we
talk thus, I hope you will make good what we say.

Lately, for about a week, I was attacked by a com-
pany of pains. Some seized my face and teeth, some

Let. 9, To Miss ****. SOS

took possession of my back, and some got into my sides;
but they are all gone now, and they did me no harm.
You know little about pains and cares yet. You are
how at the time of life when you are especially called
upon to remember your Creator and Redeemer, and
have the greatest advantages for doing it. But, if your
life is spared, to you likewise the days will come when
you will say, '.' I have no pleasure in them." But I
hope long before they come, you will have some expe-
rience of pleasures which do not at all depend upon
youth or health, or any thing that this world can either
give or take away. Seek the Lord, and you shall live ;
and you have not far to seek for him : he is very near
you ; he is all around you ; about your bed by night,
and your path by day. He sees, he notices all you say
and do. But I do not wish you to conceive of him so
as to make the thought of him uneasy to you. Think
of him according to the account the evangelists give
of him when he was upon earth ; how gracious, com-
passionate, and kind he was. If he were upon earth,
now, would you not wish that I should lead you to him,
that he might lay his hands upon you and bless you,
as he did the children which were brought to him ? If
he were here, and I could go with you and say, " Lord
" bless my child likewise !" I am sure he would not
frown at you, and say, " Take her away, I will have
" nothing to do with her !" No, my dear child, he has
promised, them that come to him he will in no wise cast
out. Go to him yourself ; though you cannot see him,
it is sufficient that he sees and hears vou. Tell him,
that you hear and believe he is a Saviour to many, and
beg him to be your Saviour too. Tell him it was not
your own choice, but his providence, that removed you
from C , and put you under my care, which gave

30£ To Miss **#*. Let. 9..

you an opportunity of knowing more of his goodness,
than you would otherwise have done ; and beg of him
to give you his grace, that the advantages you have had
may not aggravate your sins, but lead you to his salva-
tion ; and do not let a day pass without thinking on bis
sufferings in Gethsemane and on Mount Golgotha.
Surely his love to poor sinners, in bleeding and dying
for them, will constrain you to love him again ; and if
once you love him, then every thing will be easy, and
you will account it your greatest pleasure to please
him.

I thank you for your letter. I conceive a hope from
it, that you will improve in your writing. I wish you
not only to write a ijood hand, but a good letter ; and
the whole art is to write with freedom and ease When
you take your pen in hand, pop things dow n just as thej
come to your mind ; just as you would speak of them
without study. Tell me something about the fowls in
the yard, or the trees in the garden, or what vou please ;
only write freely. The Lord bless you, I love you
dearly, and wish you to believe me to be

Your affectionate.

LETTER IX.

My dear Child,

I?! RS. **** died on the Fast- day, and was buried yes-
terday. I had often visited her during her illness, and
was at her funeral. She was well a iew months ago,
but a consumption soon brought her down to the grave.
But, though she was young, she was not sorry to leave

Let. 9. To Miss ##**. 305

such a poor world as this. I always found her happy
and cheerful, though her illness was very painful. She
suffered much by cold sweats ; but she said, a few days
before her death, that it would be worth lying a thou-
sand years in a cold sweat, for one hour's such happi-
ness as she then felt. " O !" she said, " if this be
'■* dying, what a pleasant thing dying is." I think my
dear child has told me, that you are often terrified at
the thoughts of death : now if you seek the Lord, as
Mrs. **** did, while you are young, then whenever you
come to die, you will find that death has nothing terri-
ble in it to them that love the Lord Jesus Christ. He
has disarmed death, and taken away its sting ; and he
has promised to meet his people and receive them to
himself, when they are about to leave this world, and
every thing they loved in it, behind them. You have
the same advantages that Mrs. **** had; like her you
are placed under the care of those who wish well to
your soul ; the Scriptures, which made her wise to sal-
vation, are put into your hand likewise, and you also
have the opportunity of hearing the Gospel. She was
exhorted and encouraged from a child to pray to the
Lord for his grace ; and so are you. I hope you will
do as she did ; and the Lord, who was gracious to her,
will be gracious to you ; for he has promised that none
who seek him, shall seek him in vain. Your conscience
tells you that you are a sinner, and that makes you
afraid ; but when the Lord gives you faith, you will see
and understand, that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses
from all sin, then you will love him ; and when you
love him, you will find it easy and pleasant to serve
him ; and then you will long to see him who died for
you : and as it is impossible to see him in this world,
you will be glad that you are not to stay here always ;
Vol. VI. «2 R

506 To Miss ****. Let. 9.

you will be willing to die, that you may be with him
where he is. In the mean time, I hope you will pray
to him, and wait for his time to reveal himself to you ;
endeavouring to avoid whatever you know to be wrong
and displeasing to him : and sometimes, I hope, you
will feel your heart soft and tender, and serious thoughts
and desires rising in your mind ; when you do, then
think, " Now is the Lord calling me !" and say as
Samuel did, " Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth."
He does not call with an audible voice, but he speaks
to the heart in a way not to be described by words.
When we are grieved and ashamed for our sins ; when
we are affected with what we read and hear of him, of
his love, his sufferings, and his death ; when we see and
feel that nothing but his favour can make us happy ;
then we may be sure the Lord is near.

I believe you have too much sense and honesty to
make a profession of religion, further than your heart is
really engaged, in order to please your fellow-crea-
tures. But, on the other hand, I would not have you
backward to open your mind to me on religious sub-
jects. 1 know you are not without convictions, and
though all convictions are not right, yet true religion
always begins with convictions. We must know we
are sick, before we can prize a physician. If I live to
see you a partaker of the grace of God, one of the chief
desires of my heart will be gratified ; this would please
me more than to have your weight in gold, and there-
fore you may be sure I often pray for you.

I am your affectionate.

Lee. 10. To Miss ***#. 30r

D

LETTER X.

My dear Child, August 1, 1782.

O not think we forget you ; our love would reach
you were you a hundred times further from us than
Highgate is ; but we are very much taken up. Mon-
day your mamma was ill in bed all day ; she is pretty
well now, but P**** is very bad indeed — worse I be-
lieve than ever you saw her, and we can hardly attend
to any thing but her. Then again poor Mr. B**** was
hurt by a mad ox, about ten days since ; his life has
been in great danger, but we now hope he will recover.
I visit him every day, and that takes up a good deal of
my time.

I would be thankful that the Lord preserves you in
health and safety. I hope you are thankful too. When
you see any body sick, or hurt, or lame, I would have
you think it is of the Lord's goodness their case is not
yours. Sin has filled the world with sorrow; all the cala-
mities you read or hear of, or see with your eyes, are the
fruits of sin ; and as you are a sinner, you might suffer
what others do, and it is only the Lord's mercy that pre-
serves you, and provides you good things which many
others have not. You know many children are brought
up in poverty, meet with ill treatment, have no parents or
kind friends to take care of them. But though the Lord
removed your parents before you were old enough to
miss them, he took care to provide you a place with us ;
he inclined us not only to receive you, but to love you ;
and now your wants are all supplied : and besides this,
you have been, and are instructed and prayed for every

308 To Miss ****. Let. 11.

day. You have great reason to be thankful indeed, and
I hope you will pray to the Lord to give you a thankful
heart ; for you cannot have it except he gives it you.
That hymn in Dr. Watts' little book —

Whene'er I take my walks abroad, &c.

though it is written principally for children, will deserve
your notice when you grow up and become a woman;
I hope you will say from your heart —

Not more than others I deserve,
Yet God has given me more.

Oh, it is a great blessing to be sensible we deserve no-
thing from God but misery, and that all the good we
receive is mercy, and then to know that all this mercy
we owe to the Lord Jesus, who died for us that we
might live and be happy.

There's ne'er a gift his hand bestows,
But cost his heart a groan.

When you understand this, you will love him, and then
you will be happy indeed ; then it will be your pleasure
to please him, and then putting your trust in him, you
will be preserved from anxiety and evil.

Your affectionate.

LETTER XI.

My dear Child, August 10, 1783.

" ▼ AN ITY of vanities !"saith the preacher. — "How
" vain are all things here below !" saith Dr. Watts ; —

Let. 11. To Miss #**#. 309

and you and I, and your mamma, may say so likewise ;
for we all counted upon meeting last Sunday : we list-
ened at the door, and peeped out of the window, but
no Betsey came. When we heard by Miss **#.# that
you were well, we were satisfied. Now we will ven-
ture to expect you next Sunday. Indeed, it is not
amiss that you should now and then meet with a balk,
that you may learn, if possible, not to count too much
on what to-morrow may do for you ; and that you may
begin to feel the impossibility of being happy any fur-
ther than your will is brought into submission to the
will of God. In order to this, you must have your
own will frequently crossed ; and things do and will
turn out, almost daily in one way or other, contrary to
our wishes and expectations. Then some people fret
and fume, are angry and impatient ; but others who
are in the Lord's school, and desirous of being taught
by him, get good by these things, and sometimes find
more pleasure in yielding to his appointment, though
contrary to their own wills, than they would have done
if all had happened just to their wish.

I wish my dear child to think much of the Lord's
governing providence. It extends to the minutest con-
cerns. He rules and manages all things ; but in so
secret a way, that most people think he does nothing,
when, in reality, he does all. He appointed the time
of your coming into the world ; and the day and hour
of your coming from Highgate to us, depends upon him
likewise : nor can you come in safety one step of the
road without his protection and care over you. It may
now seem a small matter to you and to me, whether
you came home last Sunday, or are to come home next
Sunday ; but we know not what different consequences
may depend upon the day : we know not what hidden

510 To Miss ***#. Let. 12.

danger you might escape by staying at Highgate last
Sunday. The Lord knows all things ; he foresees every
possible consequence, and often what we call disap-
pointments, are mercies from him to save us from
harm.

If I could teach you a lesson which as yet I have
but poorly learned myself, I would put you in a way
that you should never be disappointed. This would be
the case if you could always form a right judgment of
this world, and all things in it. If you go to a black-
berry bush to look for grapes, you must be disappoint-
ed ; but then you must thank yourself, for you are
big enough to know that grapes never grow upon bram-
bles. So if you expect much pleasure here, you will
not find it ; but you ought not to say you are disap-
pointed, because the scripture warned you beforehand
to look for crosses, trials, and balks every day. If
you expect such things, you will not be disappointed
when they happen.

I am your very affectionate.

LETTER XII.

My tUur Child, October 15, 1782.

T is rather to your disadvantage that I have lately
corrected a mistake I had made. I thought you were
but twelve years old last birth-day; but I read in a
blank leaf of the great Bible, that my child was born
June 22, 1769 ; consequently you are now in your
fourteenth year. Therefore, to keep pace with my ideas
and wishes, you ought to be a whole year more ad-

Let. 12. To Miss ****. 311

vanced in improvements of every kind than you are, a
whole year wiser. Some things which I might think
very tolerable in my child, supposing she was but twelve
years old, will seem but rather so so, when I know she
is thirteen ; and some things of another sort will be
quite unsuitable at the age of thirteen, which might be
more excusable if you were but twelve. You see, my
dear child, you must stir your stumps, and use double
diligence to fetch up this year, which we have somehow
lost out of the account. You have a year less for im-
provement, and are a year nearer to the time in which
you will begin to appear like a young woman, than I
expected. I know not but I should have been pleased
to find that I had made a mistake on the other side,
and that you were a year younger than I had supposed
you. As it is, I shall hope the best ; I do not complain
of you. As I love you dearly, so I have much comfort in
you : and I trust you will pray to the Lord for yourself,
as I do for you, that he may give you his grace, and
wisdom, and blessing ; then I know you will do well.
But sometimes when I consider what a world you are
growing up into, and what snares and dangers young
people are exposed to with little experience to help
them, I have some painful feelings for you. The other
day I was at Deptford, and saw a ship launched : she
slipped easily into the water : the people on board
shouted ; the ship looked clean and gay, she was fresh
painted, and her colours flying. But I looked at her
with a sort of pity : — " Poor ship," I thought, " you
" are now in port and in safety ; but ere long you must
<c go to sea. Who can tell what storms you may meet
" with hereafter, and to what hazards you may be ex-
" posed ; how weather-beaten you may be before you
"' return to port again, or whether you may return at

31* To Miss ****. Let. 12.

" all !" Then my thoughts turned from the ship to my
child. It seemed an emblem of your present state :
you are now, as it were, in a safe harbour ; but by and
by you must launch out into the world, which may well
be compared to a tempestuous sea. I could even now
almost weep at the resemblance ; but I take courage ;
my hopes are greater than my fears. I know there is
an infallible Pilot, who has the winds and the waves at
his command. There is hardly a day passes in which
I do not entreat him to take charge of you. Under his
care I know you will be safe ; he can guide you unhurE
amidst the storms, and rocks, and dangers, by which
you might otherwise suffer, and bring you at last to the
haven of eternal rest. I hope you will seek him while
you are young, and I am sure he will be the friend of
them that seek him sincerely ; then you will be happy,
and I shall rejoice. Nothing will satisfy me but this .*
though I should live to see you settled to the greatest
advantage in temporal matters, except you love him, and
live in his fear and favour, you would appear to me
quite miserable. I think it would go near to break my
heart; for, next to your dear mamma, there is nothing
so clear to me in this world as you. But the Lord gave
you to me, and I have given you to him again, many
and many a time upon my knees, and therefore I hope
vou must, and will, and shall, be his.

I hardly know any accomplishment I more wish you
to attain, than a talent of writing free and easy letters :
and I am ready to think, if you could freely open your
mind to me, you might inform me of something I should
be glad to know, or you might propose to me some things
which now and then trouble vour thoughts, and thereby
give me an opportunity of attempting to relieve, en-
courage, or direct you. For these reasons I have >%i

Let. 13. To Miss ****. <313

quested of your governess to permit you now and then
to seal up your letters to me or your mamma without
showing them to her. I have asked this liberty for you,
only when you write to us ; nor even then always, but
at such times as you find yourself disposed to write
more freely than you could do if your letters were to
be seen before you send them. I have likewise told
her, that I would desire you to be as careful in writing
as if she was to see your letters, and not send us pot-
hooks and hangers, as they say, because you know she
will not inspect your writing. Under these restrictions,
she has promised to oblige me ; and I take it as a fa-
vour ; for I am well aware that, in general, it is by no
means proper that young people at school should write
letters from thence without the knowledge of their go-
verness. But yours has so good an opinion of you and
of me, that she is willing to trust us, and I hope we.
shall neither of us make an improper use of her
indulgence.

I am, with great tenderness,

My dear child,
Your very affectionate father,

LETTER XIII.

My dear Child, January 27, 1783,

ANT of leisure, and not want of inclination, pre-
vented my writing before you left home ; and I now take
the first opportunity that has offered since you went
from us. Ill had no more correspondents than you
have, you would hear from me very often ; nor can I
expect to hear from you so often as I wish, because I
Vol. VI. 2 S

314 To Miss ****, Let. 13.

consider you likewise have jour engagements ; and
though, perhaps, I am not willing to allow that vour
business is so important as some of mine, it must, and
ought for the present to take up a good deal of your
time. You have not only reading, and writing, and
arithmetic to mind, but you work sprigs, and flowers,
and maps, and cut bits of paper to pieces, and learn a,
strange language, so that you are very busy to be sure;
for idleness and sauntering are very great eviis, and
doors by which a thousand temptations and mischiefs
may enter. Your mamma and I are well pleased with
you, on the whole ; your affection is not lost upon us ;
we think we can perceive an improvement in you, and
we believe the things in which you yet fail, proceed
rather from inattention than from the want of a desire
to please ; and we have a good hope that, as you grow
older, you will outgrow that heedlessness which you
sometimes discover. You are not yet a woman, but
neither are you a child ; you are almost fourteen, and
at that age a certain degree of thought and forecast
may be hoped for, which it would have been unreason-
able to expect from you some few years ago. It has
pleased God to give you a capacity for improvement ;
and, as you see we are so situated, that neither your
mamma nor I can bestow that time and attention upon
you, when you are at home, which we would wish, I
hope you will make the best use you possibly can of
the opportunities you have at school. It is no pleasure
to us that you should live so much from us, for we love
you dearly, and love your company ; but it is what we
submit to for your advantage.

You desired me to send }ou news, when I should
write; but I have little to tell you. rl he public news
you will hear, I suppose, from twenty people ; it is very

let. 13. To Miss #*#*. 315

i npoftant. The Lord is about to give U3 the blessing
of peace. Neither you nor I can tell the value of this
blessing, because we have not known the want of it. It
is true, we have heard much talk of war, and we have
heard of the calamities which war has occasioned ; but
we have heard of them as things which have happened
at a distance : had we lived in America, we should pro-
bably have seen and felt them. We should have seen
towns, villages, and houses in flames; have heard the
groans of widows and orphans around us ; have had
every thing we call our own torn from us, and perhaps
have been glad to hide ourselves in the woods, to save
ourselves. Such has been the lot of thousands in the
course of the war. If you remember the hurry, con-
fusion, and terror which prevailed at the time of the
riots, it may give you some apprehension of the case of
those who live in a country which is the seat of war.
Our apprehensions were over in a few days; but they
live iu such alarms, or greater, from the beginning to
the end of the year. I hope, therefore, you will be
thankful to God, it he is pleased to sheath the sword of
war, and to put a stop to the devastations and the slaugh-
ters which have so long prevailed. Though you your-
self have not been a sufferer, I wish you to cultivate a
feeling and benevolent spirit, a disposition to compas-
sionate, it you cannot relieve, the distresses of others.
This, next to the grace of God, is the brightest orna-
ment of human nature ; or rather, when genuine, it is
«ne of the best effects and proofs of grace. It was the
mind of Jesus the Saviour ; they who love him, will in,
a degree resemble him, and they only. A hard-hearted,
unfeeling, selfish Christian, is a contradiction.

When you think what multitudes of mankind are suf-
fering by war, famine, 6ickness, storms, earthquakes,

M6 To J®8S ***4K Let. li.

and other calamities, let it lead your thoughts to the
evil of sin, which brought all other evils into the world.
But what is sin ? I endeavoured to tell you last Sun-
day, from Jer ii 11. Sin is presuming to do our own
will in opposition to the will of God, who is our Crea-
tor, Lawgiver, and Benefactor. By sin we affect inde-
pendence of our Creator affront the authority of our
righteous Lawgiver, and are guilty of base and horrid
ingratitude against our greatest and kindest Benefactor.
If you could form a little creature and make it live, if
it hated vou and opposed vou, slighted your kindness,
and took a pleasure in displeasing you, would you not
soon be weary of it, and, instead of feeding and taking
care of it. be provoked to tread it under your feet?
But, O the patience of God ! though he could destroy
rebellious men much more easily than you can kill a
spider or a beetle, yet he waits to be gracious, and hag
so loved them as to send his own Son to die that they
may live. Sin has not only filled the world with wo,
but it was the cause of all the wo that Jesus endured.
He* groaned, and wept, and sweat blood, and died upon
the cross, only because we had sinned. May I live to
see you duly affected with the evil of sin, and the love
of Jesus ; and what more can I ask for you ?
I am, my. dear child,

Your most affectionate father.

LETTER XIV.

My dear Child, March 8, 1 7S3.

T would please me if I could either visit you or write
to you, or both, every week. But it cannot be ; I am

Let. 14. To Miss ****. Sl>

behind-hand with every body. Yet I think I send you
six letters tor one. You stare at that ; but it you please
to count the lines in one of your epistles, and the letters
in every line, and then compare it with one of mine,
you will find that you receive many more words and
letters than you return.

You sometimes intimate that you are afraid of death;
and I wonder not at it. For you are a sinner, but I
hope to see you a believer, and then you will not
greatly fear it, while it is at a distance ; and whenever it
comes very near, you will not fear it at all. Mr. ****
is gone, and so is Mr. ****, and neither of them was
more afraid of death than you would be afraid of a
coach that should stop at the gate to take you home to
us. Jesus died to make death safe and comfortable to
us. Balaam was not a good man, but he spoke well
when he said, " Let me die the death of the righteous. '
Make that prayer for yourself; it is a good one, though
short. Entreat the Lord to number you amongst the
righteous, that you may live their life ; then your death
will be like theirs. The Scripture in many places speaks
of the righteous and the wicked, as two characters
which divide and comprehend all mankind ; and yet it
tells us that there is none righteous, no, not one — that
is, there are none righteous by nature : sinners are
made righteous by the grace of God. The grace of
God teaches them to understand what they read of a
Saviour, and of their own need of a Saviour. When
they put their trust in him, their sins are forgiven them
for his sake ; and when they rightly consider his love
to them, his dying for their sakes, they learn to love
him, and they who love him, must and will hate what
is evil ; they learn to resemble him, and study to please
kim ; and thus they are not only accepted as righteous

81 S WbMi§» *****. Let. 1*,

in the Beloved, but they are really made so ; the love
of righteousness is implanted in their hearts ; thev be-
lieve what the Lord says, they heartily strive to obey
his commands, to avoid what he forbids ; they place
their happiness in his favour, and in doing bis will.
They cannot but speak of their Saviour, and what he
has done for them ; they love to hear others speak of
them, and they love to hear those ministers who preach,
and concerning him ; but their religion does not all
consist in talking and hearing; they are upright, gentle,
and loving, they imitate Him who went about doing
good. The evil tempers of self-will, impatience, pride,
envy, anger, and malice, are put away ; they cannot
allow themselves in such things; if they feel the rising
of such things in their hearts, they are grieved and
ashamed, and are glad to fly to the throne of grace tor
mercy and help against them. On the other hand,
they no longer seek pleasure in the vanities and follies
of the world ; they have better things to mind. These
trifles they lay aside ; as we forsake, when we grow
up, the play-things which pleased us while we were
children.

But you must not expect all this at once. Look at
a great tree ; an oak, for instance. How tall it is ! how
wide its branches spread! and if you were to dig, you
would find it has deep and uide-spreading roots in pro-
portion ! Yet this great tree sprang from a little acorn ;
but not like a mushroom, in a single night : it has been
years in growing, and had you watched it every day,
you would hardly have perceived that it grew at all.
May I not hope that there is at least a little seed of a
gracious desire already put in your heart? If so, may
the Lord, who alone could plant it, water it with his
blessing, and cause it to increase : if not, it is my daily

tct IS. To Mi™ ***** S19

prayer, that it may be so ; and I hope it is your prayer
for yourself. 1 pray that you may live and die with
the righteous : it is said of them, They have hope in
their death; and that when they see him approach,
they shall say, " O death, where is thy sting !"

Your main ma and I love you dearly, and hope we-
shall always have reason to love you more and more.

I am your affectionate.

I

LETTER XV.

May 12, 1783.

HAVE just now received my child's short and sweet
letter ; and having nothing to prevent me, I begin my
answer to it immediately.

The snow does not often cover the ground in the
neighbourhood of London so late as the 8th of May;
but it has been so sometimes. One reason you were
surprised at the sight is, because you are young, and
this is the first instance, perhaps, in the few years you
have been able to take notice. You will meet with
many other things, as you grow up, which will surprise
you for the like reason : for want of experience, you
will not expect them. We expect flowers on the ground
in May, and not snow : so those pleasures, the pro-
spects of which present themselves to your mind, and
appear at a distance as beautiful as we usually con-
ceive a May morning to be, when we talk of it in
winter, will not always answer expectation. When
the time comes, something which you did not think
of, unseasonable as snow in May, will come with

526 To Miss ****.. j^ 15#

it, and you will be surprised and disappointed ; espe-
cially at first, and till you are used to these changes.
By the time you are as old as I am now, you will not
wonder so much ; and I hope, long before that, the
Lord will teach you to profit by such things. It is ne-
cessary we should find all to be uncertain and unsatis-
fying in the present world, or we should be contented
with it, and not think of a better. One reason why
young people are but seldom serious is, because the
world appears so pleasing and so promising. They
expect roses without thorns, and May without snow.
The Lord make you wise by times, that you may re-
member and seek him now in the days of your youth,
before the evil days come, (for come they will,) when
you will find no pleasure in them.

Such days are come very early to Miss B**#*. I
wish, if it were practicable, that all the misses in all the
schools in London could see her What are the plea-
sure and gayety which the most are thinking of, now t©
her! shut up as she is, in the bloom of life, unable to
move herself, and with pain her constant companion
day and night! I have been much affected with look-
in<T at her ; but I believe I shall not see her Ions? With-
in these three days she has been much worse. I was
with her twice yesterday ; and I have been with her
again this morning. The doctors think she cannot live
many days: and she thinks so too. I am glad to find
that she is not unwilling to die. If her affliction has
been sanctified to lead her heart to the Lord, then, in-
stead of greatly pitying her, we shall rejoice in her
behalf; It is better to be sick or lame, or full of pain,
and seeking after him, than to live what is commonly
deemed a happy life without God in the world.

Cannot you contrive to P!'t. your lines in a little closer

Let. 16. To Miss *#**. 321

together ? Your paper looks like a half furnished room.
I want a good long letter ; I care not what it is about,
so that you write easily. You read sometimes; cannot
you find something in your books to tell me of? You
walk sometimes, and without doubt look about you.
Take notice of any thing that strikes your eye ; make
some reflection or observation upon it, and then put up
your thoughts very safely in a corner of your memory,
that you mav send them to me the next time you write,
I love a long letter, especially from you, because I love
you a great deal.

Adieu, the Lord bless you, is the prayer of

Your affectionate.

I

LETTER XVI.

My dear Child, May 19, 178S.

F your sensibility drops a tear or two when you are.
informed that your aunt C**** is removed from this
world of sin and sorrow, I have no objection ; but 1 do
not wish you to shed many, nor is there just cause for
it. If we could see her now, she would surely say,
" Weep not for me, I am happy !" Yes, she knew and
loved the Lord ; she lived in his faith and fear, and
died in his peace and favour ; and now she is before
the throne. She had her share of trials in this life, but
they are all over now : she fought the good fight, and
the Lord made her more than conqueror. Now she
has received the conqueror's crown, and is singing the
conqueror's song. Methinks, dearly as I love you, I
GO«W bear to part with vou likewise, if 1 was sure that

Vol. VI. "2 T

to Miss ****. Let. 10,

the Lord had set his seal of love upon your heart, and
thereby marked you for his own. If he has not done
this already, I hope he will. If he has not yet tak' n
full possession of your heart, I hope you are sensible
that he is standing, as it were, at the door, and knock-
ing, waiting to be gracious to you. The door of the
heart is not easily opened. The love of sin, of self, and
the world, are so many bolts, which are too strong for
us to remove by our own power ; yet he can open it
easily, (because all things are easy to him,) and by a
sweet constraint of love, force himself an entrance. I
hope you are wiliing that he should do this ; and that
you are not willing to do any thing on your part that
may grieve him, and cause him to withdraw and leave
you to yourself. You cannot do much : you can, in-
deed, do nothing spiritually of yourself. Yet there is
something for you to do ; you are to wait, and pray,
and long for his blessing ; you are to read his word,
and to endeavour to make it the rule of your conduct,
so far as you understand it ; you are to attend to his
voice in your conscience, and not wilfully allow yourself
in what you know to be wrong. This is the path in
which my heart's desire and prayer is that you may
walk at present ; and then in due time the promise shall
be fulfilled to you which says, " Then shall you know,
" if you follow on to know the Lord :" Hosea vi. 3.

You may believe we had some weeping at home
upon this occasion. But the Lord is very good. Your
mamma has been supported, and is pretty well.

I long to see you, and especially now, that we may
read Mr. Gray's Elegy together. I hope we shall be
permitted to be with you on the famous exhibition-day:
and 1 please myself with the thought, that you will ap-
pear tw advantage. I wish, lor your own sake, you

Let. 17. To Miss ****. 3&S

could get the better of that trepidation and hurry which
discomposes you when the eyes of company are upon
you ; but it is a fault on the right side, and much better
than a bold, pert, self-confident carriage, which is very
ilisnustiriif in some young people ; but there is a medium
which I wish you to aim at.
» I am your affectionate.

LETTER XVII.

My dear Child, June 11, 1783.

JL THANK you for your last letter, which pleased me
and your mamma very much. We thought it well
written, and well expressed. Take as much care as
you please how you write, and use as little study as you
please, what to write. When you are surrounded with
the beauties of nature, you need not puzzle yourself
with thinking what to say first ; but set down first what
first occurs to your mind : when you have written that,
something else will offer. Try to write just what you
think, and write as often and as largely as your many
important businesses will allow ; for nothing but prac-
tice will give you a habit of writing easily : and practice
will do it. We could fill up as large a sheet as you,
with repeating how much we love you ; I hope and
believe there is no love lost on either side. Love will
make you desirous to please and oblige us, and love
will prompt us to do every thing in our power to oblige
and please you ; and so I hope we shall go on loving
and pleasing as long as we live.

We often think of Monday se'nnight, when we hope

32* To Miss ***#. Let. IT.

to come and see your exhibition. T promise mvself
that your part will do you credit, and give us satisfac-
tion. I could like to come over and read the Elegy
with you once more ; but I know I shall not be able,
and I believe it will not be necessary. I doubt not
but you v\illdo it very well, especially if you can get
the better of your diffidence and trepidation. Hut I
had much rather see you a little timid, than see you
assuming and affected, as some young people are. I
could wish you to have just so much teeliiijj when you
begin, as might intimate a respect for the company;
and then that you should enter into the spirit of the poem,
so as in a manner to forget every body present, till
you have done. There is a great beauty in the cadence
and melody of the verse, if you can hit it off without
overdoing it. If you understand and can feel the sub-
ject, you will express it properly.

I hope the Elegy will likewise lead you to some pro-
fitable reflections for your own use, and which may
excite your thankfulness to ttie Lord. To him you owe
your capacity, and to him likewise you are indebted for
the advantages you have ot cultivation. It is possible,
that among the children we meet half naked in the
streets, there may be some who might have been ami-
able and admired in life, if they had been favoured with
the helps which the good providence of God has af-
forded you. But they grew up, poor things, in ignorance
and wickedness, alter the example ot those among
whom they live. And though you would not have been
like these, yet it is probable you would not have been,
as you now may, and I hope will be, if the Lord had
not sent you to us. Though you were deprived oi your
ov\n parents when you were very young, perhaps no
child, in such a case, has had less cause to teel the loss :

Let. 18. To Miss ****. 325

because the Lord not only made us willing to take care
of you, but gave us, immediately on our receiving you,
a tender affection for you, as if you had been our own;
and from that time your welfare has been a very princi-
pal object with us You have been guarded against the
follies and vanities which mi^ht otherv\ise have taken
an early possession of your mind ; and you have been
acquainted with the means of grace, and the blessed
Gospel. I trust the Lord has a gracious design to lead
you to himself, by all these favourable circumstances in
which he has placed you ; for, without this, every thing
you can learn or attain, would be but of little worth.
I wish, indeed, to see you possessed of every accom-
plishment you can acquire at school ; but nothing will
satisfy me tor you but the grace of God.

I am your very affectionate.

LETTER XVIII.

My dear great Girl, July 29, 1783.

T

DC seem to take it for granted, that I must always
write first ; and you see I very readily submit, in hopes
that when your great and many important businesses
will permit, you will at least oblige me wiih an answer :
tor it will give your mamma and me, and your cousin,
pleasure to know that you are well.

While 30U were a little girl, we used, when you came

home from N — ■, to place you with your back

against the wall, by the fire- place in the parlour, and
compare you with your former marks, that we might
notice how much taller vou grew from one halt year to

S2Q &o Miss ##*#.- Let. 18.

another. According to present appearances, you are
likely to be sufficiently tall, and to shoot up apace I
need not measure, for I can perceive by a glance of the
eye, that you are grown every time you return to us.
But I am watching your growth in another sense with
mure attention — I wish I could say with more satisfac-
tion. I wish to see you outgrow a certain childishness,
which once looked very pretty in you, but is by no
means so pleasing in a person of your years, and of
your size ; I think I may add of your sense too, for I
know the Lord has given you a good measure of under-
standing and natural abilities ; so that with a proper
degree of attention and application, you are very capa-
ble of every attainment suitable to your sex and your
situation in life. I love to call you my dear child, and
shall probably call you so as long as I live, because
there is something to me in the sound of the word child,
expressive of the tenderness and affection I feel for you ;
but I would not always have you a child in the common
sense of the word. I hope you will not think I am
angry with you, and I hope you will not be angry with
me tor giving you this hint. I love to see you cheer-
ful, and a little occasional volatility in a young person
favoured with health and full of spirits, is very tolera-
ble ; but then I would have you remember, that it is
high time that a measure of thought, and steadiness, and
attention, should begin to mark your general deport-
ment. Your dear mamma, at your age, was capable
of superintending the affairs of the family, and was ac-
tually called to it ; and you are now old enough, if
you will do yourself justice, to take a great deal of care
off from her hands when you are at home; you have
it in your own power to shorten the term of your living
away from us. I am glad that though you like your

Let. 18. To Miss #***. 3*7

school very well, yet you like home better ; and I aoi
sure we shall be glad when we can think it no longer
necessary to keep you abroad, for we love your com-
pany, and it is principally lor your own sake that we
are constrained to part with you. But they say, a word
to the wise is enough, and therefore I shall add no more
in this strain.

You heard several of my sermons on Mary and
Martha. Last Sunday night, I finished the subject by
speaking on " One thing is needful" — a sentence
which I pray the Lord to write upon your heart. Many
things are necessary in their places ; but one thing is
absolutely needful. It is right that you should be dili-
gent at school, obedient and obliging to your governess
and teachers, and endeavour, by a kind and gentle be-
haviour, to gain the esteem of your school-fellows and
of the whole family : a regard to the one thing needtul
is very consistent with all this. But though you were
beloved by every body that knows you, you cannot be
happy except you know and love the Lord. The one
thing needful, therefore, is to seek him, and his favour,
which is better than life; and if you seek him, he will
be found of you. You are a sinner, and need forgive-
ness ; you have many wants, which he only can supply ;
you are growing up in a world which ib full of sins,
snares, troubles, and dangers. Will you not cry to him
then, " My Father, thou art the guide of my youth !"
You have encouragement to seek him, for he himself
both invites and commands you to do it ; and if obli-
gations and gratitude can prevail, there is no friend like
him, whose mercies are new every morning, and who
died upon the cross to redeem us from misery. I com-
mend you to his blessing.

Your cousin is much as she was ; she sends her leve

328 To Miss ****. Let. 19,

to you. I believe she loves you dearly, and T believe
you love her. I hope you u ill both love each other as
long as you live upon this earth ; and that afterwards
you will meet in the kingdom ot love, and be happy to-
gether in heaven for ever. Mamma sends her best
love. Believe me to be often thinking of you, and
praving for you, and always desirous to show my love
in deed and in truth.

Your affectionate.

LETTER XIX.

My dear Child, October 16, 1783.

I

HOPE you will now be able to rest yourself; for
-you have had a sad hurrying time since Midsummer.
So much visiting and running about has, I hope, given
you a right relish for the retirement and regularity of
school. What a pretty place you are in, and what a
pretty time of life it is with you, if you can but think
so, before trouble and care have received commission
to disturb you.

1 could wish that all my letters might afford you both
pleasure and profit: I would make you smile some-
times, and always endeavour to do you good. At pre-
sent I must write a tittle upon the subject of temper.
I do not think your temper a bad one. Your mamma
and I are always ready to give you a good character,
and it pleases us that .we can say you are, in the main, af-
fectionate and obliging But we sometimes observe that
in you, which we could wish nobody took notice of but
ourselves; or rather, that you would strive to get quite

Let. 19. To Miss****. 329

the better of it, that we, who love you so dearly, might
be no more grieved. It is a certain self-willed impa-
tience, which disposes you, when your inclinations are
over-ruled, or when any thing is desired of you which
does not exactly please you, to pout, frown, and alter
your countenance, so that you often appear to a disad-
vantage in company. You do not seem to find, or to
think of finding, a pleasure in giving up a thing to please
your mamma, but had rather have your own way. Now
if you sit down and consider how much we love you,
and study to oblige and please you, I hope you will
strive against this humorsome temper. I call it so, be-
cause I do not believe it is owing to a want of affection
and gratitude on your part, but rather the effect of a
something in your natural temper, which, if you strive
against, I hope you will be enabled to overcome.

Besides what you owe to our love and tenderness, I
can give you a further reason why you should attend to
this point. I have told you repeatedly, and I tell you
again, that your cousin's coming to live with us, will
not make the slightest alteration in our love for you.
You are still, and will be, our own dear child ; we have
love enough for you both. But in the outward expres-
sion of our love, something must, of course, depend
upon behaviour. We are sometimes obliged, though
with reluctance, to reprove and contradict you ; now
we cannot reprove her, because she never gives us an
opportunity. In the seven months she has been with
us, I never once knew her debate with us, nor have I
once seen a cloud upon her brow for a single moment.
She watches our looks, and if she perceives the slightest
hint that any thing she proposes is not quite agreeable
to us, she has done with it in a moment, and gives it
up with a smile ; which shows that it costs her nothing,

Vol. VI. 2 U

330 Td Miss ****. Let. 30.

but that she really prefers pleasing us to the pleasing
herself. Now you must allow, my dear, that this be-
haviour is very engaging. I wish you to be equally en-
gaging, and not to seem to come short of her in any
thing.

Have you heard of your good friend Mrs. #***'s ill-
ness ? They have no expectation of her recovery ; nay,
perhaps she is dead before this time. How well she
seemed when we dined there but lately ! So uncertain
is life — even young people have no assurance of con-
tinuing here ; but I hope you will pray as David did,
Psal. xxxix. 4, and that the Lord will hear your prayer.
When you come to know him as your Lord and Saviour,
you may sing Simeon's song. And we cannot enjoy life
with true comfort, till we are delivered from the fear of
death.

I am your affectionate.

LETTER XX.

My dear Child, October 23, 1783.

f\l HEN I showed my last letter to your mamma, I
thought she looked as if she was almost unwilling I
should send it ; but she did not say so, and therefore it
went. She is unwilling to give you pain, and so am I.
But I persuaded myself you would take it, (as I meant
it,) as a proof of my love. Now and then I must gently
give you a word of advice, but it will always be much
more pleasing to me to commend than to find fault.
Your vvelfare is very near my heart, and I feel a warm
desire that your behaviour, in every respect, should be

Let. 20. To Miss #***. 3S1

such as to engage the esteem and affection of all who
know you. I remember, when you were a little girl at
Northampton school, I once told you, in a letter, that
when the Lord, in his providence, sent you to my care,
I received you as his gift ; and in the pleasing hope of
being an instrument in his hand of doing you good, I
found such affection for you, that I would not part with
you for your weight in gold. And though you are much
heavier now than you were then, I can say the same

still.

Mrs. W**** had been ill some days before I heard
of it, and then I was told she was at the point of death.
This information, with some hindrances and difficulties

in the way, prevented my going to ; so that I

did not see her. She was an old and kind acquaintance,
and though of late years I was not often in her com-
pany, I feel that I have lost a friend whom I loved.
Such is the state of this world. If we live long in it,
we must expect to see our friends drop off one after
another, as the leaves at this season of the year fall from
the trees. But the pain which Christians feel at part-
ing with their Christian friends, is alleviated by two
considerations : first, that now they are gone, they are
much more happy than they could be here ; and se-
condly, we hope ere long to be with them again, and to
share in their songs and joys before the throne of God.
This, my dear child, is the desire of my soul for you,
that while you live and when vou die, you may be the
Lord's. Nothing but this will satisfy me. And for
this I often pray. My thoughts and prayers are often
employed for you, when perhaps you are asleep. I
cannot make many very particular requests for you,
because I know not what is best for you ; but when I
pray that you may have wisdom and grace to seek and

332 To Miss *#**. jJttt 20.

know the Lord, and that he will be graciously pleased
to be your Saviour and Shepherd, and the guide of your
youth, I am sure I do not ask amiss. I have a cheer-
ful hope that he will put you among his children, guide
you through this wilderness world by his counsel, and
afterwards receive you to his glory ; and that he sent
you to me, that you might have the benefit of those
means of grace and instructions, which by his blessing
will be effectual to make you wise unto salvation.

Though he alone can work in you to will, and to do
according to his good pleasure, yet there is something
incumbent on you. He has said, " They who seek
-* me, shall find me." You must therefore seek him;
and he is not far from you. He is about your bed,
and about your path. Yea, he is still nearer. I hope
there are seasons when you can perceive him knocking,
as it were, at the door of your heart. Do not you at
times perceive something within you bearing witness to
the truths of his word ; warning you of the evil of sin,
reminding you of death and eternity, and stirring up
your desires towards himself? At such times you may
he sure the Lord is near. He made the heart, and he
knows how to affect it. Such warnings and calls from
his Good Spirit, I can recollect when I was a child
younger than you ; I can remember getting into corners
by myself, and praying with some earnestness, before I
was eight years old. Afterwards, alas ! I proved rebel-
lious. I cast off his fear, and would have my own way ;
and thereby I plunged myself into abundance of sin
and misery. But I hope you will be more obedient.
Think of him as often as you can ; make a point of
praying to him in secret, remembering that when you
are most alone, he is still with you. When you pray,
endeavour simply to express your wants and feelings

Let. 21. To Miss ****. 535

just as if you were speaking to me. Fine words and
phrases, some people abound in ; but true prayer is the
genuine language of the heart, which the Lord under-
stands and accepts, however brokenly expressed. The
woman of Canaan only said, " Lord help me !" The
publican's prayer was almost as short, " God be mer-
" ciful to me a sinner :" and both were heard.

The Bible, or the New Testament, is frequently used
at school, as a school-book; and children often think no
more of it than just to read their appointed lesson. But
I hope you will consider it as God's book, and when
you take it in hand, open it with reverence, and read with
attention, as you think you would if you expected to
hear him speak to you with an audible voice from hea-
ven. The plainest and most affecting part of the Bible,
is the history of our Saviour in the evangelists ; read
it often, that you may be well acquainted with it. I
pray him to enable you to understand what you read.
Surely when you read who he. is, what he did, what he
suffered, and what he has promised to poor sinners, you
will, you must, love him ! And if you once love him,
you will study to please him. The Lord bless you.
Give our love to your governess, and all friends.

Believe me to be your very affectionate.

LETTER XXI.

My dear Child, October 30, 1783.

HOUGH I lately sent you a long letter by the post,
which I hope you received on Tuesday, I must write
again ; and I take a new pen and a sheet of gilt paper,
fhat I may, in the best manner I can, make you a re-

334 To Miss *##*. Let. 21.

turn for your letter which I received yesterday. I
would not delay long to let you know how much your
mamma and I were pleased with it. It is a great hap-
piness to us that we are well assured of your desire and
intention to oblige us ; and we hope not to be behind-
hand with you.

We are very far from thinking your temper is bad ;
the manner of your answer is a proof of the contrary.
You may sometimes need a word of advice or admo-
nition ; I believe even this will not be often necessary ;
and when there is occasion, my affection will prompt
me to offer it with so much tenderness, that it shall
look as little like reproof as possible ; and I hope and
expect to find many more occasions for commending
than for reproving you.

Should it please the Lord to spare your cousin, a
time will come when you will live together, and, I be-
lieve, love each other dearly. I would certainly wish
you to imitate her in any thing that you see is com-
mendable; and there will be other things, I trust, in
which you may be a pattern to her. Thus you may be
mutually useful to each other; and we will love you
both, and rejoice in you both. We shall not love you
a hair's breadth the less than we should have done if
we had never seen her.

Indeed, I cannot be sufficiently thankful to the Lord,
that when he was pleased in his providence to put two
children under my care, they should be both of such an
amiable, affectionate disposition, as would win my love
if they had been strangers, and not so nearly related as
you and your cousin arc to us. And though I consider
you both now as my own children, yet you are still my
eldest, and my having a second, will be no prejudice to
vour birthright.

Let. 21. To Miss ****. 335

I have not a bit of news that I can think of to send
you. Your mamma is pretty well, and your cousin like-
wise ; but she is much confined, for if the weather is
either wet or cold, we cannot venture her abroad. She
does not seem to want to go out, except to church.
When we are going thither, it is some trial to her to be
left behind ; but she is satisfied, because she thinks her
aunt is the most proper judge whether she can go with
safety or not.

You, my dear, are favoured with health, and I hope
you will be thankful for it. Your cousin, and twenty
other young people I could name, know the value of
health by the want of it. The Lord can make sickness a
blessing when he is pleased to send it ; but still a good
state of health is a great privilege. If your life should
be prolonged, it may be a good while before increase of
years makes a sensible change in your constitution, but
you will feel it at last. When you see an old woman
tottering about with a stick, consider that she was once
as young as you are now, and probably her spirits as
lively, and her limbs as agile as yours. Suppose it may
be fifty years before you are like her, such a space,
which seems long beforehand, will seem very short when
it is past, and there is hardly one in fifty of your age,
that will be alive fifty years hence.

Dangers stand thick through all the ground,

To push us to our tomb ;
And fierce diseases wait around,

To hurry mortals home.

How just, therefore, and important is that advice, " Re-
" member thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before
" the evil days come !"

And whom should we remember if we forget him ?

336 To .Miss ****. Let. 21.

Our Creator is our Redeemer ; Isa. Hv. 5 ; the
Saviour, the Lover of souls, who assumed our nature,
that he might be capable of dying for us. Shall we not
remember him who endured agonies, and sweat blood,
and hung upon the cross, that we might escape the
misery we have deserved, and be made the children of
God ! I wish the poet's words may express the very
feeling of your heart and mine : —

Remember thee 1—
Yes, From the table of my memory
I'll wipe away all trivial fond records,
All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past,
That youth and observation copied there ;
And thy commandment all alone shall live
Within the book and volume of my brain,
Unmix'd with baser matter.

I commend you to his love, and pray him to write
his name upon your heart. We all join in love to you.
Believe me to be your affectionate.

FIVE LETTERS

TO

Mr. and Miss M*** B****

Vol. VI. 2 X

FIVE LETTERS

TO

Mk*. and Miss ****** B**##.

LETTER I.

To Mr. B****.
My Dear Sir, May 1, 1780.

JL BLAME myself and ask your pardon, for not writ-
ing sooner. My confinement occasioned me so many
visits from kind friends, that it added little to my usual
time of leisure. Your first letter, enclosing Mr. C****'s;
came safe ; as did the second, but that was posterior to
mine to Miss P****, and therefore I could not then
acknowledge it. I now thank you for them both, and
for that dated the 27th of April. As the news of your
illness and your amendment came together, my sym-
pathy was concern mixed with pleasure ; and having as
much that seemed to require immediate attention as I
could well find time for, I believe the hope of seeing
you soon in town, made me the more easy to let your
letter lie by unanswered.

My arm, I believe, is nearly, if not quite well, ex-
cepting a stiffness in it, from being so long confined in
one position. I have it now as much out of the sling
as in it. I have been able to wear my coat for a week

338 To Mr. B**=*=*. Let. 1.

past ; the surgeon, however, thinks it prudent, though
not necessary, to keep on my bandage for a few days
longer. I believe the arm has advanced as happily, as
speedily, and with as little pain, as possible.

My spirit has been peaceful ; it is a small thing to
say resigned, for I have seen it a dispensation full of
mercy, and have not been permitted to feel a wish that
it had been otherwise. Especially as, through the Lord's
mercy, Mrs. N**## felt no abiding ill effect from the great
terror she was at first seized with, and which I feared
might have brought a return of all her nervous com-
plaints. But he is very gracious to us, and she is re-
markablv well.

I think you must have suffered more than I have
done of late ; but our faithful and good Shepherd
affords to us both, strength according to our day. He
knows our frame, and will lay no more on us than he
will enable us to bear ; yea, I trust, no more than he
will cause to work for our good : he delighteth in our
prosperity ; our comforts of every kind come free and
undeserved. But when we are afflicted, it is because
there is a need-be for it. He does it not willingly. Our
trials are either salutary medicines, or honourable ap-
pointments, to put us in such circumstances as may
best qualify us to show forth his praise. Usually he
has both these ends in view ; we always stand in need
of correction ; and when he enables us to suffer with pa-
tience, we are then happy witnesses to others of the
truth of his promises, and the power of his grace in us.
For nothing but the influence of God's good Spirit can
keep us, at such times, either from despondence or im-
patience. If left to ourselves in trouble, we shall either
sink down into a sullen grief, or toss and rebel like a
wild bull in a net.

Let. ft, To Mr. ***#*. 339

Our different posts are, as you observe, by the Lord's
wise appointment ; and therefore must be best for us
respectively. Mine is full of trials and difficulties ; in-
deed, I should soon make sad work of it without his
continual help, and should have reason to tremble every
moment, if he did not maintain in me a humble confi-
dence, that he will help me to the end. He bids me,
" Fear not f and at the same time he says, " Happy
" is the man that feareth always." How to fear, and
not to fear, at the same time, is, I believe, one branch
of that secret of the Lord which none can understand
but by the teaching of his Spirit. When I think of my
heart, of the world, of the powers of darkness, what
cause of continual fear, I am on an enemy's ground,
and cannot move a step but some snare is spread for
my feet. But when I think of the person, grace, power,
care, and faithfulness of my Saviour, why may I not say,
I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord of hosts is
with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge. I wish to be
delivered from anxious and unbelieving fear, which
weakens the hands, and disquiets the heart. I wish to
increase in a humble jealousy and distrust of myself, and
of every thing about me ; I am imperfect in both re-
spects, but I hope my desire is to Him who has pro-
mised to do all things for me.

Your desire for the mortification of self, in every view
and form, is, I hope, mine likewise. Yet I would re-
gulate it by the word of God, so as not to expect more
than is promised. I cannot properly expect a perfect
exemption from conflict, because I believe it is the will
of God I should have something to conflict with while
I am here. To be sensible of the motions of sin in me,
watchful against them, humbled for them, this I desire;
and I believe the more I advance in grace, the more

3*0 To Mr. B****. Let. 1.

feelingly I shall say, " Behold, I am vile." But desirable
and precious as sanctification is, it is not, I trust it
will never be, the ground of my hope. Nor were I
as sinless as an angel in glory, could I have a better
ground of hope than I have at present. For accept-
ance, I rely, (oh that I indeed did,) simply, wholly, and
solely, upon the obedience unto death of my surety. —
Jesus is my righteousness, my life, and my salvation.
I am still a sinner ; but he who knew no sin was made
sin for me, that I might be the righteousness of God
in him. This right to eternal life by believing in the
Son of God, is, in my view, equal in all wrho do so be-
lieve, and as perfect and sure when they first believe,
as at the last moment of life ; as perfect and sure in
the thief on the cross, as in an apostle or martyr. —
An infant is as truly alive as a grown person, though
all his members and faculties are in a state of weak-
ness. Therefore with respect to my acceptance, I
would put my graces as much out of the question as
my actual sins. That word suited me at first, and will
suit me to the end — " To him that worketh not, but
" believeth on him who justified the ungodly."

This morning, (May-day,) I preached for Mr. R#*#
a sermon to young people ; it reminded me a little of

my annual new-year's sermon at ; but though I

had some liberty, I feel a difference between speaking
to one's own children, and those of another. They
were my own proper charge, and the concern of their
Souls was laid upon me with a peculiar weight.

I am, dear sir, &c.

Let. 2. Tq Mr. J8****. 341

T

LETTER II.

My dear Sir, Dec. 3, 1780.

HE Lord is risen indeed. This is his day, when
we are called to meet in his house, and, (we in this
branch of his family,) to rejoice at his table. I meant
to write yesterday, but could not. I trust it is not
unsuitable to the design and privilege of this day, to
give you a morning salutation in his name ; and to say,
Come magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his
name together. If I am not mistaken, I have m&t
you this morning already. Were you not at Gethse-
mane; have you not been at Golgotha? did I not
see you at the tomb ? This is our usualt circuit, yours
and mine, on these mornings, indeed every morning;
for what other places are worth visiting ? what other
objects are worth seeing ? O this wonderful love !
this blood of sovereign efficacy ! the infallible antidote
which kills sin, cures the sinner, gives sight to the
blind, and life to the dead. How often have I known
it turn sorrow into joy.

0 thou Saviour and Sun of the soul, shine forth
this morning, and cheer and gladden all our hearts !
Shine upon me and mine, upon all whom I love, and
on all who love thee ! Shine powerfully on my dear

friends at ■ , and let us know that, though we are

absent from each other, thou art equally near to us all.

1 must to breakfast, then dress, and away to court.
Oh for a sight of the King ! and oh to hear him speak!
for his voice is music, and his person is beauty. —

343 To Mr. Jf****. Let. S.

When he says, Remember me, and the heart hears,
what a train of incidents is at once revived ! — from the
manger to the cross, what he said, what he did, how
he lived, how heUoved, how he died ; all is marvellous,
affecting, humbling, transporting! I think I know
what I would be, and what I would do too if I could.
How near would I get, how low would I fall, how
would I weep and sing in a breath ; and with what
solemn earnestness would I recommend him to my fel-
low sinners. But, alas ! when I would do good, evil
is present with me. Pray for me, and help me like-
wise to praise the Lord, for his mercies are new every
morning and every moment.

I am your affectionate.

LETTER III.

My dear Sir, January 8, 1781.

XN my peregrinations to-day, I saw Mr. L*###, Mr.
R***** and Mrs. G*****; Mr. G****» called
here while I was abroad, so that I missed hearing
your letter to him, but he read it to my dear ; and I
have seen a copy of your son's letter.

I understand your views and feelings so well, that
my letter will not have such an air of condolence as
some people might expect on a like occasion. The
first thing that strikes me respecting your personal
concern in the late awful calamity, calls rather for
congratulation. I see your beloved son preserved in
the midst of general ruin ; in his preservation I see the
immediate, the wonderful hand of the Lord stretched

Let. 3. To Mr. B****. 345

out; I consider it as an answer to your prayers; I
humbly hope it is a token of further good respecting
him, and that the restraining word, Destroy it not, for
a blessing is in it, is applicable to his case. I find,
likewise, that but one life was lost on your estate,
which, to a mind like yours, I am sure is an alleviating
circumstance. For the rest, I am sure you have lost
nothing but what He, if he sees it good, can restore
■with a large increase ; nothing that is directly necessary
to your peace and comfort even in the present life ;
nothing that is worth naming when compared to that
which you love above all. You may still, and I trust
you will, find the Lord as near, as gracious, and the light
of his countenance as sweet, as cheering, as ever. And
you have an estate in a kingdom which cannot be shaken,
out of the reach of earthquakes, hurricanes, and
enemies. Indeed you do not think you have lost any
thing in strictness of speech, because you have been
taught of God not to consider any thing you possess
as properly your own. You feel yourself the Lord's
servant and steward, and whether he is pleased to en-
large or abridge the talents he has intrusted to your
care, your chief solicitude in either case, is to be faith-
ful to every intimation of his will. I believe that if
the whole produce of Jamaica centered in your ware-
houses, the Lord would not permit you to forget
that you are a stranger and pilgrim upon earth ; and
I believe if you were not to receive a pepper-corn from
it in future, he would still make you happy in himself.
I judge thus for what he has done for you already;
he has given you a taste and a desire which nothing
but himself can satisfy ; he has shown you the secret
of his holy religion ; and by leading you to fix your

dependence upon him, has raised you to a noble state
Vol. VI. 2 Y

34i To Mr. B#**#, Let. 3.

of independence with regvtrd to creatures and contin-
gencies, which are all in his hand, and can do us neither
good nor harm but of his bidding.

Barbadoes and Martinico, it seems, have suffered still
more. It is observable, that during the whole summer,
wjiile we and the French had large fleets in those seas,
the Lord would not permit them to do any consider-
able harm on either side. He was pleased to take the
business into his own hands, and has shown us how
easily he can strike such a blow as shall constrain even
enemies to commisserateeach other.

Mr. p**** told me this morning, that it is supposed
Jersey is taken. Thus the cloud grows darker. The
flames of war are still spreading wider, and difficulties
seem increasing on every side. The Lord's hand is
lifted up ; men will not see ; thus far the prophecy is
fiulfilled. I tremble at what may further concern us in
the following clause, " But they shall see !" If he
undertakes to make this insensible nation know that he
is the Lord, he will certainly accomplish his purpose.
What it may cost us before we learn the lesson,
who can say ? but he w ill be mindful of those that fear
him. That w ord, " It shall be well w ith the righteous,"
cannot be broken. Hitherto the nation is in a deep
sleep, and professors, I am afraid, are sadly slumbering.
I can hardly find any where around me, (alas ! that I
cannot find in myself,) a spirit of humiliation and
prayer, in any degree answerable to the state of the
times. — Oh that the Lord would graciously revive us !
We have, indeed, abundance of preaching and abun-
dance of hearers ; there are, doubtless, many individuals
alive and in earnest, but the bulk of those who avow
•an attachment to the Gospel, are too little affected
either for themselves or others.

Let. 4. To Miss Jtf*** B****. 343

Mrs. **** is pretty well, she has had but little
complaint since P***n has been ill, who likewise is
now getting better. The child scalded her foot on
new-year's day, through rnercy but slightly : it was a
gentle memorial to us how entirely dependent we are
on his protection for safety in our smoothest hours.
We are frail and feeble creatures, it is not needful to
raise a hurricane to destroy us ; were he only to with-
draw his arm for a moment, some unthought-of evil
would presently overwhelm us. It did not prevent
her hearing my sermon to young people that night,
but she has been confined to the house since. My
health continues firm, and I am enabled to preach
with apparent liberty, with what effect God only
knows, but I am sometimes afraid there is more sound
than power. I am well attended, and encouraged to
hope that I do not labour wholly in vain.

May the grace ot our good Shepherd be with us all.
Let us praise him for what is past, and cheerfully trust
nim for what is to come. He knows where and what
we are, and numbers the very hairs of our heads.
I am, most affectionately,

Your much obliged, &c,

LETTER IV.

My dear Miss M****, March 13, 1781.

jLF wishes and purposes were always effectual, I
should not have been so lon^ three letters in debt to
your house : I would answer all if I could, but perhaps

3&G To Miss .for*** JJ***#. Let. i.

it will take the leisure of two or three mornings to
answer one, and the first must be to you, because it
is so seldom I have one from you to answer.

I saw Mr. **** yesterday, he informed me of
Mr. ****'s death ; though I knew him not, I felt
it as an event in which my dear Mr. B***# is con-
cerned ; and indeed the suddenness of it struck me,
The uncertainty of life has been a theme for decla-
mation in all ages, but by how few is it practically laid
to heart ! Happy they who know whom they have be-
lieved, and are waiting with desire his recall home to
himself, that they may see him as he is ! I am bound to
pray that this bereaving stroke may be sanctified to his
family. But Mr. #*** told me something that affected
me still more nearly. He says that Mrs. B**** has
been worse this fortnight past. I believe I am foolish
and inconsistent, but I cannot help it. When the
Lord has taken her to himself, I hope I shall say, —
" Thy will be done." I hope I 6hall follow her with my
thoughts, and feel some satisfaction in thinking — Now
she is out of the reach of pain and sorrow for ever;
now she sees her Saviour's face without a veil, and
sings his praise without the interruption of a single
sigh ; now she is a pillar of the heavenly temple, and
shall go no more out. But at present, and while she
is continued with us, I feel an anxiety and a desire;
which I fear are wrong ; I feel unwilling to lose such
a friend ; and I am sure, I feel for those who are more
nearly interested in her than myself.

Tell her, dear Miss M. that Mrs. N. and I, are
not willing to think any but her own children can ex-
ceed us in love and sympathy; that we shall be think-
ing of her, speaking of her, and, (I hope,) praying for
her daily, and for you all. "Well, let the flesh say

Ut. *. To Miss M*** B**#*. 347

what it will, we know that all is well. We cannot love
her so well as He that bought her with his blood. And,
ah ! how faint is our tenderness compared with his.
He will not let his children feel one pain too many, or
too sharp. He will enable them to glorify him even
in the fire, and he will soon wipe away every tear.

I am glad to find that the Lord leads you further
and deeper into the mysteries of his salvation. As a
theory it may be expressed in a few words ; but to live
a life of faith on the Son of God as our wisdom,
righteousness, and strength, considered as a matter of
experience, is what we usually attain to by slow de-
grees, and at best but imperfectly. We are always
capable of further advances, and are frequently obliged
to learn over again that which we thought we had
learned already. My sentiments on this point seem
tolerably clear, but in practice I fall sadly short, and
feel that the principles of self and unbelief, are still
deeply rooted in me. However, I trust I am in the
school of the great Teacher, and I humbly hope he
will carry on the work he has begun. What I want,
what I pray for, is a simple dependent spirit, to be
willing to put myself entirely into his hands, to follow
him without asking questions, to believe him without
making objections, and to receive and expect every
thing in his own time and in his way. This is the
course we take when we consult an earthly physician ;
we consult him, but we do not pretend to direct him.
Thus would I give myself up to my heavenly infal-
lible Physician ; but this is one branch of the good
which, when I would do, I find evil is present with me.
But it is likewise one part of the sickness I groan under,
and which He has in mercy undertaken to cure ; and
therefore, though I am very sick indeed, I trust I

3*8 To Jfiss M*** B****. Let. *.

shall not die, but live and declare his wonderful
works.

I long aimed to be something. I now wish I was
more heartily willing to be nothing. A cypher, a
round 0 is by itself a thing of no value, and a million
of them set in a row amount to no more than a single
one ; but place a significant figure before the row, and
you may soon express a larger number than you can
well conceive. Thus my wisdom is 0, my righteous-
ness is 0, my strength is 0. But put the wisdom,
power, and grace of Jesus before them, let me be
united to him, let his power rest upon my weakness,
and be magnified in it, in this way I shall be some-
thing.- Not in and of myself, but in and from Him.
Thus the apostle speaks of being flltd with all the
fulness of God. What an amazing expression ! Thus
so far as we die to self, Christ liveth in us. He is
the light by which we see; He is the life by which we
live; He is the strength by which we walk, and by
his immediate virtue and influence, all our works and
fruits are produced. We have no sufficiency in our-
selves, but we have all-sufficiency in Him, and at one
and the same time we feel a conviction that we can do
nothing, and an ability to do all things that fall within
the line of our calling. When I am weak, then I am
strong.

I am, dear Miss M****f
Your very affectionate and obliged servant.

1st. i. To Miss J!f**## JB*###. 5ig

LETTER V.

My dear Miss M****, April If, 1781.

CCEPT my sincere, though rather tardy thanks for
your favour of the 1 Ith February; I beg you likewise
to accept my assurance, that if leisure and opportuni-
ty were with me in any proportion to my inclination,
your letters would be very speedily answered.

I knew you would be a favourable reader of Car-
diphonia. Your kind partiality to the writer would
dispose you to put the best construction on what you
read ; and your attachment to the design and principal
subject of the letters, would make them welcome to
you. We can put up with smaller faults, when a
person is disposed to praise them whom we dearly
love. I trust my pen is chiefly devoted to the praise
of Jesus vour beloved, and so far as I succeed, I am
sure what I write will be acceptable to you. How can
I but wish to praise him, when he has snatched me as
a brand from the burning, and quenched the fire of
my sins in his own blood ! How can I but praise him,
if he has given me a glance of his excellency ! If any do
not love him, it is surely because they do not know him.
To see him but once with the eye of the soul, is to be
convinced that He is the chief anions; ten thousand.
and altogether lovely. His person is glory, his name
is love, his work from first to last is grace. The mo-
ment the sinner is enabled to behold him, he is seized
with greater admiration than the queen of Sheba felt
when brought into the presence of Solomon, and is
convinced that they only are happy who, as children

530 To Miss JJf*** JJ*#*#. Let. 5.

and servants in his family, stand continually before
him, to wait upon him, admire him, and hear his
wisdom. But, ah ! how faint are my conceptions ! how
little do I know of him ! and how little of that little
which I deem my knowledge, is realized to my heart !
What trifles are sufficient to hide him from my view,
and to make me almost forget that he is nearer to me
than any object that strikes my sense! Is it so with
you? Let us at least rejoice in prospect of the pro-
mised hour, when veils, and clouds, and walls shall
be removed, and we shall see him as he is ; so see
him, as to have all our desires satisfied in him, and
fixed upon him, and to be completely transformed into
his image.

My mind frequently anticipates the pleasure I pro-
pose in a visit to B — , but it is not likely to take place
so soon as I wished. I had hoped to leave London
soon after Easter, but circumstances are likely to
forbid it. My times are in the Lord's hand, and if
he sees it best for me to be gratified, he will make it
practicable, and his providence will likewise determine
the fittest season. I wish not to be impatient, but to
refer myself to him. This is certain, when he opens
the door, and says, Go, I shall set off with alacrity,
for I long to walk upon that lawn, and to sit in that
tub, and to converse with those dear friends, who have
deservedly so much of my heart.

Thank Miss M**** for her letter. We rejoice to
hear that your] dear mamma is better. I believe I
think of her daily, and often in the day ; and this not
only for the love I bear her, but for my own relief. —
Mrs. N. is often ill, sufficiently so to awaken my feel-
ings for her. But when I reflect how the power,
grace, and faithfulness of our Lord and Saviour sup-

Let. o. To Miss JIT*** #****. 351

port under much severer trials, it disposes me ill
some measure to submission, thankfulness, and con-
fidence. Our trials are light, ourselves being judges;
but I see that he can make those that appear to be
heaviest, tolerable. I shall certainly write before I
come, when I can fix the time, and then, except some-
thing extraordinary interferes to require it, I shall not
easily alter my plan, for if we cannot be with con-
venience in the same house, it will be worth something
to be in the same town, and just to look at Mrs. B.
a few minutes occasionally, if she can bear to receive
us, and if she can bear no more. For I believe an-
other interview with her, before the Lord sends his
chariot and angels to remove her from this land of
sorrow, will be the principal and most interesting
object of our journey. Our other friends, if we are
spared, we may hope to see at some future time. I
consider her as in the situation of the apostle when he
wrote 2 Tim iv. 6.

I am preparing materials for two more volumes of
Cardiphonia. My present thought is, to have them
ready for publication at a time when my pen will no
longer be able to move. Whether any circumstances
may send them abroad sooner I know not ; but, at my
time of life, I ought to consider that period as not
likely to be at a very great distance. I do not wish
to be impatient for its arrival; but I do wish my will-
ingness to live longer htjre, was more simply and
solely from a desire of promoting my Lord's service,
and the edification of his children ; I hope this is not
out of my mind, but I am afraid it is shamefully de-
based by an undue attachment to earthly tilings, and
a want of spirituality.

I am yours, &c.

Vol. VI. 2 Z

A LETTER

TO

•IP IP Tl* T*

My dear Madam, June 8, 1780.

HOUGH I write to both when I write to one, it
seems time to drop a word expressly to you, that I may
keep you in my debt, and maintain a hope of hearing
from you again.

I sympathize with my friends at , under the

afflictive dispensations with which the Lord has been
pleased to visit the town. He has a merciful design
even when he inflicts, and I hope the rod will be
sanctified to those who were too negligent under the
public means of grace. I am not sorry for Mrs.
H****'s death, as you say she died in the Lord, for
she had but little prospect of temporal comfort. The
death of Mrs. *** affected me more on account of
her husband and family, to whom I hoped she would
have been a comfort and a blessing. But we are sure
the Lord does all things wisely and well. The moment
in which he calls his people home, is precisely the best
and fittest season. Let us pray, (and we shall not pray
in vain,) for strength proportioned to our day, then we
have only to wait with patience, our time likewise will

'fo #**# 353

shortly come. The bright, important hour of dismission
from this state of trial is already upon the wing to-
wards us, and every pulse brings it nearer. Then
every wound will be healed, and every desirable de-
sire be satisfied.

I believe you must now take the will for the deed,
and give me credit for what I would have said or

written if I could. Mrs. came in and engrossed

the time I had allotted for your letter. I knew not
how to grudge it her ; she had wished to spend an
hour with me ; her conversation I think was from the
heart, and I believe the interruption was right. If it
should abridge the pleasure I proposed in writing to
you, I must make myself amends some other time.

Mrs. N has some degree of the head-ache to-
day. But her complaints of that kind are neither so

frequent, nor so violent, as when at . His mercies

to us are great, and renewed every morning.

I have still a quarter of an hour for you ; but now,
when opportunity presents, a subject is not at hand, and
I have no time to ruminate. I will tell you a piece of
old news. The Lord God is a sun and shield, and
both in one. His light is a defence ; his protection
is cheering; a shield so long, and so broad, as to
intercept and receive every arrow with which the
quiver of divine justice was stored, and which would
have otherwise transfixed your heart and mind ; a
shield so strong that nothing now can pierce it, and so
appositely placed that no evil can reach us, except it
first makes its way through our shield. And what a
sun is this shield! when it breaks forth, it changes
winter into summer, and midnight into day, in an in*
stant ; a sun whose beams can not only scatter cloud •,

3Si y0****

but the walls which Sin and Satan are aiming to build,
in order to hide it from our view.

Public affairs begin to look more pleasing just when
they were most desperate. Affairs in America are
in a more favourable train. A peace with Spain sup-
posed upon the tapis. I should hope tor some
halcyon days after the storm, but for the awful insen-
sibility which reigns at home. But if the Lord revives
his people, we may hope he will hear their prayers.

Mr. **** bids fair to be as unpopular in the course
of another month as any of his opponents have been.
This is a changeable world. The ins and the outs,
being fastened upon the same rolling wheel, have each
their turn to be uppermost. Really, one is tempted to
smile and constrained to weep in the same breath. —
The Lord bless you and keep you.

I am, for self and parmer,

Most affectionately yours.

THREE LETTERS

Miss G***.

LETTER I.

Madam, July 11, 1783.

J[ HAVE been much affected with your present situa-
tion, and with the case which you did me the honour
to propose me for my judgment. I hope it is from
some real sense of my own weakness, that I usually un-
dertake the office of casuist with fear and trembling.
How unhappy should 1 be to mislead you in a point of
such importance! How cruel, to wish you to be de-
termined by my decision, except I am sure it is war-
ranted by the word of God ! Indeed, you have been
hardly out of my thoughts since I saw you in the
garden. I have considered again and again, the advice
I ventured to give you, and I am the more confirmed in
the propriety of it ; and in a persuasion that if the Lord,
(for what are our resolves without him ?) enables you to
act the part which you seemed to be satisfied was right,
you will never have just cause to blame either yourself
or me. I think the Lord highly honours you, by per-
mitting you to be brought to such a trial, and thereby
putting it in your power of giving both to the church

556 To Miss G*#*. Let. 1.

and to the world, (so far as you are known,) such a sin-
gular and striking proof of the sincerity of your heart
towards him. Surely I shall not cease to pray, that he
who has wrought in you to will, may strengthen you
with his power to act accordingly ; and that you may
do it with cheerfulness. You have good reason for it,
madam. He for whose sake you are about to reject
what many would eagerly receive, deserves it well at
your hands. He gave up much more for you ; he be-
came very poor that you might be rich. And though
he was once poor for us, he is now rich again : rich
enough to make you ample amends for all you give up.
Be not afraid. His own kind providence will take
charge of you, and surely do you good. Were your
conduct generally known, you would be blamed or
pitied, by those who know of nothing better than gold,
and such toys as gold can purchase. But they will
neither blame nor pity you in the great day of your
Lord's appearance. When I see so much interested and
formal profession, I should be almost discouraged, were
it not that the Lord has given me to know a happy and
favoured few, whose conduct exemplifies and adorns the
glorious Gospel they profess. Anthem I see a simpli-
city, a spirituality, a disinterestedness, a submission,
and a ready obedience becoming the servants of such a
Master. They have made the choice of Moses ; they
endure as seeing him who is invisible, and prefer even
the reproach of Christ to all the treasures of Egypt.
The sight of one such person in the house of God,
animates and comforts a minister more than a crowd
of common hearers. I bless the Lord that I have the
honour of preaching to more than on eof this description.
Go on, madam ; may the Lord be tfcifh you. I feel for
you, I pray for you, and I rejoice in the hope, that I

Let. 2. To Miss G***. 357

shall soon have to congratulate you that the Lord has
given you a complete deliverance, a victory, and filled
your heart and mouth with his praise. Think of the re-
wards promised to them that overcome, Rev. ii. and iii.
What can the world propose worthy to be put in com-
petition with these ?

I am, Madam,

Your sincerely affectionate servant.

LETTER II.
Dear Madam, July 14, 1783.

JL was much affected and comforted by your obliging
answer to my letter yesterday. I believe, as you say,
there was something providential in my writing, and, in-
deed, in the timing of my late agreeable visit, where I
had the unexpected pleasure of meeting with you. On
Saturday, when I had a quite different business in hand,
a thought struck me, which made me lay aside what I
was engaged in, to prepare a letter which I thought I
could get conveyed to you from church ; not thinking I
should see you there, and have an opportunity of put-
ting it into your own hand. As you say it proved a
means of confirming your mind, I have reason to praise
the Lord, (to whom I would ascribe every good and
useful motion,) for putting it into my heart to write. I
rejoice in your determination ; persuaded that the prin-
ciple upon which you act will bear you through, and
that the Lord, whom you desire to serve, will, either in
kind or in kindness, afford you a testimony that he ap-
proves of your conduct. We are short-lighted as to
consequences, but he knows what he is about to do.

358 To Miss 6'***. Let. 2.

You have in his promises, upon which he has enabled
you to trust, a greater treasure by far than the Bank of
England ; and therefore you can be no loser by declin-
ing an offer which he only permitted ,to be made for the
trial of your faith and integrity. I have been likewise,
in my time, called to make sacrifices, and to give up
seeming advantages for conscience' sake, though cer-
tainly mine were trifles compared with yours, as you
are now situated ; and my own experience, as well as
my frequent observation of others, convinces me, that
though we may appear to lose something for the Lord,
we shall not eventually lose by him. But what I re-
collect of such things in my own case, and of the man-
ner in which I was led through them, makes me take the
liberty of offering a further word of advice upon the
subject. In the first place, I would not have you won-
der if, when your determination is fixed, and the affair
quite at an end, you should find, instead of your path
being made smoother immediately, fresh difficulties and
exigencies arise. I hope it will not be so ; but it was
so with me. I met with pinches that at times almost
staggered me, and strongly tempted me to repent that
I had been, (as the thought in a dark hour obtruded
upon me,) too scrupulous, and had brought inconve-
niences upon myself by a punctilio. Still, however,
my better judgment spoke a different language, and
assured me, it was not a punctilio, but evidently con-
nected with duty and peace of conscience. I could not,
I durst not, deliberately repent that I had acted right ;
but, as I said, I was tempted to it. The Lord kept
me steadfast, as far as outward conduct was concerned ;
but he alone knows the evil workings of my heart at
some seasons. I was, however, supported ; and in due

Let. 2. To Miss G***. 359

time light broke through the darkness, difficulties were
removed, he made me good amends, even in a temporal
way, for what I had given up : besides, the opportunity
it afforded of commending my profession and character,
even to the people of the world, who had before af-
fected to despise me as an enthusiast. They seemed to
think, many of them to allow, that my religion was
better than theirs, because it had enabled me to part
with that which they felt they could not have parted
with in similar circumstances. If you should be tried
something in the like way, tarry the Lord's leisure, wait
patiently upon and for him, and you shall one day see
he has not forgotten you, though he should permit you
a while to be tried whether you will hold fast your in-
tegrity. Perhaps, when the Lord has enabled us to
act honourably in very difficult, ensnaring circumstances,
the greatest danger we are liable to is, lest we should
be insensibly drawn into a too good opinion of our own
resolution and constancy, and indulge a secret self-com-
placence, instead of giving the whole praise to the Lord.
I cannot forget that I felt this evil, nor how much I suf-
fered by it ; for the Lord, who mercifully watched over
me for good, to prevent my being exalted above mea-
sure, was pleased, at the same time that he enabled me
to conquer in a greater trial, to leave me to my own
weakness in much smaller ; so that I was left to hesi-
tate, stumble, and fall, in some things so seemingly
trivial, that I should have been ashamed of mentioning
them to my most intimate friend. Excuse my men-
tioning this. I trust the caution will to you be unne-
cessary, after the noble stand the Lord has enabled you
to make. I have nothing to wish or pray for you, but
that he may preserve you humble and thankful. Mrs.
Vol. VI. 0 A

360 To Miss G***. Let. 3.

*** unites with me in love to you. Need I say, that
we shall be very glad to see you whenever it suits you
to call upon us ?

Believe me to be,

Very affectionately and sincerely, yours.

LETTER III.

Dear Madam, August 19, 178J.

LETHINKS I well understand the apostle, when he
speaks of being present with his friends in spirit, while
absent from tliem in the body. How often have I been
at London, and at N ■, since I came here ! Be-
sides this, I usually convey myself once a day in the
shape of a letter ; and this morning I mean to make
you a visit. May I arrive in a good hour ; and may the
Lord put some good and seasonable word in my way,
that your heart may be comforted. The good hand of
the Lord brought us hither in peace and safety ; and we
are hitherto favoured with a preservation from illness,
though many are ill around us, and many are falling
every day. I do not remember so many people being
ill with fevers at one time, during the eighteen years I
lived here. I am now very busy amongst a people
whom I have long loved, and who are glad to see me,
and though I am going from house to house almost all
day, and every day, I shall hardly be able to see them
all while I stay. Health, when rightly valued, and
duly improved, is a great mercy. I hope you have it,
and find it so. The mind not only suffers by what the
body feels when ill, but is for the most part indisposed
by it for the enjoyments of its best privileges. An ach-

Let. 3. To Miss &'***. 361

inn head, or a sick stomach, take off our chariot wheels,
engage our attention to our infirmities, preclude us
from public ordinances, or unfit us for hearing if abroad,
and for any spiritual exercises when at home. At such
a time we can do little more than simply cast ourselves
upon the Lord's care, and wait his will. Indeed it is
well if we can do so much ; for to exercise faith and
patience at such a time, is a great thing. If health
and spirits are good, we are so far prepared to meet
and support the daily trials of life. I hope you are
thus armed, yea, much better ; that you are favoured
with a peaceful frame of mind, a sense of the Lord's
presence, and a persuasion that his arm will support
you and surely do you good. Be of good courage;
trust in the Lord with all your heart; take up your
daily cross, whatever it may be ; he is your shepherd
and guide, to whom you have committed yourself, and
you may be assured that he will lead you the right
way. I can easily conceive that many things in your
present situation must be unpleasant to you, but while
they are so, they will not be hurtful ; and the Lord,
who has assigned you your present post, is at hand to
support you in it, and I trust will honour you with some
usefulness while he continues you. Live with him to-
day, and leave to-morrow in his hands. Do not let
your spirits be burdened as though you were bound to
perform impossibilities ; but make the best you can of
things as they lie before you. You are placed where
vou are to be a witness for him ; perhaps he designs to
make you an instrument of good to some who are
around you ; your example and conduct may have an
influence in this way far beyond what you expect, even
when you do not see it proper to speak a word ; but
sometimes probably a word will be put into your mouth,

562 To Miss G***. Let. 3.

and you will not speak in vain. If he had not enabled
you to make the choice of Moses, you would have

avoided the trials you find at N ; you would

probably before this time have entered a very different
path of life. The world would have either congratulated
or envied you ; but I should have pitied you. You
would soon have felt, (what the Lord enabled you to
consider without making the experiment,) how little the
{me things of this world can contribute to happiness.
Every day would have shown you more of their vanity,
and every day would have discovered to you new in-
stances of the solid and real evils and troubles which
are connected \\ ifch them. You would either have been
carried away with the stream, to the wounding of your
conscience and the loss of your spiritual discernment ;
or, if enabled to stand your ground, you would have
found a thorn in every step you took.

Blessed be the Lord, who inspired you with wisdom
and strength to resist the golden temptation ! I said
then, and I say still, you will never have just cause to
repent it. Continue humbly to commit your way to
him ; he will take care of you, and he can give you, even
in temporals, what, upon the whole, shall be much more
valuable and comfortable than all that you give up.
However that may be, his loving-kindness, and the light
of his countenance, are better than life itself. I warned
you, though you knew it before, that the enemy would try,
as far as permitted, to distress and worry you. But re-
gard him not. Resist him, and he will flee from you.
You are in the path of duty; what you cannot alter,
bear patiently, and the Lord, in his own time, will
make the crooked straight. You are in a peculiar sense
the charge of his providence, and he will not leave you
nor forsake you. We hope to be at home on the even-

Let. 3. To Miss G***. 363

ing of the 5th. I have great reason to be pleased with
mv excursion ; and, blessed be the Lord, the thought of
returning to London is very pleasant to me likewise.
There, (with respect to this world,) my treasure is, and
there is my heart also. The opportunities of preaching
his word, and of intercourse with his dear people, the
many kind and valuable friends he has given me, are
more to me than all the mines of Peru.

Let us love and sing and wonder,
Let us praise the Saviour's name.

Let the world take the world ; for you and for me the
Lord has provided better things. — Oh for grace to be
humble, thankful, circumspect, and exemplary, that our
light may shine to his praise ! I commend you to his
gracious protection, and am,

Dear Madam,

Yours most sincerely.

THREE LETTERS

TO

Mrs. C***.

LETTER I.

My dear Madam, May 29, 1784.

E have heard that you have been sick, and I write
in hopes of obtaining an answer, to inform me that you
have experienced the help and power of the great
Physician, and that you are now better. I know indeed
beforehand, that, whether sick or well, you are just as
you should be, and that what the Lord chooses for vou
is always the best. But the Gospel, though calculated
to form us, (rebellious as we are by nature,) to a cheer-
ful acquiescence in his will, and to regulate our sen-
sibility, is not designed to suppress it. The same love
which rejoices in the comforts of others, will likewise
sympathize with them in affliction. We are directed
to pray for one another in this view, that, if it be the
Lord's pleasure to prolong life and to restore health,
our sense of the mercy may be heightened by the con-
sideration that it is bestowed in answer to prayer.
You do not properly need my prayers and wishes, you
are safe in the hands of infinite wisdom and love ; and
if you were in a wilderness remote from all society,

Let. 1. To Mrs. C**#. 365

you could not be sick or afflicted an hour longer than
the Lord saw necessary to answer some gracious pur-
pose in your favour. But this is his institution, that
as members of the same body, we should maintain a
fellowship and sympathy, helping together by prayer,
that so for the gift bestowed by means of many persons,
thanks may be given by many on our account. It
pleases me to think that, though I am much and often
surrounded with noise, smoke, and dust, my friend Mrs.
(J*** enjoys the beautiful scenes of rural life. O how
I long sometimes to spend a day or two among woods,
and lawns, and brooks, and hedge-rows, to hear the birds
sing in the bushes, and to wander among the sheep and
lambs, or to stand under the shadow of an old oak,
upon a hill top ! Thus I lived at Olney ; how dif-
ferent is London ! But, hush ! Olney was the place
once, London is the place now. Hither the Lord
brought me, and here he is pleased to support me, and
in some measure, (I trust,) to own me. I am satisfied.
Come, I hope I can make a good shift without your
woods, and bushes, and pastures. What is the pro-
spect from the finest hill in Essex, compared with the
prospect I have from St. Mary's pulpit ? What is the
singing of birds, compared with the singing our hymn
after sermon on a Sunday evening ? What the bleating
of lambs, compared with the lispings of inquiring souls,
who are seeking after Jesus ! No, welcome noise, and
dust, and smoke, so that we may but be favoured with
his gracious presence in our hearts, houses, and ordi-
nances. This will make all situations nearly alike, if
we see the Lord's hand placing us in it, are enabled to
do his will, and to set him before us, as our Lord and
our Beloved. You will please to present my good
wishes to Mrs. B****, and likewise Miss D**** if she

366 To Mrs. C***. Let. 1.

is with her. He in whose presence is life, whose
loving-kindness is better than lite, be with you all.
Though we do not see each other, we are not far
asunder. The throne of grace is a centre, where
thousands daily meet in spirit, and have real though
secret communion with each other. They eat of one
bread, walk by one rule ; they have one Father and
one home. There they will shortly meet to part no
more. They will shine each one like the sun. They
will form a glorious constellation, millions of suns
shining together in their Lord's kingdom. How pleased
is Satan when he can prevail to set those at variance,
who are in so many respects united ! but such is his
subtlet}', and such their weakness, which he practises
upon, that he has often prevailed thus. — Sometimes he
shuts them up so close within the paper walls of a de-
nomination, that they cannot see an inch beyond the
bounds of their own party. Sometimes he holds his
magical glass before their eyes, and when they thus
view each other through the medium of prejudice, they
seem so mutually and so strangely metamorphosed,
that perhaps both leaders and people are shocked, dis-
gusted, and terrified at the sight of those who are as
near the Lord as themselves. Here and there one
escapes the general delusion ; these wonder at the
bustle around them, and endeavour to persuade the
rest to peace and love as becometh brethren, and
perhaps are requited with the reproaches of both sides,
as neutrals, time-servers, and cowards. But these
peace-makers are blessed, approved of God, and
beloved by all men who are in possession of their spi-
ritual senses. Through mercy, my dear madam, neither
you nor I are to be scared by such v\ords as ^Methodist
or Calvinist. We see there is both wheat and chaff

Let. 2. To Mrs. C***. 367

among all parties, and that they who love the Lord
Jesus Christ, are a people scattered abroad at this
time as they were in the apostles' days, 1 Pet. i. 1. We
are much as usual. Accept our cordial love. Shall
I beg you to pray for me and mine? I know you will.
Believe me to be,

Your affectionate and obliged.

LETTER II.

W.

My dear Madam, Nov. 27, 1784.

HAT shall I say to the intelligence which Mr.

C ■, (judging rightly of our affection for you,) was so

kind as to bring me this morning ? May I not say, with-
out sinning, that I am sorry, very sorry? If I said

otherwise I should be a hypocrite. If Mrs. or

I could have prevented it, you should not have fallen-.
Our gracious Lord, who condescended to take our-
nature upon him, took it with all the feelings belonging
to it which are not sinful. He was truly a man, and
sympathized like a man with the afflictions of his
friends. Instead of sharply rebuking Mary and
Martha for their tears when their brother died, he
kindly wept with them, though he had determined to
raise him again from the dead. I allow myself, there-
fore, to be sorry for your fall and hurt, and to feel a
solicitude till I hear further of you. Perhaps Mrs.

B may favour me with a line of information, if,

as I apprehend, you may not be able to write your-
self. But now, to use the apostle's expression, " I
Vol. VI. 3 B

36S To Mrs. C***. Let. 2.

" have spoken as a man," let me look at you in another
point of view. The Lord, who by his grace has
enabled you to devote and intrust yourself to him, has
engaged by his promise, to take care of you, and to
keep you in all your ways. Under his protection you
have been safe a number of years ; and did he fail you
at last? Far from it : his eye was as directly upon you,
his arm as certainly with you when you fell, as at any
other moment of your life. And you would no more
have fallen, than the planets can fall from their orbits,
without his permission and appointment. This event
must work for your good, because he has promised
that all things shall. If I could assign no other reason
for those dispensations to his children, which upon the
first impression are apt to startle us, this ought to be a
sufficient reason, not only to silence but to satisfy us,
that, It is the Lord. For can infinite wisdom mis-
take, or infinite goodness do any thing that is unkind ?
But I see other reasons why, in the present state of
thiols, all things should appear as happening alike to
all; and that his own people who are freed from guilt
and condemnation, and to whom he manifests himself
as he does not unto the world, should not be therefore
exempted from a share in any of the outward afflictions
to which sin has rendered mankind liable. I can see
many inconveniences which would follow, if they who
love the Lord, were distinguished from the world around
them by a visible mark in their foreheads. But if his
providence universally preserved them from the cala-
mities which others feel, so that it should be notorious
and generally known that their persons were always
safe, and that no true believer ever suffered by falls, fires,
broken bones, and the like; such an exemption, in this
calamitous state, wouid distinguish and point them out,

Let. 2. To Jfrs. C*#*. 569

almost as plainly as if they were surrounded with a glory,
as the apostles are sometimes represented in popish pic-
tures. Besides, how should it be known that the Lord
whom they serve can make them cheerful and com-
fortable, under those trials and sufferings which the
flesh naturally shrinks at, unless they were now and
then put into such circumstances. I trust, madam,
you are of the same mind with a good woman I heard
of about thirty years ago. She was very aged, and very
poor. One day, in attempting to cross the way in
"Whitechapel, a cart threw her down, and she broke her
thigh. She was taken into a house, and many people
were soon about her, expressing their concern ; but she
said, " I thank you for your pity; but all is very well,
" and I hope I have not one bone in my body but is
" willincr to be broken, if such be the Lord's will." What
may be the issue of this fall as to yourself, I know not.
It is a greater thing to heal a broken heart than a
broken bone. So long as I hear that you are alive, I
shall probably feel a wish that you may live a little,
longer. I shall therefore commend you to him to
whom belong the issues from death, being assured that
you are immortal till the appointed number of your
sufferings and services shall be completed ; but if your
fall should prove a means of hastening your removal
to the church triumphant, then, however I and your
many friends may regret our own loss, we ought to
rejoice in your gain. As this may possibly be the
event, though I am willing to hope otherwise, I take
a sort of leave of you, begging that while you do
remain on this side Jordan, you will pray for me and
mine, that we may have grace to follow you while we
live, and to follow you when we die, to that heavenly

o

70 To Mrs. C***. Let. 3.

home, where the nicked cease from troubling, and
where the weary are at rest. Oh, madam, what a
prospect awaits you !

Oh what hath Jesus bought for me,

Before my ravish'd eyes
Rivers of life divine I see,

And trees of Paradise !
I see a world of spirits bright,

Who taste the pleasures there !
They all are rob'd in spotless white,

And conquering palms they bear.

Ah, that robe, that crown, those songs ! surely it
is unspeakably better to depart and to be with Jesus.
If he calls you, I must and will consent to let you go ;
but I shall miss you. If he is pleased to raise you up,
I shall rejoice to see you again. Mrs. N**** joins me
in best love, and in our respects to Mrs. B****.
I am, dear Madam,
Your very affectionate and obliged servant.

LETTER III.

My dear Madam, Feb. 25, 1785.

CCORDTNG to strict propriety, I should address
myself to Mrs. B**?*j having an obliging letter of hers
to acknowledge. But the account Mr. C*** lately
gave me of your health, determines me to beg her
excuse, and to write to you, not knowing how long you
may be within the reach of the post. I cannot flatter

Let. 3. To Mrs. C***. 371

myself that you will continue a great while in this poor
world, or that I can reasonably expect to see you
again. The com tort is, that though Christian friend-
ship be very pleasing, and Christian conference be very
profitable when rightly managed, yet we are not ne-
cessary to each other. We are absolutely dependent
upon the Lord, but not necessarily dependent upon
any creatures. They smile upon us when he bids
them, they do us good when he sends them, but they
cannot benefit us without him; and, on the other hand,
he can well supply their absence or inability, and do
every thing for us without them. Though I seldom
saw you when you were in London, yet it gave me
pleasure to think I might expect to see you now and
then. When you are gone to heaven this pleasure
will fail, — I shall see you no more here ; I shall miss
you ; but in a little while I hope we shall meet again
there. But where is heaven ? Is it an immense dis-
tance beyond the fixed stars? Have our ideas of space
any thing to do with it ? Is not heaven often upon earth
in proportion as the presence of God is felt? Was not
the apostle caught up thither, though he knew not
whether he was in the body or not, and consequently
was not sure that he had changed his place ? Is there
nut joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth? Per-
haps the redeemed of the Lord, as well as his angels,
are nearer to us than we are aware. Perhaps they see
us though we see not them. Perhaps nothing but this
veil of flesh and blood prevents us from seeing them
likewise. However, on our part the barrier is impe-
netrable ! O the wonders that will break in upon our
mind, when death shall open this barrier to us ! What
shall we then see? It is sufficient for us at present to
know that we shall see Jesus. We shall see him as

372 To Mrs, £***#. Let. 3.

he is, and we shall be like him. The circumstances of
the heavenly state, if I may so speak, are hidden from
us ; but this which constitutes the essence of it, we
can form some faint apprehension of from our present
experience. All that deserves the name of happiness
here, consists of such conceptions of Jesus, and such
measures of conformity to him, as are attainable while
in a mortal and defiled nature. But we see him only
as in a glass, darkly and in part, but when that which
is perfect arrives, that which is in part shall be done
away. We shall be all eye, all ear, all activity, in the
communications of his love, and in the celebration of
his praise. Here we are almost upon a level with
worms ; there we shall rise to an equality with angels.
In some respects our privilege will be superior to theirs.
Angels cannot sing the song of the redeemed, nor
claim so near a relation to Him that sitteth upon
the throne. Are not these things worth dying for? I
congratulate you, madam ; you have almost finished
your course ; and he who has enabled you to keep the
faith, and to fight the good fight, will shortly give you
the conqueror's crown, prepared for you, and for all
who love his appearing. They are many crowns, and yet
one. The blessings of the other world are not like the
wealth of this world, which is diminished in proportion
to the numbers among whom it is divided. There
each one shall possess the whole ; as here we enjoy the
light of the sun, though millions enjoy it with us, as
fully as we could if there were none upon earth but
ourselves to see it. You will likewise soon be removed
from all evil. You are going where pain, and sickness,
and sorrow, and temptation, and sin have no place. —
Where your eyes and your heart will be no more grieved
with the wickedness of the world, where no one will

Let. 3. To JIi-s. &***. SI'S

ask you with a taunt, What is thy beloved more than
another beloved ? In a word, where death shall be
swallowed up in life, and where the miserable effects
of our fall from God, shall be no more perceived,
than we can perceive a stone that is sunk in the
midst of the mighty ocean. I do not ask nor expect
you to write an answer. I see you too weak, to wish
to impose such a task upon you. I only beg that while
you stay below, you will remember me and mine in
prayer. Mrs. N sends her affectionate remem-
brance with mine.

Believe me to be,
Your sincere friend, and obliged servant.

MISCELLA>TEOUS PAPERS,

EXTRACTED FROM

PERIODICAL PUBLICATIONS.

Vol. VI. 3 C

FROM THE

THEOLOGICAL MISCELLANY.

t'WWft^M^SBWWi

A LETTER TO A FRIEND IN TROUBLE.

My dear Madam,

1 HE letter we received yesterday from Mr. ****, has
given us some painful feelings for you both. He says,
you are lower in your spirits than usual. By this time,
I hope, the Lord hath raised your spirits again : I won-
der not that they sometimes droop. Your part is trying
and solitary, affording many handles, which the enemy,
if permitted, knows how to take hold of. The pressure
of your troubles is further aggravated by their long con-
tinuance. It is one thing to stand tolerably in a
skirmish, when it is but a brush and away ; like a
hasty shower in a summer's day, which presently leaves
us in full possession of the sun again : it is quite a dif-
ferent thing to endure patiently, when a trial lasts, not
for days or months, but from year to year, when ex-
pectation seems to fail, and all our scouts return to tell
us, there is no perceptible abatement of the waters.

But is this the way to raise your spirits ? Instead of
giving you sal-volatile as I designed, I had almost mis-
taken the vial. Let us try again. Ay, this is it. Read
the inscription, " As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing."

378 A Letter to a Prienaih Trouble.

No wonder that we are often sorrowing in such a world
as this ; but to be always rejoicing, though in the midst
of tribulation, this mav seem strange, but it is no more
strange than true. When I want witness to this truth
in open court, I may confidently subpoena you to con-
firm it.

They who would always rejoice, must derive their
joy from a source which is invariably the same ; in
other words, from Jesus. Oh that name ! what a per-
son, what an office, what a love, what a life, what a
death, does it recall to our minds ! Come, madam,
let us leave our troubles to themselves for a while, and
let us walk to Golgotha, and there take a view of his.
We stop, as we are going, at Gethsemane, for it is not
a step out of the road. There he lies, bleeding though
not wounded, or if wounded, it is by an invisible, an
almighty hand. Now I begin to see what sin has
done. Now let me bring my sorrows, and compare,
measure, and weigh them, against the sorrows of my
Saviour ! Foolish attempt ! to weigh a mote against a
mountain, against the universe ! Thus far we have at-
tained already, and aim to say3

Now let our pains be all forgot,

Our hearts no more repine !
Our sufferings are not worth a thought,

When, Lord, compar'd with thine.

We are still more confirmed at our next station.
Now we are at the foot of the cross. Behold the Man !
attend to his groans; contemplate his wounds. Now
let us sit down here a while and weep for our crosses,
if we can. For our crosses ! Nay, rather let us weep
for our sins, which brought the Son of God into such

A Letter to a Friend in Trouble. 379

distress. Agreed. I fee) that we, not He, deserved
to be crucified, and to be utterly forsaken. But this is
not all : his death not only shows our desert, but seals
our pardon. For a tuller proof, let us take another
station Now we are at his tomb. But the stone is
rolled away. He is not here. He is risen. The debt
is paid, and the surety discharged. Not here ! where
then is Her Look up ! Methinks the clouds part, and
glory breaks through — Behold a throne ! What a transi-
tion ! He who hung upon the cross, is seated upon the
throne ! Hark ! he speaks ! May every word sink deep
into your heart and mine ! He says, " I know your sor-
" rows, yea, I appoint them ; they are tokens of my love ;
' it is thus I call you to the honour of following me.
" See a place prepared for you near to myself! Fear
" none of these things : be thou faithful unto death, and
" I will give thee a crown of life." It is enough, Lord.
Now then let us compute, let us calculate apnn. These
scales are the balances of the sanctuary. Let us put in
our tiials and griefs on one side. What an alteration f
I thought them lately very heavy : now I find them
light ; the scale hardly turns with them. But ho v sha I
we manage to put in the weight on the other side r It
is heavy indeed : an exceeding, eternal weight of glorv.
It is beyond my grasp and power. No matter. Com-
parison is needless. I see with the glance of an eve,
there is no proportion. I am content. I am satisfied.
I am ashamed. Have I been so long mourning, and
is this all the cause? Well, if the flesh will grieve, it
shall grieve by itself. The Spirit, the Lord enabling me,
shall rejoice, yea, it does. From this moment I wipe
away my tears and forbid them to flow ; or, if I must
weep, they shall be tears of gratitude, love, and joy !
The bitter is sweet; the medicine is food. Bul the

380 A Letter to a Friend in Trouble.

cloud closes. I can no longer see what I lately saw.
However, I have seen it. I know it is there. He ever
liveth full of compassion and care, to plead for me
above, to manage for me below. He is mine, and I am
his ; therefore all is well.

I hope this little walk will do us both good. We
have seen wonderful things to-day ! Wonderful in them-
selves, and wonderful in their efficacy to compose our
spirits, and to make us willing to suffer on. Blessed
be God for his unspeakable gift !

Having written thus far, I made a digression to the
Jews' synagogue. Though born and bred in London,
I was never there before. On my return I may say,
Blessed be God not only for the gift of his Son, but
for the gift of his Spirit ! What a gross darkness over-
whelms that unhappy people ! With the holy Scriptures
in their hands, how utterly are they ignorant of their
true meaning ! And what multitudes of professed Chris-
tians, who can pity or smile at their superstitions, are
equally though differently mistaken ! Hence we have
another argument for thanktul submission. Supposing
our life could have passed without a single trial, yet if
we had lived and died ignorant of God and of ourselves,
our happiness, preferable to that of the most afflicted,
would have been but like the poor marks of distinction
paid to a state-criminal of rank who is attended to the
place of execution with a parade not allowed to the
vulgar, but must undergo the same punishment when
he comes thither. How trivial is such a pre-eminence !
What do all past pleasures and advantages now avail
the worldling who died this morning r What is the
believer, who died this morning, the worse now for the
trials which he met with in his path to glory? Quite
the reverse ; he now sees that thev were directed and

On the Government of the Tongue. 38 1

adjusted to promote and secure his progress, and to
shield him from still greater evils, to which he was
otherwise exposed. Let us abide by the conclusion,
which our judgment assures us he now makes. It
will appear as plain and self evident to us likewise, when
we shall be called to take possession of our lot in the
inheritance of the saints in light.

If you have lately been in conflict with the enemy, I
hope this will rind you praising the Lord for a new vic-
tory.— If under bodily indisposition, I hope his gra-
cious hands have already brought you health and cure,
accompanied with a further discovery of the abundance
of peace and truth.

I am, Madam,

Your affectionate,

OMICRQN.

THOUGHTS ON THE GOVERNMENT OF THE TONGUE.

A HERE is perhaps no one test or proof of the reality
of a work of grace upon the heart, more simple, clear,
and infallible, than the general tenour of our language
and conversation ; for our Lord's aphorism is of certain
and universal application, that '; out of the abundance
" of the heart the mouth speaketh." To the same pur-
pose the apostle James proposes to all, who make pro-
fession of the Gospel, a searching criterion of their sin-
cerity, when he says, li It any man among you seem to
" be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but de-
*' ceivcth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."'
This passage should not be thought a hard savin?, for
it stands in thehiblc; but, because ':■ stanjds in the Bible.

382 On the Government of the Tongue.

and forms a part of the rule by which the characters
and states of all men will he finally determined, there
is reason to fear that it will be found a had saving at
last, bv too many who name the name of Christ. A
few thoughts upon this important subject can never be
unseasonable.

It is not the restraint of the heart, the apostle re-
quires. He knew, that though it be our duty to watch
against the first rising motions of evil within, and to be
humbled tor them, it is not in our power wholly to pre-
vent them ; but he supposes that the grace of God in a
true believer will check the evils of the heart, and pre-
vent them from breaking out by the tongue.

Nor is the restraint of the tongue to be taken so
strictly, as if a believer was never liable to speak un-
advisedly. Job and Jeremiah cursed the day of their
birth ; and Peter not only denied his Lord, but denied
him with oaths and execrations. I allow it possible
that the best of men, in an unguarded hour, and through
the pressure of some sudden and violent temptation or
provocation, may occasionally act or speak unsuitably
to their habitual character. But I think the apostle
must mean thus much at least, that when grace is in
the heart, it will so regulate and control the tongue,
that it shall not customarily offend ; and that without
some evidence of such a regulation, we are not bound
to acknowledge any man to be a Christian, however
splendid his profession may be in other respects. Nay,
I think we may further say of this test, what the ma-
gicians of Egypt acknowledged upon another occasion,
" this is the finger of God !',' This is, perhaps, the only
outward mark of a believer, which the hypocrite cannot
imitate. In many things he may seem to be religious;
in some, perhaps, he may appear to go beyond the real

On the Government of the Tongue. 383

Christian ; but because his heart is naught, he cannot
bridle his tougue.

The man who seems, and who desires to be thought
religious, may have many qualifications to support his
claim, which may be valuable and commendable in
themselves, and yet are ot no avail to the possessor, if he
bridleth not his tongue. He may have much religious
knowledge, I mean of such knowledge as may be ac-
quired in the use of ordinarv means. He may have a
warm zeal, and may contend earnestly, (in his way,) for
the faith once delivered to the saints. He may be able
to talk well on spiritual subjects, to pray with freedom
and fervency ; yea, he may be a preacher, and acquit
himself to the satisfaction of sincere Christians : or, he
may be a fair trader, a good neighbour, a kind master,
an affectionate husband or parent, be free from gross
vices, and attend constantly upon the ordinances.
Will not such a man seem to himself, and probably be
esteemed by others, to be religious? yet if, with all
these good properties, he does not bridle his tongue, he
may be said to want the one thing needful. He de-
ceiveth his own heart ; his religion is vain.

But what are we to understand by bridling the
tongue ? The expression, I think, uill be sufficiently
explained by considering how the grace of God will
necessarily influence and govern the tongues of those
who partake of it, in what they say when they are led
to speak of God, of themselves, and of or to their
fellow-creatures. Having seen a glimpse of the holi-
ness and majesty, the glory and the grace, of the great
God with whom they have to do, their hearts are im-
pressed with reverence, and therefore there is a sobriety
and decorum in their language. They cannot speak
lightly of him, or of his ways. One would suppose
~Vol. VI. ' 3 D

384 On the Government of the Tongue.

that no person, -who even but seems to be religiou^
can directly and expressly profane his dame. l>ut
there is a careless manner of speaking of the great God,
•which is very disgusting and very suspicious. So like-
wise the hearts of believers teach their mouths to speak
honourably of God under all their afflictions and
crosses, acknowledging the wisdom and the mercy of his
dispensations ; and it an impatient word escapes them,
at grieves and humbles them, as quite unbecoming
their situation as his creatures, and especially as sinful
creatures, who have alwavs reason to acknowledge, that
it is of the Lord's mercy they are not wholly con-
sumed.

When thev speak of themselves, their tongues are
bridled, and restrained froin boasting. They speak as
becomes poor unworthy creatures, because they feel
themselves to be such. In what they say, either of
their comforts or of their sorrows, sincerity dictates a
simplicity which cannot be easily counterfeited ; while
they, whose tongues are not thus bridled, often betray
themselves by an affectation and want of savour, even
when they are lamenting their sinfulness, and the viie-
ness of their hearts.

In what they say of or to others, the tongues of
believers are bridled by a heart-felt regard to truth,
love, and purity. It is grievous to see how nearly and
readily some professors ot religion will venture upon
the borders of a lie ; either to defend their owe con-
duct, to avoid some inconvenience to procure a sup-
posed advantage, or sometimes merely to embellish
a story. Admitting the possibility of a sincere person
being surprised into the declaration of an untruth, yet
where instances of this kind are frequent, I hardly
know a fouler blot in profession, or which can give a

On the Government of the Tongue, 385

more just warrant to fear that such professors know no-
thing aright either of God or themselves. The Lord
is a God of truth ; and he teaches his servants to hat©
and abhor lying, and to speak the truth from their
hearts. I may add likewise, with regard to promises
and bargains, that though the law of the land requires,
on many occasions, oaths and bonds to secure their
performance, that person, whose word may not be
safelv depended upon without either bond or oath,
scarcely deserves the name of a Christian.

Where grace is in the heart, the tongue will be-
likewise bridled by the law of love. If we love our
neighbour, can we lightly report evil of him, magnify
his failings, or use provoking or insulting lan^ua^e ?
Love thinketh no evil, but beareth, hopeth, and en-
dureth ; and acts by the golden rule, to do unto others
as we would they should do unto us. They who are
under this influence will be gentle and compassionate,
disposed to make the most favourable allowances, and
of course their tongues will be restrained from the
language of malevolence, harsh censure, and slander,
though it be familiar to us as our mother tongue, till
we are made partakers of the grace of God.

The tongue is also bridled by a regard to purity.
Agreeably to the precepts, " Let no corrupt communi-
" cation proceed out of your mouth ; neither filthiness,
"nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not conve-
" nient,"Eph. iv. 86*. v. 4. Grace has taught believers
to hate these things ; how then can their tongues speak
of them? There are professors, indeed, who can suit
their language to their company. When with the
people ot God, they can talk very seriously; and, at
otiier times, be well pleased to join in vain, frothy,
and evil conversation. But this double-mindedness is of

'386 Pliuifs Letter to Trajan.

itself sufficient to discredit all their pretences to a
religious character.

Upon the whole, though perfection is not to be ex-
pected , though true believers may, on some occasions,
speak rashly, and have great cause lor humiliation,
watchfulness, and prayer, with respect to the govern-
ment of their tongues ; yet I think the Scripture, and
particularly the apostle James in the passage I have
mentioned, authorizes this conclusion, That it the
tongue is frequently without a bridle ; if it may be ob-
served, that a person often speaks lightly of God and
of divine things, proudly of himself, harshly of his
fellow-creatures ; if it can be affirmed with truth, that
he is a liar, a tale-bearer, a railer, a flatterer, or a
jester; — then, whatever other good qualities he may
seem to possess, his speech bewravetb him : he de-
ceiveth himself, his religion is vain. Let us think of
these things, and entreat the Lord to cast the salt of
his grace into the fountain of our hearts, that the
streams of our conversation may be wholesome !

OM1CRON.

PLINY TO THE EMPEROR TRAJAN.

J.T is a rule, Sir, which I inviolably observe, to refer
myself to you in all my doubts ; for who is more
capable of removing my scruples, or informing my ig-
norance? Having never been present at any trials con-
cerning those who profess Christianity, I am unac-
quainted not only with the nature of their crimes, or
^ht measure of their punishment, but how far it is

Flinifs Letter to Trajan. 387

proper to enter into an examination concerning them.
Whether, therefore, any difference is usually made
with respect to the ages of the guilty, or no distinction
is to be observed between the young and the adult ;
a latter repentance entitles them to a pardon ; or if a
man has been once a Christian, it avails nothing to desist
from his error ; whether the profession ot Christianity,
unattended with any criminal act, or only the crimes
themselves, inherent in the profession, are punishable:
in all these points I am greatly doubtful. In the mean
while, the method I have observed towards those who
have been brought before me as Christians, is this : I in-
terrogated them whether they were Christians ? if they
confessed, I repeated the question twice again, adding
threats at the same time ; when, if they still persevered,
I ordered them to be immediately punished ; for I was
persuaded, whatever the nature of their opinions might
be, a contumacious and inflexible obstinacy certainly
deserved correction. There were others also brought
before me, possessed with the same infatuation ; but,
being citizens of Rome, I directed them to be carried
thither. But this crime spreading, (as is usually the
case,) while it was actually under prosecution, several
instances of the same nature occurred. An information
was presented to me, without any name subscribed,
containing a charge against several persons, who, upon
examination, denied they were Christians, or had ever
been so. They repeated after me an invocation to the
gods; and offered religious rites, with wine and frank-
incense, before your statue, (which for the purpose I
had ordered to be brought, together w ith those of the
gods,) and even reviled the name of Christ ; whereas
there is no forcing, it is said, those who are really
Christians, into a compliance with any of these articles.

33S Pliny's Letter to Trajan.

I thought proper, therefore, to discharge them. Some
among those who were accused by a witness in person
at first confessed themselves Christians, but immediately
after denied it ; whilst the rest owned indeed that they
had been of that number formerly, but had now, (some
above three, others more, and a i'ew above twenty yeirs
ago,) forsaken the error. They all worshipped your
statue, and the images of the gods, throwing out im-
precations at the same time against the name of Christ.
They affirmed, the whole of their guilt, or their error,
was, that they met on a certain stated day, before it
was light, and addressed themselves in a form of pra\er
to Christ, as to some God ; binding themselves by a
solemn oath, not for the purposes of anv wicked de-
sign, but, never to commit any fraud, theft, or adultery ;
never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust, when
they should be called upon to deliver it up ; after which
it was their custom to separate, and then re -assemble,
to eat in common a harmless meal. From this custom,
however, they desisted, after the publication of my
edict, by which, according to your orders, I forbade the
meeting of any assemblies After receiving this ac-
count, I judged it so much the more necessary to en-
deavour to extort the real truth, by putting two female
slaves to the torture, who were said to administer in
their religious functions ; but I could discover nothing
more than an absurd and an excessive supeistition. I
thought proper, therefore, to adjourn all further proceed-
ings in this affair, in order to consult with you : for it
appears to be a matter highly deserving your consider-
ation ; more especially, as great numbers must be in-
volved in the danger of these prosecutions, this inquiry
having already extended, and being still likely to ex-
tend, to persons of all ranks and ages, and even of both

Remarks on Plhufs Letter to Trajan. 389

»

Sexes. For this contagious superstition is not con-
fined to the cities only, but has spread its infection
among the country villages : nevertheless it still seems
possible to remedy this evil, and restrain its progress.
The temples, at least, which were almost deserted,
begin now to be frequented ; and the sacred solem-
nities, alter a long intermission, are again revived ;
while there is a general demand for the victims, which
for some time past have met with but few purchasers.
From hence it is easy to imagine, what numbers might
be reclaimed from this error, if a pardon were granted
lo those who shall repent.

REMARKS.

Several remarks easily offer from a perusal of this
valuable monument of ecclesiastical antiquity, which I
consider as affording us one ot the most authentic
testimonials of the natural tendency of genuine Chris-
tianity, and likewise a striking display of the unrea-
sonableness and malignancy of the spirit by which it
was then opposed, and by which it always will be
opposed, (so far as the providence of God and the
circumstances of the times will permit it to act,) while
the state of the world and of human nature continue
as they are.

I. It appears, that the number of those who pro-
fessed the Christian name, when Pliny was proconsul of
Pontus and Bithynia, and particularly within the extent
of his government, was very great ; so great that the
heathen temples had been almost left desolate, and
their sacrifices sunk into neglect. Pliny thought that
such a general defection from the old religion rendered
severities justifiable, and even necessary : yet, on the

390 Remarks on Flings Letter to Trajan.

other hand, being a person of humanity, he was
shocked and grieved when he reflected on the multi-
tudes who were affected by such prosecutions, without
distinction of rank, or age, or sex. Considering the
many disadvantages to which the Christians had been
exposed, especially under the reigns of Nero and Do-
mitian, their great increase at the time of Pliny's wri-
ting, (which, at the latest, could be but a few years
after the commencement of the second century,) evi-
dently proved, that the propagation and maintenance of
the Gospel is no way dependent upon the rank, titles,
or acquired abilities of those who profess it : for, nu-
merous as the Christians were, they were of so little
note and esteem in the world, that Pliny, who was a
scholar, a philosopher, and a gentleman, a curious in-
quirer into every thing that was thought worthy of
being known, was wholly unacquainted with the Chris-
tians, till his office obliged him to procure some infor-
mation concerning them. He had an extensive ac-
quaintance in Rome, having been many years in public
liie, and the Christians were very numerous there ; but
he appears only to have known that there was such a
people ; and that they were a deluded and contemptible
people, who deserved all that they suffered, for their
obstinacy. The very name of Christian was then
odious and reproachful ; and when in succeeding ages
it became general and fashionable, other disgraceful
epithets were substituted to stigmatize the faithful ser-
vants of God, and to point them out to the scorn or
rage of the world.

II. Multitudes, who had been willing to be thought
Christians in a time of peace, renounced their profession
when they could no longer maintain it without the ha-
zard of their lives. The terms oi safety were, to invo-

Remarks on Pliny's Letter to Trajan. 391

cate the gods, to offer wine and incense to the statue
of the emperor, and to blaspheme Christ, which Pliny
was rightly informed, no true Christian could be pre-
vailed on to comply with : vet, in fact, when the per-
secution was sharp, so many yielded, that the cause
seemed visibly to decline. The temples, which had been
almost forsaken, were again frequented, the solemnities
revived, and the demand for victims greatly increased.
It is plain, therefore, that there were, even in those
primitive times, many superficial Christians, destitute of
that faith and love which are necessary to perseverance
in the face of dangers and death. Of course it is no
new thing for men to desert the profession of the truth,
to which they have formerly appeared to be attached ;
through trie fear of man, or the love of the world.
These are the stony-ground hearers ; and our Lord has
assured us, that such would be found wherever his
Gospel should be preached. But there were others,
who, having experienced this Gospel to be the power of
God unto salvation, were faithful witnesses, and could
neither be intimidated nor flattered into a compliance
with evil. It is the same at this day : for though we
are mercifully exempted from the terror of penal laws,
yet the temptations arising from worldly interest, and
the prevalence and force of evil customs, will sooner
or later be too hard for all professors who have not re-
ceived that faith which is of the operation of God,
which, by communicating a sense of the constraining
love of Christ, is alone able to purify the heart from
selfish and sinful principles, and to overcome the world
with all its allurements and threatenings.

III. We have, in this epistle, an honourable testi-
mony to the conduct and practice of the Christians in

Vol. VT. 3E

392 Remarks on Pliny* s Letter to Trajan.

Piiny's time. Though the information of enemies and
apostates was admitted, and even sought for, and those
who were inclined to speak in their favour were put to
the torture, we see, that in the declaration of a heathen
nothing is laid to their charge which was in any de-
gree deserving of just blame. Though their meetings
were accounted an offence against the state, they are
acquitted of any criminal transactions. On the con-
trary, it is said, that they bound themselves by the
strictest obligations against the commission of immo-
rality, and to the faithful discharge of relative duties.
An engagement of this kind, amongst any other people,
Pliny would have approved and admired. But the na-
ture of their religious worship, which he censures as a
dangerous and immoderate superstition, he thought
sufficiently criminal in itself, notwithstanding its influ-
ence upon their conduct was confessedly commendable.
To such inconsistences are the wisest men reduced, who
discover the least degree of candour in their opposition
to the people of Christ. While they ignorantly con-
demn their principles, they are compelled to bear wit-
ness in favour of their general deportment, which is
formed upon those principles, and which, experience
shows, no other principles can uniformly produce. It is
true, the Christians were often indiscriminately charged
with the greatest immoralities, but not by persons of
reputation and judgment, like Pliny, who were careful
to inquire into the truth of what they related. At pre-
sent, we who know what foul aspersions are propa-
gated against the despised professors of the Gospel,
do not think it necessary to attempt a formal refu-
tation of them ; because as we fear the authors of such
slanders are incorrigible, so we are persuaded with re-

Remarks on Pliny* s Letter to Trajan. S93

gard to others, that there are very few persons, (how-
ever they may mistake our sentiments,) so ignorant or
credulous, as seriously to think them worthy of credit.
IV. The object of divine worship, in their assemblies,
was the Lord Jesus Christ. On a stated day, that is,
on the day which upon this account has, from the apos-
tles' time, been styled the Lord's day, they met early
in the morning to sing hymns to his praise : not in
commemoration of a mortal benefactor or lawgiver, but
as to God, acknowledging, by this practice, their firm
persuasion of that great mystery of godliness, God ma
nifest in the flesh, and that God was in Christ recon-
ciling the world unto himself. That they met before
it was light, was most probably to avoid the notice and
fury of their persecutors. The enemies of Christ
may put those who know and love him to many diffi-
culties and inconveniences ; but they cannot wholly
prevent them from assembling in his name, unless they
confine them in prisons or chains. The reason is,
they honour him as God, and are assured that he is
present where two or three are met in his name, at all
times and in all places. Their dependence for sup-
port, direction, and deliverance, is entirely upon him';
and when they worship him according to his will, he
manifests himself unto them as he does not unto the
world. This they believe, experience, and profess :
and the hardships they will submit to, rather than be
deprived of such opportunities, is a proof that they are
not disappointed in their expectations from him ; espe-
cially if it be considered, that there have been few ages
in which a succession of his people have not been pressed
with the like trials for adhering to him. But no
power or policy could ever effectually prevent asso-
ciations to honour and serve him, amongst those who

39& Remarks on Pliny's Letter to Trajan.

were fully persuaded that he is their God and their
Saviour. Bishop Bonner, (in queen Mary's reign,) who
was better versed in the arts of persecution than in the
history of the church, mistook these Christians, whom
Pliny describes, for heretics, and charged Philpot with
being altogether like them ; a charge which the good
man received as a great, though an undesigned
honour.

Y. The severity with which the persecution was car-
ried on under Trajan, appears from the doubt pro-
posed by Pliny, whether he was at liberty to make any
allowance in particular cases, or must punish all alike
who were guilty of bearing the Christian name, with-
out paying the least regard to sex, age, rank, or cir-
cumstance. Though desirous to show lenity, he did
not think himself authorized to reject the most invidious
or private accusations ; nor even to accept of a recant-
ation, without the emperor's express warrant. It is
plain that he considered the mitigations he proposed,
as a deviation from the ordinary course of proceeding
against them. History scarcely affords an instance of
such undistinguishing rage exerted against any people,
upon any occasion, except against those who have been
punished for righteousness' sake, though they indeed
have often been exposed to similar treatment both from
heathens and professed Christians. In cases of sedi-
tion, or even rebellion against civil government, though
many perhaps suffer, the greater number usually obtain
mercy. The devouring sword of war seldom preys
upon the defenceless, upon tender youth, or hoary age,
or women. Some bounds are set by the feelings of
humanity to the carnage of a field of battle : but
when Dhe* native enmity of the heart, against those of
whom the world is not worthy, is permitted to act

Remarks on Pliny's Letter to Trajan. SOB

without restraint, it acknowledges no distinctions, it
feels no compassion, but like the insatiable fire, con-
sumes whatever it can reach. If there be some ex-
ceptions, a few persons of gentle natural dispositions,
who are unwilling to shed blood, and rather express
their dislike bv a contemptuous pity, — this is chiefly
to be ascribed to the power of God over the heart of
man ; and he sometimes makes use of these to check
the violence of the others. Such a one was Pliny ; he
had no esteem for the Christians, he despised them as
deluded enthusiasts, and he was angry with them for
what he deemed their obstinacy : yet the greatness of
their sufferings, and the number of the sufferers, gave
him some concern, and made him interpose in their
favour, so far as to prevent them from being indus-
triously sought out, or punished without witnesses or
proof.

VI. The chief or only crime of the Christians, in
the judgment of Pliny, was, their steadiness in main-
taining a cause which the emperor did not approve, and
continuing their assemblies after they had been prohi-
bited by his edict : for this audacity and presumption
he supposed them Reserving of the heaviest punishment,
however blameless in other respects. It must be al-
lowed, that, as the edicts of the Roman emperors had
at that time the force of law, the profession of Christi-
anity, when forbidden by those edicts, was illegal, and
if the penalties they suffered were prescribed by the
edict, and they were tried and condemned under the
same forms as were usually observed in other criminal
processes, they suffered according to law. Thus it ap-
peared to Pliny ; and though, in his private capacity,
he might pity the offenders, yet, as a governor and a
judge, he thought it his duty to give sentence according

396 Remarks on Pliny's Letter to Trajan,

to the rule prescribed to him At this distance of time,
and while we keep in view that the persecutors were
heathens, we can readily plead in behalf of the Chris-
tians. The obstinacy they were charged with, was no
other than a commendable regard to the superior autho-
rity of God. In all things not inconsistent with their
duty to their supreme Lord, they were peaceable and
obedient subjects to the emperor; but, to countenance
the worship of idols, to burn incense to the statue of a
man, to abjure the name of Jesus who had redeemed
them from hell, or wilfully to neglect his institutions ;
these things they could not do without sin, and there-
fore they chose to surfer. We approve their determi
nation, and admire their constancy. But a question
naturally arises upon this subject, namely, Whether
God be the Lord of the conscience under a heathen
government only? or whether any man, or set of men,
who own the Christian name, can have a better right
than Trajan had, to compel men to act contrary to the
light of their minds, or to punish them for a refusal ?
As true Christians have always, by the influence of his
grace, extorted from the more sober part of their ad-
versaries, a contession in favour of their moral and
peaceable conduct, they have been usually proceeded
against upon the principle which influenced Pliny : not
so much tor the singularity of their religious tenets and
usages, which are pretended to be so weak and absurd
as to excite contempt rather than anger ; but for their
pertinacity in persisting to maintain them contrary to
the laws and injunctions which have been contrived
for their suppression. There have been men, in most
ages of the church, whose ambition and thirst of power
have been gratified by thus tyrannizing over the con-
sciences of their fellow- creatures, or, (if they could not

Remarks on Pliny's Letter to Trajan. 397

prevail over conscience,) over their liberty, fortunes,
and lives ; and they have, by flattery or misrepresen-
tation, had but too much success in engaging the autho-
rity of princes to support their designs. How many
instances might we quote, from the history of kings
and rulers, who in other respects have sought the wel-
fare of their people, who yet being misled to esteem it a
branch of their prerogative, to dictate in what manner
God shall be worshipped, and what points shall be re-
ceived as articles of faith, have crowded the annals of
their reigns with miserv, and have often themselves
largely shared in the calamities which their ill-judged
measures have brought upon their subjects ! A uniform-
ity of modes in religion has been enforced, as though
it were the most desirable object of government ; though
it may be proved, that to prescribe, under the severest
penalties, a uniformity of complexion or stature, would
hardly be more unreasonable in itself, or more injurious
to the peace and rights of society. Sometimes the ser-
vants of God have been traduced as persons disaffected
to government, because they cannot adopt or approve
such institutions as are directly subversive of the faith
and obedience they owe to their Lord : thus the pro-
phet was charged by Amaziah, the high-priest of
Bethel, Amos vii. 10. At other times, new laws have
been enacted, purposely to ensnare or distress them.
Thus when the enemies of Daniel were convinced that
they could find no occasion against him, except con-
cerning the law of his God, by flattering the pride of
Darius they obtained a decree, which, according to
their expectation, gave him up into their power as a
criminal against the state. May we be duly thankful
to God, and to the government under which we live,
for the valuable privilege of religious liberty, and that

398 Letter to a Young Jlinislcr.

we can worship him according to the light of our con-
sciences, and assemble together in his name where and
when we please, none being permitted to make us
afraid !

OMICRON.

LETTER TO A YOUNG MINISTER,

On Preaching the Gospel with the Power and Demonstration
of the Spirit.

Dear Sir,

CONGRATULATE you on your ordination. The
Lord has now, by his providence, opened to you a door
into his vineyard, and has called you to a scene of ser-
vice, in which I hope the abilities he has given you will
be faithfully employed, and your desire of uselulness
will be abundantly gratified. You now bear the high
and honourable title of a minister of the Gospel : I call
it high and honourable, because I am sure they who
truly deserve it, will find it to be so at last : though at
present perhaps they may meet with much opposition
and contempt, for the sake of him whose they are, and
whom they serve.

I wish you, upon your entrance into the ministry, to
have a formed and determinate idea, what the phrase
preaching the Gospel properly signifies. The Gospel
is the power of God unto salvation ; and this Gospel
is preached when it is accompanied with some due de-
gree of that demonstration and power from on high,
which is necessary to bring it home to the hearts and
consciences of the hearers. Thus the apostle Peter in-
forms us, " that it was preached in the beginning with
" the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven ;" and Paul
reminds theThessalunians, "that they had received it,
" not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy

Letter to a Young Minister. 399

Ghost, and in much assurance." From these passages,
I think we may warrantably conclude, that merely to
declare the truth of the ( Jospel, is not to preach it. The
knowledge of it as a system may be acquired, and of
course recited by those who have no portion or tincture
of that inward conviction of its important certainty,
which is necessary to impress a correspondent convic-
tion upon others. Though the Lord himself be the
only effectual teacher, and that change of disposition
which is frequently produced by the preaching of the
Gospel, must be ascribed wholly to his agency; yet in
the means he has instituted, and by which he has ordi-
narily pleased to work, we may observe a suitableness
to the nature of man, considered as a rational intelligent
creature, whose inward feelings are excited by external
causes, in a manner agreeable to the general laws
of his constitution in the present state. I may parti-
cularly notice on this subject, the wonderful and well
known effects of what we call sympathy, by which we
often see the emotions of anger, pity, terror, and the
like, with which one person is affected, when strongly
expressed by his words or actions, suddenly and almost
irresistibly awaken similar sensations in those who ob-
serve him. -Many of the great truths of the Scripture
may be represented by a man of a warm and lively ima-
gination, in such a manner as considerably to affect the
imaginations and natural passions of an audience, even
though he should not himself believe a word of the
subject. This would be an effect of no higher kind,
than is produced upon the stage. The exertions of a
skilful actor first drawn forth by the sight of the spec-
tators and a desire to please them, act upon them re-
ciprocally, and give him an ascendency over their feel-
ings. When his attention seems to be fixed, when he
Vol. VI. 3 F

400 Letter to a Young Minister.

appears to enter into the distresses of the character
which he represents, he fixes their attention likewise,
they also are distressed ; and while he weeps or trem-
bles, they weep or tremble with him, and though at the
same time both he and they are very sensible that the
whole representation is a fiction, and consequently
when the play is finished, the emotions cease. This is
all very natural, and may easily be accounted for. It
is not so easy to account for the presumption of those
preachers, who expect, (it they can indeed expect it,)
merely by declaiming on Gospel subjects, to raise in
their hearers those spiritual. perceptions of humiliation,
desire, love, joy, and peace, ot which they have no im-
pression on their own hearts. I premise, therefore,
that there is one species of popularity which I hope
will rather be the object of your dread, than of your
ambition. It is a poor affair to be a stage- player in di-
vinity, to be able to hold a congregation by the ears,
by furnishing them with an hour's amusement, if this
be all. But the man who is what he professes to be,
who knows what he speaks ot, in whom the truth
dwells and lives, who has not received the Gospel from
books, or by hearers only, but in the school of the great
Teacher, acquires a discernment, a taste, a tenderness,
and a humility, which secure to him the approbation of
the judicious, qualify him for the consolation of the
distressed, and even so far open his way to the hearts
of the prejudiced, that if they refuse to be persuaded,
they are often convicted in their own consciences, and
forced to feel that God is with the preacher. When
Philip preached, the Eunuch rejoiced ; when Paul
preached, Felix trembled. The power of the truth
was equally evident in both cases, though the til
were different. One criterion of the Gospel ministry,

Letter to a Young Minister. 4.01

vvhen rightly dispensed, is, that it enters the recesses
of the heart. The hearer is amazed to find that the
preacher, who perhaps never saw him before, describes
him to himself, as though he had lived long in the same
house with him, and was acquainted with his conduct,
his conversation, and even with his secret thoughts,
1 Cor. xiv. 94, 25. Thus a single sentence frequently
awakens a long train of recollection, removes scruples,
satisfies doubts, and leads to the happiest consequences?
and what we read of Nathanael and the woman of Sa-
maria, is still exemplified in the conversion of many ;
while others, who wilfully resist the evidence and turn
from the light, which forces itself upon their minds,
are left without excuse. If, therefore, you wish to
preach the Gospel with power, pray for a simple*
humble spirit, that you may have no allowed end in
view, but to proclaim the glory of the Lord whom you
profess to serve, to do his will, and for his sake to be
useful to the souls of men. Study the word of God,
and the workings of your own heart, and avoid all those
connexions, communications, and pursuits, which, ex-
perience will tell you, have a tendency to damp the
energy, or to blunt the sensibility of your spirit. Thus
shall you come forth as a scribe, well instructed in the
mysteries of the kingdom, a workman that needeth not
to be ashamed, approved of God, acceptable to men
rightly dividing the word of truth. Thus your trumpet
shall not give an uncertain sound, nor shall you appear
like a cloud without water, to raise and disappoint
the expectations ot your hearers. A just confidence of
the truths you speak, a sense of the importance of
your message, a love to precious souls, and a perception
of the divine presence, will give your discourses a
solidity, a seriousness, a weight, which will impress a

492 Letter to a Young Minister.

sympathetic feeling upon your hearers, and they will at-
tend, as to one who speaks with spirit, demonstration,
and power.

Allow, me, before I conclude, to caution you against
some too prevalent mistakes upon this subject. There
are methods sometimes used to fix the attention of an
audience, it is hoped, with a design to their benefit,
which are very different from preaching with power,
and seldom produce any lasting effect upon a sensible
hearer, but an unfavourable idea of the preacher.

Beware of affecting the orator. I do not adviseyou
to pay no regard to a just and proper elocution ; it de-
serves your attention, and many a good sermon loses
much of the effect it might otherwise produce, by an
awkward and uncouth delivery. But let your elocu-
tion be natural. Despise the little arts by which men
of little minds endeavour to set themselves off; they
will blast your success, and expose you to contempt.
The grand principle of Gospel oratory is simplicity.
Affectation is displeasing in all persons, but in none
is it so highly disgusting as in a preacher. A studied
attitude, a measured motion, a nice attention to ca-
dences and pauses, a mimicry of theatrical action, may
be passable in the recital of a school declamation, but
is hateful in the pulpit. Men never do, never can,
speak thus, when they speak from the emotion of their
hearts. How is it possible then for a man who pro-
fesses to speak for God, who addresses himself to im-
mortal souls, who discourses upon the most important
subjects, the love of Christ, the joys of heaven, or the
terrors of the Lord ; how is it possible for this man to
find leisure or disposition for such pompous trifling, if
he really understands and believes what he says ? The
truly pious will ween for his ill-timed vanity. And if

Letter to a Young Minister. *os

any seem pleased, it is chiefly because this manner of
preaching seldom disturbs the conscience, for it cannot
be expected that God will vouchsafe the testimony of
his Spirit, even to his own truths, when the poor worm
who delivers them, is visibly more solicitous for the
character of an eloquent speaker, than for the success
of his message.

Sometimes "vociferation seems to be considered as a
mark of powerful preaching. But I believe a sermon
that is loud and noisy from beginning to end, seldom
produces much good effect. Here again, my friend, if
you are happily possessed of simplicity, it will be a
good guide. It will help you to adjust your voice to
the size of the place or congregation, and then to the
variations of your subject. When the explanation of
the text and the application of the sermon are both in
the same boisterous tone, I am led to consider it rather
as a proof of the want of power than otherwise. It
seems impossible for a preacher to be equally affected
in every part of his discourse, and therefore, if he ap-
pears to be so, his exertion, in some parts at least, must
be constrained and artificial, and this thought will often
bring a suspicion upon the whole. Especially if his
voice be as vehement in prayer as in preaching. We
doubt not but if he were with the king, a certain com-
posure and modesty of air, would indicate that he
considered whom he was speaking to ; and they uho
speak to God, would certa'uly give tokens of an awe
upon then spirits, if they really felt it ; very loud speak-
ing is far from being a token of such a frame. At the
best, very loud preaching is the effect of a bad habit ;
and, though it may be practised by sood men and good
preachers, I am persuaded it is neither sign nor cause
of the word being received with power by the hearers.

40i Letter to a Young Minister.

People are seldom, if ever, stunned into the love of the
truth.

There is another strain of preaching which, though
it wears the garb of zeal, is seldom a proof of any
power but the power of self. I mean angry and scold-
ing preaching. The Gospel is a benevolent scheme,
and whoever speaks in the power of it, will assuredly
speak in love. In the most faithful rebukes of sin, in
the most solemn declarations of God's displeasure
against it, a preacher may give evidence of a dispo-
sition of good-will and compassion to sinners, and as-
suredly will, 'if he speaks under the influence of the
power of truth. If we can indulge invective and bit-
terness in the pulpit, we know not what spirit we are
of; we are but gratifying our own evil tempers, under
the pretence of a concern for the cause of God and
truth. A preacher of this character, instead of resem-
bling a priest bearing in his censer hallowed fire taken
from God's altar, may be compared to the madman de-
scribed in the Proverbs, who scattereth at random fire-
brands, and arrows, and death, and saith, Am not I in
sport? Such persons may applaud their own faithful-
ness and courage, and think it a great attainment that
they can so easily and constantly set their congregation
at defiance ; but they must not expect to be useful, so
long as it remains a truth, that the wrath of man work-
eth not the righteousness of God.

Eut the limits of a letter constrain me to stop here,
only adding my prayers and best wishes for your com-
fort and success.

I am your sincere friend,
OMICRON.

On a Decline in the Spiritual Life. 4 0<»

QUESTION.

What are the most obvious Causes, Symptoms, and Effects
of a Decline in the Spiritual Life.

% E LIE VERS are by nature, dead in trespasses and
sins, even as others ; but, by faith in the Son of God,
they are made partakers of a new and endless life. — ■
They derive it ;rom him ; and he has said, " because I
" live ye shall live also." But the life of this life, if I
may so speak, its manifestation and exercise, is subject
to great changes. A sick man is still alive, but he has
lost the cheerfulness, activity, and vigour, which he pos-
sessed while he was in health. There are many per-
sons, who, if they be, as we would hope, really alive to
God, are at least sick, languid, and in a declining
state. May the great Physician restore them ! It is
sometimes said, that the knowledge of a disease amounts
to half a remedy ; which will hold thus far in the pre-
sent case, that unless we are sensible of our disorder
and our danger, we shall not be heartily solicitous for
a recovery.

The causes and symptoms, or effects of such a de-
cline, are very numerous, nor is it always easy to dis-
tinguish them, for they have reciprocal influence to
strengthen each other. What may be assigned as the
cause, in many cases, is likewise a proof that the plague
is already begun ; and the effects may be considered
as so many causes, which render the malady more con-
firmed, and more dangerous. .

Among the many general causes, we may assign a
principal place to error. I do not include every mis-

i06 On a Decline in the Spiritual Life.

take or erroneous sentiment, which may be adopted or
retained ; but there are some errors which, for the sud-
denness and violence of their operation, may be com-
pared to poison. Thus the Galatians, by listening to
false teachers, were seduced from the simplicity of the
Gospel ; the consequence was, that they quickly lost the
blessedness they had once spoken of.' Poison is seldom
taken in the gross ; but, if mingled with food, the mis-
chief is not suspected until it is discovered by the effect.
Thus they who are unhappily employed in poisoning
souls, generally make use of some important and salu-
tary truth, as a vehicle by which they convey their
malignant drug into the minds of the un weary. Per-
haps they speak well of the person and atonement of
Christ, or they exalt the riches and freedom of divine
grace, while under the veil of these fair pretences,
they insinuate prejudices against the nature or neces-
sity of that holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord. Others speak strongly in general terms in fa-
vour of personal holiness, but their aim is to with-
draw the heart from a dependence upon the Saviour's
blood, and the influences of his holy Spirit, without
which the most studied exactness of conduct, differs no
less from the holiness of the Gospel, than a picture or
a statue, or a dead carcass, differs from a living man.
Whoever is thus prevailed upon, in the great and es-
sential points of Scriptural doctrine, to separate, in his
judgment and experience, those things which God has
joined together, is already infected with a disease in its
own nature mortal, and his religion, unless the Lord
mercifully interposes, will degenerate into either licen-
tiousness or formality..- We live in a day when too
many are tossed to and fro, like ships without helm or
pilot, by various winds of doctrine ; and therefore they

On a Decline in the Spivilual Life. ±07

who wish well to their own souls, cannot be too much
upon their guard against that spirit of curiosity and ad-
venture, which the apostle describes by the metaphor of
having itching ears, a desire of hearing every novel and
singular teacher, lest they imbibe errors before they
are aware, and become a prey to the slight and crafti-
ness of those who lie in wait to deceive.

Spiritual pride and self-complacence will likewise
infallibly cause a declension in the divine life, though
the mind may be preserved from the infection of doc-
trinal errors, and though the power of Gospel truth
may for a time have been really experienced. If our
attainments in knowledge and gifts, and even in grace,
seduce us into a good opinion of ourselves, as if we were
wise and good, we are already ensnared ; in danger of
falling every step we take; of mistaking the right path,
and proceeding from bad to worse, without a power
of correcting or even of discovering our deviations,
unless and until the Lord mercifully interposes, by re-
storing us to a spirit of humility and dependence. For
God, who giveth more grace to the humble, resisteth
the proud ; he beholds them with abhorrence, in pro
portion to the degree in which they admire themselves.
It is the invariable law of his kingdom, that every one
who exalteth himself shall be abased. True Christians,
through the remaining evil of their hearts, and the
subtle temptations of their enemy, are liable, not only
to the workings of that pride which is common to our
fallen nature, but to a certain kind of pride, which,
though the most absurd and intolerable of any, can
only be found among those who make profession of the
Gospel. We have nothing but what we have received,
and therefore to be proud of titles, wealth, or any tem-
poral advantages, by which the providence of God has

Vol. VI. 3 G

*08 On a Decline in the Spiritual Life.

distinguished us, is sinful ; but for those who confess
themselves to be sinners, and therefore deserving of
nothing but misery and wrath, to be proud of those
peculiar blessings which are derived from the Gospel
of his grace, is a wickedness of which even the fallen
angels are not capable. The apostle Paul was so aware
of his danger of being exalted above measure, through
the abundant revelations and peculiar favours which
the Lord had afforded him, that he says, " There was
" given me a messenger of Satan to buffet me." He
speaks of this sharp dispensation as an additional
mercy, because he saw it was necessary, and designed
to keep him humble and attentive to his own weakness.
Ministers who are honoured with singular abilities and
success, have great need of watchfulness and prayer
on this account. The Lord seeth not as man seeth.
Simple hearted hearers are apt to admire their favourite
preacher, and almost to consider him as something
more than man in the pulpit, taking it for granted
that he is deeply affected himself with the truths
which, with so much apparent liberty and power, he
proposes to them ; while, perhaps, the poor worm is
secretly indulging self-applause, and pleasing himself
with the numbers and attention of those who hang upon
his words. Perhaps such thoughts will occasionally
rise in the minds of the best ministers ; but if they are
allowed, if they become habitual, and enter strongly
into the idea he forms of his own character ; and if,
while he professes to preach Christ Jesus the Lord, he
is preaching himself, and seeking his own glory, he is
guilty of high treason against the Majesty of him in
whose name he speaks. And sooner or later, the effects
of his presumption will be visible and noticed. Errors
in judgment, gross misconduct, an abatement of zeal,

On a Decline in the Spiritual Life. *09

of gifts, of influence, are evils always to be dreaded,
when spiritual pride has gained an ascendency, whe-
ther in public or in private life.

An inordinate desire and attachment to the things
of the present world, may be assigned as a third pre-
vailing cause of a religious declension. Unless this
evil principle be mortified in its root, by the doctrine
of the cross, it will in time prevail over the most
splendid profession. That love of the world, which
is inconsistent with the true love of God, manifests
itself in two different ways, as men by temper and
habit are differently disposed. The first is, covetous-
ness or greediness of gain. This was the ruin of Judas,
and probably the cause of the defection of Demas. By
the honourable mention made of him in some of St.
Paul's epistles, he seems to have had much of his con-
fidence and esteem for a season. Yet at length his
ruling passion prevailed, and the last account we have
of him from the apostle, is, " Demas hath forsaken us,
" having loved this present world." Again, there are
persons not chargeable with the love of money for its
own sake, for they rather squander than hoard it, who
are equally under the power of a worldly spirit, and
equally discover it, by an expensive taste in the articles
of dress, furniture, and feasting, often unsuitable to
their circumstances, and always to their profession. —
It is not easy exactly to mark out the line of conduct
in these respects, which becomes the different situations
in which the providence of God has placed us : nor is
it necessary, to those who are upright in heart. A
simple desire of pleasing God, and adorning the Gos-
pel, will preclude many cases of minute casuistry,
which occupy little and trifling minds. Inclination will
always direct and regulate our voluntary expenses.—

MQ On a Decline in the Spiritual Life.

They who love the Lord, and whose spirits are lively ift
his service, will avoid both parsimony and profusion ;
but they will rather lean to the frugal side in what
concerns themselves, that they may be better able to
promote his cause, and to reliere the necessitous for his
sake. Others,*who can be content with a name to live,
with the form of religion, will lay up all they can save
to gratify their avarice, or lay out all they can spare to
gratify their vanity or their appetites. The miser la-
ments that in this declining day, many professors of the
Gospel can hardly be distinguished, either at horn© or
abroad, from the people of the world. The luxurious
professor is concerned to see some persons, who would
be deemed Christians, so penurious that, though;
known to be rich, they live below their rank, and cao
scarcely allow themselves the decent conveniences of
lite. And so far they are both right ; but it would be
better for both if each could be sensible of his own
mistake. It is not easy to determine which of these
evils is the greatest. Perhaps of the two, the miser is
least accessible to conviction, and consequently the
most difficult to be reclaimed ; but a turn for parade
and indulgence, if persisted in, will gradually lead to
such compliances with the spirit and maxims of the
world, as will certainly weaken, if not wholly suppressr
the exercise of vital religion. In whatever degree the
love of the world prevails, the health of the soul will
proportionably decline.

Many other causes might be enumerated, but most
of them may be reduced to the heads I have already
mentioned. The practice of a single sin, or the omis-
sion of a single duty, if allowed against the light of
conscience, and, if habitual, will be sufficient to keep
the soul weak, unfruitful, and uncomfortable, and lay

On a Decline in the Spiritual lAJf. Ml

it open to the impression of every surrounding tempt-
ation. Sometimes unfaithfulness to light already re-
ceived, perverts the judgment, and then errors which
seem to afford some countenance or plea for a sin which
the heart will not give up, are readily embraced, to
evade the remonstrances of conscience. At other times,
errors, incautiously admitted, imperceptibly weaken the;
sense of duty, and by degrees spread their influences
over the whole conduct. Faith and a good conscience
are frequently mentioned together by the apostle, for
they are inseparable ; to part with one is to part with
both. They who hold the mystery of faith in a pure
conscience, shall be preserved in a thriving frame of
spirit, they shall grow in grace, go on from strength to
strength, shall walk honourably and comfortably. But
so far as the doctrines or the rules of the Gospel are
neglected, a wasting sickness will prey upon the vitals
of religion, a sickness, in its nature mortal, and from
which none recover, but those on whom God mercifully
bestows the grace of repentance unto life.

The symptoms of such a sickness are very numerous
and diversified, as tempers and situations vary. A few
of those which are more generally apparent, and sure
indications of a decline in religion, are the following. .

Bodily sickness is usually attended with loss of ap-
petite, inactivity, and restlessness ; so the sickness of the
soul deprives it of rest and peace, causes a dulness and
indolence in the service of God, and an indisposition
to the means of grace, to secret waiting upon God,
and to the public ordinances. These appointments,
so necessary to preserve spiritual health, are either gra-
dually neglected and given up, or the attendance upon
them dwindles into a mere formal round, without re-
lish and without benefit. To the healthy man, p!aiu

■il2 On a Decline in the Spiritual Life.

food is savoury, but the palate, when vitiated by sick-
ness, becomes nice and fastidious, and hankers after
varieties and delicacies, when the sincere milk of the
Gospel, plain truth delivered in plain words, is no
longer pleasing, but a person requires curious specula-
tions, or the frothy eloquence of man's wisdom, to
engage his attention, it is a bad sign. For these are
suited to nourish, not the constitution, but the disease.

From slighting or trifling with those means which
God has provided to satisfy the soul, the next step
usually is, to seek relief from a compliance with the
spirit, customs, and amusements of the world. And
these compliances, when once allowed, will soon be
defended ; and they who cannot approve or imitate
such conformity, will be represented as under the influ-
ence of a narrow, legal, or pharisaical spirit. The sick
professor is in a delirium, which prevents him from
feeling his disease, and he rather supposes the alteration
in his conduct is owing to an increase of wisdom, light,
and liberty. He considers the time when he was more
strict and circumspect, as a time of ignorance ; will smile
at the recollection of what he now deems his childish
scruples, and congratulates'himself that he has happily
outgrown them, and now finds that the services of God
and the world are not so incompatible as he once
thought them to be.

Yet while he thus relaxes the rule of his own con-
duct, he is a critically severe observer of the behaviour
of others. He sharply censures the miscarriages, and
even the mistakes of ministers and professors, if an oc-
casion offers, and speaks of these things, not weeping as
the apostle did, but with pleasure, and labours to per-
suade himself, that the strictness so much talked of, is
either a cloak of hypocrisy, or the fruit of superstition,

On Dreaming* 413

and that because some do deviate from this acknow-
ledged rule of duty, therefore at the bottom, and if they
could be detected, they would be found to be nearly all
alike. True Christians seldom meet with more uncan-
did misconstruction, or undeserved reproach, than from
those who, having once been their companions, after-
wards desert them.

When the disorder is at this height, it is truly danger-
ous, and indeed as to any human help, desperate. But
power belongeth to God. May it please him to remem-
ber in mercy those who are near unto death, to restore
them to their right minds, and to recover them to him-
self. Otherwise, " it had been better for them not
" to have known the way of righteousness, than after
" they have known it, to turn from the holy command-
" ment delivered unto them."

OMICRON.

ON DREAMING.

Dear Madam,

A THANK you for your obliging letter, and would be
thankful to the Lord, that you and all your family are
well.

Surely never dog dreamed so opportunely and a-pro-
pos as your Chloe. I should be half angry with her if
I believed she knew your intentions of writing upon the
subject, and wilfully dropt asleep in the very nick of
time, out of mere spite to my hypothesis, and purposely
to furnish you with the most plausible objection against
it. I admit the probability of Chloe dreaming ; nay, I

414 On Dreamin

o-

allow it to be possible she might dream of pursuing a
hare ; for though I suppose such an amusement never
entered into the head of a dog of her breed when awake,
yet as I find my own powers and capacities, when
sleeping, much more enlarged and diversified than at
other times, (so that I can then fill up the characters of
a prime minister, or a general, or twenty other great
offices, with no small propriety ; for which, except when
dreaming, I am more unfit than Chloe is to catch a
hare,) her faculties may perhaps be equally heightened
in her way, by foreign assistance, as I conceive my own
to be. But you beg the question, if you determine that
Chloe's dreams are produced by mere animal nature.
Perhaps you think it impossible that invisible agents
should stoop so low as to influence the imagination of a
dog. I am not sufficiently acquainted with the laws and
ranks of being, in that world, fully to remove the diffi-
culty. But allow it possible for a moment, that there
are several such agents, and then suppose that one of
them to gratify a king of Prussia's ambition, causes
him to dream that he has over-run Bohemia, desolated
Austria, and laid Vienna in ashes ; and that another
should, on the same night, condescend to treat Chloe
>vith the chase, and a hare at the end of it, do not you
think the latter would be as well, and as honourably,
employed as the former ?

But as I have not time to write a long letter, I send
you a book, in which you will find a scheme, not very
unlike my own, illustrated and defended with much
learning and ingenuity. I hope the Greek and Latin
quotations will not discourage you from reading it.
Your brother will tell you the meaning of them, if you
have not made those languages a part of your acquisi-
tions. I have some hope of making you a convert to

On reading the Bible. *15,

my sentiments ; for though I own they are liable to ob-
j ■ ion, yet I think you must have surmounted greater
difficulties, before you thought so favourably of the
sympathetic attraction between the spirits of distant
friends. Perhaps distance may be necessary to give
scope to the force of the attraction ; and therefore to
object that this sympathy is not perceived between
fri nds in the same house, or in the same room, may
be nothing to the purpose.

I seldom fill up so much of a letter in a ludicrous
way. I cannot call it a ludicrous subject, for to me it
appears very striking and solemn. The agency of
spirits is real, though mysterious ; and were our eyes
open to perceive it, I believe we should hardly be able
to attend to any thing else, but it is wisely and merci-
fully hidden from us. This we know, that they are all
under the direction and control of him vho was eru-
cified for us ; his name is a strong tower, and under
the shadow of his wings we have nothing to fear. I
hope in those hours when you find most liberty with
him, you sometimes think of me and mine.

I am, &c.

OMICRON.

ON READING THE BIBLE.
Bear Madam,

AM further to thank you for your letter of the 23d

of last month. The subject of my former, to which it

principally relates, needs no further prosecution, as you

express yourself satisfied with what I offered in answer

Vol. VI. 5 fl

±16 On reading the Bible.

to your question. I would therefore now offer some-
thing a little different. But the points of experimental
religion are so nearly related, and so readily run into
each other, that I cannot promise, at this distance of
time, to avoid all repetition. Indeed, the truths essential
to the peace of our souls are so simple, and may be re-
duced to so few heads, that while each of them singly
may furnish a volume drawn out at length, they may all
be comprised in a small compass. Books and letters
written in a proper spirit, may, if the Lord is pleased
to smile upon then), have their use; but an awakened
mind that thirsts after the Saviour, and seeks wisdom
by reading and praying over the Scripture, has little
occasion for a library of human writings. The Bible is
the fountain from whence every stream that deserves
our notice is drawn ; and though we may occasionally
pay some attention to the streams, we have personally
an equal right with others to apply immediately to the
fountain-head, and draw the water of life for ourselves.
The purest streams are not wholly freed from the gout
de terroir — a tcmg of the soil through which they run ;
a mixture of human infirmity is inseparable from the
best human composition ; but in the fountain the truth
is unmixed.

Again, men teach us by many words ; and if they
would give us their full views of a subject, require us
to read a whole volume, the life and substance of which
is perhaps expressed with greater force and greater ad-
vantage in the Scripture by a single sentence, which is
rather diluted than explained by our feeble expositions.
A volume may be easily written upon the grace of hu-
mility, and to show the evil and folly of a self seeking
spirit. But if the author should introduce his subject
with our Saviours words, " Even the Son of man came

On reading the Bible. 4.17

" not into the vvorld to be ministered unto, but to
" minister, and to give his life a ransom for many f
whoever was duly impressed with that short introduc-
tion, would have no great occasion to read the rest of
the book.

The preaching of the Gospel being an instituted means
of grace, ought to be thankfully and frequently im-
proved. And books that have a savour and unction may
likewise be helpful, provided we read them with cau-
tion, compare them with the Scripture ; and do not give
ourselves implicitly to the rules or decisions of any
man or set of men, but remember that one is our Master
and infallible Teacher, even Christ. But the chief and
«n*and means of edification, without which all other
helps will disappoint us, and prove, like clouds
without water, are the Bible and prayer, the word of
grace and the throne of grace. A frequent perusal of
the Bible will give us an enlarged and comprehensive
view of the whole of religion, its origin, nature, genius,
and tendency, and preserve us from an over-attachment
to any system of man's compilation. The fault of the
several systems, under which, as under so many ban-
ners, the different denominations of Christians are
ranged, is, that there is usually something left out which
ought to have been taken in, and something admitted,
of supposed advantage, not authorized by the Scriptural
standard. A Bible christian, therefore, will see much
to approve in a variety of forms and parties ; the provi-
dence of God may lead or fix him in a more immediate
connexion with some one of them, but his spirit and
affection will not be confined within these narrow
enclosures. He insensibly borrows and unites that
which is excellent in each, perhaps without knowing

iii On reading the Bible.

how far he agrees with them, because he finds all in the
written word.

I know not a better rule of reading the Scripture, than
to read it through from beginning to end ; and when we
have finished it once to begin it again. We shall meet
with many passages which we can make little improve-
ment of, but not so many in the second reading as in
the first, and fewer in the third than in the second :
provided we pray to him who has the keys to open our
■understandings, and to anoint our eyes with his spiritual
ointment. The course of reading to-day will prepare
some lights for what we shall read to-morrow, and throw
a turther light upon what we read yesterday. Ex-
perience only can prove the advantage of this method,
it steadily persevered in. To make a few efforts and
then give over, is like making a iexv steps and then
standing still, which would do little towards completing
a long journey. But though a person walked slowly
and but a little way in a day, if he walked every day,
and with his face always in the same direction, year
after year, he might in time encompass the globe. By
thus travelling patiently and steadily through the
Scripture, and repeating our progress, we should in-
crease in knowledge to the end of life. The Old and
New Testament, the doctrines, precepts, and promises,
the history, the examples, admonitions, and warnings,
&c. would mutually illustrate and strengthen each
other, and nothing that is written for our instruction
will be overlooked. Happy should I be, could I
fully follow the advice I am now offering to you ! I
wish you muy profit by my experience. Alas! how
much time have i lost and waited, w hich, .had I bren
wise, I should have devoted to reading and studying
the bJble ! but my evil heart obstructs the dictates of

Thi'm Tests of True Loci tine. 41*

my judgment I olten teel a reluctance to read this
book of books, and a disposition to hew out broken
cisterns v. hich afford me no water, while the iountain
of living waters are close within uiy reach.

I am, Madam, yours, &c.
OM1CROK,

PLAIN TESTS OP TRUE DOCTRINE-

Dear Sir.

DO not wonder that your mind is unsettled and un-
easy. When you had derived peace and composure
from the knowledge of the truth, it was not worth your
while to consult the writers you mention, to know what
they could offer in support of opinions which you were
beforehand, upon solid grounds, convinced must be
erroneous. Unless we have a clear and proper call to
examine such books, I think it best to let them alone,
A man, who, relying on the strength of his constitution,
should tamper with poison, may be hurt before he is
aware. There are some errors which, for the subtletv
and malignity of their operation, may be compared to
poison. And if we presume so far upon our judg-
ment being fully formed and established, as to suppose
we may indulge a needless curiosity of knowing the
mistakes of others, and how they attempt to defend
them, without the least danger of bein^ entanded or
perplexed ourselves ; we may have cause to repent of
our rashness. You have made the experiment, and
I !«v it. You have found there is something in

420 Plain Tests of True Doctrine.

your heart which }7ou did not expect to find there, and
which if God were to leave you to yourself, would
render you, notwithstanding all your former apparent
stability, capable of believing a lie.

The advocates for that false candour which is so
much in vogue at present, will recommend to you a
liberal and impartial examination of every sentiment
on religion, which may come in your way ; and that
you should not reject any one, however it may shock
you upon the first proposal, until you have heard and
considered all that can be suggested in its favour.
They will probably remind you, that to prove all things,
in order to hold fast that which is good, is the direction
of an apostle, hut you had already proved, if not all
things, yet many, enough at least, to give you a warrant
for holding that fast which had evidenced itself to you
by its effects to be good. May I not ask you, as Paul
asked the Galatians, Where is the blessedness you once
spoke of ? Nay, I need not ask you ; I well know, and
I appeal to your own conscience, that in proportion as
the principles which formerly made you happy, have
been shaken by the suggestions of your new teachers,
the blessedness you then spoke of has abated likewise.
I long for the honour and comfort of being instrumental
to your recovery, and with this view I take up my pen.
There are some truths so evident, that they are scarcely,
capable of additional proof, nor should we think it
worth while to waste a moment in confuting the person
who should deny them. I am sure, beyond a doubt,
that two and two are equal to four. And if the title
page of a large book inlormed me that the design of the
author was to prove that two and two are equal to
seven ; whatever reason I might have to think highly
of the author's abilities, or to be diffident of my own

Flain Tests of True Doctrine. *2J

judgment, I need not toil through a folio, and careful-
ly weigh every thing his learning and ingenuity could
suggest in support of an absurdity, before I could
warrantably contradict it.

I think an evidence, little less intuitive than that by
which we perceive the whole to be greater than a part,
may be obtained, with respect both to the truth of the
leading doctrines of the Gospel, and their true sense,
provided the understanding be duly enlightened by the
Holy Spirit, and the heart be humbly and honestly
willing to be determined by the testimony of Scripture.
Universal experience and observation so perfectly cor-
respond with what the Bible teaches us concerning the
heart of man, his present state, his weakness and wants,
his anxieties and miseries, with their proper causes, and
their only remedy ; that he who runs may read, if his
judgment be not perverted by prejudices and pride.
Indeed, if he idolizes what he calls his reason, and
resolves to believe nothing but what he can fully com-
prehend ; if while he admits a Divine Revelation, he
neither expects nor will allow it to inform him of any
thing but what he supposes he already knows ; the
more he reasons, the more he is likely to be bewildered
in the labyrinths of scepticism. Yet reason has its use
and place in religious concerns, and the religion of the
New Testament is a reasonable service. But the rea-
soning of many persons reputed wise, is like the rea-
soning of madmen. Their inferences may be rightly
drawn, and therefore, if their premises were true, their
conclusions would be just. But if the premises be
false, the conclusion must be so likewise. The man
who thinks he is made of glass, and is therefore afraid
of moving or being touched, lest he should be broken
to pieces, may be said, so far, to reason justly; for if he

4.23 Plait* Tests of True Doctrine.

really was made of glass, his fear would be well
founded ; but if he insists upon it, in defiance of all
argument and persuasion, that he is really a glass man,
we no longer deem him rational, but pronounce him to
be mad. Thus if a reasoner, in contradiction to the
common sense of mankind, will assume the dignity,
the wisdom, the integrity, and the goodness o\ man in
his present state, as so- many incontrovertible first
principles ; if he reasons consistently from such prin-
ciples, he must of course first undervalue, and finally
discard, the revelation which he proposes to examine.
For madness is in his heart, and unless it pleases God
to bring him to his right mind, lie is no more compe-
tent to judge of truth, than a man born blind to judge
of colours.

Is it not highly reasonable to affirm, that God
knows us better than we know ourselves ? That what
he says deserves our attention? That what he promises
must be worth our while to seek in the wav whicn He
has appointed? Let reason work raiiiv u rtm these
plain data, and it will confirm all that the Scripture
declares concerning the guilt and depravity of man,
and of the method of his recovery by faith in the blood
of Jesus. That fallen man needs a Saviour ; that his
salvation is a work too great for a creature to accom-
plish ; that he cannot be saved without a proper atone-
ment made for his sin ; nor unless his mind be enlight-
ened, and renewed, by the powerful agency of the
Holy Spirit. These points, reason, though unable to
discover, or fully to comprehend, can so far demon-
strate, as to prove the impossibility of salvation upon
any other grounds, if the Scriptural representation oi
the character of God and the heart of man, be admit-
ted as a true one.

Plain Tests of Tnie JlnctriiU. £23

Yet these points are not only disputed, but denied,
and by some persons in the most unqualified terms.
The epithets, irrational, absurd, and enthusiastic, are
freely applied both to the doctrines and to those who
hold them ; and the magisterial and decisive tone, in
which these charges are made, has supplied the want
of solid argument in their support. I do not wonder,
that sentiments so favourable to the pride of man, and
which lay but little restraint upon his inclinations,
should be readily adopted by many, who are content
to let others think for them. But I marvel that you
are so soon removed from the truth you professed, to
another Gospel. Yet I hope you are not removed,
though for the present unsettled ; and that the Lord
will so humble and instruct yon by your fall, as to
make it the occasion of establishing you more firmly
than ever. I waive argumentation, and appeal to facts :
and I shall confine myself to the consideration of a
single point, because it is the central point, which has
an influence upon every other religious sentiment.
You once believed that Jesus, the Saviour of sinners,
possesses all the attributes and perfections of Deity,
that he ever was, and ever will be, the proper object
of divine worship ; but now you hesitate ; your attention
has been drawn to what is commended to you, as a
more rational scheme. But they who are agreed to
deny the eternal power and Godhead of the Lord
Jesus, cannot agree among themselves who, or what
He is. Some peremptorily affirm that he is a mere
man, like one of us; others suppose him to be of
the angelic order, perhaps of the highest rank, possibly
superior to them all, but yet a creature, consequently
no more worthy of divine honour, (and in my view no
more competent to the work of redemption.) than a

Vol. VI. 3 I

&B Plain Tests of True Doctrine.

worm. If you read on both sides, you will find that
the Arian and Socinian writers, abundantly prove that
the sentiments which they gently oppose in each other,
cannot be reconciled either with Scripture, or with
plain common sense. But their opposition is so very
gentle, their reciprocal candour and esteem so great,
and their mutual dislike of our principles so very sin-
cere and strong, that it seems, upon their plans, to
be of little importance, what or how we think of
Christ, provided we do not think of him too highly ;
but let us jadge from what we see and feel, and decide
accordingly.

1. The truth or falsehood of our religious principles
may not be easily discernible, by their effects in a
time of prosperity. The house built upon a sand,
may seem to stand as firm as that which is built upon
the rock, till the floods and storms come to try them.
But man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upwards.
Admitting that the schemes which represent Christ as a
creature, whose knowledge and power must of course
be limited, may seem to suit and satisfy those who are
at ease.; they afford little consolation to a wounded
conscience, or even to a person suffering under the
various calamities to which every state of human life
is liable, under the pressures of poverty, severe pain,
and long illness ; or w hen the desire of our eyes is
taken away by a sudden stroke ; in cases where the
help of man is found to be utterly in vain, there is a
need of stronger arguments than the topics of what
some call rational religion can suggest, to inspire peace,
maintain hope, and influence the mind to a cheerful
and willing submission to the will of God. Natural
fortitude, and cold reasonings, more conformable to
the philosophy of the heathens, than to the spirit of

Plain Tests of True Doctrine. *25

the Gospel, may stifle complaints ; but to rejoice
in tribulation, and in every thing to give thanks, are
privileges peculiar to those, who can joy in God
through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom they have
obtained reconciliation. A cordial belief that he suf-
fered for our sins, that we are accepted in him, that
he is our shepherd, full of care, compassion, and
power ; who knows the very thoughts and feelings of
the heart, and who, having been tempted for us, is
able and ready to succour us in all our temptations :
a persuasion that his wisdom and love preside over
all our dispensations ; a liberty of applying to him for
strength according to our day, confirmed by a thousand
past proofs, that when we have called upon him, he
has heard, supported, and delivered us ; a humble
confidence, which only he can give, that the heaviest
afflictions are light, and the longest momentary, com-
pared with that far more exceeding and eternal weight
of glory, to which he is leading us by them ; and that
sense of the demerit of our sins, only fully to be
estimated by the value of the necessary atonement,
which will always constrain us to acknowledge that our
greatest sufferings are less than our iniquities deserve.
Considerations of this kind come home to our bosoms,
are fully adequate to our wants, communicate a peace
passing understanding, and enable those who feel their
influence, to say, " It is the Lord, let him do what
" seemeth him good ;" and often they can add, to the
astonishment of those who know not the power of their
principles, As the sufferings of Christ, (those which we
endure for his sake or from his hand,) abound in us, so
our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

2. This reminds me of another important point. If
there be an hereafter ; if every one of us must give

426 Plain Tests of True Doctrine.

an account of himself to God, and be unalterably
fixed in a state of happiness, or misery, accord. ng to
his righteous award, a thinking person who professes
to believe that he must appear at the tribunal of the
great, impartial, omniscient Juds^e, can hardly have
any true enjoyment of his situation here, but in pro-
portion as he is favoured with a well grounded hope,
(for a false and ill-grounded hope, where such vast
consequences are depending, must bean awful delusion
indeed,) that it will be well with him when he shall go
hence and be no more seen. Certainty upon this head,
or the nearest possible approaches to certainty, must
surely be highly desirable. Let us inquire which
scheme bids fairest to afford this satisfaction. If well-
grounded, it must be built upon truth, and conse-
quently it cannot be stronger than the conviction we
have, that the principles are true upon which we
build

An ingenious writer* of the present day, though he
thinks the Socinian doctrine " not only renders the
" Scripture unintelligible, but Christianity itself
" incredible," is pleased, notwithstanding, to give it
a marked preference to what he styles the Athanasian
or Calvinistic scheme, which he says, " I reject with
" strong conviction." But in the same page, in the very
next preceding period, he frankly acknowledges. " I
" can, in this instance as in most others, with much
" more confidence say what is not, than what is the
" trutlvf," It may perhaps be justly questioned, whe-
ther a man who declares himself uncertain what is
the truth, can be competently qualified to decide with
confidence,what is not the truth. He elsewhere says

* Dr. Price. t Sermons lately printed, p. 158, 193.

Plain Tests of True Doctrine. 4-27

to the same purpose, '* Indeed I seldom feel much of
" that satisfaction which some derive from being sure
V. they have tound out truth." In another publication, he
gives the following account of his studies, and the
result of his inquiries : " In early life, I was struck
" with Bishop Butler's Analogy ot Religion, natural and
<£ revealed, to the constitution and course of nature.
(l I reckon it happy for me, that this book was one of
" the first that tell into my hands ; it taught me the
" proper mode of reasoning on moral and religious sub-
" j» cts, and particularly the importance of paying a due
" regard to the imperfection ot human knowledge. His
f sermons also, I thought, and do still think, excellent.
" Next to his works, I have always been an admirer of
" the wofcks of Dr. Clarke. And I cannot help adding,
" though it may seem strange, that I likewise owe much
" to the philosophical writings of Mr. Hume, which I
" likewise studied early in life. Though an enemy to
*' his scepticism, I have profited by it. By attacking, with
" great ability, every principle of truth and reason, he
" taught me to examine the ground on which I stood,
" and not hastily to take any thing for granted. And
" now in the evening of a life devoted to inquiries, and
" spent in endeavours, (weak and feeble indeed,) to serve
" the best interests, present and future, of mankind ; I
" am waiting for the great Teacher, convinced that the
" order ot Nature is perfect, that infinite wisdom and
" goodness governs all things,and that Christianity comes
" from God ; but at the same time, puzzled by many
" difficulties, anxious for more light, and resting with
" full and constant assurance only on this one truth,
" That the practice of virtue is the duty and dignity of
" man; and, in all events, his wisest and safest course*."

* JIaty's Review for December, 1784, page 48J".

*2& Flain Tests of Time Doctrine.

I admire the ingenuousness of these confessions; and
I compassionate a state of mind, which, though sel-
dom acknowledged with the same honesty, I believe
to be far from uncommon It is indeed lamentable, if
persons of respectable characters and abilities, should
devote no small part of their time and attention to the
study of the Scriptures, the professed design of which
is to make us wise unto salvation, and yet have no
hope of being satisfied in the most fundamental points
of religion, till death shall remove them to a state
which will exclude all possibility of doubt. For though
death be a great teacher indeed, it must be uncom-
fortable to remain in suspense, and under a possibility
of being mistaken in matters essential to our peace,
till the discovery of our mistake, (it it should prove so,)
will come too late to admit of redress. Oh that we
may 'be persuaded in time, earnestly to implore the
assistance of that still greater Teacher, who has pro-
mised his gracious help to all who humbly seek it !
But if we set him aside, and rashly prefer the guidance
of our own boasted reason, in points beyond the line
of its comprehension, the most laborious researches
will issue in uncertainty. Surely in the beginning it
was not so. Our Lord's promise to his disciples was,
" Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make
" you free. If any man will do my will, he shall know
" of the doctrine whether it be of God." And these
promises were abundantly fulfilled to the first Christians.
Not to insist on the strong testimony of Peter, " We
" believe and are sure, that Thou art the Christ, the Son
" of the living God ;" the apostles frequently declare,
that their aim and intention, both in preaching and
writing, was to make others equally sure with them-
selves; " These things we write unto you, that ye

Plain Tests of True Doctrine. 429

"may have fellowship with us ; that ye may know that
"ye have eternal lite, and that ye may believe in the
" name of the Son God." It was not the exclusive
privilege of Paul, as an apostle, to know whom he
had believed, and to be persuaded that he was able
to keep that which he had committed to him. The
Gospel came to others likewise, not in word only, but
also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much
assurance, they had joy and peace in believing, they
rejoiced with joy unspeakable and full of glory ; they
took joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing in
themselves that they had in heaven a better and more
enduring substance ; for after they believed, they were
sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, and because
they were sons, God had "sent forth the spirit of his
"Son into their hearts, whereby they could call him
"Abba, Father." These are Scriptural expressions, and
but a very small part of what might be adduced to
confirm, were it needful, the assertion of St. John,
" He that believeth on the Son of God, hath the wit-
ness in himself." How different is this strain from
that of the writer I have quoted above ! Shall we say,
then, that the everlasting Gospel has lost its evidence,
or its efficacy, in the course of seventeen hundred
years ? That it could once inspire those who embraced
it with a full assurance of hope ; but, at this distance
of time it leaves inquirers puzzled with difficulties,
and still more anxious for light? Rather we must
maintain, that the same Gospel still produces the same
effects. If Christ died, rose from the dead, and en-
tered into glory, only to assure us " that the practice
" of virtue is the duty and dignity of man, and at all
" events his safest and wisest course," I may venture to
say. that he died and rose in vain. Surely, his gra-

450 Flain Tests of True Boctrint,

eious interposition does not make it more evident to uS,
than it was to the heathens, that nothing but the prac-
tice of virtue is necessary for a sinner And I am
quite at a loss to know what the writer means by virtue,
when I find a bold attempt to set aside the authority
of Moses and Paul, complimented by him as " a
" magnanimous openness*." Methinks a magnanimity
of this kind, can be no branch of that virtue which is
the duty and dignity of man.

Ask death- beds, my friends, they will speak ; I knowr?
indeed, that many persons die as they lived, careless
and insensible, no more impressed by the thoughts of
an eternal state, than the beasts of the field ; and I
know that others, lest by-standers should suspect them
of fear, or question the validity of their infidel prin-
ciples to support them, have affected to jett in their
last hours, and to meet death with a facetiousness
utterly unbecoming a wise man. For it is a serious
thing to die ; and the dignified composure of a true
Christian, differs so much irom the levity of a buffoon,
as the sober conduct of a man differs from the mi-
mickry and grimace of a monkey. I have known
persons, not in the lowest class for that wisdom and
virtue which is taught in the schools of scepticism,
tremble like the boughs of a tree in a storm, when the
approach of death has excited an awful sensibility in
their conscience, recalled to their remembrance a view
of their past lives, and opened to their mind a prospect,
(till then unregarded,) of what was before them. I
have had the comfort of seeing many others very dif-
icrently affected in dying circumstances. I have seen
enough to convince me, if the testimony of the word

* Appendix to the Sermons, p. 39^.

Plain Tests of True Doctrine. *3±

of God needed any confirmation, that the true wisdom
of Man is most conspicuous, (if he retains his senses,)
when he is about to leave this world ; and that his
duty, dignity, and happiness, are displayed to the highest
advantage, when, like Stephen, he is enabled to commit
his departing spirit into the hands of Jesus, and to
venture his Eternal All, upon his faithfulness and
ability to save, to the uttermost, those who, renouncing
every other ground of hope, confide entirely in his
mediation. I have seen them in this situation, in the
exercise of a good conscience, possessed of a solid,
unshaken peace, and at a loss for words to express
their joys, yet humbly sensible of their unworthiness,
and the defects and defilements of their best services.
I have heard them regret, that their regard to him, and
their dependence upon him, had been so faint and so
feeble ; but I never heard one regret, that he had
honoured him too highly, or placed too much confi *
dence in his authority and power.

3. Another test of the truth and goodness of doc-
trines, which will approve itself, to a careful and
candid observer, without the assistance of critical
learning, or laboured arguments, is their comparative
efficacy or insufficiency, to reclaim men from wicked-
ness, to inspire them with the fear and love of God,
and to produce a habit of integrity and benevolence
towards our fejiow-creatures. If I hear that a mi-
nister, who preaches Christ as the wisdom and power
of God to salvation, and who is animated with that
zeal for the glory of God, and the good of souls, of
which they who truly believe in the eternal power and
Godhead of the Saviour, ana" the value of his atone-
ment, cannot be wholly destitute ; I say, if I hear
that such a one is about to be fixer! in a plare where

Vol. VI. 5 K

*s# Plain Tests of True Doctrine.

■*

ignorance and immorality generally prevail, I always
take it for granted, that the effects of his ministry will
soon be more or less visible : that the Lord's day will
be better observed, the place of worship more fre-
quented ; that there will be some instances, at least,
of profligates becoming sober, of careless sinners ex-
cited to a concern for their souls, and that some per-
sons who had long lived without God in the world,
will begin to worship him in their families. I know that
in such cases there will be pretenders found, like tares
among the wheat; but I always expect there will like-
wise be such instances of real reformation, both as to
religion and to moral conduct, as shall put gainsayers
to shame and to silence, and satisfy candid and atten-
tive inquirers, that a change so beneficial to individuals,
to families, and to the community, was the effect of
the doctrines delivered to them, and with which they
were before unacquainted. The very different effects
of that preaching which represents Christ as. a crea-
ture, and sets aside the necessity of his atonement, I
have often had the occasion of observing, when intro-
duced amongst a people, who have before been fa-
voured with what I deem, and assuredly know, to be
the true Gospel. In proportion as it has been received,
a regular attendance upon public ordinances, a care,
to maintain family worship, a spiritual frame of con-
versation and conduct, have gradually declined. Where
moral essays are substituted for the truth as it is in
Jesus, where men are taught to seek their resources
in their own powers, and to consider themselves as
already wise and good, the preacher may perhaps
please the ear, but he will seldom affect or mend the
heart. In our days it may be truly said, " Virtus lau-
% datur et alget." Tine encomiums upon the beauty of

To Mis8 **** on her Birth-day. iSti

tirtue abound ; but Christian virtue, the love of God
and of man for his sake, is only to be attained by faith
in the blood of the Lamb, and the word of his testi-
mony.

Since, therefore, the principles you once embraced,
are best suited to comfort you under affliction, to give
you a solid ground of hope in life and in death, and
evidently found to be the most efficacious to promote
the fear of God, and the good of society ; I hope you
will in future beware of the sophistry of those teachers
who would deprive you of your gold, and can only give
you counters in exchange. I commend you to that
good Shepherd, who can pity and restore his wandering

sheep ;

And remain affectionately yours,

OMICRON.

TO MISS **** ****, ON HER BIRTH-DAY.
1.

TT ITH sweet song the lark and thrush,
On the day when you were born,

From the dew-bespangled bush,
Welcom'd in the happy morn.

Still with each returning Spring,

As the day returns, they sing.

What a cheering soft perfume,
Wafted on the air, proceeds

From the hedges drest in bloom,
And the gay enamell'd mead^

*3* To Miss **** on her Birth-day.

While the sun, with pencil'd beams,
Gilds the hills, the trees, the streams !

3.

Yet before another year,

(Pleasures are short-liv'd below,)
Frowning Winter will be here,

Rob'd in clouds, and storms, and snow
All these beauties then will fade,
All look blasted, cold, and dead.

4.

Spring an emblem is of youth,
Hasting on to with'ring age ;

Oh that this important truth

Might each youthful heart engage !

Ev'ry pulse, and ev'ry breath,

Nearer brings our winter, Death.

5.

You, I trust, delight to think

On the change which many dread ;

Here you taste, but there shall drink
Pleasures at the fountain head.

Has not Jesus, by his love,

Taught your heart to soar above !

6.

Endless spring will there prevail,

There the flow'rs unfading grow ;

Solid joys that never fail,
How unlike to all below !

Grief and sin will then be o'er,

And our sun go down no more.

To Miss **** on her Birth-day. *35

7.

You may well record your birth,

Born to such a glorious bliss ;
All the kingdoms of the earth

Arc but toys compar'd with this.
'Tis not worth the while to live
For such joys as earth can give.

8.

Saviour ! till her life shall end

Guide her steps, and cheer her heart !
Be her shepherd, husband, friend,

Daily grace and peace impart ;
May her bright example show
What a Saviour's love can do !

OMICRON.

[ 436 ]

EXTRACTED FROM TH*
I

EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE-

THOUGHTS ON THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY TRINITY.

1 BELIEVE that there are beings superior to us, at
least in our present state, whom we call Angels. But
what I can collect from the Scriptures concerning their
nature and powers is very indistinct. I never saw an
angel, and therefore am at a loss how to conceive of
him. How poor, then, must be my conceptions of the
great God ! The revelation he has given of himself in
his Word, is undoubtedly fully adequate to the state
and wants of mankind ; but it can be rightly understood,
so far only as it is accompanied by the further revela-
tion of his Holy Spirit. And as the knowledge of
believers is progressive like the light, which advances
from dawn to day, I hardly expect that any human form
of words can equally and exactly express the ap-
prehensions, even of all who are truly taught of God.
A child may repeat such a form no less accurately than
a man, but he will seldom annex the same ideas. to what
he says. There are likewise children, yea, babes in

Thoughts on the Doctrine* &c. i37

grace, All may be equally othodox, but I think they
cannot all be equally enlightened.

For myself, though I trust the views I have received
exempt me from the charge of worshipping I know
not what ; I am sensible I have not " already attained."
My conceptions are weak and faint ; and such as they
are, I know not how to express them to others to my
own satisfaction. I dare not indulge speculations upon
this high subject ; and when I speak of it, I wish to
speak with reverence and caution, lest I should darken
counsel by words without knowledge.

The principal effects attributed to faith are, that it
purifies the heart, works by love, and overcomes the
world. I think that no other cause can produce these
effects. Therefore, when I perceive these signs of
faith, I am ready to take it for granted, that the prin-
ciples of the persons who exhibit them are right ;
though they may, and I suppose they do, perceive
them more or less explicitly, according to the will of
Him who worketh all in all, or to the different stages
of their standing or experience in the divine life. To
judge otherwise, appears to me as unreasonable, as
to expect that several persons viewing the same tower
from different distances, should all perceive it precisely
under the same angle.

I believe there is a God. That God is one, I am
assured not only by Scripture, but even by reason. I
see enough around me, to be convinced that he is the
Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things. I see
the traces and impressions of his wisdom, power, and
goodness, wherever I turn my eyes. But the solitary
idea of God, absolutely considered, would bring no
comfort to my heart. Too long, whiie I said there was
a God, I lived without him in the world ; and I should

^38 Thoughts ou the lioctrhu oJ!

have always lived so, had not my eyes been in some
degree opened, to see him by the light of his Scripture.
There, besides strong declarations of the unity of the
Godhead, and repeated warnings against idolatry, 1
meet with the terms, Father, Son, or Word, (of God,)
and Holy Spirit. Whether men style these, persons,
subsistences, or by any other name, I find ascribed to
each those attributes which I judge incommunicable
to creatures, as much so to those of the highest order,
as to worms or oysters ; such as omnipresence, omni-
science, and omnipotence. Therefore, whether I at-
tempt to think of Father, or Son, or Holy Spirit, I
think of God, and yet I am sure there can be but one
God.

I read in the gospel of St. John, that the Word was
God, that all things were made, or created by him in
the beginning. This, therefore, is a fundamental ar-
ticle of my faith. I am told by the same authority,
that the Word was with God. I conceive that this
clause, likewise, has its determinate meaning. It
teaches me to attend to the above distinction ; but I
think it does not require me either to comprehend or
to explain it. I observe a distribution pointed out in
the economy of redemption ; that the purpose is more
peculiarly ascribed to the Father, the accomplishment to
the Son, and the application to the Holy Spirit. But
as these offices and engagements can only be sustained
or fulfilled by the perfections of Deity ; and as God is
essentially and immutably one, I hope that whether I
bow my knees to the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, whether I pray to the Saviour himself, or
implore the Holy Spirit for his gracious light and in-
fluence, I still worship the same one God.

I sometimes hear of Sabellians, but I know not well

the Holy Trlmtij, 439

^vho they are. I have been told the Moravians or
United Brethren are Sabellians ; vvhat they once were
I cannot say ; I judge of them at present by their late
publication, entitled in Latin, Idea Fidei, in English,
an Exposition of Doctrine. It the word Sabellian im-
ports any thing unscriptural or dangerous, I hope, for
mv own sake, (according to this buok,) they do not
deserve to be branded with it. For I am free to con-
fess, that of all the systems of divinity I am acquaint-
ed with, none seems in the main to accord more with
my sentiments, and particularly in what relates to the
Trinity, than the Brethren's Exposition of Doctrine.

But T apprehend that some good men, though not
in their judgment and experience, yet in their more
general manner of expression, seem to border upon
another extreme ; for though they profess to believe, and
I doubt not, cordially do believe, the deity of the Saviour,
they do not seem to speak of him with that freedom, fre-
quency, and fervency, of which the apostle Paul has
given us such a pattern in his writings. I have heard
excellent sermons, evidently upon Gospel principles,
and well adapted to general edification, in which I could
perceive but one defect, (and I must think it a defect,)
that the name of Jesus Christ the Lord has hardly
been mentioned, but only the word God, which has,
perhaps, been so often repeated, as to sound in my
ears almost like an expletive. On the other hand, I
have known some ministers suspected of Sabellianism,
for often addressing their prayers, directly and imme-
diately, to the Lord Jesus.

For my own part, if the one be three, and the three
one, as I believe, I am not afraid that there is a jea-
lousy in the Godhead, lest one person should be over-

Vol. VT 3 J.

*iO Thoughts on the Doctrine of

rated or too much admired and adored, to the disad-
vantage of the others. Rather I read it is the will of
the Father that all men should honour the Son, even
as they honour the Father. I endeavour to honour
the Father by prayer, by praise, by intrusting and sur-
rendering my all to him, by obedience, and proclaim-
ing the glory of his character. The same honour I
owe, and endeavour to pay, to the Son, and, by parity
of reason, to the Holy Spirit.

If the Lord Jesus be verily and indeed God over
all, blessed for ever, how can I possibly think or speak
of him too highly ; or pray to him, or praise him too
often ? The question, how far, and when, we may
warrantably pray to him, seems to me the same as to
ask, how far, and when, we may warrantably pray to
God?

I think the glory and grace of God can only be duly
perceived, at least by us sinners, in the person of
Jesus Christ, His mediation, though it derives its
efficacy from his divine nature, is performed in the
human. With regard to this office, I consider him as
the way to God, the mercy-seat, the throne of grace.
But I consider his human nature, likewise, as the tem-
ple in which the fulness of God substantially dwells.
In prayer, as I am differently led, I come to God by
Christ, or I come to God in Christ. In both I think
I have scriptural precepts, promises, and precedents
for my warrant.

Bishop Bonner ignorantly charged Phil pot that he
was like the ancient heretics mentioned by Pliny.
These heretics were the primitive Christians ; and
Pliny tells us, that they assembled together, to worship
Christ as God. May such heresy ever be my privi-
lege, and my glory !

the Holy Trinity. 44.1

I have observed, that in revivals of religion, the
word Lord has generally become more in use and
repute than at other times. I admire this word. We
have none that can better answer the Hebrew word
Jehovah, and it is likewise the peculiar name by which
the apostles speak of the Redeemer. He is Lord of
all. Yet the Father and the Holy Spirit are fre-
quently spoken of by the same title.

Dr. Owen in his Christiolo<j;ia states, that the more
general, object of prayers in the New Testament is
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ But
he afterwards points out some especial seasons in a
believer's experience, in which, he thinks, it may be
helpful to faith to address prayer more immediately
and directly to the Saviour. Perhaps many of the
Lord's people teel themselves always in one or other
of those situations, which the Doctor deems peculiar
and occasional. But he has omitted one case, which
I think v\ ell worthy of mention. I think the Lord
Christ is he with whom we, who have the honour to.
be ministers of the Gospel, more especially have to do.
Is he not the head of the church ? Do we not hope
that we have received our designation from him ? Is
it not his flock we are engaged to feed? To whom
should we, like the apostle, report our discouragements
or success, what we have taught, and what we have
done ? On whom are we to depend that his grace may
be sufficient for us, to enable us for service, or to
support us under temptations ? What is the grand, the
inexhaustible subject of our ministry ? Whom are we
to preach ? Christ, and him crucified ! Christ Jesus
the Lord ! from whom, as the great and righteous
Judge, we hope to receive the crown of life, which he
has promised to all who love his appearance,

*&& Thoughts on the Doctrine, &c.

I grieve to think, how often I have amused myself
and my hearers, (I tear it has been little more,) with
making grave remarks upon sin or holiness, which
though, I hope, true in themselves, and important in
their proper places, have, by the length of my proofs,
reasonings, and illustrations, tended to hide the Saviour
from our view. I have since compared this mistake
to that of a painter who in a historical piece should
omit the principal figure. I have thought it like an
attempt to point out the most striking parts of an ex-
tensive prospect at midnight. In future, I wish when
I preach, (if I may so speak,) to keep the sun in view
above the horizon. Then I may hope that He will be
seen by his own light, and will likewise diffuse a light
upon every part of my subject.

That there is an injudicious, improper way of preach-
ing Christ, and dwelling and chiming upon the name
of Jesus, as though the sound of it could work like a
charm, I readily admit. But I believe the most judi-
cious preacher, if faithful, if warmly conscious of the
Saviour's just right to appear glorious in every eye,
and precious to every heart, will not escape censure,
from fastidious, superficial, and incompetent hearers.
They will allow us to speak of God in general terms,
but they will not be pleased with hearing too much of
Christ. His name is of small value with the careless,
and those who are at ease ; it is designed for the relief
of the weak, the wounded the helpless, and the miser-
able ; and they who truly know him, and have experi-
enced his saving power, Mill be ready to speak ot his
name, (if they could speak Latin,) in the words of
Austin, that it is " Mel in ore, melos in aure, medicina
" in corde."

To draw to a close : — If the Lord shall be pleased

A Letter to a Young Woman. -iio

to give me clearer and deeper views of this point than
I have as yet attained. I believe it must be not by
investigation on my part, but by a manifestation on his
part. I cannot, by searching, find out God Nor
am I ambitious of that moon-light knowledge, which
chiefly qualifies for framing distinctions, and weighing
words and phrases. The only knowledge I think
worth praying for, is that which, while it enlightens,
exhilarates, animates, and sanctifies the heart : such
as the good woman had, who told her persecutors,
when they would have disputed with her, — f I cannot
" talk for Christ, but I can burn for him."

I conclude with my sincere and earnest prayers for
myself and my readers, in the words of the apostle,
" That Christ may dwell in our hearts by laifh ; that
" we, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able
" to comprehend, with all saints, what is the breadth,
" and length, and depth, and height, and to know the
" love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that we may
iC be filled with all the fulness ot God l"t

OMICRON.

A LETTER TO A YOUNG WOMAN-
My dear Miss ,

THANK you for your letter, and for your kind
sympathy uith me; but I am not much to be pitied.
My trial, if I may call it one, has been very light, and
sweetened with innumerable comforts and mercies. I
fell in the street, not clown stairs ; but I strained my
instep a good deal, and was confined to the sofa for
near a fortnight. Last Sunday I was enabled to mount

44* «I Letter to a Young Woman,

the pulpit, and I am now returning into my old track;
but I cannot yet walk in the street, because I cannot
wear my own shoe. I trust, in the Lord's good time,
I shall recover my former liberty : and till his time
comes, which is always the best, I hope I shall not de-
sire it. I felt little pain, except for about half an hour
after my fall. Perhaps my confinement may have kept
me from some greater harm.

The text of my first sermon on my return to church
was suggested by my own case : John v. 14. Methinks
it is applicable to you likewise. You have been sick,
nigh unto death, but the Lord has raised you up ; may
he enable you to consider sin, as the source and cause
of every sorrow ; and that the afflictions the Lord
sends, however trying to the flesh, are light, compared
with what sin deserves ; and designed, if rightly im-
proved, to prevent still worse things which may come
upon us, if we despise the chastening of the Lord. It
is my heart's desire for you, that you may not only say
•with gratitude, He hath healed all my sicknesses, but
be able to add, He has pardoned all my sin.

An accomplished and well-behaved young woman is
an amiable object in the sight of her fellow-creatures.
She may be sensible and obliging; she may dress and
dance genteelly ; she may play well upon the harpsi-
chord ; she may have much finer work to show, than the
coats and garments which Dorcas made ; and, by her
vicacity and good humour, she may become the idol of
all her acquaintance : but if she does not know her
state as a sinner ; if she admires herself, and is pleased
•with the admiration of others, while her heart is cold
to the love and glory of God our Saviour; if she has
no taste for prayer or praise ; if her mind is engrossed
by the pleasures and prospects of this poor world ; she

Ji Letter to a Young Woman. 4*5

is dead while she liveth. In the sight of God her
Maker, she is insensible and ungrateful ; she is poor,
blind, and miserable.

When you were a child I could observe in you, not
only the sprigrfitliness common to children, hut indica-
tions of sense and mental powers above the common
standard. Could I see you now, I think I should see
you greatly improved. Your person, I suppose, is
formed, your education finished, and your powers ex-
panded. Happy you, if with these advantages you
should be led to devote yourself to the Lord in
early life. Then he will guide and bless you, and
make you a blessing in all your connexions. You will
live honourably and usefully, and die, whether sooner
or later, comfortably. You will have a double relish
for every temporal comfort, because you will see his
hand providing and bestowing it; and in times of trou-
ble, which you will surely meet with, you will have a
refuge, a hiding-place, a present and effectual helper,
when the help of man would be utterly in vain.

But unless you enter the narrow way by the straight
gate, all your talents and accomplishments will be
snares to your feet, and thorns in your eyes. Though
the world, at first, may appear like a beautiful palace,
or a pleasant garden, it is enchanted ground, it is all
illusion ; and when, at last, the charm is broken, you
will find yourself in a desolate wilderness. May the
Lord preserve you from those awful disappointments,
and bitter reflections, which are the inevitable conse-
quences of living without God in the world !

Shall I advise you to change your own heart, to make
yourself, (what you must be if ever you are a Christian
indeed,) a new creature ? This would be no less vain,
than if I advised you to fly in the air, or to touch the

4*6 4 Letter to a Toimg Woman,

stars with your finger. Yet there is something within
the reach of your ability, and which if you neglect, the
fault will be properly your own. This is, the use of
what we call the means of grace. The promise of
God has connected the appointed means and the pro-
mised end ; so certainly that no one, who carefully at-
tends to the former, can possibly fail of attaining the
latter: and no one, to whom the Lord's word of salva-
tion is sent, shall finally miss of happiness, unless the
appointed means of attaining it are wilfully neglected.
You can read ; the Bible is in your hands ; read it
therefore attentively ; by it God speaks to you, and he
deserves to be heard. Your heart tells you, that he
ought to be worshipped. Let this conviction engage
you to pray, and especially pray for the teaching of his
Holy Spirit, to enlighten your mind to see and under-
stand the great things of his Word. Reverence his sab-
baths, and public worship. Where two or three are met
in his name, he has said, I am in the midst of them.
Prize the preaching of the Gospel when you can
have it, for ordinarily faith cometh bv hearing. If you
persevere in this way, you shall find that he is able and
willing to do that for you which you cannot possibly
do for yourself.

I commend you to the care and blessing of the
Lord. I hope you will always believe me to t;e,
Your affectionate friend,

J. NEWTON.

Memoirs of the Rev. JR. Hiccaltoun. 447

MEMORABLE CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE LIFE UE THE LATE
MR. RICCALTOUN.

To the Editor of the Evangelical Magazine.

Sir,

OOME months ago, I met with the words of Robert"
Hiccaltoun, late minister of Hobkirk, in Scotland. I
am not in the habit of recommending books. Some
sentiments of this author appeared to me rather singu-
lar ; but his originality, genius, and force as a writer,
engaged my attention. And though I do not think my-
self bound to plead for every thing he has advanced, I
readily acknowledge myself a debtor to him, as an in-
strument, for a more enlarged view of some truths,
which have been long dear to my heart.

I found upon inquiry that it was a posthumous publi-
cation, and, though printed long since, (the last volume
in the year 1772,) there were few persons within the
circle of my acquaintance who had either seen it or
heard of it. A considerable part of the edition remain-
ed unsold, and almost forgotten ; and I was told that the
editor, the Rev. John Riccaltoun, the author's son, and
his successor in the charge of the parish of Hobkirk,
was a considerable loser by the impression.

A friend of mine in Edinburgh, wrote to Mr. Ric-
ealtoun, at my instance, requesting some information
concerning his father, who I judged from his writings,
must have been a very considerable man. My friend
transcribed a copy of the letter he received from Mr.
Riccaltoun. If you think proper to insert the annexed
abstract of the most interesting particulars of this ac-
count, in your Magazine, it is at your service. Per-
haps it may not be unacceptable to some of your
readers.

Vol. VI. 3M

4*8 Memoirs of the Rev. JR. MiccaltoUfl.

Mr. Robert Riccaltoun was born, (I am not told where,-)
in the year 1 69 1 . Some indications of the genius which
he afterwards displayed, appeared in early life. He
could read the Bible distinctly before he was five years
of age. His father, who was a substantial tenant,
probably had a design of educating this his only son,
with a view to the ministry. He was placed in the
grammar school at Jedburgh, where he made a rapid
progress in learning. He could write and speak in
Latin, with the same ease and readiness as in English.
From thence he was removed to Edinburgh, attended
the university, and became a proficient in all the vari-
ous" branches of literature. About the time he had
finished his course in the college, his father died, and
left him in the possession of a very good farm. He
then seemed resolved to follow the farming business,
and therefore did not attend the Divinity Hall. How-
ever, he studied the Holy Scriptures with great dili-
gence, before he attained the age of twenty, and formed
to himself a system of what he called Bible Divinity,
from which he never departed through life, though he
doubtless acquired clearer and more distinct views, as
he advanced in years : and he became so possessed of
his system of biblical knowledge, that he could without
difficulty preach a lecture upon any portion of Scrip-
ture, without premeditation, when he was afterwards
called to it in the course of divine Providence.

The Presbytery of Kelso, in whose bounds he resid-
ed, had such a high opinion of his abilities, and of his
knowledge hi divinity, that they in a manner forced
him upon trials. They wrote his circular letters with-
out his consent, and at length prevailed on him to
comply with their wishes. In a year or two after he
became a preacher, (when about the age of twenty-

^Memoirs of the Rev. R. lticcaltoiin. *4S

four,) he published what he called, The sober Inquiry,
which had the good effect of putting an end to a dis-
pute, warmly carried on for a considerable time, be-
tween two parties of the most eminent men in the
church of Scotland.

He was much esteemed by many of his contemporary
ministers. My information particularly mentions four
by name, as his intimates ; the late Alexander Calder,
of Oxman ; Thomas Boston, of Etterich ; Henry Da-
vidson, of Gallasheils; and Gabriel Wilson, of Maxton.

In the life of Mr. Thomson, (author of the Seasons,)
there is an acknowledgment of his obligations to Mr.
Riccaltoun, who was himself likewise a poet . And his
son's letter informs me, that some of his father's poems
were published under Mr. Thomson's name. He
mentions one piece of his in particular, entitled, The
Description of a Winter Blast, upon which Mr. Thom-
son founded his Winter.

Mr. Riccaltoun met with one great trial, which
brought him into very straightened circumstances
through the remainder of his days. But he did not re-
gret it. His son has often heard him say, that it was the
very best dispensation that could have befallen him ;
as he thought, that if he had not been so bore down,
his spirit might have been very haughty and over-
bearing.

A Mr. H , a preacher, and a farmer, who mar-
ried Mr. Riccaltoun's wife's sister, had borrowed large
sums of money from different persons, and persuaded
Mr. Riccaltoun, that he had sufficient funds to pay off
all his debts, provided he could get in his own money ;
and assigned some plausible reasons why he could not
call it in for some time. It is not difficult to deceive a
young man, unpractised in the world, and who pos-

450 Memoirs of the Eet\ R. Hiccaltoim,

sesses an upright mind, and a warm benevolent heart.
Thus he was drawn in to bind himself for a large sum,
expecting, as he was promised, to be soon released.
But not long after Mr. H. obtained a church in Shet-
land, and then it appeared that he had no money to
call in. Of course the creditors came upon Mr. Riccal-
toun ; and at once tore from him every penny that his
father had lett him, to the amount of above 800/ nor
did that suffice to clear him. He was some years as-
sistant to Mr. Deans, of Bowden, before he was set-
tled at Hobkirk, and still harassed with the payment
of Mr. H.'s debts. After living 15 or 16 years at
Hobkirk, he «as involved in new distress, by opposing
the settlement of a minister, patronized and presented
by a nobleman, contrary to the inclinations of the
parish. He thought the people's cause a just one ; and
therefore saw it his duty to support them with all the
strength of argument he was able But he suffered
severely for it. Mr. H. had been the nobleman s"
tenant, and one of the sums for which Mr. Riccal-
toun was bound, was for the arrears of his rent. This
bond was brought against him, for principal and in-
terest, to the amount of 500/. and he would certainly
have been thrown into prison, if a friend had not ad-
vanced the money ; for the payment of which he as-
signed one halt of his stipend, yearly. But he was
obliged to contract debts for the support of his family.
I sympathize with his son, while I transcribe the
period which concludes this relation : — " At my father's
" death, as I was bound with him to many ot his cre-
° ditors, 1 became liable to his debts, which has kept
" me under wa.er ever since. But the cause was
<: good, vnd I have struggled cheerfully. But now I
*' almost despair ot being clear, (^though it is brought

Memoirs of the Rev. B. Riccaltoun. 451

u within 100/.) as I have seven children to maintain
"and educate, which, with the most frugal manage-
'• ment, will exhaust the whole of my stipend."

Perhaps this little history may engage the notice of
some persons, ahle and willing to assist him. I shall
be sorry if a deserving son ot such a father does not
obtain relief in his exigency.

They who are competent judges of the late Mr- Ric-
caltoun's writings, will perhaps wonder, as I do, that
a man so circumstanced for a course of many years,
should be able to write with that apparent composure,
and peculiar energy of thought and manner, which seem
to require a state of mind and situation perfectly at
ease. But the paper before me affirms, that none of
his most intimate friends ever heard him repine. The
whole of his conduct manifested a serenity of spirit,
and an habitual cheerful resignation to the will of God:
— a striking proof of the faithfulness of Him, who has
said, As thy day is, so shall thy strength be !

He was a very studious man, and when thinking
closely upon any subject, or even if writing, the various
conversation of others in the same room gave him no
disturbance. Yet he was a very cheerful, agreeable
companion, and always happy in company, where the
conversation was instructive and sensible. He was
especially pleased with the company of young people ;
and they who had access to know him, were so warm-
ly attached to him, that even reproof, when necessary
was thankfully received, when it came from him. And
few men made greater allowances for the foibles of
youth, than he. He was an affectionate husband and
parent, a warm and sincere friend.

He was taken suddenly ill, during divine service, in
the forenoon of a Lord's day, and desired a young man,

452 Memoirs of the Rev. E. Hiccaltoun.

who was frequently with him, to preach for him in the
afternoon. His complaint terminated in a total sup-
pression of urine. He continued in exquisite pain, till
about the middle of the week ; from that time he seem-
ed to be quite at ease : but as he never spoke after,
the cause of the transition from so much pain to sud-
den ease remained unknown. He breathed strong and
full through his nose, for the last three days of his life,
without once opening his lips. But his countenance
discovered an animated serenity, which was much
noticed by those who saw him. He breathed his last,
without the smallest convulsive motions, on the even-
ing of the following Lord's day, in the latter end of Sep-
tember, 176*9, in the 78th year of his age.

The controversy, which, it seems, subsided when his
Sober Inquiry appeared, was occasioned by the publi-
cation of a book, entitled, The Marrow of Modern Di-
vinity. I have not seen his Sober Inquiry ; but I
have in my possession his answers to Mr. Sandiman,
who had animadverted upon Mr. Harvey's Theron and
Aspasio, in two volumes, 12mo. under the signature of
Palemon.

My paper contradicts a report, that the late Rev.
Mr. Walker, of Edinburgh, had made many alterations
in the third volume of Mr. Riccaltoun's Works, (con-
taining Notes and Observations on the Epistle to the
Galatians,) and declares that Mr. Walker neither made
nor proposed any alterations; but only corrected the
proof sheets.

I am, Sir, yours,

OMICRON.

Jan. 31, 1795.

0n Female Dress. 4,53

ON FEMALE DRESS.

f OMEN who profess godliness, and who have the
care of young persons of their own sex, are perhaps in
no point more blameable, than in the example which
some of them set, and the liberty which perhaps a
greater number allow, of undue conformity to the
world, in the article of dress. Few ministers touch
upon this subject in their public discourses ; and indeed
it is not very easy to treat it with propriety from the
pulpit. Yet whatever is unsuitable to the Christian
profession, an inlet to temptation and productive of
evil consequences, should in some way or other be
noticed, by those who have the honour of the Gospel,
and the welfare of their fellow-creatures, at heart. I
make no further apology for offering a few hints,
which I hope will not give offence, and which I pray,
so far as they are agreeable to the Holy Scripture, and
confirmed by experience and observation, may be at-
tended to.

I doubt not but many parents who desire to see
their children brought up in the nurture and admo-
nition of the Lord, give them many excellent lessons
in the nursery. They endeavour to impress their tender
minds with a sense of their sinful state by nature, of
the evil of pride, and of the vanity of the world. —
But when their children begin to appear in public view,
for want of due reflection, or resolution, or both, they
either encourage, or at least permit them, to form ha-
bits, which have a direct tendency to counteract all the
benefits which might otherwise be hoped for from the
instruction of their early years.

454 O/i Female Dress.

I am certainly no connoisseur in the article of dress ;
but I know how I am affected by what I see: and I
can hear what other people say. The simplex mun-
ditiis of Horace, which may be translated, an unaffected
neatness, according to different situations in life, seems
a tolerable definition of a becoming dress.

But Christian women should aim to comply with
the apostle's advice, to adorn themselves in modest
apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety. When he
adds, " Not with gold, or pearls, or costly array," I
do not think it necessary to take this restriction so
rigidly, as to affirm, that such ornaments are, univer-
sally and without exception, unlawful. I think this is
one of the many expressions in Scripture, which are to
be understood in a comparative sense. Thus v\hen
our Lord declares, " That unless a man hate parents,
" wife, children, and his own life, he cannot be my
" disciple;" we are sure he does not contradict, what
by his authority is expressly enjoined in many other
passages, that we should pay a due regard to our re-
lations, and take a proper care of ourselves. He only
teaches us, that whenever our dearest temporal con-
cernments stand in competition with what we one to
Him, they must be given up and renounced.

The providence of God has made an evident dis-
tinction of rank and subordination in civil life. There
is a long gradation from the highest state of those
whom we call the rich, to the lowest state of the honest
and industrious poor. It is to be hoped, that some of
his oun dear people may be found in all these different
conditions. And I see no impropriety in paying some
regard to them in dress. At present, however^ through
the dissipation and extravagance oi the times, the pro-
per distinction is almost wholly lost, and it is otten

On Female Dress. 4 55

not easy to distinguish, (except perhaps in the article
of Jewels,) between a countess and a milliner.

If clothes are considered merely as a covering for
the body, and a defence from the cold, it will be diffi-
cult to draw the line, and to determine exactly between
what is necessary and what is superfluous. I think
some women may as lawfully wear satins and pearls,
as others may wear stuffs and glass beads ; and it is
more for the honour of the Gospel, that a woman pro-
fessing godliness should be distinguished from others,
by modesty, sobriety, and good works, than by the
shape of her cap, or the colour of her garment.

Yet even to ladies of the greatest affluence, who love
and fear the Lord, I will venture to suggest a word
of caution. To you I say nothing of the expense ; you
can, as the phrase is, very well afford it. And if in
other respects you are generous and bountiful, ready
to distribute, and willing to communicate, the cost of
what you choose to wear is of no great consideration.
But a nice attention to dress will cost you much of
what is more valuable than money — your precious time.
It will too much occupy your thoughts, and that at
the seasons when you would wish to have them other-
wise engaged. And it certainly administers fuel to that
latent fire of pride and vanity, which is inseparable
from our fallen nature, and is easily blown up into a
blaze. I hope you will not be among the first of
those who are eager to catch at, and give sanction to
every new mode ; nor is it necessary, if the mode be
decent and general, that you should be the very last
to adopt it. But something there should be in your
exterior, to indicate, that though yo do not affect a
needless and scornful singularity, (which is often the
source of censoriousness and envy.') vet your heart i

Vol. VI. S N

450 On Female Dress.

not set upon these little things. If a woman, when
going to public worship, looks in the glass, and con-
templates, with a secret self-complacence, the figure
which it reflects to her view, I am afraid she is not in
the frame of spirit most suitable for one, who is about
to cry for mercy as a miserable sinner.

There are likewise women, who, we would hope, are
pious, and therefore, of course, benevolent. But an
attachment to dress, and a desire to approach, as near
as they can, to the standard of those who are their su-
periors in fortune, blunt their compassionate feelings,
and deprive them of the usefulness, comfort, and
honour they might otherwise attain. The expense of
their dress is so great, compared with the smallness of
their income, that when they have decorated themselves
to their mind, they have little or nothing to spare for
the relief of the poor. I doubt not, but they take it
for granted, that, upon the supposition that our Lord
and Saviour was again upon earth in a state of poverty
and humiliation, as when he walked in the streets of
Jerusalem, and they knew that he wanted a garment,
when they were about to spend their spare money in
some useless piece of finery, they would gladly forego
their purpose for the honour of assisting him. But
the heart is deceitful. If we live in the neglect of
present duty, we have no right to suppose we should
act better in different circumstances. He has said,
" Inasmuch as ye did it to the least of these my bre-
" thren, yet did it unto me." And if we are inattentive
to the wants of those, whom he appoints to be his re-
presentatives, we cannot be sure that we should be
properly attentive to himself, if he was with us in per-
son, and in a low obscure condition.

But I am not so much hurt by observing the ma-

Oil Female Brese. £B7

terials, as by the manner of female dress ; by what we
call the fashion, and the eagerness with which every
changing fashion, however improper, is adopted, by
persons whose religious profession might lead us to
hope they had no leisure to attend to such trifles. If
some allowance is to be made for youth on this head,
it is painful to see mothers, and possibly sometimes
grandmothers, who seem, by the gaudiness and levity
of their attire, very unwilling to be sensible that they
are growing older.

It may be a sufficient censure of some fashions, to
say they are ridiculous. Their chief effect is to dis-
figure the female form. And perhaps the inventors of
them had no worse design, than to make a trial, how
far they could lead the passive unthinking many in the
path of absurdity. Some fashions, which seem to have
been at first designed to hide a personal deformity,
have obtained a general prevalence with those who had
no such deformity to hide. We are informed, that
Alexander had a wry neck, and therefore his courtiers
carried their heads on one side, that they might appear
to be in the king's fashion. We smile at this servility,
in people who lived in Macedonia twenty centuries
before we were born ; yet it is little less general among
ourselves in the present day.

Other fashions were doubtless contrived by persons,
who, having not yet attained to glory in their shame,
were desirous of concealing it as much, and as long, &■
possible. Yet these, likewise, are no less eagerly
adopted. If I did not consider the tyranny of fashion,
my compassionate feelings would often be excited for
women who I should suppose were married, if I did
not observe the wedding-finger destitute of a ring.

hese improprieties are not simply ridiculous. They

ids On Female Dress.

are serious evils, in a religious view ; and, to speak of
them in the gentlest terms, they are signs of a careless?
inconsiderate spirit, very unsuitable to a professed
regard to the Gospel. We are required to attend to
the things that are lovely and of a good report. Every
wilful deviation from this rule is sinful. Why should
a £odly woman, or one who wishes to be thought so,
make herself ridiculous, or hazard a suspicion of her
character, to please and imitate an ungodly world ?

But the worst of all the fashions are those which
are evidently calculated to allure the eyes, and to draw
the attention of our sex. Is it not strange that modest
and even pious women, should be seduced into a com-
pliance even with these? Yet I have sometimes been
in company with ladies of whose modesty I have no
doubt, and of whose piety I entertain a good hope,
when I have been embarrassed and at a loss which
way to look. They are indeed noticed by the men,
but not to their honour nor advantage. The manner
of their dress gives encouragement to vile and insidious
men, and exposes them to dangerous temptations.
This inconsiderate levity has often proved the first step
into the road that leads to misery and ruin. They are
pleased with the flattery of the worthless, and go on
without thought, " as a bird hastens to the snare, and
u knoweth not that it is for its life." But honest and
sensible men regard their exterior, as a warning signal,
not to choose a companion for life, from among persons
of this light and volatile turn of mind.

How far does the richest dress which studious vanity
can procure from the spoils of birds, beasts, and in-
sects, fall short of the delicate texture and elegance,
and the beautiful tints, which we admire in a flower
or a butterfly ! " Even Solomon in all his glory was

On Religious Feasting. ASM

" not arrayed like one of these !" The resemblance is
chiefly in the frailty of the wearer. Soon, and perhaps
suddenly, the body, now adorned with so much nicety
and care, must be deposited in the vault or grave, and
be food for worms.

An attention to ornament and dress is peculiarly un-
seasonable at present. The dark aspect of the times
rather requires a spirit of humiliation and abasement.
The judgments of God are abroad, his hand is lifted
up. We know not what is before us, but we have
reason to fear awful tokens of his displeasure for our
national sins. Perhaps the day is coming when the
words of the prophet, " Tremble, ye women that arc
" at ease, be afflicted ye careless ones," may be no
less applicable to us, than they were to the Israelites
of old. I earnestly request my fair readers carefully
to persue the latter part of the third chapter of the pro-
phecy of Isaiah, from the sixteenth verse to the end.

OMICRON.

ON RELIGIOUS FEASTING

IVJiether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, du
all to the glory of God. 1 Cor. x. 31.

SINNER, considered as such, is not only destitute
and incapable of spiritual blessings, but has forfeited
all right to the comforts, and even the necessaries, of
the present life. It is of mere mercy that he is per-
mitted to breathe the air, or walk upon the ground. —

46 U Qn Religious Feasting.

But Jesus the Saviour has not only brought life and
immortality to light, and opened the kingdom of
Heaven to all who believe in his name ; but he has re-
moved, in their favour, the curse which sin had en-
tailed upon the lower creation. And now, to them,
every creature of God is good, and nothing to be re-
fused, if received with thankfulness and moderation ;
for all is sanctified to their use by the word of God,
and prayer. But these, which, in distinction from the
communications of his grace, we call common mercies,
are equally derived from his bounty, and the effecte
oi his mediation.

(i He sunk beneath our heavy woes,
" To raise us to a throne ;

l{ There's not a gift his hand bestows,
" But cost his heart a groan."

We are therefore bound by gratitude, as well in the
ordinary actions of life, as in those of the most impor-
tance, whether we eat or drink, to do all with a regard
to his love, and with a view to his glory.

It is to be feared, that this apostolic rule is too
much disregarded by many professors of the Gospel.
However they may seem to differ from the world,
by a stated and orderly attendance upon the ordi-
nances, they are not easily distinguished upon many
other occasions ; particularly at their meals. The
people of the world can scarcely exceed them in the
cost, care, profusion, and variety with which their ta-
bles are covered. I am willing to allow some regard
to a person's situation in life ; but perhaps the excess
is more frequently observable among people in trade,
or, as we say, in middling circumstances, than at the

On Religious Feasting. 461

tables of the opulent. A friend of mine, since de-
ceased, told me, that, when he was a young man, he
once dined with the late Dr. Butler, at that time bishop
of Durham ; and though the guest was a man of for-
tune, and the interview by appointment, the provision
was no more than a joint of meat and a pudding. The '
bishop apologized for his plain fare, by saying, " that
" it was his way of living ; that he had been long dis-
" gusted with the fashionable expense of time and money
" in entertainments, and was determined that it should
11 receive no countenance from his example." The eco-
nomy of this truly venerable prelate was not the effect
of parsimony ; for I have been assured, that though he
was some time possessed of the princely revenue of
Durham, he might be said to die poor, leaving little
more money than was necessary to discharge his debts,
and pay for his funeral. But we may accommodate
to him, what the apostles said of themselves on another
occasion, " He did not think it meet to leave the word
" of God, and to serve tables" And at the tables of
some gentlemen of very respectable characters and
affluent fortunes, who do me the honour to notice me,
I have often seen little more than I should have thought
it right to have had at my own, if they had favoured
me with their company. It is at least certain, that the
waste and parade, of which I complain, are by no
means confined to those who, according to the com-
mon phrase, can best afford it.

When ministers of the Gospel are invited, they may
sometimes have reason to suppose, that some part of
the apparatus they meet with, may be intended as a
mark of regard and attention to them ; and it has the
appearance of ingratitude to blame our friends for their
kindness : but some of us would be better pleased to

*62 On Religiotis Feasting.

be treated less sumptuously, and in a way more con-
formable to the simplicity of our Christian profession.
We would not wish to be considered as avowed epi-
cures, who cannot dine well without a variety of deli-
cacies : and if we could suppose, that such cost and
variety were designed to remind us how much better
we fare abroad than at home, we might think it rather
an insult than a compliment. I have known, in fami-
lies where there is no professed housekeeper, the mis-
tress of the house has been, like Martha, too much
encumbered with cares and anxieties in making prepa-
ration for her friends. They could not see her so soon
as they have wished, and when she has appeared, she
could not wholly conceal the discomposure she has felt
from some unexpected incident, which has more or less
disconcerted the projected arrangement of her feast.
Such things may be common among those who live
without God in the world ; but they should be carefully
avoided by those who make a profession, that whether
they eat or drink, they do all for his glory. Often we
cannot avoid the thought — " this dish, unnecessary in
" itself, or unnecessarily expensive, might have been
** well spared, and the money given to the poor ;" for
there is not a day, in which some of the dear people
of God do not find a difficulty in providing bread for
their children.

Perhaps there is no one circumstance in the history
of our Saviour so little laid to heart, so generally over-
looked, by those who acknowledge him as their Master
and their Lord, as that state of poverty to which he
submitted while upon earth. He had no home, he
had not a piece of silver to pay the tribute-money :
He was hungry when he went to the fig-tree : and
when he sat, like a weary, obscure traveller, by the

On "Religious Feasting. 463

well-side, he was thirsty ; he asked for a little water,
and seemed upon the point of being refused. He
wrought no miracle solely for his own relief; but he
felt for the necessitous, and miraculously fed them by
thousands ; not with dainties, which would have been
equally easy to him, but finding a few loaves and fishes
amongst them, he satisfied their wants without chang-
ing their diet. Yea, after his resurrection, when he
had taken possession of all power and authority both in
heaven and in earth, he condescended to dine with his
disciples upon broiled fish and bread, which he likewise
provided for them. Alas ! the rich followers of this
poor Saviour have more reason to be ashamed of their
gorgeous apparel, their fine houses, their elegant fur-
niture, and their splendid entertainments, than to value
themselves upon such trifles ! They are unavoidable ap-
pendages to persons in some situations ; but, I believe,
they who have drank deeply into our Lord's spirit, ac-
count them rather burdens than benefits.

I know several persons, whose ability to do much
more in this way, if they pleased, than they do, is not
disputed ; and whose acknowledged benevolence and
bounty secure them from the suspicion of being re-
strained by covetousness. I have often wished that a
number of these would form themselves into a society,
for the express and avowed purpose of discountenance
ing, by their example and influence, that sinful, shame-
ful conformity to the world, which spreads like a gan-
grene, is the reproach of the Gospel, and threatens the
utter extinction of vital religion in multitudes who pro-
fess it.

But this religious feasting is peculiarly scandalous
and abominable, when it is celebrated on the Lord p

Vol. VI. 3 O

464» On Helistions Feastim*.

c-V

day. Some professors are not ashamed to say, they
are so taken up with business through the course of the
week, that they have no other day in which they can
see their friends. But, my dear reader, if you are a
man of business, and fear the Lord, I hope you speak
very different language. I hope you can say, " I am
" indeed necessarily and closely engaged in business for
" the six days; but I bless God for the gracious appoint-
" ment of a day of rest, which sets me free for one day,
" at least, from the snares and cares of the world, gives
" me an opportunity of recruiting my spiritual strength
" by private and public attendance upon the Lord, and
" affords me a little time to attend to the state of my
" children and servants. I love my friends ; but if my
" business will not permit me to see them at other
" times, it is better for me not to see them at all, than
" to be interrupted in the improvement of my privi-
" leges on the Lord's day."

But they who then choose to meet in troops, and
feed themselves without fear, will still have something
to plead. They are all professors, they do not visit the
people of the world, nor receive visits from them —
They manage so as to hear two good Gospel sermons in
the day, and perhaps have a hymn and a prayer after
dinner into the bargain — Though they go well filled to
the evening worship, they are far from being intoxicat-
ed. Will they say, Is there any harm in this ? Ask
their servants, for whom they are responsible, and who
have as good a right as themselves to worship the Lord
on his own day. But the poor servants are perhaps
more harassed and fatigued on the Lord's day than on
any other day of the week. If they still say, " What
" harm ?" let me only appeal to your own consciences :

Thoughts on Faith. 465

Is this " to eat and drink to the glory of God ?" If you
can persuade yourselves to think so, I pity you, but
know not what answer to return.

April II, 1795. OMICRON.

THOUGHTS OX FAITH, AND THE ASSURANCE OF FAITH

w

r E may easily conceive of a tree without fruit, but
the idea of fruit is naturally connected with that of some-
tree or shrub which produces it. In this sense, as-
surance is of the essence of faith ; that is, it springs
from true faith, and can grow upon no other root.
Faith likewise is the measure of assurance. While
faith is weak, (our Lord compares it in its first prin-
ciple, to a grain of mustard-seed,) assurance cannot
be strong.

Jesus Christ the Lord is a complete all-sufficient
Saviour. His invitation to the weary and heavy laden
is general, without exception, condition, or limitation.
He has said, Him that cometh unto me, I will in no
wise cast out. God not only permits but commands w
to believe in the Son of his love. The apostle affirms
that he is able to save to the uttermost, all that come
unto God by him. When Moses raised the brazen
serpent in the wilderness, the direction to the wounded
Israelites was very short and simple ; — it was only,
Look, and live. Thus the Gospel addresses the sinner,
Only believe, and thou shalt be saved.

Why then does not every sinner who is awakened to
a sense of his guilt, danger, and helplessness, and whose

<iGG Thoughts on Faith.

desires are drawn towards the Saviour, believe with
full confidence, even upon his first application for
mercy ? Is not the remedy fully adequate to the ma-
lady ? Is not the blood of Jesus able to cleanse from
all sin ? Is not the word of the God of truth worthy of
entire credit ? Yet with such a Saviour exhibited be-
fore the eyes of his mind, and with such promises
sounding in his ears, he continues to hesitate and fluc-
tuate between hope and fear. Could he rely as firmly
on the word of God, as he can on the word of a man,
who, he thinks, means what he says, and is able to
make good his promises, he would immediately be filled
with joy and peace in believing. But experience and
observation may convince us, that, however rational
and easy this assurance may seem in theory, it is ordi-
narily unattainable in practice, without passing through
a train of previous exercises and conflicts.

It is true, young converts are often favoured with
comfortable impressions, which lead them to hope that
their doubts and difficulties are already ended, when
perhaps they are but just entering upon their warfare.
They are brought, as it were, into a new world ; a
strong and lively sense of divine things engrosses their
attention ; the world sinks into nothing in their esteem ;
the evil propensities which discourage them are over-
powered for a season, and they hope they are quite
subdued, and will trouble them no more. Their love,
gratitude, praise, and admiration, are in vigorous ex-
ercise. An aged, experienced Christian may recollect,
with a pleasing regret, many sweet sensations of this
kind, in the early stages of his profession, which he
cannot recall. But he now knows that the strong con-
fidence he felt in these golden hours was not the assur-
ance of faith ; — it was temporary and transient ; — it

Thoughts on Failh. 467

was founded upon what we call a good frame. Though
his comforts were strong, his faith was weak ; for when
the good frame subsided, his fears returned, his hope
declined, and he was at his wit's end. Then, perhaps,
he wondered at his own presumption, for daring to
hope that such a creature as himself could have any
right to the privileges of a believer. And if, in the
warmth of his heart, he had spoken to others of what
God had done for his soul, he afterwards charged
himself with being a hypocrite, and a false witness both
to God and man. Thus when the Israelites saw the
Egyptians, (who had pursued and terrified them,) cast
up dead upon the shore of the Red Sea, they praised
the Lord, and believed. They were little aware of the
wilderness they had to pass through, and the trials they
were to meet with, before they could enier the promis-
ed land.

But strong faith and the effect of it, an abiding per-
suasion of our acceptance in the beloved, and of our
final perseverance in grace, are not necessarily con-
nected with sensible comfort. — -A strong faith can trust
God in the dark, and say with Job. "Though he shy
" me, yet will I trust in him." Yet it is not to be
maintained without a diligent use of tne instituted
means of grace, and a conscientious attention to the
precepts of the Gospel. For notions of truth, desti-
tute of power, will not keep the heart in peace. But
this power depends upon the influence of the Holy
Spirit ; and if He is grieved by the wilful commission of
sin, or the wilful neglect of the precepts, he hides his
face, suspends his influence, and then confidence must
proportionably decline, till he is pleased to return, and
revive it. There are likewise bodily disorders, which,
by depressing the animal spirits, darken and discolour

i68 'Moughts »n FaiUi,

the medium of our perceptions. If the enemy is per-
mitted to take advantage of these seasons, he can pour
in a flood of temptations, sufficient to fill the most as-
sured believer with terror and dismay. But ordina-
rily, they who endeavour to walk closely and conscien-
tiously with God, attain, in due time, an assurance of
hope to the end, which is not easily nor often shaken,
though it is not absolutely perfect, nor can be while so
much sin and imperfection remain in us.

If it be inquired, why we cannot attain to this state of
composure at first, since the object of faith and the
promises of God are always the same ? — several rea-
sons may be assigned.

Unbelief 'is the primary cause of all our inquietude,
from the moment that our hearts are drawn to seek
salvation by Jesus. This inability to take God at his
word, should not be merely lamented as an infirmity,
but watched, and prayed, and fought against as a great
sin. A great sin indeed it is ; the very root of our
apostasy, from which every other sin proceeds. It
otten deceives us under the guise of humility, as though
it would be presumption, in such sinners as we are, to
believe the declarations of the God of truth. Many
serious people, who are burdened with a sense of other
sins, leave this radical evil out of the list. They rather
indulge it, and think they ought not to believe, till they
can find a warrant from marks and evidences within
themselves. But this is an affront to the wisdom and
goodness of God, who points out to us the Son of his
love, as our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and
redemption, without any regard to what we have been,
or to what we are, excepting that broken and contrite
spirit which only himself can create in us. And this
broken spirit, though unbelief perverts it to our discou-

Thoughts on Faith. i69

ragement, is the very temper in which the Lor., de-
lights, and a surer evidence of true grace than those
which we are apt to contrive for ourselves. It is writ-
ten, He that believeth not the record which God hath
«iven of his Son, maketh him a liar. Why do we not
start with horror at the workings of unbelief, as we
should do at a suggestion to commit murder, or the
grossest outward enormity ?

Again, our natural pride is a great hinderance to be-
lieving. If we acknowledge ourselves to be sinners,
and are sensible of our need of mercy, we are not easily
brought to see that we are so totally depraved, so ex-
ceedingly vile, so utterly destitute of all good, as the
word of God describes us to be. A secret dependence
upon prayers, tears, resolutions, repentance, and en-
deavours, prevents us from looking solely and simply
to the Saviour, so as to ground our whole hope for ac-
ceptance upon his obedience unto death, and his whole
mediation. A true believer will doubtless repent and
pray, and forsake his former evil ways, but he is not
accepted upon the account of what he does or feels,
but because Jesus lived and died, and rose, and reigns
on the behalf of sinners, and because he is enabled by
grace to trust in him for salvation. Further, pride
leads us into that spirit of vain reasoning, which is con-
trary to the simplicity of faith. Till this is renounced,
till we become in some measure like little children, and
receive the doctrines of Scripture implicitly, because
they are from God, requiring no further proof of any
point than a Thus saith the Lord ; we cannot be esta-
blished in our hope. Naaman was very desirous to be
healed of his leprosy ; but if the Lord had not merci-
fully over-ruled his prejudices, he would have returned
a leper as he camp. Before he went to Elisha, he had

*~Q Th&ughts on Faith,

coi.r^ered in his own mind, how the prophet ought te
treat ulry ; and not having the immediate attention
paid to him that he expected, he was upon the point of
going away ; for his reason told him, that if washing
could effect his cure, the waters of Syria were as good
as those of Jordan. " It seems," to use the words of
a late ingenious writer, " that the Gospel is too good
•' to he believed, and too plain to be understood, till
" our pride is abased."

It is difficult to determine, by the eye, the precise
moment of day-break: but the light advances from
early dawn, and the sun arises at the appointed hour.
Such is the progress of divine light in the mind : the
first streaks of the dawn are seldom perceived ; but, by
degrees, objects, till then unthought of, are disclosed.
The evil of sin, the danger of the soul, the reality and
importance of eternal things, are apprehended, and a
hope of mercy through, a Saviour is discovered, which
prevents the sinner from sinking into absolute despair.
— But for a time all is indistinct and confused. In this
state of mind, many things are anxiously sought for as
pre requisites to believing, but they are sought in vain,
for it is only by believing that they can be obtained.
But the light increases, the sun arises, the glory of God
in the person of Jesus Christ shines in upon the soul.
As the sun can only be seen by its own light, and dif-
fuses that light by which other objects are clearly per-
ceived ; so Christ crucified is the sun in the system of
revealed truth ; and the right knowledge of the doctrine
of his cross satisfies the inquiring mind, proves itself to
be the one thing needful, and the only thing necessary
to silence the objections of unbelief and pride, and to
afford a sure ground for solid and abiding hope.

Once more ; we cannot be sately trusted with as-

Thoughts on Faith. ±71

surance till we have that knowledge of the evil and
deceitfulness of our hearts, whieh can be acquired only
by painful, repeated experience. The young convert,
in his brighter hours, when his heart is full of joys, and
he thinks his mountain stands too strong to be removed,
may be compared to a ship with much sail spread,
and but little ballast. She goes on well while the
weather is fair, but is not prepared for a storm. When
Peter said, " Thou hast the words of eternal life, we
■' believe and are sure that thou art the Christ," and
when he protested, " Though all men should forsake
" thee, yet will not I," he undoubtedly spoke honestly ;
but the event showed that he did not know himself.
His resolution was soon and sorely shaken in the hall
of the high- priest, so that he denied his Lord with oaths
and imprecations. He was left to fall ; that he might
learn he did not stand by his own strength. The pa-
rable of the prodigal may be accommodated for an
illustration of this point. The Scripture says, " Then
"shall ye know, if ye follow on to know the Lord."
But we often want to know at first, and at once ; and
suppose, — If I was but sure that I am right, and ac-
cepted in the Beloved, I could go on with more spirit
and success. Many rejoice greatly when they seem to
obtain this desire, but their joy is short-lived. They
soon resemble the prodigal ; they become vain, rash,
and careless ; they forsake their father's house ; their
attention to the means of grace is slackened ; they ven-
ture upon smaller deviations irom the prescribed rule,
which, in time, lead them to greater. Thus their stock
of grace and comfort is quickly exhausted. They
begin to be in want ; and, after having been feasted
with the bread of life, are reduced to feed upon such
husks as the world can afford them. Happy, if at
Vol. VI. 3 P

472 Thoughts on Faith.

length they are brought to their right minds ! But, oh !
with what pungent shame and humiliation do they
come back to their Father ! He, indeed, is always
ready to receive and forgive backsliders ; but surely
they cannot easily forgive themselves for their ingra-
titude and folly. When he has healed their broken
bones, and restored peace to their souls, it mav be ex-
pected that they will walk softly and humbly to the end
of their days, and not open their mouths any more,
either to boast, or to censure, or to complain.

For, a man who possesses a Scriptural and well-
grounded assurance in himself, will evidence it to
others by suitable fruits. He will be meek, unassum-
ing, and gentle in his conduct before men, because he
is humbled and abased before God. — Because he lives
upon much forgiveness, he will be ready to forgive.
The prospect of that blessed hope assuredly laid up
for him in heaven, will make him patient under all his
appointed trials in the present life, wean him from an
attachment to the world, and preserve him from being
much affected either by the smiles or the frowns of
mortals. To hear persons talk much of their assur-
ance, and that they are freed from all doubts and fears,
while they habitually indulge proud, angry, resenttul,
discontented Umpers, or while they are eagerly grasp-
ing after the world, like those who seek their whole
portion in it, is painful and disgusting to a serious mind.
Let us pity them, and pray for them ; for we have
great reason to fear that they do not understand what
they say, nor whereof they affirm.
July U, 1795. OMICRON.

$n Covctousness. *73

ON COVETOUSXESS.

HAT is Covetousness? It is an easy besetting sin,
from which few persons are entirely tree ; and it is
eminently deceitful. It is decried and condemned in
others, by multitudes who live in the habit of it them-
selves. It is very difficult to fix a conviction of this
sin upon those who are guilty of it. Whether drunkards
or profligates regard the warnings of the preacher or
not, when he declares that they who persist in those
evil practices shall not inherit the kingdom of God ;
they know at least their own characters, and are sen-
sible that they are the persons intended But if he
adds, Nor the covetous man, who is an idolater — the
covetous man usually sits unmoved, and is more ready
to apply the threatening to his neighbour than to him-
self; If he is willing to entertain the mirristi rs or
friends of the Gospel sometimes at his table, it tie
now and then gives a few shillings to the poor, and a
guinea or two to a charitable subscription, he cannot
suspect that he is liable to the charge ot covetousne;-s.
There are two words in the Greek Testament, which
are rendered covetousness in our version. The one li-
terally signifies, The love of money ; the other, A
desire oj more. The senses are indeed coincident :
for no man would desire more of that which he does
not love ; and as he that loveth silver, cannot be sa-
tisfied with the silver that he already possesses, he will
of course desire more. Money is generally loved and
valued at first, as a mean of procuring other things
which appear desirable ; but many who begin thus,
are brought at length to love money for its own sake.
Such persons are called misers, We meet with tno*e

i7* On Covctousness.

who, so far from being benevolent to others, are cruel
to themselves, and, though abounding in wealth, can
hardly afford themselves the necessaries of life. But
a man may be very covetous, though, not being yet
given up to this judicial infatuation, he may congra-
tulate himself, and thank God, that he is not a miser.

I consider covetousness as the most generally pre-
vailing and ensnaring sin, by which professors of the
Gospel, in our commercial city, are hindered in their
spiritual progress. A disposition deeply rooted in our
fallen nature, strengthened by the habits of business,
the immense circulation of cash, the power of custom,
and the fascinating charm of a balance sheet, is not
easily counteracted.

If we are, indeed, believers in Christ, and partakers
of the power of his resurrection, we are bound by ob-
ligation, and required by our rule, to set our affec-
tions on the things that are above, not on the things on
the earth. He has called us out of the world, and
cautioned us against conformity to its spirit. While
we are in the world, it is our duty, privilege, and
honour, to manifest that grace which has delivered us
from the love of it. Christians must indeed eat and
drink, and may buy and sell as other people do ; but
the principles, motives, and ends of their conduct, are
entirely different. They are to adorn the doctrine of
God their Saviour^and to do all for his glory. By his
wisdom and providence, he places them in different
situations, that the power and sufficiency of his grace
may appear under a great variety of outward circum-
stances. He gives them talents, to some more, to
others less ; but all to be improved for him. Whether
they are rich or poor, bond or free, they are so by his
appointment ; with which, if they cheerfully comply,

On Covetonsness. *73

they shall, in due time, be sensible that he chooses
better for them, than they could have chosen for them-
selves. The language of faith, when in exercise, will
not be, " What is most conducive to my temporal ease
" and prosperity?" but, " What will give me the fairest
cc opportunity of glorifying him, who has bought me
" with his blood, and called me out of darkness into
" his marvellous light ? Too much of my time has
" already been wasted : how shall I improve the little
" uncertain remainder for his service ? I am too short-
" sighted to judge for myself, but he has thus far
" determined it. I am where he has placed me : and
" the calling in which his mercy found me, (if it be
" a lawful one,) is that in which, for the present, I am
" to abide as the best for me. When it ceases to be
" so, I may depend upon him to appoint me another.
" But till then I desire to be contented with such
" things as I have, and to be thankful for them. He
" knows my frame, my feelings, my wants, and my
" trials ; he permits, yea, invites me to cast all my
" cares upon him ; he assures me that he careth for
" me, and therefore I only wish to do or to suffer aG-
" cording to his will to-day, and to leave the concerns
" of to-morrow in his hands. While I live, may I
" live for him, and when I die, may I go to him ! May
" his grace be sufficient for me, and all shall be well."'
The Christian knows, or should know, that it is
not necessary to be rich, or to be admired or envied
by an unthinking world ; but it is absolutely necessary
for him to maintain peace of conscience, communion
with God, and a cheerful activity of spirit in his ser-
vice. And as his gracious Lord accepts him, not ac-
cording to what he actually does, but according to what

*Z6 On Covet ousness.

he would do if he could, so that he who can only give
a cup of cold water to a prophet, in the the name of a
prophet, should receive a prophet's reward ; in this re-
spect all his people, however differently situated, are
exactly upon a par. Luke xxi. 3, 4.

But, alas ! how many who profess to know and value
the Gospel, are far otherwise minded ! The chief mark
of their profession is, their attendance upon the or-
dinances of worship. At other times, and in other
respects, they are not easily distinguished from the
world. If their houses, furniture, tables, and other
appendages, secure them from the suspicion of being
misers, the manner in which they follow their business
sufficiently proves them to be covetous. If, when they
can find leisure to speak of religion, they complain
that their frames are low, and that they have but little
comfort in the ways of God, this is the most favourable
token we can find to encourage our hope, that in the
midst of all their hurry, there may be a latent sin-
cerity at the bottom. For how can it be otherwise, if
they had a spark of life and grace in their hearts,
while they attempt to look two ways at once, and to
reconcile the incompatible claims of God and mam-
mon? The love of money, and the desire of more
are always in exercise. As to these, their frames sel-
dom vary, from the beginning to the end of the year.
They rise early, take late rest, and eat the bread of
carefulness, that they may be able to vie with the
world in their outward appearance, and to lay up snares,
and thorns, and encumbrances, for their children. Often,
when already possessed of a lawful business, which
affords a competence for a comfortable support, if
opportunity offers, they eagerly catch at some other
prospect of gain, though they thereby double their

On Covclousness. 477

anxieties, and encroach still more upon that time, (too
little before,) which they could afford to allot to the
concerns of their souls. Such opportunities they call
providential openings, and perhaps say they are thank-
ful for them ; not considering that such openings of
Providence are frequently temptations or tests, which
the Lord permits a man to meet with, to prove what
is in his heart, and to try him, whether he will hold fast
his integrity or not, and whether his affections be indeed
aet on the things above, or still cleave to the earth.

It is sometimes the pleasure of the Lord to give a
servant of his what the world calls prosperity. He
places him in a line of life suited to his turn and ability,
prepares a plain path before him, and, by a blessing
upon his industry and economy, the man, perhaps,
from small beginnings, increases in wealth, almost im-
perceptibly, with little other solicitude on his own part,
than a faithful attention to the duties of his calling
from day to day. Such a person is a public benefit.
The Lord, who gives him riches, teaches him likewise
how to use them. He chiefly values the increase of
his property and influence, as they enlarge his sphere
of usefulness. He is ready and active to promote the
cause of God in the world, and to relieve the wants
and miseries of his fellow-creatures. He is eyes to
the blind, and feet to the lame ; the friend of the father-
less and the widow. Persons of this character are to
bf found amongst us; but compared with the bulk of
professors, we may apply to them what the poet says
of the fleet of iEneas after the storm :

Apparent ran, nantcs in gurgite vasto.

A few still swim upon the waves, which have swallowed

478 On Covetousness.

up 'many. For those who, as the apostle expresses
it, " will be rich," who will strain every nerve to load
themselves with thick clay, and to be found in the
list of those who gain much money, or transact much
business, may, and often do, obtain the poor reward
they seek. As in the case of Israel, when, not sa-
tisfied with bread from heaven, they importunately
clamoured for flesh likewise ; God gives them their
desire, but sends leanness withal into their souls. They
expose themselves to temptations and snares, to foolish
passions and pursuits; and thus too many, who pro-
mised fair at the first setting out, are drowned in de-
struction and perdition. For it is written in the Scrip-
ture, that no covetous man, who is an idolater, shall
inherit the kingdom of God ; and the Scriptures can-
not be broken.

At the best, if they do not finally perish, they are in
great danger of erring from the faith, and certainly
pierce themselves through with many sorrows : for the
love of money is the root of all evil. We may err from
the faith, without changing the form of our creed, or
imbibing doctrinal errors. Faith is an active, powerful
principle ; it realizes things unseen, it leads to the
throne of grace, it feeds upon the word of life, it de-
sires and obtains communion with God, and power
from the Spirit of grace, by which it purifies the heart,
works by love, and overcomes the world. These are
the sure effects of faith; and he who does not in some
measure experience them in himself, may have an opi-
nion, a notion of the truths of the Gospel, and may be
right in theory ; but he is either an utter stranger to
the faith of God's people, or has greatly erred from it.

Who can enumerate the many sorrows with which
the covetous and worldly-minded professor is pierced I

On Covetousness. 479

Especially if it be the Lord's pleasure to be graciom
to him, and he purposes to bring him at last out of the
snares in which he is entangled. Then, sooner or later,
his schemes are broken ; losses, crosses, disappoint-
ments, and anxieties, wear down his spirit. Improper
connexions which he would form, because he would
be rich, become thorns in his sides and in his eyes. He
trusted in men, and men deceive him ; he leaned upon
a weak reed, which breaks, and he falls. Thus he
finds that the way of transgressors and backsliders is
hard. His distresses are aggravated by the voice of
conscience, which will speak, and will be heard — " Hast,
" thou not procured these things to thyself, in that
" thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, when he led
" thee by the way?"

Covetousness, or the love of the world, is one great
cause of the many trials we meet with in life. The
principle of this evil is so strong in us, and so power-
fully nourished by almost every thing around us, that
it is seldom suppressed but by a course of sharp dis-
cipline. Many persons have now reason to be thank-
ful for those dispensations of Providence which once
seemed most severe. If the Lord had not seasonably
defeated their plans of life, withered their gourds,
broken their cisterns, and wounded them where they
were most keenly sensible, they might, yea, they would
have gone on from bad to worse. But losses are gains,
and the heaviest trials are mercies, when sanctified to
bring us to our right minds, and to guide our feet into
the paths of peace.

If therefore, my dear reader, you wish to avoid
trouble, and to pass through life as smooth as possible,
take heed and beware of covetousness. If the Lord
loves you, he will not lose you ; and therefore b^ will

Vol. VI 3 Q

488 Oh Soeial *ftffectiom.

beat you, as it were, in a mortar, if necessary, rather
than permit that to remain in you which his soul abhors,
and which, if it were to remain, would exclude you
from his kingdom. He has said, and daily experience
and observation confirm his aphorism^ " A man's life,
(the real comforts of it,) " consisteh not in the abun-
" dance of the things which he possesseth." Gold
cannot communicate peace of mind, nor compensate
for the want of it. Surely they who are satisfied with
a little of this world's goods, must be more happy than
they who are not satisfied with a great deal. Remem-
ber likewise, that where much is given, much will be
required ; and seriously consider, what will it profit a
man, if he should gain the whole world, and lose his
own soul !

OMICRON.

Oct. 2, 1795,

ON THE COMFORTS AND SNARES OF SOCIAL AND RELATIVE
AFFECTIONS.

LAS ■ how difficult do we find it to observe a due
medium between overvaluing and undervaluing our crea-
ture comforts ; especially those of social and relative
life. The mutual affections which does, or should sub-
sist between husband and wife, parents and children,
and proportionably between other family connexions,
or our intimate and tried friends, constitute our chief
temporal pleasures. These are almost the only plea-
sures this earth can afford, which are very interesting
to an intelligent and serious mind. For these the vo-
luptuary has little relish ; sensuality has blunted his

On Sociul Affections. 481

reelings, and his gratifications are scarcely superior to
those of the brutes.

Such persons are not at present concerned in the
subject of this paper, nor can they well understand it.
I write for Chose u ho possess and value the comforts of
domestic life, acknowledge the goodness of the Lord
in bestowing and preserving them, who wish to make
them additional motives for gratitude and praise, but
are often apprehensive that their attachments to his
gifts withdraw their thoughts from the great Giver,
and encroach upon that supreme regard which is only
due to himself.

A disposition to love the CFeature more than the
Creator, is undoubtedly a part and a proof of our na-
tural depravity. This evil principle, described by the
apostle under the names of the Flesh, the Old Man,
and Indwelling Sin, however weakened and mortified
in a true believer, is not extirpated. The opposition
between nature and grace, flesh and spirit, renders the
Christian life a state of constant warfare. They are
opposite, contrary, contradictory one to the other ; no
peace or truce can subsist between them. The effects
of this conflict extend to every faculty : when grace is
in exercise, the motions of sin are noticed, checked,
and lamented ; but they are always sufficiently strong
to render our best intentions and best actions defective
and polluted ; and particularly to depreciate and adul-
terate the finest feelings of humanity, and to turn our
glory into shame. Thus our comforts often become
our snares, and that which should be for our health
proves an occasion of falling.

We cannot be too watchful against this propensity :
it should prompt us to daily humiliation and much
prayer. But the Lord is not a hard master ; he give?

iS2 On Social Affections.

us all things richly to enjoy ; not to raise, and then
disappoint our expectations, but, within the limits his
wisdom prescribes, to gratify them. Ignorance and
superstition misrepresent him. Under their influence
multitudes think to please him by self-invented au-
sterities and mortifications, and suppose they shall be
acceptable to him, in proportion as they make them-
selves miserable. But, on the contrary, we are assured
that he delights in our prosperity, so far as it is consistent
with our safety ; and that he does not willingly afflict
the children of men, and especially his own children,
who love and serve him. He has placed us in a world,
in which, (considered as his world,) every thing is beau-
tiful in its season, proper use, and due subordination, to
our chief good ; though, considered as man's world,
our apostasy has filled it with confusion and misery.

Contemplate his goodness in a rural situation. Light,
colours, and prospects, are suited to please the eye.
The singing of birds, the lowing of the cattle, the
bleating of the sheep, and, in general, the inarticulate
tones of all the animal tribes, are soothing and grateful
to the ear. During a great part of the year, the scent
of blossoms and flowers perfumes the air, and regales
the sense of smelling. Food is a necessary mean for
the preservation of life, and would be so if it were no
less unpalatable than the most nauseous drugs. But
we are furnished with a profusion and variety of ar-
ticles, which, while they satisfy our hunger, and recruit
our strength, are likewise grateful to the palate, and
accommodated to the different tastes of different per-
sons : nay, he has not only given us food, but fruits.
These are certainly not needful for the support of life,
nor are they interdicted like the fruit of the tree of
knowledge, but are freely presented for our use. Things

On Social Affections- i83

might have been so constituted, that all our sensations
from external objects would have been disagreeable and
painful. But God is good. We should live in the
midst of continual enjoyments if we obeyed his pre-
cepts, and observed his regulations ; which, however
contrary to the evil dispositions of our fallen nature,,
amount to no more than the kind admonition, Do thy-
self no harm ; for there is not a single restriction en-
joined by the scripture, with which it would not be our
interest to comply, if the authority of God was wholly
out of the question. But sin, where it prevails, dis-
honours God, abuses his gifts, and throws all into con-
fusion. Intemperance, riot, and disorderly passions,
have filled the earth with wo.

Thus as we are creatures formed for society, and
cannot live, either with safety or comfort, in a solitary
state, it has pleased God of his goodness to make us
susceptive of social affections, which sweeten our in-
tercourse with each other, and combine duty with plea-
sure. Parents are certainly bound by the law of na-
ture to take care of their own children, and to provide
for them ; especially in the helpless state of infancy,
when they are utterly unable to take care of themselves.
This would often be an irksome task, if they did not
feel an instinctive tenderness for their infant offspring
at first sight, which makes that delightful which micrht
otherwise be troublesome.

It is likewise the appointment of God, that the suc-
cessive generations of mankind should be prepetuated
by marriage. As this is the nearest of all natural re-
lations, so when the union is properly formed and con-
ducted, it is the most interesting and endeared. This
union, by the will of God, is in itself indissoluble till
death makes a separation, excepting in the single case

ib8* On Social Jijfectious.

of unfaithfulness. But the marriage state, when en-
tered into without a regard to God, to the rules of his
word, and a dependence upon his blessing, is seldom
productive of an abiding union of hearts : and if this
be wanting, the case of either party may be compared
to that of a dislocated limb, which is indeed still united
to the body, but, not being in its proper place and
connexion, is useless and painful itself, and the cause of
pain and uneasiness to the whole body. Even the mar-
riages of those who come together, and live together
in the fear of the Lord, are subject to heavy taxes :
doubled in wedlock, and frequently multiplied in chil-
dren ; they have a larger share of cares, duties, and
anxieties, than those who live single ; yet they are com-
paratively happy. And I think, all things considered,
they have the most favoured lot. They love the Lord,
they seek his presence and blessing, and they do not
seek in vain. They love each other, they have one
faith, one aim, one hope. Their mutual affection, in-
timacy, and perfect confidence, greatly enhance the
value and relish of the comforts in which they parti-
cipate, and alleviate the weight of their burthens and
trials. Love sweetens labour, and blunts the sting of
sorrow. The vicissitudes of life give energy to prayer •
and repeated supports and deliverances, in answer to
prayer, afford new motives and causes for praise and
thanksgiving.

But still they are jealous of themselves, lest those
affectionate feelings, which greatly assist them in dis-
charging their social and relative duties with attention
and cheerfulness, should become excessive and idol-
atrous. And, as I have already observed, they have
reason to be always upon their guard, lest that which
is lawful and right in itself, should, by being indulged

On Social Affections. 4-85

in an immoderate degree, become ensnaring and hurtful.
A true believer is, for the most part, rather shocked
than seduced by temptations to gross evils : his heart
recoils at the proposal. He thinks, with Joseph, " How
" can I do this wickedness, and sin against God ?"
Perimus in Ileitis — His chief danger lies in the abuse
of lawful things. The relation we stand in to God,
as his intelligent creatures, from whom we derive all
that we have or are, and on whom we depend for every
breath we draw, makes it our indispensable duty to
love him with all our heart, and mind, and soul, and
strength. And as we have broken this law of our
creation, he has in mercy been pleased to claim us for
his own by a new and more endearing title. He has
redeemed us to himself by his blood. He has
bought us with a price, and paid his life as a ransom
for our souls. When a sinner is enabled to feel the
force of this argument, he needs no more : the love of
Christ constrains him. From that moment he is made
willing to devote himself, and his all, to him who died
for him. But the flesh striveth against the Spirit : he
is still a poor creature. He cannot do the things that
he would, nor as he would ; otherwise every thought
of his heart should be in absolute subjection to his
Lord and Saviour.

The Lord, who knows our frame, and whereof we
are made, is unspeakably merciful to our infirmities,
but he will not admit a rival. The believer knows and
acknowledges, that whatever he possesses, which is not
held and improved in subordination and subserviency
to the will and glory of him from whom he received it,
is so far an idol ; and the consciousness of his prone-
ness to afford these intruders an undue share in his
affections, often makes him confess to the Lord with
Job, " Behold, I am vile," though his outward con-

*86 On Social Affections,

duct in the sight of men may be unblameable and ex-
emplary.

Yet perhaps some persons may be overburdened
with this apprehension. The Gospel is not designed
to make us stoics : it allows full room for those social
feelings which are so necessary and beneficial in our
present state, though it teaches and enjoins their due
regulations. It is the duty, no less than the privilege
of husbands, to love their wives, even as their own-
selves, yea, even as Christ loved the Church, who gave
himself for it. These expressions are very strong ; they
imply great love, tenderness, and sympathy. When
the Lord said to Abraham, " Take now thy son, thine
"only son, Isaac, whom thou lovest," he did not re-
prove him for loving his child ; and Abraham's prompt
obedience, when commanded to offer up his beloved
son, was a proof, that though his love to Isaac was
strong, it was not inordinate. And the apostle de-
clares, " that if any man provide not for those of
" his own house, (his kindred, his more distant relatives
" by blood or affinity,) he hath denied the faith, and is
" worse than an infidel." He is to provide for them,
if in his power, in preference to others, which plainly
intimates that they are preferably entitled to his love.
Friendship, likewise, between those who are joint par-
takers of grace, is very consistent with true religion.
Such was the friendship between David and Jonathan.
And though our Lord loved all his disciples, one of
them is honoured with a peculiar distinction, as the
disciple whom Jesus loved.

God formed us originally for himself, and endued
the human mind with a capacity which he alone can
fill. But when he dwells in the heart, there is still
room for innumerable objects of complacence, in their

On Social Affections. 4.87

proper subordinate order. When a woman marries,
she may continue to love her own parents and relatives
as formerly ; she may extend her affection and regard
to the parents and friends of her husband ; in a course
of years the number of those whom she loves and
values may be greatly increased, without interfering
with each other, or with what she owes to her husband ;
but there is a different and special regard due to him,
which if she should transfer to another person, she
would be criminal. Thus we may love, and we ought
to love, our husbands, wives, children, parents, and
friends ; and if we consider them as the Lord's gifts —
if we seek his blessing in them and upon them — if we
hold them at his disposal — if we employ all our influ-
ence with them, to engage them to seek and love him
supremely — if, when they are removed from us, we
are disposed to yield a cheerful submission to his holy
will— and if, when things are brought into competition,
we rather choose to venture displeasing our dearest
friends, than to sin against the Lord — with these re-
strictions we cannot easily love them too much.

But who can come up to this standard ? I suppose
no person can completely. But we may aim at it ; we
may lament our deficiency ; we may pray for more
grace ; and by grace we may approximate more and
more to it. It is not necessary to distress ourselves
with what may happen ; as, how should I behave, if
the Lord were to take the desire of my eyes from me
suddenly? We are to live to-day, and to leave to-
morrow with him. If we presume that we could sup-
port such a stroke, we should probably find it too heavy
for us. But this we may say, The Lord is all-sufficient
and he is faithful. He has promised strength accord-
ing to the dav. He permits me to call upon him in tbr

Vol. VI. 3 R

&88 On Social Affections.

time of trouble ; and I trust, when the time of trouble
shall come, he will enable me to pray for that help
from him, without which I know I must sink ; for in
myself I am weaker than a bruised reed. In the mean
time I endeavour to cast all my care upon him who
careth for me.

For the rest, we are in the Lord's school — the school
of the cross. His daily providential dispensations are
suited to wean our attachment from every thing here,
and to convince us that this cannot be our rest — it is
polluted. Our roses grow on thorns, our honey wears
a sting. Frequently our sharpest trials spring from
our choicest comforts. Perhaps, while we are admiring
our gourd, a worm is secretly preying upon its root.
As every bitter thing is sweetened to a believer, so
there is some bitter thing mingled with the sweet. This
is wisely and mercifully ordered. It is necessary.
And if things were not so bad with us, as in the lan-
guage of sense they sometimes are, they would pro-
bably be soon much worse. With such hearts as we
have, and in such a world as we live in, much discipline
is needful to keep us from sleeping upon the enchanted
ground. But the time is short. It will not be thus
always. We hope soon to be out of the reach of sin
and temptation. Happy hour, when sorrow and
mourning, hitherto our inseparable companions, shall
flee away, to return no more ! when joy and gladness
shall come forth to meet us, and conduct us home !
Then those who have loved each other in the Lord
upon earth, shall rejoice together before him, shall
drink of the rivers of pleasure that are at his right
hand, and their happiness shall be unspeakable, unin-
terrupted, without abatement, and without end.

OMICRON.

THE CONSTRAINING INFLUENCE OF THE
LOVE OF CHRIST :

A SERMON,

PREACHED IN THE CHURCH OF THE UNITED PARISHES OF

ST. MARY WOOLNOTH AND ST. MARY WOOLCHURCH-HAW,

LOMBARD-STREET,

BEFORE THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

the lord Mayor, aldermen, and sheriffs,

On the 30th day of March, 1800,

TOR THE BENEFIT OF

LANGBOURN-WARD CHARITY-SCHOOL.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven: Matt. v. 15.

TO THE

TREASURER, THE TRUSTEES, AND COMMITTEE

OF

THE CHARITY SCHOOL OF LANGBOURN-WARD,
THIS SERMON,

PUBLISHED AT THEIR REQUEST,
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED AND PRESENTED,

BT THEIR OBEDIENT SERVANT,

JOHN NEWTON

ADVERTISEMENT.

THE preacher cannot publish this Sermon as an exact e»py
of what he delivered from the pulpit. Some interval passed
before he was desired to print it. His recollection is much
impaired by age ; and he had no notes to assist it : but the plan
is the same. He hopes and believes that none of the leading
sentiments are omitted, and that the additions, if any, are but
few. As it is, he commends the perusal to the candour of the
reader, and the blessing of Almighty God.

( 493 )

THE CONSTRAINING INFLUENCE OF THE LOVE OF CHRIST

2 Corinthians v. 13 — 15.

For, whether we he beside ourselves, it is to God : or zvhe-
ther we be sober, it is for your cause. For, the love of
Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one
died for all, then were all dead : and that he died for all.
that they which live should not henceforth live unto them-
selves, but unto him which died for them and rose again.

T

HE apostles, and first preachers of the Gospel
among the heathens, exhibited to them a phenomenon
perfectly new. The Greeks and Romans had known
persons, among themselves, who had strenuously ex-
erted their talents and activity in the pursuit of fame,
power, or wealth ; but they now saw men no less inde-
fatigable and persevering in prosecuting a design which.,
far from procuring them either honour or profit, exposed
them, wherever they went, to contempt, stripes, im-
prisonment, and death. Their professed aim was to
make others as happy as themselves in the possession
of an unseen Good. For the attainment of this end,
they willingly gave up all prospect of worldly advan-
tage, though they were generally treated with scorn
and cruelty by the most of those whose best interests
they wished to serve. This was a disinterested be-
nevolence, of which the philosophers, the pretended
friends of wisdom and virtue, had no idea ; nor were

49i The constraining Influence of

the means they employed better understood. They
preached Jesus Christ, and him crucified* ! For, en-
deavouring to persuade their hearers to place their
whole hope and dependence upon one whom they had
never seen, but who had been publicly executed as a
malefactor ; and to affirm that this Jesus, who died
upon the cross, was yet alive")'; that he, who could
not save himself from an ignominious death, was the
author of eternal salvation to those who believed on
bim ; for these strange assertions, they were pitied or
despised as visionaries, by those who did not revile
them as hypocrites. Thus Festus, who seemed to
have a favourable opinion of St. Paul's integrity, when
he heard him relate the manner of his conversion,
thought that no man, in his sober senses, could talk so ;
and therefore he said, with a loud voice, " Paul, thou
" art beside thyself^."

But his Lord and master was treated thus before
him, and upon similar grounds. His zeal for the ho-
nour of his heavenly Father, and his compassion for the
souls of men, carried him so far, that we read, his
friends, that is, his relations according to the flesh, and
who really wished him well, sought to lay hold of him,
and restrain him ; for, they said, he is beside him-
self.

The apostle Paul was not mad ; he spoke the words
of truth and soberness ; he knew whom he had be-
lieved ; he knew the worth of immortal souls, and the
importance of eternity. He had once fiercely opposed
the Gospel, breathed out threatningsj| and slaughter
against the disciples, and, not content with the mischief

* 1 Cor. ii. 2. f Mark XV. 31. t Acts xxvi. 24.

§ Mark iii. 21. || Acts ix.

the Love of Christ. 4,95

he had done in Jerusalem, was hastening to Damascus
to vex and wrong the believers there ; but he was ar-
rested in his journey by a light and a voice from heaven;
he found himself in the power of that Jesus whom he
had persecuted, and who is pleased to consider all
that is done, either for or against his people, as done
to himself. The furious Paul, of Tarsus, was humbled,
pardoned, and, in a few days, commissioned to preach
that faith which he had so pertinaciously laboured to
destroy. From that hour, renouncing all connexion
with his former friends, the chief priests and council;,
and all expectations from them, renouncing likewise
that righteousness of the law in which he before had
boasted, he devoted himself to the service of his Lord
and Saviour, and of the cause which he had opposed.
His ardour was astonishing and exemplary. Unwea-
ried by labour, undismayed by danger, unaffected by
hardship and suffering, but supported and cheered by
the presence of him whom he served, he preached
the Gospel in season and out of season, publicly and
from house to house, in Judea, in Asia, in Greece, in
Italy, and many other parts of the Roman empire. —
For this zeal in seeking to promote the good of others.
of strangers, of enemies, at the expense of all that was
dear to himself as a man, he found, as he expected.
in almost every place which he visited, open opposi-
tions, and secret conspiracies against his life : he was
scourged by the Jews, beaten with rods by the Romans,
and confined in prisons and chains. He was likewise
the marked object of general contempt; the wise men
of the times despised him as a babbler ; he was regarded
by many as the filth of the world, and the offscouring of
Vol. VL 3 S

%96 The constraining Influence of

all things ; many said, " Away with such a fellow from
" the earth, it is not fit that he should live*!" But when,
in defiance of all discouragements, he still pressed for-
ward, as if he had done nothing while any thing more
remained to be done, accounted the disgrace he met
with his honour, and gloried in his chainsf, we cannot
wonder if the more moderate of his observers, who
knew not his principles, thought that he was surely be-
side himself.

The only apology he saw fit to make, is expressed in
my text. The bulk of mankind in Christendom, by
whatever name they are distinguished, pay little more
regard to the Gospel, than the Jews or heathens did in
the apostles' days. The heart of man, in its natural
state, is the same in all ages, devoid of either taste or
inclination for the things of God, till visited by power
from on high. Faithful ministers are still liable to be
thought beside themselves, by some, for the subject-
matter of their discourses ; by others, for the impor-
tunity and freedom of their addresses to the consciences
of their hearers. We are, however, encouraged by St.
Paul's example, and we adopt his apology : If we are
beside ourselves, it is to God. We speak in his name,
and the message we deliver, so far as agreeable to the
Scripture, is from him, and to him we are responsible.
If we are sober, if we expostulate and reason with you
in familiar language upon the uncertainty of life, the
certainty of death, and a future judgment, and other
truths, which none but infidels will venture to deny, it
is for your sakes.

The word enthusiasm is often used by the same

* Acts xxii. 22. t Acts xxviii. 20.

the Love of Christ. 497

person, in two very different senses. It is a term of
commendation when applied to orators, poets, paint-
ers, or sculptors, and expresses the energy of genius.
No one is expected to excel in the fine arts without a
portion of enthusiasm ; and it is supposed essential to
military prowess. But it has quite another accepta-
tion in religious concerns. If a minister of the Gospel
is warm and earnest, he is frequently stigmatized as an
enthusiast, that is, as the imposers of the name would
have it understood, a person of a weak mind and dis-
ordered judgment, if he be really sincere ; for, many
are willing to suppose that his enthusiasm is no more
than a mask or veil, assumed to cover the artful views
of a designing hypocrite.

For myself, it is a small thing for me to be judged
by man's judgment*. At my time of life, nearly the.
close of my seventy-fifth year, it behooves me to think
it very possible, yea, not improbable, that every time I
appear in the pulpit may be my last; and, when I look
round upon this respectable congregation, I doubtless
see some persons before me who will never hear me
again. Perhaps we shall meet no more in this world,*
but we shall certainly meet before the tribunal of the
Great Judge, to whom all hearts are open, all desires
known, and from whom no secrets are hidden. Then
/ must give an account of my ministry, and you must
give an account of yourselves to God. Surely, if I
believe what the Scripture teaches of the evil of sin,
the glory of the Saviour, the worth of the soul, and
the importance of eternity, you will allow me to speak
with the same degree of emotion. As this may be my

* 1 Cor. iv. S.

i98 The constraining influence of

last opportunity, if there were but one person amongst
us, who has not yet attended duly to these great sub-
jects, I must not let him depart as he came; I must
warn him by the terrors of the Lord ; 1 must be-
seech him by his tender mercies* : I am desirous to
save both my own soul and the souls of those that hear
mef. Whether I be beside myself, or sober, it is for
the cause of God and for your sakes. The love of
Christ constraineth me.

We may observe from this passage,

I. The grand leading motive of the apostle's con-
duct, " The love of Christ constrains us."

II. Two doctrines which virtually comprehend the
whole subjects of the Gospel-ministry : 1. The pro-
vision which the mercy of God made for the recovery
of fallen man, " One died for all ;" whence he infers^
2. " Then were all dead."

III. The end he had in view, and which he hoped
and expected to obtain, by insisting on these truths
wherever he went : " That they which live should not,
" henceforth, live to themselves, but to him who died
" for them and rose again."

I. The love of Christ was the apostle's chief motive;
it constrained him, <n»j;e»; bore him along like a tor-
rent, in defiance of labour, hardship, and opposition.
Many of us know the force of love in social life, and
feel a readiness to do, bear, or forbear much for those
whom we greatly love. But there is no love to be
compared with the love of Christ. He is the bright-
ness of the Father's gloryj, the express image of his
person, God manifest in the flesh ; all things were cre-

* 2 Cor. v. 11. ; Rom. xii. 1. | 1 Tim. iv. 16.

Heb. i. 3.5 1 Tim. ill. 1C-

the Love of Christ. <*9i)

ated by him, and for him ; for, this high and lofty One,
who inhabiteth eternity*, in the fulness of time, assum-
ed our nature into personal union with himself, was
born of a woman, made under the law, to redeem those
that were under the law, that sinners, believing in his
name, might not only escape deserved condemnation,
but might receive the adoption of sons f . For this
great purpose, he emptied himself; and, though in the
form of God, he appeared upon earth in 5 the form of a
servant ; submitted to a state of poverty, reproach, and
opposition, was despised and rejected of men, lived a
suffering life, and terminated his sufferings by a cruel
and ignominious death ; for, he became obedient unto
death, even the death of the cross £. Therefore, God
highly exalted his human nature, and has given him a
name above every name. The Lamb, once upon the
cross, is now the Lamb upon the throne, possessing
and exercising all power in heaven and on earth. Yet
he is still mindful of those for whom he suffered ; his
heart is made of tenderness ; his bowels melt with
love; he appears in the presence of God for them §,
as their great high priest, advocate, and intercessor.
By his holy word he invites, and by the power of his
Holy Spirit he draws, and encourages, and enables
the weary and heavy-laden to come unto him for rest,
He declares, that they who apply to him, he will in no
zvise cast out ; and he promises to save them to the
uttermost^) to support and guide them safely through
all their conflicts, temptations, and trials, while they are
here ; to lead them safely through the dark valley of

* Isaiah lvii. 15. f Gal. iv. 4, 5. i Phil. ii. 8.

§ Heb. ix. 24 l! John vi. 37. ; H~o. vii. 16.

^00 The constraining Influence of

the shadow of death ; and then to receive them to
himself, that they may be ever with him to behold his
glory*.

Such is the love of Christ; — or rather, we may be
ashamed of the faintness of our conceptions of this
love. When we attempt to consider the glory of his
divine person, the depth of his humiliation, the un-
known sorrows and agonies which wrung his heart in
Gethsemane and on Mount Golgotha, and that he en-
dured all this for his enemies, even for those whose
hearts were, both by nature and habit, alienated from
him, the power he exerts in reconciling them to him-
self, the blessings he bestows upon them in this life,
when they are renewed by his grace, and the eternal
happiness he has prepared for them in a future state, —
I say, when we attempt to conceive of this love, in
its origin, progress, and effects, we are soon over-
whelmed, our thoughts are swallowed up, and we can
only wonder and adore in silence. This love of
Christ to sinners is inexpressible ; unsearchable, and
passing knowledge ; it is an ocean without either bot-
tom or shore.

They who have obtained mercy, who know and
love, and trust him, have likewise their peculiar and
appropriate reasons for admiring his love. They often
reflect on what they were doing, and whither they were
going, when he first touched their hearts and made
them willing to receive him as their prophet, priest,
and king. They are sensible that, if they had died in
their ignorance, they must have been lost for ever : and,
while they see many of their fellow-creatures, no worse
by nature than themselves, who live in the world, with-

■ John xvli. 24.

the Love of Christ. 501

out God, and without Christ, and who die, it is to be
feared, without any solid ground of hope, they rejoice,
with trembling, for that undeserved and unsought mercy,
which preserved them from going down into the pit of
destruction, when their sins were unpardoned, and their
hearts unhumbled. They confess that they were bar-
ren trees in God's vineyard ; and, though he had a right
to expect fruit from them, and waited year after year,
he found none. Why then were they not cut down as
cumberers of the ground ? It was owing to the gra-
cious interposition of the Great Mediator whom they
had long disregarded. Thus, as we have observed, it
was with our apostle. The pride of his heart, and the
prejudices of his education, had fired him with rage
against the cause and the people of the Lord. He
seems to have been no less active and furious in op-
posing them than Herod. But Herod was suddenly
cut off, and devoured by worms ; whereas Paul of
Tarsus, who had done much mischief, while meditating
more, was suddenly convinced, humbled, and pardoned.
We cannot wonder that the love of Christ was the con-
straining motive of his conduct from that time to the
end of his life.

Oh, that we all knew the need and the worth of
this Saviour ! Then we should all love him ! This will
be the deciding point at last. St. Paul, writing by in-
spiration of God, says, in one place, " Grace be with all
" them that love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity*." In
another place, under the same influence, he denounces
an awful sentence against those who love him not : <k If
M any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be
"anathemaf." This was by no means the apostle's wish;

* Ephes. vi. 24. f 1 Cor. xvi. 22.

502 The constraining Influence of

he would willingly have been made an anathema him-
self after the manner of Christ*, if he could thereby
procure the salvation of his enemies who sought his life
in every place. But he declared the will of God, that
if any man, who hears, or might hear, the record that
God has given of his Son, refuses to love and serve
him, and lives and dies a stranger to his love, he must,
he will, be accursed ! for,

II. He is the One, the mighty One, who died for
all. The sacrifices, which were types of his appear-
ance in the fulness of time to put away sin by the sa-
crifice of himself, were appropriated for the instruction
and consolation of the people of Israel. But now the
partition- wall is broken down. This distinction between
Jew and Gentile is removed. Jesus died, that all, of
every age and nation, whether high or low, rich or poor,
bond or free, who, to the ends of the earth, and to the
end of time, should believe in his name, might live
through him. As the sun, his great visible emblem,
fills every eye with his light, and would do so, were
they as numerous as the leaves upon the trees or the
blades of grass in the fields, without the least diminu-
tion of his effulgence; so this Lord God, our Saviour,
the sun of the intellectual world, is the same yester-
day, to-day, and for ever. Wherever the word of his
Gospel is known, he makes it his power to the salva-
tion of all who believe on him. The value and efficacy
of his atonement and righteousness are inexhaustible.
It is true, the blind are in darkness at noon-day ; but
this Sun of Righteousness not only affords light to those
who can see, but gives sight to the blind. He invites
all to come to him for relief; but many refuse to apply.

* Rom. ix. 3.

the Love of Chri8t. SOS

They prefer darkness to light, because their deeds are
evil. But all who seek him, and wait for him, in
the way of his appointment, are graciously accepted ;
they receive their sight ; they look to him, and are saved.
He has declared, Him that cometh I will in no wise cast
out, whatever their former characters or conduct may
have been ; but they who, though repeatedly wooed and
warned, will not come, if they persist in their obstinacy,
must perish in unbelief; for he is sovereign in the dis-
pensation of his grace.

If One, if this One, the only-beloved Son of God,
died thus for all ; if the Lord of Glory humbled himself
to assume our nature, and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross ; it surely must be for some
very important design, worthy of himself, and which
he alone was able to accomplish. The apostle briefly
states the necessity and urgency of the case, by "way of
inference : If one died for all, then were all dead.
The Scripture abundantly declares the state of fallen
man, of all mankind, to be a state of death. We are
all, by nature, dead in a twofold sense ; dead in law,
and dead in sin.

When a criminal has been tried, convicted, and con-
demned to death in a court of justice, we speak of him
as a dead man, though the sentence be not yet exe-
cuted, and the king has the prerogative of pardoning
him, if he is pleased to exercise mercy. We indeed
compare great things with small, when we attempt to
illustrate the proceedings of God with men, by the
usages which obtain among ourselves ; yet* in some re-
spects, they are often apposite, and the Scripture teaches
us by them.

As we are rational creatures, capable of knowing our
Maker, and our dependence upon him for life, and
Vol. VI. 3 T

504 The constraining Influence of

breath, and all things ; we are bound to love God with
all our hearts, to devote our strength, power, and fa-
culties to his service, to obey his commands, to avoid
whatever is contrary to his known will, to believe his
promises, and to seek our happiness in his favour.
This is the law of our nature, it is indeed the law of all
created intelligences, whether angels or men. When
God created man upright, in his owu image, this obe-
dience and submission, and a disposition to seek his
supreme delight in his Maker, were as natural to him
as it is for a fish to swim or a bird to fly. But this law
we have broken. We are now depraved, and fallen
from our original righteousness. We are now in a state
of rebellion against God. We renounce his authority,
violate his commands, are governed by our own will,
and seek our own pleasure and glory, distinct from, and
in opposition to, the will and glory of our Creator !
The law which v\e have broken is holy, just, and good* ;
and, therefore, the sentence of condemnation denounced
against the transgressors is righteous. We come into
the world devoid of all real goodness, and with a pro-
pensity to every evil. The carnal mind is enmity
against God. The heart of man, of all mankind uni-
versally, is deceitful and desperately wicked; the
thoughts of men, when compared with the holy law,
are evil, only evil, and that continually!. Thus we are
in a state of condemnation ; by nature, children of
wrath. But we, through the mercy and long-suffering
of God, are favoured with a respite. The just sen-
tence is not yet executed ; and the Gospel points out a
way of escape and deliverance. For this purpose God
sent forth his Son, that whosoever believeth in him

* Rom. vii. 12. f Rom. viii. 7. Jer. xvii. 9. Gen. vi. 5.

the Love of Christ. 505

might be saved ; but he that believeth not is condemn-
ed already*.

We are likewise dead in sin. We partake with the
brute creation in the animal life, but are highly distin-
guished from them by the rational life. There is like-
wise a spiritual life, of which our first parent was ori-
ginally possessed, but he soon lost it. In this sense,
when he sinned against God, he died instantly. What
the poet ascribes to Beelzebub is true of man ; he still
retains some marks of his pristine greatness ; he is ma-
jestic though in ruins ; he is alive as to the concerns of
this world, and his attempts and success give indica-
tions of his native dignity ; the sciences and the fine
arts exhibit proofs of his genius and ability : he under-
takes to measure the earth, to weigh the air, and almost
to number and marshal the stars. What discoveries
have been made in geometry, natural history, and che-
mistry ! What powers are displayed in architecture,
sculpture, painting, poetry, and music ! But with re-
spect to the concerns of his immortal soul, and the
great realities of the unseen world, man, by nature, is
dead as a stone. The dead body of Lazarus was not
more incapable of performing the functions of common
life, than we, by nature, are of performing one spiritual
act, or even of feeling one Spiritual desire; till He who,
by his commanding word, raised Lazarus from the
gravef, is pleased, by the power of his Holy Spirit, to
raise us from the death of sin unto a new life of right-
eousness. He who, we profess to believe, will one
day come to be our judge, has assured us that except
a man be born again, he cannot even see the kingdom
of God J. He has no faculty suited to the perception of

* John iil. 18. f John xi. 43 * John in. 3.

$06 Tlie constraining Influence of

what belongs either to the kingdom fcf grace upon earth,
or what is revealed of the kingdom of glory in heaven.
The result of his closest reasonings and shrewdest con-
jectures upon these subjects leave him in utter ignorance
and darkness. As no description can communicate
an idea of sunshine or the colours of a rainbow to a
man born blind, so the natural man cannot discern the
things of God, for they can only be spiritually dis-
cerned*.

But Jesus died and rose again. As our surety, he
sustained the curse of the law to deliver us from con-
demnation ; and, when he ascended on high to appear
in the presence of God for us, he received gifts for re-
bellious man, eminently the gift of the Holy Spirit, that
the Lord God might dwell among themf. Thus the
promise the Lord made by the prophet Ezekiel is ful-
filled, " I will put my Spirit within youj ;" and then
they who before were dead, begin to live.

A load of guilt and depravity lies unfelt upon the
dead sinner; but, when he receives the principle of a
new life, he groans, being burdened. The eyes of his
understanding are opened. New, and, till then, un-
thought-of objects, press upon his notice. The views
he now has of God, of himself, and of eternity, would
overwhelm him, if he was not warranted and enabled to
look to Jesus§as an all-sufficient and gracious Saviour.
From that hour he lives indeed ! his sins are pardoned,
his fears dispelled, his heart beats with love and grati-
tude. Old things are passed away, and all things are
become new. He now lives no more to himself, but
to Him who died for him and rose again.

III. This was what the apostle aimed at, and ex-

* 1 Cor. ii. 14. f Fs. lxviij. 18. . * Ezek. xxxvi. 27. § Isa. xlv. 22.

the Love of Christ, 507

pected, as the result and the reward of his labours, that
the love of Him who died for all might constrain those
who live, to live no more to themselves, but to Him.

When the sinner, who was too long governed by the
mean and narrow principle of self, is enabled to believe
in Jesus for salvation, he feels the force of the apostle's
words, Ye are bought with a price, ye are no longer
your own : therefore glorify God with your body and
your spirit, which are his*. This thought expands his
mind and elevates his aims. So far as his faith is in
exercise, he is constrained by love, inspired by grati-
tude, and animated by confidence and hope, to live no
more to himself, but to Him who loved him, and gave
himself for him. He is now the devoted servant of his
Lord, is governed by his precepts and example, and
employs his time, talents, and influence, to promote
the welfare of his fellow-creatures for the Lord's sake.

His new principles have this effect upon him in what-
ever situation the providence of God places him. If
he be poor, they teach him contentment, frugality, and
industry; if rich, he is moderate, condescending, and
bountiful, and ready for every good work, either to
promote the knowledge of the Gospel, or to relieve the
necessitous. The golden, plain, and comprehensive
rule, of doing to others as he could reasonably wish
others, in similar cases, would do unto him, is in-
wrought into the very temper and habit of his mind.
In a word, the true Christian, whether in public or in
private life, whether a husband or a wife, a parent or a
child, a master or a servant; whether possessed of rank
and wealth, or appointed by the providence ot God to

* 1 Cor. vi. 19, 20.

508 The constraining Influence of

sweep the street for his subsistence, in all stations and
circumstances, is ambitious to let his light shine before
men, for the honour of God ; and to be filled with those
fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to his
praise and glory.

Should these effects of the constraining love of
Christ be disputed by persons of any candour, we
could, degenerate as the present times are, refer them
to living instances. We can point out to them persons,
who once were a burden to themselves, a terror to their
families, a nuisance in their connexions, who, by re-
ceiving the truths of the Gospel, under the teaching of
the Holy Spirit, and by feeling the constraining love
of Christ, are, in all these respects, become new crea-
tures. And I little doubt that there are those now be-
fore me, to whom I may say, Such were some of you,
but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are
justified, in the name of our Lord Jesus, and by the
Spirit of our God*.

What shall we then say of the attempts of modern
philosophers, so called, who, if they could prevail by
spreading the gloomy sophisms of infidelity, would
deprive mankind of that light and comfort of which
the holy Scripture, given by inspiration of God, is the
only source ? But, as the raging waves of the sea, in a
storm, make no impression upon the rock against which
they successively dash themselves into foam, and die
away at its foot, so their most subtle, laboured, and
malignant efforts to suppress the glorious Gospel of the
blessed Godf, will only issue in their own confusion.
Magna est 'Veritas, et prevalebit. Truth will triumph
over all opposition. The church of God, composed

• 1 Cor. vi. 11. f 1 Tim. i. 11.

the Lore of Christ. 509

of all the living members of that body of which the
Lord Jesus Christ is the living head, is founded upon
a rock, against which the gates of hell shall never pre-
vail. There will always be a people, who, animated
by a sense of the constraining love of Christ, will bear
testimony to the power of his grace, and give evidence,
by the general tenour of their conduct in life, their pa-
tience and peace in affliction, their love to their fellow-
creatures, and their joyful hopes of immortality when
flesh and heart are fainting, that they have neither fol-
lowed cunningly devised fables, nor amused themselves
with empty notions of truth.

It is upon this ground that I am encouraged to so-
licit your liberal assistance to the school of Langbourn
Ward. I seldom say much upon these occasions,
having had repeated proofs of the generosity of
my stated auditory, and no reason to doubt the
good will and concurrence of the rest of my hearers.
Let the sight of the children betore you plead in
their behalf. The institution I am now to recom-
mend will, I hope, preserve these children, and
many more in succession, from those habits of idleness,
intemperance, and profligacy, which too frequently
mark the character of those who were destitute of in-
struction and education in their early years. By the
benefit of our public charity-schools, and particularly of
this, many boys have been trained up to honesty, sobriety,
and usefulness, who might otherwise have been nui-
sances to society ; and some have not only obtained a
good character as apprentices and servants, but, by
their integrity and industry, have reputably risen to
affluence and influence. Could all the children of the

510 The constraining Influence of

poor be thus cared for, be taught the first principles of
religion, and habituated to respect the Lord's Day, and
to attend on public worship, it is probable that the
number of depredators who infest our streets and
roads, or break into houses, and end their unhappy
lives on the gallows, would be much diminished.

The awful times in which we live, render these in-
stitutions peculiarly worthy of attention and encou-
ragement. I cannot speak positively from my own
knowledge, but I have reason to believe that the abet-
tors of the French principles of infidelity and anarchy
have seminaries where children, of all descriptions,
find ready and welcome admission. It is even said
that they are paid for their attendance. It is, how-
ever, certain, that a spirit ot insubordination, and a de-
fiance of all laws, human or divine, have rapidly spread,
and are still rapidly spreading, among the lower classes
of our people. The liberty and equality inculcated in
these schools is not like that which, under our mild and
equitable laws, gives every person an equal advantage
for rising in life, by the proper and diligent improve-
ment of his talents ; but is adapted to confound all
order and distinction, and to reduce us to the common
level of a savage and barbarous state. It is therefore
the common interest of all, and especially of persons
of property, to exert themselves in their places to
counteract this baneful design.

But I have a higher consideration to propose to you,
who know the worth of souls, and have felt the power
of the constraining love of Christ.

When a child is born that is heir to a title or a great
fortune, it usually causes much joy to the family, and
much congratulation from their friends. The birth of

the Lore of Christ. 511

poor children is less noticed ; bat the birth of any child,
whether of a prince or a pauper, is an event of great,
vea, of equal importance, if we form our judgment by
the standard of the unerring word of God : when a
•hild is born, a new existence begins, which will never
end. The present life of the children before you is
precarious, but their souls are, by God's constitution
and appointment, immortal. Perhaps you may see
them no more upon earth, but you will surely meet
them again at the great day, when you, and I, and
they, must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Though education alone cannot convert them, it is in
the number of those means which God has enjoined
us to use, and which he has promised to bless for that
purpose. Happy are they who are instrumental in
saving a soul from death ! Happy and honoured will
you be, if, from a sense of his love, who, when he was
rich, made himself poor for your sakes*, you, accord-
ing to your abilities, imitate his example, in promoting
the welfare of your fellow-creatures. You may do
much in this way, by contributing to the instruction of
poor children, and thereby shielding them from the
snares and temptations to which' ignorant and neglected
youth are exposed. You know not but, in the day of
final award, some of these children may stand with
you on the right hand of our Saviour and Judge, and
you may hear him say, Inasmuch as vou did it to the
least of these, ye did it unto mef !

Thus much in behalf of the school. But my heart
is too much impressed by the sight of this numerous
and respectable auditory, and by my sincere regard for
the true happiness of every individual before me, to

* 2 Cor. viii 9 f Matt, socr. 40.

Vol. VI. 3 U

3Jf2 The constraining Influence of

permit me to conclude till I have addressed you on a
subject of more general concern. I am not preaching
to Jews or Mahometans, but to professed Christians.
I am willing to take it for granted, that we all agree
in acknowledging that the Scripture, the whole Scrip-
ture, is a revelation of the will of God. I hope there
is not a person here, however immersed in the business,
or drawn aside by the amusements and pleasures, of
the world, who, if he were desired to throw the Bible,
with deliberation and contempt, into the fire, would
not be shocked at the proposal. I think he would say,
If I have not paid that attention to the Bible which it
deserves, yet surely I am not so wicked and presump-
tuous as to burn it. But permit me to ask you in love,
If it be indeed the word of God, why have you not
paid that attention to it which it deserves? The same
reasons, which would deter you from wilfully throwing
it into the fire, should induce you to study it carefully,
to make it the foundation of your hope and the rule of
y.."ir life ; for, if it be indeed the word of God, it is the
rule by which your characters will be decided, and
your everlasting state fixed, according to the tenour of
the Gospel, which proclaims salvation to all who have
repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus
Christ, and to those only.

It is painful to a serious mind to observe how much
the Bible is neglected. I have known some great,
houses in which this book could not be found. In
others, if it has a place in the library, it is seldom re-
moved from the shelf. Perhaps there is no book so
little read, understood, or regarded, as the book of
God, by multitudes who are not unwilling to be called
Christians. What an affront is this to the Almighty !
A message from the king, or an act of parliament, en-

the Love of Christ. 51 8

gages the attention of those who are interested in the
subject-matter, while the revealed will of God, our
Creator, compared with whom all the kings, nations,
and inhabitants of the earth, are but as a drop of
water to the sea, or the small dust upon a balance, is
treated with indifference ; though every person who
can have access to it, is deeply and equally interested
in its contents. Should there be but a few of my
hearers, who, through their engagements and pursuits
in life, have hitherto been remiss and negligent in ac-
quainting themselves with the principal facts and truths
recorded in the Bible, neither my conscience nor my
compassion will permit me to close my discourse till I
have briefly expostulated with them ; as it is possible I
may never have another opportunity, and perhaps the
providence of God has brought them hither this morn-
ing for their good.

Whatever difference of opinion there may be amongst
us in other respects, we are universally agreed as to
the certainty of death and the uncertainty of life. AVe
are sure that all must die ; and, after death, if the
Scriptures be true, we must appear before God in
judgment. Nor have we any warrant to assure our-
selves that we shall live to the end of the present year,
or even week. " Boast not thyself of to-morrow, for
" thou knowest not what a day may bring forth*'." Wc
often read or hear of sudden deaths, and sometimes of
those who, after a lingering illness, die as suddenly,
to their own apprehensions of the event, as if they had
died by a flash of lightning. It is no less a proof than
a fruit of that depravity which the Scripture charges
upon the whole human race, that men, who are so

* Prov. xxvii. 1.

51* The constraining Influence of

active and solicitous in managing the temporal, transient
affairs of time, to promote what they conceive most to
their advantage, should be totally indifferent to what
may be their allotment in a state unchangeable and
eternal !

Permit me briefly to remind you, that the Scripture
concludes us all under sin, and exposed to the just
displeasure of our Great Creator, Proprietor, Law-
giver, and Benefactor. He formed us for himself, and
gave a thirst and capacity for happiness which only
himself can satisfy. Our relation to Him, as intel-
ligent creatures, who live, move, and have our being
in Him, and cannot subsist a moment without Him,
binds us to love Him supremely, to devote all our
powers and faculties to his service. This is the law of
our nature. This law we have broken ; we all of us
have lived too long, and some of us are still living,
without God in the world. We have made our own
will and our own gratification the rule and end of our
conduct, instead of his will and glory. We have in-
curred the penalty annexed to the breach of this law.
We are sinners, the wages of sin is death, and the ex-
tent of that sentence is everlasting destruction from the
presence of the Lord and the glory of his power.
How shall we escape ? What shall we do to be saved ?
To those who are sensible of their desert and dan-
ger, the Gospel points out relief and a refuge. Jesus
invites the weary and burdened sinner, and says, " Him
'*' that cometh, I will in no wise cast out." You have
heard something of his glorious person, power, autho-
rity, and love. He is able, he is willing, he has pro-
mised to save to the uttermost all that come to God
bv Him. Oh that to-day you may hear his voice, and
comply with his invitation! If you cordially receive.

the Love of Christ. 515

the record which God has, by his own voice from
heaven, given, " This is my beloved Son, in whom I am
" well pleased !" He will, for his sake, be well pleased
with you ; if you approve of this way of salvation, in
which justice and mercy harmonize, which ascribes all
the glory to God, teaches us to hate sin, and inspires
the love of holiness, as essential to happiness, then
this Saviour, and all the fulness of his salvation, will
assuredly be yours. You will then renounce every
other hope, you will no longer trust or boast in your-
selves, but you will have a good warrant to boast and
glory in your Saviour, and to say, In the Lord I have
righteousness and strength. The Lord is my shepherd,
therefore I shall not want, I need not fear; he will
support me by his arm, cheer me with his presence,
protect me by his power, guide me by his counsels,
and afterwards receive me to glorv!

THOUGHTS

rPON* THE

AFRICAN SLAVE-TRADE.

Matthew vii. 12.

Jfil tilings whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even Se ft them;
for this is the law and the propbr^1.

TWMO ST1*! — —

THOUGHTS

UPON" TITr

AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE*

I HE nature and effects of that unhappy and disgrace-
ful branch of commerce, which has long been main-
tained on the coast of Africa, with the sole and pro-
fessed design of purchasing our fellow-creatures, in
order to supply our West-India islands and the Ame-
rican colonies, when they were ours, with slaves, is
now generally understood. So much light has been
thrown upon the subject by many able pens, and so
many respectable persons have already engaged to use
their utmost influence for the suppression of a traffic
which contradicts the feelings of humanity, that it is
hoped this stain of our national character will be soon
wiped out.

If I attempt, after what has been done, to throw my
mite into the public stock of information, it is less from
an apprehension that my interference is necessary, than
from a conviction that silence, at such a time and on
such an occasion, would, in me, be criminal. If my
testimony should not be necessary or serviceable, vet
perhaps, I am bound in conscience to tal*p shame to
1 Vol. VI. 3 X

520 Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade.

myself by a public confession, which, however sincere,
comes too late to prevent or repair the misery and mis-
chief to which I have, formerly, been accessary.

I hope it will always be a subject of humiliating re-
flection to me, that I was once an active instrument in
a business at which my heart now shudders. My head-
strong passions and follies plunged me, in early life,
into a succession of difficulties and hardships, which, at
length, reduced me to seek a refuge among the natives of
Africa. There, for about the space of eighteen months,
I was in effect, though without the name, a captive, and
a slave myself; and was depressed to the lowest degree
of human wretchedness. Possibly I should not have
been so completely miserable, had I lived among the
natives only, but it was my lot to reside with white
men ; for at that time several persons of my own co-
lour and language were settled upon that part of the
Windward coast which lies between Sierra Leon and
Cape Mount ; for the purpose of purchasing and col-
lecting slaves, to sell to the vessels that arrived from
Europe.

This is a bourn from which few travellers return, who
have once determined to venture upon a temporary
residence there ; but the good providence of God, with-
out my expectation, and almost against my will, deli-
vered me from those scenes of wickedness and wo ;
and I arrived?at Liverpool, in May, i748. I soon re-
visited the place of my captivity, as mate of a ship, and.
in the year' 1750, I was appointed commander; in
which capacity I made three voyages to the Wind-
ward coast for slaves.

I first saw the coast of Guinea, in the year 1745.
and took iny last leave of it in 1754. It was not, in
tentionally, a farewell ; but, through the mercy of God.

Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade. 521

it proved so. I fitted out for a fourth voyage, and
was upon the point of sailing, when 1 was arrested by
a sudden illness, and I resigned the ship to another
captain.

Thus I was unexpectedly freed from this disagree-
a le service. Disagreeable I had long found it ; but I
think I should have quitted it sooner, had I considered
it as I now do, to be unlawful and wrong. But I
never had a scruple upon this head at the time ; nor
was such a thought once suggested to me by any friend.
What I did I did ignorantly ; considering it as the line
of life which divine providence had allotted me, and
having no concern, in point of conscience, but to treat
the slaves, while under my care, with as much hu-
manity as a regard to my own safety would admit.

The experience and observation of nine years, would
qualify me for being a competent witness upon this
subject, could I safely trust to the report of memory,
after an interval of more than thirty-three years. But
in the course of so long a period, the ideas of past
scenes and transactions grow indistinct ; and I am
aware, that what I have seen, and what I have only
heard related, may by this time, have become so in-
sensibly blended together, that, in some cases, it may
be difficult forme, if not impossible, to distinguish them
with absolute certainty. It is, however, my earnest
desire, and will therefore engage my utmost care, that
I may offer nothing in writing, as from my own know-
ledge, which I could not cheerfully, if requisite, con-
firm upon oath.

That part of the African shore, which lies between
the river Sierra Leon, lat. 8° 30' N. and Cape Palmas,
is usually known by the name of the Windward, or

a>%LZ Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade.

Grain Coast. The extent, (if my recollection does not
fail me,) is about one hundred and fifty leagues. There
is a fort upon Benee Island, in Sierra Leon, which for-
merly belonged to the old African company : they also
had a fort on an island in the river Sherbro ; but the
former was in private hands, and of the latter scarcely
the foundations were visible, when I first went to
Africa. There is no fort or factory upon this coast,
under the sanction of our government ; but there were,
as I have said, and probably still are, private traders
resident at Benee Island, at the Bananoes, and at the
Plantanes. The former of these is about twelve, and
the latter twenty leagues, from Sierra Leon to the south-
east.

By these persons, the trade is carried on, in boats
and shallops, thirty or forty leagues to the northward,
in several rivers lying within the shoals of Rio Grande.
But the most northerly place of trade for Shipping is
Sierra Leon, and the business there, and in that neigh-
bourhood, is chiefly transacted with the white men :
but from Sherbro to Cape Palmas, directly with the
natives. Though I have been on the Gold Coast, and
beyond it as far as Cape Lopez, in the latitude of one
or two degrees south, I profess no knowledge of the
African trade, but as it was conducted on the Windward
Coast when I was concerned in it.

I am not qualified, and if I were, I should think it
rather unsuitable to my present character as a minister
of the Gospel, to consider the African slave trade
merely in a political light. This disquisition more pro-
perly belongs to persons in civil life. Only thus far
my character as a minister will allow and perhaps re-
quire me to observe, that the best human policy is

Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade. 5£S

that which is connected with a reverential regard to
Almighty God, the supreme governor of the earth.
Every plan, which aims at the welfare of a nation, m
defiance of his authority and laws, however apparently
wise, will prove to be essentially defective, and, if per-
sisted in, ruinous. The righteous Lord loveth right-
eousness, and he has engaged to plead the cause and
•vindicate the wrongs of the oppressed. It is righteous-
ness that exalteth a nation ! and wickedness is the pre-
sent reproach, and will, sooner or later, unless repent-
ance intervene, prove the ruin of any people.

Perhaps what I have said of myself may be applica-
ble to the nation at large. The slave trade was al-
ways unjustifiable ; but inattention and interest pre-
vented, for a time, the evil from being perceived. It
is otherwise at present ; the mischiefs and evils con-
nected with it have been, of late years, represented
with such undeniable evidence, and are now so gene-
rally known, that I suppose there is hardly an objec-
tion can be made to the wish of thousands, perhaps of
millions, for the suppression of this trade, but upon the
ground of political expedience.

Though I were even sure that a principal branch of
the public revenue depended upon the African trade,
(which I apprehend is far from being the case,) if I
had access and influence, I should think myself bound
to say to government, to Parliament, and to the na-
tion, " It is not lawful to put it into the treasury, be-
" cause it is the price of blood*."

I account an intelligent farmer to be a good poli-
tician in this sense ; that, if he has a large heap of
good corn, he will not put a small quantity, that is

Matt. xxviL 6.

*2* Thoughts upon the African Stave Trade.

damaged, to the rest, for the sake of increasing the
heap. He knows that such an addition would spoil
the whole. God forbid that any supposed profit or
advantage which we can derive from the groans, and
agonies, and blood, of the poor Africans, should draw
down his heavy curse upon all that we might, other-
wise, honourably and comfortably possess.

For the sake of method, I could wish to consider
the African trade, — first, with regard to the effect it
has upon our own people ; and, secondly, as it concerns
the blacks, or, as they are more contemptuously styled,
the negro slaves, whom we purchase upon the coast.
But these two topics are so interwoven together, that it
will not be easy to keep them exactly separate.

1. The first point I shall mention is surely of po-
litical importance, if the lives of our fellow-subjects be
so ; and if a rapid loss of seamen deserves the atten-
tion of a maritime people. This loss in the African
trade is truly alarming. I admit that many of them
are cut off in their first voyage, and consequently, be-
fore they can properly rank as seamen ; though they
would have been seamen if they had lived. But the
neighbourhood of our sea-ports is continually drained of
men and boys to supply the places of those who die
abroad ; and if they are not all seamen, they are all
our brethren and countrymen, subjects of the British
government.

The people who remain on ship-board, upon the
open coast, if not accustomed to the climate, are liable
to the attack of an inflammatory fever, which is not
often fatal unless the occurrence of unfavourable cir-
cumstances makes it so. When this danger is over. I
think they might probably be as healthy as in most
other voyages, provided they could be kept from sleep-

Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade. 526

ing in the dews, from being much exposed to the rain;
from the intemperate use of spirits, and especially from
women.

But, considering the general disposition of our sailors,
and the nature of the slave trade, these provisoes are of
little more significance than if I should say, upon
another occasion, that Great Britain would be a happy
country, provided all the inhabitants were wise and
good. The sailors must be much exposed to the wea-
ther ; especially on the Windward coast, where a great
part of the cargo is procured by boats, which are often
sent to the distance of thirty or forty leagues, and are
sometimes a month before they return. Many vessels
arrive upon the coast before the rainy season, which
continues from about May to October, is over; and if
trade be scarce, the ships which arrive in the fair or
dry season, often remain till the rains return, before
they can complete their purchase. A proper shelter
from the weather, in an open boat, when the rain is
incessant, night and day, for weeks and months, is im-
practicable.

I have, myself, in such a boat, been, five or six days
together, without, as we say, a dry thread about me,
sleeping or waking. And, during the fair season, tor-
nadoes, or violent storms of wind, thunder, and heavy
rain, are very frequent, though they seldom last long.
In fact, the boats seldom return, without bringing some
of the people ill of dangerous fevers or fluxes, occa-
sioned either by the weather, or by unwholesome diet,
such as the crude fruits and pn'm wine, with which they
are plentifully supplied by the natives.

Strong liquors, such as brandy, rum, or Engli-h
spirits, the sailors cannot often procure, in such quanti-
ties as to hurt them ; but thev will if they can ; ami

526 Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade.

opportunities sometimes offer, especially to those who
are in the boats : for strong liquor being an article
much in demand, so that without it scarcely a single
slave can be purchased, it is always at hand. And if
what is taken trom the casks or bottles that are for sale,
be supplied with water, they are as full as they were
before. The blacks who buy the liquor, are the losers
by the adulteration ; but often the people who cheat
them are the greatest sufferers*

The article of women, likewise, contributes largely to
the loss of our seamen. When they are on shore,
they often, from their known thoughtless imprudence,
involve themselves, on this account, in quarrels with the
natives, and, if not killed upon the spot, are frequently
poisoned. On ship-board they may be restrained, and
in some ships they are; but such restraint is tar from
being general. It depends much upon the disposition
and attention of the captain. When I was in the trade
I knew several commanders of African ships who were
prudent, respectable men, and who maintained a proper
discipline and regularity in their vessels ; but there
were too many of a different character. In some ships,
perhaps in the most, the licence allowed, in this par-
ticular, was almost unlimited. Moral turpitude was
seldom considered, but they who took care to do
the ship's business, might, in other respects, do what
they pleased. These excesses, if they do not induce
levers, at least render the constitution less able to sup-
port them; and lewdness, too frequently, terminates in
death.

The risk of insurrections is to be added. These, I
believe, are always meditated ; for the men slaves are
not easily reconciled to their confinement and treat-
ment ; and, if attempted, tney are seldom suppressed

Thoughts upon the Jlfrican Slave Trade. 527

without considerable loss ; and sometimes they succeed,
to the destruction of a whole ship's company at once.
Seldom a year passes, but we hear of one or more
such catastrophes ; and we likewise hear, sometimes, of
Whites and Blacks involved, in one moment, in one
common ruin, by the gunpowder taking fire, and blow-
ing up the ship.

How far the several causes I have enumerated, may
respectively operate, I cannot say ; the fact, however,
is sure, that a great number of our seamen perish in
the slave trade. Few ships, comparative!}-, are either
blown up, or totally cut off; but some are. Of the
rest, .1 have known some that have lost half their
people, and some a larger proportion. I am far from
saying that it is always, or even often, thus ; but, I
believe I shall state the matter sufficiently low, if I
suppose, that at least one-fifth part of those who go
from England to the coast of Africa, in ships which
trade for slaves, never return from thence. I dare
not depend too much upon my memory, as to the-num-
ber of ships and men employed in the slave trade
more than thirty years ago ; nor do I know what ha*
been the state of the trade since; therefore I shall
not attempt to make calculations. But, as I cannot
but form some opinion upon the subject, 1 judge it
probable that the collective sum of seamen, who go
from all our ports to Africa within the course of a
year, (taking Guinea in the extensive sense, from Go-
ree or Gambia, and including the coast of Angola, )
cannot be less than eight thousand ; and if, upon an
average of ships and seasons, a fifth part of these die
the annual loss is fifteen hundred. I believe those
who have taken pains to make more exact inquiries
will deem my supposition to be verv moderate.

Vol. VI. 3 Y

528 Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade.

Thus much concerning the first evil, the loss of sea-
men and subjects, which the nation sustains by the
African slave trade.

2. There is a second, which either is, or ought to be,
deemed of importance, considered in a political light :
I mean, the dreadful effects of this trade upon the
minds of those who are engaged in it. There are,
doubtless, exceptions ; and I would willingly except
myself. But, in general, I know of no method of
getting money, not even that of robbing for it upon the
highway, which has so direct a tendency to efface the
moral sense, to rob the heart of every gentle and hu-
mane disposition, and to harden it, like steel, against
all impressions of sensibility.

Usually, about two-thirds of a cargo of slaves are
males. When a hundred and fifty, or two hundred
stout men, torn from their native land, many of whom
never saw the sea, much less a ship, till a short space
before they are embarked : who have, probably, the
same natural prejudice against a white man, as we
have against a black ; and who often bring with them
an apprehension they are bought to be eaten : I say,
when thus circumstanced, it is not to be expected that
they will tamely resign themselves to their situation.
It is always taken for granted, that they will attempt to
gain their liberty if possible. Accordingly, as we dare
not trust them, we receive them on board, from the
first, as enemies ; and, before their number exceeds,
perhaps, ten or fifteen, they are all put in irons ; in
most ships, two and two together. And frequently,
they are not thus confined, as they might most conve-
niently stand or move, the right hand and foot of one
to the left of the other, but across ; that is, the hand
and foot of each on the same side, whether right 01

Thoughts vpon the African Slave Trade. 529

left, are fettered together : so that they cannot move
either hand or foot, but with great caution, and with
perfect consent. Thus they must sit, walk, and lie,
for many months, (sometimes for nine or ten,) without
any mitigation or relief, unless they are sick.

In the night, they are confined below ; in the day-
time, (it the weather be tine,) they are upon deck ; and
as they are brought by pairs, a chain is put through a
ring upon their irons, and this is likewise locked down
to the ring-bolts, which are fastened, at certain inter-
vals, upon the deck. These, and other precautions,
are no more than necessary ; especially, as while the
number of slaves increases, that of the people who are
to guard them, is diminished, by sickness, or death, or
by being absent in the boats : so that, sometimes, not
ten men can be mustered, to watch, night and day,
over two hundred, besides having all the other business
of the ship to attend.

That these precautions are so often effectual, is
much more to be wondered at, than that they sometimes
fail. One unguarded hour, or minute, is sufficient to
give the slaves the opportunity they are always waiting
for. An attempt to rise upon the ship's company,
brings on instantaneous and horrid war : for, when
they are once in motion, they are desperate ; and
where they do not conquer, they are seldom quelled
without much mischief and bloodshed on both sides.

Sometimes when the slaves are ripe for an insur-
rection, one of them will impeach the affair ; and then
necessity, and the state policy, of these small but
most absolute governments, enforce maxims directly
contrary to the nature of things. The traitor to the
cause of liberty is caressed, rewarded, and deemed an
honest fellow. The patriots, who formed and ani-

530 Thoughts iqion the African Slave Trade.

mated the plan, if they can be found out, must
be treated as villains, and punished, to intimidate the
rest. These punishments, in their nature and degree,
depend upon the sovereign will of the captain. Some
are content with inflicting such moderate punishment
as may suffice for an example. But unlimited power,
instigated by revenge, and where the heart, by a long
familiarity with the sufferings of slaves, is become
callous, and insensible to the pleadings of humanity, is
terrible !

I have seen them sentenced to unmerciful whippings,
continued till the poor creatures have not had power to
groan under their misery, and hardly a sign of life has
remained. I have seen them agonizing for hours, I be-
lieve for days together, under the torture of the thumb-
screws ; a dreadful engine, which, if the screw be
turned by an unrelenting hand, can give intolerable
anguish. There have been instances in which cruelty
has proceeded still further ; but, as I hope they are few,
and I can mention but one from my own knowledge,
I shall but mention it.

I have often heard a captain, who has been long
bince dead, boast of his conduct in a former voyage,
when his slaves attempted to rise upon him. After he
had suppressed the insurrection, he sat in judgment
upon the insurgents ; and not only, in cold blood, ad-
judged several of them, I know not how many, to die,
but studied with no small attention, how to make death
as excruciating as possible. For my reader's sake, I
suppress the recital of particulars.

Surely it must be allowed, that they who are long
conversant with such scenes as these, are liable to im-
bibe a spirit of ferociousness, and savage insensibility,
of which human nature, depraved as it is, is not, ordi-

Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade. 5Si

narily, capable. If these things be true, the reader
will admit the possibility of a fact that was in current
report when I was upon the coast, and the truth of
which, though I cannot now authenticate it, I have no
reason to doubt.

A mate of a ship, in a long-boat, purchased a young
woman, with a fine child, of about a year old, in her
arms. In the night, the child cried much, and dis-
turbed his sleep. He rose up in great anger, and
swore, that if the child did not cease making such a
noise, he would presently silence it. The child conti-
nued to cry. At length he rose up a second time,
tore the child from the mother, and threw it into the
sea. The child was soon silenced indeed, but it was
not so easy to pacify the woman : she was too valuable
to be thrown overboard, and he was obliged to bear the
sound of her lamentations, till he could put her on
board his ship.

I am persuaded, that every tender mother, who
feasts her eyes and her mind when she contemplates
the infant in her arms, will commiserate the poor
Africans. — But why do I speak of one child, when
we have heard and read a melancholy story, too noto-
riously true to admit of contradiction, of more than a
hundred grown slaves, thrown into the sea, at one time,
from on board a ship, when fresh water was scarce; to
fix the loss upon the underwriters, which otherwise, had
they died on board, must have fallen upon the owners
of the vessel. These instances are specimens of the
spirit produced, by the African trade, in men, who,
once, were no more destitute of the milk of human
kindness than ourselves.

Hitherto, I have considered the condition of the
men slaves only. From the women, there is no danger

532 Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade.

of insurrection, and they are carefully kept from the
men ; I mean, from the black men. But in what
I have to offer, on this head, I am far from including
every ship. I speak not of what is universally, but of
what is too commonly, and, I am afraid, too generally,
prevalent.

I have already observed, that the captain of an
African ship, while upon the coast, is absolute in his
command ; and if he be humane, vigilant, and deter-
mined, he has it in his power to protect the miserable :
for scarcely any thing can be done, on board the ship,
without his permission, or connivance. But this power
is too seldom exerted in favour of the poor women
slaves.

When we hear of a town taken by storm, and given
up to the ravages of an enraged and licentious army,
of wild and unprincipled cossacks, perhaps no part of
the distress affects a feeling mind more, than the treat-
ment to which the women are exposed. But the enor-
mities frequently committed in an African ship, though
equally flagrant, are little known here, and are consi-
sidered there, only as matters of course. When the
women and girls are taken on board a ship, naked,
trembling, terrified, perhaps almost exhausted with cold,
fatigue, and hunger, they are often exposed to the
wanton rudeness of white savages. The poor creatures
cannot understand the language they hear, but the
looks and manner of the speakers are sufficiently
intelligible. In imagination, the prey is divided, upon
the spot, and only reserved till opportunity offers.
Where resistance, or refusal, would be utterly in vain,
even the solicitation of consent is seldom thought of.
But I forbear. — -This is not a subject for declamation.
Facts like these, so certain and so numerous, speak

Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade. oS3

for themselves. Surely, if the advocates for the Slave
Trade attempt to plead for it, before the wives and
daughters of our happy land, or before those who have
wives or daughters of their own, they must lose their
cause.

Perhaps some hard-hearted pleader may suggest,
that such treatment would indeed be cruel, in Eu-
rope ; but the African women are negroes, savages, who
have no idea of the nicer sensations which obtain
among civilized people. 1 dare contradict them in the
strongest terms. I have lived long, and conversed
much, amongst these supposed savages. I have often
slept in their towns, in a house filled with goods for
trade, with no person in the house but myself, and
with no other door than a mat ; in that security,
which no man in his senses would expect in this civil-
ized nation, especially in this metropolis, without the
precaution of having strong doors, strongly locked and
bolted. And with regard to the women, in Sherbro,
where I was most acquainted, I have seen many in-
stances of modesty, and even delicacy, which would
not disgrace an English woman. Yet, such is the treat-
ment which I have known permitted, if not encouraged,
in many of our ships- — they have been abandoned, with-
out restraint, to the lawless will of the first comer.

Accustomed thus to despise, insult, and injure the
slaves on board, it may be expected that the conduct of
many of our people to the natives, with whom they
trade, is, as far as circumstances admit, very similar;
and it is so. They are considered as a people to be
robbed and spoiled with impunity. Every art is em-
ployed to deceive and wrong them. And he who has
most address, in this way> has most to boast of.

Not an article that is capable of diminution or adul-

53* Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade.

teration, is delivered genuine, or entire. The spirits are
lowered by water. False heads are put into the kegs
that contain the gunpowder; so that, though the keg
appears large, there is no more powder in it, than in a
much smaller. The linen and cotton cloths are opened,
and two or three yards, according to the length of the
piece, cut off, not from the end, but out of the middle,
where it is not so readily noticed.

The natives are cheated, in the number, weight,
measure, or quality of what they purchase, in every
possible way : and by habit and emulation, a marvel-
lous dexterity is acquired in these practices. And
thus the natives in their turn, in proportion to their
commerce with the Europeans, and, \J am sorry to
add,) particularly with the English, become jealous, in-
sidious, and revengeful.

They know with whom they deal, and are accord-
ingly prepared ; though they can trust some ships and
boats, which have treated them with punctuality, and
may be trusted by them. A quarrel, sometimes, fur-
nishes pretext for detaining, and carrying away one or
more of the natives, which is retaliated, if practicable,
upon the next boat that comes to the place, from the
same port. For so far their vindictive temper is re-
strained by their ideas of justice, that they will not.
often, revenge an injury received from a Liverpool ship,
upon one belonging to Bristol or London.

They will, usually, wait with patience the arrival oi
one, which, they suppose, by her sailing from the same
place, has some connexion with that w hich used them
ill : and they are so quick at distinguishing our little
local differences ot language and customs in a ship,
that before they have been in a ship five minutes, and
often before they come on board, they know with cer-

Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade. 8S5

tainty, whether she be from Bristol, Liverpool, or Lon-
don.

Retaliation on their parts, furnishes a plea for repri-
sal on ours. Thus, in one place or another, trade is
often suspended, all intercourse cut off, and things are
in a state of war ; till necessity, either on the ship's
part or on theirs, produces overtures of peace, and
dictates the price, which the offending party must pay
for it. But it is a warlike peace. We trade under
arms ; and they are furnished with long knives.

For, with a few exceptions, the English and the
Africans, reciprocally, consider each other as consum-
mate villains, who are always watching opportunities to
do mischief. In short, we have, I fear, too deservedly
a very unfavourable character upon the coast. When
I have charged a black with unfairness and dishonesty,
he has answered, if able to clear himself, with an air of
disdain, " What ! do you think 1 am a white man?"

Such is the nature, such are the concomitants, of the
slave trade ; and such is- the school in which many
thousands of our seamen are brought up. Can we,
then, wonder at that impatience of subordination, and
that disposition to mutiny amongst them, which has
been of late so loudly complained of, and so severely
felt? Will not sound policy suggest the necessity of
some expedient here? Or can sound policy suggest any
effectual, expedient, but the total suppression of a trade
which, like a poisonous root, diffuses its malignity into
every branch?

The effects which our trade has upon the blacks,
those especially who come under our power, may be
considered under three heads, — How they are acquir-
ed ? The mortality they are subject to ? and, How those
who survive are disposed of?

Vol. VI. 3 Z

536 Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade.

I confine my remarks on the first head to the Wind-
ward coast, and can speak most confidently of the
trade in Sherbro, where I lived. I own, however,
that I question, if any part of the Windward coast is
equal to Sherbro, in point of regularity and govern-
ment. They have no men of great power or property
among them ; as I am told there are upon the Gold
coast, at Whida and Benin. The Sherbro people live
much in the patriarchal way. An old man usually pre-
sides in each town, whose authority depends more on
his years, than on his possessions : and he, who is called
the king, is not easily distinguished, either by state or
wealth, from the rest. But the different districts,
which seem to be, in many respects, independent of
each other, are incorporated, and united, by means of
an institution which pervades them all, and is called
the Purrow. The persons of this order, who are very
numerous, seem very much to resemble the Druids,
who once presided in our island.

The Purrow has both the legislative and executive
authority, and, under their sanction, there is a police
exercised, which is by no means contemptible. Every
thing belonging to the Purrow is mysterious and severe,
but, upon the whole, it has very good effects ; and as
any man, whether bond or free, who will submit to be
initiated into their mysteries, may be admitted of the
order, it is a kind of commonwealth. And, perhaps,
few people enjoy more duple, political freedom, than
the inhabitants of Sherbro, belonging to the Purrow,
(who are not slaves,) further than they are bound by
their own institutions. Private property is tolerably
well secured, and violence is much suppressed.

The state of Slavery among these wild barbarous
people, as we esteem them, is much milder than in our

Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade. 537

colonies. For as, on the one hand, they have no land
in high cultivation, like our West India plantations,
and therefore no call for that excessive, unintermitted
labour, which exhausts our slaves ; so, on the other
hand, no man is permitted to draw blood even from a
slave. If he does, he is liable to a strict inquisition ;
for the Furrow laws will not allow a private individual
to shed blood. A man may sell his slave, if he pleases ;
but he may not wantonly abuse him. The laws, likewise,
punish some species of theft with slavery, and in cases
of adultery, which are very common, as polygamy is the
custom of the country, both the woman, and the man
who offends with her, are liable to be sold for slaves,
unless they can satisfy the husband, or unless they are
redeemed by their friends.

Among these unenlightened blacks, it is a general
maxim, that if a man steals, or breaks a moveable, as
a musket, for instance, the offence may be nearly com-
pensated, by puttingan other musket in its place ; but
offences, which cannot be repaired in kind, as adultery,
admit of no satisfaction, till the injured person declares
that he is satisfied. So that, if a rich man seduces the
wife of a poor man, he has it in his power to change
places with him ; for he may send for every article in
his house, one by one, till he says, " I have enough.'
The only alternative, is personal slavery.

I suppose, bribery and influence may have their
effects in Guinea, as they have in some other countries ;
but their laws, in the main, are wise and good ; and, upon
the whole, they have considerable operation ; and
therefore, I believe, many of the slaves purchased
in Sherbro, and probably upon the whole Windward
coast, are convicts, who have forfeited their liberty, by
breaking the laws of their country.

55 S Thoughts upon the African Stave Trade.

But I apprehend, that the neighbourhood of out
ships, and the desire of our goods, are motives which
often push the rigour of the laws to an extreme, which
Would not be exacted, if they were left to themselves.

But slaves are the staple article of the traffic ; and
though a considerable number may have been born
near the sea, I believe the bulk of them are brought
from far. I have reason to think, that some travel
more than a thousand miles, before they reach the sea-
coast. Whether there may be convicts amongst these
likewise, or what proportion they may bear to those
who are taken prisoners in war, it is impossible to
know.

I judge, the principal source of the slave trade is
the wars which prevail among the natives. Sometimes
these wars break out between those who live near the
sea. The English, and other Europeans, have been
charged with fomenting them ; I believe, (so far as
concerns the Windward coast,) unjustly. That some
M'ould do it, if they could, I doubt not ; but I do not
think they can have opportunity. Nor is it needful
they should interfere. Thousands, in our own country,
wish for war, because they tatten upon its spoils.

Human nature is much the same in every place, and
few people will be willing to allow, that the negroes in
Atrica are better than themselves. Supposing, there-
fore, they wish for European goods, may not they wish
to purchase them from a ship just arrived? Of course,
they must wish tor slaves to go to market with ; and if
they have not slaves, and think themselves strongenough
to invade their neighbours, they will probably wish for
war. — And if once they wish for it, how easy it is to
find, or to make, pretexts for breaking an inconvenient
peace ; or, (after the example of greater heroes, of

Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade. 53 S>

Christian name,) to make depredations, without conde-
scending to assign any reasons.

I verily believe, that the far greater part of the wars
in Africa would cease, if the Europeans would cease
to tempt them, by offering goods for slaves. And
though they do not bring legions into the field, their
wars are bloody. I believe, the captives reserved for
sale, are fewer than the slain.

I have not sufficient data to warrant calculation, but,
I suppose, not less than one hundred thousand slaves
are exported, annually, from all parts of Africa, and
that more than one half of these are exported in Eng-
lish bottoms.

If but an equal number arc killed in war, and if
many of these wars are kindled by the incentive of
selling their prisoners ; what an annual accumulation
of blood must there be, crying against the nations of
Europe concerned in this trade, and particularly against
our own !

I have often been gravely told, as a proof that the
Africans, however hardly treated, deserved but little
compassion, that they are a people so destitute of na-
tural affection, that it is common among them for pa-
rents to sell their children, and children their parents.
And, I think, a charge of this kind is brought against
them by the respectable author of Spectacle cle la Na-
ture. But he must have been misinformed. I never
heard of one instance of either, while I used the Coast.

One article more upon this head, is kidnapping, or
stealing free people. Some people suppose, that the
ship trade is rather the stealing than the buying of
tlaves. But there is enough to lay to the charge of
the ships, without accusing them falsely. The slaves,
in general, are bought and paid for. Sometimes, when

5*0 Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade.

goods are lent, or trusted on shore, the trader volun-
tarily leaves a free person, perhaps his own son, as a
hostage, or pawn, for the payment ; and in case of de-
fault, the hostage is carried off, and sold ; which, how-
ever hard upon him, being in consequence of a free
stipulation, cannot be deemed unfair. There have
been instances of unprincipled captains, who, at the
close of what they supposed their last voyage, and
when they had no intention of revisiting the coast,
aveh detained and carried away, free people with them ;
and left the next ship, that should come from the same
port, to risk the consequences. But these actions, I
hope and believe, are not common.

With regard to the natives, to steal a free man or
woman, and to sell them on board a ship, would, I
think, be a more difficult and more dangerous attempt
in Sherbro, than in London. But I have no doubt,
that the traders, who come from the interior parts of
Africa, at a great distance, find opportunity, in the
course of their journey, to pick up stragglers, whom
they may meet in their way. This branch of oppres-
sion and robbery would likewise fail, if the temptation
to it were removed.

I have, to the best of my knowledge, pointed out
the principal sources of that immense supply of slaves
which furnishes so large an exportation every year. If
all that are taken on board the ships were to survive
the voyage, and be landed in good order, possibly the
English, French, and Dutch islands and colonies,
would be soon overstocked, and fewer ships would sail
to the coast. But a large abatement must be made
for mortality. After what I have already said of their
treatment, I shall now, that I am again to consider
them on board the ships, confine myself to this point.

Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade. 541

In the Portuguese ships, which trade from Brasil to
the Gold coast and Angola, I believe, a heavy mor-
tality is not frequent. The slaves have room, they
are not put in irons, (I speak from information only,)
and are humanely treated.

With our ships, the great object is, to be full.
When the ship is there, it is thought desirable she
should take as many as possible. The cargo of a
vessel of a hundred tons, or little more, is calculated
to purchase from two hundred and twenty to two hun-
dred and fifty slaves. Their lodging-rooms below the
deck, which are three, (for the men, the boys, and the
women,) besides a place for the sick, are sometimes
more than five feet high, and sometimes less ; and this
height is divided towards the middle, for the slaves lie
in two rows, one above the other, on each side of the
ship, close to each other, like books upon a shelf. I
have known them so close, that the shelf would not,
easily, contain one more. And I have known a white
man sent down among the men to lay them in these
rows to the greatest advantage, so that as little space
as possible might be lost.

Let it be observed, that the poor creatures, thus
cramped for want of room, are likewise in irons, for
the most part both hands and feet, and two together,
which makes it difficult for them to turn or move, to
attempt either to rise or to lie down, without hurting
themselves, or each other. Nor is the motion of the
ship, especially her heeling, or stoop on one side, when
under sail, to be omitted ; for this, as they lie athwart,
or cross the ship, adds to the uncomfortableness of their
lodging, especially to those who lie on the leeward or
leaning side of the vessel.

Dire is the tossing1, deep the groans. —

5^2 Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade.

The heat and the smell of these rooms, when the
weather will not admit of the slaves being brought
upon deck, and of having their rooms cleaned every
day, would be almost insupportable to a person not
accustomed to them. If the slaves and their rooms
can be constantly aired, and they are not detained too
long on board, perhaps there are not many die ; but
the contrary is often their lot. They are kept down,
by the weather, to breathe a hot and corrupted air,
sometimes for a week : this, added to the galling of
their irons, and the despondency which seizes their
spirits when thus confined, soon becomes fatal. And
every morning, perhaps, more instances than one are
found, of the living and the dead, like the captives of
Mezentius, fastened together.

Epidemical fevers and fluxes, which fill the ship with
noisome and noxious effluvia, often break out, and infect
the seamen likewise, and thus the oppressors and the
oppressed, fall by the same stroke. I believe, nearly
one half of the slaves on board, have, sometimes,
died ; and that the loss of a third part, in these cir-
cumstances, is not unusual. The ship, in which I was
mate, left the coast with two hundred and eighteen
slaves on board ; and though we were not much af-
fected by epidemical disorders, I find by my journal of
that voyage, (now before me,) that we buried sixty-two
on our passage to South-Carolina, exclusive of those
which died before we left the coast, of which I have
no account.

I believe, upon an average between the more healthy,
and the more sickly voyages, and including all contin-
gencies, one fourth of the whole purchase may be al-
lotted to the article of mortality : that is, if the Eng-
lish ships purchase sixty thousand slaves annually,

Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade. 5iii

upon the whole extent of the coast, the annual loss of
lives cannot be much less than Jif teen thousand.

I am now to speak of the survivors. — -When the.
ships make the land, (usually the West-India islands,)
and have their port in view, after having been four,
five, six weeks, or a longer time, at sea, (which depends
much upon the time that passes before they can get
into the permanent trade-winds, which blow from the
north-east and east across the atlantic,) then, and not
before, they venture to release the men slaves from
their irons : and then, the sight of the land, and their
freedom from long and painful confinement, usually
excite in them a degree of alacrity, and a transient
feeling of joy —

The prisoner leaps to lose his chains.

But this joy is short-lived indeed. The condition of
the unhappy slaves is in a continual progress from bad
to worse. Their case is truly pitiable, from the mo-
ment they are in a state of slavery in their own
country ; but it may be deemed a state of ease and
liberty, compared with their situation on board our ships.

Yet, perhaps, they would wish to spend the re-
mainder of their days on ship-board, could they know,
beforehand, the nature of the servitude which awaits
them on shore ; and that the dreadful hardships and
sufferings they have already endured, would, to the
most of them, only terminate in excessive toil, hunger,
and the excruciating tortures of the cart-whip, inflicted
at the caprice of an unfeeling overseer, proud of the
power allowed him of punishing whom, and when, and
how he pleases.

I hope the slaves, in our islands, are better treated

Vol. VI. 4 A

544, Thoughts Upon the African Slave Trade.

now, than they were at the time when I was in the
trade. And, even then, I know there were slaves,
who under the care and protection of humane masters,
were comparatively happy. But I saw and heard
enough to satisfy me, that their condition, in general,
was wretched to the extreme. However, my stay in
Antigua and St. Christopher's, (the onlyjislands I visited,)
was too short, to qualify me for saying much, from my
own certain knowledge, upon this painful subject. Nor
is it needful : — enough has been offered by several re-
spectable writers, who have had opportunity of collect-
ing surer and fuller information.

One thing I cannot omit, which was told me by the
gentleman to whom my ship was consigned, at An-
tigua, in the year 1751, and who was himself a planter.
He said, that calculations had been made, with all pos-
sible exactness, to determine which was the preferable,
that is, the more saving method of managing slaves :

" Whether to appoint them moderate work,

" plenty of provision, and such treatment as

" might enable them to protract their lives to

{e old age ?" Or,

" By rigorously straining their strength to theut-

"most, with little relaxation, hard fare, and

" hard usage, to wear them out before they

Ci became useless, and unable to do service;

"and then, to buy new ones, to fill up their

" places ?"

He further said, that these skilful calculators had

determined in favour of the latter mode, as much the

cheaper ; and that he could mention several estates, in

the island of Anti?ua, on which it was seldom known

that a slave had lived above nine years. — Eix pcdr

TIerculem .'

Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade. 5*3

When the slaves are landed for sale, (for in the Lee-
ward Islands they are usually sold on shore,) it may
happen, that after a long separation in different parts
of the ship, when they are brought together in one
place, some who are nearly related may recognise each
other. If upon such a meeting, pleasure should be
felt, it can be but momentary. The sate disperses
them wide, to different parts of the island, or to dif-
ferent islands. Husbands and wives, parents and
children, brothers and sisters, mast suddenly part again,
probably to meet no more.

After a careful perusal of what I have written, weigh-
ing every paragraph distinctly, I can find nothing to
retract. As it is not easy to write altogether with cool-
ness upon this business, and especially not easy to me,
who have formerly been so deeply engaged in it ; I have
been jealous, lest the warmth of imagination might
have insensibly seduced me, to aggravate and over-
charge some of the horrid features, which I have at-
tempted to delineate, of the African trade. But, upon
a strict review, I am satisfied.

I have apprised the reader, that I write from me-
mory, after an interval of more than thirty years-
But at the same time, I believe, many things which I
saw, heard, and felt, upon the coast of Africa, are so
deeply engraven in my memory, that I can hardly
forget, or greatly mistake them, while I am capable of
remembering any thing. I am certainly not guilty of
wilful misrepresentation. And, upon the whole, I dare
appeal to the Great Searcher of hearts, in whose pre-
sence I write, and before whom I, and my readers,
must all shortly appear, that, (with the restrictions and
exceptions I have made,) I have advanced nothing, but

3*6 Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade.

what, to the best of my judgment and conscience,
is true.

I have likewise written without solicitation, and
simply from the motive I have already assigned ; a
conviction, that the share I have formerly had in the
trade, binds me, in conscience, to throw what light I
am able upon the subject, now it is likely to become a
point of parliamentary investigation.

No one can have less interest in it than I have at
present, further than as I am interested by the feelings
of humanity, and a regard for the honour and welfare
of my country.

Though unwilling to give offence to a single person,
in such a cause, I ought not to be afraid of offending
many, by declaring the truth. If, indeed, there can
be many, whom even interest can prevail upon to con-
tradict the common sense of mankind, by pleading for
a commerce so iniquitous, so cruel, so oppressive, so
destructive, as the African Slave Trade !

AN

ADDRESS

TO THE

INHABITANTS OF OLNEY

Printed in the Year 1768.

AN ADDRESS

INHABITANTS OF OLNEY,

E

My dear Friends,

! VERY person in the parish has a place in my heart
and prayers, but I cannot speak to each of you singly.
Yet I am desirous to give full proof that I watch for
the welfare of your souls ; and likewise, (if it be possi-
ble,) to have a witness in every conscience, that none
may plead ignorance of those things which it highly
concerns them to know. I hope you will receive this
paper in good part, as a token of my love, and read it
with attention.

The great God, who appoints to all " the childfen
" of men the bounds of their habitation*," has been
pleased to fix yours in a place favoured with the light
of the Gospel. This is a great and distinguishing pri-
vilege in itself; but it may be abused, and if it is, will
aggravate your guilt and condemnation. " Jesus
" Christ crucifiedj" is preached among you ; the
foundation^: which God himself has provided whereon
poor sinners may build their eternal hope, is set before
you. You are warned of the evil of sin, of the wrath

• Acts x\v °C- f 1 Cor. u 2 t 1 Cor. Hi. 11.

^50 An Address to the Inhabitants of Olney.

of God denounced against transgressors, and of the
impossibility of being saved without that faith, which,
being of the operation of God, purifies the heart, " and
" works by love." And the great blessings of life and
immortality, pardon, justification, adoption, holiness,
perseverance, and eternal glory, are preached amongst
you as the sure and inseparable effects of a living faith
in the Sox of God*.

In a little time we must all give an account of our
improvement of the opportunities we are favoured with.
This thought, joined to a consideration of the state of
the parish, leads me to offer a word in season to each
of you. Perhaps there is hardly a. single person who
will not be more or less concerned under one or other
of the following particulars.

I. If God has taught you the truths I have men-
tioned above, if you have faith in his Son Jesus Christ,
or if, convinced of its necessity, you arc humbly and
diligently seeking it in the wse of the means he has ap-
pointed ; I may address you in the angel's language to
Mary, " Hail, thou that art highly favoured^!" for if
you have this faith, you have the promise and earnest
of everlasting lifej ; or if you account yourself but a
seeker, the word of the living God is engaged for your
success ; for he has said, " Those who seek shall find^."
I am persuaded that you will readily receive the word
of exhortation. You are called with a " high and holy
" calling||;" watch and pray therefore, that you may be
preserved from the snares of the world, and the devices
of Satan. That no errors in judgment, no sinful in-
dulgence in practice, nothing contrary to the spiritu-

* Col. ii. 12. Acts xv. 9. Gal. v. 6. \ Luke i. 28.

» John vi. 47 § Matt. vii. 7. I! Phil. iii. 14- 2 Tim. i. 9.

Jin Address to the Inhabitants of Olriey. S5£

ality, love, gentleness, and patience, which become the
Gospel of Christ, may defile your conscience, rob you
or your comfort, or M cause the way of truth to be evil
" spoken of*" through your miscarriage. You are called
" out of darkness into marvellous lightf," that by your
profession God may be glorified. Therefore keep close
to his word as your rule ; be constant in your applica-
tion at the throne of grace ; attend diligently upon his
public ordinances, that thus by waiting upon the Lord
your strength may be renewed^, and " your light may
" shine before men§" to his praise That justice, truth,
fidelity, sobriety, and diligence, may adorn the exercise
of your ordinary calling ; and that you may fill up your
relation in life as a master or servant, a husband or a
wife, a parent or a child, in such a manner as may and
will be expected from one who has " tasted that the
" Lord is gracious|j." Beware of a worldly or selfish,
a proud, peevish or passionate spirit : if you give way
to any of these evils, you will walk uncomfortably your-
selt, you will grieve or discourage others, and you will
open the mouths of the wicked to " blaspheme that
" worthy name by which you are called**."

II. But it you are one of those who account the
Gospel of Christ a burden, and can hardly be brought
to give it a patient bearing ; what can I say to you ?
You are already prejudiced against all I can offer, and
perhaps account me an enemy because I tell you the
truth. Vet I would tain persuade you of my good will.
I have no complaint to make of you upon my own ac-
count; having received no personal incivility even from
tho^e who are dissatisfied with my ministry. Though
you are unwilling to hear me from the pulpit, yet let

* 2 Pet. ii. 2.

•f 1 Pet. ii. 9.

4 Isa. xl. 31.

§ Matt v. 16.

Vol. VI .

|| 1 Pet. ii. 3.

4 H

** James ii. '

55% *1h Address to the Inhabitants of filmy.

me expostulate a minute with you in this way. If I
cannot prove mydoctrine by the Scripture, and even
by the articles and public offices of our own church,
you have reason to be displeased with me. But
why will you venture to reject, what you must confess
may at least possibly be the truth? I am sure you can-
not disprove the general subjects of my ministry, not
even to the satisfaction of your own minds/if you will
sit leisurely down, and examine them by the New
Testament. It is, indeed, easy to turn off the inquiry
with a laugh, while you are in health and good spirits ;
but if you can remember a time when you have been
sick, and apprehensive of the approach of death, pro-
bably you then felt your confidence fail, and ^vas not
so sure of the safety of your state as yuu once thought
yourself. Such a lime will come again. If you should
not be cut off by a sudden stroke, or visited with some
illness which may deprive you ol your senses, (which
God forbid should be the case !) you must again be
brought within the view of death. You must experience
that untried moment, and render up your soul to the
tribunal of God. O then beware of resting your eter-
nal hopes upon any less authority than his Word ! You
may now be supported by the names and examples of
men ; but no teacher, or friend, or favourite author,
can or will stand between you and your Judge. You
may live in a crowd, but you must die alone. What
you think of yourself, or what others may think of you,
is of small moment ; the main question is, What you
are in the sight of the great Judge, to whom " all hearts
u are open, all desires known, and from whom no se-
iC crets are hid* :" for, according to his unalterable scn-

* 1 Qor. iv. 3,

Jin Address to the Inhabitants of Olney. 553

tence, you must stand or fall to eternity. Alas ! if our
Gospel is true, and you live and die a stranger to it,
" it will be more tolerable in that day" for those who
never heard of the name of Jesus, than for you*.

III. There are too many people amongst us who
abstain from the public worship, not so much from any
particular objection they have to the doctrines of the
Gospel, as trom an inconsiderate and worldly turn of
mind, which keeps them in a general neglect of reli-
gion I have more than once publicly lamented and
testified against the shameful profanation of the Lord's
day in this town. I am informed, it was not thus some
years ago ; but the increase of every kind of wickedness,
(as will generally be the case where the Gospel is known
and despised,) seems breaking in upon us like a flood.
It is with some a day " of buying and selling, of slay-
" ing oxen and -killing sheepf ;" others assuciate for
drink and vain conversation, to the scandal of the town,
the grief of all serious persons, and no less in defiance
to the laws of the land, than to the commandments of
God. If I could have suppressed these enormities, I
would. But as I have not been able to obtain assist-
ance and concurrence sufficient to put the statutes in
force, I can only give notice as a minister and a watch-
man, that " for these things the wrath of God cometh
" on the children of disobedience^." If you, my
reader, are 'concerned in these practices, let me en-
treat you to consider what you are doing. Why will
you " provoke the Lord to jealousy^?" Are you stronger
than he ? If your whole dependence was upon what we
call a great man, you durst not wilfully and publicly

* Matt. xi. 22. f Isa- xx"- 13-

* Ephes. v, 6. § 1 Cor. s. 22

05i An Address to the Inhabitants of Olney*

disobey him : and can you think it safe to trifle with
the great God ? Do you not know that your lite, vour
health, the peace of your family, and the success of
your industry, all depend upon him? Are you not
alraid, lest by openly affronting his Majesty in profaning
the day he has commanded to be kept holy, you should
provoke him to send a curse upon all your concerns,
and to blast your endeavours in the course ot the
week*? Every rebellion against God makes our state
more desperate, sin being progressive. Have you
never read, or heard, or seen, that the contempt ot the
sabbath, like a breach in the hank of a river,) opens
the way for a lons^ train ot evils to iollow ? How many
have made a confession to this purpose at the gallows?
And how many families may be found that are as tull
of misery, dissention, and confusion throughout the
week, as they are destitute of the tear and worship of
God on the Lord's diy ? Alas ! I shall tremble for you
if you do not lay this admonition to heart : I shall tear
lest you provoke the Lord to give you up to a repro-
bate mind, or lest, in the course ot his providence, he
should set some mark upon you, to teach others by
your example, that it is a dreadtul thing to sin against
the lightf. But though his patience should bear with
you to the last, and you to the last should despise it,
yet death will finally summon you to judgment, unless
by his grace you are brought to repentance : though
you may say, " Peace, peace, to yourself, sudden de-
a struction will then come upon you, and you shall not
" be able to escapej."

If you are one of those who do not wholly neglect
the public worship of God, but accustom yourselt to

Haggai i. 6 — 9. f Rom. ii. 4. i 1 Thcss. v. 3.

*8n Address to the Triluibitants of Olney. SB 5

attend only once in the day, give me leave to ask you,
or rather to desire you would ask your own conscience,
whether you have a sufficient excuse for not attending
twice? I know the circumstances of many families,
such as sickness, young children, &c. will necessarily
confine some people at home. But a due allowance
for these impediments, will by no means account for
the great difference betueen our congregations in the
morning and in the afternoon of the same day. Now,
if you have not a lawful hinderance to plead, consider
whether the same reasons that require your presence at
the public worship oact, are not equally strong for your
bting there both parts of the day. Why do you goat
all ? Is it not to join with others in paying homage to
the great God ? But by doing this cnct only, where op-
portunity and the example of others invite you twice,
you contradict yourself; and act as if you thought it
was sometimes your duty to join in worship, and some-
times not worth your while. Or do you go with a hope
of receiving good tor your souls ? Why then should you
at any time be willing to stay away: Perhaps the oppor-
tunity you miss might have been made peculiarly usetul
to you. At least the Lord may justly punish your fre-
quent neglect, by withholding his blessing when you do
attend. And this may be one reason why you have
heard so long to so little purpose.

IV. It is with grief I observe how generally the
word of God is disregarded amongst us, though few
can plead ignorance of bis will. The Scripture de-
nounces a wo against them " who are mighty to drink
" strong drink*," and against "him who urges strong
u drink upon his neighbour to put him to shamef."

* Isa, v. 22. f Hab. ii. 15.

§56 An Address to the Inhalitants of Olney.

The Scripture declares, " Every one that sweareth

" shall be cut off with a curse*." These threatenings

are frequently repeated in the ears of those who have

not entirely cast off the very form of religion. Yet I

fear intemperance, riot, and profaneness, visibly gain

strength from year to year. If you will go, on in those

practices — yet remember I this day take God and your

consciences to witness, that " I am pure of vour

" bloodf." As I have forewarned you before, so I

tell you again, the wrath of God hangs over you.

" Except you repent you will surely perish £ ;" and it

will be a great aggravation if you perish with };our eyes

open. Think, I beseech you, before it is too late, of

that awful passage—" If there be among you a root

" that beareth gall and wormwood, and it come to pass

" when he beareth the words of this curse, that he bless

" himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace though

" I walk in the imaginations of my heart to add drunk-
en j

" enness to thirst ; the Lord will not spare him, but the
" anger of the Lord and his jealousy shall smoke against
" that man, and all the curses that are written in this
" book shall lie upon him, and the Lord shall blot out
" his name from under heaven^,."

There is one sin too frequent in the parish, which
upon this occasion I think it especially necessary to
mention. St. Paul assures us, (agreeable to many
other passages of Scripture,) that " whoremongers and
"adulterers God will judgejj.*' Adultery, which im-
plies a breach of the marriage contract, is so dreadful,
so irreparable an evil, and as such condemned even by
the heathens who know not God, that I would hope none

* Zcch. v. 3. Exod. xx. 7- \ Acts xx. 26.

- Luke xiii. 3. 5. § DcUt. xxix. IS, 19. I! Heb. xiii. 4.

4

An Address to the Inhabitants of Olney. 537

of you are chargeable with it ! If you are, however you
may conceal your wickedness from your fellow -crea-
tures, you cannot hide it from God ; his eye is upon
you, and his justice will surely overtake you. Indeed,,
if he is pleased to give you faith in the name of Jesus,
and a sincere repentance of your crimes, there is yet
hope ; for " the blood of Christ cleanseth from all
" sin* ;" otherwise I testify to you from his Word, you
shall surely perish. He who said, " Thou shalt not
" commit adulteryt," will not hold you guiltless in the
day of his wrath. But the apostle joins whoredom with
adultery, and has expressly inserted fornication in the
black list of those sins which will certainly exclude from
a place in the kingdom of GodJ. If you have been
guilty, may the Lord fix a sense of your sin upon your
conscience while you are reading, that you may not
think it a light matter, but may instantly humble your-
self before him, and flee to the refuge provided for
helpless sinners in the Gospel^! If by his restraining
grace and providence you have been hitherto preserved
from this iniquity, you have reason to praise him. —
And O pray to him, (I speak more especially to young
persons,) that you may be enabled to " abstain from
" fleshly lusts which war against the soulj|." It is your
duty and interest to flee from this hateful evil, and to
watch against the temptations which lead to it, as you
would avoid a pestilence. By complying with it, you
hazard all your peace and comfort in this life, as well
as sin against the great God. It a criminal intercourse
between single persons does not issue in marriage, a
long train of mischiefs is the usual consequence; shame,

*Uohni. r. fExod. xx. 14. \ 1 Gqt. x\. 9. Bat ▼. 19-

UTeb. \i. 18. I 1 Pet. ii. 11.

S5S An JLd&ress to the Inhabitants of Olney.

remorse, misery, and very often total ruin, especially
on the woman's part. And even it the parties are
afterwards married, though the frequency of such cases
may lessen the scandal in the sight of men, the sin
committed against- God remains the same. And an
occasion is opened for such reflections and suspicions,
as frequently embitter the peace and destroy the confi-
dence and affection in which they might otherwise have
lived.

V. I observe likewise with concern, a spirit of open
impiety and infiielity spreading amongst some persons.
They are bold to " proclaim their sin as Sodom* ;'*
they cannot be content with the practice of wickedness,
or with tempting others to partake of their evil dt eds,
but they are prompted to scoff at the. truths of the Gos->
pel, and to ridicule and revile those who will not " run
f with them into the same excess of riotf." If any
one, of this unhappy turn, should read this paper,
I would take the opportunity to tell you, that I pity
you, and pray for you. I well know the gall and worm-
wood^ of your state, for it was once my own. I can-
not be surprised at any thing you say or do. You sin
against the tight, and this makes you desperate : " It
" is hard to kick against the pricks^.1' I can tell from
my own past experience, that your heart and your lan-
guage do not always agree. You are sometimes con-
strained to reverence the people you affect to despite;
and often, when you boast ot jollity and pleasure, vou
feel something within that makes you wish you could
change conditions with a sheep or a dog. I doubt
not but you understand what I mean. Why then should

• Jsa. iii. 9. f 1 Pet. iv. 4. t Lam. iii. 19. § Acts is. 5.

«in Address to the Inhabitants of Olney. 559

you remain in this miserable bondage, when there is
One able to set you free ? Perhaps you have concluded
that you have gone too far to stop ; that you have sinned
with too high a hand to be forgiven, A secret despair
of this kind, is Satan's great engine, by which he hur-
ries manv sinners to the most dreadful extravagancies.
But may I not allege my own case for your encourage-
ment against such a conclusion? You have probably
heard that I was once " a persecutor, a blasphemer,
" and injurious*." I was so indeed, to a degree I
cannot express. But I obtained mercy. The exceed-
ing abundant grace of our Lord Jesus Christ brought
me out of that dreadful state, and in his providence he
has placed me amongst you, that if I only pass you in
the street, you may have a proof before your eyes of
his gracious declaration, that " all manner of sin and
" blasphemy shall be forgiven to men for the Son of
" man's sake. There is forgiveness with him, that he
" may be fearedf." Oh that I could prevail with you
to seek him while he is to be found, to submit to him
before the gate of mercy is quite shut ! then " I am
" sure iniquity should not be your ruin^:" for " he is
" able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God
" by him§.'" At least, let me give you one caution : do
not make the Scripture, or the people who love it, the
subjects of your wanton mirth. " Be not a mocker,
" lest your bands be made strong|[." A common pro-
verb says, " ft is ill jesting with edged tools." I am
sure it may be applied in the present case. If the cause
you despise is the cause of God, it will be a dreadfuj
thing to be found fighting against him.

* 1 Tim. i. 13 — 16. \ Matt. xii. 31. Psalm cxxx. 4.

\ Ezek. xviii. 30. § Heb. vii. 25. II I.fa. xxviii. 22.

Vol. VI. 4 C.

560 Jin Jlddress to the Inhabitants of Olney,

VI. There remains a considerable number to whom
I have not yet spoken ; who may know they are not
believers, yet are tolerably regular in their attendance
upon the means of grace, and are not habitually guilty
of gross and open sins. I commend you for your rea-
diness to hear the Gospel, and rejoice that it has some
influence upon your conduct. But I would caution
you against resting in outward privileges, or thinking
yourself safe because you have escaped the abomina-
tions, in which you see some others live. There are
other sins, which though not so heinous in the judg-
ment of man, are sufficient to ruin the soul. If you
" love the world, the love of the Father is not in
" you*. To be carnally minded is deathf. Covetous-
" ness is idolatry*. If you are under the prevailing
" power of passion, pride, and resentment, you are
" strangers to the grace of God§." In a word, " if
" you have not the spirit of Christ, you are none of
" his||." A form of Godliness without the power**, will
leave you helpless and hopeless. Can you be content
to be no more than chaff amongst the wheatfl, to con-
verse and worship with the people of God for a season
here, and then to be separated from thern forever? If
you should see those whom you know and love, your
friends and relatives, received into the kingdom at last
and you yourselves shut out^J, how awful will your dis-
appointment be ! May the Lord awaken you to a dili-
gent search into your own hearts, and into his holy
Word, and not suffer you to take up with any thing
short of a real and saving change ! " Look to Jesus,
*' the author and finisher of faith§§:" who is exalted to

* 1 J.->1in ii. 15. f ltom. viii. 6. i Col. iii. 5.

§ al. . 20. |] Rom. vii. 9. ** 2 Tim. iii. 5

t| Max iii. 12. H Luke xiii. 25—30. §§ Heb. xii. 2

An Address to the Inhabitants of Olney. 561

'" be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance and
" pardon, life and immortality* :" and remember you
have his faithful promise, " Him that cometh unto me,
" I will in no wise cast outf\"

I can truly say, my dear friends, that " my heart's
" desire and prayer to God for you is, that you may
" be saved;];." As some, I fear, have hitherto heard in
vain, and some will not hear me at all, I have chosen
this method to address you all : I hope none will be
offended, for I would not willingly offend a child. I
hope I can appeal to yourselves, that God has given
me a desire to live peaceably with all men, and, to the
utmost of my power, to promote your welfare. " I seek
" not yours, but you§." In a little time " we must
" all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ||." —
There I must give an account of my ministry, and you
must account for the privileges with which you have
been favoured. When I think of the solemnities of
that day, and the worth of your immortal souls, I am
at a loss for words suitable to my desires on your be-
half. " I beseech you by the tender mercies of our
" God**," I warn you, by his approaching terrors |"j-,
that you receive not this grace of God in a preached
Gospel in vainj;^. And though I cannot expect to pre-
vail on you all, yet I write in hope, that a blessing
from the Lord will make the reading of this paper use-
ful to some. And if it be so, even to one person, I
ought to esteem it an over-payment for the labour of
my whole life.

And now I commend you to God, to the word of

* Acts v. 31. j John vi. 37. * Rom. x. 1.

§ 2 Cor. xii. 14. |) 2 Cor. iii. 10. ** Horn. xii. 1.

ff 2 Cor. v. 11. n 2 Cor. vi. 1.

562 Jin Jiddress to the Inhabitants of Olnezj.

his grace, and to the teaching of his Spirit*. I make
it my earnest request to the favoured few who know
the Lord, and have received the spirit of prayer, that
in your supplications at the throne of grace, you will
frequently hear in remembrance,

Your affectionate Friend and Servant
in the Gospel of Christ,
John Newton.

* Acts xx. 32.

A TOKE N

OF

AFFECTION AND RESPECT,

TO THE PARISHIONERS OF

ST. MARY WOOLNOTH AND ST. MARY WOOLCHURCH,

LONDON7.

FROM THEIR MINISTER,

Acts xxvi. 3-
I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

I BESEECH THEE TO HEAR ME PATIENTLY

My respected Friends,

JLT being impracticable to write separately and dis-
tinctly to every person in the parishes with which I am
connected as a Minister ; I cannot offer you this testi-
mony of my sincere regard for your welfare, without
availing myself of the conveniency of the press*. And
I wish, while I express myself with freedom, to ob-
serve the same respect and tenderness, as if I had an
opportunity of conversing personally and severally with
each of you.

My income from the parishes is legally settled, and
regularly and readily paid. I am well satisfied with
it ; and have only to wish on this head, that the people
of my charge may be benefited by the ministry which
they jointly contribute to support. I acknowledge
likewise, with thankfulness to God and to you, that in
the occasional intercourse I have had amongst you, I
have never received the least personal incivility or un-

* A passage is omitted here, expressive of the author's determination to
confine this address to his parishioners ; but as his executors consider this
as applicable only to the period of its publication, they have not scrupled to
insert the address among his posthumous writing0

566 Jl Token of Affection and Ecspect.

kindness from any one. Though I cannot but know
and lament, that the subject-matter of my preaching is
to many of you not pleasing ; and though several steps
.1 have thought it my duty to take, must appear, to
some of you, unnecessary and troublesome innovations,
I have met with no direct and studied marks of oppo-
sition or ill-will. Your conduct has, in this respect,
been worthy of the politeness and humanity which dis-
tinguish you on other occasions.

The only cause of complaint, or rather of grief,
which you have given me is, that so many of those, to
whom I earnestly desire to be useful, refuse me the
pleasure of seeing them at church on the Lord's day.
My concern does not arise from the want of hearers.
If either a numerous auditory, or the respectable cha-
racters of many of the individuals who compose it,
could satisfy me, I might be satisfied. But I must
grieve, while I see so few of my own parishioners
among them. Let me entreat your favourable atten-
tion, while I respectfully and affectionately expostulate
on this head.

The general design of my ministry in this city,
might, and I trust would, have been answered, if it had
pleased God to place me in some other parish. But
He saw fit to fix me amongst you. This appointment,
as it ought to give you a preference in my regard, and
to make me studiously solicitous to promote your ad-
vantage ; so likewise it gives you a more immediate and
particular interest than others, in the event of my ser-
vices. However little worthy of your notice in any
other view, if I am a servant of God, a minister of the
Lord Jesus Christ, if I speak the truth in love, how
can I but be pained at the thought, that many to whom

A. Token of Affection and Resjtect. 567

the word of salvation is sent* refuse to hear it, and
reject the counsel of God against themselves! !

I am unwilling to suppose, and yet, when I consider
the progress of infidelity in the present day, I cannot
but fear that there may be some amongst you, who
absent themselves from the church, not so much from
a dislike of what may be called my scheme, or ray
sentiments, as from a disregard to religion in general,
at least to the christian religion. I know how to pity
persons of this unhappy turn, for it was too long my
own. It is not only a hazardous, 'but an uncomfortable
state ; for notwithstanding their utmost address and
endeavours, they cannot wholly avoid painful appre-
hensions, lest the Bible, which they wish to be false,
should prove to be the truth. It was thus with me,
and it must, in the nature of things, be thus with every
infidel. To doubt or deny the truth of Christianity is
too common ; but to demonstrate that it is false, is an
utter impossibility. I laboured long in the attempt,
but, when I least expected it, I met with evidence that
overpowered my resistance ; and the Bible which I had
despised, removed my scepticism. He against whom
I had hardened myself, was pleased to spare me; and
I now live to J tell you, that there is forgiveness with
him.

But the greater part of you, I am persuaded, will
agree with me thus far at least, that the Scripture is a
divine revelation. But do not some of vou act incon-
sistently with your acknowledged principles t Can you
reconcile your conduct to the precepts of God, or to
the character of those who fear and love him, as de-
scribed either in the Old or New Testament? If you

* Acts siii. 26. f Luke vii. 30. ± Psal cxxx. 4

Vol. VI. 4 ft

368 A Token of Affection and Respect.

have servants and dependants, you expect to be obey-
ed ; and do you profess yourselves the servants of
God, and yet allow yourselves in the breach of his
known commandments ? The habits of business or
amusement in which you live, not only engross your
time and thoughts during the rest of the week, but in-
dispose you for the due observation of the day which
he has enjoined you to keep holy. You have engage-
ments of another kind, which will not admit of your
stated regular attendance on the public worship of
God; and if you constrain yourself to be present oc-
casionally, the light which a faithful preacher forces
upon your conscience offends you, and makes you will-
ing to catch at every pretence which may furnish you
with the shadow of an excuse for not hearing him
again.

But this is not the character of all who have with-
drawn themselves. Some of you have not forsaken
the public worship ; you attend at other churches, and
are ready to complain that you have been driven from
vour own. If you have candour to allow that possibly
I mean well, yet the manner of my preaching is so
different from what you were formerly accustomed to,
and from what you approve, that after having heard
me, and perhaps more than once, you have been con-
strained to seek new places, and to resign your seats
in your parish church to strangers. It I venture to
plead with you upon this ground, it is not without
being aware of the delicacy of the subject. It will
seem like pleading my own cause. But I am conscious,
that I would not trouble you with a single line in the
way of self-justification, it it were not for your sakes,
and with a desire of obviating such misapprehensions

A Token of Affection ami Respect. 569

as I verily believe you cannot retain without disadvan-
tage to yourselves.

As a protestant minister, and preaching to protestant
hearers, I not only take my text from the Scriptures,
but likewise draw from thence the proofs and illustra-
tions of what l advance in my sermons. I frequently,
yea, constantly appeal to the Bible, the acknowledged
standard and touchstone of religious sentiments. As
a minister of the church of England, when speaking
to the professed members of that church, I might like-
wise appeal to the current doctrine expressed in our
liturgy and articles ; but I seldom do it, because hav-
ing, as I conceive, the highest authority, the holy Scrip-
ture, on my side, I need no other. If you could be
certain, that with respect to the points wherein we
differ, the Scriptures are for you and against me, your
refusal to hear me would be justifiable. But otherwise
it behooves you to be cautious, lest, while you think
you only reject what appears to you novel or imper-
tinent, your contempt should unhappily fall upon the
doctrine of the prophets and apostles, and of Christ
himself. I must magnify my office*. On other occa-
sions, I wish to demean myself as the least of all, and
the servant of all; but when I stand in the pulpit, I
speak in the name and under the authority of Him,
whom we believe will shortly come to be our judge,

and who has said, " He that despiseth you, despiseth

it j. "
mey.

I mean not to take up your time, at present, with a

detail or a discussion of sentiments. I offered a brief

outline of my thoughts and aims, in the first sermon I

* Rom. xi. 1Z f Luke x 16

$70 *3 Token of Affection and Respect.

preached among you, and which was printed solely
with the design of presenting it to you ; though by a
mistake, that gave me pain at the time, it became more
public than I intended. To the profession I then made,
I have by the goodness of God, been enabled invari-
ably to conform, I doubt not but I have spoken the
truth* ; I have endeavoured to speak it in love. It is
true, I have not dared to disguise or palliate my prin-
ciples. I account it a great mercy to me, that I have
not been influenced by the fear or the favour of men.
But my conscience bears me witness, that so far as
truth and duty would admit, I have studied to avoid
whatever might give you offence or pain. When I
came to St. Mary Woolnoth, not being altogether a
stranger to what is called the world, and to the maxims
prevalent in genteel life, I could not promise myself
very genteel acceptance as a preacher. I knew that if
I would be faithful to my conscience, some of my
hearers must be displeased ; but though I was con-
strained to risk your displeasure, I have been solicitous
not to provoke it, or to lay any unnecessary difficulties
either in your way or in my own.

Many persons, whose good sense and liberal edu-
cation exempt or free them from prejudices ot other
kinds, are frequently almost as much under the power
of religious prejudices as the vulgar. We lament this
more than we wonder at it. The reason is obvious.
In temporal concerns they examine and judge for them-
selves. But in religious matters, they are content to let
others judge for them, and, (if I may so speak,) to
swim with the stream of a prevailing opinion. To this

* Eph. iv. 15.

wS Token of Affection and Eespeet. 27*

cause I must ascribe some of the exceptions that are
taken to my ministry.

In almost every age and country where Christianity
has been professed, some hard name or term of re-
proach has been imposed upon those who ventured to
maintain a more evangelical strain of doctrine, or a
stricter course of conduct, than was agreeable to the
spirit of the times in which they lived. Even the
Christian name, honourable as we may now think it,
was used by the heathens, when it first obtained, as a
stigma, a term of the utmost contempt and hatred ;
and Christians were, by common consent, reputed the
off-scouring, and filth of all things*. In a like re-
proachful sense the names of Lollards and Gospellers
were applied by the papists, to those whom God ho-
noured as his instruments in freeing our fore-fathers
from the shackles of popery, by introducing that
light of truth which issued in the reformation. Men
of the same spirit were afterwards branded in pro-
testant nations with the terms Pietist and Puritan. Of
late years the name of Methodist has been imposed as
a mark and vehicle of reproach. I have not hitherto
met with a person who could give me a definition or
precise idea of what is generally intended by this for-
midable word, by those who use it to express their dis-
approbation. Till I do, I am at a loss whether to
confess or deny that I am, (what some account me,) a
methodist. If it be supposed to include any thing,
whether in principle or conduct, unsuitable to the cha-
racter of a regular minister of the church of England,
I may, and I do disown it. And yet it is probable,
that some ol my parishioners heariug, and easily taking

• 1 Car. iv. 13;

57% A Token of Affection and Respect.

it for granted, that I am a methodist, think it a sufficient
proof that it cannot be worth their while to hear me.

That I may not disgust and weary my hearers by
the length of my sermons, I carefully endeavour not to
exceed three quarters of an hour, at those seasons when
I have most reason to hope for the presence of my pa-
rishioners. At other times I allow myself a longer
term ; but even this, I understand, is thought too long.
If I considered my preaching only as a customary ap-
pendage, without which I could not, with a good grace,
collect my dues, we should not long differ upon this
point. So far as brevity would be pleasing, it would
cost me little trouble to please. But if the proper ends
of preaching are to instruct, to admonish, to exhort,
and to persuade ; if the great truths of Scripture are to
be explained, illustrated, and applied ; if the various
known or probable states and cases of the several per-
sons who compose our auditories are to be attended to ;
in a word, if, as a preacher, I am conscientiously to en-
deavour to save myself and them* that hear me ; then
I confess I know not how to answer these ends, were
I to limit myself to a much shorter space than I do.
And sometimes, when my heart has heen deeply im-
pressed with a sense of the worth of souls, the brevity
and uncertainty of life, and the solemnity of that hour
when both preachers and hearers must give an account
of themselves to God, I have, perhaps, in defiance of
my previous determination, been constrained to ex-
ceed it a few minutes, though but seldom. I am per-
suaded you are mistaken, when you think the length of
my discourses is the cause ot your dissatistaction. It is
nojt so much the length, as the subject-matter, that

* 1 Tim. iv. 16.

A Token of Affection and Respect. 573

wearies you. It is possible I could, if I durst, preach
a sermon, which though it exceeded three quarters of
an hour, you would not think too long. Many persons
can afford their attention for several hours to pleaders at
the bar, or to speakers in parliament, without weari-
ness, whose patience is quickly exhausted under a ser-
mon, where the principles of Scripture are plainly en-
forced, and a faithful application of them is addressed
to the conscience. I mean not to vie with the public
speakers you admire. I lay no claim to the honour of
an orator, nor do I expect, or even wish, to engage your
attention by the elegance and modulation of my pe-
riods. If I possessed abilities of this kind, I must de-
cline the use of them. I must speak to the unlearned
as well as to the wise, and therefore my principal aim is
to be understood* Yet I would hope I am not justly
chargeable with speaking nonsense, or expressing my-
self with a levity or carelessness unsuitable to the pul-
pit, or disrespectful to the auditory. But, alas ! there
are too many hearers, who seem more desirous of en-
tertainment, than of real benefit from a sermon ! They
do not act thus in the affairs of common life. Were
they to consult a physician or a lawyer, they would not
be content with having their opinion upon a point of
law, or a case of medicine in which they themselves
had no personal concern. It is their ozcn case they ex-
pect should be considered. But when they come to
church, if the discourse be ingenious, and the elocution
of the preacher agreeable, it suffices; and the less the
subject comes home to their personal concernment, the
more, (in general,) they are pleased with it. That is,
they are disposed to be pleased with the preacher, if he
says nothing to make thrm displeased with themselves.
Another objection which I must likewise treat as a

57b A Token of Affection and Respect.

prejudice is, that I am an extempore preacher. The
practice of reading sermons to a public assembly, has
been hitherto peculiar to the English nation. Bishop
Burnet observes, that it took its rise soon after the
dawn of the reformation amongst us. Latimer and
other great men, whose names, now they are dead, are
mentioned with some respect, were, when living,
treated by many as if they had been methodists.
They were contemptuously styled Gospellers, and
preaching in unquiet times, when there were insurrec-
tions in different parts of the kingdom, they were tra-
duced as our Saviour and his apostles had been before
them, and charged with having a design to foment sedi-
tion by their sermons. This was done with a view of
awakening the suspicion and distrust of Henry VIII.
against them, who was a prince sufficiently jealous of
his authority. The preachers not only disavowed the
charge, but were led to write their discourses, that
they might, if necessary, confute their slanderers, by
producing what they had actually delivered. The
like accusations, and the like suspicions, in some suc-
ceeding reigns, rendered the same precaution expedient.
At length the custom became general and established.
In most, if not in all other parts of Christendom, a man
who should attempt to read his sermon from the pulpit,
would find but few hearers ; he would be judged dis-
qualified for the office of a preacher by his own con-
fession. Insomuch that they who, after having pre-
viously considered their subject, are not able to speak
upon it with some degree of readiness, are obliged not
only to write their sermons, but to submit to the bur-
densome task of committing them to memory ; for
reading them would not be endured. With us, on the
contrary, the prejudice in favour of reading is so

•1 Token of Affection and Respect. 575

strong, that many people can form no expectation
of sense, argument, or coherence, from a man who
preaches without a book. They will require little more
proof of his being unworthy of their notice, than to be
told he is an extempore speaker. Here again, in the
concerns of common life, they judge and act other-
wise. There is little doubt but the theatres would
soon be much less frequented, if the performers were to
appear with books in their hands, and each one to read
his respective part. And perhaps the theatre is the
only place where a public speaker would be much ad-
mired, if it were known that he spoke neither more nor
less than he had previously determined to say. In par-
liamentary debates, and in pleadings in our courts of
justice, the occurrence of unexpected replies and ob-
jections, and other new circumstances, renders it ne-
cessary that a man should be so far master of his sub-
ject and his thoughts, as to be able to accommodate him-
self to those sudden turns, which often lead him into a
train of discussions and arguments, which could not be
premeditated, because the occasions could not be fore-
seen. If this habit and facility of speaking off-hand,
and applying principles of general knowledge to parti-
cular subjects and incidents as they offer, be allowed,
approved, and even required in other public speakers,
why should it be supposed that the preacher is the
only person who cannot, or must not, express his
thoughts, but in that order, and in those words, in
which he has previously written them ? Is not Divinity
a subject sufficiently copious ? Are not the topics which
the Scriptures afford, well suited by their importance,
certainty, and authority, to awaken the strongest emo-
tions, and to draw forth the highest exertions of which
the human mind is capable? Shall the management of
Vol. VI. 4 E

576 A Token of Affection and Respect.

the contested claim of a house or a field, or the inter-
ests of contending political parties, he deemed ot such
consequence as to engage the attention and admiration
of hearers? And shall a minister of the Gospel, \Uitn
called by his office to unfold the wonders of redemption,
or to enlarge on the solemn themes of judgment, hea-
ven, and hell, be thought the <<nly man who has chosen
a subject incapable of justifying his earnestness, or of
furnishing him with such thoughts and expressions up-
on the spot, as the most judicious part of his auditory
need not disdain to hear? Certainly, ii the Bible be true,
a minister must have the advantage of all other persons
who speak in a public character ! His subject is more
weighty, and ol infinitely more concern to his hearers.
He speaks in the name of God, and has an express pro-
mise of the assistance of his Holy Spirit, if not to
supersede his faculties, yet to influence, animate, and
guide them, to bring things seasonably to his remem-
brance, and to applv them to the heart with a divine
energy. We know that it is so in fact; and though
we are slighted, and perhaps despised, by many, there
are others who receive our testimony with joy, and will
acknowledge that what the world esteems the foolish-
ness of preaching*, has, by the blessing of God, made
them wise unto salvationf.

I earnestly entreat you, my beloved friends, seri-
ously to consider these things In the midst of the va-
rious sentiments and opinions which prevail, it is at
least certain that we are all mortal, and that lite is not
only short, but highly precarious. If you believe the
Scriptures, you acknowledge, that after death there is
an appointed judgment, and an unchangeable, everlast-

* 1 Cor. i. 21. t 2 Tim. iii. 15.

A Token of Affection and Respect. 577

frig state. It so, should you not carefully examine the
ground of your hope, and tear even the possibility ot a
mistake, which if not rectified before death, will then
be fatal and without remedy? If you would not sign a
lease or a contract without examining it for yourselves,
why will you venture your eternal concernments im-
plicitly upon the prevailing opinions of those around
your Especially, when our Lord himself has told us,
that whoever may be right, the many are undoubtedly
wrong. For " wide is the gate, and broad is the way,
" that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that
" go in thereat; because straight is the gate, and narrow
"is the way, that leadeth unto life, and Jew there be
" that find it*." If for the present you seem confirmed
in your manner of thinking and living, by the numbers,
names, and examples of those with whom you agree;
yet consider, you must soon be separated from them all.
Not one of them will be able to comfort you in a dying
hour, or to answer for you to God. You may live in
a throng, but you must die alone. Religious subjects
are seldom the chosen topics of conversation, in v\hat
is usually called goud company; if occasionally intro-
duced, how superficially are they treated, yet how
peremptorily are they decided upon, and then how
readily dismissed ! But sooner or later their importance
will be known. The Scripture is the rule by which we
must all be judged at last ; it is therefore our wisdom
to judge ourselves by it now. Would you be per-
suaded to do this, praying to God for that assistance
which you need to direct your inquiries, and which he
has promised he will afford to them that ask him, it
would have a happy effect upon your principles and

* Mutt, vu- 1.1

57 S «3 Token of Affection and Respect.

your peace. Search and read for yourselves, if the
Scripture does not speak to all* mankind as in a state
of condemnation ; if it affords us any hope of deliver-
ance but for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christf ; if it
intimates any method of being saved through him, but
by a faith J wrought by the operation of God, and
evinced by a temper of love, and a habit of cheerful
obedience to his precepts^: if these points, which com-
prise the general scope of my preaching, are contained
and taught in the Bible, they ought not to be spoken
against.

I can have no interest to forward by this address,
except that interest which I feel in your welfare. I
have no favour to solicit from you, but that you would
attend to the things which pertain to your eternal hap-
piness. I can truly say, I seek not yours, but you ||.
Though I am not indifferent to your good opinion, so
far as respects my integrity and moral character, yet it
is a small thing with me to be judged of man's judg-
ment ; nor would your united approbation content me,
except I could hope it was founded in your cordial ac-
ceptance of the Gospel which I preach. I have taken
this method, as it seemed the only one in my power, of
acquainting some of you with my sentiments, which yet
it highly concerns you to know ; not because they are
mine, but, (I speak it with confidence,) because they are
true, and of the utmost consequence. However amiable
and benevolent in your private characters, except you
are born again**, born from above, delivered from the
love and spirit of the wordff, and made partakers of the

* Rom. iii. 19. f Acts iv. 12. i Mark. xvi. 16.

§ Col. ii. 12. Cul. v. 6. 1 Pet. i. 2. j 2 Cor. xii. 14.

••John iii. 3. ft" Gal '• *■

A Token of Affection and JUspect, 579

love and spirit of the Lord Jesus*, you cannot be ac-
cepted of him in the great approaching day of his ap-
pearance. My heart longs for your salvation ; but
whether you will hear, or whether you will forbear, I
must take your consciences to witness, that I have
been faithful to you. If after this, (which may God
forbid !) any should perish, I am clear of their bloodf.
Permit me to make one request- It is not likely that
I shall ever trouble you in this way again, and there-
fore 1 would entreat you to preserve this paper. If it
makes no impression on you at present, a more favour-
able season may come. If you pay but little attention
to it in your prosperity, a time of affliction may invite
you to peruse it again. If you regard it not while I am
living, you may, should you survive me, read it more
carefully after my decease. It is however probable, that
some of you will not survive me. Death may be even
at your door. If the thought of such a visitant be un-
welcome to you, it is owing to a secret consciousness
that you are not prepared for it, and therefore you seek
refuge from the painful apprehension, in a round of
business or pleasure; perhaps, for the present, with too
much success. Yet sooner or later, the hour, you
dread must come. " It is appointed for all men once
" to die, and after death the judgment." There we
shall all meet. May the Lord God so influence your
minds now, that our meeting then may be comfortable
and happy !

Thus far I have written chiefly to those who absent
themselves from the church. But I thank God I am
not wholly deserted by my parishioners. With regard
to those who have patience and candour to hear me. I

* Rom. via. 9. j Acts xx. 26.

580 «# Token of JLjfection and ReepecL

have a hope that what may now seem harsh and diffi-
cult in my sermons, may hereafter approve itself to
their judgment. No person in the congregation can
be more averse from the doctrines which I now preach
than I myself once was. This gives me encouragement
for others, especially when they are willing to attend on
the means which God has promised to bless. For
faith cometh by hearing*. If I have at any time, con-
trary to rny intention, uttered a single sentence in my
own spirit, or that might give themjust cause of offtnce,
I should be glad, if I knew it, to ask their pardon.

Some of you there are, (may God increase the num-
ber,) who not only hear, but approve, because they
have an experience in their own hearts that I speak the
truth. They have felt the evil of sin. and the necessity
of a Saviour. They have received the record God has
given of his Son, and place their whole dependence
upon him, as their wisdom, righteousness, sanctifica-
tion, and redemption! To these I can address myself
with more freedom. You know the difficulties of my
situation, and will assist me with your prayers I trust
likewise you will assist me by your conduct, and that
your lives and conversations will contribute to stop the
mouths of gainsayers, and constrain them to acknow-
ledge that the doctrines of grace, which I preach,
when rightly understood and cordially embraced, are
productive of peace, contentment, integrity, benevo-
lence,, and humility. Manv eyes are upon you, watch-
ing tor your halting, and seeking occasion by your mis-
carriages, if they can observe any, to speak evil of the
way ol trutlrj;. May the grace otour Lord Jesus Christ
enable you to disappoint them, and make them ashamed !

• Rom. x. 17. j x Cor- l sa * 2 Pet »■ 9-

A Token of Affection and "Respect, 581

We must expect some opposition, many temptations
and trials ; but we are engaged in a good cause, and
we have a mighty Saviour, a compassionate friend, a
prevailing advocate. He knows your path ; he sees
your conflicts. And he has engaged to support, to
guide, and to guard you, and at length to mak^ you
more than conquerors*, and to bestow upon you a
crown of everlasting lifef.

I am your affectionate servant,

John Newton.
Host on, Nov. 1, 1781.

Bom. viii. 3" \ Rev. ii. 10,

A LETTER

POLITICAL DEBATE

Printed in the Year 1793.

*

Vol. VI. 4 F

TO

The Rev. D**** w#*#**#^*«

Dear and Reverend Sir,

T

HE kind present of your book, and your kind inten-
tion in addressing your sermons to me by name, de-
served a more early acknowledgment. I am pleased
with every mark of regard from a Christian brother,
though I could have wished not to be held up to public

notice : and Mr. J 1, who likewise meant well,

has made the business a little more awkward to me by
styling me Doctor, an honour which the newspapers in-
formed me, (for I have no official intelligence,) has been
conferred upon me by the college of Prince-town, in
America. However, by the grace of God, I am de-
termined not to assume the title of Doctor, unless I
should receive a diploma from a college in the New
Settlement at Sierra Leone. The dreary coast of
Africa was the university to which the Lord was
pleased to send me, and I dare not acknowledge a re-
lation to any other.

I need not express my approbation of your sermons
in stronger terms than by saying, that 1 have seldom
met with any thing more congenial to my own senti-
ments and taste. I read them with great satislae-
tiort.

586 On Political Delate.

Though I have very little time for reading, had your
whole volume consisted of such sermons, I should
have gone through it much sooner : but your lectures
on Liberty, though ingenious and well Written, were
not so interesting to me. It was therefore longer be-
fore I could find leisure to finish them ; and this has
occasioned the delay of my letter ; for I thought it
would be premature to write till I could say I had read
them.

I hope I am a friend to liberty, both civil and reli-
gious, but I fear you will hardly allow it, when I say,
I think myself possessed of as much of these blessings
at present, as I wish for. I can, indeed, form an idea
of something more perfect ; but I expect no perfection
in this state : and, when I consider the Lord's question,
" Shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as
" this?'' I cannot but wonder that such a nation as this
should still be favoured with so many privileges, which
we still enjoy and still abuse.

Allow me to say, that it excites both my wonder and
concern, that a minister, possessed of the great and im-
portant views expressed in your two sermons, should
think it worth his while to appear in the line of a poli-
tical writer, or expect to amend our constitution or si-
tuation, by proposals of a political reform. When I
look around upon the present state of the nation, such
an attempt appears to me no less vain and unseasonable,
than it would be to paint a cabin while the ship is sink-
ing, or a parlour when the house is already on fire.
My dear Sir, my prayer to God for you is, that he may
induce you to employ the talents he has given you in
pointing out sin as the great cause and source of every
existing evil, and to engage those who love and fear

On Political Delate, 587

him, instead of losing time in political speculation, for
which very few of them are tolerably competent, to
sigh and cry for our abounding abominations, and to
stand in the breach, by prayer, that, if it may be, wrath
may yet be averted, and our national mercies pro-
longed. This, I think, is the true patriotism, the best,
if not the only way, in which persons in private life can
serve their country. For the rest, there will be always
dead to bury the dead. The instruments whom the
Lord employs in political matters are usually such as
are incapable of better employment. All things and
persons serve him ; but there are services under the di-
rection of his providence which are not good enough
for his own children. They belong to a kingdom which
is not of this world ; they are strangers and pilgrims
upon earth, and a part of their scriptural character is,
that they are the " quiet in the land."

The reasoning for a more equal representation in
parliament is specious ; but, while infidelity and profli-
gacy abound among rich and poor ; while there is such
a general want of principle and public spirit among all
ranks ; I apprehend, that, whatever changes might take
place in this business, no real benefit will follow. The
consequence would rather be the introduction of per-
jury, bribery, drunkenness, and riot, into towns, which
have hitherto been more exempted from them than the
boroughs. As the numbers of buyers increased, so
would the number of those who are willing to be sold
And I know that many judicious people in Birmingham
and Manchester are so sensible of this, that they would
be sorry to have elections among them, though there are
exceptions. I have so poor an opinion of the bulk both
of the electors and the elected, that, I think,, if the seats

388 On Political Debate.

in the house of commons could be determined by a lot-
tery, abundance of mischief and wickedness might be
prevented, and perhaps the nation might be represented
to as much advantage by this as by any other method ;
but these are not my concerns.

The position, that, if the body of a people are ag-
grieved, they have a right to redress themselves, must
be much limited and modified before I can reconcile it
to Scripture. I am not fond of despots ; but I think,
if ever there was one upon earth, Nebuchadnezzar was
a despot. Whom he would he slew, and whom he
would he kept "alive ; whom he would he set up, and
whom he would he put down; Dan. v. ]8, 19. Yet
Jeremiah declares, that the Lord had given him this
despotic power, and had commanded all the nations to
serve him. Surely, if you and I had been there,
(knowing what we know now,) we should not have dis-
puted this command, nor have excited the people, how-
ever oppressed, to shake off the yoke which God him-
self had put upon them : and if, for our sins, the Lord
should put us under the power of the Russians, I should
rather look to him than to man for deliverance.

I think a heathen said, "The day which deprives a
t% man of his liberty, robs him of half his virtues." If
T \\ps a heathen I should say so too. But the Gospel
teaches me otherwise. The apostle expected that be-
lieving servants, who at that time, I suppose, were
chiefly bond servants or slaves, would act from nobler
principles, and aim at a more sublime end, than the
conception of philosophers had ever reached to. That
they would act from a regard to the glory of God our
Saviour, and to the honour of bis Gospel ; Tit. ii. 10. ;
1 Tim. vi. 1. ; and elsewhere he says, 1 Cor. vii. SI.

On Political Bebaie. 589

" Art thou called, being a servant ? care not for it : but
" it thou mayst be made free use it rather." If Divine
Providence ofters you a manumission, accept it with
thankfulness ; if not, it is but a trifle to you, who are
already the Lord's freed man ; and, in your most servile
employments, if submitted to for his sake, you are ac-
cepted of him no less than if you were placed in the
most honourable and important stations. The Chris-
tian, however situated, must be free indeed, for the
Son of God has made him so. On the other hand, you
and I, dear sir, know how much they are to be pitied
who are frantic for what they call liberty, and consider
not that they are in the most deplorable bondage, the
slaves of sin and Satan, and subject to the curse ot the
law and the wrath of God. Oh ! for a voice to reach
their hearts, that they may know themselves, and seek
deliverance from their dreadful thraldom. Satan has
many contrivances to amuse them, and to turn their
thoughts from their real danger ; and none seem more
ensnaring, in the present day, than to engage them in
the cry, " Great is the Diana Liberty !" May you
and I labour with success so direct them to the one
thing, which is absolutely needful, and abundantly suf-
ficient. The Socinians are rather the most forward in
this cry ; which I tear will have a baneful influence
upon the power of religion among the more evangelical
dissenters. An agreen-ient in political sentiments pro-
duces much cordiality and intercourse between those
who, in point of doctrine, have stood at the greatest
distance. And already, in some pulpits, (proh dolor!)
a description of the rights of man occupies much of the
time which used to be employed in proclaiming the
glory and grace of the Saviour and the rights of God
to the love and obedience oi his creatures.

S90 On Political Debate.

As to the revolution in France, I suppose no humane
person was sorry when the Bastile was destroyed, and
the pillars of their oppressive government shaken.
The French had then a great opportunity put into
their hands. I pretend not to judge of the political
merit of their constitution : but, if I approved it in
other respects, I durst not praise it so strongly as you
do, while I knew it was planted in atheism, and has
been watered with deluges of human blood ; while I
knew it began in insult to Christianity, and aimed at
its abolition.

However, their first admired constitution is now at
an end, and has no more force than the repeated oaths
by which they bound themselves to maintain it. And
now, not content with pleasing themselves, they are
aiming to force their schemes upon the surrounding na-
tions. I should call this Quixotism in the extreme, if
I did not consider them as saws and hammers in the
hand of the Lord. So far as they are his instruments
they will, succeed, but not an inch further. Their
wrath shall praise him, to the full extent of its acting,
and be subservient to his designs ; the remainder of it
he will restrain. And, when he maketh inquisition for
the blood they have wantonly shed, and for their de-
fiance of his great name, neither their phantom liberty,
nor their idol Voltaire, will screen them from his
notice.

I am sorry for your severe censures on the present
administration. For, when I compare the state of the
nation in the year 1733, or at the time of the king's
illness, with what it is now, I cannot but think that the
providence of God raised up Mr. Pitt for the good
of these kingdoms, and that no man could do what he
has done, unless a blessing from on high had been upon

A Letter on Political Debate. 591

his counsels and measures. I speak simply ; having
nothing to hope, or, as I think, to tear from men in
power, I am not concerned to vindicate t!ie conchxt of
ministry in the lump ; but I believe, though it be easy
to draw up theories and schemes in 'the closet, which
may look very pretty and plausible upon paper, diffi-
culties will occur in the administration of a great
people, which can scarcely be conceived of by persons
in private life. And, with respect to Britain at present,
I believe, if the prophet Daniel was at the head of
our affairs, or if all our ministers were angels, the cor-
ruption and venality of the times would labour hard to
counteract their designs.

There is no new thing under the sun. When I read
Sallust's account of the Jugurthine war, I seem to read,
(mutatis mutandis,) our own history. The wealth and
luxury which followed the successes of Lucullus in
Asia soon destroyed all appearance of public spirit in
Rome. Our acquisitions in the East have had a similar
effect. I know some persons who, alter giving full
proof of their incompetency to manage their own pri-
vate affairs, after having ruined their families by dissi-
pation, and stained their characters by fraud and bank-
ruptcy, have presently set up for national reformers.
I am very sorry they should seem to have the sanction
of such a name as yours.

I know not even the names of the gentlemen who
compose the society of " the friends of the people, "
and consequently have no prejudice against their cha-
racters. But you yourself are sorry, and seem sur-
prised that they should adopt an eulogium upon Air.
Paine. I am sorry likewise, but I am not surprised.
Ex pede Herculem ! I rely more upon this feature,

Vol. VI. 4 G

592 A Letter on Political Debate.

than on all their declarations. When you say that,
allowing them to be men of penetration, nothing more
is necessary to establish the purity of their intentions,
it sounds very strange to me, when I consider if as the
sentiment of the author of the two sermons which I
have read with so much pleasure. Surely it cannot
accord with your knowledge of human nature !

When our Lord was upon earth, he refused to be a
judge or a divider. And he said afterwards, " My
" kingdom is not of this world ; if it were, then would
" my servants fight." I should think, as Peter thought,
that if any thing could have justified resistance in a
disciple, that was the time when Jesus was apprehend-
ed by wicked men, to be condemned and crucified ;
but his master rebuked his zeal. I think that, as
Christians, we have nothing to expect from this world
but tribulation, no peace but in him. If our lot be
so cast that we can exercise our ministry free from
stripes, fines, imprisonment, and death, it is more than
the Gospel has promised us. If Christians were quiet
when under the government of Nero and Caligula, and
when persecuted and hunted like wild beasts, they
ought to be not only quiet but very thankful now. It
Avas then accounted an honour to sutler for Christ. Of
late, the rights of man are pleaded as a protection from
the offence of the cross.

Had I been in France some time as;o, and if bv
going between the contending parties I could have re-
conciled them, I certainly ought to have done it. But
to take a part in their disputes myself, and to become
openly and warmly a Jacobin or a Feuillant, would
be ridiculous in me, if all my connexions and interests
were in England, and I expected in a few weeks to

A Letter on Political Debate. 593

leave France for ever. In this view I consider myself
now. If I had wisdom or influence to sooth the angry
passions of mankind, whether whigs or tories, I would
gladly employ them ; but, as to myself, I am neither
whig nor tory, but a friend to both. I am a stranger,
and a pilgrim. My rioxmi^a, my charter, my rights,
my treasures are, I hope, in heaven, and there my
heart ought to be. In less than a few weeks I may be
removed, (and perhaps suddenly,) into the unseen
world, where all that causes so much bustle upon earth
at present, will be no more to me than the events which
took place among the antediluvians. How much then
does it import me, to be found watching, with my loins
girded up, and my lamp burning, diligently engaged in
my proper calling ! For the Lord has not called me
to set nations to right, but to preach the Gospel, to pro-
claim the glory of his name, and to endeavour to win
souls. Happy is that servant, whom his Lord, when
he cometh, shall find so doing ! In the hour, when
death shall open the door into eternity, many things
which now assume an air of importance, will be found
light and unsubstantial as the baseless fabric of a
vision.

I know not whether the length and freedom of my
letter may not require an apology, as much as my long
silence. But, as I give you full credit for what you
say of your candour towards those who differ from you
in sentiment, I am the less apprehensive of offending
you. From the perusal of your sermons, I have con-
ceived a great respect and affection for you. Though
we may not meet upon earth, I trust we shall meet
where all are perfectly of one mind. In the mean
time, I set you down in my heart as a friend and a

594 4 Letter on Political Debate.

brother. As I was forced to write, both duty and love
obliged me to be faithful and free in giving you my
thoughts.

I recommend you to the care and blessings of the
great Shepherd and Saviour, and remain for his sake,
Reverend Sir,
Your affectionate friend and brother,

J.N.

INDEX.

.A.ARON's behaviour on the loss of his
sons, iv. 266.

Abbadie Mr. reflections of on our ig-
norance respecting the doctrine of the
Trinity, iv. 308.

Abel, cause of the death of, iv. 73.

Abdiel, Milton's character of applica-
ble to the believer, i. 464.

Abraham, in what sense tempted by
God, i. 488.

— justified by faith in the promised seed,
iv. 9.

— highly favoured by God, iv. 82.

— and the other patriarchs, shepherds,
iv. 150.

— rejoiced to see Christ's day, iv. 436.

— principal propertiesofthefaithof,v.504.
Access to God, none but by Christ, ii. 540.
Accidents, consoling considerations un-
der, vi. 367.

— happen by divine appointment, vi. 368.

— anecdote of a pious woman, suffering
under, vi. 369.

Accommodation, a usefid way of preach-
ing, iv. 261.

Acquaintance, extensive, ensnaring, v. 81.

Actions, no real goodness in the most
specious, unless performed to the glory
of God, i. 431.

Acts of Apostles, the only certain history
of apostolic age, iii. 113.

Ada m, in what sense he died the moment
he eat forbidden fruit, i. 540.

— lost not rationalitybut spirituality ,i. 541.

— consequences of his fall, iv. 6. 64. 70.
76. 326. 435. 460.

— received a promise of the Redeemer,
iv. 188. 326. 436.

— fall of, foreseen and provided for, iv.
236. 459.

Addison, Mr. supposes imagination
alone capable of producing happiness
or misery, i. 480.

Address to the inhabitants of Olney,
vi. 547.

Addresses to careless sinners, ii. 446.

— to mourners, ii. 446.

— to weary aud heavy laden, ii. 457.
AUvfiovnv, meaning of, iv. 253. vi. 213.
Adiaphora, disquisition concerning na-
ture and limits of unnecessary, i. 507.

Ado x a i, a name of God, iv. 44.
Advantage of reviewing our past history,
i. 5.

Advent the Greats sermon,v. 225.
Advent of Christ, good grounds on which

believers should rejoice at the prospect

of the second, v. 233.
Advocate, Christ our, vi. 66.
Affection, token of, to the inhabitants of

St. Mary Woolnoth, vi. 563.
Affections, on the snares and comforts of

social and relative, vi. 480.
Afflictions, advantages of, ii. 22. 198. 217.

vi. 33. 36. 71.

— appointed by God,i. 488. ii. 432. vi. 192.

— consolations under, vi. 217. 223.

— our duty under, ii. 25.

— light compared to the glories of heaven ,
iv. 12. 77. 269. vi. 379.

— trials of fai th, not tokens of displeasure,
iv. 239.

— necessary in our present state, iv. 534.
vi. 338.

— our future dews of, vi. 35.

— why appointed, i. 488. ii. 432. iii. 60.

— the fruit of sin, iv. 11.

Africans, civilized state of the native, vi.

533.
African slave coast, description of, i. 40.

vi. 521.
Africa, author's first voyage to, v. 317.

— second voyage to, v. 389.

— third voyage to, v. 440.
African Slave Trade, thoughts

upon the, vi. 518.

impolicy of, vi. 523.

— — dangers attending, vi. 524.

immoral tendency of, vi. 528.

cruelties of, vi. 530. See Slaves.

Agrippa, king, almost persuaded to be
a christian, iii. 181.
See Herod Agrippa.

Aygtvv, explained, iii. 49.

Ayuvia, meaning of, iv. 253.

AHiTHOPHEL,counselof,toAbsalom,iv.
431.

Alchymv, the time, i. 431.

\lexander the Great, an instru-
ment to prepare Messiah's way, iv. 23.

— anecdote of, improved, vi. 94.
Alienation from God, a consequence of

the fall, iv. 72.
All things given us with

Christ, sermon on, ii. 305.
Allegorical interpretation, should be

used with caution, iv. 260.
Alleine, Joseph, account of, referred

to, i. 111.

506

INDEX.

America, reflections on our contest
with, i. 4(57. vi. 283.

— principal events intended to promote
the accomplishment of the prophecies,
iv. 413.

— present state of the gospel in, iv. 420.
— reflections on late revolution in, iv. 4.3 I.
Amusements, polite, danger of, i. 513. ii.

133.

Ananias the high-priest commands
Paul to be smitten, iii. 171.

Ananias and Sapphira, awful
judgment on, iii. 83.

Av«.Ki$a.\iai<;u7$a.i, meaning of, iv. 316.

Anatomy, spiritual, the study of the hu-
man heart, i. 442.

Avaxauffu, meaning of, ii. 471.

Anecdote of a pious woman suffering un-
der a broken bone, vi. 369.

— of Alexander the Great, vi. 94.

— of Dr. Butler, bishop of Durham, vi.
461.

r— of Dr. Conyers, i. 560. v. 174.

— of dying persons, i. 444. ii. 173. vi. 305.

— of a dissenting minister, v. 15.

— of a young woman, vi. 93.

— of the great Selden, vi. 209.
Angel, message and song of, iv. 115.
Angels, on the ministry of, i. 382.

— how we should endeavour to resemble,
i. 475.

— lightinwhich would view earthly things
if resident here, i. 476.

— admire the work of redemption, i. 477.

— not so indebted to grace as believers, i.
478.

— difference between their holiness and
that of sinners, ii. 41.

— cannot preach the Gospel so well as
men, iii. 102.

— cannot join in song of the redeem-
ed, iv. 92. 316. 540. 557.

— contemplate incessantly Christ cruci-
fied, iv. 101.

— desire to look into the mysteries of re-
demption, iv. 213.

— confirmation of those who continue
holy is in Christ, iv. .316.

— worship ChriBt as Lord of all, vi. 316.
as the Lamb that was slain, iv. 558.

— their chorus, iv. 556.

— diversity of ranks and orders ami
iv. 558. "

— styled the elect angels, i>. 572.

— the ministers of the Almighty, iv. 57.3.

— regard the human rate with benevo-
lence, iv. 573.

— perhaps present in our worshipping
assemblies, iv. 574. vi. .?7;.

— fallen, no redemption for, iv. 316.
finger unbecoming the followers ul Je-
st!", ii. 1.

Anger against sin, lawful, i. 37 •£.

Animals, wonderful instinct of, iv. 40J.

Antichrist, fall of predicted, iv. 422.

A N T i x o m I a ns, account of the true, iii.
288.

Antinomianism, St. Paul probably accus-
ed of, iii. 288.

Axtioch, state of, at different periods,
ii. 292.

— present state, a warning to us, ii. 295.

— Gospel, when first preached at, iii. 107.
Avrirxo-a-iTai, meaning of, ii. 327.
ATozugadoxta explained, i. 303.
Apostesy, final, every sin tends towards

it, i. 396.

— the root of, is a disposition to question
the divine appointments, ii. 51.

A pol los meets with Paul, iii. 147.

— goes to Corinth, iii. 147.
Apostles, their exhortation,!. 402.

— characters and callings of, previous to
ascension, iii. 52.

— delivered by miracle, iii. 84.
by advice of Gamaliel, iii. 85.

— scourged, iii. 85.
rejoice under disgrace, iii. 86.

— separate to preach gospel in various
districts, iii. 113.

— great uncertainty in the accounts of
their labours, iii. 194.

— competent witnesses of Christ's re-
surrection, iv. 451.

Apostolical Fathers inferior to many pro-

testant divines, iii. 211.
Application to Christ, implied in coming

to, ii. 460.
Aqvila and Priscilla meet with

Paul, iii. 142.
Archimedes, enthusiasm of, iv. 105.
Arithmetic, scriptural, what it teaches,

i. 468.
Ark, probably many assisted in building

who perished in waters, v. 222.
Arm ini an, the term very indiscrimi-
nate, i. 5 16.
Articles of faith, propriety of subscription

to some, i. 522.

— of church of England, favour Calvin-
ism, vi. 204.

Asia, tendency of late events in, iv. 413.
Assurance of .Faith, sermouoii the,
ii. 583.

— thoughts on the, vi. 46.3.

— of acceptance attainable in this life,
i. 4S3.

— the result of competent spiritual
knowledge, ii. 593.

— dii lints h\ grieving the spirit, i. 4Si.

— grows by repeated conflict, ii. 176.

— hindered b) pride and unbelief, VI. 468.

— no; good For us, until we know some.
Ihin ' '--• »>. V71.

INDEX.

597

Assurance of F a i t h , invariably pro-
duces good fruits, \i. 472.

— not essential to being of faith, i. 179.
359. ii. 586.

Assurance hindred by insincerity, indo-
le!.i- -, misapprehension, &c. ii. 590.

— on what St. Paul's rested, ii. 590.

— humbles the sou!, -vi. 13.

— inconsistent with a careless and trifling
Spirit, vi. 4'.'.

— striking instance of, in a person dan-
gerously ill, ii. 173.

— different opinions on, ii. 581.

A ssurance and faith rest on same grounds,
ii. 58'.

Assurance of hope, nature of considered,
iv. 440.

Athanasian creed, damnatory clauses of
the, justified, i. 521.

Atheism, guilt the parent of, iv. 65.

Atheists, seldom met with but where
the Bible is known, iv. 87.

Atonement, belief of, necessary to com-
prehend the gospel, iii. 23.

— perfections of God glorified in, iv 188.

— efficacy pf complete, iv. 189.

depends on the character of Christ,

iv. 507.

— doctrine of fundamental, iv. 448.

— essential to the Gospel, v. 200.

— necessity of, vi. 247.

Attributes of God offensive to carnal
mind, ii. 413.

Augustine, Confessions of, recom-
mended, vi. 211.

appealed to, iv. 227.

— said by some to be the first who held
election, iv. 517.

Acci'STis, the beautiful lines of Horace
to, impious and idolatrous; but per-
fectly becoming the mouth of a chris-
tian, addressing himself to God, i. 434.

Austerus, character of, i. 347.

Author, narrative of the, i. 1.

preface to the, i. 4.

— birth and parentage of, i 12. 13.

— loses his mother, i. 13.

— sent to school, i. 13.

— goes to sea, i. 14.

— is settled in Spain, i. 14.

— providential deliverances of, i. 15. 78.
89.

— partial reformations of, i. 1 5.

— meets with Shaftesbury's Character-
istics, i. 17.

— goes into Kent, and falls in love, i.
18. 19.

— first interview with Mrs. N. v. So7.

— sails to Venice, i. 22.

— remarkable dream of, i. 24.

— impressed and sent on board flie Har-
wich, i. 27. v. 307.

Author meets with an infidel compa-.
nion, i. 27.

— deserts his ship, retaken, degrade^
and punished, i. 29.

— sails to Madeira, i. 33.

— enters on board a Guinea ship, i. 35.

— arrives in Africa, i. 36.

— determines to remain in Africa, i. 37.

— undergoes great hardships, i. 42.

— obtains deliverance, i. 47.

— returns to England, i 53.

— in danger of shipwreck, i. 57.

— alarmed w ith a sense of sin and led tt>
pray, i. 61.

— obtains further views of religion, i. 67.

— arrives in England, i. 71.

— obtains his father's consent to marry,
i. 71.

— goes out as mate to Africa, i. 75.

— studies various languages, i. 77. 84. 103

— sails to Antigua, i. 79.

— returns to England and marries, i. 81.

— remarks of acquaintance on his mar-
riage, v. 365.

— sails as captain to Africa, i. 83. 93.

— seized with a fit, i. 97.

— obtains the office of tide surveyor at
Liverpool, i. 100.

— applies for ordination, i. 105.

— ordained, v. 541.

— picture of, described, vi. 101.

— received not the gospel from man, vi.
152.

— reasons why not a dissenter, v. 23. 43.
51. 55.

— God's merciful dealings with, vi. 75.

— experience and desires of, vi.29. 30. 90.

— an avowed Calvinist, vi. 278.
Authority of Christ, Sermon on,

ii. 426.

B.

Babes, term justly applicable to true
Christians, ii. 400.

Backsliders, mournful feelings of, ii. 567.

Backwardness to prayer and reading the
scriptures, exhortation against, ii. 56.

Bai ■ e i ;.: , Mr. marty rdom of, iv. 1 72.

Baptism-, that of Christ and of John dif-
ferent, v. 39.

Baptists, differences in church gov-
ernment among, v. 40.

Barabbas, preferred by the Jews to
Christ, iv. 199.

Barn abas, preaches at Antioch, iii. 108.

— carries, with Saul, alias to Jerusa-
lem, iii. 112.

— dissembles with Peter, iii. 125.

— takes Mark and sails to Cypms,iii. 127.
Barren ^ig-u-ecjof what emblematic,! v. 53.
Uax Teh, Mr. character of, i. 628.

— some passages of his writings recom-
mended, i 629.

598

INDEX.

Babylon, mystical destruction of, iv. 401.

Bede, venerable, his singular exception
to the good character of a cotempory,
ii. 235.

Begotten, term applied to Christ's incar-
i tjon and resurrection iv. 311.

Believers cautioned against miscon-
duct, :. sermon, ii. 503.

— absolute, submission of, to God's will,
iv. 143.

— abstain from inexpedient things i. 509.

— accept Messiah as the ground of agree-
ment between God and man, iv. 506.

— a knowledge of God their only proper
ground of glory and joy, i. 425.

— address to, ii. 436. 447.

— advantage they derive from reliance
on God's all sufficiency, i. 419.

— afflictions of, outweighed by Gospel
blessings, iv. 10. 11. 14. vi. 33. 71. 379.

trials of faith, not tokens of dis-
pleasure, iv. 239.

— all-sufficient plea, of, iv. 325.

— all things will work together for good,
ii. 140.

— are always learning, iv. 178. vi. 134.

— ambassadors of Christ, vi. 109.

— anticipate by faith the joys above, iv.
327.

— approach to God by faith, iv. 37.

— assurance of tribulation, a mark of
their adoption, iv. 486.

— attached to Christ by his love, iv. 268.

— benefits they derive from persecution,
iv. 51.3.

— blessedness, in what their present con-
sists, i. 482.

— blessedness of those already dcfid, iv.
566.

— character of, i. 359. vi. 31 7.

— characters of, best collected from that
of Christ, iv. 135.

— charitable to those who differ from
them, i. 504.

— Christ ever present with them, iv. 179.

— Christ in them the hope of glory, iv.
333.

— Christ's personal presence not essen-
tial to their earthly happiness, iv. 415.

— comfort of, that they are not under
the law but under grace, i. 423.

— communion with the Lord an impor-
tant part of their blessedness, i. 485.

— compared to sheep, vi. 191.
a tree, i. 637. ii. 141.

— conduct of, judged harshly of by the
world, ii. 509.

— coiiflictstliogreatcauseoftheir,i. 65S.

— all lead to victory, vi. 155.

— conformed to Christ's spirit, iv. 85.

— more than conquerors by faith, iv.
. B.^OO. vi. 155.

Believers crucified to the world by
cross of Christ, iv. 269.

— death of precious in God's sight, it.
512.

a sleep in Jesus, iv 225,

— delivered from guilt by faith in
Christ's atonement, iv. 268.

— derive life and fruitfulness from
Christ, iv. 237.

— description of, i 399.

— dignity and happinss of, usually most
risible at a dying hour, vi. 431.

— the disciples of Christ, iv. 176. 182.

— draw the water of salvation from the
Bible by prayer, ii. 190.

— the elect of Christ, iv. 191.

— enemies, why not overcome by, iv.
240.

— evidences of truly humble, i. 417.

— experience, in what their consists, iv.
S-?A .

— the flock of Christ, iv. 153. 189.

— glorious privileges of, vi. 110.

— God not less glorified by their obedi-
ence than that of Gabriel, ii. 41.

— God's purpose in favour of, cannot be
disappointed, i. 415.

— God their father, iv. 39.

— God their happiness, and heaven their
home, iv. 39. 125.

— God's husbandry, vi. 65.

— the good of explained, ii. 505.

— grieved with sins of others,and thus dis-
tinguished from mere professors, i. 372.

— have experimental evidence of Christ's
resurrection, iv. 456.

— happiness of, when released from the
body, iv. 466.

— happiness of in Christ, iv. 39. 51. 109.
131.

a branch of the joy set before

Christ, iv. 213.

depends not on local circumstan-
ces, iv. 414.

heightened by previous misery, iv.

91.

— highest love of, to Christ, beneath
what they owe, ii. 224.

— how Christ's condescension should
affect them, iv. 433.

— how they should walk with God in
the daily occurrences of life, i. 429.

— hope their unshaken ground of,i. 423.

— honour they derive from Christ's ex-
altation, iv.318.

— inconsistency of, accounted for, i. 400.

— intercession of Christ renders their
prayers prevalent, iv. 532.

— inheritance secure against all calami-
lies, vi. 343.

— in what sense inspired by the Holy
Spirit, i. i. I

INDEX.

599

Believers, in what sense should endea-
vour to be as the angels now, i. 475.

— irradiated by Christ, iv. 84.

— knowledge of not merely speculative,
iv. 143.

— life of, a continual warfare, iv. 465. 484.
—living members of the mystical church,

iv. 406.

— love of, a decided mark of true reli-
gion, v. 511.

— many true, have not assurance, i. 35.
359.

— marks by which, may judge whether
they truly love the Lord, ii. 176. vi.
176.

— Messiah, their complete justification,
iv. 238.

— motives of, for confidence in the Lord,
iv. 432. 506.

— numbers small in comparison of unbe-
lievers, iv. 360.

— object is, that God may be glorified in
and by them, i. 430.

— on what supposition, involved in guilt
of idolatry, iv. 309.

— of all ages and countries entertain in
general similar views, vi. 151.

— opposition they are to expect, iv. 509.

— former opposition to the gospel, a
proof of doctrine of election, iv. 520.

— partakers of divine nature, iv. 136.

— peculiar spirit required in, iu times of
prevailing degeneracy, i. 512.

— perfections of Christ adequate to all
their wants, i. 498.

— perplexities of, arise from undue at-
tachment to self, i. 432.

— the people of Christ, iv. 191.

— persuasion of their acceptance attain-
able in tins life, i. 483.

— prove that they are a saved people,
iv. 136. 141.

— primitive not faultless, but sincere, iii.
70.

— gradually advanced under Christ's
teaching, iii. 71.

— predestinated to adoption, iv. 191.

— privilege of, a term often misunder-
stood, i. 143.

— greatness of their privileges, iv. 433.

— recollection of Christ's sufferings
causes them to glory in tribulation,
iv. 223. 268.

— rendered benevolent by Christ's ex-
ample, i. 503.

— renounce all confidence in the flesh,
iv. 126.

— rest of, in Christ, ii. 469.

— resurrection of Christ, pattern and
pledge of theirs, iv. 290, i. 467.
Vol. VI. 4 H

Believers, religion of, a reasonable
service, iv. 142.

— religious service of pleasant, iv.
147.

— the only rich and happy on earth, i>.
26.

— risen Avith Christ, iv. 285.

— rules of their conduct, i. 508.

— salvation of, the end of Christ's com-
ing into the world, ii. 406.

— safety of afflicted, vi. 22.

— saved under, but not by the law, iv. 8.

— on earth as safe as those in heaven, vi.
22.

— serve God in common duties of life,
vi. 49.

— sins of, whether made known to
others, i. 123.

— soldiers of Christ, iv. 535.

— some things which abate the comforts
of their profession not properly sinful,
ii. 171.

— spiritual rest of, iv. 170. 182.

— styled God's elect, iv. 516.

— suffering, spectacles to angels, ii. 192.

— superior knowledge of gospel disco-
veries, iv. 9.

— support of, at the approach of death,
iv. iii. 499.

— sufferings and obedience of Christ im-
puted to, iv. 286.

— taught by Christ's example to suffer
patiently, iv. 278.

to love one another, iv. 138.

— temples of the living God, iv. 523,
of the Holy Ghost, iv. 332.

— their ideas of salvation, iv. 507.

— trained up by various exercises in
kingdom of grace, iv. 534.

— triumphant finally, i. 414.

— triumphant song of, iv. 501.

— unable to do what they would, i. 405.

— really though mystically united to
Christ, iv. 86.

— united by love to the chief good, i.
499.

— -warfare of, i. 589. 610. 650. 637. ii.
36. 48.

— -weakest of them children of Gorf,
iv. 525.

— why not overwhelmed under suffer-
ings as Christ was, iv. 225. 250.

— why, though creatures still, impecca*.
ble in heaven, iv. 484.

— why said not to die but sleep in
Christ, iv. 466. 498.

— wisdom of, superior to that of schools,
iv. 562.

BEELZEBUB,Christ's miracles pervfrse-
ly ascribed to, iv. 246.

600

INDEX.

Beelzebub, Milton's description of,
ascribed to man, iv. 463.

Begotten, meaning of the term, iv.
509.

Belsha^zau, allusion to the hand-
writing he saw, iv. 27.

Bethlehem more illustrious than Ba-
bylon or Rome, iv. 26

— why called the city of David, iv. 120.
Bible, absurdity of supposing it can be

understood without study, iv. 473.

— contains nothing useless, ii. 335.

— the comprehensive and exclusive trea-
sury of ministerial knowledge, v. 62.

— remarks on the, i. 213.

— every preacher should be tried by, ii.
558.

— folly and guilt of neglecting, ii. 352.

— fountain of life, i. 399.

— furnishes the only instances of gran-
deur united with simplicity, iv. 139.

-— internal evidence of its divine revela-
tion, iv. 79.

— justly demands reverence, vi. 333.

— letter on reading, vi 415.

— should be read throughout, vi. 418.

— a sealed book, till the heart be awak-
ened, i. 642

— superior excellence, even as a human
composition, iv. 278.

— value of, ii. 398.

— value of the English translation of, iv.
68. See Gospel, and Word of God.

Bigotry sanctifies every hateful passion,

iv. 241.
Birth-days, usual mode of observing,

highly improper, v. 515.

— folly of worldly persons, in rejoicing
at the return of, vi. 257.

Blasphemy, how punished among the

Jews, iv. 21 7.
Blemishes observable in some Christian

characters, letter on, i. 346.
Blessedness of the believer, in what it

consists, i. 482.
Blessing, different meanings of the term,

iv. 565.
Blindness, on spiritual, i. 254.
Blood of Christ, figuratively used for his

death, iv. 544.
Boasting, what effectually excludes, i.

415. 474-

— excluded by Cospel, ii. 408.

Body and mind have a reciprocal influ-
ence, iv. 8.

Bonner, bp. accuses primitive Chris-
tians of heresy, vi. 394. 440

Books, a medium in the choice of, ii. 99.

— several recommended, v. 91. vi. 211.
Brazen serpent, alluded to, i. 557. 657.
-— efficacy of, iv. 189. 221. 261. 340.

Brat kerb's hie recommended, vi.211
Brethren, care to be taken not to offend
our weak, i. 509.

— on love to the, i. 320.

— counterfeit, i. 321.

Britain, peculiar privileges of, v. 259!
280.

— peculiar sins of, v. 283.

Brutes have no propensity to such chan-
ges as would destroy them, iv. 232.

Brutus, dying confession of, iv. 198.

Bunyan, John, commendation of, vi.
38.

referred to, vi. 45.

Butler Dr. Bishop of Durham, anee-
dote of, vi. 461.

C.

CjESar, effect of Antony's oration over,
iv. 218.

Cake, good things of the world com-
pared to a, vi. 292.

Caligula requires his statue to be e-
rected in the temple of Jerusalem, hi.
99.

— assassinated in his palace, hi. 109.

— detestable character of, iv. 376.

Call to the ministry, what constitutes a,
ii. 4i.

Calvin, not the inventor of the doc-
trine of election, iv. 517.

Calvinist, a term of reproach, iv. 517.

— character of a rigid, vi. 245.

— the author an avowed, vi. 278.
Calvinism, the doctrine of the church

of England until Laud's time, vi. 204.

Cane i a, why the Grand Seignor cau-
sed 100,000 men to perish in that isl-
and, i. 516.

Candour, letter on, i. 326.

— nature and effects of title, i. 327.

— origin of false, i. 328.

— extent of claims of Socinians, &c. to,
i. 329.

— distinction between true and false, vi.
229.

— mutual should be cultivated by all
Christians, vi. 126.

Canonical obedience, meaning of, vi. 117.
Captivity led captive, import of, iv. 327.
CARDIPHONIA, i. 394, ii. 1. vi. 1. .
Cardiphonia, author's preparation

for continuing, vi. 351.
Carnal mind, effects of not the same iu

all, iv. 328.
Case, author's described, vi. 89. 90.
Cassandra, ministers of the gospel

compared to, i. 448. ii. 250.
Caterpillar, wonderful tiansmutatiou of,

vi. 475.

INDEX.

001

C.ATO, death of, a proof of pusillanimi-
hy, iv. 209.

Caution, too often degenerates into cow-
ardice, ii. 98.

CENNicK,Mr. sermons of commended,
ii. 67.

Ceremonies of Old Testament typical of
Christ, ii. 332.

Ceremonies Levitical, typical of Christ,
ii. 332. 335.

Cess a tor, character of, i. 350.

Characters of, apostles and disciples pre-
vious to Ascension, iii. 52.

Character of Agr iff a, iii 179.

Antinomians, iii. 287.

— — Austerus, i. 347.

Believers, L 359. vi . o'\7 .

Cessator, i. 350.

Dr. Conyers, v. 171. 17.5.

Cornelius, iii. 101.

' Curiosus, i. 351,

— — Eliosites, iii. 286.
■' - Faithful Ministers, iii.247.

Felix, iii. 174.

1 Gallio, iii. 145.

Gnostics, iii. 281.

Greeks and Romans, iii. 7.

Herod, Agrippa, iii. 110.

Humanus, i 348.

Judas the traitor, iii. 66.

Nicolaitans, iii. 282.

St. Paul, iii. 215.

— St. Peter, iii. 64.

— — Primitive Christians, iii.
250.

Prudens, i. 349.

Querulus, i, 352.

Stephen, iii. 87.

Volatilis, i. 349.

. the disciples, illustrate history of

church, iii. 62.
i those whom the Lord usually

ehooses, vi. 96.
Charity, towards those who differ from

us, the true idea of, i. 504. ii. 5.

— to our weak brethren what it re-
quires, i. 508.

— and to the world at large, i. 509.
Charles V. Dr. Robertson's history

of, in what respects it may be defect-
ive, i. 407.

Changes must be expected, vi. 44.

Cheerfulness no sin, vi. 298.

Children, little, sense in which have not
sinned after Adam's transgression, iv.
552.

— if saved, the subjects of a supernatu-
ral change, iv. 553.

— — included in the election of grace,

iv. 553.
Child, congratulations on the birth of a,

vi. im.

Children, consoling'considerations on the
prospect of losing, vi. 193.

— averse from good, but prone to evil,
i. 541.

— education of, an undouhted duty, but
will not change the heart, i. 575.

Circumstantials and essentials in reli-
gion, remarks on, iii. 230.
Xpti/xaTiirxi, meaning of, ii. 294.
Christ. See Jesus Christ.
Christian Name, sermon on, ii. 290.
Christian, the almost described, iii. 181.

— compared to an oak, i. 643. vi. 318.

— compared to a tradesman, vi. 81. 84.

— conduct of, compared with that oi'
worldling, vi. 81.

— definition of a, i. 497. 650.

— discription of a, ii. 297.

— experience of, easily . described but
difficult to attain, vi. 29.

— life of, a life of exertion, ii. 530.

— name of, should remind us of our
high obligations, ii. 304.

— name, when first assumed, iv 175.

— women, proper ornaments of, \i.
454.

Christians, number of, very great at an
early period, vi. 389.

— always considered as uncharitable,
iii. 204.

— affected with grief w-hen speak or
hear of misconduct of professors, iii.
268.

— authorized to take advantages of laws,
iii. 178.

— causes of perplexities and disputes
among, iv. 193.

— controversies excited by Judaizing,
iii. 122.

— derive v isdom and strength from
Christ, iv. 211.

— many so called, have no right to the
title, "ii. 298.

— exercised and experienced, acquire
compassion and skill in dealing with
others, ii. 57.

— good examples of, tend to win souls,
v. 216.

— happiness of, ii. 357.

— heathen account of, vi. 387.

— honourable testimony to, vi. 392.

— have now as much encouragement
to come to Christ as in time of his ap-
pearance on earth, ii. 466.

— inconsistent lives of, a stumbling-block
to the world, iv. 205. 228.

— in what sense babes, ii. 399.

— justly described as such, ii. 400.

— life of, compared to a race, ii. 529.
easy in theory, but difficult in prac<

tice, vi. 29. 142.
— — justly called life of faith, vi. 68.

602

INDEX.

Christians must obey God rather than
man, vi. 296.

— hence sometimes considered as dis-
affected, -vi. 397.

— motives which inclined the heathens
to persecute, iii. 201.

— name of, first given at Antioch —
what it implies, iii. 108.

■ — originally, a term of infamy, iii. 10?.
v. 287.

-j- primitive, benevolent, and disinteres-
ted spirit of, iii. 83.

— persecuted by Nero, iii. 195.
Domitian, iii. 199.

Pliny, iii. 200s

Trajan, iii. 201.

— primitive, submission of, to the Ro-
man emperors, iv. 376.

i worshipped Christ as God, vi.
393.

— professed, conduct of many, similar
to that of the Jews, iv. 48,

— professing, guilty of idolatry, ii. 264.

— safe in greatest dangers, v. 162.

— secret communion of, vi. 366.

— sketch of their temper, i. 498. 630.

— true, views of, great and sublime, iv.
210.

— what frame of mind distinguishes one
from another, i. 417.

— who the best, vi. 171.

— why some live in spirit of ancient
Pharisees, iv. 145.

— without trials, compai-ed to a mill
without wind or water, ii. 218. See
Believers.

Christian ministers, essential principles

and aims of, iv. 54. 89. 119. 160.
— — shepherds under Christ, iv. 152.

160.
painful anxieties of, iv. 159. 352.

See Ministers.
Christian soldier, warfare of, iv. 490. 500.

See Warfare.
Christianity, a consistent system, v. 445.

— divine origin of, proved by its au-
author's character, iv. 280.

— early corruption of, iii. 209.

— - exhibits a beautiful system of moral-
ity, iv. 368.

— gained little from Constantine's pro-
tection, iv. 38a,

— - the great mystery of, iv. 2.39.

— importance of right views of spirit of,
iii. 295.

— nearly as old as the creation, iv. 435.

— the peculiar and inimitable mark of,
i. 457.

— profession of, unavailing, ii. 302.

— progress of, and evidence of its di -
vine original, ii. 301.

Christianity promotes the interest of
man, iv. 147.

— rests on Christ's resurrection, iv. 283.
450.

— - various attempts to hinder progress
of, iii. 82. 84.

^Christendom indebted for its superior
advantages to the knowledge of reve-
lation, iv. 365.

— general face of, exhibits but little of
the gospel, iv. 421.

Christiologia, Dr. Owen's, alluded to, vi.

441.
Christmas, manner in which ought to be

kept, v. 403.
Church, scriptural meaning of the word,

iv. 406.

— rapid increase of the primitive, iii. 81.

— triumphant exultation of, iv. 103.

— of Christ, description ot the true, v.
26.

comprises all the members of his

mystical body, iv. 36.

— of God, security of, vi. 508.

— the Old Testament, to what compar-
ed, iv. 6.

defective knowledge of, of the

Messiah, iv. 9.

— of England, articles of, established by
law, iv. 523.

reasons for preferring, v. 23. 43.

51.

— Greek, wretched state of,iv. 421. 553.

— Roman, deploratye errors of, iv. 553.
probably contains some true Chris-
tians, v. 29.

Churches, apostolic, irregularities and

offences in, iii. 250.
Church government, assumed infallibility

of persons of different sentiments, t.

31.
difficulties in deducing a system of,

from the New Testament, v. 36.
sentiments of an Utopian dissenter

upon, v. 71.
Cicero, moral system of, superior to

that of modern deists, iv. 86.
Claudius, bestows kingdom of Judea

on Agrippa, iii. 109.
Clement's first epistle to Corinthians

useful, but not faultless, iii. 210.
Comfort preserved by watchfulness and

prayer, vi. 16.

— not necessarily the result of strong
faith, vi. 468.

Comforter promised to the Church, iv.
83.

— promise fulfilled, iv. 331.
Coming to Christ, sermon on, ii.

458.

implies persuasion of his power,

ii. 460.

INDEX.

603

Comiug to Christ, sense of our need, 460.
— — actual application, ib.
■ a following of his example ib.

Common-place books recommended, v.

97.
Communion -with God, letter on, i.

276.

— an important part of the believer's
blessedness, i. 485.

affords the best relaxation from

the cares of life, 512.

— — mark of true religion, ii. 306.

Communion with saints, letter on, i. 284.

Complaints of ourselves often proceed
from corrupt motives, vi. 186.

Compliments, religious, the most un-
seemly of any, ii. 40.

Comparisons, scriptural, must be under-
stood with limitation, iv. 230.

Concerts and oratories to be avoided i.
509.

Condescension, meaning of, iv. 181.

Conduct of Christian and worldling com-
pared, vi. 81.

Conflicts, great cause of the believer's,
i. 657.

— the believer's all lead to victory, vi.
155.

Conformity to the world, letter on, i.
247.

Conformity to God, mark of true reli-
gion, ii. 306.

Congregation, description of the author's
vi. 198.

Conquerors, in what light they may be
viewed, i. 515.

— of ancient times instruments of God's
vengeance, v. 154.

Conscience, Christ the sole Lord of, vi.
229.

— difference between the convictions
of, and the workings of the Holy Spi-
rit, i. 557.

— rules for the direction of a tender
and scrupulous, i. 508.

— void of offence, necessary to a believ-
er's happiness here, i. 484.

— terrors of a guilty, iv. 394.
Consideration, the duty of, L 656.
Considerations calculated to support the

mind under fears of trials, vi. 60.
Consolation, motives for, ou the death
of a friend, ii. 31. 199.

— of the gospel hidden from worldly
men, ii. 183.

— the proper tendency of sensible, is
to humble the believer, ii. 180.

Coxstastine the Great, rapid de-
clension of the church under, iv. 53.

Controversy, letter on, i. 241.

Conversation, the general tenor of, a test
of true religion, ri 581-.

Conversation, meaning of the wordinPhil.

iii. 20. iv. 133.
Conversion, scriptural account of, i. 53.3.

— described in scripture by various
names, i. 536.

— not the being proselyted to an opi-
nion, but receiving a principle of di-
vine light and life into the soul, i. 537.

— sometimes occasioned by dreams, i.
625.

— every real conversion miraculous, i.
294.

— spiritual, excludes boasting, iv. 148.

— its being a work of grace, tends to re-
move despair, iv. 149.

— of one sinner more important than
the temporal welfare of a kingdom,
iv. 228.

— remarkable, of Dr. Conyers, v. 174.
See Heart.

Converts, young, characteristics of, i. 507.

Convictions, spiritual, their effect, i. 557.

Conviction of sin, distress of, ii. 453.

Conyers Dr. sermon on death of, v. 1 67.

conversion of, v. 174.

manner of instructing his people, v.

178.

remarkable timidity of, v. 185.

character and death of, v. 171.

Corinth, Paul preaches at, iii. 142.

Corn, work of grace compared to the
growth of, vi. 2-21.

Cornelius, character and conversion
of, iii. 101.

Corruption. See Human nature, and
Heart.

Council, the first Christian, iii. 124.

Counsellor, a name of Christ, iv. 107.

Covenant of w orks, proneness to cleave
to, vi. 45.

Covetousness, a great obstacle to a min-
ister's usefulness, iii. 236.

— a cause of declension in spiritual life,
vi. 409.

— thoughts on, vi. 473.

— a general and prevailing sin amcngst
professors, vi. 474.

— produces many sorrows, vi. 478.
Cox, Mr. museum of, illustrative of the

vast difference in the Christian life,

i. 418.

further reflections on, ii. 204.

Creation, book of, deserves study, i. 215.

— reflections on the, iv. 184. 297. 358.
403. 471. 539.

Cross, doctrine of the, happy effects of,
iv. 101. 220.

— of Christ displays divine perfections,
ii. 440.

the knowledge of, Sweden's afflic-
tions, vi. 21 4.

604

INDEX.

Crosses inseparable from spiritual mind-

edness, vi. 39.
should be numbered among mercies,

vi. 49.
Crucifixion, the Roman punishment for

slaves, iv. 21".

— of Christ, how typified, iv. 221.
Cusingham, account of .Miss Eliza,

v. 101.
Cure, acknowledgment of author's, vi. 90.
Curiosus, character of, i. 351.
Cyrus, prediction of, by Isaiah, iv. 412.

— an instrument in God's hands, iv, 429.

D.

Daniel, a remarkable instance of di-
vine protection, iv. 512.

Darkness, figuratively used in scripture,
iv. 81. 92. 98.

— powers of, little said of in scripture,
yet enough to make us tremble, i. 438.

— can do nothing but with the divine
permission, i. 438.

— incessant machinations of, iv. 155.
See Satan.

David never appears more lively than
when remote from, and longing for,
public ordinances, ii. 190.

— what quieted his mind in tribulation,
iv. 215.

— eminently God's servant, iv. 242.

— patience of uuder affliction, iv. 266.
Day and night, reflections on the succes-
sion of, ii. 244.

Day-break, reflections on, i. 290.

Deacons, first appointment of, iii. ST.

Deafness, reflections on having been af-
flicted with, i. 423.

Death, what reconciles us to the thought
of, i. 401. 409.

— further reflections on, i. 465.

— our view of death will not be alwayi
the same, ii. 42.

— believer's support and happiness in,
iv. 112. 224. 466. 498. 566.

— the first and second, iv. 463. 480.

— universally personified, iv. 479.

— shall be swallowed up in victor)', iv.
480.

— armed with a'formidable sting, iv. 491.

— sting of, removed by Christ, iv. 498.

— to wait his teaching, most dangerous
advice, iv. 557.

— circumstances which render it desira-
Lle, vi. 76.

— how to obtain victory over the fear of,
vi. 317.

— instance of a believer':; happy, i. 444.
vi. 305.321.

— the time and manner of under C;.
authority, ii. 433.

Death of no importance to believer, \i
60. 63.

— scriptural meaning of, vi. 239.

— of infants affords little cause of sorrow,
vi. 182.

Death-bed, pious converse of a young
woman on her, i. 443.

— various impressions from different
death-bed scenes, i. 446. 571. ii. 88.
196. 200. 223.

Death-bed repentance, thoughts, on a, i.
577.

dangerous, iv. 113.

Death-beds, instances of terrible, iv. 493.

— of infidels and christians, contrast be-
tween, v. 206.

— strongly evince the value of christian
principles, vi. 430.

Deb ok ah, sublime song of, iv. 69.
Deceitfulness of the Heart,

sermon on, ii. 259.
Declensions of believers increase their

humility, i. 363
Decline in spiritual life, symptoms of, vi.

411.
Deist, should be treated with candour, i.

329.
— - expostulation with a, i. 354.
Deity of Christ and of the Holy Spirit

in union with the Father, a doctrine

necessary to be believed in order to

salvation, i. 521.

— of Christ, proofs of, i. 456. ii. 7. 10.
419. iv. 151.

a fundamental doctrine, iv. 45.

60. 78. 108. 150. 164. 236. 304. 309.
567.

Degrees in glory denied, vi. 170.

Demetrius, the silversmith, excites
the populace against Paul, iii. 153.
See Paul.

Demonstration not solely appropriate to
mathematical evidence, iv. 451.

Depravity of man manifested by his op-
position to gospel, i. 340.

— of human nature total, vi. 206.
Desire of all nations, appropriate title of

the Messiah, iv. 34.

Desponding thoughts should be stead-
fastly re&isted, vi. 141.

Desperate wickedness of the heart, ii.
263. See Heart.

Devonshire, duke of, his motto be-
coming every christian, i. 608.

A;«/isw«v iif, meaning of, iv. 316.

Diana, famous temple of, at Ephesus,
iii. 154.

Diligence, definition of spiritual, i. 117.

— necessary to understand scripture, ii.

Dionysus die Areopagitp, converted
by Paul, iii. 141.

INDEX.

COi

Disappointment, what it generally means,

Ti. 8G.
Disciples, remarkable particulars in

Christ's choice of, iii. 55.

— primitive, content to bear icorn and
injurious treatment for Christ's sake,
iii. 72.

— how they walk with Christ, vi. 67.
Discouragements, bestAvay of obtaining

relief from, ii. 362.
Disinterestedness eminent in St. Paul,
iii. 254.

— necessary in ministers, iii. 236.
Dispensations and afflictions of every

kind under Christ's guidance, ii. 431.

— the sum total of all, good to the be-
liever, vi. 263.

Distance, effects of upon objects, iv. 468.

Distinction, desire of, unsuitable to chris-
tian character, iii. 67.

Distraction, various degrees of, i. 493.

Diversions, public, fatal tendency of, ii.
133.

Dives, reflections on the parable of,
iv. 488.

Divine nature cannot suffer iv. 272.

necessary distinction in the, ir. 307.

— life founded on regeneration, vi. 231.

— truth best exposition of always before
us, vi. 1.34.

Doctrines compared to milk or strong
meat, iv. 516.

— fundamental, vi. 199.
Doctrine, plain tests op true,

vi. 419.
Doctrinal points of importance may be

summed up in a few words, vi. 211.
Do mi ti an persecutes the Christians,

iii. 199.

— assassinated, iii. 200.

Doubts and fears, in a grater or less

degree the common experience of the

Lord's people, i. 642.
Dream, author's remarkable at Venice,

i. 22. 23.
Dreams, persons converted by, i. 625.
Dreaming, letter on, vi. 413.
Dress, propriety in, should be consulted,

especially by ministers, v. 81.

— remarks on female, vi. 453.
Drunkenness, fatal effects of, ir. 393.
Duellists, gallantry of, arises from mean-
ness of sentiment, iv. 209.

Dying confessions of different characters,
i. 444. 447. t. 122. vi. 305.

Earnest expectation of the creature,

explained, i. 503.
Early rising, importance of, v. 81.
Earthly comforts doubly sweet if trusted

iii Lord's hands, vi. .,.>.

Ebenet.br, a memorial of God's gecd-
ness under changi?ig dispensatiortc,
v. 628.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY, re-
view of, iii. 1. 297.

Edification hindred br strife and dis-
union, vi. 50.

Education, almost universally suited to
add to the stimulus of depraved nature,
i. 481.

— of children, an undoubted duty, but
will not change the heart, i. 575.

Edwards, Mr. discourse of, on the
freedom of the will, commended, ii.
69. 102.

Ex.£*u(it7trfKi, meaning of, iv. 253.

Elect, great privilege of, iv. 522. See
Believers.

Election, on the doctrine of, i. 162.

— of grace, plainly taught in Scripture,
iv. 191. 517. 548.

Elijah, highly favoured of God, iv. 82.

— complaints of, against Israel, iv. 313.

— translation of, iv. 474.
Elymas struck blind, iii. 114.
Empires, the great master-wheel in the

revolutions of, i. 467.

— rise, &c. of, made subservient to pro-
gress of Christianity, iii. 13.

England, church of. See Church.

— may be considered as the Israel of the
New Testament, v. 259.

Enmity to God subdued by the cross, iv.
74. See Cross.

Enoch, translation of, iv. 474.

Enthusiasm, different senses of the term,
vi. 497.

Ephesians, iii. 8. remarkable effect of this
text on a worthy eiergvman, i. 560.

Epicureans and Stoics oppose Paul, iii.
138.

Epistles of apostolical fathers mark the
early declension of spiritual Christiani-
ty, iii. 211.

— to Timothy and Titus intended to form,
the character of a christian minister,
iii. 213.

'EQiHraro, meaning of, ii. 309.
F.pi-jvxw, meaning of, ii. 325.
Error, definition of in its simplest form,
iii. 275.

— indifference to,often miscalled charity,
iii 226.

— a cause of decline in the spiritual life,
vi. 406.

— more dangerous when mingled with
truth, vi. 406.

— the surest way to prevent or refute, is
to preach the truth, ii. 98.

Essentials, in circumstantials in religion,
distinction between, iii. 281,

606

IftDEX.

Ejtabbshment,adrantages of ministers in,
v. 43. 51.

Eternal life, believers have a perfect right
to, at first believing, vi. 340.

Euclid, studied by the author when in
slavery, i. 45.

Eunuch, Ethiopian, converted by Phi-
lip, iii. 92.

Evangelical Magazine, papers ex-
tracted from, vi. 436.

Eve, conduct of, imitated by her poste-
rity, iv. 233.

Everlasting Father, a name of Mes-
siah, iv. 109.

Evil, inquiries into origin of, vain and
pr rnicious, iv. 570.

— thoughts inseparable from an evil na-
ture, vi. 254.

Evils, natural, may be attributed to sin,

iv. 76. 462.
included in the sentence of death,

iv. 486.
Examination for orders, account of the

author's, v. 539.
Exercises of mind, common to all, but

especially to ministers, vi. 130.

— spiritual, not a little influenced by our
ronstitutional temperament, i. 652. ii.
14. 18.

— the Lord's view in permitting us to
pass through such a variety, ii. 105.

Exodus, meaning of, iv. 220.

Exorcists, defeated by the evil spirit, iii.

150.
Experience, the Lord's school, i. 410. ii.

100.

— contributes gradually to soften and
sweeten our spirits, ii. 1.

— some points of, considered, i. 357.

— author's shows preciousness of Christ,
vi. 53.

goodness of God, vi. 58. 62.

— — conflict in, vi. 97.

apparent inconsistencies in, vi. 105.

particulars of, i. 74. 182. vi. 347.

— similarity between the author's and
Mr. Occams, vi. 151.

— what are spiritual, vi. 177.

— of true Christians, same inkind as that
of apostles, though not in degree, i.
361.

Experimental, justness of the term, as

applied to religion, v. 103.
Extempore prayer often no better than

a lifeless form, v. 11.

— preaching, requisites for, ii. 56.
the gift of Cod, 59.

-■ ■ reasons for preferring it, 160.

means of attaining, v. 95.

advantages of, v. Si.

Fables, comment on the cock and dia-
mond, v. 375.

Faith, on the growth of, i. 285.

Faith, sermon on the assurance of, ii.
583.

Faith and assurance, thoughts on, vi.
465.

rest on the same grounds, ii. 587.

— always efficacious, i. 164.

— acceptable in its weakest state, iv. 441.

— and holiness essential to salvation, ir.
234.

— defined and illustrated, i. 144.

— differs from rational assent, i. 538. 553
568.

— effect of regeneration, i. 55S.

— the most eminent effects ascribed to,
iii. 32. iv. 440.

— enables the believer to approach with
confidence to God, iv. 320.

— evidence of tilings not seen, iv. 117.
313.

— evidence of, vi. 178.

— follows God without reasoning, i. 51.

— how produced, iv. 338.

— implies reliance upon Christ, iii. 31.

— inward witness of, i. 155.

— justifying, produces holiness, ii. 560.

— life of, vi. 54.

— — — a mystery till experienced, i. 453.
hid from carnal men, ii. 373.

— may exist without assurance, i. 359. ii.
586.

— means appoined for the growth of, iv.
444.

— must have truth for its object, i. 521.

— no new ideas of, stated since the close
of the scriptural canon, iii. 121.

— not a bare assent, iii. 31.

— not necessarily connected with sensible
comfort, vi. 467.

— on a living and dead, ii. 550.
-—inseparably united with practice, i.

142. ii. 350.
--- preserves from compliance with the
world, i. 147.

— proceeds not from reasoning but the
gift of God, i. 546.

— progress of, to assurance gradual, ii.
598.

— regulates believer's conduct, i. 145.

— renders lowest state supportable, and
dismission from highest desirable, i.
460.

— traces and admires God's hand, i. 462.
--- the substance of tilings hoped for, iv.

103.

— the victory that overcometb. the world,
iv. 510.

INDEX.

CO,

£»itk, whea destitule of, we can do no-
thing acceptably, ii. 12.

— unholy is dead, ii. 5G1.

— unites the soul to Christ, i. 57-i.
Faithfulness to light received a means of

increasing faith, i. 286.

— cautions respecting, vi. 165.
Fall, consequences of, i. 312.

Fallen man, scripture account of depra-
vity how perverted, iv. 146. 196.

— degraded, yet not devoid of humanity,
ir, 240.

— may he termed inhuman, iv. 241.

— in -what sense, a captive to sin, iv. 327.

— conviction of his lost condition neces-
sary to comfort, iv. 542.

Family, care of, an honourable charge,
vi. 57.

— connexions, how to be regarded, i.
513.

— wnrsliip, letter on, i. 128.

proper hours to be chosen for, i.

130.
Fashion, tyranny of, vi. 457.

— compliance with immodest, sinful, and
dangerous, vi. 458.

Fast Sermon, v. 137.

Fasts, public, produce but litde effect,

vi. 180.
Fear, illustration of godly, vi. 256.

— godly, a branch of the secret of the
Lord, vi. SS'J.

Ig, on religious, vi. 460.

Felix trembles under Paul's discourse,
iii. 177.

Female dress, remarks on, vi. 453.

F e n e l o n, on pulpit eloquence, recom-
mended, v. 95.

Fes r us succeeds Felix in bis govern-
ment, iii. 177.

Figures, explanation of some prophetical,
iv. .35.

Final perseverance, letter on, i. 192.

— — how perverted, iv. 146.

Flowers, reflections on, vi. 281. 285.

!\ vrcjiveness of each other, necessity of,
ii. 70.

Form of sound words, i. 621.

Forms of prayer, utility and divine ap-
pointment of, v. 11.

Fortitude esseutiajl to the best wisdom,
v. 211.

frames, on a believer's, i. 227.

— wria'aon in necessary and profitable,
vi. 65.

Franks, Dr. an eminent christian, vi.

238,
Free Thixkers, pernicious tendency

■ their conduct, iv. 147.

■in from, can be made

tolerable by grace, ii. IPO.

Vol. VI. i I

Friends, encouragement to pray and to
hope for unconverted, ii. 189.

— motives for consolation on the loss of,
ii. 31. 199.

Friendship, a little suspicious when ex-
ercised with long silence, i. 548.

Fuller's soap, of 'what illustrative, iv. 50.

Futurity mercifully concealed from man;
iv. 20 u

G a l a t i a n s, their loss left upon record
as a warning to us, i. 482.

— occasion of writing the Epistle to, iii
125.

— state in which found by St. Paul, iv
346.

Galilee, inhabitants of, despised by
those of Jerusalem, iv. 26. 94.

Gardiner, colonel, grace of God illus-
trated in conversion of, i. S.

Genesis, book of, few qualified to enter
into the spirit of, iv. 150.

Genteel neighbours, cautions concerning
intercourse with, vi. 273.

Gentiles, time of their fulness ap-
proaching, iv. 421.

Gibeonites, consequence of their sub -
mission to Joshua, iv. 509.

Gideon, victory of, iv. 56.

Gifts of God should produce in us cr.u
tentiuent, ii. 318. — and diligence, ti.
319.

Gifts received by Messiah for the rebel-
lious, what, iv. 331. 336.

— and grace should be clearly distin-
guished, vi. 115. 128.

Gillie's Gospel History commended,

vi. 211.
Glass, exceedingly porous, ii. 37.
Glory, degrees in, considered, vi. 170.

— scripture sense of the word, iv. 297.
Gnostics, account of the, iii. 281.
GOD, access to, none but by Cbiiel ii

540.

— administers the kingdom of grace
wonderfully, i. 439.

— all-sufficiency of, advantage of rely-
ing on the, i. 419.

— acquiescence in the will of, our great
privilege, i. 420.

— appoints afflictions for his people'*
benefit, i. 488. vi. 192, 368.

— benefit of acting simply for, i. 432.

— otir business hi life is to glorify, i
430.

— caution to be used in exalting his
grace, iv. 196.

— chief and proper good of fhe se >•■
iv 102.

608

INDEX.

God, Christ -worshipped as, by primitive

christians, vi. 393. 440.
•— communion with, joys of, iv. 171.

-i important part of blessedness,i.485.

~ contrite spirit pleasing to, i. 416.

— death of saints of, precious in his
sight, iv. 512.

■— diffidence of his protection unbeco-
ming a believer, i. 295.

— ends of, in sending Christ into the
world, ii. 405.

— enmity against, rooted in our nature,
iv. 330

— inquiry whether he is the author of
sin, i. 570.

— every where present, vi. 290.

— exhibition of his perfections, the glo-
ry of, iv. 121.

■ — experience his school, i. 416.

— gift of a Saviour, from grace and
love of, iv. 518.

— glorified by believer's obedience as
much as by that of Gabriel, ii. 41.

— glorv and grace of, revealed in Christ,
ii. 437. "

manifestation of, the end of Christ's

appearanc, ii. 406.

of, revealed in Christ, iv. 561.

. i of, best displayed by keeping us

poor in ourselves, i. 473.
— — — of, should be our object, i. 421.

— goodness and severity of, ii. 307.
in what the glory of consists, iv.

123.
■ — gracious design of, in affording reve-
lation, iv. 306.

— hand of, should be discerned and ac-
knowledged in all things, ii. 316.

— how to walk with, in daily occurren-
ces of life, i. 430. 654.

— impression of, given by the Holy
Spirit to a sinner, iv. 7.

— in Christ reconciling the world to
himself, iv. 125.

-r- in what respect, Father, &c. of his
people, iv 306.

— justice of, ii. 309.

will ultimately be manifested, ii.

365.

— kingdom of, not names and senti-
ments, ii. 98.

■ — knowledge of, the ground of glory
and joy, i. 425.

— known only in and by Christ, iv. 298.

— love of manifested in pardoning sin-
ners, i. 415.

to sinners, vi. 226.
■*— loving kindness of, better than life,
i. 466.

— made man upright, iv. 231.

-•- manifested in tbe flesh on earth, ii. 7.

God, manifestations of, when the grand
end of all completely obtained, iv. 580.

— name of, how taken in vain, ii. 519.
— — by profane swearers, ii. 522

by thoughtless worshippers, ii. 523.

by all who rest in mere profession

of Christianity, ii. 524.

— no goodness in most specious actions
unless performed with reference to
lus glory, i. 431.

— nothing worthy of comparison with
his service, ii. 431.

■■■ trivial that is done for him, ii. 61.

— only competent judge of what is
worthy himself, iv. 364.

— overrules councils of princes, i. 515.
— — all the designs of men, iv. 224.

— patience of, wonderful, i. 439. vi. 85.

— perfections of seen in cross of Christ,
ii. 440.

— — seen in Christ as mediator, ii. 441 .

— power manifested in means he uses^
iii. 77.

— protection of, considerations result-
ing from confidence in, iv. 505.

— providence of, extends to minutest
concerns, i. 408. vi. 309.

— providential care of the universe, i.
437

— purposes of mercy cannot be disap-
pointed, i. 415.

— purposes of, carried on by means and
instruments, v. 194.

— stains the pride of human glorv, ii.
407.

— redemption the greatest of his works,
iv. 56.

— regulates degree and duration of con-
vinced sinner's distress, iv. 7.

— restrains the powers of darkness, i.
438.

— righteousness of, manifested in only
possible way by the death of Christ,
iv. 9. 188.

— searches the heart, ii. 269, not as
indifferent spectator, 271.

— separation from his favour, the es-
sence of misery, iv. 25 8.

— scriptures given by inspiration of, iv.
234.

— sovereignty of, i. 411.

strengthens the mind, ii. 364.

belief in, consistent with use of

means, iii. 187.

— sovereign love of, the source of, mer-
cy* iv. 100,

— testimony of, to Christ's innocence.

iv. 275.
-- a sun and a shield, vi. 353.
-- threatenings of, afford ground and room

for repentance, v. 252.

INDEX.

GOO

God, the Father of believers, iv. 89.

— we do not serve at all unless deBire to
serve him -wholly, i. 431

•— what distinguishes his work3 from
those of men, iv. 55.

— will of, our sanctification, iv 507.
— — our proper element, iv 232.

— wisdom, the glory of his, iv. 123.
his opposite to that of the world,

ii. 383.

seen in disposing the circumstances

of his people before conversion, iii.
216.

— worshippers of, approach not as ser-
vants but as children, iv 7.

— works of, the minutest bear marks of
his wisdom, iv. 123.

— manifest in flesh, title of Messiah, iv.
45. 64 558.

Godliness, inefficacy of a form of, ii. 377.
— - the great mystery of, i. 458. iv. 1.
Goel, primary signification of, iv. 438.
Golden age, whence poets derived ideas

of, iv. 150.
Goodness of God, ii. 307.
Good works, distinction between nominal

and real, ii. 288.
Gordon, Lord George, vi. 165.
Gospel, an act of grace, iv. 349. 443.

— aftbrds hope to vilest, ii. 410.

i more substantial pleasure than the

amusements of life, ii. 134.
, present rest, ii. 471.
future rest, ii. 473.

— assent to truth of, distinct from expe-
rience, iv. 382.

— awful punishment of neglecting, ii.
36 352.

— becomes effectual by faith, iii. 31.

— breathes the spirit of its author, iv.
369.

— briefly described, iii. 16.

— can only be understood by divine reve-
lation, iii. 19.

— cause of contempt it meets with, iv.
15.

— character and genius of, ss taught and
exemplified by Christ, iii. 15.

--- character of those from whom it is
hid, ii, 382. S91.

— compared to cities of refuge, ii. 458.

— contempt of, a national sin, v. 287.

— defined, i. 340.

— designed to free Christ's people from
yoke of men, iv. 409.

to give us a certainty of acceptance

and perseverance, i.497.
to regulate but not suppress our

sensibility, vi. 365.

— destroys every species of self-exalta-
tion, iv. 27.

Gospel, different effects on those who
reject and receive, iv. 51.

— directions for preaching aright, vi.
401.

— a dispensation for sinrrers, i. 423.

— displays glory of free grace, iii 25.
--- divine original of, iii 18 iv 280.

— divine perfections secured by, iv. 125.

— effects produced by when first sent to
any place, i. 342.

— effects of the same now as formerly, iii.
69

— future effects of, more blessed, iv.
135.

— endearing view in wfiich God is made
known by, i. 641.

— essential doctrines of, laid down, v.
199

— a free gift, ii. 314.

— happy efficacy of, when applied by
the Holy Spirit, ii. 18.

— import of the word, iv 69. 339.

— importance of right views of, iii 295.

— inconsistent lives of professors of, a
Stumbling block, iv 205. 226.

— inspires a conciliatory spirit, iv. 508.
— — the only true magnauimitv, iv.

278

— in what sense entered, that sin might
abound, iv 379

— knowledge and comfort of, attained
by few but the poor and simple, i. 641.

— knowledge of, affords consolation in
darkest times, vi. 218.

— liable to be turned into a covenant of
works, vi. 177.

— marks whereby to distinguish a true
and false preacher of, v. 131.

— marvellous efficacy of, iv. 88. 369.

— may be slighted but not annulled, iv.
424.

— a mere declaration of the truths of, is
not preaching it, vi. 399.

— message of, glad tidings, iv. 348.

— ministers of, authorized to comfort
penitent sinners, iv. 10.

— ministers of, called and prepared by
Christ, iv. 343

— ministry, small success ef, ii. 359.

— the subject and temper of the, v.
127.

— mysteries of, hid from many, ii. .3C9.
381.

— narrow spread of, inscrutable, iv. 360.

— none disappointed who make experi.- .
meut of, iv. 351.

— objections to preaching of, consider-
ed, ii. 510.

— offends the pride of man, iv. 89, 371.

— only expedient to prodnee new orea
lion, iv. 410.

610

INDEX.

Gospel, opposed by hypocritical profes-
sion, iii. 149.
■■.■ on same grounds now as formerly,
iii. 49.

— partakers of, the only rich and happy,
iv. 26.

■■ — peculiar truths of, why styled myste-
rious, iv. 472.

— plan of sidration by, sure, ii. 412.

- — progress of, after ascension, iv. 288.
336. 361.

— purifying power of, iv. 53. 89.

— reception it meets with from the
world illustrated, i. 448.

— revealed in the person of Christ, iii.
20.

I — salvation of, appointed for those that

are ready to perish, i. 539. 574.
■ — savour of death to some, iv. 357\

— similar views of, entertained by all be-
lievers, vi. 151.

-—small success of, grievous to true
Christians, ii. 360.

• — spread of, not at first necessarily in-
stantaneous and universal, iv. 359.

; — a standard by which all are to be tried,
vi. 229.

— success of, owing to influence of Holy
Spirit, iii. 212.

; — supersedes ceremonial law, iv. 6.
r— only system that can inspire with
peace and love, iv. 338.

— truths of, in what respects perverted,
iv. 146.

— the believer's good, ii. 506.

— the only way of access to God, ii. 540.

— understood by whom alone, iv. 173.

— what it teaches in bringing salvation,
iv. 407.

: — what the preaching of implies, vi.

398.
■ — when truly preached, distinguished

by energy and power, iv. 340.
I — why not received by rich and great,
97

— will universally triumph, iv. 360. 419.

4si:

i — wisdom and power of Cod, iv. 338.

— works by such means as show the
power of God, ii. 53.

— preachers, see Christian Ministers.

— Btate, a dispensation of light, iv. 83.

— worship, in what its glory consist-, iv
37.

Gospellers, see Puritans.
Grace and truth came by Christ, iv, t'~.
83.

— causes of decline in. i. 393.

— comfort in bt-ini- under, instead of the
law, i. 423.

— communion with God in means of,
important part of blessedness, i. 485.

Grace constitutes difference between one

christian and another, ii. 94.
betweeu believers and sinners, iv.

192.

— distinguishing, incomprehensible to
men, ii. 372.

— and gifts should be distinguished, vi.
115. 128.

— four chief effects of its work on the
heart, iv. 140.

— growth of, in what consists, i. 397.

— illustrated in conversion of hardened
sinners, Saul, colonel Gardiner, the
author, i. 8. 9.

— in the blade, i. 171. in the ear, 178.
in full corn, 184.

— in the heart will regulate the tongue,
vi. 382.

— invincible rather than irresistible, i.
564.

---irresistible, necessity of, iv. 337.

— Jesus the fountain of, i. 397.

— life of, connected with life of glory, iv.
466.

— — derived from Christ's fulness, iv.
191.

— progress of, compared to the growth
of corn, vi. 221.

— riches of, unsearchable, iv. 78. 163.
328. 533. 562.

— should be exalted with caution, ii.
197.

— the exercise of, depends on Christ's
presence, vi. 186.

— the great desirable here, i. 466.

— to be estimated not from appearances
but from difficulties it has to overcome,
ii. 41.

— with faith, makes lowest state sup-
portable, i. 460.

— work of, compared to a building, and
to corn, i. 600.

to an oak, i. 141. ii. 605.

to the lighting a fire, ii. 9.

Gravity, desirableness of, v. 428.

Gray, Mr. remarks on his elegy, \l.
324.

Grea t Britain, reflections on the
unhappy disputes between and Ame-
rica, i. 467. vi. 283.

--- not instrumental in propagating the
gospel, iv. 363.

--- present state of, more unlikely once
than the predicted future state of the
gospel, iv. 421.

-— privileges enjoyed by, v. 142.

--- aggravated guilt of, v. 145.

Greek church, see Church.

— language. Knowledge ,.f, spread by
Alexander, iv. 28,

Greeks and Romans, character of,
fli 7.

INDEX.

Gil

Greenland mission, history of, commend-
ed, ii. 84.

Greenwich Park, meditations in, vi.
164.

Grief, fatal consequences of indulged and
excessive, ii 20

— for indwelling sin, wrong when it
leads to impatience or distrust, ii. lG'J.

Gro i i us, "lying confession of, i. 447.

ii 326. iv. 177
Guidance, divine, in what manner to be

expected, i. 294.
Guilt and danger of such a nation as this,

v. 137.
--- and ignorance, connexion between, ii.

346.

— in what it consists, iv. 70.
-— nearly equal in all, vi. 172.

— removed and peace restored, sermon,
on, ii. 563.

— the parent of atheism, iv. 65.

U.

IIabakkuk's joy under affliction, vi.
33,

Hagar. See Sarah.

Haggai, mission of, to the Jews, iv. 31.

IIalybiirton, Mr. Essay of, con-
cerning faith, commended, i. 534.

— inquiry into the nature of regenera-
tion and justification, ii. 112.

II am ax, design of, providentially de-
feated, iv. 432.

Handel, reflections on the commemo-
ration of, iv. 2. 15. 18. 29. 31. 40. 78.

' 105. 115. 131. 260. 401. 457. 581.

Happiness, how much it depends on the
imagination, i. 480.

— erroneous ideas of, entertained by
worldlings, v. 348.

— in what it consists, vi. 372.
Harbingers, ancient, sent before Eastern

monarchs, iv. 18.
Harmony, none like that which results
from combination of divine attributes
in redemption, iv. 3.

— of Heaven, beyond our conception,
iv. 116.

Hawies, preface of, to author's nar-
rative, i. 4.
i [eating given by Christ, ii. 450.
Hearers, unsettled, seldom thrive, i. 194.

— should guard against prejudice, ii. 13.
Heart, book." of the, recommended, i.

217.

— change of, by what represented, iv.
321.

gospel the ',

dnce, iv. 410.
. . ■

Heart, change of, discovered more and
more continually, vi. 142.

— compared to Ezekiel's vision, i
601.

— God searches not as indifferent spec-
tator, ii. 271.

— an eminent part of God's government
to restrain, i. 4.39.

— preparation of, from the Lord, iv. 7

— vile in God's sight, ii. ,271.

— cannot be too jealous of our own, vi
256.

Heathen acknowledged necessity of
revelation, iv. 86.

— conversion of, foretold, iv. 87.

— moralists of, ignorant of character of
God, iv. 198.

— their need of a deliverer, iv. S3.

— their persecution of Christians ac-
counted for, iii. 201.

— thoughts on possibility of their sal-
vation, iv. 555.

Heaven, the believer's home, iv. 39.

— happiness of, inconceivable, ii. 474.

— what it consists in, ii. 474. iv. 415. 446.
vi. 372.

— by what emblems shadowed forth, iv.
467.

— cannot afford happiness to sinner
without change of heart, iv. 323.

— music of, beyond conception, iv. 116.

— where situated, vi. 19. 371.

— how to attain the most of, by the
way, vi. 67.

Heavy laden sinners described, ii. 452.
Hebrew Poetry. See Poetry.

— words have often more than one sig-
nification, iv. 93.

Her. rews, epistle to, a key to many

passages of Scripture, iv. 261.
H e L l, different significations of, iv. 282.

— punishment of eternal, iv. 463. 489

— v» hat it consists in, iv. 464. 488. 496.

Henry, the great, of Prance, reflec-
tions on his character and death, j
427.

— his reflection on his birth, i. 459.
Heresy, the proper meaning of, iii. 175.
Heresies, propagated in apostle's days,

iii. 269.
Herod convinced of Christ's iniioocn.ce

iv. 274.
Herod Agkippa, eventful life of, iii.

109.

— kills James, iii. 109.

I '( ter, is disappointed of his
. and slays the gaolers, iii. 110.
tea by an angel, and dies rn-se-
l) , i. 462. iii. 112. iv. 884. 57 .;.
Herod i ins described,

012

INDEX.

Heroes, in what light they may be

viewed, i. 515.
Heroism reputed, often the effect of a

weak and little mind, iv. 209-
Hezekiah, an instance of grace in the

ear, i. 181.
High Priest, Christ our great, iv. 299.

— acquainted with all our sorrows, vi.
213.

History, advantages of reviewing our
own, i. 6.

— ecclesiastical, a melancholy detail, ii.
66.

— of Israel proves human depravity, iii.
9-

— of mankind illustrates scripture doc-
trines, iii. 7.

Holiness, in sinners, different from that
of angels, ii. 41 .

— and happiness the great end of the
gospel, iii. 32.

— love anddevotednes3 to God constitute
the essence of, vi. 247.

— and peace the peculiar characteristics
of the disciples of Jesus, ii. 65. See
Faith.

HOLY SPIRIT, deity of, an essential

doctrine, i. 521.
i- accompanies the word with energy,

iv. 520.
— — convinces of sin, ii. 444.

— dependence on his teaching renders
duty easy, i. 429.

— descent of, on the day of Pentecost,
iii. 79. iv. 336.

— first work of, on man's heart, iv. 332.

— indwelling of, an essential doctrine of
gospel, v. 201.

— influences the hearts of all God's chil-
dren, i. 453. 471.

— office of, the effect of Christ's media-
tion, iv. 100. 141.

— offices of, ii. 444.

•»-- produces consolation, faith, and assu-
rance, ii. 445.

— reveals no new truths, but explains
his own word, i. 552.

— sin against him, what, iv. 2-iG.

— the only sure and certain guide into
all truth, i. 621.

— teaching of, promised to believers, vi.
202.

— vital and experimental knowledge
derived from him alone, ii. 100.

Home, the believer's in Heaven, vi. 109
Hope, believer's rests not on frames but
,• on vord of God, i. 161.

— glory of that set before sinners, ii. 424-

— the Christian's the same, notwithstand-
ing changes in experience, \i. 4i.

Horace, invitation of, to Mwcenas, i.
*S3.

Horace, beautiful address of, to Agus-
tus, impious and idolatrous, but has
an expressive propriety in the mouth
of a believer, addressing himself to
God, i. 434.

House, description of a believer's, vi. 103.

Human events, under the direction of
infinite wisdom, i. 408.

— heart, depravity of, i. 405. See
Heart.

— infirmity, manifested on slight occa-
sions, iii. 127.

— nature, corruption of, i. 400. 532. 592.
627. vi. 206.

depravity of, a fundamental doc-
trine, iv. 448.

— systems, attachment to, the chief
cause of disputes among Christians, iv,
193.

Humanity in fallen man, reflections on,

iv. 241.
Hum an us, character of, i. 348.
Humiliation, a spirit of, the strength of

our profession, i. 416.

— what promotes it, and what are its efr
fects, i. 416.

— causes of, will never be wanting, i.
419.

— an evidence of christian temper, i.
498.

— the guard of all other graces, i. 655.

— happy effects of, ii. 49.

— and love, the highest attainments, ii.
62.

— cannot be valued too highly, ii. 154.

— necessary to understand the scriptures,
ii. 327.

— an attribute of magnanimity, iv. 181.
Hushai's advice to Absalom, iv. 431. :
Hymn of thanksgiving for king's recove-
ry, v. 246.

Hypocrisy, fear of, a sign of sincerity, v,
*514.

I and J.

Jacob, opulence of, iv. 150.

Jailor at Philippi converted by St.

Paul, i. 544. iii. 133.
St. James, and St. Paul, apparent

difference between reconciled, ii. 551.

555.
James, the son of Zebedee, slain by

Herod, iii 109.
Jason accused before Thessalonian

magistrates for harbouring the apos-
tles, iii- 136.
Idolatry, folly and universality of, ii-

263.'

— early prevalence of, iv. 64.

— effects of, on heathen morality, i. CI

— a boaom sin. vii. Ot.

INDEX.

on

Idolatry, professing christians guilty of, ii.
264.

— pronenesss to, and cautions against, vi.
46. 132 137.

— on what supposition warranted by
New Testament, iv. 108. 304.

Idol shepherds, worldly ministers so

called, iv. 162.
Jehovah and Adosai, distinction

between, iv. 44.
Jenk's Devotions recommended, i. 1S3.
Jenyns, Soame, extractfrom, iv. 281.
Jeremiah, prophetic declarations on

success of Chaldeans applicable to

Christ, iv. 263.
Jericho, walls of, thrown down by

trumpets of Joshua, ii. 53.
Jerusalem, account of the church of,

iii. 252.

— an emblem of the church, iv. ISO.

— dreadful destruction of by Titus, iii.
198. iv. 378.

.JESUS CHRIST able to save to the ut-
termost, vi. 147.

— a complete atonement for sin, iv.
6. 10. 237.

— affords a balm for every wound, iv. 13.

— agency of the Holy Spirit, effect of
the mediation of, iv. 100. 141.

— agony of in the garden, shows his suf-
ferings a proper atonement for sin, iv.
225.

— agonies and death of, necessary to
display the evil of sin, iv. 194. 212.

— all in all in the sinner's salvation, vi.
206.

— all-sufficient source of consolation, iv.
13. 165.

— always near to, and present with, his
people, vi. 119. 290.

— appearance of, contrary to human ex-
pectation, iii. 43.

— ascension of, iv. 292. 317. 326.

— atonement of, delivers the believer
from guilt, iv. 268.

■ efficacy of, inconceivable without a

belief of his omnipotence, ii. 10.

could only really be made bv him,

iv. 186.

— authority of, ii. 42C.

— believer complete in, vi. 45.

— benefits and efficacy of his redemp-
tion, i. 413.

— benefits of the death of, ever present
to the eye of faith, iv. 226.

— blessings he bestows, ii. 429.

— blood of, constrains to obedience, iv.
190. 238. 268.

no melody comparable to the voice

of his, iv. 3.
had a retrospective efficacy, iv. S.

100. 2^r.

JESUS CHRIST, blood of, of perpetu-
al efficacy, iv. 545.

— bodily sufferings of, light in compari-
son to the agonies of his soul, iv. 224.

— born of a virgin, why, iv. 59-

— brings life and immortality to light,
iv. 100.

— character of, a proof of divine origin
of the gospel, iii. 42. iv. 280.

— characters of, ii. 349.
our advocate, vi. 66.

bridegroom and husband, iv. 256.

294.
brightness of his Father's glory, iv:

298.

counsellor, iv. 107.

everlasting Father, iv. 109.

God, ii. 280. iv. 45. 237.

Immanuel, iv. 60.

King, iv. 132.

King of glory, iv. 296.

King of kings, iv. 425.

Lord, ii. 427. iv. 120.

Lord God omnipotent, iv. 402.

Lord of Hosts, iv. 294.

Lamb of God, iv. 186.

right of the Gentiles, iv. 33.

Man, ii. 281.

character cf man of sorrows, vi. 206.

Mediator, ii. 282. -

messenger of the covenant, iv. 45.

Messiah, iL 341.

mighty God, iv 108.

— — only wise God, iv. 561.

TCtvroxfcilopi iv. 561.

prince of peace, iv. 109.

a Saviour, iv. 120. 134.

Shepherd, vi. 52. iL 421. iv. 150.

£30. 284, 300.

Son of fiod, iv. 201.

Sun of Righteousness, iv. 164.

the v, ay, the truth, and the life..

iv. 233. 257.

wonderful, iv. 107.

word of God, iv. 426.

captain of our salvation, iv. 555.

— chastisement of our peace, how laid
upon him, iv. 225.

— chief glory of, that he reigns in hearts
of his people, iv. 409.

— claimed peculiar characters and at-
tributes of JJc'.tv, iii. 20.

— compared to the sun, vi. 2S9. £53.
a shepherd, iv. 150.

a shield, vi. 35.0.

— Knpassion of, Car his people, ii. £0.

— condescension of, va noU'jieg sinful
men, ii. 424. iv. 319.

— conference of, with Xieodemus, iv.
SOI.

— cons Nation of his people of eld, iv

614

INDEX.

JESUS CHRIST, the oiilj ground of,
iv. 8.

— consolations of, hidden from worldly
men, ii. 183.

— contemplation on the sufferings of,
vi. 378.

— controls the powers of darkness, iv.
404.

— conversed with the patriarchs, iv.
236.

— cross of, crucifies believers to the
world, iv. 269.

— — constraining influence of, vi. 26.

displays divine perfections, iv. 220.

— — endearing points of view, ii. 68.

! j.

— — subdues our enmity to Gorl, iv. 74.

— crucified, all the treasure of wisdom
hidden in, iv. 100.

— dashes his oncmis to pieces as a pot-
ter's vessel, iv. 396.

— death of, for sinners, the greatest won-
der ever exhibited, iv. 263.

exhibited the righteousness of God

in only possible way, iv. 9.

— deity of, essential doctrine of gospel,
v. 199. iv. 304.

belief of his, necessary to salva-
tion, i. 521.

- necessary to render the scriptures

intelligible, iv. 45.

hid from carnal men, ii. 372.

— deity, proofs of, i. 456. ii. 6. 419. vi.
438.

conviction of sin only, can over-
come reasoning objections against, ii.
10.

— depth of bis humiliation, ii. 10.

— derided upon tbe cross, iv. 242.

— design of bis appearance, ii. 28~.

— despised and rejected of men, iv. 19S.

— dignity and distress of, v. hen suffering,
but little known, i. 435. ii. 416.

— distinction between Jew and Gentile
abolished in, iv. 135.

— divine nature of, afforded no sensible
comfort under his agony, iv. 251.

— doctrine of, excited opposition, iii. 41.

— dwells in hearts of his people, iv. 30.
in the bumble spirit, iv. 300.

— effects of tbe appearance of, iv. 81.
141. IS'-..

of bis humiliation, iv. 25. 47. 2<i0.

— enables his disciples, to be holy, iv. ITS.

— entitled to the most solemn adoration,
iv. .-;... 566.

— ( ::' •:•;•■■ of, into Jerusalem, iv. 1 17.

— equal with God, iv. 237.

— establish sa new and spiritual Ling-

iv. 77.

iv.CS. -".".). J 17. 381.

JESUS CHRIST, example of his suffer-
ings recommended to the bebever'9
imitation, iv. 214.

— excites to diffusive benevolence, i.
500.

— exeellencv of in believer's view, vi.
349.

— every kind of excellence his indubita-
ble right, iv. 561.

— exemplified his own precepts, iv. 3GS.

— extent of his spiritual kingdom, iv. 411.

— filled the second temple with glory,
iv. 36.

— first appearance of, on earth, iv 24.

— flock of, in what sense he feeds, guards,
heals, and restores them, iv. 153.

— followers of, why bis immediate cho-
sen from tbe lowest stations, iv. 90.

— forerunner of his people, iv. £99.

— fulfilled and abrogated tbe law, iv. 35.

— gift of, manifests goodness, justice,
and severity of God, ii 307.

evil of sin, ii. 310.

— i worth cf soid, ii 311.

certainty of gospel plan of salva-

tion, ii 313
will not profit all, ii. 314.

— glory of, seen more in redeeming a
sinner than in preserving 1000 angels,
ii. 81.

— glory and love of, must be seen to
participate in his image, ii. 194.

— God manifest in the flesh, iv. 45. 237.
272.

— gospel of, a dispensation for sinners,
i. 423.

— grace and truth came by, iv. 46. 82.

— grace of, irresistibly efffeheious, iv. 328.

— grieved with wickedness ant) obduracy
of sinners, iv. 208.

— the ground of agreement between
Cod and man, iv. 506.

— the great temple, iv. 578.

— glory of, wiled when on earth, iii. 21 .

— head of tbe church, tbe living and
life-giving, iv. 406.

— heart of unsearchable, i 602.

— high priest and intercessor, iv. 299.

— holiness and peace, characterize dis-
ciples of, ii. 65.

— the holy one of Israel, iv. 236.

— honour which believers derive from
his exaltation, iv. 318. 325.

— human nature of, tbe temple of God,
iv. 455.

indissolubly united v, it'i tbe dhrv ,

iv. 04.

— humiliation of, iv. 26 40 129. 20O.

— idea of, should be formed from e
hire, vi. 299.

— incarnation of, iv, 105. 311.

INDEX.

615

JESUS CHRIST, incarnation of, why
deferred, iii. 6.

— Immanuel, God with us, iv. 59.

— indwelling of, in his people, iv. 353.
•— innocence of, vindicated, iv. 270.
united testimonies of, iv. 275.

— invites the weary and heavy laden, iv.
165.

— judge of world, ii. 42'2.

— justly called desire of all nations, i v. 3 i .

— in what sense his coming net restrain-
ed to a particular time, iv. 51.

— kingdom of, misunderstood by Jews,
iii. 44

of, not of this world, iv. 132. 374.

fulfilment of prophecies concerning

the progressive, iv. 359.

— knew the heart of man, iv. 341.

— knowledge of, compared to Ithuriel's
spear, ii. 12.

his love constrains us to devote our-
selves to him, i. 450. vi. 507.

— every thing but loss in comparison of
the knowledge of, iv. 20S. 220.

— — how best obtained, iv. 312.

— led captivity captive, iv. 327.

— life, kc. valuable if improved for him,
i. 460.

— life of grace is derived from hJ3 ful-
ness, iv. 189. 211.235.

— a light to the Apostles, iv. 96.

*— love and humility liighest attainments
in school of, ii. 62.

— love of,attaches believers toJiim^v^S.

— our highest, beneath our obligations,
ii. 224.

— love of, towards us, directed by infi-
nite wisdom, ii. 182. 331.

. should be our constant theme, i

407. ii. 597.
source of believer's joy and ohedi-

ence, i. 499.

— lowliness of, iv. 172.

— magnanimity of, perfect, iv. 218.

— marvellous in his providence, iv. 403.

— mediation, the great final cause of his,
iv. 332.

— mediatorial kingdom of, will have an
end, iv. 579.

— medium of, communication of light
and love to his people, iv. 580.

— meekness of, iv. 180.

• — meetness of, to expiate our sins, what
constituted, iv. 276.

— miracles of undeniable, iv. 455.
— — ascribed to Beelzebub, iv. 246.

— mistake of the Jews concerning the
place of his birth, iv. 202.

— sole lord of conscience, vi. 229.

— mistaken notiou of the Jews concern-
ing, iv. 26.

Vol. VI. 4 K

JESUS CHRIST, must be God in order
to redeem sinners, ii. 342.

— name of, written upon his vesture
and thigh, iv. 426.

— necessity of entire dependence on, i.
470.

— entire trust in him, ii. 224. 231.

— no sorrow like to his, iv. 260.

— none can say Lord but by the Holy
Ghost, i. 458.

— obedience and sufferings of, imputed
to believers, iv. 286.

— obedience of, unto death, discovers
way of reconciliation with. God, iv.
100.

— the object of divine worship in the
primitive church, vi. 393.

— offices of, ii. 344.

. prove his deity, ii. 421.

— on coming to, ii. 458.

— only founder of a religion unconnect*
ed with human policy, iv. 281.

— only way of access to God, iv. 506.

— opposition he met with, true ground
of, iii. 34.

— opposition to, groundless and unrea-
sonable, iv. 374.

vain, ineffectual, and ruinous, ir.

377.

— our knowledge of, exceedingly small,
ii. 417.

— person of, ii. 279.

and sufferings of, show misery pf,

man, and means of recovery, iii. 22.

— physician, the great and infallible, ir.
167. 182.

— political events subserve the establish-
ment of his kingdom, iv. 22. 367. 404.
412. 430.

— possessed of the incommunicable at-
tributes of Deity, iv. 151.

— poverty of, but little laid to heart, vi.
462.

— power of, should inspire us with con-
fidence, iv. 432.

— poverty and humiliation of, why he
appeared in such a state, iv. 121. 182.
206.

— predictions of, ii. 321.

— predicted his own sufferings, iv. 2Q7.
212.

— prefigii* ed by sacrifices of the law, iv.
6.

— prejudices against, not peculiar fo
Jews. iv. 189.

— presence of, continually neces3arv, r.
599.

renders his people happv, vi. 107.

renders all situations alike, vi. 365.

— the present and future rest of be-
lievers, ii. 469.

< — present sfrll in K's ehrrreh, tr. ."7.-3?:*.

616

INDEX.

JESUS CHRIST, prevailing interces-
sion of, iv. 527.

— priestly office of, ii. 347.

— promises of, ii. 331.

— prophetical office of, ii. 345.

— proposed to our first parents in -what
respect, iv. 8.

— questions of, to Feter, ii. 65.

— received gifts for the rebellious, iv.
324.

— reception of his gospel by the world,
illustrated, i. 448.

— regal office of, ii. 348.

— reigns on a throne of grace, iv. 405.

— represents his people, iv. 299.

— his reproofs excited opposition, iii. 42.

— resembles the sun, vi. 289.

— resistance, why he permits, iv, 428.

— resurrection, important consequences
of the, iv. 457,

— resurrection of, the pledge and pat-
tern of ours, iv. 290.

the grand foundation of the truth

of Christianity, iv. 283.

— the resurrection of the dead, iv. 464.

— retains his human nature till the res-
titution of all things, iv. 300.

— riches of his grace inexhaustible, ii.
195.

— — — the grace of unsearchable, iv. 78.
163. 328.

— righteousness of, our all in all, i. 400.

— rules his enemies with a rod of iron,
iv. 392.

till his enemies are subdued, iv.359.

the kingdoms of providence and

grace, ii. 90

— salvation of sinners his great design,
iv. 212.

— scriptural images of, i. 559.

— scriptural dependance on, how dis-
tinguished, vi. 41.

— scripture precedents of praying to,
iv. 579.

. — scripture testimony to, ii. 340.

— sense of our obligations to, may recon-
cile to continuance here, i. 467.

— - sentiments of, will determine our
eternal state, iv. 30.

— separated for a season from presence
and communion of God, iv. 224.

— service of, easy and pleas »nt, ii. 491.

— severity with which he treated the
Pharisees, iv. 202.

— shakes the heaven and eartb, in what
sense, iv. 33.

— shepherd of his people, and therefore
Jehovah, i. 457.

— shows the evil of sin, iv. 238.

— sin charged upon him as our 3uretv,iv.
230.

JESUS CHRIST, sinnms are pardoned
without exception, for the sake of, iv.
507.

— the source of light to the moral and
spiritual world, iv. 81. 84. 194.

— state of the world at his advent, iv:
19.

— strong and mighty in battle, iv. 295.

— sufferings of, vi. 25.

— — from men light in comparison of
what he suffered from his Father, vi.
213.

afford ground to glory in tribulation,

iv. 223

voluntary, iv 209. 217. 235.

— sufficiency" of, i. 404. 412. 498. 626.
641. ii. 95. &C

— sympathy of, with his people, i. 475.

— styles himself in a peculiar sense, the
son of God, the resurrection and the
life, iv. 201.

— taught his disciples gradually, iii. 17.

— teaches the most important things, iv.
177.

— tendency of the constraining love of,
i. 421.

— testified of, by prophets, ii. 331.

— the great teacher, who gives capacity
to learn, iv. 176.

— the true ark, iv. 325.

— title of son of David appropriate to,
i\. 36.

— took not on him the nature of angels,
iv. 200.

— trains up his people by various exer-
cises, iv. 534.

— transfiguration of, iv. 220.

— twofold nature of, ii. 340.

— types of, ii. 332.

— revealed and at the same time con-
cealed him, iv. 9.

— united really though mystically to his
people, iv. 85. 237.

— unpitied and without comforter, i\ .
255.

— in what sense filled the temple with
his glory, iv. 36.

— what especially endears him to the
soul, i. 415.

— what it is to come to, iv. 16S.

— why called the desire of all nations,
iv. 32. 46.

— why his appearance was sudden to the
Jews, iv. 47.

— why necessary that he should appear
in our nature, iv. 57.

— work of, in the heart, compared to
corn and to a building, i. 599.

to an oak, i. 601. ii. 141.

— — to the lighting of a fire, ii. 9.

— works of, necessarily suppose a divine
power, ii. 121 .

INDEX.

Gi;

JESUS CHRIST, worship of, ultimately
referred to him who sitteth on the
throne, iv. 579.

— worshipped by angels, iv. 309.

— yoke of, sermon on, ii. 480.

» ■ ■ agreeable to inclination of the be-
liever, ii. 494.
easy, iv. 175. 182. i

— our advocate, a comfortable declara-
tion, vi. 66.

— fountain of grace, i. 397.

Jewish ceconomy, striking prediction of

the destruction of, iv. 35.
Jews overwhelmed with gross darkness,

vi. 380.

— demonstrate the truth of scripture, iv.
35.

Ignatius condemned to the wild beasts

by Trajan, ill. 801.
Ignorance, in itself sinful, i. 543.

— and guilt reciprocally connected, ii.
346.

— causes of, ii. 393.

— the best mode of removing, vi. 282.
Ignorant, address to the, ii. 411.
Illumination, on gradual increase of, i.

290.

Image of God, totally lost by sin, i. 540.

Imagination, capable of making us incon-
ceivably happy or miserable, i. 480.

— - a cultivated, what it commonly means,
i. 481.

— strictly speaking, not a spiritual facul-
ty, i. 492.

1m m anue l, a title of the Messiah, iv. 60.

Imperfection, primitive Christians not
wholly free from, iii. 258.

Imputed righteousness, doctrine of, iv.
286.

Independent, title of, more justly appli-
cable to ministers of establishment than
any others, v. 46.

Independents, admit asagi i of
which no trace appears in inspired
account of primitive churches, v. ,i7.

Indolence highly sinful and injurious, vi.
299.

Indwelling sin, an active powerful cause,
i. 658.

author's conflict with, vi 21. 52. 5S.

effects of, must be felt, vi. 43.

Infants, consoling considerations under
loss of, vi. 182.

--- probably constitute the multitude be-
fore the throne, vi. 183.

Infidelity congenial to human nature, v.
285.

Ingratitude, proof of depravity, ii. 266.

inoculation, arguments for and against,
ii. 129.

Tisensibiiitv of man, proof cf depravity,
ii 26

Insensibility, how manifested, ii. 263. 265.
Instances, in which the creature is used

contrary to design of the Creator, i.

306.
Inspiration, the question concerning, ii.

242.

— black, or the influence of the evil
spirits, i. 454. 472.

Intercession for, best proof of love to
friends, vi. 53.

— of believers, valuable privilege, vi. 6-'.
Introductory observations to author's nar-
rative, i. 5.

Inward witness of faith, letter on the, i.

155.
Job's faith and expectation, iv. 437.

— recollection of former state, iv. 266.

— greatness of his trials, iv. 511.
Jonadab's answer to Amnon, how to

be improved, iv. 262.
Josephus referred to, ii. 292.
John Baptist, harbinger of Messiah ,

i. 5. 24. 43. 82.

— reflections on his death, iv. 24.
John and Peter heal a lame man, iii -

81.

— imprisoned, iii. 82.

— banished to Patrnos probably by Do-
mitian, iii. 199.

— behaviour of, when dismissed from
Jewish council, iv. 279.

Jones, Mr. his " Catholic Doctrine of
the Trinity" commended, ii. 11.

Jov, the sure grounds of the Christian's,
v. 517.

— manner in winch should be manifest-
ed, v. 518.

Joseph, reficctionson history of, iv. 324.
Joshua the high priest, iv. 535.
Isaiah, why styled a fifth Evangelist,
iv. 9.

— distinguished by magnificent image-
ry, iv. 16.

Isaiah, xxx. 1. explanation of, vi. 188.

Israel, afflictions of, in Egypt, pre-
pared them to receive Moses' mes-
sage with pleasure, vi. 223.

— conduct of, before and after the
captivity, iii. 10, 11.

— history of proves human depravity,
iii. 9.

a suitable representation of obi*

own, v. 279.

— religious establishment of, by what
figured, iv. 35.

Israelites, reflections on God's feed-
ing them with manna, i. 473. See PI;a-
roah.

Judaizing Christians, controversies exci-
ted by, iii. 122.

Judas the traitor, remarkably circum
spect in his conduct, i:i. 66.

618

INDEX.

Judas, aggravations of his guilt, it. 2S6.

— testimony to Christ's innocence, iv.
272.

Judgment and practice, humbling dif-
ference between, i. 398. 412.

Judgment under Christ's authority, ii.
434.

— day of, all human things should be
estimated now by the light "in which
they will then appear, i. 434.

Jupiter as described by Homer, iv. 79.
Justice of God manifested in gift of

Christ, ii. 308.
■ seen in cross of Christ, ii. 441.
Justification before God is by faith alone,

ii. 556.

— doctrine of, explained, iv. 287.
— — importance of, iv. 523.

.. often misunderstood and abused, i v.
526.

v— inseparably connected with regenera-
tion and sanetifieation, vi. 244.

Justus and Silas accompany Paul
and Barnabas to Antioch, iii. 126.

K.

K«t»*t^oA|9'«v explained, note, iii. 10.
King, a title of Messiah, iv. 132.

— of glory, iv. 296.

— of kings, iv. 133.

King's sacovery, sermon on, v. 225.
Kings, eastern, usually sent harbingers

before, iv. 18.
arrogant style of, iv. 425.

— of the earth, designs of, subservient to
God's will, iv. 22.

Kingdom of God, ii. 98.

— heaven, what it riguifics, iv. 82.
Knowledge, acquired and e.xpeii mental,

difference between, i. 398. 410.
-— of God the only proper ground of
glory and joy, i. 425.

— the pursuit of every branch of, not
connected with the one tiling needful,
ridiculous, ii. 69.

— vital and experimental, can only be
received from the Holy Spirit, ii. 100.

, — falsely so called, what, iv. 145.

— inefficacy of, i. 219.

— of God, what is, iii. 438.

. — of Christ, privileges annexed to the,
vi. 74.

— snares of, i. 115.

L

Labouring and heavy laden sinners des-
cribed, ii. 448.

Lamb of God, the great atonement, iv.
184. 187.

Last day, emphatically the day of the
Lord, iv. 52

— reflections on, iv. 398. 468.

— how consideration of, should affect us,
iv. 478.

Latter or last days, what they denote in

the prophetic style, iv. 444.
Law, Mr. character of, vi. 247.

— defects in his system, vi. 247.

— sentiments of, referred to, vi. 205.

— system, uncomfortableness of, vi. 242.
Law, on the right use of, i. 310. 317.

— scriptural signification of the term, i.
310.

— ignorance of nature of, the grand root
of error, i. 310.

— its extent and recpiirements, ii. 272.

— purposes for which given, iv. 46. i.
313.

— lawfully used as a means of convic-
tion, i. 318.

— a glass te behold God's glory, i. 31 8.

— a rule to regulate our spirits, i. 319.

— a test to judge of the exercise of
grace, i. 319.

— promulgated on mount Sinai, iv. 29.

— curse of, includes every species of
misery, iv. 222.

— gives efficacy to the sting of death, iv.
494.

— in what sense St. Paul without, once,
ii. 454.

— meaning of, as contradistinguished
from the gospel, i. 310.

— prejudices against, removed by Holy
Spirit, i. 31 5.

— ceremonial, in what respect weak, iv.
6.

a shadow of good things to come,

iv. 292.

what gave life and significancy to,

iv. 104.

a yoke and burden, iv. 6.

superseded by the gospel, iv. 6.

abrogation of, by what typified, iv.

55.

Laws, some of the land eventually' pro-
mote sin, v. 149.

Laiarus, resurrection of, emblematic
of the new birth, iv. 141.

— the beggar, parable of, considered,
iv. 466.

Learning, in what lights it may be con-
sidered useful or dangerous, i. 596.

— without divine assistance, liable to
lead man further astray, ii. 329.

Leightox, archbishop, bishop Bur-
net's character of, ii. 102.

— quoted, ii. 338.
AiiTovpyixa, meaning of, iv. 316.

Leo X. pope, profane expression oft
iv 162.

INDEX.

610

Le,(.ter.E, directions Low to write, vi. 323.
Letters to a wife, v. 303.

- anther's views in publishing, v. 314.
Levi, sons of, in what sense purified by

Christ, iv. 53.
Lewdness, fatal effects of, iv. 593.
Library, plan of a Christian, i. 210.

LIFE, AUTHENTIC NARRATIVE of

the author's, i. 1.
Life, the onlv reason why truly desira-
ble, i. 431.468.

— valuable, if enabled to improve all for
Christ, i. 460.

— divided between Cod and the world,
in what sense desirable, i. 512.

~ no permanent state in, that can make
our experience cease to be a state of
warfare and humiliation, i. 586.

— human, no state of, free from anxie-
ty, disgust, and disappointment, iv. 13.

— affords a perpetual commentary on
the scriptures, iv. 179.

— cannot be affected by any thing until
our work is done, vi. 192.

— of faith described, vi. 55.

difference between a theoretical and

experimental, vi. 34".

— - happiness of, vi. 99.

— — an inexplicable mystery", till expe-
rience makes it plain, i. 452.

— — how maintained, vi. 174.

— the Christian's, compared to a race. ii.
529.

— ricw in which important, vi. 77.
light, figuratively used in scripture, iv.

*81.

Literary studies liable to prove snares to
ministers, v. 210.

Latnrgy and rubric, expediency of, v. 9.

Liturgy, general character of the estab-
lished, v. 10.

1-opc, advantage of, Dr. Watts', recom-
mended, i. 119. v. 93.

London and country grace, difference be-
tween, ii. 185.

London and Oi.nev, reflections on
the author's situations at, vi. 365.

Looking to Jesus, only effectual way of
participating in his image, ii. 193.

benefits of, vi. 4.

the great secret of Christianity, vi.

74.

Lord's day, religious feasting on, scanda-
lous and abominable, vi. 464.

Lot, reflections on the flight of, from
Sodom, iv. 501.

Lots, remarks on the use of, i. 295.

Love, advantages and disadvantages of
being in, i. 20.

— consoling considerations under the
prospect of 'tbtypc'uV.nnint io, vj. 1'2S.

Ixjvc of the brethren, letter on, i. 320.

— principles and properties of, i. 323

— happiness of, i. 324.

— deficiency of, in present day, L 324.

— the characteristic of true Christianity,
i. 325.

Love of Christ, sermon on the con-
straining influence of, vi. 4R9.

the chief motive of St. Paul's con-
duct, vi. 499.

description of, vi. 226. 499.

— — renders his yoke easy, ii. 492.

— of God, the best casuist, i. 507. ii. 5.
the principle of love to brethren, i.

322.
consistent with social and relative

affections, vi. 487.

in gift of his son, ii. 508.

seen in cross of Christ, ii. 440.

— — — considerations on, vi. 226.

and man, the essence of religion, i.

621.

— effects which should he produced by,
ii. 18.

— obedience the best test of, ii. 177.

— the fulfilling of the law, vi. 49.

— the noblest principle cf the soul,shonId
be fixed on its proper object, iv. 268.

— and meekness, the peculiar mark cf
Christianity, i. 618.

— and humility, the highest attainments
in Christ's school, ii. 02.

Lowness of spirits, effects of, i. 652.
Lowth, bishop, demonstrates a peculiar

property in Hebrew poetry, iv. 16.
Lunatics, are as reasonable as any persons

on earth who glory in themselves, i.

425.

— vhy worldly men resemble them, iv
1 i. '

Luther, mistake of, with respect to
St. James, ii. 552.

— opinion of, on doctrine of justification,
iv. 583.

Lydia converted by Paul's preaching.
iii. 131.

— care of, iv. 5-20.

Lord's Prayer, scriptural warrant fo;-
using, v 13.

M.

Madeira, voyage to, i. 33.
Madness, acommon charge against chris-
tians, iii. 180.

— apostles and primitive christians ac-
cused of, vi. 494.

Magicians bum their books, iii. 151.
Magnanimity, true, essential and pecu-
liar to a christian, iv. £10.

— oapcwor to nJml philosophy can teach,
i.-. 07 S

G20

INDEX.

Mahomet blended religious and civil
institutions, iv. 281.

— prevalence of his religion where the
gcspel once flourished, iv. 420.

Malachi confirms and unites the pro-
phecies of Isaiah and Haggai, iv. 43.

'Man, fearfully and wonderfully made, iv.
397.

— fallen, nature of, i. 332.

foolish, i. 333.

devilish, i. 335.

inimical to the gospel, i. 339.

fallen, incapable of doing any

thi:;g savingly without the grace of
God, i. 563.

— inability of, not natural but moral, i.
564.

— majestic though in ruins, i. 540. iv.
463.

— natural, incapable of discerning the
things of God, i. 546.

— natural disposition of, visible in his
views of the divine perfections, iv.
548.

— misery of, seen in person and suffer-
ings of Christ, iii. 22.

— no moral goodness in his virtues, iv.
573.

! — originally immortal, iv. 326.

— a solecism in creation, iv. 463.

Ma nest y, Mr. kindness of, to the au-
thor, v. 305.

Manifestation of the Sons of God ex-
plained, i. 304.

Mankind, history of, confirms scriptu-
ral statement, iii. 7.

— the lost and fallen state of, vi. 503.
.Manna, reflections on the, i. 473.
Mark deserts Saul and Barnabas, iii.

115.

— travels with Barnabas to Cyprus, iii.
127.

Marks of a lively state, i. 3C0.
Marriage, author's own, happiness of, vi.
261. 267.

— curious remarks on the author's, v.
365.

— congratulations on that of a friend, vi.
131.

— slate of, approaches the nearest pos-
sible to happiness, v. 311.

. reflections on, vi. 46.

remarks on, and directions with

reference to, vi. 260. 267.

snares and enjov ments of, vi. 133.

trials of, vi. 46. 48.

the most interesting and endeared'

relation, jet subject to heavy draw-
backs, vi. 484.

— unlawful to enter upon without a
prospect of support, ii. 120.

Mathematical 'studies, tend to fix the

mind in a cold contemplation of truth,

ii. 156.
Means, diligent attention to, consistent

with belief in God's sovereignty, iii. 187.
Meekness and love, the peculiar spirit of

Christianity, i. 618.
Melancthon's experience referred

to, ii. 360.
Memoirs, difficulty of writing our own,

i 10.
Men are but children of a larger growth,

iv. 30. 128.

— arrogant assumption of titles that in-
trench on God's prerogative, iv. 425.

— designs of all, overruled by God, iv.
211.

— heroism of, often arises from a weak
and little mind, iv. 209.

— highly criminal in rejecting the gos-
pel, iv. 39.

— how far to be followed, vi. 229.

— indifference with which behold the
works of creation, iv. 184.

— left to themselves, bring ruin down
upon them, v. 155.

— natural inability of, no argument a-
gainst using the means of grace, iv.
197.

— original source of their apostasy, iv.
136.

— prejudices against Christ deeply root-
ed in their minds, iv. 201.

— relation of, to God, iv. 471.

— their contempt of the gospel, to what
compared, iv. 41 .

— vanity of their wisdom, iv. 569.
Messenger of the Covenant, a title of

Messiah, iv. 45.
MESSIAH, Sermons on the, iv.

— a character of the, iv. 32.

— defective idea of, under Old Testa-
tament church, iv. 9.

Christ, or the anointed, iv. 120.

See Jesus.

— an oratorio, account of, iv. 3.

— observations on the music of, iv. 31.

reflections on the performance of,

See Handel.

Metaphysics, inutility and uncertainty
of, v. 98.

Mighty God, a name of the Messi-
ah, iv. 108.

Millennium, opinions concerning the, iv.
414.

Milton's character of Abdiel, i. 464.

Minister, remarkable case of a, i. 577.

— directions to one, in the choice of a
wife, ii. 118.

Minister of Jesus Christ, style of, vi.

100.
Ministerial timc-servirg, implies folly.

v. 211.

INDEX.

G21

Ministers, all servants and ambassadors
of Christ, i 192.

— appointed by Christ, ii 433.

— endeavours of, successful only by
God's blessing, iv. 345.

— exposed to peculiar trials, iii. 214.

— faithfid described, iii. 247.

eminent for love to Christ and

Christians, iii 223.
■■ zealous attachment to purity of

the Gospel, iii. 22".

— find abundant reward in the effects
of their ministry, iv. 352.

— gospel, called and prepared by the
Lord, iv 342.

— illustration of their labours as instru-
ments of God, ii. 53.

— in what light should regard their la-
bours, vi. 172.

— in what sense servants, v. 47.

— irregular, exposed to inconvenience,
vi. 118.

— labours of shall not whollv fail, ii.
363.

— must speak the truth, ii. 2G0.

— necessity of having a deep sense of
the evil of sin, i. 627.

— necessity of preaching as to condemn-
ed criminals, i. 550.

— not necessarily the best Christians,
vi. 171.

— not gentlemen but soldiers, v. 80.

— points of distinction between true and
false, v. 182.

— proper character of, described in
Epistles to Timothy and Titus, iii.
213.

— relief of, lies in the wisdom and so-
vereignty of Gort, i. 449.

— salvation of one soul, sufficient to
overbalance all their labours, i. 449

— should examine themselves by St.
Paul, iii. 240.

— of the Gospel, their lot with respect
to majority of hearers, like thai of
Cassandra, i. 448.

— should guard against over attach-
ment to literary pursuits, v. 210.

— why sorely exercised both without
and within, ii. 71.

--- though unsuccessful, yet shall be ac-
cepted, ii 363.

Ministers, worldly, inefficacy of their
preaching, iii. 236 iv. 163. 341.

— compared to idol shepherds, iv. 162.
Ministry, place of academical prepara-
tion for, v. 59.

— characters of young men to he cho-
sen as candidates for, v. 77.

--- course of rtudies proper for, i. 117.

Ministry, desire to preach does not of it-
self constitute a call to, vi. 100.
-•- what evidences a call to the, ii. 44.

— the most honourable office in the
world, vi. 272.

— prayer for a person devoting himself
to, vi 102.

— small success of, ii. 359.

— snares and difficulties of, i. 135.
Miracles cannot themselves convince of

truth, iii 117.
Mirth and happiness very different

things, v. 403.
Misery, how much it depends on the

imagination, i. 480.
— - a consequence of the fall, iv. 75.

— inseparably connected with sin, iv.
380.

Melody. See Harmony.
Moderation, religious, cliiefly arises from
scepticism, iv. 386.

— with respect to non-essentials, a val-
uable part of true wisdom, v. 214.

Money, obtained in a fair and honoura-
ble way, on many accounts desirable,
ii. 119."

Monument of the Lord's good-
ness towards Eliza Cunning-
ham, v. 101.

Moral evidence, in some cases equalh
conclusive with mathematical demon-
stration, iv. 451.

Morality alone unable to inspire the
heart with the love and peace of God,
iv. 338.

Moralist, the fine-spun dress in which
he clothes himself of no more avail
than the produce of a spider, i. 447.

Moravian, commendation of a, vi. 184.

Moravians, extensive labours of.
commended, iv. 364.

Morning, reflections on the appearance
of, ii. -4i.

Mosaic institution, induced a spirit of
bondage, distance, and fear, iv. CI.

Moses, highly favoured by God, iv. 82.

— meek, yet almost wearied out by L-
realites, iv. 180.

— blended his religious with his civil in-
stitutions, iv. 281.

Moses' rod, an instrument of God in
the hands of his servant, ii. 53.

Motives to humiliation and praise, v.
275.

Mourning as much a mark of true faitli
as consolation i. 360.

Mystery, explanation of, iv. 470.

— of godliness, St. Paul's account of,
br. 1.

Mystcriousness of some things no obiec
tion to Revelation, vi. 241.

623

INDEX.

N.

bailie of God, how taken in vain, ii.
517. 519.

— of Jesus, preciousness of the, vi. 34.
Nathaniel, prejudices of, accounted

for, iv. 94.

Nation, the danger and resourse of, ser-
mon on, v. 249.

Nations, by what figured, iv. 34.

National church, idea of a, i. 523.

— debt, of less moment than the debt
of a national sin, ii. 86.

National debt of sin, exceeding great, v.
146.

National sins, estimate of, ii. 86.

Natural religion, Africans and Ameri-
can Indians afford the only fair speci-
men of, v. 89.

Nature, analogy between kingdom of,
and that of grace, iv. 179.

Nebuchadnezzar, an instrument
in God's hand, iv. 429.

Nero persecutes the Christians,iii. 195.

— detestable character of, iv. 376.
Nestor, eloquence of, compared by

Homer to a fall of snow, ii. 162.

New birth, distinct from the highest ef-
fects of natural principles, ii. 14.

or new creation. See Heart.

— Jerusalem, i. 402.

description of, not to be understood

literally, iv. 415.

New translations of scripture inexpedi-
ent in public preaching, vi. 188.

New year, reflections on the, i. 465.

Newton, Mrs. account of illness and
death of, v. 613.

Nicodemus, Christ's conference with,
i. 291. iv. 308.

Nicolaitans, iii. 282.

Nicole, M. his opinion of great men
and conquerors, i. 516.

Ninevites will rise up in judgment a-
gainst this nation, v. 253.

JfuMA blended his religious and civil in-
stitutions, iv. 281.

O.

Oaths, the excessive multiplication of,
ensnaring, ii. 5-0.

— God's name often token in vain in
the a< '■ i inist ring of, ii. 521.

— multiplicity of, greatly increase na-
tional guilt, v. 150.

Obedience, cross of Christ the most
powerful motive to, vi. 26.

— produced by looking to Jesus, vi. 6.

— the best test of our love to Christ, ii.
177.

1 Objections brought by Jews against
Christ, jii. 46.

Observation and experience, contribute
gradually to soften and sweeten our
spirits, ii. 3.

Obstinacy in itself sinful, i. 5. 43.

Occam, Mr. similarity between his ex-
perience and that of the author, vi.
151.

Offences comparative estimation of, a-
mong men, iv. 214.

Old Testament, poetical books of, in what
respect distinguished from the histo-
rical, iv. 16.

Olney Hymns, iii. 299.-678.

Index to, iii. page v. and 677.

— address to the inhabitants of, vi. 549.
Omiah, reflections on his visit to this

island, iv. 420. «

OMICRON'S Letters vol. i. 109.
One hundred and forty -four thousand, a

definite for an indefinite number, iv.

551.

One thing needful," an important

aphorism of our Lord, i. 447. ii. 80.

- explained, vi. 327.
Opposition, dangers of, to ministers, i.

127. vi. 115.
Oppression a national sin, v. 290.
Oratorios, expediency of avoiding, i. 500.

ii. 81.
Oratory, caution against the affectation

of, vi. 402.
Order, disregard of, injurious to the

cause of Christ, vi. 125.
Ordinances, Gospel, precious to a belie-
ver, 1. 399.

— cannot be neglected without loss, £
640.

— good to believer, ii. 506.
Ordination refused to the author, v. 521.
Orpheus, reflections on the story of,

iv. 30.
Orrery, Lord, remark of, on Pliny,

observations on, v. 449.
0>3«5, meaning of, iv. 426.
Owen, Dr. referred to, i. 155.

— his " Exposition of the 130th Psalm"
commended, ii. 54.

— Discourse of, on the " Holy Spirit,"
an epitome of his writings, ii. 101.

— opinion of, concerning a believer's di-
rect application to Christ, jv. 578.

nwiatgrng, a title of Christ, iv. 561.

Papist, characterestic of a, vi. 199.

Parallel expressions, most prevalent in
the poetical Looks of the Old Testa-
ment, iv. 16.

Paralytio mar., Christ's behaviour to;
iv. 11.

INDEX.

623

Pardon given by Christ, ii. 429.

— implies guilt, iv. 15.

Parents, their anxiety as such, iv 159.

Parnell's Hermit, illustrative of Di-
vine Providence, v. 38-2.

Parochial Charge, an important situa-
tion, vi, 124.

Parties and names had effects of an at-
tachment to, iv. 19.3.

Parting, author's sensations at, v. 430.

Partition wall between Jew and Gentile
taken away, iv. 82. 155.

Pastoral life, ancient simplicity of in east-
ern countries, iv. 14. 149.

Patience of God tow ards his people illus-
trated, vi. 85.

Patriarchs and Prophets, in what sense
enristians, ii'. 4 .

i — in what sense died in faith, iv. 436.

Patriot, character of a real, i. 428.

Paul's birth and character, iii. 217.

— notsincere before his conversion,'!. 542.

— conversion of, i. 8. iv. 74. 149. 249.
384. 509. 51 S.

— preaches at Antioch in Syria, iii. 108.

— carries the alms of christians to Je-
rusalem, iii. 112.

— appointed with Barnabas to preach
in other countries, iii. 113.

— stoned at Lystra, iii. 119. iv. 275.

— goes up with Bamahas to consult the
apostles at Jerusalem, iii. 122.

— disagrees with Barnahas about Mark,
iii. 127.

— travels to Cyprus, iii. 114.

Perga and Pamphylia, iii. 115.

Antioch in Pisidia, where preach-
es in the synagogue, iii. 115.

Iconium, iii. 116.

— heals a cripple at Lystra, iii. 117.

— refuses to be worsliipped as a god, iii.
418.

— travels to Derl>e, iii. 119.

— returns to Antioch aud gives aecoiml
of his labours, iii. 120.

— travels with Silas through Syria and
Cilicia, iii. 127.

— chooses Timothy for his coVnpai ion,
in. 139.

— vim of, at Troas, iii. 130.

— easts out an evil spirit at PhHippi, iii.
151.

— imprisoned and scourged at Philippi.
iii. 132.

— asserts his privilege as a Roman, i!i

i 35.
- — preaches at TheBsalonica, HI l '.

at Athens, iii. 189.

at Corinth, iii. 142.

— meets with Priscilla and Aqoila, iii
142.

or.. Vl.

•■ T

Paut. accused before Gallio, iii. 145.

— arrives ;:t Eph< sus, iii. 146.

— meets with A polios, iii. 147.

— opposed by Ephesiau mob, iii. 154.

— why opposed by Demetrius, iv. 372.

— goes to Troas, iii. 157.

— preaches till day-break, iii. 158.

— reception of among the Galatians, iv.
347.

— raises a young man, iii. 159.

— addresses the Ephesian elders, iii. 161.

— warned of approaching suffering, yet
perseveres in las journey to Jerusalem,
iii. 164.

— inflexible firmness of, iii. 105.

--- advised by Jewish brethren to o^h-
form to ceremonial law, iii. 166.

— propriety of his conformity douUfal,
iii. 167.

— seized in the temple, iii. 169.

— rescued by Lysias, iii. !!>.).

— defends himself before the people, iii,
170.

— pleads his privilege as a Roman
citizen, iii. 171.

— reproves the high priest, iii. 171.

— takes advantage of dissension in ^he
council, iii. 172,

— encouraged by a vision of Christ, iii.
172.

— providentially escapes the conspiracy
of the Jews, iii. 173. iv. 431.

— is conveyed ;o Ces area, iii. 173.
--- '! fence before Felix, iii. 174.

— preaches before Felix and DrosiUa, iii
176.

— appeals to Cxsar, iii. 17.S.

— addresses Agrippa, iii. 180.

— committed to custody of Julius iii
182.

— sails for Rome, iii. 182.

— warns his fellow passengers of ap-
proaching danger, iii. 1 3 o.

— comforted in a storm by an angel, iii
185.

— >- shipwrecked, iii. 1 SS.

— surprises inhabitants of Melita by
shaking ofFa viper unhurt, iii. 189.

--- entertained by I-ub'ius, iii. II .

— arrives at Rome, iii. 191.

-- preaches to the Jews at Rome, iii. 191 .

— u ken by his followers, iv. 257.
--- remains prisoner at Rome 2 yea:-

— probably afterwards visited Syria, iii.

--- :.•; certain account of him after his
[wisonment; prohal - - ria,

and was martyred t;'; Rome, iii. i
--an exemplar 06 a ministi v of Jesus
iri - iii 212.

624

INDEX.

Paul peculiarly eminent for love to

Christ, iii. 219.
. and love to Christians, iii. 221.

— eminent for humility, iii. 245.

— attachment to Gospel doctrines, iii.
224.

-•»• love of Christ the chief motive of his

conduct, vi. 499.
» to the brethren, causes of his, v. 1 72.

— would glory in nothing but Christ cru-
cified, iv. 220. 339.

— at a loss for utterance when contem-
plating the glory of the gospel, iv. 502.

— superiority of, to captains and conque-
rors, iii. 152.

-— his conduct to the Jews who had con-
demned him unheard, ii. 63.

— manifested great tenderness to weak
consciences, iii. 228.

— success of, in preaching the gospel, iv.
87.

— subject of his preaching, v. 203.

— his account of the great mystery of
godliness, iv. 1.

— denounced anathema against all who
love not Christ, iv. 546.

— remarks on his manner of writing, iv.
503.

— dwells much on two subjects, ii. 276.

— testimony of, to Christ's resurrection,
iv. 451.

— without law once, explained, ii. 454.

— and St. James, apparent difference
between, reconciled, ii. 551. 555.

Peace, all good things comprised in the
term, iv. 349. vi. 315.

— advantages of, in churches, &c. vi. 50.

— the fruit of righteousness, iv. 392.

— the design of Christ's appearance, iv.
124.

— too dearly purchased at the expense
of truth, iv. 516.

— restored, the effects of, ii. 578.

— and holiness, the peculiar character-
istics of the disciples of Jesus, ii. 65.

Penitent thief. See Thief on the Cross.

Pentecost, visible kingdom of Christ da-
ted from the day of, iv. 82.

Perambulation, description of a, vi. 161.

Perfection, sinless, doctrine of, an un-
scriptural sentiment, i. 419.

— why it should be rejected, ii. 170.
Perjury, one method of taking God's

name in vain, ii. 519.

1liti*.vv%, meaning of, iv. 253.

Persecution, happy consequence." of, ii.
291.

-— the first promoted spread of Christi-
anity, iii. 90.

— severity of, under Trajan, vi. 39-i.
•Perseverance., on final, i. 162.

Perseverance, a special mercy of God.
vi. 40.

— final, the belief of, essential to peace
though not to salvation, vi. 234.

Per9on of Christ, sermon on the, ii. 414.
Peter, St. lived to glory in what was

once an offence to him, the cross of

Christ, i. 527.

— observations on our Lord's questioa
to, ii. 65.

— character of, admirably described by
evangelists, iii. 64.

— denies Christ, iv. 257.

— sermon of, on day of Pentecost, iii. 81 .

— and John heal a lame man, iii. 81.

-•- apprehended and imprisoned, iii. 82.

— behaviour when dismissed from Jew-
ish council, iv. 279.

~ cures the dropsy and raises the dead,,
iii. 100.

— has a remarkable vision, iii. 104.

— preaches to Cornelius, iii. 105.

— vindicates his conduct to Jewish coa-
verts, iii. 107.

— dissembles at Antioch and is reproved
by Paul, iii. 125.

— doubtful whether he ever saw Rome,
iii. 194.

— why Clirist pronounced him blessed,
iv. 303.

— Christ prayed for, before he was
tempted, iv. 533.

— unscriptural inferences from his decla--
ration that God is no respecter of per-
sons, iv. 544.

Petersburg, account of an ice palace

at, i. 465.
Pharisees, character of, iii. 87.

— hypocrisy of, iv. 20-^26. 50. 96. 202.
Pharaoh, conduct of, instrumental t»

God's designs, iv. 384.

— obduracy of, ended in his own destruc -
tion, iv. 395.

— in what sense God hardened his heart ,
iv. 428.

Philip preaches at Samaria, iii. 91.

— sent to convert an Ethiopian eunuch,
iii. 92.

Philosophers, heathen, whence obtained
best sentiments of God, iv. 79-

— merely moral, reflections on, iv. 178,

— scientific, few led to reverential
thoughts of God by tneir knowledge
of his creatures, iv. 185.

Picture, author's account of his own, vi.
101.

Pilate's declaration of Christ's inno-
cence, iv. 273.

Pilgrim's Progress commended,
vi. 38. 45.

Plain Tt.st, r>f true doctrine, i\
419.

INDEX.

G2o

PLAS OE ACADEMICAL PREPARA-
TION for the Ministry, v. 59.

Play-houses, sinfulness of attending, ii.
134.

Pleasures, vanity of worldly, i. 590.

i't. IK y, letter of, to Trajan, referred
to, iii. 200.

Translation of, and remarks on,

vi. 387.

Poets, whence derived tlie idea of a gol-
den age, iv. 150.

Poetry, style of, remote from the com-
mon forms of speech, iv. 271.

— Hebrew, rules of, not certainly known,
iv. 16.

one peculiar property of, iv. 16.

r* • ■ advantages of this peculiarity, iv.

17.
rl3MTjuj*», meaning of, iv. 133.
Political Debate, letter on, vi.

591.
Pompey, story of, ii. 228.
Pope, Mr. explanation of an admired

line of, i. 496.

— Mr. Messiah of, an imitation of Vir-
gil's Pollio, iv. 32.

Poor, benevolence to, i. 109.

— encouragement to, ii. 411.
Popularity, dangers of, to ministers, i.

139. vi. 115. 128.

— uncertainty of, iii. 119.

Popery, persecutions of, exceeded those
of paganism, iv. 385.

Post, the convenience of, a mercy, vi.
201.

Poverty, advantages of, i. 261.

Powers of the imagination and of the
understanding, difference between the,
i. 403.

Practice and judgment, humbling differ-
ence between, i. 398.

Praise, national motives to, v. 294.

Prayer, believer's breath, i. 399.

— benefits of, i. 400. 484.

— necessity of, i. 656. ii. 56. 399. 328.

— frequent secret, gives life to all we
do, ii. 77.

— a blessed privilege, ii. 182.

— and the Scriptures the wells of sal-
vation, ii. 190.

— prescribed for our growth of grace,
iv. 312.

— gives the true relish to life, v. 531.

— instances of successful, v. 269.

— social, on the exercise of, i. 234.

— forms of, may be used with great ad-
vantage, v. 11. of divine appointment,
v. 12.

Prayer-meetings, their happy tendencv,

ii. 77.
Preaching, manner of St. Paul's, iii. 2i2.

Preaching, cautiou against improper
modes of, vi. 404.

— points on which the author chiefly
insisted, vi. 179.

— a gift from God, ii. 59.

— extempore, requisites for, ii. 56.

— — not necessarily accompanied with
grace, vi. 168.

reasons for preferring, iv. 160.

- — itinerant, objections to, ii. 164. 166.

— loudly and with power, not synony-
mous, ii. 162.

Preaching the Gospel, signification of

the phrase, vi. 398.
Preaching by accommodation, remarks

on, iv. 247.
Preacher, a feminine termination to the,

Hebrew word with a masculine sense^

iv. 336.
Preachera, instrumentality of, in saving

others, proves nothing concerning

their own state, ii. 533. iv. 345.

— subject to peculiar exercises of mind,
vi. 130.

Predestination, expressly taught in tli*
Scriptures, i. 555.

— doctrine of, iv. 191.
Preferment, not necessary to our peacs

or usefulness, i. 524.

— church, dreadful in any other view
than that of usefulness, i. 612.

Presence of Christ solely affords conso-
lation, vi. 29.

Preservation from sin, a special mercy
of God, vi. 40. how effected, 41.

Price, Dr. ingenuous but mournful
confession of his uncertainty on reli
gious subjects, vi. 427.

Pride, God's purpose to stain, ii. 407.

— proof of depravity, ii. 268. Universe:
influence of, ibid.

— rooted deep in our fallen nature, ii.
149.

— foundation of heathen virtue, iv. 1PF.

— a cause of unbelief, vi. 469.

— a national sin, v. 292.

— and sell-complacence, causes of de-
cline in spiritual life, vi. 407.

Primitive Christianity extended not be-
yond the first century, iii. 208.

Prince of peace, a title of Messiah
iv. 109.

Princes, counsels of, overruled by God, i
515.

Principles, the effect of Christian, whe«
truly received, vi. 507.

Privilege of believers often misunde
stood, i. 143.

Procrastination, dangerous, iv. 113.

Promises, prophetical, '•• 330.

— testify of Chrht, ii. 331.

0.26

INDEX.

Promises, given to quicken to obedience,

iv. 26.
Prophecies, testify of Christ, ii. 330.

— general style of, poetical, iv. 16. 271.

. — difficulties of, should not discourage*
iv. 270.

— highly figurative, iv. 34.

— not yet fulfilled, necessarily obscure,
iv. 413.

— many have a gradual accomplishment,
iv. 482.

— like parables, not applicable in every
minute particular, vi. 187.

Prophets describe fixture things as pre-
sent, iv. 5.

— inimitable sublimity of, iv. 80.
Prophetical language, figurative, iv. 34.
Prosperity, earthly, a suitable reward to

•worldly men, i. 427.
. — a state of temptation, i. 488.
Vgirrui7T^Ky,7rli;( explained, iii. 105.
Protestant Association alluded to, vi. 165.
Providence, book of, recommended, i.

216.

— of God, on trust in, i. 109.

— beautifully described by a line of Ho-
race, i. 434.

— dispensations of, compared to works
of a watch, i. 582.

— - diffidence of, unbecoming, i. 662.

— God's extends to the minutest con-
cerns* vi. 309.

— and grace of God watches over his
people through every period of life —
concur in bringing his people to a
knowledge of themselves, i. 6. 7.

Prudence a word much abused, i. 635.'

— deficiency of Christian, highly incon-
venient, ii. 98.

Pni'BENS, character of, i. 349.
Psalms, book of, distinguished by mag-
nificence and variety, iv. 16.
Public, the best wry of serving is by our

p -. i ers, vi. 189.
PiiiLic Worship, address to those

who absent themselves from, \i. 553.
Punctuation of Scriptures may be

amended, iv. 51 5,
Punishments, for what end inflicted, iv.

2^6.
,'■. iiiAxs, servants of God under

that name once treated as the worst

of heretics, iv. 371.

Q.

Quakers, remarks on the doctrine of,

vi. 240
v: oer.UI.us, character of, i. 352.

11.

Race, Christian's life compared to, ii.

529.
Rank, elevated, except as conducing to

usefulness, a subject of condolence, i.

435.
Reason, of itself incapable of assenting to

Revelation, i. 558.

— insufficiency of, vi. 241.

Reasons why Christ not sooner manifest-
ed in the flesh, iii. 6.

— for humiliation and prayer for our
land, i. 375.

Reasoning spirit, dangers of a, ii. 388.
Recollection, duty of, i. 656.
Recovery from illness, letter to a friend
on, i. 353.

— only a reprieve, i. 356.

— means of, seen in person and suffer-
ings of Christ, iii. 22.

Redeemer, necessity of his being al-
mighty, ii. 10.

— more endearing title than that of
Saviour, iv. 438.

— unavailing to believer unless appropri-
ated, iv. 439.

— -what meant by standing on the earth
at the latter day, iv. 444.

Redeemed, song of the, iv. 539.

— this life the time of rehearsal of, iv.
541.

Redemption, combination of all divine
perfections in the work of, iv. 3.

— the greatest of all God's works, iv. 56.

— excellency of the divine plan of, iv.
123. 235. 527.

— nature of, illustrated, iv. 541.

— act of unexampled and expensive love*
iv. 544.

— extent of the efficacy of, iv. 193. 547.
Refiner's fire, of what illustrative, iv. 49.
Reformation, doctrines of, disreputable

in present day, v. 153.
Rebellion, awful case of those who die

m final, ii. 425.
Regeneration hid from carnal men, ii.

372.

— constitutes the only distinction be-
tween all mankind, vi. 232.

— effects produced by, vi. 232.

— marks of, vi. 232.
Rehoboam, history of, considered, iv

431.
Relative affections, on the snares and

comforts of, vi. 480.
Relaxation; necessity of, v. 82.
Religion necessary to enjoyment of this

life, i. Ji>C>.

— not a science of (lie head, i. 32S.

— frbat it is, ii. 305.

INDEX.

027

Religion produces communion w itli and
conformity to God, ii. 300.

— not confined to devotional arts, but
apparent in common businesses of life,

v." 'JUS.

— of Jesus, proper design of, to wean
from tlie world, iii. 259.

— restrains no real pleasure, v. 432.

— signs of true, vi. 35.

— liberty, and love, the greatest bles-
sings of human nature, v. 406.

— of nature, most valuable sentiments
of, probably derived from the Bible,
v. SO.

Repentance, atoning for disobedience,
an improper expression, i. 549.

— death-bed thoughts on, 57S.

— unto salvation, what, i. 579.

— unto life, the gift of God, ii. 506.
Resignation, Christian, different from a

stoical stubbornness, ii. 25.

— remarkable instance of, ii 52.
Rest of believers in Christ, ii. 409.

— Scripture meaning of, iv. 170. 182.

— how obtained, ii. 477.

— future, description of, ii. 474.
Resurrection of Christ, the grand fact

on which the truth of Christianity
rests, iv. 2S3. 449.
■<— essential to our hope and comfort, iv.
449.

— evidences of, stated, iv. 451.

— unto life revealed in the Old Testa-
ment, iv. 447.

— no intimation cf, from the light of na-
ture, iv. 472.

Revelation, characteristic simplicity of,
iv. 16.

— God's gracious design in giving, iv.
306.

— truths of, not all equally important,
iv. 302.

— — unintelligible till taught by the
Holy Spirit, iv. 472.

— book of, reflections on, iv. 400. 414.
540.

— nature of, spiritual, ii. 392.

— meaning of, ii. 393.

— spiritual, described, ii. 395.

— spiritual, progress of, ii. 395.

always agrees with Scripture, ii.

397.

to whom vouchsafed, ii. 399.

Reverend, remarks on the epithet, ii.
232.

Rhetoric, rules of, almost useless, v. 94.

Riccaltoun, Mr. memorable cir-
cumstances in the life of, vi. 447.

Rich and great, why reject the Gospel,
iv. 97.

Rich man, parable of, considered, iv. 470.

Righteous, in what sense scarcely saved,
i. 415.

— who they are, v. 570.
Righteousness of Christ, our all in all,

i. 400,

— given by Christ, ii. 429.

— the fruit of, iv. 592.

— and sanctification not synonymous
terms, vi. 239.

— Imputed. See Justification.
Robertson, Dr. his History of Charles

V. defective, i. 467. — on what pas-
sages of Scripture, a comment, 514.
Roman emperor, orator's compliment,
to a, just if applied to Christ, iv. 180.

— emperors, submission of primitive
Christians to, iv. 377.

— empire, extent of, favourable to tlu-
spread of Christianity, iv. 24. 87. 415.

Romans, character of, iii. 7.

— cruelty of the, iii. 8.

— why styled Christ king of the Jews
iv. 244.

— God's instruments to puuish the Jews,
iv. 398.

Rome, church of, probably contain*
some true Christians, v. 29.
See Church and Popery.

Rubric and liturgy, expediency of, v. 9.

Ruler, story of the young, considered
iv. 195.

Rutherford, Mr. remarkable ex-
pression of, i. 233.

Sacrament of Lord's Supper, two differ-
ent errors concerning, v. 468.

Sacrament morning, suitable subjects for
meditation on, vi. 341.

Sacrifices derived from revelation, iii.
18.

— Messiah prefigured by, iv. 6.

— could not cleanse the conscience, i\ .
180.

— early institution of, long indicated the
need of an atonement, iv. 186.

Sadducees described, iii. 38.

Safety in all cases the effect of GoJ\s
goodness, vi. 293.

Salvation, security and certainty cf Gos-
pel plan of, ii. 289.

— certainty of Gospel plan of, appears
from gift of Christ, ii. 313.

— suitableness of Gospel way of, vi. 150.
152.

— awful consequences of neglecting, ii

— wholly of grace, i.

50S.

iv. 12. 19,"

62S

INDEX.

Salvation, end and means of, iv. 13.

— freedom and fulness of, iv. 13.

— sanctification an essential part of, iv.
62.

— glory of God's goodness manifested
in, iv. 123. 188.

Saints, miscarriages of, land-marks to
warn us, i. 656.

— a sweet, though mysterious commu-
nion of, ii. 38.

— death of, precious in the sight of the
Lord, ii. 200.

See Believers.
Sanctification, the certain concomitant
of a good hope, iv. 443.

— greater measures should he longed
after, vi. 43.

— not cause hut effect of acceptance,
vi. 245.

~ not synonymous with righteousness,
vi. 239.

— ours, the will of God, iv. 507.

— inseparably connected with justifica-
tion, vi. 244. — yet distinct, 248.

Sapphira's awful death, iii. 84.
Sarah and Hagar, the history of, a

designed allegory, ii. 13. iv. 261.
Satan, his warfare with us, i. 401.

— has overturned many a fair professor,
i. 415.

— some against whom he cannot prevail,
i. 415.

— always near when the heart is dispos-
ed to receive him, i. 454.

— his temptation of men illustrated, i.
489.

— the variety of lus devices and efforts,
i. 608. 644. 648.

< — despoiled of his dominion, iv. 295.
300. 484.

— works powerfully on our unbelief, iv.
449.

— incessantly persecutes believers, iv.
510.

— the god of this world, iv. 511.

— tyrannizes over the children of diso-
bedience, iv. 543.

— works of, described, vi. 85.

■ — advantages over believers often gain-
ed immediately after favours conferred
upon them, vi. 194.

— a watchful enemy, vi. 259.
Saviour, a two-fold necessity for one,

i. 542.

— and his salvation, sermon on the, ii.
276.

— need all nations had of a, iv. 3-3.
See Jesus and Itcdcemer.

Saul begins to make havoc of church,

iii. 90.
--journeys to Damascus to persecute

the church, iii. 94.

Saul miraculously converted, iii. 95,

— begins to preach Gospel, iii. 97.
See Paul.

Sceptics, credulity of, iv. 277.
Scholars and critics unable to interpret

Scripture without the Holy Spirit's

aid, vi. 202.
Science, dangerous tendency of, ii. 387.

— distinct from heavenly wisdom, ii.
386.

— human, insignificant compared to
spiritual knowledge, iv. 177.

Scorn, unbecoming in the followers of
Jesus, ii. 3.

Scriptures, study of original, recom-
mended, i. 119.

Scripture, excellency of, i. 407.

— how to be read, i. 485.

— truths of, not like mathematical thco»
rems, i. 527.

— duty of attending to, i. 656. ii. 56.

— the subject of a Gospel ministry, ii.
5.

— comparing one passage Avith another
in dependance on Holy Spirit, the
best mean of attaining the sense, ii.
67.

— how application of, should be regu-
lated when it seems to countenance
our designs, ii, 116.

— inspiration of, best proved by experi-
ence, ii. 470.

— on searching the, ii. 321. 353.

— manner in which testify of Christ, ii.
330.

— import of their testimony to Christy
ii. 340.

— requisites before we can understand,
ii. 322. 339-

— how they ought to be read, ii. 335.

— what should be our conduct if we be-
lieve, iv. 80

— Jews constantly prove their truth, iv.
35.

— the grand experimental evidence of,
iv. 271.

— their own best interpreters, iv. 282.

— testify of Christ, iv. 293. 304.

— constant perusal of, prescribed by
Christ, iv. 312.

— peculiar sublimity of, iv. 390.

— given by inspiration, iv. 514.

— corrections of texts of, require cau-
tion, iv. 514.

— study of, increases divine knowledge,
vi. 244.

— can only be understood by teaching of
the Holy Spirit, vi. 203.

Sea-faring life, advantages of, i. 87.
Searching the Scriptures, Serrflon
on, ii. 321.

INDEX.

6u>9

Secret of the Lord, one branch of, vi.
339.

Selden, the great, remarkable decla-
ration of, vi. 209.

Self, the corrupt principle of, for a sea-
son,the principle of our conduct, i. 421.

— finds something whereof to glory in
the meanest characters, i. 425.

— believer's perplexities arise from an
undue attachment to, i. 432.

— the governing principle of great men
and conquerors, i. 515.

— the universal idol, 517.

— can transform itself into an augel of
light, vi. 139.

— righteousness. See Moralist

— will, of what a chief source, iv. 193.
Sennacherib, an inntrument in God's

hands, iv. 23. 429.

Senses, the human, not always crite-
ria of the existence of things, iv. 117.

Sensibility valuable when rightly exer-
cised, ii. 17. 25.

Sergius Paulus converted, iii. 114.

Serious spirit advantageous, t. 428.

SERMONS, ii 259. iv.

— Occasional and Charity, v.
127 vi. 488

— on hearing, i. 192.

— very long, improper, ii. 1C3.
Serpent, brazen, i. 557. 657.
Severity of God, ii. 307.
Shadrac, &c. instances of divine pro-
tection, iv. 512.

Sheba, queen of, visit to Solomon, iv.

556.
Sheep, descriptive of believers, iv. 152.

vi. 101.
— sinners compared to wandering, iv. 230.
Shepherd, a character of Messiah, iv. 150.

152. 231. 236. 300.

— the good, affords strengtli equal to our
day, vi. 338.

Ship, reflections on the launching of a,

vi. 311.
Sickness, author's reflections in, v- 459.

— a mercy as well as healths vi. CO.

Silas and Justas accompany Barna-
bas and Paul to Antioch, iii. 120. See
Paul.

Si loam, pool of, efficacious only as a
means appointed by God, ii. 5S.

Simon Magus, exhorted by Peter to
repentance and prayer, ii. 53.

— — probable founder of sect of Gnos-
tics, iii. 276.

Simony, whence the term derived, iii. SI.

Simplicity and godly sincerity, i. 270.

Sin a burden to the true believer, i. 160.

— the sickness of the soul, ii. 167. 181.

— evil of, apprars in gift of Christ, ii.,310.

Sin, the just desert of, canmoi be received
in this life, iv. 10.

— has produced alteration in state of
things, i. 307.

— fills the world with wo, iv. 76. 238.
did not deprive Adam of reason buf.-

of spirituality, i. 540.

— the source of all evils, vi. 316.

— infatuating effect 5 of, iv. 47. 394.

— all mankind under the power of, iv.
232.

— what evinces its exceeding sinfulness,
iv. 238.

— it* extreme malignity but little known
to mankind, iv. 254.

— its effect and wages, death, iv. 460.

— future punishment of, twofold, ii. 310.

— forgiveness of, incompatible with God's
justice, iv 1S6.

— subdued by grace, iv. 190.

— where it has abounded, grace has
more abounded, iv. 234. 480.

— charged upon Christ as our surety,
iv. 230.

— greatness of a reason why we should
come to Christ, ii. '107.

— preservation from, a special mercy,
vi. 40.

— question whether God the author of,
i. 570.

— how effected, vi. 41.

— indwelling, effects of, must be felt, vi.
43.

Sincerity, plea of, will not exempt from
danger of ignorance and obstinacy, i.
542.

— necessary to understand Scriptures, if.
323.

— not conversion though a forerunner
of, i. 543.

Singularity, necessity of a certain kind

of, i. 510.
Sinner, extensive meaning of the term,

vi. 297.
Sinners, condition of, ii- 282.

— address to, ii. 435.

Sinner, new and painful apprehensions
of, v. hen convinced of guilt, iv. 7. 20.
168. 174.

— degree and duration of his distress un-
certain, iv. 7.

— to what compared w ithout the Gospel,
iv. 99.

— insensibility of, a grief to Christ when
on earth, iv. 208.

Shiners under the curse of the law, iv.
222.

— conversion of one of greater impor-
tance than the temporal deliverance
of a kingdom, i. 468. iv. 228.

— compared to wandering sheep, iv. 23Q.

630

INDEX.

Sinners crucify Christ afresh, ii. 248.

— made willing in the day of his power,
iv. 329.

— how described in Scripture, iv. 330.

— deplorable state of those who die in
their sins, iv. 489.

— dangerous case of those who take en-
couragement from Gospel to go on in
sin, iv. 513.

— Gospel a dispensation for, i. 423.

— why unwilling to be converted, i. 408.

— difference between holiness of, and
that of angels, ii. 41.

— must perish, unless they repent, v.
1 64.

— labouring raid heavy laden described,
ii. 448.

Sins of believers, whether made known

to others, i. 123.
Slave coast, description of, vi. 521.
Slaves, manner of acquiring, vi. 5S7.

— numbers annually exported, vi. 5.i9.

— mortality they are subject to on their
voyage, vi. 542.

— manner in which the survivors are
disposed of, vi. 543.

•Slave trade, thoughts upon the, vi. 518.

not properly a national sin, v. 262.

—J— destructive to our seamen's health
and morals, vi. 524. 526.

Smith, Dr. select discourses of, quoted,
vi. 205.

Smuggled goods, purchasing of, unlawful,
i. 379.

Smuggling contrary to the word of God,
i. 378.

Social affections, on the snares and com-
forts of, vi. 480.

Socinians should be treated with can-
dour, i. 329.

— employ critical sophistry against texts
■« hich declare Christ's character, i.
45 6.

— would subscribe Scriptural declara-
tions if allowed to put their own sense
upon, i. 523.

Socinianism, a dangerous error, i. 531.
Socrates felt Ihe necessity of a divine
teacher, iv. 33.

— predicted the reception of a perfect
character, iv. 198.

.Soldiers, motives which should influence
Christians as such, vi. 113.

Solomon, in what the glory of, con-
sisted, iv. 297.

; — song of, describes experience of the
church, i. 637.

Son of David, a title of Christ, iv. 36.

— of God, a title of Christ, iv. 201. 302.
■i ' ■ Scripture sense of that title, iv.

306. p09.

Sons of God, future manifestation of tha

liberty of, i. 304.
Sorrow of believer, better than the mirth

of sinners, vi. 80.
Sortes Virgilianre, meaning of, i. 297.
Soul, various significations of, iv. 282.
Souls, inestimable value of, i. 468.

seen in gift of Christ, ii. 311.

Sovereignty, divine, composes mind, ii.

304. '
— of divine grace" asserted and illus-
trated, ii. 404 — 414.
Sower, parable of the, an epitome of

ecclesiastical history, iii. 270.
Speaking, public, first efforts in, should

not be on religious subjects, v. 98.
Spiri r, Holy, cause of rapid success

of the Gospel, iii. 212.

— effects produced by outpouring of,
immediate, iii. 79.

— teaching of, suited to all capacities,
vi. 209.

— grieving of, prevents assurance, ii.
598. See Holy Spirit.

Spirit, a broken and contrite, pleasing
to God, i. 416.

— difficulty of maintaining a right frame
of, vi. 134.

Spiritual life, on the causes, symptoms,

and effects of a decline in, vi. 405.
Stephen appointed deacon, iii. 87.

— courageous conduct of, iii. 88.

— experiences divine consolations, iii. 89,
iv. 512.

— violent death and prayer for his ene-
mies, iii. 90.

Stoics and Epicureans described, v.
444.

Stony ground hearers, examples of, vi.
39"l.

Storm at sea, description of, v. 377.

Strength given by Christ, ii. 430.

Student in divinity, letter to a, i. 115.

Students, extensive acquaintance ensnar-
ing to, v. 81.

Studies, what, important for the minis-
try, v. 83.

Submission to God, a manifestation of
the believer's love, i. 500.

Sufferings, why our own are more sup-
portable (ban those of the persons we
love, ii. 19.

— the greatness of, how to be estimated,
iv. 250.

— no ground of comparison between
those of present life and the glory
about to be revealed, vi. 215.

— of Christ, whj endured, ii. 286.
i contemplation on, vi. 378.
Sully, duke of, his character, i. 426.
reflections on his history, i. 42.7

INDEX.

031

Sun, Christ compared to, vi. 289.

— of righte ousness, presence of, the
source of all our happiness and con-
solation, vi. 186.

Sunday, author's manner of spending at

sea, v. 475.
Supra-lapsarian k sub-lapsarian scheme,

difference between, ii. 112.
Swearing a national sin, v. 288.
Sympathy with suffering friends lawful,

vi. 71.

— wonderful effects of, vi. 399.

Tacitus' account of Nero's persecu-
tion of the Christians, in. 196.

Talents valuable if enabled to improve
them for Christ, i. 460.

Taste, definition of, i. 481.

— the refined, of many hinders their
profiting by the gospel, i. 481.

— a spiritual, defined, i. 486.

Tares, parable of, shows influence of
Satan in perverting the Gospel, iii.
270.

Teachable disposition, an evidence of
God's work, vi. 202.

Teacher, heathens felt necessity of a
divine, iv. 33.

Teachers, human, defects of, iv. 179.

Temple, the superior glory of the se-
cond, predicted, iv. 31.

— second, filled with Christ's glory, iv.
36.

destruction of, predicted, iv. 35.

— mystical, what, iv. 36.
Temptation, on, i. 200.

— meaning of the word, i. 488.
Temptations, our greatest, usually found

in lawful things, i. 492. 501.

— general classes of, ii. 455.

— compared to the wind, i. 648.

— variety of Satan's, i. 608. 644. 648.

— appointed f jrall God'speople, vi. 221.

— consoling considerations under, vi
252.

Temptations, complaints of, a good sign,

vi. 255.
•— often the most violent after having

acted honourably in difficult circum

stauces, vi. 359.
Tertullian's account of the extent

of Nero's persecution, iii. 19".
Tertullus accuses Paul before Felix,

iii. 174.
Test and corporation acts produce con-
temptuous profanation of the body and

blood of Christ, v. 149.
Testament, Old, contains prophecies and

trpes of Christ, ii. 330.

Vox. VI. 4 M

Thankfulness, abundant causes of, vi.

307.
Thanksgiving hymn for long's recovery,

v. 246.
Theological Miscellany, pa-
pers extracted from, vi. 377.
Theology, epistles of St. Paul the besf

summary of, v. 85.
Thessaloniaxs, Epistles to the, a-

bound with affectionate expressions,

iii. 222.
Thief on the cross, illustrious iustanee of

divine grace, ii. 28.

— case of, iv. 25. 246. 260.

— a witness ofChrist'sinnocence,iv. 274.
Thigh an emblem of power, iv. 427.
Thine'holy one, expression explained,

iv. 282.
Things lawful, our greatest temptation*

usually found in, i. 492. 501.
why we ought to abstain from

many, i. 508.
Things necessary to be believed, i. 621.

See Doctrines.
Third commandment, extent and sane-

tion of, ii. 516.
. forbids every kind of expletive, ii.

523.
Thomas, incredulity of, iv. 452.
Thoughts, evil, may intrude into the

mind without guilt, if not indulged, i.

646. vi. 254.
Throne of grace, believers should resort

to uuder every trial, vi. 122.
Tiberius, detestable character of, iv

376.
Time, value of, i. 510.

— what necessary to be employed iu
preparing for the ministry, v. 99.

— manner of author's employing his,
during a voyage, v. 417.

Time-serving in ministers implies want

of wisdom, v. 211.
Timothy chosen for Paul's companion,*

iii. 129,
Titus destroys Jerusalem, iii. 199.
Tongue, thoughts on the government ol.

vi. 381.

— what meant by bridling, vi. 58.5.
Trajan orders Christians to be put to

death, iii. 201.

— condemns Ignatius, iii. 201.

— translation of and remarks on Pliny's
letter to, vi. 387.

Trans-figuration, reflections on, iv. 219.

Trees, believers compared to, vi. 64.

Trials, the greatueSi of, to be estimated
rather by the impression they Bftake
upon us, thau by their o_:w;a.i ap-
pearance, i. 583.

— the necessity that our sharped trials-

032

INDEX.

should sometimes spring from our
' dearest comforts, i. 614.
Trials, reason why God inflicts so many

oa his people, iii. 1 84.
—'considerations which should support us

under, vi. 8.

— effects of, compared with those of the
wind upon trees, vi. 64.

— • new, needful to the end of life, vi. 223.

— should be felt, vi. 148.

— the sharpest often spring from our
choicest comforts, vi. 4SS.

— the heaviest, rendered tolerable by
Christ's assistance, vi. 351.

Trinitv, thoughts on the doctrine of, vi.
436'

— doctrine of, necessary to salvation, i.
321.

— not a mere proposition, but a princi-
ple, i. 533.

— Scriptural arguments for, ii. 6. 11.
420.

— experience a proof of its truth, ii. 11.

— incomprehensible, iv. 307.

— unquestionably taught in Scripture,
iv. 576.

Tropic, ceremonies at crossing, v. 392.
Trouble, letter to a friend in, vi. 37S.
Troubles necessary and useful, vi. 69.

— considerations calculated to compose
us under, vi. 33.

True religion founded in knowledge of

God, ii 516.
Trust in God, letter on, i. 109.
Trumpet, the last, by what illustrated,

iv. 477.
Truth, must be the object of faith, i. 521.

— doctrinal of no value, further than it
tends to promote practical holiness, i.
620.

— of our religious principles, plainly dis-
cerned by their effects in prosperity,
vi. 424.

Truths, some fundamental, iv. 302. 4 48.

— others secondary, iv. 302.

Tutor, character and qualifications of
one for an academy of ministers, v.
66.

Types of Christ, twofold, persona! and
relative, ii. 332.

— concealed, while tTiey slr.ulowed forth
Christ, iv. 9.

— of his crucifixion, what, iv. 324.

U. V.

Vail of temple rent; whr.t it signifies,

iv. 35.
Valley, an emblem of a lov condition,

iv. 25
Vengeance of God on anoieut sinners, v.

154.

Venice, marriage ceremony between
the republic of, and the Adriatic sea,
ii. 115.

— author's voyage to, and|dream at, i. 22.
VIGIL's letters, i. 292.
Virgil's Pollio, expresses sense of

prophecies of Messiah, iv. 32.

reflections on, iv. 32.

quoted, iv. 152.

Virtue, Christian, the effect of a new

nature, i. jT2.

See Brutus.
Visiting, remarks on, vi. 166.
Vitrinca's translation of a passage in

Isaiah, iv. 93.
Unbelief, steals upon, under a semblance

of humility, ii. 176.

— fatal effects of, to he commisserated,
iv. 277.

— a eause of distress, vi. 468.

— removes the sense of Christ's pre--
sence, vi. 119.

Unbelievers, deplorable state of, iv. 102.

Unconverted, propriety of ministerial ad-
dress to, i. 148.

Union with Christ, i. 292.

Unitas Fratrum. See Moravians.

Universal chorus, iv. 569.

Universal restitution, doctrine of, false
and pernicious, iv. 481.

Vociferation, the effect, of a bad habit,
no mark of powerful preaching, vi.
4©3.

Volatilis, character of, i. 349^

Voltaire, scoffs at idea of doing all to
the glory of God, i. 431.

— the amanuensis of Satan, i. 454.

— had better been born an idiot or luna-
tic, i. 455. 472.

— a monster of profaneness, ii. 246.
Usefulness, prospect of, greater in the

church than among Dissenters, v. 51.
Utopian dissenter, sentiments of, <in

church government, v. 71.
— — on methodists or itinerants, v. 74,
Uttermost, meaning of, vi. 147.

W.

Walking closely with God, directions

for, i. 655.
Walking with God, not hindered by

proper attention to worldly duties and

calling, vi. 49.
Walking with' Jesus illustrated, vi. 67.
War, cultivated as a science, iv. 423.
Warfare, Seripture sense of the word,

iv 19.
Watchfulness, necssity of, i. 495.

— productive of comfort, vi. 13.
Watts' Logic recommended, v, JJJS.

INDEX.

633

Watts and Witherspoon, recommended

us models to writers in divinity, v. 96.

Whitfield, Mr. referred to, vi. 170.

— sermons, Ly Garner, characterized,

vi. 95.
Wife, letters to a, v. SOS.

— direction! to a minister for the choice
of a, ii. 118.

— advice to a friend in choosing, vi. 122.
Will, the want of, a want of power, iv.

195.
Wisdom, the best, sermon on, v. 188.
Wisdom, means of attaining, '• 117.

— all the characteristics of, exemplified
in the faithful minister, v. 196.

— man's, how renounced by St. Paul, iii.
243.

— of God, seen in cross, ii. 440.

— worldly, opposite to divine, ii. 383.

— heavenly, in what it consists, i. G35.
Wise and prudent, character of, in sight

of the world, ii. 384.

Wolfe, genera!, death of, iv. 500. 5G0.
vi. 155.

Woman that anointed Christ's feef, case
of, iv. 25.

Women of Israel, how they celebrated
good news, iv. C9.

Woolxoth, St. Mary, author's first
sermon at, v. 129.

token of respect to parishioners of,

vi. 563.

Wonderful, a title of Christ, iv. 10".

Word of God, a history of the heart of
man, the devices of Satan, the state
of the' world, and the methods of
grace, ii. 100.

the well of salvation, ii. 190.

— — irresistible power of, iv. 27.

— — in what respects beauties of, com-
pare.! to those of creation, iv. 539.

— — the believer's food, i. 399.

directs and auimates to a growth

in grace, i. 401.

compared to a mirror, i. 52".

Word in season, i. 371.

Word to professors in trade, i. 378.

World, God's principal end in preserv-
ing i. 467.

— votaries of, objects of compassion,
and compared to lunatics, iv. 14.

— state of, at Messiah's advent, iv. 19.

— a wilderness in the awakened sin-
ner's estimation, iv. 19.

— revolutions of, subserve God's will, iv.

— deplorable state of, in consequence of
the fall, iv. 76.

— a school to the disciples of Christ, iv.
179.

— insufficiency of the happiness of, W. '
350.

World, the invisible, fidl of great reali-
se-, iv. 117.

Worldly duties and calling, no proper
hindrance to walking with God, vi.
49.

Worl lly men, character of, i. 631.

blind to the consolations in Christy

ii. 1*2.

address to, iv. 166.

wretched state of, iv. 171.

— spirit should be feared, ii. 389.

Worship, spiritual, true nature of, iv.

Y.

Year, reflections on enteringupon a ncv/,

vi. 196.
Yoke of Christ, sermon on, ii. 480.
described, ii. 482.

blessedness of, ii. 4S7.

easy, from consideration of the re-
ward, ii. 497.

seldom pleasant at the first, ii. 499-

not without trials, ii. 500.

Young converts, overdoings of, more
acceptable to God, than their sub-
sequent cold correctness, i. 115.

characteristics of, i. 393. — defects

of, i. 394 —first bright moments of,
how recovered, i. 397.

apt too much to neglect temporal

businesses, ii. 511.

prone to neglect the affairs of com-
mon life, iii. 263.

— discour?gements of, iv. 157.
injudicious zeal of, iv. 509.

— — weakness of, not sufficiently at-
tended to by human teachers, iv. 517.

comfortable perceptions of justifi-
cation, usual'y weak, iv. a-Vi.

often favoured with comfortabbj

impressions, vi. 460.

Youxc, Dr. author's interview with, v.
5-25.

Young lady, verses to a, on lier birth-
da), ri. 433.

Young men, choice of those intended for
ministry, v. 77.

Young minister, letter to, on preaching
the Gospel with power, vi. 398.

Young people, compared to lambs, iv.

15i).

Young person, letter to a, vi. 287.
Young persons, why so seldom serious,
vi. 320.

— important directions to, \l. 291. 29*.
298. 301. 303. 305. 332.

Yonnu woman, letter to a . v i . i-l '

634

INDEX.

z.

Zeal, angry, unbecoming the Christian,

iii. 68." '
— distinction between true and false,

iii. 236.
Zeal and love, characterize young cou-

verts, i. 393.

Zealous young men, suitable advice to,

vi. 125.
Zechariah, mission of, to the Jews,

iv. 31.
— his vision of Joshua the high priest,

iv. 535.
Ziox, an emblem of tbe church of

God, iv. 130.

INDEX

TO TIIE PRINCIPAL TEXTS ILLUSTRATED OR QUOTED

hi the 1st, 2d, 3d, 5th, and 6th, volumes.

A SEPARATE IXDEX IS PREFIXED TO THE FOURTH VOL.

The Letter S annexed to any Passage, denotes that it is the Text of a
Sermon — L the subject of a Letter, and II the motto to a Hymn.

GENESIS.

if. H.

— 10

— 15

— 16
iv. 3, 8. U
v. 24. H.
vi. 5.
viii. 9.

— 22
is. 13, 14

— 14
xii. 3

xiii. 10. 1
xv. 16
xvii. 4
xviii.

— 25

— 32
xx\.

— 15. 10

— 19
xxii. 11

— 14.
wiv.
xxv. 27

— 32

— 34.
xxvii. 3
xxviii. 12. II.

— 14
\xix. 2
xxxii. 10

— 27. H.

— 28
\xxiii. 5
xii. 47

ii. 270. vi

It.

II

307
346
287
307
308
309
504
586
493
377
548
554
311
258
554
159
365
271
333
574
630
307
312
268
494
505
315
494
316
331
492
316
318
253
317

ass

GENESIS

LEVITICUS.

xli. 55. II.

iii

319

xii. 6

iii. 458

xlv. 3, 4. H

iii.

320

xiv. 51—53

iii. 453

xlix. 10

ii

331

xvL-21

iii. 453

— 19

vi.

287

xLx. 14

v. 21

EXODUS

NUMBERS.

iv. 11, 12

ii.

59

vi. 23—27

v. 12

ix. 23

iii.

478

x. 35, 36.

v. 12

x. 9

iii.

475

xvi. 46

iii. 529

xii. 13

Hi. 452,

475

XX. 11

iii. 563. 478

— 46

ii.

335

xxi. 9.

iii. 374

xvi. 21

iii. 478,

612

xxiii. 10. H. iii. 329. v. 20G

22

iii.

562

vi. 317

xv. 9

ii.

476

— 19

v. 252

— 9, 10

V.

594

— 23—55.

H.

iii.

322

DEUTERO}

25

vi.

214

— 26. H.

iii.

323

vi. 20—23. H

iii. 488

xvi. 20. H.

in.

324

viii. 2

i. 5

— 18. H.

iii.

323

— 2—16

ii. 580

xvii. 9

iii.

531

xiii. 1—3

iii. 46

... 11

iii.

525

xxvi. 12—15

v. 12

— 15. H.

iii.

325

xxviii 47, 48

v. 266

xviii. 21

v.

158

xxix. 18—19

vi. 556

xix. 16. 19

V.

236

— 29

ii. 518

xx. 7. S. u

.516

. vi

550

— 23

v 276

xwiii. 33

iii.

643

xxxii. 9, 10.

H. in. 665

xxxii. 4. 31.

H.

iii.

326

— 9—12

vi. 145

xxxiii. 20

v.

242

— 15 ii

• 249. v. 226

xxxiv. 24

v.

278

xxxiii. 25 ii

. 496. v. 299
vi. 215. 219

LEYITIG

— 26—29.

H. iii. 664

— 27

ii. 47«

viii. 7. ?. H.

iii.

327

636 Texts of Scripture illustrated.

JOSHUA. 1 KINGS. JOB.

L 9—12

vi. 20

vii. 10, 11

ix.

x. 6. H.

xxiii. 15

xxiv. 15

ii. 556

ill. 481. 612

iii. 600

ii. 348

iii. 330

ii. 389

v. 213

JUDGES.

v. 11

— 31
vi. 24. H.

— 37—40. H.
vii. 2

— 20

— 22
xiii. 23

xiv. 8. H.

iii. 663

v. 238

iii. 331

iii. 332

iii. 640

iii. 326

iii. 612

ii. 381. iii 603

vi. 141

iii. 333

x. 1—9. H.
xvii 6. H.

— 14

— 16. H.
xviii. H.

— 21
xix 10
xx. 40

iii. 344

iii. 346

iii. 630

iii. 347

iii. 476

ii. 591

ii. 570

V. 210

2 KINGS.

ii. 11— 14

— 19—22. H.

1 SAMUEL.

H.
H.

J. 18. H.
ii. 8

iii. 9
iv. 5. 11
iv. 13
v. 4, 5.
vi. 12.
vii. 12
xiv. 6
Xvi. 7. ii. 269
xvii. 37

— 38 — 40,

— 49
xxii. 2
xxiii. 2f
xxv. 10
xxvii. 1.

iii. 334

ii. 578
vi. 306

v. 265
vi. 283
iii. 335
iii. 336
iii. 505

v. 255
. 403. iii. 105

ii. 496
iii. 337
iii. 612

ii. 448
iii. 313

ii. 448

ii. 572

H.

2 SAMUEL.

vii. 3 i. 297

xi. 27. H. ii. 564. iii. S39

xii. 1 — 6

— 8

— 13
xiv.

xvi. 17.
xxiii. 5
xxiv. 16

II.

ii. 353

vi. 174

ii. 564

ii. 242

iii. 340

ii. 564

iii. 529

1 KINGS.

i, 14

iii. 5. H.

i. 273
iii. 341. 343

iv. 31.
14.
vi 17

— 5, 6.

— 16.
x. 16
xix. 28

H.
H.

H.
H.

iii. 482

iii. 348

iii. 475

iii. 350

ii. 574

iii. 351

iii. 352

iii. 642

v. 268

1 CHRONICLES.

iv. 9, 10. H.
xii. 32
xvii. 14
— 16, 17. H.
xxviii. 9. H.
xxix. 14

iii. 485
iii. 531
ii. 331
iii. 353
iii. 483
iii. 639

xxxiii. 24
xxxvi. 22
xxxviii. 7.
— 11
xl. 9.
xii. 27

ii. 508
vi. 209
iii. 546
ii. 571
ii. 425
iii. 33S

PSALMS.

2 CHRONICLES.

vi. 7, 8
xxxii.

xxxiii. 12, IS.
xxxiv. 27
xxxvi. 16

i. 433
v. 513
iii. 581
v. 163
v. 278

NEHEMIAH.

vi. 3

viii. 10. H.

v. 210
iii. 354

JOB.

iii. 17
v. 23
vii. 20
ix. 4
xiii. 26.
xiv. 4
xvi. 14
xxiii. 12
— 13

iii. 541. t. 301
i. 306
ii. 542
ii. 425
ii. 453. 572
i. 541
ii. 572
ii. 506
v. 252

xxix. 2. H. ii. 567. iii- 355
xxxiii. 10 U. 572

I. 2

— 2,3
ii. 9

— 11

— 12
iv. 6

— 6
vi. H.

— 6
vii. 12
viii. 4. L.

ix. 1

— 6

— 10
xiv. 1
xxi. 4
xvii. 4

— 15
xix. 7

— 11
xxiii. 1 i

— 4
xxv. 9

— 14

xx vii. 1, 2.
xxix. 10, 11
xxx. 6
-6,7
xxxi. 5
xxxii. 3 — 5
xxxiii. 5

— 16, 17
xxxiv. 5

— 15
xxxvi. 7,
xxxviii. 2
xxxix. 4
xl. 2

— 5

— 17
xii. 2
xlii. 2

— 9
xliv. 3

— 6
xlvi. 1

— 4

'280

i. 310

ii. 326

ii. 427

v. 232. 279

v. 272

ii. 471

ii. 505

iii. 357

ii. 571

ii. 480

i. 332. 339.

224

ii. 591

v. 264

ii. 517

v. 285

ii. 569

ii. 582

ii. 476

i. 310

ii. 497

456. ii. 11. iii.

560

iii. 319

iii. 327

ii. 38S

iii. 310

vi. 218

ii. 456

ii. 593

ii. 581

ii. 49

i. 209

v. 160

v. 199

vi. 151

v. 576

v. 572

ii. 572

vi. 330

ii. 568

v. 592

iii. 590

I. 658. ii. 566

ii. 564

ii. 50

\. 236

ii. 579

v. 267

iii. 373

Texts of Scripture illustrated. GS<

PSALMS. PSALMS. ECCLESIASTES.

1.4

— 10

— 21

— 22
li. 15. S.
It. 6

— 14

— 22
lyiii. 11
lxiii. 3
Levi. 1C
Ixviii. 18
lxix. 15
Jxxi 2.
lxxii. 8

— 13, 14
Ixxiii. 24

— 25

— 25. H.
lxxiv. 1
Ixxviii. 20

— 34
lxxxi. 10
lxxxiv. 10

— 11
Jxxav. 8

— 10
lxxxvii. 3
Ixxxviii. 8
lxxxix. 15 — 18

— 19
xc. 1
xci.

— 13

— 14, 15
xciv. 19
xcvii. 1

v. 235
ii. 802. ii. 571
ii. 524. v. 164
H. 480
ii. 363. 563
ii. 475
ii. 569
ii. 576. iii. 628
v. 145
ii. 497. 566
ii. 569
ii. 27. ii. 506
iii. 590
ii. 571. iii. 616
ii. 291
ii. 370
v. 136. 245
v. 231. Ti. 128
iii. 358
ii. 572
ii. 576
v. 278
iii. 341
v. 177
ii. 536. vi. 353
ii. 575. iii. 661
ii. 285
iii. 372
T. 242
ii. 175
ii. 426
v. 267
i. 387. iii. 359
ii. 496
vi. 212
ii. 568
v. 141. 301
xcix. 1 v. 245. 567. vi. 218
c. 3 iii. 481.

cii. 25—27 ii. 420

eiii. 1 — 5 vi. 193

«v. i. 288

— 14 v. 191

— 20 iii. 604
cvi. 4, 5 ii. 508

— 4, 5. H. iii. 662
cvii. iii. 310

— 24 ii. 456
ex. 1. ii. 341

— 3. i. 563. ii. 363
cix 17, 18 ii. 522
cxi. 10 ii. 325, 383. iii.

244
cxt. 1 ii. 410. 579. iii. 658

cxviii. 22.
cxix. 6

— 9

— 18 ii.

— 71

— 72. 97. 103

— 94

— 103

— 158. L.
cxx. 5 — 7. H.
exxii. 1.
exxiv. 3
exxvi. 1, 2

— 1

— 5
exxvii. 1
ex xx. 3, 4

— 4 ii. 491. vi.

— 6
exxxi. 2
exxxii. 4
exxxv. 4
exxxvii. 3—5
exxxviii. 3
cxlii. 3 ii

— 2

cxvi. 12, 13. H.

— 14, 16
cxviii. 13

— 15, 1&

iii. 606
iii. 362
ii. 58f
ii. 56.
ii. 57

iii. 592

ii. 591

i. 656

318. 368

iii. 588

ii. 506

iii. 605

iii. 617

i. 371

iii. 363

v. 242

ii. 566

i. 472

v. 269

v. 235

iii. 426

v. 259

567, 559

iii. 579

iii. 637

iii. 372

t. 277

ii. 569

ii. 316

191. 567

iii. 606

ix. 11.
xi. 1

xii. 1

v. 160
ii. 173

vi. 335

SONG OF SOLOMOX.

i. 3
— H.
ii. 3, 4

PROVERBS.

ii. 1—5

iii. 17 iii

iv. 18

vi. 10

viii. 22—31. H.

— 23

— 34, 35. H.
x. 9

— 4. 22
xi. 4

— 30. S.
xiii. 4

— 15
xiv. S4
xvi. 32
xviii 10

— 24. H.
xix. 17
xx. 4
xxi. 30.
xxii. IS
xxiii. 26
xxiv. 30
xxvii. 1

— 7

— 8
xxix. 1

ii. 325

572. 622

ii. 369

iii. 649

iii. 364

ii. 426

iii. 486

ii. 489

ii. 598

ii. 385

v. 191

ii. 592

ii. 450

v. 141

i. 422

v. 301

iii 365

i. Ill

iii. 649

v. 141

iii. 649

ii. 591

iii. 049

ii. 513

ii. 519

i. 194

ii. 491

v. 16.

iii.

017

iii.

370

ii.

568

iii.

585

i.

444

ISAIAH.

ECCLESLVSTE3.
i. 2. H. iii. S67

i. 2 iiL

281. T. 531

— 9

v. 160

— 11—15

v. 25

— 15

v. 264

— 18

ii. 573

iii. 9

vi. 558

— 10 v.

16

2, v. 299

— 10, 11

v. 253

— 12

ii. 154

iv. 5, 6.

iii. 373

v. 4 t. 144.

261. 280

— 20

v. 146

_ of

vi. 555

vi.

v. 257

— 9, 10

iii. 192

vii. 2

v.

267. 300

viii. 12—14

vi. 218

— 13, 14 v

16

3, v. 268)

— 20

ii. 398

ix. 3.

v. 215

— 6 ii.

340, 420. v.

245

x. 3

iii. 465

— 15

v. 269

xi. 6

iii. 560

xii. H.

iii. 371

— 1

ii. 578

— 1,2

ii. 472

— P

iii. 663

xiv. 5. 17

i. 516

xxii. 12

i. 508

— 12—14

ii. 134

— 12, 13

v. 262

— 13

vi. 558

xxiii. 9

ii. 407

xxv. 2

v. 231

xxv. 2

vi. 110

xxvi. 1

iii. 372

— 9. 11

v. 254

— 11

v.

157. 292

— 19

v. 236

— 20

iii. 533

xxvii. 3

vi. 49

— 11

i. 54%i

xxviii. CO

vi. 5»

G38 Texts of Scripture illustrated

ISAIAH. ISAIAH. LAMENTATIONS.

xxviii. 24, 29

— 17
xxix. 8
xxx. 10

— 20
xxxi. 5

v. 191
ii. 558

iii. 565
v. 288
ii. 507

iii. 385

xxxii. 2. H. iii. 371. iii. 562
xxxiii. 1 v. 292

— 16 iii. 630

— 20, 21. H. iii. 372
xxxv. L. vi. 18"

— 1 iii. 552

— 7 iii. 617

— 8. ii. 412. v. 198. vi. 209
xxxvii. v. 159

— 21. 36 v. 220

— 29 ii. 293
xxxviii. 15 ii. 579
xl. 7 iii. 499
_ 9_17 i. 458

— 15 v. 212

— 29 ii. 457. iii. 656

— 29—31 ii. 381

— 31 ii. 430. vi. 551
xli. 10 vi. 215
xlii. 1—6 ii. 426
xliii. 2. ii. 223. 431.vi. 215

— 22 i. 557

— 25 ii. 429
xliv. 3 ii. 381

— 4 iii. 322

— 20 ii. 581
xlv. 24 vi. 206

— 22 i. 530. ii. 420. 429

vi. 506

It. 10

— 10, 11
lvii. 15. II.

— 18

— 21

— 20, 21
lviii. 1

— 5
lix. 5.

— 19

lx. 15—20.

— 20
lxi. 3

— 10
lxii. 5
lxiii. 9
lxv. 1
Ixvi. 3, 4

ii. 364

ii. 54

iii. 378. vi.

170. 499

i. 360

ii. 489

iii. 571

ii. 519

ii. 249

iii. 349

ii. 571. 348

II. iii. 379

ii. 447. v. 243

iii. 562

vi. 8

vi. 188

vi. 213

i. 528. ii. 528

v. 25

JEREMIAH.

— 22. H.
xlvi. 12, 13

xlvii. 4
xlviii. S
xlix. 5

— S, 9

— 24
1.4

— 10
li. 20

— 7

-- 12, 13

— 19
liii. 3
liv. 2.

— 8

— 5—11.

— 5
lv. 1

— 2
7-6

— 7—9

— 8,9

II.

iii. 374

ii. 573

ii. 11

iii. 625

ii. 363

ii. 426

ii. 599

v. 177

ii. 204

ii. 483

v. 212

vi. 218

ii. 456

ii. 285

iii. 509

ii. 11

iii. 376

. vi. 336

ii. 429

ii. 471

v. 237

ii. 573

ii. 403

iii. 396

i. 19
ii. 11

— 19

iii. 14. 22

— 19. H.
v. 9

— 29. S.
vii. 4

iii. 602
vi. 316
ii. 564
ii. 573
iii. 492
v. 139. 264
v. 137
ii. 205. v. 265

— 8—14. 22. 23
viii. 20
ix. 9

— 23, 24

xii. 5
xiii. 17

xvn. 9, 10,

— 5—8. H.

— 9
xviii. 6

— 7, 8
xxiii.

— 5—6

— 6

— II.

— 10
xxxi. 3

— 18—20.
xlii
1. 5. II.

S.

. 25
v. 189
v. 139
i. 425. ii. 409
vi. 209
vi. 148
ii. 479
ii. 479
ii. 259
iii. 380
vi. 504
ii. 304
v. 252 297
iii. 236
ii. 341
ii. 420
iii. 381
ii. 523. v. 288
iii. 632
H. iii. 381
ii. 323
iii. 487

LAMENTATIONS.

iii. 37

— 57
v. 16

— 16, 17

v. 255
ii. 568
ii. 570

ii. 526

IX. 4

EZEKIEL

iii. 533. v

II

i. 16
iii. 9- 44

— 19

— 24. II.

ii. 566
ii. 572
vi. 558
iii. 382

— 4—6
xiv. 3, 4
xvi.

— 6—8

— 63.

— 63

— 63

— 63
xviii. 4

— 30
xx. 14

— 43

— xxiv.
xxvii. 26 v.
xxxiii. 7 — 9 ii.

— 10, 11 ii.

— 11 iii.

— 14, 15 v.
xxxi v. 16 ii.
xxxvi. 25—28. H. iii.

— 37 v.

— 27 vi.
xxxvii. i. 152. iii.
xliv. 15 ii.
xlviii 35. II. iii.

16

i. 183,

ii. 273

v. 134.

269
280
276
298
293
528
383
186
417
587
544
559
557
372
218
299
260
247
575
252
430
384
220
506
477
324
385

iii

6

...

H.

...

27

iv

35

i

V.

5

5, 6.

11

18, 19

^i

22

23

ix

24

X.

\ii

13

.2

—

3

DANIEL.

ii. 427. v.

496
386
563
141.

244
283
387
588
496
564
44U
386
236
224

IIOSEA.

iv. 7 v. 264

vi. 1 ii. 577

— 3 vi. 322. 471

xi. 8, 9. S. v. 27j

Texts of Scripture illustrated. 639

HOSE A. MALACHI. I MATTHEW.

AM03.

iii. 3
iv. 7
— 13
vi. 3 — C

vii. 10

iii. 501
iii. 3.16

ii. 549
iii. 56
ii. 546
ii. 134
vi. 39?

JONAH.

i. 17

iii. 9. S.
iv. 7. H.

iii. 313

v. 160. 249

iii. 388

MICAH.

v. 2—5

— 4

vi. 6, 7, 8. S.

vi. 6

vii. 8

ii. 546

iii. 561

ii. 540

ii. 345

iii. 603

HABBAKUK.

ii. 15 vi. 555

iiL 17, 18 i. 274. iii. 622

— 17, 18. H. iii. 664.

v. 626

— 18 vi. 32

HAGGAI.

r. 6—9

544

ZECHARIAH.

ii. 10. H.
iii. 1

— 1—5

— 1—5. H.

— 9. H.
v. 3

vi. 13
xi. 17
xiii. 1.

— 7

H.

iii. 389

ii. 568
vi. 20

iii. 390

ii. 458

iii. 391

vi. 556

ii. 420

iii. 51G. 246

iii. 392

vi. 214

MALACHI.

i. 11 v. 268

iii. 6 ii- 422. 582

— 16 — 18. H. iii. 393

Vol. VI.

Iv. 1 ii. 425

MATTHEW.

i. 21

— 23
ii. 6
iii. 12

— 17

— 1. 10

— 11

v. 3—9

— 4

— 11.

— 13, 14

— 16

— 33

_. 34—36

— 37

— 45

vi. 13. L.

— 16

— 26

— 26—28

— 26—34

— 34
vii. 3 — 5

— 7

— 7

— 7,8

— 8 H.

— 7, 8

— 12

— 13 i

— 13, 14

— 16

— 24

— viii. 2

— 2,3.

— 3

H.

— 12

— 17

— 25
ix. 2, 3

— 9

— 12. H

— 30
x. 22

— 30

— 32

— 34— 3G

— 36

— 40

— 48
xi. 5

— 22

ii. 420

ii. 421

. 525. iii. 239.

270. vi. 560

". iii. 24. 391.

vi. 226

ii. 119

iii. 21

iii. 21

i 358. 360

v. 243

ii. '509

v. 160

i. G28. vi. 551

ii. 520

ii. 523

ii. 461

v. 191

i. 488

iii. 105

iii. 611

iii. 547
i. 112

iii. 621

iii. 262
v. 272

vi. 550
i. 531

iii. 394

ii. 381

v. 217

i. 119. vi. 577

iii. 208

ii. 559

iii. 31. 555

ii. 400

iii. 396
iii. 21
ii. 460
iii. 28
ii. 282
ii. 588
Hi. 20
ii. 461

iii. 397

iii. 21

ii. 501. 537

v. 300

v. 240

iii. 136
ii. 483
ii. 367
ii. 461
v. 198

vi. 552

4 N

xi. 25. S.

i. 532. 552.

556. ii

. 359. 382. 392

— 26. S.

ii. 404

— 27. S.

i. 533 ii. 414.

426. 437

iii. 27

3. v. 245

— 27, 28

iii. 24

— 28 S.

ii. 448. 458.

469

. iii. 585

— 29. S.

ii. 480

— 30. S.

ii. 491

iii. G62

xii. 3

ii. 12

— 13

vi. 559

— 18—21

ii. 426

— 24

iii. 48

— 31

ii. 57. 3

— 33 — .3.)

vi. 206

— 34

ii. i.67

— 41

v. 252

— 43—45.

H.

iii. 398

xiii.

iii. 269

— 2.48

iii. 187

— 3. H.

iii. 399

— 10, 11

iii. 16

— 10—17

i. 556

— 22

ii. 389

— 31, 32

ii. 369

— 37 — 42.

H.

iii. 400

— 43

ii. 515

. v. 235

— 46

ii. 471

— 52

v. 183

xiv. 25

iii. 21

--28 — 31

H.

iii. 401

— 30

ii. 588

— 31

ii. 586

xv. 14

iii. 45

— 5

iii. 11

— 22—28.

H.

iii. 402

— 27

ii. 461

— 28

i. 297

— 31

iii. 45

xvi. 3

iii. 105

— 16, 17

iii. 19

— 17 i. 533. ii. 3

78. 392

— 16

vi. 428

— 18

iii.

31. 276

— 20

iii. 16

— 21

iii. 22

xvii. 4

iii. 597

. v. 241

— 20

ii. 586

xviii. 3, 4

iii. 637

— 7

ii. 525

— 20

ii. 462 v. 177

— 22

ii. 545

— 24

ii. 548

xix 16

iii. 27

— 20

ii. 455

xx. 22

ii. 314

— 28

iii. 22.

vi. 417

xxii. 5

ii. 5.36

6*0 Texts of Scripture illustrated.

MATTHEW. MARK. I LUKE.

xxii. 11

iii. 32

ix. 43

iii. 239

x. 38.-42. H

iii. 41b

— 16 .

iii. 39

xx. 20

ii. 403

— 42'

vi. 327

— 23

iii. 38

— 47,

48 H.

iii. 411

xi. 13

i. 61

— 39

i. 544

xi. 12

iii. 21

— 21

v. 194

— 42. H.

iii. 403

— 17.

H.

iii. 412

— 21, 22. II.

iii. 417

xxiii. 4 ii.

485. iii. 240

— 20.

H

iii. 413

xii. 4

v. 300

— 21,22

ii. 523

xii. 13

iii. 49

— 15

vi. 480

— 27

iii. 41

— 37

ii. 400

— 16—21. H

iii. 419

— 29, 30

iii. 36

xiii. 20

22

i. 556

— 20

ii. 311

xxiv. 6

v. 162

— 35

v. 268

— 47

ii. 352

XXV. 1. II.

iii. 404

xiv. 29

i. 181

— 32 iii.

649. v. 240

— 31

v. 229

— 33

vi. 213

— 35

v. 185

— 34

ii. 405. 528

— 71

iii. 65

-43

v. 172

iii. 32

v. 240. 301

xv. 31

vi. 494

— 48

ii. 563

— 34—41

vL 110

xvi. 15

i. 303

— 50

iii. 520

— 37

vi. 172

— 16

i. 521

. 568. ii.

xiii. 3. 5

vi. 556

— 37— 44

i. 127

477. 532 iii. 231

vi. 578

— 4, 5

v. 255

— 40

vi. 456. 511

- 6. 9. H.

iii. 420

— 41 ii. 454. iii. 297 v. 237

LUKE.

— 24

iii. 650

xxvi. 24

ii. 581

— 23, 24

ii. 379

— 33. H.

iii. 645

i. 28

vi. 550

— 24. 27

i. 151

— 75. H.

iii. 405

— 52,

53

iii. 55

— 25—30

vi. 560

xxvii. 6

vi. 523

ii. 16

iii. 164

— 27

ii. 532

— 39

iii. 30

— 25

iii. 14

— 28

ii. 525

— 42

ii. 441

— 29

iii. 488

xiv. 12—14

i. 112

xxviii. 18

ii. 427

— 52

iii. 21

— 18

ii. 353

— 18 ii. 287.

351. v. 245.

iv. 16-

-20

ii. 372

22

iii. 571

267

— 18

ii. 518

XV. 11

iii. 27

— 19

iii. 40

— 34

iii. 21

— 11—24. H.

iii. 421

— 20

ii. 54. iii. 25

— 36

ii. 421

— 10

ii. 533

v. 4. H.

iii. 473

xvi. 8

ii. 383

MARK.

— 5

ii. 450

— 15

i. 574

— 10

iii. 56

™ 19—25. H.

iii. 422

i. 16

iii. 56

vi. 26

v. 184

— 22

i. 387

— 16—19

iii. 60

— 39

i. 543

xviii. 1 — 7.

H. iii. 423

— 27

ii. 45 &

vii. 16

iii. 45

— 9— 14

iii. 26. 37

ii. 5

ii. 461

— 30

Vi. 567

... ii

i. 173

— 9

iii. 61

— 32

vi. 160

— 12, 13

i. 358

— 10

ii. 421

— 33

iii. 597

— 18

iii. 26

— 14

iii. 60

— 34

iii. 47

— 25

iii. 55

iii. 6

iii. 39

— 35

v. 261

xix. 42

v. 189

— 21 iii.

249- vi. 494

— 37

iii. 27

— 2.

iii. 55

iv. 24

ii. 558

— 38

ii. 461

— 5

iii. 59

— 26—29 iii.

501. vi. 221

— 47

i. 126. iii.

62. 651

— 1—6. H.

iii. 424

— 27

ii. 500

— 47.

H.

iii. 414

— 8

iii. 650

— 28. L. i. 171. 178. 184

viii. 3

i. 263

— 27

v. 237

— 39 ii. 421. iii. 21

— 18

ii. 558

-41

iii. 22

v. 18, 19. H

iii. 407

— 46

iii. 617

— 42

ii. 581

— 24

iii. 323

ix. 23—

-61

ii. 461

xxi. 34 i.

508. vi. 476

— 26

i. 174

— 29

iii. 105

— 34—36

vi. 284

— 39—42 H. iii. 408

— 35

ii. 373

xxii. 30

v. 238

vii. 6

v. 163

— 54

ii.

3. iii. 68

— 31

ii. 534. 582

— 13

iii. 37

— 6

ii. 363

— 32

ii. 582

— 34

iii. 21

— 16

vi. 569

— 31, 32. II.

iii. 426

viii. 14. II.

iii. 410

— 17

iii. 21

— 44

iii. 21

— 38

v. 240

— 32

vi. 160

— 61, 62.

ii. 577

ix. 10

— 24

iii. 17

— 20

v. 245

xxiii. 34.11. iii.

22,297,247

iii. 323

— 21

v. 362

— 35

iii. 24

— 41

ii. 494

x. S3—

35. H.

iii. 415

— 39—43

iii. 28

Texts of Scripture illustrated.

LUKE. JOHN.

641

xxiii. 43.

— 39, 43. H.
xxiv. ]6

— 25—27

iii. 62, 580

iii. 428.

ii. 5 "5

iii. 22

— 32

— 45

i. 1

— 13

— 14

— 16

— 18

— 29

— 29, 45

— 40

— 44, 45

— 50
ii. 17

— 12

— 22
iii. 2

— 3

— 6

— 9

— 14, 15

— 14—18

— 15

— 16

— 18,36

— 27

— S5
iv. 3

— 6

— 6,7

— 24

— 28. H.

— 29

— 29, 42

ii. 463. v. 178
ii. 335, 595

JOHN.

ii. 419

i. 575
ii. 281, v. 199
ii. 445
ii. 373
ii. 275
ii. 333
iii. 56
iii. 56
i.359
iii. 237
iii. 284
iii. 17
v. 275
Ti. 505, 578
vi. 206
vi. 505
ii. 375
i. 557. vi. 245
iii. 22
iii. 392
ii. 273, 285
vi. 206
i. 162, ii. 4
ii. 426, vi. 218
iii. 283
ii. 450
iii. 21
ii. 501
iii. 429
ii. 470, v. 183
iii. 60

i. 53

vi. 29 iii. 646

— 30 ii. 459

— 35 i. 539 ii. 457

— 37 ii. 287, 350, 458.

iii. 24. v. 164, 271. vi.
147, 176, 561

— 40

— 44

— 44, 45
_44 — i6

— 44-63

— 47

— 53

_ 54—57

— 66

— 66, 67

_ 67—69. H.

i. 539, 557

i. 564

i. 531

i. 151

i. 172

vi. 550

ii. 424

iii. 31

ii. 373, 464

iii. 54

iii. 434

53 ii. 462, iii. 21, 61
430
vi. 89
ii. 463
vi. 444
ii. 371. iii. 21
ii. 583
i. 172
ii. 434
ii. 424
iii. 231
v. 235
v. 18S
ii. 321, 339. iii.
296
i. 564. ii. 4G0
v. 239
ii. 432
i. 151

v. 2—4. H

— 5

— 6

— 14

— 18
— 19. S.

— 21

— 22

— 23

— 24

— 25

— 35

— 39. S.

— 40 i.

v. 44

vi. 16—21. H.

— 27

— 68
vli.

— 5
—16

— 16, 17

— 17

— 39

— 40,48

— 42, 52

— 45

— 48, 49

— 49

— 50
▼iii. 12

— 24

— 26

— 38

— 46
ix. 7—38

— 16

— 22

— 25

— 34
x. 9
_ 10

— II

— 14

— 15, 16

— ir

— 20

— 27, 28

— '.18

— 28, -29

ii. 373. iii. 32

i. 292

iii. 250

iii. 19

i. 531

i. 61. vi. 428
ii. 466
iii. 116
iii. 46
iii. 47
ii.400
iii. 44
iii. 59
ii. 424
vi. 206
iii. 19
iii. 20
iii. 21
iii. 61
iii. 46
iii. 4S
i. 254
jii. 44
iii. 31
ii. 284
v. 233
iii. 32

ii. 4:s
iii. 22
i. 556
ii. 424
iii. 25
ii. 596

xii. 5, 6

— 19

— 31

— 32

— 32, 33

— 35

— 41

— 42
x iii. 5

— 7

— 25
xiv. 1

— 2

— 2, 3

— 3, 13, 14

— 6

iii. 66

iii. 116

iii. 391

iii. 22, 557

iii. 24

i. 151

ii. 420, 427

iii. 48

iii. 244

ii. 579, iii. 587

iii. 596

ii. 424

ii. 286, 330

ii. 465

iii. 25

iii. 276

— 9 i. 172. ii. 419. iii. 20

xi. 25 ii. 424, 457, H. iii.
435
iii. 21
v. 228
iii. 21
ii. 421. vi. 505
iii. 44
iii. 116

— 25, 24

— 26

— 35, 38

— 43

— 48

— 48
xi. 11—16. H.

— 15—24

— 16

— 19

— 21

— 22

— 22, 23

— 26

— 30
xv. 1

— 4,5

— 5

— 18—21
xvi. 2

— 7

— 7, 13, 14

— 7, 13

— 8—11

— 12,25

— 14

— 30, 32
xvii.

i. 268

ii. 466

vi. 405

ii. 4SS

v. 177, 241

ii. 591

iii. 192

iii. 21

vi. 206

iii. 32

. 116. L. i. 4^

ii. 484, 580

iii. 250

i. 545, iii. 271

ii. 444, 446

iii. 43C

— 4

— 6

— 21

xviii. 10

— 11
xix. 36

— 39
xx. :'5

— 28

— "9
xxi. 2

— 4

— 15
— 16 H.

— 17

iii. 25

iii. 292

i. 172

iii. 17

i. 266

ii. 465

i. 556

ii. 351, 374,320,

276

iii. 21

ii. 428

i. 294, 538

iii. 32. v. 2S0,

vi. 500

i. 176

ii. 486

ii. 335,459

iii. 59

iii. 72

ii.378, 424, 575,

iii. V.\, 597

i. 359

iii. 56

iii. 187

ii. 66

iii. 437

ii. 577

642 Texts of Scripture illustrated.

ACTS. ACTS. ACTS.

i. 15

ii.

— 2,3

— 23
iii.

— 12—16

— 19, 31

— 26
iv. 12

— 16, 17

— 28

— 32
v.

— 4

— 13

— 17

— 24

— 29

— 31

— 41
vi.

— 4

— 52
vii.
_ 54—60. II

— 54—60
viii. 9, 22
ix.

— 1

— 5

— 6. H.

— 16

iii. 53

iii. 482

iii. 79

570. ii. 443

iii. 81

ii. 421

i. 151

ii. 600

vi. 578

iii. 82

i. 570

iii. 252

iii. 253

ii. 524

v. 210

iii. 237

iii. 84

— 27

— 31

— 32
x.

— 34 ii

— 38
xi.

— 23

— 26. L.

xii.

— 5—8. II.

— 5,12

— 5—13

— 23
xiii.

— 11

— 26

— 39

— 41
xiv.

— 15

i. 568.

ii. 274. vi. 561

ii. 494. v. 212

iii. 86, 253

v. 209

vi. 52

iii. 88

iii. 439

v. 206

iii. 275

iii. 94

t. 172

vi. 558

iii. 440. v. 192

iii. 650

iii. 38, 96

iii. 98

iii. 100

iii. 101

iii. 105. vi. 241

v.131

iii. 107

i. 331

i. 496. S. ii.

290

iii. 109

iii. 441

v. 220

v. 269

ii. 42S

iii. 113

iii. 83

vi. 567

v. 253. vi.

206

iii. 297

iii. 117

i.151

pa

ii. 500. iii. 119,
610. vi. 21 o
xv. iii. 253

— 1 iii. 285

— 9 ii. 586. iii. 296. vi.

550
xvi. iii. 129

— 14 i. 537

— 24, 25 ' ii. 236

— 28 vi. 483

— 29—31. II. iii. 442

— 30 ii. 543

— 31 ii. 599. iii. 580
xvii. 3 iii. 135

— 18 iii. 249

— 26 vi. 549

— 30 i. 151

— 31 ii. 434. iii. 296. v.

_ 203
xviii. iii. 142

— 10 ii. 433
xix. iii. 148

— 2—5 iii. 40

— 10 iii. 130

— 13—16. H. iii. 443

— 19 ii. 386

— 37 iii. 156
xx. iii. 157

— 18—35 v. 171

— 20 iii. 143. v. 210

— 24 ii. 598. iii. 631.

211

— 26, 27. H. iii. 491
vi. 579

ii. 481. v. 203

vi. 562

iii. 163, 166

— 26

— 28

— 32
xxi.

— 20

— 20, 21
xxii.

— 8

— 20

— 22
xxiii.

— 8
xxiv.

— 16

XXV.

xxvi. 3

— 9

— 18

— 24

— 25
xxvii.

— H,

iii. 237
ii. 63
iii. 170
iii. 95
iii. 218
vi. 496
iii. 171
iii. 38
iii. 174
iii. 175
iii. 177
vi. 565
ii. 302. v. 172
i. 537. v. 203
vi. 494
iii. 180
iii. 102
iii. 444

xxvii. 24

— 42
xxviii. 20

— 25

ii. 434

vi. 496
ii. 420

ROMANS.

i- 4 ii. 427

— 8 v. 265

— 16 ii. 570. v. 261

— 20 iii. 548

— 21 ii. 345

— 21—32 iii. 7

— 21—23 iii. 281
ii- 4 vi. 554
•- 16 v. 180

— 21 ii. 571
iii- 7 iii. 287

— 8 iii. 288

— 12—20 ii. 270

— 9—21 i. 541

— 13, 14 ii. 522

— 19 ii. 273, 525. vi.

788

— 20—28 ii. 554

— 22 ii. 429

— 26 ii. 442, 595

— 28 ii. 550

— 31 iii. 635
iv. 2 ii. 408

— 3 — 5 U. 554

— 5 i. 568, v. 200

— 16 ii. 412
v. 1 i. 538

— 1, 2 i. 559

— 6 ii. 284

— 8 vi. 226

— 10 ii. 313. iii. 611.

vi. 141

— 20 iii. 604

— 21 iii. 657
vi. 1 ii. 581. iii. 265.

288

— 14 v. 258

— 22 iii. 231. v. 176
vii. 9 ii. 454, 444. vi.

560

— 12 vi. 504

— 14 ii. 518

— 18 ii. 206

— 18—24 iii. 292

— 19 H. iii. 446

— 19. h. i. 409

— 24 ii. 474

— 25 U. 171

Texts of Scripture illustrated.

6&

ROMANS.

viii. 1 v. 253, 270. vi.
206

— 3—59 iii. 658

— 3 ii. 273, 546

— 4 ii. 314, v. 201

— 6 vi. 560

— 7 i- 541. ii. 413. v.

236. vi. 504

— 9 ii. 299, 599. vi.

579

— 14, 17 iii. 529

— 15, 16 ii. 296

— 19, 26, 27 iii. 293

— 18 vi. 215

— 19—21. L. i. 302

— 28 ii. 431

— 28—30 i. 556

— 31 ii. 313

— 32 ii. 287. iii. 611

— 34 i. 179. ii. 594.
iii. 545, 626. vi. 5, 245

— 31—37 i. 484

— 32. S. ii. 305

— 33, 34 vi. 233

— 36 iii. 309

— 37 iii. 610. vi. 581

— 38 ii. 501

— 38, 39 ii. 597
is. 3 iii. 227. vi. 502

— 5 ii. 423

— 13 — 24 i. 556

— 16 ii. 530. iii. 287
-— 19 iii. 287

— 20 iii. 5

— 15—21 i. 563
x. 1 vi. 561

— 2 iii. 237

— 3 ii. 350

— 4 ii. 457

— 6—8 ii. 574

— 9 i. 359

— 13, 14 vi. 241

— 17 vi. 580

— 21 v. 264
xi.6i. 568. iii. 287.vi.246

— 7 i. 556

— 13 vi. 569

— 23 iii. 57
xii. 1 ii. 581. v. 132. vi.

26, 498, 561

— 1, 2 i. 508

— 2 i. 248

— 16 ii. 389

— 20, 21 iii. 238
xiii. 11 ii. 539

— 11, 12. H. iii. 447

— 13 iii, 237

ROMANS.

1 CORINTHIANS.

xiii. 14
xiv.

— 1

— 2—6

— 12.

— 16.

— 23
xv. 3

— 19

— 24

— 30
xvi. 17

— 20

iii. 32

iii. 228
ii. 586

iii. 285
i. 123
ii. 503

ii. 12
ii. 486
ii. 589

iii. 152
v. 219

iii. 175
ii. 458. vi. 142

1 CORINTHIANS.

i. 5.

— 1—10

— 7

— 12

— 18, 19

— 20—23

— 21

— 23, 24

iii. 257
iii. 210

v. 234
iii. 258

i. 575

iii. 281

559, 576

v. 203

— 30 ii. 289, 597. iii.295.
v. 175. vi. 206, 227, 580

ii. 1 — 4 iii. 241

— 2 ii. 386, iii. 276.
v. 175. vi. 494. 549

ix. 20

— 24. S.

— 27
x. 4. H.

— 5

— 13

— 13
22

— 31 i. 5
xi. 1

— 10

— 21
xii. 3

— 11
xiii. 1

— 1—3

— 12
xiv. 9

— 23

— 24, 25

— 25
__ 29—31
xv. 6

iii. 168
ii. 529. iii. 65U
ii. 53. >
iii. 448
iii. 10
vi. 41
ii. 223, 5TZ
vi. 553
08, 431. vi. 459
v. 172
i.387
iii. 261
ii. 8, 10, 372, 587
iii. 43, 277
iii. 17
iii. 552
390, vi. 171
iii. 552

iii. 242
iii. 261
vi. 401
v. 183
v. 35
iii. 53

— 8 iii. 245

— 9 i. 542. iii. 96, 218
— 10 ii. 5S9

— 3

iii. 143

— 12

iii. 286

— 9—15

i. 526

— 14—18

iii. 286

— 10, 11

vi. 202

— 51, 52

v. 238

— 12

ii. 447

— 58

ii. 585

— 14 i.

172, 537. iii.

xvi. 22 iii. 219,

227 296,

277. vi. 506

vi. 501

— 14, 15

i. 552

2 CORINTHIANS.

iii. 4

iii. 259

i. 3, 4. H.

v. 631

— 10, 11

v. 203

— 3—11

vi. 148

— 10, 15

iii. 263

— 4

ii. 580

— 11 ii.

558. vi. 549

__ 4 7

i. 361

— 11, 13

ii. 566

— 5

ii. 431

— 22 i

306. ii. 315

— 9

ii. 273

iv. 3

vi. 497, 552

— 12. 1..

i. 270

— 9

. 386. ii. 533

— 12

ii. 497

— 10, 14

vi. 215

ii. 12, 13

iii. 157

— 13 ii

. 294. v. 212

— 16

ii. 366

vi. 508

— 17

iii. 225

vi. 3

v. 238

iii. 2

v. 217

-7,8

iii. 260

— 2,3

iii. 266

— 9

vi. 557

— 5

iii

287, 292

— 11 ii. 412

527. vi. 508

— 10

vi. 561

— 19

v. 201

— 15

ii. 528

— 19, 20

vi. 507

— 18 i. 172,

286, 527.

vii. 21

i vi. 588

ii.445

48

7. iii. 296

— 29

ii. 581

iv. 2

v; li-A

viii. 2 i. 575

, 219. ii. 389

— 4

iii 2ZH

— 13

i. 508

— 6 j. 257

53

7, 557. ii.

ix. 14

— 18

hi. 234
iii. 234

378. iii. 5
— 17

16.

r.203,E01

ii, 498

644

Texts of Scripture illustrated.

2 CORINTHIANS,
v. 1 ii. 585. H. Hi. 541

— 7 v. 241

— 8 ii. 498

— 10. L. i. 123. iii. 297.

v. 135

— 11 v. 132. vi. 498

— 13 iii. 249

— 13—15. S. vi. 49V

— 14 ii. 493, 570, 581.

iii. 219. v. 172
_ 17 i. 557, 537

— 20. H. iii. 490. v. 130

v. 212

— 21 iii. 615. v. 201
vi. 1 ii. 588. vi. 561

— 4—10

— 16

— 17

— 17, 18. H

— 18
vii. 1.

— 5

— 6

— 7 — 13

— 9

— 10
viii. 9
ix. 2
x. 1

— 4
xi.2

— 12

— 14

— 23-
-28

— 33
xii. 2

— 7

— 8, 9

— 9

— 9. H

— 9, 10

23

vi. 377

iii. 317

i. 508

iii. 484

v. 239

ii. 536
Hi. 157
Hi. 158
iii. 221
Hi. 266

v. 179

ii. 424. vi. 511

Hi. 273

Hi. 105

v. 203
Hi. 157

ii. 510

ii. 593
vi. 215
iii. 157
iii. 97

ii. 589

vi. 9. 408

ii. 171, 316

iii. 295

iii. 449

ii. 36

— 14 v. 133. vi. 578, 561

— 15 iii. 222

— 19 H. 431

— 20, 21 Hi. 265
xiii. 14 v. 201

GALATIANS.
i. 4 vi. 133. vi. 578
... 6, 7 v. 180

— 6—9 Hi. 226
... 8 i. 383. ii. 594
... 8, 9 ii. 557

— 13 Hi. 218

— 14 Hi. 237
...15 Hi. 2161

— 23 v. 173 I

GALATIANS.

ii. 5 iH. 225

— 11 iii. 125

— 16 H. 273

— 20 i. 454. ii. 378, 581.

v. 234

— 21 v. 200
iii. 1 v. 253

— 8 i. 313

— 10 i. 557. ii. 272, 454

— 16, 17 Hi. 4

— 24 ii. 332

— 24 ii. 285. iii. 4

— 4, 5 vi. 499

— 6 iv. 429

— 15. L. i. 482. iii. 261

— 19 H. Hi. 489

— 22 — 31 ii. 334
v. 4 iii. 285

— 6 H. 586. iii. 296 vi.

550, 578

— 7 H. 538

— 12 iii. 239

— 15 Hi. 262

— 17 L. i. 405, 573,

651, 659. H. iii. 450

— 18 v. 201

— 19 vi. 557

— 19—21 i. 559

— 20 vi. 560
vi. 14 ii. 12, 581. iii.

276. v. 213
EPHESIANS.

EPHESIANS.

v. 4

vi. 385

-8

H. 447

— 11-

-16

i. 508

— 25-

-28

v. 591

-26

vi. 553

vi. 15

vi. 215

— 16

iii. 591

-18

i. 508

-20

iii. 191

-24

vi. 501

i. 3/4 vi. 226

— 4 ii. 528

— 4, 5 i. 556

— 13 i. 359. ii. 445

— 17, 18 i. 484

— 17-20 vi. 30

— 19 i. 558
ii. 1—9 vi. 206

— 1, 12, 13 v. 176

— 2 v. 196

— 5 i. 537

— 8 i. 538
iii. 5. ii. 467

— 8. i. 560. H. 474.
iH. 17, 245. v. 174, 203

— 8, 18, 19 i. 602
_ 16-19 i. 484. vi. 30

PHILIPPIANS.

i. 6 i. 569, 600. ii. 583.
iii. 657. v. 177'

— 12 iii. 192

— 20 i. 303

— 23 v. 187

— 23, 24 iii. 223

— 27 v. 136, 188

— 29 i. 538
ii. 3 : 659

- 6-11 H. 427

- 8 Hi. 221. v. 200.

vi. 499

— 10 ii. 302

— 15 v. 217
iii. 2 iu. 239, 286

— 3 iii. 32
.- 4, 7-10 i. 556

— 5— 10 vi. 227

— 6 ii. 279. iH. 237

— 7, 8 i. 291

— 8ii.587.Hi. 296.V.283

-19
iv. 13
-14

v. 133

ii. 587

iii. 280

— 15. S. V. 127. vi. 570

— 24
-26
-30

i. 540

vi. 385

i. 508. H. 598. iii.

292

— 8, 9 ii. 557

— 9 vi. 246

— 13 iii. 245

— 13, 14 H. 531

— 14 vi. 550

— 14, 15 vi. 236

— 18, 19 iii. 264
21 v. 238

iv. 4 i. 230

— 7. H. ii. 563, iii. 295,

666

— 8 L. i. 346

— 11. H. iii. 451

— 12 Hi. 235

COLOSSIANS.

i. 13

— 19
-20
-24
ii. 1
-3

— 3-9

— 6

ii. 528
ii. 373
v. 203
ii. 495
iii. 223
ii. 373
iii. 20
i. 539
Hi. 281
ii. 423

Texts of Scripture illustrated.

6*5

COLOSSIANS.

1 TIMOTHY.

HEBREWS.

ii. 12 i- 538, 558. vi. \

^.8

vi. 486 vii. 25 ii. 287

575, 600.

550, 578 i

i. 1

vi. 588

vi. 147

, 499, 559

— 14

iii. 388 .

-20

iii. 261 ix. 24 iii. 293. vi. 499

— 15

ii. 458

2 TIMOTHY.

<c. 4

ii. 543

— 16

iii. 286

. 9

vi. 550

— 4—7

ii. 440

— 18—23

iii. 289

— 12 ii.

590. vi. 245

— 19

iii. 293

in. 3

iii. 655

_ 16

iii. 191

— 26

ii. 526

-3,4

v. 162

i. 1

iii. 295

— 27

ii. 288

— 4 ii. 425. v. 229

-- - 5

ii. 532

— 34

v. 300

— 5

vi. 560

-10

v. 185

— 26, 27

v. 272

-12

ii. 549

— 18

iii. 286

— 31

ii. 480

-25

iii. 105

— 19

iii. 289

— 38

ii. 537

iv. 13

iii. 237

— 24, 25

iii. 115

xi. 1

i. 559

1 THESSALONIANS.

— 26

ii. 599

— 1—6

iii. 296

i. 5.

vi. 399

iii. 1—5

ii. 271

— 6 ii.

12. v. 217

— 5—9

v. 170

5 ii.

377. vi. 5,60

— 18, 19,

i. 273

— 7

v. 178

— 12

ii. 294, 483.

— 26

ii. 494

ii. 4

v.211

iii. 249

xi i. 1

ii. 478

-8 S.

v. 167

— 15

v. 180

— 2 i.

>38. ii. 582

-8

v. 132

16

ii. 374

vi. 560

-- 7

iii. 222

— 16, 17

ii. 326

— 2 H.

iii. 454

— 9

v. 176

iv. 2 iii

. 143. v. 210

3

ii. 486

— 17

iii. 223

— 3

ii. 274

— 5-11

ii. 27

iii. 13

v. 229

— 6

vi. 351

_ 5—11. II

iii. 456

iv. 16

ii. 517

— 7

ii. 496

--8

ii. 588

— 16, 17. S.

v. 225

— 7,8

. 634. ii. 535

— 12

ii. 597

-17

ii. 498

— 10

vi 409

— 14

i. 510, 532.

v. 3

vi. 554

TITUS.

iii. 231

— 14

ii. 518

i. 10

iii. 282. 286

— 16. H.

iii. 315

— 22

i. 508

— 10, 11

iii. 288

— 18—24

iii. 66;~

2 THESSALONIANS.

— 16 iii

289. v. 283,

— 21 ii.

517. v. 236

i. 8. ii. 425,

517. v. 189

265

-22

i. 387

ii. 3-10

iii. 289

ii. 11—14 i

641. vi. 211

-24

iii. SOt)

iii. 1

v. 220

— 10

vi. 588

— 28

v. 162

— 5

i. 172

— 11, 12 i

.549. iii. 291

xiii. 4

vi. 556

— 10, 11

iii.. 263

— 11—15

iv. 514

— 11-13

ii. 336

— 10-12

ii. 512

— 12

v. 217, 261

— 20—22.

H. iii. 665

1 TIMOTHY.

iii. 3

iii. 7

JAMES.

i. 4

iii. 281

— 3—7

vi. 206

i. 5

ii. 329

— 7

iii. (286

— 3—8

vi. 211

-7

ii. 328

— 8

i.310

— 9

iii. 281

— 8

ii. 591

— 11 v. 180,

198. vi. 508

— 10

iii. 175

— 11

iii. 105

— 13

iii. 297

HEBREWS.

-17

v. 275

— 13—16

vi. 559

i. 3 ii

. 439. vi. 498

-19

ii. 511

— 15. S.

ii. 276

— 10—12

ii. 420

— 21

v. 135

— 15

ii. 474

ii. 3

ii. 288

— 26

vi. 381

— 15, 16 i

. 542. v. 173

- 14

ii. 282

ii. 5

i. 262

— 16

iii. 581

— 16

iii. 502

-7

vi. 551

ii. 5

ii. 344

— 18

ii. 344, 457

— 10

ii. 4J4

iii. 15 iii

. 276. v. 199

iv. 1

ii. 531

— 14

iii. 289

— 16 ii. 281

. iii. 22, 391

— 2. H.

iii. 452

- 14-24

ii. 555

v.

199. vi. 498

— 9

ii. 473

-17

ii. 587

iv. 8

ii. 535

— 12

v. 182

-19

ii. 561

— 15

i. 61C

— 12—13

. H. iii. 453

-24

ii. 551

— 15, 16

v. 20S

— 13

ii. 272

— 25

ii. 555

— .10 v.

133. vi. 498

— 15, 16

vi. 213

— 26. S.

ii. 550

57^

vi. 18 5L 583, vi. 557

iii. 14

iii. 262

Texts of the Scripture illustrated,

ES. 2 PETER. I REVELATION

in. 16 iii.'237

— 17 ii. 305
iv. 2 ii. 591

— 4 ii. 134, 385, 505

— 6 ii. 327, iii. 246

— 9 iii. 264

— 13 ii. 241
v. 9 ii. 525

— 15 vi. 62

1 PETER.

I 2 i. 556. vi. 578
_.- 3. L. vi. 18
... 4 v. 235

... 6 ii. 580

.f. 8 ii. 493. v. 206, 234
... 1, 2 iii. 105
ii. 2 iii. 225
... S ii. 566. vi. 151, 551
... 6 iii. 5S5

~ 7 i. 358. iii. 392
... 9 vi- 551

...11 vi- 557
... 12 ii. 510
... 15 v. 298

iii. 12 v. 275
-15 ii. 511
... 16 v. 183

— 17 ii. 431

— 20 iii. 649. v. 221
iv. 3 ii. 581

— 4 ii. 493. vi. 558

— 17 ii. 310

— 19 v. 200
v. 7 iii. 628

2 PETER.

i. 10 ii. 592

— 16 ii. 508. iii. 296
ii. 2 ii. 525, 560. vi.

551, 580

— 4,5 ii. 518

— 7 ii. 475
^ 8 iii. 311

— 13, 14 iii. 289

— 18 ii. 437

— 18, 19 iii. 282

— 19 v. 198

— 20 i. 173

— 21 ii. 525
iii. S— 10. II. iii. 543

iii. 9 iii. 291

— 10 iii. 549
-~ 13 i. 305

— 14 v. 231

1 JOHN,
i. 3 i. 276

— 6 iii. 289

— 7 ii- 457, 531. v. 253,

vi. 557
._ 8—10 iii. 291

— 9 ii. 442

— 16 v. 199
ii. 1. ii. 48. vi. 66

— 4 iii. 289

— 12 ii. 582

— 13 i. 187

— 15 ii. 385. vi. 560

— 15, 16 ii. 299

— 19 iii. 267

— 22 iii. 283
iii. 1 ii. 441

— 2 ii. 473. v. 230,234

— 3 iii. 289

— 10 ii. 599

— 13, 14. L. i. 321
iv. 1 iii. 282. v. 181

— 19 ii. 493
v. 1 i. 359

— 2 i. 322

— 4 ii. 5S6. iii. 296

— 5 v. 205

— 7 ii. 421

— 7, 8 i. 156

— 10. L. i. 155. vi. 429

— 19 i. 489

— 20 ii. 419

3 JOHN.

4 v. 178

JUDE.

3 iii. 237

4 iii. 282
9 i. 386
12, 13 iii. 289
15 ii. 434
19 iii. 291
21 v. 240

REVELATION,
i. 6 iii. 375

--7 iii. 392. v. 229

i. 8-11 ii. 420

— 17 v. 242

— 18 ii. 433
ii. 1—7. H. iii. 457

— 6 iii. 282

— 7 ii. 536

— 10 ii. 582

— 8—11. H. iii. 458

— 10 ii. 539. iii. 654.

vi. 581
... 14-20 iii. 290

— 21 v. 253

— 23 v. 200
iii. 1 iii. 651

— 9 iii. 290

— 10 vi. 41, 284

— 12-21 ii. j36

— 7—13. H. iii. 459

— 11 i. 38S. ii. 534, 582

— 12 ii. 498. v. 243

— 14-20. H. iii. 460

— 17, 18 i. 574

— 18 ii. 508

— 21 ii. 443
iv. 3 iii. 548

— 10 v. 240
v. 9 i. 126. H. iii. 502,

654. vi. 8

— 12 v. 245
vi. 15, 16 v. 231

— 16 iii. 534, 571

— 16, 17 vi. 110
vii. 9 v. 240. vi. 183

— 10 vi. 8
x. 6 v. 240

— H. iii. 461
xii. 7 i- 386
xiv. 13 ii. 87 v. 228
xvi. 1 iii. 529
xix. 6 v. 279

— 16 ii. 427
xx. 11, 12. H. iii. 545
xxi. 1 i. 305

— 3 vi. 7

— 4 ii- 476

— 10--27. L. i. 402
xxii. 7 ii. 536

— 18,19 v. 130

— 20 ii. 582. iii. 667

FINIS.

DATE DUE

^^^mmf^

OATLOMO