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deeply lament over many even of his nearest neighbours, who still held out against all his admonitions and his prayers. Nor was this all: by the earnest and active character of his united piety and benevolence, an impression was made on the surrounding neighbourhood; an interest was excited in behalf of religious institutions; schools were established, and associ ations formed for the relief of the sick and needy, where previously no snch things had been thought of. To stir up Christians to improve their talents' was a prominent object of his instructions; and, while he set them so eminent an example of the duty inculcated, his labour was not,' and could not be, 'in vain in the Lord."" pp. 381, 382.

From the series of letters belonging to the period of the last chapter

we must content ourselves with a single extract. His son has judiciously divided them into three parts one on the Work of the Ministry; the second on Provision for Families and the Education of Children, particularly those of Ministers; the third, which presents him to us in a peculiarly amiable view, on the Death of Children and near Friends. We select from the first.

"Perhaps, at first setting out, you might be ready to think that a style of preaching, which was generally acceptable to pions people, was all that needs be aimed at; and that success would follow of course. It may be needful for you to learn, that pions persons hear more for themselves than for their unconverted neighbours; and that you must risk dissatisfying some of them, if you would declare the whole counsel of God, and keep yourself pure from the blood of all men. Perhaps you looked at some individuals as models, and too much proposed imitating them; though rather cramping the energy of your spirit by so doing. I say perhaps in these things, merely to excite a question. But my prevalent opinion is, that you are useful, but do not see the effect. Even at Ravenstone I remember complaining in a new-year's sermon, that for a whole twelvemonth I had seen no fruit of my preaching: yet it appeared, within the course of the

next twelvemonth, that not less than ten or twelve had been brought to conCHRIST. OBSERV. No. 251.

sider their ways, during that discou-
raging year; besides others, I trust,
that I did not know of. Cast thy bread
on the waters, and it shall be found
after many days. In the morning sow
thy seed, and in the evening withhold
not thine hand; for thou canst not tell
which shall prosper, or whether both
Endeavour, by
shall be alike good.'
laying open the holy law very particu-
larly, to follow men into all the parts of
their lives, and actions, and thoughts.
Dwell much on the nature and effects of
regeneration, repentance, faith; and on
the peculiarities of the Gospel, especi-
ally the love of Christ. Pray much for
direction, assistance, and a blessing;
and for simplicity of intention and de-
pendence. Try not to be stationary ;
but to bring forth things new, as well
as old; that your profiting may appear
unto all' and wait patiently in this
way." pp. 386, 387.

From the narrowness of his in-
come, Mr. Scott must have gene-
rally found great difficulty to meet
the various demands upon him.
His publications had hitherto served
rather to involve him in additional
embarrassment than to increase kiş
resources: but he confidently anti-
cipated an effectual relief by the
sale of his Commentary. "What
I am to receive," he says, "witli
what my bookseller will owe me,
will nearly cover all my debts; and
it is high time that, on the one
hand, my borrowed money should
be paid off; and, on the other, that
I should disembarrass myself of
worldly cares, and set my house in
order, that I may be ready when
my summons comes." He found,
however, on winding up his ac-
counts, an alarming deficiency.
Great quantities of his books, espe
cially of the works in five volumes,
which he supposed to have been
sold, were still in the printers'
warehouses; and, without more im-
mediate and very considerable asẽ
sistance, it seemed impossible for
him to escape from his pressing
difficulties.

He appears to have been much affected by this unexpected discovery; and particularly 61 as be charged himself with actual though unconscious injustice, in

5 A

disposing, in various ways, on the
ground of the erroneous calculation
of his property, of sums which now
turned out not to be his own; and
amidst increasing infirmities and
disabilities, he began to forebode
dying insolvent, and thus, perhaps,
leaving a stigma upon his character
and profession." (p. 414.) The
only plan to be adopted on this
emergency was to state the case to
a few friends, and, if possible, to
procure a sale for those theological
works which were now lying as
waste paper in the warehouse. This
plan was followed, and the case was
most promptly and most effectually
answered. An individual alone,
the Rev. C. Simeon, very soon for-
warded to him nearly 600l. as a
present, from some friends at Cam-
bridge, besides a considerable sum
for books, accompanied by a letter
which must instantly have removed
every feeling of anxiety from his
mind. Many others readily came
forward on the occasion, some of
them resident in places where Mr.
Scott was personally unknown.
The demand for his books, as we
remember to have heard at the
time, was so great, that the binder
could scarcely prepare them fast
enough to meet it; and he was
soon placed in easier circumstances
than he had probably been at any
former period of his life. It is
really delightful to read this inter-
esting narrative; and the use made
of it by the venerable man to con-
firm his trust in the goodness and
providence of God, is precisely that
which every Christian would wish,
under such circumstances, to per-
ceive. It is mainly on this account,
that we are desirous to let this ve-
nerable man speak for himself.

previously sent. I had only one hundred
printed..... I was low last week; but
not so much about my affairs, as that I
had written so fully to, who, I
thought, would much censure me; and

because I could not, on a review of many past years, but deeply condemn many things in myself. And, when I received Mr. Simeon's letter, and the bill for so large a sum, I was at first so overwhelmed with shame at my own unbelief and distrust, that I felt lower than ever. But I hope the Lord's goodness, and the kindness of unexpected friends, will shame us both, and all, out of distrust and unbelief. I have not been too disinterested," &c.

"To his second son, January 17, 1814: I have received in all from different quarters, and from those of whom I had never heard the name .... quite enough to pay all my debts: and, as I have reason to think, that most, if not all, the copies of the works will be dis

"You will doubtless," he writes to his biographer, "be astonished at the contents of this letter. The letter which I wrote to Mr. — for Mr. Simeon to see, from some circumstances seemed likely to produce me a few subscribers; and I expected little more.

....

Had I received Mr. S.'s letter before I began issuing my circulars, I should have paused; but many were

posed of, I now have all and abound; except that I want more thankfulness to God and man. I have even declined some offers made me ..... I hope mine will be considered as an adjudged case, to encourage faith in God's providence, in those who are employed in his work.'

"To myself, again, February 14, 1814: 'I really expected, at first, little more than to dispose of two or three hundred copies of the works, and I never intimated a desire of further help than in that way. You have heard what I received from Mr. S.....Since then, mouey has been sent me, with the most cordial respectful letters, from persons of whom I never heard: among the rest, 201. from a Quaker. Offers were made of raising more, if I desired it; which I declined. Probably all the copies of the works will be sold. I do not now owe any thing which I cannot pay on demand-what I never could say since you were born! and I have something in hand, and shall receive more, besides the works. So you see that, if I have too little regarded such matters while my need was not urgent, when it is how easilythe Lord can do more for me than all my plans could have done in a course of years, and in a manner which tends to make my publications more kuown and circulated; and, I verily believe, without in any degree deducting from my character. Oh that this may make me ashamed of all my distrust and dejection! and that it may cucourage you, and many others, to go

on in the work of the Lord, without anxiety on this ground! Serve him by the day, and trust him by the day: never flinch a service because nothing is paid for it: and when you want it in

appear in the former part of the volume: there is the same deep seriousness of mind, the same unremitted attention to objects of the

reality, you or your's, he will pay it. highest importance, the same holy

David Brown did much gratis in India : the East India Company raised a monument for the old bachelor Swartz; but they made provision for Mr. B.'s large family!....

"Among other things, I received a most friendly letter from Mr. Richardson, inquiring into my circumstances, of

which friends at York had received some report. I stated, that I bad all and abounded, and did not wish to trou

ble my friends further, except as subscribers to the works. But I, next letter, received 1157. as a present!-I have had 3501. from Bristol, where I thought my rudeness had given offence; besides orders for a hundred copies of

the works!""

"Another letter to my brother, ten days afterwards, states that Mr. Cooke had remitted 2001. more from Bristol! and my father adds in a postscript-

"February 25, 1814. I have received at least 2000l. as presents in little more than two months, besides the sale of books! You see how easily God can provide. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. You canuot do a better service to the world, than by bequeathing to it a well-educated family. Let this be your care; the rest will be the Lord's." " pp. 418-420.

So practical was his principle of trust in God! so unreservedly did he act upon it, and so abundantly was it blessed!

During his remaining years, he was, on account of increasing infirmities, confined to the immediate neighbourhood of his home, and almost entirely to his own village. Still, however, the powers of his mind retained all their vigour ; and he never ceased to employ his pen till that period arrived, when he could work no longer.

The letters which he wrote in the interval, previously to his last illness, form a considerable part of the 15th chapter. It might be sufficient to say of them, they are of the same character with those which

confidence in the promises of God, the same kindness of disposition, which we have previously witnessed. He seemed to live merely to do good; and was anxious only, that when his Lord should come, he should find him "so doing." The great principles by which he was actuated, were the same which had so long and so happily influenced his mind; but we feel, on perusing these pages, as if our later intercourse with this good man was yet more interesting than that which had gone before, and as if the nearer he approached to his everlasting home, the more affectionate were his regards, and the more elevating and attractive were his observations.

The passages which we subjoin are extracted from his letters. We deem it unnecessary to explain the occasions on which they were written: it is sufficient that they unfold to us the mind and character of the writer, and convey at the same time some lessons which are well worthy to be remembered.

""I cannot express,' he says, 'how much the death of Mr. H. Thornton af

fects me; even as the death of some near relation. I feel low and grieved whenever I think of it: but the Lord is

wise and faithful. The Lord reward

upon his fatherless children all his
kindness to me and mine!—As far as
either your concerns or mine are im-
plicated, it is a fresh lesson on the ad-
monition, Cease ye from man, whose
breath is in his nostrils. When the rush-
light in my chamber goes out, it is dark;
but that darkness leads me to expect
All things will
the dawn and the sun.
be right at last, if we be right. Nothing'
is of much consequence but eternity.””,
p. 432.

"March 7, 1814. I am much obliged to you for your kind inquiries after my health, and to all my friends who pray for me in this respect: but I especially need and value prayer for me, that I may be carried through the last stage or

my pilgrimage, in a manner which may adorn and honour the Gospel of God our Saviour.

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I am enabled to spend almost as much time in my studies, and with my pen, as heretofore; and to officiate in my little church as formerly. Indeed I wish I were as well able in mind as in body, to answer the inquiry which you so reluctantly propose to me : but this is by no means the case. All my experience, and observation, and study, wholly fail to teach me how to keep together a congregation, which is prejudiced against some part of that instruction which faithfulness renders it my duty to inculcate. It seems to me as hopeless, as to give the farmer counsel how he may use his fan, and yet not lessen the heap of corn and chaff on his barn-floor. Even in respect of opinions abont adult baptism introduced lately in my little congregation, all the plans which I have devised seem wholly to fail, in respect of keeping together even those who received their first religious impressions nuder my ministry. I have prayed much respecting it, and varied my plans but yet my people continue to leave me; especially the newlyawakened, who, I fear, go to be lulled asleep again by immersion, and joining a Baptist congregation in the next village.

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"In all cases, as far as my expe rience and observation reach, they who have received partial religious instruc tion, and, as it were, made up their minds to it, will hear a new minister so long as he tells them what they already know or believe. This is the standard by which they try his doctrine: but, if he attempts to rectify their errors, however manifest, and with whatever ability and candour he does it; or to instruct their ignorance, however palpable; they will take offence, and probably forsake his ministry; accusing him of some deviation from sound doctrine, as their reason for so doing. Yet, without their errors be rectified, or their defi. ciencies supplied, or their characters improved, their attendance is wholly in pp. 436, 437.

vain. '"

"I have, for many years, when assailed by harassing mental temptations, taken occasion from them to leave, as it were, my own personal concerns, and to enlarge especially, after, or even during their prevalence, in supplica, tions for the extension of the kingdom of Christ, and for the subversion of that

of satan; subjoining a sort of earnest request, to be enabled to be revenged on these enemies, by more vigorous and successful efforts in the cause of God... Temptations follow tempers; and satan has awfully prevailed against some persons of a reasoning turn of mind.—Such things used to harass me much more than they do at present; I would hope because I take a better method of getting deliverance from them.... In general I consider them as temptations to unbelief, contrary to the fullest proof conceivable; the remains of the scepti cism of our hearts, wrought upon by satanical influence, as the waves of the sea are by the wind; and to be overcome only by the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God-THUS IT IS WRITTEN; and by earnest Пpodeg poi misw, Increase my faith! prayer, Help mine unbelief! .... I every day find cause to bless God for protection from the assaults of these enemies in this respect; of which I formerly had dire experience. 'O make strong thine hedge about me! '—Job. i. 10.)"" pp. 440, 441.

"May 9, 1816. I am quite a prisoner in this place; but can reach the church, and preach nearly as usual. I can also write, and read, and study, many hours in a day; but always uneasy and weary. My sight, however, and my faculties seem unimpaired; though I hear badly, walk clumsily and with pain, and do not suppose I shall ever try to ride more. I have, however, numerous and most valuable mercies, and only need a more holy and thankful heart. I am now in my seventieth year; and have outlived almost all who were my contemporaries, and many of my juniors, in the ministry. . . . All my care and prayers about my own children in this respect (their conversion) are transferred to my sixteen grand-children. . . I desire, and, I trust, shall not in vain desire, the help of your prayers, both for them and myself that I may close well..... It might be expected that I should write to each of them, and talk particularly to them, when I see them, in the way you wish me to write to your children; but I either never had the proper talent for this kind of service, or I have quite lost it. I pray for them, and say a few things to such as come to see me : and they seem very much attached to me : but I seem ashamed that I feel no li berty of being more explicit with them.

I trust, however, their parents supply my lack of service. I seem to have lost my talent of prattling with children, just as I have my adroitness in nursing. You must, in this respect, tell your children what you think I would say or write to them. I will send you a few of my later publications... and, if you meet with anght too Calvinistic, you must skip it.'" pp. 443, 444.

"On the whole, I cannot but feel and consider myself as a man that has been peculiarly prospered of God; and I desire to knowledge this with humble and devout gratitude. Yes, good. ness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life. Whatever my feel ings may at any time be-and my situation and infirmities, and perhaps also my turn of mind, expose me, at times, to considerable gloom and depression I have not all that enjoyment which I could earnestly desire; yet this is my deliberate judgment. Yea and, on the whole, I can add with good confidence, not only they have followed, but goodness aud mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." "pp. 464, 465.

"I find,' he says, 'in my own case, though in many respects surrounded with uncommon mercies, that I have great need of patience, amidst infirmities, and pains, and, worse than all, temptations, and conflicts with the remainder (I hope ouly the remainder) of indwelling sin: so that I am often disposed to dejection, and consequently to impatience and unthankfulness, and sometimes peevishness. Yet, on the whole, I think my trials and conflicts quicken me in prayer; endear the Saviour and salvation to me; render me more tender and compassionate to others, when suffering and tempted; bring me more acquainted with the promises and engagements of the new covenant; and lead me to rely on them more simply and unreservedly, notwithstanding difficulties and discourage

ments. As Mr. Newton once said to an inquirer, 'I think I am somewhat poorer than I was.' And, while I encourage myself in this way in the Lord my God, and hope, in opposition to my feelings, as if all were against me,) that all is working together for my good; what can I say more appropriate to animate, counsel, and solace you? You have trials, indeed, which I have not: but the heart knoweth its own bitterness.

However, without determining any thing in that respect, nay, supposing your's ten times the greater, the difference is nothing to the Almighty Saviour, whose strength is perfected in our weakness. Trust in him; submit; call upon him: wait for him. Persevere in endeavouring to win over all around you to say, We will go with you, for God is with you. I hope I do not for get you daily in my prayers, or any of yours. Pray for me and mine."”—pp, 466, 467.

"When I received yours, I was just beginning to recover from a rather dangerous attack of sore throat and fever, which reduced me so much, that I fully expected to have been delivered from the burden of the flesh before my suffering sister. Two Sundays I have been silent; I mean to try to preach once tomorrow, but feel very incompetent; and am convinced my work is nearly done. I am, however, now left, beyond all probability, the only survivor of our numerous family-tottering on the brink of the grave. So soon passeth it away and we are gone. Oh that I could adopt St. Paul's words under all-None of these things move me, &c. : but, alas! I am like an old vessel, shattered by many storms, and now scarcely able to stand a moderate gale of wind. Pray for me, that I may have more faith, hope, longing love, patience, submission, meekness, &c."" pp. 475, 476.

In addition to other letters in this part of the work, which will be read with much interest, we should be glad, if our limits would allow it, to insert a very instructive letter, addressed to the vicar of a large parish, on the subject of Prayer it is, that if a clergyman cannot Meetings. The general purport of conduct these meetings without obtaining an exact conformity to his own regulations, it is better that he should leave them, and those concerned in them, to take their own course, neither directly supporting nor opposing them. Mr. Scott speaks on the ground of his own personal observation and experience; and should any judicious member of the Established Church be induced to question the soundness of this judgment, when thus briefly delivered, we doubt not that

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