LETTER XCI.

From the Rev. Mr. Allport to Sylvaticus.

MY DEAR SIR,

Chippenham Vicarage.

It was with extreme grief that I read yours of the 10th instant, and especially in the contemplation of the consequences of your distress which it seems to indicate; but which I earnestly hope, for your soul's sake, you will by the mercy and grace of God, be prevented from realizing. Remember the words once addressed to one in a state of desperation, "Do thyself no harm;" and consider it not only your duty to forbear from any rash act, but also from injuring (what you have no right to injure in any way) yourself, by the indulgence of excessive grief. Consider the encouragements of that God who has said, "Call upon me in the time of trouble; I will hear thee, and thou shalt glorify me." Consider that he is a very present help in trouble. Go to him, and confide in him; and especially look to that Redeemer, who endured seeing him who is invisible. Put your cause into his hands, and

flee to him for succour and safety, who is mighty to save; and who, having experienced grievous temptations, is able to succour them that are tempted.

I assure you at first I knew not what to do for you, being wholly unable to afford you any assistance myself, and having no prospect of procuring any. But to-day, my release from some imperious and pressing engagements enabling me to go out a little, I waited on two friends and made known your situation to them, who instantly furnished me wherewith to send you the enclosed five pounds. I hope it will prove a little seasonable relief. I shall endeavour to do what else I can to serve you. May God uphold your spirits, preserve you from temptation,raise up friends to help you suitably, and be your consolation through life, and your exceeding great and precious portion here and for ever.

You will have the goodness to acknowledge the receipt of this, and I hope I shall find, too, that you have found relief from your present distress by help from some other quarter. With my best wishes and prayers,

I remain, in great haste,

Yours truly,

1

J. ALLPORT.

LETTER XCII.

From the Rev. Mr. Allport to Sylvaticus.

MY DEAR Friend,

Chippenham Vicarage.

I AM truly happy in having it in my power to send you another £5. of which I shall thank you to certify me of the safe arrival by return of post, and at the same time inform me of some particulars relative to your having had a small school, which you slightly mentioned when here. An all-wise Providence, I trust, led you to Chippenham, and has lately in a very remarkable manner befriended me, and opened ways to serve you; so that I can inform you there is more cash in our bankers' hands for your use, and such an interest excited, here and at Bath in your favour, that I trust, ere long, I shall have to send you an account that will prove there are those who possess the heart of the good Samaritan, and convey to you some efficient aid. My dear partner begs to unite in kind regards. I am, most sincerely yours, J. ALLPORT.

LETTER XCIII.

From the Rev. Mr. Allport to Sylvaticus.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

Chippenham Vicarage.

YOURS came to hand this evening, just after a trip to Bath on your account. I lose no time in writing, to beg you will not at present press Kfurther. I have to-day accidently met the man who was the means of bringing Elliston forward at Bath,-I mean Mr. Meyler; and he says, he thinks he has not forgotten it, and would now listen to him. He will write to town to make the trial. May he succeed! The trial from such a quarter can do no harm, and your Tragedy: may be recovered. At all events it cannot injure you much to wait a little and see. To convince you of this, I have the very great happiness to inform you that I have now £30. for you, I mean exclusive of what I have already sent you. Thank God and not me. Surely it was His good Providence led you to me this time two years. It is He that has opened door after door for me this last fortnight, to serve you. To Him be all

the praise and all the thanks. If you owe any thing, or want a few more pounds at present to purchase anything to advantage, let me know, and I will remit you any part immediately. But if you have no particular wish, it may as well remain. Your friends will study how what can be raised for you, if it increase, can best be applied to your benefit.

As soon as ever I possibly can, I purpose trying what can be effected with the editor of the British Review. Should you have any particular wish to try elsewhere, let me know directly. If not, I am not without hopes of succeeding there, and it is a most respectable, and I think truly impartial review.

You must not be surprised at finding your case made public. I read a great deal about you today to my own surprise (but agreeably so) in the West of England Miscellany, printed at Sherborne. There was no other way of rescuing you from wretchedness, and bringing you into that notice essential to you, ahd due to the public. May the Lord bless and comfort you, dispel all your griefs, remedy every ill, and speedily cause all your hopes to be realized. All I ask is your prayers, and I hope to remain

Yours very truly,

JOSIAH ALLport.