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by a then unknown friend, furnished with a considerable number of books, written in general by the old divines, both of the church of England, and of the Dissenters. And, to my no small surprise, I found, that those doctrines, which are now deemed novel inventions, and are called Methodistical, are in these books every where discoursed of, as known and allowed truths; and, that, that system, which despising to be taught by men,and unacquainted with such au thors, I had, for near three years togeth er, been hammering out for myself, with no small labor and anxiety, was to be found ready made to my hands, in eyery book I opened.

I make no wonder, that the members of the church of England are generally prejudiced against the writings of Dissenters; for I have been so myself to an excess. We imbibe this prejudice with the first rudiments of instruction, and are taught by our whole education to consider it as meritorious; though no doubt it is a prejudice, of which every sincere inquirer after truth ought to be afraid, and every pretended inquirer

ashamed; for how can we determine on which side truth lies,if we will not examine bothsides? and indeed it is well known to all those, who are acquainted with the church histories of those times, that until the reign of James the First, there were no controversies between the church established and the Puritans concerning doctrine, both parties being in all matters of importance of the same sentiments; they only contended about discipline and ceremonies, until the introduction of Arminianism gave occasion to the Calvinists being denominated Doctrinal Puritans. Unto this period all our church writers were Calvinistical in doctrine, and even after that time, many might be mentioned, who were allowed friends of the church of England, who opposed these innovations, and agreed in doctrine with every thing, that hath been mentioned. Let it suffice, out of many, to recommend Bishop Hall's works, especially his "contemplations on the Life of Jesus;" a book not easily too highly prized; and Dr. Reynold's works. To these, no true friend to the church of

England can reasonably object. And in general I believe, and teach nothing, but what they plainly taught before me, as I could easily prove, but that I have been too tedious already.

I had now got the outlines of my scheme of doctrine marked out; but I had been so taken up with these doctrinal inquiries, that hitherto I was very much a stranger to the workings of my own heart, and had little experience in my own soul, of the power of these truths. The pride of reasoning, and the conceit of my superior discernment, had all along accompanied me; and though somewhat broken, had yet considerable influence. Hitherto, therefore, I had not thought of hearing any person preach, because I did not know, that any person, in the circle of my acquaintance, was capable of informing me in any thing deserving attention, of which I was ignorant. But at length perceiving that in the whole matter Mr.

had been right, and that I had been mistaken, it occurred to me, that having preached these doctrines so long, he must must understand many things

concerning them, to which I was a stranger. Now therefore, though not without much remaining prejudice, and not less in the character of a judge, than of a schollar, I condescended to be his hearer, and occasionally to attend his preaching, and that of some other Ministers. I soon perceived the benefit of this. For, from time to time I found the secrets of my heart discovered to me, far beyond what I had hitherto noticed myself; and seldom teturned from hearing a sermon, without having conceived a meaner opinion of myself; without having attained to a further acquaintance of my deficiencies, my weakness, my corruptions, and wants, and without being supplied with fresh matter for prayer, and directed to greater watchfulness. Moreover I learned the use of experience in preaching, and was convinced, that the ready way to come at other people's hearts and consciences, was to speak from my own. In short, I gradually saw more and more of my need of instruction, and was brought to consider myself as a very novice in religious matters, I began experimental

ly to perceive our Lord's meaning, when he says, "Except ye receive the kingdom of Heaven as a little child, ye shall in no wise enter therein." For though my proud heart is continually rebelling, and would fain build up again the former Babel of self-conceit; yet I trust from this time, in my settled judgment, I have desired, and prayed to be enabled, to consider myself as a little child, who ought simply to sit at the master's feet, to hear his words with profound submission,and wait his teaching with earnest desire and patient attention. And from this time been enabled to consider those persons, whose knowledge has been ripened by years, experience, and observation, as fathers and instructors, to take pleasure in their company, value their counsels, and love to attend their preaching.

have

Thus, I trust, the old building, that I had purposed to repair, was pulled down to the ground,and the foundation of the new building of God laid aright; old things were passed away, behold all things were become new. What things. were gain to me, those I have counted

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