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at his vestry, to say a lesson or two with them. learn Latin, Geography, and have got a considerable way in Doddridge's Lectures on Pneumatology, in which I meet now and then with a philosophical subject; indeed, my dear friend, I really am very comfortable. O! that my improvement may keep pace with the advantages I enjoy.

of sinners. When, therefore, you are bowed down | an afternoon I meet his boys (there are only nine) under a sense of sin, look unto Jesus, there only salvation is to be found for those who, like you, are sensible of sin. But I verily believe my friend has already been washed in the fountain of his blood. Yes, I doubt not but you have passed from death unto life, and are called according to God's eternal purpose; therefore, instead of writing bitter against yourself, rejoice in Christ Jesus whilst you have no confidence in the flesh. Ah! my friend, you know not fully how I have lifted up my puny arm in rebellion against God; so that I cannot think myself a whit behind the chief of sinners. Young as I am, I am a great sinner; but blessed be God who has, I hope, given us both a good hope through grace: to him be all the glory.

"I shall, I expect, be in town a day sooner than was intended, viz. Wednesday the 8th; my father will not come till the next day. Mr. F- in

his letter, mentions a desire that I would give them a lecture (in the old way) at his house in the evening. I am very willing to do it, and I hope we shall have your company."

VII.

"But, my dearest friend, what a separation between us. I often think of you when in this study pursuing my learning; think! did I say? I cannot help thinking of you, and I will cherish every tender thought of a friend I so much love. Ofttimes I think that of an evening, when we are surrounding the family altar, you are engaged in the busy concerns of life-whilst I am enjoying the advantages of a kind teacher, a good library, and various other blessings, you are behind the counter of a glove shop. Yet do not despair. I hope we shall some future day enjoy one another's company, and these advantages connected with it. When I walk out, as I in general do every day for exercise, I imagine you to be here-I converse with you-I see youand fancy many other enjoyments, which perhaps will not come so soon. When I last saw you I was exceedingly vexed that we could not have half an hour together in private; but, however, I know you regard me still-and am sure I love you much; and it is some pleasure to think that we can yet pray for one another. O do not forget me, unworthy as I am, in your approaches to the throne of grace. Pray that I may not abuse my privileges; but that whilst I am here it may be manifest that I am possessed of a principle of divine grace in my heart. But I hope I need not mention this to you, for you do, I trust, still remember me in your best moments. I have not forgot the pleasure I experienced the last time I saw you in London, nor the affectionate manner in which you conversed with me from Mr. F.'s to my cousin's the last evening.

Hertford, January 3, 1806. "MY DEAREST FRIEND With the greatest pleasure I received and read your kind but short letter; but I must not speak about its shortness, as mine must be as short, if not shorter, as I expect S- to come for it directly. Mr. Davies's sermon entitled, "The Midnight Hour,' I understand, is printed. How glad I should have been to have heard it. I hope when I am in town you will remember your promise, and not forget the greatest part of the sermon, as you know how I respect (and like the preaching of) that worthy man.* I hope you will have a pleasant and profitable day next Sabbath at Finchley. I am afraid you cannot get out next Thursday, the day Nelson is buried; for I do assure you that your presence at "I had a very tedious journey here, as I could any place in town would afford me more pleasure not sleep all night in the coach. But I think I am than the sight of his funeral, to which I do not in- well repaid. I did not imagine that I should be tend to go. I have been with Samuel a little about treated with such care; I have a nice little bed to Hertford. I have read what I wanted in Washing- myself; and, in short, am surrounded with blessings. ton's Life, or rather his History of American Wars, I take some pleasure in contrasting my present situaas I do not see so much of Washington in it as Ition with what it was when at Mr. Thodey's; but expected. I cannot add more; but remain your very this to that, I find that there was one pleasure I enafter I have considered the peculiar advantages of joyed there, which I do not here-that of your company and conversation; and thus is life made up of hopes and fears, pleasures and pains. May we be among those who are strangers and sojourners here, who seek a better country.

affectionate friend,

66 THOMAS SPENCER."

His next letter is from Harwich, and contains a pleasing disclosure of the state of his mind on the accomplishment, so far, of his ardent wishes.

VIII.

"The evening I generally employ in promiscuous reading, as the time is then as it were my own. Harwich, Feb. 6, 1806. As I come home from the vestry about an hour beMY DEAREST FRIEND-I with pleasure embrace fore the other boys, from that time till tea I am enthe opportunity which now offers itself, of writing gaged in secret meditation, reading God's word, and you a few lines for the first time since I have been prayer to him. Ah! Thomas, you are then more here. While I hope you enjoy your health, I can on my mind than during the other parts of the day, say I never was better in my life than I have been for I cannot but remember how often you have since I have been at Harwich. The air is very cold pressed on me the duty of private prayer; and inand healthy: I am sure I have felt the difference.deed, my friend, you are then most remembered by In the town there are many inhabitants, and a Methodist place besides Mr. Hordle's: by Methodists, I mean Wesley's people. Mr. Hordle preaches three times on a Sabbath day, and is very well attended, and on Wednesday evenings; prayer meeting on Monday night. I doubt not but you will join with me in returning thanks to the all-wise disposer of events for placing me in that comfortable situation which I now fill. I live with Mr. H. entirely; his study is where I pursue my learning, and in

The Rev. Mr. Davies, of Queen-street, Cheapside, London.

me in the best sense. I do continue to pray for you; and I hope God will hear our petitions for one another, and send us answers of peace. I beg of you, I entreat you to be earnest in supplication for me, that if God has appointed me for the work of the ministry, I may be fitted for it, and have a divine blessing attending me in all I undertake.

Mr. H. bids me write now and then the heads of a sermon of my own, and show it him. I have yet only done one: it met his approbation.

"Be so kind as to remember me to Mr. F. &c. &c. I suppose you like your business as little as ever; but I hope you will soon be put in a situation

where you will yourself enjoy more--I mean in the Dest enjoyments. I still hope that we, formed for each other's comfort, shall yet be made blessings to each other, and that in a particular way. Then et the conceited, covetous worldling say, Friendship is but a name'-we know it is something more -it is a great blessing; and where the friends have grace in their hearts, it is so eminently and especially. David and Jonathan found it so. I often think of your noticing particularly that expression, their souls were knit together. Dr. Young thought so when he said, 'poor is the friendless master of a world.' I am thankful that I have had such a friend cast in my way that will be, I trust, a blessing to me all through life, and that will dwell with me in a better world. May the hope of that happiness stimuate us to more resignation to the divine will, and holy disdain of the vanities of time and sense.

"And now, my dear friend, my letter draws to a close; I can scarcely forbear tears while I write it. I hope you will overlook its very visible imperfections, and remember that it comes from one that loves you. Need I again beseech you to pray for me, that I may find mercy of the Lord, be blessed with every blessing here below, and crowned with glory hereafter.

"Write to me what religious intelligence you know I am ignorant of: I see the Magazine here, and other periodical works. And now I desire to commit myself, my dear friend, and all our concerns, into the hands of a covenant God; and wishing you every blessing, I rest your ever faithful and affectionate friend,

IX.

"THOMAS SPENCER."

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father to me; I am indeed very well treated. I hope
you are earnest in prayer, that God would let you
know his will concerning you. O, my friend, I
should think myself very happy if I could do any
thing for you. Although I do not speak to you now,
nor see you, nor hear from you, yet I do feel plea-
sure in praying for you. I never was better in my
life than since I have been at Harwich. A day or
two ago I began to learn Hebrew. I often think
you would be in your element in this study, with
the advantages of learning, &c. I begin now to
have a little idea of Geography; know more Latin
than before, and study every day Locke's Conduct
of the Understanding, and Doddridge's Lectures;
besides a deal of cursory reading, &c. for here is a
very nice library, to which I have free access. I
told you in my last to let me have Mr. E's ad-
dress. Hope you will remember me to all our
friends. Give my respects to Mr. J. F, and
T. E. As I do not remember any thing else
that I have to say, I conclude with subscribing my-
self, yours, by all the tender ties of friendship,
"THOMAS SPENCER."

X.

Harwich, April 4, 1806.

"MY DEAREST FRIEND I received, with the greatest pleasure, your letter of the 29th of February, together with my father's; and, as I was sorry you did not write to me before, so was I equally grieved at the cause: I sympathize with you in your afflictions, and hope that you are now quite recovered and-the rest of the family. I believe you when you say it affords you so much pleasure to hear of my welfare. Of Thomas, pray for me that my very comforts do not beHarwich, Feb. 24, 1806. come snares. I should like to have had more of the "MY DEAREST FRIEND-More than a fortnight heads, texts, &c. of the sermons you have heard in ago, according to agreement, I wrote to you; as I London; and hope that you find the ministry of Mr. have not heard from you since that time, my mind K- and those you hear at Hoxton beneficial to is full of anxiety on that account, as I know not your soul; for it is my earnest desire that, under what to assign as a reason for it. I hope you re- the influences of the sacred Spirit, your soul may ceived it, for I should never like our correspond- be like a well-watered garden. I (of course) hear ence to be investigated by any body but ourselves. Mr. H. three times on the Sabbath day, and I think I hardly know how to write this letter; whether II can say it has been to my profit: his sermons are should inform you of circumstances I mentioned in my last, (being in doubt whether you received it) or taking for granted that you have had it, shall I tenderly chide you for not answering it. I cannot think you have either forgotten me, or are grown careless about me, and yet what can I say? I am full of conjectures. Have you been so busy as not to have time to write; or have you written, put it in the post, and the letter miscarried? I hope you will write to me, and inform me which of these is the real case.-Need I tell you again that I am peculiarly comfortable in my situation, having nothing to render me otherwise but the absence of my friend, and my not having heard from him: nor from home either; for I wrote to my father, and have not yet received an answer, which I expected immediately; indeed I cannot at all account for these things.

"As Mr. Hordle was a student at Hoxton, I have learnt a few things respecting the nature of the place, which perhaps you will like to know, for who can tell but some future day you may take the second, third, and last step towards being connected with them. You told me you had taken the first some time ago. But to drop this. The students, then, find themselves candles for their own studies, soap, towels, tea, and they have one gown to study in, &c. they have family prayer altogether morning and evening: you know what they learn. I am very fond of Mr. H.'s preaching: we had three very fine sermons yesterday, on Exod. xxxiii. 16; 1 Cor. iv. 5; Eph. ii. 8. I have just begun to enter the heads of the sermons in a book, and I am sure he is like a

indeed very judicious, experimental and practical, and I find it to be just the preaching I want. I keep a book, in which I put down the heads of most of his sermons, which, when it is full, I intend (if you would like) that you shall see. I suppose of an evening we have not less than four hundred and fifty people; in the day time not quite so many. There is a band of singers in the table pew, generally a bass viol is played, and Mr. H. preaches in a

gown, and I think the people are more attentive than any I ever saw. Once in a fortnight Mr. H. preaches at the work-house; I have been twice, and I like it very much. In the week day I go to the Methodist chapel, and sometimes hear a good sermon there. I find by the Magazine that Mr. S is at Spa-fields chapel. I have spoken often about him to you, and have mentioned him in my letters (though by the bye I spelt his name wrong.) He is a Cheshunt student-has preached very frequently at Hertford chapel. I would advise you, if convenient, to go and hear him, for he is a very bold and very faithful preacher. If you do, give me a little account of the sermon, &c. If I were you, I would try to hear Mr. B- 's missionary sermon.

"I am very glad that you informed me of Mr. F.'s and Mr. W.'s conversation. I liked it all very well, except that about my preaching, and indeed I had much rather that Mr. F. had not mentioned that for various reasons. If you have heard any more, pray tell it me.

'He must not be put too forward.' "But you have raised my curiosity very much

'Wherein appears the possibility of a divine revelation?

'Why is it desirable?' &c.

about the certain minister, who has, unsolicitedly, more of my ignorance. May the Lord keep me offered you his recommendation for Hoxton. But humble. I have theological questions to study, why this reservedness? I shall expect a friendly, such as, satisfactory reason for your not telling me his name, &c. Do you think that I would abuse your confidence? I hope not-I think I should know better. As the month is expired, you must tell me in your next more about it, as whether you have seen this certain minister? what he said to you? &c. &c. I hope I have obeyed your request, and prayed for you; may God grant us both more of a praying spirit, and may he answer our petitions, one for another. I thank you for Mr. E.'s address. I have not yet wrote to him-must-though, Thomas, I think now I should be completely unhappy, were I again to have any thing to do with business, and I feel for you, as you say your time is wholly taken up in it every day from six in the morning to eleven at night. I hope that while your aversion to the cares of the world increases, your spiritual affections are more animated, and your whole soul, from day to day, transformed more into the likeness of our lovely Jesus.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.-You seem peculiarly pleased with this passage, observe therefore,

1st. That it is the righteous God regards;-those
who are redeemed by the Son's blood;-loved by
the Father's grace;-sanctified by the Spirit's
influence. Those who are weaned from the va-
nities of earth and time-whose affections are
set on things above;-in a word, who are born
of God, and bound for heaven.
2d. That they must pray. Prayer is the breath
of the new-born soul, a believer cannot live
without it, for

Prayer makes the darken'd cloud withdraw;
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw;

Gives exercise to faith and love,

And brings down blessings from above.'

3d. They must pray fervently.

NEWTON.

Cold prayers,' saith one, 'do but beg a denial.' In vain we offer up lifeless devotion to a heart-searching and rein-trying God.

4th.-These prayers are effectual, and avail much; they avail much in the sanctifying of our souls, and forming Christ there.

"Pardon this digression, as these thoughts have just sprung from my own mind.

"I hope you continue to enjoy your Sabbaths more than ever? How delightful it is 'to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of our life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and inquire in his temple. That was Mr. H.'s text last Sabbath day morning and afternoon. In the morning he applied it to the church here below; showed what was meant by beholding the beauty of the Lord, and inquiring in his temple, and how desirable it was, &c. In the afternoon, he applied all (with the greatest propriety) to heaven. Two very excellent

sermons.

"I cannot yet give up the thought that we shall soon live together again; if we are to be so favor ed, how thankful should I be; if not, we must learn to know no will but God's, and acknowledge that the Judge of all the earth will do right. As yet let us not despair, but commit all our concerns into the hands of our covenant God and heavenly Father. We know he will do all things well. My situation is as comfortable, or more so than ever, and I am considered like one of the family. We have a nice house, and here are only Mr. H., Mrs. H., the little child about eight months old-a sweet babe he is the servant and myself. I read Virgil in Latin now, and what I do learn of any thing serves to show me

"I may consult books upon the subject, and here is a very good library. You will not forget your promise to write in your next about grace thriving in your heart. As for me it is with tardy steps I creep, sometimes joying, and sometimes sorrowing. And yet without boasting, I think I can say I have known more of heart religion since I have been here than before; but it is very little altogether. I have experienced many happy moments in secret, such times as remind me of our last Sabbath afternoon together. But O! what a deal of pride, rebellion, carelessness, and all kinds of wickedness is there in my heart; I tremble to think of what I deserve for my former levity, &c. But O pray for me that I may find grace in the eyes of the Lord, and live to some purpose in the world. I am afraid that there are yet improper motives in my desiring the work of the ministry. Since I have been here I have seenine little of its nature, &c. I am sensible that no learning, or human qualifications are enough to fit me for that all-important work; and I hope, that God will pour down showers of grace on me, instead of what I deserve, 'vials of wrath.' When you give me a little account of your 'growth in grace,' and how the lamp of religion keeps alive, I hope you will retrace some of the paths in which the Lord your God has led you, and tell me something of your former experience, present enjoyments, and future hope. If you wish to go on from one degree of grace unto another, which I do not doubt, commune much with your own heart, read the Bible as much as possible, and above all things pray fervently. I am perfectly well in health, as I hope you are. My father told me in his letter tha Mr. Mis still at and that the chapel was still continued. I should like to have all the numbers of the Youth's Magazine (but September and October last, those I have) if I could have them sent conveniently; and it is not worth while to send by the coach, for you know the carriage will be more than the books are worth. Wishing you every spiritual blessing, I remain your affectionate and faithful friend,

XI.

"THOMAS SPENCER."

Harwich, May 9, 1806

"MY DEAR FRIEND-I received your two last letters with great pleasure. It is highly gratifying to me to discover a great, and I believe a growing attachment in you towards your friend, notwithstanding he is so far from you. In your letter of the 7th April you say you rather expected a gentle reproof from me for your not writing to me; if so, what ought I to expect from you? But knowing the kindness of your heart, I forbear any more upon that subject. I was glad to hear of your comfortable interview with your friends at Coggeshall, and like your method well of consulting with your father on these occa sions. Let us always manifest an obedient and dutiful regard to the advice of our parents; they, you know, are older than we, and more experienced; and the light of nature, as well as that of divine revelation, enjoins us to love, reverence, and obey them. I should not have expected that—would have acted so generously and friendly, as it appears he has done. I think from these circumstances there appears (something like) the kind hand of Providence, and I hope it will appear so to your satisfaction by and bye. I wait with anxiety the

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few lessons I was ignorant of, and was introduced (in some measure by being there) to Mr. Wilson. Now it is true we are far from each other, but what then? You are pleased, I know, at my little improvement in knowledge; and you, I hope, are about entering upon the ministerial office; and when I think of that, I also am highly pleased. A few weeks more, and something will be done for you. I have often told you, both in conversation and correspondence, not to be discouraged at a view of your own insufficiency, and you know God has chosen the foolish things to confound the wise, and he works by means that prove his sovereign hand. But I must hint that your low views of yourself will do you no harm. Go on to despise the world and all the enchanting allurements it holds out, and

result of your intended interview with the Rev. of Chelmsford, and I need not tell you to make it a matter of prayer-you know full well the importance, necessity, and power, of the prayer of faith. Your cousin Ford should remember that if the turnpike road is got too bad for people to walk comfortably in, the fields are more pleasant, as well as much nearer. How different are the views of good people, even in the most trifling things. When we get to heaven, there will be an end of all differences in sentiment and disposition. But I would not have you imagine that I (now) prefer Hoxton only on the account of its pleasantness, and the orthodox views of its supporters; but I would wish myself, and would have you follow, the leadings of Providence in this as well as every other respect: if it appears the Divine will for you to go to Ho-be vigilant, for the adversary of whom you speak merton, by all means go; but if not, you of course will not. However, you may be sure of one thing, and that is, that your friend will love you none the less for your preference of Homerton. But I do think that Hoxton will be the place for you. In your letter you have the remarkable words, respecting my intended subject, I do not remember that I promised an account of my own experience as to growth in grace.' Now perhaps you did not mean so in the letter referred to, but I understood it so. Your words were, 'I had a great deal to write of, I mean the best things, as, how grace thrives in the heart, &c. which I hope to question and write of in my next.' Now here by the word question I of course thought you meant me, by writing of it, some account of yourself. But it appears it was not so; and now I confess if it was not so designed, I do not know your meaning. I have been particular in stating this, in order to prevent mistakes. I hope with you that in your present situation you are learning lessons that will be beneficial to you all through life. I hope you will see more and more of the vanity of the pursuits of time and sense, and he more and more separated from a world lying in wickedness, as that is a good evidence of having found grace in the sight of the Lord. I perceive by your expressions that you are fired with zeal. I hope it is according to knowledge, and that you are not venturing upon what you may repent of in some future day. To say my own thoughts, I do not think you are influenced by any wrong motives. I am pleased with your self-dedication to God; and I heartily wish that he may hear all your prayers, bless you with an increase of grace and gifts, if he think fit; but he that has the most grace makes the best minister, and will rise to glory, honor and immortality, at last, and shall shine as the stars in the firmament, and be for ever blest; whilst the ungodly minister (Ó awful thought!) shall have his portion with hypocrites and unbelievers, shall be banished from the presence of the Lord, and be cast into outer darkness, the smoke of his torments ascending up for ever and ever. I wish you could see Brown's Address to his Students in Divinity, which is prefixed to his View of Religion (an excellent body of divinity.) You would there see something of the import of being a minister of the gospel. O! my friend, it made me exclaim, 'who is sufficient for these things!

"There is certainly a great pleasure in receiving letters, and writing to each other; you and I experience this, don't we? Indeed you dwell much on my mind. I think if we were to see each other again, and have a little good conversation, it would be like cold water to a thirsty soul;' it would refresh us, call again into more lively exercise our warm sensations of affection. What a blessing it is, I often think, that we ever met together. I am very glad that I ever lived at Mr. Thodey's; I there met with a worthy friend when I had none, learned a

is never idle. How does he tempt us to think lightly of religion-to foolish and unedifying conversation to offer up short, cold, and careless prayers, and I know not what beside. Pray, then, that while Satan is attempting to damp, nay quench the rising flame, the Holy Spirit may pour in plentifully the oil of grace, and cause it to rise to all eternity. You, I hope, do not intend to flatter me (for friends should never flatter, and I hate it) when you say, you think I am fitting for some active elevated sphere in the cause of Christ. Ah! Thomas, you do not see how unworthy I am to be a door-keeper in the house of my God, as I do, much less fill some elevated station. And indeed did I possess the wisdom of Solomon, the learning of Paul, and the eloquence of Apollos, without their piety what am I?—Like sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. I feel my need of divine grace, without which I am less than nothing, and can do nothing. What a dreadful thing must it be to have our parents, teachers, seminaries, gifts, examples, our Bibles, books, instructions, vows and resolutions, prayers and sermons, all rise up in judgment against us! The thoughts of it are enough to make our blood run cold. May the glorious and gracious God forbid such a doom for Jesus Christ's sake. To this I know you will say 'Amen.' On the other hand, how glorious must be the lot of the faithful sent minister of the gospel: methinks I see him rising (at the judgment day) from the long sleep of death, with a smile of holy pleasure on his sacred countenance, and heavenly glory in his soul. I see him approach the tribunal of his reconciled Judge, and having the pardon of all his sins made manifest before an assembled world, with a goodly number of seals to his ministry, he exclaims in the language of holy gratitude, peace, and triumph, 'Here am I, Father, and the children thou hast given me! O may such blessedness be yours and mine; this will ten thousand times more than compensate for the troubles and trials met with in the ministry. Amen, saith your longing soul.

"Saturday, May 10.-With respect to the work of grace on my own heart, I feel shy to say much about it, fearing that after all my profession I should become a cast-away, and the root of the matter not be in me. I feel such a lifeless frame of mind, such coldness in prayer, in short, I indeed think that I have more evidences of reigning sin than of the life of religion. I wish to read my title clear to mansions in the skies.' I wish to be more Christlike, more heavenly and spiritual; but I can only say with David, 'My soul lies cleaving to the dust, quicken thou me according to thy word. I would fain believe, my God help and subdue my unbelief. I dare not say any thing, but hope and trust at present, nay hardly that, for I often feel such a gloom. upon my mind that you cannot conceive of. I think it is wrong to give way to it, and I fear if I did!! should become quite melancholy. One reason is, that I want my friend, and feel his loss. If you

XII.

were here, how could we relax our minds from | best respects to him. And now, commending you study by a pleasant walk and agreeable conversa- to our glorious Saviour, and hoping that one day it tion. When I walk out (if Mr. Hordle is not with will appear more particularly, that we were deme) there is no person whose company I much va- signed for great blessings to each other, I remain, lue. Sometimes one of the boys that Mr. Hordle "Your affectionate and faithful friend, teaches is with me; but I believe he had rather be "THOMAS SPENCER." at play than conversing about any thing that would do him good; and really I have walked so much alone lately that it gets quite insipid. When I first "Harwich, June 14, 1806, came, I enjoyed my solitary walks much better than "MY DEAREST FRIEND-I received your parcel the I do now-what is the reason? I cannot tell: it is, morning after you sent it, and read your letter with however, one great comfort that I am so well pro- the greatest pleasure. You judge rightly when vided for. Mr. and Mrs. H. had an only child, but you say, you suppose that I was anxiously waiting eight months old, I think the most beautiful and to hear from you. The providential dealings of lovely boy I ever saw: his smiles had often filled God with you have (I hope) filled me with wonder our hearts with joy, and the openings of his infant and praise. Surely both of us have great reason to mind were delightful as the blossoms in spring. say, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is withThough so young, he knew very well I loved him, in me bless his holy name. Let us not forget any and I know he was very fond of me-so pleased on of his benefits, but for these displays of his goodmy return after I had been out, and so very sensi-ness, dedicate our bodies and souls to his glory, ble for a child of his age. When I wrote you last which is only our reasonable service. Let us both he lay very ill, and I believe died the day after. rejoice, that God has put this his treasure in earthen His death grieved me very much, and I could not vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of study for some time; but it is a comfort to reflect God, and not of man. Little did you expect a few that he is now present with the Lord, and for ever years ago, that you should be providentially called blest. But what a trial to lose him! I felt much into the work of the ministry; but now you can for his parents, who doated on him; and I confess I rejoice, that unto you, who, in your own view, are never loved a child as I did him. I think if we less than the least of all the saints, is this grace were to live together again, how happy we should given, that you might preach among poor sinners the be: I mean where we could pursue our studies to- unsearchable riches of Christ. Observe now the gether. If you are at Hoxton when I am, I hope dealings of Providence in this circumstance. You we shall be in the same class. I should like you to are in a waiting frame, and when so God appears go in just before me, or when I do, that so I might to grant you the desire of your heart. He has now not be quite a stranger in the house, and have no made your path clear before you, and as to its being one there that I know, for that would be very un- the call of God, I have not the least doubt; but, comfortable. You and I used to interest ourselves however, I hope you will recollect, that though very much in the case of the highwayman that your way has been thus shown to you, it may not broke out of Hertford jail, and passed for a serious always be so: difficulties, great and many, may man. My father informs me, that he has been taken await us both in our journey through life; but God in his old courses, and hung a little while ago at has said, when thou passest through the waters, I Lancaster, an awful instance of hypocrisy and de- will be with thee, and will prevent the floods from ceit. I read in a newspaper, that he gave a paper overflowing thee. Having such promises as these, there to the church minister, in which he said, that my dear friend, let us press forward, and with holy he had broke open fifty houses, stole thirty horses, resignation say, 'Where he appoints I'll go and and committed more highway robberies than his dwell.' 'Tis true, we know not what a day may memory could recollect. With respect to joining bring forth; but this we know, that God will never a church, I think it is your duty, as you therein give forsake those who put their trust in him, but will be yourself up to God in solemn dedication-make a their sun to illuminate them, their shield to defend more open profession of his gospel, and declare them, and their God eternally to bless them. I do yourself on the Lord's side. Join that church, (be not at all wonder at your being perplexed in your which it will) where you enjoy much under the mi- mind about mentioning matters to nistry, where you have often received spiritual been in your state, I should have dreaded it; but nourishment for your immortal soul. I think you you did well in making it a matter of prayer before will do wrong if you do not join God's people in God, and God was very gracious in ordering it as that manner, for it is an incumbent duty. Your he has done. You know that prayer to God is the going to Hoxton would not make any difference, best way of making things sure-so you, I trust, have for the students there sit down at the different places found it. I should like to know the other circumin London-some at Hoxton chapel-some at Mr. stances at which you hint, but I dare say they are Brooksbank's some at Mr. Clayton's, and in short too tedious to mention; perhaps we may see each wherever they have been members before, or where other soon, when conversation will settle it. I am the minister admits them as occasional communi- much pleased, nay delighted, with the conversation cants. For myself, I cannot yet think of doing it. you had with Mr. W. He is, I doubt not, a warm I am glad you are reading Halyburton's life, and friend to the cause of Christ, and does all he possihope you will find it profitable. I hardly know bly can to forward it in the world. I am like him what to do about the Youth's Magazine-carriage in regard to zealous and earnest preachers, and is too dear; however, I think you had better send like to see animation and life in a pulpit, and where them with your next letter; all, you know, except the preacher's mind is fettered with notes there can September and October last, which I have. be none. You know I thought, when I lived with you, that and were good sort of men; they would not do any harm, but wanted to see something of their growing usefulness. I don't doubt, but I shall soon have a letter from you, dated Hoxton academy, &c., and I wish we may be there together, for it will be very awkward for you or me at first to go there when there is nobody we know. I wish we might be in the same class, &c., so that we might be helpers one to another, and show that

Questions lately studied.-'What perfections dwell in God, and how do you prove them to be in him without referring to the Scriptures?'

"How do you prove that the Scriptures are the word of God?"

"How do we know that the Scriptures have been faithfully conveyed to us and not corrupted?' "I have not heard any thing of Samuel for these two letters; hope he is well. Make my

Had I

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