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 with Though 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 sculs 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. Öbserve 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 possi hope 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

Their defect then is not natural but moral: that is,
it is a defect in the will, which nothing but grace
can remedy. Now, then, I am well convinced with
Mr. C. that the defect is not natural, but moral. .
what think you? Perhaps you never thought
much on the subject. I would advise you to read
a little tract of Moseley's on the subject. Now
Mr. H. does not understand this distinction; but
supposes, by saying it is not natural, we mean
that it is not common to all, or universal: now
we know it is, and that in this sense it is not
natural: but had Mr. C. used the word physical,
or explained his meaning a little, perhaps he
would not have been attacked by an
tinomian.

An

I am very glad you sent the Youth's Magazines: I like them very well. I am very sorry you were not at prayer meeting in time: but I attach not the least blame to you, because of your hard work on Saturday, and so late. I think there is generally something to embitter our comforts a little. I should also have rather heard that you were very happy in the time of prayer, than that you were very uncomfortable; but don't be cast down. Mr.W.encourages you; your friends do the same, and God appears to be on your side; and you know, if he is for you, none can prevail against you. Do, now, take encouragement from the circumstance of the cheesemonger's man, (now the Rev. J. G., of Devon,) and Mr. C. &c., and I am confident, that as God sends you into the work of the ministry, he will give you abilities sufficient. Trust, then, in him-pray to him-be humble

we are the servants of the living God. I know that Mr. H. writes to Mr. W. about me. I know I am, as Mr. W. says, young and inexperienced; but want divine grace, &c., to strengthen me for every duty, and prepare me for every duty. But, however, I don't think that Mr. T. knows any thing about the time when I shall be admitted. Though I did not mention it in my last, yet I do not think Mr.-'s is a proper church for you to join as a student; when considered as a Christian, merely, it would do very well, but as now you are to consider yourself as about entering the work of the ministry, it alters the case. I never heard Mr.- therefore know nothing of him, or his church; but Mr. B- I have heard more than once or twice; and if I were to recommend any church that I know in London as proper for you to join, it should be his. I have often thought that I should like to sit under him myself. Concerning your religious experience-doctrinal sentiments and ministerial motives*-I should rather think that your own plan, however simple, would be much better than any I can prescribe; but as you know most of my tenets pretty well, I do not know that I shall now write a confession, but will here give you a few directions only, which, if you like you can adopt, but if not, discard them totally. In your religious experience, I would observe the order of time, state when you first received serious impressions, how they were fastened on your mind, what effect they had on your conduct, &c., in your own way. In your doctrinal sentiments, begin with the object of worship -God. State your views of the persons in the-be resigned--and I do hope you will experience diGodhead, quote Scripture to prove your ideas of the Trinity. Then about man, his creation, fall, ruin, recovery, and so on. Be particular in saying there is no salvation but in Christ. Speak your opinion of the influences of the Spirit, the efficacy of divine grace in the conversion of sinners. The dealings of God with his people. The doctrines of election, perseverance, &c. Then that you think, (if you do) that it is the duty of all men to believe the gospel (I believe it.) That God will soon judge fit, and the gospel was originally preached to the world. That sinners will be sent to hell, and the poor. I am glad you was not embarrassed saints taken to heaven and glory, &c. &c. I have at all, and hope you will be the means of doing read Mr. H -'s piece against C., and I by no much good. Get your subject well into your means approve of it. He evidently has written on mind for Mr. K.'s room; think of how you shall a subject for which he is by no means capable; for arrange it, &c., as Mr. W. told you. Tell me he does not at all understand the difference between in your next your plan, heads, &c., and whether natural and moral inability-on which my mind you use notes or no. If you think you cannot do has lately been much employed, and about which without short ones, use them; but do not slavishly Mr. H. and I have conversed. There have been attend to them. I think you had better work it well two pieces about it in some of the last numbers of into your mind first, and then deliver it extempore, the Evangelical Magazine. Now, natural or physi- or without notes. Don't be too delicate, or mind too cal inability is such as a man feels who, we'll sup- much the smells of rooms, and so on; but consider pose, is quite blind, when another tells him to open Him who endured all kinds of hardships, lest you his eyes. Now this is naturally impossible. Moral be weary and faint in your mind. I find I must inability is such as a man feels if he is told to come not expect to hear from you till after your examito Harwich. He says, I am very busy, and indeed nation in July: well, let me have the more when I can't come: now we know he might come if he you do send. About the logical definition, I shall would. He has power to walk to the coach, &c., say no more; only that I think you are very much misbut his can not is his will not. Now, which of these taken when you imagine that I increase so much in two is the inability of sinners to come to Christ? knowledge, for I really do not think I do so much as Pause here a moment, and think. I once was al- I ought; indeed these blundering letters are evimost ready to suppose, it was like that of a blind dence of it, so pray don't flatter. I did write a little man to open his eyes; but if so, why does God in my last about my present experience, I believe, command him to see? Why does he feel remorse because I thought it was what you wanted. You that he has not done so, on his death-bed, or at say it is not quite possible to recollect all one has other times? He knows he might have done other-written in a former letter: I say, I know it is quite wise if he would. The swearer may forbear to take God's name in vain if he will: can he not? If not, why will not God hold him guiltless?

Referring to that summary of his views on these points, which, as a candidate for admission into Hoxton academy, his friend was about to present to the committee of that institution.

vine consolations, heavenly support, and abilities
sufficient. The preaching at the poor-house pleased
me much; your text was very appropriate; and
there is something in the nature of the gospel
which is peculiarly adapted to the poor. Now there
does not seem any congruity between a fine chapel,
very elegant and grand, with carriages at the door
for the hearers, and the doctrines of the meek
and lowly Jesus.
This does not, I say, appear

impossible. You say you should like to see the answers to the questions which I sent you: having room, I will transcribe some of them for you.

"Question. How do you prove the existence of a God, without referring to the Scriptures, or from the light of nature?'

"Answer.(1st) All nations, heathens, Jews, Mahometans, and Christians, harmoniously consent

that there is a God, who created, preserves, and governs the world.'

(24) There is a great impression of Deity on the mind of every man; that is, an indistinct idea of his being, and a readiness to acquiesce in the truth of his existence.'

"(3d) The works of creation demonstrate it; their alterations and dependence prove them not to have been from eternity-they could not form them-know. I have spoken to Mr. H. about Brown's selves chance could not produce them-matter cannot change its own form, or produce life or reason; therefore there inust be a God.'

(4th) It is agreed from the support and government of the world-the heavenly bodies-seasonsweather-vegetables-sagacity and instinct of animals-herbs &c.'

"(5th) From the punishments which have been inflicted on nations and persons for their excessive immoralities.'

"(6th) From the terror and dread which wound men's consciences when guilty of crimes which other men do not know, or are not able to punish or restrain, as in the case of Nero, Domitian, and others, and that, too, when they labored to persuade themselves and others that there was no God, &c.' See Brown, Doddridge's Lectures, Ridgley, Buck's Dictionary, &c.

"Question. How do you prove that the Scriptures have been faithfully conveyed to us?' "Answer. In translations those books retain manifest marks of their Eastern original.'

knows it, and so many others: he is pleased on the account of it. He will be in London, if spared and well, on Wednesday, the 24th instant, but do not think he will be there long enough to preach, for he is going much further, and will be away for a month, at which time we expect a supply from Hoxton: we shall have a student come down and stay all the time; which of them it will be I do not View of Religion, and he says it is quite at your service: I shall enclose it, and hope you will read it attentively through-be sure you read the address to students, at the beginning; when you have done with it (he will not mind your keeping it a month or more) send it by coach. In it you will find a whole body of divinity in a very little compass. The part on the light and law of nature is very excellent. He was a most eminent man, and mighty in the Scriptures: may you and I be like him. I am glad to hear the good news you give me of your brother; I hope it will appear to be the work of grace upon his soul, and that he may really be converted. I like your plan of having a prayer meeting much may you all experience the blessings you pray for.

66

As to drawing landscapes and plans you know I never was any hand at it, nor do I think of doing any thing in it; if I do you shall have it. Perhaps I may give Samuel a note. You cannot receive this until Tuesday morning, although written on Saturday, because of the coach, so that I shall have time enough between now and then for thinking if there be any thing else to send. Wishing you every spiritual and temporal blessing, I remain your affectionate, though unworthy, friend, "THOMAS SPENCER.”

XIII.

"Notwithstanding all that Christ and his apostles inveighed against the wickedness of the Jews they never charged them with corrupting a single text in the Bible. The various sects among the Jews, viz. Pharisees, Sadducees, &c. have rendered it impossible that they could corrupt them, as well as the animosities which have ever since prevailed between the Jews and Christians, so that neither of September 4, 1806. them could vitiate these sacred oracles, without being shamefully detected. Had the Jews attempt"MY DEAREST FRIEND "How wonderfully has ed to corrupt these sacred books, it would certainly Providence appeared for you and for me. This have been in those passages in which the fearful time twelvemonth beheld us both buried in a glove wickedness of their nation is described, and Jesus shop-buried, did I say-I recall the word, for we Christ magnified and honored; but in none of them then enjoyed what we do not now, mutual conversado we find the least mark of concealment or corruption, and each other's company. Let us hope that tion. That they should be corrupted among Chris- the time may come when we shall again enjoy that tians, is equally incredible: such was the multitude I am very glad that you succeeded so well as you of copies, hearers, readers, and even sects, among them, that it is impossible they should ever have succeeded. Through the errors of transcribers, &c. the comparer of a multitude of copies cannot fail to find a number of translations.'-See Brown's View of Religion.

Question. What proofs have you that man was at first created righteous and holy?' "Answer. (1st) Universal tradition; for all nations have supposed mankind to have once been in a holy and happy state.'

'(2d) The nature of things; for it seems very improbable that so holy and so good a God should have formed mankind, in the original constitution of their nature, in so corrupt and sinful a state.'

(3d) The natural resemblance men have to God in the spirituality, intelligence, and immortality of their souls. Gen. ix. 6. James iii. 9.'

(4th) The express declarations of Scripture: Eccl. vii. 29. Gen. i. 26, 27. Colos. iii. 10. Eph.

iv. 24.'

"These will now serve you for further meditating on, as well as the subject of natural and moral inability; your opinion of which I shall expect in your next letter. If you can, I would advise you to get Moseley's piece, or read attentively the pieces in the Magazine; one of them is a letter from Dr. Watts. I told Mr. Hordle about your present prospects; I did not see any occasion to secret it, as Mr. W.

did in your sermon before the committee; take encouragement from that circumstance to trust God for all your future discourses. The Sabbath day, Augus 17, though I found that I could not conveniently omit any one of the services, yet I assure you I did not forget your request. I cannot say that I think it is right (especially in me) to omit public worship for private devotion. And if I had done it, my conduct would in all probability have been more inspected about it than I should wish. I have not seen the rules of Hoxton academy; I do not think Mr. H. has them; should like to see them much; hope you will send them next time. I am fully persuaded of the propriety, nay, duty, of your joining yourself to a church, which now I hope you have done; but for my own part, I must confess I have excuses for not doing it; and what church could I join now? Perhaps you say, Mr. Hordle's. I answer, there is no church I should so like to be a member of as his; but do you see a propriety in my being a member here, when I do not expect to be here any longer than Christmas? There could not in my view have been a more suitable pastor for you than Mr. B. I hope you will find his people as suitable as himself. I approve too of your attending the prayer meeting at his place of a morning, and hope you find that convenient. May you have precious opportunities in the chapel, at the Lord's table, and at the prayer meeting. You praise my

I

XIV.

verses too much. Indeed they were only the hasty | ways. I have compiled a lexicon myself, containproductions of a few moments, and I have no copying the roots of all the words in the language-that of them, for I only wrote them on a slate, and then is, I have quite abridged Parkhurst's very valuable copied them on the letter. However, I am glad you one (and what no Hebrew student should be withreceive them as a token of our regard and growing out) into a portable form for my own use. Now I affection for each other.* I would advise you by hope your mind will be eased, and your anxiety reall means to be very friendly with the young men, moved, and with the warmest affection, those with whom you can consistently be so. "I remain, your ever faithful friend, mean the more pious, and those whom you feel "THOMAS SPENCER." most disposed to associate with. There are, no doubt, a variety of tempers, dispositions and ways in the academy, and it is there, I dare say, as in Harwich, Oct. 14, 1806. other places, some good and some bad. I do not won- "MY DEAREST FRIEND-As it is now considerder at your finding study to be wearisome and labori- ably more than a month since you wrote me a note ous. Solomon found it so. Eccl. xii. 12. Others find from Hoxton academy, and I answered it, I conit so. I sometimes find it so, but I am persuaded it clude that a letter from me will be what you now will not be always so with you: and you should re- desire; and yet I am not quite certain whether you collect that it is so different from what you have should not have written first; but by way of comlately been engaged in, that I should wonder if it pensation for my too long silence before, I am willdid not appear strange to you. But I should like ing to converse with you on paper. And as Mr. to know what you are studying that is so difficult; Hordle is gone to Ipswich to-day, to an association is it Latin, Greek, English, Hebrew, or what? Now of ministers, and I have nothing particular to be I do long to be there for the sake of your company engaged in besides, I embrace the opportunity. You as much as you wish me there. O, how charming are now, I suppose, a little inured to study, and beit would be for us to study together. How cheer- gin to find the difficulties of a student's life not so fully would I give you every instruction in my many as you apprehended they were. I long to power. How willingly would I forego my own know in what studies you are engaged, and how you studies for the sake of improving the mind of a dear like them. I have just begun the Greek language; friend! Such a time may come, and that's all I so of course do not know much about it, my time know of it; for, as to when it will be, I confess I having been of late principally employed in the know no more than you do. This only I know, Hebrew, of which I am very fond, especially as I that I shall leave Mr. Hordle at Christmas, and now read it 'unsophisticated by Rabbinical points.' I shall then see you, my father, mother, &c. who, I please myself with the idea of seeing and conversing know, will be pleased to see me; but whether I with you in the course of about ten weeks; but at shall come again to Mr. Hordle's or not, I believe that time there will be something else which I shall nobody knows. I think that it is more likely that not so much admire. Do you ask me what it is? It you should know before me, for Mr. Wilson and is, my dear friend, nothing less than appearing be the committee have the management of it. I have fore the committee of Hoxton academy. The one request to make to you which I hope you will thought of it makes me almost tremble. Yesterday grant, and that is that you write to my father at morning Mr. Hordle told me that I must prepare Hertford to tell him,where you now are, &c. I know the account of my experience, sentiments and mohe will be very glad to hear of your welfare. Tell tives for wishing the ministry, by November, to be him that it was by my desire you write to him, &c. then laid before the gentlemen of the committee. This request you must, must fulfil. I hope then my This you know must be done; and when I go to dear friend, you may be kept of God from follow- London about Christmas, I must go through all that ing evil examples, (if such there be in a dissenting painful task, which, as it respects you, is all over. academy) and that it may appear that you are de- He told me, too, that he supposed there would be signed to fill some important station in the church some demur about admitting me merely on the acof Jesus. Would it be amiss if we were both to count of my youth; but he does not know that it learn Doddridge's 72d hymn, entitled, 'Isaiah's Obe- will be so as to hinder my admittance. Mr. Wilson dience to the Heavenly vision.' I know you will has, it appears, written to Mr. H. about it; so, if like the hymn much. There is one thing I do not the affair succeeds well, I shall be in the academy like in Hoxton academy, that is, their not learning after Christmas with you. That one circumstance, Hebrew without the points, which are little dots or your company and friendship, will make amends specks put under and about the letters. See on the for all my trouble of mind on the occasion. You commandments which are hung over the fire-place may be sure I shall communicate every circumin the lecture room at the academy, if there are not stance to you, and keep nothing back, that so by such. Now, about these points there is a great dis- one occurrence and another, our mutual attachpute between the punctists and those who are not ment and sincere friendship may be increased and for their use. The punctists (Mr. S. is a strong one) strengthened. What a long separation we have contend that they are of great use. Some say they experienced: may we be brought together again to are of divine authority. The great Mr. Romaine, strengthen each other's hands, and be both engaged and the late learned Mr. Parkhurst, oppose this in the best employment. You must inform me in idea, and say that they are only little dots or specks your next, how long you think it will be before you added by ill-designing men to the letters. I feel in- begin to preach, and tell me all your places of clined to believe them. Now, I dread almost the preaching, texts, plans, &c. I hope you have writlearning it with points, as it is extremely difficult; ten to my father, as I requested you would. I be without them, it is simple and easy. Mr. H- lieve they are going on as usual at Hertford. Mr. thinks they are of use, but does not think them of M. continues among them. May great grace rest equal authority to the letters; and scarcely ever upon them all. I do not doubt that I shall feel some reads with them. Now, he thought it best for me degree of uneasiness when the time comes for my to learn it without points with him, and then at the separation from my friends here at Harwich. I academy I could learn with them, and so read both mean such as Mr. Hordle, &c. &c. But my satis faction will be, that I shall see you who are still, and I hope ever will be, my dearest friend. We live in a world of changes. Life is indeed a chequered scene. And here we have no continuing

Those who may be anxious to see the verses inserted in the Memoirs, are referred to page 196, for the reasons of their omission.

I

city. May we seek one to come. May it be our | God. There is a great danger of forgetting the happiness to enjoy the favor of Him who never concerns of our own souls, whilst we are constantly changes, but is the same yesterday, to-day, and for employed in studying divine things. I know a little ever. When I consider my exceeding sinfulness of this from experience, and perhaps you do. and depravity, besides my inability, I feel almost hope you continue to pray for me; that I may be disposed to wish my views had never been directed kept from sin and evil, for you know 'the effectual towards the ministry, but it does appear a call of fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much!' Providence. How could I do any thing else than Does your brother David make progress in the dicome here. And now, perhaps, a door may be vine life? You must, in your next letter, give me opened even for my being a student at Hoxton; but some account of the change which I hope is wrought I shall go there under several disadvantages; for, in him, for I feel an affectionate regard for all who being so young, I may expect a good deal of con- belong to you. I ought to write to Mr. Etempt from some self-sufficient and arrogant stu- Is he well? When you see him, remember me to dents, (if such there are) and you know they stay him, and also to your cousin F- Tell him to no longer than four years, and after that I shall be write to me, if it will suit him. You may, likebut twenty years old, and what can I then say to old wise, if you please, tell him how my affairs stand, experienced Christians. I do indeed feel a deal of as I have stated to you. It will be needless for me discouragement. 'O may the Lord encourage me,' to give you any advice respecting the composition &c. But I shall come under some advantages; for, of your sermons, or the prosecution of your studies, as I am not altogether ignorant of many things taught as you, without doubt, have access to so many books at Hoxton academy, I shall find my studies easier on the subject. I hope you will read 'Waits' Imthan if I had to begin learning them, &c. I wish provement of the Mind. I think it must he charmwe could be in one class. Another disadvantage ing to attend Walker's lectures on philosophy. Do which Mr. Hordle has told me of is this-The stu- you attend them? I should like it very much. Mr. dents generally spend their money which they are H. told me, that he did give lectures at the acadepaid for preaching, in books, &c. Now, I shall be my: of course you are there when he does. You too young to preach for at least these four years, know now when to expect me in London, a little consequently I can have no books, &c. till that time. before Christmas, cannot say the exact day; so that This appears a very great disadvantage. However, now, if you like, you may count the time. Do not I would wish to leave all in the hands of God. He be long before you let me hear from you; and when knows what is best for me. And if I am one of you write, write a good deal. I remain, with the those who love God, and are the called according tenderest affection, your sincere and faithful friend, to his purpose, he will make all things work to"THOMAS SPENCER." gether for my good. I want that calm disposition which is careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication, makes known its requests unto God. I often reflect on the dealings of Providence with us when I first came to Mr. T.'s. You, I suppose, had not the least prospect of being a student at Hoxton. And I could not see how my coming there to learn that business, could at all further my preparation for that sacred work. We there became friends. I was there just long enough to secure a worthy and affectionate friend, and to have the notice of Mr. Wilson. Now you, too, have left Mr. T. and are in the academy. I went, you know, home, not knowing what the event would be. Providence has sent me here; and O, what am I, or my father's house, that he has brought me hitherto.' We are now blind to futurity. We know not where we shall be placed in future life, whether far from, or near to each other. I hope you are happy in your own soul, and that you live near to

*It may perhaps be considered as departing from the design of this volume, or descending too much to minute particulars-yet I cannot satisfy myself without directing the eyes of those gentlemen who may have the care of providing supplies for the pulpit in destitute churches, or in cases of the pastor's absence, to this important circumstance. But few of the students in our academies are overburthened with money -yet money is absolutely necessary for the purchase of books, without which their studies must be considerably retarded. Deacons, and others whom it may concern, should bear this in mind, in the compliments which they may make them for their occasional services and remember, that there is no case in which they can with greater delicacy or propriety, display a generous regard to their wants in this respect, than when thus remunerating them for their acceptable labors. It is needless to express a disapprobation, which every candid mind must feel, of a conduct directly the reverse of this, which is perhaps too often practised when the consideration is diminished for the very reason on account of which it ought to be increased-it

is but a student.

Such, at this early age, were the letters of this amiable youth. For the introduction of so large a number it is unnecessary to apologize, since that heart is surely in an unenviable state which can derive no pleasure or profit from their perusal. Their simplicity is not their smallest ornament; whilst for the many useful hints which they suggest, as well as for the fervent and exalted piety which breathes throughout the whole, they may be consulted with considerable advantage by youthful candidates for the sacred office. Let such as early feel the desires he felt, and pant with an equa, ardor for the work of God, imitate his modest diffidence-his devotional temper-his jealousy of the motives which influenced his choice-his intimate communion with his own heart-his love of retirement-his habitual reference of his affairs to the will of God-his addictedness to self-examination and to prayer-and above all, that deep and solemn consciousness of the important work in which he desired, with fear and trembling, to be engaged!

In resuming the thread of the narrative, which the introduction of these extracts from his correspondence has suspended, it cannot but be gratifying to the reader, to be presented with that deep impression of Mr. Spencer's call and qualifications for the Christian ministry which his familiar intercourse with him had produced on Mr. Hordle's mind.

In a recent letter to a friend, that gentleman observes:

"I have had but one opinion concerning our late young friend, which is that he was born a preacher, and as much called to it, as Jeremiah to the prophetic, or Paul to the apostolic office. All the pow ers of his soul were evidently formed for it. While he was under my roof, preachers and preaching were the constant topics of his discourse; and those studies which had an immediate reference to them were his delight. His remarkable gift in prayer, though then just turned of fifteen, astonished and pleased all that heard him. He usually took his turn in leading the devotions of our little family; and in his attendance on my ministry, I have some