Lately my God seems, more than ever, to be fixing me with all his weight of love. He has wonderfully chained up, for a time, the powers of darkness; so that I seem, as it were, to lay becalmed in the midst of a boundless pacific ocean of pure love. I prove divine love a noble, generous principle; it will not be kept down; it rises above all things, both painful and pleasant. It is an adequate support under every pressure, and a happy preservative against ensnaring temptations. O love divine, how sweet, how strong thou art. But I am called to higher things, and feebly press on to all the heights and depths of perfect love. From what I feel, I must conclude the heaven of heavens is love.

I pray that dear Miss Ritchie may feel such a spring tide of this pure element, filling the whole capacity of her soul, on this mournful occasion, as shall effectually dry every tear-except those that delight; and suppress every sigh-except those that waft to heaven.

We gain ground here, both in numbers and in grace and, since the melancholy dispensation took place, an uncommon thirst after the word has sensibly increased. O that multitudes may so hear as to believe, and obtain the final salvation of their souls. So prays, dear Miss Ritchie's affectionate fellow traveller, and friend in Jesus, D. MAXWELL.

TO THE REV. ALEXANDER MATHER.

Bristol, June 24, 1791.

REV. SIR,-Your Christian letter came in course, but I have been prevented answering by various causes. I have had a severe cold, and also suffered keenly on account of the situation of Hope Chapel. From strong desires for its prosperity, and uncertainty of the path of duty, I had at first opened it upon the dissenting plan; but, from the beginning, was told it never would succeed, without admitting the church service. Not finding liberty to take this step, I continued to carry it on as I had begun; believing that the Lord would lead me into his will, as I had no desire respecting it but this. After three years' trial, I am now convinced that the present plan does not reach the generous design of the institution; namely, extensive usefulness, independent of parties, or modes, or forms of worship. These latter, I see, are no farther useful than as they are calculated to promote valuable purposes. The eligibility of a change I now clearly perceive; and what that change should be, the uniform voice of the public leaves me without a doubt. Yet, without the word of command from the great Head of the church, I durst not proceed. I cried mightily unto the Lord, for light to discover, and power and inclination to do his will in this business, and this in great condescension he has given. The way is plain, and I

have taken my measures accordingly; without regarding the smiles or frowns of any. I am to adopt the church service, without putting the chapel under episcopal jurisdiction; to fix a church minister in it, truly alive to God; to have the service only on the Lord's day; not to allow admission to the Lord's table without a ticket; to keep the pulpit open for worthy characters of different denominations; together with some other regulations which may be profitable. This design, having transpired, has given universal satisfaction; and now high and low flock to hear. Most of the inhabitants of Clifton are Episcopalians, and two-thirds of the vast multitude that annually resort from all quarters, for the benefit of the waters, are of the same persuasion; all tenacious of their church forms, and would by no means listen to a dissenter.

This revolution, which I trust is of God, has greatly increased my labours, both of head and hands; but the Lord hath upheld me hitherto; and though thus continually occupied, I have nevertheless had more intercourse with the Methodists here than ever formerly. I have frequented the Room more, and heard with much satisfaction and profit, especially from Mr. H. Moore. My favourite meetings with the people have indeed been precious seasons; much owned of God. In them I endeavoured to bear my testimony to the work of sanctification; both as a doctrine, and as experienced in my own soul. I found not a few just ready to lay hold of the blessing. The Lord gave strength for it, and I found much liberty to speak upon the only way of obtaining this farther salvation, simple faith. And now, after all my feeble attempts, in different ways, to promote the glory of my God and his kingdom among men, I begin to look homeward, being almost worn out; and have a desire, if it be the Lord's will, to meet with Mr. Mather in my way. I mean to leave here on Thursday, the 30th, and would be glad to hear from you before then. Inform me if I should find you at Wakefield about the 12th of July. If all goes well I think I may reach there by that time, or at least by the 15th.

In great haste, I must conclude this inaccurate epistle. Many interruptions will prove an apology. Wishing Jesus may so dwell in you as to be the constant solace, the momentary food of your soul, and daily renew your commission to preach with power and success the whole gospel, I remain, Rev. sir, Your humble servant in Jesus,

D. MAXWELL.

TO MRS. JOHNSON.

August 2, 1791.

By the good hand of my God upon me I reached home on Saturday, the 30th, mercifully preserved from danger, though not from fear. To keep clear of the riots at Birmingham, I was

obliged to change my road. It was mostly a time of temptation and trial, but my God was at hand to support and deliver; and afforded many opportunities of acting for him, and has also given me cause to praise him since I came home. I long to hear of my Bristol friends; they have been much upon my mind, and I have been led to hope that the Lord was at work among them. I trust Mrs. G. stands fast in the faith. Tell her it will give me much satisfaction to know this from herself. Worthy Mrs. Valton can, I hope, now firmly believe that the bitter root is destroyed. I felt much liberty to speak before her amiable husband may he wax stronger and stronger. Has Mrs. L. yet entered into the promised land? I feel much interested in all of these I met with. I never saw more clearly than when at Bristol the value of simple faith. O this does so help me in every situation as words cannot express. It so sensibly draws virtue from the Saviour as diffuses present healing through my soul, and counteracts the malicious designs of the subtle adversary. Had I a voice that could reach to the ends of the Christian world, I would say to every seeking penitent, only believe and justification is yours; only believe, and sanctification is yours. It is this of which my friends at Bristol stand so much in need. Their souls are ripe for the full salvation of God. Could I impart this invaluable blessing, how willingly would I do it. May He who is both able and willing, bestow it upon each of them for his name's sake who died to purchase it. My soul feels on stretch for them. Let us plead mightily with God on their behalf.

I met with a precious old female disciple at Penrith; so strong in the faith; so rooted and grounded in it; so divinely clear in her experience with respect to sanctification, as refreshed my soul greatly. She has been in this blessed state for many years. I trust your soul sinks deeper, and rises higher, into all the life of God. My soul longs for greater nearness to my God. I feel a sweet sinking into him, but this cannot suffice.

Having much business on hand from my long absence, I must conclude. Shall be glad to hear soon from you, with good accounts of the precious souls with you. Dear Mrs. Johnson's friend in Jesus, D. MAXWELL.

TO THE REV. C. ATMORE, ALNWICK.

December 28, 1791.

Your letter, Rev. sir, I received in course. I esteem it a privilege, on every proper occasion, to show my good will and desire to promote the cause of God. Did my abilities keep pace with my inclinations, my attempts in that way would be more frequent and large. Lately, my engagements of that kind have been more numerous than ever; and I can truly say my heart

has been proportionably enlarged. But, in order to help all, I have been constrained to give less to each than I otherwise should have done this will, I hope, preclude the propriety of an apology for the enclosed.

I am glad to hear that the Lord owns the exertions which you are making, both in the spiritual and temporal concerns of his cause; and that he favours you with frequent visits from on high. But is he not willing to do greater things for you? O yes! Devise liberal things of God, and by these you shall stand and testify, not only that Jesus has power on earth to forgive sin, but also to cleanse from all unrighteousness. Then commences the eternal sunshine of the spotless mind :

"Desires composed, affections ever even,

Tears that delight, and sighs that waft to heaven."

Through the tender mercy of my God, I am enabled still to walk in the liberty of the gospel-to endure as seeing Him who is invisible. But, though I have begun to scale the mount of holiest love, I am far from the summit of my wishes. There are heights and depths of the pure love of Jehovah of which I am kept in continual pursuit, but not so as thereby to prevent the sweet enjoyment of what is already bestowed.

We have some increase here. Wishing that every revolving season may find you increasing in usefulness and conformity to the divine image, and with my own and Christian friends' best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Atmore, I am, Rev. sir,

Your faithful, humble servant in the Lord,

D. MAXWELL.

CHAPTER XXVII.-1792.

Diary and correspondence continued.

FROM this period the letters of Lady Maxwell which have been preserved, become less numerous. We shall, therefore, in tracing the subsequent stages of her experience, have recourse principally to her diary: reserving, however, the liberty of inserting in chronological order, at the end of each year, such extracts from her letters as may either tend farther to elucidate the exercises of her mind, or be calculated to convey instruction to others.

January 7. Agreeably to my earnest desire I have, through the tender mercy and great indulgence of a God of love, seen greater things indeed. I had frequently prayed that I might terminate the last, and begin this new year, under the peculiar

smile of Heaven; and of a truth, my expectations were greatly exceeded. Early on Sunday morning, the first day of this year, I had a most wonderful display of the love and power of a triune God. This continued for many hours in its full strength, and, in a degree, for several days-it was a most memorable seasonI proved the "overwhelming power of saving grace.” I would here attempt to give the great outlines; for no human pen can describe all I felt and saw. Early on Sunday morning, in secret prayer, God the Father and Son drew very nigh. A sense of the divine presence so penetrated my inmost soul as to arrest the whole powers of my mind, in deep and solemn attention. A spirit of supplication was then poured upon me for myself and others; while I felt so surrounded with Deity, so let into Jehovah, as no words can express. It seemed as if I might ask what I would, both for myself and others, with confidence that it should be done for me. This glorious and solemn interview continued till half past ten. I then went to chapel, when it was greatly increased. The eternal world felt very nigh; I seemed by faith come to Mount Sion, the heavenly Jerusalem. My spirit felt mingling with its blessed inhabitants, while the SACRED TAREE felt, as it were, encamping around me. It was glory all— past expression! I seemed to sink deeper into the boundless ocean of pure love. This did not appear to me a solitary blessing, but in a measure diffused through the whole congregation assembled for the purpose of showing forth the dying love of Jesus. I have learned that many were peculiarly blessed at the time. O my God, what can I say to these things? It is mercy, pure unbounded mercy. Enable me to improve these precious seasons to the uttermost. O Jesus, keep the loving eye of my faith steadily upon thyself; cover my defenceless head with the shadow of thy wing; then shall I be safe.~

20. Since the 13th I have experienced the goodness of the Lord the languor then complained of has been in a measure removed. On the morning of the 16th, my God strongly impressed upon my heart the following words: "The Lord is with me as a mighty, terrible one; therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper; their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten. But, O Lord of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them; for unto thee have I opened my cause. Sing unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord; for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evil doers," Jer. xx, 11-13. Immediately after, the following passage seemed to pierce my inmost soul: "Watch ye, therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man," Luke xxi, 36. It is not easy to say what my feelings were on this occa