prayed-the coldness and ingratitude of my wicked .heart made me feel loathsome to myself, and I longed but for one thing, which was, to be delivered from all my iniquity."

The day after his arrival in London, other natural feelings were called into exercise; feelings which it is the design of the Gospel to moderate, but not suppress. Some hymns sung in the evening, at the worship of that family where he was most hospitably received, recalling Cambridge to his remembrance, affected him to tears, and as he dwelt with melancholy pleasure on its past delights, all his dear Christian friends in it seemed doubly interesting.

During the two months Mr. Martyn was resident in London, he considered that he could not better employ his time, than by devoting it to the attainment of the Hindoostanee language, and having the advantage of being assisted by a gentleman* eminently competent to direct him, he was incessant in his endeavors to obtain that necessary qualification for an Indian Missionary. In order also that he might correct some defects in his speech, he at the same time deemed it incumbent on him to attend several lectures on pronunciation: for nothing did he disdain which, tending to render his ministry more acceptable, might conduce to the glory of God. In the delivery of the great message committed to

Mr. Gilchrist.

him as an ambassador of Christ, he was at this time by no means remiss.-During the short period of his abode in London, he often preached; occupying the pulpit principally at St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row, then under the care of the late Rev. Richard Cecil, from whose holy example and faithful advice Mr. Martyn conceived himself to have derived the most substantial and lasting benefit. Nor was he without another high gratification and privilegethat of being introduced to the aged and venerable Mr. Newton, who, expecting soon "to be gathered to his people," rejoiced to give this young minister, about to proceed on his sublime embassy of love, his paternal counsel and benediction.

An intercourse with such men as Mr. Newton and Mr. Cecil was more than a compensation to Mr. Martyn for his detention in London, and for the uneasiness of that period of uncertainty and delay, which is almost as oppressive to the spirits as the moment of actual departure.-But if he received unmingled satisfaction and abiding profit from the conversation he enjoyed with those eminent Christians, there were others with whom he conferred, who, "seeming to be somewhat, in conference added nothing to him," but, on the contrary were the occasion to him of some disquietude. Once, indeed, these very persons were in the habit of manifesting great cordiality towards him: but now they began to slight him, and in his presence were continually raising disparaging comparisons between him and

certain preachers, whose theological sentiments, if not erroneous, were at least far too exclusive, and whose strain of doctrine, in Mr. Martyn's judgment, was more calculated to produce ill-grounded confidence, than righteousness and true holiness. Interviews of this kind he endured rather than enjoyed: they are to be ranked amongst his trials, and not placed on the side of his comforts.

The subject of his union, likewise, with that excellent person, on whom his affections were so unalterably fixed, became now a matter of consideration and discussion amongst some of his more intimate friends: and their difference of opinion respecting the propriety of the measure, should it ever be attainable, caused no small tumult and anguish in his heart.

On the other hand, there were two events, the prospect of which was of the most cheering complexion,—one, the satisfactory marriage of his youngest sister the other, a hope of being soon followed to India by two of his friends, who strengthened, if not excited, by his example, declared their willingness to go forth and labor with him in that distant vineyard.

But as it may administer much profitable, as well as encouraging matter to those who may hereafter tread in the footsteps of Mr. Martyn, his Journal shall speak for him at some length during the interval between his quitting Cambridge and preparing to sail from England.

April 10.-"Walked out to buy books, and strove to be diligent in thinking of my subject.* When I got into the spirit of it, Christ appeared at times inexpressibly precious to me.

April 14.-Sunday. "I felt very unconcerned about men's opinions, before and after my sermon. Before it, I could solemnly appeal to God, and found comfort and pleasure in doing so, that I desired his glory alone—that I detested the thought of seeking my own praise, or taking pleasure in hearing it. The rest of the evening I continued in a very ardent frame; but, in private, I was taught by former experience to labor after a calm and sober devotedness to God, and that my fervor might shew itself in a steady course of action. My soul felt growing in holiness nigh unto the blessed God, with understanding, will, and affections turned towards him. Surely many of the children of God have been praying for me to-day. May the Lord return their prayers tenfold into their own bosom."—

my

April 15.-"O may God confirm my feeble resolutions! O what have I to do but labor, and pray, and fast, and watch for the salvation of my soul, and those of the heathen world. Ten thousand times more than ever do I feel devoted to that precious work. O gladly shall this base blood be shed, every drop of it, if India can be benefited in one of her children-if but one of these creatures of God Almighty might be brought home to his duty."-

*

The suljeet Le chose in the morning for meditation.

April 16.-"How careful should I and all be, in our ministry, not to break the bruised reed! Alas, do I think that a schoolboy, a raw academic, should be likely to lead the hearts of men? what a knowledge of man, and acquaintance with the Scriptures, what communion with God, and study of my own heart, ought to prepare me for the awful work of a messenger from God on the business of the soul."

April 22.-"I do not wish for any heaven upon earth besides that of preaching the precious Gospel of Jesus Christ to immortal souls. May these weak desires increase and strengthen with every difficulty."—

April 27.-"My constant unprofitableness seemed to bar my approach to God. But I considered for all that was past, the blood of Christ would atone; and that, for the future, God would that moment give me grace to perform my duty."

May 7.-"Went in the evening to hear ***. He was on the same subject as always, but without variety. I confess I was dissatisfied, not only because I could fix on nothing that could edify me, but because I could not but think that there was nothing to offend or detect carnal professors."—

May 9.-"O my soul, when wilt thou live consistently? When shall I walk steadily with God? When shall I hold heaven constantly in view? How time glides away-how is death approaching -how soon must I give up my account-how are souls perishing-how does their blood call out to