Violent and systematic attempts, however, are making here in opposition to truth. Pamphlets are circulated to prove that all the hard texts in the Bible refer to primitive times; and the new Socinian translation of the New Testament threatens to produce mischief; but, while the enemy comes in as a flood, the Spirit of the Lord is lifting up a standard against him. Within two years, five orthodox ministers have been settled, or are about settling in this Association, which includes the county of Cumberland ; and many others preach very different doctrine from what they formerly did.'

His afflictive melancholy had now become comparatively harmless; for, though it did not cease to distress him, its tyrannical power was broken, and it much less frequently impeded his mental efforts. There is one allusion, however, to this mode of its operation, which is peculiarly characteristic-' Was employed in vain attempts to prepare for lecture. Did nothing all day but learn the old lesson over again, that without Christ I can do nothing. Were I not the dullest of all scholars, I might surely spare my heavenly Father the trouble of teaching me this over again.'

In his frequent seasons of illness and his multiplied public engagements, he saw cause of danger that his private devotions would suffer interruption or abatement. To guard against such an evil, appears to have been one object of the following resolutions, which were adopted, or renewed, near the close of this year.

1. I will, on no pretence whatever, omit reading the scriptures, with prayer, morning and evening.

2. When practicable, I will spend one day in every week in fasting and prayer.

'3. I will allow but six hours for sleep.

‹ 4. I will endeavour to redeem the time by being iligent and fervent in business.

5. I will live more to the glory of God than I have done.

6. I will, every evening, review my conduct through the day, and see how far I have fulfilled these resolutions.'

To the peculiar trials which distinguished this year, the merciful Redeemer provided an antidote in the spiritual blessings which he bestowed. Under the labours of his servant many sinners were converted, and the church was increased by an addition of forty-four members.

CHAPTER XI.

Permanency and strength of maternal influence— Correspondence-Death-bed anguish, how alleviated— Disgraceful incident-Price of popularity-Reasons of former trials developed-Letters, &c.

THE reader is not to infer, that the subject of this narrative ceased to "give himself continually unto prayer," because the daily recorded testimony of the fact, to which appeal has so often been made, is less frequently introduced. This was an employment of which he seems never to have grown weary, and which there are no indications that he ever relaxed. He dwelt in the secret place of the Most High, and abode under the shadow of the Almighty." His accumulated burden of cares and sorrows he every day brought with him to the throne of grace, and retired thence, relieved from its pressure, or strengthened to sustain it.

• Dec. 29.-Was enabled to agonize in prayer for myself and people, and to make intercession with unutterable groanings. My heart and flesh cried out for the living God. Felt very strong hope that God was about to work wonders among us.'

How well his mother understood his character, how sagacious she was in her aims at his heartalways successful in touching the chord that would be sure to vibrate-in a word, how assiduous and valuable a comforter she was, is apparent from his answers to her letters:

'My dear Mother,

6

Portland, Feb. 3, 1810.

'I do bless heaven,' if I am made the joy of my parent's heart;' and esteem it one of the greatest mercies for which I have reason to be thankful. Just before I received the letter which contained this consoling assurance, I was wondering what such a poor, miserable, worthless wretch was ever made for; and why I should be preserved in existence..... But if I can afford any joy to my parents, or to any one else, I think I am willing to live, let my trials be ever so great; and I bless God, and thank you for sending me that letter just at the right time. It proved a very seasonable and refreshing cordial to a fainting spirit. But, methinks, I hear you ask, why do you talk of fainting, when you have so much reason to rejoice and praise God for his goodness?'-I faint because I find no heart, in the midst of all his goodness, to praise him for it. I faint, because while I feed others, I am left to pine in hunger, and am parched with thirst. In proportion as my labours are blessed to others, my sorrows and sins increase; and, though I am assisted in keeping the vineyard of others, my own runs to waste. I cannot think that any one but a minister, knows anything of a minister's trials.

'The attention to religion continues among us, and has much increased within a few weeks. It seems to be spreading more among the men. There are some favourable appearances in the neighbouring towns. Last week, and the week before, and this week I have attended fasts which have been observed, in different places, with prayer for a revival of religion; and am engaged to attend another next week.

'I preached, yesterday, on our Saviour's words to his disciples-" All power is given to me in heaven and in earth." What an animating assurance to his people, when they have a strong faith to take hold of it.

Feb. 8.-Was favoured with great fervour and freedom at the throne of grace this morning. Longed only to be employed as an instrument of glorifying Christ; and was willing to drink of his cup, and to be baptised with his baptism, if I might have a double portion of his spirit. In the afternoon and evening, attended conferences, and was grievously disappointed to find no new inquirers.'

"My dearest Mother,

April 17, 1810.

'I have just received your affectionate letter, and thank you most sincerely for the maternal love which breathes in every line. God grant that I might be made worthy of all the proofs of parental affection with which I am mercifully favoured. If I derive any pleasure from the success with which our gracious Master is pleased to crown my labours in the ministry, it, in a great measure, arises from the happiness which I know this success gives my friends at home. Next to glorifying God, by doing good to mankind, it is my chief desire to be made the means of promoting your happiness.

'My situation is now as agreeable as I expect it ever will be on earth; and I shall not be in a hurry to change it. I now hear none but religious conversation; every day seems like a Sabbath, and we have a little image of heaven upon earth. You will, I know, join with me in blessing our bounteous Benefactor for this fresh instance of his goodness.

I rejoice, most sincerely rejoice with you, and especially with my dear father, in the hopeful appearances which attend his labours. He has long been going forth weeping, bearing precious seed. I hope he will now be enabled to come again rejoicing, bringing with him the sheaves of an abundant harvest. I still feel exceedingly anxious respecting his health, but must leave it with God.

'My own health continues very much the same;