of the hedge.-A still heavier charge had been brought against one of his predecessors at Kidderminster, the Rev. John Cross. A wicked woman had been hired to bring the charge; but Mr. Cross, at her examination, placing himself amongst the magistrates, dressed as they were; and when she was asked, if one of them was the man, she looked at them and said, No; and thus her malice was defeated.

A wicked woman once brought against Dr. Payson, an accusation under circumstances, which seemed to render it impossible that he should escape. She was in the same packet, in which many months before, he had gone to Boston. For a time it seemed almost certain that his character would be ruined. He was cut off from all resource, except the throne of grace. He felt that his only help was in God, and to him he addressed his fervent prayer. He was heard by the defender of the innocent. A compunctuous visiting' induced the wretched woman to confess, that the whole was a malicious slander.

He was such a terror to evil doers,' that they seemed bent on destroying his reputation; and multiplied their malicious slander, till they ceased to gain any credence even with the vilest. 'It can't be true,' said an opposer, respecting a base calumny of Dr. Payson. No,' said another, but I would give dollars if it were.'

When these cruel and malicious designs upon his character proved abortive, their enmity manifested itself in other forms. He once alludes to this opposition in his letters. It was in a year eminently distinguished by God's blessing on his labours.

July 4, 1816.

Enemies rage most terribly. You have probably seen in the papers an account of the attempt to burn our meeting-house. We have not discovered the author; but there is no doubt that

are at the

bottom of it. It was little less than a miracle that 'the house was not burnt with many others. Never since I have been here, has the enmity of the heart been permitted to rage as it does now. Every one, except my own people, seems ready to curse me; and I am weary of living in continual strife!'

The good man at length found rest from his strife. He came out of every trial untarnished, yea, the brighter for the ordeal. No charge could be sustained against him, but such as were urged against the prophet in Babylon; and the ultimate issue was not, perhaps, essentially different. It was increased respect for him and veneration for his God.

CHAPTER XIX.

Further particulars relating to his personal history, and religious exercises, in connection with his pastoral labours and their results.

6

It was not thought desirable to interrupt a description of the pastor in action,' by frequent references to dates; or to pay any special regard to chronological order in a rehearsal of scenes and employments, which were more or less common to every year of his ministry. In this chapter, however, that order is resumed, for the purpose of continuing the history of his religious experience through the various ocurrences and vicissitudes of his life. The particulars will be given almost entirely in his own language, and in insulated extracts, which will be found, however, to possess the principal advantages of a connected narrative, besides several others, which no second-hand statement could secure. They were sketched at the time, and have the vividness of first impressions in view of truths and facts, as they were successively brought under notice, while the circumstances in which they were penned, are a sufficient guarantee of their accuracy. The articles of intelligence and modes of elucidating and enforcing truth, which are interspersed, will enhance their value; while they will enable the reader to view the subject of this memoir in a greater variety of attitudes, and to learn his exercises and feelings in numerous circumstances, in prosperity, and under the rod; when borne along on the

full tide of success, and when thwarted at every step; when religion was triumphant, and when "the ways of Zion mourned."

‹ My dear Mother,

Portland, June 14, 1813.

We arrived here last Friday, in safety, and found every thing had been preserved by our Merciful Protector. We very soon had reason to acknowledge how much his protection is superior to ours; for the very night after our return, our garden was laid waste.

For a few days after my return, I was exceedingly unwell, and there seemed less prospect of my continuing in the ministry than ever. In addition, I was more severely exercised with spiritual trials, than I have been for two years past; so that the five days succeeding my return were, perhaps, as dark as any five days that I ever experienced. But now, blessed be God, the scene has wonderfully changed. For three days, I have felt something more like health, than I have enjoyed for years; something of that spring and elasticity of spirit, which used to render life tolerable, and exertion pleasant. How long it will continue, I know not. It seems too good to last. I see however, already, that if the burden of sickness is to be removed, some other burden, perhaps a worse one must be imposed in its place. I am ready to run wild with the pleasure of not feeling pain; though even now, I am not altogether free from it. If my health should be restored, I shall consider it as little less than a miracle; and shall feel as if your deafness may be removed. Indeed, I think it will strengthen my faith, as much as it will my body. It will also remove some spiritual difficulties and doubts which have been a terrible hindrance to me in my race, and given unbelief more advantage over me, than all other things united. -But how I ramble!

We have little encouraging of a religious nature, though the church are, I believe, much engaged. They ought to be; for I find that Portland Christians' have, at least, a name to live at the westward; a better name, I fear, than they will ere long deserve, even if they merit it now."

Sept. 12, 1814.

You will learn state of alarm Ever since our

I engaged to go on a mission, if my people would consent; but they will not hear of it. The church would consent, but the parish will not. from the newspapers, that we are in a here, or I should say nothing of it. return, the streets have been filled with waggons, &c. carrying goods out of town, and the alarm continues and increases. We had hoped to have a quiet sabbath yesterday, but in the morning, the Chairman of the committee of public safety called and informed me, that the Committee had issued a handbill, requiring all the male citizens to work through the day on the fortifications, and stating that the usual religious services of the day must be dispensed with. With this order our church absolutely refused to comply, and we had divine service both parts of the day as usual, and a considerable large congregation. This morning, all is confusion and bustle through the town. We have sent a few things to Gorham; and in case of an attack, we can pack into the chaise and follow. You have no reason to entertain the smallest fears for our personal safety. In ten minutes after the alarm is given, we can be safe out of town. The church seems to feel in some measure as I could wish. Strong confidence in God, mingled with a deep sense of ill desert and submission to his will, is displayed by them. They have a prayer meeting every evening, and next Thursday if circumstances admit, we are to have a fast. At our house, all is still and quiet. We hear little of the noise, and have slept