distress I have gone through, from a sense of my own vileness." The change of her frame of mind was painted in her pale, emaciated countenance: and while Jane, Ruth, and myself, stood round her, she literally fell asleep, without our perceiving when she drew her last breath. Verily, God hath heard our prayer, and hath not turned His mercy from us! I have lost as excellent a wife as I can figure to myself; and with her, a considerable part of my income; yet I am light and glad of heart, in full assurance of her salvation, and that I shall certainly soon follow her. Jane is much affected, having lost so tender a mother, and so wise a counsellor. She bears her cross nobly, without a brother, sister, or companion, but her aged infirm father. Though quite alone, we are not desolate.-We both beg you will accept our warmest wishes for your best welfare. Your affectionate and much indebted, H. VENN. In April 1792, the rectory of Clapham in Surrey became vacant, which was one of the livings in the patronage of the trustees under Mr. Thornton's will. There was a specific direction respecting this living-that the Rev. Henry Foster should have the first offer of it, upon a vacancy occurring; and that, if he declined it, Mr. John Venn should have the next offer. Mr. Foster now declined the presentation, in a manner which displayed extraordinary humility, and a noble superiority to all worldly considerations. The option of the presentation next devolved upon Mr. John Venn, who accepted it, and was instituted in the following month. The next extracts allude to these circumstances. May 2, 1792. My brother Gambier sent me the first notice respecting Clapham. What an honour and lustre is thrown upon Mr. Foster's character! To what a difficult and dangerous post is my son called! He is in great weakness, fears, and trembling. Now is the time of temptation. Now, more than ever, prayer should be made, that he may glorify God.. TO THE REV. JOHN VENN. CHILDREN, the old adage says, are careful comforts. I find the truth of this now particularly respecting you. I was careful to see you called out to usefulness; and now providentially a great door is opened, I am in daily concern lest you should be hurt, and suffer loss in your new station.You must beware of company. You must be much in secret and retirement. Visiting friends, and being seldom in a solemn spirit before the Throne of Grace, ruin most of those who perish among professors of godliness. In the summer of 1792, Mr. Venn was obliged, through increasing infirmities, wholly to relinquish the public discharge of his ministry. Upon the earnest solicitation of his children and friends, he took a journey to Bath; but he experienced no material benefit from the waters at that place. He next went to Mr. Riland's, at Birmingham; and, accompanied by his daughter, and part of Mr. Riland's family, visited Buxton. By the use of the Buxton waters, his health and vigour were, for a time, remarkably restored. He was absent from Yelling for more than a year. MY DEAR SON, TO THE REV. JOHN VENN. Burton, Aug. 27, 1792. I this day received your very affectionate letter. It added in no small degree to my comforts, which were abundant before. Indeed, I am not able to reckon up the mercies which are multiplied upon me. Unfeigned esteem, for my poor work's sake, because of the Master I have served, I meet with in every place; and your very affectionate manner of taking care of me, excites me, with peculiar emphasis, to cry out, "How am I compassed with mercy on every side!" We came here on Saturday. I hear great things are done by the waters. One thing I know-it will prove no disappointment to me, if I receive no good; for I expect none. I make the trial, in order that my children may see I use the means, which, if it please God, may prolong my days a little, and lighten my sufferings. But I cannot think my sufferings are worthy to be named, while my faith and hope continue; and my desire is earnest after a better country, secured by oaths, and promises, and blood. Indeed, I am very much indulged with the comforts of love, the consolations of Christ, and the spirit of prayer. 66 My continual prayer for you will be, “ Ἐν ἀληθείᾳ Kai пαрóησíα may he speak and preach!" And if you will take no denial, it shall "be unto thee even as thou wilt." For, oh! marvellous!—and, without grace given to believe, undoubtedly incredible! -the Holy Lord God maketh Himself tributary to poor sinners, saying, "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." Three weeks is the time we purpose to stay, if the waters agree; and then return by Sutton. Inclose your letter to me, under cover, to Sir Richard Hill, my old friend, who is trying the waters here. We meet every day. We dine at a long table-twenty-five guests; and we have variety, so that my appetite is well consulted: but a sad famine respecting spiritual things! things! However, I trust we shall get good. A clergyman was yesterday giving me an account, truly affecting, of the great afflictions of Bishop Lowth, which I hope never to forget. After many years of honour, and the fulness of prosperity, his days of darkness began with the loss of his beloved daughter Maria, the sweetest flower conceivable. The blow rent his heart. This was soon followed by the death of his son, at twenty, who was every thing he could wish. Soon after, another daughter died suddenly, when at dinner with him: he then became deranged in his mind for three years; and afterwards was attacked by a severe complaint, which filled him with excruciating pains; till, worn out with distress, he breathed his last.-Oh what a spectacle! what a lesson! Present my best respects to my friends. Assure them I pray for them every day, and hope to dwell with them above for ever. From your affectionate father, MY DEAR ELING, TO MRS. ELLIOTT. H. VENN. Buxton, Sept. 6, 1792. I write now, what you will be much pleased to read-The waters have done my health great good, and I am much stronger. Dear Charles and you will pray earnestly for me, that I may have wisdom from above, to make the most of life, and be blessed with a triumphant end. The people here teach us from what a state of death we are saved. We feel and enjoy that inestimable blessing. We are led "beside the still waters, in green pastures;" while persons of rank and distinction, in the world, are in one continual hurry, and immersed in dissipation. Dr. Hulme of Halifax, Mr. Kershaw, and Sir Richard Hill, are here; and their company is very enlivening. Mr. Thomas Atkinson, John Houghton, with his wife, and several others of my old flock at Huddersfield, are coming over, to pay a visit once more to the man who first called upon them to behold the Lamb of God-in whom they have enjoyed light, life, and joy for many years. I have seen Joseph Hirst-an example and ornament of his religion. He tells me that the people in general about Huddersfield are flourishing in righteousness. Since I began this letter, |