CHAPTER VIII. FROM HIS REMOVAL TO YORK, TO THE CONFERENCE OF 1802. ON Monday, Aug. 27th, my father removed with his family to York, where he met with a kind reception. The Rev. Messrs. Robert Roberts and John Stamp were his colleagues. The latter was of the same standing in the Connexion with himself; the former commenced his ministry in 1759, eight years before my father was born. The superintendency of the circuit being committed to him, he entered upon his work with a deep and sometimes almost discouraging sense of his insufficiency. rather serious indisposition under which he laboured for the first two or three weeks he spent in the circuit, accompanied with great prostration of strength and depression of the spirits, tended to increase this feeling. He soon, however, recovered; and when he had been a short time in the circuit, finding himself among a lively and affectionate people, he made the following grateful record: 66 I had long made it matter of prayer that I might be stationed where I should have the greatest advantages for getting and doing good. The Lord has answered my prayer. My present situation affords me an opportunity of enjoying the company and conversation of some of the excellent of the earth. I have already received much instruction; and seeing the necessity of acquiring a deeper knowledge of God in order to give every man his portion in due season, I have been led to pray and labour for an increase of grace. The Lord has condescended to hear my prayers, and has favoured me with renewed baptisms of the Holy Spirit. Blessed he his holy name. O may I obtain mercy of the Lord to be found faithful. Amen." The York Circuit at that time was of considerable extent, a large portion of what is now the Tadcaster Circuit, being included within its limits. The preachers frequently had to preach three times on Sunday and every night in the week, besides much travelling.* My father still continued to keep a pretty copious diary of religious experience and personal history, with frequent notices of public occurrences, especially such as were connected either immediately or remotely with the interests of real religion. A selection from the entries made in his diary with some extracts from his correspondence will enable me still to present him before his numerous friends as his own biographer. 66 Riccall, Tues. Sept. 25.-This morning I enjoyed nearness to my God. But in the afternoon, and especially for two hours before preaching, I was exceedingly harassed and distressed by temptation to anxiety about temporal things. The occasion of it was the present state of my worldly circumstances. My whole income, The appointments for a few weeks may possibly interest those who are acquainted with the present state of Methodism in that neighbourhood. Sun. Sep. 16, York, mor. & even. | Sun. Oct. 7, York, mor. & eve. at present, appears to be less than will supply my growing family with food and pay the servant's wages; so that there is nothing for clothing, &c. The cause of this is, 1. The scanty allowance in this circuit. 2. By the death of my father-in-law, we, at present lose certain supplies. I felt for an hour what I never did before, extreme anxiety. I prayed, but could get no relief; and, with this burden on my mind, I preached, which I found very painful. When I lay down, I was enabled to cast all my care upon the Lord. "Wed. 26.-Enjoyed inexpressible satisfaction in my God. In my way from Riccal to Stillingfleet, was enabled to couverse with him with unusual familiarity. I could converse with him as a man with his friend. Was led to think that the Lord permitted me to be so exercised last night, that I might know how to sympathize with and comfort others in similar temptations. Certainly if I seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all other things shall be added unto me and mine. "Sat. Oct. 13, Manchester.-Once more I am permitted to visit my friends here. My soul is deeply affected. My poor father and three of my brothers are yet far from God; and my dear mother breaks fast. Yet I hope her soul is in a good state. Most of my old religious acquaintance are gone back into the world. O that my head were waters, and mine eyes fountains of tears. Glory be to God, that I am kept in the good way. O Lord, I give my all to thee once again. I am thine. Save me. "Biggin, Nov. 5.-A few weeks ago, Mr. R. Spence, of York, expressed a desire that I would meet with him in band. I gladly complied with his request. The first time we met, he gave me a circumstantial account of the manner in which he was brought to experience the full salvation of the Gospel. This he expressed in the following manner :—‘ -‘I was led to make a surrender of my all to God, and to take him as my all in all. At that time, I began a new way of life, and have been enabled to hold fast my confidence for twelve years.' Divine light broke in upon my mind, and I was led to see the way of faith more perfectly than ever I had done before. I found the power to make a similar surrender, and confidence to make a similar claim. For several days I thought, (but had no particular or direct evidence,) that my love was perfected. However, a few days after, in secret prayer, I had a firm persuasion that my soul was brought into that state. After some time, it pleased God to try me exceedingly. Some outward things were painful, and I have many inward conflicts. I had a fear lest there was something wrong in my heart. This, however, led me, or rather drove me, to the blood of sprinkling. I saw it would answer no good end to reason. I therefore cast myself into the hands of the Lord. Of late, my gracious Lord has shined upon my mind. think he has destroyed unbelief, pride, and every unholy temper. However, whatever name is given to it, of this I am sure, I feel an indescribable union with God, and enjoy close and comfortable communion with him. I feel HE IS MINE, and I AM HIS. I "Tues. 6.—In my way from Cawood to Riccal, I met with some difficulties. After crossing the ferry, I found the waters were out in some parts of the road; and being unacquainted with the best method of getting through, I got into a deep place, and had to cross a deep brook. I saw there was no other way; I considered myself engaged in the Lord's work; therefore I went through without fear, and my horse swam with ease. Blessed be God, he preserved me. "Frid. 30. Healough.-Here I sit alone with God. All is still and quiet about me. The wind whistles without, and my soul is led to solemn thoughts of time, death, and eternity. All on earth is shadow. All beyond is substance.' Time appears a span,-an handbreadth! And yet how many of my precious hours pass unimproved. Oh! my heart is oppressed on account of my folly in mis-spending time. Broken covenants,— solemn engagements neglected,-time whiled away, opportunities of doing extensive good lost for want of a heart! a sense of these things deeply affects my heart. I am almost afraid of renewing my engagements to be wholly thine; but I must, I will: if I perish in the attempt, I will try once more to give my all to thee. "Mon. Dec. 3.-I had a gracious season this morning. I find the good of early rising. O how my soul is blessed, while many around me are asleep. God forbid I should ever consume my time in bed, when I should be upon my knees. Sleep is a dull state of existence; and we should not shorten our time of activity by self-indulgence." extract: for - On the 12th of December, my father wrote to his mother: it proved to be the last letter she ever received from him. It now lies before me. The following is an My mind has been much engaged in prayer you and my father, brothers, &c. since my last visit. I consider this as a token for good. Certainly, it is the Lord who gives me that spirit of prayer; and, I trust, he will not suffer praying breath to be spent in vain. You and my father are now going down the hill. Infirmities are growing upon you, and will increase more and more. At your time of life the world has lost its charms; and little comfort can be derived even from the lawful enjoyments of life. Oh! what a privilege to have access to God, to enjoy a sense of his favour, and a lively hope of that inheritance, which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. Oh! could I see or hear that my father was brought into this state, and that your mind too is greatly enlarged in the service and enjoyment of our adorable Saviour, how would my heart rejoice. Then I think there would be a great probability that the rest of the family would be brought to know and love the Lord Jesus. * * * * * * O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end. I hope, my dear mother, you will endeavour to keep your heart engaged with God. Let every cross and trial drive you to Then you prayer. will find help and comfort, and all things shall work together for good. A little while, and all will be over. Our life is a vapour, which appeareth for a little, and then vanisheth away. All on earth is shadow; all beyond is substance.' Through infinite mercy we are well. And I can say, to the glory of God, that his service affords me more satisfaction than ever. Blessed be his holy name, though I am a poor, unprofitable servant, yet he is more and more kind to me. He enlarges my views, increases my faith, and fills me with peace and joy. O may I obtain mercy of the Lord to be found faithful." "Mon. Dec. 17.-My mind has, of late, been unusually impressed with a sense of the vanity of the world, the shortness and uncertainty of human life, and the |