zeal for the glory of God, and the salvation of immortal spirits bought with blood divine. "Fenton, Sat. June 21.-Meditating as I walked in the fields, on the change of circuits which will soon take place, I found a desire to be placed in some retired situation, where I may, almost unnoticed, labour to promote the glory of God and the good of souls. I fear there is too much concern among us about having what is called a good circuit,' which borders upon what the clergy call a good living.' My mind is much affected with our Lord's words, 'He that will be greatest among you let him be servant of all.' I think I feel a little of that spirit. O for more! What a rest does my soul enjoy, in which self is annihilated. With regard to my situation next year, my prayer is, 'Lord, where thou wilt."" After spending two years with great comfort, some success, and much personal spiritual profit among this pious, intelligent, and affectionate people, my father reluctantly took leave of York, on Tuesday, August 19th, and repaired with his family to Hull, where he was appointed to labour the ensuing year, with the Rev. Messrs. William Blagborne and George Smith. This appointment was highly acceptable to him on many accounts, and the more so as he was relieved of the superintendency; that office being assigned to Mr. Blagborne. He thus expresses himself upon entering on the work of his new circuit. "In this place I am agreeably situated in many respects. I am much at home, and have good opportunities of improving myself by reading and study. The congregations in Hull are large and attentive. I have a most blessed man, Mr. Blagborne, for my colleague. "I feel a growing deadness to the world; a happy freedom from the creature. God is my all. I think every thing is in its proper place. I am thankful for creature comforts; they are many; but these are not my God. No: the world can present nothing to my view that would satisfy me without my God. On most occasions, when I have changed circuits, I have felt a strong desire to be acceptable, and a fear lest I should not. Now I find a perfect indifference on that head. Desire and fear, as they relate to the people, are swallowed up in an ardent longing to live wholly to God, and approve myself to Him, as a faithful steward of his mysteries. In this way, my soul is at rest. I trust I am beginning to live within the vail. O the delightful communion I have with God! In comparison with this, how poor and trifling is every thing else. O let me only live to love and praise thee, my Lord, and serve my generation. 'Let this my every hour employ, Till I thy glory see; Enter into my Master's joy, And find my heaven in thee!' "Oct. 21. Having received information that my youngest brother is about to sail for the West Indies, I feel a desire to see him, and as Brother S. is willing to supply my place, I set off in the fear of God. Was received very affectionately by my friends at York, and a large congregation was collected on the occasion. The over-abundant affection of the people to an unworthy worm humbled my soul exceedingly. 66 Wed. 22.-Dined at Thorner, and then rode on to Leeds, where I had a great company to whom I preached with considerable enlargement. My own soul was refreshed and encouraged. "Thurs. 23.-Rode on to Bradford, and dined with my old friend, Mrs. Stamp. The Lord be praised for the friendship of so many of the excellent of the earth. Went to Halifax to tea, and spent the night there, with Dr. Alexander. When I first knew him, he was an infidel, now he is a real Christian and a good preacher. All is of God. "Frid. 24.-Rode over the dreary mountains to Oldham, and dined with Mr. Rogers: there I met with Mr. Jabez Bunting, a townsman of mine. He left great prospects in the world in the medical profession, to become a travelling preacher. He is going on his second year, is about twenty-one, is eminent for good sense, piety, and ministerial gifts; and promises great usefulness. Glory be to God. Arrived safely at my brother's to tea, and found all well. Sat. Nov. 1.-Arrived safely at home, and found all well. Glory be to God. “Thurs. Nov. 27. Aldborough. My mind has been much engaged with God to-day. Assisted in my studies. Began to learn the French language. O may every precious hour of my remaining life be employed for the glory of my God and Saviour. Amen. "Jan. 3, 1801 -Under the conduct and protection of a gracious Providence, I am brought to the beginning of another year and another century. I shall never see the return of another century, and I may be called hence before the conclusion of another year. 0 may I be pre pared for the great and awful change. “Jan. 21.—The desire of my soul to be wholly the Lord's is vehement; and I feel encouraged to believe, that he will fulfil the enlarged and enlarging desires of my heart. I began yesterday to read again Fletcher's Portrait of St. Paul, with Gilpin's Notes, with a view to my own edification. I have often found it like fire to warm my heart, and I find it so now. My desires to imitate him and his Master, are too big for expression. 'I long to know and to make known I write this upon my knees at Witheringwick. O my Lord and my God, in this retired room, and upon my bended knees, in deep prostration of soul before thee, I make a fresh surrender of my all to thee. I renounce self. I cease from man. I give my all to thee. I expect all from thee. O accept a poor worm! O confirm my resolutions! Save me from instability. Here may all my wanderings end. Thou dost accept me, adored be thy rich grace. I trust thou wilt preserve my feet from falling. O uphold my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. "Feb. 17.-Raised above discouragement and filled with love and peace. I found myself this morning set in a large place-at full liberty. Whether self and sin be destroyed or not, I feel their influence suspended. I sink into nothing before God. He is my all in all. 66 Wed. 18.-This morning is as yesterday. Divine light shines into my mind. Love fills my heart; and my consolation is strong. I do hope, self is destroyed. I can say, however, at present,-'I am crucified: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved for me.' me, and gave himself "Beverley, March 22.-For some time the Lord has been deepening his work in my heart. In the course of last week, while I have been in Holderness, I have felt much of the spirit of a stranger and sojourner upon earth. I long to be dead to the world, and live as an heir of glory ought to live, and to be more like my Lord and Master. It is but little that I have attained, but little that I have done that is good. God be merciful to me a sinner. I see the necessity of more prayer, more fervour in every part of my Master's work: more burning zeal for the glory of God; more love to the souls of men. Oh! it is a great thing to make full proof of my ministry. Lord, help me!" In a letter to Mr. Pawson, written three days after the last quotation, he says:— “We have a better prospect at Beverley than ever was known. Our congregations are large, and sinners are awakened and turned to the Lord. In Hull the work of God is going forward, and through the circuit; even in Holderness the fields are white for the harvest. 66 I bless God, my own heart is greatly enlarged in his service. He favours me with much of his presence. I see a greater necessity, and find a greater ability from the Lord, to live to him. Without this, I am convinced the prosperity of the general work of God will be of no advantage to me. I suppose the disciples were much elated when they said, 'Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.' His wise reply often recurs to my mind: Rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.' 66 I am glad that you have written Memoirs,' &c. I should be thankful for a sight of them. They may be of use when we are gone home. It is home! Glory be to God. What a home! What a family! What employments! What enjoyments! Oh! what a prospect have we! By and bye, we shall burst the shell, break forth into life, real life, glorious life, angelical life-eternal life. Happy place! happy state! happy circumstances! Oh what friends shall we meet there! What a glorious company! all perfect and entire, lacking nothing. Ex U cuse this excursion: but the thoughts of such a home and such a family, like sparks from smitten steel, enkindled in my heart gratitude and joy. I BELIEVE I SHALL LIVE WITH GOD AND SAINTS FOR EVER. May I walk worthy of the glorious hope!" The next paragraph in his diary breathes the same heavenly, happy, devoted spirit. "March 28.-Oh, how rapid is the motion of time. Week after week rolls round, and I am nearer and nearer the eternal world;—I hope, a world of eternal joy : indeed, I cannot doubt it. May I realize more fully my eternal rest. So far as I know myself, I think I am dead to the world and all its toys. My mind is habitually fixed on spiritual objects; and at times. 'faith lends its realizing light.' Yet too often my views of glory are intercepted: the atmosphere is thick, and a variety of objects floating therein obscure the mental vision. O for more spirituality of mind-more living in heavenmore walking with God, and communion with him!" On April 9, he writes:-" Much profited by reading Haweis's Church History; particularly that part of Vol. III. in which he gives an account of the happy revivals which have lately taken place in Holland, Switzerland, Sweden, &c.; also of the rise and progress of Methodism; and of the endeavours, successes and prospects of Missionary Societies. The prosperity of Zion affords me the most heartfelt pleasure. O that I might do more to promote that blessed cause! "Sat. 25.-I have just received a letter from my dear friend Lomas, in which he informs me of a late extraordinary manifestation of God to his soul. After very great inward conflicts and humiliations, it seems, the Lord poured an abundant degree of His Spirit upon him, and ever since he has walked at full liberty. I rejoice with him, and resolve to follow him, through grace, as he follows Christ. O for a renewed baptism of the Holy Ghost. Thus did my dear father rejoice in the spiritual prosperity of his friends, and habitually "in lowliness of mind, esteem others better than himself." The religious education of their rising family was a work which had long engaged the very serious attention of my dear parents, and now became the subject of more frequent conversation and fervent prayer. My father |