same year, died Mr. Whitefield, Mr. Howel Davies, the head of Calvanistical methodism in Pembrokeshire, and Mr. Adams, of Rodborough, the leader of the same cause in Glocestershire and Wilts. Though the tabernacle at Bristol was under Mr. Whitefield's auspices, yet strange to say, in his will he made not the least mention of it. The trustees in London offered to befriend it, but would not accept it as part of their charge. All was confusion there. The two considerable men then depended upon, were Messrs. Collet, and Ireland. Preachers in that department were very scarce indeed. Mr. Croom, of Rodborough, much against his will, had been detained at Bristol twelve months. Pressing letters were sent to me particularly by Mr. Ireland, and Mr. Hogg, who also was a leading man in the Bristol and Glocestershire cause, and by the death of Mr. Adams, became senior preacher in the connexion. A very earnest letter from the latter, which would be proper to insert here if I could recover it, was the means of diverting my attention from the Bishop of St.. Asaph. Judging that in that letter, the voice of Providence was to be heard very loud, I released myself from the inconveniences of my London situation, and re-entered upon my

ministerial labors at Bristol. I was kindly' received by all. I endeavored to act the part of a moderator, in which I happily succeeded. But it proved I had here a cup to drink, not the most agreeable to flesh and blood. After I had indefatigably served the congregation for more than six months, upon terms very different to those the gentlemen now serve it, I was dismissed under many marks of unkind

ness.

A variety of occurrences turning up at this time, crowd in upon my mind.—It was the 8th of April, 1781, that I went to Bristol, and in about three weeks after, my very happy acquaintance commenced with my dear and most highly esteemed friend, Mr. Rowland Hill. This has been one of the greatest mercies of my life. It is now more than twenty-eight years that I have enjoyed it. If the same degree of honesty and honor, had been in some pretending friendship that I have proved in him, there had not been such diversity in these memoirs. From the sabbath on which I had the pleasure to introduce him into the tabernacle pulpit, has religion been reviving through his instrumentality, and the flame has burned strong ever since. Other instruments may have helped it, but it began with him. May his dear and

valuable life be continued long after the hand that writes these lines, is motionless.

He had come from the north, and it was practicable to detain him. He was then under the frowns of his family; by his devoted, and invariable attachment to the gospel, a distressed gentleman. I felt a peculiar attachment to him, and but from my constraint to the ministry, which I found I dared not relinquish, should pro tempore have made a voluntary offer of my humble services to him as an attendant. At this time also I became acquainted with Mr. Joseph Shipman, who was one of the six students, expelled from Oxford. My acquaintance with him commenced from a very affecting letter, he wrote the Bristol society, who had partook of his short labors in the decline of life. I spent much time with him, and found it very profitable. He wanted services I was enabled to render him, and I found my being with him opened a door of many mercies to me, One anecdote I cannot omit to communicate. I had no more at this time than literally daily bread. Not returning to America, I had no farther claim upon the plantation. My twelve guineas which I brought home was exhausted. My dying friend used to remind me, that I wanted a new suit of clothes,

I replied, when I could pay for them I would have them. Neglected by the tabernacle connexions, I was at liberty for any opening Providence might make to me. Itineracy seemed to be my lot, but I was neither equipped for such a life, nor had I ability to equip myself. Mr. Shipman, remarking that I wanted a horse, I said, if I run in debt for any thing, it must be for that. I had occasionally hired one, for which I was disposed to bargain, but when the bargain was made, I signified I had not money to pay for it, and thus became a debtor of ten pounds for a horse, which carried me more than six years. A party of gentry which was at Clifton, had heard of the pleasing frame of Mr. Shipman's mind, and was desirous of seeing and conversing with him. Captain, now Sir Charles Middleton,* was one of them, to whom I dedicated Mr. Shipman's funeral sermon; he came to the tabernacle to hear me, repeatedly invited me to dine with the party, and the last time, previous to my going away, surprised me

with a present of ten guineas.

This I note

as a kind interposition of divine Providence, though not the only one by very many since

Now Lord Baram.

I

whereby my wants have been supplied.—At this juncture it was, that my honored and worthy friends, Mr. Powis, and Mr. Hill, now Sir Richard, gave me the honor of their friendship. My introduction was by Mr. Rowland Hill. By several annual visits to them, and intermediate interviews my exhausted cruise was supplied. I always found in Mr. Powis's family, I was out of my sphere, but studied to make myself as agreeable as possible, and though my ministerial labors, there were attended with some peculiar difficulties to myself, they were in general useful to others. visited the amiable widow of Mr. Powis, repeatedly after his death, and always found a kind reception. I frequently paid a visit to Everton and its environs, and found the venerable Vicar ever disposed to be kind and affectionate. The late Mr. Thornton, who refused to give me any help in procuring orders, and reflected upon my having engaged in the Curate's place, at Tottenham-court, became my warm and steady friend. He always promoted my exertions in the cause of God, was pleased at intelligence I could give him, and was free to communicate any that he thought I could use to advantage. He would sometimes invite me to London, and require from me the