being abroad. I have more than ten years known the want of a retreat, and with pleasure anticipate what Marlborough may (through the divine blessing) afford. Nevertheless to me it appears scriptural to blend the itinerant with the pastor so far as the former does not prevent a due discharge of the duties of the latter; and that, under proper regulation, it is profitable both to minister and people, is evident by comparing the prosperity of those societies that encourage it with those that disapprove it.— Third, that my stipend, if consistent with the eircumstances of the people, may commence at £40 per annum, and if prosperity should attend our union and by change of condition I should find it necessary, I may be at liberty to ask more. This article being well thought of and honorably settled, will become a rule for my conduct both in domestic economy and in the pursuit of social happiness. I am well aware that my subsistence much depends upon the consistency of my deportment, the success of my ministry, and the circumstances and disposition of the people. As I would make the glory of God and their good my sole aim, I am willing to rest the issue upon these concomitants. It is too late in the day for me to begin to be mercenary, and if little will suf

Ee

·

Hi

fice I shall not think of asking for more. therto I can through grace accommodate the saying of the apostle to my own conduct We seek not yours, but you.' Having no fortune of my own, makes it necessary to propose fourthly, that I may have the disposal of the sacramental alms. My own liberalities cannot be large, hitherto they have been to the very extent of my circumstances, nor do I wish to curtail them by this requisite. In market towns the poor sick are generally numerous, and the alms of the minister accompanying his prayers, do much to remove prejudice and bring them under the 'word. These are the principal terms of settlement that at present strike me, and if reasonable objection can be made against them, I shall be ingenuous enough to yield to them. Neither in these or any thing else do I desire to lord it over God's heritage. Should a connexion take place between us, I trust our stipulation will not be that of master and servants, but of a more sacred and fraternal nature. No conditions are so binding as those arising from affection, no bonds so lasting as those made up of the unity of the spirit. My brethren will do well to remember that a man and not an angel is putting himself in their way; a man subject to like passions, surrounded with many and

t

great temptations, a man at best but of very slender gifts and of a small degree of grace, who needs their pity and prayers; and promises not to seek for dominion over their faith, but to strive in the strength of divine grace, to be the helper of their joy. Should I have the opportunity to approve myself what I profess, it will be but prudent in me to remember the people are in some instances a counterpart of myself, and will require the exercise of those graces which are opposite to the dictates and inclinations of the corrupt nature. If the providence of God should bring us together, and by the uniting of our affections and the tenderness of our spirits towards each other, we should be continued together any time on earth, I trust it will be the matter of our everlasting rejoicing in heaven. With my kind respects to your family, and christian love to all whom these may concern, " I remain,

"Dear sir, &c."

To the church under his care at Painswick, res

pecting an assistant.

"MY DEAR BRETHREN,

"It was my intention long since, to have acknowledged the address communicated to me by Messrs. Wood and Horlick.-I feel myself much obliged for the acceptance you, and others whose names are not added to the address, have given to the sincere though feeble services I have rendered you by the ministry of the word, and by other endeavors I have exerted for the cause of Christ in this neighborhood, for full seventeen years.-I am, blessed be God, in full mental capacity for the continuance of my labors, though bodily strength certainly declines. As the result, I bend, under the weight of a third service on the Lord's day.This is a service by no means necessary for the pious part of the congregation.-l at first established and have continued it for the benefit of our neighbors, supposing if they are inclined to hear, God may bless the word to them. However desirable assistance may have been, I could not encourage the hope of it, not having it in my power to make the necessary compensation hitherto. Providence having been graciously pleased to throw the property of my late friend and relative into my hands, I thought it ne

cessary from the acknowledgment I have received for my labors, to make it practical to have an assistant, and when the expences of our building are completely defrayed, to support him from my salary.-My valued friends Messrs. —————called my attention to L

am informed his service does not meet with approbation sufficient to admit of a hope that he may constantly take part in the ministry with me. I shall not think of imposing him upon you. As soon as I conveniently can, I shall resign him, and in the mean while as God shall enable me, will persevere in my ministry as usual, not doubting but when I fail God will provide for you.

In the mean while I beg an interest in your prayers, and exhort you to pray that in due time the great, head of the church may meet our wishes, if he see it fit to send me help, or that if either by reason of weakness I should be laid aside, or be removed to my rest, the man after his own heart may be the overseer of you. The fragment of my days and strength, shall, in the strength of divine grace, be as much as ever devoted to your best interest.-My study shall be the harmony, the prosperity, the comfort and improvement of the church and congregation.