We have already had frequent occasion to remark, in the progress of our narrative, that whilst the pri mary object of Mr. Black's solicitude was the salvation of his own soul, his zeal for the immortal welfare of others was so tender and expansive, as forcibly to remind us of the divine flame that glowed in the bosoms of the first heralds of the cross. The manifestations of this spirit were not confined to the pulpit. His conversation was 66 always with grace, seasoned with salt ;" and his correspondence was decidedly, and, indeed, almost exclusively, spiritual. In addressing believers, he delighted to expatiate on the most elevated topics of practical godliness; and in writing to those whose state he considered unsafe, or who were groaning for the redemption in the blood of Jesus, his appeals, admonitions, and directions were characterized by the most affectionate fidelity. And he knew how to be faithful without being rude. He could enforce the most solemn and searching truths without violating any conventional propriety of life. Take as a specimen of his admirable address in this respect the following letter, addressed to his father-in-law, Mr. Gay, then in London, in which Christian zeal and profound filial respect beautifully coalesce.

"AFFECTIONATE FATHER,

"We expected to have had the pleasure of seeing you here before this time: but since Providence has ordered it otherwise, we desire to submit ; praying God to direct all things for the best.

"We trust, Sir, that your stay in England, though involuntary and necessary, will be both pleasing and profitable. May the Lord so overrule it that it may answer the best of purposes, in drawing your affections

from too great an attachment to the creatures, the best of which cannot satisfy the cravings of a heaven-born, immortal spirit.

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O, my Father! what happiness, what genuine hap piness there is to be found in God, even on this side the grave! A peace that passeth all understanding-a joy that is unspeakable and full of glory-a meekness which no affront can move-and a love that overcometh all things; with a faith that purifies the heart, adorns the life, and endears the Saviour in all his offices; that calms our fears, tranquillizes our consciences, gladdens our hearts, and disarms death of his sting. This, my Father, this is the religion of the Bible! of Jesus! This is the religion, in the propagation of which I desire to spend my life. This I recommend to my Father. But I stop. Perhaps I offend. I did not think of saying half so much. But this is my darling topic, and therefore I must beg you to bear with me. I am, honoured Sir,

"With great esteem,

"Your affectionate Son-in-law."

Mr. Black's labours during the year 1788, although animated with ardent and untiring zeal, were not immediately as productive as those of some previous years; yet were they neither barren nor unfruitful. In the sanctuary, in his pastoral intercourse with the families to whom he had access, and at the bed of death, he was permitted to witness some remarkable visitations of divine power. Among the latter, the chamber where Mrs. Marchington, a highly respectable member of the society, met her fate, was peculiarly privileged. She expired on the 24th of November, in the full triumph of Christian faith and joy ; and Mr.

Black improved the occasion in a discourse to about eight hundred people, from the appropriate words :"Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ!"

The reflections and resolves recorded in his Journal under date of December 30th, instructively show that he closed as he had commenced the year-in a spirit of unreserved consecration to God and his cause :-"I am convinced that though God gives a clean heart, and renews within us a right spirit, for his own name sake, yet will He do it only in such a way as shall exercise our diligence and care. And I am deeply sensible of my short-comings,—

"1. In frequent, close, impartial self-examination. This is painful but profitable work. The man of sin is hereby dragged into open day, and destroyed by the beams of heavenly light. By this means we become better acquainted with ourselves, and more deeply feel our need of the blood and spirit of Jesus. I propose, therefore, in future, to examine more closely into the state of my soul, by solemnly instituting such inquiries as the following: In what spirit have I performed the duties of public and private devotion? and what regard have I maintained to God in the interval of those exercises? What diligence have I used in observing providence, and redeeming time? What command have I exercised over my appetites and passions? What concern have I felt to discharge with fidelity all relative duties? How have I relished the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel? Upon the whole, how am I advancing in my journey to a better world?

"2. In prayer, especially private prayer. I have no stated times for private devotion except morning and evening. I believe it will be preferable for me to re

tire at some special time, when practicable, as any time is often no time;" viz., at nine o'clock in the morning, and five in the afternoon. I ought to blush when I think of the aversion I many times feel to this duty, and the worldly thoughts, unbelief, and sad coldness that too often attend its performance.

forgive my prayers!

O Lord!

"3. In preaching. I want a greater love for souls, and a deeper sense of their worth. I am not sufficiently impressed with the lamentable, woful state of the unconverted part of my hearers; nor do I feel a proper sympathy with the tempted. My preaching often appears superficial and unaffecting. O! for the skill of those who are wise to win souls!

4. In conversation. My words are not always weighty; too often, alas! light as air. They want more seasoning with the salt of God's fear and love. I would not speak but to his glory.-O, Thou who art the centre of happiness, and the perfection of beauty! I would not, I cannot be satisfied to serve Thee after this poor manner.

CHAPTER X.

PERSONAL RELIGION-MR. BLACK'S RENEWED DEDICA TION OF HIMSELF TO GOD, AND HOLY RESOLVESEXTRACTS FROM HIS JOURNAL-AFFLICTIONS AND SUBMISSION-HIS ORDINATION BY DR. COKE-THE DOCTOR'S DESIGNATION BY MR. WESLEY AS A GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OR BISHOP-THE ORDERS OF PRESBYTER AND BISHOP IDENTICAL-THE CHURCH AND THE METHODISTS-DR. COKE APPOINTS MR. BLACK SUPERINTENDENT OF NOVA SCOTIA.

"SCHOOLING THE HEART," observes a spiritual and sententious writer, "is the grand means of personal religion. To bring motives under faithful examination is a high state of religious character: with regard to the depravity of the heart we live daily in the disbelief of our own creed. Acting from the occasion, without recollection and inquiry, is the death of personal religion. It will not suffice merely to retire to the study or the closet. The mind is sometimes, in private, most ardently pursuing its particular object; and as it then acts from the occasion, nothing is farther from it than recollectedness. I have, for weeks together, in pursuit of some scheme, acted so entirely from the occasion, that, when I have at length called myself to account, I have seemed like one awaked from a dream. 'Am I the man who could think and speak Am I the man who could feel such a dis

so and so?