vince be greatly elevated and promoted. This suggestion, in whatever light it may be regarded, emanates from the best affection of the writer towards the esteemed brethren with whom he has been, for several years, associated, and from a pure (he does not say prophetic) regard to the interests and honour of Upper Canada Methodism. Vive, vale! si quid novisti rectius istis, Candidus imperti; si non, his utere mecum.-HOR Impart it FRANKLY, or make use of mine. OF CHAPTER XIV. CATHOLICITY OF SPIRIT-MR. BLACK VISITS THE UNITED STATES-CONTRAST BETWEEN THE STATE METHODISM THERE IN 1784 AND 1820-LETTER OF MR. BLACK TO THE DISTRICT MEETING AT ST. JOHN, N. B.-LETTER FROM MR. WILKINS OF BALTIMORE-FAME AND CHARACTER OF SUMMERFIELD-MRS. BLACK'S DEATH AND CHARACTERDEATH OF MR. SAMUEL BLACK AND MRS. J. A. BARRY-REV. MR. KNIGHT'S ACCOUNT OF MR. BLACK'S LAST MOMENTS-HIS SERMON ON THE OCCASIONREVIEW OF MR. BLACK'S CHARACTER. WERE the manifestation of a truly catholic spirit as common among the various denominations of Christians as professions of mutual liberality and regard, the infidel would be ashamed of the objection against Divine Revelation, drawn from the diversity of sentiment that prevails among those whose hopes of immortality are identified with its truth. The Christian Church, instead of presenting the appearance of an arena of angry debate, as has been too frequently the case, would then be a mansion of amity and peace; and if perfect harmony of opinion would not soon be the result of coalescence of affection, she would, at least, resemble a fine piece of Mosaic, in which the different materials, of various shades and colours, cemented on a common ground, are so art fully dispersed, as to blend insensibly into one another, But many, there is reason to believe, are eloquent in their declamations against bigotry, "whose love of good men" does not glow very intensely beyond the precincts of their own communion. A spirit of exclusiveness in religion, unlovely and repulsive at all times, is peculiarly inexcusable when it extends its operation to those who substantially agree with us in sentiment, purely because they are not of us. Of all denominations of Christians, there are none between whom there exist less real grounds for shyness and alienation than Churchmen and Methodists. If the declaration of an eminent member of the Establishment -"A Methodist is a Churchman in earnest"-be true, it is natural to suppose, that "a Churchman in earnest," using that expression in its best sense, must have rather an intimate alliance with Methodism, at least in spirit. To the gratifying exemplifications of this kind, in Nova Scotia, which we have already recorded, we are happy in having it in our power to add another in the Rev. Mr. Wright, whose faithful and impressive ministry, will be either "the savor of life unto life, or of death unto death" to those who sat under it. This deeply humble and devout man evinced towards Mr. Black the utmost respect and Christian regard, which the following letter attests were fully reciprocated : To the Rev. Mr. Wright of Chester.* "HALIFAX, Aug. 7th, 1819. "REVEREND AND DEAR SIR, "On my return from the country, I had the happi * The latter years of Mr. Wright's ministry were spent in Horton, where he was esteemed by all denominations, as a meek and ness to receive yours of the 7th ult., together with the books. That they have been useful to you, is matter of thankfulness to us both. To Him, from whom all holy desires, all good thoughts, and all just works do proceed, be glory and honour. Amen. "I perceive with joy the work of grace in your heart, and am persuaded that God is carrying it on through all the discouragements, inward and outward, with which you have to struggle, and that he will certainly finish it, unless you should wilfully abuse the light and strength he has afforded you, and thereby counteract his gracious work. Go on, my dear Sir, and prosper. Bless God for what he has done. Hold fast the beginning of your confidence. Calmly wait and pray at the footstool of Divine Mercy for a day of Pentecost, a larger measure of every Christian grace, and power to fulfil your high calling as a Christian Minister. "I have read your letter with some attention, and was about to offer you some further thoughts, which I conceived might administer to your comfort and encouragement, by extracting a few passages from Mr. Fletcher's Letters, some of whose writings have already been so much blessed to you; but I think it best to request your acceptance of the volume. You will not read it, I am persuaded, without attention and prayer, and I am equally confident the blessing of God will attend the perusal. It will be a valuable and instructive companion for some of your leisure hours, and a cordial to your fainting spirits in seasons of temptation. lowly follower of the Lamb. He finished his course, I believe, at Bermuda, whither he went for the benefit of his declining health. The memory of the just is blessed." "By this conveyance, I send you the volume of Cooper's Sermons which you had the goodness to lend me. I have been pleased, not to say profited, by the perusal of them. They are plain, experimental, and practical. Desirous of possessing so valuable a work, I have procured the four volumes from England. "It will be at all times gratifying to me to hear from you, and of your welfare. May your health be soon restored, and the 'peace of God which passeth all understanding,' be multiplied and abound exceedingly in your heart-may you be filled with that confidence which made enraptured Thomas exclaim, Ο Κύριος μου και ο Θεος μου! "From the state of your health, perhaps it may not be improper to remind you, Dear Sir, that those involuntary depressions, which arise from physical causes, are rather to be considered as our burdens than as our sins; especially if we look up to God for grace and patience under them. In such cases, the spirit is often willing when the flesh is weak. The enemy, however, often takes advantage of them to discourage us in our Christian race. Pious persons, labouring under nervous disorders, often suffer much from not properly distinguishing between natural and spiritual maladies. Each class has its own remedy; and, through faith and prayer, both are rendered useful. "I am, Rev. and Dear Sir, "Your very affectionate, Mr. Black was so much enfeebled during the winter of 1819-20, by the increase and aggravation of his infirmities, that he was induced, in the ensuing spring, to try the effect of a tour among his old friends in the |