dence of LADY HILL, from these words: Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,' &c. O what a sermon! What prayer too, was offered up both before and after the preaching! Truly might I say of Him who loved us, that he brought me into his banqueting-house, and that his banner over me was love. After the Captain had preached above an hour and a half, he began to complain, and said that he must be very short; and so, after he had preached almost two hours, he was forced to conclude. Before he had done, I began to think of St. Paul's preaching till midnight, and could have wished the Captain to do so too. After the congregation had retired, I spoke to him and to MRS. SCOTT, who informed me that they were about to remove from Woollerston to Market-Drayton, and asked my advice concerning the removal of some trees. I went on the next day, and remained with them till the Tuesday following. The Captain worked with me, and said, 'I can dig; and to beg am not ashamed.' Shall I not bless GOD to all eternity for this dear man?

"August 6th, 1785. I went to Salop to see a dismal sight: two poor men suffer death for stealing sheep. The younger of them, though only thirty years of age, was old in crime. As they approached the fatal tree, they both seemed to be very insensible; and as soon as the officiating clergyman came out of the cart, I addressed them on the sufferings of CHRIST, and on the eternal torment which awaited them, if they should die without a knowledge of him. The young man listened with apparent eagerness to every word, and, with uplifted eyes and hands, cried aloud to GOD that he would save him from endless torment. While he appeared to be in an agony of prayer, I told him that God could not save him but through the merit of CHRIST, who died for sinners, the just for the unjust. While he seemed to be suspended between hope and despair, I cried unto him to look unto JESUS, as being at the right hand of God making intercession for transgressors. After the halter was placed about his neck, he implored the mercy of GoD with strong cries and tears. I then exclaimed, 'Believe on the Lord JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved.' The old man remained perfectly indifferent; when, turning to him, I begged of him, for God's sake, and for the sake of his own immortal soul, to look unto JESUS CHRIST, as being alone able to save him from the bitter pains of the second death. The young man then turned unto him, and bade him farewell in a very affectionate manner. They then unitedly looked up to God for mercy: both cried unto him with their voices, till the last signal was given, and they were launched into eternity. On the whole I was glad that I had gone; for, though I went with a dejected mind, and, as I approached the awful place, with trembling knees; yet as soon as I say the culprits, my heart yearned over them.; and

while thinking of the King of Glory's dying on a tree, I was ashamed of my shame, and all my fears vanished away. Silence reigned throughout the vast assembly; and, for once, I had the honour of preaching the Gospel of Jesus CHRIST to, thousands of my fellow-sinners; who all appeared, on this sad occasion, to receive the word with all gladness."

Several other quotations of a similar nature, might be given from the Journal of this excellent man; but these will suffice to shew that he followed his Divine Master, not only in the flowery, but also in the rugged, paths of duty. Love to Him who was crucified, and, for his sake, to his redeemed creatures, could alone have induced him thus boldly to proclaim salvation to gazing multitudes.

The following observations on the death of that great luminary of the church, the late REV. MR. FLETCHER, will not be uninteresting to those who duly appreciate the character of that eminently wise and holy man.

"Tuesday, August 18th, 1785. I have this day heard of the death of the REV. MR. FLETCHER, Vicar of Madeley. This was distressing news indeed, and I believe will be so to thousands. He continued his pious course to the end of his life. Many begin in the Spirit and end in the flesh; and because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold: but here is one who continued to the end, and therefore must be eternally saved. When I hear of the holy resignation with which he was endued, I can scarcely forbear to exclaim, Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace.' A very high character of him some one has given in prose, and another in verse, in two of the Shrewsbury news-papers; and another appears in one of the Birmingham papers. I have not heard of any, even among our bigoted Calvinists, but who give him the most exalted character that any mere man can have; though surely never man exposed Calvinism as he has done; and yet, in all his writings against the Doctrine of CALVIN, what love does he shew to the Persons of all pious people of that persuasion. Whatever may be said against controversy, I heartily wish that his works on controverted points, were a thousand times more public than they are. O that a double portion of that SPIRIT of Love, which the LORD poured out upon him, might rest upon me, that I may, in affection, forsake all earthly things; and so, after his example, follow the LAMB whithersoever he goeth; that I also may ascend to his Father, and my Father, to his GOD, and to my God."

About this time Mr. BROCAS was united in marriage to SARAH, the youngest daughter of MR. LEYCESTER ANTROBUS, of Hodnet. When subjected to domestic cares and anxieties, his attention was directed in a more special manner to the interesting subject of Divine Providence. After recording some of the kind deliverances

which the Almighty had wrought out for him, he thus expresses himself: "I know, and am persuaded, that the LORD does all things well; though sometimes his way is in the sea, and his footsteps are not known. Within these few months I have had astonishing proofs that he heareth prayer; and though I cannot see him with my mortal eyes, yet an awful joy surprizes me, when I think of the nearness of his Majesty to my vile person. Is it not almost beyond belief, that a wretch like me, should (help me, O LORD, to believe it!) have the ALMIGHTY at his call? And yet, astonishing as it is, it is not more astonishing than true. During some of my late exercises of mind, when no door appeared to open before us, I was driven to spend more time in secret prayer; and O they were blessed hours that were thus employed! Before I saw in what way the Lord would deliver us, I thought that I would not be without this cross for the world."

On the birth of his first child, MR. BROCAS thus expresses his views of Infant Baptism: "The REV. MR. HAWKESWorth, the Independent Minister from Wem, came this afternoon to baptize my only child. We had a comfortable season, though there was no particular out-pouring of the HOLY SPIRIT. I trust to see my daughter live, and walk in the ways of GOD, and thus prove that she is baptized with the HOLY GHOST. I have lately found my mind much easier concerning Infant Baptism, than I used to be, and especially as I see more clearly into the blessed doctrine of General Redemption. I plainly see that there is not a child that can live one hour, but through the death and intercession of the Son of God; and if the whole family of heaven and earth is named by him, why should I not make a a public and a solemn offering of the child he has graciously given unto me, by dedicating her to him in baptism, with a promise, on my part, to bring her up, as he shall enable nie, for his service and glory? O that she may live to be guided by the good SPIRIT of GOD, and then I know she will be directed aright!"

After remaining at Sansaw, near Shrewsbury, for several years, in the capacity of a Gardener, and after enduring a great fight of afflictions from his fellow-servants and others, because of the stand which he uniformly made against vice and irreligion, he received warning from his master to leave his situation. To this inconvenience he was exposed, purely on account of his faithfulness in reproving the sins of men whose rank in life was more elevated than his own. On this occasion he thus expresses himself:" Saturday, Sept. 3d, 1786. While with Mr. G. receiving warning to leave my place, I found my mind tranquil; and I am happy to think that it is not myself, but the LORD, who has done this for me. My master did not lay any thing to my charge, and offered to do whatever he could for me. I am again cast upon

the wide world. We must now try our religion, to know of what sort it is. If we sink under this affliction, it will be a proof that we know not the SAVIOUR: if we are joyful in tribulation, we shall prove our faith by our works; and then, those who see us will take knowledge of us that we have been with JESUS. Othou Friend of sinners, let pity move thee to stand by us in this trying hour!

'Guide me, O thou great JEHOVAH,

Pilgrim through this barren land.’

Preserve

Look in mercy upon the helpless, who belong to me. my child, and command my wife to trust in thee. Let not our past offences provoke thee to forsake us now that we are in trouble! I have some thoughts of going immediately to London to improve myself in Botany. Some advise me to take a farm; but my ambition leads me to something higher than farms or gardens: I see, however, no hope of attaining what I desire. Had I a full conviction of my call to the Christian Ministry, how gladly would I give up all, and go to preach the Gospel of CHRIST. I see the difficulties of that work; but what are crosses when the crown is in view? and when we daily see immortal spirits going to endless perdition for lack of knowledge? I have been at Sansaw upwards of eight years into whose service I shall next enter, GoD only knows. My master promised to give me several books, which for years I had been in the habit of reading. I have therefore selected a few, and particularly my old companion, the Bible, which I had long been accustomed to read. Another copy may be as good, but not to me: I have had this many years. Unspeakable blessings have I gained whilst reading it. Its print is good, and the marginal references clear and perfect. LORD, give me my Bible, and give me the blessings it was designed to communicate.

"October 11th, 1786. I am now about to leave Sansaw. Farewell, my master, in whose employ I have earned my bread these many years. Farewell, my kind and tender-hearted mistress. Farewell, ye ponds of water, pleasant walks, shady groves, rocks, and hills. Above all, farewell thou consecrated room, that hast often been to me the presence-chamber of the King of Kings. While in thee, how often have I been on the very suburbs of heaven! But why do I weep? I take my Bible; and He who indited it will go with me. But will the LORD in very deed dwell with sinful man? Will he forget the evil that I have done in this place?

"December 12th, 1786. On Friday last I returned from London, where I had gone to improve myself in Botany, and in

* This copy of the Holy Scriptures was MR. BROCAS's constant companion for 49

years.

+

hopes of gaining a situation; but of this I am still destitute. My GOD preserved me; and on my return, I found my dear wife and child in perfect health. Hitherto I see nothing but mercy in the dealings of GOD with us. I know not that the means of grace were ever so sweet to me, as they have been since I was out of employ; and while I feel an assurance that I possess the kingdom of GOD, and his righteousness, I can confidently trust in the LORD for every other blessing. I see plainly, that if GoD bring us to nothing, he deals well with us; and should I not obtain a situation till my last farthing is gone, it will be right. What are we better than others? I am not so much afraid of poverty, or of any other calamity, as I am of ingratitude, and of a murmuring spirit. I am happy in taking GoD at his word, and in trusting my body, soul, and family in his hands. As I have known how to abound, I trust that, in what state soever I may be placed, I shall learn therewith to be content. At present the clouds seem to gather blackness; but my heavenly FATHER shews a smiling face. I have daily manifestations of his love, and of his tender care over me. O when were his promises so precious as they are now? I cannot think that he will put my soul to shame, or suffer my hope to be lost."

After a season of painful suspense, the GoD whom MR. BROCAS acknowledged in all his ways, graciously directed his steps to White-Hall, in Shrewsbury. This situation did not accord with his wishes, nor did it appear likely to be advantageous to him and his family; but it ultimately proved to be of divine appointment. In this town he became much more useful to the souls of men, than he had ever before been: here he enjoyed more of the ordinances of GOD: here he commenced business for himself; and here, by the good hand of GoD upon him, he not only provided for his wife and children, but became able to minister to the wants of others: so that, to use his own language, "GOD raised him from being a poor, ignorant, fatherless lad, to enjoy all his providential blessings, and to sit among the princes of his people."

"Monday, Jan. 29th, 1787. I entered this day on my new situation, at the White-Hall, Salop. However unthankful we may be, certain it is that many would rejoice to be as we are. Godliness, with contentment, is great gain; but, for want of godliness, we want contentment. Trials I find I must have; perhaps the LORD sends them to bring down my pride."

In the following quotation we perceive with what feelings MR. BROCAS united himself with that body of Christans, the Wesleyan Methodists, whom, from honest conviction, he selected to be his people.

"Monday, Feb. 26th, 1787. I joined the Society who worship GOD at the chapel in Hill's-Lane. If we are only enabled to love as brethren, to be pitiful, to be courteous, and so to fulfil the law of CHRIST, it will be well that we met together on earth; for