far more with the generality of mankind than its real nature. The time is not very remote, when to have called some poor old cripple a Witch, or some holy reformer a Heretic, would have been the signal for roasting them alive.

3. The man of greatest attainments must have his Novitiate. Mr. C.'s religious knowledge and experience were then in the blade, though advancing to the full ear: in this progress he learned to distinguish, between a man who is under reproach, and a man who deserves it. This plainly appeared when he wrote to Mr. Hallward, acknowledging his error, and entreating him to return: and when he not only knew the truth as it is in JESUS, and saw the inevitable consequence of bearing a faithful testimony to it, but magnanimously esteemed this reproach of Christ as his greatest honour.

But what my friend knew and felt of religion, in beginning his great work at Reading, he honestly declared: and what he knew and felt was more than some good men in his parish suspected, who thought they knew a great deal. A few of these (I hope but a few) became stumbling-blocks in his progress: they remarked upon his mistakes without modesty or respect: and some even presumed to admonish him in his way from church. They had not yet so learned CHRIST themselves, as to imitate his meekness, and his wise treatment of men in critical and delicate circumstances.

I put this down for the benefit of those injudi

cious, though often well-meaning persons, who are so zealous to establish the distinguishing doctrines of the Gospel, that they will often attempt to set them up upon the ruins of common decency and good sense. The reader will not be surprised to hear, what Mr. C. often declared, that such reproofs, or rather reproaches, considerably retarded his improvement, and kept alive his prejudices.

For, though at this period Mr. C. was seeking after truth by earnest prayer, diligent study of the Scriptures, and also of such authors as could assist him in his pursuit; yet he had still much to learn, and had mighty impediments in his way. He was the son of a Nobleman then in office and court-favour-his eye had been directed to the worldly prospects which lay directly before him -he had been educated in prejudices against that renunciation of both sinful and righteous self, and that determination to glory only in the cross of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, to which the SPIRIT of Truth was conducting him. He had also a natural hauteur, and sturdiness of mind; the aspect of which he never quite lost, when the principle itself was corrected:-and, strictly speaking, he had not at this time near him a real, i. e. an enlighted friend. To which may be added, that persons who, like Mr. C. have acquired from their education a quick sense of what belongs to decorum and good manners, receive a shock at a conduct like that abové mentioned, which others can

scarcely conceive. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that he had at this time the strongest conflicts between the dictates of his conscience and the influence of his habits and circumstances.

Let not those who are removed from circumstances so distinct from ordinary life, say what he should have done more, or proudly imagine what they could have done better; but rather admire the grace of Him, who, in His own time and way, hath done all things well.

But, to return. If a few became impediments in the way of his progress, whose hearts, we hope, were better than their heads, and who were therefore utterly unfit to treat a case like his; Providence, which never wants instruments suited to its purposes, had prepared for him the Friend, the Guide, and the Example he so much needed.

This friend was Mrs. Talbot, the widow of the late Vicar. To the authority of her years, was added that of a pure and fervent piety, joined with the meekness of wisdom: she was sensible, polite, tender, and every way fitted to treat a person in his circumstances. Upon the death of her husband, she used the influence she had with his people in comforting and directing them under their distress. She exhorted them to take no hasty steps, but to wait patiently for GOD, who alone could raise them up another faithful minister; and to join with her in prayer continually for that blessing.

As one sinner destroyeth much good, so it is seldom believed what extensive good one steady, humble, consistent Christian may effect, who can yield to God that time and trust, in the path of duty, which he so justly claims; for them that honour Him he will honour.

Mr. C.'s acquaintance with Mrs. Talbot was the hinge upon which his future usefulness turned, as the following extract from the sermon he preached at her funeral will evince: and to which the reader is referred for a further account of that extraordinary woman.

"I felt particular reasons for saying so much of Mrs. Talbot in a place where the Great Head of the Church had made her an instrument of so much good, by her prayers, her advice, and her example. Being dead, she yet speaketh.

"I conceive it to be but a just tribute to her memory; considering her, not only as the best friend I ever had in my life; but as a mother to me in love, in every good office, and in continual prayers for my person and ministry:-considering her as the common friend and parent of the church of GOD committed to my care.-She was a widow indeed, and desolate, but she trusted in GOD, and continued in supplication and prayers night and day: appearances were against her, but she believed: she prayed for what she believed GOD was able to perform: she waited God's time for the

performance of what she prayed for; and, my brethren, is the LORD's work revived in this place? Are my labours owned and approved among you? Be sure to give all the glory to GOD alone-be sure also to remember that, among other means employed for the establishment of this ministry, were her light shining before me, and her prayers poured forth in secret before the throne of grace. -The love of CHRIST Constrained her to take this active part for you and me, and qualified her to be a Mother in Israel.-Her long experience made her wise in the things of GOD, by which she could warn the unruly, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, and teach the ignorant, with a sweetness of temper and meekness of spirit, quite peculiar to herself."

The truth is, Mrs. Talbot saw, upon Mr. C's. first coming to Reading, that he was a very different character from such as have no other notion of their ministry than that of a mere profession, which, like the Physician's or Lawyer's, should be turned to the greatest worldly advantage. She observed in him a serious aim to do good, though he had but a very imperfect knowledge of the means. She declared afterwards, that, when he first came to her house to examine Mr. Talbot's books, with the intention of selecting such as suited him, she perceived something superior and interesting in his conversation, and which made