I wrote to Mr. Hallward for particular information. I had determined that nothing should be published that was not first perused and approved by him, as one most capable of correcting any mistake. I shall here insert part of his reply to me, and afterwards the letter sent from Mr. C. to him.

"Mr. Cadogan dismissed me; but it was, as he always behaved to me, like a gentleman. And, indeed, he knew not how to behave to any body otherwise.

"All circumstances considered, I never could wonder at that dismission; nor did I ever feel a wish to reproach him with it: though he afterwards severely reproached himself. Nor could I allow of any thing to pass under my eye to the public that bore too hardly upon him on this account; as I really believe he was even then a sincere enquirer after truth-that (like St. Paul) he verily thought he ought to do what he did; and that he acted according to the light he then had. And, further, I believe that great pains had been taken to prejudice his mind: and that a variety of slanderous reports had been carried to him by persons to whose sentiments and character he then paid the greatest respect. All which, and much more of a similar kind, that might be added, may be pleaded in extenuation of his conduct."

MR. CADOGAN TO MR. HALLWARD.

66 DEAR SIR:

"Reading, Sept. 3, 1780.

"I FEEL myself somewhat comforted, amidst many pangs of a wounded spirit, in being able to make the best reparation I can for a former injury, in having deprived you of the curacy of St. Giles's, Reading, by now offering you the same curacy again. Mr. S-leaves me at Michaelmas; and I assure you, sir, it has long been my intention, whenever I could settle matters with him, to make you the offer of succeeding him. I can do very well till Christmas without an assistant; but after Christmas I must be at Chelsea. If it will not suit you to come yourself, (which I most ardently wish) I would prefer your recommendation, should you know of any person to whom you think such a thing might be eligible. I suppose you will have no objection to a Lecture, and to an alteration which I propose in the Sunday's duty, viz. to have Evening service on that day also; and in the afternoon, at three, to have prayers read, and the children catechised; when, if we are both here we might take an opportunity of expounding the Catechism. I am persuaded that this, though we should have to read prayers three times a day, would be easier to ourselves, and better for our hearers, than preaching immediately after dinner, when both preacher and

hearer are generally heavy. But, I dare say, we shall not dispute about labouring in the vineyard of that gracious Master whom we serve: and that it will be easy at any time to get such assistance, whether I am here or not, as will make the duty perfectly easy. But Christ's grace is sufficient—and we have the testimony of one who knew it, I can do all things through Christ strengthening me.

"I should be obliged to you for an answer as soon as convenient, as you may be sure I shall make no other application till I have heard from you. I commend myself to your pity and prayers, of both which I stand in great need; and hope you will believe me, though once a Blasphemer, Persecutor, and Injurious, to be

"Your's most faithfully

"And affectionately in Christ Jesus,

" W. B. CADOGAN."

Though Mr. Hallward could not accept the curacy, being presented by Mr. Gurdon to the living he now holds; yet he readily embraced the opportunity of visiting Reading: where, like another Barnabas, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, he was glad; and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord, who had done such great things for them. I scarcely need to add, that this visit, which was

continued for several months, was highly pleasant and profitable both to Mr. C. and his people.

But the Reader may wish to ask, how Mr. C. could speak of his former character in such severe terms as these, considering that he had been both a religious and zealous Minister according to the light he then had: I answer, this will not be fully understood but by those who have felt, as he now did, how gradually the mind becomes enlightened; and how much enmity may exist in the heart against the humbling spirit of real Christianity and its Ministers, while an orthodox system has full possession of the head, and zeal and devotion mark the steps. All this he now fully understood, and was not ashamed to confess, like the Apostle, whose strong expressions he here adopted.

And this too his new character proved and illustrated; for he himself was now treated by his former friends as he had once treated Mr. Hallward.--The Pharisaical can join with the Profane when the Minister of vital religion is to be discountenanced. But the Rubicon was now passed;

Among innumerable false, unmov'd,
Unshaken, unseduc'd, unterrify'd,

His Loyalty he kept, his Love, his Zeal;

Nor number, nor example with him wrought

To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind,
Though single. From amidst them forth he pass'd,
Long way through hostile scorn, which he sustain'd
Superior

MILTON.

How determinately he thus passed, will further appear from part of a conversation which he had with a noble Lord; and which a friend of unquestionable veracity has favoured me with, as occurring about this period, From his letter I transcribe what follows.

What," said my Lord, " do you mean to do? You have made, or rather marred, your fortune, indeed-all hopes of preferment are quite gone." A stall, I believe, at Westminster was promised Mr. C. and just then given to another, to which my Lord was supposed to allude; and it was well known to both on what account Mr. C. was passed by. Mr. C. replied, "I am endeavouring, my Lord, to gain preferment in another world, where no one fails who attempts it. All worldly preferment is uncertain; we cannot hold it long, nor secure it one hour-I will therefore endeavour to secure a treasure where no moth corrupts, and where no thief can steal."

"As to that world," replied my Lord, "I know no more about it than others who never were there." Mr. C. answered, "I never saw it, my Lord: I know likewise but little about it; but my Bible tells me, that there remaineth a rest for the people of God: I believe that book to be divine-its evidence appears to me irresistible-I am determined, therefore, to stake my fortune upon what God has promised in his word; and the day will soon arrive that will determine who