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his life without being employed | advice, and under the direction, in the tuition of children. Hear-of godly, prudent, and expeing a class, and looking over the rienced men; by means book of one of his pupils, by which, our hope and prayer whom he sat, he would put his shall be, that, at some future arm over his neck; which often time, he may appear to be an reminded me of the late excel-able minister of the New Testalent Mr. Winter, sitting in this ment." position with his pupil, Mr. Jay, who, describing it, says, of the arm of his lamented friend, "I feel it now." Look-rule, according to which young ing at Vickers, in a similar situation with his pupil, it has sometimes passed through my mind, In love to children thou art, and, in other respects, I hope wilt be, a Cornelius Winter!"

He frequently assisted in conducting our family worship; which afforded me an opportunity of making such remarks as I thought suitable, and such as might conduce to the improvement of his gifts.

When he had spent about a year and a half with me, I was desirous of his giving his thoughts upon a passage of scripture, and proposed that he should do so at a few of our meetings for social prayer; and which he did, so far to the satisfaction of those concerned, that, in Jan. 1811, at our church meeting, a vote was passed, signifying, "That having repeatedly heard brother Vickers engage in prayer, and speak upon different portions of the word of God, we believe the great Head of the church to have bestowed upon him ministerial gifts, but which are not so matured as to satisfy us, that it would be proper for him to engage habitually in the work of the ministry; but we affectionately exhort him, diligently to improve his talents, with the

Some readers of this may not know, that, in our churches, there is no particular method or

men enter upon the ministry. For one, at the age of Mr. Vickers, it appears reasonable and desirable, that he should have the countenance and encouragement of his fellow members; yet it is scarcely to be expected, that good people, in general, should be able to form a judgment of what improvement the mind and ministerial talents of a young man are susceptible, under advantages of due cultivation. Of this, perhaps, the minister, and a few judicious friends, are most competent to judge. Upon the above vote of the church, with a testimonial of his " having a good moral character, and giving evidence to possess real piety," (according to the first rule of the Baptist Academical Institution at Stepney,) Mr. Vickers was recommended to the patronage of those who conduct that seminary, and to whom he addressed an application for that purpose, dated Feb. 19, 1811. It concludes thus: "If these things which I have written, with my character, &c. meet with your approbation, and I should be permitted to enter into your institution, my ardent prayer is, that I may be made an ornament to it, and an

honour to those who are to superintend it.”—As I was one of those to whom this was addressed, I was careful that it should be literally his own; and

"May 16th.-Had a pleasant day. Oh! that a savour of divine truth dwell may upon my mind. During the past week have experienced some

which gave, not only satisfac-seasons of delight in my soul.

tion, but pleasure; not so much on account of the composition, as the motives it professed, and the spirit which it breathed.

Of three only, to whom that institution was first opened, on the 8th of April, 1811, my friend Vickers was one; and, I find, he began with keeping a weekly journal of occurrences, particularly of the sermons he heard, and the state of his soul. From these, a few extracts shall be taken; confining them chiefly to the time of his declining health, and his apprehensions of his approaching dissolution.

"Jan. 12, 1813.-In reading the life of Mr. Cornelius Winter, it much affected my mind, and I was impressed with the importance of keeping a weekly journal. This I have been in the habit of doing, but, of late, have left it off. God is my witness, this day, that I am resolved to begin again. Many have been the consolations I have enjoyed during the time of this neglect. Many seasons, also, have I had, during that time, of weeping and lamentation over the corruption of my nature, &c. In preaching, I have sometimes felt the importance of the work, and been discouraged. At other times, I have longed for the salvation of sinners, which has encouraged me. Lord! help me to long and strive more for this and for thy glory! and deliver me from every false way."

I feel an increasing attachment to the word of God.

'Tis a broad land of wealth unknown, Where hidden glory lies.'

In the evening, read part of Spencer's life. It solemnly impressed my mind, and led me to self-examination and prayer concerning the important work I am embarked in. Oh that I may ever be taught and directed by infinite wisdom! Is it not my meat and my drink to do thy will, O! my God?"

"Sept. 19th.-Preached at Oakingham three times, and had a pleasant day, though I felt unwell. O that my life may be spared to preach Christ! If I should be taken away in the midst of my days, it will be for the best; and if I am spared, it will be for the best. Thou, Lord, doest right."

"Saturday evening, 26th of March, 1814.- Experienced much pleasure in studying my sermon for Lord's day. Oh that I may be prepared for the delightful employment of labouring in the vineyard of Christ constantly! Is it not, O Lord, my highest joy to be employed in thy service, and my earnest desire to be used as an instrument in thy hand in the salvation of souls? O! make me humble, holy, devotional, zealous, and watchful; make me what thou wouldst have me to be! Do not I love thy name, blessed God? O that I may dwell in thy

presence for ever! Let me experience thy love on the Lord's day, then, I doubt not, it will be a precious day indeed; and let me be rendered useful in converting sinners and comforting saints!"

which is precious to my soul! Thou knowest my motive:-to glorify thy name in the salvation of sinners, &c."

Mr. Vickers was now so reduced, that he could attend but very little to his studies; and "Lord's day, March 27.- soon after the date of the last Preached twice at Loughton extract, retired into Northampwith great liberty and pleasure tonshire to his father, where he in my own soul. O that I soon appeared to be recovering; may be kept from pride and and, in a few weeks, by the vain glory! My heart is de- recommendation of our lamentceitful above all things! Whilst, ed friend, the late Rev. A. O Lord! thou art graciously Fuller, of Kettering, supplied encouraging me, keep me hum- the destitute baptist church, at ble, and do with me as seem-Sheepshead, in Leicestershire, eth good in thy sight."

"Friday, 8th of April.-The Committee met in the house. When we were called in, Mr. G― prayed and delivered an affectionate and impressive address, on the importance of circumspection, wherever we go, as the prosperity of the institution depended much on the conduct of the students. O that I may be preserved from all evil, and rendered an ornament to this noble institution, if not by superior talents, or great acquirements, may it be by diligence, sobriety, circumspection, piety, and usefulness in that cause which is dearer to me than life!"

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about six weeks. Towards the latter end of August, he returned to Stepney, but still in state of considerable debility, so that he continued there but a few weeks. During this time, a letter was addressed, from the church at Sheepshead, to the Rev. Wm. Newman, President of the Stepney Institution, expressing great satisfaction with the ministry of Mr. Vickers, the short time they enjoyed it; and requesting he might again visit them as soon as his academical engagements would admit. His medical attendant soon recommended his removal from Stepney, when he came and spent five or six weeks with us, in which time his general health was somewhat improved; and, towards the latter end of October, or in the beginning of November, he returned to Sheepshead; from which place, under date of the 14th, he writes as follows:

Monday, May 2d. I feel very unwell. Is it thy pleasure, O my heavenly Father! that I should be visited with pining sickness? Give me resignation to thy will, and let it be the means of bringing me nearer to thee. But, O, wilt thou not spare my life and" It affords me peculiar pleaestablish my health, that I may sure and satisfaction, that I have serve thee in the ministry of the honour of spending a few thy rich and glorious gospel, moments in silent converse with

the prayer meeting in the evening is well attended; and, at our Wednesday evening lecture we have a good congregation. But, oh! when I consider how small a number attends at a place of worship, compared with the very numerous inhabitants of this village; when I recollect the ignorance which pervades their minds, and the wickedness that evidently possesses their hearts, I am filled with a kind of horror mingled with pity. I shall not be satisfied in being here without seeing a Sunday school at our place of worship. There are two in the village, but the number of children which they instruct is but small, in com

you, to whom I am indebted, | morning is tolerably well filled; through God, for my. chief in the afternoon it is full, and enjoyment in life. Islington is a name which is so endeared to my heart, that I shall never forget it to the last period of my life. Under your roof, Sir, I have spent some of the happiest moments of my time; not to mention the many advantages and kind attentions which I have received and enjoyed. The recollection of these, at this moment, gives me pleasure. By your benevolent hand I was conducted to Stepney; and, by your kindness, I was freed from anxiety whilst engaged in the acquisition of useful knowledge under the direction of Mr. Newman, whose name I shall always venerate. By the important advantages I received at Stepney, in con-parison of those that neither nexion with the Divine blessing, I am enabled to discharge the solemn work in which I am engaged, with pleasure to myself, and, I hope, with some degree of acceptance to others. O that my feeble labours may be prospered! My work is the chief pleasure of my life. Excuse me, Sir, for giving vent to my feelings; for should I be silent on these subjects, you must conclude that I possessed a soul without sensibility.

go to any school nor to any place of worship. I think if a school was established, I should not only have an opportunity of imparting divine instruction to the children, but likewise, in time, perhaps, to the parents. Here is a large field for usefulness: O that my life may be spared to labour in it! I feel anxious to pursue my former studies, but, at present, I can do little more than prepare for the pulpit and visit the people.

“The awful and delightful "I presume you are anxious work in which I am employed, to know how I performed my often fills my mind with so-journey. I am happy to say, Jemnity and fear; and leads me that, not only in regard to my to ask counsel of him, who companions, I never travelled saith, My strength is made more pleasantly; but, when we perfect in weakness.' I am arrived at Harborough, I felt engaged in preaching twice on so comfortable, that I fancied the Lord's day; and we hold a I could have performed the prayer meeting in the evening. whole of my journey that night; The meeting house in the however, I took a bed at Mr.

-'s, where I was enter- till now; and I assure you I do tained with the greatest hos-it with great difficulty. You pitality. On Friday I arrived would, I doubt not, be gratisafely and comfortably at fied were I to write you a long Sheepshead. And since I have been here, I hope my health has been gradually improving, though my cough is much the same as when I was at Islington."

Three days after the date of the above, he left Sheepshead, and returned, with his father, to Stanion, where he arrived the day following, February the 1st; and, on the 4th, writes thus: "Wonderful to relate, I left Sheepshead last Tuesday, and arrived at my father's house on Wednesday, and felt much better, after so long a journey, than I could possibly expect.

letter; but, ah! my brother, it is out of my power. Such is my debility, that I am lost in writing a sentence. You have heard that my physician has announced me to be in a conIn a letter to his fellow sumption, and incurable. This student, Mr. S. Jones, dated is a sharp stroke, but divine 29th of December, he says, grace supports me under it. "On the 20th instant I had a I still feel a peace of mind that second interview with my phy-passes all understanding.sician, who informed me, that Blessed be God for Jesus I gave him no chance while I Christ. He is the fountain of continued my ministerial lamy comfort." bours. He ordered me what is called a perpetual blister, to be continued three weeks. Last week I was so unwell, that I could not possibly write to you, which grieved me very much. It was with the greatest difficulty I composed a sermon for last Lord's day; and when I ascended the pulpit, I knew not whether I should be able to deliver it. I have now laid aside preaching for a sea-The distance is upwards of forty son; and whether I shall ever miles. My native air may be be employed in that delightful of service to me, but I have work any more, God only but a faint hope of recovering. knows; his will be done! My I feel rather unsettled, at pretext was, 1 John, iv. 9. In sent, in my mind; but Christ this was manifested the love of is precious to my soul. O, Sir, God towards us,' &c. precious I feel the value of religion! words! The friends at Sheepshead appear to be very anxious for my recovery, and are very kind to me. How gracious is my heavenly Father in raising up friends for me in the midst of my afflictions!"

A month afterwards, viz. 28th of January, 1815, he says to the same friend,-" I have not written a line for several weeks

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For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain! My heart is full, but I can write no more, except to say, that this [about half of which is transcribed] is the labour of three days!" This was the last letter I received from him, and, perhaps, the last he ever wrote.

He had contracted an advantageous acquaintance with