He is gone to his rest in the presence of his God and Saviour. May my last end be like his!"

To return to the proper period of the subject's personal history, from which we are led by the last sentences of the above extract; between the colliery and the farm-the latter not being entirely left to his brother, the head and the hands were busily employed; neither of them affording a fair remuneration for the labour and expense bestowed. The former, indeed, seems to have been a mere appendage to the latter, which was neither moderate as to rent, nor yet excellent as to soil. On finally quitting the farm, he observed to the agent in the transaction, "I think I might claim some attention, when I add, that neither my father nor myself were equally remunerated for our time and pains, as agents of Sir T. Gascoigne. You will be surprised when I inform you, that my father never had more than 12s. per week, and coals and candles allowed! I had 12s. per week, until 1793, when the wages of the colliers were raised, and then I had 15s. The colliers struck again, about a year or two after this, when another advance took place, and mine was raised to 18s. per week. Thus, my father and myself served the Gascoigne family for a period of nearly forty years, for what I have just stated; and what I may call-a paltry wage.-I have often told you, that for twenty years, I have thrown £20 a year of my own money into the farm ; and, except for the last two years, I have not saved a penny for twenty years. This, though partly anticipating the more advanced stage of these Memoirs, shews how this excellent young man was circumstanced in some of his early struggles.

Though he had his joys, he was, as will have been perceived, often the subject of painful feeling. Such was the "hour and power of darkness," that on one occasion, he lost all evidence of his acceptance. As this was not occasioned by any sin of which he had been guilty, it was of course unaccompanied with remorse of conscience. It seemed partly to have arisen from the want of some old experienced guide on the road to heaven, to keep pressing it upon him as a constant, common Christian privilege, and partly from false reasoning. Such, however, was the effect of the simple loss of it, without being able to charge himself with any known sin as its cause, that he was plunged into the deepest distress of mind. He compared himself to Bunyan's Pilgrim, when he lost his "roll," and was no less in earnest to regain his lost peace. At one period, such was his anguish of spirit, that he was tempted to throw himself into a river, as he was walking along its banks. A world was valueless in his esteem, compared with the repossession of his "roll." It was not long, however, before he regained the desire of his heart, and no one knew better than himself how to solace the distressed, or entered with a deeper interest into their feelings and circumstances.

In his dullest moments, he continued to cherish, some time after this, a hope of preaching in the pulpits of the Established Church. This, in all probability, was preserved alive by the success of his friend Settle; one of whose letters is referred to in the Diary, and which is as follows :—

"Cambridge, Dec. 17, 1796. "DEAR DAWSON,-I have remained a longer time silent than I intended. But I hope you will not

consider my silence a proof of any diminution of friendship. I still profess a sincere regard for you, and reflect with much pleasure on our past intercourse on particular evenings, and in particular places. I have been busy in attending lectures; but the term ended yesterday; and now, I must be up to the head and ears, in reading for the schools. My neglect of reading in summer has thrown me into deep confusion. However, there is divine reading which cannot, or at least ought not to be omitted. But alas, we are

purblind; present objects engage our view, and we lose sight of that which is invisible. Custom has a

But

powerful influence on the mind, and we cannot brook the idea of being exceeded by those whose abilities are only equal, or perhaps inferior to our own. this is a weak argument when placed in competition with the affairs of the soul. Inferiority is no disgrace, provided religion be kept in the heart. We ought to labour for an immortal crown; and I wish it were my concern in a far greater degree. Can a man walk on hot coals, and not be burnt?' Can I be among those who are deeply engaged in study, and who profess to have the same views of religion myself, I say, can I be among them, thus circumstanced, and not be fired with a spirit of emulation? You see of what spirit I am.

as

"I have seen in the public papers, Mr. Graham's preferment. Well, how do you feel? It appears likely that Mr. Atkinson's son will succeed him. I have never heard him preach. He is inferior to Mr. Graham in intellect. But piety is what is chiefly wanted in a minister, and where we see that, we can bear with natural weaknesses. I am aware, worldly people despise

weak ministers, and especially when piety is combined with weakness. But this is a topic upon which we have already dwelt; and, indeed, there are few subjects, whether moral or religious, on which we have not frequently conversed.

"Let me have an account of you all. Mr. Graham named to me a subscription for books. I confess to you, it appears to me to be a party subscription. When the new curate arrives, I know not how he will go on with you. Pray, do your sentiments respecting your present situation fluctuate? Have you made your choice in reference to the part you intend to act in life? I shall be glad to hear from you. Till then, I remain, sincerely yours,-S. SETTLE."

CHAPTER IV.

Renewed Dedication.-Rev. J. Benson.-Mr. W. E. Miller. -A noisy Prayer-Meeting.-Letters from Mr. Settle.-—Progress in Learning. The Rev. J. Atkinson. -- Evening Lectures. Liberality. Further intimations of Holy Orders.— Reading and Studies.-Portrait of a worldly-minded Farmer.—Innard conflicts.― Messrs. Myles, Pawson, Mather, Bradburn, Griffith, and Dr. Coke. - Out-door Preaching.-State of Sinners.Extended usefulness.-Early Sermons.-Extracts from them. -Preaches more generally and publicly.—Colton.-Service by lanthern light in the open air.-Mrs. Dean.-Openness to conviction.-Loud preaching.

ON the first day of January, 1797, he started in the Christian race, as though he had for the first time entered the course. Part of his language is,-"O Eternal King, I have this day dedicated myself to thy service; determined, through thy strength, to walk henceforth in thy ways with greater stability and conscientiousness-to resist every sin—to have no other lords to rule over me, but to take thee as my portion, my helper, my guide, and my God. Oh, deny not thy helping hand; receive me into thy favour and protection; and enable me to separate every idol from my heart, to sacrifice, not an hour, not a talent, not a

faculty to any object, but to live in perfect conformity to thy revealed will. Impart to me an increase of thy love,-strengthen me by thy Spirit in the inward man,