with them. I dread the thought, either of mistaking or thwarting his sacred intentions. Will you assist me here, and when you can easily, let me know your thoughts upon the important business. As yet I see no very great ends answered. I am enabled to bear a more public and decided testimony for Christian perfection by my lips and pen. O that I may do it by my life! I seem, as it were, set for the defence and promoting of this important branch of doctrine and experience, and find that the Lord owns me in it, at least so far as it respects my own soul. But I would fain look for far greater things as to others. The prospect was brighter some months ago for the latter; the former, through the tender mercy of my God, increases. I am blessed, frequently, with fresh discoveries of the love and power of a Triune Deity;-with powerful renewals of former manifestations: and, as I freely receive, I endeavour freely to give; if, peradventure, a simple recital might be made useful to others: more especially as it respects the work of sanctification; a doctrine, very little known here. A few in the society do enjoy it; several are pressing after it, and the preachers profess themselves of the number; and do insist upon, and endeavour to explain the doctrine in public and private. But as you justly observe, "The Lord himself must come down amongst us, before great things are accomplished." "O that a little one may become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation." From day to day I am made to taste of that perfect love that casts out fear; and often experience a plenitude of the Divine presence. But I most sensibly find, it is only by momentary faith in the blood of Jesus that I am kept from sin and that my soul is less or more vigorous as I live by faith. For ten months past, my fellowship has been in a peculiar manner with the Father: for some days past, I have been favoured with the most delightful communion with the Son. He hath shone with remarkable brightness upon my soul. Yesterday, a fear respecting a future trial, passed quickly through my mind : in that moment, the Sacred Three surrounded me, banished the tempter, and the temptation, and penetrated my inmost soul with a solemn, sweet sense of the presence of Deity. How condescending to dust and ashes is our God, for Jesus' sake. But I long to sink into all the depths of humble love. Let us help each other on by earnest prayer. O that we may more than ever be made willing and active recipients of every purchased blessing. My cares and troubles increased at Hope Chapel till of late the storm abated; but still matters go on poorly. Mr. J. refused the chapel, and I seem to see the Lord's call for another visit in the spring. May his will be done in that business. Mr. S. of Dublin, offers me his service as a stated pastor at H. C. and refers me to Mrs. Johnson, amongst others, for his character. Now, peace be with your spirit. May the sacred attraction increase, till you are lost and swallowed up in the beatific vision, prays your fellow-traveller, D. MAXWELL 1791. Death of the Rev. John Wesley-Lady M. again visits Bristol-fresh difficulties at Hope Chapel-change in the mode of conducting public worship-correspondence continued. An event occurred soon after the commencement of this year, highly important in the annals of Methodism. On the 2d of March, the Reverend John Wesley, after a life of almost unparalleled labours and usefulness, was called to his reward. It has been seen, that this honoured servant of Jesus Christ was rendered highly useful to Lady Maxwell, at the important period, when truth first began to dawn on her mind. By his conversation and letters, he pointed her, as he had done thousands, to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." He led her into fellowship with a people, among whom she enjoyed, what she ever deemed, her highest privileges: and by a correspondence, which had been maintained till within a short period of his death, he chad afforded her advice and assistance on many critical occasions. Though twenty-seven Voz. HAM G K years had elapsed since first they knew each other, time and circumstances had only tended to increase and confirm their religious union. In one of his last letters to her Ladyship, he thus expressed his high esteem:-"I really love to write to you, as I love to think of you. And sometimes it may please him, who sends by whom he will send, to give you some assistance by me. And your letters have frequently been an encouragement and a comfort to me. Let them never, my dear friend, be intermitted, during the few days I have to stay below."* When the tidings of Mr. Wesley's departure reached her Ladyship, "nature felt keenly" at the loss; yet she was enabled sweetly to bow to the sovereign will of God. Anxious that every proper respect should be paid to such distinguished worth, she had the following advertisement drawn up by her own, pen, inserted in the Edinburgh newspapers. "On Wednesday last, at his house, in London, died that great and good man, the Rev. John Wesley, at a very advanced period; after a life of the most unwearied diligence, and unexampled activity in the service of his God, and the general interests of mankind. His extensive labours were crowned with uncommon success in various parts of different and distant kingdoms. But, as might be expected, his very uncommon abilities, and extensive usefulness, laid him under that severe tax, which all must pay, who are so far raised * Wesley's Works, vol. xvi. p. 291. qn. above the common level of mankind. Now, that he is no longer the object of envy, it is hoped prejudice will give way to more candid and honourable sentiments, and thereby leave the public at liberty to do justice to one of the greatest characters that has appeared since the apostolic age." Two letters have been selected out of many, which will sufficiently shew what were her Ladyship's views and feelings on this solemn occasion. Soon after this affecting bereavement, Lady M. was again called to Bristol. The prosperity of the work of God, at Hope Chapel, was an object dear to her heart; but the prospect of doing good, was overshadowed by many an intervening cloud. An amiable young minister, who had for some time officiated there, and who has since, by his printed discourses, delighted and instructed many a pious group around the family altar, had accepted a call to another congregation. Many difficulties presented themselves in securing a suitable successor;-and prejudice against all Dissenters, and dissenting modes of worship, with a strong predilection for our venerable Establishment, generally prevailed at Clifton. Under these circumstances, her Ladyship's presence became necessary. She, therefore, left Edinburgh on the 26th of April; and visiting, as usual, her other chapels in her way, arrived at the Hot Wells on the 12th of the following month. She was at first greatly oppressed and discouraged, on witnessing the |