dence, who has so miraculously opened the way to my present undertaking, will continue his favour, that it may tend to my own satisfaction and the benefit of my fellow-mortals. When I take a retrospective view, I see every reasou to trust for a continuation of divine favour. And yet strongly as this chain of events proves the immediate care of an all-wise invisible being, I am sensible that it by no means supersedes the necessity of my own exertions.

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When duty and inclination point different ways; when the corrupt inclinations of the heart are perpetually tending to that which is known to be prohibited, and to walk in the way which ultimately leads to destruction; what guide shall we follow? what pilot shall steer us clear ofthe rocks on which thousands have already split? How unavailing is the knowledge of science of those deep skilled in algebraic lore.' They cannot get clear from the entangling net of corruption, nor conquer with their utmost efforts the prevalency of one besetting sin. No man ever could wrestle with that fell monster sin, or overcome by his natural strength his secret propensities to evil.

Education and the refinements which necessarily exist in a state of civilization may do much, but their effect is confined to the exterior deportment. The branches are lopped, but the poisonous principle remains in the root. Our virtues rarely bear any proportion to the extent of our knowledge. A man may be conversant with every branch of moral ethics; he may be orthodox in his creed to the smallest point; whilst in practice he may be an atheist, and as far from observing the code of christian morals as the most unlettered and illiterate savage. The poison

is of too fatal and corroding a nature to be acted. upon successfully by the mere will of the inheritor. It remains for grace to accomplish the mighty work; this is the never failing corrective of evil; its power is omnipotent, and no case can be so desperate but its sovereign virtue will heal. It is a proof-armour against every temptation, it is a preservative in every time of danger; in short, Divine Grace is that bright emanation from the Deity, which leads back to Himself. But the way lies through a thorny path, filled with many enemies and besetments, through a series of trials and provings: and here is its sovereign power made manifest, in overcoming these obstacles, and enabling the humble soul to go on conquering and to conquer. Those souls that are willing to be clothed with its heavenly influence shall be helped from grace to grace, and from strength to strength; armed by its vivifying power, they shall burst asunder the chains with which the giddy multitude is led captive; whilst inhabitants of earth, they will centre their desires in Heaven, considering themselves as probationers for that state of unmixed bliss, which shall commence when time shall be no more. Here then is that divine remedy for every spiritual disease, which God in mercy has provided, through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the balm of Gilead which is given for the restoration of Adam's lost race; and it is given freely, without any other condition than that we make it the rule of our obedience, and the guide of our actions. Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.' When we consider that this is the language of the

6

Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, to sinful worms of the earth; how astonishing, how incomprehensible does it appear! The condescension is such, that we should be led to doubt its reality, if we were not told that his mercy is as infinite as his other attributes, and that we were created expressly for the purpose of enjoying his favour, and of becoming recipients of his love. Ah! my dear friend, let us but get right views of our deplorable state by nature, and of the gratitude we owe to Him, who by his own blood has cancelled the mighty debt; who, after having purchased our reprieve from eternal death, condescends to visit our hearts, and wooes our ac ceptance of it. Could we look into the adorable mystery of human redemption, and take a view of those inestimable privileges which we enjoy, our language would be changed from despondency to exultation; we should exclaim with the prophet: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; behold thy King cometh unto thee!'

"But what language is copious enough to express the aspirations and feelings of a truly thankful heart? Those only know the inefficiency of human words, who yield themselves to the influence of that mollifying power, which can soften and reduce even hearts of stone. I believe thou art no stranger to this; thou hast tasted both of the terrors of the Lord for sin, and of the peaceable fruits of righteousness; and hast been enabled to live in a measure of obedience to the Heavenly Teacher: but I would humbly advise thee to keep in remembrance, that the way to holiness is progressive, and continually admits of increase; that though our experience may have been large in former days, there are still new

aequisitions in our power to make, or still new depths of humility which it is our interest to reach. I do feel desirous that thou shouldst be brought forward in the things which make for peace, and know this grace which I have before spoken of, to become the power of God unto salvation. "W. T."

"25th August, 1813.

"As far as prospects can be made the criterion to judge by, of future success, there is every reason to hope, that with the blessing of God, my small beginning will make an honourable termination. I am now launched upon the ocean of life, and have undertaken to pilot others through the rocks of error and youthful folly, at a season the most critical. How much a giving way to the presentations of evil may at some future period obscure my way, I dare not venture to predict; but I hope, at this time, I am sensible from what source my strength must come, and that the success of my present undertaking, depends upon rectitude of conduct, and the most persevering exertions.

"W.T."

"9th mo. 5th, 1813.

"The satisfaction arising from my engagement at Penketh school, exceeds every thing my. most sanguine wishes had entertained. The peace of mind, the calm confidence with which I have proceeded, and the bright prospect in life which it has opened before me, are all of a nature beyond what I can express. The satisfaction resulting from a conscientious discharge of

the duties of my station, is of such a nature, as to put it beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I have taken a right step in life, and one which Providence designed for me.

To T. T.

"W. T."

Penketh, September 20th, 1813. "Providence has placed me here by a series of events, compared with which I know no parallel; my bodily indisposition, my particular religious sentiments, every thing has concurred to assist in removing me from a state of abject poverty and obscurity, to a situation, which, if its duties be rightly discharged, will, with the blessing of Providence, procure me an honourable independence. My former manner of life was most unfavourable to mental improvement; the monotonous and unsentimental circle of duties, within the precincts of a manufactory, are calculated to damp the ardour of genius, and to chill the working of the social affections. My mind is by nature indolent; and had I continued immured in this mental sepulchre, I believe I should almost have become as destitute of ideas, as the machines that were under my care; but I am now, through a kind Providence, placed in a station which affords ample scope for the mind; which affords me incalculable benefit from the instruction I impart to others. Self-government, that universal requisite, is never more needful than where I now stand. "W. T."

To M. C.

"Penketh, 20th September, 1813. "Sometimes when ruminating on the causes of such various modes of thinking, I am led to