am I in the midst of them. We never make any doubt but our friends (especially if they be the distinguished servants of Jesus) will fulfil their promises; yet we question (fie upon us, fie upon us for our unbelief) whether the divine Master himself will accomplish his word!

I am, dear sir, with much esteem, and with much concern for your present and eternal welfare, yours very sincerely, &c.

LETTER LXV.

Weston-Favell, May 27. 1750. DEAR SISTER, THE country is now in its perfection. Every bush a nosegay, all the ground a piece of embroidery; on each tree the voice of melody, in every grove a concert of warbling music. The air is enriched with native perfumes, and the whole creation seems to smile. Such a pleasing improving change has taken place; because, as the Psalmist expresses it, God has sent forth his Spirit, and renewed the face of the earth. Such a refining change takes place in mankind, when God is pleased to send his Holy Spirit into the heart. Let us therefore humbly and earnestly seek the influences of this divine Spirit. All our sufficiency is from this divine Spirit dwelling in our hearts, and working in us both to will and to do. Without his aids, we are nothing, we have nothing, we can do nothing. Would we believe in Christ to the saving of our souls? we must receive power from on high, and be enabled by this divine Spirit; for no man can say, that Jesus is the Lord, or exercise true faith on his merits, but by the Holy Ghost? Would we be made like unto Christ? It can be done only by this divine Spirit. We are transformed into the same image, says the apostle, not by any ability of our own, but by the Spirit of the Lord. Would we be set on the right hand of our Judge at the last day? This is the mark that will distinguish us from

the reprobates, and number us with his faithful people. For unless a man, unless a woman, have the Spirit of Christ, they are none of his. But, since we infinitely need this enlightening and sanctifying Spirit, is the God of heaven equally willing to give it ? He is; indeed he is. To obtain this gift for us sinners, his own Son bled to death on the cross. That we may be made partakers of this gift, he intercedeth at the right hand of his Father; and he has passed his word, he has given us a solemn promise, that if we ask, we shall receive it. See, remember, and often plead in prayer, Luke xi. 13. From your affectionate brother, &c.

LETTER LXVI.

June 28. 1750.

MY DEAR FRIEND, IF you chide, I must accuse. Pray where was your warrant, where your commission to impress me into this journey? However, as becomes a good Christian, I forgive you and your accomplice

At St Alban's I was weary and dispirited; was loth, could not prevail on myself to desire Dr Cotton's company at the inn, and was scarce able to crawl to his house. Believe me, I sincerely honour, and cordially love, the worthy doctor. Though I am naturally shy, I should want no solicitations to wait on so very ingenious and improving a friend; a pleasure I promise myself, if Providence brings me back alive. We got to London about three o'clock on Saturday. I took up my lodgings, not at my brother's after the flesh, but with the brother of my heart. On Sunday he preached with his usual fervour, and administered the sacrament to a great number of very serious communicants. He delights in the work of the ministry, and embraces every opportunity of preaching the everlasting gospel. He is indeed in labours more abundant. Dear sir, what a pattern of zeal, and ministerial fidelity,

is our excellent friend! and God rewards him with joy unspeakable. God also fulfils to him, in a remarkable manner, his gracious promise, "They that honour me, I will honour." This day he was most respectfully entertained at the houses of two noblemen. What a most exalted satisfaction must he enjoy in attending these great personages, not to cringe for favours, but to lay upon them an everlasting obligation; not to ask their interests at court, but to be the minister of their reconciliation to the King of kings! Thus far was wrote on Sunday night, but was hindered from finishing soon enough for the post.-Monday morning: Yesterday our inde fatigable friend renewed his labour of love, and with such assiduity, that I had not spirits to attend what he had strength to execute. He preached to a crowded audience, and yet multitudes went away for want of room. In the midst of this audience was a clergyman in his canonical dress, a stranger; his name I could not learn; he behaved with exemplary seriousness, and expressed much satisfaction. One day last week I was most agreeably surprised. Drinking tea at a friend's house, a person knocked at the door; the servant brought word that it was a stranger, who desired to speak with Mr Hervey. And who do you think it was? One whom I tenderly love, but never expected to see again. It was the accomplished and amiable Mr We took sweet

counsel together at Gaius, mine host's, and wished one another a happy meeting in the world of glory. My fellow-traveller saw your letter, and bid me tell you, that if you are chained to the oar, the chains are of your own making. Dear sir, preach the glorious gospel. Be an ambassador of the most high God. Devote yourself to this most important, most noble service, and your divine Master, I hope, will furnish you with employ, and open a door for your usefulness. The fruit of such labours will abide, and our friend is a proof in what peace, in what joy, they are sown. My animal nature is so very, very

feeble, that I find no benefit from the change of air, nor from the enjoyment of the most pleasing society. Ever yours, &c.

LETTER LXVII.

London, Sept. 4. 1750.
is much en-

DEAR SIR,-OUR dear friend gaged in making interest to succeed the minister of -, who, though not stone dead, is ill enough to alarm the hopes of neighbouring preachers. O that we may every one contend who shall bring most glory to the crucified King of heaven, and love most ardently his all-gracious and infinitely amiable Majesty! A strife this, which will not foment, but destroy malignant passions; in which strife angels will be our competitors, honour and joy the everlasting prize.

I wish our dear friend H▬▬ the rich anointings of God's Spirit in composing, and the powerful presence of God's Spirit in delivering his infirmary sermon. My most cordial love is ever his, and ever yours.

Thank you I do sincerely, for your prayers to God in my behalf; and oh how shall I thank sufficiently him who procured access for us through his blood! We often remember you, and wish and pray that you may be a burning and a shining light in your generation. Dear friend, adieu.

LETTER LXVIII.

Sept. 11. 1750.

MY DEAR FRIEND,—I RECEIVED your last favour. It was without date, but very welcome. We have lost our zealous friend for several days. He has been displaying the banner of the gospel at, and gathering together the dispersed of Israel. We admire the hero that wins battles, takes towns, and leaves trophies of his victories in every place. But

where will all such toils, and the very remembrance of them be, when the monuments of his labours endure for ever in heaven?

Thanks for your subscription: I have procured more of another friend. I shall soon be a poor man, here are so many necessitous objects. And who can bear to be in affluence, while so many fellow-creatures are in deplorable want? Especially if we remember him, who, though he was rich, for our sake became poor; and had not where (O marvellous, marvellous abasement!) had not where to lay his head.

This night dear Mr is with us; returned from his expedition, full of life, and rich with spoils; spoils won from the kingdom of darkness, and consecrated to the Captain of our salvation. I have been prevailed on to sit for my picture. If ever portrait was the shadow of a shadow, mine is such.

O that

I may be renewed after the amiable image of the blessed Jesus! and when I awake up after his likeness, I shall be satisfied with it: This wish is breathed in a language to me unusual. I generally comprehend my dear friend in such petitions, and make his eternal interests inseparable from my own. On Sunday I heard the admired Mr His text was Rom. v. 1.; his doctrine evangelical. The faith which purifies the heart, and works by love; the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ, comprehending both his active and passive obedience; the operation of the blessed Spirit in producing this sound and lively faith, were the substance of his discourse. I commit you, my dear friend, to the tender mercies of our God, and the powerful word of his grace; remaining inviolably yours, &c.

LETTER LXIX.

London, Oct. 23. 1750.

MY DEAR FRIEND,-As your stay in town was so short, we could not expect to see you. On