on the week, until Sunday; to me, indeed, a holy day, and one to which I looked forward with the most delightful anticipations. Upon this morning, I arose even earlier than usual; attending either at the tabernacle, or at the chapel, in Tottenham-court, at which places the communion was alternately given, every Sunday morning. Great numbers attended upon these occasions, who were not regular tabernacle worshippers; obtaining a ticket of admittance, they took their seats. It appeared to me, like a prelibation of heaven. The Elect of God, from every denomination, assembled round the table of the Lord; a word of consolation was always given, and an evangelical hymn most delightfully sung. These Sunday mornings were, indeed, golden opportunities; my doubts were generally removed, and I came home in raptures. It was in such a peacefully religious frame of mind as this, that I was passing from the tabernacle, on a fine summer's morning, deriving high satisfaction from the consideration, that I loved the brethren. I know, said I, internally, that I have passed from death unto life, because I love the brethren. It is true, I felt a very strong affection for those, with whom I had communed in the tabernacle; but passing over Moorfields, I saw a crowd of people, collected under the shade of a large tree. I inquired of a passenger, what occasioned the assembling of such a multitude; and I was informed, one of James Relly's preachers was disseminating his damnable doctrines to the infatuated people! My soul kindled with indignation; and, from the abundance of an heart, overflowing with religious zeal, I could not forbear exclaiming: Merciful God! How is it, that Thou wilt suffer this Demon thus to proceed? are not mankind naturally bad enough, but must these wretches be suffered to give publicity to tenets so pernicious, so destructive? thus, in the name of God, doing the work of the Devil. At this period, I should have considered myself highly favored, to have been made an instrument, in the hand of God, for taking the life of a man whom I had never heard, nor even seen; and, in destroying him, I should have nothing doubted, that I had rendered essential ser vice both to the Creator and the created. I did not then know how much I was leavened with the leaven of the Pharisees; and that, notwithstanding my assurance of having passed from death unto life, in consequence of loving the brethren, this boasted love extended to none, but those of my own persuasion. I always returned from the tabernacle, with my heart filled with religious zeal, The intermission of public worship was always appropriated to private devotion; in a word, all my devotional habits were restored, and my Sundays were an exact transcript of those, which I had passed in the family of my father. The Sundays, upon which 1 took my seat at the communion table, in the chapel, were more abundantly fatiguing. The chapel was some miles from my lodgings; but I never absented myself, either sunimer or winter, and I greatly exulted when I was the first, who appeared within its consecrated walls. The more I suffered in reaching this place,

the more I enjoyed when there ; and often, while passing the streets of London, in the midst of rain or snow, my heart has swelled with transport, in the thought, that I was going to heaven by means of these difficulties and trials; while the many, who were then sleeping, were suspended over the pit of destruction, into which they must one day fall, to rise again no more forever. And why, Oh! why, I used to repeat, am I snatched, as a brand from the burning; why am I, an offender against light, precept and example, made a blessed heir of heaven, while far the greater part of my species are consigned to endless misery? There were a number of young people, of both sexes, who, having assembled from a great distance, could not return home after service, in season for breakfast. One of the society kept a house near the chapel, where individuals thus circumstanced were accommodated. There we often collected, and our opportunities were delightful. Being remarkable for a huinble demeanor, I was, on this account, much noticed and caressed; and I rarely quitted the assembly without a heart overflowing with love and gratitude toward God and His dear children. I was not confined to any particular place of worship; I was accustomed to present myself, at the stated times, in various congregations; wherever I heard of a great man, I made a point of attending upon his labors. Among the many places of public worship, to which I resorted, there was a Baptist meeting, where I obtained great satisfaction. The minister was a warm, animated preacher, and the people uncommonly serious. To this house many of the tabernacle adherents resorted; for, at this time, there was no service at that place, except in the morning and evening In a vestry, attached to the Baptist meeting, many of the congregation met, before the commencement of divine service, and some of them alternately sang and prayed. By those persons, I was received with great kindness; this affected me exceedingly; and perceiving that it did, they loved me yet more for the value I evidently set upon their affection, till, at length, I became an object of general attention. United plans were laid to draw me out, and I had pressing invitations to their religious societies, and afterwards to their houses. The minister distinguished me; solicited me to visit him; and delighted to speak peace to me, both publicly, and privately. I was entreated to pray in the society, which, as a timid, and unpatronized stranger, I had so recently entered! I complied, and every one seemed affected; I myself was greatly moved, deeply penetrated by reflection, upon what I had been, and what I then was, and my soul was transported by the consideration, that I was re-admitted into the society of the people of God. My presence was now anxiously expected in the congregation, and at the house of many individuals; I was marked by those, who attended at the tabernacle, and many other places of worship; and I was so much caressed, by serious people of sundry persuasions, that, when I have been asked, what denomination I was of, I have replied, an independent Baptist, Methodist, Churchman. I hardly knew which of those I liked best, or loved most;

and Mr. Whitefield, upon whom they all occasionally attended, strove, both by precpt and example, to convince us, that a difference, respecting non-essentials, was utterly inconsistent with the Christian character.

Among the many, who extended to me the hand of amity, was a merchant, who never appeared so happy, as when conversing with me; he received me into his house, and employed me in his counting room; here I fancied my circumstances improved, but I was deceived. This gentleman was a mere superficial professor of religion, which, when I discovered, I determined to return to my former situation. I had paid all my debts; I was easy, and occasionally happy, and I allowed myself many little indulgences, which, while a debtor, I should have believed criminal.

ness.

The leaving my new patron gave me, however, same pain; he had a very high opinion of me, although I could not reciprocate his esteem. He was ambitious of obtaining a name in the Church, and, for this purpose, he contemplated the observance of morning and evening prayer in his family; but, not being an early riser, he was at a loss to know how to reconcile his devotions with his busiAt last he said: 'You, my friend, are accustomed to perform the honors of my table. If you prolong your grace at breakfast, it will answer for morning prayer! Greatly shocked, and completely disgusted, my determination to quit him was confirmed. I was still very communicative, and, consequently, the reason of my departure was generally known; so that my once warm friend was, as may be supposed, converted into a bitter enemy. I was, however, rather commended than censured, while the conduct of the man of business excited general contempt. This gratified me! alas, the piety of this world is based on pride! I now became, as far as I was known, an object of attention in every place, where vital religion, as it was phrased, obtained its votaries. Mr. Romaine, Mr. Jones, and many other clergyman, distinguished me. Hints were thrown out respecting my once more coming forward as a public teacher; but against this I was determined. tonished, that I had ever dared to venture upon so responsible an assumption! As the eternal well-being of the many was supposed to rest with the preacher, an error in judgment would consequently be fatal to his hearers; and, as I had now learned that I was not perfect in knowledge, I could not be assured I should not lead the people astray; in which tremendous event they would, to all eternity, be imprecating curses on my head. Considerations of such magnitude were sufficient to seal my lips; but I was characterized as a pattern of piety, and my experiences were greedily sought by individuals of various denominations. There was a society, belonging to a Baptist meeting, near Good Man's Fields, which met statedly at each other's houses once every week; this was the society, in which I was most admired, and to which, of course, I was the most attached. In this society there were individuals, who, like myself, were tabernacle worshippers, but who

was as

attended this meeting, when there was no service there. I had surrendered up my whole soul to those religious exercises, which the several societies to which I had attached myself, demanded. My plan was to devote myself wholly to my God, to the advancement of my spiritual interest, to considerations pertaining to the kingdom of heaven. Wedded life, a family, these made no part of my plan; I was persuaded, I should pass my life in celibacy; and, had monastic seclusion consisted with Protestantism, I should gladly have embraced its retirement, with its duties. In the society, collected near Good Man's Fields, there was a young gentleman remarkable for the sanctity of his manners; we were strongly and mutually attached to each other. Many, very many happy hours did we pass together. During the winter, we were constantly at the tabernacle before day. We narrated to each other our experiences; we prayed, we wept, we joyed, and sorrowed together; and, with unfeigned affection, we loved one another. I questioned him respecting his connexions, when he informed me, that his parents had died in his infancy; that he had been brought up by his grandfather, who was a very profligate old gentleman, and abhorred the very name of Whitefield! But, he ad ied, that, through the mercy of God, he was not entirely alone. He had a sister with him in the family, reared also by his grandparent, who was a good and gracious girl; that their nights were frequently devoted to prayer; but that they dared not let their grandfather know they had ever been seen at the tabernacle, or in any of those societies, from which they derived their chief happiness. Indeed, he observed, his sister seldom ventured out; but he had made such representations of me, that she had desired him to let her know, when I should again meet the Baptist society, and she would make a point of being there; and, I request you, said he, my dear sir, to be at the society next Sunday evening, and she will most unquestionably be there. I cannot say, I had any curiosity respecting this young lady; but Sunday night came, I was expected, and the great room was filled previous to my arrival. I entered, every one rose at my entrance, and 1 felt dignifiedly pious, seriously happy. My young friend approached, and told me, in a whisper, his sister would have been greatly disappointed, had any thing detained me that evening. On my entrance I had glanced at a young lady, extremely beautiful, who appeared attired by the hand of elegance; it was with difficulty I could take my eyes from her! I was confounded, I changed my seat, that I might not behold her, and, when thus addressed by Mr. Neale, I responded by asking where his sister was seated, when he pointed to the fascinating figure, who had so imposingly attracted my attention. "That young lady, sir, is Miss Neale-my sister; she has long wished for an opportunity of seeing you; I am happy that she is now gratified.' An introduction was in course; I had much to say through the evening, and my friend declared I had never spoken better, I addressed the throne of grace; my own heart was softened, and the hearts of

my audience were softened also. I returned home, but the beauteous image of the sister of my friend accompanied me! I could not for a moment exclude the lovely intruder from my imagination. I was alarmed; I wept, I prayed, but every effort was fruitless; the more I strove to forget her, the more she was remembered. I was impatient to behold her again, yet I most devoutly wished we had never met. I was convinced my peace, my happiness were forever fled! This was truly astonishing; I had recently been so positive, that the combined sex did not possess the power to engage my attention for a single moment. Some time elapsed during which the captivating engrosser of my heart never relinquished, no, not for a single instant, that entire possession, which she had taken of my imagination; when, after an evening lecture, while the congregation were quitting the meeting-house, a lady, who kept a boarding-school for young ladies, requested I would pass the next evening at her house, as her young people were to collect their friends, and she wished some one to introduce religious conversation. I had no inclination to accept this invitation, and I accordingly made my excuses; but the good lady continued to press me, and added, I expect Miss Neale will be of the party. Of this imposing article of intelligence, I experienced the full force; but I endeavored to disguise my emotions; and, the request being once more repeated, I consented, and returned home, notwithstanding all my resolutions, transported with the prospect of once more beholding the dear object of my admiration. That I was now become a real lover, there could be no doubt. I was early at the place appointed, and my enraptured heart danced with joy, when I once more beheld the triumphant fair one; I was happy to observe, that she regarded me with marked attention, but her predilection was rather for the Christian, than the man. I was, however, beyond expression elated, and my conversation partook of the elevation of my soul. The evening was nothing; it was gone, ere I was sensible it had well commenced. Eliza, for that was her fascinating name, arose to take leave; I was greatly chagrined; I had calculated upon attending her home: but a confidential friend had been sent to take charge of her. I ventured, however, to express a hope, that I should see her at Mrs. Allen's, a friend, warmly attached to us both, on the following Wednesday evening. She modestly replied, she would endeavor to be there; and in the interim, I sought to learn if she were disengaged, but I could obtain no satisfactory information. The appointed evening was passed most delightfully, at Mrs. Allen's; I had the felicity of attending the young lady home, and the temerity to ask such questions, as extorted an acknowledgment, that she was not engaged. With trembling eagerness, I then ventured to propose inyself as a candidate for her favor. Alas! sir,' she replied, 'you have formed too high an opinion of my character; I trust you will meet a person much more deserving of you, than I can pretend to be.' I re-urged my suit, with all the fervor, which youth, and an irrepressible