fruits of righteousness. In them he experienced the support derivable from the promises of God, the prevalence of prayer, and the need of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit. But at present he had made greater progress in knowledge than in grace. Occasionally, when severely tried, his spirit would manifest something of its native violence, but still there was now this difference between his present and former state he could not sin without deeply wounding his conscience, inducing fear and dread upon his mind, and bringing his offence to the cross with much sorrow and humility. He would also complain much of the hardness of his heart, and of his inability to love God in the manner mentioned in the Bible. But his friend remembers this year many seasons when his mind was much subdued and softened under a sense of the Divine goodness and love, and when he struggled, not in vain, to be resigned to the will of God in deep distress.

It may be desirable to mention one of these periods, when religion seemed to evince its power in bringing peace to his mind. One morning, when his friend called, he found he had been suffering considerable distress, both of

body and mind, during the preceding night; but that then his spirit was calm, resigned, and enjoying sweet communion with God; he appeared melted under a sense of the Divine mercy and forbearance towards him. When interrogated respecting his sufferings, he said, "It is all right: it is all well! Let Him do with me as seemeth Him good; I am willing, if it be His purpose, to bear as much again." At that moment he appeared to be

"Passive in his Maker's hands,

To know no will but his."

The year following saw the work of grace more powerfully displayed in him, which, though gradual, was not on that account the less satisfactory. One evening in the month of February, in the course of conversation, Mr. S. happened to make some remarks on the nature of satanic influence, when he discovered that the views of his afflicted friend on this subject were very erroneous.

He read several passages of Scripture to show to him the character of Satan as there described, and the nature and extent of his power over the human race. Much

E

conversation on the subject ensued, and ere they separated, his friend commended him to God in prayer. From this time to the month of Juné, being absent from Ilfracombe, he had no opportunity of witnessing the state of his mind, but he learned with pain that he had suffered more severely in his body, and that he had been brought nigh to the gates of death, and fully expected he should soon die.

Upon his return, the writer of this memoir noticed that his friend's views concerning satanic agency were changed, which induced him to inquire what had led to the alteration; he replied thus "I was convinced of it from the following circumstance: when I was so ill the other day, expecting to breathe my last every moment, I wished and prayed earnestly that my mind might be solemnised and prepared for so awful an event. I was able in some degree, to trust in Christ as my Saviour, but I was harassed by the most blasphemous and horrible thoughts forcing themselves continually into my mind,thoughts that I never entertained before, and that I would have given all I had to have banished. The distress and alarm they occa

Of these

sioned me were almost inconceivable. Satan must have been the author and promoter, for I never before had, nor then could have imagined them; but used my utmost endeavours to expel them. They came, therefore, from the prince of darkness, who was permitted to trouble me; and since that dreadful trial, I cannot doubt for a moment who and what he is."

It was thus that he was taught experimentally the truths he had to learn; and it was thus that he learned to value more highly the Scriptures, and to prize the treasures of wisdom and knowledge which they contain. But we are by no means to suppose there was any thing visionary or enthusiastic in his views and feelings: this was so far from being the case, that his natural character had a contrary bias. It was necessary that whatever he believed, should possess strong claims to his credence; and whatsoever he felt arose from the conviction of facts, and not from the fancies of an over-ardent imagination.

CHAPTER VI.

SKETCHES OF HIS RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE.

A MUCH esteemed and able writer of the present day observes, that "while we acknowledge there is such a thing as enthusiasm, the admission shall not drive us to take up with a religion that consists in nothing but speculative opinions, and lifeless ceremonies, and formal duties. Religion is indeed a practical thing, but it is also experimental. It does include truths, but in a christian they become principles; they descend from the head to the heart, and there grace reigns through righteousness unto everlasting life by Jesus Christ our Lord. The christian does not destroy, but sanctifies and employs the passions of human nature, and calls into exercise his love, his fears, his sorrows, and his joys; and thus religion becomes a living principle, actuating the whole man.”