An

we are the servants of the living God. I know that Their defect then is not natural but moral: that is, Mr. H. writes to Mr. W. about me. I know I am, it is a defect in the will, which nothing but grace as Mr. W. says, young and inexperienced; but I can remedy. Now, then, I am well convinced with want divine grace, &c., to strengthen me for every Mr. C. that the defect is not natural, but moralduty, and prepare me for every duty. But, how-what think you? Perhaps you never thought ever, I don't think that Mr. T. knows any thing about much on the subject. I would advise you to read the time when I shall be admitted. Though I did a little tract of Moseley's on the subject. Now not mention it in my last, yet I do not think Mr.'s Mr. H. does not understand this distinction; but is a proper church for you to join as a student; supposes, by saying it is not natural, we mean when considered as a Christian, merely, it would that it is not common to all, or universal: now do very well, but as now you are to consider your- we know it is, and that in this sense it is not self as about entering the work of the ministry, it natural: but had Mr. C. used the word physical, alters the case. I never heard Mr. therefore or explained his meaning a little, perhaps he know nothing of him, or his church; but Mr. would not have been attacked by an B. I have heard more than once or twice; tinomian. and if I were to recommend any church that I I am very glad you sent the Youth's Magazines: know in London as proper for you to join, it should I like them very well. I am very sorry you were be his. I have often thought that I should like to not at prayer meeting in time: but I attach not the sit under him myself. Concerning your religious least blame to you, because of your hard work on experience doctrinal sentiments-and ministerial Saturday, and so late. I think there is generally motives-I should rather think that your own plan, something to embitter our comforts a little. I should however simple, would be much better than any I also have rather heard that you were very happy in can prescribe; but as you know most of my tenets the time of prayer, than that you were very uncompretty well, I do not know that I shall now write a fortable; but don't be cast down. Mr.W. encourages confession, but will here give you a few directions you; your friends do the same, and God appears to only, which, if you like you can adopt, but if not, be on your side; and you know, if he is for you, none discard them totally. In your religious experience, can prevail against you. Do, now, take encourageI would observe the order of time, state when you ment from the circumstance of the cheesemonger's first received serious impressions, how they were man, (now the Rev. J. G., of Devon,) and Mr. C. &c., fastened on your mind, what effect they had on and I am confident, that as God sends you into the your conduct, &c., in your own way. In your doc-work of the ministry, he will give you abilities suffitrinal sentiments, begin with the object of worship -God. State your views of the persons in the Godhead, quote Scripture to prove your ideas of the Trinity. Then about man, his creation, fall, ruin, recovery, and so on. Be particular in saying there is no salvation but in Christ. Speak your opinion of the influences of the Spirit, the efficacy of divine grace in the conversion of sinners. The dealings of God with his people. The doctrines of election, perseverance, &c. Then that you think, (if you do) that it is the duty of all men to believe the gospel (I believe it.) That God will soon judge it; and the gospel was originally preached to the world. That sinners will be sent to hell, and the poor. I am glad you was not embarrassed saints taken to heaven and glory, &c. &c. I have at all, and hope you will be the means of doing read Mr. H- 's piece against C., and I by ne much good. Get your subject well into your means approve of it. He evidently has written on mind for Mr. K.'s room; think of how you shall a subject for which he is by no means capable; for arrange it, &c., as Mr. W. told you. Tell me he does not at all understand the difference between in your next your plan, heads, &c., and whether natural and moral inability-on which my mind you use notes or no. If you think you cannot do has lately been much employed, and about which without short ones, use them; but do not slavishly Mr. H. and I have conversed. There have been attend to them. I think you had better work it well two pieces about it in some of the last numbers of into your mind first, and then deliver it extempore, the Evangelical Magazine. Now, natural or physi- or without notes. Don't be too delicate, or mind too cal inability is such as a man feels who, we'll sup- much the smells of rooms, and so on; but consider pose, is quite blind, when another tells him to open Him who endured all kinds of hardships, lest you his eyes. Now this is naturally impossible. Moral be weary and faint in your mind. I find I must inability is such as a man feels if he is told to come not expect to hear from you till after your exami to Harwich. He says, I am very busy, and indeed nation in July: well, let me have the more when I can't come: now we know he might come if he you do send. About the logical definition, I shall would. He has power to walk to the coach, &c., sav no more; only that I think you are very much misbut his can not is his will not Now, which of these taken when you imagine that I increase so much in two is the inability of sinners to come to Christ? knowledge, for I really do not think I do so much as Pause here a moment, and think. I once was al-I ought; indeed these blundering letters are evimost ready to suppose, it was like that of a blind dence of it, so pray don't flatter. I did write a little man to open his eyes; but if so, why does God in my last about my present experience, I believe, command him to see? Why does he feel remorse because I thought it was what you wanted. You that he has not done so, on his death-bed, or at say it is not quite possible to recollect all one has other times? He knows he might have done other-written in a former letter: I say, I know it is quite wise if he would. The swearer may forbear to take God's name in vain if he will: can he not? If not, why will not God hold him guiltless?

Referring to that summary of his views on these points, which, as a candidate for admission into Hoxton academy, his friend was about to present to the committee of that institution.

cient. Trust, then, in him-pray to him-be humble -be resigned-and I do hope you will experience divine consolations, heavenly support, and abilities sufficient. The preaching at the poor-house pleased me much; your text was very appropriate; and there is somethins in the nature of the gospel which is peculiarly adapted to the poor. Now there does not seen any congruity between a fine chapel, very elegant and grand, with carriages at the door for the hearers, and the doctrines of the meek This does not, I say, appear and lowly Jesus.

impossible. You say you should like to see the answers to the questions which I sent you: having room, I will transcribe some of them for you.

"Question. How do you prove the existence of a God, without referring to the Scriptures, or from the light of nature?'

"Answer.-(1st) All nations, heathens, Jews, Mahometans, and Christians, harmoniously consent

that there is a God, who created, preserves, and governs the world.'

(2d) There is a great impression of Deity on the mind of every man; that is, an indistinct idea of his being, and a readiness to acquiesce in the truth of his existence.'

'(3d) The works of creation demonstrate it; their alterations and dependence prove them not to have been from eternity-they could not form themselves-chance could not produce them-matter cannot change its own form, or produce life or reason; therefore there must be a God.'

(4th) It is agreed from the support and government of the world-the heavenly bodies-seasonsweather-vegetables-sagacity and instinct of animals-herbs, &c.'

(5th) From the punishments which have been inflicted on nations and persons for their excessive immoralities.'

'(6th) From the terror and dread which wound men's consciences when guilty of crimes which other men do not know, or are not able to punish or restrain, as in the case of Nero, Domitian, and others, and that, too, when they labored to persuade themselves and others that there was no God, &c.' See Brown, Doddridge's Lectures, Ridgley, Buck's Dictionary, &c.

"Question. How do you prove that the Scriptures have been faithfully conveyed to us?' "Answer. In translations those books retain manifest marks of their Eastern original.'

knows it, and so many others: he is pleased on the account of it. He will be in London, if spared and well, on Wednesday, the 24th instant, but do not think he will be there long enough to preach, for he is going much further, and will be away for a month, at which time we expect a supply from Hoxton: we shall have a student come down and stay all the time; which of them it will be I do not know. I have spoken to Mr. H. about Brown's View of Religion, and he says it is quite at your service: I shall enclose it, and hope you will read it attentively through-be sure you read the address to students, at the beginning; when you have done with it (he will not mind your keeping it a month or more) send it by coach. In it you will find a whole body of divinity in a very little compass. The part on the light and law of nature is very excellent. He was a most eminent man, and mighty in the Scriptures: may you and I be like him. I am glad to hear the good news you give me of your brother; I hope it will appear to be the work of grace upon his soul, and that he may really be converted. I like your plan of having a prayer meeting much-may you all experience the blessings you pray for.

'As to drawing landscapes and plans you know I never was any hand at it, nor do I think of doing any thing in it; if I do you shall have it. Perhaps I may give Samuel a note. You cannot receive this until Tuesday morning, although written on Saturday, because of the coach, so that I shall have time enough between now and then for thinking if there be any thing else to send. Wishing you every spiritual and temporal blessing, I remain your affectionate, though unworthy, friend,

XIII.

"THOMAS SPENCER."

"Notwithstanding all that Christ and his apostles inveighed against the wickedness of the Jews they never charged them with corrupting a single text in the Bible. The various sects among the Jews, viz. Pharisees, Sadducees, & have rendered it impossible that they could corrupt them, as well as the animosities which have ever see prevailed between the Jews and Christians, so the neither of them could vitiate these sacred oracles, without September 4, 1806. being shamefully detected. Had the Jews attempt- "MY DEAREST FRIEND "How wonderfully has ed to corrupt these sacred books, it would certainly Providence appeared for you and for me. This have been in those passages in which the fearful time twelvemonth beheld us both buried in a glove wickedness of their nation is described, and Jesus shop-buried, did I say-I recall the word, for we Christ magnified and honored; but in none of them then enjoyed what we do not now, mutual conversado we find the least mark of concealment or corruption, and each other's company. Let us hope that tion. That they should be corrupted among Chris- the time may come when we shall again enjoy that. tians, is equally incredible: such was the multitude I am very glad that you succeeded so well as you of copies, hearers, readers, and even sects, among them, that it is impossible they should ever have succeeded. Through the errors of transcribers, &c. the comparer of a multitude of copies cannot fail to find a number of translations.'-See Brown's View of Religion.

"Question. What proofs have you that man was at first created righteous and holy?'

all

"Answer.-(1st) Universal tradition; for nations have supposed mankind to have once been in a holy and happy state.'

'(2d) The nature of things; for it seems very improbable that so holy and so good a God should have formed mankind, in the original constitution of their nature, in so corrupt and sinful a state.'

"(3d) The natural resemblance men have to God in the spirituality, intelligence, and immortality of their souls. Gen. ix. 6. James iii. 9.'

66 6

(4th) The express declarations of Scripture: Eccl. vii. 29. Gen. i. 26, 27. Colos. iii. 10. Eph. iv. 24.'

"These will now serve you for further meditating on, as well as the subject of natural and moral inability; your opinion of which I shall expect in your next letter. If you can, I would advise you to get Moseley's piece, or read attentively the pieces in the Magazine; one of them is a letter from Dr. Watts. I told Mr. Hordle about your present prospects; I did not see any occasion to secret it, as Mr. W.

did in your sermon before the committee; take encouragement from that circumstance to trust God for all your future discourses. The Sabbath day, August 17, though I found that I could not conveniently omit any one of the services, yet I assure you I did not forget your request. I cannot say that I think it is right (especially in me) to omit public worship for private devotion. And if I had done it, my conduct would in all probability have been more inspected about it than I should wish. I have not seen the rules of Hoxton academy; I do not think Mr. H. has them; should like to see them much; hope you will send them next time. I am fully persuaded of the propriety, nay, duty, of your joining yourself to a church, which now I hope you have done; but for my own part, I must confess I have excuses for not doing it; and what church could I join now? Perhaps you say, Mr. Hordle's. I answer, there is no church I should so like to be a member of as his; but do you see a propriety in my being a member here, when I do not expect to be here any longer than Christmas? There could not in my view have been a more suitable pastor for you than Mr. B. I hope you will find his people as suitable as himself. I approve too of your attending the prayer meeting at his place of a morning, and hope you find that convenient. May you have precious opportunities in the chapel, at the Lord's table, and at the prayer meeting. You praise my

"I remain, your ever faithful friend,
"THOMAS SPENCER."

XIV.

verses too much. Indeed they were only the hasty | ways. I have compiled a lexicon myself, containproductions of a few moments, and I have no copying the roots of all the words in the language-that of them, for I only wrote them on a slate, and then is, I have quite abridged Parkhurst's very valuable copied them on the letter. However, I am glad you one (and what no Hebrew student should be withreceive them as a token of our regard and growing out) into a portable form for my own use. Now I affection for each other. I would advise you by hope your mind will be eased, and your anxiety reall means to be very friendly with the young men, moved, and with the warmest affection, those with whom you can consistently be so. mean the more pious, and those whom you feel most disposed to associate with. There are, no doubt, a variety of tempers, dispositions and ways in the academy, and it is there, I dare say, as in Harwich, Oct. 14, 1806. other places, some good and some bad. I do not won- "MY DEAREST FRIEND-As it is now considerder at your finding study to be wearisome and labori-ably more than a month since you wrote me a note ous. Solomon found it so. Eccl. xii. 12. Others find it so. I sometimes find it so, but I am persuaded it will not be always so with you: and you should recollect that it is so different from what you have lately been engaged in, that I should wonder if it did not appear strange to you. But I should like to know what you are studying that is so difficult; is it Latin, Greek, English, Hebrew, or what? Now I do long to be there for the sake of your company as much as you wish me there. O, how charming it would be for us to study together. How cheerfully would I give you every instruction in my power. How willingly would I forego my own studies for the sake of improving the mind of a dear friend! Such a time may come, and that's all I know of it; for, as to when it will be, I confess I know no more than you do. This only I know, that I shall leave Mr. Hordle at Christmas, and shall then see you, my father, mother, &c. who, I know, will be pleased to see me; but whether I shall come again to Mr. Hordle's or not, I believe nobody knows. I think that it is more likely that you should know before me, for Mr. Wilson and the committee have the management of it. I have one request to make to you which I hope you will grant, and that is that you write to my father at Hertford to tell him where you now are, &c. I know he will be very glad to hear of your welfare. Tell him that it was by my desire you write to him, &c. This request you must, must fulfil. I hope then my dear friend, you may be kept of God from following evil examples, (if such there be in a dissenting academy) and that it may appear that you are designed to fill some important station in the church of Jesus. Would it be amiss if we were both to learn Doddridge's 72d hymn, entitled, 'Isaiah's Obedience to the Heavenly vision.' I know you will like the hymn much. There is one thing I do not like in Hoxton academy, that is, their not learning Hebrew without the points, which are little dots or specks put under and about the letters. See on the commandments which are hung over the fire-place in the lecture room at the academy, if there are not such. Now, about these points there is a great dispute between the punctists and those who are not for their use. The punctists (Mr. S. is a strong one) contend that they are of great use. Some say they are of divine authority. The great Mr. Romaine, and the late learned Mr. Parkhurst, oppose this idea, and say that they are only little dots or specks added by ill-designing men to the letters. I feel inclined to believe them. Now, I dread almost the learning it with points, as it is extremely difficult; without them, it is simple and easy, Mr. Hthinks they are of use, but does not think them of equal authority to the letters; and scarcely ever reads with them. Now, he thought it best for me to learn it without points with him, and then at the academy I could learn with them, and so read both

Those who may be anxious to see the verses inserted in the Memoirs, are referred to page 196, for the reasons of their omission.

from Hoxton academy, and I answered it, I conclude that a letter from me will be what you now desire; and yet I am not quite certain whether you should not have written first; but by way of compensation for my too long silence before, I am willing to converse with you on paper. And as Mr. Hordle is gone to Ipswich to-day, to an association of ministers, and I have nothing particular to be engaged in besides, I embrace the opportunity. You are now, I suppose, a little inured to study, and begin to find the difficulties of a student's life not so many as you apprehended they were. I long to know in what studies you are engaged, and how you like them. I have just begun the Greek language; so of course do not know much about it, my time having been of late principally employed in the Hebrew, of which I am very fond, especially as I now read it 'unsophisticated by Rabbinical points.' I please myself with the idea of seeing and conversing with you in the course of about ten weeks; but at that time there will be something else which I shall not so much admire. Do you ask me what it is? It is, my dear friend, nothing less than appearing be fore the committee of Hoxton academy. The thought of it makes me almost tremble. Yesterday morning Mr. Hordle told me that I must prepare the account of my experience, sentiments and motives for wishing the ministry, by November, to be then laid before the gentlemen of the committee. This you know must be done; and when I go to London about Christmas, I must go through all that painful task, which, as it respects you, is all over. He told me, too, that he supposed there would be some demur about admitting ine merely on the account of my youth; but he does not know that it will be so as to hinder my admittance. Mr. Wilson has, it appears, written to Mr. H. about it; so, if the affair succeeds well, I shall be in the academy after Christmas with you. That one circumstance, your company and friendship, will make amends for all my trouble of mind on the occasion. You may be sure I shall communicate every circumstance to you, and keep nothing back, that so by one occurrence and another, our mutual attachment and sincere friendship may be increased and strengthened. What a long separation we have experienced: may we be brought together again to strengthen each other's hands, and be both engaged in the best employment. You must inform me in your next, how long you think it will be before you begin to preach, and tell me all your places of preaching, texts, plans, &c. I hope you have written to my father, as I requested you would. I believe they are going on as usual at Hertford. Mr. M. continues among them. May great grace rest upon them all. I do not doubt that I shall feel some degree of uneasiness when the time comes for my separation from my friends here at Harwich. I mean such as Mr. Hordle, &c. &c. But my satisfaction will be, that I shall see you who are still, and I hope ever will be, my dearest friend. We live in a world of changes. Life is indeed a chequered scene. And here we have no continuing

I

city. May we seek one to come. May it be our | God. There is a great danger of forgetting the happiness to enjoy the favor of Him who never concerns of our own souls, whilst we are constantly changes, but is the same yesterday, to-day, and for employed in studying divine things. I know a little ever. When I consider my exceeding sinfulness of this from experience, and perhaps you do. and depravity, besides my inability, I feel almost hope you continue to pray for me; that I may be disposed to wish my views had never been directed kept from sin and evil, for you know the effectual towards the ministry, but it does appear a call of fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much!' Providence. How could I do any thing else than Does your brother David make progress in the dicome here. And now, perhaps, a door may be vine life? You must, in your next letter, give me opened even for my being a student at Hoxton; but some account of the change which I hope is wrought I shall go there under several disadvantages; for, in him, for I feel an affectionate regard for all who being so young, I may expect a good deal of con- belong to you. I ought to write to Mr. E. tempt from some self-sufficient and arrogant stu- Is he well? When you see him, remember me to dents, (if such there are) and you know they stay him, and also to your cousin F- Tell him to no longer than four years, and after that I shall be write to me, if it will suit him. You may, likebut twenty years old, and what can I then say to old wise, if you please, tell him how my affairs stand, experienced Christians. I do indeed feel a deal of as I have stated to you. It will be needless for me discouragement. 'O may the Lord encourage me,' to give you any advice respecting the composition &c. But I shall come under some advantages; for, of your sermons, or the prosecution of your studies, as I am not altogether ignorant of many things taught as you, without doubt, have access to so many books at Hoxton academy, I shall find my studies easier on the subject. I hope you will read 'Waits' Imthan if I had to begin learning them, &c. I wish provement of the Mind." I think it must he charmwe could be in one class. Another disadvantage ing to attend Walker's lectures on philosophy. Do which Mr. Hordle has told me of is this-The stu- you attend them? I should like it very much. Mr. dents generally spend their money which they are H. told me, that he did give lectures at the acadepaid for preaching, in books,* &c. Now, I shall be my: of course you are there when he does. You too young to preach for at least these four years, know now when to expect me in London, a little consequently I can have no books, &c. till that time. before Christmas, cannot say the exact day; so that This appears a very great disadvantage. However, now, if you like, you may count the time. Do not I would wish to leave all in the hands of God. He be long before you let me hear from you; and when knows what is best for me. And if I am one of you write, write a good deal. I remain, with the those who love God, and are the called according tenderest affection, your sincere and faithful friend, to his purpose, he will make all things work to"THOMAS SPENCER." gether for my good. I want that calm disposition which is careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication, makes known its requests unto God. I often reflect on the dealings of Providence with us when I first came to Mr. T.'s. You, I suppose, had not the least prospect of being a student at Hoxton. And I could not see how my coming there to learn that business, could at all further my preparation for that sacred work. We there became friends. I was there just long enough to secure a worthy and affectionate friend, and to have the notice of Mr. Wilson. Now you, too, have left Mr. T. and are in the academy. I went, you know, home, not knowing what the event would be. Providence has sent me here; and O, what am I, or my father's house, that he has brought me hitherto.' We are now blind to futurity. We know not where we shall be placed in future life, whether far from, or near to each other. I hope you are happy in your own soul, and that you live near to

It may perhaps be considered as departing from the design of this volume, or descending too much to minute particulars-yet I cannot satisfy myself without directing the eyes of those gentlemen who may have the care of providing supplies for the pulpit in destitute churches, or in cases of the pastor's absence, to this important circumstance. But few of the students in our academies are overburthened with money -yet money is absolutely necessary for the purchase of books, without which their studies must be considerably retarded. Deacons, and others whom it may concern, should bear this in mind, in the compliments which they may make them for their occasional ser vices and remember, that there is no case in which they can with greater delicacy or propriety, display a generous regard to their wants in this respect, than when thus remunerating them for their acceptable labors. It is needless to express a disapprobation, which every candid mind must feel, of a conduct directly the reverse of this, which is perhaps too often practised when the consideration is diminished for the very reason on account of which it ought to be increased-it is but a student.

Such, at this early age, were the letters of this amiable youth. For the introduction of so large a number it is unnecessary to apologize, since that heart is surely in an unenviable state which can derive no pleasure or profit from their perusal. Their simplicity is not their smallest ornament; whilst for the many useful hints which they suggest, as well as for the fervent and exalted piety which breathes throughout the whole, they may be consulted with considerable advantage by youthful candidates for the sacred office. Let such as early feel the desires he felt, and pant with an equal ardor for the work of God, imitate his modest diffidence-his devotional temper-his jealousy of the motives which influenced his choice-his intimate communion with his own heart-his love of retirement-his habitual reference of his affairs to the will of God-his addictedness to self-examination and to prayer-and above all, that deep and solemn consciousness of the important work in which he desired, with fear and trembling, to be engaged!

In resuming the thread of the narrative, which the introduction of these extracts from his correspondence has suspended, it cannot but be gratifying to the reader, to be presented with that deep impres sion of Mr. Spencer's call and qualifications for the Christian ministry which his familiar intercourse with him had produced on Mr. Hordle's mind.

In a recent letter to a friend, that gentleman ob

serves:

"I have had but one opinion concerning our late young friend, which is that he was born a preacher, and as much called to it, as Jeremiah to the prophetic, or Paul to the apostolic office. All the powers of his soul were evidently formed for it. While he was under my roof, preachers and preaching were the constant topics of his discourse; and those studies which had an immediate reference to them were his delight. His remarkable gift in prayer, though then just turned of fifteen, astonished and pleased all that heard him. He usually took his turn in leading the devotions of our little family; and in his attendance on my ministry, I have some

times seen the feelings of his heart in the tears that | it not unfrequently travels further than the person gushed from his eyes."

In perfect accordance with these sentiments are those expressed by the same gentleman, in a letter to a friend at Liverpool, dated Harwich, 13th Dec. 1811:

"Of his genuine piety, his fine imagination, his early attachment to theological pursuits, his love of study in general, his amiable disposition, and the powerful bias of his mind to the work of the Christian ministry, I have repeatedly declared my firm conviction; and had Divine Providence spared his valuable life, I have no doubt, as his judgment ripened, his character, excellent as it was, would still have improved."

with whom it is connected, and the character is familiar where the countenance is unknown. Who that has a respect, then, for himself, but must be anxious that the impression, upon which so much depends, should be a happy one; and that the correcter habits of maturer age should not be counteracted in their favorable operation by the injurious fame, or unpleasant recollections of his early years. But we must follow the amiable object of our contemplation to a new scene.

The following are copious extracts from the papers which he submitted to the inspection of the committee at Hoxton, on his formal application for admission into that institution; they were accomWhilst such were the impressions, so truly honor-panied by a note to T. Wilson, Esq. able to his character, left upon his tutor's heart, by the sweetness of his temper, and the vigor of his mind-it is pleasing also to observe the grateful and lively remembrance which the pupil cherishes of the kindness of his early friend.

In a letter, addressed to the Rev. Mr. Hordle, from Hertford, he observes:

"The day of my examination is now fixed for the 7th of January. To that day, dear Sir, I look forward with trembling: may God grant me all that strength and boldness I shall then need. It is impossible for me to describe my feelings the night I left you. I tried to suppress any outward expressions of them as well as I could. But O! 'tis trying to part with friends who are become very dear to us; but is it not, also, comforting to look forward to a never ending eternity, when those who are cemented into one glorious body by the bonds of divine love shall never part?" Afterwards he adds:"For my part, I desire to be entirely his, (God's) but still I find a heart of unbelief, ever prone to depart from the living God. I hope I feel my own unfitness for the important undertaking, for which it appears God designs me. May he keep me holy and humble, and fit me for all he has in reserve for me in the womb of Providence, whether prosperous or adverse."

Harwich, Nov. 10, 1806. "HONORED SIR-With diffidence I present the following account of my short experience, doctrinal sentiments, and motives for wishing to engage in the solemn and important work of the ministry, to your judgment and that of the committee. I am, with the sincerest gratitude for your favors, your humble servant,

"THOMAS SPENCER." Harwich, Nov. 10, 1806.

"It was my happiness to be born of parents, who maintained a regard for real piety and the fear of God; by them I was, from my infancy, taught to read the Scriptures, together with other books of a serious nature. I think I may safely say, that from my childhood I felt some more than common impressions on my mind, with respect to the existence and perfections of God, the evil and awful consequences of sin, and the advantages of being religious; but alas! these impressions, though so frequently felt, had not that abiding influence which they have had on the minds of others, but were like the morning cloud and the early dew which passeth away.' As I grew rather older, I began to perceive some excellencies in religion, and to envy the happiness, which I believed serious people enjoyed. I knew something of the form of religion and the

In a subsequent letter, dated Hoxton, 25th March, 1807, he says "I am told S- of Kingston, is going to Harwich: hope you will find him a bless-doctrines of it, from having been taught catechisms, ing to your family, and when he shall leave you, may he review with as much pleasure the year 1807, as I do the year 1806.-I trust I shall be constantly enabled to obey the kind advice which you gave me, and to lay every human attainment at the foot of the cross of Jesus; to dedicate all I have to him, of whom I would always esteem it my highest honor to learn; to give up every thing that I may be called to sacrifice for the promoting of his glory, and constantly to seek not my own things, but the things which are Jesus Christ's."

and lessons calculated to give youthful minds some ideas of the worship and conduct which God requires. Yet notwithstanding this, I gave too much (far too much) attention to the reading of novels and romances, the unhappy effect of which I lament to the present day. Many of these books I procured of lads, without the knowledge of my father. I felt a degree of pleasure in hearing lively, animated sermons; but I have reason to believe that this sprung from a desire to please my friends, and give myself an opportunity of imitating the preacher's In another, towards the close of the year 1807, he voice and gesture. I also composed little pieces of writes:poetry on sacred subjects, which I have since des"I shall never forget the year I spent at Har-troyed, because I then knew nothing of experimenwich; viewing one circumstance with another, I doubt not, but that it was as happy a twelvemonth as I shall ever live."

With such mutual feelings and expressions of affectionate regard, was Mr. Spencer's departure from Mr. Hordle's family attended. And this review of them will not be in vain, if it suggests to the young persons who may contemplate this imperfect portrait of one, whom living they so much admired, the vast importance of that impression, which the conduct of their childhood or their youth may leave in the scenes of their earliest association. For the most part, the character of the youth is the character of the man. If, on the circle of his earliest intercourse, an unfavorable impression of his disposition or his conduct is produced, there it is likely o remain; but, alas! there it cannot be confined;

tal, vital godliness, and of course was only mocking God in them; but I did not give up making verses. All this while, I was totally ignorant of that divine principle of grace in the heart, without which, I am sensible, nothing we can do is acceptable to God. I knew nothing of the Holy Spirit's work, in convincing me of sin, and leading me to Jesus Christ as my Saviour. I knew nothing of communion with God and with his Son. I hope some of the sermons of Mr. Ebenezer White, of Hertford, were not altogether useless to me, as well as some which I heard at Lady Huntingdon's chapel there; but from my conduct at that time, in various particulars, I cannot say that I had experienced what was meant by being born again. If you ask me from what time I date my conversion to God, I must say that the exact time I cannot tell; but I think I ma