Memoir of the Rev. John Stanford, D.D., late chaplain to the humane and criminal institutions in the city of New-York

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Preface

If to enlighten and affect the human mind be one means appointed by heaven to promote the mora! interests of mankind, then it cannot but be an acceptable service, to spread before the world the history of those who, by uniform and exalted piety, have exemplified the sanctifying power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. By so doing, we multiply the Fiiotives to a holy life, and embalm the memory of the just.

" Let their mem'ry shine, In glories that survive their living days, As od'roua scents outlast the censer's blaze."

A desire to remember and to be remembered, is a principle inseparable from the nature of man ; and this feeling has not unfrequently been sanctified to the improvement and pleasure of those who have had sense and good taste sufficient to prefer the narrative dictated by truth, to works of mere imagination. The fictions of the poet and the novelist will vanish like the meteor's blaze, but the records of the

Vlii ' PREFACE.

Christian Church shall survive, in the memoirs of those who have added their testimony to that of '• the great multitude, which no man can numher." A volume of Christian biography, where history teaches by the power of example, cannot fail to make an impression on the mind of the reader, which the apocryphal effusions of those who write merely to please the fancy can never produce. Every attempt, therefore, to excite the souls of men to spiritual action, by illustrating the beauty and excellency of religion, as it regulates and blesses life, and pours its consolations, like the light of heaven, around the death-bed of the Christian pilgrim, must be regarded as a work of benevolence.

The design of this memoir is, neither to build the tombs of the prophets, nor to garnish the sepulchres of the righteous ; but, by recording the virtues of the pious dead, to enforce the divine precept — "Go thou and do likewise." The advantages of a good example are every where acknowledged, because, by a secret but powerful influence, it urges us to imitation. This principle was so well understood by the Romans, that they preserved, with the greatest care, the pictures of their brave progenitors, as a means of exciting them to emulate their heroic patriotism. Caesar never said to his soldiers, " Ite," go on; but his animating command was, " Venite," come on, or, follow me. In the name of One, greater than Caesar, the apostle commands all who aspire to the immortal honours of victory over the powers of darkness, " Be ye followers

PREFACE. IX

of them who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises."

It is not intended to present the subject of this memoir as a perfect exemplar; but it may, without exaggeration, be said, that by the grace of God he was enabled, amidst the toils and changes of a long life, *' through manifestation of the truth, to commend himself to the consciences of all men in the sight of God.'' He maintained his integrity, and active spiritual vitality, unto the end,

" If faults he had, they were such as made No blot upon the picture.

A man immaculate we never knew.'^

That the life of our venerable friend was devoted to the glory of God, the present happiness and future salvation of men, v/ill be doubted by no one acquainted with his indefatigable labours as aminister of Christ ; and it is reasonable to suppose, that the Christian public desire to become more familiar with the private history of a man so highly distinguished for usefulness, and so universally beloved. How far the present volume may conduce to the proposed end, must be submitted to the judgment of the reader, from whose kindness the writer will hope, that its moral tendency will shield both the work and its author, at least from severe criticism.

The pecuhar mental and moral characteristics of Dr. Stanford, may be said to have consisted in an unconquerable attachment to the cause of God an4

X PREFACE.

truth ; and a faithful appropriation of all the powers of his mind to promulgate the gospel, by proclaiming the way of salvation, through Jesus Christ, from the pulpit and from the press. In the first of these departments of Christian effort, the following pages will show, that he was surpassed by few men of the present age; and as a pungent and lucid writer on practical divinity, he is favourably known to the Christian world.

By the death of Dr. Stanford, the cause of truth has sustained a great loss; yet he was providentially preserved to an advanced age, to bless mankind by his precept and example. Wiiile, therefore, we bow in submission before liim whose ways are unsearchable, and his judgments past finding out, we may hope, that the imperishable lustre of the example which he has bequeathed will excite ihougands to the faithful and diligent performance of their duty, that, when time with them shall be no more, they may inherit the blessing.

The following work has been in part composed from manuscript volumes containing his diary, from fugitive pieces, written at intervals, and from such facts, with regard to his public labours, as the author could collect from his own memory, or that of friends. In every instance, great pains have been taken to give, in Dr. Stanford's own words, whatever was fit for the public eye. From the very imperfect state of all his papers, it is evident that he could not have written with a view to posthumous publication.

PREFACE. , XI

It was originally the design of the writer to hare enriched the present work with a condensed history, and hthographic views, of all the public institutions in this city, in which Dr. S. laboured; and to have furnished the statistics of New- York, from the days of its original founders, materials for which had been amply provided in a manuscript volume which Dr. S. prepared, with incredible labour, in the examination of the public and private sources of statistical information; and which contained important facts relating to the history of New- York, for more than one hundred and eighty years past, which few other men had the means of obtaining. This valuable production, written in Dr. Stanford's usual style of elegant penmanship, was presented to the Common Council of New- York, but is now, we fear, irrecoverably lost. Great disappointment has been experienced in the impossibility of finding this book, notwithstanding a most laborious and persevering search of about six months; by which this memoir has been delayed until the present time, and the author has been compelled to have recourse to other sources for the historical statements which are interspersed throughout the present work.

That the following pages, designed to promote the interests of evangelical piety, may be acceptable to the reader, and accompanied with the blessing of God, is the sincere prayer, and the highest ambition, of

THE AUTHOR.

CHAPTER I. Pagre

His Birth and Education r - " - 13

His first serious Impressions « - - - 14

Confirmation - - " - lo

Religious Tracts - - - - lo

Intercourse with IMi. Cleave Hooper • - - - 17

Private Prayer - - - - 18

The Pack of Carda buried . . . . J9

Prayerful Study of the Bible , - - - 20

Abandoned by his Uncle - - - - 21

Death of his Uncle and his Mother - - - - 22

Mr. Stanford removes to Hammersmith - - - - 23

His Call to the Christian Ministry - - - - 24

CHAPTER H.

Conversation respecting Baptism - - - - 2S

Examination of Infant Baptism - - - - 27

First Interview with the Rev. Mr. Wallin - - - 28

Persecution for Conscience sake - - - - 29

Joseph's Coat of many Colours - - - - 30

He commits himself to the Lord - - - - 31

His Public Ordination to the Ministry - - - - 32

Address of the Rev. Abraham Booth • - - - 33

Commences his Diary - - - - 38

CHAPTER III. He removes to America - - - - 39

Call from the Church in Providence - - - - 40

Baptists, the Advocates of Liberty - - - - 41

Letter from the Rev. Jonathan Edwards - - - - 42

Visitation amongst the Poor - - - - 43

Theological Students - - - - 44

Commendation _ „ . - 45

XIV

CONTENT?.

Orphans instructed

Mr. Stanford returns to New-York

Depressed in Spirit

The broken Heart healed

Sabbath Evening Lectures

Jewish Custom at Weddings

A Church constituted

Letter from the Rev. Rowland Hill

Conflagation

The Christian's Pocket Library

Indwelling Sin lamented

Self-dedication

Visit to a Backslider

Final State of Infants

CHAPTER IV. Unexpected Relief

Cast down, but not destroyed

Visit to Stamford

Despair, the Fruit of Sin

Warwick Association

Yellow Fever

Death of Mrs. Stanford

Effects of Yellow Fever in Xew-York

Commemorative Sermon

Day of Thanksgiving

The Eucharist

Ordination of the Rev. Daniel Hall

The moving of the Cloud

Re-appearance of Yellow Fever

Fears dissipated

Amiable Trait of Character

Uriin and Thummim

CHAPTER V. Young Converts

Painful Tidings

The Pulpit preserved

His Congregation dispersed

Thoughts on the Thirty-third Psalm

Letter to Dr. B.

Rev. Dr. Livingston

Letter to Captain W.

The Comer-stone-

Consequence of Intemperance

Superior Church Music, a Blessing

His Services multiplied

The Log-book

Good News

Typhus Fever

CONTENT^.

XV

CHAPTER VI. Meditation in the Fields *

Retirement, Meditation, and Prayef

Sanctified Affliction

Letter to the Shaftsbury Association

Baptists, not addicted to PoUtics

The Domestic Chaplain

Letter to John Holmes, Esq.

Merciful Interposition of Providence

Visit to Governor Bloonifield

A memorable Event

New Year's Sermon

Letter to Governor Bloomfield

Letter from Governor Bloonifield

New-York Aims-House

His Field of Labour

Obstacles did not impede him

Gratitude of his Hearers

A Week's Work

Abounding in the Work of the Lord

His Labours in the State-Prison

Conversion of J. R. •

Victory through Christ

CHAPTER VIL

Worthy of Imitation

Letter to E. H. Esq.

Out of Weakness he was made Strong

Ministerial Qualifications

Gratuitous Distribution of Tracts

Letter to the Rev. WiUiain Hallock

Letter to C. G. S.

Submission to the Divine Will

The Facetious Dutchman

Ordination of the Rev. Daniel Sharp

A Painful Accident

Essay on Walking with God

Sudden Illness

Letter to Captain W.

Tract on the Lord's Day

History of J. H.

Pac

Chapter VIII

Divinity Students Tract on Profane Swearing Letter to Dr. H.

Interesting Incident Letter to Mr. E. J. W.

His Desire to be Useful W^alking by Faith

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. 98

. 107

. 110

- Ill

. 114

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. 122

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• 124

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. 128

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. 130

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. 132

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• 133

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• 142

. 149

XYl

CONTENTS.

Latin Letter by O. P.

The Translation

The Debtors

Services unrewarded

Magdalen-Asylum

Conversion of' J. W. C.

Happy Death of J. W. C.

Satan and Ned Craig vanquished

Bridewell

Conversion of R.

A Prisoner in Chains

His Field of Labour enlarged

A Stranger on the Earth

Zeno and Seaeca

CHAPTER IX. His first Sermon in the New- York Hospital

Military Hospital

Grateful Sailors

A Magdalen reclaimed »

Happy Death of J. R.

Dreadful Consequences of Infidelity

The Hatred of Ahab

Society of the United Brethren

Letter to A. B. Esq.

Schools in the State-Prison '<■

Another Victim of Seduction saved

Catechism for the Young Prisoners

Triumphs of the Gospel

Ordination of Mr. Elliott

Horrible Consequences of Deism

Recantation *

Conversion of W. S. L. -

School in tlie Hospital

Colonel Golden -

Chapel in the Debtor's Prison -

Cold Water Toasts

Schools examined

The tempted Stranger

Letter to Mr. W. S.

lliot in the State -Prison

Mr. Stanford in the Pulpit

]83

CHAPTER X. Services in the Public Institutions

Death of Mrs. Isabella Graham

A Sudden Death

Funeral of Mrs. Isabella Graham

A Brand plucked out of t]ie Fire

195 196 197 198 199 200

CONTENTS.

XVll

Interesting Cases

Improvements in Bridewell

His Labours blessed

Another good Day's Work

Out-door Patients

Pardons

Sermon on the Death of Elijah Hunter, Esq.

Two Men under Sentence of Deatii

Letter from the Hon. Richard Stanford

Death of the Hon. Richard Stanford

^»evv Ahns-Honse

Manuscript Book lost

Resignation in Death

Sabbath Breakers converted

Letter from Governor Tompkihs

Conditional Pardons

2(fl

CHAPTER XL

Visit of President Monroe

The Chaplain highly commended

Conversion of H. T.

Happy Death of H. T.

Letter from Governor Clinton

The Sandbank

Letter from the Rev. Peter Mortimer

Conversion of W. L.

Letter from the Hon. Thomas J. Spicer

An Infant Disciple

CHAPTER Xn.

The Gospel preached to Lunatics Mr. Stanford's Labours appreciated Six Sermons preached in one Day Narrative of George Vanderpool Extraordinary amount of Labour

232 233 234 235 240

CHAPTER Xin.

Visit to the South

Short Sermons

Funeral of John Withington

The South Baptist Church ♦

Letter from the Rev. Dr. Cox

Diana Sellick saved from the Gallows

242 243 244 245 251

CHAPTER XIV.

Letter to the Hon. Nicholas Brown Concern for the Welfare of Mariners Another Benevolent Plan proposed

XVlll

CONTENTS.

Importance of Educating Seamen I^etter from Captain Perry, U. S. N.

Deatli of William Stanford Awful Steam-Boat Explosion Dying Experience of the Sufferers A Memorial of the Lord's Goodness Crossing the Bar of Old Age Grateful Reminiscences Benefits of Affliction acknowledged His Children Fear the Lord Christ the only Refuge for the Soul

CHAPTER XV.

Mr. Stanford's Portrait

The Murderer of Captain West

The grand Canal Celebration

(Jrigin of the New-York House of Refuge -

Address to the Mayor and Corporation

Plan of the proposed Institution

Ways and Means

Concluding Remarks

Location of the House of Refuge

Dedication Sermon

Present Number of Inmates

The Prisoner's Companion

Merit disclaimed

The Foundation re-exanuned

CHAPTER XVI.

Death of the Rev. C.R. Duffle - - - - 284

Letter from the Hon. Charles Carroll .... jgc'5

Gratitude for Divine Favours .... 286

Origin of the New-York Mechanics' School - - 287

(lood Advice to a Physician .... 2S8

Sabbath Schools - - - - 289

Closing the Year with Prayer .... 290

Key. John Stanford, D. D. - - - - 291 Origin of the Institution for the Instruction of Deaf l^Iutes in l^etter from the Hon. Philip Hone, Esq. .... 294

The Aged Christian's Cabinet - - - - 295

The Everlasting Sabbatism - - - - 296

CHAPTER XVII.

Letter to Mrs. Wetraore

Prayer for the Light of Life

The Stanford Library at Bellevue

Tract on Morning and Evening Devotion -

Letter to Mrs. Wetmore

298 299 300 301 302

CONTENTS.

xix

Tiie Ebenezer

Bigotry disclaimed

His last Annual Census

Tic Douloureux

The Domestic Chaplain

His last Letter to Mrs. Wetraore

Dr. Stanford's last Tract

An Affecting Scene

Last Letter to the Rev. Joseph Grafton

Letter from the Rev. Joseph Grafton

Rev. Drs. Brownlee, Knox, and De Witt

Dr. Stanford's Decease

Letters of Condolence

Letter from the Rev. Spencer H. Cone

Appendix

Preface

Memoir of the Rev. John Williams

Memoir of the Rev. Thomas Baldwin, D. D.

Memoir of the Rev. Richard Furman, D. D.

343 345

369 405

M E M O I R.

Chapter I

niRTH AND EDUCATION EARLY RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS'-^

SETTLEMENT AT HAMMESUMITH.

is attempting to portray the character and life of a (ievoted minister of Christ, it would seem natural to exclaim in the language of the pious bard-^

" Some angel guide my pencil, while I draw, What nothing else than angel can exceed> A man on earth devoted to the skies, With aspect mild, and elevated eye.

Behold him seated on a mount serene, i^bove the fogs of sense, and passions' storm; All the black cares and tumults of this life, Like harmless thunders breaking at his feet, Excite his pity, not impair his peace."

.Tohn Stanford, the only son of William and Mary Stanford, was born October 20th, 1754, at Wandsworth, in Surry, Great-Britain. Until the tenth year of his age, we are not in possession of any facts which would 1)6 interesting to the reader ; but from that period, his uncle, George Stanford, to whom he stood iieir at law, took charge of his education, and placed him in a respectable seminary. Here he experienced iuany discouragements from the inattention and unkindness of his tutors; notwithstanding which, his

industry and application enabled him to make a creditable proficiency; and when about sixteen years of age, he commenced the study of medicine.

His early life appears not to have been corrupted by those vices which have proved fatal to millions ; but, regulated by the influence of religious instruction, his deportment was characterised by a proper degree of sedateness, and his mind frequently exercised with conviction of sin in view of a future state. At the age of fifteen he was so sensibly impressed with thoughts of eternity, arising from the premature death of a classmate, that he ate or drank but little for several days. These convictions, however, were of comparatively short duration.

While residing in the seminary at Wandsworth, he would sometimes, on a rainy Sabbath, collect a, number of the students in his own room, and thus, by reading prayers and a printed sermon, encourage that holy keeping of the Lord's day which the public worship of God was intended to promote.

In his sixteenth year he wrote two sermons, one on " the crucifixion,''^ founded upon Luke xxiii. 33, and another on " the harmony of divine aftribtifes,'' from Psalm Ixxxv. 10, " both of which," he says, '' when God had further enlightened my understanding, I destroyed."— This amiable but merely moral course, in a mind peculiarly constituted and religiously predisposed by the habits of education, naturally produced a Pharisaical spirit, and an unfounded hope of salvation by the works of the law.

The death of his father (March 24, 1772,) when he was only seventeen years of age, induced him to return home to reside with his widowed mother, where, for many months, he privately pursued his studies by every means in his power, and with evident success.

From his diary it appears, that he was at this time a member of the Episcopal Church, and highly opposed to every one of a different persuasion. At this

CONFIRMATION. 15

period a young gentleman, (Mr. Potter) the son of a iiighly respectable family, was reported to have left his '•'■ parish church,'^ and attended a chapel of the dissenters. Although young Stanford had no personal intimacy with Mr. P. he appears to have been much displeased with his conduct in this instance, and accordingly wrote him a letter, in which he ridiculed ail sectaries, and unguardedly censured that practice which he has since acknowledged to be, " the good ways ot the Lord." This letter appears to have afforded him a degree of present exultation, but was subsequently followed with many tears.

Upon the subject of his own religious course, he says — " Notice being given in the imrish church, that a confirmation would be attended by the bishop, at Lambeth, about five miles from London, and that candidates should apply to the curate for examination, I was anxious to avail myself of the opportunity. 1 was however advised first to consult my uncle, who was also my ' god-father ,'' and upon whose favour ail my worldly prospects were suspended. When I mentioned the subject to him, he kindly replied : ' It is well enough that young people should be confirmed, and as an opportunity offers, yes, you may go ; especially as some of your young companions will make up a party, and that will serve as a holiday.' I then repaired to the curate, who, being informed that I could say 'the creed, the Lord's prayer, and the ten commandments,' said, ' you are sufficiently qualified for confirmation.' " He was accordingly confirmed ; and upon this subject he remarks ; — " This act did undoubtedly very much contribute to the establishment of my belief, that by my infant baptism I was * regenerated, made a child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven.' From this time I concluded my moral state secure — nothing more was now necessary, to make me a Christian. A most delusive snare to me— to thousands !"

IC RELIGIOUS TRACTS.

His veneration for the Lord's day appears to have been generally commendable. But, on a particular occasion, he yielded to the earnest solicitations of some young persons, to accompany them on a party of pleasure upon the river. When returning they were in imminent danger of being drowned, but heaven interposed to save them from a watery grave. Their merciful preservation at this time, made an iuipression upon his mind, which effectually secured him against every future temptation to desecrate the hallowed Sabbath of the Lord. Several years after this event, he wrote a twelve page tract, entitled *' The Lord's Day," which has been widely circulated, and is deservedly regarded as among the best publications upon that subject. As an evidence of his early labours in the tract cause, it deserves to be recorded, that about fifty-five years* ago, he published two tracts, in London, entitled " Criti-

RIONS, WHEREBY THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN MAY TRY THE REALITY OF HIS PROFESSION," and " THE

Celestial Inhabitant, or Christ dwelling in THE Hearts of his People." They were gratuitously and extensively distributed.

In relating the wonderful story of his conversion to God, he remarks : — " The address of the widow of Tekoah to king David, on behalf of his exiled son Absalom, God ' deviseth means, that his banished be not expelled from him,' (2 Sam. xiv. 14,) has indeed been verified in my experience. Means, the most simple, and least expected, are often employed by the Lord to produce the most important results; particularly in bringing sinners from the error of their way, to taste the sweetness of redeeming love, and

* The London Religious Tract Society, which is the parent of all the principal Tract Societies at present existing in the world, commenced its operations in 1799, which was nineteen years after the time wiieu Mr, Stanford published the above named tract^j.

INTERCOURSE WITH MR. CLEEVE HOOPER. 17

rest beneath the covert of Iminanuel's wings. Such, I humbly trust, has been God's unspeakable goodness to me, at a time when I was wrapped in pharisaical security, ignorant of myself, and far, very far from the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Under a sermon, delivered by the Rev. Mr. Romaine, it pleased God to manifest his grace to Mr. Cleeve Hooper, who had been my classmate. Although in our academical intercourse no particular attachment was developed, yet no sooner was Mr. Hooper brought to the enjoyment of a hope of salvation through the sacrifice of Christ, than he began to discover a deep solicitude for my spiritual welfare. He therefore made me a visit, dropped a i'ew religious words in conversation, on purpose to try the state of my heart; which, notwithstanding my boasted morality, he easily perceived was very far from being right with God. Although he lived at a distance of eight miles, yet he repeated his visits frequently — spoke of man's depravity— the necessity of being born again — a total renunciation of all human merit — complete redemption by the blood of Christ — and the absolute necessity of faith, in order to ' walk with God,' and bear fruit to his glory. These sentiments I did not take upon me to contradict; but, I must confess, my heart arose in opposition to them. Several months elapsed before Mr. Hooper ventured to attack my strong holds of self-righteousness, but, at length he presented the alarming statements of the Bible respecting the holiness, spirituality, and extent of the law of God, in its precepts and demands — the insufficiency of our own righteousness, and the absolute necessity of being divested of all legal hopes; before the sinner will submit to God, and be willing to accept of salvation by the righteousness of Christ. This left a slight conviction on my mind, and, from the passages of Scripture which he produced in support of his own sentiments, I was led to conclude that these things

2*

18 PRIVATE PRAYER.

were true. I now began to feel a desire to know myself, and to be saved from my sins. Mr. Ifooj3er perceiving he had at least obtained access to my ear, and that I began better to approve of his religious conversation, sent me Romaine's treatise on " The Life of Faith," accompanied with an affectionate note. On Mr. Hooper's next visit, he explained to me the office of the Holy Spirit to enlighten the dark mind, to testify of Christ, and to lead the soul inio happy communion with God. I felt much distressed that I knew nothing of these things, and concluded I was far from being in a state of safety.

" After the departure of my friend I retired to my chamber with a desire to pray, in hope of obtaining relief. 1 prostrated*myself before the Lord, but my mind was covered with darkness — not one suitable thought did I possess of the majesty of the supreme Being whom I was about to address. All was darkness and confusion — 1 cried out, ' O Lord, I do not know thee ; how then shall I pray.' I arose with conscious shame ; hastily left my chamber, and went many days mourning over a hard, ignorant, unbelieving heart. A period this, which it is not probable I shall ever forget, as it was the first time I might be said to realize my fallen and sinful state.

*' One day while reading the fifty-fourth chapter of Isaiah, I received great encouragement from the thirteenth verse : ' All thy children shall be taught of the Lord ; and great shall be the peace of thy children.' After this I retired for prayer, earnestly pleading this gracious promise, and found thereby a very great increase of earnest desires after the Lord. 1 could not rest satisfied ; but panted after the enjoyment of that real good, which I was unable to describe. If walking the streets, at home, or abroad, I every where felt an engagedness of heart for spiritual blessings unknown to me before. While sitting in my chamber meditating upon the wonderful mercy of the

THE PACK OF CARDS BURIED. 19

Lord, T cast my eyes upon a pack of cards, to the use of which I had been greatly addicted ; I instantly seized and carried them into the garden, and threw them into a trench dug to receive some plants, and covered them up. Thus I left the book of cards and embraced the book of God, which I hope will be the means of my enjoying more abundant and more sublime pleasures.

" About this time my raind was greatly distressed on account of having received the Lord's supper when 1 was in an unconverted state, and merely as constituting a pubUc profession ; thereby, as I concluded, having sealed my own condemnation, ' not discerning the Lord's body.' Moreover, my conduct to Mr. Potter, the young gentleman already named, gave me great disquietude, and had a tendency to show me, how far my pharisaical zeal had influenced me to throw stumbling-blocks in the way of others who were concerned for their salvation. Ti)is subject produced much uneasiness of mind, nor could I rest until I had formed an acquaintance with him, and acknowledged with regret that I was the author of the letter already alluded to. It pleased God go far to bless this resolution, that a mutual friendship was produced, and we walked together many years in the ways of Christian obedience. Glory be to tiie Lord for this instance of his sovereiH"n.i]i:oodness.

" As to the general exercises of my mind for several months, hope and fear, pleasure and pain, alternately occupied my heart. Sometimes cold and indifferent, then warm desires expressed in the language of David, ' O that 1 had wings like a dove, then would I fly away, and be at rest.' About this time, my uncle invited me to join a party of young persons to visit VauxhrJl Gardens, a place of carnal pleasure. This was not only a strong temptation, but a source of great distress— my temporal interest 1 knew depended upon his favour, and I had not fortitude sufficient to refuse,

20 PRAYERFUL STUDY OF THE BIBLE.

although compliance created intense agony of niinJ: In the garden I seemed as if in the infernal regionsmusic, singing, exhibitions, company, all, all was in opposition to the state of my feelings, and filled my heart with sorrow. However, 1 found some consolation in contemplating the alteration in my own mind, for I had never before considered such amusements as incompatible with Christianity. This consideration was the more welcome, as it enabled me upon scriptural principles, to conclude, that God must have produced this great and surprising change in my ojiinions and feelings."

Shortly after this, Mr. Hooper commenced a systematic correspondence with Mr. S. which was blessed of God as a means of his spiritual improvement in the knowledge of Christ. The writings of Hervey, Jones, Romaine, and especially a pamphlet, entitled " A Drop of Honey from the Rock Christ," (the work of Wilcox, one of the early Baptist ministers of London,) were also very useful to him. But above all, the sacred volume appears to have been the chief source of his consolation. Through this celestial medium, he was enabled to contemplate the person, offices, vicarious sacrifice, grace, and promises, of the Lord Jesus, as exactly suited to his necessities. Thus did the Holy Spirit mercifully conduct and shine upon his soul, to dispel the moral darkness and to enable him to say with David, " Into thy hands I commit my spirit, for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth."