be avoided by ministers in preaching, and other interesting particulars. I bless thee. O Lord for every thing that rouses my stupid and quickens my dead soul."

"FRIDAY 9.-Had a very providential journey to Drayton, escaping heavy weather which began and continued to fall all the afternoon. Studied the Greek Testament and preached in the evening, but was very much straightened though several were comforted. Lord help me to be any thing or nothing in thy hand as thou pleaseth, only let it go well with my soul, then I have nothing to fear nor any thing to wish."

"WEDNESDAY 28.-Continued at Wellington, and preached from the parable of the virgins; in the course of this day have been variously exercised. I find there is no getting to hea ven without perpetual couflicts. Thanks be to God who giveth me the victory,"

"FRIDAY, MARCH 1.-Read Mr. Hervey, and conversed much with Miss, on the doctrines of the gospel, dined with Mr. York, and came afterwards to Wheaton Ashton. Preached with freedom, taken very ill afterward and thought the hour of my departure was at hand. Most of the night was in great sinking of spirit, but recovered enough to enable me to rise at two and proceed early on my journey; came

to Drayton at noon, and retired and made my will with peculiar solemnity on my spirits, but no dread of death. The whole night was very bad, and expected nothing less than that I was going into a violent fever, could hardly lift my head from the pillow."

"WEDNESDAY 13.-Spent part of the morning in canvassing Mr. Fletcher's manuscripts, but we could come to no agreement in sentiment. We parted in peace and love, and I had a pleasant ride to Wheaton Ashton, where I preached in the evening upon Luke xviii. 14, to a little attentive company; spent the evening profitably with Mr. Walters, and in submission to the will of God left him."

4.

“THURSDAY 14.-Spent the day at Sherifhale, all the company not very agreeable, retired to study and read the scriptures, was happy in my soul, spoke at night from Romans i. 16. had no liberty. Whenever I lose my feelings Lord let it be to prove my faith, and not as the effect of my sin."

· “ SUNDAY 17. Have reason to be thankful for the morning opportunity while expounding the parable of the publican, and the residue of the day, till near six in the evening, was spent in reading and conflicting with my own heart; 0 what a veil does the enemy throw over my mer

cies to prevent the sight of them, Lord rend it! Preached at Shawbury and obtained a little liberty, glory to God. Spent the evening and lodged comfortably with my dear friend Mr. Hd. May I be more thankful for my mercies and less subject to complain of my crosses."

"WEDNESDAY 27.-Wrote to my cousin and spent a very agreeable morning in retirement at Marchemley, preached in the evening with no very extraordinary freedom, had but an indifferent night. Mr.'s conversation was edifying, I am ashamed of my own preaching when I hear a rehearsal of his sermons. Lord help me to improve as well as blush."

“TUESDAY APRIL 23.-Came early to Wotton this morning, a sweet ride indeed; the rest of the morning I spent retired, and found it good to be alone. Drank tea, conversed, and prayed with the Miss Austins and Miss Dyer. The Lord was with us of a truth. O that every interview with my friends may be thus honored."

"SATURDAY, MAY 4.-Spent the morning in occasional reading; the afternoon had a short interview with brother Croom. I noticed some things he said with pleasure. Slept at dear Mr. Ellis's, found him in a soft frame; was enabled to give him some important reproofs;

he took them kind and we parted, I hope the better for our interview."

"WEDNESDAY 15.-Dined with Mr.

of

Ebley; conversation not the most profitable. Pardon me, O Lord, that I do not meet my friends more like a minister of Christ."

"MONDAY 20.-Breakfasted with Mr. Hill at Ebley; taking a farewel of my dear friend Mr. Ellis, who is going to Italy. His mind seems exceedingly dissipated and unhinged from Jesus, the Lord restore him. Conversation turned too much on politics, too little on Christ. Mr. Hill set off in the afternoon for London, in a sweet spirit. On the whole this has been a day of dissipation."

"TUESDAY 21.-Returned to Painswick, conversed with brother Hogg, but not to.my sa tisfaction. I find I want grace to bear with the weaknesses of my brethren. May they have grace to bear with mine,"

.

CHAPTER II. t

A SELECTION OF LETTERS.

THE number of Mr. Winter's correspondents was peculiarly great. Exclusive of the letters, which, as having nothing worthy of preservation, were destroyed as he received them; and the several hundreds which he burnt during his last illness-some thousands fell into the hands of the examiners of his papers. Their variety is as striking as their number. They are from persons of all denominations of religion; of all conditions in life. Equally observable also are the greatness of the esteem, and the warmth of the regard they express.

As all these were in answer to letters which he had written, or rendering it necessary for him to write, it is easy to see how much of his attention correspondence engrossed. He more than once complained of the obligations he had contracted; and frequently cautioned his young men not to follow his example. In one case at least this advice I fear was pursued to the extreme; and this he equally censured.