the conduct of a clergyman who, in her opinion, had discovered a different spirit; and under the obvious influence of a love of moderation, combined with sacred fidelity, addressed to him the following letter. It is known to have been candidly received, and it cannot be supposed that the gentleman less esteemed the writer.

"DEAR SIR,

"I have long desired an opportunity of conversing with you, and I know not how to excuse my doing thus, since you are so obliging and easy of access, but only for privacy, especially as it becomes such as I in silence to learn. Yet we are also commanded to be ready to give a. reason of the hope that is in us, with meekness and fear. Therefore you will pardon my boldness in thus expressing my thoughts. Women's tongues and pens sometimes claim a freedom, which men, who are more wise and reserved," will not use. It is (or may be thought) our unhappiness to differ from the Established Church in some lesser things, but while we agree in fundamentals, why should there be among us strife and envying?:

The high charge we had yesterday from you, of devilish pride, arrogance, &c. I cannot account light, especially from one who should stand in the

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place of God, to guide and direct us in the way to heaven. I think it invidious to judge men's hearts, which none but God can do. It cannot be in itself sinful to dissent from the church, else why did we cast off the yoke of Rome?

"For my own part, I freely profess that I have seen so much sincere piety, fervent charity, and humility practised in those I have joined with, and found such solid peace and tranquillity in this way I have walked in, that, I trust, I shall never be either allured or affrighted from it. The name of schism (that ecclesiastical scarecrow) is industriously, though falsely, thrown on us, as I have seen proved. But if it were true who is in the fault? The imposers of things, themselves own to be unnecessaryor, us who dare not comply with them-yet desirous to sacrifice any thing to peace, but truth? I must say, as any unprejudiced person will, that if the Nonconformists are mistaken, they are the most unhappy to exclude themselves from all that is desirable in the world, and expose themselves to poverty, scorn and hatred. I must do them that justice to tell you, I never remember to have heard one public reflection from any of them upon the Established Church. I need not here enter into the merits of their cause, which hath so many better advocates;

only I must take the freedom to express my resentments that we have, sometimes, from your pulpit, such keen reflections as we cannot bear, and as, I am sure, do no real good to any one. The great things of the Gospel-faith in Christ -repentance unto life-and new obedience— these are enough to spend our zeal about, as a worthy person writes: Our lives are short, our work great, our souls precious, heaven and hell real things, and all that must be done for eternity must be done quickly, or it will be too late. Therefore I am always glad to hear ministers insist on these great things. I was much affected, many years ago, with a sermon I wrote from you on those words-Purifying to himself a peculiar people zealous of good works. I wish you would preach and pray as you did then; yet, good Sir, excuse my freedom in thus giving vent to my thoughts. I think there is no family but ours in the parish that are accounted dissenters; yet, you know, we are as true friends to you, and the Church, as any in the parish, perhaps more than many who profess to be entire members of the Church of England. As many of our family attend the ministry as most, or any of the like number; and it is to me sad that we should be censured, and worse thought of than them, than hundreds who absent

themselves through ignorance and carelessness. It is well we are not to be each other's judges. "Said my honoured Father, when dyingFollow peace and holiness, and let them say what they will.' This has been my sincere desire and endeavour. And I solemnly profess, I have not at all endeavoured to draw my children into the same way, otherwise than what my example might do, though some of them have taken pains to study those points, and are not presbyterians by chance, but of choice; for I desire they may not pin their faith to my sleeve, but choose for themselves; and if they take this despised way, it is not because they know no other, but because they know no better.

"I have heard divers complain that you speak so low, they can scarce hear you, but I observed yesterday you could raise your voice. If I had foreseen our treatment, I believe my place had been empty. I know not how they will answer it who beat their fellow-servants, and cast stones instead of bread. I know not what the Church would have they have all the profits, preferments, and advantages they can desire; yet because our Governors take off the power to persecute, it avails nothing. But I am quite too tedious, and I crave your pardon, Sir, a thousand times, for my freedom with you. I

truly respect your person and ministry, and pray for its success. I am satisfied you well know the great value of all souls, and the danger of most. This thought will quicken you to cry aloud, and shew your hearers their sin and duty before it be too late. What a blessed place is heaven, where there will be no divisions, or disturbances, for ever! To which glory he brings us who hath most dearly bought us with the inestimable price of his own blood. Amen. Monday, January 14, 1716-17."

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Though she entertained the highest regard and veneration for her truly eminent father, and other divines his contemporaries, in whom was concentrated almost every valuable attainment, she did not despise their successors. She rejoiced in the gifts, graces, and success of all who exalted the Redeemer, and invited sinners to his throne.

Early indications of piety and ability she diligently cherished, and, by an amiable candour, animated and encouraged the diffident and humble. She was, indeed, a "Mother in Israel," and her "moderation was known." After hearing a sermon at Wrenbury Church, on Titus ii. 14, "Zealous of good works”—she writes-"O that I may learn to be always