tihxavy of tht Checlccjical ^tmimvy PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY PRESENTED BY W . B . Sc arb or ough BX 5037 .T67 1857 Toplady, Augustus Montague, 1740-1778. ! The complete works of Augustus M. Toplady Digitized by tine Internet Archive in 2014 littpsV/arcliive.org/details/completeworksofaOOtopI THE C^OMPLETE WORKS AUGUSTUS M. TOPLADY, B.A. LATE VICAR OF BROAD H E M B U R Y, DEVON. IN ONE VOLUME. A MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR AND EXTRACTS FROM HIS DIARY. LONDON: PUBLISHED BY J. CORNISH, 297, HIGH HOLBOKN; 37, LOUD STREET, LIVERPOOL; AND 18, GRAFTON STREET, DUBLIN, 1857. 1 PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION OF THE WORK Soon after the decease of Mr. Toplady, many persons, who loved his principles and revered his memory, expressed an earnest desire to have a complete edition of his works. Nothing- of the kind was, however, attempted, until the year 1792, when the undertaking- was fiiially detei-mined upon. Materials were accordingly collected, and application was made to some gentlemen of literary character, whose principles coincided with the Author's, to undertake the arrangement for publication. Their assistance was promised, but the conditions were afterwards found to be such as could not be assented to, without proving- injurious to the work, and probably giving it the appearance of an imposition on the public. Apprehensive that the w orld would thus be deprived of a considerable part of the writings of a justly admired author, the proprietors determined to proceed in the under- taking, and the superintendence devolved on one whose abilities (in his own estimation) were disproportioned to the task. He is satisfied with having secured from oblivion so large a portion of valuable com- positions, and throws himself upon the candour of the public, without any studied or aflected apologies. The peculiar object in the writings of Mr. Toplady w as to bring vital Christianity to view, and to display its principles, deiended with arguments drawn from the same source. His ndmirable pages are a masterly and consistent defence of the Divine Attributes, in unison with the writings of the Old and New Testament. For it will be self- evident, to those who will only consider, that the perennial opposition made to the doctrines of discriminating grace, in the absolute love of the everlasting Father, proceeding forth irom Him in His beloved Son, and communicated to a peculiar people by the Holy Spirit, are the identical objections reiterated against the purposes of the Almighty, respecting the restriction of the volume of Revelation. It must be perceivable that the very reception of the Scriptures, among- any people, cannot be supported but on the principles of our Author. For the question has been asked, and often repeated, If the Divine records are acknowledged to be " A light to theiu who sit in darkness, and in the shadow^ of death," and a directory "To guide their feet in the paths of peace," how is it to be accounted for, that millions of the inhabitants of the globe are without its saving and salutary influence? Taking a survey of human nature, what reason can be given that so many of our fellow creatures are worshipping- the idols of their imagination with obscene and barbarous rites, and PREFACE. others sunk in the very dregs of brutal voluptuousness? Wliy are tbe Vedam, the Zend-Avesta, ihe Sadder, and the Alcoran, received and acknowledged with all their fanciful conjectures and chronological chimeras, and the deposit of sacred writ not so much as heard of in the midst of the rubbish of those absurdities ? and where the vivifying: beams of revelation are displayed, as they are in this country, and at this period of time, how is it that the intellectual darkness of the mind is not dissipated so as to perceive its radiance? Who upon eartli can give a satisfactory reason lor these facts, or develope to the human mind the various dispensations of God, in denying- or \vithholding the light of revelation, without resolving; it into the divine will, and ul- timately taking up the words of Him who spake as never man did, "Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight." These weighty investigations, which the importance of the subject brings under consideration, were some of the principal topics which employed the abilities of our Author. From those who are not influenced by a saving knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus no- thing is to be expected, in the perusal of these w ritings, but the most inveterate opposition, hasty censure, and unbridled license of dechv- mation ; whihj tliose who are taught from above cannot be brought to abandon a belief so full of enlivening consolations, and attested to their consciences by irrefragable documents; they will be induced to contemplate the inconceivable greatness, the inaccessible height, the unfathomable researches, and immeasurable extent of these heavenly excellencies, and exciaim, with the apostle Paul, " O the depth of the riclies, both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God, how unsearchable are his judgments, and his w ays past finding out !" While meditating on this preliminary state of things, the thoughts will expand with an earnest desire to that eventful period when a far nobler scene shall be opened, when this faint twilight shall be preceded with the blaze of an eternal day ; and when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. NOTE. The Proprietors desire to acknowledge publicly, in terms of the warmest and most sincere gratitude, their obligations to the promoters of the work, and particularly to Mr. Hussey, for the many marks he has shown of his disinterested attention, as well aa for his cheerful cowimunication of the remain- ing manuscripts of his dear deceased friend. CONTENTS. An Account of the Life and Writings of the Author . 1 Last Will . . . . . . 41 Elf giac Poem on the death of the Author . . 42 I INTRODUCTION. 1 Occasion of the present undertaking. Free-willers | punished with imprisonment by king Edward VI. i and ouj^first reformers. Harmony between Popery and Arminianism. Remarkable particulars con- cerning John Goodwin the Filih-raonarchy man. Case of departed infant* considered . . 4G SECTION 1, Free-willers the first dissen^a^s of the reformed church of England. Calvinism of King Edward, and of the Lord Protector Somerset. That king a prodigy of parts, piety, and learning. Vindica- tion of his character from the nibbling of Papists and Arminians . . . .5!) SECTION II, Modem Geneva arminianized, through the abolition of ministerial subscriptions. Some particulars respecting Dr. Christopher Potter. Arminianism proved on the church of Rome. Pope Leo X. anathematizes Luther for denying the doctrines of fret-will and perfection. Luther's undaunted behaviour on that occasion , . . (j4 SECTION HI. The council of Trent called, with a view to stem the progress of the Calvinistic doctrines. Tlie decisions of that coimcil, and therein of the Ro- mish church at large, iti favour of free-will, con- ditional predestination, merit, and justification by works . . . . , C9 SECTION IV. The Arminiani.sm of the church of Rome farther evinced in her treatment of Jansenius and Ques- nel. Concise history of Jansenius and Quesnel. Conc'se history of Jansenius, and of the cele- brated five propositions. Extracts from the hun- dred and or.e propositions of Quesnel. Bull Unigenitus ...... 71 SECTION V. The supposed Calvinism of Thomas Aquinas con- sidered. Summary of St. Austin's doctrine con- cerning grace . . . . . , 7-' SECTION VI. Some account of the Ranters, and {he.r principles. Doctrinal agreement between that sect and many of the modern .-Vrminians . . . . SECTION VII. Arminianism not the doctrine of the four first cen- turies. The judgment of Barnabas, of Clement, of Ignatius, and of Polycarp, concerning those articles of faith which stand between Calvinists and Arniiaians . . . .80 SECTION VIII. Judgment of some eminent persons, who flourished auiecedently to the Reformation, concerning those paints. The Albigenses and Waldenses. sketch of Gotteschalcus' doctrines and sufferings. Remigius of Lyons, i'lorus Magister ... 88 SECTION IX. Judgment of eminent persons before the Reforma- tion, continued. John Huss, Jetoni of Prague, John dc Wloalia . . . ■ 'Ji SnCTION X. Judgment of several eminent persons in England, previous to tlie Reformation. Bede, Bishop Grosthead, Dr. John Wicklili', Arthbishop Brad- wardin, Loid Cobham . . . . !W SECTION XI. The charge of Mahometanism refuted and retortec . SECTION XII. Judgment of eminent English Martyrs, prior to the settlement of the Reforma.uin. Sawtree, Clay- don, Bilney, Bainham, Tyndal, Lambert, As- cough, Barnes, Hamelton, Frith, VVisliart . . 116 SECTION XIII. The judgment of our English reformers. Arch- bishop Cranmer, Bishop Ridley, Bishop Latimer 124 SECTION XIV. Judgment of the English Reformers continued. Bishop Hooper, Bishop Peter Martyr, Doctor Bucer Of Calvin's share in the Reformation of the church of England. Honours paid to his name by our old bishops and divines. His cordial approbation of episcopacy . ..... 159 SECTION XVI. Thejudgment of the nio.st eminent English Martyrs and Confessors who suffered death, or persecu- tion, after ihe overthrow of the Reformation, by Queen Mary I SECTION XVII. The judgment of the Martyrs concluded . . 17" SECTION XVIII. The re-establishment of the Church of England by Queen Elizabeth li'l SECTION XIX. State of the Calvinistic Doctrines in England, from the aeath of Elizabeth, to that of King James L 227 SECTION XX. The introductiim of Arminianism by Archbishop Laud. Short review of the Calvinism of our Bi- shops and Universities, antLCCckmly lo I'.iat iera. Objections answered ; and the whcile concluded . 251 A word concerning the Bathing-tub Baptism . 27 Chronology of England, from Egbert to Henry the Eighth. . . . • -281) Free Thoughts on the projected application to Par- liament in the year 1771, for the abolition of Ec- clesiastical Subscription - . . . 300 SERMON I. A caveat against Unsound Doctrine .... -lO? Postcript SEKMOS II. Jesus seen of Angels, (Part L) . . .325 SERMON m. Jesus «een of Angela, (Part 1L; . . . .333 SEKMOX IV. God's mindfulness of man SERMON V. Clerical Subscription no (.nev^ince; or the Doc- irines of the Cl.urch of Kn-hind proved to be the Uuctrnies ol flnist 31 r, O N T E NTS. 8KRM0N VI. Frw-wiil and Merit fairly Examined; or, Men not their own Saviours. ..... 352 8BRH10N VII. Good news from from Heaven ; or, the Gospel a joyful sound ...... 3<)2 SERMON VHI. Jov in Heaven over one Repenting Sinner . . 374 BBRMOV IX. The Existence and the Creed of Devils considered ; with a Word concerning Apparitions . . . 384 SERMON X. Moral and Political Moderation Recommended . 392 ESSAYS. Reflections on the Conversion of Matthew , , 308 Life a journey 402 A short Essay on Original Sin . . . 40£> An Essay on the various Fears to which God's peo- ple are liable 416 Christmas meditations ..... 424 A meditation for New Year's Day . . .42? A Description of Antinomianism .... 4.30 Thoughts on Rev. vii. 14. 15 . . . . 432 Considerations on Heb. vi, 4, 5, G . . , 4o'3 Remarks on Eccles. vii. 16 434 Observations on 1 Cor. xv. 28 ... . ibid Explication of Rom. viii. 4 .... 435 An explication of that remarkable passage Rorn. ix. 3 . . . ' . . . m An illustration concerning 1 Cor. XV. 2<) . . ibid Explanation of that Declaration of the Apostle, 1 Cor. XV. 5. . . . . . ibid A Sacramental Meditation on Cant. viii. 14 . . 43? Meditations on the Collect for the first Sunday in Advent ...... ibid Concise history of the Apostle's Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and the Te Deum 438 Query, concerning a passage in the marriage cere- mony stated and resolved . . . 439 A cursory review of valour, patriotism, and friend- ship, occasioned by a late celebrated author ex- excluding them from the list of virtues . . ibid On sacred poetry ..... 440 Reflections for the beginning of the year 17/6 . 441 Thoughts on the assurance of faith . . ibid Spetch delivered at the Queen's Arms, Newgate- street, on the following question, " Whether the world is to be destroyed? and what are the ap- proaching symptoms of its dissolution ?*' , . 443 Speech delivered at the Queen's Arms, Newgate- street, on the following question, " Whether un- necessary cruelty to the brute creation is not criminal f" . . , , , ibid Speech delivered at the Queen*s Arms, Newgate- street, on the following question, '* Whether our good works will add to our degree of future glory ?"..... 446 Questions and answers relative to the National Debt, written in the year 1775 . . . 448 The manner of stonmg a criminal to death, among the ancient Jews .... 450 The manner of whipping among the ancient Jews . ibid Ucniarkabie description of St. Paul's jierson . ibid Some account of Mr. John Knox, translated from the Latin of Melchior Adams . . .451 Life of Mr. Fox, the Martyrologist , . 454 Life of Dr. Jewel, Bishop of Salisbury . . 4(10 Some account of Dr. Carleton, Bishop of Chichester 4(17 Memoirs of Lord Harington, Baron of Exton . 4(i*) Some account of the life of Herman Witsius, D.D, translated from the Latin Oration which Mar- Ttius delivered before the University of Leydcn, at his interment .... 470 Some account of the Rev. Mr. Alsop . . 47U Some account of the Rev. Dr. Thomas Wilson, laie Bishop of Sodor and Man . . .481 Some outlines of the life of Dr. Isaac Watts . 4fc'4 Some account of Mrs. Elizabeth Rowe . . 4B8 An attempt towards a concise character of the late Rev. Mr. Whitefield . . . . 4&4 Anecdotes, Incidents, and Historic Passages . 4U5 Sketch of Natural History, with a few particulars respecting Birds, Meteors, Sagacity of Brutes, and the solar system .... 518 Observations and reflections . , . !^KI Excellent passages from eminent persons . . £56 Christianity reversed . , . . 6"7 A sketch of modem Female Education . . C>8 Important remarks .... 6**9 The Church of England vindicated from the charge of Arminianism . . . . SIO Doctrine of absolute predestination stated and as- serted . . . . .663 Preface. General observations concerning Predesti- nation, Providence and fate , . . ibid LifeofZanchy . . . , .669 Introductory view of the Divine Attributes , 675 CHAPTER I. Explanation of terms ..... 687 CHAPTER II. Of predestination at large . . . - . 6lX) CHAPTER in. Of election in particular ... .693 CHAPTER 'V. Of reprobation - . 697 CHAPTER V. On the preaching of these doctrines . . , 761 Short dissertation concerning fate . . , 71** Letter to the Rev. Mr. Wesley, relative to hisabridg- ment of Zancluus on predestination . . . 719 More work for Mr. Wesley, or, a vindication of the decrees and providences of God . , . 729 An old fox tarred and feathered, occasioned by Mr. Wesley's cahn address to the American colonies . 762 Particulars of Pope Joan ..... 766 A contemplation on snow ..... 767 Reflections on a thunder storm . . . .768 Thoughts on Perseverance 769 A course of family prayer ..... 771 A cursory thought on the use of forms of prayer . 782 Sketch of a sermon on John vii. 38, 39 . . ibid The scheme of Chiistian and philosophical neces- sity a£serted, preface to ..... 784 CHAPTER r. Necessity defined. Short account of fate, and the order observed in the chain of things. Necessity perfectly compatible with voluntary freedom . 786 CHAPTER II. Man a compound being. Sensation the only source of his ideas. The soul's extensive dependence on the body, during their present state of connec- tion. An argument drawn from thence, for the necessity of human volitions. Queries propose*! to the asserters of self-determination . . 788 CHAPTEK III. Probable equality of human souls. Brutes them- beh es not merely material Necessity consistent with the morality of actions; and with reward and punishment, praise and blame: and with the retributions of thejudgment day. No certainty, nor possibility of a final judgnieni,on the Ar- rainian principles of chance and self-determina- tion. Anti-necessitarians unable to cope with in- fidels. Coincidence of christian predestinatioo with philosophical uecetMty • . . 791 CON r E N T S. PAGE I cnAr-TEK IV. I Specimens of Scripture atiestations to tlie doctrines of necessity. Probable that men are, by nature, uncivilized animals. Total dependency of all events, and of all created beings, on God . . 796 CHAPTER V. Proofs that Christ himself was an absolute necessi- tarian. This argued from several passages in his sermon on the mount; from his miracles; from his foreknowledge ; from his prophecies ; from his occasional declarations; and from the whole his- tory of his life and death recorded in the gospels 800 CHAPTER VI. Necessity in the moral world analagous to attrac- tion in the natural. Prodigious length to which Descartes is said to have carried his idea of free- will. J)/ocs and /a<«m, why reciprocated by the ancient Romans. God the sole leterminer of hu- man life and death. Shock'-Jg attempt of some modern free-willers to divest the Divine Being, not only of his decrees and providence, but of his prescience also , . - • CHAPTER VM. The supposed gloominess of necessity refuted. Ori- gin of doctrinal necessity. Concise history and summary of Manichieism. Methodists more gross Manicha;aiis than Manes himself. Remark- able conver'ation pieces of three modern philo- sophizers. The Westminster and other assem- blies of divines vindicated, .\rmiljianism itself, when hard pushed, compelled to take refuge in necessity. Conclusion of this Essay . . .811 APPENDIX. Consisting of a dissertation on the sensible qualities ofinptter 820 Advertisement to the collection of letters . . 82!) Istlcr I. Mr. T.ipbdy to Mr. E. ■■ •• ibid 11 Mr. Morris . . 8:!0 III. Mr. Philips . . 831 IV. Mr. nutter . . 832 V. Mr. Bottomley . . ibid VI. Mr. N. . . . 8M VII. B. S., Esq. . . 8J4 VIII. Ambrose Serle, Esq. . ibid IX. Mrs. G. . . . ibid X. Mr. Samuel Naylor . 83.) XI. Mr. B. E. . . ibid XII. Richard Hill, Esq. . Kti XII!. Mrs. Bacon . . ibid XIV. Ambrose Serle, Esq. . 837 XV. Rev. Dr. B., Salisbury ibid XVI. Mrs. S. H. . .838 XVII. Ambrose Serle, Esq. . 8.1.0 XVIII. Richard Hill, Ebq. . ibid XIX. Mr. Ryland, Jun. . iUd XX. Rev. Mr. P. . . 840 XXI. Mrs. Macaulay . . BH XXII. Mrs. Macaulay . . 843 XXIII. Rev. Dr. Gifford . 840 XXIV. Rev. Mr. B. P. . . ibid XXV. Rev. Mr. Romaine . 848 XXVI. •• •■ •• Ambrose Serle, Esq. . ibid XXVII Mr. Pollard . . 849 XXVill. Mr Burgess . . ibid XXIX. Ambrose Serle, Esq. . 850 XXX. Mrs. Macaulay . . ibid XXXI. Ambrose Serle, Esq. . 851 XXXII. Ambrose Serle, Esq . 852 XXXIU. Mrs. Macaulay . . ibid XXXIV. Ambrose Serle, Esq . 853 XXXV. Rev. Mr. Romaine . 854 XXXVI. Mr. . . ibid PAGB X.X.XVII. Mr. Toplady to Mrs. Macaoilay . . 855 XXXVIII. Rev. Mr. DeCoetlogon iWd XXXIX. Mr.G. F.. . . 856 XL. Mr. H. . . . ibid XLI. Mrs. Macaulay . . 857 XLII. Rev. Mr. Madan . 858 XLIII. Rev. Mr. Romaine . ibid XLIV. Ambrose Serle, Esq. . 8.i9 XLV. Mr. O. . . . ibid XLvi. Mr. . . am XLVII. Mrs. B. . . . ibid XLVIII. Rev. Dr. B. . . 881 XLIX, Countess Huntingdon 802 L. Rev. Dr. Priestley . 803 LI. Mr. . . 8fiS Lll. Rev. Mr. Ryland . 8(6 LIII. Ambrose Serle, Esq. . ibid LIV. Mrs. Macaulay . . 067 LV. Mr. L. C. . . ibid LVI. Mr. Francis Toplady . 809 LVII. Rev. Mr. . .870 LVIII. Rev. Dr. Gifford . ibid LIX. Messrs. Vallance& Co. 8/2 LX. Lady Huntingdon . 873 LXI. Mr. I iVd LXll. Mr. N. . . . ibid LXIII. Mr. Dodd . . .874 LXIV. n r-. Mr. Berridge . ibid LXV. Mr. T. . . . ibid LXVI. Mr. Hussey . . ibid LXVU. Mr. . . 876 LXVIII. A.B. . . .877 LXIX. Rev. Dr. B. . . ibid LXX. Mrs. A.G. . . 87H LXXL Mr. E. K. . . ibid LXXII. Mr. F. . . . ibid LXXIII. Mr. Vallance . . 880 LXXIV. Mr. T. W. .ibid LX.W. Rev. Dr. Priestley . ibid LXXVI. Mrs. Fowler . . 881 LX.XVII. Mr. Hussey . . ibid LXXVIII. Mr. Hussey . . 882 An answer to a question, whether popular applause can yield solid satisfaction to a truly great mind 883 An answer to a question, whether a highwayman or a cheating tradesman is the honester person . 884 Juvenile poems on sacred subjects . . . 885 Preface ibid Petitionary hymns ...... 886 Eucliatislic hymns 894 Paraphrases on select parts of holy writ . . 898 Occasional pieces on the death of friends An appendix, consisting of several pieces not pro- perly reducible to any of the preceding heads . 905 Poetical compositions v\ ritten in mature years . 905 I. To the Holv Spirit . . . .908 I I. A contemplation suggested by Rev. 7. 19 ibid III. Happiness found .... 909 IV. Affliction ibid V. The method of salvation . . . tbid VI. The evil heart .... ibid VII. Thy kingdom come .... ibid VIII. The propitiation .... ibid IX. Assurance of faith . . . .910 X. To the Blessed Spirit . . . ibid XI. Divine breathings .... ibid XII. Psalm cxlvii. 1 ibid XUI. Hebrews x. 19. We have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus ..... ibid XIV. A propitious gale longed for . . 911 XV. All in all ibid XVI. Weak believers encouraged . . ibid XVII. Christ the light of his people . ibid XVIII. Leaning on the Beloved . . .912 XIX. Before hearing .... ibid XX. A morning hymn .... io!d CONTENTS XXI. XXII. XXIII. XXIV. TAGB PACK XXV. He haih borne our griefs, &c. . . ioid A prayer, living and dying ibid XXVI. Faiih ill the promises . ibid To the Trinity . . . . 913 XXVII. Divine aid .... . iUd 2 Tim i. 9. Who hath saved us and XXVIll. Almighty power . ib'd called us with a holy calling ; not ac- XXIX. Mercy experienced . . 914 cording to our works, but accord- XXX. Fervent desire . ibid ing to his own purpose and grace, XXXI. Written in illness. Psalm civ. 34. My which was given us before *he world meditation of him shall be sweet . ibid began ibid XXXII. The dying believer to his soul . . ibid MEMOIRS OP THR Rev. AUGUSTUS MONTAGUE TOPLADY, A. B On perusing the pages of biography, we find therein delineated the achievements of vari- ous persons exhibited to the world, according to the caprice and mutability of human opi- nion. But when we turn our views to the infallible leaves of inspiration, we discover a just discrimination of characters, with that mark uf distinction stamped upon them from heaven, that stands in everlasting force, and admits of no exception. According to Scrip- ture testimony, the righteous and the wicked are the only two classes that mankind are divided into; whatever becomes of the ungod- ly, the sacred records inform us, that it shall be well respecting the present and eternal prosperity of believers. For, " the foundation of the Lord," or his immoveable purpose re- specting his people, " standeth sure, having this seal," this authentic and inviolable sanc- tion, "The Lord knoweth," the Lord loves, and will ever continue to take care of, " them that are his." We have many striking illustrations of the ivonderful preservations experienced by the worthies of the Old and New Testaments, their whole history presents us with little else hut a continued chain of miraculous provi- dences. When God has had any particular employment for them to be engaged in, how suitably has he prepared andequipped his work- men for the work he has appointed them for! If, for example, we look at Elijah, we shall per- ceive a plain, blunt, honest prophet: a stran- ger to refinement, and to the blandishments of the world, but formed to speak of God's testimonies before princes, without being ashamed. It was Elijah against all Israel, and all Israel against Elijah. " But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong, by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." How eminently is this ex- emplified in the histoiy of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Tohn the Baptist, and the apostle Paul, who ivere copiously furnished for that sphere of action unto which they were appointed ! If we descend from Jewish to modern times, many peculiar instances will occur to eluci- date this remark. Luther had inflexible ene- mies to withstand, and he strove with them roughly. His nerves were like steel, his bow like iron ; his voice like thunder, and the force of his pen has been compared to the weight of Hercules' club. He was destined to en- gage with dangers and fierce persecutions ; and God armed him for the war accordingly. Calvin was a complete gentleman, and a polite scholar, his feelings were fine, and his nerves delicate. He was not appointed of God for such hard public work as Luther: and, com- paratively speaking, he met with little violent persecution during the course of his life. In our own country, Mr. Whitefield was designed of God to be the grand and honour- ed instrument of restoring the truths and th'. power of the gospel in England. He wa^ therefore fitted for his employ. He feared thi face neither of men nor devils. Like an eagle,, he flew from country to country, soundinj intrepidly the gospel trumpet as he flew. Mr. Hervey was not prepared, neither was he called to, the same dangerous and diflicult department. The holy rector of Weston was formed more for study than for public action ; it was his delight to cultivate the elegant parts of learning in retirement and obscurity; and to speak for Christ rather by his pen, than as an apostolic itinerant. Mr. Toplady was peculiarly set apart to ex- hibit and defend the prominent features of revelation. He has pushed his adversaries with more inflexibility, intrepidity and vigour, than was ever done by any preceding cham- pions. His animated warmth was justly pro- portioned to the cause he had espoused. The oijjections that have been reiterated against the doctrines of grace appeared to have been collected into one focus, and held up to his view with an air of triumph, and with the confidence of certain victory, but under the divine auspices, and in the spirit of sincerity B MEMOIRS OF THE apri truth, lie was enabled to repel those attacks, that were made against the bulwark of Christianity, in such a manner as almost to supersede any eulo^inm that can be passed upon his uncommon abilities. The last illustrious cliaracter, who is the subject of these memoirs, was son ot Richard Toplady, a major, who died at the siege of Carthagena, soon after his birth. His mother's maiden name was Catharine Bate. She was sistei' to the late Rev. Mr. Julia Bate, and the Rev. Mr. Bate, rector of St Paul's, Deptford ; by whom they were married at the above church, December 21, 17''^7- They had issue one son named Francis, who died in his infan- cv, and afterwards our author. He drew his hist breath at Farnham, in Surrey, November the 4th, 1740. His godfathers were Augustus Middleton, and Adolphus Montague, Esquires ; ill honour to whom he bore the Christian name of the one, and the surname of the other. He received the first rudiments of his education at Westminster-school, where he early evinced and increased a peculiar genius. From his studies at that place, he accompanied liis honoured parent in a journey to Ireland, to pursue claims to an estate which she had in that kingdom. Notwithstanding the solitary state in which his mother was left, she anxi- ously watched over him, with the deepest sympathy of affection, and persevered in a plan for his education and future views in life, which were the principal concerns of her maternal solicitude. The son returned her tender care with the utmost affection. Indeed, so great was the obligation which he always conceived he owed her, that he never menti- oned her but in words expressive of sensibi- lity and gratitude. As this son of the prophets was improving those natural talents he was so eminently en- dowed with, it pleased God in his providence, when he was about the age of sixteen, to direct his steps into a barn, at a place called Codymaiu, in Ireland, where a layman was preaching. The word of God, then deliver- ing, was fixed upon his conscience, " in de- monstration of the Spirit and with power." Let it not rashly be deemed the enthusiasm of a visionist, or the ignus fatitus of religious distraction, when we assert, " That his faith did not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." There was nothing pecu- liar in the place, nor instrument, to work upon the fancy or passions: therefore, to attempt to explain the effect, by any logical or meta- physical investigation, would be ridiculous, while we have the Scriptures in congeniality with facts, to inform us that " it pleaseth God, by the fooiishi-.ess of preaching, to save them that believe." A few years after the above memorable cir- cumstance, Mr. Toplady leflects upon it in the loilowiiig wi>rd:>: "February 2V, 17G8, at night, after my return from Exeter, my desire* were strongly drawn out, and drawn up to God. I could, indeed, say, that I groaned with the groans of love, joy, and peace ; but so it was, even with comfortable groans that cannot be uttered. That sweet text, Ephe- sians ii. 13, "Ye, who sometimes were far off, are made nig^ by the blood of Christ," was particularly delightful and refreshing to my soul ; and the more so, as it reminded rue cr, the days and months that are past, even the day of my sensible espousals to the Bride- groom of the elect. It was from that passage that Mr. Morris preached on the memorable evening of my effectual call ; by the grace of God, under the ministry of that dear messen. ger, and under that sermon, I was, I trust brought nigh by the blood of Christ, in August, 1756. " Strange that I, who had solcngsatundei the means of grace in England, should be brought nigh to God in an obscure part of Ireland, amidst a handful of God's people met together in a barn, and under the minis- try of one who could hardly spell his name ! Surely it was the Loid's doing, and is mar- vellous! The excellency of such power must be of God, and cannot be of man • the rege- n.^rating Spirit breathes not only on whom, but likewise when, where, and as he li.'.teth." On the perusal of this event, no doubt but the sceptic will rage, the deist sneei, and the person who assumes the character of a lati- onal Christian will contumaciously ask. How can these things be? Rather let such in a spirit of humility fall prostrate before God, and iiitreat him to make them recipients of the grace of conversion, which bringeth sal- vation. For, v/ithout this experience, real vital Christianity will appear futile and fallacious, and the Divine Records seem as volatile as the sybil leaves. Our author early made it appear, that he was not afraid of literary labour ; the valuable years of his youth were devoted to useful and honourable studies, rather than to frivolous oc- cupations, such as too often engross the minds of young men at his age. He laid a solid basis for future years, and the superstructure was beautiful. Between the age of fifteen and eigh- teen, by way of relaxation from his studies, he employed himself in writing httle poetic pieces, which were printed in a l2mo. volume, at Dublin, in the year 1759. They are by no means deficient in spirit and force ; some of the verses are truly poetical, and many of the thoughts new. Amidst the small inaccuracies of these juvenile compositions, there are indu- bitable marks of genius. The youth and in- experience of the writer must be looked upon as an extenuation, so as to preclude every idea of criticism. The ar dour of piety and religion, which irradiated the morning of his life, was increased with lustre in his maturer years. REV. AUGUSTUS TOPLADY. 3 it. replete with a variety of {jifts, and divinely instructed into those doctrines re- quisite, for a Christian and a minister, he received imposition of hands on Trinity Sun- day, the 6th of June, 1/62. He entered upon the ministerial function, not only as a scholar, and as one professing religion, but as an honest man. He mentions, that he subscribed to the articles, homilies, and liturgy, five separate times, from principle ; he did not believe them because he subscribed them, but sub- scribed them because he believed them. He was well persuaded, that after such an awful declaration made by every candidate for holy orders, the man that can draw back, or pal- liate, for any sinister purpose, the doctrines he has subscribed, so as to insinuate himself into the favour of men, to avoid persecution, or for any aggrandisement, must be devoid of every upright principle, and openly prove him- self an apostate from the Church, a traitor to the cause he once avowed, and a liar to the Holy Ghost. Shortly after his initiation into the ministry, he was inducted into the living of Blagdon, in Somersetshire, which was procured by friends, in a manner very usual ; but so scrupulous was he, when acquainted with the circumstance, that he was not easy until he had resigned it. In the year 176S, he took possession of the vicarship of Broad-Hembury, near Honiton, in Devonshire, which he held until his death. By the love and lenity he had to his people, the whole produce of the living did not amount to 80/. per annum. — He was by no means sedu- lous after temporal profits, or desirous of pur- suing ecclesiastical preferments. It was his pre-eminence to m.erit the highest, and to be content with the lowest. In this situation he composed the greatest part of those writings, ivhich will be esteemed and valued, while the genuine principles of Christianity continue to be revered. To bring the reader more intimately ac- quainted with this excellent character, we shall insert a Diary found in his manuscript papers, entitled " Short Memorials of God's gracious Dealings with my Soul, in a VVav of spiritual E.\perience, from Dec. G, 1767," with this motto, " Bethel visits ought to be remembered." They contain an intense union of the most exalted sentiments in the engage- ment he was dedicated unto, and display the feelings of a soul iu devout and ardent desires towards the Father of Spirits, uncoimected with a heated imagination, or a stupid stoicism of devotion. ■ Sunday, Dec. fi, 1767. In the morning, read prayers and preached, here at Fen-Ottery, to a very attentive congregation. In the afternoon, the congregation at Harpford was exceedingly numerous ; and God enabled me to j,reach with great enlargement of mind and fc:rvour. The doctrine did indeed seem to descend as the dew, and to be welcome as refreshing showers to the grass. O, my Lord let not my ministry be approved only, or tend to no more than conciliating the esteem and affections of my people to thy unworthy mes- senger ; but do the work of thy grace upon their hearts : call in thy chosen ; seal and edify thy regenerate ; and command thy ever- lasting blessing on their souls ! Save me from self-opinion, and from self-seeking ; and may they cease from man, and look solely to thee ! Mondaij, 7- Received a letter from Mr. Luce, and answered it. Gracious God, dispose of the event, to which it relates, as seemeth best to thee ! Choose thou my heritage and my lot ! Let it be thy doing, not mine ! This afternoon, I received a letter from my honoured mother, and my chest from London. It is a satisfaction to receive these presents and pledges of an earthly parent's love : but all the relations, and all the good things of this life, are less than nothing, and vanity, when compared with the love of Christ that passeth knowledge, and with one glimpse of thy special favour, O thou gracious Father of spirits. Tuesday, 8. Was much refreshed, and sensibly comforted, in the evening, while read- ing Dr.Gill's sermon on the Death of Mr. Fall. JVednesday, 9. A good deal of company dined here. How unprofitable are worldly interviews ! Spent the evening much more advantageously in reading Dr. Gill's sermon on " The Watchman's Answer," and that great man's tract on final perseverance. Lord, grant me more and clearer evidences of my interest in that everlasting covenant, which is ordered in all things, and sure 1 Thursday, 10. Heard that Mr. Duke has had a relapse into his fever. Pity, that so amiable a person in other respects should want the one thing needful ! How much has he suffered, since I knew him, by drinking too freely ; and how many narrow escapes has he had of his life ! Yet, I fear, he goes on still as an ox to the slaughter. " It hath set him on fire round about, yet he knows it not . it burneth him, yet he lays it not to heart." I bless God, who has enabled me to be faithful to the soul of my fiiend ; and put it into my mind to write him that letter of remonstrance, from London, above a twelvemonth ago. But, alas ! I have only delivered my own soul. Neither experience of present evils, nor the re- monstances of friends, will or can have any true effect on a sinner's heart, except thou, O Almighty Spirit, vouchsafe to reveal the arm ot thy grace, and quicken the dead in sin, fy the effectual working of thy glorious power! As overseer ot this parisli, I went down, in the morning, to view two of the poor-houses, and see what repair they want. Lord, what am I, that thou hast cast my lot in fairer ground, and given me a more goodlv heritage! B L' MEMOIRS OF THE Sureiy, in a way of providence no less than in a way of grace, thou hast made me to differ; and I have nothing which I did not receive from thee. In the evening wrote to my mother. Some particulars, in her hist letters to me, obliged nie, in my answer, to make the following observations, among others: "God has ful- filled his promises to me, so often, and in so many ways, that 1 think, if we could not trust his faithfulness and power, we should be doubly inexcusable. That he works hy means, is certain ; and I hope to try all that he puts into my hands. In the mean while, let us cast our care on him ; and remember that he that believeth shall not make haste. There is one thing that pleases me much, about Broad-Hembury, and makes me hope for a blessing on the event, viz. that it was not, from first to last, of my own seeking : and every door, without any application of mine, has hitherto flown open, and all seems to point that way. As a good man some- where says, ' A believer never yet carved for himself, but he cut his own fingers.' — The all-wise God, whose never-failing providence ordereth every event, usually makes whatvveset our hearts upon unsatisfactory ; and sweetens what we feared : bringing real evil out of seeming good ; and real good out of seeming evil ; to shew us what short-sighted creatures we are, and to teach us to live by faith upon his blessed self. If I should really exchange my present living for Broad-Hembury, it will, I believe, be soon after Christmas. In the mean while add your prayers, that God him- self would be pleased to choose my heritage and fi.x my lot ; command his gracious blessing on the event ; turn the balance, as seemeth good in h:s sight ; and make it entirely his own doing, not mine. Uo not let your tenderness for me get the better of your con- fidence in God ; a fault, 1 fear, too common, even with believing parents. Poor Mr. D. is relapsed, and his life is despaired of. Alas ! M-hat is wealth, with its usual attendants, the lust of the eye and the pride of life, when death stares us in the face ! An interest in the covenant of grace is of more value than all the worlds God hath made. Kiches profit not in the day of wrath ; but righteousness, even the obedience, blood, and intercession of Christ, dclivereth from the sting of temporal, and from the very possibility of sufi'eriiig eternal death. In him may we be found, living and dying ! " In my chamber, before I went to bed, was much comforttd while singing praise to the great Three-One, the author of all the bless- ings I enjoy, and of all I hope for. I can testify, by sweet and repeated experience, that singing is an ordinance of God, and a means of grace Lord, fit my soul to benr part in that song for ever* new, which the elect angels, and saints made perfect in glory, are norv singing before the throne and before the Lamb ! Friday, 1 1. Rode to Broad-Hembury, on a visit to Mr. Luce, where I spent the day, and stopped all night. Before I went to bed, God was with me in private prayer. Saturday, 12. After breakfast, left Broad- Plembury, and returned home to Fen-Otlery taking Ottery St. Mary in my way, where called on my friend Mr. Johnson. In tlie evening read bishop Newton on the Pro- phecies. At night, was earnest with (iod, ia private prayer, for a blessing on my to- morrow's ministrations ; and received an answer of peace. Lord, evermore increase my mental dependance on thy Holy Spirit. I am less than nothing, if less can he: and OI I am worse than nothing, for I am a vile sinner. But thou art infinitely gracious, and all power is thine. Sunday, 13. The Lord was with me both p arts of the day. Water, O God, the souls tliat heard ; and the seed of thy M'ord, sown in weakness, do thou raise in power. Between morning and afternoon service, read through Dr. Gill's excellent and nervous tract on predestination, against Wesley. How sweet is that blessed and glorious doctrine to the soul, when it is received through the channel of inward experience ! I remember a few years ago, Mr. Wesley said to me, con cerning Dr. Gill, that " he is a positive man and fights for his opinions through thick and thin." Let the doctor fight as he will, I am sure he fights to good purpose: and I believe it may be said of my learned friend, as it was of the duke of Marlborough, that he never fought a battle which he did not win. Monday, 14. This morning, one William To wning, about nineteen years old, was brought here before Mr. Penny, for breaking open and robbing farmer Endicott's house yesterday afternoon, in time of service, while the family were at church. My honest parishioner, it seems, just before he went out, stepped back into his room, he knew not why, and put away a considerable sum of money into a more secret place than where it had lain for some time past ; by which means he was only robhed of little more than thirty shilling.s in money. How evidently prcvidential! Just before the unhappy young man was going off from Mr. Penny's for Exeter Jail, his father, who had heard of his son's situation but an hour or two before, came up to the house with a look that too plainly declared the agonies of his heart. Unable to face his parent, the young ma,; burst into tears, and retired into the orchard, «hither his guard and his father followed him. Lord, if it be consistent with the counsel of thy will, be the comforter and tl>e salvation of this sinner and his alilicted family ! Bad as he is, thy grace cai\ melt him down. By nature, I am as REV. AUGUSTUS TOPLADY. 5 vile as he : yet I am, I trust, a monument of mercy, and a trophy of thy redeeming power. Blessed be the Lord, my NcH'-Creator ! Blessed be the Lord my faithful keeper 1 On all occasions of this sort, I would recollect that excellent line, *' Aut Bumus, aut fuimua, vel possumus esse, quod hie est." Before I came out of my chamber to-day, I was too hasty and short in private prayer. My conscience told me so at the time; and yet, such was my ingratitude and my folly, that I nevertheless restrained prayer before God. In the course of the day, 1 had great reason to repent of my first sin, by being permitted to fall into another. It is just, O Lord, that thou shouldest withdraw thy pre- sence from one who waited so carelessly on thee. May I never more, on any pretext whatever, rob thee (or rather, deprive my own soul) of thy due worship; but make all things else give way to communion with thee ! The Lord, however, was pleased, in a few hours, sensibly to heal my backslidings ; and open the intercourse of love between himself and me. I never so feelingly wonder at my own depravity, nor so deeply abhor myself, as when the fire of divine love warms my heart, and the out-pourings of God's Spirit enliven my soul. Surely, the knowledge of salvation is the most powerful incentive to repentance; and not only the most prevailing, but an absolutely irresistible motive to uni- versal holiness ! Began Le Clerc's *' /irs Critica." A most learned, and, in many respects, useful per- formance : yet sadly interlarded with scep- ticism and profaneness. God keep me from being a mere scholar. As a specimen of this learned P'reiichman's religion, I transcribe ihe following passages, from that part of his book I have hitherto read. Page 52, " In N. T. omnia fere p'lcttith officia, sacrific'd nomine, inferdnm indigitantur Mors Christi sacrificium naTOQ rev i/'ux'?" • wash thy soul, before thou washestthy body." A direction which I trust to observe inviolably, from this day for- ward ; during my pilgrimage below. The good man observes, page 292, that such as are truly converted have no need to pray by a prescribed form: " they have the Spirit of God to assist and enable them; and they need not drink of another's bucket, who have the fountain.'' This certainly holds good, for the most pai-t at least, with regard to secret prayer: but not always, I apprehend, in open devotions, whether of a public or a domestic kind. Grace and gifts do not always go together. A person may have true grace, and great grace, without gifts ; and may, on the other hand, have shin- ing gifts, without a spark of real grace ; wit- ness the parable of the talents. All prayer is formal, in the worst sense, which does not as- cend from the heart, by the Holy Ghost : and all prayer is spiritual which does; be it pre- scribed, or extemporary. Mr. Lee adds, p. 296., "God hath declared himself graciously pleased with secret prayer, so as to send an angel into Daniel's chamber; and he was weary with flying, volans in lassitudme, he moved so swiftly ; as the original text expresses it; Dan. ix. 21. c)v>3 What a high ex- pression [and strong figure] is this ! Even anirels are represented as weary with hasty flights to bring saints their answers ! Of what great account does the Lord esteem his praying people, chat angels aie expressed to be tired in bringing tidings of mercy! Siinday, 1 7- God gave me strength to go through the public duties of the day in a comfortable and becoming manner. In the morning, read prayers, and preached, here at Fen-Ottery, to a large congregation ; and, in the afternoon, at Harpford, to an exceedingly numerous one. Baptized a daughter of farmer John Carter's. Between morning and after- noon service read the first epistle to the Thessalonians in the Greek. In the evening, lead the Cripplegate Lectures. Though my joy in the Lord has not been great to-day, yet this has been a profitable sabbath to my own soul : O God, make it so to the attentive people who sat under my unworthy ministry ! Friday, 22. In the morning rode to Exeter, by appointment, to meet Mr. Luce. Put up at the Swan. Bought Cave's Historia Literariu, Brook's Dispensatory, and Erskine's Sermons, in three vols. At night, I spent three or four hours, reading Erskine's Sermons : particu- larly the following ones : " The rent Vail of the Temple ;"— " The Harmony of Divine Attributes;" — "The Believer exalted in im- puted Righteousness ;" — and, " Faith's Plea upon God's Word and Covenant.'^ The read- ing of these sweet discourses was wonderfully blessed to my soul. Great was my rejoicing and triumph in Christ. The Lord was with me of a truth, and his gracious visitation revived my spirit. One moment's communion with Christ, one moment's sense of union with him, one mo- ment's view of interest in him, is ineffable, inestimable ! Saturday, 23. Continued at Exeter until the afternoon. Before dinner, Mr. Luce and I made a formal resignation of our respective livings, before Mr. Geare and two other wit- nesses. Having signed and sealed the instru- ments of resignation, we left them with Mr. Geare, to be transmitted to the bishop. Pros- per thou our handy work. Supreme Disposer of all things ! May thy glorious Majesty, and thy giacious blessing, be upon us, for thy mercies sake in Jesus Christ ! Amen. After dinner, left Exeter and returned to Fen-Ottery. The ride was far from a com- fortable one. Hail, rain, or snow, almost the whole way. I think this has been the most remarkable day, in point of weather, I ever knew. Be- tween the time of my rising in the morning, and retuning home at night, we have had frost and thaw, snow, rain, hail, thunder and light- ening, calm, high wind, and sunshine : a mix- ture of almost all weathers, from sun-rise to sun-set. Before I retired to my chamber, I read Erskine's Sermon (and a matchless one it is,) entitled, " The Promising God a Performing God :" and the Lord set the seal of his Spirit on my heart. I was enabled to mix faith with what 1 read ; and God made it a time of love, joy, peace, and spiritual refreshment to my soul. I could look and pray to him as my co- venant God in Jesus Christ, who loved me from everlasting, and will love me without end. Sunday, 24. A day of almost perpetua. rain. Read prayers and preached, in tne morning, at Harpford, and here in the after- noon, to large congregations, considering the weather. God was with me in a way of bodily strength : but I cannot say I haa much spirit- ual communion with him in a way of sensible intercourse. But though my fleece was not 12 MExMOIRS OF THE watered, I tiust the dew of heaven fell around. Between the morning and afternoon service, I read Erskine's Sermon, entitled, " The Kinj{ held in the Galleries :" not without much com- fort and confirmation in Christ. In the evening farmer Roberts came here to settle his tithe. 1 told him, I ncvci transacted business on the Lord's Day, and desired him to defer payinif me till some other time. At night tead Erskine's Sermon, entitled, " The humble Soul the peculiar Favourite of Heaven." Sunday, .'il. Read prayers and preached in the morning here at Fen-Ottery : and, in the afternoon, to an exceedingly large congregation at Harpford. Between raorningand afternoon service, I made some very important additions to my sermon (wrote last Monday) on Ezek. xxxvi. 25 — 2/. In delivering it at Harp- ford, to-day, God was with me of a truth. His word was easjerly received, and seemed to he deeply felt, by very many. I think I have seldom, if ever, seen such an appearance of usefulness among my Haipford peuple, since I knew them, as this afternoon. Dr. P. of Ottery, seemed to be touched from above : Lord, bring him sensibly and experimentally within the bond of the covenant, if it please thee ; and likewise all the elect souls who have heard me this day. How sweet is the work of the ministry, when attended with the unction and power of the Holy One ! My soul has been very barren, ever since last Lord's Day ; but this sabbath has been a sabbath indeed. Spent the evening, both agreeably and profttably, in reading the confession of faith, charge, and sermon, delivered at Bristol last August, at the ordination of Mr. Evans, jun. Blessed be God for the advancement of his in- terest among us, under whatever form. Lord, increase the number of thy faithful witnesses, every where, and in every denominatio'n of Protestants ! Monday, February I. Before I went to bed this night, the Lord favoured me with some sweet intimations of his love. Suitda!/,T. In the morning, at Harpford, and here, at Fen-Ottery, in the afternoon, I read prayers and preached to a very full congrega- tion each time; and, I trust, the word was blessed to some. My strength and enlaigement of soul (especially in the afternoon) were very con- siderable. Bless the Lord, O niy soul ; and learn to trust hira who is faithfulness itself. — In the evening, read Bunyan's Pilgrim. What a stiff, sapless, tedious piece of work is that written by bishop Patrick! How does the unlearned tinker of Bedford outshine the bishop of Elyl I have heard, that his lordship wrote his pil- grim, by way of antidote against what he deemed the fanaticism of John Bunyan's Pilgrim. But what a rich fund of heavenlv experience, life, and sweetness, does the latter contain ! How heavy, Ideks,-, and u:ievangeli- cal, is the former ! Such is the difference be- tween writing frnm a wordly spirit, and under the influence of the Spirit of God. Wednesday, 10. The Lord was very gracious to my soul this afternoon. His Spirit was the comforter, and Mr. Erskine's two sermons, on " The Rainbow of the Covenant," were the channel through which that comfort was conveyed. Amid my many seasons, and long intervals, of barrenness and want of joy, God sometimes makes me glad with the light of his countenance ; but, alas ! I can too often say, with him of old, concerning such sweet seasons, "Rara hora, brev'is mora." Yet 1 can, through grace, say likewise, A moment's intercourse with tbee Is tvortb a year's dels^ Surely, O God, I could not long after thy presence, if I did not know the sweetness of it, and love thee in some measure: and I could not know that, but by the revelation of thy Spirit in my heart ; nor love thee at all, if thou hadit not first loved me. We grieve at the absence of those we love, and of none else : blessed be God for this evidence of true (however weak) grace! Thursday, II. Began t& compose " .\ Course of Family- Prayer-" Lord, prn.sper the work of my hands upon me, and make it useful ! Friday, \2. A little before bed-time, 1 darted up an ejaculation, that God would he pleased to strengthen me, and give me faithful- ness, in the discharge of my duty toward the parishioners of Broad-Hembury, whilhtr I expect soon to remove. My God gave n.e this sweet answer immediately, " I will en- able thee, and bless thee." Behold the servii'it of the Lord ; be it unto me according to thy word ! I desire to remember, with grief and shame, that, soon after the above manifestation of God's favour to my soul, I was tempted, be- fore I could get to sleep, with high thoughts of my own righteousness, both as a man ai?d as a mmister. The enemy plied his fiery darts very thick, and came in as a flood ; but the Spirit of the Lord lifted up a standard against him. I was enabled (glory to dirine grace) to reject the cursed insinuations as i would hell- fire. Oh, that ever such a wretch as 1 should he tempted to think highly of himself ! 1 that am, of myself, nothing but sin and weakness ; I, in whose flesh naturally dwells no good thing ; I, who deserve damnation for the best work I ever performed ! Lord Jesus, humble me to the dust, yea to the very centre of abasement, in thy presence. Root out and tear up this most po'.sonous, this most accursed weed, from the unworthiest heart that ever was. Shew me my utter nothingness. Keep mesensibleof my sinnership. Sink me down deeper and deeper, into penitence and self- alihorrenee. Urtuk the Dagon of pride in REV. AUGUSTUS TOPLADY. 13 pieces before the aik of thy merits. Demolish, by the biealli of thy Spirit, the walls, th^ Bahel of selt-riijhteousness and self-opinion ; lei'el thein with the trodden soil, jjrind them to powder, annihilate them for ever and ever. Grace, ffrace, be all my experience, and all my cry! Amen. Auien. Smiilti;-/, N. In the morninjr, read prayers and preai:lif <1 here at Fen-Ottery, to a pi etty full auditory. -In the afternoon, read prayers at Hurpford, and preached Mrs.MaryWheaton's funeral sermon, to an exceedingly great congre- gation indeed. I could not forbear observing, " that God had spared her to a good old age ; that she was horn in the year 1075, ten years before the death of Charles IF. and about fourteen before the coming in of king William III.; that she lived in the reigns of sev^^n monarchs, and died last Tuesday, aged ninety-three." Great was my fervour and enlargement of soul -, nor les.-<, to appearance, the attention of them that heard. Nay, they seemed to do more than attend ; the word, 1 verily believe, came, with power and weight, to their hearts. I never yet saw my Church so full (insomuch that there was hardly any standing) and, I think, seldom, if ever, beheld a people that seemed to relish the gospel better. Neither they nor myself were weary, though I detained them much longer than usual. Since my intention of changing livings with Mr. Luce has been publicly known, a spirit of great earnestness and life appears to have been poured out on my people. And yet, I trust, 1 see my way plainly pointed out, and that it is the will of God 1 should leave them. A wonder- ful combination of providential circumstances leaves me scarcely any room to doubt of my call to Broad Hembury. Lord, bring me not up thither unless thy presence goes with me ! Take care of thy own elect (and so thou as- suredly wilt) here and in this neighbourhood ! And give us, O give us, some more parting blessings ! — Mr. Holmes, of Exeter, came thence this morning to hear the unworthiest of God's messengers. This gentleman was at my churches both parts of the day ; and, from what conversation I had with him, appears to be one who knows and loves the truth as it is in Jesus. IVediiendati , 17. In my chamber, this even- ing, those words, 2 Tim. i. 7, "' God bath not given unto us the spirit of fear, hut of power, and of love, and of a sound mind," were im- pressed much upon my heart, and my medita- tion on them was attended, not only with great peace and sweetness, but with joy in the Holy jhost. My sense of union and communion with God was very clear : and I was enabled to tee myself one of God's regenerate people, by finding within myself (through the riches of grace alone) those three infallible evidences of conversion, which that delightful text lays down. The spirit of Christ was to me a spirit of power, when he effectually called me to the knowledge of himself in the year 1756, to Codymain, in Ireland, under the ministry of Mr. James Morris : he has been, and is, a spirit of love, in my soul, to all the divine persons ; and, as such, the principle of saiicti- tication : and he has been to me a spirit of a sound mind, by leading rae into, and confiim- ing me in, the light of gospel truth, in its lull harmony and consistency; which I verily be- lieve, for my own part, to be a branch, at least of that (Tui^poviaiioQ (which, among other sig- nifications, denotes wisdom and instruction), mentioned by the apostle in that passage ; and may not, 1 apprehend, be improperly rendered soundness of judgment. Yet, the ato who satisfies thy mouth with good things," the good things of his providence, and thy heart with the better things of his grace ; " making thee young and lusty as an eagle." Psalm ciii. Sunday, 6. In the morning, read prayers and preached, at Harpford ; and, in the after- noon, here at Fen-Ottery ; would I could say, with the fervour and sensible joy I sometimej experience. But, I was rather in a coM frame the whole day. Lord, pardon my un« worthiness, and wash away the iniquity of my holy things in the blood of him thou hast provided for a burnt offering ! Thou art faithful, who hast promised : nor is my interest in thee the less secure because I have not always eyes to see it clearly. Tuesday, 8. Our family dining early to-day, Mr. Harris (of Wellington) and myself took a walk, about two in the afternoon, to the top of Fen-Ottery Hill. Looking round thence, I observed to him how plainly we could see the two churches, of Harpford and Fen-Ottery, in the vale beneath us. Perceiving, however, a pillar of smoke rising into the air, at a little distance from Harp- ford tower, I asked my companion, " What he thought it was ?" He replied, " I sup- pose they are burning stroil." Imagining this to be the case, we continued our walk tor, 1 believe, full three hours, round Ailsbear Hill, and other parts of the common. Com- ing, at last, to Micktam in our circuit, we called on old Farmer Francke ; and were hardly seated, before he asked us, " Whether we had heard of the fire at Harpford ?" Adding, that, " according to the best of what his eldest son could discern, it was Farmer Endicott's house that was burning." The wind being pretty strong. North East by East, I knew, that, if it was Endicott's house, or any of the adjoining ones, the vicarage-house and offices must be in imminent danger. I posted away for Harpford, without delay ; and, being got within near view of the villa<;e, plainly perceived, by the course of the smoke, that the vicarage had actually taken fire. By the time I arrived at the wooden bridge, I met a man coming to acquaint me with what had happened ; upon seeing me, he saluted me with " Sir, your house is burnt down to the ground." E'.tering the village, I found it almost literally true, -^^he dwelling- house, the barn, the linhays, the stable, &c. with the back house rented by John Wood- ford, were, as it were by sympathy, all ia fl.tmes at once, and more than halt consumed. — Thomas Wilson's house, and that in which Henry Bishop lately lived (from which latter mine caught hie), were totally destroyed. When I -aw the vicarage irrecoverably lost, I returned to Fen-Ottery, and took horse for E.\eter ; whure I arrived between eight aud REV. AUGUSTUS TOPLADY. 15 nine in the evening, and put up at Mr. Lathbury's. Being fatigued witli my hasty ride, I thought it best to apprise Mr. Gearing (agent for the London Insurance Ofi&ce) by a note of what had happened ; who, in his an- swer, desired to see me the next morning. What I chiefly enter down this account in my diary for, is this : namely, as a memento of God's great goodness to me, both in a way of providence and grace. Though I was not certain whether the expense (I mean, all above the insurance) of rebuilding the vicar- house, with its appendages, might not even- tually fall on me (notwithstanding my resigna- tion ot the living last January 23,) by Mr. Luce probably refusing, in consequence of this misfortune, to complete our projected ex- change ; yet neither the report, nor the sight, of this alarming visitation, made me so much as change countenance, or feel the least de- jection. This could not proceed from nature ; for, my nerves are naturally so weak, that, in general, the least discomposing accident oversets me quite, for a time It was there- fore owing to the supporting goodness of God, who made me experience the truth of that promise, "Thy shoes shall be iron and brass ; and as is thy day, so shall thy strength be." Surely, we can both do, and endui e, all things, through Christ enabling us. Had any one told me beforehand, " You will see the vicarage all in flames, without the least emo- tion of mind," I should have thought it im- possible. But the strength of God was made perfect in my weakness ; and therefore it was tliat my heart stood fast, believing in the Lord. O, may thy grace be ever sufficient for me ! Spent the evening not only in a comfort- able, but even in a rejoicing frame of mind ; and never rested better afterwards. Thou, Lord, canst make the feeble, as David. Thus, the Hth of March was a day to be particularly noted, not in my book only, but in ray latest remembrance ; on account of that wonderful support with which I was fa%'oured : which not only made my feet as hind's feet, and caused me to walk on the high places of Jacob; but which even bore me up, as on eagle's wings, above the reach of grief, fear, and weakness ; and, as il were, laid me at rest on the liosom of Christ, and within the iii ms of God. fVednesday, 9. Continued ai l.xeter until after dinner. Called on Mr. Gearing, and Mr. Geare. Found, upon inquiry, that, the fire at Ilarpford happening after the living was vacated by my resignation of it, the ex- change will certainly stand good, and the me- lancholy event there cannot possibly affect me. Who would not trust in the Lord, and wail until a cloudy dispensation is cleared up? Through grace, I was enabled to do this ; and the result of things has proved that it would not only have been wicked, but foolish, to have done otherwise. O, that I niay always be as well enabled to adopt and realize that divine apothegm, " He that believeth, shall not make haste." Spent about an hour and a half with good Mr. Holmes, whom I found in great distress of mind, on account of his only surviving son being given over in a fever. During our in- terview, God so opened my mouth, and so enlarged my hear"t, that, I trust, both my friend and myself found our spiritual strength renewed, and were sensibly and powerfully comforted from above. In the evening, re- turned to Fen-Ottery. Thursday, 10. Drinking tea, this afternoon, at Farmer Carter's, I had an opportunity of seeing more leisurely, the devastation at Harpford. The whole vicarage is one large mass of ruins. What a providential mercy was it, that I resigned the living before this misfortune happened I O God, how wise, and how gracious, art thou, in all thy ways ! Friday, 11. After breakfast, rode to Broad- Hembury, where I dined with Mr. Luce ; who bears the late alflictive providence at Harpford better than I could have expected. Sunday^ 1,3. In the morning read prayers and preached here at Fen-Ottery ; and, in the afternoon, at Harpford (from Rom. viii. 28.) to an exceeding large congregation. I have much reason to bless God, for the great measure of bodily strength, vouchsafed nie to-day : yet my soul was by no means in a lively frame. Neither triumphant, nor de- pressed, my mind seemed to resemble the time mentioned by the prophet, in which the day will be neither clear nor dark. Zech. xiv. 6. At night, before I went to bed, was much troubled with coldness and wanderings in secret prayer. Mo7iday, 14. Looking over one of my journals this morning, I could not help bless- ing God for such a series of mercies as my life has been made up of ; upon which, these words were instantaneously and sweetly sug- gested to my soul, " I will carry thee on." Amen, gracious Lord ! Sunday, 20. In the morning, read prayers, and preached, at Harpford, to a vei y full con- gregation : but without any ray of sweetness or enlargem.ent ; at least, to myself. Between morning and afternoon service, I was much dejected and bowed down in spirit. I was so far left to thedoubtings and evil surmisings of my own unbelieving heart, as even to dread the remaining public duties that lay before me. But the glorious Lord was better to me than ray fears, and graciously disappointed my ungracious misgivings : for, in the after- noon, he was with me, both in a way of strength, and in a way of consolation. I read prayers and preached here at Fen-Ottery, with great freedom, and coniiiderable live liness to a crowded Church. 16 MEMOIRS OF THE About six in the evening, beinjj alone in my chamber, I was still more sensibly led forth beside the waters of comfort. I tasted some sweet droppinffs of the honeycomb, and could say, " My Lord, and my God." The emiiers were blown aside, by the breath of the Holy Spirit ; the veil of unbelief was rent ; and the shadows fled away. Lijjht sprang up, and the fire kindled; even the light of God's countenance, and the fire of his love. Yet my comforts did not amount to the full triumph and ecstatic bliss I have sometimes experienced ; but were gentle, peaceful, and serene ; attended with a mild, refreshing, lenient waimth ; which melted me into conscious nothingness before God, and made me feel him and rest upon him as my all in all. The very state this, in which, if it be his will, I could wish both to live and die : for I look upon such a placid reception of his gently-pervading influence, where all is soft and sweet and still, to be the most desir- able frame of soul on this side heaven. But I desire to leave all to the disposal of Him who best knows how to deal with his militant people ; and who will be sure to lead them to heaven by the right way, and nie among the rest. Muiiday, 21. Belvreeii ten and eleven at night, in my chamber, a little before I betook myself to rest, the Lord favoured me with some gracious outgoings of affection toward himself. My meditation of him, and com- munion with him, were sweet ; and the intimations of his love to rae drew forth my love to him. The cherishing south wind of his loving Spirit breathed upon the garden Oi my soul, and the spices thereof flowed out. I could say, and still can, " Whom have I in heaven, but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire in comparison of thee. Come, O my beloved, into thy garden, and eat thy pleasant fruits ! " Thus, though affected, ever since the afternoon, with a slight head-ach, my bodily indisposition was more than compensated with the peace that passeth all understanding ; and I cnuld rejoice in the sense of union with Christ, my exalted head ; a head that is never out of order. Thursday, 24. In the afternoon, the Lord gave me this word of ccnnfort, " 1 have put away thy sin." It came with power, and I was enabled to believe the testimony of the Holy Spirit. Towards evening, I was in a very comfortable frame of soul, while making some considerable additions to my sermon on John ii. 19. How greatly do these occasional visits from above cheer and strengthen a sin- ner on his way to Zion ! Surely, there is a river, and not only the streams, but even a few drops of it, make glad the city of God. Friday, 25. This afternoon and evening, but especially at night, the Lord has been very gracious to my soul. I could see myself loved with an everlasting love, and clothed with Christ's everlasting righteousness. My peace flowed as a river; and I found the comfort, of the Holy Spirit to be neither few nor small My sense of justification was unclouded, as when the clear shining of the sun giveth light " My beloved is mine, and I am his." Under these sweet, unutterable manifestations, I have scarce any thing to pray for ; suppli- cation is swallowed up in wonder, love, and praise ; Jesus smiles, and more than a ray of heaven is shed upon my soul. "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord ; my soul shall be joyful in my God ; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bride- groom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels." My harp is taken down from the v/illows, and 1 can sing the Lord's song in a strange land. Toucb'd bf the finder of thy love. Sweet melody of praise I brine ; Join the eiiraptur'd cboirs above. And feel ibe bliss which malies them sing Saturday, 26. A letter from London in- forms me, that poor old lady Goring is lately turned Papist. Surely, it is a debt 1 owe to God, to truth, my own conscience, and to the friendship with which that unhappy lady formerly honoured me, to write to her on this sad occasion. Lord, keep me steadfast in the purity of thy blessed gospel, and, if it please thee, recover her from this snare of the devil ! Was indisposed, great part of this day, with the head-ach ; but enjoyed, toward even- ing, a measure of the peace of God. At night, a little before I went to bed, the Lord was pleased to give me a full assurance of his being with me in a way of grace and strength, and carrying me comfortably through the duties of the ensuing sabbath. I could no more doubt of his giving me a sabbath- day's blessing, than if the sabbath had been passed, and the blessing actually received. Sunday, 27. Pulm-Suuday. Between eight and nine this morning, the Lord visited my soul with a lively sense of his salvation. My comfort, joy and triumph were unutterable for some minutes ; and the savour of his precious ointment, thus divinely shed abroad in my heart, abode nith me, more or less, through the course of the whole day. In the morning, my congregation here at Fen-Otteiy was very lull , and I was enabled to read prayers, and to preach, with more inward liberty, and consolation of spirit, than I have done for some Sundays back. The gospel ordinances were sweet to my taste, and I experienced that animating promise, " He that watereth, shall be watered also himself" In the afternoon, read prayers, and preached at Harpford, to a congregation indeed. " Behold the Lamb of God," was my sub- ject : O Lamb of God, cause me, and REV. AUGUSTUS T()I'!.ADY. 17 those who heard me this day, to behold thee, here, in the light of special faith ; and heie- aftei-, in tne light of endless glmy ! Though I have a violent cold upon tne, with a tendency to a sore throat, yet I was carried through my duties, not only with great comfort, but with unusual strength of body and voice. A worse church to speak in I never knew, tnan Harpford ; yet I am con- fident I was well heard by all present ; whose tmmbcr, I apprehend, was at least seven liundrfd ; which, I dare believe, I should not have been, considering my hoarseness to-day, liad not my soul been particularly happy in the Lord. The sense of his presence giveth power to the faint, and makes men act beyond themselves. Under the influence of his Spirit, the meanest believer becomes iike the chariots of Amminadih, and goes forth like a giant refreshed with wine : the places of God's woi ship are, each, a banqueting house ; and the means of grace are so many mountainsof spices. Titesdmi, 29. That sweet text, "This God is our God for ever and ever ; he shall be our guide, even unto death :" proved a cordial to my soul this morning. Blessed be his name, I could adopt those words of triumph, and still can, in the assurance of faith. I am, through grace, as clearly satisfied of my interest in the blessing they contain as if they were addressed to me by name. I remember a delightful paraphrase of this golden passage, written by Mr. Hart ; which i caimot help putting down here ; and the rather, as it is the very language of my soul at present : Tliis CM is lie Cod wc iidore. Our faithful, iUKliniigci.blc fiicndj Wli.iSf lovf is as ^rrat ai, his |i,uv'r, And kria»'i nciliicr measure nor eud. >Tis Jesus, llie 111 si and the last. Whose S|iirit shall guide us safe honie; We'll praise him, for nil thai is past, Aud trust biui, for all thut'a to come. In the afternoon, began, and about half finished, a sermon on Phil. ii. 8. which, if tlie I. Old please, I h(>pe to deliver from tlie pulpit next Friday. The Lord has already, while writing it, made it a means of grace to myself; and gave me to experience the power of that dying love which the te.\t and the preceding context so sweetly cele- brate. O Lauib of God, slain for me ! Thy blood is balm ; thy presence is bliss ; thy smile is heaven. Through thy precious righteous- ness, sinners and salvation meet together. Thou hast knit me to thy.self in the bonds of an everlasting covenant which shall not be forgotten and cannot be annulled. Thou hast set me as a seal upon thine arm, and hast set the seal of thy Spirit upon my heart. I can sing, with one of thv saints, now in heaven Ix>ve mov'd thee to die ; And on this 1 relv, Mr Saviour hath lov'd lue. 1 cannot tell whr i But this 1 can find. We two aresojuiii'd He'll not be In glory aud leave me behind. April 1. dnoo'-Fridni/. In the morning read piavers, preached, and administered the blessed Sacrament, at Harpford. Both in the pulpit, and at the Lord's talde, my joy, con- solation, and enlargement of soul, were great: and, I think, I never saw communicants more humble, serious, and devout. God's presence seemed to be manifested among us in a very uncommon manner. In the afternoon, read prayers and preached here at F"en-Ottery : and the glorious majesty of the Lord our God was evidently upon speaker and hearers. This has been a Good Friday indeed to my soul ; and, I dare believe, lo the souls of many beside. Lord, make the sensible unction of thy Spirit not only to descend upon us, hut to abide with us ! Siiturda;/, 2. After breakfast, rode to Exeter ; where I dined at ^fr. Holmes's. Found that dear and excellent man not only more resigned to the will of God, but even more cheeiful than I could well have con- ceived. Mrs. Paul, of Topsham, and Mr. Lewis, a worthy Baptist minister, dined witti us. Our conversation at table was on the best subjects ; and 1 found our Christian dis- cussions sensibly blest to my soul. Alter tea, myself and four more followed the remains of master Holmes to Eade, about two miles out of the city, where they were interred- Mr. Cole, curate of the parish, read the funeral service ; and I preached a sermon, suitable to the solemn occasion, to a large auditory, and one of the most attentive ones I ever saw. I had a violent hoarseness upon me all the afternoon, which made me apprehensive I should both speak and be heard with difficulty. But, upon my entrance into the pulpit, while the first ])salm was singing, I lifted up my heart to God, and prayed, " Lord, help me, this once" Nor was my supplication lost. 1 was helped indeed. I preached forty minutes, with great ease to myself, and with great strength, readiness, and distinctness. It was a blessed season to my own heart ; and, I earnestly trust, to the souls of many that heard The word did indeed seem to come with the demonstration of the Spirit, and with power Returning to Exon, I supped with Mr. Holmes and the company ; and thence, between eleven and twelve at night, returned home to Fen-Ottery Sunday, 3. Easter-Snnduy. Rose this morning, with such a cold, and hoarseness on my voice, that I could hardly speak either audibly or intelligibly. Read prayers, how- ever (if it might be called reading) heie at Fen-Ottery, and administered the blessed Sacrament ; but, knowing it would be in vain lo attempt preaching, ordered the clerk to make an apology to the congregation. At the table ot the Loid, the Lord of the table was with me of a truth ; and made my soul rejoice, amid all the weakness of my body, r. MEMOIRS OF THE 18 In the afternoon, rode to Harpford ; where, after readinj^ prayers to a very great congregation, as well as 1 could, which was very badly, 1 was in some doubt whether I should attempt to preach or not. Considering, however, that, if I found I could not make myself heard, I could but cease ; and grieving at the thought of sending away such a multitude, without even endeavouring to break to them the word of life; I went up into the pulpit, and besought the Lord to manifest his strength in my weakness : and he graciously did. I preached three quarters of an hour, with wonderful strength and unusual enlargement of soul. Awe and attention were visible on every face. I was enabled to exert myself greatly, and to pour out my whole soul in the ministry of the word. The sense of God's presence, together with the sweetness and dignity of the subject I v/as upon, melted me so, that, I think, I was never more strongly CHrried out. Once in particular, I could scarce refrain from bursting into tears. Hoarse and disagreeable as my voice sounded, yet, 1 am convinced, the voice of the Holy Spirit made its way to many hearts. Indeed all were struck, if there is any judgment to be formed by appearances. My wonder, at the ability with which I was endued, and my gratitude to the blessed God, for the comforts that were experienced, will hardly suffer me to desist from saying more of this memorable opoor- tunity. Lord, who would not trust thee ? Who would not love thee ? The work, O God, was thine ; and thine be all the glory ! Amen, Amen. Tucsdaij, 5. My hoarseness, blessed be God, begins to go off. Drinking tea, to-day, at Mr. Leigh's, at Hayne, the company went away early, and Mr. Leigh and I had the remainder of the afternoon to ourselves. Our conversation took a very improving turn. We talked much of death, the assurance of faith, and the invincibility of converting grace. My conversation on the latter subject never seemed to come to him with so much con- viction and power, as now. He almost gave up his Arminianism, and drank in what I was enabled to say, with a seriousness and sensibility I never saw in him before. He even appeared to relish the doctrine of grace, and to feel some of its power. Lord, let not thy Spirit leave him, until thou hast made him cry, from the depth of his heart, " O, sovereign grace ! I am nothing! thou art all!" On my way home to Fen-Ottery, especially as I was riding over Tipton-bridge, my soul was in a very comfortable frame. (3, the unutterable sweetness of sensible interest in God's election, the covenant of grace, and righteousness of Christ ! I trust, I can say, they are all mine. frednciday, 6. {t^ This afternoon, about two o'clock, I received institution, at Exeter, to the living of Broad-Hembury. While on ray knees, the chancellor was committing the souls of that parish to my care, my own soul was secretly lifted up to God for a blessing ; which, I humbly trust, will be given, for his mercy's sake in Jesus Christ. Immediately after I was instituted to Broad- Hembury, Mr. Luce was instituted to Harpford. Thursday, /. That gracious promise was given me to-day, " I will inform thee and teach thee in the way wherein thou shall go ; and I will guide thee with mine eye." I had been, previously, much dejected in spirit, and exercised with various doubts ; but that v/ord of comfort came with such power and effect, that I was soon set to rights again. Friday, 8. Mr. Luce dined here to-day, we walked, in the afternoon, to Harpford ; where I inducted hiiu into that living. In the course of this day, I was favoured with some comfortable glimpses of my heavenly Father's countenance, t), that I could ever have a heart warm with love ! But it is better to catch' fire now-and-then, than to be always cold. Blessed be the Comforter of God's elect, a live coal, from the golden altar which is before the throne, is sometimes dropt into my heart; and then I can sing, hov'i3 of my God, for bim Again Wilh love imciiK I burn : Chosen of thee ere time began, 1 choose thee to return. To have a part and lot in God's salvation, is the main thing ; but to have the joy of it is an additional blessing, which makes our way to the kingdom smooth and sweet. Saturday, 9. In the evening, while return- ing from Broad-Hembury (where I dined to-day) ; and at night after my return hither to Fen-Ottery ; I had the comfort of sweet communion with God, and not only enjoyed that peace which the world cannot give, but was favoured with some delightful assurances of God's everlasting love to me a sinner. I was, like what is said of Naphthali, " satisfied with favour ; " even with the favour of him, whose name is as ointment poured forth ; whom to know, is life eternal ; and whom to converse with, is heaven. The Spirit himself bore witness to my spirit, that I am a child of God, and a joint heir with Christ. Lord, doubtless thou art my Father ; O enable me to love thee as such, and to walk worthy of my heavenly pedigree ! Sunday, 10. Did duty, this day, at the churches here, for, I suppose, the last time. In the morning, read prayers and preached at Fen-Ottery ; and, in the afternoon, read prayers and preached at Harpford, to a vei-y great congregation. At the latter church, God did indeed open to me a door both of knowledge and of utterance ; insomuch that I could not possibly confine myself to my notes ; but was carried out with extraordinary enlargement, readiness, and presence of mind ; especially REV. AUGUSTUS TOPLADY. 19 while speaking of the certain perseverance of God's regenerate people, and of the utter inj- possibility of being justified by works. I did not take any leave of my dear people. Fare- well-sermons, in my opinion, carry in them such an air of self-importance, that I have long resolved never to preach one again.- — Let ine rather close my ministry in this place, with, 1. Secretly begging pardon of God to- night, for my manifold sins, omissions, and infirmities, both as a man, and as a minister. 2. I earnestly intreat my gracious Lord to make me thankful for the innumerable mercies I have experienced, since I had the care of these parishes upon me. 3. I pray God to command his efficacious blessing on my weak, sinful, and unworthy labours here ; most humbly beseeching him to own the messages of salvation I have delivered from time to time, and to grant that the seed he has enabled me to sow, may be found after many days. 4: 1 beg him to stay with these that stay, and to go with me when I go from them : that his presence and his blessing may be their portion, my portion, and the portion of those among whom I expect shortly to minister. O thou God of power and of grace! all hearts are in thy hand, and all events are at thy disposal! Set, O set, the seal of thy almighty fiat upon each of these petitions ! And supply all our need, according to thy riches in glory by Christ Jesus! Amen, Amen. Tuesday, 12. At night, the Lord gave me to experience some gracious meltings of heart. How sweet are the humiliations of penitential love ! I desire no greater bliss, than to lie at my heavenly Master's foot-stool, dissolved in wonder, gratitude, and self-abasement. Friday, 15. Several words of comfort were, this day, at different times, spoken to and sealed upon my heart : particularly these three, "Fear not; I will be with thee." — " Trust me." — " I will uphold thee with the right-hand of my righteousness." At another time these were powerfully suggested to my soul, " Be joyful in the Lord." To many, all this would appear as the most palpable enthusiasm ; and there was a time, when I myself should have thought so too. But blessed be God the comforter, I know what it is to enjoy some degree of communion with the Father, and the Son by him. And, ex- clusively of this inward (Kiy)^oQ, which is, to myself, equivalent, in point of mental satis- faction, to ten thousand demonstrations ; my experiences of this kind, considered even in the most rational view, cannot, I am well persuaded, be justly counted enthusiastic, or the offspring of a heated imagination ; for, 1. They are attended with such a powerful sweetness, and such commanding weight, such satisfactory clearness, and such a perfect con- sistency with the promises of Scripture, as leave me no cause to doubt of its being indeed the voice of Goq to my soul. 2. My mind, on these occasions, is as absolutely passive as my body can at any time be on hearing any person speak with whom I converse. 3. I argue from events. I can, to the best of my remembrance and belief, truly say, that I never yet have had one promise, nor assurance, con- cerning temporal things, impressed on me beforehand in a way of communion with God, which the event did not realize ; I never, thaf I know of, knew it fail in any one single in- stance. I do not say, that a particular as- surance, concerning any particular futurity, is always given me beforehand : far from it : but when it has, two unisons never harmonized more exactly than my assurance and the subsequent providence. And, if this has, hitherto, been the case with me in temporal concerns, and matters of Providence ; why should similar indulgences from above, re- specting spiritual things, and matters of grace, be treated as fanciful ? At night, in my chamber, the Lord gave me several solid assurances of his future pro- vidential goodness to me. I was enabled to know the voice of Him that spake within, and to cast the anchor of faith on what he said. My complacency and satisfaction of soul were equally comfortable and unutterable. O my God, that, which thou hast promised, thou arc able also to perform. Saturday, IG. In the evening, rode to Broad-Hembury ; where, at night, before I went to bed, the Lord gave me some comfort- able assurances in secret prayer. Sunday, \]. In the morning, read prayers and preached, at Broad-Hembury, to a large congregation. I opened (if I may so speak) my spiritual commission, by discoursing from those words, 2 Cor. iv. 5. " We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord." In the afternoon, read prayers and preached, ibid, to a very numerous congregation, from Jude 3; and baptized two infants. Great was my reason for gratitude and thankfulness to the gracious Author of all good. I was enabled, both parts of the day, to go through the duties of it with much satisfaction and presence of mind ; and the word preached seemed to be relished by many, and to be well received by all. In the evening, returned to Fen-Ottery; where I read, with great comfort and joy in the Holy Ghost, Mr. Hervey's sermon on " The Way of Holiness." In secret prayer, too, before I went to bed, the channel of comfortable intercourse was opened between God and my soul. All weakness and all unworthiness as I am, I have, in Christ, both righteousness and strength : and God, through him, is my portion for ever. In his favour is life : and that life is mine. Monday, 18. Late to-night, when the rest of the family were retired to rest, the ^ reading of Jenks's Meditations was much blessed C 2 20 MEMOIRS OF Tlir. my soul. Truly, my fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ, whose precious blood, in away of expiation, cleanseth me from all sin. Tlmr.<:daii,2\ . Riding home, to-night, from Exeter, the Lord was with me in a way of spi- ritual communion. Applying to him for a blessing on my intended removal to Broad- Henibiiry, this answer was given me, " Go, and I will be with thee :" and, a little while after, " Th