demands a more judicious attention from the religious public. As the writer wishes for information, he will feel obliged by the appearance of some early communication in the Congregational Magazine,

What is the best mode of reading the Scriptures in public worship? To render them generally interesting to the people; to promote an universal acquaintance with the contents of both Testaments entire; to make them more attractive to mere hearers; and to induce a personal and intelligent reading of them in private? Such inquiries naturally present themselves on this subject; and it would be more than gratifying to have, in reply, the result of experence and wisdom.

The practice of the ancients, Jews and Christians, might not be an uninteresting particular for investigation; nor may it be unsuitable here to glance at the various parties of the religious world, to ascertain their conduct in this bu

siness.

Then should come under review the chief divisions of Christendom in the present day; as the Lutheran and Reformed churches on the Continent of Europe; the Presbyterians in Scotland; the Episcopalians and Nonconformists in England.

The Wesleyan Methodists are now becoming a very numerous body, and exhibit a strict conformity to their own regulations; but have their "minutes of conference" ever yet prescribed for the Congregational reading of the Holy Scriptures?

The method of proceeding among the Independents seems very diversified; but whether uniformly so judicious as desirable, may admit of discussion. But is not the

plan of chapter reading generally exceptionable, inasmuch as the division of chapters is so repeatedly and so obviously inaccurate? Should not our selections for reading be directed by the sense and appropriateness of the subject, without any regard to the numerous chasms of either chapters or verses?

Equally objectionable also is the division of Scripture into "Books," as many have long thought; and, probably, the most instructive and intelligible mode of reading would be, the order of chronology. It is, doubtless, the order of nature, and should we not hereby both exhibit to our congregations the regular succession of events detailed in the sacred history, and the progressive disclosure of the whole plan of divine revelation?

Would it not be useful, both for ministers and their people, to have a kind of Annual Directory for reading the Scriptures? It would of course be subject to occasional interruptions; but such a methodical regulation would be obviously attended with many advantages. Let the following plan, therefore, for one month, be sub

XXVII.-Rev. John Newton to John Thornton, Esq. London.

Olney, ye 13 Mar. 79. MY DEAREST SIR-My last was only a note accompanying Mr. Scott's MS. which set off from hence ye 4th inst., and I hope came safely to your hand. I have had an answer from Johnson, to whom I wrote about it, and he promises to do every thing fair and well for Mr. Scott. So that I shall beg you to let Mr. Scott's MS. be delivered to him when you have done with it; but there need be no hurry-a month hence will do. I gave him no hint about the hymn-book, choosing to hear farther from you first.

Mr. Wilkinson was ordained ye 28th ult., and preached for me the Thursday following. His text was Ps. cxix 71. His sermon experimental and savory. Our people were much pleas'd. His spirit is humble, his temper solid, his judgment good; and I have no doubt but he will prove an exemplary minister. He will enter upon his curacy of Harwood, near Winslow, at Lady-day. In consequence of his coming, I sup

FATHER PAUL SARPI.

pose Mr. Scott and I shall have our sphere of action enlarged to that side of the country now and then. Mr. Moyer is engaged with Mr. Rose alternately for Cashalton and Beckenham, and I hope will do well.

Mr. Charles, the other young man, who was some time at Olney in 77, goes on well as curate with the Leicestershire Justice, Mr. Newman, who is now taking root in his own living at Beauchamp, in Somerset, and so far as I can judge from his letters, is still lively, and earnest in his spirit, as well as humble and teachable. He wrote lately for my opinion, about going out with a dog and gun, which he thought conducive to his health; but said, he found it had given some offence. did not treat it as sinful, but as unsuitable and inexpedient, and therefore in my judgment better forborn. He gave up all his other amusement from the first, and I hope the reasons I offer'd, will make him willing to part with this likewise. Small compliances with the world have too often insensibly led to greater, and it is safest for ministers, both for their own sakes, and for the

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sake of those who are apt to justify themselves by our example, to abstain not only from evil, but from whatsoever has the least appearance of it, or tendency towards it.

I have lately given up our Sunday evening meetings at the great house, instead of which I now preach a third time at church, where the auditory is much larger than the great house could hold. I have thought of doing so for some time, only the great house was rather an easier service. But as the Lord is pleased to continue my health, I venture upon him to afford strength likewise, for what seems upon the whole to promise most useful

ness.

me

You may, perhaps, remember the tale of the Mohammedan hog, which I once sent to Mrs. Thornton. Mr. Cowper lately versified it, and I reserve the other side to transmit you a copy. He did it in about an hour; it gives a proof that his faculties are no ways hurt by his long illness, and likewise, that the taste and turn of his mind are still the same.

Thus says the prophet of the Turk,
Let Musselmen beware of pork.
There is a part in ev'ry swine,
No follower or friend of mine
May boste, whate'er his inclination,
On pain of excommunication.

Such Mahomets mysterious charge,
And thus he left the point at large.
[Had he the sinful part express'd,
They might, with safety, eat the rest.
But for one piece, they thought it hard,
From the whole hog to be debarr'd,
And set their wits to work, to find
What joint the prophet had in mind.]
Much controversy therefore rose,
These chuse the back, the belly those :
By some 'tis confidently said,
He meant not to forbid the head;
While others at that doctrine rail,
And praisely prefer the tail.
Thus, conscience freed from ev'ry clog,
Amongst them they cat up the hog.
A laugh-'tis well,-the tale apply'd,
They make you laugh on t'other side.
"Renounce the world," the preacher cries;
"We do," a multitude replies.
While one, as innocent, regards
A snug and friendly game at cards.
And one, whatever you may say,
Can see no evil in a play.
Some love a concert, or a race,
And others shooting, and the chase.
Revil'd and lov'd, renounc'd and follow'd,
Thus bit by bit the world is swallow'd.
Each thinks his neighbor makes too free,
Yet likes a slice as well as he.
With sophistry their sauce they sweeten,
Till, quite from tail to snout, 'tis eaten.

The six lines included in the [ ] are an addition of mine.

We expect Dr. Ford in about ten days on his return from Stanmore to Melton. I shall then endeavour to fix for a Leicester journey. I hope we shall go and return before the postchaise tax takes place. For I think much of the expense of that mode of travelling already, and yet Mrs. Newton cannot well take a journey any other way. She has had another violent return of the pain in her stomach, and a week's illness after it, since I wrote last. But I bless the Lord she is now pretty well again. Mr. Barham wishes me to inquire, if any of my friends want a black boy, who applied to him upon the death of his master. He says he is well-disposed, and a good servant. He was about enlisting in the army for a bit of bread, if Mr. B. had not taken him into his house for a while. With our best respects to Mrs. Thornton, I remain, Dearest Sir,

Your most obedient, obliged Servant, JOHN NEWTON.

XXVIII.-Rev. G. Whitefield to Mrs. Savage.

Gloucester, June 2, 1753. DEAR MADAM-Indeed travelling and preaching hath quite fatigued this feeble tabernacle; but weary as I am, you, as well as my dear, dear Mr. Savage, must have a line or two. Indeed, it is a line of love, and a line of gratitude unfeigned. My rich Master can alone pay you the debt I owe. Your kindnesses excite me to love him the more. May his grace enable me to serve him better. Blessed be his name. Since my preaching at Carmarthen, I have been helped to preach at Swanzy, Neath, in two churches, and several other places. Our Lord gave us a weeping parting from Wales. Next Thursday, perhaps Lord you may hear me at London.

help me! I am a poor worthless pilgrim. Add to my obligations, dear Madam, by praying for me, and indeed and indeed, I will continue to pray for you and yours, till I can pray no more. Ere long our praising time will come. That our hearts may be tuned for that blissful employ every day more and more, is the continual cry of his heart, who begs leave to subscribe himself, dear Madam,

Your most obliged, affectionate Friend, and ready Servant for Christ's sake,

G. W.

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