another, and to accede to those that were directly contrary thereto. Let it suffice to say, that I was brim full of proud self sufficiency, very positive, and very obstinate: and being situated in the neighborhood of some of those whom the world called Methodists,* I joined in the prevailing sentiment, held them in sovereign contempt, spoke of them in derision, declaimed against them from the pulpit, as persons full of bigotry, enthusiasm, and spiritual pride; laid heavy things to their charge, and endeavored to prove the doctrines

*Methodist, as a stigma of reproach, was first applied to Mr. Wesley, Mr. Whitfield, and their followers; to those who, though professing an attachment to our establ shed Church, and disclaiming the name of Dissenters, were not conformists in point of parochial order, but had separate seasons, places and assemblies for worship. The term has since been extended by many to all persons, whether clergy or laity, who preach or profess the doctrines of the reformation, as expressed in the articles and liturgy of the Church. For this fault they must all submit to bear the reproachful name alike, especially the ministers;nor will the most regular and peaceable compliance with the injunctions of the rubric exempt them from it, if they avow the authorised, but now exploded doctrines to which they have subscribed. My acquaintance, hitherto, has been only with Methodists of this latter description: and I have them only in view, whenever I use the term.

which I supposed them to hold, (for I had never read their books,) to be dishonorable to God and destructive to

morality.

And though in some companies I chose to conceal some part of my sentiments, and in all, affected to speak as a friend to universal toleration yet scarce any person could be more proudly, and violently prejudiced against both their persons and principles.

PART 11.

Containing a History of this change; the Manner in which, and the Means by which it was at length effected.

IN January 1774, two of my parishioners, a man and his wife, lay at the point of death. I had heard of it, but according to my general custom, not being sent for, I took no notice of it: but one evening, the woman being already dead, and the man dying, I heard that my neighbor Mr had been

several times to visit them. Immediately my conscience reproached me with

being shamefully negligent, in sitting at home within a few doors of dying persons, my general hearers, and never going to visit them. Directly it occurred to me, that whatever contempt 1 might have for Mr.'s doctrines, I must acknowledge his practice to be more consistent with the ministerial character than mine. He must have more zeal and love for souls than I had, or he would not have walked so far to visit and supply my lack of care to those, who, as far as I was concerned, might have been left to perish in their sins.

This reflection affected me so much, that earnestly, yea, with tears and without delay, I besought the Lord to forgive my past neglect, and resolved thenceforth to be more attentive to this duty; which resolution, though at first formed in an ignorant dependance on my own strength, I have by divine grace been enabled hitherto to keep. Immediately I went to visit the survivor; and the affecting sight of one person already dead, and another expiring in the saine chamber, served more deeply toimpress my serious convictions: and

from that time I have constantly visit ed the sick of my parishes, as far as I had opportunity; and have endeavored, to the best of my knowledge, to perform that essential part of a Parish minister's duty.

Some time after this, a friend recommended to my perusal the conclusion of Bishop Burnet's history of his own times, especially that part which respects the clergy. It had the intended effect; I was considerably instructed and impresed thereby; I was convinced that my entrance into the ministry had been the result of very wrong motives, was preceded with a very unsuitable preparation, and accompanied with a very improper some uneasiness was also excited in my mind, concerning my neglect of the important duties of that high calling. And though I was too much the slave of sin, devoted to other studies, and in love with this present world to relinquish my flattering pursuit of reputation and preferment, and change the course of my life, studies, and employments; yet I experienced, by intervals, desires and purposes at

conduct :

some future period, of devoting myself wholly to the work of the ministry, in the manner to which he exhorts the clergy.

All these things increased the clamorous remonstrances of my conscience : and at this time I lived without any secret religion, because, without some reformation in my conduct as a man, and a minister, I did not dare to pray. My convictions would no longer be silenced or appeased; and they became so intolerably troublesome, that I resolved to make one more effort towards amendment. In good earnest, and not totally without seeking the assistance of the Lord by prayer, I attempted to break the chains, wherewith Satan had hitherto held my soul in bondage. It pleased the Lord that I, at this time, should obtain some advantages; part of my grosser defilements I was enabled to relinquish, and to enter upon a form of devotion. Formal enough indeed it was! for I neither knew that Mediator, through whom, nor that Spirit, by whom prayers are offered with acceptance unto God: and yet,