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I

much zeal and fidelity, that when I had read the volume, I was at a loss which of the two had the greatest claims upon my admira.ion and esteem, themighty genius,' or his illustrious biographer. To one who can relish, in the smallest degree, the pleasures that from science flow,' the exploring of the oriental mines of literature, will be considered as a most important event. have thought that the avidity with which the literati of Europe have studied the eastern languages, and the universal inquiry which seems to be made concerning the present and ancient state of India, happen all in the order of Providence, as it has paved the way for the success of that glorious institution, the British and Foreign Bible Society.

"It gave me much satisfaction, whilst admiring the uncommon vivacity, as well as gigantic vigour, which characterised the mind of Sir William Jones, to see him step forward occasionally as a warm advocate of revealed religion. Many suppose science and true religion are wholly incompatible: this assertion, though not strictly true, has considerable weight. Were we always to be governed by right motives, and did we always form a true estimate of things, we should prefer a saving knowledge of those things which make for our everlasting peace, to every other species of knowledge. I am afraid this is not sufficiently the case: it is not with myself; but there are times when I can say, 'All learning is vanity, but to know thee who art life eternal.' My friend, from the infirm state of thy health, it is not probable that thy years will be protracted to any great length; unite with me therefore, in a solemn determination, that whilst we are endea

vouring to find out what is rare and valuable in nature, we will endeavour also to become more intimately acquainted with the only source of happiness and supreme bliss. This I can wit-ness, in my measure, is really productive of

'The soul's calm sun-shine, and the heart-felt joy
Which nothing earthly gives, or can destroy.'

"W. T."

To G. C.

66

Lowton, 6th of 3 mo. 1813..

Nothing can ever prevent me from offering` in secret, my supplications to our common Father and Preserver, that thine may be a life employed in acts of universal benevolence to thy fellow creatures; that pure, uninterrupted peace, the result of a conscience void of offence, may attend thee through the vicissitudes of time; and that pure, unmixed bliss may be thy portion, through the countless ages of a never ending eternity. Such, my dear friend, is the ardency of my wishes for thy present and future welfare, and particularly in those moments when I have considered the inestimable benefits which accrue from such blessings. Whether it be some natural apathy in my disposition, or whether it arises from just and rational ideas upon the subject, I have never felt much solicitous for thy advancement in worldly good, or for any uncommon success in the accumulation of riches. An acquaintance with Him whom to know is life eternal, in my opinion, eclipses the glory of every other acquisition, and debases the value of wealth, honours, or worldly

esteem.

"Ever since I have been favoured to see the

amazing sufficiency of Divine grace, and its consolatory influence, affording solid comfort under the most fortuitous circumstances, enriching. the breast of the afflicted cottager with a treasure more durable than all the toys of the splendid monarch, even with that peace which passeth all understanding; ever since I have contemplated with wonder, that the joys of the righteous man rise high in proportion as he sinks deep in trials and affliction: I have viewed, with an eye of indifference, the various gradations of ranks in society. Oh! if the votaries of pleasure, who are busy pursuing their wild career,hastening through paths strewed with roses, to the regions of hopeless and eternal woe; could they but enjoy for one hour, that sweet serenity, that calm and peaceful tranquillity, which diffuses itself over the soul of the true Christian ; with what new and inexpressible sensations would. they be filled! Would they not cheerfully renounce those vanities which had so often been to them sources of gratification, and embrace all those conditions which are annexed to the promise of a blissful immortality? I never can attempt to express my thoughts upon these inexhaustible subjects, but I see in them, such a grandeur and sublimity, and at the same time, such a vast and immediate importance, as supersede every other consideraton. The immense stores of knowledge which natural philosophers have accumulated from age to age, with their many acute researches into the works of creation, justly demand our admiration but in viewing the proportion and harmony of that august and indestructible fabric, Christianity; in contemplating the depth of that condescension, which constrained the Prince of Peace to put on a veil

of mortality, that he might deliver fallen man from the dominion of sin and corruption, and purchase him a title to an inheritance in glory; when these important truths become the subject of our meditation, how exulting, I had almost said, how rapturous, are the sensations which are excited!

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“Hannah More says, in the preface to ‘Practical Piety,' that mankind do not need so much to be informed, as to be reminded, of their duty." I was much struck with the justness of the remark; and as we are not exempt from its application individually, neither can we be, from the guilt which it necessarily includes. I speak from my own experience: I have always found a wide distinction between knowledge and obedience; between learning what are the restrictions imposed by truth, and submitting in unreserved obedience to its discipline. I have proved the efficacy of Divine Grace to be more than sufficient to counteract all those temptations which are peculiar to youth; to preserve the soul in a solid and lasting peace, which the world can neither give nor take away;' to subdue the passions, and to infuse a resignation which is accommodated to all times and places; I have also found, that to attempt, in our own strength, the subjugation of our passions and evil propensities; to bridle the licentious affections, with any thing less than Divine Grace, is as impracticable, as to endeavour to calm the raging of the tempestuous ocean.

"This last truth I have too often mournfully proved. Oh! that we may make haste, while it is yet day, for the night cometh when no man can work.' Let us remember, whilst performing those external duties connected with our avocations in life, whilst attending to the many curious:

facts which science exhibits to our view, let us ever remember, whatsoever may be our pursuits, that holiness and happiness are inseparable con

comitants.

To J. R..

"W. T."

66

"Lowton, 3d Month, 1813.

There are other things, my dear friend, on which I have much to say, but must content myself with merely touching upon, at present.. How fares it with thy soul? Make, I beseech thee, this enquiry strictly. Oh! it is an awful enquiry, suspended as we are, between the tworegions of light and darkness, happiness and misery, and those of eternal duration; with nothing to separate us from immediately joining one of these states, but the brittle thread of life (which we see snapped every day around us.) How does it behove us, to solemnly make this enquiry I think it cannot occur too often: How fares it with my soul? O my friend! that thou mayest become more acquainted with the way of truth, which is a pleasant way to such as are willing to walk in it. I have felt it so, when at times I have been led to a more circumspect walking and conversation; then I have believed the Lord, when he says, his yoke is easy, and his burden light; then have I exclaimed, with one of old, Teach me thy way, O Lord, and I will walk in thy truth!' and 'Save me, and I shall be saved.' Simple as these expressions may seem, unadorned by the flowers of rhetoric, they coni-. prehend a great deal when expressed in their fullest sense. May we be able, from a holy resignation, to repeat the first,, and be led, from.