t> IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) % 1.0 I.I 1.25 I/- 11^ 1.8 1.4 1.6 -► ''w^'w Photographic Sciences Corporation d N^ \ ^> ,V \\ % V '^TN' 6^ 23 WEST MAiN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVI/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical iVIicroreproductions / Instetut Canadian de microreproductions historiques Mimilir'-f Technical and Bibliographic Notas/Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. D D D D D D Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur I I Covers damaged/ Couverture endommag^e Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaur^ et/ou pellicuiie I I Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque Coloured maps/ Cartes g6ographiques en couleur Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Reli6 avec d'autres documents r~^ Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ Lareliure serrde peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge int^rieure Blank leaves ndded during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout6es lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsque cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6t6 film^es. L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-Atre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la methods normale de fiimage sont indiquds ci-dessous. I I Coloured pages/ D D D D Pages de couleur Pages damaged/ Pages endommagdes Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restaurdes et/ou peliiculdes Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages d6coior6es, tachetdes ou piqu^es Pages detached/ Pages ddtachdes [""71 Showthrough/ Transparence Quality of print varies/ Qualiti in^gale de I'impression Includes supplementary material/ Comprend du materiel suppi^mentaire Only edition available/ Seule Edition disponible Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc.. have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partieilement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont dt6 film6es & nouveau de fapon d obtenir la meilleure image possible. Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppl^mentaires; Wrinkled pages may film slightly out of focus. This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est film6 au taux de reduction indiqu6 ci-de^sous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 2dX 3QX J 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: University of Windsor L'exemplaire filmi fut reproduit grice A la ginirosit* de: University of Windsor The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Las images suivantes ont it* reproduites avec ie plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition at de la nettetA de rexemplaire film*, et en conformity avec lea conditions du contrat de filmage. Original copies In printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated Impression. Les exemplairas originaux dont ia couverture en papier est imprimte sont fllmte en commenpant par Ie premier plat et en termlnant solt par ia dernlAre page qui comporte une empreinte d'Impression ou d'lllustratlon, soit par ie second plat, salon Ie cas. Tous las autres exemplairas originaux sont fllmte on commen^ant par ia premiere page qui comporte une empreinte d'Impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol --^- (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol y (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Un des symboles suivants apparattra sur la dernlire image de cheque microfiche, selon Ie cas: Ie symbols — ^ signifie "A SUIVRE", Ie symbols V signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams Illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre fllmte d des taux de rMuction diff^rents. Lorsque ie document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul cliche, II est film* A partir de Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant ie nombre d'images nteessaire. Les diagrammes suivants lllustrent la mithode. 1 2 3 1 • 2 3 4 5 6 t « # ■i^ ■*"*i|»y ;f#* MJb; ■^■;? 'WJ['i,Li^AM if^JUA^'JK CHABACT x7. ' B foMBHBEl yoD the 1 tbeir con ttiil foren Hi! A !i, II r A\x , N © VA :> <(''tnr i4^f> K.1'.m;i/."| ;,v ;". ..\.i)i-ni w:y» r"«i A MEMOIR 11 or THE X.ATI: *f KEV. WILLIAM BLACK, INCLUDINO AN AtiOOVNT Or THB BUl AVP PB00BE88 Of METHODISM IN NOVA SCOTIA, CBABACTBBIsnO NOTICBS OF ■BTBBAL IMSIVlbtf Ati } WITH COPIQVl BZTBACT8 VBOM THB VNrDBUSHED OOBBBSPOHDBBGE » . OF THB BET. JOHN WBSLBt/ BBT. I)B. COBB, BBV. FBI XBOBir OABBBTSOir, BTC. BY MATTHEW RlCHEY. A. M, principal of Upper Canada Aeademjf* 3: ItBiiBMBEB them which have the role over yon, who have apoken unto yoa the word of God : whoso ftith follow, conaldering the end of their convenatioc : Jeaoa Chriat, the aame yeaterday, and to^lay* «nd forerek.— St. Pavi.. !* .a. ^:,. ■.^; .>;„ . -. ■W'^- " v^^^,; HALIFAX, PRINTED BY WILLIAM CUNNABELL. MDCCCXXZIS. #■ -»•« 1 1 ,'■*■' . •.\'v:#,'y /' , ■' - 1 ' .hfc*'^^^ ^' » ' « " ■ ^'' ,:.. • ..:i' aTis.j'iu:/: "ia^ ■ ■' •' , / SPECIAL -' -T - •. ,■' ■«• '. " s' COUECllON ,»'^ ■ 1 ■ A.r.-n-. )A MARTIN ► THIS 'w :-■;■;-:;:) 1 »>. •yiU- AND THl FOLL< THE \ r '■/ ■f -■, iU . 5^ . TO V MA&TIN 6. BLilCK AND WILLIAM A. BLACK, ESaUIBES, THIS MEMOIR OF THEIR ^VERED FATHER :\^~;; :* IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, WITH SENTIMENTS OF PROFOUND VENERATION FOR HIS MEMORY, AND THE MOST DEVOUT AND ARDENT WISHES THAT, FOLLOWING HIM AS HE FOLLOWED CHRIST, THEY MAY EVENTUALLY REIGN WITH HIM IN LIFE ETERNAL. \'^..y'-y V': / ?'j w s, ; ■ m 8729 i f \ t PREFACE One Hundred Years have now elapsed since the first Methodist Society was formed. That aus- picious event dated the commencement of a new and glorious era in the history of Christianity. The moral revolution which Methodism, under the blessing of Almighty God, has already pro- duced, has not been surpassed in magnitude and rapidity since the days of the Apostles. Its " line has gone out through all the earth, and its words' to the ends of the world ;" and while we behold it, all-animate still with the ardoar and energy of its first love, " as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoicing as a strong man to run a race," is it too much to expect, that the day is coming when it will be universally recognized as the selectest agency of a redeeming Providence, I- '.' 31 M-r A <« VI PREFACE. in ushering in the glories of millennial renovation and joy ? Religious apathy and ecclesiaatical intolerance, on the one hand, and the predominating influence of^ doctrinal prejudice, on the other, have ever, not merely denied historical justice to the immortal Wesley, his coadjutors and immediate successors, but in many instances treated them with contempt and calumny. Those stars, however, in the Sa- viour's right hand, are now fast dissipating the clouds that so long dimmed their lustre, and are becoming broader and more refulgent to the view, in proportion as we recede from them. How ani- mating the spectacle we witness at the present moment ! Thousands, and tens of thousands, in- stinct with a hallowed emulation to testify their gratitude to God, for the inestimable blessings of Methodism, are coming forward, and with a li- berality unexampled in the annals of the Church, decreeing the Monumental Celebration of its Centenary on a scale commensurate with the greatness of the occasion. Already does the Trea^ PREFACE. vir sirry of the Lord overflow with princely donations consecrated to this noble object : already does every genuine follower of Wesley, in anticipation, par- ticipate in a triamph immeasurably purer and more exalted than that of the vaunting poet. * Exegi monumentum ocre perennins, Rcgalique situ pyramidum altius ; Quod non imber edax, non Aquilo iropotens Possit diruere, aut innumerabiiis Annoruin series, et fuga temporum. — HoR. At such a period, the rise and progress of Me- thodism must become an object of interesting con- templation to all classes of Christians, save those whose zeal for the salvation of souls glows only on the altar of a party. " Nothing," — observes the amiable and eloquent Owen — " Nothing is more natural than a desire to investigate the rise, and ascertain the progress of whatever has acquired sufficient importance to excite our astonishment. * I have erected a monument more lasting than brass, and lof' tier than the imperial elevation of pyramids; which neither the wasting rain, the impotent north wind, nor an innumerable suc- cession of years, and the flight of seasons, shall be able to demolish. ■m n Viii PREFACE. or command our admiration. We feel a sort of instinctive curiosity to know the source whence the instrument of our gratification has been deriv- ed ; and expect to find our pleasure increase in pro- portion as we discover by what means it has been brought, from its simplest elements and its smallest dimensions, to its actual state of symmetry and grandeur." A synoptical digest of whatever materials are necessary to the formation of a correct estimate of Methodism, in its general character and progres- sive operations, may be confidently anticipated from the forthcoming volume on the subject by the President of the British Conference, the Keverend Thomas Jackson, — a desideratum in the literature of Methodism which his previous productions evince him to be so admirably qualifi- ed to supply. On the writer of the following Memoir an hum- bler task has devolved — that of tracing one of the tributary streams of this majestic river from its source, in connection with the history of him who PREFACE. iz sccK^ed its channel, and contribnted so much to its puritjr and depth and expansion. He gives ut- terance to no feeling of Toluutary humility in say- ing that, highly as he estimates the honour of being the biographer of the Reverend William Black, it has often been matter of unfeigned regret to him> while contemplating his character, that the delinea- tion of it had not engaged the talents of some one more competent, from matured experience and a larger measure of heavenly wisdom, to do it justice. Were the first sheet of this volume now passing through the press instead of the last, he flatters himself he could in some respects materially im- prove it ; but he must rest satisfied, for the present at least, with the sad consolation that " care will not always be successful ; and recollection or in- formation sometimes comes too late for use." Should a second edition of the work be called for, he will most gratefully receive and attentively re- gard Viny friendly suggestions with which he may be favoured, with a view to render it more ac- ceptable and useful : and, in such an event, should ^ PREFACE. any light happen to issue from an opposite quarter, he trusts he possesses sufficient humility and wis* dom not to disregard the prudential maxim, Fas est et ab hoste doceri. "It is wise to derive knowledge even from an enemy." He now commends this Memoir, with all its im- perfections, to the blessing of Heaven, praying that he who hvis compiled, and all who may peruse it, may be " followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises." M. RICHEY. Upper Canada Academy, May, 1839. INTRODl MARK. — HIS SOLICl FARE- HIS N PLUEN MEKTS Minis taken upt venly cal tous truf himself y discharge instructiv of rellgio Hcntial ei tranquil i lie life, — dents; wl often vcr euinstanc With t Jesus Ch MEMOIRS, &c. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS — MR. BLACS'S BIRTH — RE- MARKABLE PRESERVATION 1 1\0M PREMATURE DEATH — HIS FIRST SERIOUS IMPRESSIONS HIS MOTHER'S SOLICITUDE AND EFFORTS FOR HIS SPIRITUAL WEL- FARE — THE FAMILY EMIGRATE TO NOVA SCOTIA — HIS NEW ASSOCIATIONS EXERCISE AN UNHAPPY IN- FLUENCE OVER HIM — SEEKS REST IN VAIN AMUSE- MENTS, BUT FINDS NONE. Ministerial biography, when its subject, havhig taken upon him the sacred office, in obedience to a hea- venly call, and with a clear perception of the momen- tous trust and responsibility it involves, dedicates himself with corresponding zeal and fidelity to the discharge of its functions, cannot fail to be eminently instructive and useful. To the general delineations of religious character, — invariably the same in its es- sential elements, whether found in a condition of tranquil seclusion, or amidst the excitements of pub- lic life, — it adds the interest of a new order of inci- dents ; whilst the exercises of i)ersonal religion are often very materially modified by the trials and cir- cumstances of office. With the annals of a devoted minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, there are abo interwoven nuiiiefous ii- B MEMOIRS Of* TH£ lustrations of God's dealings with his Church ; all ot which, however varied their aspects or inscrutable their reasons, are seen to terminate in the same ra- diant point, — the glory of redeeming grace in the sal- vation of his people. And when the existing state of the cause of God is such, as to give unusual promi- nence to the operations of his grace in the conversion of souls, general attention is arrested,— a spirit of serious enquiry pervades families and neighbourhoods, penitents weep in secret places,— 'the sons of God ex- ult,— -the demon of persecution is roused, and often is- sues from lurking places where he was least of all sus- pected to exist, sceptics, like raging waves of the sea, ibam out their own shame, or, muto with astonish- ment, start at the view of the unshrouded arm of Je- hovah, while his Gospel goes forth, as at the first, attended with divine demonstrations of its celestial origin and virtue. At no period in the history of the Christian Church, if we except the obscure and superstitious ages that preceded the glorious day of the Reformation, have the interests of vital godliness been at a lower ebb in England than when the Wesleys, Whitfield, and their coadjutors, like faithful watchmen on the walls of Zion, began to sound the note of alarm in the ears of a guilty and slumbering nation. Imbued with the spirit of the first heralds of the Lamb, untrammelled by the formalities of prescriptive usage, those holy men tra- velled beyond the precincts of particular churches ; they went out into the highways and hedges ; and in* spiring the trumpet of the everlasting Gospel with no uncertain sound, they soon caused its undying echoes to be heard throughout the length and breadth of the land. A national revival of religion was the blessed result, the wave can Cont cious anc in the ex pansive < the achie balmed ample, selected t whose int might rea still mon that the in a fews lityanddi in that s] more thai Apostles, is to be tr young me Oxford tc little atte: shall see i God, who he does ii merits of was in Ch that no m —and tha however, awarded _ * Wesley REV. WILLIAM BLACK, a result. Nor were the hallowed impulses hemmed by the waves of the Atlantic. Propagated to the Ameri- can Continent, they soon produced there the most gra- cious and magnificent efTeQts, and continue to operate in the extensive territory of the new world with ex- pansive e^iergy and success. To Him be the glory of the achievement whose alone is the power ! and em- balmed be the memory, and emulated the bright ex- ample, of those whom in bis sovereign wisdom, He selected as workers together with Him. Many, from whose intellectual and religious character better things might reasonably be expected, are slow to believe, and still more reluctant, it would seem, to acknowledge, that the stupendous moral revolution which has thus in a few short years been effected, and of whose stabi- lity and diffusive influence we possess the surest pledge in that spirit of evangelical enterprise, which now, more than at any former period since the days of the Apostles, characterises the Church of the Redeemer, is to be traced, under Divine Providence, to " a few young men whom God raised up in the University of Oxford to testify those grand truths which were then little attended to ;— >That without holiness no man shall see the Lord ;-^that this holiness is the work of God, who worketh in us both to will and to do j that he does it of his own good pleasure, merely for the merits of Christ ;— 'that this holiness is the mind that was in Christ, enabling us to walk as he also walked ; that no man can be thus sanctified till he be justified ; — and that we are justified by faith alone."* Such, however, is the fact. And where historical justice is awarded to those self denying men, they will shine * Wesley VSirmon " Od the General Spread of the Gospel. " 4 MEMOIRS OF THC with distinguished lustre among the most energetic re- formers of a decayed and torpid Christianity, and the most illustrious benefactors of mankind. The mass of ignorance and vice which they assail- ed was sufficient to test and dismay the most heroic Hi)irits. And had they stood alone, the combat would indeed have been unequal ; their occasional triumphs could not have been followed up or long sustained. But the work was the Lord^s, with whom there are never wanting the requisite resources for accomplish- ing his designs. A species of agency unthought of by those who first entered the field, and even opposed to their educational views and prejudices, came to their help— extraordinary messengers — ^who, though for the rtost part destitute of the imposing preliminaries of a Collegiate preparation for the ministry, wielded with divine effecj those weapons which are mighty, through God, to the destruction of the fortresses of sin and Satan. Among those, though at the distance of nearly half a century afler Wesley commenced his career, the sub- ject of these memoirs was called to occupy an import- ant sphere of usefulness. His labours being confined to the Provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick till afVer the death of the venerable founder of Me- thodism, he never enjoyed the coveted pleasure of see- ing him. He was, however, for a series of years, ho- noured with his paternal affection, counsel, and confi- dence, — as will appear in the course of the narrative, which we shall no longer w 'thhold from the reader. !'i;i "'! i! The Reverend William Black was bom of re- spectable parents, at Huddersfield, a large and flou- rishing town in West Yorkshire, in the year 1760. ftfiV. WtLLIAM IBLACE. a issail- heroic would iimphs tained. re are nplish- it of by )sed to o their for the es of a sd with ;hrough Bin and When quite young, he spent several years under the roof of his maternal uncle, Mr. Thomas Stocks, at Otley, where he was placed at school. On a certain occasion, during his residence there, he had a remark- able escape from a premature grave. Conceiving, as we do, the manifestation of the scripture doctrine of a personal providence to be one of the most appropri- ate and important objects of biography, the circum- stances of the deliverance alluded to so strikingly elu- cidate it, that they are entitled to a permanent record : — Mr. Stocks, accustomed it appears to spend many of his leisure hours in anglings brought home one day a live trout, and for the amusement of his juvenile nephew threw it into a trough of water that stood in the yard. William, after witnessing for some time, with no small degree of satisfaction, the gambols of his finny captive, stooped down incautiously to take a drink at the mouth of the spout by which the water was conveyed, and fell headlong into the trough. The position in which he fell precluded the possibility of his using an effort to extricate himself from his condi- tion of imminent peril. In a very short time he must inevitably have been drowned, had not a female do- mestic, happening to come to the door just in time to rescue him from the arms of death, seen his feet above water, and ran to his relief. His appearance when taken out of the water was ominous ; for some time he lay motionless and insensible, and serious appre- hensions were entertained by his afflicted friends that the vital spark was extinct. To their inexpressible I joy, however, their fears were soon dissipated. Let the sceptical and the incredulous recognise nothing in these circumstances but a fortuitous, though a happy I coincidence ; by the devout Christian they will be re- t ' ! IV- ■i n 1 ^ MEMOIRS or THE ii I I ■ 'i\ M eeivcd, not as the result of chance, but as emanating from the vigilant providence of Him who " number«i the hairs of our head, and in whose hand our breath is." Young as the subject of our narrative then was, this impressive occurrence was not without some salu- tary influence upon his mind ; and that it was indeli- bly engraven upon his memory and heart as a merci- ful and monitory dispensation of the Most High, in apparent from the fact that, in recording many years afterwards the most signal mercies by which his life had been crowned, he places it at the head of the ca- talogue. It is not always easy to trace back the serious im- pressions of a mind, trained under a religious influence, to*their incipient operation. On Mr. Black's own au- thority, however, we can state, that he was not moro than six years old when his mind was first deeply agi- tated with a view of his state as a sinner, and the aw- ful anticipations of eternity. His feelings under these " compunctious visitings," will be best portrayed in his own ingenuous and inartificial language : — " When I was very young, even as early as five years old, I had some serious impressions j God's Spirit began to operate upon my mind. When I was six, I often wished I was a toad or a serpent, or any thing but what I was. For I thought, as a toad has no soul, it cannot bo miserable ; but I am in danger of being lost and tormented by the wrath of God for ever. Oh that I had never been born ! I found an enmity in my heart against God, in his holiness and justice. It rose, young as I then was, against his sovereignty and do- minion. It galled me to think that I must cither re- pent or perish ; so that many times before I was ten years of age, had it been in my power, I would have overtume cious Aut late it." I native de cnumerat cularly a exclaims, at every r( Impatient William, abruptly of his ini His fathe sign of en visit the i he should ing the fu the spring an estate and retur America > he expres conduct ir out permi ceed to A mother. Williar his pious sit to Amc of a Chris ed him ; touching the good i truly exci KEV. 1VILLUM BLACIT. overturned God'd government and dethroned the gra* cious Author of my being ! It afTecta me while I re- late it." To this disclosure of the workings of his native depravity at so early a period, he appends an enumeration of the vices to which he was then parti- cularly addicted, and with repentant self abasement exclaims, — " Lord ! to this day I desire to be humbled at every remembrance of those iniquities of my youth." Impatient of the salutary restraints of school-discipline, William, when about thirteen years old, lefl his unclc'A abruptly and without giving any previous intimation of his intention, and returned to his father's hous?. His father, having for some time entertained the de- sign of emigrating to America, deemed it prudent to visit the intended land of his adoption himself, before he should firially determine on a step so deeply involv- ing the future fortunes of his family. Accordingly, in the spring of 1 774, he came to Nova Scotia, purchased an estate at Amherst in the county of Cumberland, and returning to England in the autumn, moved to America with his family the ensuing spring. Although he expressed his decided disapprobation of William's conduct in leaving his uncle, and returning home with- out permission, yet, as he was just then about to pro- ceed to America, he allowed him to remain with his mother. William's spiritual interests were not neglected by his pious and excellent mother during Mr. Black's vi- sit to America. With all the tenderness and assiduity of a Christian mother's love, she warned and instruct- ed him ; and plied him with the most powerful and touching motives to give his heart to God, watering the good seed with many prayers and tears. To her truly exemplary solicitude for his salvation he l>ear» 8 MEMOIRS OF THC M il - :!i i 1 1;! ill ililhl! grateful testimony : — " While my father was in Ame- rica, my dear mother paid particular attention to the concerns of my soul. Frequently did she take mo aside into her closet to talk and pray with me. Often did she relate the dealings of God with herself; — how, when she was about sixteen years old, she was con" vinced of sin, and experienced the love of God shed abroad in her heart by the Holy Ghost ; that she knew her sins forgiven, and that her Redeemer lived. Frc- (juently and affectionately did she press the necessity of conversion and the new birth upon my conscience. Nor were her godly admonitions altogether in vain. They deeply affected me. Many times they sent me to my closet to my knees, where with tears I besought the Lord for mercy." It were gratifying to be able to relate that these ro- lontings of heart, and applications for mercy, issued in true conversion ; that blossoms of promise so fair, were soon followed by the fruits of righteousness. But we are denied that satisfaction. Even the pathos of maternal eloquence, though its subjects be replete with over>vhelming interest— the love of the Saviour, and the joys and woes of a never ending existence, — has not power to win the alienated affections to God. As- sailed by this species of benignant aggression, the heart may, indeed, throw off its shield of wonted ob- duracy, — it may tremble with alarm, and dissolve in natural sensibility, and agonize with apparent contri- tion ; but such symptoms of godly sorrow are by no means unequivocal ; they are hopeful presages, but no certain indications of that " repentance unto sal- vation which needeth not to be repented of." We are in no danger, we conceive, by this suggestion, of discouraging the efforts of religious parents to pro- -^^- i I'l .4. nCV. WILLIAM BLACK. V mote the immortal interests of their children. They have not to learn that although the renovation of the heart in righteousness is the achievement^ not of hu- man suasion, but of divine agency, that agency is put forth in connection with the use of means, of which the necessity of a superior power to^ render them effi- cient can neither justify nor extenuate the neglect. It will therefore be their wisdom, in a department of re- lative responsibility, where the requisitions of duty blend with the promptings of natural affection, to imi- tate the unceasing assiduity of the provident husband- man, who " in the morning sows his seed, and in the evening withholds not his hand j for he knows not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they shall be alike good." One of the most usual and seductive temptations in- the way of young people's embracing religion, when awakened to a perception of its necessity, arises from tf wrong estimate of its genius and tendency in rela- tion to their immediate happiness. Unreserved con- secration to the service of God, however conducive, in their estimation, to future felicity, involves, they ima- gine, to a great extent, the renunciation of present en- joyment. The idea is as unjust as it is pernicious.. The religion of the Lord Jesus Christ is not the stern prohibitress of pleasure, but, according to his own l)eautiful description of it, in his conversation with the woman of Samaria, — the salient well-spring of all that is pure and lofty in true blessedness, *' spring- ing up unto eternal life." Her ways are indeed " ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." Had this view of the influence of real religion been enter- tained by the subject of these memoirs, when under the affecting teachings of his mother, his mind was. 10 MEMOIRS or THE i Jil; if III; BO deeply impressed, the result would probably have been more auspicious. " But alas !" he laments, *> \j of uabit, preventing him, on the other, from acting in accordance with his convictions. This is no peculiar case. Many a breast, it is l)elieved, which appears from the smiles that play upon the countenance, to be the seat of serenity and sunshine the origi above, o have pe of remoi w r, I am -oori hy the e iiidst of IjIc buoyi pollation an object <;omplim( of consci good an ventious me, that once conj licity, a ( room, he saying to i who woul ing it in enchantec where ale love of G «f glory ti Tl Fr At h ■ REV. WILLIVM liLACK. IS sunshine, would, wcro the imI but pui aaidp, exhibit the original of the picture, which Mr. Black has drawn above, of the interior of his own h( art. ThoMO who have perused Dr. Doddrid^oS interesting narrative of rpraorkablo passages in the life of Colonel Gardi* u' r, cannot fail to l»o hero reminded of the striking v. 'O! >ration of the truth of these sentiments afforded by the experience of that distinguished ofBcer in the iiidst of his revelry and dissipation. The irrepressi- ble buoyancy of his spirit had earned for him the ap- pellation of " The happy rake," and often made him an object of envy to those who paid him the dreadful compliment. " Yet," says the Dr., "still the checks of conscience, and some remaining principles of so good an education, would break in upon his most li- centious hours ; and I particularly remember he told me, that when some of his dissolute companions were X)nco congratulating him on his most distinguished fe* licity, a dog happening at that time to come into the room, he could not forbear groaning inwardly, and saying to himself, ' Oh that I were that dog !' " He who would find rest for his soul must despair of realiz- ing it in the gay illusions of sense ; retiring from the enchanted circle of worldly pleasure, he must seek it where alone it ever has or ever can be found — in the love of God, aud its inseparable concomitant — a hope «f glory that uiaketh not ashamed. « Thou art the source and centre of all minds, Their only point of rest, Eternal Word; Frum thee departing, they are lost, and rove At random, without honour^ hope, or peace. 14 MEMOIRS, &C. From thee ia all that soothes the life of man; His high endeavour and his glad success; His strength to suffer, and his will to serve. But O ! thou bounteous giver of all good ! Thou art of all thy gifts thyself the crown ; Give what thou canst, without thee we are poor. And with thee rich, take >vhat thou wilt away." CoWPEft. M' lir >< I was full of good desires. On the Sabbath I went to meeting, and felt still greater desires ; for several days after I felt my mind continually di'awn to prayer and meditation. Religious concerns alone possessed my mind ; nor had I the least hiclination to return to my old companions or ways ; so that I said, in my heart, 'I wish all the world knew how easy it is to be re- ligious, — surely, they would all turn to God.' But alas J I knew very little what was in my heart, or of real religion. " One night, we had a meeting at Mr. Oxley's. We- had desired an old man to come and pray with us. His name was John Newton, from Pradhow, near New- castle. He gave out a hymn ; but before he had sung many verses, the tears began to gush from my eyes,, and my heart to throb within me. I could not but cry QtUt for mercy, as in a little time most of the company :ll 2i} MCMOIBS 07 THff i'iJl! (i\i ■: IV if :!:i did. One young man, at first, began to laugh at us. He thought, * What ! you never conunitted murder, or did any thing so dreadful, that you' need to make such fools of yourselves, and roar out like mad people.* But God soon turned his laughter into sorrow. An arrow of conviction fastened in his heart, and he roar- ed out louder than any, ' God be merciful to me a sin- ner.' Ten or eleven continued thus crying for some time. In about an hour, God graciously set Mrs. Oxiey at liberty. Her soul was brought out of dismal darkness into light truly marvellous. Oh ! how did her soul exult in the Redeemer, and magnify hia blessed name. We continued our meeting for two or three hours, and then parted. I went home with my three brothers and sister, weary and heavy laden. It seemed to me if an hundred people had been there, they must have been edl awakened.. ' " From this time, for some months, we met almost every night, to sing and pray ; generally continuing from a little after sun-down, until midnight. Fre- quently, I with another remained till day-light. To weep— to fast — to pray — was now become as my meat and drink. I did not desire any thing else until I found Jesus. I thought, I talked, of Jesus ; nor could I bear to hear of any thing but what had a tendency to lead my soul to him. It filled me with amazement to see men endowed with reason, and capable of en- joying God's love, or of bearing his wrath, for ever, ■pending their precious moments in the most trifling and unprofitable conversation. " Returning one night from meeting, it was impress- ed upon my mind, — ' The curse of God hangs over prayerless families ; God is not worshipped in your family ; this is your sin.' Before this, my mind had !ll:il ^''i £EV. WILLIAM BLACK. 23 been distressed on this account, and I had requested my father to pray with us ; but he always put it off saying, 'I will, when I get more strength.' I went home saying within myself, ' If neither my father, nor my elder brother, will pray with the family, I will.' Just as I opened the door, my brother, who had been exercised much as I was, broke out in prayer ; from which time Ave had family prayer, morning and even- ing. That night I went to bed in sore distress." The yowerful effect produced upon his mind soon afler this by the pungent appeal of Mr. Wells, in his ex- hortation, to which he refers in his letter to Mr. Wesley, he thus more particularly describes : — " Lord," thought I, " I am the very man. I sin, and grieve ; and then I sin again. Alas ! what will such repentance avail. I must be holy or I cannot be happy. Now my sins were set in battle array before me. I saw myself Avretched, miserable, helpless and undone. I went about from day to day, hanging down my head like a bulrush, the tears frequently streaming down my face in abundance ; yet I met with no deliverance. However, I determined never to rest until I should know that my Redeemer lived; — I would not be comforted because he was not. " Not long after this, I went to Mr. Scurr's, fully expecting he would say much to me about the state of ray soul ; and promised myself much benefit from so holy a man. But I was greatly disappointed. He said but little to me. How apt are we to look for too much from man, to lean upon an arm of flesh, instead of looking to the Lord. That night he gave an ex- hortation at his own house ; but alas ! I felt hard and stupid. If a tear could have saved my soul, I could not shed one. I thought, surely I am one of the vilest n MEMOIRS OF THE ■U ■-I 'm^ wrietchcs on earth. I know I am a child of wrath, and an heir of hell ; and should I die here I am un- done forever, and yet I cannot shed a tear. Alas I alas ! I am worse than ever. In this deplorable state I laid me down, concluding I was further and farther from God. I mourned because I could not mourn, and grieved because I could not grieve. *' The day following was our monthly meeting, at Mr. Foster's of Fort Lawrence ; and puch a day, my eyes never beheld, before or since . Mr. Wells' prayer was just suited to my case ; f v<^ry word came home with keen conviction, and sank deeper in my heart than ever. Formerly, I longed to feel my sins a greater burthen, and prayed that my distress might be increased ; I seemed greedy of sorrow ; and to shed tears, afforded some relief. But note, the scene was changed. My sins were a burthen intolerable to be borne. I was weary of li^'^ . I saw myself justly con- demned, and said within myself, * I wish I was dead : if God pleases to save, it is infinite mercy ; if he damns me — be it so — it is righteous and just ; I can- not help myself.' Every thing augmented my sor- rows. A cock crowing, just at this time, brought strongly to my recollection Peter's denial of his Mas- ter. I cried within myself ' Oh ! I am wretchedly denying the Lord Jesus a place in my heart. I like Peter, have denied the Lord.' '' " Aflcr the meeting, John Newton came to me and said, ' Surely, Willy, there must be something that thou art not willing to give up, or else God would have deli- vered thy soul ere now.' I replied, ' I am in Francis Spira's condition.^ ' No ! No V said the good old man ; ' I believe it will not be long before the Lord ideliver thy soul. Sorrow may endure for a night, b«t SCV. WILLIAM BLACK. ^ joy shall come in the morning.' He endeavoured tio 'encourage me much, and entreated me to give up all my soul to Jesus, assuring me, that I should find re- iief. My distress was great. I thought, if I were in hell I could not be much more miserable than I then was. ' A wounded spirit, who can bear ?' Soon after, the extremity of my distress went off, and I remained for two days under a heavy sort of melancholy. All the time, I felt an awful sense of God, and of my lost condition without help from heaven. In the evening, I went to Mr. Oxley's. Mrs. Donkin was there. She knew my distress, and asked, 'Can you believe .^' I answered in the negative. She said, * You are rea- soning with the enemy ; come to me ; I have got a sweet promise for you.' I went ; she presented me with a passage in the Bible, which she thought suita- ble to my condition. I said, ' I have seen many such sweet promises in the Bible to day, but alas ! they are not for me.' " Mr. Frieze came to me ; and after enquiring the state of my mind, and praying, took an affectionate leave of me, saying, * I believe God will deliver you before morning.' 1 tarried still at Mr. Oxley's. We continued singing and praying about two hours, when it pleased the Lord to reveal his suitableness, ability, and willingness to save me ; so that I could cast my soul upon him with, — < I am thine, and thou art mine,' while our friends were singing, ' My pardon I claim, For a Binner I am — A Binner believing in Jesus's name.' " I could then claim my interest in his blood, and lay 'fast hold of him as the hope set before me — the Lord 1/ ■i, ■*■■ .8729 i UNIVERSI 26 MEMOIRS or TUB :ikl-:: ','■ '111 my Righteowneas. Instantly, my burden dropped off •~my guilt was washed away — my condemnation waa removed — a sweet peace and gladness were diffused abroad in my soul— ^my mourning was turned into joy, and my countenance, like Hannah's, told my delive- rance, — it waa no more heavy. After returning public thanks, I went home praising God. All my song was, ' Praise Father, Son, and Holy Glioat, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.* " But though I look upon this as the time of my es- pousals to Jesus, I have many times since experienced far greater joy than then. • i i" The next morning, my brother John came to in- quire the state of my souK I said, < O I blessed be the Lord, I am happy ; he hath graciously delivered me, and makes my heart to rejoice in his name,' &c. He went and told my brother Richard, who, some time after, came to propose a similar question. In the mean- time, not feeling an equal degree of joy, I began to question whether I had indeed found the Lord ? or whether the peace I now felt was right or not ! I said, ' I cannot tell you ; I do not feel as I did. My minrl is at peace, but not so happy as it was.' Soon after his departure, while I was reading, the Lord again Rmiled upon my soul, and cheered my heart, as with the new wine of his kingdom. My scruples were all removed, and I could cry, ' My Lord ! and my God ! " Now, I concluded, my mountain is strong, and cannot be moved. But what are we, if God for a mo- ment hide his face ^ " The same evening we went to Mr. Oxley's, where, seeing many in great distress, I said, * Oh ! that you would all come to Christ : surely you may all believe if you will ; it is easy to believe.' It was instantly RtV. WILLIAM BLACK. «7 guggcsted to ti y mind, ' You arc deceived ; you are in- Hated with pride' ; — and that with such power, that all my comforts fled, and I was constrained to cry out in the presence of them all, ' Oh i what a wretch am I. I said a few minutes ago, you may all believe if you vill i and now I cannot believe myself.' I went into the field, and throwing myself on the ground, cried to the Lord for help. He heard my prayer, he saw my distress, and filled my soul with love, and bade me go in peace. * Lord ! what a wavering, inconstant soul am I ! Sometimes I feel thy love, — I behold thy ful- ness, — I see thee altogether lovely, and conclude that I shall never doubt thy love again. But no sooner does the storm come on — the winds blow— and the seas run high — than I begin to doubt ; and the more I doubt, the more I sink, and should perish altogether, if thou didst not stretch out thine arm to me, as thou didst to sinking Peter.' However, these temptations from the enemy confirmed me the more, for proportional conv- forts always followed them ; if my distress was great, my deliverance was greater. This, I find, has been the case to the present time. I now went on my way rejoicing. < Jesus, all the day long, ' Was my joy and my song, O thit all his salvation miglit see ! tie hath loved me, I cried. He hath suflfered and died, To redeem such a rebel as me ! * On the wings of his love, I was carried above All sin, and temptation, and pain ; 1 could not believe That I ever should grieve, — That I ever should suffer again.' 98. AliSMOIRS OF TH£. " Every thing conspired to make me happy. Whether, I looked upon the heavens above,, or the earth be-> neath, they sparkled with the Creator's glory ; all crea- tion seemed to smile upon my soul, and speak, its Ma- ker's praise. The fields broke forth into singing, and the trees clapped their hands.. The glory of Lebanon was given unto them-r-the excellency of Carmel and Sharon,, because of the glory of God, and the excel-, lency of our God. In man, and beast, I saw the wis- dom, power, and goodness of God, shine conspicuously.. I was filled with wonder, and felt the utmost tender- ness and love for every creature God had made. . With glowing admiration I have beheld,, and with grateful- praise confessed, the inimitable skill of his all-creating hand in the formation of a fly,, and the painting of a flower. More especially when I considered, — * This is not barely the work of God, but of my God, my fa- ther, and my friend.' When I reflected on death, judg- i^ent, heaven, or even hell, it filled me with comfort ; but above all, — at the name of Jesus, my heart took, fire, and kindled into love." To every mind not incurably sceptical on the sub-' ject of vital religion, this beautiful and vivid descrip-^ tion, must carry evidence, at once of its reality and power. It is, indeed, convenient for those who placo religion in a cold and barren orthodoxy of sentiment, or estimate the excellency of Christianity, merely by the superiority of its moral code to the ethics of a Se- neca, or of an Epictetus, to represent such declarations of triumphant joy and confidence in God, as the lan- guage of fanaticism and mental delusion. They ought, however, to be reminded, that a prominent doctrine of Him, who spake as never man spake, is, ' Ye must be ij{uru ugaiu !' Aud^ though the anu'~>unccuiQnt may pre- RBV. ^I^LLIAM BLACK. sent an aspect of as great mystery to them as it did to Nicodemus, neither its truth, nor its authority, can be affected by their unbelieving wonder. ' The spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba ! Father !' — ' the peace of God which passeth all underBf.a/iding' — ' the love of God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost' — 'joy unspeakable and full of glrry,' — are among the emphatic expressions that occur in the sa- cred idiom, to indicate the strong consolat'ons of the genuine Christian. And, apart from the perceptible influence of the Spirit of God, from recumbent trust on the sacrificial blood of the Redeemer, and con- scious salvation in his name, it is appan^nt that such blessings can neither be enjoyed nor expected. If hap- piness is something experienced, a religion not experi- mental can, obviously, claim no alliance with true fe- licity. The hallowed exultation which Mr. Black felt, as the immediate fruit of his pardon, and adoption into , the family of God, so powerful that it reflected its own radiant image on every object of hits; contemplation, making all nature to glow as in its primal bloom and beauty, is in just accordance with the sentiments and aspirations of the saints of God, as exhibited in the di- vine records. "There be many that say. Who will show us any good ? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness into my heart, more than in the time that their com and their wine increased." " O send out thy light and thy truth ; let them lead me ; let them bring me unto thy, holy hill, and to thy tabernacles : then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy." The New Testament breathes the same spirit of holy and divine exhilaration ; — " Being justified by faith, we have p6ac« with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, >. D2 36 HBMOIRS OF THE- i;;.*f t,-i' and rejoice in hope of the glory of God ; and not onl)^ so, but we glory in tribulations also." " Whom hav- ing not seen, ye love, in whom though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory." Unless, then, the Gospel has come down to us stripped of its pristine glory, desolated of its joy-inspiring energy, — that is, unless it has ceased to be ' the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth,' he who does believe with the heart unto justification, has the Spirit's testimony of his interest in the paternal love of God ; he has — ii: " What nothing earthly gives, nor can destroy, — The soul's cahn sunshine, and the heart-felt joy." It is not, however, thence to be concluded that he is placed on an eminence above the reach of temptation. Exemption from the trial of his faith, is not to be an- ticipated by the Christian, on this sidj the goal of eter- nal felicity. His spiritual life, like the pillar that con- ducted the march of the Israelites in the desert, has an opaque as well as a luminous aspect ; it is a tissue of temptation and of triumph. It is natural, indeed, amid the incipient joy of reconciliation to God, to think otherwise. The future, as well as the present, then re- ceives its colouring from the ineffable peace experienc- ed within, and exhibits naught to the mind's eye, but a boundless prospect of happiness. Christ appears to address the soul in that loveliest of poetry, " Lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone,, the flowers appear on the earth, the time of the singing of birds ie come, and the voice of the turtle ia heard in the land." Who can wonder,, if reposing thus under the tree of life, and regaling himself, for the first time, widi its »mbrosial fruity the young convert should imaginv that. BEV. William black. conflict and sorrow arq fled away forever, and that the^ current of his spiritual joy will hold on its expanding course, till it blend with that river, whose streams gladden the city of God. Soon, however, he learns from sad, yet salutary experience, that the paradise into which he has been introduced, is not inaccessible to the serpent. The emancipation of the sinner, from the bondage of Satan, is the signal for his mustering his militant legions to the battle, and making a despe- rate effort to regain, if possible, his lost supremacy. His fiercest assaults on the Captain of our salvation, were made immediately afler the opening heavens poured the radiance around Him, and that illustrious attestation was borne to his dignity and mission, " This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased ; hear ye him !" And if he does not display equal eagerness and impetuosity, in assailing those who have just been rescued from his power, it is not because his malignity does not prompt him to do so, but because he is held ia abeyance by 'a stronger than he.' These remarks de- rive instructive illustration, from the sore temptations which Mr. Black sustained, not many weeks afler the Lord had spoken peace to his soul. He was first tempted to question the reality of the work of grace in his heart. " Your joy," suggested the enemy, " is not the joy of the Holy Ghost — you do but deceive yourself; it is your own passions that are moved ; you are no Christian still." This cloud was soon dispell- ed, by r. renewed manifestation of the love of God, enablirg hkn with unsuspecting confidence to cry,. '* My Lord ! and my God !" But perpetual serenity did not succeed. A more portentous gloom gathered^ suddenly around his spirit; — he was tempted to doubt Uie existence of God. And "with such power," he> m MEMOIRS OF THR 111- M ■:l! '-J i»ayfi, <' was this blasphemous thought injected into my mind, that 1 do not wonder St. Paul exhorts, * Above all, take the shield of faith,- wherewith ye may be able to quench the Aery darts of the wicked one.' They are well called ' fiery darts' ; darts, because of the sud- denness, and swiflness, with which they fly, — and^ery dary nature, there may always be traced, between those I who are born of God, what has not inaptly been called a family likeness. The grand test of the genealogy of the spirit, is the love of God. " He that lovetb not, knoweth not God, for God is love.'> From this aflfection, brotherly kindness and universal benevo-[ lence are inseparable. Such was the spirit that ani- mated those whom the Redeemer first invited and ap- pointed to labour in his cause. To those who con- templated their character under the influence of earth- ill BET. WILLIAM BLACK. 39 ly viowa and maxims they appeared beside them- eelvcs ; and in the same light will their succeHSors in «pirit ever he regarded by men of corrupt minds, who have neither grace to sympathise with their emotions, nor understanding to appreciate their principles. We have seen the divine love which Mr. Black breathed, in the first raptures ofspiritual joy, forthwith developing itself in his own family, and then receiving the utmost gratification that successful effort could afford. But the tender and diffusive solicitude for the salvation of souls that now warmed his breast was not to be circumscribed by the walls of his dwelling, nor satisfied with the amount of good he was made instni- mental in achieving there. He thus judged, that if (ine died for all then were all dead, and that he died I for all, that they who live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him who died for them and 1 rose again. Hear himself : — " I felt a peculiar lovo for souls. I seldom passed any man, woman, or child, without lifling up my heart to Got in their behalf, or passed a house without praying for all in it — that God would open their eyes and give them to see the miseries of their natural state, and make them tq taste his love. It grieved me from day to day to see men live so ignorant of God and happiness ; and I was many times constrained to speak to them, though I sometimes ex- perienced rough treatment in return." An instance of I this kind occurred soon afler he had renounced the works of darkness, and felt it his duty to reprove them: He was spending an evening at the house of a friend. He had been there but a short time, when Mr. F. D., accompanied by Mrs. U., a lady of high respecta- bility, entered. Mr. D., with equal impiety and dis- courtesy, immediately began to ridicule religion ; and ^ 40 URMdtRi nr Ttia exprrMi^il n winli ilmt lli(>i'o woi-o iinmn jniini^ IndiM pri'MOtit, (hat lliry iiiIkIiI hiivo wliitt ho trriiind, '*« giuvl ilnitor.** Mr. I)h)«*k took thn lihcrly of niil- ntiulvortinK npoii tho pi'iuMico hn a wanti^ of prorioiis tiinr, nnenefactor with personal injury. In vain did Mr. Black endeavour to npprn^e him, by assuring him of tho l)cncvo]onco of his intentions, nnd that Iu3 wns really his frienil. " I w ant no such fri«Mub," stiid he, aivi lert the house \u a storm of passion. Such a eloao of tho interview predicted no happy result. But the wards of the wise are ns jroads ; nnd the effort to resist them often has the elVect of cnusing them to pierce tho deeper. A considerable time after this Mr. Black recognise«l in his congregation at Tantrnmar tht same indiviilunl listening with deep attention to the word ; and was not more gratified than surprised to •bserve, that during hi« visit ta that part of th« coun« nr.v. wir.f.MM ni.sru. 41 try, Mf. I). wn« iMifnilitiK in Iiim fittrntlnnrn on prrarh- 111^. lilt n('ciun|MiMi<4iip|>ortiiI)lr l7Hu, liocxporimrnd an alxin- dant bios.^inj? ; aii>l, ns a natural roiiHfMpionco, fMt n nioro ovcrwhclMuiitf Hrnso than ovor, of tlio valuo of soids for whom Christ di(;d. " It wan a time," he sayH, '* long to l»o roniomlinred l>y mo and Uy many. I lungcy convinced them of their folly, and brought them to Jesus. The same evening wo met again at Fort Lawrence. I then gave vent to tho fulness of my beurt, and beseoched all present by tho mercies of E 2 49i HEMOIKS Of rtttt Si God and the worth of their souls, not to quench thtf Spirit of God, and destroy themselves eternally. Our next meeting was at Amherst. I could not refrain from beseeching them with tears, to be reconciled to God. Many were deeply affected, particularly my father; and many were very happy. In a special manner, William Morrel, with floods of tears testified the sweetness of Christ. I now began to exhort or pray at almost every meeting. God was with us, of a truth, both to convince and to comfort. Seldom did we meet together, but the presence of God was felt in the midst of us ! The Lord stood by my weakness, and his Spirit helped my infirmities. So that though my knees at the first have smote one against the other, yet God loosed my tongue, and I was enabled to speak with confidence, liberty, and tender affection." ;;. " The following winter I was invited to Tantramar^ to- give a word of exhortation there. I went.. God ient the word with power to the hearts of the people ; an awakening took place immediately ; many, both young and old, began to inquire the way to Zion, and many believed in Jesus." His hands were strengthen- ed more in the good work in which he felt a growing interest, by the zealous co-operation of his brethren in Christ — Messrs. Scurr, Wells, and Fawkender, who with him, deeply commiserated the condition of the scattered population around thenij and endeavoured, as they could, to supply their destitution of the means of grace, by dividing their labour on the Lord's day, among the rising settlements within their reach. They accomplished much, at a time when few of those set- tlements were favoured with even the occasional visits of regular ministers. Nor was their word permitted to fall to the ground ; in every place the hand of the REV< WILLIAM BLACK. 43 Lord was with them, and they were cheered by un- equivocal evidences of the salutary and saving effect of their exertions. In their labour of love, they had to encounter but little hostility, save the opprobious epithets attached to them, by unreasonable and wick- ed men. To this general tranquility, there was in- deed one exception. One of their meetings was bro- ken up by a party of Soldiers, who made prisoners of more than twenty while they were engaged in wor- shipping God. The Commander of the garrison, strange to relate, in consequence of some representa- tions he received from the Church minister, deemed it his duty to endeavour the suppression of their meet- ings. But he soon discovered that he was guilty of an unauthorised interference with the rights of his Ma- jesty's peaceful subjects, and was glad to dismiss his guiltless prisoners with soft words. They, believing that their persecutors had been misled and that, hav- ing discovered their error, they would not be likely to repeat it, patiently endured the wrong, without seek- ing further redress. This opposition, instead of im- peding the work, tended to accelerate and spread it. It advanced in various parts of the country, during the winter, with great rapiditj' and power. In the spring of 1781, they were visited by the Rev. Henry Alline of Falmouth, (N. S.) He is described |)y Mr. Black as a man of no learning, but distinguish- ed by a lively imagination, and strong mental powers ; zealous in the cause of God, and labouring fervently to promote it. His preaching was at first attended with a special blessing ; many were awakened, and professed to receive the grace of God. His views on many points were characterised by a species of mys- ticism, and in their practical tendency, were decided- i •• i H MEMOIRS OF TH& ill v m 1 'Mi i iih m \y antinomian. These, however, he studiously kept in the shade, until he had acquired that influeuce among m iny, which is usually yielded to spiritual teachers by those to whom they have been rendered eminently useful. To persons of this class, who had a predilec- tion for Calvinian doctrines, Mr. AUine did not hesi- tate, it seems, to speak slightingly of Mr. Wesley. This was matter of painful regret to some, who held the founder of Methodism in affectionate veneration as their father in the Lord. It was particularly so to Mr. Black, who had derived much instruction and pro- fit from his invaluable writings, and was indebted, un- der the divine blessing, to meml)er3 of his Society, for his knowledge of salvation. The seeds of division were thus sown, and in process of time greatly dimi- nished and deteriorated the harvest that would other wise, in all probability, have been produced by the good seed of the kingdom. Mr. Alline remained with them about seven or eight weeks ; and for some time after his departure, the work was still progressive. "About two hundred" says Mr. Black, " met regularly in the class, and God was emi- nently with us. Of these, one hundred and thirty or more professed faith in Christ. Shortly after Mr. C. paid us a visit at Mr. AUine's request, or rather solemn charge ; for, by letter, he charged him in God's name, to go to Cumberland immediately. He waited on Mr. Alline before he came, who intreated him to keep none of his opinions back, and enforced it by informing him that he had freely spoken his. Mr. C. took the advice, and a flood of antinomianism, mingled with mysticism, was soon poured forth. Several of the friends talked with him, but to no purpose. Ten of the principal friends wrote to him, pointing ovt the impropriety of his con- ■•4\ SET. WILLIAM BLACK. 4& dnct, and informing him that if he persisted in preach- ing such doctrines, they could not continue to hear hirn. But before the letter reached his hands he had left Amherst, and never returned. Though he was gone, his doctrines took root, and presently caused a division ; but this was in some measure made up again after a few weeks." During the winter, thos* who had been brought into the Church continued to meet in classes, and appeared alive to the necessity of maintaining the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace. There was wanting, however, that clear and coi;iprehensive knowledge of the Christian system, ne -s.ry to give perpetuity to this desirable state of t* !>; by enabling them to discriminate the theories of men from the verities of Biblical truth. In the spring of 178'^, Mr. Alline paid them a second visit. At this time Mr. Black happened to be at Windsor ; and during his absence, seventy withdrew from the Wesleyan Society, and adopting the views of Mr. Alline, attached themselves to him. Mr. Alline's re- ligious tenets were a singular combination of hetero- geneous materials derived from various and opposite sources. They were fragments of different systems, — without coherence, and without any mutual relation or dependence. With the strong assertion of man's freedom as a moral agent, he connected the doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints. He allegorised to such excess the plainest narratives and announce- ments of S'^Tipture, that the obvious and unsophisti- cated import of the words of inspiration was often entirely lost amidst the reveries of mysticism. Ha held the writings of the Reverend William Law in high estimation ; and associated some of the most ex> travagant views of that author, with others of a kia-> 46 MEMOIRS OF TBE dred nature, which appear to have be6n peculiar to himself. It is but justice to add, that amidst all hia ^ extravagances of opinion, his eminent and uniform /' piety entitle him to be ranked with those Mystics' whom Dr. Haweis thus eulogises in his Church His- tory : — " Among those called Mystics, I am persuad- ed some were found, who loved God out of a pure heart fervently ; and though they were ridiculed and reviled for proposing a disinterestedness of love with- out other motives, and as professing to feel in the en- joyment of the temper itself, an abundant reward, their holy and heavenly conversation will carry a gtAmp of religion upon it." To resume the thread of our narrative — Mr. Black's engagements in holding meetings in various parts of the country soon became so frequent, that a demand was made upon his intellectual effort, which in the order of his first exhortations he had not anticipated, in order to prevent a sameness from characterising his Addresses. The recurrence of the same themes to hig mind, whenever he endeavoured to speak to the peo- ple in the name of the Lord, and the difficulty of di- versifying his topics, suggested to him the expediency of taking a text. His first trembling attempt in this way, was made while on a visit to the people settled on the Petitcodiac River, in the Spring of 1781. He found them lamentably ignorant of the things oi God, and, with few exceptions, apparently unsusceptible of any serious interest in the subject. But the word was not wholly ineffective. Some were pierced with keen conviction. Among these was Christian Steeves, a German, who was deeply awakened ; and on Mr. Black's next visit expk rienced, through faith in the blood of Christ, the joa' of divinely attested pardon. i Between writer house, a covenant immortal the perio ing the g eyes strea the gospel yesterday Up to tl tinned un useful as 1 tently wit dedicated rents, to th by a convi( of action, i shining for who turn n In taking flesh and b his decisioi such magni ing the cosJ and deeply dignity wo whose difSi assuming it Divine Spij of redeemii danger and spicing hopi with his ne( \^irm RET. WILLIAM BLACK. 47 i Between forty and fifty years after that period, the writer of these memoirs preached in Mr. Steeves'f house, and found the good old man steadfast in the covenant of his God, and full of a hope blooming with immortality. He ailtided with thrilling emotion to the period when Mr. Black fiist visited them, bring- ing the glad tidings of great joy, and testified with eyes streaming with tears of gratitude to God, that the gospel was like its author and finisher, to-day ai yesterday, the same. Up to the 10th of November, 1781, Mr. Black con- tinued under the paternal roof, making himself as useful as he could in the surrounding country, consis- tently with his filial obligations. From that time he dedicated himself, with the concurrence of his pa* rents, to the work of the Lord unreservedly ; actuated by a conviction that such was his providential sphere of action, and animated with the hallowed ambition of shining forever in the distinguished glory of those, who turn many to righteousness. In taking this important step he conferred not with flesh and blood. No earthly calculations influenced his decision. Nor did he embark in an enterprise of such magnitude without first sitting down and count* ing the cost. He surveyed with tremulous solicitude, and deeply felt his insufficiency for, an office whose dignity would reflect honour upon an angel, and whose difficulty might well deter an archangel from assuming it, without the call and co -operation of the Divine Spirit. Still urged forward by the impulses of redeeming love, and a heart-stirring view of the danger and worth of soulsj and sustained by the in- spiring hope of succours from on high commensurate with his necessities, he could confidently say,— •:i ! IV MEM0IS8 Of TBS *• I arpue not 'Against Heaven's hand, or will ; nor bate a j«l t or heart or hope ; but still bear up and steer - ', Right onward." Mr. Black was now of age. And it is interestinf and delif ^tful to witness the promptitude and zeal with which, immediately upon being thus exempted to a certain extent from parental control, he consecrated his service to the Lord, his heavenly father. The commencement of his regular labors in the Gospel of Christ, and the auspicious tokens of divine approba- tion by which he was cheered in this, the opening of his career, shall be exhibited by his own pen. " I left home the 10th of November, on a second visit to Petitcodiae. Preached the next day at Mr. Scurr's, and the day following at Tantramar — both precious times to many. On the 13th, I set out for Memamcook, &nd preached in the evening from Rev. XX : 15 ;some were deeply affected. On the 14th, arrived at Hillsborough, where I preached to the Germans, and early next morning set off in a log canoe for French Village. Aflcr a very dangerous passage, arrived safe, about twelve o'clock, and preached twice, but felt little life either time, par- ticularly the last. " Friday, 1 6th. — I preached in the morning at the Village. It was a comfortable time. I lefl them in tears, and set forward for the head of the river, where I preached twice. God sent the word with sofleniog power to the hearts of the people. "Saturday, 17th. — I had a happy morning, — felt the Lord preciou3, — v/alked to the Village and preached with unusual freedom. At one I took my leave of them from 2 Cor. xiii : 11, expecting to go down the ftEV; WILLIAM BLACK. 4d river with the tide. The Lord accompanied the word with great power ; weeping was upou every hand ; they importunately entreated me to f.arry longer with them ; I consented ; for I knew not how, under such circumstances, to leave thewi. Oh I what a day was this to me ; my soul was indeed happy. Glory be to thy name, O Lord, forever ! " Sunday, 18th. — Preached from 1 John ii : 12. Ma- ny were deeply affected. One sturdy servant of the devil roared aloud for mercy. Soon after the meeting began, the word fastened on his conscience, and, lest he should be heard to cry aloud, he left the house ; but returning again, the word pierced him as before. He attempted to leaxe the house a second time, but he could no longer restrain his feelings. After preaching again in the afternoon, I set off for the lower settle- ments in a small canoe, leaving many in tears. About dark we reached Hillsborough. God gave me to speak feelingly to the people 5 the word was with power. I yielded to their entreaties not to go with the next tide as I hr^d proposed. " Monday, 19th. — I discoursed from Matt, xviii : 9 — 15. God was with us ; it was a moving time ; many were in great distress, as appeared from their heaving breasts, and weeping eyes. It was a delight- ful morning to me ; I enjoyed a dpine sense of the love of Jesus, and felt an earnest » iesire for the welfare of those poor souls. Our canoe having gone adrift in the night, I was under tiie necessity of remaining with them another day, I perceived the word had taken deep root in many of their minds, affording ground to hope for much fruit. '•' Tuesday, 20th. — Commended thcxn to the grace of God and departed. Preached at Memramcook in the F CJU 50 MEMOIRS or THE \ evening'. Many here, also, were much affected, and wept most of the time. The Lord seal instruction on their hearts. A little after eunrise next morning, I addressed them, and then set off for Tautramar, where I preached in the evening with very great liberty. Je- sus was in the midst of us, both to wound and to com- fort. Many were remarkably happy, and longed to put off the garmnnt of mortality. One little girl, about seven or eight years of age, got up on a form, and to^d, in a wonderful manner, what Jesus had done for her soul. Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings he can, and does perfect praise. It is now eight days Sihce I lefl this place, in which I have preached eigh- teen times, and, excepting two meetings, I know not a single occasion on which it was not evident that many, who heard the word, were melted into tears, if they did not cry aloud for mercy. On the 22d, I call- ed upon my youthful brethren, to Remember theii Creator in the days of their youth, &c., and in the evening preached with liberty from Micah vi : 8. " Saturday, 24th. — Preached twice ; the latter meet- ing was a wonderful season. Many poor sinners were deeply convinced ; some said their hearts were almost broken under a sense of their want of Christ. Others, who came with heavy hearts, returned home greatly rejoicing. *• Sunday, 25th. — Preached in the evening with much liberty ; and many were refreshed. Part of this day I was in a lively frame, but experienced much dulness the remainder of it. O Lord, revive my soul, and quicken me, a poor unworthy creature ; unworthy to eat of the crumbs that fall from my Master's table i " Monday, 26th. — I rode to Mr. Scurr's, where 1 Bpent the following day. Alas I I felt very little sense REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 51 of God's special presence ; in the evening I preached, but with little comfort. Lord quicken my drowsy* powers ! "Wednesday, 28th. — By God's blessing I arrived at home in safety. This was a profitable journey to me. I now continued my labours, visiting the friends at Amherst, Fort Lawrence, Prospect, and Tantramar, for about five weeks ; and sorely grievet^ I was, to see the enemy likely to obtain a great advantage by anti- nomian doctrine, which made many oppose that pre- cious word of God which was once as the food of their souls; and inveigh against their brethren, be- cause they warned them of their danger. Under pre- tence of avoiding legality, the commandments of God, than fine gold more precious, were dressed up as scarecrows ; and to enforce them on the conscience was looked upon as a mark of our ignorance, if not of our being total strangers to the Gospel of Jesus. This was peculiarly afflictive to me. Even some of my own children rose up against me. Hence, when Mr. AUine came in the Spring following, they totally separated from us. The work now seemed to be at a stand. The strength of their zeal was turned upon maintaining their peculiar opinions. Striving thus, more for victory than for truth, the spirit of seriousness gradually declined ; and for a considerable time few were either convinced or converted. Ichabod might now have been written upon our walls, for the glory of love had departed from us, as a body." The machinations of Satan were thus to a melan- choly extent successful, in impeding the progress, and shading the lustre of the Gospel, among a people who, had they not, unhappily for their spiritual progress, been turned aside to what the Apostle emphatically MEMOIRS or THE ' iil'i ! Ijl •111 : 'I calls (itfaratoAoyta) vatn jangling y^ttiAiag and profit* less speculations, might have exhibited a delightful specimen of Christian harmony, and mutual edifica- tion in their most holy faith. We cannot wonder at the gloom that pervades Mr. Black's delineation of those occurrences ; but must rather sympathise in the sorrow mg f 'motions by which it was dictated. It is indeed a trial of no ordinary magnitude tu a minister of Christ, to see those whom he has been the instru- ment of bringing lo God,, and for whose souls he has watched as one who must give account, severed from him by the adoption of new views,, which evince their unhallowed operation in alienated affection, and in the indulgence of a disputatious and uncharitable spi- rit. There is nothing, however, in the present case, of a nature peculiar or unprecedented. The introduc- tion of the seeds of discord among the disciples of Christ is an old artifice of the Evil One ; and its dis- astrous success is recorded on almost every page of the history of the Church. Multitudes, who would instinctively recoil from the first suggestion of gross and palpa')le transgression, are not proof against the seductive speculations of error, which often, though by a path more circuitous, yet not less &tal, draw the souL away from the lore of the truth, which alone maketh free. It is well observed by Baxter, ^nat < Satan hath religious diversions for those who are above sensuality.' Aware too, that from dissonance of sentiment among brethren, more especially when their antagonist principles are often brought into collision, the transition to mutual uncharitableness and crimina- tion, is natural and almost inevitable, where he cannot •destroy unanimity of affection amongst them directly, he will endeavour to accomplish his malignant pur- pose int interests arrested from a n raonious sequence flictofoj impugn I its votari • *»•" KEV. William BLAdK. # pose mdireetlyy by generating a diversity of views and interests. In unnumbered instances has he in this way arrested the work of God, and changed the church from a mansion of love into an arena of fierce and acri' monious debate ; the vitality of religion has in con- sequence pined, if not utterly perished, amid the con- flict of opinion ; and infidels, glad of the opportunity to impugn religion itself, because of the inconsistency of its votaries, have exclaimed with malicious triumph, — ■ tantcene animia eaeleitibua ira f In heavenly minds can such flerce zeal exist f When shall this reproach be rolled away from the door of the Christian Church ? If not until all who experience the grace, aiid practically recognise the authority of the Redeemer, perfectly accord in their views ort all points of religious inquiry, — the plurality of causes that are constantly Operating to preclude such a general agreement, must awaken apprehensions that the turbid stream of contention must mingle intermina- bly with the waters of the sanctuary. But this surely is not necessary^ Amidst all the diversities of senti- ment that exist among those who coincide in main- taining the fundamental truths of the Gospel, there is ground of sufficient breadth, and pre-eminently holy, still lefl on which they may stand, and keep — what is of infinitely greater moment than a mere accordance of speculative opinion — ' the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.' For the information of the reader, who may wish to know to what extent the principles inculcated by Mr. AUine were diffused in the Provinces, and what be^ came of his followers, it may be proper to add a few particulars. His labours, and those of his coadjutors, r ii 54 MEMOIRS or Trit' 1 1 produced at that period a very strong sensation ; ana resulted in the formation of churches in various parts of the country zealously attached to his peculiar views, who, from their pretensions to superior illumination in the things of God, were designated New Lights. Mr. AUine's career was short ; and after his death those churches, of which he had been the founder, soon de- clined. Many who had been members of them subse- quently united with the Bapt' ^s ; others neither asso- ciated with any department oi i he Church, ncr main- tained the institutions of religion among themselves, but sank into a state of spiritual lethargy. Very few of them now exist as a distinct people. There is still, however, one church of this persuasion at Falmouth, near Windsor ; in which there are members whose deep, uniform, and unsuspected piety, are truly orna- mental to their Christian profession. mV '■»«■. 3»'**5i^*« iK .'f CHAPTER IV. KE1IARK8 Olf PROVIDENCE — MR. BLACE VISITS PETIT- CODIAC — IS INTRODUCED TO MISS GAT, AFTERWARDS MRS. BLACK — HER CONVERSION — HIS FIRST VISIT TO C0RNWALLI8, HORTON, FALMOUTH, WINDSOR, AND HALIFAX— REFLECTIONS ON A SUICIDE — INTER- VIEW WITH A PERSON IN DESPAIR — HIS fIRST VI- SIT TO ANNAPOLIS — THE EFFECTS 01 MR. ALLINE'" INFLUENCE AT AMHERST — MR. BLACK PUBLISHES SERMON PREACHED AT WINDSOR — ^HIS CONTROVER- SY WITH A CLERGYMAN — HIS FAITHFULNESS IN WARNING A SET OF PLUNDERERS. The operations of Providence in the history of in- dividuals, as well as of nations, are replete with in- struction. They form a practical revelation of the Deity. The student of this volumcj from his incapa- city correctly to appreciate, at all times, the motives of human conduct, or to predict the rep?' t- of the di- vine procedure from its partial developments, is in- deed admonished to be extremely careful in the inves- tigation of facts, and equally cautious in deducing con- clusions from them. But it sometimes happens that the purposes of divine providence are so luminous, that, like the sun, they are seen by their own light ; and this is, perhaps, most frequently the case, when they concur, or rather coalesce, with the influence of grace in the production of effects that have an inrnie-* diate bearing upon character and eternity. i; il l-l 1 56 MEMOIRS OF rUi ■v-/^+ From the close affinity that subsists between the doctrine of a special providence and that of divine grace, the opponent-? of the latter have ever been d-stinguished by hostility to the former. The specula- tive theist, it is true, has no objection that the Deity occupy himself in regulating the machinery of the ma- terial universe, provided he do not concern himself with the world of mind. He may sit throned in em- pyreal light, and bend an eye radiant with complacen- cy on the unnumbered suns and systems that roll be- neath his feet, illustrating, by the harmony of their movements, 'the consummate wisdom of the general laws and arrangements by which they are controlled ; but he must leave the heart of man unvisited and the conscience of man undisturbed. — And for this " pom- pous inanity," forsooth, we must give up the Scripture doctrine of Providence ; " of which (in the words of the pious Hooker concerning Law) there can be no less acknowledged, than that her seat is the bosom of God, her voice the harmony of the world ; all things in hea- ven and earth do her homage, the very least as feeling her care, and the greatest as not exempted from her power : both angels and men, and creatures of what condition soevcrj though each in different sort and manner, yet all with uniform consent, admiring her as the mother of their peace and joy." The agency of divine providence^ in cotinection with Mr. Black's call to the ministry, and the wide and in- teresting scene of its exercise, becomes progressively conspicuous, as we follow him in his ardent race of usefulness. The population of Nova Scotia amounted probably to about twelve thousand souls when he be- gan to preach. In many parts the people were wholly destitute of the me&ns of grace 3 and iu otheri their m:^:i RliV. WILLIAM BLACK. 57 salutary influence was neutralized by the unevangeli* cal character of those who conducted them ; while, aa we have already seen, Mr. AUine and his coadjutors blended principles of a most pernicious tendency with the inculcation of living godliness. At such a period, and under such circumstances, the energies of Mr. Black's enlightened zeal were most opportunely put forth ; and so unsparing was his activity, that in a few years, the beneficial influence of his labours was more or less felt throughout almost the entire extent of the Province. January 9th, 1 782, he writes thus : " I set off in company with another to visit our friends on the Pe- titcodiac river. We arrived at Memramcook that night. . Here I lefl a young woman in great distress, two days afler which God set her soul at liberty. On the 10th I preached ,^ and we had an affecting meeting. We then set out for the French settlement on the north side of the river, and tarried th&t night at a French house, where we had a little straw for our l)ed, and about two yards of wrapper to cover us, one of the coldest nights during the winter. The next day we proceeded on our journey, walki'^g about nineteen miles on snow-shoes, and were of course much fa- tigued. I preached from Sam. i : 12, »>'^t experienced no liberty. " Sunday, ISth. — I preached at the village. Many were deeply affected, and declared, with tears, that they sought the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Afler preaching, I walked to the head of the river, a distance of about nine miles. " Monday, 14th. — I preached twice, and on the fol- lowing day returned to the village. On visiting Mr. Hopper, I found him rejoicing in God. He iiiformed 58 MEMOIRS OF THE & ine that he found deliverance on the preceding day soon after we had left. While I was preaching fi^om * What think ye of Christ ?' it was a time of power. The dry bones shook and trembled. In the evening, while engaged in prayer with John Mittin, God gave him the spirit of adoption. He could do little else the whole night but praise the Lord, being too happy to sleep. " Wednesday, 1 6th. — I went on snow-shoes to Ricar's Point, and preached in the evening, but the people appeared quite unmoved. The following day I walk- ed to Hillsborough, where I was received with joy. In the evening I addressed them from Rev. xx : 12. God owned his word ! Many were in sore distress, and one found comfort. " Monday, 21st. — After walking about twenty miles on snow-shoes, preached in the evening on the case of the woman who had an issue of blood. Many were deeply affected. One, in particular, cried out, ' Oh ! M:. Black, what shall I do to be saved i* My heart is ready to break.' I pointed him to Jesus. Two men told me that God had set their souls at liberty. One of them, I fear, took up with something short of Jesus Christ. But the Lord trieth the hearts. "Tuesday, 22d. — I discoursed from Ps. xcvi : 18. God spake, and the people trembled ! Little did I expect to see such a work among this people. They hung around me, eager to catch every word. Some leaned on my shoulders, and with tears said, ' Oh ! that my eyes were opened — Oh ! that I could receive my sight,' — with many such expressions. " Wednesday, 23d. — After preaching at the village, I left the people in tears, and set forth for home. We spent the night at Mr. A. Trite's, where I preached BEV. WILLIAM BLACK. 59 from Matt, xxiii : 46. One young man trembled ex- ceedingly, and exclaimed, ' Oh ! my heart is ready to break. Lord, if thou dost not save I am undone, &.C.' About bed-time, I heard him praying and crying in the bitterness of his soul, in the barn. The next morning we commended them to the grace of Gel, and left for Memramcook." Mr. Black and his asso- ciate stopped the night at a French house, where their accommodations were even less comfortable than on the previous occasion, being without any covering whatever. The cold was very intense ; but for any privation they endured on this account, they felt them- selves abundantly recompensed by the mighty joy created in their souls in the review of what God had wrought. Manifestations of the divine love, more than usually bright and blessed, weite vouchsafed to Mr. Black at this period ; and while they afforded him refreshing assurances that himself and his labours were acceptable to God, they operated as motives to unsparing dedication to his service and glory. " O God i" he exclaims from the fulness of a confiding and exultant heart, " God ! thou art my God, forever and ever !" A declaration of confidence in God so unequivocal and joyous, we naturally regard as a most auspicious omen. In our own case, and in that of others, we are apt to consider overwhelming visitations of redeeming power as harbingers of a long and unshaded day of spiritual enjoyment. Not unfrequently, however, from whatever cause, clouds suddenly arise to obscure the Sun of Righteousness ; fears that were supposed to have fled forever, return ; and fresh trials of faith and patience await us. Restraining prayer before God, — omitting to guard by watchfulness what wo r.!:::; MWY.^ ^ 60 RfiV. WILLIAM BLACtf. have plready attained, — illuminated by the Holy Spi* fit to discover more clearly the lingering corruption of our hearts, or made painfully sensible of it by the force and incipient success of some unexpected temptation, the garments of praise are exchanged for the spirit of heaviness, and the song of triumph for the language of despondency. The greater part of the last week of January was occupied by Mr. Black in mourning over the pride and barrenness of his own heart. His at- tempts to warn sinners, and to set forth the riches of redeeming grace to aperishing world, were not attend- ed with the usual degree of celestial unction. He complains of his apathy, aud in self despair renews his application to the merciful Redeemer. Reproach- ing himself with frequent wanderings from God, he adds, " O my God ! I hate this self, but I will not give up my claim to thee." February commenced under more cheering au- spices. On the first of the month he preached at his friend Mr. Donkin's, and the power of the Lord was eminently manifested. Amid the devout ecstacy of his soul, recent trials and discouragements, if not for- gotten, served but to heighten his joy in God. With this joy there were connected fervent aspirations after full redempticTt, the discriminative test of the celestial origin of the bliss he experienced. February 9th, he preached at Mr. Oxley's, from John ix : 4, and declares, " I know not that I ever felt a stronger desir ) after holiness in all my life." The remaining time till the 17th March, he occupied visit- ing the different places in and about Cumberland and Nappan, where societies had been formed, or preaching introduced, testifying to all, that gospel, which, in a cheering number of instances, had exhibited its saving •energj pastor rept^iri •o find in God kened, he wen from ti who hat he sa/s, mined t( of April this desti hope of in this Si God, whi and mind hands of for the e " thought to a watei He contir leaving sc at the sch| bered by and was H deep conci timable fej praise is if ciated, er earnestly ter that rt after this ij ^hile Mr. I^''^ .III, ' i4: : ; • ftBV. WILLIAM BLACK. 61 au- at his was icy of ot for- With after estial from ver feH The a visit- nd and saching energy among the inhabitants. Having completed hii pastoral tour in this sec^'^n of the country, he agaiu repaired to Petitcodiac. Here he had the happiness ;o find the worlc progressive. Several were rejoicing in God. Some who on his previous visit were awa- kened, he found walking in the ligLt of life. Thence he went to Shepody, and derived increased satisfaction from the zeal and love he there witnessed in those who had attached themsolves to the society. " Many," he says, " were stirred up> and appeared fully deter- mined to seek God as their only portion." On the 3d of April he returned' to Memramcook. In reaching this destination he had a very perilous passage. The hope of safety was for some time extremely faint. In this extremity all within was calm. The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, kept his heart and mind by Christ Jesus. He felt himself in the hands of his heavenly Father, and had no solicitude for the event. "Had my divine master," says he, *' thought meet to call me away, I felt quite reconciled to a watery grave ; I knew I had a house in heiven." He continues — " I returned on the 4th to Tantramar, leaving some in great distress. On Sunday I preached at the school-house. It was a time long to be remem- bered by many." On the 9th he reached Cumberintid, and was i?.itroduce(l ?o Miss Gay, who had manifested deep concern for the salvation of her soul. This es- timable female, subsequently Mr. Black's wife, whose praise is in all the churches 'ith which he was asso- ciated, encountered much opposition whc, che first earnestly engaged in the service of God, from a quar- ter that rendered it peculiarly painful. A few days after this interview, on the 12th of the same month, while Mr. Black was preaching from Exodus xxxii : 26y Q I c^ MEMOIRS OF THE 'M '111,. ■ill ,:,„, Miss Gay experienced redemptiinii in 'he h\ood o'i Christ, and, with a decision that mrrer afcilatcd, took, her position on the Lord's .>'de. The intermediate time between tbis and the 21st cA' May wacj approprla♦^.^! by Mr. Black to the renewed visitation of all the sc ieties he had been instrumental ; in forming, and. edify mg m their most holy '!^iith., throughout C >imberlaiid. The steady progresiv'mn of the work of God, or its staiuli y even, fai jv hmgth of time, way scarcely to be unticipatci! under circum- ^(.accci?; \n many respects so inauspicious. Of those wlio were capable of leading tho people in the absence of M.:'. Black, the number was small ; and there was a still greater paucity of persons qualified to conduct the public worship of God uinong them. From so inadequate and irregular a su|iply of the means of grace, it was in the natural tendency of things, that not only cases of individual unfaithfulness, but in some instances, the decay of religious feeling among whole classes, should take place. The characteristic order of Mr. Black's Zeal — the deep and absorbing interest he felt in the final salvation of those whom he had been the means of turning to righteousness, rendered him susceptible of proportional distress, when they disap- pointed liis benignant anticipations. Imbued with the expansive charity of Paul, who enjoyed all that in his generous estimation was worthy of the name ^j^life, when his spiritual children stood fast in the Lord, nothing gave him greater pain than to see those whom he regarded with similar sentiments, becoming weary in well doing, and forfeiting tl,> /;r claim to a crown of righteousness. From such . 5es of depression he did not enjoy a complete ex < .m on occasion of his '>reaent visits. With r " i sorrow he had to la- ment bettei rejoic run in aspect pie, rr poadei person ing in . The Scatter moved shipped •^ sermc who in dant pa without destitutil heart, the mag he had took a over the sor attn convictic message go in the land for fi'om an were f 't- 0^* iiat -*ppines want on t ing» Th :i ::i < . REV. WILLIAM BLACE. es ment the instability of some of whom he had hoped better things. But over many others, he had cause to rejoice, since they were his witnesses, that he had not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. To the various aspects presented by the work of God among this peo- ple, may be attributed, in a good degree, the corres- pondent alternations of feeling in regard to his own personal enjoyment, which we find Mr. Black express- ing in connection with this excursion. The word of the Lord was precious in those days. Scattered over a wide extent of country, and far re- moved from the sanctuaries where their fathers wor- shipped, the population, in many parts, seldom heard n sermon. This privation was deeply felt by a few, who in the father land had been nourished in the ver- dant pastures of salvation, but were now as sheep without either shepherd or sustenance. Such spiritual destitution made an irresistible appeal to Mr, Black's heart. Disproportioned to his utmost energies as was the magnitude of the field, to the cultivation of which he had already devoted himself, his benevolent wishes took a wider sweep, and his compassions yearned over the regions beyond. The rising village of Wind- sor attracted his special attention. Actuated by a conviction that it was his duty to carry thither the message of redeeming mercy, he took the resolution to go in the strength of the Lord. On leaving Cumber- land for this purpose, his mind was deeply dejected, from an apprehenpion that, as the consolations of God were <''oa sin-dl wiai himself, he could not reasonably orj." :pate cfFicienc in his endeavours to promote the : iippiness of others. These f:'eliugs becnme so poig- nant on the way as almost to deter him from proceed- ing, Tbeso are his own words ; " O, in what a luke» jBUBBaK! u ]tf£MOiaS or THB warni) Laodicean frame have I been since I left Cum- berland ! 1 am ready to question my call to visit Windsor. O Lord ! surely thou wilt not send me to quicken others, and permit me to remain thus lifeless myself.'* The packet in which he intended to cross the basin of Minas direct to- Windsor, bad sailed be- foce he reached Partridge Island ; but an opportunity of proceeding by the way of Cornwallis soon present- ed itself, which he was glad to embrace. From the circumstances and the sequel, it would seem that this circuttous course was markv^d out for him by the finr ger of Divine Providence. At Cornwallis he was cordially received and hospitably entertained by Gi- deon Shr rman. Esquire, a gentleman who appears to have been distinguished by a love of good men, unre- stricted by the shackles of bigotry. The Baptists, to whose zeal and exertions in the cause of the Redeemer, and recently in the cause of education also, the pro- vince of Nova Scotia is largely indebted, had previous- ly established a church in this place. They hailed with pleasure the appearance among them of this un- expected visitant, acd invited hini to occupy their place of worship on the Lord's day, the 36th May. He preached to them in the morning and afternoon. God was graciously present on both occasions ; but it might be said with emphasis, The voice of the Lord was heard in the cool of the day. Mr. Black, ad- dressing a congregation, many of whom differed widely from himself in doctrines of secondary consideration, judiciously selected a theme which is, to all real Chris- tians, the radiant centre of unity and attraction — the Cross of Christ. His text was, ' J determine not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and him trucked.' When he had closed hi& sermon, one hlan, ove truths to attended t his seal th truth, as it lion a Sav was the tn thus produ hy expatia love of Go spirit often tent and the of joy. While 8U( forts ; while rious war, i internal con) the necessitj ply divine, ness, and a formity to i was he fron the work of ed to abando fit to sustait functions, of conscience w yet pureuing iicly, and fn pentance tov Christ. Wednesda womp"- ~i' build L, .;^_ lkt,V. WILLIAM BLACK. (U( Man, overwhelmingly impressed with the glorious truths to which he had listened, and the unction that attended them, rose and declared that he could set to his &eal that the doctrine they had heard was the very truth, as it is in Jesus ; and though unworthy to men- tion a Saviour's name, or address them, he knew it was the truth, by blessed exper-ence. The impression thus produced by the divine blessing, he followed up by expatiating, in the evening, on the inconceivable love of God to a perishing world. John iii : 1 6. A spirit of tenderness pervaded the assembly ; the peni- tent and the pious mingled their tears of sorrow and of joy. While success so animating was afforded to his ef- forts ; while furnishing with arms, and leading to glo- rious war, the sacramental host of God's elect, his internal conflicts were severe, and admonished him of the necessity of being always clothed himself, in pano- ply divine. Humiliated by a sense of his unwothi- ness, and a vivid perception of his want of full con- formity to the will and image of his Saviour, so far was he from being unduly elated by his prosperity in the work of the ministry, that he was at times tempt- ed to abandon it altogether, feeling himself totally un- fit to sustain the responsibilities, and discharge the functions, of an office so holy and momentous. But conscience would not permit him to draw back. * Faint yet pursuing,' he continued to show and to teach pub- licly, and from house to house ; testifying to all, re- pentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesui Christ. Wednesday, 29th, he writes thus : " Visited a sick womp"- -' und she had a great stock of good deeds to build L, ;.;. —endeavoured to convince her of the ne- G2 t .!) 66 MEMOIRS of IWt \0. ii. if; ; ., I! cessjtv of no new birth, and of justification by faitii , —but in vain. She gave me to understand I was not her minister j anJ, therefore, she desired none of my advice. I proposed to pray with her, but she refused ; I entreated her to consider her state, and left her. Lord pity her ' ^ „ - .. noul f " Thursday, 30th. — Rode to Horton,and in the even- ing preached from a favourite text: — 'Unto you. therefore, which believe, he is precious.' God ena- bled me to speak with freedom, fervency, and power. The word was sharp as a sword to wound, and pow- erful also to omfort. The shout of a kin* was heawl in our camp. Many cried for mercy, while others shouted Hosannas to the Son of David. Blessed Lord, ride on, and spread the victory of thy cross! " June, 1st. — Returned to Cornwall" ', and gave «•• exhortation in the school house. Alter the public meeting, one spoke sweetly and affectionately of what tho Lord had done for her soul. I felt something of my Saviour's love ; but my Lord,^//my heart! " Sunday, 2d. — While I was preachins: in the even- ing at the house of G. Sherman, Esq., and enforcing tho imuortant -suestion — 'What think ye of Christ ?' some lelt the i. tOws of conviction as they had never felt them before, and wept aloud, niost of the time. '' Monday, 3d. — Rode to Horton, and preached in the Baptist malting house, on the Spouse coming up from the wildtrne'^s, leaning ci. her Ueloved. Many Avore enab'^d tc ejoice, while others mourned under a sense of! -mi eries, WenttoMr. John^n's. After supper I j^ave < t a hymn, and engaged in prayer, Mrs. Johnson was so overpowered with the love of (rod that she could scarcely stand under it. She broke forth in raptures of praise, and deckred, in language I little Go«i. presen then, \ that I away i affectci ing Got "Tu Words— thoroug the gar] quenrhi Several joiced g they ha ' Now,' froT- pai soul bea be dami nn(J "Ise buf (»r berluiid, liar) dot Method! On my g — soon o minist Jive, ant what is beli ve, us with minds, a but regre RET. WILLIAM BLACK. 6t not in> ed ; O ven- you; eoa- )wer. pow- tieawl >ther8 lesaeil ss! ave n" public fwhat ling of .rt! even- brcing irist ?' never ime. ched in ning up Many under a After prayer, love of ■le broke anguage i little expected from her, the wonderful goodness of God. She exhorted, with variety of expression, all present, to make their calling and election sure ; and then, with inexpressible transport, cried out — • Oh ! that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away and l»e at rest.' Several present were deeply affected, and continued for two or three hours prais- ing God, and imploring mercy. " Tuesday, 4th. — Preached at Falmouth, from the words — * Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his fli r, and gather his wheat into the garner ; but he will bum up the chaff with un- queurhable fire.' Many felt the power of the word. Several of Mr. Alline's friends were present. They re- joiced greatly, declaring, it was the very Gospel which they had heard — the power of God unto salvation. * Now, they testified, • let them (true christians) come froTti parts ever so distant, the truth is the same. My soul bears witness, if you reject this gospel, you will be damned,' Stc. During my first visits, both here antl "Isewhere, they frequently spoke to this effect, bur er wards, when Mr. Alline returned from Cum- berland, and they found that I had opposed his (pecu- liar) doctrines, as well as his design to set aside the Methodist discipline there, their course was changed. On my second coming, I was no minister of Christ ! — soon after, no christian!! and a little after that, a minister of Antichrist !!! Yet I continued to act, live, and preach in precisely the same .nanner. Lord, what is man ! And yet, many of these are, I really beli ,ve, alive to G >d." — Such inconsistencies strike us with surprise, but they should produce in our minds, as they did in Mr. Black's, not indignation, but regret. They are the natural results of the alli- f \m^ OS tecMoias or tHi ii m ance of ignorance, fanaticism, and an implicit eub" mission to human authority, with a deep concern for the soul. By such admixtures, religion has often suf^ fered degradation, its celestial features have been darkened and distorted, and its power to invigorate the intellect and enlarge the heart, completely neu- tralised. In minds of a superior order, the sublime faith of Christ has oflen been unhappily and un- fairly confounded with the palpable imperfections in sentiment and spirit, of some of its weak and erring votaries — and the intellectual and moral grandeur of the Christian system, has in consequence been denied that homage from men which it receives from angels. The thought is appalling, because it involves the loss of an immortal nature. Did those gifled spirits, with a sincere desire to know the truth, occupy in its in- vestigation a tithe of the time they devote to works of science or the productions of taste, matters of infinite- ly inferior, because of transient, interest ; they would be at no loss to discriminate between the reveries of mistaken men, and the revelations of the only wise God. The dissipation from their minds of the wintry clouds of scepticism, would be merely among the pre* liminary benefits which they would derive from a course so truly rational ; the radiance of truth would, by the divine blessing, beam into their hearts, and guide them into the way of peace, which they havo not known. Then, too, they would probably imitate, as well as admire, the noble catholicity of spirit which Mr. Black displays, in conceding the claim of sin- cerity and genuine discipleship to those, whose con- duct towards him, was certainly by no means orna- mental to their Christian profession. On Wednesday, 5th, Mr. Black reached Wind- sor, and nttentive good figh «y. The fervent m not such J before. "Thun in the evei 'nyself it v «n mo, as i " Friday Mr. Chand class, probi " Sunday with peculi Was almost ^ord set thi "Tuesda. preached at seemed to c wickedness steady serv« blessed wor] "Friday,] fast, we wit Some monti 'Hissing, atiL. But this moi as is suppc '■otted from one leg was suggested a '"y musing 'I!j EEr. WILLIAM BLACK. 69 »or, and di^courHcd at the house of Mr. Scott, to nii attentive audience, from 1 Tim. vi : 12, 'Fight the good fight of faith.' He remarks : " I had great liber- ty. Ttie Lord enabled mo to speak in a feeling and fervent manner. Many were in tears ; but there waji not such a shaking among the dry bones as the night before. " Thursday, 6th. — Visited Newport, ond preached in the evening. Some, I believe, were profited ; but to myself it was a dry time. O my Lord, do thou quick- en me, as thou art wont to do ! " Friday, 7th. — * Returned to Windsor, preached at Mr. Chandler's, and found a few in society,'— the first class, probably, that was formed in Windsor. " Sunday, 9th. — Preached twice on 2. Cor. ii : 2, with peculiar pathos and earnestness. I spoke till I was almost exhausted. It was a moving time. O Lord set these mourners at liberty ! "Tuesday, Uth, and on the two following days, preached at Halifax to a stupid set of people. Few seemed to care about their souls. O what a town for wickedness is this. Satan has here many faithful and steady servants. And yet I cannot but hope to see a blessed work in this place. O Lord, lay to thy hand ! " Friday, 14th. — Accompanying a friend to break- fast, we witnessed a sad instance of the effects of sin- Some months previous, an unhappy creature was missing, and no one knew what had become of him. But this morning, he was found in a hay loft, having, as is supposed, hanged himself. The clothes had rotted from his back> the flesh from his bones, and one leg was parted from his knee. The spectacle suggested a train of serious reflections. * Lord,' (said my musing mind) * Lord, shall I soon be a breathless k'M ii . 'li;'' 70 UEMOIRS OF THE corpse like this ? A spectacle that my nearest and dearest friend could scarcely bear the sight of ! Shall I too become food for worms ? Shall this blooming, active body, become nn inanimate lump of matter ? Theu let me not spend my precious time in vanity, in decorating or pampering this clay tenement. Rather let me apply my heart unto wisdom, and long and labour for the lovely adornings of my Saviour's life. Let that mind be in me which was also in Christ Jesus. From the case of this unhappy man, I see the effects of sin. 1 behold what I myself might have been, had not the Lord preserved me from self-de- struction. O how deeply indebted am I to the grace of God ! Some are so wretched in their souls, so torn by conflicting passions, and disappointed in their pur- suits of creature happiness, so ignorant of God and averse to him, so captivated by sin and actuated by the devil, that they madly rush out of a present hell, into one infinitely worse.' Blessed be God that it was not my own case ! Preached in the evening at Mr. Wells'. Many mocked most of the time, and kept up such a continual noise that few could hear what I said. " Sunday, 16th. — Preached at Windsor, twice : the second time in Mr. Chandhr'? orchard, the house not being large enough to contain the people. In the evening was our first Love Feast in Windsor. God was with us. Many wept and others rejoiced. "Monday, 1 7th.— Preached at Falmouth, from James i : 23, 24, but felt great barrenness in my soul. O Lord, lift up the light of -hy countenance upon me! Then shall I not be as a barren v/ilderness, but even as a fruitful field. I fear lest I should ever wander from ihec ; or dishonour thy cause." He returned to Ua- J 'fax on ing day, of some Mr. Bla( have I i earth I d( impious ] Himboldei few indiv] tneeting tl .\^Mm 74 UCMOIRS Ot THE ';? ' i « (I " Some," he remarks, " seemed to have very seriotii^ imprcsnions on their minds, and were distressed at the thoughts of my going away. Lord send them a faith- ful man, who may rightly divide the word of truth t '' Wednesday, 26th. — I rode to Windsor and preach- ed. The voice of the Lord was heard in our camp. God is, I trust, shaking his future home. Several trembled — Avept — and cried for mercy. It was about this time that B. Harris found peace — a blessed wo- man to this day. " Saturday, 29th. — The arm of the Lord was made bare, while I j)reached at Horton, from John xviii : 40y — 'Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man. but Barabbas.' O what a meeting ! Strong were the consolations of God's people, and alFecting the cries of the mourners, who were convinced of sin. " Sunday, 30th. — I preached at Cornwallis in the morning, on, ' By grace are ye saved ;' and in the after- noon, to the largest congregation I ever saw collected in any part of the country, or perhaps anybody cioe, on ' The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me ; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings un- to the meek ; he hath sent me to bind up the broken- hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives.' Is. b:i;l." The revival of the work of God which had, in many places, crowned Mr. Black's labours, had aow arquircd pretty general notoriety ; and led to the ex- pression of a desire, from various quarters, of a visit from him. The entreaties >f several pious indi- viduals, resident at Annapolis, were peculiarly impor- fnnat*' ; and he determined to embrace the earliest op- portunity of complying with their application. Ac- cordingly, on the Ist of July, early in the morning, he inft Halifiix 0\r \h\? piu'pose ; and spent the following REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 75 4tay at Granville, which he improved by preaching to the people twice, — " both," he remarks, " powerful times." " Wednesday, 3d. — I crossed the river to the An- napolis side, and preached on * Noah only remained alive, and those that were with him in the ark.' — Lord, how is it that I feel so little of thy love } I had rather be mourning in deep distress, than remain in this cold state. I feel neither happy nor unhappy. O stir up all the powers of my soul 1 I esteem thee, precious, Lord ; let me feel thee so. " Thursday, 4th. — I preached near the town, on ZaC' chaeus, the publican. how did sinners weep and -cry ! Our meeting continued for several hours before we could separate. Part of this day I experienced sweet comfort, but every now and then a wandeiing thought would crowd in, and spoil my joys. " Saturday, 6th. — I preached with great freedom on Num. xix : !3. One woman cried aloud in sore dis- tress. A few thought it their duty to spend the even- ing in prayer for her deliverance. We continued on our knees two hours and a half, when the Lord set her soul at liberty. Her husband, in deep distress, fell on the floor, and cried for mercy. "Sunday, 7th. — I preached three times on Rev. iii : 20. God gave me much matter, and great liberty ; and many felt the word. God is evidently at work here on many hearts. On Monday I preached at Granville, at six in the moniing ; at Wilmot, at ten ; and at Bowens, at six, P. M. In the morning some, who had never manifested any concern for their souls before, were deeply affected ; and appeared to be convinced. O that the impression may never wear off ! '^'Tuesday, 9th, — I rode on to Horton j and preocbed ,>-. *::i % V ■ 76 MEMOIRS OF THE I i\ i\ in a large barn, on • Who is on the Lord's side ?' O what a meeting was this ! Many trembled exceeding- ly ; their knees smote one against the other. Among the rest was Matthew Ormsby, formerly a valiant ser- vant of the devil, and confessedly as proud as Lucifer, now trembling every limb, while tears flowed plenti- fully from his eyes. Many now saw the necessity of inward religion ; and with strong cries and tears be- sought the Lord for mercy. In the evening we had a watch-night. I preached on, ' What I say unto one, I say unto all. Watch.' Such a night as this I never eaw before, unless at Mr. Oxley's, on my first setting out to seek the Lord. O w'lat a noise and shaking among the dry bones. My voice could scarcely be heard. Joseph Johnson found this a time of love. The Lord passed by, and said unto his soul. Live ! When the first meeting was concluded, my strength was almost exhausted ; and I feared I should not be able to preach again. But the Lord literally fulfilled his promise, that they that wait on Him, shall renew their strength." While Mr. Black was in labours so abundant to ex- pand the sphere of his usefulness ; while anxious to call sinners to repentance in places where his voice had not been previously heard, he was not forgetful of the interests of those societies which, under God, were the first fruits of his ministry. A prudent regard to their circumstances, rendered it expedient for him no longer to protract his stay from Cumberland. Nor was he fully aware, until he arrived there, of the ne- cessity of his speedy return. — No one who has read the preceding pages will, it is apprehended, suspect their subject of that exclusive and churlish spirit, that could see nothing beyond his own enclosure but sterility. I REi'. WILLIAM BLACK. 77 B?' O seding- Among int ser- jucifer, plenti- issity of sars be- e had a ito one, I never t setting shaking icely be of love. 1, Live ! strength i not be fulfilled II renew nt to ex- xious to lis voice ■getful of od, were egard to r him no id. Nor if the ne- read the lect their lat could sterility. Fie was, however, equally exempt from that laxity of sentiment which sometimes usurps the honours of Christian liberality, undistinguished alike by predilec- tion or principle. Firmly attached to the doctrines tdught by Wesley, because he conceived them to be in perfect unison with the inspired standard of truth and duty, and appreciating the admirable system of disci- pline which, in the singleness of his heart, that vene- rable man was led by providential circumstances to adopt, as eminently fitted to deepen, diffuse, and per- petuate the work of God, he conceived his usefulness to be intimately connected with the faithful inculcation of the one, and the mild, but uncompromising, en- forcement of the other. We cannot, therefore, won- der at the poignancy of his feelings when, on reach- ing Amherst, he found the harmony of the Society there, on which he had bestowed so much labour, bro- ken ; and a large proportion of the members perverted and alienated, by the implicit admission of the dogmas of antinomian mysticism. Every one who has been si- milarly situated, must be aware how difficult it is to maintain the spirit of christian love unimpaired amidst such collisions ; it is therefore peculiarly gratifying to meet, as in the following extract, with incidental evi- dence of his estimation of the piety of the person by whom this disastrous change had been caused, while he deprecates, in the most touching terms, the injury that had been done : — " Sunday, 14th. — I preached twice at Amherst. I felt longing desires after holiness ; but not that sweet- ness in Jesus that I sometimes experience. O for more love ! — Since T left this Mr. Alline has paid a second visit — completed a separation — drawn about seventy of the members of society away from us — thrown all H2 ,*==*., .1 . 78 MEMOIRS OF THE 4; into confusion — broken up the classes ; and introduced a flood of contention, the consequences of which I dread. This is peculiarly distressing to me. O Sa- tan ! a wicked man could not have so well answered thy purpose. But may the Lord overrule it for good ; and prevent the mischief I dread ! Surely Mr. Alline stepped out of the way here. Better far that our pi- tiful names had been laid in the dust, than thus destroy the work of God, by setting brethren to strive with each other. " He felt the necessity of concentrating all his wisdom and energy in prayerful dependance upon God, to counteract the influences that were thus ar- rayed against his usefulness. His abandonment was not indeed complete. He could not yet say with the Apostle, when arraigned before the tribunal of Nero, ' No man stood with me ; but all men forsook me.' He had still the sympathy and co-operation of a good- ly number, who were equally solicitous with himself to keep ' the mystery of faith in a pure conscience,' and to maintain among them the order of means which they had found so conducive to their spiritual growth and consolation. With the most influential of these he took an early opportunity of entering into consul- tation, respecting the best measures to be adopted, un- der existing circumstances, for promoting the work of God. They agreed that the classes should be imme- diately re-organized, and new leaders appointed by Mr. Black, in the place of those who had withdrav/n from the society. Resolved, by the grace of God, to ' keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace,' those who had not been shaken from their belief felt themselves now, more than ever, one in sentiment, in affection, in interest, and in purpose. The foundation thus laid for the perma-.tnt progression of the cause, BT''. WILLIAM BLACK. irff gained in iolidity more than it lost iu breadth. The continuance of persons in a religious society to which they are not attached from piety and principle, has of- ten been productive of incalculable mischief — seldom, if ever, of benefit, either to themselves or others. — Having devoted a fortnight to the melioration, as far as practicable, of the state of things at Amherst, he hastened to respond to the cry, issuing from various other parts, * Come over arid help us !' — in some of which the agencies of discord were exercising a bale- ful influence on the objects of his ministerial solicitude. Tantraraar, Hillsborough^ and the head of Petitcodiac river, were now in succession visited by him ; in all which places, but more signally in the latter, the hand of the Lord was with him. When within a few miles of hi.i father's house, on his return, he received a letter from a friend at that places informing him that his recent visit had been made a great blessing to the people, that the favourable opinion of many who had been preju- diced, was now conciliated, and thf several were deep- ly awakened, and required immec'cte instruction and encouragement. This gladdening intelligence was ac- companied by an urgent solicitation that he would, with as little delay as possible, pay them another visit. His previous plan was, to visit next in order the lower towns ; but conceiving the contents of this letter enti- tled to serious consideration, he laid it before several in whose piety and judgment he had every confidence ; and they were unanimously of opinionj that the indi- cations of a providential call in the matter were clear and unequivocal. He accordingly io.st no time in re- turning to Petitcodiac ; nor had he reason to regret his toil, as his diary testifies : — " Thursday, 2Sd of August. — I went in a boat t^ ^N^ <^ rO ^ ..<^ ^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. MS80 (716) 872-4503 dJy 4u^fi 82 MEMOIRS OF THE V I with his conceptions of duty. And not only was he permitted to prosecute his work without molestation, but had the happiness to find that two individuals, who had been awakened during his previous visit, were now partakers of justify ii-^^ faith in the Son of God. On Sunday, SOth September, he delivered a discourse at* Windsor, which was attended with gracious influ- ence, more than usually rich and powerful, even in the history of his ministrations, from Deut. xxxii : 13, — ' He made him to suck honey out of the rock.' Anxious to be able to recur at pleasure to the precious and con- soling truths with which this sermon was replete, se- veral who heard it, earnestly requested its publication ; and Mr. Black, though conscious of its imperfections, yielded to their importunity. A copy of the sermon once fell into the hands of the compiler of this volume. In a literary point of view, its pretensions are humble ; nor does its matter, by any means, convey a just idea of the accurate and extensive acquaintance with Chris- tian theology, which Mr. Black subsequently attained : it is, however, interesting, as a specimen of his man- ner of preaching in the incipient years of his ministry, and particularly of the tenderness and unction with which he was wont to expatiate on the goodness of God, and the blessedness of his people. This is the only sermon to which he could ever be induced to give publicity. As an instance of the humiliating opinion which he entertained of his best pulpit performances, we may here mention the respectful decision with which he declined to publish his sermon on the death of Bishop Asbury, preached in Baltimore, at the re- (luest of his American brethren, at their first General Conference afler the decease of that venerable and la- l)orious servant of Christ ; notwithstanding their assu* i". ;5 KEV. WILLIAM BLAClt. 83 fanc^s of the profit and admiration with which they had listened to it, and of their earnest desire to see it in printt Nothing of very prominent interest is recorded in his journal, as having occurred for a few weeks sub- sequent to this time, save the evidences afforded by every page, of his unabated ardour and self-denying exertions for the good of immortal souls, and of the ef- fusion of that divine influence on the minds of his hear- ers, by which he had been hitherto so abundantly en- couraged. Annapolis, indeed, remained in this respect a melancholy exception. Such was the insensibility of the people there, that his clearest expositions of the nature of vital Christianity, and his most pungent ap- peals to the conscience, appealed to recoil as from hearts of marble* In common with all who have been eminently suc- cessful in accomplishing the high and holy objects of the Christian ministry, Mr. Black preached, " not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth the hearts." By this principle he was guided in the selection of his sub- jects, and in the mode of presenting them. With Lu- ther, he estimated justification by faith alone as the artieulw atantis tel cadentis ecdesice, the doctrine with which the church must stand or fall ; and, with a greater than Luther, he thundered in the ear of the self-righteous formalist, " Except a man be bom again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." — A just and ade- quate conception of these momentous truths, cannot <^xist, apart from sound and scriptural convictioni^ of the total depravity in which the apostacy of our first parents involved the whole species. This is in fact the basis of the central truth of the Bible, — the Atonement of ChrisT) of which it is impossible to i|i V I ■M»Xi„,,li,MmUL» 84 MEMOIRS OF THfi * c ■';■;; perceive either the grandeur or the necessity, without fully admitting the melancholy deposition of the Holy Spirit against the heart of man, — that it is "deceitful above all things and desperately wicked." Constant- ly to hold this first principle of the oracles of God in prominence before his hearers, is, therefore, a part of a minister's duty so momentous, that, if he either shade or soflen this truth, he cannot acquit himself of the im- putation of handling the word of God deceitfully. It is, indeed, With extreme difficulty that mankind are brought to acquiesce in such humiliating representa- tions of their native depravity. But still more strange and lamentable is the fact, that some of those who are " set for the defence of the Gospel," instead of labouring to fasten the charge of apostacy from God upon the consciences of their unconverted hearers, can prophesy smooth things to them, and talk eloquently of the dignity and virtuous principles of fallen human nature. " From sucli apostles, O yc J lie&ds, Preserve the cliiirch !" With a minister who entertained these views, Mr. Black was, about tbi£> time, drawn into an animated debate. Whether the collision was purely accidental, or sought for by the reverend defender of man's native purity, we are not informed. Mr. Black's reminis- cences of the dialogue, as recorded by his own pen, are, in substance, as follows : — " I had a long argu- ment with the Rev. Mr. Bencraft, at Horton, on the total corruption of the human heart, which he de- nied ; strenuously maintaining that when born into the world, our minds resembled a sheet of white paper.* ^said differei deprav where of the similar sage he meaning sion, « J if you \ teach oi you will corruptei the wholi He said, mpted b^ * The following remarks of an excellent writer, upon this li' ikKV. WILLIAM BLACK. 85 ) said ' the Apostle pictures human nature in a very different maimer, where he represents the wisdom of depraved mar, as 'earthly, sensual, and devilish ;' and where he avers that * all have sinned and come short oif the glory of God,' — with many testimonies of a similar import. He remarked, ' You take only a pas- sage here and there, which you wrest from its proper meaning. I replied, as John Nelson on another occa- sion, ' I leave you all the rest to refute mo with. But if you will only take a view of what the Scriptures teach on the subject, and stand open to conviction, you will soon discover that every power of the soul is corrupted ; and that sin has reigned, not merely over the whole man, but also over the whole of mankind. He said, ' I do not deny that there are many men cor- rupted by the influence of evil example. But it by niililude, are equally just and ingehious. " In combating the doc- trine of innate ideas, Mr. Locke, following Aristotle, has com- pared the human mind to a sheet of while paper, on which cha* racters of different descriptions may subsequently be written. By those philosophers who deny the innate depravity of human nature, the comparison has frequently been applied to the human mind in regard to its moral state, its dispositions, and tendencies. It will be a juster comparison, if, in this respect, we liken the mind to a sheet of paper on which have been written characters in stm- PATBKTic INK, which are not discernable by the eye, till, by approximation to the fire, or by some appropriate chemical appli- cations, they are brought out into legible distinctness. So it is with the principles of evil in infancy, — we may not for a time be sensible of their presence; and may be delighted with the smiling harmlessness of the little babe — but tlie principles are there; and require only the influence of circumstances to bring them into practical and visible manifestations, which, to the eye of even a /Superficial observer, commences at a very early period." fFardlaw^a Christian Ethics, p. 9St London Ed. I 96 MEMOIRS OF THE Pr^ no means follows, that they were, therefore, depraved from their birth, that they brought a totally corrupt nature into the world with them. I replied, ' It i» written of Adam after his apostacy, by which he lost the image of Ood, that he begat a son (not in God'Sy but) in his o%m likeness, that is, corrupt like himselfr And this corruption growing with his growth, hurried him on to commit murder* Moses says, ' And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of bis heart was only evil continually;' that the earth was corrupt before God and filled with violence ; for all flesh had corrupted his way. * Those texts,' said he, 'prove nothing more than that the people of that age were extremely degenerate.' I answered, * This total depravity is not confined to any particular pe- riod, but manifests itself in all ages of the world, until grace renews the heart., David tells ua, ' The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men , to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.' And what was the result of the divine inspec- tion ? * They are all gone aside, they are altogether become filthy ; there is none that doetb good ; no, not one.' He further says of himself, that he was 'sha-^ pen in iniquity, and in sin did his mother conceive him.' < Mil V3e,^ says the Apostle, ' like sheep have gone astray.' ' Afler having confirmed this melan' choly doctrine, from the prophets, our Lord and his Apostles, I asked him for a proof to the contrary. He adduced the case of the young man in the Gospel, who caine to our Lord and enquired, What good thing he must do in order to inherit eternal life ; and who, when referred by our Redeemer to the command- ments, replied, ' All these have I kept /rom my youth iaghl P*fy, y partici one 80 sorrow rasaic i plaeene childrei der coi predom doctrine brace th not delij the folloi that the proper e when he up' 7 ^ that our '. he preser I do.' s, understac is the con «dly I da *Thatou grant J bu erroneous trary to tf that we at we have the knowk And of thij ^incebim,f m^'k RKV. WILLIAM BLACK. 87 up.' it is added by St. Mark, < Jesus, behold- ing him, loved him.' I observed, < there is a love of pity, which God exercises towards all mankind, and particularly to those who, like that young man, for one sordid lust sell their souls, and are yet filled with sorrow when they find they must abandon all their pha- rasaic hopes of heaven. And there is a love of eom- plaeeney with which He regards none but his adopted children. Jesus beheld this hopeful youth with ten- der commisseration ; but the love of the world was predominant in his heart, a melancholy proof of my doctrine. He loved his possessions too well, to era- brace the Saviour's doctrines \ therefore, Jesus could not delight in him. But permit me. Sir, to ask you the following questions : — 1. Do you really think. Sir, that the young man spoke the truth, or ent^tained a proper estimate of his obedience to the law of God, when he said, ' Jill these have I kept from my yott(A up' ? Jins, < To be sure I do.' 2. * Do you think that our Lord gave him a perfect rule of conduct when he presented to him the divine law ?' JStu. ' Certainly I do.' 3. vine character ; to assert in the face of the plainest evidence, that it involves a charge of malevolence and injustice against the Supreme Being, in his moral go- vernment of mankind, is obviously, to assume the principle that our capacities and feelings are compe- tent to measure the perfections of the Infinite, and to anticipate in what manner those perfections will bo developed. The Scriptures reveal the moral perfec- tion of the Deity in all that overwhelming purity and grandeur before which seraphs veil their faces ; yet on their pages is written as with a sunbeam, the doc- trine of man's native and total depravity. If our in- capacity to conciliate these truths, revealed with equal clearness, constitutes a just ground of the negation of either, the authority of the Bible ceases the moment it contradicts our previous conceptions of truth. This is the modest position practically assumed by all, whether Socinians or Pelagians, who make their ap- peal from the explicit enunciations of the sacred vo- lume, to their own apprehensions of the divine cha- racter; I cannot dismiss this topic, eminently import- ant and practical as it is^ without earnestly beseeching the reader, if he has not already done so, deeply to lay it to heart. It is no subject of speculation. Man's soul, once the temple of the Divine Spirit, now lies in ruins ; and none but he who made it can repair it. *^ That he hath withdrawn himself, and left his temple desolate," says the incomparable Howe, " we have many plain and sad proofs before us. The stately ruins are visible to every eye^ that bear in their fronts I 2 il IIIMOIRS or THE yet extant, this doleful inscription, Here God onev dwelt. Enough appears of the admirable frame and structure of the soul of man, to show the divine pre- sence did once reside in it ; more than enough of vi- cious deformity, to proclaim, he is now retired and gone. The lamps are extinct ; the altar overturned. The light and love are now vanished, which did the one shine with so heavenly brightness, and the other bum with so pious fervour. The golden candlestick is displaced and thrown away as a useless thing, to make room for the throne of the Prince of darkness. The sacred incense which sent rolling up in clouds, its rich perfumes, is exchanged for a poisonous hellish vapour." May this description, as just as it is ap- palling, excite us to fly by faith to Him of whom it is written, ' He shall build the temple of the Lord, and he shall bear the glory.' A few extracts from Mr. Black's Journal will close the present chapter and year. " Sunday, 17th November. — When I take a view of my former experience, and compare it with the pre- sent state of my mind, with shame I may confess — My zeal for the conversion of souls is not so flaming, nor my comforts and joys from God, so abiding, nor my desires after holiness so vehement. Oh my God f stir me up to love thee with all my heart. Destroy, O ! destroy all sin in me — perfect my heart in love — I long to be hoi} . " Wednesday, 20th. — I rode over to Tantramar, where I was sorry to find mysticism and antinomian- ism spreading like fire ; and their deadly effects alrea- dy manifest. — The people are informed publicly that they have nothing to do with the law of God — that David was a man after God's own heart when wallow- ing in ac that sinn suffer no "Prid ' My she voured U perseven plunderei thing to « from Mac villany b} ly as sooE of the B preach at them to a( Captain. lican ; anc them by tl or they m^ monition them the t river for a so far spei the design their comi "Sunda about one ers, but be canoe, thej the river. 1 now spol them that t unless a spc dumb J anc KBV. WILLIAM BLACK. Ot ing in adultery and murder — that it was only his body that sinned, that his soul never sinned at all. O Lord, suffer not the enemy of souls thus lo deceive them ! "Friday, 33d. — I preached at Hillsborough from ' My sheep hear ray voice,*^ &c., from which I endea- voured to show the true and scriptural character of the perteveranee of the saints. In the night a number of plunderers came to Mrs. Stieves' and demanded some- thing to eat, and remained till morning. They were from Machias, and are a'set of wretches who cloak their villany by the agitations of the times ; and would near- ly as soon have robbed a friend of Congress as a friend of the British Government. Having appointed to preach at eight o'clock the following morning, I invited them to accompany niie ; and they all came except their Captain. I discoursed concerning Zaccheus the pub- lican ; and some even of them shed tears. I went, took them by the hand, and entreated them to turn to God, or they must inevitably perish. They received the ad- monition kindly ; and I believe their consciences told them the same. They detained us from going up the river for about two hours and a half, when the tide was so far spent that we could not go. This they did with the design to prevent us from informing the people of their coming. " Sunday, 24th. — We left the Point in the momipg about one A. M., intending to get before the plunder-' ers, but being in a whale-boat, and we having only a canoe, they had the advantage and easily passed us in the river. At the village we fell in with them again. I now spoke my mind to them more fully, showing them that they could not escape the danmation of hell unless a speedy repentance should prevent. They were dumb ; and soon after went to a neighbouring house, kXMOIRS, kCi c;; ii: feaying they would go twenty miles to get clear of that d— d preacher. They killed an ox and a sheep, plun- dered the mill of all the flour they could find, and left some families almost destitute of clothes and bedding. Yet they attempted to take neither my clothes, nor watch, nor any thing belonging to me. <* Thursday, 38th. — I preached twice at Hillsbo- rough. Some were deeply affected. But I did not feel my soul alive to God, as I desired. O Lord ! what is the cause of this strangeness between my soul and Thee ? Why should I love Thee ; and not Thee alone ? Lord, whom have I in heaven but Thee ! and there is none in all the earth that I desire beside Thee ! I long " Of naught to apeak or tbink betide. My Lord, my Love, ia crucified !" THE MI VKRSIi KEFLE MARK4 TEWTK FBOM CT — CC fKRlTt 'OSITIt 1.ETTEI FEOM I POWER LAND — TIMABL There remuneral Jesus, coi tion he ex crowned m joyofange elevated s( pentant sii by the Sav resting sp« immediate survey thei fice— the CHAPTER V. THE minister's CHIEr JOT — INSTANTANEOUS CON- VERSION RATIONAL AND SCRIPTURAL — MR. BLACK'S REFLECTIONS IN COMMENCING A NEW YEAR — RE- MARKABLE CASE OF CONVERSION — MR. BLACK'S IN- TENTION TO GO TO KINOSWOOD SCHOOL — A. LETTER FROM THE REV. MR. WESLET — DEMONIACAL AGEN- CY — CONVERSATION ON THE LORD'S SUPPER — PROS- PERITY OF THE WORK OF GOD AT LIVERPOOL— OP- POSITION OF PROFANE OFFICERS AT 8HELBLRNE — LETTER TO MR. ALLINE — INTERESTING LETTER FROM MR. WESLEY — ANOTHER — DISPLAYS OF THE POWER AND GOODNESS OF GOD — VISIT TO P. E. IS- LAND — MR. black's marriage — MRS. BLACK'S ES- TIMABLE CHARACTER. There are few pleasures that solace the mind, or remunerate the toitsof a devoted minister of the Lord Jesus, comparable to the pure and celestial exhilara- tion he experiences when his efforts to win souls are crowned with conspicuous success. His joy is then the joy of angels. — Those benignant spirits bend from their elevated seats to mark the first movements of the re- pentant sinner towards God ; and acquire, we are told by the Saviour, an accession of felicity from the inte- resting spectacle. With what rapture then must the immediate instrument of such blessed transformations survey them ! They are divine seals affixed to his of- fice — the travail of his Redeemer's soul — trophies of ^^i ■'^ '.i -W T"^ 04 MEMOIRS OF THE in t: •"• .im. victorious grace ; and his bosom glows with transport while he anticipates the day when the dignity will be conferred upon him of presenting them stainless before the throne of God and the Lamb. An eminent degree of that dignity awaits the messenger of the churches whose course we are endeavouring to trace. The de- tails exhibited in the preceding pages afford lumi- nous proof that he did not run in vain, neither labour in vain ; and the materials of an ampler attestation of this delightful fact are yet in reserve. One observable feature of the conversions that took place under Mr. BI«ick's ministry cannot have escaped the reader — I re- fer to their suddenness. The inadequate and erroneous conceptions that pre- vail on this subject among certain classes of professing Christians, render it expedient to endeavour the remo- val of their prejudices. It may be spontaneously ad- mitted that time &nd place are merely circumstances of conversion ; and that though a reference to them can hardly fail to be both animating and salutary to the real believer's mind — a distinct recollection of them is not essentia] in order to evince the genuineness of a work of divine grace. Certain it is, however, that there must be a special time when conversion takes place. And from the magnitude of the change, involving as it does our most solemn relations to the Deity, and the infusion of the elements of a new and divine nature into the soul, one would be very naturally led to con- ceive, anterior to the examination of any direct evi- dence upon the subject, that no one could receive a blessing so heart-stirring without having a vivid per- ception of it. An event so momentous can hardly be thought tc take place unconsciously.— It is worthy of remark, that the numerous cases of con version record- ed in tl tion, su the Hoj establisJ The aj Now it gious bi( the evid Whoeve is capabl version, landed ic as in reli| the humh forget, th of which narrative. Enterin theUttlep in the divi The langj tion of a when it C( affords a Earth is u staht effoi "-efTort t influences not indeec ing in hea occurrencj mated gra may be grace of &£V. WILLIAM BLACK. 95 ed in the New Testament, were almosl without excep- tion, sudden. It therefore behoves those who deny that the Holy Spirit operates in the same manner now, to establish their negation by unexceptionable evidence^ The appeal must be made to Well attested facts. Now it is matter of notoriety that the pages of reli- gious biography supply innumerable instances in which the evidence was coeval with I the act of justification. Whoever in the face of such an accumulation of facta is capable of denying the doctrinf^ of instantaneous con- version, has only to follow out i»:i; own principle to be landed in universal scepticism, as well in philosophy as in religion. With far different views and emotions, the humble believer — ^who remembers, and never can forget, the rock whence he was hewn, and the pit out of which he was taken, will'— accompany us in our narrative. Entering upon a new year, Mr. Black mourns over the little progress he apprehended himself to have made in the divine life, during the preceding twelve months. The language of self-crimination is no certain indica- tion of a low state of spiritual attainment ; and even when it correctly displays the interior of the heart it affords a pleasing presage of future amelioration. Earth is ungenial to the celestial plant of grace. Con- stant effort is required to keep the heart right with God —effort that can be sustained only by the invigorating influences of the Holy Spirit. This consideration does not indeed extenuate the moral delinquency of backslid- ing in heart ; but it diminishes our surprise at such an occurrence, however lamentable. And with what ani- mated gratitude should we remember, that though we may be painfully conscious of unfaithfulness to the grace of God, the merciful provisions of his covenant dd !UEMOIRS OP TdE If^ r" Vrl' Cll> in t'" :;: »,..i forbid us to despond ; the blood of sprinkling still pleads for us ; the aspects of the throne iaed for a moment ; and then hard- rcased on learning that Mr. AUine was seriously ill j find he was not without hope that under such circum- Htances, the expression of the sentiments of his heart, by eliciting a reciprocation of Christian love, would lead to a favorable result. With this object and anti- cipation he addressed to him the following letter. 55 S3 1^ (C Windsor, July 4th, 1783. **Dear Brother, " I hear you are very ill in body, but I trust happy in soul, rejoicing in the sweet Lord Jesus. Since I saw you 1 have been at Liverpool, proclaiming the love of Christ to lost sinners ; and blessed be God we have had happy and delightful days. On my first ar- rival they appeared dull, having been without preach- 4 " •. ■-' » cXttl'lKlb ill m^ p"" iiii E iiii killll »"- irll "■ Mil law tm ;;;.' Iloi ..1| Iiii; €':;; f ;::; I;:;: »' „^' t ",■■ r ,... I- tOd MEMOIRS OF tH£ ihg for die. some time. But soon the fire began to kin> I know not that I e.^er heard more heart-piercing cries, as well from the young as the old. The people of God too, were exceedingly happy ; praising him for his wonderful goodness to the children of men. Their cries ahd praises ascended for hours together, so that sometimes our meetings did not break up till one in the morning. Truly the Lord rained down the manna of his love in gracious showers ; and several declared with joy that they found the pearl of great price. " The people at Liverpool are all well, and most of them happy. They long to see you again ; and I as- sure you I rejoice to find that the Lord has owned your labours amongst them, and I trust he will con- tinue to do so until he calls you hence. Although we differ in sentiment, let us manifest our love to each other. I always admired your gifts and graces, and affectionately loved your person, although I could never receive your peculiar opinions. But shall we on this account destroy the work of God ? God for- bid ! May the Lord take away all bigotry, and fill us with pure, genuine, catholic love ! Wishing you God's speed in every work to which the Lord calls you, I conclude with, When it is well with thee, re- member me. "" William Black." To the preceding letter was subjoined a P. S. re- questing Mr. A. to lay aside all reserve in future, and favor him with his frequent correspondence. But the letter and the request were alike treated with indiffer- ence ; and in their next interview Mr. A. said to him that he believed he (Mr. B.) had never known any thing of a saving change of heart. This, we cannot help thiol Hiet< ment ohiev s&iotJ Spirit and p the wi tractiv consti( and CO manki] Whi wards J tion, he fusive i were oj he furn and ent But Mr not com thought (if such importai checking propaga request *JJscrimii "MtJ "Iti i i^ceire. BBfi. WILLIAM BLACK. 109 CK.' thinkiAg, was an uncourteous declaration uttered in the temerity of the moment, of which his calmer judg- ment could not upon reflection approve. How mis- chievous is the influence of bigotry ! Well does the saintly Fletcher designate it, a holy devil. May the Spirit of the Lord purge his church from this insidious and pervading leaven ! Then, and not till then, shall the wisdom from above appear arrayed in all her at- tractive attributes ; and by their union and symmetry constitute the church once more the mansion of peacd and concord, commanding the universal admiration of mankind. While Mr. Black cultivated the amicable spirit to- wards Mr. AUine, exemplified in the above communica- tion, he was so gi'eatly concerned at witnessing the dif- fusive influence with which his unscriptural principles were operating in different parts of the country, that he furnished Mr. Wesley with a statement of them, and entreated him to write a brief refutation of them« But Mr. Wesley was doing a great work, and could not come down ; in addition to which, he deliberately thought that any public notice of Mr. AUine's system, (if such it may be called,) would only give it the more importance and notoriety, and thereby, instead of checking it, contribute, more probably, to its wider propagation. Mr. Wesley's letter in answer to tha request bears the impress of his singular wisdom and discrimination. 5^2! '1- (t Jut the idifFer- 1 to him London, July 13th, 1783, ''Mr Dear Brother, *' It is a rule with me to answer all the letters which I receive. If, therefore, you have not received an aa- lot help ■ t I ■: :l I '■: 119 MEM0IK8 OF TH0 •»■' f Ca „lll wi 1,111 if' E mil »"~ Ion, r- c c ■■;;; f:;;; I;:;;: » ... I;:;:: S. Ill r swer to every letter which you have written, it must be, either that your letter or my answer has been inter- cepted. ... " I do not wonder at all that afler that great and eX' traordinary work of God there should be a remarkable decay. So we have found it in almost all places. A swift increase is generally followed by a decrease equally swift. All we can do to prevent it, is con- tinually to exhort all who have tasted that the Lord is gracious, to remember our Lord'^s words, ' Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.' " Mr. Alline may have wit enough to do hurt ; but I fear he will never have wit enough to do good. He is very far from being a man of sound understanding ; but he has been dabbling in mystical writers, in mat- ters which are too high for him, far above his compre- hension. I dare not waste my time in answerir^g such miserable jargon. I have better work. But I have sent you (with other books) two volumes of Mr. Law's works, which contain all that Mr. Alline would teach if he could ; only it is the gold purged from the dross ; whereas he would give you the gold and dross shuffled together. I do not advise you ever to name his name in public, (although in private you must warn our bre- thren) but go on your way exactly as if there were no such person in the world, " The school at Kingswood is exceeding full ; never- theless there shall be room for you. And it is very probable if you should live to return to Halifax, you may carry one or more preachers with you. I will order Mr. Alley to send the books you sent for, to our German brethren. I hope you will live as brethren, and have a free and open intercourse with each other. REV. WILLIAM BLACK. Ill f/i I commend you to Him who is able to make you per> feet, stablish, settle you ; and am, ** My Dear Brother, " Your affectionate Brother, " John Weslet." Mr. Black was peculiarly happy in having, during the early years of his ministry, in the revered founder of Methodism, a counsellor and a friend so eminently qualified from his profound and various knowledge, and particularly from his experience in connection with the work of God, for so long a series of years, to afford him the most judicious advice in perplexity, and to suggest the most appropriate topics of consolation un- der the disappointment of some of his cherished hopes. To him, ther^ore, he unbosomed himself on all oc- casions of embarrassment, with the confiding affection und ingenuousness of a son ; and it is impossible to «ay what amount of influence, the maxims of wisdom and paternal admonitions thus elicited, exerted on the formation of Mr. Black's ministerial character. There can exist no doubt that the course which Mr. Wesley recommended to his adoption, in reference to what was at this time the greatest source of uneasiness to him — the currency that Mr. AUine's opinions received from the popularity of his talents and the awaken- ing power of his ministry — was much more likely to neutralize their influence than the most luminous and conclusive refutation of them, whether from the pul- pit or the press. But the subject weighed heavily on Mr. Black's mind ; and before, it would seem, the pre- ceding letter came to hand, he again respectfully urged upon Mr. Wesley the task of wielding his acute and powerful pen against those troublesome and pcr- 825 mvi Mil % 112 UKMOIRS or TBB 23 »Mii V«i> „„ t* **' ,111 r* -"• I* .... c niciouB errors, — an application, however, which drew from him the declaration that his polemical days wero ended. If the reader entertains the same appreciation of that never-to-be-forgotten minister of Jesus, as the biographer does, he would feel a sensible disappoint- ment at the suppression or even abridgement of anj production of his mind, however small. Assuming this to be the case, I therefore give the letter in full. cc Invebkbss, May 11, 1784. " Mt Dear Brother, " I am glad you have given a little assistance to our brethren at Halifax, and along the Coast. There is no charity under Heaven to be compared to this, — the bringing light to the poor Heathens that are call- ed Christians ; but nevertheless still sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. I am in great hopes that some of the emigrants from New York are really alive to God. And if so, they will be every way a valuable acquisition to the province where their lot is now cast. This may be one of the gracious designs of God's Providence in bringing them from their native country. And if they not only themselves grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, but are like- wise happy instruments in his hand of imparting that knowledge to others, they will have unspeakable rea- son to praise God, both in time and in eternity. " There is no part of Calvinism or Antinomianisra which is not fblly answered in some part of our writ- ings ; particularly in the " Preservative from Unset- tled Notions in Religion." I have no more to do with answering books. It will be sufficient if you recom- mend to Mr. Alline's friends, Sume of the tracts that are already written. As to himself, I fear he is wiser in his son. *] till deat "Th< various will waj to supp Lancash bare bis and man "My, iS) Let b out by tb bond of J SO fulfil t] May which this minds of a lowly in h affection is odoriferou flowed to augment bj to promote their comn have been j vation of a Mr. Black, able constri and depreca indin like- that rea- REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 113 \a his own eyes than seven men that can render a rea- son. Therefore I have no hope of his being convinced till death opens his eyes. " The work of God goes on with a steady pace in various parts of England. But still the love of many will wax cold, while many others are continually added to supply their place. In the west nf England, ia Lancashire and in Yorkshire, God still mightily makes bare his arm. He convinces many, justifies many, and many are perfected in love. " My great advice to those who are united together, is, Let brotherly love continue ? See that ye fall not out by the way ! Hold the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ! Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ ! " I am, " Your affectionate Brother, "John Wesley." May the salutary and important monition with which this letter closes be indelibly graven upon the minds of all the followers of Him, who was meek and lowly in heart ! Whilst this coalescence of spiritual affection is, to those whom it animates, grateful as the odoriferous oil^that descended upon Aaron's head and flowed to the skirts of his robe, it directly tends to augment by concentration the efficiency of their efforts to promote the salvation of souls, and the glory of their common Lord. Few, it may be here remarked, have been more eminently distinguished for the culti- vation of an affectionate and conciliatory spirit than Mr. Black. Always disposed to put the most favour- able construction upon actions of doubtful character, and deprecating as an evil of no common magnitude L 2 - •"1 ".»»• :^»* (♦•••Ji-jjl ! ,' ■ 114 MEMOIRS or THE c: t: »<«•■ iilllll |«" !H ,. , '>^ .It* r »'">' »'■ ni* «„i(iit «' ti'>"' •• ,.0" W „,», the alienation of brethren in Christ, he conscientiously and sedulously guarded alike against gtvtn^, and taking offence ; and whenever misunderstandings OC' curred among any of the objects of his pastoral charge, he was as ready to assume, as he was admirably fitted to discharge, the office of a peacennaker. Endowed with a singular degree of prudence and self-control, which were hallowed by Christian principle and ma- tured by experience, he often succeeded, by seasonable interference, in extinguishing the kindling fires of dis- cord, when many a minister of equally pure inten- tions, but of a less calculating and deliberative turn of imind, might by indiscretion have fomented insteau of allayed, the evil. No man, probably, in the course of BO long a life, ever more rarely inverted the order of nature and reason, by putting action before thought. But it is time to return to his Journal. Under date of the ISth of September he records an impressive case of conversion which illustrates at once the obliga- tion and the incentive of the apostolic injunction, — ''In meekness instructing those that oppose them- selves ; if God peradventure will give thehn repentance to the acknowledging of the truth." — "During this visit it was that Mrs. Card, of Horton, found peace with God. She had formerly been an opposer ; but was now on a bed of afHiction, and in great distress of mind, terribly agitated with the fear of death. For three weeks, she told me, she had not had above three niffhts' sleep. I endeavoured to improve the oppor- tunity, by pressing upon her mind the nature and ne- cessity of the new-birth, and of justification by faith. I asked permission to pray with her ; and while we were on our knees, the Lord manifested Himself in mercy to her soul. She broke out in transports of f '' i KKV. WILLIAM BLACK. 115 praise, saying, * O ! I am in the bosom of Jesus ! I am in the bosom of Jesus ! O ! the fear of hell is now gone ! it is gone ! I fear not hell ! I fear not death !' Addressing her husband, she exclaimed, < Oh ! my dear ! my soul was overwhelmed within me, but the Lord has delivered me ! O I am happy ! I am happy !' " About this time also," he continues, " sister Scott of Windsor had a remarkable visitation. She had had a very dangerous travail ; doctors and friends despair- ed of her life. At first her mind was beclouded ; all sensible comfort was suspended. A deep sense of her unfaithfulness exceedingly depressed her. But her beloved soon appeared ! and the gloom was so com- pletely dispersed, that ' Not a cloud did arige , To darken the skies, Or iiide for a moment, her Lord from her eyes.' Her whole soul seemed filled with heaven and God< Her joy was indeed unspeakable and full of glory. Weak as she was, she could not refrain from exhort- ing all around her, and breaking out in rapturous ex- pressions of triumph." In the fall of this year Mr. Black visited for the first time. Prince Edward Island, (then called the Island of St. John) at the earnest and repeated request of Mr. Benjamin Chappel, by whom he was gladly re- ceived 'in the name of a prophet.' This eccentric, but truly pious and upright man, had been for a num- ber of years a member of the Methodist Society in England ; and told me I think, in the only interview I ever had with him, in the year 1833, that he had often seen and heard the venerable founder of Methodism. He was at that period bending over the tomb under the accumulated infirmities of extreme old age, but f , f i I m I 116 MEMOIRS or THE ^•i iillKl r III'"" »Z «"" * 111*' C f 111* *' nil* Jf III'** I'"- ■ix'- % remarkably clear and collected in mind ; ready, after a life of irreproachable godliness, to be offered up ; and awaiting, not only without fear, but in joyful anticipa- tion, the time of his departure from earth. — Mr. Black remained about a fortnight in the Island. The greater portion of the time was spent in Charlotte Town ; but he also preached two or three times at St. Peter's ; in neither place, however, were his labours attended with any animating tokens of efficiency. He sighed in spirit over the people, because of the hardness of their hearts, lamenting that, with few exceptions, they ap- peared total strangers to the nature of true religion, — the inward kingdom of " righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." A sudden attack of illness on his return home from the Island, excited apprehensions that his earthly ca- reer was destined soon to close. But the prospect en- gendered no mental perturbation. Divine solace was opportunely imparted ; and instead of deprecating the not improbable event, he says, " It was my earnest prayer that if my usefulness was done, I might then finish my course and go to Him whom I loved supreme- ly, though not perfectly. Blessed be God ! death has long since lost to me his terror and his,jitkrgr~Maiiy times the thoughts of it have made my heart to leap within me. At one time in particular when the Indians rose and made a number of people prisoners at Mira- michi, and it was reported they were about to destroy all the friends of Government in Cumberland ; — at the news of this my heart rejoiced within me ; for I knew I had a mansion in heaven, a house beyond their reach, ' That palace of aogels and God.' On my passage from the Island I fainted, and fell with great violence on deck. But for the main boom I should have fi ia conti We Black's liance \ merely but Buh fluence manner culiarly formed that in { influent! ful draw dlscharg fident of his affeci tunate pi anticipat the path precautic nial state in his Jc previous rejected t lea^t sen marry; fc feared le£ of Heave would tak longed ral my princ '•fit BET. WILLIAM BLACK. iir ha^e fallen into the sea. Blessed be God whose care is continually over me !" We now approach the memorable period in Mr. Black's history when he formed that matrimonial al- liance which, for nearly half a century, was to him not merely a " Perpetoal fountain of domestic iweetf," but subservient in a very eminent degree to his in- fluence and usefulness in the church of God. The manner in which he took this important step was pe- culiarly marked by that Christian prudence which formed a prominent trait of his character. Aware, that in a minister of Christ, a union so intimate and influential must, necessarily, operate either as a pain- ful drawback, or as a source of exhilaration, in the discharge of his momentous responsibilities ; and dif- fident of his own judgment in a matter that involved his affections, he endeavoured by earnest and impor- tunate prayer for divine direction, and a deliberative anticipation of consequences, to ascertain satisfactorily the path of duty, before he advanced. The piety and precaution with which he entered into the matrimo- nial state will be best apprehended by an entry made in his Journal on that occasion : — " For some time previous I had had thoughts of marriage. At first I rejected the thought as a temptation. I had not the least scruple but that it was lawful for a minister to marry ; but as all things lawful are not expedient, I feared lest I should do my own will, and not the will of Heaven. I prayed again and again that the Lord would take away the desire if it was not his will ; and longed rather to die, than oflend Him. I advised with my principal friends. They approved the design. ■ZZ3 v)pm4| :,*!; 118 MEMOIRS OF THE Yet Still I feared. I solemnly cried to the Lord ; and oflen did I spread my cause before Him, beseeching that he would not permit the blind to go out of the way. At length, one day, after solemn prayer, I con- cluded (believing it to be the will of God,) to give my hand to Mary Gay of Cumberland ; and on the 17th of February, 1784, we were united in holy matrimony. We found it a solemn time ; and we both gave our- selves to the Lord and his service." — On a union formed upon such principles, and in Cutering into which the parties were animated with views so elevat- ed and holy, and with a mutual persuasion — the re- ' suits not of first impression, but of mature thought and importunate prayer— that they gave themselves to each other by the will of God, Providence could not fail to shed its selectest blessings. Marriage is a divine institute ; and it emanated fr^rr) the teisdom and bene- volence, aa. well as from the authority of God. He Haw that, with the social nature He had given man, his happiness would have been incomplete if doomed to a state of solitude ; He saw that " it was not good for man to be alone." As an additional evidence of His benignity he therefore provided an help-meet for him, a companion endued with the same intellectual capa- cities, with accordant social susceptibilities, and the heir and expectant with himself, of the same rever- sionary and immortal bliss. This interesting relation has not, it is true, in the sad reverse that has taken place in man's condition, escaped the blighting conse- quences of sin : yet is it still benevolent in its design, and when hallowed by devout and intelligent reference, (as in the case we have been contemplating,) to the glory of God, most beneficent, also, in its tendency. To those who marry " in the Lord," it is of all earthly 'elationi tiOBt effi the cond hymcnea without view but scene, fli visions, attributal <( 0( Tl T* A larger [ than that ( of years, I individual, was ever r fi>rlife,th( whom we e In the subs have occas character ; mable qua] pass them ( lities, the n newing Spi tJal to the S3 and a lustre dantly endu possessed.- cidedj and nalsofrelig an equal pei . t RBV. WILLIAM BLACK. 119 rotations the source of the richest enjoyment, and the most effectual lenitive of the sorrows inseparable from the condition of mortality. If they who approach the hymeneal altar with light and precipitous footstep, without any recognition of the will of God, or any view but which terminates in the present transient scene, find marriage, instead of realising their fairy visions, to prove a source of infelicity, the blame ia attributable only to their own irreligion and folly. " Domestic happiness, thou only bliss Of Paradise that bast survived the fall ! Thou art not known where pleasure is adored, That reeling goddess with the zoneless waist." A larger portion of this vestige of primeval happiness than that enjoyed by Mr. Black through a long series of years, has rarely, we believe, fallen to the lot of any individual. Were we indeed to affirm that no man was ever more felicitous in the choice of a companion for life, those who knew her best are the very last from whom we should anticipate the charge of exaggeration. In the subsequent pages of our narrative we shall oflen have occasion to notice the superior excellence of her character ; but it is due to the rare assemblage of esti- mable qualities with which she was adorned, not to pass them over in silence in this place. Of those qua- lities, the most important were the product of the re- newing Spirit of God ; and the rest which were essen- tial to the synrmietry of her character, received a value and a lustre from the grace with which she was abun- dantly endued, which they could not otherwise have possessed. — Iter conversion to God was clear and de- cided ; and it would be difficult to select from the an- nals of religious biography an instance of one who, for an equal period of time, exhibited a brighter or more f , I 130 MEMOIRS or TBI e::iii" C « tj ;::iS C ,„JI I'"-" X lii*" J. mill beautiful and uniform example of Christian piety^ Unequivocal evidence of her decision was given, in her associating herself with the Methodist Society at a time when it was despised and calumniated, notwith- standing the high respectability and remonstrances of her family ; and still more, in becoming the wife of a Methodist Minister. Actuated by the faith of him who eeteemed " the reproach of Christ greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt," there was no earthly dis- tinction she was unwilling to forego, no temporal pri- vation she was not ready to sustain, for conscience' ^ake. In whatever aspect we contemplate her virtues, they present an attractive evolution of the best principles of nature and of grace. To her husband she was most tenderly attached ; his wishes she anticipated with all the sagacity and promptitude of devoted affection ; hia sorrows she alleviated by sympathy, and his pleasures she heightened by participation. She fully entered also into his ministerial solicitudes and obligations ; in the chamber of affliction, and among the poor of his charge she afforded him unobtrusive, but most efficient aid. Her maternal character was not less exemplary. One of her sons now living has stated, that it was her prac- tice vrhen any of her children had been guilty of some grosser act of disobedience, whether to divine or pa- rental authority, to take the little culprit to a private room, and there, afler administering appropriate ad- monition, and, if necessary, corporal chastisement, to engage in earnest and affectionate prayer with the de- linquent, who seldom failed to leave the apartment without a tender consciousness of guilt, and resolves of amendment in future. Whilst thus distinguished by the conscientious discharge of responsibilities of paramount obligation, she was not inattentive to tbs HEV. WILLIAM BLACK. 191 iluties of a subordinate class. Tho order of her house presented at all times a pattern of neatness, economy and comfort. But, if I would exhibit an accurate delineation of Mrs. Black's character, I must borrow the pencil, or rather tho portrait, of inspiration. So truly was So- lomon's graphic and inimitable appreciation of tho vir- tuous wife exemplified in her spirit and deportment, that it may well be doubted whether it could be read by any who were well acquainted with her, without suggesting, by an immediate association of ideas, her image to their minds : " Who can find a virtuous wo- man ? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretch- eth forth her hands to tho poor ; yea, she stretcheth forth her hands to the needy. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. Strength and honour are her clothing ; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed ; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain ; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall l)e praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates."* •HI '3 lis: lll..~4l 1. ..-..▲•> ' (. .-it . II • Proverba xxxi. M CHAPTER VI. !■ I -if" I.,-. I '■■»'■ MR. BLACK RELINt^UISHES THE IDEA OF OOIITO r0 KIN6SW0OD — HIS LITERARY ATTAINMENTS — MR. WESLEY'S FIRST LETTER TO HIM AFTER HIS MAR- RIAGE — STATE OF RELIGION AT SHELBVRNE AND , BIRCHTOWN — HAPPY SEASON AT LIVERPOOL — LET- TER FROM MRS. BLACK — VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES — TEMPTATION TO DESPONDENCY — MEETS DR. COKE — ACCOMPANIES THE DR. TO PERRY-HALL — CONVERSION OF MR. 60U6H — MESSRS. GARRET- SON AND CROMWELL APPOINTED TO NOVA-SGOTIA — THE ' CHRISTMAS CONFERENCE' — REVIVAL AT BOS- TON MR. OARRETSON'S CHARACTER AND LABOURS — MR. black's letter TO THE SOCIETY AT CUM- BERLAND. In reviewing the circumstances connected with Mr. Black's marriage, we have seen disclosed the opera- tions of a mind deeply imbued with those qualities liest adapted to ensure safe direction in all the impor- tant exigencies of human life — prudent sagacity, and a devout regard to the intimations of the divine will, whether suggested mentally, or by the course of out- ward events. Before assuming this new and endear- ing relation, with its concomitant cares and obligations, he of course relinquished the project of going to Kings- wood school, deeming the alternative, all things con- sidered, more in accordance with the great object for hi MEMOIRS, &C. IQ3 which it was his meat and his drink to Uve — the glory of God. That a mind so desirous and susceptible of higher cultivation, should have been precluded, by a series of providential circumstances, from the means of attain- ing it to the extent of its aspirations, may seem a mis- fortune ; and some probably will entertain the opinion, that to a matter of so much consequence to a Christian minister every other consideration should have given way. Such, however, was not the view of the judi- cious Wesley, although his paternal affection for Mr. Black prompted him to tender him every facility at his disposal, for the gratification of the hallowed emulation he felt to become more eminently qualified to edify the church of God. Mr. Wesley knew as well as any man who ever lived, the value to be attached to classical learning and resources of general knowledge, in con- nection with the sacred office. Few ever possessed them in a more eminent degree, or were capable of wielding them with greater dexterity and effect in the cause of truth and righteousness than himself. But be likewise knew that they are not indispensable to a thorough understanding, nor, under ordinary circum- tances, to the acceptable and effective preaching of the glorious gospel of Christ. And in view of the peculiar circumstances under which Mr. Black had been called into the work, and of the extreme difficulty of obtain- ing suitable persons for carrying on the blessed revival of experimental religion in Nova Scotia, which he was instrumental in originating, it was his deliberate opinion that the course Mr. Black adopted was the wisest and the best. It is not invidious to say, that although Mr. Black f. (lid not enjoy the advantages of a regular cl 124 MEM0IB8 OF TBE hi — •' i:„ji »• "St" I T" r > ■ training, he was incomparably better fitted for the work of an evangelist than thousands who have a»- cended the sacred desk adorned with academic honours. A ghoio of learning is not always accompanied with the reality ; and were the actual attainments of many— who vituperate, with abundance of self complacency, an uneducated ministry — as they speak, generally known, they would blush at their own lofly preten- sions. It is quite possible, also, for a person conse- secrated to the service of the sanctuary, to cultivate literature and science in all their departments eon amore, and even to shine in the peerage of intellect, and yet, to be totally destitute of that principle of grace, without which the eloquence of men and of angels is as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal ; without which, though we understood all mysteries and all knowledge, we should be nothing. In Germany, where biblical learning is in many respects far in advance of every othe)r nation, theology^ jurisprudence and medicine are known by the name of " bread studies ;" (Brot- Btudien) and when every qualification for holy func- tions is, in the estimation of those in whose power it is to influence the character of candidates, merged in scholastic attainments, the office, if not already secu- larised, is in imminent danger of soon becoming so. In making these remarks we would not be misunder- stood, either as to our view of the Christian ministry, or of the respected subject of our narrative. On the former our conceptions are already indicated with suf- ficient explicitness, and guarded, we hope, against any necessity of misapprehension. In relation to Mr. Black's acquirements in sacred learning at this period, we cannot take upon us to speak with certainty ; but we know that, during the REV. tVlLLIAM thJitK. i2S lime of our personal acquaintance with him, he pos- sessed a critical knowledge of the New Testament in the original, which must have been the result of many years' application. In studying the Greek Testament, Parkhurst's Lexicon was his favourite thesaurus, and he knew well to discriminate the sound learning and theology with which that inestimable work abounds, from the fancies and eccentricities both etymological and philosophical, with which they are sometimes associated. The writer of these pages has often been edified and delighted with his illustrative observations on portions of scripture, in private conversation, drawn from the latent meaning of some prominent word, as indicated by the force of the original expression. And I well remember, that at an early period of my minis- terial life, he earnestly recommended to my careful attention Parthurst's work, alledging that, with all its faults, it contained, for one who was anxious to study the Christian Scriptures for himself, the best commen- tary upon them, extant. In this judgment, which weighed much with us at the time, we are disposed, so far as sound criticism and theology are concerned, still to concur. The paucity of instances given under each head, and the looseness of the references to pro- fane authors are, indeed, inconvenient defects in Park- kurst's work ; nor in giving the various senses of the same word is it always marked by sufficient accuracy of discrimination. The labours of recent German Lexicographers, those especially of Schlensuer, Brel- schneic'er, and Wahl, supply in those respects an im- portant desideratum to the biblical student. " That these books, however," to use the words of the Rev. Mr. Rose, the accomplished editor of the last edition of Parkhurst's work, which he has very materially mo- ■,!.■..• i ■I m: IHIH lalit iii!!" ji 4 ..■■•»•■ 120 MEMOins OF TBE (lified and improved, '* That these books should en- tirely usurp the place of a work as much superior to them in sound principle, as it is, perhaps, inferior in some other respects, is a subject of serious regret : for blthoMgh what is commonly termed Rationalism does not appear in its worst form in the books I have re- ferred to, it has occasionally had no inconsiderable in- fluence on the interpretations which they present." While Mr. Black carefully studied the Greek Testa- ment, he was not neglectful of the Latin language, in which his attainments were very respectable. It was his custom in the closing years of his life, and proba- bly much earlier, at family prayer, to read in connec- tion with the scriptures a portion of Thomas a Kern- pis' Christian Pattern, — Mrs. Black reading the trans- lation while he followed her in the original. To re- turn from this digression, into which we have been led by a desire to obviate misconception, we may here present the reader with the first letter addressed by Mr. Wesley to Mr. Black after he had heard of his marriage. "London., Oct. 15, 1784. " Mv Dear Brother, " A letter of yours some time ago, gave me hopes of meeting you in England ;/a8 you seemed desirous of spending some time here in order to improve yourself in learning. But as you have now entered into a dif- ferent state, I do not expect we shall meet in this world. But you have a large field of action where you are, without wandering into Europe. Your present Parish is wide enough, namely Nova Scotia and Newfound- land. I do not advise you to ^o any further. In the HtV. WILLIAM BLACK. 127 lopes )U8 0f irself la dif- ;orld. are, farish )und- In the other Provinces* there are abundance of Preachers^ They can spare four Preachers to you, better than you can spare one to them. If I am rightly informed, they have already sent you one or two ; and they may afford you one or two more, if it please God to give a pros- perous passage to Dr. Coke and his fellow labourers. Ooes there not want a closer and more direct connec- tion between you of the north, and the societies under Francis Asbury ? Is it not more advisable that you should have a constant correspondence with each other, and act by united counsels ? Perhaps it is for want of this that so many have drawn back. I want a more particular account of the societies in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. And I wish you would give me a full account of the manner wherein God hath dealt with you from the beginning. I am not at all glad of Mr. Scurr's intention to remove from Nova Scotia to the^South. That is'going from a place where he is much wanted, to a place where he is not wanted. I think if he got ten thousand pounds thereby, it would be but a poor bargain ; that is upon the supposition which you and I make, that souls are of more value than gold. Peace be with all your spirits ! " I am, " Your affectionate Brother, "John Wesley." In accordance with the salutary suggestions of this letter, it was Mr. Black's constant endeavour to main- tain a free and friendly intercourse with the societies under Mr. Asbury's charge, both by correspondence and occasional personal visits. Of these visits, the results, some of which will be afterwards detailed, •The United StatM. ;1»*3» 129 MEMOIRS OF THE i' .■■ Will live in Ihe history of American Methodisr> \ri Bonie of its most important positions. In several parta of the United States, but particular!}' at Boston, Mr. Black's memory is still cherished with an affection and veneration scarcp'.y less than attach to it in Nova Scotia. Mr. Sctirr, the excellent man referred to at the close of the letter, repented too late, that he had not acted as Mr. Wesley advised. He purchased an estate in the neighbourhood of Norfolk in Virginia ; but almost all his family fell victims to the diseases incident to the climate. On Sunday, the 17th of April, 1784, We find Mr. Black at Shelbume, after having visited Windsor and Halifax on his way thither, under which date the fol- lowing interesting entry occurs in his Journal : — " I preached three times and met two classes; one of white people, and the other blacks. The blacks are very lively. O that they might provoke the whites to jealousy, to love and to good works ! The day fol- lowing, eight of the friends accompanied me in a boat to Birchtown, where I preached to about two hun- dred negroes; Some were deeply affected, and others greatly comfoi iod. It is indeed wonderful to see What a blessed work the Lord has been carrying on among these poor creiiures. Within seven or eight months past, upwards of sixty of them profess to have found jieace with God. And what is further remarkable is, that the principal instrument God has employed in this work is a poor negro, who can neither see, walk, nor stand. He is usually carried by another man to the j)lace of worship, where he sits and speaks to the peo- ple, or kneels and prays with them." There were at thib time more than tvvo hundred members in society at Shelbume and Birchtown, of whom only twenty m le of ! are BS to fol- boat hun- hew hat ong Qths und is, this nor the peo- re at iety enty REV. WILLIAitl BLACK. 129 were whites. At the latter place, now almost com- pletely deserted, there were fourteen classes in a pros- perous state. Afler this very pleasing and profitable visit, Mr. Black went to Liverpool, where, as on previous occa- sions, unusual demonstrations of the power of the Most High crowned his ri< nistrations : — " Monday, 26th. — On receiving the news of my ar- rival, the friends flocked together ; we had a comforta- ble evening ; we could praise God with gladness, and rejoice that he had brought us to see each others' faces again in the flesh. " Wednesday, 28th. — This was a comfortable day to me and to many more. Under the word many were tmthed in tears. On the 29th many were so filled with the spirit of glory and of God, that they said their mor- tal frames could hardly sustain it. O how did they re- joice, and utter the memory of his goodness ! my God ! what blessings thou heapest upon the heads of those who believe ! Blessed be the name of the Lord that ever he made me a partaker of these immortal hopes ! O what an infinite fulness of grace is laid up in Jesus ! Give me, O my God ! only give me to enjoy thy sacred smiles, a sweet sense of thy approbation and love, and I cheerfully resign the world to its de- ceived votaries. " Honours, wealth, or pleasures mean, I neither have nor want." " May 2d. — I preached twice, and we had several meetings for prayer and exhortation. The people seemed much engaged with God. We had scarcely time or inclination to eat O, what a memorable day was this ! Some were abundantly blessed, while others trembled, wept, and cried, groaning for redemption in 130 MEMOIRS or THE f.'!? ■ii"mi ^i|. I ka •'Sill i:„-i» the blood of Christ. Lord send them help from thy holy hill ! May none of them ever turn again, like the dog to his vomit ! On the 3d yve had another won- derful meeting. One woman, whose harp had for a long time hung upon the willows, and her soul in cap- tivity, was filled with joy unspeakable. O, with what exultation of spirit did she praise her great Deliverer! Glory to thy free, matchless, and infinite love! O Lord ! let my soul but always enjoy this love, and be thus delightfully engaged in thy service, and it sufficeth me. Once I wished that I had never been born ; now I bless thee that thou hast given me an immortal na- ture capable of thy love." Invigorated by these glo- rious displays of the mercy of God, he set sail for Ha- lifax, and anxious to spend the next Sabbath at Wind- sor, lost no time in pressing forward, although he had to walk the whole of the way, a distance of forty-five miles. Here he received from Mrs. Black the sub- joined letter, so beautifully illustrative of her piety to C od, and affection for him, and so well adapted to so- lace his mind amid the toils of his itinerancy. "Cumberland, April 29, 1784. "Mp Dear Huaband in the Kingdom and Patience o/Jeaua CkrUtf " Were it not that I believe you are employed iii the business of your Lord and Master, i should be apt to complain of the time of absence seeming long. But I desire in all things to submit with patience to his righteous disposal. " I trust you are going on with vigour and cheer- fulness in your Master's work ; if so I am sure you have your reward as you go along. Sometimes I look around upon the unthinking world with pity and ten- derness, and say within my heart, O that they knew asri WILLIAM BLACr. 181 % 784. Ckritt, :>y6d in be apt . But to his what a hard master they Bcrved ; and what a glorious, precious, compassionate master Jesus is ! At present my soul seems to feel what Mrs. Rowe expresses id these lines — " O ! blow these clouds away , and let me lee^ Those distant glories that attract my love ! I must be satisfied — these longings quenched. These infi.iite desires must find an object, Or thou hast made thy noblest work in vain. " Since you left here, the Lord has been pleased to call away several by sudden death. The week before last, James Easterbrook's wife died, forty-eight hours after she was seized with the throat distemper. Mr. P. has loRt his oldest son, and Mr. John Rye's wife also fell a victim to the same influenza. I know, my dear, it will rejoice your heart greatly to hear that she went out of the world with the most transporting views of a blessed immortality. She called her friends one by one, and begged that they would not mourn for her, but for themselves, for she knew that her soul was going to glory. She entreated her husband to look upon the children, not as his own but the Lord's, mere^ ly committed to his charge for awhile, and as such to watch over them. She appeared to have a very hard struggle in death ; but the foretastes of glory which her soul experienced were such, that she felt, compa' ratively, no pain. She said, she beheld the blessed angels waiting to convey her soul to the bosom of he^ blessed Redeemer. In ecstasies of joy she left the world, singing as she departed, ' death ' where is thy sting .'' O grave ! where is thy victory ?' So great were her joys at leaving the world, that her hus- band said, trying as the separation was, he could not mourn for her.— Indeed, if our hearts are right with 133 MKMOIRS or TItK ft MW ' I'**" ' I KM* Go(l, wc shall rathor ehoA tears of joy, than of sorrow, whnn wo see a dear iViciul going to Paradise, in so won- derful and glorious a manner. O that wo may bo ena- l)lei of May, though iss, until at a low different ctions on me 3d ho There ia in com- sad the number at Mr. Mr. D. and af- at night, le blood REV. WILLIAM BLA^IC. ]!)3 of Jesus Christ. O what a night ! O what times then f but how different now ! Where, O whore, is our first love ?" The societies were now so greatly augmented, and scattered over so extensive a field, or, to adopt Mr. Wesley's phraseology, Mr. Black's parish had become so wide as to render it totally impracticable for him to superintend effectually the spiritual interests of all tho societies, without help. For that assistance he na- turally turned his eye towards the neighbouring States, and, hoping by his personal representations and re- quests to be able to prevail upon some of the zealous brethren there to come over and help him, he set out for Baltimore, via Boston. In this city ho preached twice, and not without evident usefulness ; one ex- perienced the pardoning love of God under the first sermon, and under the second several were deeply awakened. On the 20th of October, he arrived in New York, and inquiring immediately for the Metho- dist preaching-house, found he was just in time to at- tend divine service to be held there that evening. He preached in the same place the following evening from — " Ye were sometime darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord : walk as children of the light." Af- ter preaching he visited an afflicted woman, in com- pany with the brethren Dickins and Sands. She lay at the point of death, and had for sometime been in deep mental distress. That day she had experienced some alleviation, but could not say with confidence, that she had obtained remission of her sins. Afler con- versing with her awhile, they engaged in earnest prayer. Mr. Black's mind was peculiarly drawn out in intercession for the trembling, expiring object of their common solicitude ; and while pouring out hia N I! ;■ 184 MEMOIRS OF THE III ii I 1 1 1 CM0I* ?"•*! " La ,«>'* 1 1 1 ■■ iii> ' i ' • ll » ""i ' • heart before God, he felt a divine persuasion that the Lord would in mercy receive her to his arms. And it was so. About three o'clock next morning, she died in the full triumph of faith, crying " Why are his chariot wheels so long in coming ? Glory ! Glory I be to thy blessed name !" Inexperienced in travelling in a strange country ,^ Mr. Black's mind became the subject of depressing exercises in the further prosecution of his journey. Far from home — surrounded by strangers, with his money nearly exhausted—the adversary took advantage of his circumstances to tempt him to revoke his trust in the providence of his heavenly father. The temjita- tion followed him even to the pulpit. There, how- ever, the snare was broken, and the cloud dispelled. The first words that presented themselves to him on opening the Bible were, " Consider the lilies of the field how they grow ; they toil not, neither do they spin ; and yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these. Where- fore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to> day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, ye of little faith .'*" Matt, vi : 28, &.c. He felt reproved and comforted. His heart was filled with joyous confidence in God ; and the prospect so rcciontly overcast, brightened be- fore him, unshaded by a single doubt. He called the name of the Lord, Jehovah Jirah. On the Sabbath he preached to the prisoners in the gaol, some of whom were awaiting m awful expectancy the severest penal- ty of the law. Terrific situation ! " But how much more awful," reflected Mr. Black, " to see sinners bound by the chains of sin, and dying without hope, to be reserved in chains of darkness unto the judg' REV. WILLIAM BLACK. ltJ5 tneni of the great day." After preaching the follow- ing Sabbath on Long Island, he attended, at the re- quest of the Sheriff, the execution of two men who were hanged at a place called Jamaica. He prayed with them, and commended them to the mercy of God, but says nothing indicative of hope in their death. Late in October he met the Rev. Mr. Whatcoat, at Addington in Maryland, who had just arrived from England, in company with Dr. Coke ; and after tra- velling with him more than a week, represents him as A man of an humble and affectionate spirit. His long-cherished desire of seeing Dr. Coke was gratified on the fourteenth of December. The following day tie heard that apostolic man preach at Gunpowder meeting-house, and received from his hands the sym- bols of his Redeemer's dying love. It was a season of refreshing to Mr. Black ; and in the spirit of re- newed and unlimited dedication to God he exclaims — ** my God, Ian i me oy a thousand ties — neces- sary — voluntary, ai»d sacred. Sanctuaries — ^wooda — fields and other places, have been witnesses of the solemn vows and engagements I am under to Thee, and when I presumptuously violate them, they will bring in their evidences against me. O ! by thy powerful grace, preserve me thine, thine for ever!" On the 17th he accompanied Dr. Coke and four other preachers to Perry Hall, " the most spacious and elegant building," he observes, " I have seen in America." He continues, " It is about fifteen miles from Baltimore. Mr. Gough, its owner, is a Methodist, though supposed to be worth one hundred thousand pounds. He is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has built a neat stoiie meeting-house, en- tertains the circuit preacher, and at times preaches si 136 ill! MEM0IB8 or THE iif W. .ti\€^' III! I III nam" 'II' ■i ^:S. I laa"" I III Em I* It CIlBii"' , ,«•"'■ I III N .iM"' t IS""' ;:> I ■."•••' .■« t himself. And thus he continued to act during the late war, at the risk of his immense estate. Before his conversion he persecuted his wife, and would not per- mit her to hear the Methodists by whom she had been awakened. But it happened one evening, while he was drinking with some of his dissipated associates, (Mr. Asbury having an appointment to preach in the neighbourhood) one of them said, *■ Let us go and hear the Methodist preacher.* He complied without hesi- tation, saying within himself, ' I shall now have an opportunity of overturning all the babbler has to say.' They accordingly went ; but God took the wise in his own craftiness. That night he was convinced that the doctrine he had opposed was the very Gospel of Jesus Christ. On leaving the meeting-house, one of his companions said, 'What a heap of nonsense we have heard!' But he stopped him short with < No ! What we have heard is the very truth as it is in Jesus.' But although his prejudices were now removed, the word of God did not produce its full effect upon his heart, until some time after, taking a ride to one of his plan- tations, he overheard an individual fervently engaged in prayer. Approaching nearer, he found it was a black man who had come from a neighbouring planta- tion to pray with some of his slaves. He was bless- ing and praising the Lord in a very affecting manner, and seemed astonished at the kindness of the Lord, alike to his body and to his soul. This prayer struck Mr. Gough to the heart. ' Alas !' he exclaimed, < O Lord! I have my thousands and my tens of thousands — this man has scarcely clothes to put on, or food to eat ; and yet, ungrateful wretch that I am ! I never thanked thee in this manner.' Distress and anguish seized upon his spirit. On his return home he thus accosted \l. KEV. Wn^LIAM BLACK. ist Kis wife — • My dear, I shall never hinder you again from hearing the Methodists preach.' This was wel- <;ome news to her, and what she had often prayed for. While under conviction of sin, he was strongly tempt- ed to destroy himself, but God, in a remarkable man- ner, kept back his soul from death. " His convictions were now too pungent to be thrown off. A number of his friends happening one day to visit him, his distress became so overwhelming that he left them abruptly, and retired to his closet to give vent to his feelings. And there, while on his knees imploring mercy, the Lord set his* soul at liberty. His load of sin was gone. So transporting was his joy that he hastened back to the company, crying, 'I have found, I have found, the Methodist blessing ! and the Methodists' God ! — Though not many rich, not many noble, are called, yet blessed be God, there are some.' " Mr. Black had several opportunities of laying before Dr. Coke a detailed account of the state of the wurk in Nova Scotia, previously to the sitting of Confer- ence, which opened at Baltimore on the 24th of De- cember, and closed on the first day of the year 1785. At this Conference, the brethren, Freeborn Garrettson, and James O. Cromwell were designated to the work in Nova Scotia. The intercourse of the preachers on tills occasion, both official and private, was marked with the utmost harmony and love, and presented to Mr. Black's mind a delightful and edifying exemplifi- cation of the spirit that animated the first commission- ed heralds of divine grace. " Perhaps" says he, "such n number of holy, zealous, godly men, never before met together in Maryland — perhaps not on the conti- nent of America." 1. ; ' '" ".■ ■ Ir:;. i ■ : ■' ■ 'y •• ' ■ 'i ■.!'■ 3 1' '!'l t:\€ tfli I Ml t |MI«' CIMI I"' ^, law" ■ Mill E\g'-« < ,:*»l>' I MW*' j a I'M"' # •* ' I .«*'^ I NUT' |m4# I nil if ]38 UEMOIRS OF THE This Conference which, from the unusual period at which it was called together, has been designated the ' Christmas Conference,' forms an important epoch in the history of American Methodism. Up to this pe- riod, the Methodist societies on this side the Atlantic, had remained destitute of the ordinances, only as they received from the hands of other ministers, their own being unordained. This inconvenience, which as the societies increased became proportionally an object of solicitude, had elicited the most earnest applications to Mr. Wesley to supply the deficiency, but without effect. Without a deviation from the order of the Church to which he belonged, he could not meet their wishes, and to this he was unwilling to commit him- self. As soon, however, as the independence of the United States was achieved, the ecclesiastical control of Great Britain over the country ceasing with its po- litical, Mr. Wesley hastened to respond to their so- licitations ; and at this Conference was introduced among them, at his suggestion and under his sanction, that system of ecclesiastical polity which has contri- buted so astonishingly, under God, to the expansion and stability of the cause. In organizing the societies in America, called after his name, into a r.hurch, it was of course Mr. Wesley's first wish to approximate as nearly as possible to what he deemed the primitive model. Thomas Coke, ll.d., was selected as be- ing, from his eminent zeal and abilities, as well as from his clerical standing, the most suitable agent for intro- ducing the new economy. Accordingly, Mr. Wesley, assisted by other presbyters of the Church of England, on the 2d of September, 1784, solemnly set apart the Dr. as Superintendant of the Methodist Societies in America, and furnished iiim with letters of ordination. I s ttev. WILLIAM BLACK. 139 period at nated the epoch in this pe- Atlantic, ly as they their own ich as the 1 object of plications It without [er of the meet their nmit him- ice of the ;al control ith its po- > their so- ntroduced sanction, las contri- xpansion societies hurch, it )roximate primitive as he- 1 as from for intro- Wesley, Elngland, apart the lieties in Idination. It Messrs. Richard Whatcoat and Thomas Vasey, who had volunteered their services for America, were or- dained as preshyterS) at the same time, by Mr. Wesley, Dr. Coke and Mr. Creighton, another clergyman of the Church of England. The plan thus devised and recommended by Mr. Wesley was unhesitatingly and unanimously adopted by the American brethren in Conference. And as Dr Coke, in consequence of the increasing demand for his exertions in other depart- ments of the work, could not permanently discharge the functions of Superintendant of the Societies in America, Mr. Francis Asbury was, by the appoint- . f Mr. Wesley and the entire concurrence of his i con, consecrated at the same Conference by Dr. Coke, assisted by Mr. Otterbine, a German minister of unsuspecteti piety, to the office of a Superintendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Messrs. Garrettson and Cromwell set forth without loss of time, for the new field of labour to which they were destined. They proceeded by the way of New York, but Mr. Black, having left his wife among her friends at Hingham, took a passage in a schooner bound for Boston. Afler a disagreeable and perilous passage, he arrived at Hyena, near Barnstable, on the 20th. Instant in season and out of season, he improved the few days he was detained here by preaching six or seven times. By means of this unlooked-for, and ap- parently accidental visit, many were roused from a .state of spiritual indifference, and two individuals were converted to God. From Barnstable he pro- ceeded by land to Hingham, where he arrived on the 26th, and found Mrs. Black well. On the first of February they went to Boston, and remained there, with little interruption, till about the J40 MEMOIRS OF THE U;l,i en: Si? p iiai» mill I iim I ) Mill lll'll I nil' mill ,«iir \^ I;r; III!. ♦.-■J t =::;;::; r^«* : t-'-' middle of May. Methodism had as yet gained no footing in Boston. To Mr. Black belongs the honour of having laid the foundation of its temple in that im- portant and enlightened city. At first, being unable to procure the use of any pulpit, he preached in private houses. The floor of the apartment in which he com- menced preachinir, in the north end of the town, sink- ing under the pressure of the crowd that attended, he removed to a large room in the opposite end of the town. The interest excited drew together a still greater inultitude ; during prayer, the beams gave way, and the people were thrown into a state of the greatest consternation. No one, however, sustained any serious injury. The select men as they were called, w.ere now applied to for the use of the north Latin school, in which they obligingly consented to allow Mr. Black to hold his meetings. But, strange to relate, a similar misfortune took place here, and created such alarm among the people that it became necessary to seek a place better adapted in strength and spaciousness for their accommodation. The use of the Sandemanian meeting-house was offered and gratefully accepted, but it was soon found inadequate to contain more than a quarter of the people who were anxious to attend. The committee of the congregation to whom the Rev. Mr. Still'man ministered, now extended an invitation to Mr. Black, in perfect accordance with the wish...^ of their excellent minister, to occupy their place of wor- ship. Here he preached three or four times ; but neither was this sufficiently large to accommodate the thousands who flocked to hear the word, and feel the power, of the Redeemer. He aflerwards preached in the Rev. Mr. Elliot's chvrch, the only one in the city capable of containing the people. The number pre- ned no honour hat im- able to private lie corn- ti, sink- led, he of the greater ay, and greatest ' serious i, w.ere ;hool,in Black to , similar h alarm seek a less for smanian jcepted, ethan a attend, le Rev. lation to sh\..i of if wor- Bs ; but late the Ifeel the Iched in ^he city 3r pre- REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 141 sent the last day he officiated in Boston, was estimated at three thousand. The deep and pervading influence which Mr. Black's preaching produced upon the pub- lic mind in this city was not to be attributed to the po- pularity of his talents, though as a preacher he was not unattractive. His whole soul was in the work. He was full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. This was the charm of bis eloquence — this the secret of its per- suasive and subduing power. An extensive revival of the work of God was the result of these exertions. A» there was no Methodist society there, nearly all who were brought to God, became members of Mr. Still- man's church ; and according to Mr. Black's appre- ciation of the character of that faithful minister^ they could not have fallen into better hands, to receive that pastoral attention which they required. This was one of the bright periods of Mr. Black's life, on which he ever looked back with emotions of gratitude and de- light ; nor had it perished from the memory of all in Boston, when, after the lapse of nearly thirty years, he proclaimed in the same city the everlasting Gospel of Christ. Several v/hen he preached there in 1822, hung around the pulpit, who, calling to remembrance the former times, recognised in the messenger of the churches who addressed them, now venerable with age, ;theman who, in the bloom and fervour of youth, had warned them, not without eflect, to flee from the wrath to come. What a thrilling presage do such in- terviews afford, of the mutual and inconceivable joy with which ministers and the living seals of their apos- tleship will greet each other in the day of the Lord Jesus ! Then shall we appreciate without idolising, the instruments of our conversion to God } and these while crowned with the joy and the glory of the spiri- ;:» 142 MEMOIRS OF THE I ml ell** ' i«>i ^ \mi* I mil X.r •::: ; f* laW I mil t """" I li* ^ •jnH — * \m Bl'S "** ^ |>«IV ' "'Hi ^ 5 IS* f« '"■'• » ia»«# I inn (.« , n» «.«M ' Id., >'** I It t.. , Ml!,, » "*^ ' •'■ t i.«a>i < ih'> I •«• I t.ual triumph, will depose all their :iODOurs at the feet of the Lamb. Mr. Black with feelings of inexpressible tenderness towards those whom he had thus been the means of introducing into the liberty of the children of God, commendei' them to his grace, and returned to Nova Scotia, where he arrived about the last of May. He hastened to consult with Mr. Garrettson, who was then at Falmouth, concerning the state of the work and the best means of promoting its extension and depth. Mr. Garrettson, who had now been three months in Nova Scotia, and besides his labours at Halifax had already visited some of the most important settlements in the province, was a man of deep and uniform piety, of flaming zeal, and of highly useful talents. Tho affectionate veneration which still attaches to his me- mory in Nova Scotia, entitle him to more than a pass- ing notice. The spirit of prudence and zeal with which he entered upon this new scene of ministerial toil, will be seen from the following letter, written by him to Dr. Coke shortly after his arrival in the pro- vince :-~ "Halifax, 1785. "Rev. and Dear Sir, " After a stormy and dangerous passage of thir- teen days, we arrived safely at Halifax, where we met with a kind reception from Mr. Marchington, and a few other poor sheep in the wilderness. As yet I do not know as much of the country or the state of affairs as I shortly shall, God being my helper. " A few days ago brother Cromwell set sail for Shel- burne. Brother Marchington has hired a hc;jse at ten dollars a month, that will contain about three hundred BfiVt WILLIAM BLACK. 143 ill m :he feet . • > deme9S eans of )f God, to Nova ly. He ho was rork and d depth, onths in ifax had tlements •m piety, ts. The his me- n a pass- jeal with inisterial ritten by the pro- 1785. of thir- B we met ), and a yet I do f affairs Shel- |se at ten lbundr«d Souls. I have preached five sermons. The number ia increased so that we have now our lUtle apartment filled. I cannot speak of any visible /^ood, more than that they seem to hear with attention and solemnity, and I have formed a society of seven or eight mem- bers. Shortly afler I came to town, I waited on the old rector. ' Sir,' said he, 'you are on a blessed er- rand ; I will do what I can in assisting you. I desire to see the Gospel spread.' " The next day I waited on his Excellency, the Go- vernor, accompanied by Mr. Marchington. I found him very accessible. After telling him my business, from whence I was, and by whom I was sent : ' Mr, Wesley,' said he, ' is a good man — a very good man. How long do you purpose to stay ?' I told him, twelve months or two years. ' I am glad you called on me : you have my approbation, and whenever you call for my assistance, if 1 can help you I will.' I could but humbly thank him. " God wi'.lmg, on Monday next I purpose to take a tour through the country, to collect, if possible, the sheep so widely scattered. I believe there are many precious souls who desire to hear us. I am well as" sured we shall have hard work this year ; but who would not labour and suffer in so good a cause ? I bless God for health and as greal u desire as ever to do his blessed will, and spend and be spent in the best of causes. • » * * I am fully i-^ersuaded that our voyage to this part of thi3 world is of God ; the very time when preachers of our order ought \0 have come. But if possible we must be assisted, for our preachers are left without horses, and but four ^iounds a-piece. Ne^t year, I trust the people will be able to support the Gospel. By the grace of God, I shall do all that 144 UBMOIRS OF THB lies in my power to promote the Redeemer's Kingdom. "DePrSir, " I remain, " Your affectionate friend anu brother, "F. Garrettson." " To the Reo, Dr. Coke. ■ J-4. S'SS' null '""I I I HI, I Mill \ iiim I Mill MI'll Iiim frr- • ••• I It I iiwai < iliall J; ,. jljSl We are indebt« i for the preceding letter to an inte- resting fmemoir of Mr. Garrettson, compiled by D-. Bangs of New York ; and we are sure that the inser- tion here of one from Mr. Wesley to Mr. Garrettson, soon after his designation as a missionary to Nova Scotia, will be gratifying to our readers, especially as, while it bears honourable testimony to the charac- ter of this holy and self-denying man, it naturally in- terweaves with the thread of our narrative. "Dublin, June 26, 1785. " Mt Dear Brother, " Dr. Coke gives some account of you in his jour- nal, so that although I hav? "ot seen you, I am not a stranger to your character. By all means send me, when you have opportunity, a more particular account of your experience and travels. It is no way impro- bable that God may find out a way for you to visit £ngland, and it may be the means of your receiving more strength, as well as morq light. It is a very de- sirable thing that the children of God should commu- nicate their experience to each other ; and it is gene- rally most profitable when they can do it face to face. Till Providence opens a way for you to see Europe, do all you can for a good master in America. " I am glad brother Cromwell and you have under- taken that labour of love, the visiting Nova Scotia, Kingdom, other, STT90N )> f to an inte- iled byD.. It the inser- Garrettson, try to Nova specially as, the charac- laturally in- B. 26, 1785. in his jour- I am not a IS send me, jlar account way impro- you to visit ir receiving 3 a very de- ild commu- it is gene- 'ace to face, lee Europe, lea. ave under- ova Scotia, REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 145 nnd doubt not but you act in full concert with the lit- tle handful who were almost alone till you caiee. It will be the wisest way to make all who desire to join together, thoroughly acquainted with the whole Me- thodist plan, and to accustom them from the beginning to the accurate observance of all our rules. Let none of them rest in being half Christians. V"hatever they do, let them do it with their might, and it will be well, as soon as any of them find peace with God, to exhort them to go on to perfection. The more explicitly and strongly you press all believers to aspire after entire sanctification, as attainable now by simple faith, the more the whole work of God will prosper. " I do not expect any great matters from the Bishop. ' I doubt his eye is not sin<]^le, au'i if it be not, he will do little good to you, or any one else. It may be a com- fort to you that you have no need of him : you want nothing which he can give. " It is anoble proposal of brother Marchington ; but I doubt it will not take place. You do not know the state of the English Methodists. It is with the utmost difficulty that we can raise five or six hundred pounds a yaar, to supply our contingent expenses, so that it is entirely impracticable to raise five hundred pounds among them to build houses in America. It is true they might do much ; but it is a sad observation, — they that have most money have usually least grace. The peace of God be with all your spirits. «Iam, " Your affectionate friend and brother, " John Weslkt." The distinguished success that attended Mr. Gai^ rettson's labours in Nova Scotia, and the good report O m h t 140 MEMOIBS or TH£ 41 t; en: u'i\ ^ !•»• i lual ■■•• I mil -•ai ■■•■«. p IBS* I tUiH, fc"'"' I ma, * .«■* I ijV. -V tMMB which, through his faith and indefatigable exertions he had obtained, induced Mr. Wesley to request his ac- ceptance of the superintendence of the Methodist so- cieties in the British dominions in America. Dr. Coke made known Mr. Wesley's wishes at the Conference which was held in Baltimore, May 1, 1787 ; and they received the unanimous sanction of that body. But from further information elicited on the subject in their subsequent doliberations, they deemed it inex- pedient finally to confirm the appointment, and desig- nated Mr. Garrettson to preside in the Peninsula. This alteration took place without Mr. Garrettson's concurrence, and contrary to the anticipations with which he, a few days previous, lefl the Conference, to prepare for his important mission. To no one was this interference with Mr. Wesley's plan a source of deeper regret than to Mr. Black. He had for two years witnessed Mr. Garrettson's faith, manner of life, charity, with sentiments of growing esteem, and instead of regarding him as a rival, re- joiced in the honour that God had put upon him, and in the pros'^ject of his still higher elevation in connec- tion with Methodism in British America. In a letter dated Cornwallis, March 10, addressed, it is believed, to Dr. Coke — for the inscription is wanting — express] ly for the purpose of procuring the sanction of the American Conference to Mr. Wesley's appointment of Mr. Garrettson, he thus writes : — " Brother Gar- rettson has been a great blessing to us in this province. The hearts of the preachers and people are more than ever united to him ; and we believe that were he to return to us he would be more extensively useful than hert tofore ) for the ears of the people are more than ever open to hear his message. He is better "c- RIT. WILLIAM BLACK. 147 quainted with the peculiar dispositions of the people than any one else, and therefore would be more likely to do them good. Thinking it to be his duty to attend the Conference in the United States, we fear when he finds so many urgent calls for help in that extensile country, that he will be tempted to forget us in this dark comer of the world. At the same time we cannot but think it to be his duty to return. We are truly sorry that he refused the superintendency,* but hope when he sees you he may accept that honour. These lines are to request you to use your influence in per- suading him to do so." Mr. Bluck's long absence from Nova Scotia was a privation the societies were ill able, in their infant state, to sustain. Indications of spiritual declension in several places, on his return occasioned him great un- easiness. In Cumberland, especially, where he had witnessed such displays of the power of God, he now wept between the porch and the altar, to perceive the growing prevalence of laxity in attention to the means of grace, and of a wordly spirit ominous to the interests of the spiritual kingdom of Christ, in a portion of the work which, for obvious reasons, he had from the be- ginning regarded with the liveliest interest. Alluding to which, he observes, — "Matters are much worse here than when I left. The classes have not met ; and many are cold and careless who were once as flames of fire. O Lord ! revive thy work." — ^The sub- ject pressed heavily and constantly upon his mind ; and in the hope that an affectionate pastoral remon- strance and exhortation by letter, might be attended with a happier efiect than his personal admonitions produced, he addressed to them the following epistle, *Tbi8 refers to his previous appointment by Mri Wesley. m ^\ it SI t; i 148 MEMOIRS OP TH& replete with the most salutary warnings, and breathing all the spirit of care and tenderness of one who watch- ed fur their souls in the prospect of bis final account. Though written in 1786, it is deemed more appropriate to introduce it in this connection. I * " To the Methodist Society at Cumberland. :;:3i inw< III* I I mail Z. •'•' I IB*' r-i,c. \ "Hi ' '"•*' "Halifax, Aug. 15, 1786. "My Dear Brethren ANT Sisters, "What a necessary caution is that of the apostle—^ Rom. xii:3. * Be not conformed to this world.^ There seems, at the present day, to be a sad declension amongst professors in general — ^little of the life and power of religion is to be found. Yes ! though the world swarms with professors, I fear t^ere are but few who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. How manifestly do those, of whom we would fain entertain the most favourable opinion, live beneath their privi- leges, and even wound, by their unwatchful conversa- tion, the best cause in the world. The declension that has of late been so visible amongst us is easily account- ed for : — There is too much conformity to the world in its spirit — maxims — and amusements. . "1. We have drank deeply into the spirit of the world. Religion, I grant, does not hinder us from be- ing diligent in business. But then, it moderates our attachment to the things of time. It raises our affec- tions to a better state. There is such a thing as going through all the cares and duties of life with a single reference to God's glory ; and when it is thus, we en- joy the most intimate union and communion with Him* But alas ! who and w^here are the faithful few whose eye being single, have their whole souls filled with AEV. WILLIAM BLACK. 149 vatch- count. ipriate i. 1786. )08tle--* There ilension life and ugh the are but J. How Entertain ir privi- jnveraa- jion that iccount- le world of the L'om be- lles our ir affec- is going la single we en- |th Him- whose d with light ? In general the spirit of the world reigns in pro- fessors as well as profane ; and though it is less con- spicuous, equally powerful. It occupies their hearts — it dwells in their affections— it has damped the ardour of their first love — it has carried thein away captive — it has shorn them of their strength, and given them over to the power of the Philistines. Let us examine ourselves. Have not we forsaken the fountain of liv- ing waters, and hewn to ourselves cisterns that can hold no water ? O how little do we live in the spirit of Christ t Our designs, desires, and ends, ought to be d)*'ected to the glory of God ; but alas ! how does self mingle with them all ! ** 3. The maxims of the world have gained too much influence over us. We fear man too much, many times even to the neglect of duty. There is too little of the fear of God in our hearts,— of the filial fear of offending him. With the world we too oflen put darkness for light, and light for darkness ; bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. It is a general maxim with the world, that religion is an irksome, melan. choly thing, calculated to abridge our pleasures. And is not this false maxim too much recei "^d amongst professors ? It is true, indeed, our mo^'; enlighten- ed judgments tell us that the ways of God are plea- santness and peace. Yet, do not our attachment to the creature, and our aversion to God and duty, seem to indicate that we have by experience found things otherwise than we expected .'' Why, if this be not the case, do we feel more aversion to spend- ing an hour with God in private, than with man, yea, even with men who have no religion? While our judgments prefer scripture maxims, our affections pre- fer worldly ones. -» it =1 oa iiii; Sr 150 MEMOIRS OF THE gx: 1 1 ttn>)> iinaw S!^ 'in** Kji c:r ' i»»«i *• ,^ >>•«.' i.;3» |r«. ' l>*« '"«« iir ic MU u*« *w» :,Lag rf*" IH1» ' r :..&: 2** '■!*• '»•(• " Lastly. The amusements and f6'v£rstoh« of the world have insinuated themselves quite too much into uur affections. What communion can that man have with God who delights in the empty, vain, foolish con- versation and amusements of the world ? I admit, religion does not require us to abstain from all con- nection with worldly persons, for then, as the apostle Hays, toe must go out of the world ; but it does require us to be holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from tiinners. In this sense it enjoins, ' Touch not — ^taste not — handle not.' What concord hath Christ with Belial, light with darkness, or he that believeth with an infidel ? No — it is impossible for a man to follow the amusements of th^ world, or relish its company and conversation, and grow in grace. Rather, he will esteem the saints the excellent ones of the earth, and in them will be all his delight. '^ So far as the spirit, maxims, and amusements of the world have any share in our affections, so far the Spirit of God is quenched, the comforts of religion are withdrawn — the peace of our minds disturbed — our evidences beclouded — our confidence weakened — our unbelief strengthened — our corruptions nourished — our profession dishonoured — religion wounded — »aints grieved — devils gladdened — ^while unwary souls situmble — perhaps into everlasting burnings. " O brethren ! I long much to hear how the Gospel prospers with you and in you. I have (blessed be the name of the Lord) experienced much of his kindness s«ince I came here. Jesus seems lovely. I can say, it is good to be here. There is, I trust, a prospect of much good being done. Several are under deep awakenings. One or two profess to have found the Lord since I came here. Our congregations are larger REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 15t f the I into have [icon- idmit, II coii- postle equiro Q from — tasto t with h with follow ►mpany he will th, and lents of far the religion rbed — ened — urished nded — |ry souls Gospel , be the dndnesa say, it spect of ler deep lund the re larger by three times the number than they were. Pray thcr Lord to make me faithful. « I am. Your affectionate brother and servant, &c. " William Black." These faithful remonstrances are 6f more than local application, and lamentable to reflect, can scarcely ever be unseasonable. There is not a more insidious enemy of vital godliness than the world. Its objects constantly solicit our senses, and by their controul over our imaginations, are ever throwing around us a fun- cinating and deleterious influence. The world assails religion in the very citadel of its strength. It ainiH at the destruction of the universal element of true piety — a spirit of self-denial, of sacrifice, of surren- der — by the seductions of sense and pleasure, or by the more splendid temptations of aflHuence and the pride of life. In following Christ, thereforcj we must make our account with opposition. It must be met -, and the panoply of our Redeemer's love is the only armour by which the antagonist power — the love of the world, can be overcome. May the victory be ours ! " He justly claims us for his o\vn Who bought U9 with ' a price:' The Christian lives to Christ alone — To Christ alone he dies." CHAPTER VII. Km: 'latt p5 ' nam '"•ml B^ ! mini ' :lbiii Cji ' "•m '••rm ' '"•hi t> *!>«.. |r,. I"» lively as they once were. " From Annapolis I went to Digby. Many here seemed much engaged. I left in sociiety about seven- ty-eight, of whom sixty-six were blacks. After spend- ing a short time with them, I returned to Halifax, vi- siting on my way and preaching at Annapolis, Gran- ville, Cornwallis, Horton, Falmouth and Windsor. " Monday, September 5th, I attended the execution of two pirates, who were hung in chains on George'^ island. For better than two weeks before I had av- !iB. 154 MEMOIRS or THE Pit ;-1 ,«. ,'"•'1 o'SSt "*• N 1^ "**' ''mm a .•«, tended them almost every day. One of them, I trust, found peace with God the Sunday before his execu- tion : the other died in great distress, calling for mer- cy. After they were thrown off*, I addressed a few words of exhortatitMi to the people.'^ In this month he visited, besides other parts, Liver- pool and Shelburne ; in both of which he saw the grace of God, and was glad. In the latter, especially, the cause was lifting up its head. " Many,'' he writes, " are enquiring, ' What must I do to be saved ?' and many are rejoicing in God. I spent only one Sunday here ; we held a love-feast, in which one or two were blessed with the peace of God, There is now a cheer- ing prospect of much good being done here. Since brother Garrettson came they have had a blessed revi- val. When I was here in April, 1784, there were two hundred and eighteen in society. When brother Crom- well came, he found about one hundred and twenty, some having returned to the world, and others remov- ed. They are now int^reased to two hundred and twenty.** After spending the winter on the Cumberland cir- cuit, uncheered by those wonted indications of suc- cess, without which he could not ILel satisfied, but still with the conviction that his labours were not in vain in the Lord, he removed in the spring to Halifax. Fresh trials of faith and patience awaited him. The little society which he had left in the metropolis in the fall, was now scattered, and almost destroyed. He im- mediately formed a class of as many of them as felt a desire to speak one with another on the things of God. A few were, soon after, savingly converted and added to their number. The clouds now began to break, and the Sun of rigLceousness to irradiate hit path. In the [alifax. The in the Heim- felta added jik, and In the REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 155 month of August, the work assumed a still brighter aspect. The power o^Cou manifestly rested on the cob^egation. Several, pierced to the heart, cried aloud in the meeting. Among these was Mr. Alexan- der Anderson, of the King's Dock Yard. — Mr. Ander- son was a graduate of one of the Scottish universities, and even previous to his conversion, a man of inflexi- ble integrity. Educated a Presbyterian, he had no predilection for either ihe doctrines or the economy of Motnodism. But he was endowed with a strong and enquiring mind ; and being, by a combination of pro- vidential circumstances, led to attend Mr. Black's preaching, it was blessed to his spiritual illumination and saving conversion to God. Immediately he con- ferred not with flesh and blood. Unpopular as Me- thodism then was in the community, and likely as an intimate and open association with it was to expose him to the charge of enthusiasm and imbecility, and to impede his promotion to a situation of greater emo- lument under government, he was not the n'lan, for any temporal considerations, to suppress, his convic- tions of truth, or falter in his allegiance to Christ. From the day his name was enrolled as a member of the society, to the day of his death, a period of nf!'ly half a century, he was, emphatically, both as to streigth and ornament, a pillar in the church. He officiated for many years as a leader and local preacher ; and although his gifts in the pulpit were not of the most attractive kind, the veneratiuu which his character iq- spired, always ensured him an attentive m. i respect- ful hearing. This " dear man of God, and pattern oi piety," as Mr. Black justly characterizes him, after for a long series of years adorning the doctrine of Goc i 8 I i 11% 156 MEMOIRS OP TKH his Sav.our in all thingi, died qs he h^d livcJ, feeUnj,": «ud proclaiming that "Goo is IrvE !" * Well knowing ihat information concerning the pin- gress of rhe cause of God ia Novu Scotia was at all times highly accepf.nl;.o to Mr. Wesley, and that the intelligence he had now to communicute in refcreiiC" to Halifax coi.' Id not foil lo ft JTord him the most ani- mated satisfaction, Mr. Blaok n rote him t.:. 'Hows : — iM: •< HAniPAX, Aug. 7, 1786. ' •'* Rev. and Very Dear Sir, " Since I came to Halifax, which is now between two ai;d three months, I have enjoyed some very com- fortable ani refreshing times. When I came, 1 found the little society I had lefl here in the fall, almost all scattered. They had had but litde preaching during the winter, for it was not in our power to supply all the places. "When I came down and found scarcely any socie- ty that met, it grieved me much. For some time very few attended preaching. However, I trust God has again begun to work. One or two have experienced remission of sins. Yesterday, several were crying in the bitterness of their souls, groaning for redemption. i trust the Lord will soon deliver them. Our corgrc- gations also increase fast. Last night, the room was nearly full. I do hope God is about to begin a good work among us. We have now thirty-two in society. " There has been a blessed work at Liverpool, the last winter, under brother Mann This spring he went up the country as far as Winds nd Cornwallis, and " Mr. Anderson, just before ^ ir;uunced these nords with dee^i .in addressing his son,pro' '^taht. REV. WILLIAM BLACST. 167 I) feeUn>» the |>t;*- as at all that the [lost ani- lowf' : — , 1786. between reiy com- 5, 1 found ilmost all ig during supply all ;ny socie- |time very God has :perienced crying in idemptiou. X corgrc- roora was in a good lin society. |rpool, the ig he went allis, and lhi8Sori,pro' there he believes he received the perfect love of Q|od, or sanctification. I do myself sometimes feel longing desires afler this blessing. But oh ! the self and pride, the corruption and unbelief, I feel within ! — there is a fountain, a great deep. O Lord, avenge me of mine adversary ! O the stirrings of self. This it is, I fear, that pleases me so much when I have uncommon li- l^rty in speaking, and causes shame when I have not that liberty, although perhaps I have heard of more good having been done in this case than in the former. One time in particular, before speaking, I trembled, every limb — my knees smote one against the other — every one I thought must see the hymn-book shake in my hands, and I was sorely tempted not to speak at all, till I was at last brought to this conclusion — *Well, and what if the Lord should shut up my mouth, and confound me before them, still I will attempt to speak ; this also may prove a blessing to me, and I will praise him for it.' But never did I trust him and was con- founded. O for faith to trust him for full salvation ! But I am too cold and easy without it. O pray for me, that God would make me faithful. " At Horton the prospect is good. — A young man, one Grandine, has lately begun to preach, who I trust, will be useful. He formerly belonged to the society in the Jerseys. He is now at Cumberland. Brother Cromwell is at Windsor, brother Garrettson at Shel- burne, and brother Mann at Liverpool. The other day I met two or t» ree of our friends from Gibraltar ; it wa^.- .i i^icai comfort to me. What a pity they have noi V preacher thei,;. '* Since I began this letter, ■'. am informed that one dropped down in the street yesterday as he was re- turning from meeting, and cried for mercy. He has !»■•* !|f; 169 MEMOIRS or tBC fir i;"- *■ I - ' If!"' >a« 'mm r m . ■■^' f t>lep> none all night, but remains in awful appreberi'' sions of the wrath of God. A few minutes ago another came to mc inquiring the way to Zion. There are se^ rioua impressions on the minds of many. I hope these are but the prelude to a future work. My dear Fatherr , ' "I remain inviolably^ • • •* " Your Son ill the Gospel, "William Black." . " Rev. J. Wetley, A. M, We subjoin the answer wh.ch the preceding letter elicited ; in which Mr. Wesley refers to the steady progression by which the work of God had been, for many yearp, distinguished in Great Britain and Ireland,^ and encourages Mr. Black to pray for and expect, not merely occasional times of refreshing from on high, but a continuous efiusion of divine influence : — ■ "London, Nov. 26, 1786. "My Dear Brother, " It is indeed matter of joy that our Lord is still carrying on bis work throughout Great Britain and Ireland. In the time of Dr. Jonathar Edwards there were several gracious showers in New England ; but there were large intermissions between one and ano^ ther ; whereas >vith us there has been no intermission at all for seven -and-forty years, but the work of God has been continually increasing. - " The same thing I am in hopes you will now see In America likewise. See that you expect it, and that you seek it in his appointed ways, namely, with fast- ing and unintermitted prayer. And take care that you be not at all discouraged though you should not aP Ways have an immediate answer. You know 'Hi* manner aud Ilia time are bee?.' ^ ■«:^'^; BEV. WILLIAM BLACK. 150 >» '■ > "* Therefore pray always ! Pray and faint no^ I commend you all to oui Great Shepherd ; and am ' " Your affectionate Brother, ' ' * ' •' " John Wesley." It is related of the celebrated Austin of Hippo, that being asked what was the ^rst thing in religion, he «aid '* Humility ;" when asked what was the second, lie replied, " Humility ;" and what was the third, he «till answered, " Humility ;" in allusion to the strik- ing definition which the Athenian orator is said to have given of eloquence. The deep humiliation with which Mr. Black constantly surveyed his spiritual attain- ments and remaining pollutions, cannot have escaped the notice of the reader. Humility was the predo- minating element in the composition of his religious experience ; and it arose in great pprtfrom an habitual tendency to contemplate his actual acquirements in piety, in contrast with the elevated standard of Chris- tian holiness, to which he conceived it to be alike the privilege and the duty of all that named the name of Christ to aspire. His profound self-abasement, his ^eep prostration before God, and the holy jealousy with which he watched over his own heart, amid the auspicious tokens of the Divine benignity and power thatattended his ministrations, arc edifyingly exempli- fied in a letter written at this time. H 'H -S ■t Jill umMK To t?i€ Rev. Freeborn Oarrettson. "Halifax, Aug. 16, 1786. **Mt Dear Brother, .St evening your letter came safe to hand. I am al vays glad to hear from you. Though your last 160 MEMOIRS or mi: ;si c ci: V MSB* ;r ^ # c j^ • was nrt . . le personally, it was to my other self : she will answer it. She often says she longs to see you, and expresses great love and regard for you, though known to her only by your letters. It gives me much pleasure to hear of the prospect at Barrington. I trust the Lord will ri "^ j j^^ue^ydiousty to the conquest of his enemies there ; and I cannot but hope that His majesty will be made known at Halifax, and such a fire kindled as all the powers of daiicness will not be able to ex^ tinguish. — As to myself, I think at present I have many mercies and but few trials but what arise from my own heart. O for thankfulness and humility ! I trust I do love the Lord, and feel in a measure happy in him ; I think I can say, *He hath done all things well,' and believe * Afflictions from hi« loyereigo hwat* Are bleuiogs in diagoite.' "Help me to praise Him. I think, were not my heart so deeply ungrateful, I might praise Mm ' From morn till noon, — from noon to dewy eve.' " But alcid ! what foul ingratitude I feel ! You can scflrceLy imagine w bat a heap of contradictions I am. ScA fttimci,, were on to hear me preach, you would suppose I was so taken up with the beauty of Jesus, that I r^\i\d never live at such a distance from him as I do, or in an hour's time lose sight of his charms. Brother ! pray for ine, nn unfaithful borvaut. O ! that God would destroy M nn in me. I fiud self would mingle with ? ^po tall I do. It follows me to the pulpit — to tht .iosc and even to the writing-desk. Yes ! I find it inia moment endeavouring to rise even by its degradation. But I fear I feel comparatively very little of the corruption that is yet latent in my BET. WILLIAM BLACK. 161 heart. for a keener conviction of this dire infec- tion ! Is it not amazing that I should be proud, who have so much cause to lie prostrate in the dust ? and yet, amazing as it may seem, I fear I am not clear of pride in telling you so. You will think I am a mons- ter. I am so. I say it with tears. O ! how little do I know of myself. However, Jesus is my trust ; and in him will I hide myself until the indignation be over- past. "1 am, L ar Brother, .. , , " Yours, &c. &c. *' William Black." Anxious to cultivate the correspondence of one, of whci^io piety and judgment he entertained so exalted an opii Ml, he addressed another letter to the same ho- noured servant of the Lord Jesus, a few days subse- quent to the date of the above, in which he requests hJH thoughts ' on temptation,' and suggests, as the topics OP. \ hich he was particularly desirous to receive his nGu -lents — The Lord's design in pei^itting his ser- vants to be tempted — Satan's in tempting them — and the most appropriate directions for those who are tempted. This request he accompanied with his own view in relation to the glorious privileges of the Chns» tian believer, with no design or expectation, as he modestly intimates, of adding any thing to Mr. Gar- rettson's knowledge of that elevated subject, whose wisdom and experience he regarded as far superior to his own, but purel)/ for the purpose of inducing his acquiescence in the request he had rr ade, and of pav- ing the way to a mutual interchange of their thoughts vn the things of God. An extract from the letter may P 2 m mil i I 168 MCllOIBS OW TUK ] w (HI > iz .^ k^ mm» . *«* <«» -« »«■ ! .::i :::i Interest and profit the reader :—" Our privilegei an Christians, even in the present world, are inexpressi- bly great. Perhaps they may all be included in the following particulars : — 1. A well grounded hope and comfortable assurance of our interest in Christ, which implies the knowledge of our pardon, acceptance, and adoption into the family of God, witnessed by the Spirit of God. We have received the Spirit of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. O my brother ! what a privilege is this, to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge ! 3. Communion with God in his ordinances. These are wells of salvation whence we draw all our conso- lation. And O what happines's do we derive through faith, fVom the word of God — public and private prayer — watching and fasting — meditation and Chris- tian converse. When the Lord shines upon any of these, the wilderness and the solitary place is glad- dened, — the desert rejoices and blossoms as the rose, — the beauty of Carmel and Sharon are given unto it, — streams of grace and love, which make glad the city of God, issue from beneath the altar of burnt offering and incense, to refresh our souls. But alas ! what cause have I to mourn that my communion is so oflen intercepted, my comforts so transient, and my attain- ments so small. I would only mention one thing more ; namely, the unshaken confidence we are called to repose in the wisdom, goodness, power and faith- fulness of God, in all his providential disposals. Nor is it one of the least privileges the Christian enjoys, to know assuredly that all things shall work together for his good. While unerring wisdom is at the helm of affairs, and overrules the minutest occurrences — while irretistible poteer with its matchless arm is en- kar. wiLLUu black. gaged in our defence— while boundlett goodness, with its inexhaustible fulness is daily supplying; our wanta — while inviolable faithfulness is pledged to fulfil all , the promises, which are yea and amen in Christ Jeeu0, what has the believer to fear ? what may he not hope ? All this I believe to be the privilege of the Christian. It comforL«<, and yet it grieves me. for grace to say in every circumstance of life, ' Father, thy will be done. Thou hast done all thing:^ well.' " Hitherto, the labours of Mr. Black and his co-ad- jutors, though perfectly harmonious, had been desul- tory. They had, indeed, distributed the province into circuits, which, from the paucity of their numbers, were necessarily very extensive ; and to supply th« spiritual wants of these, they laboured, amid the heat of summer and the rigours of winter, with almost in- credible diligence and self-denial. But they now felt the need of a more perfect concentration of counsel, and of a more systematic plan of operation. The most effectual means of securing these important ob> jects was, to follow the example of their brethren in £ngland and the United States, by instituting an annual meeting for the purpose of deliberating on mat- ters involving the temporalities as well as the spiritual interests of the church. The first Nova Scotia Dis- trict Meeting, or as Mr. Black calls it < Conference,' was accordingly held at Halifax, in October, 1786. It commenced on the 10th and lasted four days. Its pro- ceedings were characterized by unanimity and brother- ly love. All were animated with the same spirit ; and receiving their appointments as emanating from divine Providence, repaired to their respective scenes of exertion in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ. Mr. Black and Mr. Garrettson were op- III! I|t> « H 164 MfiMoiKs oi^ rnt ■ f 1 ' ■l: I' ! » w» . iMa, J — ■"-"1 "M ■ ■-•,, pointed to the Halifkx circuit which, besides the tot^ti) then embraced Annapolis, Granville, Digby, Horton and Windsor — a field of sufficient amplitude for the labours of eight or ten* " We had some very happy times," says Mr. Black, " during the winter, especially at Horton, where there was a powerful awakening among the people. Fifteen witnessed a good confes- sion ; and I doubt not but more would have found the love of God, had it not been for the great opposition they received from the Antinomian Mystics. In Hali- fax town, several were under great distress, yet I know of none, who were on this occasion set at liberty, ex- cepting Margaret McKenzie* She had heard a great deal said against the Methodists ; and was determined as she passed the meeting one day, for once to go and hear for herself. 1 happened to be expounding the Lord's prayer. The word reached her heart ; she was convinced of her fallen state, and of the necessity of the new birth. Though exposed to great opposition and persecution^ she restlessly sought after God, until she found redemption in Jesus' blood ; and is now a pious humble Christian." Those errors in religion which are distinguished by the epithet of Antinomian, might, with equal propriety, be designated anti-evangelical. The divine dispensa-" tions are intimately connecte a, and in perfect harmony ; whatever, therefore, degrades the lav/ of God, equally obscures the pure glories of the Gospel of God. Incor- rect views of the one, are incompatible with just ap- prehensions of the other. The revelation of God is entire ; and evils of a far d*^eper aspect than mere speculative delusion, are often the result of its mutila- tion. The perfect innocence of mental error, is in- deed a topic upon which pretenders to unbounded charij say th impor life.' comiuj minds kles oi or figs prove creed a of Revc facts di faith' a ousness apart ft nently o; influence consequc wanting fact, of the va raents, t their obli work of able outp cedinar ^ng to re possible, —and we perfectly that, by sanctions placed to essential M a. •I fi£V. WILLIAM BLACK. ]6d ex- charity and liberality, delight to expatiate. Opinions, say they, are but opinions, and practically of trivial importance. * We look not at the creedj but at the life.^ Indeed ! And may we be permitted with all be- coming deference to ask these persons, whose expanded minds have swollen beyond the measure of the shac- kles of ' bigotry,' — ' Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles ?' By what species of logic do they prove that there subsists no connection between the creed and the life .'* We had supposed that the truths of Revelation were not matters of human opinion, but facts divinely attested, demanding ' the obedience of faith* as imperatively as its moral precepts do righte- ousness of life; and we are weak enough to imagine that, apart from the intrinsic value of truth, and pre-emi- nently of divine truth, it exercises the most momentous influence upon the formation of our character, and consequently upon our eternal destiny. There are not wanting, indeed, accumulated evidences that such is the fact. What stronger practical demonstration is needed of the vast importance to be attached to religious senti- ments, thin their indisputable tendency, according to their obliquity or rectitude, to impede or to advance the work of G< d ? In almost every instance of a remark- able outpouring of the Holy Spirit, recorded in the pre- ceding pages, we have seen the enemy endeavour- ing to render " the good seed" as unproductive as possible, by sowing among it the tares of false doctrine — and we regret to say with ominous success. It is perfectly obvious, that when errors in religious belief, that, by superseding the obligations, annihilate the sanctions of the law under which all believers are placed to Christ, are imbibed and n.aintained as essential parts of " the faith once delivered to tho Mi I !l^' 166 UEMOIBS OF THE fir ^"'««-i VMM* ''!«■' I— '—3: V l.«M — -■■ ■ = a: J"* ■ •»•! saints," the practical consequences must he most dis- astrous. During the period of an overwhelming visi- tation of the power of the Holy Spirit, the legitimate influence of such * vain speculations' mny be in a great degree suppressed, because the mind, swept along by a sublime and unwonted influence, has then neither time nor inclination to think of aught but the absorb- ing interests of eternity. The germ of evil, however, though latent for a time, is deposited in soil too con- genial with its unhallowed nature, and will, infallibly, in many instances, soon developo itself in various forms of iniquity, and in direct and determined hos- tility to that sacred cause, in favour of which, pro- fessedly, its zeal turns, and its energies are put forth. In consequence of the extent to which errors of this description infested many parts of Nova Scotia, at an early period of its settlement, Mr. Black was, iVom the commencement of his course, obliged to be on- fitantly in armour for the defence of the Gospel. And his intimate acquaintance with the origin and pro- gi'ess of those errors, us well as the frequent occasions he had to mourn over their withering effects, (-minent- ly qualified him for this work. To Mr. Garrettson, his valued colleague, who had not been accustomed to this species of delusion, it presented a novel and mys terious aspect ; and he requested Mr. Black to favour him with his views on the subject, in an argumentativo form. This Mr. Black did in the following letter :— To the Rev. F. Garrettson — Horlon. « Halifax, Feb. 14th, 1787. '* Rbv. and Dear Brother, " According to your desire and my promise, I now if-': \- 1?: j.- fiGVi WILLIAM BLACK. 1G7 St dis- ig visi- itimato a great ong by neither ubsorb- )wevcr, ;oo con- fallibly, various 10(1 hos- ch, pro- ut fortli. I oi this ia, at an ap, iVom ) be on- pel. And and pro- ceasions i;inii»ent- rrettson, tomed to and mys to favour nentativo letter :— 1787. lise, I now pcbd you my thoughts on the propositiona you men- tion. You justly observe, as they are so zealously propagated through the province, they must certainly do much harm. "1. It is affirmed, that ' man has nothing at all to do ; that if ho lifk a hand towards his own salvati^m, ho will be damned?' But is not this contrary to the words of St. Paul, — 'Work out your own salvation, with fear and trembling.' If indeed by ' towards salva- tion,' they meant, towards purchasing it, they would affirm nothing but the truth ; but if they refer to our obtaining salvation, the assertion is utterly false. Tor though Christ has died for us, he has neither repented nor believed for us ; still, iherofore, if we repent not, we shall perish — if we believe n »t, we shall be damn- ed. The Scripture.! urge us to turn, seek, knock, strive, wrestle, run, &c. And is this, I would ask, do- ing nothing ? absolutely nothing 7 Is it not for salva- tion that we are to seek, ask, wrestle and run ? Does the sinner repent that he may perish, or believe that ho may be damned ? or rather does he not do both in order to salvation ^ Is not believing itself called a work ? — * This is the work of God that ye believe ;' and St. Paul says, * We have believed that we might be justified,' that is plainly, in oider to justification, and of course, to salvation. Shall we then be damned for attempting to stretch forth the withered hand, and touch the hem of his garment ? Does not the Gospel call upon us to renounce our self-righteousness, to fly to Christ, and to lay hold on the hope set before us ? And can any soul be saved without doing this ? Does not Christ command us, if we would be his disciples to deny ourselves ? is the man in his proper senses who M'ould affirm that all this is nothing .'' I "irHii^ it?: 168 MEMOIRS OF THE s« s=^ S S'^ ;:) :b sS ''^m tJi >wf c= 3 t> '■HI f^ ''»M *»> ^•n*i t" !)>*<<•' ^•«a. ««i f;r ■'■*«• Ii t «h *">• is ^ " 3. It is vehemently contended that ' neither repent- ance nor prayer precedes the new birth.' This also ia contrary to the Scriptures. — With regard to repent- ance, John the Baptist thus opens his mission, ' Repent yo, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand ',* and our Lord began to preach in the same words. Matt, i v : 17. The Apostles proclaim the same doctrine — 'Repent and be converted that your sins may be blotted out.' — Now here repentance is put before forgiveness. Si- mon Magus was exhorted to repent. Acts viii : 20. * God commandeth all men every where to repent.' Acts xvii : 30. Paul showed to both Jews and Gentiles that they should repent, and do works meet for repent- ance. Acts, xxi : 20. But enough of this. In relation to prayer, it may be observed, — Some well- meaning people, apprehensive lest sinners should put pniyer in the place of ihe Saviour, have gone very unscriptural lengths ; and sometimes from the pulpit have said more against praying than against swearing. * No unconverted man,' say they, ' ought to pray : it keeps him from Christ, and he will never bo converted till he leaves off praying.' I am really of opinion that many of those who speak thus, wish well to the cause of religion ; and seeing many rest in the bare form of prayer, and building on their self-righteousness, were, in order to avoid this rock, before they were aware, led into serious error ; and instead of opposing the abuse, have inveighed against the use of a precious or- dinance of God. This clearly appears /row the na- ture of prayer. Prayer is the desik-e of the heart made known to God, either mentally or by words. Having offered this short definition of prayer, I ask, can a man who sees himself under the curse of a broken law, und feels the wrath of God abiding on him, can he help REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 169 groaning, • Who shall deliver me .•* Lord save or I perish !' Would it be his duty to suppress such prayers — to stifle such desires after the favour of God— the pardon of sin — the conversion of his soul, lest he should not come to Christ so soon, or lest he should make a Saviour of prayer. Is there not another and a more excellent way of speaking against self-righte- ousness, than by opposing prayer ? Heartless forms, I am aware, arc an abomination unto the Lord, but not the earnest groans of the broken and contrite heart. From the obligations to pray. — Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near — Call upon me in the day of trouble — If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God — Is any afflict- ed, let him pray. — To mention only one passage more, — the apostle exhorts Simon Magus to repent, and pray God, if perhaps, the thoughts of his heart might be forgiven him. Can there be a stronger de- monstration of the propriety and necessity of prayer in an unregenerate sinner than this ? That he was an unconverted man, none can deny ; and yet the apostle exhorts him both to repent and pray. This, surely^ is a sufficient precedent for any minister. From the promises made to prayer^ — as, ' Seek, and ye shall find,' * Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.' From the answers to prayer recorded in Scripture.— Jacob wrestled until he obtained the blessing. Manasseh prayed, and was delivered, though such a monster of wickedness before. The publican's prayer was heard ; and he went down to his house justified. Bartimeus "HI 1^ "•H '.'"-'i c£ i!-3 (:Z 'w 1" !! Oi ••"•I 1^ :-a f«' ;.;Bai lii^ morial before God. These, among many other con- siderations, evince that it is the duty of all who desire to be found of God in peace, by prayer and supplica- tion, with thanksgiving to make known their requests unto him. " 3. An extremely dangerous notion has of late been received by many, respecting sin in believers. Those born of God are said to be dead unto sin and alive unto God. They are no longer slaves unto sin that they should obey it in the lusts thereof, but new creatures in Christ Jesus. But we an; told that true faith may not only exist without good works, but that it may consist %oith the most diabolical works of dark- ness — that a man may be a dinmkard, an adulterer, and even a murderer, without forfeiting his title to the favour of God. One told me, the other day, that if he were to live in the forementioned vices, from that day till the day of his death, his title to heaven would remain secure, nor would he be a whit the less a child of God, than when walking in the obedience of love. * It is true,' said he, ' I do not wish to do so. If I were, it would becloud my evidences.' Yes, replied I, and forfeit your title too ; for * faith without works is dead,' and • when the righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them ; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned ; in his trespass that he hath tres- passed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.' But it is vain to reason with such per- sons. Press them with the Laio, and they cry ' Moses is dead — we have nothing to do with the law.' Have they forgotten what our Lord says, or do they think him as blind and legal as a Methodist. — ' Think not' REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 171 says he, ' that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets : I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily, I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven : but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of hea- ven.' Do they imagine St. Paul was mistaken when he said, ' We are not without law to God, but under the law to Christ ?' — Press them with the Gospel, tell them with the apostle that * they that do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God,' another subter- fuge is at hand. * 0, 'tis only the body that sins — the soul cannot sin.' By this absurd distinction they open the flood-gates of iniquity, and by a single stroke, make void both the Law, and the Gospel. Accord- ing to this view, the body can act without the soul ; Christ may command the soul, and the devil the body ; grace may reign in the soul, and sin in the body. But the apostle declares, — * Sin shall not reign in your mor- tal bodies, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof : sin shall not have dominion over you.' " One of their teachers on a certain occasion illus- trated his sentiment by this (beautiful ?) simile — * A believer,' said he, * is like a nut ; it may fall into the mud, but the kernel will not be in the least defiled.' What a dreadful insinuation is here ; for mark the ex- plication : — ' Though we sin with the body, the soul remains pure and undefiled.' " I also heard another of their teachers affirm that, ' a man might live in adultery and murder ten months together, and yet be a child of God — a man after i 172 HEMOIRS OF THE c3 is: c:: 3 > '"HI »<~ God's own heart — that his soul might never sin all that time.' To prove this, he produced the case of David, That noble testimony concerning David, they forget, was not given when he was covered with the guilt of uncleanness and blood. Nor can they ever prove that David was ' a man after God's own heart' when he perpetrated those evil deeds, unless they can make it appear that the holy God delights in murder and adul- tery ; that he forbad David to do the thing he willed he should do ; that he reproved him for fulfilling his will ; and that he punished him severely, inwardly and outwardly, in his person and in his family, for ac- complishing his will and pleasure, " After all, I cannot but form a favourable judg- ment of many who hold these unscriptural tenets. I believe many of them would shudder at the thought of reducing them to practice. Many of them, I doubt not, are real lovers of Jesus, I desire always to dis- tinguish between a man and his opinions. You may make of this letter what use you think proper. "Yours, &.C. "William Black." While Mr. Black lost no opportunity of offering the most effectual counteraction in his power, to those forms of error that prevailed around him, and in his personal exertions for the good of his people, com- bined in an eminent degree the assiduity of the pastor with the zeal of the preacher, his pen was often em- ployed as the medium of affectionate and faithful communication with individuals in whose salvation he felt an animated interest. There are persons of re- putation attached to the interests of every spiritual community, who, amidst all their exhibition of a s M REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 173 11 that )avid. forget, [uilt of ire that len he nake it (1 adul- willed ing his dly and for ac- B judg- nets. I jught of I doubt s to dis- ou may ACK j» offering to those kd in his com- e pastor len em- faithful ation he s of re- spiritual on of a friendly and libt i' spirit, yet lack one thing. When any object of public utility, connected with the church, is set on foot, as the erection or enlargement of a place of worship, or the more respectable maintenance of the ministry established among them, they are of- ten among the most active in promoting it ; and their handsome contributions not unfrequently shame the niggardly dolings of some members of the church, whose parsimonious hearts the love of Christ even, cannot teach to devise liberal things. Yet they want religious decision. Such characters awaken a tender sympathy in the bosom of the grateful minister : he cannot but earnestly wish and devoutly pray that they were not only almost but altogether persuaded to be Christians. The following letters emanated from this holy and benignant solicitude : — The first is to Lawyer Hilton of Cornwallis. "Halifax, Feb. 10th, 1787. "My Dear Friend, " The concern I feel for your ^oul now induces me to take up my quill. The soul ^ of vast impor- tance. Nothing under heaven is comparable to it in value. Words cannot describe its worth. The blood of Christ with which it was purchased is the strongest demonstration of this. And then, it must exist for- ever, either in the nearest union and most delightful communion with God in heaven, or in the doleful regions of everlasting death, darkness and despair. And are we probationers for Eternity ! Then how important every hour ! how valuable every moment ? The Lord prepare us for a happy exit ; The thought should hush every ruder passion ; but need not discou- rage us ; for the word of God affords us great encou* J: 174 MEMOIRS OF THF b3 is: |r ."•Hi 4 ragcment ; and the experience ol his people testifies i\a tiUth. — ' Seelc and ye shall find,' said inci.rnate Truth Himself. But vjhat shall wo seek ? hoio shall we seek ? where shall we seek ? and when shall we seek ? "1. ^Aa< shall we seek ? Were worldly men to answer this question, they would say, ' Seek a large estate, — splendid buildings^-elegant furniture — abun- dance of riches.* If men of pleasure, — ' Seek rich cordials — lordly dishes — luscious wines — jovial com- panionsy &c. &.C.' If men of honor — ' Seek earthly glory — illustrious titles—sounding v ines — nor be satis- fied till every Mordecai bows to you at the gate, and you have secured not only the title of honourable and right honourable, but if possible that of sovereign ma- jesty. But I point you to a more substantial good, namely, the all suf^.cient Qod. ' Seek ye me ; and ye shall live' (Amos, iv : 5.) We must seek h\^ favour. — It was the folly of the Jows that they sought the fa- vour and honour of men more than the favour and honour of God. Therefore Christ said to them, ' How can ye believe who receive honour one of an- other, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only.' • In his favour,' says David, 'is life.' Happy indeed are they who are the objects of the divine fa- vour, who are accepted in the Beloved, whose sins are all forgiven, and who are savingly interested in the blood of Jesus Christ. "We must seek his counsel. — ' Lepn not to your own understanding, but trust in the Lord.' Say with the psalmist, ' Lord, what I '^now not, teach thou me.' O make his testimonies the man of your counsel. Pray that he would open to you the mysteries of his word, and loose for you its seals. None can teach like the Spirit of God. 'Wo unto them that take counsel, but no 9tant n a choi They e knowle hearts, is, inde( heaven) the thin to divin ters car Every ( man be things ai new.' ] rows — n ho hated change i tian. W the mela be. 'Th ' Believii and full which is Ghost,' i ' The Loi temple }' i you, his c seek an hi at what h( ' Be ye tl door. Th an eye Go( stewardshi 77 I' '4 SET. WILLIAM BLACK. 175 your with -•oad in their .:). And this th( essence of and all but not of me, saith the Lord.' We must ^ok the con- stant manife8tation$ of his love to < nr hearts.— This is a choice privilege^ peculiar to the people of God. They alone know the love of <"' -ist which passeth knowledge. They alone fo( 1 it ^, hearts, by the Holy Ghost give' ui is, indeed, a pearl of great pri heavenly felicity, more precious .n. ies the things that can be desired are n^.. lo be compared to divine Love. It is stronger than death ; many wa- ters cannot quench it. We must seek his image. — Every Christian bears the image of God. * If any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new creature ; old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.' New hopes — new fears — new joys and sor- rows — new desires and aversions. He loves what once ho hated — and hates what he once loved. And this change is absolutely necessary to constitute a Chris- tian. We must seek his consolations. — Religion is not the melancholy thing it is too generally supposed to be. ' The joy of the Lord is' the believer's • strength.' ' Believing, we rejoice with joy that is unspeakable and full of glory.' O seek ' the kingdom of God,' which is ' righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost,' until you know and feel that it is within you. ' The Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple;' and 'in the multitude of your thoughts within you, his comforts will delight your soul.' We must seek an habitual readiness for death. — We know not at what hour the summons may be put into our hands^ ' Be ye therefore ready also.' The Judge is at the door. There is no time to delay. In the twinkling of an eye God may say unto us, * Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward ..'^ If IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) A ^ J^t^. 1.0 I.I 1.25 •^ 1^ 1 2.2 - lag i^ 1.6 i^ 1^ 1.4 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ^v # iV % V o^ 4 n." ^^ ^ 4- z ^ ip \ €■ 176 MEMOIRS OF THE 15 31 t % But how shall we seek ? Not carelessly.-'* Many shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able :' we must strive. * Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven ; but he that doeth the will of my father who is in heaven.' Not oeea«ton- tUly. — The reason why many who seek do not find him is, because they only seek now and then. Sometimes while hearing or reading the word they are affected ; and then they pray and resolve j but their impressions soon vanish away ; for want of a deeper and more abiding conviction, their resolutions are soon forgot- ten ; and they remain without hope, and without God in the world. Not self-rigkteously. — * If a man strive, yet is he not crowned unless he strive lawfully. ' Is- rael, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Where- fore ? Because they sougbf^ it, not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they being igno- rant of God's righteousness, and going about to estab- lish their own righteousness, have not submitted them- selves unto the righteousness of God.' O Sir ! bring nothing with you to procure the favour of God. It is received by faiths without money and without price. Plead nothing but the blood of Jesus Christ, as the meritorious ground of justification. " Seek the Lord fervently. — Let all the powers of your soul cry out after God ; and you shall surely find him. O strive, that is, agonize to enter in at the strait gate. * He is the rewarder of all that diligently seek him. Constantly. — Let not a moment pass in which a courier is not sent with a memorial to the throne of grace. Jesus ' spake a parable to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.' O never cease to. cry till the Lord in mercy reveals his Son in your i-m. i>1l REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 177 [any shall ust strive, jord, shall that doeth t oceanonr Bt find him Sometimes 3 a£fected-, mpressions and more oon forgot- rithout God man strive, fully. *l8- rhteousness, Bs. Where- ith, but as it being igno- out to estab- mitted them- I Sir ! bring fGod. It is ithout price. Ihrist, as the le powers of ill surely find In at the strait (ligently seek )a6S in which the throne of id, that men never cease ISon in your heart, and graciously delivers your soul. * Shall not God avenge his own elect, who cry day and night unto him i Verily, I say unto you, He will avenge them speedily.' Humbly. — Come as a poor, helpless, guil- ty, miserable, forlorn, undone creature. Cry as the lepers under the law — Unclean, unclean. Nor fear to come as a guilty, depraved sinner ; for he delights to show mercy. He is the. only physician of the soul. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. 0>. prostrate yourself before him. Cry, ' If I perish, I perish at thy footstool, crying with my latest breath. God be merciful to me a sinner !' Believingly. — No> thing but unbelief can hinder your success. Remem> her, it shall be done unto you according to your faith.. * To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is accounted for rights eousness.' ' Faithful is he that hath promised ;. he also \)rill do it.* When you retire to your closet, go in the full expectation of then and there meeting the Lord.. Say,* Lord, open to me the door of thy grace, — behold ! I open the door of my heart to thee. I am come to throw myself before thy mercy seat : O shine forth from between the cherubim ! O lift up the light of thy countenance upon me ! Cause thy face to shine upon me ; and I shall be saved ! O remember the word upon which thou hast caused me to trust. Lrtrdj I be« lieve ; help thou mine unbelief.' ; * With thee all night I mean to stay, ■ And wrestle till the break of day'. But my sheet is exhausted. ■- " I am, with great sincerity, ' " : " Xour Servant for Christ's sake, jp. "William Black J* •i vj:- (C ^ m ^i •»: 178 MEMOIRS or THE To Major Crane, ofHorton. .;^i->,^ ^j ;.%«si "Halifax, Feb. 12th, 178T, "Dear Sir, " Your's I received. Mr. Anderson will write to your brother, and send the piece you mention. I thank you for proposing such a thing. Do all you can to spread them. O, Mr. Crane, make sure of heaven. By no means rest till you find rest in Christ Jesus. Refuse all comfort till he himself comfort you. 1 long to hear of your being brought into the liberty of the children of God. Your kindness to us as ministers of Jesus Christ, and the respect you manifest for the Gospel, naturally make us care for, and esteem you. But one thing is still wanting, which is, Christ in you the hope of glory. This, Sir, would crown all ; and our joy in this respect would bo full. — To see you re- joicing in the love of Jesus ; going in and out before the people in the spirit and power of Jesus Christ. " Speaking of magistrates, the psalmist says, ' I have said. Ye are Gods,' '' t is, Ye are God's re- presentatives, Ye have ^ red a delegated power from God ; and in his name and spirit, ye ought to act. Magistrates, as ministers ofjiutiee, and preach- ers of the Gospel, as ministers of mercy, ought to be as guardian ar^gels, watching over the civil and reli- gious interests of the people. As our stations are moi'e eminent, and our influence greater in proportion, our lives ought to be more holy. What a blessing you might be to those around you, were you rich in grace, and a bright example of divine love ! From my last visit, I cannot but think, God has done, and is about to do great things for Horton. O, may Jesus ride on from conquering to conquer! Things here are REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 179 b, 178T, ill write to n. I thank ou can to of heaven, rist Jesus, ou. Hong erty of the ninisters of est for the isteem you. hristinyou vn all; and see you re- [ out before } Christ. 3t, says, *I 5 God's re- rated power ^e ought to and preach- ought to be ril and reli- jtations are )roportion, a blessing you rich in ve ! From done, and may Jesus igs here are just as when I left them. Mrs. Black joins in love to you and sister Crane, with all friends, r. . Sit. " I am, Dear Sir, . , " Your Servant for Christ's sake, ;a»/j , " William Black." ¥.«■>'"¥* Jonathan Crane, Esq., for many years a Colonel in the Militia, a magistrate, and a member of the Pro- vincial Parliament, evinced through life an unabated interest in the prosperity of the Methodist church ; but never, I believe., became a member of it. To his noble-minded liberality the society is chiefly indebted for their handsome and commodious chapel in Lower Horton, which he only just lived to see completed. How deeply is it to be regretted, that characters in al- most all respects so estimable, and who withal love * the habitation of God's house, and the place where his honour dwelleth,' should live short of the reception and profession of that faith which worketh by love and purifieth the heart. Short of it, however, through the mercy of God, Mr. Crane did not die. In his last affliction he was led to seek God with the whole heart. Ere the shadows of death gathered around him, a light was kindled in his soul, that enabled him to tread the dreaded vale with joyful and unsuspecting confi- dence in the God of his salvation. His dying testi- mony to the mercy and grace of God, in Christ Jesus, was explicit and scriptural ; and has been a source of the richest solace to his children, and especially to his venerable relict, whose holy life, and godly conversa- tion, have long rendered her a distinguished ornament of the Methodist Society. We add a letter written the same day, to James Noble Shannon, Esq., who married a sister of Mr. *' . r 180 MEMOIRS or THK Crane. He then resided at Horton ; and afterwards, for many years previous to his death, at Parrsboro.' While memory continues to perform its office, or the last spark of gratitude remains unextinguished in his breast, the compiler of these pages can never forget the parental kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Shannon, when in the seventeenth year of his age, he laboured on the Parrsboro* circuit. And he feels a mournful and con- scious pleasure, at the distance of near as many more years since that period, while they are slumbering in the grave, to record this grateful tribute to the memory of departed excellence. The end of both was peace. Mr. Shannon was naturally of a very diffident mind — prone to look at his own heart, till humiliation dege- nerated into despondence. In consequence, although he constantly walked in the fear of Ood^ he seldom enjoyed a large share of the comfort of the Holy Ohost. This peculiarity, from which he was the greatest sufferer, was rather constitutional than moral. From the commencement of his religious course, it would seem from Mr. Black's letter, he was tempted to dejection, from a humiliating estimate of his spiri- tual deficiencies : — f ! -I! [ \^ ■■' '.H': ■■■; ■^Hi; ■:! .-in] .:, p ' ^ ^^ "Halifax, Feb. I2th, 178T. " Dear Friend, " I cannot but hope the Lord is about to reveal himself to you. I am glad that you are in some mea- sure sensible of the corruption of your heart, and of the danger of settling down in the hare form of religion without the power. It has been the ruin of thousands to do so. Heaven forbid it should ever be yours. If you feel the corruption and hardness of your heart a burden to you, let not that discourage you, but rather m '.^If lerwards, arreboro.' ice, or the hed in his iver forget non, when red on the il and con- nany more mbering in lie memory was peace, ent mind — ation dege- e, although , he seldom f the Holy ae was the than moral, i course, it iras tempted of his spiri- HKT. WILLIAM BLACK. 181 thank God that he has made the discovery to you. Oh ! fly with all your complaints to Jesus. He has promised to take away the heart of$tone, and give you a heart of Jleth. Only, he will be enquired of, to do these things for us. O, Sir ! beware of trifling with convictions. Besiege the throne of grace with all the power of prayer. Nor rest in externals : pursue the end of prayer, — union and communion with God in Christ. O, seek his face continually. ' Seek ye me ; and ye shall live,' said the Lord — shall live t yes, a life of faith, of love, of holiness, of comfort, and of glory. O what a mercy it is, that the Lord should regard such worthless worms ; and offer life and salvation to us without money or without price ! I hope yet to see you rejoicing in the Lord, and hear you say with David, < Come and hear, all ye that fear God ; and I will tell you what he hath done for my soul.' — My kindest respects to Mrs. Shannon. May the Sun of Righteousness arise, and shine brightly upon her soul i " " I am, with great sincerity,' " Your servant in the Gospel. T «* William Black," %% Ith, 1787. |it to reveal some mea- jart, and of , of religion [f thousands yours. If lour heart a , but rather 0^ MB ':.f- li ] if: SI'!"*^! li 'HOJUl; 'M^>.. •J/' Jj :. .;..»{ tfi* ;.;,i.:,^it :'^*:ii." CHAPTER VIII. MB. black's COLLKAOUE, MR. OARRETTSON, LEATES JTOVA SCOTIA — CONVERSION OF AN ATROCIOUS SIN- NEB — DR. COKE APPOINTED TO VISIT NOVA SCOTIA- LETTER FROM THE DR. — LETTER FROM MR. WESLEY — MR. BLACK VITRITES MR. WESLEY — THE DEVIL'S COUNSEL TO HIS CHILDREN, AN INGENIOUS PRODUC- TION — SERIOUS RELIGION PROGRESSIVE IN HALIFAX •^MR. black's constant REGARD, AMID HIS LA- BOURS, TO THE STATE OF HIS OWN HEART — ANIMAD- VERSIONS ON A SERMON — BEST WAY OF OPPOSING HETERODOX TEACHERS — LETTER TO JQHN BLACK, ES4. ON HIS BEGINNING TO PREACH — HIS EXCEL- LE:fT CHARACTER — LETTER TO MB. GRANDINE ON MARRIAGE — SECOND NOVA SCOTIA CONFERENCE — MEMORABLE REVIVAL IN VIRGINIA — LETTER TO THE SOCIkTY IN HALIFAX. On the first of April 1787, Mr. Garrettson sailed for Boston, in order to attend the ensuing Conference at Baltimore, undecided whether he should subsequently return to Nova Scotia, or not. PIr. Black felt deeply in parting with a colleague, whom he so highly esteemed, not merely on account of the personal plea- sure and benefit he had derived from his friendship, but from an apprehension of the serious loss the cause of God was likely to sustain from his absence. The t\ .,* jUntiii , LEATES I0U8 SIN- SCOTIA- — I. WESLET E devil's J PRODUC- i HALIFAX HIS LA- — ANIMAO- OPPOSINO IN BLACK, IS EXCEL- NDINE ON ERENCE — ER TO THE sailed for erence at bsequently felt deeply so highly sonal plea- friendship, B the cause nee. The ^ MEMOIRS, &C. rs3 Oon^dence he reposed in Mr. Garrettson's established piety and matured judgment, had materially alleviated the weight of his responsibility ; but it might now be said of him, that the care of all the churches came upon him daily. The charge of the whole circuit devolving upon him at the same time, of necessity greatly augmented his labours. " For some time," he says, " I had about one hundred and forty thiles to ride in the country, on the week days, besides preach- ing in the town regularly, every sabbath, '^ut the Lord strengthened me to perform ray jouhicr|rs, and many flocked out to hear." The conversion of a single individual, whose re- morseless audacity in the service of the devil has been matter of general notoriety, often attracts more atten- tion than that of scores, in whose exterior deportment the change is less conspicuous. And it is a melancho- ly proof of the enmity of the unregenerate mind against God, that the accession of so signal a trophy to the victories of the cross— which animates the minis- ter of Jesus in his work, and diffuses exhilaration through the bosom of the church — should rouse the demon of fury and persecution in those who iinr' bem- selves suddenly abandoned by their former lead< r in crime. A signal instance of this kind is recorded by Mr. Black, under date of May 6th in this year : — "While I was preaching in the morning, Mark Smith, a soldier, one of the vilest men in all the regi- ment, was struck under deep convictions. He im- mediately relinquished his ungodly courses, and vnth earnest cries and tears, sought and obtained the peace of God, which passeth all understanding. At first he met with great persecution ; and was sometimes as- sailed with blows that laid him prostrate on the I IS.'^ I'll" 184 MKIIOIRS or THE li'^ grounds But God has now restrained his enemier. H» appears a wonder, yea a miracle, to all who are ac- quainted with him in the regiment. The Lord pre- •erve him blameless to the day of his coming !" The growing importance of Nova Scotia as a pro- mising field for evangelical enterprise had of late more especially engaged Mr. Wesley's attention ; and in accordance with Mr. Black's request, Dr. Coke, who had for some time acted as the ambassador of Metho- dism abroad, while its venerable founder laboured with untiring energy in the domestic department, was ap- pointed to visit the province, and afford Mr. Black the advantage of his counsel and influence in promot- ing the stability and extension of the work in which he had been, and dtill was, the prominent instrument. This arrangement being formed, the Dr. hastened to. apprise Mr. Black of it by the following letter :r— ,^/ ' ^ "LoNDoy, Januarys, 1786i " Mr VERT DEAR Brother, .♦ " I thank you for your letter. At the latter end or this year I hope, God willing, to see you. Let all your strength be employed for God. He deserves all you are, and all you have.. Though unknown to most of my dear brethren in Nova Scotia, I do not forget them in my prayers. Remember me in your's often and fervently in return. I bless God we have a con- siderable revival in many parts of England, and throuf ^out Ireland ; and even poor barren Scot- land, begins, I trust, to lift up its head. Exercise much private prayer, my dear brother, and the Lord will use you much for his glory : and surely there is nothing else worth living for. It is an honour to have any thing to do in the great work which God is carry- aieff. He o are ac- cord pre- , as a pro- late more I ; and in Joke, who of Metho- :)ured with t, was ap- Black the ,n promot- a which he nstrument. lastened to> ter :r— n 5, 17861 latter end or Let all ieserves all )wn to most not forget lur's often lave a con- [land, and irren Scot- Exercise id the Lord ply there is )ur to have )d is carry- REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 185 ing on, on the face of the earth. Give my affectionate love to your wife. Keep humble, and God will exalt you. I have written to you in brother Marchington'« letter, to save postage. I trust you have a just value for our excellent discipline. " I am with sincerity, " Your very affectionate fViend and brother,' *" "Thomas Coke." ii.V>W The Dr. sailed fVom England late in the fall ; and afler a stormy passage nearly across the Atlantic, eventually failed to reach his place of intended des- tination ; and was driven by unfavourable and tem- pestuous winds to the West Indies. Mr. Wesley, not heading of the Dr. for upwards of four months afler his departure, became greatly concerned for his safety, especially as the weather had been so inclement, and the vessel in which he embarked was so miserably conditioned. These apprehensions he expresses in a letter to Mr. Black, dated, — '■1 '■*.-• 4.1 --j,^ f?fi,:^\K.tf ■•.!ii-»:/v ..■(■■]»;•:«*< " London, Feb. 20, 1787. " Mt Dear Brother, " After various unfortunate hindrances and delays. Dr. Coke embarked on board a small brig, in the middle of October^ and was, by furious winds, twice beat back into the harbour. They set sail a third time, with a crazy, shattered vessel, on the eighteenth of October. We have not heard any thing either from him or of him since. I hope you have heard of him in America. ''""^^ '^ - ■'■ ' -• ' - '■^*^" '■:' " You have great reason to be thankful to God for the progress of his work in Nova Scotia. This is far Grom being the case in Newfoundland, where poor I nil itk 186 ICSMOIIS or THE John McGeary appears to be utterly discouraged ; not only through the want of success, but through want of the conveniencies, yea, necessaries of life. Truly, if I could have supposed, that those who made me fair promises, would have suffered a preacher to want bread, I should have sent him into other parti^ where he would have wanted nothing. " I hear very different accounts here of the state of your provinces. Is there plenty or scarcity in Nova Scotia, and New England i How does it fare with Halifax and Shelburne in particular ? Do the build- ings and the people increase or decrease ? Public ac- counts I cannot at all depend upon ; but upon your word I can depend. Peace be with all your spirits ! "Dear Billy. i^.v ,:^ , " Your affectionate friend and brother, (( ,-^»kt;,.^V-i*»*i u-ii i<;^w ^ji'f.'tin) JoHK Wesley.'^ In the expectation and hope of the Doctor's previous arrival, the brethren postponed their first District Meetings till the approach of winter made it inexpe- dient for them to defer it any longer. But their meet- ing, we have seen, had closed before he sailed from England. Great, we may well imagine, was their disappointment on finding their cherished anticipa- tions cut off; but their recognition of the finger of God in the matter suppressed every murmur; and their grief on their own account was merged in their gratitude to God for the Doctor's merciful preserva- tion. In reply to the above, Mr. Black, having in the mean time received information concerning the Dr., immediately wrote Mr. Wesley on the subject, laying before him, at the same time^ a succinct account of {ed ; not want of Truly, if J me fair to want trf, where le state of in Nova fare with the buiW- Fublic ac- upon yot»r ir spirits I rother, /"bslbt.'^ mtr. WILLIAM BLACK. 187 the state and prospects of the work of God in Nova Scotia :— • i '< Halifax, April 97, 1787, i "Rbv. and dbab Sir, " Dr. Coke came within three days sail of this province, and was then driven off the coast to the West Indies. Afler visiting Antigua, St. Vincent's, St. Kitts and St. Eustatius, he se'!ed for Charleston, S. C, leaving the preachers designed for this province in the Islands. " Brother Garrettson is gone to meet him at the Bal> timore Conference. The work of the Lord has con- tinued to spread in this part of the vineyard since my last. — At Liverpool there has been an astonishing outpouring of the spirit. Nine were set at liberty at one meeting. Of forty who joined society in a few weeks, seventeen profess faith. I do not know any part of the province in which the work of God has gone on, as in this place, with so little declension for six years or more. The manners uf the people are entirely changed. If the work spreads as rapidly as it has done, much longer, almost all in the place will t)c brought in. Brother John Mann has been with them all this winter. The people seem all on fire for God, especially the young people, and exhort all they see to make their peace with God. At Barrington, the work is also going on : about fifteen more profess to have found the Lord. At Horton, also, about the same number. Brother Garrettson and I have laboured al- ternately in the town and country during the winter. About six weeks ago, (the last time but one I was there,) I preached at Horton from — < Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life.' One young womaBf 1 •! iS '* 188 MEMOIRS OF THE i- '^' li. ■i.. iM '! ail lit. came into the meeting laughing : but the power of God soon carried the word to her heart. It was sharper than a two-edged sword. She went home weary and heavy laden. This happened on Wednesday after- noon. When night came, she was afraid to go to sleep, lest she should awake in hell. All the next day she remained in great distress. O how dreadful were her feelings when she saw the sun go down—- to think — ^ another sun is setting, and I am still in my siiis, unconverted, and out of Christ. Perhaps this will be the last setting sun I shall ever see.' Her dis- tress increased, becoming greater the nearer her de- liverance approached. On Friday night the Ijord filled her with peace and joy. Such was her agony of mind a short time before she experienced salvation, that she was deprived of her reason. But her ex- tremity was God's opportunity. And then, O how did she exult in her Redeemer ! and exhort her parents and all that were in the house, to seek God, declaring what great things he had done for her soul ! At Halifax the work has not advanced much lately. I know of only one who has found the Lord since I last wrote. — Our congregations are larger than ever. O that God would begin a powerful work here !* The society still remains small. But surely so much seed is not sown in vain. To Cumberland, Annapolis, Digby, and the whole province of New Brunswick, we can at present give no assistance, for want of Preach- ers. I wish brother McGeary was here instead of being at Newfoundland ; he would meet with a very different reception. We have just got our new preaching-house up. I preached in it for the first time on £aster Sunday. "1#, KXy. WILLIAM BLACK. 180 jrof God s sharper eary and lay after- to go to the next r dreadful down— to itill in my rhaps this Her dis- er her de- the liord sr agony of salvation, ut her ex- O how did ler parents declaring luch lately. Drd since I than ever, ere !-* The much seed Annapolis, aswick, we of Preach- instead of ivith a very our new le first time "This town is much divided in religious matters. There is one large English Church — one small Dutch Church— one Presbyterian meeting houso — one Roman Catholic Chapel, besides a small society of Quakers — one of Sandemanians, and one of the followers of Swedenborg, together with a few of Lady Huntings ton's society, and a great swarm of Ii\fidels. " 1 am, Rev. and Dear Sir,. Your Son in the Gospel, "William Black." (( It is among the mon^entous facts inscrutable to hu*- man investigation, which the Bible discloses, that there exist evil spirits, who once shone before the throne of God in all the splendours of unsullied purity. This fact claims our assent, not on the ground of phi- losophy, — by which it could never have been explored, and by which^ now that it is revealed, it can never be impugned, — but as an article of intelligence emanating from a supennatural source ;. and interwoven as it is with the whole texture of the sacred history, fraught with practical consequences of the utmost magnitude and importance. Under the auspices of Satan, the chief of those apostate angels,, sin, we are informed, was introduced into the world ; and so deep and broad has he laid the foundations of his empire, so fearful the ascendancy he has wielded over all the generations of men from age to age, that he is designated in Scrip- ture " the god of this world — the prince of the power of the air." His power over the human mind, ac- quired in the first instance by deception, is still main- tained and perpetuated by means of the same weapon. To fortify the strong holds of superstition, idolatry, and atheism, where the Gospel is not, and to " blind I SM I ||:.'HI 190 MEMOIRS OF THE in 1 11 IK lit: i^:) '^:,1 the minds of them that believe not" where it is, " lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ should shine unto them," are objects which he keeps steadily in view, and for the accomplishment of which the range and comprehension of his intellect, combined with un- mixed malignity, awfully qualify him. Thousands who value themselves on their mental superiority, are duped by his artifice ; and while they boast liberty, resemble the maniac dancing in his chains. The be- nevolence of infidels often expresses itself in whining commiseration for those who are silly enough to credit the word of God, and prepare to meet him. But let them reserve their pity for themselves. Limited in- deed are the views of the Christian who is ignorant of the devices by which they suffer themselves to be im- posed upon — ^who cannot disentangle the sophistry which they mistake for demonstration. These observations have been suggested by the fol- lowing singular and ingenious production of Mr. Black's pen, composed at the period of bis life now under record, in which with the hand of a master, he exposes the machinations wherewith the great adver- sary of souls flatters the pride, fimients the unhallow- ed propensities, and freely administers opiates to the consciences of sceptics and infidels, in order that he may lead them captive at his will. The occasional and judicious use of irony for the purpose of repelling the assailants of our faith, or of giving confidence to its adherents, is quite consistent with the majesty of truth : the infidel, at all events, has no just ground to demur, if he find himself humiliated by a weapon with which he has often vaunted bis ability to rout the ar- mies of the living God. 'V i. i m REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 191 Hi t is, « lest [)uld shine steadily in the range d with un- Fhousanda riority, are ast liberty, 1. The be- in whining gh to credit rn. But let Limited in- i ignorant of es to be im- je sophistry Beelzebub to his lieoe subjects of the towkt* SHIP OF Halifax. " Well-beloved and trusty Friends, " I embrace this opportunity of acknowledging your faithfulness to my interest. You are, indeed, my loyal subjects ; and have hitherto maintained your ground against all the remonstrances of conscience, the dictates of reason, and the calls of Scripture. You are true Mussulmen — steadfast believers in that form of sound words which I have committed unto you. Be faithful unto death, and I will reward you. The Scriptures are a mere artful contrivance of men, designed to keep the vulgar in awe. Jesus Christ was a specious impostor ; and his followers a set of melancholy enthusiasts. , The religion of the Bible is a system of restraint — a burden — a yoke into- lerable to be borne. Reject it, O my children ! Be- lieve it not, O ye tumbling Felixes ! and thou unsta- ble Agrippa ! why art thou almost persuaded to be a Christian — a thing so inconsistent with thy happiness ? Christianity requires you to deny yourselves, to take up your cross, to forsake your most pleasurable sins, and denounces damnation on your heads, if you refuse obedience. It declares that you must forsake your gay and jovial companions, who make a mock of sin, and sport with the tremendous name of the Great Su- preme. It says that God marks even what you say, and that he will not hold you guiltless when you take his name in vain, though it be done merely from habit. It avers that the companion of fools shall be destroyed. Nay, it even goes so far as to say that you, my trusty servants, must become fools that you may be wise, must be converted, and become as little children, be born again of the Spirit of God, created anew in Christ w ii 102 liCEMOIRS OF TBE 15 b3 .g i^J^ ^^=31 1 11 ii li •. lir Jesus, be made inwardly holy, or you never can be happy in time or in eternity. But care ye for none of these things. Gratify the passions which God hath given you. Had he not designed you should gratify them, ho would not have planted them in your nature : therefore fear not great flock ! it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom ; and where he is, there shall also his servants be. Give the rein to all your desires. Keep not your feet from evil ; nor your tongue from speakmg guile ; neither be in the least terrified at your adversaries, for te shall not SVRELT DIE ! " Arm yourselves, O my trusty servants, with all the armour of darkness, on the right hand, and on the left. Put on the helmet of presumptuous hope — the breastplate of unrighteousness — the sword of my spirit, which is my word, and let your feet be shod with the preparation of my Gospel. Let falsehood be the girdle of your loins ; but above all, take the shield of unbelief, wherewith you may be able to quench all the fiery darts of the holy one. At times, my children, you feel depression of spirits— consciousness of guilt — fear of death — dread of judgment, and terror of hell. Bu'i O fear not ! Drive such thoughts away from you ; suffer them not to prey upon your minds, and disturb your repose. They will induce melancholy, and it may be, bring upon you the opprobrious name of enthusiast, fanatic, or Methodist. If such thoughts should at any time irresistibly obtrude themselves, and interrupt your quiet, be advised by me, my children, not to resort to those cowards who have fled from my banners, and enlisted under Emmanuel ; for evil communications corrupt good manners. Be- sides, their malady is as contagious as the plague. REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 193 IT can be ir none of Bod hath Id gratify ir nature : : Father's 1 where he he rein to , evil -, nor be in the SHALL NOT ts, with all , and on the 3 hope— the of my spirit, Hod with the lood be the the shield of jencb all the [my children, sss of guilt— [rror of hell, away from minds, and melancholy, jbrious name [uch thoughts themselves, |by me, my ?ho have fled Emmanuel ; [anners. Be- le plague. " Meddle not with that antiquated book, the Bible. It is a legend consisting of old Jewish fables, and un- accountable mysteries. It would fain make you be- lieve, that, three are one, and a child, the mighty God. If you look into it at all, let it be only to beguile a te- dious hour on the sabbath, when conscience will not permit you to read a play or a romance. And when you do at any time read it, beware of applying any part of it to your own state of mind, which would be a sure way to disturb your peace. When you meet with any case of unfaithfulness in a professor of re- ligion recorded there, mark the baseness of his fall, but take no notice of his repentance. If there appears any thing equivocal in what you read, always attach that meaning to it which is most pleasing to the flesh. Those parts of scripture which treat of regeneration, repentance, faith and holiness, I advise you to pass by ; especially Christ's Sermon on the Mount, and his dialogue with Nicodemus. Apply all the promises tu yourselves ; but, pay no regard to the threatenings. " I warn you not to attend those Meetings or Churches where the ministers insist upon the necessity of inward religion, or the neio birth. If you hear any, select those downy doctors who prophesy smooth things to the people, and tell them all is well. If there be such a place as heaven, do not imagine that it is necessary in order to arrive there, to enter in at the straight gate of conversion, or to walk in a nar- row way : a little heathen morality will answer every purpose. " Pursue the honours and riches of the world, and that ardently, resolutely, constantly — and its pleasures too. These will be of great service in shielding your minds against the gloomy impressions of religioiK S UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR LIBRARY 'E3 m m 194 MEMOIRS or THE Think not there is any harm in killing a few hours ; you have long to live yet ; it is too soon to think of dying. What imaginable harm can there be in at- tending balls, masquerades, plays, or operas, ^o, No, my sons ! these will divert your minds from those melancholy subjects — Death, Judgment, Hell and Eternity. Is there any thing irrational in such inno- cent amusements ; or what if, after being involved dur- ing the day in the cares of business, you should relax your minds in the evening by a game at cards. Is this beneath the dignity of an intelligent being ? Send round the merry glass at the club, or quaff the cheer- ful bowl at the tavern, to drive away dull care. • " Further, my children, let me counsel you to read plays, novels, histories, or any thing of that kind that may come to hand, calculated to amuse the mind and dissipate all anxious concern about a future state. Particularly I recommend to your attentive perusal the works of Voltaire, with those of Hobbs and Ro- chester ; only add not the dying recantation of the last, for he turned coward when death stared him in the face. Voltaire my servant has done me much service. He employed all his skill and talent in support of my cause. He shall in no wise lose his reward. Nor you, my faithful servants, provided you only remain faithful unto death. "If Emmanuel, my sworn enemy, knock at your door, — and I know he will — give him no admittance j despise his word ; quench his Spirit ; listen not to the voice of his servants. From your Royal Sovereign, J^ ^ '^DlABOLOS, ' "alias " Beelzebub.'* (( *»rti hours -, think of « in at- *s. J^o, om those lell and ich inno- )lved dur- luld relax 3. Is this r» ? Send the cheer- are. ou to read it kind that B mind and iture state, ive perusal lbs and Ro- of the last, him in the ich service, .port of my ard. Nor inly remain >ck at your admittance ; [n not to the ?n, I^BOLOS, lUas ^ Llzebub. n 'Ct •. I BCV. WILLIAM BLlCr. id5 / Amidst th9 multifarious forms of Christianity that existed in Halifax at the time Mr. Black penned t!> poiiitmout to Mr. Black, omotionu in which Mr. Anderson and hundreds nioro deeply participated. In u letter to Mr. Garrettson more than a year after ho had' left tho province, Mr. Anderson says — " We urdently long for your return to this province j and have expected you for some time past. Wo trust, however, the chargo you have received in tho United States is for tho glory of God and the good of souls." But although in the providence of Him whom ho serv- ed with his spirit in tho Gospel of his Son, he was removed to another sphere of activity, endeared by many early and hallowed associations, he did not for- get the sheep whom ho had watched and fed in the northern wilderness ; their eternal interests lay near iiis heart, and his influence in the Conference was em- ployed to obtain for them the ministerial help they so much required. At that Conference the Rev. Messrs. Jessop and Hickson were appointed to Nova Scotia. In the following extract of a letter written by Mr. Black to Dr. Coke, under dato of June 26, 1787, re- ference is made to this opportune provision, and a lingering hope expressed that tho Doctor might yet have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come to them : — *' Brother Jessop has arrived at Shelburne ; whether brother Hickson has or not, I have not yet learned. Our society here (at Halifax) is more live- ly at present than I have ever known it. About fif- teen have been added sinm brother Garrettson left. Brother Cromwell, I understand, left the province tho very day brother Jessop arrived. We greatly love to see you, and pray God to give you a prosperous journey hither, at the time appointed. What yon I lit*, as wc; and (Usai*- vhich Mr. ipatcil. In jav aftor ho ys — » Wn vinco •, and Wo trust, tho United id of souls." loin ho serv- ion, he was endeared by ) did not for- id fed in tho sta lay near Dnco was on> I help thoy so Rov. Messrs. Nova Scotia, ritten by Mr. 26, 1787, ro. vision, and a ;or might yot God to come it Shelburne ; have not yet is more live- it. About fif- arrettson left, province the |reatly love to a prosperous What yoo KBV. WILLIAM BLACK. 205 I allude to in tho close of your letter, will, 1 think, bo liest passed over in silence. It was almost totally offacod from my memory, and probably I tihould novor havo thought of it again, had not your letter called it to mind. Indeod I can scarcely remember cither what I said to Mr. Garrettson, or with what I was grieved ; there is, however, nothing now." Tho force of Mr. Black's character, and the peculiar relation in which he stood to tho work in Nova Scotia, naturally gave him a paternal influence over the rest of tho preachers, which he always employed with wis- dom and alTection towards them, and a single eye to tho glory of God. Mr. Grandine entertaining thoughts of marriage, communicated his views and intensions to Mr. Black with filial respect and deference, and re- quested his counsel in the matter. No apology will )>c deemed necessary for introducing the following ex- tract from Mr. Black's reply, alike distinguished as it is for piety and prudence :•— " Last fall you desired my advice on a matter of the last moment, namely, Matrimony. But perhaps it is unnecessary for me now to say any thing on the subject ; since, as you have been so long detained at the Island, you have probably given up all thoughts of tho matter for the present. It may be, indeed, that Providence ordered it so, that you might be prevented from taking a rash step. However, if a word of advice will be of any benefit, I am willing to give it : First, then, Be ex- tremely cautious how you resolve on changing your state. Never think of doing this, until you have good and sufficient grounds to conclude it is the will of God. Nor should you believe all that a fond or deceived heart may say on such a subject ; but rather hearken to the dictates of sober reason and conscience. In 206 MEMOIRS OF THE 'Ml !=3: 5. Ill n> I III order to which you ought to divest yourself as much as possible of prejudice, and consider, 1, whether you would be more useful in a married or single state ; 3, whether your temporal circumstances are such as to render it prudent for you to marry ; and 3, whether the person in view, be a proper and suitable person with respect to natural disposition, grace, and other quali- fications. If after weighing these things impartially, you deliberately think you could be more useful in a married state — if Providence has so ordered your ciiv cumstances that it would not involve yourself, and (what would be far worse,) her in trouble-;-and if the object of your regard be a person of good natural dis- pcnition, of grace, and in other respects suitable, then I think you may venture to marry without fear of dis- pleasing God. But, Secondly, Be careful that your affections are not too much drawn towards the crea- ture, as well as in what manner your courtship is con- ducted. Let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay ; nothing light, trifling or unchristian. With great de- liberation, self-examination, fasting and prayer, dedi- cate yourself anew to God ; and then give your hand. At the same time, were I to give my judgment, I must say, I do think it would be wrong for you, in your present circumstances, to marry Miss . "William Black." g The second Nova Scotia Conference began at Hali- fax on the 15th of October, 1787. The preachers pre- sent appear to have been, besides Mr. Black, Messrs. John and James Mann, William Grandine and Wil- liam Jessop. Like the first it was distinguished by love in the spirit, and harmony in counsel. During the session, Mr. Black opportunely received a letter REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 207 as much as lether you 3 state ; 3, such as to vhetherthe )erson with )ther quali- impartially, useful in a •ed your cir» )urself, and — and if the natural dis- [litable, then t fear of dis- ul that your rds the crea- rtship is con- ir nay, nay ; ith great de- prayer, dedi- e your hand, ment, I must rou, in your M Black." egan at Hali- ireachers pre- ack, Messrs. ne and Wil- inguished by isel. During seived a letter from a friend in New York, containing an account of one of the most remarkable revivals on record, then in progress in the States. Such thrilling intelligence coming just at the time they were deliberating on the means of promoting the work of God, was well adapt- ed to invigorate their faith, influence their zeal, and expand their anticipations of usefulness in the work to which they were about afresh to consecrate all their energies. The letter stated — "God is doing great things in New York. Several have lately found peace, and many are inquiring the way to Zion. But this is nothing in comparison of the great work God is carrying on in Virginia, especially in two circuits. Fifty, sixty, an hundred, yea, an hundred and fifly souls have been converted in a day. Many, even per- sons of the first rank, have been struck to the ground, as if dead, and lain as heaps of slain on the field of bat- tle. Seven thousand are supposed to be under con- victions in two circuits." A more particular account of this glorious outpouring of the Holy Spirit, was afterwards received by Mr. Black from his friend and brother Mr. Garrettson, in an extract of a letter he had received from a preacher labouring in the very scene of the Pentecostal visitation : — (C Petersburg, August 3d, 1787. ''Dear Brother, " Praise God for the consolation. I never read in Mr. Wesley's journals of so great a work (for the time) as God has been already and is still carrying on in these parts. I hear the revival extends one hundred and fifty miles south of this town. Last Saturday and Sunday I attended a quarterly meeting at brother Jones'. My pen cannot convey to you an idea of the M 208 MEMOIRS OP THE jH ii ' '■ i s3q A. I 'I* Ilk. h mighty power of God, as there displayed. I nerer saw the tenth part of such a work before. Before the preachers began to speak, the power of God came down. Hundreds of sinners began to cry aloud for mercy, and saints to rejoice, and pray for them. We had no other chance to preach to the people than by taking part of them into the woods at a distance from the cries of the rest. I suppose the congregation con- sisted of at least five thousand souls. I cannot attempt to give you an account of the particulars, but leave you to judge. Scores of sinners lay as in the pangs of death. It was thought that in this and the other quarterly meet- ing, held nearly at the same time, there were five hun- dred souls converted to God. On two or three circuits, within two months, about one thousand souls have found peace with God. Saints stand on the mountain top. Glory ! Glory ! Glory be to God that I ever lived to see this day in Virginia ! I am happy continually in God. I now feel the love of Jesus streaming down into my soul. Glory ! Glory be to the dying Lamb for ever ! " R. G." The autumnal months of this year were principally occupied by Mr. Black in visiting the societies in dif* ferent parts of the province, particularly those of Li- verpool, Shelbume, and Cape Negro. Important and successful as those labours were, it would be difficulty as they exhibit no incident of an unusually striking character, to exempt a minute detail of them from the tedium of monotony. His most absorbing engagements in other places, could never cause him to forget the so- ciety at Halifax, concerning which he naturally che- rished throughout life a pastoral solicitude peculiarly Ineyer efore the rod came aloud for em. We ie than by ance from ation con- ot attempt ; leave you ;s of death, terly meet- e five hun- ee circuits, aouls have B mountain [ ever lived continually ming down ing Lamb I" R. G." SKV. WILLIAM BLACK. 209 intense and vigilant. On the receipt of the animating letter, an extract contained in which has been given above, his mind instinctively flew to his beloved flock at Halifax, and was drawn out in the most fervent as- pirations for their felicity and increase. Denied the opportunity of giving utterance to these feelings per- sonally, he wrote to them fVom the fulness of his heart the following letter : — To the Methodist Society at Halifax. "Shelburne, Nov. 28, 1787. " Mr Dear Brethren and Sisters, ".Grace, mercy, and peace be unto you. The Lord knoweth that I love you, and long for light to surround the path in which you walk. Next to the light of my Redeemer's countenance, I count it my greatest joy to see you engaged for God, and the good of your souls ; ' walking in all his ordinances and commandments blameless.' O my brethren and sisters, let religion be the business of your lives j let it go with you into eve- ry company, attend you in every place, and it will pre- serve you from all evil. Wear it as a chain of gold about your neck ; esteem it as your brightest ornament, your greatest glory. Wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her self-denying paths are peace. She is a tree of life to every one that layeth hold of her, and happy is every^one that retaineth her : for the merchandise thereof is better than th^ merchandise of silver ; and the gain thereof, than fine gold. She is more precious far than rubies ; and all that can be de- sired are not to be compared to her. Do you desire honour ? Let it be the honour that cometh from God only. And what, my brethren, can be equal or coin^ T Z ' I ■• pi N ip II I. Ilk 210 MEMOIRS OP ttffi parable to the honour of being the sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse gene- ration— of being made priests and kings unto God for ever and ever ? And such honour have all the saints. Do you desire riches ? Let God be chosen as your chief good, and you are in possession of the pearl of ^reat price, even durable riches and righteousness. Covet to be rich in faith and good works ; so shall you be rich in the favour of God and the comforts of reli- gion here, and ere long, in the possession of a kingdom that cannot be moved. Would you l>e safe from fear of evil, exempt from all alarms ? ' Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.' So shall he hide you under the shadow of his wings, and cover you with his feathers ; he shall be your defence, your munition of rocks. You shall dwell on high ; bread shall be given you, and your water shall be sure. Though thousands fall at your right hand, and ten thousand at your lefl, God shall be a wall of lire around you : no evil shall come nigh your dwellings. But, oh ! should you love the world, pamper the flesh, and indulge the low tempta- tions of Satan, you will send your souls down to per- dition. Give then, O ! give all diligence to make your calling and election sure. Seek aller bright manifes- tations of the love of God, and continual communion with him. Provoke one another unto love, and to good works ; and let me entreat you, by all means to stir up the gift of God that is within you. Use all the means of grace, private, family, and public prayer; reading, hearing, and meditation on the word of God ; fasting, abstinence, and self-denial ; christian converse, bro- therly exhortations, and class-meetings. In future, my dear brethren j let us neglect none of these things. Somd fliBV. mLLIABt BLACK. an 1 without rse gene- > God for he saints. I as your e pearl of teousness. » shall you ts of reli- n kingdom from fear r the Lord ir, and let under the B feathers ; Bcks. You n you, and [ids fall at left, God shall come u love the w tempta- iwn to per- make your It manifes- ommunion ind to good s to stir up the means reading, d; fasting, irerse, bro- future, my ngs. Som^ J of you are backward in attending your class-meetings. Should I say wrong, were I to intimate the reason is, the spirit of watchfulness, of prayer, of self-denial, is dying away in your hearts P I fear I should not. If your hearts are entirely given to God, I cannot but think you will yet see good days in Halifax, and such a work of God as yon have never yet seen^ O, let us pray much for it. I bless God I have had profitable and delightful seasons since I left you. Brethren ! pray for me, that I may be faithful unto death. To make the hearts of sinners rejoice, and as matter of encouragement to mourners, I send you the following account of the work of God in Virginia. [The above extract is here inserted ; he then continues.] O ye saints of God, is not this good news ? Mourners ! is not this glad tidings ? O come, come to Jesus, and see the salvation of God. O come, His grace is free for alii for you. Now, even now, his arms are open to re- ceive you. Brethren ! Pray that the heavenly gale may blow upon the dry bones in Nova Scotia's vale. Methinks you already begin to pray ; and while you are yet call- ing, the Lord answers — ' I will cause my Spirit to en- ter into them, and they shall live.' Amen— even so, Lord Jesus. " I am, dear Brethren, " Your servant in the Gospel, " W. Black, CHAPTER IX. ^:3 'C! "•4. "h ■m ^' III, "^ O" III.. II) III lIH. BLACK RENEWS HIS COVENANT WITH GOD — DEPRESSING TEMPTATIONS — LETTER FROM MR. WESLEl — DEMONIACAL INFLUENCL- -CONSECUTIVE PREACHING TEMPTATIONS INCIDfi;XT TO THE SA- CRED OFFICE — MR. black's MEEKITTESS — HIS ZEAL FOR THE SALVATION OF SOULS — LETTER TO HIS FA- THER-IN-LAW — SUCCESS OF HIS LABOURS — HIS EAR- NEST DESIRES AND EFFORTS AFTER INCREASED HOLINESS J.ND USEFULNESS. Amon^ the means to wlkich holy men of God have in all ages resorted, for the purpose of promoting the divine life in their souls, they have found the renew- ing of their covenant with God at certain seasonsemi- nently influential, in detaching their affections from earth, quickening their spiritual desires, cherishing a watchful and devotional frame, and impelling to a more faithful discharge of all the duties of life. Whe- ther by an act of solemn dedication to God we should recognize our obligations to render uniform obedience to his laws, is a matter not left to our arbitration. The duty to do so is imperious, universal, and immutable. It is prescribed by the highest authority, and enforced by the most tremendous sanctions. In the " exceeding great and precious promises" by which God has gra- ciously engaged, by the continued exercise of all his perfections, to promote the felicity of hia people, we MLMOIRS, &C.. 213 GOD — iM MR. ECUTIVE THE BA- IIS ZEAL HIS FA- HI8 EAR- CREASED rod have oting the 16 renew- sonsemi- ions from rishing a ing to a Whe- ire should >bedience ion. The imutable. enforced sxceeding I has gra- of all his eople, we possess not the slightest claim to participation, un- less, on our part, by the surrender of our hearts and affections to Him, as their rightful claimant, and the dedication of all our powers to his service, we become his people. Every moment, therefore, that we post- pone our attention to this momentous transaction, we are disobeying the voice of God, despising the most exalted privilege of which we are susceptible, and perilling our immortal souls. If it be right, if it be indispensable for the repentant sinner, in his application to God for pardon and salva- tion, thus to resign himself to be governed as well as saved by him^ it is equally so for the believer to live under the full impression that " the vows of God are upon him ;" and the occasional renewal of his co- venant with God must serve to deepen as well as per- petuate his piety. Doubts have, indeed, been enter- tained by some good men, as to the propriety of co- venanting with God ia the form of a series of resolves drawn up for the purpose, and preserved as a com- memorative record of the transaction ; but we confess we are unable to appreciate the force of the reasons by which such scruples are originated. By assuming obligations which the word of God does not impose — by confounding, in our estimate of moral actions, in- firmities, inseparable from mortal humanity, with transgressions of the divine precepts — ^by placing any confidence for salvation in the act of our dedication to God, or in the fidelity with which we may discharge our recognised duties, we may indeed accidentally pervert the design of a solemn and important means of grace. But it is worthy of serious consideration of all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, whether evils, purely adventitious, or the apprehension of the 214 MSMOIES or TIIK 4- ■t. i| lit f« a solemn recognition of the great moral principle that pervades the New Testament — " Being not without law to God, but UNDER THE LAW TO GhRIST." The public " renewal of the covenant" at the com- mencement of every year, is a part of the spiritual economy of Methodism ; and its admirable adaptation, as evinced by experience, to answer the purpose for which it was introduced by its wise and pious founder, is the best recommendation of the practice. Whether Methodism in Nova Scotia was, in the earlier years of Mr. Black's ministry, conformed in this particular to Methodism in England, I am unable to say ; but that he individoally renewed bis covenant with God on the first day of every new year, from the period of his eonversion to his death, there is every reason to be- lieve. In this manner we find him entering on the year 178S ; not however without confessing and de- ploring the deficiency of his faith, fervour, and sin- cerity, as compared with the claims of a transaction of an import so solemn and momentous. And we seem to hear in his devout aspiration recorded in his jour- nal the following day — "Oh, my God, may this year be all devoted to thee ! Let not my heart be drawn aside" — the lingering echo of his recent engagements to live unreservedly to God. His labours throughout this year, as well as the spirit by which they were animated, fully accord with the results we should be naturally led to predict from I, I from an e, which mccess of nd which trances of gnition of the New God, but It the com- adaptation, purpose for »us founder, Whether lier years of articular to y ; but that ith God on leriod of his ason to be- ring on tha ing and de- and sin- ansaction of nd we seem in his jour- ay this year irt be drawn ingagements well as the accord with predict from KIT. WILLIAM BLACK. 315 •o pronising a commencement. The same steady zeal, the same unsparing diligence, and the same patient endurance of privation and fatigue by which he had heretofore been distinguished in doing the work of the Lord, are still conspicuous. Nor is there the slightest relaxation perceptible in his wonted at- tention to the state of his own heart. An introverted eye sleeplessly watches its movements, severely scru- tinizes all its motives, and marks the decline or eleva- tion of its spiritual desires and enjoyments. The former part of this year was, however, a sea- son of fiery trial from the adversary of his soul, and of unusual mental depression. To such an extent, indeed, does a tinge of melancholy predominate in his record of his experience during this period, that he appears, for at least part of the time, to have been too much under the influence of temptation to be capable of forming a correct estimate of his own spiritual state. The exercises of his mind at such seasons, cannot, it is apprehended, be more accurate- ly described than in the words of one in whom an ac- quaintance with the devices of Satan, unusually pro- found, was blended with a knowledge of the whole range of biblical literature.* — " In such cases Satan is oflen permitted to diffuse darkness into the under- standing, and envelope the heavens with clouds . Hence are engendered false viexes of God and His providence, of men, of the spiritual world, and parti- cularly of the person's own state and circumstances. £very thing is distorted, and all seen through a false medium. Indescribable distractions and uneasiness are hereby induced : the mind is like a troubled sea, * Dr. Clarke's reflectiooi on tlie third chapter of Job. ^f ^m' ( I 1^ '>»' 111 I f ? ■* r ^ , H H 816 MEMOIRS OP THE tossed by a tempest that seems to confound both bea> Ten and earth. Strong temptations to things which the soul contemplates with abhorrence, are injected ; and which are followed by immediate accusationst as if the injections were the offspring of the heart itself: and the trouble and dismay produced, are represented as the sense of guilt from the consciousness of having in heart committed these evils ! The soul is cast down but not destroyed ; perplexed, but not in despair. It is on all sides harrassed : without are fightings j within are fears, but the will is inflexible on the side of God and truth ; and the heart, with all its train of affections and passions, follows it. The man does not wickedly depart from his God ; the outworks are vio- lently assailed^ but not taken ; the city is still safe, and the citadel impregnable." A few extracts from his Journal will illustrate his feelings at this period. " January 19th. — The last week I have been most- ly occupied in reading, writing, and other religious employments : but I have felt but little freedom and fervency in prayer — little comfort in God or divine re- freshments from him ; but a great aversion to the cross, and coldness in duty. Alas ! although I am almost al- ways employed in the duties of religion, yet I seem to do nothing as I ought to do. " February 20th. — It sometimes appears as if trials are not far distant. When I compare my many mer- cies with my ungrateful returns, I seem to see the rod lifted up ; and am ready to conclude, surely if the Lord loves me, he must correct me — the thought distresses me — my flesh seems to creep — Lord, I fear before thee. But, Lord God, gracious and merciful, I deprecate 0th bea- rs which injected ; ttionSi as rt itself : presented )f having ul is cast m despair, fightings i )n the side its train of m does not ks are vio- ts still safe, Lustrate his been most- jr religious freedom and ir divine re- |to the cross, almost al- |et I seem to 1 as if trials many mer- see the rod if the Lord [ht distresses •before thee. I, I deprecate bET. WILLIAM BLACK. 217 Aot correction ; only give me to maintain a becoming carriage under thy hand. " April 20th. — Preached three times to day. I have found very little comfort in duties lately. O my lean- ness ! my leanness ! Just reason have I to complain. Oh ! that I were as in months past, as in the days when the candle of the Lord shone upon me, and every day brought fresh joys ! ' Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.' Surely, then, a want of uprightness, of purity of intention, must be the cause of a want of joy. O Lord, restore unto me the joy of thy salvation." The fact that amidst all this gloom and self^crimina- tion, " his will was inflexible on the side of God and truth," is apparent from the results of which they were productive. Instead of causing him to abandon his confidence, and restrain prayer before God, they had the opposite tendency : the depth of his prostra- tion in the awful presence of the Most High, was at- tended with proportional intensity of desire after the manifestations of his love, and with the most impor- tunate supplications for "grace to help in time of need." In proof of this, as his personal experience is now the topic of observation, it may be proper here to present the reader with an entry made in his Journal, under date of August 15th. " I rose earlier than common this morning, and spent two hours in devotional exercises. My heart was somewhat drawn out afler God. But, alas ! < How far from Thee I lie ! Dear Jesus, raise me higher.' I am, indeed, less than the least of all saints. How justly might God throw me out of the Ministry, and U ta""^-:' B as S19 MEMOIRS OF THS s out of the Covenant. The state of my mind appears to be this : — I seem to desire nothing but God. I have long since shook hands with the world : its manners and its maxims I have renounced. Its pleasures and honours are vain, and all its glories fading in my view. And yet I am, many timeSj hurried away in my mind by it, and my intercourse with heaven obstructed. My happiest days are those in which my mind is most with' God. He is my chief joy ; and in comparison of Him, all other things are dross and dung. I would be always delighting myself in the Lord, and adoring his perfections. Yet, strange as it may appear, I am frequently in such a frame that I neither discern his beauties, nor have any realizing sense of his being. All the vigour of my spirit flags and dies ; and I have no relish for either earthj heavetiy or Ood. It is a most distressing consideration to me, that I live at so low a rate, and so unworthy of my profession. Al- though my outward conduct appears blameless to men, my heart is not right with God. ** 1. I am wanting in humility. * Pride, that busy sin,* follows me wherever I go. I have frequently found it in the pulpit, in the parlour, and in the closet, robbing God of his honour, and insidiously courting the praise of men. O my God, humble me in the dust. " 3. I am manifestly wanting in zeal. It does not eat up all my time. I sleep too long in the mornings ; and do not, when I am up, properly improve every opportunity in study, conversation, prayer, &c. JVly talents are not all occupied as they ought to be, for the glory of God, and the good of men. " 8. I am also deficient in love to God and man. I dare not say that I do not love the Lord : but, alas ! how little do I love Him I All the powers of my soul REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 219 , appeart , I have mere and i honours jw. And lindbyit, 5ted. My id is most parison of , I would nd adoring pear, 1 am Jiscern hia his being, and I have od. It is a I live at so ission. Al- lameless to , that busy B frequently m the closet, courting the the dust. does not eat mornings •, prove every jr, &c. My ,0 be, for the and man. l but, alas ! of my soul ought to be absorbed in Him ; and inflamed with the most ardent, constant, and importunate desires after Him. — To man. Oh ! for the tender, melting, bowels of Jesus. Alas ! I can see sinners rush headlong into eternal death, without (many timeis) shedding one tear ; and too, too oflen do I address them in a cold and unaffecting manner. "4. Hence it appears that I am wanting in faith, the root of all. Oh, for a heartfelt conviction of the being, perfections, and attributes of God, as revealed in Jesus Christ ! Theii, with Moseff, I should endure as peeing Him who' is invisible, and prove' faithful in all hia house. O my soul f it is high time for thee to awake. This is strange conduct in a Christian — much more, in a Minister. Arise j Arise ! and in the strength of God, resolve, 1. To miaintain a continual sense of thy own nothingness ; to lie low at the feet of Jesus ; and reject witk abhorrence all the solicitations of pride —that God-robbing, '■ devil-like disposition. 3. Zea- lously to improVe thy time, by consecrating all thy strength and talents to the servicei of Christ, and of his Church. 3. Never to rest until thou lovest God with all thy powers, and thy neighbour as thyself. And, lastly, remember that without faith it is impoesible to please God. Lord, thou knowest I would heartily say Amjsn. O help me to arise, and shake myself from this lukewarm disposition. I blush ; and would hide me un- der the cross of Jesus. God be merciftil tome aisinner !'' It must have afforded him some alleviation, amidst his depression, to receive iHe following letter from Mr. Wesley, dated from Gloucester, March 19th, 1788. " My Dear BaiDTHiER, *' I am glad to find you are still going on in the !■% -' .■„),»,'fSj>»wj;.;i;i?.!;-.£!yitKi.n iaiiijisj6 220 MEMOIRS OF THE fM^lltei Sff glorious work to which you are called. We havo need to make haste therein ; to use all diligence. For the work is great ; the day is short ! and lonely is the night wherein no man can work ! " It is a kind Providence which has placed brother Anderson and you in one house. For you may have many opportunities of strengthening each others' hands in God. " It is well that Satan is constrained to show him- self so plainly in the case of those poor demoniacs. Thereby, he weakens his own kingdom, and excites us to assault him more zealously. In the beginning of the work in England and Ireland, we had many instances of the kind. But he now chooses to assault us by subtilty more than by strength. • ■' . > \ " I wish you would do all you possibly can to keep our brethren in peace with each other. And your pains will not be lost on poor John McGeary. There is much good in him. Indeed, he is naturally of a bold, forward temper. But I hope his zeal is now according to knowledge. Undoubtedly you know* the objections which r< * Mr. StrettOD was one of the preachers then stationed at Harbour Grace, in Newfoundland. Had the objections above re- ferred to, been of a very grave nature, or in Mr. Wesley's estima- tion, well sustained, it is likely he would have deemed something further necessary in the case, than friendly admonition. On the same day that he wrote the above letter to Mr. Black, he wrote also to Mr. Stretton, and alluded delicately to the same matter. The autograph happening to be among Mr. Black's papers, now lies before me ; and reluctant to suppress or mutilate any thing from the pen of Weslsy, I here insert it. To Mr. John Stretton, " Mv Dear Brother, ** I am glad the little contest between Mr. Balfour and Joiio REV. WILLIAM BLACK. m Ve hava ce. For ely is the d brother nnay have h others' •John Hoskins makes to John Stretton. If there is any ground for them, should you not freely and lovingly talk with brother Stretton } Praying that you may increase with all the increase of God, " I am, " Your affectionate friend and Brother. " John Wesley.'^ III how him- emoniacs. ,nd excites beginning had many ) to assault an to keep And your xy. There irally of a eal is now ions which stationed at tions above re- Bsley's cBtima- med something lition. On the ack, he wrote same matter. a papers, now ilate any thing ilfour and Joun The high value which Mr. Black attached to the; privilege of so intimate an association with his friend\ and brother, Mr, Anderson, on which Mr. Wesley congratulates him, is apparent from numerous refer- ences to it in his Journal, as also from his correspond- ence with that estimable man. As a specimen of the benefit they mutually derived from so beneficent a providence, Mr. Black's reflections on one of their McGeary, is come to a conclusion. It is good advice to every Christian, ' If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peace- ably with all men.' But of all others, the Methodists are con- cerned carefully to follow this advice. We are a new people, and consequently must expect that many wiil be prejudiced against us. And there is no way to remove that prejudice, but to overcome evil with good. The ^experience of Phcebe Bland is an admira- bly good one, truly consistent both with Scripture and reason ; and the account is well drawn up, with good sense, and in re- markably good language. " I have a confused remembrance of some objections against you last year, made I think by John Hoskins. I hope, if there was once some foundation for them, it is now removed. We have need to take the utmost care that the good which is in ns be not evil spoken of. « I am, " Your affectionate Brother, "JoHS Weslet." * Sent by Mr. Black to Mr. Wesley. U riSSfssmtsf^fms^B m s x tt a tMa ■■'« V U. 222 MEMOIRS OF THE spiritual interviews, may here be cited. " Truly our conversation was sweet and profitable. O, my God, what hast thou done for this family ! We seem to be all of one heart and soul — all striving together for the hope of the Gospel. We have nothing but peace in our borders from day to day. V7hat am I, O my Lord ! that thou shouldst deal thus with me, the least of all thy people." Mr. Wesley's remarics respecting demoniaesy were elicited by certain statements communicated to him by Mr. Black of some singular eases he had been call- ed to witness ; and particularly in relation to one that had fallen under his observation a short time previous- ly, the phenomena of which appeared plainly to indi- cate diabolical agency. It required four men to hold the unhappy individual, to prevent his injuring him- self or others ; and he, was with difficulty prevented from rushing on Mr. Black when he approached him. Persuaded that the man was under satanic influence, and that the prayer of faith was the only resource, Mr. Black immediately fell on his knees, and implor- ed help of Him to whose all-subduing power devils yield c trembling homage. A change the most surpris- ing instantaneously ensued. The wild agitations of the man's epirit subsided into a rational calm — ^tranquillity succeeded to torture — and the lips that a few moments before had uttered the language of blasphemy, breath- ed the praises of Jesus ! — Had a sceptic or a neologist been a spectator of the scene, he would probably have felt how inadequate are the theories of infidel philoso- phy, or of self-styled rationalism, to account satisfac- torily for sucli phenomena. After the District Conference, which was this year held at Hal'iax on the 6th of May, Mr. Black spent =■■ I m R£V. SILLIAM BLACK. 223 'ruly our my God, Bern to be er for the ; peace in I, O my I, the least iacBt were ted to him 1 been call- to one that le previous- inly to indi- nen to hold juring him- y prevented oached him. c influence, ily resource, and implor- »ower devils ost surpris- ;ation8of the •tranquillity few moments imy, breath- r a neologist •obably have Ifidel philoso- lunt satisfac- ms this year 1. Black spent about a month in visiting Shelbume, Barrington, Cape Negro, Port Latore, and Fort Medway ; and on his return to Halifax, found the work of the Lord prospering in the hands of Mr. James Mann, under whose ministry Miss Rebecca Lovell, who afterwards proved an ornament of the cause, was on this occa- sion converter! to Ood. It is among the admitted disadvantages of an itine- rant ministry, in country places where the preachers' appointments are numerous, that it is seldom in his power to pursue a cours6 of consecutive instruction on any extended portion of Scripture, or in any de- partment of the system of theology^ When regularly officiating to the same congregation, the Christian minister will And hi» own account in occasionally, at least, adopting this method, while it will be found equally conducive to the profit of his people. No" thing more powerfully tends to induce that habit of close attention to the word q/' furnish ma- en him and a ighly esteem- owever, it is otive inallud- ischarge with lan, the func* inadvertence, ome inconve- Wray, who, ed himself to nost kind and respectful. The receipt of the letter is thus noticed by Mr. Black in his Journal : " I had a sharp, severe letter from the assistant preacher, J. W., to-day ; but I bless God it did not move me." We subjoin an extract from Mr. Black's conciliatory reply : — "Mt Dear Brother, " I am always sorry when I occasion trial to any of my friends ; more especially when my friend is a Christian brother ; and most of all, when that brother is a Preacher. But what shall I say ? I am, indeed, as you say, ' but a child still, in many things not more knowing than little Martin ;' and on this account must beg you to bear with me the more. I have not wilfully iffended. In bringing away the class-paper I certain- ly was forgetful. Your appointment at Windsor I will endeavour to fulfil, if I walk to it. But is not my dear brother hasty, in saying if I disappoint him in this I shall never do so again ? I know not that I ever acted contrary to any of your directions wilfully. " If in giving out preaching at Comwallis I did not advert to the state of the tide, I must entreat you to pardon my inattention here also. I trust I shall be more careful in future. ...... , . "I hope my letter reached your hand, to convince you that you were mistaken in thinking I had broken my promise in not writing to you. My letter was written before Mr. Dewolf left town, but as the packet was then coming up the harbour, I did not wish to send it until her arrival, that I might, in a postscript, inform you whether there were any Preachers on board. My soul prays for your prosperity. I remain, with a heart full of love, " Your ajQfectionate Brother. " 223 MEMOIRS or THE Wj have already had frequent occasion to remark) in the progress of our narrative, that \vhilst the pri- mary object of Mr. Black's solicitude was the salva' tion of his own soul, his zeal for the immortal welfare of others was so tender and expansive, as forcibly to remind us of the divine flame that glowed in the bo- soms of the first heralds of the cross. The manifes- tations of this spirit were not confined to the pulpit. His conversation was " always with grace, seasoned with salt ]** and his correspondence was decidedly, nnd, indeed, almost exclusively, spiritual. In address- ing believers, he delighted to expatiate on the most elevated topics of practical godliness ; and in writing to those whose state ho considered unsafe, or who were groaning for the redemption in the blood of Jesus, his appeals, admonitions, and directions were characteriz- ed by the most affectionate fidelity. And he knew how to be faithful without being rude. He could enforce the most solemn and searching truths without violating any conventional propriety of life. Take as a speci- men of his admirable address in this respect the fol- lowing letter, addressed to his father-in-law, Mr. Gay, then in London, in which Christian zeal and profound filial respect beautifuHy coalesce. "Affectionate Father, " We expected to have had the pleasure of seeing you here before this time : but since Providence has ordered it otherwise, we desire to submit ; praying God to direct all things for the best. " We trust. Sir, that your stay in England, though involuntary and necessary, will be both pleasing and profitable. May the Lord so overrule it that it may answer the best of purposes, in drawing your afifectionii REr. WILLIAM BLACK. 229 remark » the pri- 10 salvo- l welfure ►rcibly to I the bo- manifes- 18 pulpit, seasoned lecidedly, n address- 1 the most in writing • who were ■ Jesus, hia haracteriz- I knew how luld enforce ut violating as a speci- 3Ct the fol- , Mr. Gay, id profound re of seeing 'idence has iraying God md, though leasing and "that it may ir affections il'oni too great an attachment to the creatures, the lieat of which cannot satisfy the cravings of a heaven-born, immortal spirit. ♦' O, my Father ! what happiness, what genuine hap- piness there is to be found in God, even on this side the grave ! A peace that passeth all understanding — a joy that is unspeakable and full of glory —a meekneaa which no affront can move — and a love that overcometh all things; with a faith that purifies the heart, adorns the life, and endears the Saviour in all his offices ; that calms our fears, tranquillizes our consciences, gladdens our hearts, and disarms death of his sting. This, my Father, this is the religion of the Bible ! of Jesus ! This is the religion, in the propagation of which I de- sire to spend my life. This I recommend to my Fa- ther. But I stop. Perhaps I offend. I did not think of saying half so much. But this is my darling topic, and therefore I must beg you to bear with me. " I am, honoured Sir, "With great esteem, ' " Your affectionate Son-in-law." Mr. Hlark's labours during the year 1788, although nninuited with ardent and untiring zeal, were not im- mediately as productive as those of some previous years ; yet were they neither barren nor unfruitful. In the sanctuary, in his pastoral intercourse with the I'urnilies to whom he had access, and at the bed of death, he was permitted to witness some remarkable visitations of divine power. Among the latter, the chamber where Mrs. Marchington, a highly respecta- ble member of the society, met her fate, was peculiar- ly privileged. She expired on the 24th of November, in the full triumph of Christian faith and joy ; and Mr. V 230 MEMOIRS OF THE Black improved the occasion in a discourse to about eight hundred people, from the appropriate words : — " Thanks be to God, which giveih us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ !" The reflections and resolves recorded in his Journal under date of December 30th, instructively show that he closed as he had commenced the year—in a spirit of unreserved consecration to God and his cause : — " I am convinced that though God gives a clean heart, and renews within us a right spirit, for his own name sake, yet will He do it only in such a way as shall exercise our diligence and care. And I am deeply sensible of my short-comings, — "1. In frequent, close, impartial ielf-examination. This is painful but profitable work. The man of sin is hereby dragged into open day, and destroyed by the beams of heavenly light. By this means we become better acquainted with ourselves, and more deeply feel our need of the blood and spirit of Jesus. I propose, therefore, in future, to examine more closely into the state of my soul, by solemnly instituting such inquiries as the following : In what spirit have I performed the duties of public and private devotion ? and what re- gard have I maintained to God in the interval of those exercises ? What diligence have I used in observing providence, and redeeming time 7 What command have I exercised over my appetites and passions ? What concern have I felt to discharge with fidelity all relative duties ? How have I relished the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel ? Upon the whole, how am I advancing in my journey to a better world ? '•' 2. Inprayer, es])ecia\]y private pray er. I have no stated times for private devotion except morning and evening. I believe it will be preferable for me to re- REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 231 to aboot vords : — victory, IS Journal show that a spirit of use :-" I heart, and ame sake, 11 exercise sensible of '.amination. man of sin ayed by the we become 1 deeply feel I propose, ely into the ch inquiries rformed the nd what re- val of those n observing it command I passions ? h fidelity all the peculiar e, how am I I have no norning and or me to re- tire at some special time, when practicable, as '' any time is often no time ;" viz., at nine o'clock in the morning, and five in the afternoon. I ought to blush when I think of the aversion I many times feel to this duty, and the worldly thoughts, unbelief, and sad cold- ness that too often attend its performance. O Lord ! forgive my prayers ! *' 3. In preaching. I want a greater love for souls, and a deeper sensQ of their worth. I am not sufficient- ly impressed with the lamentable, woful state of the unconverted part of ray hearers ; nor do I feel a pro- per sympathy with the tempted. My preaching often appears superficial and unaflfecting. O ! for the skill of those who are wise to win souls ! <' 4. In conversation. My words are not always weighty ; too often, alas ! light as air. They want more seasoning with the salt of God's fear and love. I would not speak but to his glory. — O, Thou who art the centre of happiness, and the perfection of beauty ! I would not, I cannot be satisfied to serve Thee after this poor manner, • Strange fires far from my soul remove, — '• My every act> ward, thought, be love !' '* >w^ . v- CHAPTER X. PERSONAL RELIGION — MR. BLACK'S RENEWED DEDICA' TION OF HIMSELF TO GOD, AND HOLY RESOLVES — EXTRACTS FROM HIS JOURNAL — AFFLICTIONS AND SUBMISSION — HIS ORDINATION BY DR. COKE — THE doctor's DESIGNATION BY MR. WESLEY AS A GENE- ilAL SUPERINTENDENT OR BISHOP — THE ORDERS OF PRESBYTER AND BISHOP IDENTICAL — THE CHURCH AND THE METHODISTS — DR. COKE APPOINTS MR. BLACK SUPERINTENDENT OF NOVA SCOTIA. . " Schooling the heart," observes a spiritual and sententious writer, " is the grand means of personal religion. To bring motives under faithful examina- tion is a high state of religious character : with re>- gard to the depravity of the heart we live daily in the disbelief of our own creed. Acting from the occasion, without recollection and inquiry, is the den.th of per- sonal religion. It will not suffice merely to retire to the study or the closet. The mind is sometimes, in private, most ardently pursuing its particular object ; and as it then acts from the occasion, nothing is farther from it than recoil ectedness. I have, for weeks toge- ther, in pursuit of some scheme, acted so entirely from the occasion, that, when I have at length called my- self to account, I have seemed like one awaked from a dream. ' Am I the man who could think and speak BO and so ? Am I the man who could feel such a dis- MEMOIRS, &C. 233 > DEDICA" SOLVES — > [QNS AND )KE — THE S A GENE- »EDERS OF a CHURCH ilNTS MR. iritual and f personal examina- with re^ ally in the occasion, ith of per- retire to etimes, in lar object ; g is farther 'eeks toge- tirely from ailed my- aked from and speak such a dis- jposition, or discover such conduct ?' The fascination and enchantment of the occasion is vanished ; and I stand like David in similar circumstances before Na- than. Such cases in experience are, in truth, a moral intoxicatio'n ; and the man is only then sober when he begins to school his heart."* These monitory suggestions of the venerable Cecil hold up a mirror to every Christian in which he will immediately recognize his own image. Nor Jet it be forgotten that the recoUectedness and self-scrutiny which he so impressively recommends, necessary to the healthy vigour of religious principle and feeling un- der all circumstances, are particularly demanded at a period when, paradoxical as the intimation may seem, the exhibitions of zeal for the conversion of the world, in which the various denominations of Christians are displaying so animated an emulation, may uncon- sciously operate against the depth of personal piety, by fostering a habit of religious dissipation. The heart is deceitful, and requires to be garrisoned with sleepless vigilance. While apparently occupied with the most magnificent purposes and plans of usefulness, some unsuspected obliquity may contaminate its mo*^ lives : while expanding to the interests of humanity, it may forget to look at home. Religious biography is useful chiefly as by laying bare the heart of its sub- ject, it excites us to cultivate a better acquaintance with our own. In comparison of this object, the informa- tion we may acquire concerning the outward circum- stances, the intellectual character, or the public career of any individual, or respecting the events of cotem- poraneoue history, is of little value. Under this im , * Cecil's Remains. V o f'-TWiflniftii'tiW-Mi' ij!| ', , ^^1 ^3 !5- s m 234 MfiMOIRS OF THE pression Mr. Black, in the materials he has left for the illustration of his character, has been as minute in the history of his heart as in the record of his labours. Like him, whom of all human beings he took for hia model — the incoiAparable Wesley — he was prepared to say " to candid, reasonable men, I am not afraid to lay open what have been the inmost thoughts of my heart." This he has done in every part of his Jour- nal ; but on no occasion with greater explicitness and solemnity than under date of January 1, 1789 : — " Thy mercies," he wrftcs ; " O my soul, have been many, and thy thankfulness ought to be proportionally great. By the grace of God I would devote my body and soul to Him : and I now'desire to do sven again in writing what I have already done upon my knees. " O ! thou great, supreme, eternal God — the Father of mercies, and Creator of all things ! I have sorely revolted from Thee ; and I confess it would have been just in Thee to have cut me off and sent me to hell. But I trust Thy grace hath called me — Thy mercy hath forgiven me, and Thy spirit comforted my h^art. Through boundless grace, some tokens of which Thou hast given me this morning, I believe 1 am Thy child. My life, my bodt/y my soul, my all, I here de- vote to Thee. Lord ! from Thee I received them all : to Thee I desire, in solemn devotion, to return them. How Thou wilt dispose of me or mine t' is year I know not ; but I now devote all to Thee. Oh ! suffer me not to repine at Thy disposal of what is now no longer mine but thine. Here, my Lord, I would lay down my own will ; do Thou direct my wander* ng feet. Thou art my Shepherd, I shall not want ; Tht 'i art my rock, and :i Thee will I trust ; my God, and 1 will praise TbeQ. Do Thou but quicken my soul by tLtV. WILLIAM DLACf. 235 It for the te in the labours. ik for his epared to afraid to its of my his Jour- tness and 1789 :— [lave been )ortionally 3 my body en again in knees. ■the Father ave sorely I have been me to hell. mercy hath my h^art. of which 3 1 am Thy I here de- i them all : itum them, t' is year I Oh ! suffer is now no would lay wander' ng ant •, Thi '» |God, and i ly soul by Thy grace, and support me in all my conflicts with the adverse powers ; and I promise, "To be more watchful in the performance of public and private duties, ■ , " To maintain a more constant regard to Thy pre- sence in the intervals of duty, " To observe with closer attention Thy providence, " To redeem time i and endeavour to improve it bet- ter than heretofore, '' To prize the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel more highly than I have done, ' " To keep a stricter watch over my appetites and passions, " To be more strict in the discharge of my relative duties both as a Christian and as a minister, " To wrestle with Thee for more lo\ e to Jesus, and precious souls, " To maintain a greater regard to Thy glory > and seek the destruction of pride. " On Thee would I lean for help to do all these things. I O my compassionate Lord, help a poor, weak and feeble worm to take up Thy cross and follow Thee ! Oh ! wash me throughly in Thy blood. May the life 1 live be by faith in the Son of God ! These with my iiand I subscribe as my sincere though feeble purposes and desires. "William Black." This was a day long to be remembered. His cup ran over ; and his supreme, his one desire was to be perfectly assimilated to the image of his Saviour. In these feelings his eminently pious partner fully parti- cipated ; — a circumstance which he does not forget to "«?««'"*'*• '^30 MEMOIRS OF THE Wr- r ": notice : " My wife also has found this a sweet, refresh- ing day to her soul." The anniversary of his dedication to God— for such, from his invariable practice, we may term the first day of the y^^ar — was appropriately followed on the second of January by a deliberate and grateful review of the most signal mercies of his life, of which memory re- tained the record. Among these his singular and pro- vidential escape from an early death, the circumstances of wliich are related in the first chapter, claims parti- ticular notice ; and it is also highly instructive, as shewing his deep and even awful sense of the malig- nity of sin, to observe with what mingled feelings of thankfulness and humiliation, he records his obliga- tions to the restraining grace of God, by which amidst much exposure to temptation he had been preserved from falling into many sins, into which the unchecked depravity of his heart would have precipitated him. This is a view of the mercy of God by which we shall be affected in proportion as we feel a sacred horror of offending him, and appreciate the happiness of a con- science unstained by presumptuous £in. The guilt that attaches to the corrupt desires and evil imaginations of our hearts, though never developed in overt acts of transgression, is, indeed, sufficient to condemn us, and to fill us with shame even in the day when the Lord is pacified towards us : it is, nevertheless, an unspeaka- ble mercy to be kept back from presumptuous sin, whether by the intervention of providence, or the con- trol of covenant grace. — From a devout retrospect of past mercies to the duty of self-examination, the tran- sition is natural. We find this order in Mr. Black's spiritual exercises : and, as usual, he .^ees in the im- perfection of his obedience so many causes for self-cri- REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 237 reffesh- ar such, first day B second w of the mory re- and pro- mstances tns parti- ictive, as le malig- eelings of lis obliga- ich amidst preserved unchecked tated him. h we shall horror of of a con- guilt that laginalions ert acts of mn us, and Ihe Lord is unspeaka- ituous sin, ,r the con- ;ro8pect of , the tran- r. Black's in the im- •or self-cri- mination, that full relief for tho conscience is to be found only by throwing himseli' under the wings of t!ie cherubim. " Jesu," he exclaims — " Jesu, Tby blood and righteousness My beauty are, my glorious dress ; 'Midst flaming worlds in these arrnyed, With joy shall I lift up my head !" But let it not be conceived that the operation of b\s unlimited faith in the atonement for acceptance with God, which produced inward tranquillity, terminated here : it was equally efficient of inward purity. This is the unfailing result of the faith that works by love ; the grand practical refutation of the heresy that sepa- rates things morally indissoluble— /atf A and holiness. The preceding pages are fraught with exemplifications of this remark. Mr. Black was not one of those who, after beholding themselves in the gospel mirro % go their way, and straightway forget what manner of per- sons they are : he looked into the perfect law of ! iber- ty aad continued therein. How well the vigou' and uniformity of his efforts and aspirations after holiness this year, accorded with the elevated standard of piety to which, at its commencement, he so solemnly en- gaged to seek a conformity, the following extracts, se- lected from a mass of kindred materials, sufficiently attest : — " Sunday, 4th. — The greater part of this day my de- sires have been much drawn out in prayer. My soul thirsts for a conformity to the divine pleasure ; yet have I had but little comfort. My dete/mination, however, remains unchanged. The Lord is my portiou, saith my soul. I preached three times to-day ; some were blessed ; but in general I fear the people are dead. '^Tuesday, 6th.— I had considerable liberty in speak- 238 MEMOIRS OF TH£ ■.!;' I iiig from Jer. ii : 1—3 : " Thus saith the lord : I re member thee, the days of thy youth and the love of thine espousals, when thou foUowedst me in the wil- derness, a land that was not sown." In preaching to others, I would preach to mystif. Lord, stir up my soul to remember the time of my espousals. I then had greater warmth of affection than I nov have ; though perhaps I was not so established in my judg- ment, not so well acquainted with the devices of Sa- tan or the deceitfulness of my own heart. «Jh ! give me a deeper sense of my ingratitude to Thee, my hea- venly bridegroom, and unfaithfulness to my celestial husband. Write me on the palms of Thy hands ; set me as a seal on Thy breast, and on thine arm ; for jea- lousy is cruel as the grave. Short of that state in which I can ' rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in every thing give thanks,' I would not rest. " Sunday, 11th. — I had uncommon liberty in f i-each- ing to-day. Lord, let not Thy word fall to the ground. My soul is refreshed — my faith quickened — my hopes are invigorated — and my confidence in the atonement strengthened. I hc^^" none but Christ in whom to trust. His atoning blood and prevailing intercession alone form a ground for my faith and hope. But forbid it, heavenly Father that, with the practical Antinomian, I should make the atonement of Thy Son only a cover for my sin : < Ratlier I would in darkness mourn The absence of thy face ; Than e'er by light irreverence, turn Thy grace to wantonness.' "Saturday, 17th. — Lord, I would not deceive my own soul, and conclude I love Thee, when I do not. Search me and try my ways ; prove me and know my ith the lord : I re^ ith and the love of edst me in the wil- " In preaching to Lord, stir up my ' espousals. I then than I nov have ; Wished in my judg- the devices of Sa- il heart. Oh ! give ie to Thee, my hea- less to my celestial i of Thy hands ; set 1 thine arm ; for jea- >f that state in which hout ceasing, and in not rest. jon liberty in fi-each- d fall to the ground, lickened— my hopes ce in the atonement ist in whom to trust, ff intercession alone lope. But forbid it, actical Antinomian, ly Son only a cover SB mourn ice, turn > uld not deceive my hee, when I do not. ve me and know my REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 239 heart : lead me in the right way. I would be little, mean and vile in my own eyes. Thou, O Christ, art made of God unto me toiadom ; do Thou direct my wandering feet in the way to a city of habitation — my righteousness; do Thou justify me freely from all things from which I could not be justified by the law of Mo- ses — my sanctification; do Thou cleanse my soul from all the remains of the carnal mind ; from pride, envy, love of the world, and unbelief. Yea, seal me unto the day of eternal redemption ! " Sunday I8th. — God has various methods of deal- ing with his children ; and they also are of various dis- positions, which, together with the various circum- stances in which they are placed, and the temptations with which they are exercised, may in part account for their different frames. Some appear to be alter- nately in raptures, and ready to sink in unbelief and despondency ; filled with joy, or overwhelmed with sorrow. In general my walk (at least outwardly) has been pretty even. Through the severest exercises I have yet met with, the Lord has not suffered me to be greatly moved. I do not remember that anger ever had a place in my heart for one minute against any one, since I first knew the Lord. If I felt it rise, I looked to the Lord, and was delivered. Blessed be his name for this ! By grace I am saved ; and grace shall have the glory. I am never enraptured with joy, nor overpowered with sorrow ; yet neither am I with- out joys and sorrows. At times I feel Jesus inex- pressibly precious : and at such seasons I long for holiness, for a full conformity to the divine will. His commandments then are not grievous ; all things are easy, — and his cross my glory. " Sunday 25th. — Since I left home (he was now at ;f:' '::.<' i: . J ' m i '1 If"' *M0 MEMOIRS or THE Windsor) my devotions have been sadly interrupted, partly from want of opportunity to retire, but more for want of a heart to pray in every time and place. The promise I have been explaining to the people, I would enforce on my own heart. Thou Lord, hast said that though a worm, yet believing in Theo I shall thresh the mountains. Here, my soul ! is ground for thy Oiith : only believe, and thou shalt see the mountains melt and flow down at the presence of the Lord. What art thou, O great mountain ? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become u plain. Lord Jesus, Thy grace is sufficient for me. Breathe, O breathe heavenly vigour and life into my barren soul. •* Wednesday 28th. — Lord, I am shortly about to preach in Thy name. Do Thou direct me to a suitable text, and enable me so to treat it, that Thy word may reach the hearts of the people. Unless it does this my preaching is vain. But let me first preach to my own heart. Let me not preach to others xyhat I would not practice myself." On the 17th of February, he returned from his ex- cursions through the townships of Windsor, Fal- mouth, and Horton, cheered with the conviction that his strength had not been spent for naught. On the day following he remarks : " I, often find, immediately on my coming home, my mind dissipated ; and it is with great difficulty I can get it staid on God." Under date of March 6th, he has these heart-stirring reflections on the incalculable value of time : " O ! precious, all important time ; how little am I sensible of thy worth ! On thee, eternity itself is suspended, I am now sowing the seeds, the products of which I am to reap in a future world, in heaven or hell. Impressive thought ! tremendous reflection ; Good ■;!■ cr gloom by the affliction of Mrs. B' 'ck. On the I2rh of Novem- lK3r, she was attacked will; a raging fever ; "but," Ut use his own words, " what was far worse to bear, hei- mind was covore«l with darkness : all her former evidences of God's favour were clouded ; and she was •strongly tempted to give up afl, and believe she had never known the pardoning love of God. I firmly believed, however, that these violent throes of mental «lirttress would be followed by greater comforts : and I was the more confirmed in this jiorsuaHion, because of her vehement breathings of soul after entire holiness, and tho afflicting views she had of the odious nature of sin. Truly, as the hart panteth af\er the water brook, so panteth her soul after God, even the livinj; God. Her present condition and distress she appeared very solicitous to improve, and feared lest she shOuM lose her distress without clear views of redeeming love. ' Oh !' she cried, * I have lived too much at easr —How could I rest without daily and lively communiot) with God !' But God showed that He heareth prayer He soon broke into her soul, filled her with stron;^ consolations, and surrounded her with songs of deli- verance. — Blessed be Thy worthy name, glorious Re- deemer ! Thy praise is in all the churches ! O help RCV. WILLIAM BLACK. 243 ning ivfu-n lought shv. art, I Imvo will of the mvo much ist, as also doals kind- i8orve." ghtening, i' Br gloom by of Noveiri- ; «'but," ti» to bear, her her former and she wa« iove hIio had wi. I firmly es of mental ifort^ : and I 1, because of tire holinesH, diouB nature >r the. water en the living ihe appeared it she should f redeeming much at easr communion |areth prayer with strong longs of deli- glorious Re- Us ! O help Thy servant to praisn Theo for Thy n>ercie8 to kiiri- nelf, and to hiH family.*' Long as Mi. Black had now l)ecn engaged in the work of tho ministry, and signalized as his laliuurs had been by tho demonstrations of the Holy Spirit in tho conversion of souls, ho had never, up to the month of May in this year, had an opportunity of receiving re- gular ordination. Not feeling authorized, without tho Hanction of that ceremonial, to administer the sacni- inents, it was of course the object of hij earnest de- sire, as a means of leas restricted usetulness. The provision which Mr. Wesley had been constrained to inako in order to meet tho exigenriPH nf the Methodist societies in the United States, soon after the rer igni- tion of their independence, by the designation of i^r. Coke as a general Superintendent of those societies, afforded Mr. Black a convenient opportunity of receiv- ing ordination from the hands of that venerable in- dividual. For this purpose he resolved if possible to attend the American Conference at Philadelphia, in which the Doctor was expected to preside. A gra- cious work appearing among the soldiers in the gar- rison, just OS he contemplated that visit, he was not without scruples as to the propriety of leaving them ; which evinces tho intensity of h^ :nterest in the prosperity of Zion. These scrupuc were however overruled ; and accompanied by the Rev. John and James Mann (who went for tho same purpose,) he sailed for Philadelphia on tho 7th of May, and arriv- ed there on the 19th, where he met Dr. Coke, Mr. Asbury, and a number of the preachers. In the even- ing he was ordained a Deacon, and on the following day, an Elder. Connected as the validity of the ordinations per- J 244 MEMOIRS OF THE mi formed by Dr. Coke may be, in the apprehension of some, wiih Mr. Wesley's authority to invest the Dr, with the powers and prerogatives of a Christian Bishop — for such his office of Superintendent on the American Continent really involved — it may be pro- per to exhibit in this place Mr. Wesley's own expose of the grounds on which l\fi proceeded in that designa- tion ; — "(1.) By a very uncommon train of providences, many of the provinces of North America are totally disjoined from their mother country, and erected inta independent states. The English Government has no authority over them, either civil or ecclesiastical, any more than over the states of Holland. A civil autho- rity is exercised over them, partly by the Congress, partly by the Provincial Assemblies. But no one either exercises or claims any ecclesiastical authority at all. In this peculiar situation, some thousands of the inhabitants of these States desire my advice : and in compliance with their desire, I have drawn up a little sketch. " (2.) Lord King's account of the primitive church, convinced me, many years ago, that bishops and pres- byters are the same order, and consequently have the same right to ordain. For many years I have been importuned, from time to time, to exercise this right, by ordaining part of our travelling preachers. But I have still refused, not only for peace sake, but because I was determined, as little as possible, to violate the established order of the national church to which I belonged. "(3.) But the case is widely different between England and North America. Here there are bishops, who have a legal juripdiction. In America there are REV. WILLIAM BLACK. <245 heDsioQ of !8t the Dr, Christian lent on the lay be pro- >wn expose mtdesigna- irovidencea, I are totally erected inta ,ment has no asticalj any civil autho- e Congress, But no one 3al authority ;housands of advice : and drawn up a |itive church, ^ps and pres- itly have the I have been |se this right, ihers. But I but because violate the to which I lent between [e are bishops, tea there aro hone, neither any parish ministers. So that for some hundred miles together, there is none either to baptize or to administer the Lord's Supper. Here, therefore, ray scruples are at an end : and I conceive myself at full liberty; as I violate no order, and invade no man's right, by appointing and sending labourers into the harvest. " (4.) I have accordingly appointed Db. Coke and Mr. Francis As3ury to be joint superintendents over our brethren in North America ; as also Richard Watcot and Thomas Vasey, to act as elders among them by baptizing and administering the Lord's Sup- per. And [ have prepared a liturgy, little differing from that of the Church of England (I think the best constituted national church in the world) which I ad- vise all the travelling preachers to use, on the Lord's day, in all the congregations, reading the litany only on Wednesdays and Fridays, and praying extempore on all other days. I also advise the elders to adminis- ter the Lord's Supper on every Lord's day. " (5.) If any one will point out a more rational and scriptural way of feeding or guiding those poor sheep in the wilderness, I will gladly embrace it. At pre- sent I cannut see any better method than that I have taken. " (6.) It has indeed been proposed to desire the English Bishops to ordain part of our preachers for America. But to this I object, [1.] I desired the bishop of London to ordain only one, but could not prevail. [2.] If they consented, we know the slow- ness of their proc3eding3 ; but the matter admits of no delay. [3.] If they would ordain them now, they would likewise expect to govern them ; and how grievously would this entangle us ? [4.] A» our W 2 346 MEMOIRS OF THE American brethren are now totally disentangled both from the state, and from the English hierarchy, we dare not entangle them again either with the one or with the other. Thoy are now at full liberty simply to follow the scriptures and the primitive church. And we judge it best that they should stand fast in the liberty wherewith God has so strangely made them free.* "John Wesley." £:!:! ^ • If the sacred elevation of Mr. Wesley's character has exempted him from the imputation of unworthy motives in this business, the propriety of the measure itself has not been unquestioned : under the predomi- nating influence of High Church prejudice it has been assailed with unsparing censure. This was to be ex- pected. Even Mr. Charles Wesley earnestly remon- strated against it, nnd deemed it no unsuitabl" occa- sion for the exercise of his satirical talent. But every objection that has ever Lecu urged against its proprie- ty was anticipated by Mr. Wesley himself, and is com- pletely obviated, as it appears to us, in the explana- tion which, with a view to commend himself to every man's conscience in the sight of God, he has furnish- ed in the preceding letter. It has been alleged that it was preposterous for Mr. Wesley, who was himself only a presbyter, to assume the authority to ordain a Bishop. But this apparent incongruity results not from his principles, but from the assumption of those who impugn his procedure, that bishops and presbyters are distinct orders, a position of the fallacy of which Mr. Wesley had long been convir^^ed. This conviction * Minutes of Confwence, for 1785. I RKV. WILLIAM BLACK. 247 gled both •chy, we lie owe or ,y Bimply ( church, fast in the ade them EISLET >) character unworthy le measure B predomi- it has been 18 to be ex- gtly remon- itabl • occa- But every its proprie- j!id is com- le explana- df to every las furnish- 3ged that it as himself o ordain a ts not from those who ssbyters are which Mr. conviction was founded upon the fact, that those appellations are indiscriminately applied in the Scriptures to designate the same station in the church ; whence it is plain that the orders were originally identical. Thus the elders of the Ephesian church are addressed collectively by St. Paul &8 episcopoii bishops i (Acts xxvii : 17,38) and where he directs Titus to ordain presbyters, he immediately calls them episcopoi. (Titus i : 5 — 7.) On two 'other occasions (1 Tim. iii : 1, 8 ; Phil, i : 1) the office of presbyters is called by the same Apostle epis' cope ; and that of diakonoi, deacons, is immediately afterwards referred to, as the only other office exist" ing in the church. In like manner the Apostle Peter exhorts presbyters " to discharge the office of bishops" — episcopountes (1 Pet. v : 1, 2.) F^esbyter appears appropriately to denote the rank or office itself, and bishop intimates the duties that devolve upon those who sustain that rank. According to the most learned of ecclesiastical historians, Neander, * " the name of presbyters, by which this office was at first designated, was transferred to the Christian church from the JeW" ish synagogues. But now, when the churches had spread themselves among the heathen of Grecian ori- gin, there was associated with this appellation, thus borrowed from the civil and religious constitution of the Jews, another name, more connected with the mode of designating social relations among the Greeks, and better adapted to denote the official duties connected with the dignity of presbyters. This was the appel- lation episcopoi, overseers, over the whole church and over all its affisiirs ; just as in the Attic civil adminis- tration, those who were sent out to organize the states ♦ Bib. Repository ; vol. iv. p. 254. BiMi i'>i'''>'*'Hii )e. I Ik P J,. ir 243 MEMOIRS OP THE dependent on Athens, were called episeopoi ; and just as this name seems to have become generally current in the language of civil life, to denote any kind of go- verning superintendance in the public administration." Nothing can be plainer, than that notwithstanding this shade of difference in the import of these appeHations, they designate one and the same ofBce, since, as we have sufficiently proved, they are used interchangeably by the Apostles as being entirely synonymous. It was not until the age following that of the Apostles, if so early, thpt the person who presided in the delil)era- tions of the presbyters was distinctly entitled episcopos, and then he was regarded not as superior to the rest in rank, but merely as u primus inter pures, the first among equals. It must now be obvious to the reader, that in the appointment of Dn Coke as a superinten- dent or bishop, Mr. Wesley closely followed the Scrip- tures and the primitive church. It was the extension of the Doctor's office for a specia'^ purpose, not the in- vesting him with a new one. And from what indivi- dual or number of individuals could such an appoint- ment have so appropriately emanated, as from the fa- ther and founder of the Methodist Societies, whose pa- ternal supremacy was recognized throughout the whole connexion f Such was the source whence Mr. Black derived the official and public authentication of his Divine call to the Work of the ministry. The solemn occasion did not pass without calling up a vivid recollection of his responsibility, and exciting him to cry afresh to God for help to be " faithful in all his house." " My great- est fear," says he, " is lest I should be found unfaith- ful in so great a trust. that as a messenger from ,3: ' AKV. WILLIAM BLACK. 249 ; and just lly current :ind of go- listration." anding this jpellations, ince, as we changeably >us. It was )stles, if so he delibera- 1(1 episcopo8i • to the rest •es, the first ) the reader, superinten- ed the Scrip- le extension i, not the in- what indivi- an appoint- from the fa- is, whose ])a- ut the whole ic derived the Hvine call to loccasion did lection of his Ifresh to God • My great- )und unfaith- \senger from Ood I may bear a faithful testimony, not fearing the faces of men—that as t\ wcUehmanf I may ever stand on my watch to' 'ui, and never be found sleeping — and that as a iteward^ I may ever prove faithful lo Hira who has entrusted me with his goods. But who, O my God, is sufficient for these things ? O let thy strength be made pterfect m my weakness. Thou choosest the weak things of this world to confound thd things that are mighty, and things that are not, to bring to naught things that are. Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings fhou canst perfect praise. O ! that Thou wouldst stand by me, and use me greatly in building up Thy church ! Get thyself honour, and use me for Thy glory \ so shall my soul praise Thee. " Afler his ordination, Mr. Black spent a month in Fhttadelphia with much pront to himself, as well as to those to whom, as with the unction of a fresh com- mission, he preached the Gospel of the kingdom. His happiness, resulting from the manifest blessing that at- tended his labours on this occasion, was augmented by a circumstance worth narrating. At th( close of an evening meeting, a friend, came to him and told him that the sermon he had preached at Mr. Fitzgerald's, while on a visit there in December, 1784, had been the means of the conversion of an individual, v ':o had in the mean time given evidences^ of deep piei> » and was desirous of scuing him as her spiritual father. This cheering intimation gladdened his heart, and suggest- ed the consoling rellection — "Doubtless the faithful ministers of Jesus, in cne great day, will find many stand forth and acknowledge themselvca iheir children, of whom they bad no knowledge on earth. This ought to teach them to leave the success of their labours with !,"• 1- 253 MEMOIRS OF THE ;M U'f '^?ilii:.:"; th« Lord, and not to be discouraged tha igh vhey see bat little fruit." About the 20th of June h*? found bim^elV ^^,',. In in thn bosom rf his? famWy, ful; cf grdUturSo for ti ^ mer- cies which he and they had e\j erienced during his ab- sence, and of / >'y resoivca to make full proof of his miaisLiy. His visit to the Staie-: had a most st^^utary and invigorating inflii*. nee upon his mind. " ii bless God," he writes, "I feel far grealii r holdnesa in his cjuuse, and zeal for tito conversion ot fc'/uls." Among the trials of the previous year, were some Li;;happy misunderstandings that had taken place lie- uveen Mr. Wray and some of the rest of th^j preach- -srs. Mr. Black, apprehending consequences from thes^ occurrences disastrcnis to the work of the Lord in thii province, deemed it his duty to apprize Mr. Wesley of the facts of the case, that he might season- ably exercise his judgment in suggesting a remedy. Without his interposition^, however, the breach was healed, and mutual confidence and affection restored. In a letter to Mr. Wesley, dated 22d JunC} he ob- serves : " My fears last fall drew from me, in my let- ter to you, a naked relation of our discords. After the heat of temptation was over, and the two brothers, J. and J. M., came to see and talk with brother Wray, all was love and harmony, and I trust nothing but peace is now found amongst us." Thus vaa Satan defeated, and " charity which is the bond of perfect- ness" soon again encircled and united those whom he had endeavoured to divide. To Mr. Wesley, now treading upon the verge of 'he tomb, this intelligence was highly gratifying, an:' '/■?. reply was well adapt' -d to perpetuate and inc^ea - > best of feelings. It is dated London, Nov '^J, * j. :* llii:' KEV WILLIAM BLACK. 251 H vbey see ,r ib^ met- ring his ab- roof of his ni st^^atary «« i bless iftess in his were some en place Iw- thtj preach- lences from of the Lord apprize Mr. night season- ng a remedy, e breach was ion restored. JunCi he ob- ne, in my let- is. After the ) brothers, J- •other Wray, nothing but isvas Satan |d of perfect- ose whom he esley, now intelligence well adap^^ ielings. It is *' Mt Dear Brother, " Your letter has given me great satisfaction. My fears are vanished away. I am persuaded, brother Wray, Stretton and you will go on hand in hand, and that each of you will take an equal share of the com- mon labour. I do so myself. I labour now just as over I did twenty or forty years ago. By all means proceed by common consent, and think not of sepa- rating from the Church of England. I am more and more confirmed in^the judgment which our whole Con- ference passed on that head, in the year 1758. «' I am, "My dear Brother, " Your affectionate Friend and Brother, "J. Wesley." . Mr. Wesley's desire, so frequently and strongly ex- pressed in his writings, to perpetuate the connexion between Methodism and the national church, evinces that the zeal which infused such energy into his un- precedented labours for more than half a century, was " the pure flame of love." Had the ambition, which writer!? incapable of appreciating the humility a ;d ele- vation of his motives have attributed to him, supplied the impulse to his exertions, he would have encou- raged a separation from the establislunent instead of using all his influence to prevent it. In this view, there- fore, the course he pursued is hardly to be regretteu, filthough on ^ is at a loss to conceive how a mind so .gucious as thi.t of M''esley could entertain any other idea, than tu;n he had, under God, created the ele- ments of a distinci deno lination, and that these ele- inents, unless dissipated, would of necessity assume a i \1" 352 MEMOIRS OF THE distinct organization as a Christian church after bis da- cease. Indeed all his influence, (and no man ever pos- sessed more,) could not prevent an approximation to- \vards that result previously to his death : and several causes concurred to accelerate and mature it after- wards. These have often been misrepresented. They are correctly stated by Mr. Watson in his life of Wes- ley : " Some of the violent adherents of ' the old plan,' as it was called, among ourselves, have ignorantly or in a party spirit attributed this to the ambition and in- trigues of the preachers ; but the true causes were — that the clergy, generaUy, did not preach the doctrines of their own church, and of the reformation ; and that many of them did not adorn their profession by their livfs. It may be added, that in no small number of cases, the clergy were the persecutors and calumnia- tors of the Wesleyan societies ; that the sermons in churches were often intemperate attacks upon their character and opinions ; and that the Methodists were frequently regarded as intruders at the table of the Lord, rather than as welcome communicants. These were the reasons why, long before Mr. Wesley's death, a great number of the societies were anxious to have the sacraments from the hands of their own preachers, under whose ministry they were instructed and edified, in whose characters they had confidence, and with respect to whom they knew that if any one disgraced his profession, he would not be suffered long to exercise it." Adherence to Mr. Wesley's principles, then, and not a dereliction of them has placed Methodism in its present position — a position which, we believe, the special providence of the Mo&t High, from the beginning designed it should occupy, as the friend and auxiliary of all, and the enemy of REV. WILLIAM BLACE. 253 cer hia da" ever pos- nation to- ad several } itafter- ed. They eofWea- i old plan,' lorantly or ion and in- ses were — e doctrines ■, and that m by their number of calumnia- sernions in upon their jdists were ble of the tg. These , Wesley's ire anxious their own ) instructed confidence, if any one )e suffered . Wesley's ' them has -a position af the Most Id occupy, ; enemy of none whose object it is to spread scriptural holiness through the earth. Should the reader consider these remarks rather digressive, I hope he will pardon them, as I was un- willing either to suppress the admonition which has called them forth, or to abandon it to the abuse of which it is susceptible. From the time of D/. Coke's appointment to the superintendence of the societies in the United States, his care was expected to extend also to those in the adjacent British provinces. With him, therefore, rest- ed the authority to make such arrangements as he deemed best for the promotion of the work in that ex- tending field of usefulness. Mr. Wray had for several years sustained a general charge in Nova Scotia, and being desirous to be relieved from the responsilllity, requested Dr. Coke to appoint another in his pla o. The Dr., from his knowledge of Mr. Black's eminent prudence and piety, immediately nominated him as tho most proper person to be Mr. Wray'a successor ; he was accordingly appointed superintendent over the societies in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and New- foundland. By this appointment Mr. Black felt him- self placed in circumstances of delicacy, and was with difficulty prevailed upon to assume the charge. His views on the subject are unfolded in a letter to Mr. Wesley, which we subjoin, written, as will be r^ ceived, before the preceding letter from Mr. Wesicy came to hand : — "Rev. and Dear Sir, "It is now almost twelve months since I had a from you. The multiplicity and importance of r other engagements, I know, will furnish a suf- )in. X 254 MEMOIRS OF TBE .1 Ik ■m. ficinnt reason for this ; yet permit mo to beg, if you havft a-3 moment, it may be employed in writing me a >ow lines. I have need of your counsel and prayers^. " It was matter of great sui-jiriso to me to find that I was nominated as tho assistant. I would gladly hav<; resigned the office to brother Wray ; but tho Stewards and Preachi .^osed it. I am far from thinkin<^ mysoh'qualiiled for so important and weighty a charge, and should be glad to be succeeded from England. " At Halifax our people are lively. I think I may say they are growing in grace, as well as gradually increasing in number. Our society has swelled fnuu about sixty to one hundred, since this time twelve- month. At Horton they remain much as they were at Windsor there are some additions ; at Cumberland, Jilso, some have been added : at Liverpool and Shel- bunie we have sustained some loss. I believe our aggregate number at present amounts to about . vo hundred. I feel much encouraged concerning H. fax : twenty have found peace with God within the last eight months, most of whom are steady, livel\ humble souls. I am much comforted among them, an-^ see great cause for thankfulness. How has God changed the scene, since I first came hither in 1786 ! T' e socir* ' is now eight times larger, and eight times more "serious and spiritual. Though I havo many struggles with unbelief and an evil heart, yet my soul jlongs for po'i feet love. O that my God would speedily destroy tlin remains of the c.'v.ial mind ! Jesus is my hope and jc/ -my sun and shielu ! My !ear — my very dear Father, I remain, " Your Son in the Gospel, "William Black.'» ''Halifax, Dec. 21, 1789." m nCV. WILLIAM BLACK. 255 if you havft Tiling me a id prayer!^, to find that gladly hnvi? tie Stewards )m thinkinft ity a charge, England, think I may as gradually iwclled fr<>m time twelve- L9 they were Cumberland, ool and Shel- [ belie ^'f' our to about . vo cerning Hr within the teady, Hvel} imong them, ow has God ierinl786! id eight times havo many yet my soul ould speedily Jesus is my The diffidence with which Mr. Black assumed the responsibilities of his new and important office, was no unfavourablo omen. By the prudence uud zeal with which he discharged its functions for more than twenty years, he shewed himself every way worthy of the trust reposed in him. His eye was FJngle, his judgment discriminating, and his love to Christ, such as in the martyrs glowed ; while the conciliatory spirit he uniformly exemplified in his intercourse with his brethren, resembling less the studious practice of an inculcated duty, than the spontaneous flow of the native affection of his heart, secured their reciprocal confidence and attachment. I remain} 1 Black.'* w»»** mmiiii i.< CHAPTER XI. TBB BEST EVIDENCE OF A DIVINE CALL TO THE MINIS- TRY — LETTER FROM MR. WESLEY — MERCIES RE- VIEWED AND FRESH RESOLVES FORMED — ADVAN- TAGES OF ORDINATION — SACRAMENTAL MEDITATION — ANOTHER LETTER FROM MR. WESLEY — MR. BLACK ATTENDS PHILADELPHIA AND NEW YORK CONFER- ENCES — INTERVIEW WITH DR. COKE — OBTAINS SIX PREACHERS FOR NOVA SCOTIA — REMARKABLE REVI- VAL UNDER HIS MINISTRY IN NEWFOUNDLAND — DIF- FICULTIES IN THE SOCIETY IN HALIFAX— VISITS ST. JOHN, N. B. — HIS FIDELITY EXPOSES HIM TO PERSE- CUTION — EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MRS. BLACK. ^'irW The best evidence to a minister that he is called of God to preach the Gospel is the conversion of souls by his instrumentality. He may arrogate the honour of being a successor of the Apostles, and he may exhibit all the credentials in vindication of his claim with which man can furnish him, and after all be nothing better than an intruder into God's heritage — uncalled, and totally unqualified, to call sinners to repentance, or to edify the people of God in their most holy faith. That re- pentance he may possibly himself never have exercised — of that precious faith he may be entirely destitute. The ministry of none, probably, has in a spiritual view been less efficient than that of those who have been most remarkable for their assuming and e:$;clusive pre- iPi' •!' MEMOIRS, &,C. i>57 HB MIWIS- ICIE8 R«- ,_ADVAK- BDITATIOW MR. BLACK K CONPER- BTAINS 81X ^BLE REVI- LAND— DIF- — VISITS ST. TO PERSE- BS. BLACK. tensions as the only divinely authorised ambassadors of Christ. The remark may seem iiividioi's ; but wo ure conscious of no other feelings and motives in mak- ing it than pity for the souls to whom it may prove most painful, and concern for the interest of evangeli- cal truth J while, we believe, the history of the church, from the days of Constantine to the present moment, furnishes a continuous, illustrative comment on the truth of the intimation. We mean not to insinuate, that all who believe themselves to be (in virtue of the safe transmission through human hands of the seals of the holy office) in the unbroken and excluaive line of apostolic sueeeaaion, are purely on that account to bo looked upon as alike devoid of spirituality of charac- ter, and of valid ministerial authority. We hope bet- ter things. And we know there have been, and there are, in intimate ecclesiastical association with those who put forth such claims, many of the brightest orna- ments and most successful heralds of the Gospel. But of these, what is the joy or crown of rejoicing ? Is it not the souls whom God has given them ? What are the most valued seals of their mission .'' Are iaey not the unequivocal tokens of the divine approbation that enable them to appeal to the people among whom they labour, that they are the ministers of the Lord Jesus ? How does St. Paul magnify his office by this moral demonstration ! " If I am not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you : for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord." Such heart-cheering evidences of the power of the Gospel, and of his call to preach it, were increasingly afforded to Mr. Black, and nothing but such evidences could satisfy a mind like his. He was 'enabled to make the following communication to Mr. Wesley relative to the pro- X2 rtiiwiiii ■H? \} ..* Is' 253 MEMOIRS OF THE gress of the good work under his superintendence, tO' wards the close of 1789. " Reverend Sir, — '* I have herewith transmitted the number in society, viz. 575, upwards of 400 of whom profess faith. Since my last letter to you we have added SO more. The work gradually increases. We have had hard work preaching to a dead, hardened, ignorant people in this town, (Halifax) but God is now giving us to see the fruit of our labours. My soul cries out for God, yea the living God : all else is vain and joyless ; b;U God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever." " I am, " My dear Father, &c." We subjoin Mr. Wesley's congratulatory and en- couraging reply : — " My Dear Brother, " I am glad to hear you have some increase of the work of God in Halifax. If you take care that the brethren fall not out by the way, and that there be no jealousies or coldness between the Preachers, but you all go on in peace and harmony, there will be an in- crease of it in every place. I have great hopes that the days of coldness and darkness are now past, and that the Sun of Righteousness is rising on Nova Scotia likewise. O stir up the gift of God that is in you, and wrestle with God in mighty prayer. He is doing great things in many parts of Europe, such as have not been seen for many ^ snerations ; and the children of God expect to see greater iliings than these. I do '! I m RfiV. WILLIAM BLACK. 250 ience, to- lumber in am profess Fj added 30 I have had d, ignorant )W giving us cries out for ind joyless ; my portion ther, 8tc." itory and en- [crease of the •are that the It there be no lers, but you 'ill be an in- Lt hopes that >vv past, and I Nova Scotia |Lt is in you, He is doing luch as have the children these. I do not know that England was ever before in so quiet a state as it is now. It is our part to wait the openings of divine Providence, and follow the leadings of it. "lam, " Your affectionate Friend and Brother, " John Wesley." This letter was worthy of the unequalled man who, after more than half a century of stupendous labours in the cause of Christ, was now ready to be offered up. How do the achievements of heroism — the fame of erudition — the corruscations of genius — the crea- tions of poetry — the giant strength of intellect — and the splendour of royalty, sink into insignificance when compared with the celestial elements that enter into the composition of such a character, — with the useful- ness of such a life ! To the salutary suggestions which Mr. Wesley offers to the consideration of his son in the Gospel, as to the best means of extending the work of God, the feelings, desires, and best en- deavours of the latter were responsive. An extract from his J jurnal, embodying the reflections suggested by a retrospect of the past year, will convey the most correct idea of his spiritual state when the above let- ter lefl the handd of the venerated writer : '• January 1st, 1790. — I have been endeavouring to call to mind the mercies temporal and spiritual, with which I am blessed. Among the most signal of a temporal nature, I place — health — my recovery in the course of the past year from a threatened consump- tion — perservation amidst great dangers both ly sea and land — easy circumstances with respect to the world — an agreeable, pious, prudent and faithful com- panion, three fine children, and ^ circle of kind, oblig- ^■i««ii i" iii ji i ii [i ii i i jij i jj ii a ii Maij • ;ffl 1,1 -si; 'n r; ■( « !■'■ 1i" 5260 MEMOIRS OF THE ing friends. Among ray spiritual — the Lord's count- ing me faithful, putting me into the ministry — the suc- cess He has granted to my poor endeavours in the conversion of many souls, and in gladdening the hearts of many of His people both in Philadelphia, Halifax and various parts of this province. His placing me among so loving and lively a people as those of Hali- fax now are — His quickening and consoling p es\;nce in preaching, prayer and other religious duties — His enabling me in patience to possess my soul (1 cannot recollect that I have spoken an angry word to any one for years) — the measure of the faith that worketh by love, and of the hope that purifies the heart, which I possess — my desire to do all things to the glory of God — my longings after full sanctiiication of soul and body— and a blessed expectation of seeing Jesus and dwelling with him for ever in heaven. 1 next en- deavoured to recall my sins to mind, and to humble myself before God on account of them : &iv\ here I found as great cause for self-abasementj as beibre, for wonder, love and praise. Oh ! the odious pride, self-seeking, vain thoughts, the unbelief, backward- ness to study, to prayer, to self-examination, ai. i bear- ing the cross ; the barrenness and lukewarmness of most, I might say of all, even my most fervent and hearty services ; the spiritual plagues 1 was convinced still remained in my heart ; my proneness to forget God, and return ingratitude for his matchless love and grace ; my want of zeal for his glory, and of ardent love for soulS) my misspent time, lost opportunities of doing and getting good^ &c. &c. &.c. After all, my heart is far from being suitably affected with either my mercies or sins. Vile heart ! ungrateful soul ! fall prostrate in the dust before God. Jesus ! let me Hi B£V. WILLIAM BLACK. 261 »s count- -the 8UC- irs in the the hearts , Halifax lacing me B of Hali- r p: es\;nce aties — His (I cannot to any one vorketh by ft, which I ;e glory of of soul and ; Jesus and I next en- 1 to humble an'l here 1 beiore, for ious pride, backward- ai'lbear- varmness of fervent and .3 convinced forget God, IS love and id of ardent ortunities of fterall, my th either my II soul • fall lus ! let nie make a believing use of Thy blood j let it sprinkle my heart from an evil couocience, and keep it ever clean. What avail all my purposes and resolutions unless constantly upheld by Thee. If Thy hand support me not, I must fall. I know not what may lie concealed in the womb of the future respecting me, to be mani- fested this year ; but I willingly commit the entire dis- posal of all my concerns, whether relating to my soul, body or family, into the hands of infinite wisdom and love. The Judge of all the earth will do right. * Here's my heart, O take and seal it, Seal ii for Thy courts above.' In time — in eternity, let me only enjoy Thee, ^crvo' Thee and it is enough : uot my will, but thine be done." The advantages which Mr. Black anticipated from receiving oraination were soon apparent in the fresh interest and irnpuko com'i?unicated to his ministrations by his administering the sacraments, particularly that of the Lord's Supper, among those who had received with meekness the ingrafted word, The desires so na- turally excited in their minds to receive the emblems of a Saviour's death, from the hands which had broken the bread of life to their souls, were thus met, and their union, edification and comfort, greatly promot- ed. Nor was the celebration of this impressive ordi- nance less influential in quickening and consoling his own mind. As frequently as it returned, it arrayed the doctrines of the cross in all their freshness, power and glory before his mind, brought them home with overwhelming effect to his bosom, and thus infused an energy and a tenderness into his exhibition of thom, which told on the feelings of all who ) eard hira. With him the celebration of the Eucharist was not ihu if: ■ir"#«^ ; I :» rl Ei>i C3 ;:| ^ ll ^ Ik 262 MEMOIRS OF THE cold observance of an official duty, nor the affecting commemoration merely of the /ocf of the sacrificial death of Christ, but the conscious and blessed com- munion of the body and blood of his once crucified but now living Redeemer. If the individual whose eye is passing over this page be one who has been present on such occasions, we envy him not, if he can remem- ber them without emotion ; while by the serious reader, whoever he may be, the following sacramental meditation cannot but be appreciated as the emanation of a heart richly imbued with redeeming love, and a pathetic memento of the spirit in which he ought at all times to approach the table of the Lord. " Saturday, 20th Feb. — My gracious Lord, on the morrow I am to administer to thy people the em- blems of thy broken body and shed blood. Give me j^race to do it in a reverent and solemn manner. O lot me once more look through the sacred signs, and ".tifm^vK ' : i I ': :,1 i • 264 MEMOIRS OF THE greater stability than the Methodist society of Halifax, which has had many pious and able instructors in Christ, but only one father — the honoured subject of these memoirs. Several of the country societies, whom the plan of his labour led him to visit two or three times in the course of the year, were, as we have already seen, from their juxta-position to the class of Christians, with whom Mr. AUine's most monstrous errors had all the authority of oracles, in danger of being tainted with the moral malaria. Even where this effect did not follow, he coull not view, without the most painful concern, the diffusion of principles so utterly at variance witii " the form of sound words," and subversive of the very elements of Christian mo- rality, as — that the Bible is an old dead letter — ordi- nances are neither obligatory nor useful — the resur- rection is past already — believers may indulge in the grossest immoralities — they may commit murder and adultery, and their souls at the same time be free from moral turpitude. Can it be matter of surprise to the reader, that referring to the apparently gracious influence which attended the inculcation of some fundamental truths of the Gospel in connection with such revolting dogmas, Mr. Black should thus express himself — " I find it hard work to rejoice in the suc- t9ss of Mr. H , under whose ministry it is said some are converted, because many of his doctrines are unscriptural, and he is violently opposed to ue :" " however," he adds, " if Christ is preached, and sin- ucjrs are converted, I will bless God for this. So many more are added to ray Father's family : therefore I will rejoice though they not only do not follow us, but think it their duty to oppose us." No zeal but that which is " the pure flame of love" could achieve a )f Halifax, itructors in 1 subject of •y societies, visit two or vere, as "we a to the class St monstrous in danger of Even where r, without the principles so ound words," Christian mo- 1 letter— ordi- iil— the resur- naulge in the jit murder and lie be free from surprise to ■ently gracious Ltion of some jiinection with lid thus express [ce in the suc- jstry it is said ■ his doctrines iposed to us :" ached, andsin- this. So many ly : therefore I ]t follow us, but , zeal but that •ould achieve a REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 265 moral triumph like this. Notwithstanding these un- propitious circumstances, he found the state of the societies throughout the province, during his summer visit this year, in no place discouraging ; in some, especially at Shepody, the prospect was invigorating. Mr. Wesley had oflen desired Mr. Black to furnish him with a circumstantial delineation of the state of the work in Nova Scotia, in all its departments. The Report drawn up and forwarded, at an early period of this year, in accordance with that request, Mr. Wesley acknowledges in a letter, to which the tremu- lousness of age has given so chaotic an appearance as to have rendered it a task of considerable difficulty to decipher it. It is dated Sunderland, June 14th, 1790, only nine months before his death : — " My Dear Brother, " You did well to send me an account of your little societies. Here is a good beginning, though it is as yet in many places a day of small things ; and although it does not please God to carry on iiis work so rapidly with you as in some of the provinces, (United States.) But one soul is worth all the mer- chandise in the world : and whoever gets money, do you win souls. " Never was there throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland, so great a thirst for the pure word of God as there is at this day. The same we find in the little Islands of Man, Wig]it, Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney in the Western Ocean. In the Isle of Man alone (thirty miles long) the societies contain about four-and-twenty hundred members. I have just now finished my route through Scotland, where I never had such congregations before. So it pleases I ■y '^1 .',!",l'l,f.i'",'.m.'»!Cg att San 266 MEMOIRS OF THE God to give me a little more to do before He calls mc hence. " What has become of brother Scurr, Dobson, and our other Yorkshire friends ? Some of them doubt- less are gone into a farther country ; but some I sup« pose remain. I doubt you do not keep up a constant intercourse with each other. Love as Brethren ! " I am, " Dear William, " Your affectionate friend and Brother, " John Wesley." '.n Mr. Black never hesitated to waive his own predi- lections in accommodation to the prejudices of others when the surrender involved no compromise of prin- ciple, and appeared necessary, or conducive to his usefulness. Thus, though convinced of the scrip- tural validity of sprinkling as the mode of adminis- tering the ordinance of baptism, he often, in con- formity with the views of an adult candidate, per- formed it by immersion. It is not very creditable to the Christian cause that this subject has been so pro- lific a source of odium theologicum, theological dis- pute and acrimony. Were Pedobaptisis, when ex- pedient, to act on the principle of Mr. Black, and Baptists to evince more of the candour and concilia- tion of one whoso name is an honour to their deno- mination — the late Rev. Robert Hall — there would be more ground to hope, than at present exists, that, by a mutual approximation, Christians now so widely severed, would ere long cordially unite, if not in ac- cordance of sentiment in this point, at least in show- ing forth the redeeming love and sacrificial death of the same Lord, both their's and our's. That eloquent ' ^ 'yi calls mc )Son, and ;m doubt- ime 1 8up- a constant hren '. rother, Lesley 51 own predi- ;ea of others* nise of prin- ucive to his ,f the scrip- of adininis- 'ten, in con- ididate, per- creditable to been so pro- ■ological dis- •Is, whenex- . Black, and and concilia- ;o their deno- lere would be ists, that, by ,^. so widely if not in ac- least in show- [ficial death of hat eloquent REV WILLIAM LLACK. 267 ftnd pow d apologist of "free communion," in vindication of his impugned sincerity aa a Baptist, ob- serves : " The primitive, the regular, and proper mode of administration, I take to be immersion. Still it appears to me that sprinkling, though an innovation, does not deprive baptism of its essential validity, so as to put the person who has been sprinkled in adult age upon a footing with the unbaptized. The whole of my sentiments amount to this, — I would not myself baptize in any other manner than by immersion, be- cause I look upon immersion as the ancient mode, that it best represents the meaning of the original term employed, and the substantial import of this institu- tion; and because I should think it right to guard against the spirit of innovation, which in positive rites is always dangerous and progressive : but 1 should not think myself authorised to rebaptize any one who has been sprinkled in adult age."* If these remarks tend in any measure to subserve the cause of Christian charity, their object will be attained : they were sug- gested by the following brief '>ntry in Mr. Black's Journal, underdateof July 15t ; • — " I baptized by im- mersion the wife of John Weldon, Esq., after preach- ing to about three hundred people, who accompanied us to the water singing. It was a solemn time." The caro of the churches under Mr. Black's super- intendence was constantly becoming more onerous ; and the supply of ministerial help was far from being adequate to the wants and wishes of the people. Anti- cipatingthe most effectual alleviation of his perplexityj on certain subjects intimately connected with the in- terests of the work entrusted to his oversight, from a free and personal consultation with Dr. Coke, and as * Letter to the Broadmead Church, written Dec. 9th, 1790. il r * I. 'A 11,1 . 9,Vt 2C8 MEMOIRS OF TH£ I ft the American connection wast ' ily source to wbicb he could look for the required assistance, he resolved, with a view to accomplish both these objects, to at- tend the New York Conference, to be held the last week in May, 1791. Soon after his arrival at New York he learned that the Doctor's paramount engage- ments or duties in Europe, (arising probably out of Mr. Wesley's recent death) would preclude the possi- bility of his remaining in America as long as he had intended. He therefore Iiastened forward to Phila- delphia, where he met the Dr. on the 11th of May. He enjoyed the desired intervievv , and derived from it all the benefit in the way hoth of counsel and encou- ragement which he had anticipated. The unexpected extension of his journey, also, afforded him an oppor- tunity of being present at the Philadelphia Conference, which commenced on the 17th of May, and occupied four days. The venerable Asbury presided ; and the wisdom, grace and prudence with which he sustained his^ character as a Chrisiiau Biuhop, made a deep im- pression upon Mr. Black's mind. The New York Conference sat the following week, at which six preachers were designated to accompany Mr. Black to Nova Scotia. The immediate objects of his visit were thus auspiciously attained, and looking forward, to its ulterior consequences, he thanked God and took courage. The year 1791 was one of the most memorable in Mr. Black's life. About three weeks after his return from the States, in pursuince it would seem of an arrangement suggested by Dr. Coke, he sailed from Halifax for Newfoundland. The remarkable out- pouring of the Holy Spirit which attended his labours,, transient though they were, in that Island^ formed a BfcV. WILLIAM BLACK. 269 ved, • at- last New rage- lUt of possi- e had Phila- May. rorn it encou- ipected oppor- erence, jcupied land the stained ep iin- York ich six lack to is visit brward, ,nd took Irable in [s return of an jd from ale out-^ [labours^ )rined a lieW et& in the history of his nut!sterial usefulness, and was among the most refreshing reminiscences with which 'tlij gay renicinbrunceof a life well spent' solaced the eveniu- o^ li' ^ays. He arrived at St. John on the 10th of Aug on the Rev. Mr. Jonep th that place, a man deep' spirit. After spending u .., to Garbonear, where Mr. Mc immediately waited It bytpfian minister of nd < 1 a most catholii* ^ John, he repaired y, a Methodist Mis- sionary, was then stationed. By him he was hailed with the liveliest emotions of gratitude and joy. — '* I have been weeping before the Lord," said he, " I have been weeping before the Lord, over my lonely situation and the darkness of the people, and your coming is like life from the dead !" The good man was indeed so completely disheartened that he was just on the point of abandoning the field in which he had for a considerable time laboured without fruit, as irreclaimably sterile. A most gracious revival had ixideed taken place here a number of years previously, under the ministry of the Kev. Mr. Coughlan, but a portion of its fruits had been lodged in the celestial garner, and a few females were all who at this pe- riod remained, to testify that Christ had power on earth to forgive sins. Mr. Black deeply felt that the cause of God had reached a crisis, the duties of which demanded unusual unction and fidelity ; and from the time that he left Halifax, his Journal attests that his mind was in a state of progressive preparation for the work here assigned him to do. He entered upon it under a profound consciousness of his own insufH- ciency ; but with fervent prayer and importunate sup- plication, to his Father who saw in secret, and he was soon rewarded openly. A blessed influence attended Y 2 IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) Zi 1.0 I.I •" — "III 2.0 1.8 1.25 ||.4 1.6 II ^^ 6" ► V] <^ /2 % / y Photographic Sciences Corporation m \ <^ <^ ^V "tj"'' ..A ^^^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716)872-4S03 i*' 1 'i;^ :' & T :'■■) 270 MEMOIRS OF TRE bis very first sermon — a cheering prelude of the time of gracious visitation that followed. But the toils and the triumphs of this season of grace will be best exhibited by some extracts gleaned from his Jour- nal: — •; ^ c " Carbonear, Sunday, Aug. 14th. — Last evening I preached from Acts 3 : 42. Many present were, I believe, convinced of their foul revolt ; some of whom appear resolved to set out anew. Some also who never knew the ways of God seemed deeply af- fected. O my God, I trust Thou didst not send me hither for nothing. I had much liberty in preaching this morning. The power of the Spirit of God was amongst the people. After preaching, I requested any who desired to devote themselves to God to remain and meet in class : about thirty-seven did so. In the evening I had a crowded audience. I trust the Lord will make bare His arm. I have now no doubt but God in mercy sent me to this people . "Wednesday, 17th.— While I was preaching in Car- bonear Church last evening, some began to cry aloud . I ceased preaching and began to pray. My voice was nearly drowned. Weeping was on every side. 1 left the pulpit, and passed through the church, exhorting those who were wounded and crying for mercy. All over the chapel, three or four were to be seen in al- most every pew thus affected. One experienced com- fort, aiid published her joys aloud. After they dis- persed, their cries and groans might be heard at a con- siderable distance up and down the harbour. — I this morning visited the female who found peace last even- ing. She was engago^l in praising God : joy shone in her countenance and sparkled in her eyes. I then ac- companied brother Stretton^ a judicious and upright ..^•ij r^^ «^ .. -> jt .m m mimi im m t mim0im mmm «'* REV. WILLIAM BLACK. *sn the time the toils \\ be beat his Jour- evening 1 it were, I gome of Some also deeply af- ,t send me preaching )f God was quested any \ to remain so. In the ist the Lord 10 doubt but man, to Harbour Grace, about six miles from Carbo- near, and preached in the evening in the church he had built at his own expense. Before we parted the spirit of conviction was poured out upon the people here^, much in the same manner as at Carbonear. Some of them followed me to brother Stretton's, where we sung and prayed until my strength was near- ly exhausted. There is a general concern for salvation throughout this place, especially among the young. May they know the day of their visitation. O God, carry on Thy work, and enable me to be faithful. • Tia worth living for this — To administer bliss. And salvation in Jesus's name.* " Friday, 19th. — Preached in the Carbonear church in the evening. About thirty persons came in a boat to attend the meeting. The same feeling was again manifested. Three more profess to have experienced converting grace. May none snatch at comfort until administered by the Spirit of God. I was called upon to visit a woman in great spiritual distress. So bitter '^vas the remembrance of her sins that she refused to be comforted ; but Thou, Lord, art able to heal ! " Sabbath, 21st. — AfteA,' preaching in the morning to about 300 people at Port a Grave, I addressed nearly the same number at Bay Roberts in the afternoon. Here I found twenty-six who met in class, but not regularly ; of these, few enjoy the consolation of ex- perimental godliness. I added four to their number, furnished them with a class-paper, explained the rules of the society, and left them in the charge of George Vey, the leader, a pious young man, who I (rust will be a blessing to them. With the deplorable iiiii m i- •' 272 MEMOIRS OF TdE condition of the people generally here, I was mu(£h affected. " Monday, 22d.—I preached in the church at Harbour Grace from John iii : 16. So powerful a season I have not seen since I came to the Island. For three hours in succession between forty and fifly deeply lamented their sins, and continued their supplications for mer- cy. I cannot but observe and adore the goodness of God in sending me hither, and that by a train of pro- vidences. It is not quite a fortnight since my arrival at Carbonear-*-and What hath Ood wrought ! « On Thursday the 25th, Brother McGeary and I ^' set off in a small boat for Black-head. We arrived in time to give a word of exhortation to a few who had come together expecting us, and appointed a meeting for the following evening. This was a time long to be remembered. Acts xi : 15, was my text, and it was indeed fulfilled. The Holy Ghost fell upon the people, both tis a Spirit of bondage to fear, and as a Spirit of lit and love. " Tuesd^ ^ . JOth. — Preached at Fresh-water on the nature, necessity , and fruits of faith. Many felt the want of it and wept aloud ; others rejoiced in the pos- session of so invaluable a pearl. I formed those who felt the importance of Christian communion into two classes. In years past several of them had known the Lord ; I trust the Lord has healed the backslidings of many, and that they will be in future preserved from the snare of the devil. May they learn wfsdom from the things they have suffered. There are now at Garbonear, including this place, fifty who will meet in class, twelve of whom have been enabled to believe to the saving of their seuls in this revival. " September 1st.— I walked over to Harbour Grace, ll!.: RET. WILLIAM BLACK. 273 IS mudi Harbour ml have ee hours lamented for mer- odness of in of pro- ny arrival A! sary and I I arrived in ^ who had i a meeting me long to text, and it [I upon the it, and as a /ater on the [any felt the in the pos- those who [on into two , known the jackslidings I preserved irn wisdom jre are now who will „ enabled to 1 revival. Ibour Grace, accompanied by Richard Valentine. His conversa* tion was truly spiritual and instructive ; various and heavy have been his trials. His experience is not only scriptural but deep. He has been many years in the way ; and has moved steadily along amidst out- ward trials and inward exercises peculiarly severe. May I drink more deeply into his spirit. In the even- ing I preached from, " fVe will go with you ; for we have heard that the Lord ia with you." I pointed out the following as among the marks by which those who have God with them may be distinguished : — (l)Thcy embrace and hold forth the essential doc- trines of Scripture — as, original sin— justification by faith — the new birth — and entire holiness or sanctifi- cation. (3) In connexion with their zeal in propagating these wholesome truths, the glory of God and the sal- vation of men, are the objects for which they live. (3} By their instrumentality men are actually reformed, as well in the temper of their minds as in their outward behaviour. Havii^ enlarged on these particulars, I endeavoured to show the necessity ongoing with such a people, so far at least as believingiy to receive those doctrines, reduce them to practice, and to aid with all our might in spreading their influence. " Monday, 5th. — I know not that I ever witnessed such a meeting as we had this evening. Brother Stret- ton emphatically remarked,— 'The scene was truly aw- ful. What a contrast ! Some in the very depths of distress j others in transports of joy ! It appeared to me a faint picture of heaven and hell !' Several found peace witti God this evening also. Some of those under conviction have been among the greatest ene- mies of religion. Nothing was to be seen but heaving breasts and weeping eyes (—nothing to be heard bus 1 is 374 MEMOIRS OF THE prayer and praise, expressions of repentance or of faith, of joy or of sorrow ! Part of this excitement may be natural or animal, may arise from sympathy ', but it is evident muck of it is divine. None but God can alarm the guilty, slumbering conscience of fallen man, enlighten his understanding and make him sen- sible of his vileness ; can draw his affections from earth and fix them upon heavenly objects ; can fill his soul with meekness, patience, resignation— with con- tentment, peace and joy — with faith, hope and love. None, I say, but God, can produce these. But these are produced j therefore thus far the work is evident- ly of God, although some of its attendants or appen- dages may be from nature, yea from Satan." To chronicle all the occurrences of interest that tran- spired during this eventful visit, or even to advert to the numerous cases of conversion in which Mr. Black gives the names of the individuals, would draw out these details to a disproportionate length. Those already exhibited amply evince the extraordinary im- pression produced under the divine blessing, by his ministry in Newfoundland, " the result" of which,— in the words of the Rev. Richard Knight, seventeen years of whose highly useful missionary life were spent in that scene of labour — " was a large accession to the Methodist Soeiet' , and the dawn of that brighter day which has since shone upon our Mission in that island." " No less," says Mr. Knight, " than two hundred souls were converted to God during his brief Bojouni in Conception Bay. Nor are the fruits of that visit to be estimated by its immediate results. He organized Methodism, settled the Mission proper- ty, atid secured it to the Connexion, increased and in- spirited the society, and obtained for them the help .::ii';i' i' entance or of IS excitement n sympathy ; one but God nee of fallen lake him sen- fections from 3 ; can fill his m — with con- ope and love, e. But these irk is evident- mis or apperi' tan." srest that tran- in to advert to lich Mr. Black mid draw out ingth. Those 'aordinary im- essing, by his ;" of which, — ;ht, seventeen life were spent accession to that brighter Mission in that , " than two ring his brief the fruits of idiate results, lission proper- 'eased and in- ihem the help ncT. WILLIAM BLACK. 2T5 they needed." The feelings with which he took hia departure from a people, hundreds of whom he justly anticipated the joy of presenting perfect in Christ Jesus at his second coming, will be adequately con- ceived only by tho faithful minister on whom God has bestowed at least a portion of such honour and happiness. " I think," he writes, " I never had so affecting a parting with any people before in my life. It was hard work to tear away from them. I was nearly an hour shaking hands with them, some twice and thrice over : and even then we hardly knew how to part ; but 1 at last rushed from among them, and left them weeping as for an only son." Let me add, though God enabled him thus to triumph in Christ Jesus, and so signally made known by him, in every place he visited on the Island, the savour of His grace, even the keen-eyed sceptic would be unable to detect the slightest tincture of self-complacency mingling with the angelic emotions awakened by the heart-thrilling review. As he opened he also closed his commission among this people— in a spirit of deep humility and unreserved consecration to God. "My heart pants," says he, just as his foot for the last time pressed their rocky shore — " My heart pants after per- fect purity ;" and then gives utterance to its aspira- tions in the expressive language of the poet, * Take my soul and body's powers. Take my memory, mind, and will ; All my goods, and all my hours, All I know, and all I feel ; All I think, or speak, or do : Take my heart ! but make it new !' In this changeful and disciplinary state of existence, it is not unfrequently the case that occurrences of a UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR LIBRARY [W"'' it«n^ 276 MEMOIBg or THE ■; f i o-> •• ■i i M 1 nature the most felicitous, are to the Christian the harbingers of some of his severest trials. This is wisely ordained. The fiery ordeal, while it tests the genuineness, at the same time increases the purity and lustre of his graces. An unintercepted series of prosperous and pleasing events, though in connection with the church of God, is not favourable to the culti- vation of that humble and prayerful dependence upon Him, essential to the maintenance and growth of the spiritual life. To St. Paul, lest he should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revela- tions communicated to him, there was given a thorn in the flesh ; and the only response he received to his importunate application for its removal was, " My grace is sufficient for thee." This was enough. His infirmities increased, in the same ratio, his claims upon celestial succour ; and like an advantageous foil, more strikingly illustrated the reality and power of the grace imparted to him. The reader will readily anticipate the drift of these remarks. It might be said of Mr. Black, during his stay in Newfoundland, that he rode as in a triumphal chariot. No imagin- able concurrence of temporal circumstances could have enkindled an exultation in his mind comparable to that which he experienced from a survey of the auspicious and extensive change his labours there had been instrumental in effectuating. On his return to Nova Scotia, however, he was destined to encounter trials of no ordinary magnitude. The preaching- house, hitherto occupied in Halifax by Mr. Black and his coadjutors, was the property of Mr. M , then the most opulent and influential person connected with the society. Owing to circumstances afiecting this gentleman, the nature of which we neither know, AEr. WILtlAM BLACK. 277 Christian the ials. This is ile it testa the les the purity spted series of in connection tie tothecuUi- tendence upon growth of the uld be exalted of the revela- given a thorn received to his ral was, "My I enough. His tio, his claims rantageous foil, r and power of pier will readily It might be Newfoundland, No iniagin- (istances could nd comparable survey of the •ours there had his return to d to encounter le preaching- iMr. Black and M -, then ion connected inces affecting neither know, nor have any wish to resuscitatei his connection with Methodism had ceased during Mr. Black's absence. His alienation unhappily soon assumed the character of positive hostility against the sacred cause which he had for a considerable period generously cherished and supported. With a view to gratify the unhallowed feeling which had taken possession of his mind, by involving the society in as much inconvenience and perplexity as possible, he would on no terms allow them the use of the chapel. In vain did Mr. Black seriously and affectionately remonstrate with him on the impropriety of his course, and deprecate the con- sequences to the society of their being so abruptly de- prived of their accustomed place of worship ; he would entertain no proposals, but remained indomita- Ue in his determination neither to rent nor to sell it for their accommodation. This machination of Satan to injure the cause of God in so important a position, signally failed. In fact it most materially subserved its interests by calling forth the latent zeal, energies and re- cources of its friends in a manner in which we may safe- ly assert, they would not have been developed at that early period without some impcJ^ = ve stimulant. There was no alternative but the erection of a new chapel. And however improbable the accomplishment of this object, on a respectable scale, might at first view ap- pear, the promptitude and liberality with which those, to whom the subscription-list for the purpose was first presented, responded to the call, were too cheeringly prophetic of the result to admit of doubt or dis- couragement. £100 were raised in one day ; and an amount soon subscribed which authorised the adop- tion of immediate measures for carrying the project into effect. ;;?•,' ■:.^" ilB USMOIBS or THE Soon after Mr. Black's return from Newfoundland he visited in order, Horton, Granville, Annapolis, and Digby, and then passed over to St. John, N. B. The Rev. Mr. Bishop, probably one of the holiest men who ever lived, was at that time stationed in the city. Under his ministry several had been converted to God, and others were enquiring the way to Zion. The ashes of this excellent man, whose memory is blessed, repose in one of the West India Islands, whither he afterwards went to invite into the glorious liberty of the children of God, the injured sons of Africa. In St. John, Mr. Black's " time," to use his own expressions, was "all taken up between the mount and multitude." But in his efforts to benefit the latter, he experienced an unexpected interruption, the nature and cause of which were as follows. Walk' ing the street on the Lord's day, he saw certain ship- builders and caulkers pursuing their ordinary employ- ments. Against this public desecration of the Sabbath, he felt it his duty to bear his testimony, in terms of merited reprobation, in his discourse in the evening. Exasperated by the exposure of their guilt, some of the individuals implicated, aware of the existence of a provincial statute against any one's exercising minis- terial functions without a license from the Governor, and having ascertained that the preacher had not used the precaution to procure such a license, thought it would be a worthy method of expressing their resent- ment — if possible to seal the lips which had testified of them that their deeds were evil. Accordingly they pre- ferred a charge of contempt of the law against him to the Clerk of the Peace, whose zeal in promoting their views must be admitted to have been a little more ardent than fidelity to his ofiicial responsibilities really RKV. WILLIAM BLACK. 279 •Newfoundland e, Annapolis, , John, N. B. of the holiest tationed in the teen converted way to Zion. [)se memory is India Islands, ito the glorious njured sons of me," to use his p between the rts to benefit the nterruption, the bllows. Walk- aw certain ship- »rdinary employ- 1 of the Sabbath, jny, in terms of in the evening, ir guilt, some of le existence of a ixercising minis- ._ the Governor, [her had not used [ense, thought it ling their resent- sh had testified of jrdinglytheypre- V against him to promoting their len a little more msibilities really demanded. He immediately sent a note to Mr. Black, of which the following is a copy : — *' '■ ' » ' To Rev. Mr. Black, • ?. i .1 "Sir, ,. i:- if »•''•;•? .'«yi ■;_ ••v">.k It.i''^^ " You are, I doubt not, acquainted with an act of the General Assembly of this province which inflicts a penalty upon any person who shall presume to preach, &c. without a license for that purpose under the hand and seal of the Governor or Commander in Chief for the time being. * As Clerk of the Peace for this city, I conceive it iny duty to enquire whether you are in possession of any such license. - r . «Iam, &c. «'E. Habdt, « Clerk of the Peace." • • ■ ,» • ' Three houre after thn above was handed to Mr. Black, he waited on the writer at his office, and stated to him, — ^that immediately on his arrival in the pro- vince he had consulted two of the principal magis- trates of the city respecting the law in question, who assured him that it never was designed to prevent tii'^j minister regularly ordained, and of sober charac- ter, from communicating religious knowledge ; and that, in their estimation, it would be quite sufficient for him to transmit the credentials of his ordination to the Governor, who, they made no doubt, would give him a license. In conformity with this suggestion, be further informed the Clerk of the Peace, that he had forwarded to his Excellency a copy of his ordination credentials signed by Judges Ludlow, and Ufham, the latter of whom accompanied them witl^ bisrecom- S80 Ml MO»l or TBC mendation, and at the same time remarked to him (Mir. Black) that as it was at the desire of a respecta- ble body of people he preached, no one could look upon his compliance, under all the circumstances, as indicating a contempt of the Provincial Legislature ; adding that the Qovemor had, to his knowledge, in a similar case, referred to the magistrates, and that the professed object of the act was to ieeuret not abridge liberty of conscience, or the sacred right of all persons to worship God according to the dictates of their judgment. "From these considerations,'' said Mr. Black, " I haye ventured to preach at the request of the people, and intended to do so until I should hear fVom the Govwnor ; but since my conduct has been construed into contempt of authority, I shall desist until I hear from the Rev. Mr. Bishop, who has gone to wait upon his Excellency." To all this Mr. Hardy replied, with considerable warmth, that neither the magistrates nor the Governor hunself had any right to dispense with the Law; expressed his surprise at such observations, and throwing the statute before Mr. Black, said, — * You may examine it fbr yourself,' and abruptly left the office. The opponents of Methodism, or rather of the Gospel, thus gained a malignant triumph, and emboldened by success, became loud in their boastings, and predicted that the benevolent oIk ject of their hate would speedily be looking through the grates of the prison. But none of these things moved him. Interdicted from holding forth the word of life, publicly i he endeavoured as far as practioaUe to accomplish the otjects of his mission by pastoral visitation, as well as preaching, from howe to Aotu«. More than a fcN'tnigbt elapsed, and no licens* or in- formatioti from the seat of govenuneot arrived^ most i ! •fv rked to him )fare§pecta- le could look tmstancea, as Legislature ; ttwledgo, in a , and that the e, not abridge ;offtUperao"" states of their as,'* said Mr. the request of 1 1 should hear iduct has been , I shall desist ,, who has gone this Mr. Hardy that neither the had any right to surprise at such ate before Mr. r yourself,* and I of Methodism, 3d a malignant became loud in ) benevolent ob- ooking through of these things ; forth the word ir as practicable ion by pastoral howe to Aou««> lo licens* or inr arrived), most UtV. WILLIAM BLACK. 381 iikely, because Mr. Bishop did not happen to find his Excellency at home. It became necessary for Mr. Black now to return to Halifax. Mr. M -— - con- tinued inflexible in his purpose not to permit the so- ciety to occupy the chapel ; and incongruous as was the association of the Drama and the DeBk^ they were glad, as a temporary accommodation, to obtain the theatre. Before leaving St. John, Mr. Black received a number of letters fVom his faithAil friends in Hali- fax, which cheered him amid his persecution for righteousness* sake. One from Mrs. Black proved peculiarly consolatory, and called for' h renewed ex- pressions of gratitude to God for such an help-meet. We present our reader with an extract of it preserved in his journal : — " Blessed 'be God, you have a friend who can and will bear you up under all your trials. Fain would I help to bear your burdens, for truly they arc great at present. Long has our heavenly Father kept us from almost every thing that might disturb our peace ; but at length He sees fit in His godly wisdom to try us. O my dear ! may we prove faithful to the end. I have lately thought much of God's powerful words) applied to me in New England, " I have chosen thee in the furnace." I feel much willingness to part with my dross and tin that still remain. Poor Mr. M — — remains in the same spirit still. Blessed be God, the little flock keep together. My heart is much en- couraged with the hope that the Lord is about to do great things for us. May our gracious Lord be with, bless, direct and comfort you. So prays your affec- tionate, ' * ...... .. ... v.. -.-..- ^ V-; i---.- : ; .■■•: . '- '■ "M. B.^ ' Z2 I' il-: ]- . CHAPTER XII. THE FIRST BRITISH CONFERENCE AFTER MR. WESLEY'^ DEATH — METHODISM AT ST. STEPHEN'S — CONVERr SIGN AND CHARACTER OF REV. D. M^COLL — ORIGIN OF METHODISM AT WALLACE — HINTS ON THE STUDY OF WORKS OF LITERATURE, AND TASTE, AND IMAGI- NATION — THE BALTIMORE CONFERENCE OF 1792 — MR. BLACK ACCOMPANIES DR. COKE TO THE WEST INDIES— THE PREACHERS OF THE NOVA SCOTIA DIS- TRICT PETITION AGAINST MR. BLACK'S REMOVAL TO THE WEST INDIES — THE BISHOP OF NOVA SCOTIA ATTACKS THE METHODISTS — REV. MR. W. STILL MORE VIRULENT — EXHIBITION OF ANOTHER SPIRIT BY REV. MR. TWINING AND DR. T. HIS SON — METHO- DISM IN P. E. ISLAND — FIRST CLASS IN CHARLOTTE- TOWN FORMED BY JOSHUA NEWTON, ES%. — LIBE- BALITY OF GOV. FANNING AND REV. MR. DESBRISAT. The death of Mr. Wesley, — by which the whole re- ligious community, that he was the chosen and honor- ed instrument of divine Providence in founding, was clothed in mourning,— was an event peculiarly afflictive to Mr. Black. That sad day on which that prince and great man fell in Israel, he lost a counsellor, a friend and a father, whose place none could supply. The feeling heart that had so long sympathized with him in all his trials, had ceased to pulsate — the judging head which had so frequently relieved his perplexities by HEMOiaS, &0. 28^ lippropriate advice^ was now laid low in the dust— and the hand that, in all the teoderness and familiarity of paternal affection^ had so often penned — "My Dear Billt," was now cold in death. But Mr. Black felt this stroke severely on public grounds likewise. He well knew that the preachers would never permit any other man to exercise the same authority in the connection, which they had willingly accorded to Mr. Wesley ; and he could not but anticipate the result of his removal with considera- ble anxiety. From these forebodings he was however soo:^ in a great measure relieved by the following let- ter from Doctor Coke :— " Chatham, Kent, Sept. 7, 1791. " Mt vert Dear Brother, "Our Conference ended in great peace and unani- mity. There were innumerable heart*burnings at first : and I saw no way of preserving the unity of the body, but by sacrificing all my little honours which I held in Europe. I accordingly resigned the power with which Mr. Wesley invested me, and also a few of my most chosen friends in the management of Mr. Wesley's books, copy-rights, &c., and resigned my right to nominate the preachers for the new chapel in London, and some other privileges. Satan said — " Divide"— hut the Spirit of God said—" Unite." I obeyed the latter, and fell that Christ might rise. The Conference then elected Mr. Thompson President for one year, and me Secretary. They gave me leave to visit all the societies in England, appointed me to hold the Conference in Ireland ; and authorized me to raise whatever money I might judge necessary for the carrying on of the work in the West Indies^ appoint- 384 HSiiOIRS OF THE ;i i: ym :tM ing me their Delegate for the West India Islands. JJk very powerful party were for immediate separation from the Ohurch of England : I was against it for rea- sons too long to mention here. In this I prevailed. I intend to send you the Minutes by the first opportunity. " I beg to see you at the General Conference in Baltimore next December. I dont find any objection to give the government of the work in Nova Scotia to the American Gonference, on condition that you con- tinue Presiding Elder, and that the Brethren in gene- ral in Nova Scotia will not object to it. When I go to the StateSj I shall go as a peacemaker, and only in that character, as I shall evince in time, the Lord be- ing my helper. My love to brother Whitehead, I thank him for his very kind letter, and shall answer it with pleasure. Fray oflen and fervently for « Your most faithful Friend, " Thomas Coke." t .;k ' The spirit of this letter needs no remark. It must be universally appreciated as an exemplary manifesta- tion of the " wisdom which is from above," which, unlike that often dignified with the name, among men of the world, " is first pure, then peaceable ; gentle, and easy to be entreated." On the 28th and 39th of February, 1792, Mr. Black, and the preachers associated with him, held their Annual Conference at Windsor. A very gracious feeling had for some time previous prevailed in the village, in which the soldiers in the garrison largely participated} and the coming together of the ministers was hailed with pleasure. The revival of the spiri- tual interests of the society was followed, as often happens, by a correspondent improvement in tempo- ! Ihi I Islands. A te separation institforrea- prevailed. I t opportunity, conference in any objection i ova Scotia to that you con- thren in gene- Wlien I go •, and only in the Lord be- Whitehead, I ihall answer it ^fbr •^■-^;-"^ Friend, tfAS Coke." lark. It must iry manifesta- |ove," which, , among men lable j gentle, 1^, Mr. Black, t, held their fcry gracious railed in the rison largely Ithe ministers lof the spiri- ted, as often mt in tempo- BBV. WILLIAM BLACK. 285 falities. £110 were cheerfhlly subscribed towards the erection of a chapel, the frame of which Mr. Black saw out of the woods before he left. At this Con- ference the returns from the various circuits showed an aggregate of six hundred and eighty members. From the Conference he went to Annapolis, where inauspicious occurrences had almost prostrated the lit- tle society. By the formation of a matrimonial .alli- ance, prompted, there is reason to fear, by the motive that led Demas to forsake the Apostles, the preacher at that place (Mr. C.) had lost the confidence of those over whom he had been placed, and inflicted a wound upon the cause which time has not healed. The man- ner in which he received, or rather repelled Mr. Black's affectionate admonition, was painfully ominous of the result. How fearftil is the responsibility of ministers ! When they fall, the catastrophe resembles the extinc- tion of a Central orb, rather than the aphelion of an iso- lated star. Mr. Black now visited the city of St. John, under circumstances more agreeable than those under which he had left it the preceding December. He found that Mr. Bishop's labours in the meantime had been great- ly blessed. There were about seventy in the society, and the work was still progressive. Proceeding to Fre- dericton he found a class of twenty-two, chiefly soldiers who "thought upon the name" of the Lord, "and spake often one to another." The few days he re- mained with them were not without happy conse- quences — their number increased to thirty. At Shef- field, between St. John and Fredericton, he preached at the house of Mr. Hammond, in whose family, as in- deed in the Burrounding neighbourhood, there had re- cently been a powerful work of divine grace. " Among n Sd6 MEMOIRS OF THK ..1 i !l iS i r ,i 1 >'.■•'.'■ li-i !!<;■ these," he remarks with pain, " there are many New^ lights, or more properly ^llinitea-— much wild fire, and many wrong opinions. They want a judicious leadsr, one who can * rightly divide the word of truth.' " We next find him spending a few days with Mr. McCoU and his little flock at St. Stephen's, much gratified at witnessing the spirituality manifested by the society und- stances of Mr. McCoU's conversion to God were very remarkable. At an early period in life he entered the army, without any knowledge of vital godliness even in theory. Whatever religious instruction he had re- ceived related merely to external propriety of deport- ment. Nor had he any higher conception of the nap ture of that holiness without which no man can see the Lord, till the eyes of his understanding were almost miraculously enlightened. This occurred on the eve of a naval engagement (the place and occasion have escaped my recollection) in which he apprehended that he might be in a moment ushered into the presence of God. Finding an opportunity before the action &£r. WILLIAM fiLACK. 287 i many New*- vild fire, and cious leader, ruth.'" We Mr. McCoU h gratified at y the society inerable man. iss over in si- i Israel, with intimately aa- afhisministe- l providential Qt gratitude to th. From the a from the con- excellent man, ten little more V bend over the ; without emo- , Thecircum- God were very he entered the godliness even tion he had re- lety of deport- ion of the nar (lan can see the were almost red on the eve occasion have apprehended » the presence ire the action commenced to pour out his anguished soul in prayer^ be earnestly implored mercy and a preparation for death. His prayer was heard. God shone into his troubled mind with overwhelming glory. In a moment the darkness and the dismay were gone ; and the first intimation he received of the truth of experimental re- ligion was by feeling <' the lone of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost which was given unto him." Amazed at the transformation he had expe- rienced, and equally astonished that the minister un- der whose ministry he had many years sat in Scotland, had never inculcated the necessity of such a spiritual change, he was prompted by the ardour of his first love to address a letter to him, in which he faithfully asked him, after relating his own experience, whether it was possible he could be ignorant of a point so es- sential as the necessity of being ' bom again,' or whe- ther knowing it, he could forbear to inculcate it on his hearers as indispensable to their salvation. Several years elapsed, if I remember right, before he met with any one who appeared to understand the things of the Spirit of God. It was not until he formed the ac- quaintance of some members of the Methodist society that he enjoyed the privilege of spiritual fellowship. Immediately he was attracted to them, and cast in his lot among them. There was nothing in his religious sentiments to prevent at once the most perfect union ; for it is remarkable that although educated a Calvin- ist, from the moment he felt the love of God, he be- lieved the same blessing was free for all. On his retiring from the army he settled at St. Stephen's in New Brunswick. There he became a most useful mi- nister of Christ, and after holding forth to a numerous congregation the word of life for nearly forty yearsj «!'! if il i5< m \'\! Sd8 MEMOISS OF THB ' '. i '■ flj departed in the faith) to wear the crown of righteoua* ness laid up for him in heaven. Hundreds of unfading gems, the fruits of his faithful ministry, will illustrate that crown in the day of the Lord Jesus. — Independent of the feelings and motives by which I have been ac- tuated in paying this imperfect tribute to departed ex- cellence, it can hardly he deemed a digression in deli- neating the history of one whose life is in fact the his- tory of J\lethodism in New Brunswick and the sister Province. ITrom St. Stephen's Mr. Black returned again to St. John in May. Mr. Bishop's time in the city was now expired. His valedictory address produced such an effect as might be expected from the operation, at a moment so impressive, of the mutual attachment between a holy minister and a people, most of whom were his spiritual children, and to all of whom the lustre of his example and the fidelity of his ministra- tions had been singularly useful. The parting scene (which took place on the 16th of May) is thus described by Mr. Black : " Brother Bishop preached a farewell sermon : I then gave a discourse on the Lord's Sup- per, and administered the ordinance ; after which bro- ther McCoU gave an exhortation. what a time ! very similar to the scene on a like occasion in Newfound- land. Going round among the people the next day, I found them deeply distressed at the thought of losing dear Mr. Bishop, whose memory they have indeed cause to love." Thence Mr. Black proceeded to Remsheg (now called Wallace.) A gracious outpouring of the Holy Spirit had attended the labours of Mr. Grandine in this section of the country the preceding winter ; and the effects of the divine visitation were the more conspi- *• t nzr* wirxiiif black. 389 if righteous* I of unfading eillillustrate -Independent ave been ac- departed ex- 9sion in deli- i fact the his- ^d the sister med again to the city was )roduced such he operation, Lai attachment oost of whom of whom the ' his ministra* parting scene thus described hed a farewell Lord's Sup- ;er which bro- tt a time! very n Newfound* [he next day, I ight of losing have indeed lemsheg (now jig of the Holy Irandine in this pter; and the more conspi- cuous from the previous ignorance of the things of God, and total inattention to moral and religious duties that had prevailed among the people. The work was as permanent as it was poweiful. Almost all its sub- jects who remained steadfast, have ' passed through death triumphant home ;' and by the few that yet lin- ger on this side Jordan, the name of Mr. Grandine is still pronounced with affectionate veneration. When Mr. Black ' came, and had seen the grace of God, he was glad ;' and visiting the various parts of the circuit which Mr. Grandine had formed, ' he exhorted them that with purpose of heart they should cleave unto the Lord.' On his return to Halifax, the work of God presented a most cheering aspect in town. Several souls had been truly converted, and others were ear- nestly enquiring the way to Zion. " Tuesday, 28th of August," he writes — " For the last fortnight I have had plenty of work in visiting the friends. The work still spreads — more are awakened — more are converted — and almost every day new members are added to the society. Last night I was called out of bed at 13 o'clock to praise God for the deliverance of one who had been ten days under deep convictions. I never saw a person more happy. O how powerful is the grace of God when it powerfully reigns in the heart !" In accordance with Dr. Coke's request, Mr. filack made arrangements to attend the General Conference at Baltimore ; and sailed for Philadelphia on the 19th of October. He endeavoured to render himself as useful to the Captain and crew as possible ; and was treated by them with marked respect. Tuesday the 80th, while at sea, he says — " Most of my time since I came on board has been occupied in reading, chiefly Aa 1M -^^ *r H 'i-'i «4rfi ' ' n '!;■■. I. 290 >» • MEMOIRS OF THE * 4 Flavel's Treatise on the soul, Littleton's Roman His* tory and Knox':^ Essays. Lord let none of them prove unprofitable!" To some this petition may appear superfluous, if not preposterous. * What imaginable injury they will think could accrue from the perusal of such works as those of Littleton and Knox i' < Does it not indicate imbecility and enthusiasm to anticipate any injurious moral influence from volumes so instructive and admirable in themselves as those . specified ?' Such persons are incapable of appreciat- ing the spiritual sensibility of a mind like Mr. Black's, or the tendency of works, whether of literature or mere morality, to impair a realizing sense of divine things, unless counteracted by much vigilance and prayer. The candid confession of the intellectually-great Ro- bert Hall, in his Sermon on the danger of evil com- munications, annihilates the allegation of mental weakness in the case, and is highly monitory : "I recollect some years ago," he says, " that upon read- ing some very popular tales (Moral Tales they are styled,) the talent of which is exceedingly great, but which are distinguished by the total absence of re- ligion, and the want of all reference to it even in the scenes of death, the influence on my mind was such that, during the time devoted to that reading, it was with great difficulty and perplexity I was able to dis- charge my ministerial duties. It became, therefore painfully evident to me, that to be conversant long with trains of thought or associations of ideas from which religion is entirely excluded, is of most dangerons tendency." From moralists like Johnson and Addi- son (nor would we by any means exclude Knox) knuch indeed may be learned by the most devout Christian, calculated not only to inform his under- Bir. WALIAM BLACK. 5291 Roman His- f them prove may appear t imaginable the perusal and Knox ?' ithusiasm to "rom volumes ye8 as those of appreciat- , Mr. Black's, •ature or mere divine things, 3 and prayer, lally-great Ro- r of evil com- on of mental lonitory : " I Ihat upon read- JTales they are igly great, but ibsence of re- _ it even in the mind was such leading, it was js able to dis- me, therefore^ jrsant long with las from which lost dangerons ison and Addi- fxclude Knox) most devout irra his under- standing and taste, but to make him better acquahited with his own heart. An example of this occurs in Mr. Black's journal, in connection with the entry from which we have given the above extract. He there expresses his obligations to God for the benefit he derived from a perusal of Addison's three papers on the Love of Fame. He probably enlarged his ac- quaintance with the insidious operation of that anta- gonist principle of humility before God. <> // i Mr. Black did not arrive at Baltimore till the 5th of November, when he found the Conference had been in session three days. He was more successful than he anticipated in the leading object of his visit, having obtained five or six preachers for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Doctor Coke was extremely desirous that he should assume the charge of the missions in the windward West India Islands ; in consequence of which Mr. Harper, who had laboured some time in that sphere, was appointed as Mr. Black's successor — Presiding Elder of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. He met Mr. Harper in New York on the 35th, and was gratified on an acquaintance with him, to perceive that he possessed estimable qualities which augured favourably for the department of the work over which he was designated to preside. It was deemed expedient that Mr. Black, before remov- ing his family to the West Indies, should accompany Dr. Coke thither, in order to ascertain how the cli- mate was likely to agree with his health. On his pas- sage to his new field of labour he has the following re- marks : — « December 19th. — I Lave experienced much com- fort this evening in my closet devotions. The Lord very graciously visited me ; and I said with the disci r r i- i' »»:=" i':. !299 %^^ i ' III!:: ;«■>!■ IjM ■ f!i! ' i;!.- MKMOIIB or THB !ple8 on mount Tabor, * It is good for me to be here.' I derive encouragement from the thought that infinite wisdom is at the helm of affiiirs, and guides the wheels of providence : here would I rest. Let me cheerfully go wherever my divine Master sees meet. Were I to consult my inclinations, I would prefer England'to any •other part of the world, especially to the sultry climes of the West Indies : but it is my desire to walk) not after the will of the flesh, but after the will of my in- finitely wise and good God. < Sovereign of the world, sanctify m^y will : let all within me be in sweet sub- jection to thy pleasure P A thousand times rather would I lose my place in the scale of being, than lose the image of God, and sink into the base drudgery and vassalage of the devil." Through the goodness of God they arrived in safety at St. Eustatius, on the last day of the year. They inunediately waited on the Governor ; but experienced a very cold and repulsive reception. He told them that if they had touched at the Island as strangers on their way to another destination, they should have the protection of Government, but if they attempted to preach, no exertion would be spared to enforce the law against them. " From so despotic a government," says Mr. Black, " where an intolerant and haughty aristocracy bereave the people not only of their civil, but of their religious rights, may the Lord deliver me !" " The little society," he continues, " that was raised here by some of our Preachers who visited this Island a few years ago, but were not permitted to re- main, are much scattered. Some of these have suf- fered much for the cause of Jesus, and are neither Ashamed nor discouraged. Others were not able to endure reproach> and scourging at the tail of a cart telV. WILLIAM BLACK. 1203 be here.' Iiat infinite the wbeeta ) cheerfully Were 1 to {land' to any ultry climes owalk, no' ill of my io- of the world, 1 sweet Bub- tiraes rather mg, than Iobc >a8e drudgery n'', \^ .' ived in safety .year. They at experienced He told them 8 strangers on kould have the attempted to to enforce the government," It and haughty of their civil, Lord deliver ics," that was fho visited this .ermitted to re- kese have suf- jd are neither >re not able to [e tail of a can Ihrbhgh the town, but when persecution arose, fell away. I never was in a place where wickedness was 80 barefaced and triumphant. You cannot walk the streets but a hundred blasphemies assail your ears, and chill your blood into horror. This, all this can be per- initted — but were these poor creatures to spend their breath in prayer and praise, they must be imprisoned, lined, whipped, banished, &c. O where is the fear of God ? where is prudence ?— justice ? — mercy ? Will not God be avenged on such Governors as these ?" We select the most prominent incidents connected with bis visit to those tropical regions, and shall give them in his own words :-^ " January 1st, 1793. — Doctor Coke faired a small vessel to convey us to St. Christopher's, where we ar- rived the next morning. We blessed God that we were once more on British ground. Here we have a large society of coloured peoplcj I believe about one thousand five hundred; In the evening the Doctor sailed for St; Vincent's, having previously heard that our missionary in that Island, Mr. Matthew Lamb, was in prison. The Assembly there it seems have passed a law which, amongst other abominable things, enacts, that no person except a clergyman of the Church of England, shall presume to preach there until he shall have resided on the Island at least twelve months ; and even then he shall not be permitted to enter the house of a slave for the purpose of instruct- ing him. Some of the Magistrates, I understand, of- fered to pay Mr. Lamb's fine j but he respectfully de* clined accepting their offer, and cheerfully went to prison. Very right : for another sermon would have exposed him to a heavier fine. " Thursday, 10th;^I this morning returned from a A A a ; m w I lie L' |I t I 1 '^'i;i 294 MEMOIRS or tBfi short excursion into tuc country. On Tuesday I dine^ with Dr. Bull (at St. Kitt'e) and preached on his es- tate ; the next day 1 dined with Mr. Thompson, and also preached to the negroes. I plainly see that great dangers surround the missionaries on those (sLinds ; and unless their hearts are well estabi*' 1 • iv^h grace they must suffer great loss. They re u.u»^. . co min- gle so much with white people, v ho "^re in general very wicked and utterly avov to spin .iial conversa- tion ; yet in their own wr ; , c jurteous and obliging. May I while among them sustain no injury from their conversation ; and if I cannot, by prudently introduc- ing religious discourse, do them some goodt may I not be suffered, by casting pearls before swine, to do the poor slaves harm, by cutting off our access to them. "Thursday, 34th. — I have now been upwards of twelve days at St. Nevis. From the relaxation of my nervous system I am much exercised as to whether it is my duty to assume a permanent charge in the West Indies or not. May the Lord direct my unsteady mind to a proper determination ! I accompany Dr. Coke to-day to St. Kill's. "February 9th. — Our Conference commenced at Antigua. There were thirteen Preachers present. The deliberations occupied eight days. Great bless- ings, I doubt not, will result from the wholesome re- gulalionp t' at 'mve been adopted, and from the spirit of humil'tv vnJ icve that p'-'^'iiled tiiroughout thede- bales. i:vv . etermined that I return to St. Kill's as Presiding Elder of the Leeward Islands. I tremble at my insufficiency for so weighty a charge ; but Thou Lord art my help ! " March 4th. — I have just returned from a tour round a considerable portion of the Island, in compa- ttft? VrtLLlAtt StACt. 295 leaday 1 d'»n«^ shed on his es- hompBon, ami r Bee that great those Islands -, >h:.u v» *li grace o'.uib ' tomin- •^re in general ri ual conversa- UH and obliging, r.jury from their idently introduc- ) good, may I not swine, to do the iccess to them, been upwards of 5 relaxation of my as to whether it iargeiniheWest my unsteady mind mpany Dr. Coke Le commenced at reachers present, iiys. Great bless- Cie wholesome re- Ind from the spirit liiroughout the tie- leturn to St. Kitt's Islands. I tremble [charge-, but Tbou rned from a tour Island, in compa- ny with Mr. fioxt^r. I preached four or fire timeii with much comfort. My ininrl is much happier than while I remained undetermined about coming to u> -^ West Indies. *' Wednesday, IStb. — Afler taking an affoction^te leave of my kind^ Antigua friends, 1 sailed for Liv^^r* pool, N. S.) on board the Aurora, Captain Bartleu ,The next day we touched at St. Eustatia, and cant< to anchor at Anguilla on Friday. I waited on t le Go- vernor, who courteously gave me an invitation to din- ner, and requested me to make the Government house my home while I remained m the Island. He is a friendly, plain old gentleman. On Sunday, 17tbf I read prayers and preached a: the Collector's house. On the 18th, 19th, and 30tb I p eached, first to a con- gregation or white people, and tiien to odo of negroes. The congregations gradually increased : some of both colours were affected under the w< )rd. Many of tbem scarcely knew how to express their thankfulness for my visit, although at my first coming they were ready to laugh at the very mention of r* ligious concerns. The Collector and a few of the respectable inhabitants have expressed a desire for a missionary . I think I See the gracious providence of God n unexpectedly bringing me to preach the glad tidings of salvation to these neglected people. I shall certai ly entreat Dr. Coke to send a missionary hither as so )a as possible. I cannot believe that the seed already iown will be quite lost." On the 21st Mr. Black sailed from Anguilla for Li- verpool, N. S., where he arrived in safety after a pas- sage of eighteen days, and found the society prosper- ing under the ministry of Mr. Fidler. Tne growing State of the cause at Liverpool authorised and required ■'3 396 MEMOIRS OF rat ;^, the erection of a suitable place of worship. Mr. Bla6k immediately entered into this object ; and in a few days obtained £100 by subscription for the purpose, and the promise of £200 more. On Tuesday the 18th he arrived, through the mercy of God, at Halifax, and had the happiness to find his family and friends well. The joy of the Occasion was hallowed by deep devo- tional feelings. "May all our seasons," he prays, *' of meeting and parting but serve to lead our souls more deeply into God, in whom alone is true rest and peace !" He found the new chapel handsomely com- pleted ; and while, for the first time, he held forth in it the word of life, the earnest and faithful prayer was that the Lord might *' count when he writeth up the people," that many souls were born there ; that there thousands might pay their grateful homage to him vvho bought them with his blood. His official connec- tion with the work in Nova Scotia, for the present at least, was dissolved. He returned merely for the pur- pose of removing his family to the more insalubrious clime, in which, afler some painful struggles of mind, he became convinced it was his duty, at the sacrifice of all his own feelings and predilections, to promote the spiritual emancipation of those injured sons of Africa who, torn by the ruthless hand of commercial cupidity from their native shores, were doomed to drag through life the degrading chain of servitude. Whose heart does not swell with transport at the thought that that chain is now broken ? Whose lips do not pour forth benedictions on them, by the lightning of whose fearless and flashing eloquence it has been dissolved forever ? Eternal blessings on those sons of philan- thropy, among whom the immortal Wilberforce ranges pre-eminent, who, at the altar of their God, swore 111,,,;...,, KEV. ' WILLIii«M BLACE. 297 lip. Mr.Blafck and in a few r the purpose, lesday the I8th at Halifax, and id friends well, by deep devo- ,ns," he prays, lead our souls is true rest and andsoraely com- le held forth in thful prayer was 5 writeth up the here ; that there homage to him 9 official connec- »r the present at jrely for the pur- ore insalubrious ruggles of mind, at the sacrifice 3ns, to promote injured sons of of commercial doomed to drag Ivitude. Whose the thought that lips do not pour itning of whose been dissolved jons of philan- iberforce ranges lir God, swore perpetual hostility against slavsry, and never rested until they saw the escutcheon of England purified from its fpulest stain ! — upon those self-denying men of God, >ipho pioneered the way in this glorious enter- iSrise, and without the preparing influence of whose spiritual labours, the wisdom of the statesman, the eloquence of the orator, and the plans of the Ghri»- tian philanthropist, could never have so auspiciously achieved it ! In these most benevolent and disinte- rested labours Mr. Black was willing to engage ; and the path of duty now seemed plain to him. But how incapable are we of penetrating the future — how un- certain a criterion do our feelings oflen prove as to the course we are destined to fulfill, the manner or the plMe in which we ought to serve our generation, by the will of God ! The absence of Mr. Black only for a few months had more than satisfied his brethren in Nova-Scotia, that no one, however pious, wise, and assiduous, could exactly supply his place as a General Superintendent of the field which had been so exten- sively planted and watered by his own exertions. At their Conference, held at Windsor on the 5th and 6th of June, they therefore unanimously adopted a Reso- lution that a petition should be addressed to Dr. Coke, requesting that brother Black should by no means be removed from Nova Scotia, and stating the reasons on wl^ich this request was founded. The application had the desired effect. Much as the Doctor desired to se- cure his services for the West India missions, he felt at once the irresistible force of the representation made to him by the Nova Scotia brethren, and as unhesi- tatingly acquiesced in their wishes. Immediately on reaching England, and before he received the petition by which his cherished plan of operation in reference 'ijfe i I \'U\ ?» 298 MEMOIRS OF THE to the West Indies was so materially changed, he ad- dressed a letter to Mr. Black, dated Falniouth, June 6th, 1793, of which we give the reader an extract : — '' I am just landed from Jamaica. In the autumn go with your family to New York, Philadelphia, or Bos- ton ; thence to Santa Croix, St. John, or St. Thomas, in an American vessel. Take there a Danish schooner or sloop to carry you to St. Kitt's. If American ves- sels trade to Halifax, go in one to the States. Thus will you sail in neutral ships all the way. Draw upon me for all necessary expences. When Martin comes, if he be not already come, I will see that he is taken care of. I intend to write a circular to the preachers, and a letter to brother Anderson when I have time. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are the first upon my list to be visited, in all America. Pray for your faithful friend," &c. From the date of the above let- ter, it will readily occur to the reader that the caution- ary suggestions it contains for Mr. Black's guidance, in proceeding to his contemplated destination, natu- rally arose out of the state of things produced by the war which then commenced, on the part of Great Bri- tain and the allied^ powers of Germany and Prussia, against France. Mr. Black, in 1786, expressed himself very favoura- bly in a letter to Mr. Wesley respecting the then Lord Bishop of Nova Scotia ; in reply to which, Mr. W., with what would seem prophetic sagacity, intimated — " I do not expect any great matters from the Bishop. I doubt his eye is not single ; and if it be not, he will do little good to you, or any one else." When Mr. Wesley had gone to his reward this apprehension was painfully realized by Mr. Black. In a Sermon which the Bishop preached oii the 9th of June, 1793, he IIM •g REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 29<> ihanged, he ad- 'almouth, Juno r an extract : — I the autumn go ielphia, or Bos- or St. Thomas, Danish schooner f American ves- 3 States. Thus ay. Draw upon Martin comes, I that he is taken to the preachers, hen I have time, re the first upon . Pray for your of the above let- r that the caution- lack's guidance, iestination, natu- produced by the of Great Bri- ly and Prussia, elf very favoura- jig the then Lord [which, Mr. W., Icity, intimated — rom the Bishop. It be not, he will L.» When Mr. Ipprehension was " a Sermon which June, 1793, he grossly misrepresented (we trust through ignorance) those who were endeavouring to work out their salva- tion with fear and trembling. The allusion was ob- viously to the Methodists ; and the attack must have been as harsh as it was gratuitous, since it excited a mind so characteristically mild and gentle as that of Mr. Black, publicly to animadvert upon the equally ungracious and unfounded assertions and insinuations, by which his Lordship thought proper to assail some of the best friends to the Church of England's best in- terests. It is painful to relate that about the same time there arrived from England a Church clergyman (Mr. Willowby) who used his utmost efforts to op- pose Methddism, publicly deuouncing its ministry as unauthorised, and its doctrines as delusive, and treat- ing with supreme arrogance the idea of any union with such fanatics. Our profound respect for the Church of England, and most ardent desire to see her piety elevated to her own standards of faith and duty u.id devotion, would have induced us to pass in perfect silence over such examples of ecclesiastical impro- priety, did we not think their exposure more likely than their suppression to promote the benefit of that very church. , ^nd it is certainly with feelings of un- feigned and av milled satisfaction that we record, in connection with thoSe^'jftj'elopements of " zeal not ac- cording to knowledge,'"" '^P^^||to^.j^ich presents itself, on the very next page of Mr^' zinmnpl|)|tfB^iil^ "ii^^ ing a refreshing contrast^© th^ spirit of haughty ex- clusiveness : — On the 2d of ^tober Mr. Black, on his way from Cornwallis to Hort^, called on the Rev. Mr. Twining, the Church minister. He was received with the utmost cordiality — not spumed as an enemj', but greeted as * a brother beloved.' He regarded Mr. ■:fP*^:i l|: i;ri »'m^ 300 MEMOIRS OF THS Black as one of those messengers of the churches who are the glory of Christ, and gladly went to hear him preach in the evening. " How different," writes Mn B., " hia spirit from that of Mr. W." Mr. Twining was the subject of that 'celestial illumination which enabled him to penetrate beneath the surface of re- ligion ; to see that modes of church government, as compared with the grand" essentials of vital godliness, are subordinate and adventitious — that " the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." He felt at one period a strong inclination to offer himself to the Me- thodist Conference, and to become a fellow labourer with those whom some of his brethren regarded as self-constituted and deluded teachers ; and we have oflen heard it stated that Mr. Black, instead of using his influence to draw him away from the church, per- suaded him to remain in it, as he would by that means have it in his power to do good to classes of society who were not accessible to a Methodist Minister. After a long ministerial life, during which he occupied in succession several important posts of duty in the province, he died at Liverpool (N. S.) universally re- spected and lamented. I cannot deny myself the plea- sure of stating here that an eminent ^on of the ve- nerable individual to whom reference has just been made, John Thomas Twining, D. D. of Halifax, in the cultivation of a friendly regard towards the Metho- dists, and the cause of true Christianity in general, is found walking in the footsteps of his father. As Chaplain of the Garrison — a station which he has fill- ed with great usefulness for a series of years, — it has been in his power very materially to abridge the privi- leges of the soldiers connected with our society : but HEV. WILLIAM BLACK. 301 [le churchefl who vent to hear hint ent," writes Mr» » Mr. Twining umination which e surface of rc- 1 government, as f vital godliness, at "the kingdom righteousness and " He felt at one imself to the Me- a fellow labourer hren regarded as rs ; and we have , instead of using n the church, per- uld by that means classes of society >thodist Minister, hich he occupied Its of duty in the 1.) universally re- |y myself the plea- snt feon of the ve- |ce has just been of Halifax, in [wards the Metho- lity in general, is his father. As which he has fiU- if years, — it has ibridge the privi- our society : but kistead of doing so, his influence has invariably been exerted to facilitate their attendance on our evening means of grace which occur almost every day. A most gratifying exhibition of this spirit was afforded by him only a few years since, during a gracious out- pouring of the Holy Spirit under the ministry of the Rev. R. Knight, then the superintendent of the Hali- fax circuit. In the blessings of that time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, none participated so largely as the military : and Dr. Twining, with a ge- nerous liberality not always manifested by ministers of the same denomination towards each other, encourag- ed their unfailing attendance on the means which were evidently so abundantly blessed to their souls. I mere- ly add, what will not surprise the reader, that I have often heard intelligent soldiers remark of the Doctor's preaching, that it is characterised by an affectionate and earnest fidelity that will leave those without ex- cuse to whom it proves '' the savour of death unto death." May the Lord signally own and bless his la- bours among a class of our fellow men so much ex- posed to temptation ! May hundreds of them rise up on the resurrection mom as spoils won by his instru- mentality from the empire of darkness ! On Tuesday, 22d of October, Mr. Black writes :— This day was appointed as a day of public fasting, humiliation and prayer. Much cause indeed have we to humble ourselves before God. The societies in general throughout the country are far from being so lively as heretofore ; nor has the town escaped the de- clension. Alas ! we have lost much of our first love. The judgments of the Almighty are hanging over our heads — ^we are every hour looking for an invasion by the French fleet. Tl^e militia are called in from the B B li'ii .''. ;F!i Hi U' t 'J ^ ■ : ft 302 MEMOIRS OF THC country to defend us ; but if God be against us, vain ii^ the help of man. A raging fever is spreading through Philadelphia : already has it swept away thousands : one hundred and fifty are said to fall victims to it in a day. Our Governors have adopted every precaution to prevent if possible the contagion from being brought into these provinces ; but God alone can say to it — * Hitherto shalt thou go, but no farther.' " Although repeatedly disappointed by providential impediments in his anticipations of seeing Dr. Coke in Nova Scotia, Mr. Black could not bring his mind to resign all hope of the gratification, honour, and benefit of that longed-for event. Nor did he cease to importune the Dr. to redeem the pledge he had given to that effect. His hopes were revived on this subject by the following letter, in which the Dr. alludes to the persecuting law enacted by the Assembly of St. Vin- cent in language that will thrill through every loyal bosom : — " London, Nov. 7, 1793. " My vert Dear Friend, " I am very much obliged to you and my other brethren for your kind letter. I will visit you as soon as I can : but it cannot be before the next Conference, as I promised last Conference to take a tour through Ireland next spring and summer. I have strong invi- tations to Africa. I cannot say whether I must not accept of them before I see you. I long to see you. I will never, God willing ; no, I will never visit your quarter of the Globe again without seeing you. But it was well that I directly returned from Jamaica to England ; otherwise Wm. Hammett would have done linst us, vain itf •eading through v&y thousands : ictims to it in a revy precaution 01 being brought can say to it— • by providential eeing Dr. Coke , bring his mind an, honour, and r did he cease to Ige he had given jdon this subject )r. alludes to the nbly of St. Vin- )ugh every loyal Nov. 7, 1793. )u and my other nsit you as soon lext Conference, |e a tour through lave strong invi- ther I must not ig to see you. I lever visit your jeing you. But l:om Jamaica to irould have done REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 303 both me and the work in the West Indies perhaps irreparable mischief. But he has not prevailed. " Our best of Kings, with the advice of his council, has disallowed the persecuting law of St. Vincent's. It is no more — Glory be to God ! Pray daily in pub- lic and private for our excellent King. The act was disallowed in consequence of a petition from our General Conference. I am going to Holland on be- half of St. Eustatius. If brother Harper arrive in Nova Scotia for the sake of his health, he is to stay there six months ; and I'll beg of you to supply his place in the West Indies for that timd. I hope you have taken out your brother :* you know I have pro- mised if there be deficiencies on his account to supply them. God bless you. My love to sister Black, the brothers Mann, Lunsford, Boyd, &c. &c. << Your most faithful, « T. Coke." " P. S. I must leave the matter of the West Indies to your judgment. If you think it can be done con- sistently with the good of the work in Nova Scotia, go for six months, if brother Harper arrives in N. S. But if you think it not compatible with the good of the work in N. S. stay where you are, even if he do come." Reinstated by a train of unexpected providential circumstances, in that official relation to the cause in Nova Scotia, &c. which he had so long and efficiently sustained, Mr. Black gave himself afresh to the great object of consolidating and extending the societies and congregations which he liad been mainly instrumental "* John Black, Esq. whose character is briefly portrayed on tiie 203c1 page ol this work . lit'' ! ■I' ',S • .., \ 304 MEMOIRS OF THE in originating. In addition to his unweariable labours througliout the province at large during the year 1784') he again visited Prince Edward Island. At Tryon River there had been an extensive revival under the ministry of Mr. Grandine two years previously. " It etill increased," says Mr. B. "under the blessing of God, with the little means they had among themselves, until nearly all the Protestants in the village, and some even of the Roman Catholics were awakened. Every thing went on well and gave promise of an universal work, at least amongst the Protestants of th^ place. But the artful serpent began to play his old game. He who whispered into Eve's ears — * Ye shall not surely die,' began to preach to them unconditional decrees and absolute final perseverance. The conse- quences have been most injurious to their souls." A few days after he commenced his labours among them indications of good became apparent. On the first Sunday, about twenty made application for admittance into the society. At Charlottebftwn, he found a class consisting dTsix or seven who had been united together, and were regularly met at the house of Mr. Benjamin Ghappel, by Joshua Newton, Esquire, who at that time had the office of Collector on the Island. Thus eai:ly in the history of Methodism in those provinces, do we find this estimable man associated with iu evincing his high appreciation of that branch of its spiritual economy, which Mr. Wesley so justly terms one of its sinewSf and taking a decided and prominent part in the diffusion of scriptural holiness. In Chan- lottetown there is now a flourishing Wesley an Society, a numerous and highly respectable congregation, a oon^modious and beautiful parsonage, and one of the largest chapels in the Nova Scotia district^ Hovr i R£V. WILLIAM BLACK. 305 gtatifying to the best feelings of Mr. Newton's heart must it be to look back upon the day when he formed the nucleus of a society second in magnitude and im- portance only to that of Halifax ; while in the liberality of its contributions for the support of its own minbtry, and the extension of the general Missionary cause, it nobly emulates the example of the metropolis of Nova Scotia itself. On the cause of Methodism, to which the approaches of eternity have only served to increase and rivet Mr. Newton's early and uniform attachment, * his manner of life, faith, purpose, charity,' still shed an adorning lustre. The celestial gem of piety which IS sometimes, alas, obscured by the indecorous deport- ment of its possessors, is seen in him beautiAilly en- chased by intellectual cultivation and true politeness. Whoever has marked his procedure in the public rela- tions of life, enjoyed the intimacies of his personal friendship, or witnessed the consummate order of his household, must have been forcibly reminded of St. Paul's expression—" Love behaveth not itself unseem- ly." Of the living we ought not perhaps to say more ; and we are free to acknowledge that we should have stifled the genuine sentiments of our mind, had respect for the cynic remarks of the fastidious, or an appre- hension of the charge of adulation, caused us to say leas. Distant yet (if such be the will of Heaven) be the day when the hand of the biographer will display his character in all the symmetry of its proportions, or the heart of friendship compose his epitaph. To return : Mr. Black's reception at Charlottetown by high and low, was truly gratifying. " I waited," he says, "on the Governor, Colonel Fanning, who received me kindly, expressed himself in terms of commendation respecting Mr. Wesley and his people, Bb2 m >l*^ 306 MEMOIRS or THE and gave me the use of the church. The Ooveraor'sf secretary, and the Attorney General attended preach- ing in the evening. Sunday, 12th of October, I again preached twice in the church to a large congregation. At 11 o'clock I had the pleasure of hearing the Rev. Mr. Desbrisay, the clergyman of the town . He de- livered a plain, honest discourse, but did not appear to me to have a clear conception of the nature of re generation. On the 13th, I had a friendly visit from JMr. Desbrisay. U is my desire to cultivate a Christian friendship and ^U proper union with the ministers of the Church oi England. I waited on his Excellency to present my acknowledgements for the use of the ■church. I spent nearly an hour with him very agree- ably ; we conversed freely on the advantages of re- ligion to individuals, and society in general. He ex- pressed much friendship, and offers to assist us if we wiU jrect a chapel in Charlottetown." Such a Go- vernor was admirably fitted to exercise vice-regal authority in a new colony composed of people of various creeds and countries ; and the prudent mani- festation of the same spirit by the Representatives of Majesty under any circumstances, by giving a charac- ter of paternity to the power and pomp of office, would make the standard of the constitution the rallying point to all classes of society. The Rev. Mr. Desbri- say, whom Mr. Black mentions in the preceding cx^ tract, was a truly crood and amiable man, distinguished for his frankness and urbanity. From a short but interesting acquaintance with him we should think that the canons of criticism were as familiar to him a^ those of his church, but his manner in the pulpit and out of it, seemed to indicate that he thought both rather rigid. As to the former, the authority of Q,uintilian i R£V. WILLIAM BLACK. 307 he Oovernor'«f tended preach- ctober, I again I congregation, aring the Rev. town. He de- did not appear e nature of re adly visit from vate a Christian :he ministers of I his Excellency the use of the him very agree- vantages of re- eneral. He ex- ) assist us if wo .» Such a Go- rcise vice-regal d of people of prudent niani- presentatives of iving a charac- of office, would in the rallying lev. Mr. Desbri- preceding ex- |n, distinguished m a short but le should think iliar to him a^ the pulpit and ight both rather of Q,uintilian iind of Blair combined, could not deter him from using any species of simile or diction in the desk that he deemed best adapted to rouse the consciences or in- struct the minds of his audience. In a good old age he was gathered to his fathers in peace, and succeeded by his son>in-law, the Rev. Mr. Jenkins, the present rector of Charlottetown. He has a son, a respectable and devoted Wesleyan Missionary, the Rev. Albert Desbrisay, whose labours have been greatly blessed in various parts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The increase of the society, as exhibited by the re- turns made at the Conference of 1794, which was held at Windsor, was very animating. The number of accredited members now amounted to eleven hundred. Mr. Black's hopes of a visit from Dr. Coke were doom- ed to be again cut off. Under date of Feb. 6th, 1794, says the Dr. — " I can by no means be absent from the next British Conference. There is a general dissatis- faction running through the whole connection : both preachers and people complain ' we have no govern- ment.' There is also a general cry among the people for the sacraments among ourselves, and they must be indulged." He adds the cheering intelligence — " We have had a great revival in and about Halifax, Dewg^ bury, Bradford and Bristol, in Yorkshire : ten or twelve justified of a day. Cries and tears till two in the morning, as in America." # Ifm^t CHAPTER XIII. , \l ^ i«R. BLACK PROPOSES TO REMOVE TO ENGLAND— MI- NISTERS AND POLITICS — DR. BUNTING'S PLEASING TESTIMONY TO MR. BLACK'S DEEP PIETY — DETAIL- ED ACCOUNT or THE METHODIST SOCIETIES IN NOVA SCOTIA AND I^EW BRUNSWICK — THE POWER OF DIVINE GRACE CONSPICUOUSLY EXEMPLIFIED IN COLONEL BAYARD — EXTENSIVE REVIVALS IN NOVA SCOTIA AND AT ST. JOHN, N. B. — SIGNAL FAILURE OF ATTEMPTS TO PROPAGATE 8ANDIMANIAN DOC- TRINES IN HALIFAX — DESIGNATION OF MESSRS. BLACK AND BENNETT AS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BRITISH CONFERENCE TO THE AMERICAN CONFE- RENCE ON THE POSITION OF METHODISM IN THE CANADAS. With the year 1794 closes Mr. Black's Journal. It has been my endeavour to cull from it whatever ma- terials appeared to me most appropriate to the design of biography. With those I have connected some col- lateral topics, naturally suggested by the narrative, and such illustrations of character as my personal knowledge of the individuals to whom reference is made, has enabled me to supply. In the sequel of the work the same unbroken continuity of events is not to be expected. Our materials, however, are not exhausted. Much of interest yet remains ; but the extension of the volume beyond its contemplated limits t;;iii-- >' » ENGLAND— MI- INO'S PLEASING PIETY — DETAIL- r SOCIETIES IN JK — THE POWER EXEMPLIFIED IN RIVALS IN NOVA SIGNAL FAILURE NDIMANIAN DOC- ON OF MESSRS. TATIVES OF THE VIERICAN CONFE- HODISM IN TH£ ck'a Journal. It it whatever ma- ate to the design nected some col- y the narrative, as my personal )m reference is n the sequel of lity of events is "owever, are not lains; but the Itemplated limits MEMOIRS, &,c. 309 admonishes us to be studious of selection and brevity. Any chasms which may occur will excite the less as- tonishment, when it is remembered that Mr. Black'« labours, as well as the cause which had so abundantly prospered under his auspices, had now acquired a character of uniformity, and were therefore only oc- casionally marked with incident of a very striking order. Strong and ever-increasing as were his ties and at- tachments to Nova Scotia, his * own, his native land,' still possessed a charm and an attraction that operated powerfully upon his mind : and it was not until the voice of Divine Providence unequivocally interdicted such a course, that ho abandoned the cherished expec- tation and hope of spending the evening of his life in England. The grand objection to the accomplish- ment of his wishes in this particular arose firom the paternal relation he sustained to the work of God in Nova Scotia^ and from the consequences to be appre- hended from the disruption of hici union with it. That objection he endeavoured at one period to obviate, by proposing that the societies in Nova Scotia and the sister provinces should be transferred to the American Connexion. Their proximity to the United States, he was then of opinion, would greatly contribute to the extension and stability of the wwk, by securing a more regular supply of ministerial agency and the ef- ficient superintendence of the bishops. Political ob- stacles, however, presented themselves to the salutary working of such a plan. These Mr. Black foresaw, but he flattered himself that they would not prove in- superable. — "It is now a subject of consideration amongst us," he writes Bishop Asbury, " whether we ought not to put ourselves under the direction of the UK) MfiMOIRS OF TUB Ainuricaii bishopM. I linvo inontinnod it to some of tlio proauhord. It ia ubjoctod that such uti union would oxcito the joalousios of our Civil Governors : l>ut in my opinion, if tlio proachorti wlio might como from the United States should be prudent men, and let ))olitics alone, there would bo nothing to fear from that quarter. What have the ministers of Christ to •lo with the administration of civil government i Christ's kingdom is not of this world. Wo are neither iiuigistrates nor legislators." Were all ministers in» tluenced by the some elevated views of the spirituality of their office, and endued with the same degree of prudence that Mr. Black possessed, the arrangement which in the charity and sincerity of his heart he re- commended, might possibly have been adopted with- out any disastrous consequences. Such were the views entertained, and such the course pursued by Christians and Christian ministers in relation to human govern- ments in the days of the Church's glory. And thus it was that they operated with the most beneficent in- fluence on the very elements of the social system, and changed the frame and the face of the evangelized nations. "The governments which have most in- iluence in the world, glory in the name oT. Christian ; and profess to derive their fundamental principles, botli of law and equity from the Book of God. Had the genuino followers of Christ taken part in the dif- ferent political discussions, by which the nations where they sojourned have been embroiled and agi- tated, these glorious ends, humanly speaking, had never been accomplished. The Christian Church would have been a wretched grovelling thing, cooped up in corners, without shedding a ray of beneficence on theoarth ; as equally unproductive of g-iory .n, a few months after, will not be unacceptable to the reader :— " I thank you most warmly for the intelligence you I KEr. William blacic. 313 laving an op- hip to Nova to you, and a , with the de- )uble you. I ble andprofi- lam and Man- land, and am [ on earth, be- 3undant mercy you in heaven, id perfect that here were so by separation. li of the First- iend again, and f ten thousand iting Hosannas , Lord Jesus ! time ago in a je testimony of m you preached door,' &c., on [in April, 1800. lave some seals orld, and that it in vain in the Ich he received Chri>?t, a few ) the reader :— Intelligence yoM have communicated concerning the appointments of your last Conference, and other Nova Scotian affairs. As a Christian and a Methodist, however undeserving of those honourable appellations, I feel myself cor- dially interested in every thing which concerns Chris- tianity and Methodism in any part of the world, t trust that the infant churches, which our Lord has made you the chief instrument of planting in the cor- ner of the vineyard where you now reside, will more abundantly flourish and increase ; and, watered by his heavenly blessing and influence, will produce, in glo- rious plenty, all the fruits of righteousness. " Your account of Mr. Bennett is very pleasing to me. I greatly love him in the truth ; and most ardently wish for his increasing comfort and usefulness. He has never yet written to me. Pray offer my most bro- therly and affectionate respects to him, and to Mr. Marsden, when you write to or see them." In the autumn of 1804, Mr. Black transmitted to the Missionary Committee in London a more detailed ac- count of the state and prospects of the societies under his superintendence than he had previously funiished, which, in addition to some interesting information re- specting the statistics of the province at that period, carries forward his personal history, and will convey an idea of the care and exertion demanded by the re- sponsibilities of his office : — "Dear and Respected Brethreit, " It is proper you should receive all the information we can give you, both as to our temporal and spiritual state. It would be a singular pleasure to me, could I present you with a statement of our affairs, more C c tim :i"!"?- '-{ au MEMOIRS OF THC adapted to administer comfort to you, and to ever^ lover of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the souls he has redeemed by his most precious blood. " I believe no census of the people has been taken in this, or the neighbouring province of New Bruns- wick. The number of inhabitants in Nova Scotia, I think, cannot be estimated at less than sixty thousand, of whom one fourth are of the Romish communion, and violently attached to the religion of their forefa- thers. Some of this profession have occasionally come under our ministry : and perhaps half a dozen have been converted, and added to the Methodist society. " New Brunswick does not contain more than half the number of inhabitants there are ia Nova Scotia : perhaps not more than twenty, or at the farthest twenty-five thousand. The local situation of these provinces is much against us. There are few "towns. The inhabitants are thinly scattered ; and the two provinces are separated from each other by the Bay of Fundy. In many places the roads are extremely bad, and the country intersected by bays and rivers, or divided by impregnable forests. The inhabitants are chiefly settled along the shores ot the Atlantic, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Bay of Fundy ; or, in the interior, along the sides of rivers and lakes. The preachers are obliged to be alone in their different circuits, and far separated from each other. However young a preacher may be, the sole management is necessarily in his own hands, at least for the time Im'mg. " At Halifax we have a good society of about one hundred and fifty members, most of whom profess an experimental knowledge of the power and comforts of teligion. Last winter twelve porsons were brought ) REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 315 and to every le souls he has las been taken f New Bruns- Nova Scotia, I sixty thousand, ih communion J of their forefa- sasionally come f a dozen have thodist society, more than half 1 Nova Scotia : at the farthest uation of these are fewtowns. I; and the two ther by the Bay i are extremely )ays and rivers, The inhabitants he Atlantic, the Fundy ; or, in ,nd lakes. The their different Ither. However [management is ;t for the time of about one [horn profess an md comforts of were brought into Christian liberty. The congregations are serious and attentive to the word. On the Sabbath the chapel is pretty well filled, and often crowded. It is sup- posed to contain nine hundred persons. Halifax is a very unsettled place. When there is a large military and naval force on the station, as was the case in the two former wars, and the public works call for many artificers, money becomes plentiful, trade brisk, and many flock in from other parts to partake of the bene- fit. But when the ships and troops are removed, mo- ney is scarce, trade dull, and labour not to be had. These mutations have considerably affected the society here, and have sometimes been exceedingly felt. By emigrations from Halifax, since my first coming to this town, we have lost about three hundred of our mem- bers, many of whom were valuable men, possessed not only of much solid, and well-tried faith and piety, but of various and useful talents. The Methodists are much esteemed by those in authority, for their 4}uiet and orderly lives, good morals and strict loyalty.* " At Liverpool, a small town on the sea coast, about twenty leagues to the westward of Halifax, we have a neat little chapel, which will contain about five or six hundred persons. At Liverpool and the adjacent settlements, there are, perhaps, two thousand souls, among whom there have been considerable revivals at various times, as well in the Independent or Congre- gational church, as in our own. We have in our * In proof of this, Mr. B. appeals to several instances of kind- ness, shewn to the Methodists, by those in authority; particularly by the late Governor Parr« and the present Governor, Sir John Wentworth; and also to the good opinion which His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, was kaowp to entertain of them, when Ibfi cooanoaaded oa that station. ■ I ■ 1 316 MEMOIRS OF THE Society here nbout one hundred and twenty communi- cants ; and three p.Iacipai magistrates are amongst the number, all of tnem pious and worthy men. " At Shelburne, a town about ten leagues to the west of Liverpool, we are building a chapel. There are in society about a hundred members. The population of this place has exceedingly decreased ; so that it does not'contain one tenth of the inhabitants who set- tled in it at the conclusion of the American war. Not less than two hundred or two hundred and fifly of our members have removed thence to other parts of the world. Are they, then, lost, and have we spent our labour in vain ' Nay, God forbid. We hope to meet many of them again in heaven, to celebrate the praises of redeeming love for ever and ever. Amen ! " At Annapolis Ruyal, a small town on the south side of the river which bears its name^ about one hun- dred and thirty miles distant from Halifax, we have a neat little chapel, supposed to contain about four hundred persons ; and at Granville, on the opposite side of the river, some miles above, we have another. At different times the Lord has graciously poured out his Spirit on these congregations. There are upwards of a hundred members in society, nearly all of whom profess an experimental knowledge of Christ Jesus their Lord. Their number would probably have doubled, had it been in our power to have supplied them with regular preaching, and thereby to have prevented our people being drawn away by Antino- mian teachers. It will not perhaps be unpleasing to you if I here mention a remarkable instance of the mighty power and grace of the Redeemer. Colonel Bayard, who, during the last war, commanded one of His Majesty's regiments^ then lying at Halifax^ and i^ I RCV. WILLIAM BLACK. 317 aty communi- , are amongst ly men. lies to the west There are in he population «d j so that it itants who set- can war. Not and fifty of our er parts of the e we spent our We hope to to celebrate the , ever, Amen ! m on the south ^ about one hun- Llifax, we have a [tain about four jn the opposite re have another, (usly poured out jre are upwards illy all of whom [of Christ Jesus probably have have supplied [hereby to have way by Antino- unpleasing to instance of the lemer. Colonel imanded one of Halifax, and \$ itiOW resident on his country seat about thirty mile.s above Annapolis, has lately experienced a gracious change; and though formerly so averse to the Metho- dists that he would not suffer one of his family to hear them preach, has now opened his own house for preaching. Having heard, when on my way to An. uapolis last winter, that the Colonel had some religious concern on his mind, I determined to visit him, not then knowing, what I afterwards learned^ that he had sent a note to me on the road, requesting that I would call at his house. He received me with the utmost kindness, and rejoiced to have a Methodist preacher under his roof. With many tears he lamented his former infidelity and aversion to the people of God ; and expressed, again and again, his thankfulness to the divine goodness, that his eyes were opened ere il was too late. His servant was soon sent to invite Captain R , Lawyer A , and some others to dinner and tea ; and all the neighbourhood for some miles round, to hear preaching in the evening. We had a solemn and profitable season, while I discoursed on the nature of Christian faith, and the preciousness of Jesus to those who believe in him, from 1 Pet. xi : 7. Several Christian friends stopped after the public ser- vice ; and the evening was agreeably spent in singing, prayer, and Christian conversation. The means of the Colonel's being awakened to a sense of his real condition, was the reading Mr. Wesley's Sermons, put into his hands, if I remember right, by Lawyer A . On my return from Annapolis I had the plea- sure of spending another night at the Colonel's, and of giving them another sermon. Mrs. B. also evinces true penitence ; and will, I trust, soon be numbered vvith the children of God, and enabled to rejoice iri Cc2 i^m 318 MEMOIRS OF THE Cbriut Jesus. The Colonel is much attached to the writings of Wesley and Fletcher. He has given me an order to procure him Mr. Wesley's Sermons, and Mr. Fletcher's Works, together with Dr. Coke's Commentary. I have not seen the good man since my return from the United States ; but I understand he is still pressing on in the good way, and continues at once to rejoice in Christ Jesus, and to weep over his past sinful life. He is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, nor of his ministers, nor yet of his people. Blessed be God, there are at least sonie among the rich and honourable, that share the reproaches of the cross, * and count all things but dung, that they may win Christ, and be found in him, not having their own righteousness, but that which is by the faith of Jesus Christ.' " In the Windsor Circuit we have a few pious friends. The number in society does not., I believe, exceed sixty. At Newport, which is included in the circuit, we had formerly about eighty members, most of whom were the fruits of Mr. John Mann's ministry ; but at present we can hardly say that we have any so- ciety there. Most of them have returned to the world again, or gone over to the Antinomians. I doubt if ten remain who meet in class. Hortou is the principal place in the circuit, where we have a convenient cha- pel, which is generally well attended. For several years, the Rev. Mr. Twining, a Missionary of the Established Church, resident at Coniwallis, has once in three weeks preached in our chapel at Horton, and frequently administered the Lord's Supper to our people. About five or six years ago, he was first brought to experience the converting grace of God ; from which time he has not shunned to declare the REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 319 iched to the las given me ermons, and Dr. Coke'd d man since I understand and continues to weep over of the Gospel of his people, ue among the iroaches of the that they may ving their own faith of Jesus 3 a few pious not, I believe, included in the lembers, most inn's ministry ; e have any so- led to the world ns. 1 doubt if is the principal [onvenient cha- For several isionary of the allJs, has once at Horton, and iupper to our ,, he was first grace of God ; to declare the necessity of regeneration > and warmly to press on the consciences of his hearers, this and the other distin- guishing doctrines of the Gospel. He has been fre- quently present at the meeting of the class, and spoken with great humility and thankfulness of the grace of Chrii^t Jesus ; and has sometimes met the society him- self. His attachment to the Methodists, and his plain manner of preaching the doctrines of the Gospel, have brought upon him much reproach, and considerable trials from some, from whom he ought to have re- ceived much encouragement. Benjamin Belcher, Esq. one of hJH vestry, who had been his principal op- ponent, and had preferred many charges against him to the Bishop, on his death-bed sent for Mr. Twining to pray with him, and in his will left about £300 to- wards the building him a church. " On the Cumberland Circuit, at the head of the Bay of Fundy, we have three chapels, and about nine-' ty members in society. Of the state of this people, ( never think but with grief and pain. Here it was, about twenty-four years ago, I commenced my minis- terial labours, and saw a gracious work of Gud ex- tending itself through the infant settlements, from Na- pan to the head of the river Pedriodive. There were about two hundred persons who met together in class, most of whom professed to be, and many of whom I doubt not were, the humble followers of the Lord Je- sus Christ. But, alas ! the enemy of God and man came and sowed tares — the lares of Antinomian doc- trines amongst us. He divided that he m* -jht the more successfully destroy. The spirit of holy love, and godly fear, has been gradually declining almost ever since. [' Ramsheg, (now called Wallace) however, where '^■i:\ MM 1- rl^iTl 1-' , t 320 MEMOIRS OF THE 11 i I ! i the do nothing acheme, or Antinoinian delusion, ha^ never yet been able to force its way, is a pleasing ex- ception. There the most abandoned has, for a num- ber of years, become the most orderly and pious part of the country. Civil and religious discords have ren- dered almost vain all the labour bestowed on the other parts of the circuit. " On the River St. John, in the Province of New Brunswick, there are three or four chapels, and about two hundred members. " At the City St. John, our chapel will probably con- tain four hundred persons, and is generally well at- tended. There are about eighty in society. Our members here, also, have been much reduced by emi- gration, occasioned chiefly by the lato and present war having so seriously affected their trade. Had we been able to supply the settlements on the River St. John with suitable preachers for the last twelve years, almost the entire country, for two hundred miles together, would have embraced the Methodist doctrines. That time is now lost ; they are deeply initiated into the mysteries of Antinomianism, which in some instances has produced extravagancies hardly to be surpassed in the whole history of en- thusiasm. " At St. Stephen's, on the River Schoodic, a branch of the St. Croix, which divides the United States from the British territory, and St. David's, another branch of the same river, we have two chapels and a number of worthy, pious friends. The society consists of about seventy members^ chiefly the fruits of Mr. Mc- CoU's ministry. " Such are the general outlines of the work in this country. Any hints from you will be received by us REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 32i delusion, hail a pleasing ex- as, for a num- md pious part jords have ren- ijd on the other jvince of New pels, and about ill probal)ly con- nerally well at- society. Our reduced by emi- Lte and present sir trade. Had Its on the River the last twelve ir two hundred the Methodist they are deeply imianism, which extravagancies history of en- Loodic, a branch fited States from [another branch and a number Bty consists of [its of Mr. Mc- Ihe work in this received by us with joy, and attentively regarded. We are in daily exp«3ctation of two or more preachers fruni England. The prospect of doing good is not so extensive in this country as in the West Indies, and in some other places ; and missionaries here hare doubtless many difficulties to encounter ; but there are many precioun souls for whom Christ died, who are ' perishing for lack of knowledge^ ; many who are calling upon ua from various quarters, ' Come over and help us.' May the Lord of the harvest raise up and send forth more labourers into his vineyard ! " Manchester, a large settlement on the west side of the Gut of Canso, and several adjacent settle^ ments, would, I believe, be open to receive a preacher, could we send them one. I propose visiting them next summer, if possible, if I can do so without neg- lecting other places already under our care. We have long been solicited to send a preacher to Prince Ed- ward Island. The Governor of that ^sland, when I visited Charlottetown, some years ago, expressed a strong wish that we should establish a mission there. " I feel my heart engaged in the arduous and ho-r nourable work to which the Lord in his condescend- ing goodness hath called me, and in the exercise of which he has so often blest my own soul, and given me to see his blessing on my poor labours wherever his good providence has permitted me to preach. I lament my snail-like progress in the heavenly road, and desire with more hasty steps to seek the goal. I want to be more sensible of my Redeemer's love to me, and of a greater conformity of my soul to hiq;! in all things. He is my hope, my portion, my joy. My dear companion, who has lately been uncommonly i-|il \ 322 MEMOIRS OF THK blessed in her soul, joins me in best regards to you. We entreat an interest in all your prayers. " I am, 8tc." For the Almighty Spirit to descend on a man, to apprehend him, as the great Apostle expresses it, amidst the thoughtless crowd, by a potency that trans- forma when it touehea him, and to conduct him for- ward to another life, under an influence which puri- fies him as he advances, in spite of all the powers of corruption, has been justly represented as involving a more extraordinary train, could the divine manage- ment be fully disclosed, than the mere political history of an empire. A signal exemplification of this pro- found remark, such we believe as has few parallels in the entire range of religious biography, was afforded in the conversion of Colonel Bayard, in connection with the pre-eminent sanctity of his subsequent life to the hour of his triumphant departure. So sudden was the change, that within a few days of the time he f>ecame an illustrious monument of the transforming energy of the Gospel, such an event seemed quite ai^ improbable as would have appeared the conversion U" Paul, on the morning of the day when he set forth to ^o to Damascus with a commission from the high- priest, feasting on the prospect of making havoc of the church ; and yet so complete was it, that without any exaggeration, he became a new creature ; old things passed away ; behold all things became new. As if entirely sanctified from the moment of his birth from above, he exhibited at once, and continually, the linea- ments of the divine image, in all the perfection of their beauty, and all the fruits of the Spirit in the mel- lowness of full maturity. The conversion of an ofBcer Rev. mtilliam blaost. 323 .gards to you. irs. am, &c." on a man, to 5 expresses it, sncy that trana- nduct him for- ce which puri- II the powers of I as involving a divine manage- political history ion of this pro- i few parallels in by, was afforded d, in connection , subsequent life ture. So sudden ys of the time he 'the transforming seemed quite an he conversion '>t in he set forth to from the high- „ing havoc of the |that without any lure ; old things une new. As if if his birth from jnuallyjthelinea- the perfection of .pirit in the mel- •sion of an officer no distinguished by rank, by bravery, by profancness, by dissipation, in a word by an utter and arrogant reck- lessness of all religious concerns, could not but excite a profound sensation throughout the wide and respec' table circle of his acquaintance. Far and near it was matter of astonishment, and the topic of remark. To some it was quite obvious that he was beside himself : others, more cool and philosophic, predicted that the fever of religious enthusiasm would soon pass away, and his former fashionable vices resume their wonted ascendancy. Where ore now their theories and their predictions ? Where the cloak for their scepticism ? Was not a period of nearly thirty years a probation sufficient to test and demonstrate that the excellency of the power — in virtue of which he became, from an imperious and licentious adversary of the Gospel, a meek and lowly follower of the Lamb — was of God, and not of man ? His fortune was the only limit of his charity and hospitality ; he wa> clothed with hu- niUiy ; the unction that descended upon him from the Holy One, " went down to the skirts of his garments," and filled the place where he was with its celestial odour ; his breath was prayer and praise. I am de- lineating no ideal picture. I speak that I do know, and testify that I have seen. Often has it been my priceless privilege to witness such a manifestation of the grace of God in him. as no language I can com- mand is adequate to describe, and such as no one, I verily believe, can adequately conceive who has not seen a Fletcher, or a Bayard.* When officiatmg at his domestic altar, he usually read the Word of God * Colonel Bayard was often designated among his religious ac* quaintance, the Fletcher of Nova Scotia. ^ I ■- - i , 3-24 ^jtfGMoiRs or Tite standing ; and I never saw him do so without bedew-' ing it with his tears. Before he had proceeded many verses in the lesson, his venerable and majestic form would tremble, as if beneath the superincumbent weight of the Spirit of Glory and of God that rested upon him ; tears would suffuse his face ; and some pious ejaculation, or burst of praise, intermingled with the heavenly oracles, would touch a responsive chord iq every heart possessed of a particle of spiritual sus- ceptibility. Eternity has now placed its signet upon his character. Sweetly he sleeps in Jesu^. I here record my deep-felt gratitude to God that I ever knew him. —*' Take him for all in all, I ne'er shall look upon his like again." Mr. Black appears to have attended the American Conference of 1804, and to have been personally re- quested by Dr. Coke, while there, to take a station for a time in Bermuda. The matter, it would seem, was fixed : and in order to conciliate the minds of the society at Halifax, to Mr. Black's temporary removal from them, the Dr. addressed to them the folloving letter : — "Philadelphia, Mat 28, 1804. "Vert Dear Brethren, " I have earnestly requested my highly esteemed friend, the Rev. William Black, to visit Bermuda, and if a door be opened there for the Gospel, to remove his family thither, and spend three or four years in the Island : and he has at last consented, though his love and sympathy for and with you, were very powerful hindrances to his compliance. " I shall use my utmost endeavours at the next fiu* ■i-> I out bedew- eeded many lajestic form erincumbent d that rested I •, and some mingled with lonsive chord spiritual sus- i signet upon esuls. I here tt I ever knew the American personally re- take a station t would seem, le minds of the jorary removal the follov ing AT 28, 1804. _ghly esteemed v\s\t Bermuda, spel, to remove ,ur years in the though his love very powerful lat the next Eu' BSr. WILLIAM BLACK. 325 ropean Conferences, to procure two Missionaries for Nova Scoua, and have little doubt but I shall suc- ceed. As soon as they arrive, Mr. Black can station them, before he sets off for Bermuda. I feel very much for you, my dear Brethren ; but Mr. Black has been your apostle fo-* above twenty years ; and it is now high time that he should be an apostle elsewhere. I have no doubt but he will have a society of six hun- dred, or perhaps one thousand members in Bermuda, in four years. He may then, if he please, return to superintend the work in Nova Scotia and New Bruns- wick ; but it will depend upon his own choice whether he return to yon, or to England, or remain at Ber- muda. " You have reason to be sorry, Brethren, but you have no reason to complain. You must not trust in an arm of flesh, however useful Christ may have made it to you. On Christ alone you must depend ; and I have no doubt but he will make the trying cir- cumstance a blessing, not only to Bermuda, but even to you. Unto the guardian care and holy keeping of him, your gracious God, I commend you. May he pour out his Spirit more abundantly than ever upon you. I request you to believe me to be, what I most sincerely am, " Your truly affectionate Brother, " And faithful Friend, «T. Coke." The intention of the Committee, however, with respect to the final removal of Mr. Black and his family to Bermuda, was entirely frustrated by circum- stances over which he had no controul. He proceed- ed to Boston, and afterwards to New York^ to obtain : ( it- - ,v I ilfe if ■•' I P Ml. -:i mm i\ m ;^ m 326 fiI£MOIRS OF THC a passage ; and although he at last succeeded in en- gaging one, other persons, who were from Bemiuda, and intended to go by the. same vessel, threw such im- pediments in the way, as eventually prevented his pro- ceeding on the voyage. It appears they were asso- ciated with the persecutors of Mr. Stevenson, who had been imprisoned in the Island, for preaching ; and they positively refused to allow Mr. JSlack to proceed with them. No other opportunity offering, after con- sulting with the Brethren in New York, he returned to Halifax, by way of New Brunswick, on the 23d of August, 1S04. It is in proof of the peculiarly high estimation in which Mr. Black stood with the Missiona - - 'Commit- tee and Dr. Coke, that though thus repef >• disap- pointed in their wishes by uncontrollaKao {Circum- stances, still they did not abandon the design and hope, that it might yet be in his power, for a few years at least, to afford the work in the West Indies the l^enefit of his prudent and faithful labours and coun- sels. In a letter from the Rev. Joseph Entwisle, the Missionary Secretary, dated Feb. 4, 1806, he was in- formed : — " The Committee have long been convinced that it would be an improvement in our plan, to have a person employed in the West Indies as a General Superintendent, under the direction of Dr. Coke and the Committee, of our work there. You have fre- quently been spoken of as the most proper person, were it agreeable to yourself. When this was men- tioned to Dn Coke, he highly approved of it, and we all agreed that it should be laid before you, and the question asked, whether you would find your mind free to it ? If you answer in the affirmative, the busi- ness will be laid before the next Conference. May A i REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 327 ided in en- Bermuda, w such ini- ;ed his pro- were asso- snson, who ching j and ;to proceed g, after con- he returned on the 23d jstimation in a: ' rommit- f:jn,\^' disap- uac icircum- , design and >r a few years St Indies the ursandcoun- ilntwisle, the 6, he was in- •en convinced plan, to have as a General _ir. Coke and \ou have fre- •oper person, [his was men- |of it, and we you, and the id your mind five, the busi- irence. May the Lord direct us in this, and all other measures re- lating to his Church, and conducive to the increase of religion in the world." This official communication was £bHowed by a friendly letter, more than usually urgent, from Dr. Coke, dated, Cork, May 29, 1806. "Vert dear Friend, *' We are very desirous that you would go to Bermuda, drawing on us for all ^^our expenses and those of your family to go thither ; and all you may want while there. Perhaps you are there now, as I have written to you be- fore on the subject. We know of no one who will do so well for that Island ap yourself : and hundreds of the poor people there, who long for the orospel, seem to be perishing for lack of knowledge. All persecution is re- moved. One of the greatest persecutors is converted to God. God himself has opened the door, and opened it, I verily believe, for you. Go in the name of the Lord. If you come home now, you would be useful : you would be useful any where. But you will, I have no doubt, be abundantly more useful in Bermuda. All will be clear gain for God. Whereas there is nothing extraordinary that requires, your presence in England : but there is in Bermuda. God bless you. Mr dear- est wife joins me in love to you, and sister Black, and all the family : My love to all the Preachers. " I am, your faithful Friend, " T. Coke." Mr. Black, in reply, expressed his willingness to go to Bermuda, in case two or three Missionaries should 20 the meantime be sent to Nova Scotia ; but declined It t$^ m^ ■h- :' ,t ;! ^mi . m I , 328 MEMOIRS OF THE assuming the general charge of the West India Mis- sions, on the following grounds : — " 1. A tropical cli- mate would ill agree with the state of my health, be- ing already advanced in years, and considerably af- fected by former labours and fatigues. 3. A still greater objection arises from my want of mental and moral qualifications for so great and important a work. Whoever superintends so many preachers, and such large societies, scattered over so many islands, so dis- tant from each other, will require not a little both of wisdom and grace." Although Mr. Black consented, conditionally, to go to Bermuda, his Brethren, the preachers, when as- sembled this year in their District Meeting, at Hor- ton, unanimously petitioned the British Conference that Mr. Black might still remain with them, and that the sphere of his superintendency might be extended to Newfoundland, &c. The reader will have remarked, that the circum- stantial and interesting account of the work of God in Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, which Mr. Black transmitted to the Missionary Committee, in the au- tumn of 1804, is introduced with an expression of deep regret, that spiritual feeling was, at that period, at so low an ebb in the Provinces. Not long after, however, the tide of spiritual prosperity turned, and flowed back with so copious a stream, as to inundate its banks, and diffuse fe !:ility and joy on every hand. The reviving influence was felt from Barrington and Liverpool (N. S.) to the City of St. John (N. B.) In the latter place, in the summer of 1807, seventy persons joined the Society in three weeks, under the ministry of Mr. Joshua Marsden A concern for sal- vation pervaded all classes, especially the young, and 'II k£V. WILLIAM BLACK. 329 India Mis- tropical cli- health, be- iderably af- 2. A still mental and tant a work, rs, and such ands, so dis- little both of ionally, to go rs, when as- ting, at Hor- 1 Conference iem, and that It be extended the whole city scened moved. " At Barrington," writes Mr. Black in the same year, " and various little harbours from thence to Liverpool, the Lord has been graciously pouring out his Spirit. I had many precious seasons with them. Some found peace with God ; and about fourteen new members were added to the Barrington Society." The zealous labours of the Rev. William Bennett, whose name will be trans- mitted to posterity as one of the most faithful Mis- sionaries that ever laboured in the Provinces, were simultaneously attended with blessed success on the Annapolis Circuit. In a letter to the Committee, dated Annapolis Royal, June 23, 1807, he writes as follows : — " Hitherto I have been favoured with health and strength of body, sufficient to go on in my ministerial labours, and blessed be God, I have not been comfortless. Many a time has the Lord visited my soul, and made it like a watered garden. Never did I experience so much of the overwhelming power of saving grace as a few weeks agOj in a part of my circuit, where the Lord has begun a good work, several having been brought to God, and our old professors much quickened. Within twelve months past the Lord has poured out his Spirit abun- dantly in many parts of this Province, and that among other denominations of Christians, as well as among us. Ii:> this we rejoice, that the Kingdom of God is enlarging. Joshua Newton, Esq., writes to me from Liverpool, — * I am happy to have so agreeable an oc- casion to renew to you my assurances of regard. The Lord has done, and is still doing great things for Li- verpool. His Spirit is poured out, in a manner I •^id not expect to see, upon old men and maidens, young men and children. There appears to be a Dd2 ® if, 'l ( 330 MEMOIRS OF THC general awakening among the inhabitants of this town and its vicinity, very few excepted. Some of the most profligate have been brought to a knowledge of God, — to a change of heart and life, so that we stand asto- nished to see what the Lord has wrought. Most of our old professors have awakened as from a dream. Our dear brother Sutclifie (the Missionary) has had his cup running over, scarcely being able to credit hi^ own eyes or ears : our most sanguine expectations are exceeded ; and though we have prayed for this blessing we stand amazed at the work. What is still more singular, there are no opposers : some of the Painites have been convinced and converted, and have burnt their books ; and the few infidels ihat remain among us are ashamed, and keep out of sight. A spirit of harmony also prevails among Christians of various denominations, and we seem to live alike, though we do not quite think alike. This is a day I never expected to see in Liverpool. Oh ! that the great Master of Assemblies may give grace and wis- dom to all who have to take an active part in the work, that they may deal prudently, and by sound doctrine and good discipline, preserve the tender lambs from the devouring lion and crooked serpent, that the work may spread wide and sink deep. I have reason to bless the Lord, that my soul has partook of this gracious work ; and I feel truly desirous to know more of Jesus and the power of his resurrection — to be more wise, holy, and useful. Colonel Perkins and his family have set out in good earnest for the king- dom, and our dear sisters, Lucy and Betsy, have found that blessing which they have loug sought with tears. Glory be to God for all his mercies ! My heart's de- sire and prayer to God is, that this work may spread REVi WILLIAM BLACK. 331 of this town of the most cige of God, e stand asto- ht. Most of om a dream, ary) has had > to credit his* expectations ayed for this What ia stUl some of the ted, and have i ihat remain of sight. A Christians of to live alike, :hi8 is a day I Oh ! that the Trace and wis- e part in the |and by sound e the tender ,oked serpent, deep. I have las partook of lirous to know rection — to be Perkins and for the king- iy, have found ht with tears, ^ly heart's de- may spread through the Provin j, among high and low, rich and poor, as it hath done with us ; and that He may go on till the whole world bowa to his sway * " It is no un- common thing that the stretching forth of the un- shrouded arm of Jehovah, should excite the enemies of irltal godliness to a more malignant and determined opposition to the truth. While a great door, and ef- fectual, was thus opened, there were also, if not nt Liverpool, elsewhere, some adversaries. Mr. Black, in a letter to the Missionary Committee, May IG, 1807, observes, — " A very serious attack has been made on the Methodists since last autumn, and still continues, by the preaching of two gentlemen from Scotland, and by their assiduity in spreading Mr. Walker's Address to the Methodists, and Letters to A. Knox, Esq. Their connecflons in Scotland, are doing the same thing through some other parts of America, as in Canada, &c. They have not succeed- ed, however, in drawing away uny of our members in this country, unless one, who \ yent out from us, be- cause he was not of us, his heat having departed, not only from us, but from the Lo' d, for some months be- fore he left us !" Such opposition, so far from ope- rating as a source of paralyzing discouragement to the faithful minister of the Lord Jesus, ought to be re- garded by him as an auspicious omen, an indication of the ge»^inneness of the work that awakens and ex- asperates it ; and it is sure in the issue to render more signal the triumph of the everlasting Gospel. We ore not surptjsed, therefore, to find Mr. Black, in a letter of the lOti? of October, in the same year, cele- brating the obseouies of the heresy above alluded to : — " Mr. Walk'jr's friends in this place, that is, the Missionariv'^s i mentioned in a former letter, as having ; "5; s 'm If,, m II I ., \ i iii ;,. li. :i 'i ■J '\ '■$> I ^J 332 ]«i£MOIRS OF THE attracted considerable notice, have fallen into obscu- rity. Mr. Balfour, indeed, has left the place, and is gone to the United States. And I am mistaken if the other do not soon seek another field for his labours. His large congregation has dwindled to almost no* thing." Mr. Balfour, the leading apostle of this anti- evangelical mission, on his arrival in New York, ad- dressed himself to the worthy task of caricaturing the work of God in Nova Scotia, which he had endea- voured in vain to dettroy A letter, written from thence, to the Editor of the Evangelical Magazine, (is not this a misnomer P) was the vehicle of his impotent malice. To give a specimen of this very charitable and veracious gentleman's testimony, — " I conver- sed," says he, " pretty closely, with several of the persons who said they were converted. Th )y talked much of the Spirit — of the power of God — of conver- sion — and of coming out, as they call it. They con- cluded themjelvrs converted, if they had been affect* ed, fell down, cried out, &c. They talked with a de- gree of unpleasant confidence about themselves. They seemed displeased if you hinted to them the possibility of ueing deceived; What to think or say of it is diffi- cult ; nor would I pronounce upon the whole from a part." The difficulty which Mr. Balfour felt in this matter, disappeared in a moment before the superior spirimal discrimination of the Conductors of the Chris- tian Observer. They had " no hesitation in pronoun- cing those to be in an awful delusion, who conclude themselves converted because they had been affected, fell down, and cried out." Most certainly not — and how astonishing that Mr. Balfour should have felt the slightest embarrassment in a case so palpable ! But the magnanimous decision of these gentlemen REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 33» en into obscu- le place, and is mistaken if the or his labours, to almost no- itle of this anti- New York, ad- aricaturing the he had endea- , written from I Magazine, (is of his impotent very charitable f, — " I conver- several of the I. Th.^y talked jrod — of conver- it. They con- had been affect- liked with a de- mselves. They the possibility lay of it is diffi- le whole from a ifour felt in this re the superior rs of the Chris- Ion in pronoun- who conclude been affected, .inly not — and luld have felt so palpable ! !se gentlemen must have instantly relieved him from all perplexity, and abundantly confirmed his/atW II 3:36 MEMOIBS or tRC nble as a permanent system. The jealousies of Go* vernment were in process of time excited ; and a pain- ful collision of natural feeling fomented by war^ began to manifest itself, especially at Montreal. So urgent and importunate were the official members of society there, in their applications to the British Conference, to be taken under 'their ecclesiastical di- rection and care, that a Missionary had been sent to them, under a full conviction, on the part of the Con- ference, that in refusing to respond to the call, they would have been guilty of abandoning those who had aii ludefeasible claim on their ministerial considera- tion. The letter addressed to the Missionary com- mittee, by Mr. Black and his respected colleague, afler their best efforts to accomplish the object of their negotiation, lucidly exhibits the facts of the whole case. To the Methodist Miisionary Committee, in London. V^\ ty'l " Rev. and Dear Brethren, '' On the receipt of your letter, desiring us to attend the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to commence at Baltimore, on the 1st of May, 1816, and to endeavour a settlement with our Brethren, of the matters in dispute at Montreal, and to submit to them your wishes that the Canadas should, in future, be under the direction of the British Con- ference, if that could be peaceably effected : — we has- tened with all possible despatch to Baltimore, and ar. rived ther6 the 5th of May, five days after the Con- ference opened. '' Immediately on our arrival, we waited on Bishop McKindree, who received us in the most courteous ! I i usiea of Go* 1 ; and a pain- ated by war, Montreal. So icial members to the British slesiastical di- id been sent to irt of the Con- thecall, they those who had rial considera- issionary eom- ;ted colleague, =» object of their I of the whole >e, in London. ing us to attend fdist Episcopal on the Ist of iment with our Montreal, and lanadas should, le British Con- jted: — ^we has- limore, and ar- after the Con- lited on Bishop idst courteous REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 337 artd friendly manner. We accompanied him to the place ,where the Preachers were assembled, and on motion of the Bishop, were voted to the honour of a seat in Conference. A Committee, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Roberts, Draper and Harmon, wero appointed to confer with us, and report the result. Our views were mutually communicated in the most friendly and Christian spirit. "On our part, it was stated — that the Missionary Committee entertained the highest respect for their American brethren, and cherip- ad tow <'ds them the most cordial and Christian love — that t) oy considered both Connexions An :, 'f - ed in the letter from Montreal, that in 1811, aJZ the olR- cial Members, Trustees, Stewards, and Leaders, ap- plied to Dr. Coke for a British Preacher, and that he had directed us to send one from Nova Scotia, which the fewness of Preachers in that District would not admit of our doing. And then, as to the right of the Chapel and House, we asserted no claim ; they re- mained with the Trustees, who unitedly put Mr. "Wil- liams in possession of them on his arrival in Mon- treal ', and when Mr. Bennett visited them, they as- sured him of their having done so, and at that time the whole society was in peace. *' The Committee, in submitting their Report, re- commended to the Conference the adoption of the fol- lowing Resolutions : — •' * 1. That the General Conference shall, and it is hereby authorized, to supply the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada with Preachers.' " ' 2. That a respectful letter be addressed to the Missionary Committee in London, explaining the rea- isons on which the above Resolution is founded.' " When the Report was read to the Conference, we rose and gave a full explanation of our views on the subject in discussion, in which were recapitulated the substance of what we had laid before the Committee. Among many other considerations, it was observed — ]. That the accession of the Canadas to the Nova Scotia District, by making room for frequent changes would be highly advantageous. 2. That the British Government was naturally jealous of persons coming from the United States into the Canadas, of which the late revision of the alien act was a sufficient proof 3. That the connection of the Canadian Methodists with the United States, had already subjected thetn i^m" REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 339 lljoZaheoffi- i Leaders, ap- >r, and that he Scotia, which rict would not he right of the laim ; they re- y putMr.Wil- rrival in Mon- them, they as- ind at that time heir Report, re- jptionofthefol- e shall, and it is nnces of Upper addressed to the iplaining the rea- founded.' Conference, we lur views on the •ecapitulated the the Committee, was observed— a to the Nova trequent changes hat the British persons coming las, of which the sufficient proof, [dian Methodists subjected them to much suspicion and reproach. 4. That in case of war, it was probable the societies would be left with- out preachers, and suffer great loss. We may further remark, that in the course of our statements, it was observed, that wherever the people might wish to re- main under the American Preachers, the British Mis- sionaries would be enjoin^ied to cultivate the best un- derstanding with them, and in no case to foment di- vision, or listen to men of a party spirit. We re- tired : a lengthy discussion ensued ; and it was de- termined by a majority ' that none of the societies in Canada should be given up to the British Conference.' " On hearing the result, we determined to commit our thoughts to writing, and to send them in the shape of propositions to the Conference* When our propositions were read, many of the Preachers were desirous of re-considering the business, and of giving up the Canadas to the British Conference. This, however, was overruled. The Bishop, after inform- ing us of the result of their deliberations, inquired whether we had any farther communications to make ? We replied, that we had gone as far as we were au- thorized to go : that the Missionary Committee sta- ted to us, that they could not, in conscience, withdraw the Missionaries who had been sent, under the con- straining love of Christ, and at the pressing entreaties of the Society in Montreal, without their consent ; and that we must now leave the business with them and the British Conference. Thus ended our nego- tiation. Previously to leaving, we called on the Bish3p, and requested him to assure the Conference of our esteem and Christian regards. " We think it our duty to acquaint you with the kindness of our American brethren, who sent a depu- 1 .1.1 ml Ifr-i. !il! 'J I I :l I r. 340 MEMOIRS OF THE tation to request our acceptance of $100 towards our expenses. " We are, Rev. and Dear Biethren, " Your servants in the Gospel of Christ, " W. B. & W. B.» In accordance with the recommendation of the Committee, appointed to confer with the Nova Scotia brethren, on this sensitive subject, a letter was ad- dressed by the American, to the British Conference, exhibiting their reasons for declining to surrender the charge of the Canadian Societies. An authenticated copy of that docFjment now lies before me ; but the reasons it assigns for the course adopted, have bee^ anticipated in the preceding statements, and need not be here refuted. Principal stress is laid on the al- leged fact, that it was the declared wish of a great majority of the Canadia i Methodists, to continue un- der the ministry of the American Preachers : " This wjfeb, however," the letter states, " we are persuaded, does not arise from any opposition, or want of affec- tion to their European brethren, but from the greater ease and certainty with which they think they can be supplied by us, in consequence of our contiguity to them, and from their peculiar attachment to us as their Fathers in the Gospel. And indeed, we do con- eider them as our spiritual children ; and if we seem to be unwilling to give up the charge of them, do not, dear brethren, think it strange ; the tie is strong. We trust you cannot, you will not, entertain an idea, that in our decision on this subject we have been in the least influenced by any consideration of temporal profit or ease : if we had, our decision would have been very different. Our object is the good and sal< ) towards our jn, of Christ, . & W. B." idation of the le Nova Scotia letter was ad- 3h Conference, o surrender the n authenticated re me ; but the 3ted, have beea s, and need not laid on the al- Bvish of a great [ to continue un- Lchers : " This B are persuaded, >r want of affec- ■rom the greater link they can be ir contiguity to hment to us as feed, we do con- and if we seem if them, do not, tie is strong, itertain an idea, , e have been in lion of temporal lion would have good and sal- REV. WILLIAM BLACK. ^41 valion of souls, as yours also, we doubt not, is ; and we most sincerely hope and pray, that this affair may not have any tendency to diminish, in the least, that Christian affection and harmony which have hitherto, 80 long and so happily, subsisted between us." Without tracing the intermediate gradation of causes which have contributed to place Methodism in the Canadas in the position it at present occupies, it may be sufficient to state, that the Lower Province now forms a District entirely under the direction and controul of the British Conference; and an " Union" has been formed between the Upper Canada Confe- rence and the Parent Connection, according to the stipulations of which the President of the former is) annually appointed by the British Conference, and the management of the Indian Missions is consigned to the Wesleyan Missionary Committee. This important arrangement was mainly effected by the offices of the Rev. Robert Alder, one of the Missionary Secretaries, with the noble-minded view of precluding all collision between the two Connections, and of securing the harmony and concentration of their efforts in promot* ing the cause of their common Lord. Under die pro- visions of the "Union," however, the Upper Camda Conference still remains virtually independent, — an anomaly in British Methodism. If we may be permitted, on this delicate subject, to venture aa opinion, not formed without the most mature delibe- ration, it is that the brethren in Upper Canada would best consult their comfort and usefulness by seeking a perfect coalition with the Parent Cor^nection. By such a consummation the preachers would gain much, and lose nothing, and the cause thoughout the Pro- Ee2 I h ?* 343 MEMOIA05 ^(^' j ■if vince be greatly elevated and promoted. Tbis sug- gestion, in whatever light it may be regarded, ema- nates from the best affection of the vrriter towards the esteemed brethren with whom he has been, for several years, associated, and from a pure (he does not say prophetic) regard to the interests and honour of Upper Canada Methodism. Vive, vale ! si quid novisti rectiug iatis, Cundidua inAperti ; si non, his utere mecum. — Hoil Farewell ! and if a better system's thine, Impart it FRARKtT, or make use of mine. ,ll ^11 if." m (i. Tbis sug- egarded, eraa- ^riter towards has been, for pure (he does sts and honour ecum. — HoR > ne. CHAPTER XIV. CATHOLICITY OF SPIRIT — MR. BLACK VISITS THE UNITED STATES — CONTRAST BETWEEN THE STATE OP METHODISM THERE IN 1784 AND 1820 — LET- TER OF MR. BLACK TO THE DISTRICT MEETING AT ST. JOHN, N. B. — LETTER FROM MR. WILKINS OF BALTIMORE — FAME AND CHARACTER OF SUMMER- FIELD — MRS. black's death AND CHARACTER — DEATH OF MR. SAMUEL BLACK AND MRS. J. A. BAR- RY — REV. MR. knight's ACCOUNT OF MR. BLACK'S LAST MOMENTS — HIS SERMON ON THE OCCASION — REVIEW OF MR. BLACK'S CHARACTER. I- ii 'A ■'■'!; m m Were the manifestation of a truly catholic spirit as common among tie various denominations of Christians as professions of mutual liberality and re- gard, the infidel would be ashamed of the objection against Divine Revelation, drawn from the diversity of sentiment that pre vaiL among those whose hopc:s of immortality are identified with its truth. The Christian Church, instead of presenting the appear- ance of an arena of angry debate, as has been too freq f'itly the case, would then be a mansion of amity and peaco ; and if : "rfect harmony o^ .^/mion would not soon be the result of coalescence oi : infection, she would, at least, resemble a fine piece of Mos?; ic, in which the different materials^ of various shad ^ and colours, cemented on a common ground, are so artJ lis- ■ I ii i^!i2 H'' 344 ■t!"^ .,;l "{ rl T. MEMOIRS OF TtiE fully dispelled, ai to blend insensibly into one anothei'i But many, thoire is vaasijj to believe, are eloquent in their d€ciuaKiition» dgniiit' bigotry, "whose love of ^'^ood m^a" doc". n(** gUnv ^ .irj Mitensely beyond the precincts of their own v^ociiniunion. A spirit of exclu- sivcness h>. religion) unlovely and repulsive at all time;^, 18 peculiarly inexcusable when it extends its operation to ihose who sub. iantially agree with us in sc.itiineist, purely becsa^e they are not of us. Of all dk^noiuinationiS /hristians, there are none between wtiom there exist less real grounds for shyness and alienation than Churchmen and Methodists. If the de- claration of an eminent member of the Establishment — "A Methodist is a Churchman in earnest" — be true, it is natural to suppose, that " a Churchman in ear- nest," using that expression in its best sense, must have rather an intimate alliance with Methodism, at least in spirit. To the gratifying exemplifications of this kind, in Nova Scotia, which we have already re- corded, we are happy in having it in our power to add another in the Rev. Mr. Wright, whose faithful and impressive ministry, will be either " the savor of life unto life, or of death unto death" to those who sat under it. This deeply humble and devout man evinced towards Mr. Black the utmost respect and Christian regard, which the following letter attests were fully reciprocated : — To the Rev. Mr . Wright of Chester.* " Halifax, Aug. tth, 1819. (< Reverend and Dear Sir, " On i' I, whither he went for the benefit of bia declining healthy " The memory of the just is blessed." ; ; 346 MEMOIRS OF THE m "'■ H] ! ^■|i "By this conveyance, I send you the volume of Cooper's Sermons which you had the goodness to lend me. I have been pleased, not to say profited, by the perusal of them. They are plain, experimental, and practical. Desirous of possessing so valuable a work, I have procured the four volumes from England. " It will be at all times gratifying to mo to hear from you, and of your welfare. May your health be soon restored, and the ' peace of God which passeth all understanding,' be multiplied and abound exceed- ingly in your heart — may you be filled with that con- fidcace which made enraptured Thomas exclaim, O KvQiog itou xai o Qtog jwou/ " From the state of your health, perhaps it may not be improper to remind you. Dear Sir, that those invo- luntary depressions, which arise from physical causes, are rather to be considered as our burdens than as our sins ; especially if we look up to God for grace and patience under them. In such cases, the spirit is oflen willing when the flesh is weak. The enemy, how- ever, oflen takes advantage of them to discourage us in our Christian race. Pious persons, labouring un- der nervous disorders, ofien suffer much from not pro- perly distinguishing between natural and spiritual maladies. Each class has its own remedy ; and, through faith and prayer, both are rendered useful. " I am. Rev. and Dear Sir, •' Your very affectionate, « W. Black." Mr. Black was so much enfeebled during the winter of 1819 — 20, by the increase and aggravation of his infirmities, that he was induced, in the ensuing spring, to try the effect of a tour among his old frien ^ ' the ■«» REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 347 volume of oodness to profited, by perimentali I valuable a im England, mo to hear ur health be hich passelh )und exceed- ith that con- laa exclaim, ps it may not at those invo- jrsical causes, IS than as our for grace and spirit is often enemy, how- [iscourage us ibouring un- from not pro- ind spiritual smedy •, and, red useful. [on ate, [. Black." 12 the winter Ration of his suing spring, rien' • the United States. Here, some of the most interesting recollections of his life wore revived ; and while, with equal astonishment and gratitude, he contem- {.lated what God had wrought by the instrumentality of Methodism, from Maine to the Mississippi^ since the day when he first met the apostolic Coke at Bal- timore, in 1784, the heart-exhilirating contrast con- tributed not a little to restore the tone of decaying nature. A letter addressed by him to the Wesleyan Missionary Committee on this occasion, dated George- town, near Washington, April 5th, 1820, is replete with interest. We present the reader with a copious extract : — " My last communication, dated at Boston, would inform you of my safe arrival in the United States. My health is somewhat improved, but my constitution is yet very feeble : the efiects of forty years labours in the ministry, to.^cther with the ordi- nary results of time, forbid any janguine hope of its perfect restoration, or of much pul> ' zeroise. I am, however, desirous of doing what : ^su. Were it the will of my Heavenly Father, I should be glad to have my labours and usefulness extended together with my life, ' and cease at once to work and live.' The idea of being laid aside, as a broken and useless vessel, which sometimes obtrudes itself upon me, is not a little painful. Yet, I desire, through grace, to live as clay in the hands of the potter. All he does is perfectly wise and good ; ' : .y not err. And he hath promised to be with his servants, even to hoary hairs. His will is best. Meantime, I wilt praise him that I can do a little. " The congregations at Boston, Providence, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, George- town, and Alexandria, are large and attentive j and J fi: ■' ii 348 MEMOIRS OF TH& ; i; i-t I A ( -.ill 1 1 v. yi ' i 1:1 ; w 4 . 1: ' in the aggregate, cannot amount to less than thirty thousand. In most of those places arc largo and grow- ing societies eniinontly alive to God. what hatli God wrought ! When I fast met the late Dr. Coke at Baltimore (A. D. 1784) there were but 18,000 mem- bers in all the Methodist Societies in the American Connexion. There are now upwards of 250,000. The increase in the societies under the direction of the American Conferences, you know, the last year, waa 11,S97. It will be much larger this year. In all, there are eleven ^Annual Conferences ; but four of these have not yet had their session. It will be highly gra- tifying to you to learn that God has largely poured out his Spirit, and blessed the labours of his minister- ing servants, as appears from the effects : thousands of sinners are turned from darkness unto light, and from the pown^ of Satan un^o God. The increase of members uniiei the supei intend ;nce of tli ^< Confe- rences, during the last year, is follows Ohio Conference, • . - 6,452 S. Cam'- la Conference, 324 Missouri do - - - 759 Virginia do 1,171 Tennessee do - • ■ - 2,490 Baltimore do 2,700 f'ississippido - • - 250 "Total gain this year, 14,152 members, to which add an increase of sixty-five preachers. Of the probable increase under the superintendence of the f aur remain- in'' Conferences, I am not qualified to give an opinion. The Baltimore Conference commenced its session on the 8th uit. and rose on the 16th. My American brethren sent me a note, inviting me to a seat with them, at pleasure, during the sitting of the Conference. This I considered as a privilege, and thankfully ac- cepted. During the session, much important business was done, and all with so much order and seriousness^ \ . «". wiiuiM tun: 349 »<• Christian minister,/ tZJ."'' '^'~' •"» ««=»«, talents, doctrin.. i k **"»'""'!»» of the cha- were borne by tlie senior In,! • • *T"'<">''^ which •"eir turn, to the pietriIir^""T ^''"""'- '^^ '■' other, have left or2±;r''w'',",?''"'"»'' »'"««'■ "'o humility, brotheriy We „„', '"'^'° '"P'^*"'™ of Gospel of Chris,, Taiir'"""/""^'" Promote «■«> hody. Thus united aid ,r ""'' ""'■"=«»' "-oi' ulest. "' '"'' """» ommated, they will bo ur you with hia n ; and that the h you now and 1 your consulta- f his own glory, over whom the Amen, le the pleasure >f personally sa- istian humility, idescension ; of regards for the 1 with his own g, and admiring '^our towel and feet. nind me of how the inward man «=V, WILLIAM ULACK. 351 '^c girl about with tmth '"««', and my hoanmJ k""?" ^"""^ ^^ ^"'^'^ trim- "-y hear Ju jorth ilr ^ '"'^ '''' ' ^ ^^^^ i bridegroom con eth .00!!'^ ^atch-^ord--. The " The Iteport oftho n ^V't' '^ »«eethim.' *ho «y^to,nutic exertions and ""^ of God on Secretary and Collectors Zh""'''"^ ''^^ ^^ ^^e of John Starr, E^n TrJ " ^"^^ ^"^« '^'^ *««J« ^'^at the Stewards of throei"vh' '^l^"^' ^'^ ^-- 'neet the expenses of the sL f^ '"''''" ^'""Wed to ? :■■(,■ . ■'4 .■ In the wide circle of Christian friends whose ac- quaintance Mr. Black formed and cultivated by his repeated visits to the United States, none stood higher in his estimation than Mr. & Mrs. Wil'kins of Bal- timore. Equally distinguished by his intelligence, piety and sound-hearted attachment to Methodism, Mr. WiLiriNs ranked with the Krrnkrs and Arm- strongs of that city — pillars in the church, and men -who would be an ornament and an honour to any Christian body. Some time after his return to Nova Scotia, Mr. Black wrote to his estimable friend ; but by "a singular fatality," as Mr. W. expresses it, in a letter to Mr. Black under date of 1st July, 1824 — *' while my letter to you had crossed the ocean twice before it reached its destination, yours to me had time to have twice traversed the globe before it came to hand !" The whole letter breathes such a spirit of warm and generous Christian affection, and on touch- ing ;-ionie topics which at that period greatly agitated the American Connexion, strikes the nail upon the head with such admirable precision, that the insertion of an extract from it, while it gratifies a feeling of personal respect for the memory of one who is now beyond the reach of human censure or commendation, cannoi, fail to excite the interest of the reader :— ^ Notwithstanding our correspondence has imfortu- k&V. WILLIAM BLACK. 353 ly rest upon jthren, at, urer, jf Christ, [ Black." Is whose ac- ivated by his 5 stood higher l'kins of Bal- 5 intelligence, > Methodism, ;rs and Arm- urch, and men lonour to any return to Nova ,le friend ; but presses it, in a July, 1824— le ocean twice ;o me had time ,re it came to Lch a spirit of and on touch- •eatly agitated nail upon the ,t the insertion a feeling of who is now iommendation, Lhe reader : — has unfortu- i'lately not been marked with that activity with which it might have been, the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Black has often afforded sweet recollections to my dear partner and myself. We entertained a hope to the last, that the General Conference would, among other gratifications, give us the pleasure of your company nnd Mrs. Black's ; nor did we abandon the hope until it could be cherished no longer. We should have been Iiappy to have had another opportunity of manifesting our esteem for such valued friends. " Our Conference was an interesting one, and will long be remembered by all who were present on that occasion. The British delegates, the Rev. Messrs, Keece and Hannah (now Dr. Hannah) were receiv- ed with an attention that was highly gratifying to them, and their departure was felt like a calamjty. Every body lamented the necessity that forced them from us. Perhaps no two persons could have been more properly chosen for such an occasion. From such a specimen of piety and talent, we enteriain a high idea of our British brethren. Their presence gave an interest to the Conference which would not otherwise have been felt, and was of great importance in moderating the warmth which too often attends di- versity of sentiment, especially when it assumes the spirit of party : and such a spirit unfortunately exist:^ among the preachers at this time. A great contention about power now agitates the whole Connexion, find- ing its way even into private circles. The Bishops, it is feared — not felt — have too much power. That sys- tem which has been attended \\ith such astonishing success for so long a time, under an Asbury, a W hat- coat, a McKsndree, &.c., and been so signally own- ed by the Lord himself, is now perceived to be uncon- Fr2 354 ItJBMOIRS OF tat (0 Btitutional and oppressive ! The opposition calculated on complete success as the reward of their electioneer- ing, mancBUvring, and pamphleteering, which was carried to a great extent. They also reckoned ou the countenance of the British delegates. But they have been entirely frustrated in all their schemes. " Our ministers this year are brothers Merwin, Pey- ton and Wilson, who arr wcJl received, and I hope will be made a blessing to us. Wo expect likewise to have brother Summerfield with us, to preach as the delicate state of his health may permit. 1 suppose you have heard of his fame. He is certainly the most elo- quent pulpit orator I ever listened to, having a charm in his manner that captivates his audience. He ap- pears also to possess prudence and solidity, not com- mon in a young man of tvv^enty-three yoars, who can- not be insensible to so many flattering marks of appro- bation, and who never preaches without having al- most as many without the doors as can find admittance within — and moreover he is an Englishman." * * Of this admirable and lamented young minister, whom the Great Head of the Church made n polished shaft in his quiver, and in whom he was peculiarly glorified, the only Memoir, we believe, that has appeared, is that writteri by the poet Holland. To deny to that production the praise of respectable literary ex- ecution would be unjust; yet does it uut, in our estimation, pre- sent a true mirror of Summerfield. We freely admit the im- possibility of embodying the ideal o( genius, or of transferring to tiie biographic page an adequate manitlstation of the power of liv- iug eloquence. We cannot, however, hf;lp thinking a much nearer approximation towards that desirable result attainable in the present instance, than has been yet accomplished. At the early ageof twenty three, Summerfield's mind exhibited a harmony and an expansion which very rarely anticipate the meridian of life. The uaeartbly iavigoratioa of liie love of Clirist alTorda the only JflEV. WILLIAM BLACK. 355 I calculated 3lectioneer- which was aned on the It they have ;s. ierwin, Pey- and 1 hope t likewise to reach as the suppose you the most elo- v^ing a charm nee. He ap- ity, not com- irs, who can- arks of appro- ut having al- id admittance nan 35 » [ister, whom the ^t in hi3 quiver, mly Memoir, we poet Hollanil. table literary ex- estimation, pre- admit the im- •f transferring to the power of liv- liinking a much IsuU attainable in led. At the early a harmony and leridian of life. lalTorda the only In 1827, death, which severs without distinction all sublunary ties — the most sacred and endearing as well as the most adventitious and unhallowed — deprived Mr. Black of the invaluable woman, who had been his companion in triumph and tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Christ, for nearly half a century. An obituary notice of Mrs. Black, as cor- rect in its statements as it is graphic ia delineation, appeared in the Wesleyan Magazine for 182S, from the pen of the Rev. Robert L. Lusher. Our narrative would be incomplete without its insertion. " Died, August 11th, at Halifax, N. S., in the se- venty-second year of her ago, Mary, wife of the Rev. William Black. She was born in Boston, State of Massachusetts, January 7th, 1755. Her father^ Mr, Martin Gay, who was for many years a deacon in u satisfactory solution of the rapid dcvclopcment of hia uncommon mental t.'.ergies. Though a diligent student, time had not per- mitted him to attain maturity of scholarship; but hs possessed in a high degree all the attributes of a mind of the first order. Plij understanding was clear, his judgment discriminating, and his ima- gination so vigorous aud susceptible, that It cost him no effort to fling the tints and hues of vitality over the abstractions of truth, and thereby to impart to the most commun-])lace topics ail.the freshness and interest of Oiiginality. The natural efiect < f his thrilling eloquo'i,. . .vas materially aided by a person and manner the most graceful, and an aspect of angelic benignity ; its moral charm waa the demonstration and power of tliat Divine Spirit " Who touched Isaiah's hallowed lips with fire." Summerfield was an extemporaneous preacher so far as it is pro* per for any young minister to be so. Hisscrmons, indeed, were any thing but unpremeditated effusions. I/uving enjoyed the rare in- tellectual luxury of poring over his manuscripts, we are prepared to state, that his preparations "or 'die pulpit, evince the full concen- tratiou of the powers of his miau, and the best ufc of all the re* 356 MEMOIRS OF THE i . (! II '1 li \^P w, ■ i ii! i I congregational church, was a prudent, moral matt, ex- tensively engaged in business ; her mother was a lover of evangelical religion, and of the people of God, by whom when a child she was frequently taken to hear the celebrated Whitefield preach, in that part of North America. Upon the evacuation of Boston by the Bri- tish troops, she with her parents accompanied them to Nova Scotia, and settled in that province, at a place called Fort Cumberland. It was here in the summer of 1781 that she was led to attend the ministry of Mr. Black, who afterwards became her husband ; and though from a child she was of a serious turn of mind, and was favoured with gracious impressions and draw- ings from above, it was not until this time that she was deeply and fully convinced of her lost state. The %vord reached her heart ; she was brought into great sources of knowledge within his reach, on the subjects on which he expatiated. But though rich in thought, and logical in their ar- rangement, the composition is left (purposely it would appear) unfinished. Definitions and exegetical remarks arc generally writ- ten out with studious accuracy and precision ; but the occurrence on almost every page of broken hints, followed by a significant dash of the pen, indicates the orator's impatience of the trammels and tedium of previous composition, and the stirring of deep emotion within the breast that could find full vent only amid the hallowed excitements of the Sanctuary. He did not offer " to God of (hat which cost him nothing;" but it vis '.!._ altar that sanctified his gift, and the^re that consumed his sacrifice issued immediately from the propitious heavens. Whoever would form or exhibit a just appreciation of this in- comparable vouth, must like him, be decidedly IVesleyan in hie treed and predilections, in soid an orator, and in piety a saint. " O nate, ingentem luctum ne qusere tuorum; Osten^tnt terris hunc tantum fata, neque ultra Fsse sinent." I i . man, ex- as a lover f God, by sn to hear rt of North by the Bri- lecl them to at a place he summer stry of Mr. iband ; and irn of mind, s and draw- ne that she state. The It into great ictson which he :al in their ar- would appear) generally writ- ihc occurrence ignificantdash trammels and deep emotion d the hallowed God of that |t sanctified his immediately [ion of this in- |e«lej/an in hie \ety a saint. LUra REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 357 distress of soul, and afler seeking the pardoning mer- sy of God, in a diligent use of all the means of grace, her distress and condemnation were removed : she re- tired from the place where she had been waiting upon God, filled with peace and joy through believing. Her views becoming clearer and more enlarged as to the nature and extent of Gospel salvation, and of the pri- vileges and enjoyments to which she was called, as a Christian, 'she reached forth unto those things whicli were before, and pressed towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus :' sho hungered and thirsted after a full conformity to the image and will of her adorable Lord. She walked by faith, not by sight, and intimate was the communion with God which she frequently enjoyed, while the graces of the Spirit, and the virtues of the female cha- racter shone forth in her with a pure and steady lus- tre. As a Cliristian she was diligent and exemplary in the discharge of every duty ; she was a tender and affectionate mother, and greatly endeared, by the uni- form exhibition of the most amiable qualities of a friend, to an extensive circle of acquaintance. To mi- tigate the sufferings of the poor always afforded the richest gratification to her feeling heart, until the pe- riod when her slender frame, depressed beneath the influence of disease, could no longer follow the im- pulse of her beneficent disposition. For several years she filled tl;e ofFice of Treasurer, and was one of tho most active members of the 'Halifax Female Benevo- lent Society.' Nor is it probable that Dorcas of Philippi made more garments for th-" poor than she did. ' Few ipersons (observes Mr. Anderson, for many years her class-leader) have had a better opportunity of forming a just estimate of our late excellent sister thaa I havo 1 ,. I-!'. ;J! 353 MEMOIRS OF THE ■.:"l had, after an intimate acquaintance of many years, se- veral of which were spent in her family. In truth, she shone with no ordinary lustre in every capacity, as a wife, a mother, a reirative, a Christian, a friend. She gave valuable lessons of practical economy and indus- try in her family. Her venerable partner, the father of Methodism in Nova Scotia, being necessarily from home, frequently for weeks together, in the discharge of his itinerant ministerial duties, the charge of five children devolved upon her. She felt the responsibi- lity of her situation ; and conscious that it was her duty to bring Dp her children in the nurture and ad- monition of the Lord, she was induced to retire with them, individually, to the throne of grace, to commend them in prayer to the mercy of God, and to implore the divine blessing upon them, and upon the instruc- tions which she gave them.' Through the progress of a gradual decline, during the last fifteen or sixteen months, she manifested the most profound submission to the divine will. In her, * patience had its perfect work.' Fearful lest any one should think better of her than she deserved, she was always ready to ac- knowledge the sense she felt of her unworthiness and unprofitableness. This she was particularly led to do at the beginning of her sickness ; and observed that though she felt an humble and unshaken confidence in God, as her God and Saviour, yet in the solemn pros- pect of entering into the divine presence as a disem- bodied spirit, she felt that she aee('.ed a holier frame of mind. For this she prayed, and in this she was heard. She was favoured with most gracious mani- festations of the goodness of God ; so that it was evi- dent to all around her, that " as the outward man pe- rished, the inner man was renewed day by day,' and REV. WILLIAM BLACK. 359 years, se- In truth, ipacity, as lend. She md indus- the father arily from 1 discharge rge of five responsibi- it was her re and ad- retire with commend to implore ;he instruc- progress of or sixteen submission its perfect |k better of lady to ac- [thiness and •ly led to do iserved that infidence in demn pros- iS a disem- dier frame is she was fious mani- it was evi- Ird man pe- day,' and that she was fast maturing for the heavenly world. She was enabled to contemplate the approach of ' the last enemy' with undisturbed serenity and unshaken fortitude. Death, divested of his terrors, appeared to her in a friendly form, ready to introduce her into the mansion of her heavenly Father. ' Christ,' said she, ' is exceedingly precious ; he is glorious in all his of- fices ; I shall soon be with him.' When she felt that the hour of her departure was at hand, she took an af- fectionate farewell of her husband, children, grand- children, and friends ; but when her pious and faithful black servant approached her to receive her last coun- sel and blessing, unable to articulate, and raising her emaciated hands to heaven in token of the joy she felt, and of the prospects of glor}' which seemed to be un- folding to her view, she yielded her spirit mto the hand^ of her Redeemer. Thus did this eminently pious, heavenly-minded, and most exemplary woman finish her course with joy, ' And pass through death triumphant home.' " Within the altar of the old Wesleyan Chapel of Ha- lifax, around which she so often commemorated the redeeming death of her Lord and Saviour, there is placed a neat marble cenotaph in honour of her dis- tinguished virtues, with the following appropriate in- scription : — Sacretf to tiie JWcmotg of MARY, WIFE OF THE REV. WILLIAM BLACK, Who, in an exemplary manner, adorned her profession as a Member of the Methodist Society, in this place, during forty-one years ; 360 MEMOIRS OF THR Ami departed this lifo, in joyful hope of a resurrection to eternal hnppineHi, Ou the XI of August, MDCCRXXVii, aged geventy-lhrce years. Her fidelity in discharging (ho sacred duties of the Friend, the Wife, the Mother, and the Christian, has rarely been excelled ; And the recollection of her many virtues, will long he cherished by her numerous surviving funiily and acquaintance. !■ 1 ( : Tliero nro two events which are so intimately asso- ciated with the family circumstances of the subject of this memoir, that they cannot with propriety be omit- ted, and perhaps the present ofTcrs the most appro- priate opporfunity for recording them. We hero al- lude to the loss which Mr. Black sustained in the re- moval of two of his children to a better world — the one, Mr. Samuel Black, previous to the event just no- ticed: the other, his second daughter, Mary wife of Mr. J. A. Barry, a few years subsequent to the same. Al- though both these events, as might be expected, proved heavy afTlictions to an affectionate parent, they were borne with all the resignation that became one whose motto for many years had been — " The Lord doeth all things well." Mr. Samuel Black died in the 35th year of hi^ age, on the 15th of September, 1826. His illness wan but of a few days* duration, but he left a pleasing testimony for the consolation of his sorrow- ing family, that he was leaving the busy scenes of life to enter upon the unfading joys of heaven. The ill- ness of Mrs. Barry was more protracted. For more than seven years her health had been declining, but as the power of disease wasted her frame, she jjave the roost satisfactory evidence that her approach to the bKV. VriLLIAM BLACK. 361 rcction to enly-lltrce C8 of Hie riBtian, i(T lie clierisUeJ aintancc. ^ i mutely asso- the subject of iriety bo omit- most appro- Wc hero al- ncd in the rc- cr world — the event just no- ry wife of Mr. he same. Al- lected, proved int, they were me one whose Lord doeth all in the 35th ir, 1826. His but he left a »f his sorrow- scenei? of life Iven. The ill- id. For more iclining, butas she gave the proach to tho margin of the grave was accompanied with that pre- paration for her change which enabled her without shrinking to look forward to the final conflict, and waa cheered with those hopes of immortality which are founded on tho atonement of Christ, and alone can support tho mind in the hour of trial. She died Ja- nuary 5r.h, 1833, in sure and certain hope of a resur- rection to eternal life. A funeral discourse, on the oc- casion of her death, was delivered by the writer of thia memoir, who himself had been a witness of that pro- gressive preparation for the coming of her Lord, tho most consoling indications of which were reserved to illumine the closing scene. The death of Mrs. Black produced a chasm in her widowed husband's domestic enjoyments, great in pro- portion to the assemblage of excellencies with which she was adorned, and the protracted series of years during which her society had been to him a source of comfort as unmixed as it is in the power of friendship the most refined and devoted to impart. Such a be- reavement could not but throw a deeper shading over the autumn oi his days. His children were now all settled in life, v» 1th their families rising around them ; but affectionately as he was attached to them all, and happy as he felt, as frequently as they gathered around him to testify their filial veneration and attachment, he had been fo long habituated to the tranquil retreat of his own dwelling, that calmness and seclusion had become essential to his enjoyment. Under these cir- cumstances he was induced, in the course of the year 1828, to propose marriage to Mrs. Martha, widow of Elisha Calkin, ?sq., of Liverpool, a pious and amia- ble lady with whom he had long been acquainted. Mrs. Black's place could not perhaps have been better Gg n ^ ^ § ' ^ 'Hi r ^-f 362 UEMOIRS or TUB Bupplied. ' r affectionate assiduitieB to promote his comfort and anticinate his wishes, persevered in to the day of his deathj fully justified the estimate he had formed of her virtues, and entitle her to the lasting gratitude of the family. It only remains to notice the closing scene ; and it is pourtrayed to our hand by the Rev. Mr. Knight, Tvho had the privilege of witnessing it. " ' Our Fathers, where are they ? and the Prophets, do thty live forever ?' The time came when the man who had been for so many years looked up to as the Father of Methodism in this Province, must pass from the fel^^wship of the militant to that of the triumphant church. Indications of the rapid approaches of death Were perceived by his friends for some weeks ; but they were scarcely prepared to hear of his removal when it actually took place. Conversing with him a few days before his death on the awful disease which was raging in our town, he with his usual heavenly smile said, ' It does not matter ; I must soon go : whe- ther it be by cholera, or (pointing to his swollen legs) this dropsy ; it is all the same ; I leave it to my Mas- ter to choose.* But his lays were numbered. On Sunday, September 6th, 1834, he felt himself worse than usual. I saw him just before the time of evening service. His conduct toward me was, as it had been from the first hour I saw him, that of the utmost kind- ness and affection. Knowing that my whole time had been occupied in visiting the cholera patients at the hospitsl, and in their habitations, and in attending to the regular duties of the circuit, he feelingly entreated me to be careful of my health, for the sake of my fa- mily and the church. I did not, however, think that his end was so near. When called to visit him early KBV. WILLIAM BLACK. 363 :o promote his vered in to the imate he had to the lasting jcene ; and it is r. Knight, who I the Prophets, 3 when the man d up to as the must pass from 'the triumphant ■oaches of death me weeks; but of his removal fsing with him a 111 disease which usual heavenly It soon go : whe- lis swollen legs) e it to my Mas- numbered. On lit himself worse time of evening 1, as it had been the utmost kind- whole time had patients at the in attending to ilingly entreated |e sake of my fa- jver, think that |o visit him early in the morning on which he died, Sept. 8th, I felt the forco of the oft-quot«'d language of Dr. Young : — " The chaiiiljor where the good man meets his fate. Is privileged beyond the common walk of virtuous life. Q' ite 'e verg. ^f heaven." "Ifo' rid ntcndinff with the last bul pressed b^ n laboured in h ty in speaking. enemy, >sio)) of his reason, although so op- nplicated afflictions under which he i, hour, as to find very great difficul- ' I trust. Sir,' said I, ' you now feel Chat Saviour to be precious whom you have so long held forth to others.' He said ' All is well ; all is peace, no fear, no doubt ; let Him do as he will ; He knows what is best.' I referred to his long and useful life. He said very impressively, * Leave all that ; say no more. All is well.' We joined in prayer, and his spirit was evidently very much engaged in the solemn exercise. On leaving the room I said, ' You will soon be in the glory of which you have so often spoken in the course of your long ministry.' ' I shall soon be there,' he said, ' where Christ is gone before me.' Afler which he sank very fast, and spoke little, and that with considerable difficulty. His last words were, * Give my farewell blessing to your family, and to the society ;» and ' God bless you. All is well.' " The solemn event was improved by Mr. Knight in a sermon from 2 Tim. iv : 7, 8, — " I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith : Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day : and not to me only, but to all them that love his appearing." Although Mr. Knight's colleague at the time^ another call of duty IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V. /. ^/ v*'^^^. K, 1.0 1.1 ■so i"^" ri? iii£ " 2.5 2.2 i -^ IIIIIM 1.8 11.25 IIIIII.4 IIIIII.6 yi ^ /a / c^m'.^> ^^> 1/ "'V /A Ss. 7 Photographic Sdences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 vould be much more likely to increase his obduratiou, and to preclude the hope of his perfect restoration, than a course of faithful admonition and commisera- ting forbearance. This, we believe, was one of the first lessons which he was in the habit of affectionate- ly impressing upon the minds of those youthful minis- ters who were so happy as to receive his godly and paternal counsels. Our departed Father in Christ was eminently a man of prayer. The preceding pages bear ample testimo- ny to the vigilance and earnestness with which hecul' tivated a devotional spirit in connection with his pub- lic ministrations. It was a common saying of Luther, Bene orasse est bene studuisse; he never found himself in so happy a frame for the investigation of divine things, as when his thoughts and affections were puri- fied and elevated by prayer. Equally aware was Mr. SEV. WILLIAM BLACK. 369 lise his au- ' wield the r indiscre- and for the I equal dis- on the one 1 the other, knowledge moral fecl- linister un- t under the te ignorant as he him- id he knew r from all rod, unless ' the case, )bduratiou, estoration , ommisera- one of the 'ectionate- ful minis- ;odly and ntly a man e testimo- ich he cul- 1 his pub- of Luther, nd himself of divine vere puri- e was Mr. Black of the necessity of beginning, continuing, and ending his labours in a prayerful spirit. The result was a holy and beseeching fervour in his preaching, and an internal anointing of the Spirit which shed its efficient influence over the congregation. A learned infidel once remarked of the ministry of the Methodist church, that were they only panoplied in literary ar- mour they would in five years make a conquest of the world. But the divine charm in virtue of which such moral transformations are wrought, is hid from the wise and prudent. They know not that the excellency of the power is of God, and not of man — that unaccompanied with that quickening and plastic energy, the most imposing array of human accom- plishments were as useless as Saul's armour on the son of Jesse, and eloquence majestic and harmonious as the music of the spheres but ''as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal ;" they know not that " prayer moves the hand that moves the world." Such, however, is the fact. By a law of the moral universe, as well as by the promised blessing of Him who hath the hearts of all men in his hand, that minister who cultivates tho most intimate intercourse with God, will have the freest access to the springs of moral action within the breasts of his hearers, and the greatest cause to rejoice in the day of Christ that he has not run in vain, neither la- boured in vain. Among these the subject of the pre- ceding memoir will be adorned with distingushed ho- nours. He honoured God, and was honoured by Him. Though an example to all in his systematic efforts to enlarge the resources of his knowledge to the last, and accustomed thoroughly to digest the materials of his discourses, he deemed it not less essential to his suc- cess, to carry with him into the sacred desk, as of\en ,i I 370 MEMOtllS, kc. as he ascended it, a fresh unction from the Holy One, than a connected train of edifying thought. And many were the seals of his apostleship. Besides the incal- culably beneficial effect of his zealous labours and holy example in edifying the people of God, not less, pro- bably, than^v£ hundred instances might even now be traced in which truth from his lips was clothed with sall^Btion to those who heard it. The day draweth nigh when he will be rewarded yet more openly. Few. » it is believed, even among the most faithful and suc- cessful mioisters of the Lord Jesus, will receive from Him a crown studded with more or brighter gems, when " they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament ; and tubt that turn h art to EIGHTEOUSNESS AS THE STARS FOR EVER AND EVER." THE ENn. ?♦■ ) Holy One, And many 18 the incal- urs and holy 9t less, pro- 3ven now be slothed with lay draweth [»enly. Few, ful and 8UC- receive from ghter gems, e brightness ;lf MANT TO EBRATA. Page 8, laat line but one, for where read when. " MnV"*} ''" ^'O'ived, read regarded. " 120, fourth line from bottom, for without read with. " 248, twelfth line top for distinctly read dUtinctivtly. '« 248, fourteenth line •• for pwea read parte.