wy Wfi\ tfr'A-V , ^# Vi«:^ *J*'^ ^v. ^•"^V MEMOIRS THE LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE MRS. HAWKES. MEMOIRS MRS. HAWKES LATE OF ISLINGTON INCLUDING, REMARKS IN CONVERSATION AND EXTRACTS FROM SERMONS AND LETTERS OF THE LATE REV. RICHARD CECIL. BY CATHARINE CECIL. I HAVE CHOSEN THEE IN THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION. Isa. xlviii. 10. FR03I THE SECOND LONDON EDITION. PHILADELPHIA: J. WHETHA?!, 144, CHESTNUT STREET. M DCGC XXXVIII. J. L. Powell, Printer, Buriiu^toD, N. ADVERTISEMENT. It was the will of my deceased god-molher Mrs. Hawkes, that I should possess her manuscript books and papers, after her death ; not only on account of the numerous passages which they contain relating to my honoured Father, but also on account of that close and affectionate friendship which fol- lowed from the relation in which she stood towards me. The personal obligations conferred upon me, from early childhood, by the deceased, together with my knowledge of the minute details of her life, seemed to make it peculiarly my duty to communicate to others those words of hers which may be compared to a " well-spring of wisdom." And I have felt the less reluctance to engage in a work, from which I should otherwise have shrunk, while acting under a sense of providen- tial direction, — being encouraged and urged to the undertak- ing by some of the nearest relatives of the deceased, as well as by several of my own particular Friends, whose judgment 1 could not but respect. C. Cecil. 5, Little James Street, Bedford Row. June 20, 1837. ADVERTISEMENT TO THE SECOND EDITION. At the request of some friends who had pur- chased the First Edition of this work, a further selection has been made from Mrs. Hawkes's papers, of such remains of the late Rev. Richard Cecil, as may be interesting to the public. This further selection is added, in the Second Edi- tion, to the former Appendix. PREFACE The Christian experience of Mrs. Hawkes wliich is now presented to the Pubhc, possesses a character common to that of other believers, as it may be traced to the operation of the Holy Spirit. On this account it ought to be considered pre- cious in itself; apart from those considerations which, in the present instance, concur to render it valuable to others. It is not often that so many advantages unite to render the experi- ence of a Christian profitable to the public in general. To find the deepest views of the evil of sin, in a person whose moral character was, through life, the most exemplary ;— the clearest viev/s of the doctrines of grace, with a strict and conscientious regard to their practical tendency ; — the strongest and mcst simple faith, ever in connection with the penitence of her v;ho washed the Saviour's feet with her tears ;— a love to God tru- ly filial, ever blended with a reverential fear; and a humility which was as the clothing of her soul ;— to find the cheerful afiectionate friend, ever administering to others, in the same person with the oppressed and afflicted sufFerer,-- where pa- tience had, by means of constant trial, itsj^erfect work .-—these are fruits of the Spirit so precious in themselves, and so rare in their combination, that they require to be made manifest. " Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed ? and not to be set on a candlestick ? " The subject of this Memoir was little known out of her own circle. But the same reasons which induced the inspired wri- ters to record the names of Lydia, " whose heart the Lord opened to attend to the things spoken by Paul," apply strongly to the present case. Thus also the Scripture speaks of "the woman named Damaris," and of" Dionysiusthe Areopagite," VIII PEEFACE. of whom nothing ,s recorded except that they "believed." This may appear of lii.ie consequence to the world : but the Holy Sp,r,t thus teaches us that the greatest works go on in the secret chambers of the heart, and in private life. ^Vhen our bav.ourbru,sed Satan's E,npire_the greatest work that men oranges ever beheld,_the Held of action was narrow, and the world saw little in it to attract attention. Yet to the eye of fatth, there is presented in the confined spot of Calvary a stupendous work of power, wisdom, and goodness, which " An. gels desire to lock into." And among the names recorded on that solemn occasion, we find those of the few women who at- tended our Saviour's crucifixion, and who were properlv affeCed by that sight. Matt, xxvii. 56.-Luke xxiii. 4S. ' Another inducement to the publication of these Memoirs is, hat Mrs. Hawkes's records of her experience are left, (without he least ,dea on her part of their ever seeing the light, but as the natura result of her cultivated and intelligent mind,) in a form suited both to delight and profit the serious Reader. In this history there is not much variety of incident. The design o the work .s to exhibit the spiritual exercises of her mi;d, and to follow out her Christian experience under a continued course of affliction. The Sermons and other materials of this compilation, which may appear foreign to the Memoir, have not, p'roperlv speak^ ing, been introduced by the Biographer. They were found so interspersed and interwoven in almost every page of Mrs Hawkess diai-y, that it would have been difficult to separate them. It ,s however believed that they will be found interesting and instructive. The same must be observed respecting the various allusions to Mr. Cecil's family, (of which Mrs. Hawkes was for several years a member,) and which could not have been omitted without breaking the thread of her private oxne- nence and history. ' Neither must it be forgotten that the fine character of Mrs Hawkes was developed under the immediate trainin-r of Mr Cecil's ministry and converse. She was a " plant of his hand PREFACE. IX a child of his prayer;" and it is not surprising that where there existed the relation of spiritual father and daughter, there should result a degree of mental and moral affinity, giving colour to Mrs. Hawkes's intellectual and religious character, and appearing in her remains. In Mrs. Hawkes's correspondence there will be found a beautiful specimen of the communion of saints; all the letters introduced contain some practical instruction, and breathe the pure spirit of Christianity. She was a person fraught with so much sympathy, and so deeply exercised in the school of af- fliction, that every mourner sought to her as a general friend. Both her verbal and written admonitions ever contained the most judicious counsel, and were delivered in the most benev- olent and affectionate manner. In the early part of the work there is a large selection from the letters of Mrs. Hawkes's sister, Mrs. Jones, — who was also a very eminent Christian. Her style of writing is both lively and interesting ; and her letters ever present religion in an elevating and encouraging point of view. Should it seem to any one unacquainted with Mrs. Hawkes, that he'r character has been drawn by partiality, it is here seri- ously affirmed, that every statement has been made from an entire conviction of its truth ; and under a deep sense of the solemn obligations under which a Biographer lies, to add nothing in a way of panegyric. There are not many who have been favoured with equal opportunities with myself of knowing intimately the Deceased, or of partaking so largely of her instructions. It was perhaps a duty, when intrusted with her manuscript books and papers, not to hide the talent in a napkin ; but rather to " gather up the fragments" left by this valuable character, and present them to the public in the form of a Mejioir. The employment has furnished both delight and improve- ment. It is impossible to trace closely " the path of the just" without being cheered, as well as directed, by the light wliich shines upon it. If a regret arises that a stronger hand was not PREFACE. employed to hold up this shining light to others, it may be re- membered, that a lamp loses nothing of its light from beino- carried by a feeble hand. ° May the Great Head of the Church condescend to accept, and bless, what has been now done in dependence upon His grace ; making it conduce to the encouragement and assistance of his members upon earth, and especially to the promotion of his own glory. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. FROia HER BIRTH TO HER MARRIAGE, Page- From A. D. 1759 to about 1785 13 CHAPTER 11. FROM HER MARRIAGE TO HER SETTLEMENT AT HOLLOWAT. From A. D. 1785 to 1790 17 CHAPTER III. FROM HER SETTLEMENT AT HOLLOWAT TO HER LEAVING THAT PLACE. From A. D. 1790 to 1796 37 CHAPTER IV. HER RESIDENCE IN 3rR. CECIl's HOUSE. From A. D. 1796 to 1802 135 CHAPTER V. FROM HER SETTLEMENT AT MR. COLLTER S TO HER REMOVAL TO BETCHWORTH. From A. D. 1802 to 181 1 181 ^^^ CONTENTS. CHAPTER VI. HER TEMPORARY AUODE AT BETCinVORTH, From A. D. 1811 to 1812 ^f^- CHAPTER YU. FROM HER SETTLEMENT AT PEI.TON PEACE TO HER REMOVAL TO atJEEN's ROW, From A. D. 1812 to 1817 oo- CHAPTER YIII. HER HESlDEJfCE AT atEEN's ROW, PE?fTOXVILLE. From A. D. 1817 to 1838 265 CHAPTER IX. HER REMOVAL FROM dUEEJf's ROW, AND SUBSEarEA^T RESIDENCE fX CROSS STREET, ISLINGTON. From A. D. 1828 to 1832 32g CHAPTER X. CLOSING PERIOD OF HER LIFE. From Jan. 1832 to Oct. 16, 1832 359 CHAPTER XI. Concluding Remarks 3gg Appendix 331 MEMOIRS, ETC. CHAPTER I. FROM HER BIRTH TO HER MARRIAGE. FROM A. D. Introductory remarks — Her liirth — Piety of her parents — Concern for the conversion of their children — Gaity of Mrs. Hawkes in her younger years — Her love of music and reading — Her marriage. The devout and discerning reader will not have proceeded far in this volume, without feeling that it displays a character of unusual vigour in the christian life ; and it is believed that no such reader will close ihe volume, without thanking God for the examples which it offers of faith and wisdom in his ser- vants, and the evidence vv'hich it gives of His own gracious dealings. The subject of the following Memoir evidently belongs to that company spoken of in Rev. vii. '14. "These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb:" and the precious faith which she obtained, " though tried with fire, will be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appear- ing of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter i. 7. The intention of the following pages is to manifest, chiefly by a reference to the diary and letters of the deceased, the supporting and purifying nature of that faith which she had embraced ; and the genuine humility which accompanied her high attainments in the school of Christ. Three sources of affliction may be marked in the history of this eminent servant of God. In the earlier part of her mar- ried life, she enjoyed worldly prosperity, — but was severely exercised by domestic trials. To this course of discipline suc- ceeded the loss of affluence and ease ; which reduced her to a state of dependence on the bounty of others. These trials 2 1^ MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. were augmented during ihe latter years of her life by very acute and unusual bodily sufferings ;— and throughout this course, it is most instructive and encouraginjr to witness the power of religion m sustaining her spirit, and in raising her above all her complicated and lengthened trials. Mrs. Hawkes was born in the year 1759, at Broad Mars- ton in Gloucestershire, where her parents resided. She was the youngest of thirteen children, five ot^ whom died in child- hood. Her father, Mr. Thomas Eden, was a person of stron^r sense and real piety. He was intimately acquainted with the Kev. John Wesley; and his house was always open for the reception of that eminent servant of God, and his accompany- ing preachers, in their annual circuit visits to that place. Mr AVesley used to preach, on these occasions, at Pebworth church, in a neighbouring village: but to provide more fre- quent opportunities for preaching the gospel, Mr. Eden built a small chapel at Broad Marston, near to his own house, the services of which were always performed by Mr. Wesley's preachers.^ Mr. Eden also left an estate, of about £60 a year to be expended in several parishes, for the education of chil- dren, from the age of five years, until they were able to ^o to work. ^ We may revert with equal pleasure to the christian charac- ter of Mrs. Eden. It appears that devoted piety, and strict attention to maternal duties, rendered her equally valuable both as a wife and a mother. The instructions which she gave her children were continually watered by her prayers and tears, as well as illustrated by her example. Though there are sad instances to the contrary, yet it has been olten seen that eminently pious parents have been blessed with eminently pious children. The command "Train up a child in the way that he should go," is connected with the proniisc "and when he is old, he will not depart from it." bt. Paul, when bearing testimony to the unfeigned faith of limothy, calls to remembrance that which also dwelt first in his grandmother Lois, and his mother Eunice. A short ex- tract from a letter of Mrs. Eden's, dated Dec. 1781, addressed to her second daughter Mrs. Jones, will enable the reader to form some idea of Mrs. Eden's feelings both with respect to herself and her children. She writes as follows •— •The reader will remember that at the period when Mr. Eden lived, the Church of England was in a lamentahiy torpid state, which induced many ot its pious members to encourage lay preachers. CHAP. I FROM A. D. 1759 TO 1785. 15 « 1 thankfully acknowledge the loving-kindness of the Lord, in carrying on his good work in my soul. Truly can I sav] it is my desire to live entirely to his glory. Blessed be God] my health is much mended of late; and J trust the Lord will spare me longer, to make me fitter to enjoy his blissful pre- sence in a glorious eternity. 1 hope you and Mr. Jones go on well, and press after greater depths of humble love, and more of the image of your heavenly Father. I have many cares and fears; but 1 cast them all on him who careth for me. The souls of my dear children lie heavily on my heart : but through mercy, I find myself more than ever resigned to the will of God ; and 1 desire to leave all to him, and live only to his glory. "_ In this case, however, as in many others, the faith and pa- tience of these pious parents were to" be tried bv not witnessing the speedy conversion of those children, for 'whose spiritual life, they had indeed " travailed in birth until Christ should be formed in them.." The bread cast upon the waters was, never- theless, found after many days. Not only the subject of this memoir, but several of the other children of these pious parents lived to become ornaments to society, and died in the faith of ihe Gospel. It may seem surprising that, with so many religious advan- tages, the younger days of Miss Sarah Eden, afterwards Mrs. Hawkes, should have been marked by the love of gaity and amusement. But it must ever be remembered, that true piety is not hereditary. How good soever the seed may be which has been sown, and how"^ diligently soever it may have been watered, God alone can " give the increase." The same work of regenerating grace which was needful for the conversion of the parent, is equally indispensable for the conversion of the child. This truth needs, perhaps, to be more deeply consi- dered by Christian parents. An entire reliance on the work of Divine grace, without any abatement of those efforts which are the absolute duty of parents, might cause the blessing to descend more speedily. Still, it must be acknowledged, that grace is sovereign ; and this respects both the time and man- ner of conversion. The subject of this memoir was left for a season to seek satisfaction where it could never be found. To gratify her strong intellect by reading,— though disi'egarding a wise selection of books ; to indulge her passionate fondness for music: and to give herself to the socictv of those equally gay and young friends, who, captivated by her peculiar sweetness of disposition, were ever ready to seek her acquaintance;— oc- 16 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWES. cupied those early years of health and vigour, which she af- terwards, justly lamented, as having been lost in vanity and folly. In looking back upon them, she was ready to exclaim with the Poet, " Oh ! the dark days of vanity ! while here How tasteless ' and how terrible when gone! " • But Divince mercy had designed that her own Avays should correct her. While intent on choosing the world for her por- tion, and listening only to the Siren voice of earthly allure- ments, — she formed a connexion in marriage entirely in con- formity with such views. The prospect was flattering as it regarded worldly advanta- ges ; and, for a short season, opportunities were thus afforded her for drinking more deep!}^ of the perishable pleasures of this world ; of which, however, it may be said, " Whosoever drink- eth of this water shall thirst again." John iv. 13. In the midst of her career of worldly prosperity, the day of trouble was fast approaching; and but for that special mercy which designed to " bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfor- tably to her,^ and give her vineyards from thence," Hos. ii. 14, 15, she would indeed have been made, " like the heath in the desert, and would have inhabited the parched places in the wilderness." Jer. xvii. 6. Young's Night Thoughts. 2 u gpeak to her heart:' CHAPTER II. FROM HER MARRIAGE TO HER SETTLEMENT AT HOLLOWAY. FROM A. D. 1785, TO 1790. Her trials — Her conduct under them — Taken by her sister to hear the Rev. Rich. Cecil — Receives deep religious impressions — Becomes a constant attendant at St. John's Chnpel — First interview between Mr. Cecil and Mrs. Hawkes — Begins to keep a Uiary — Her entire change of character — Cautioned by Mrs. Jones against going to the Theatre — Her value of ordinances — Letter to Mrs. Jones — Visit to Broad Mars- tan, her native place — To Dudley — Correspondence between Mrs. Hawkes and Mrs. Jones — Mrs. Hawkes goes to Birmingham — Sermon of the Rev. C. Simeon's at St. Mary's — She visits Honey bourne and other places, and returns to London — Mr. Cecil's visit — His remarks — His illness. The connexion which Mrs. Hawkes had formed was of a na- ture very unlikely to promote her happiness. The union had not been preceded by that serious consideration with regard to suitableness in feelings and principles, so strongly recom- mended in our wise and holy Liturgy. It cannot therefore be thought surprising that her chief'trials should arise from this quarter. During this dispensation, two features of her character were particularly manifested, liamely, a capacity for patient endur- ance of evils which she could not remedy ; and a delicacy of feeling which made her bear silently that sorrow which was ever springing up afresh from deep and hidden recesses : she could not so forget the relation in which she stood, as to dis- cuss with her fellow creatures the peculiarities of lier case. But when more than human sympathy became needful, she was to receive the instructive consolation; " My grace is suffi- cient for thee." In her case was to be exhibited that grand prerogative of the Gospel, in making " all things work together for good " to those who receive it. She was taught to " cast her burden on the Lord," and was enabled to understand, in some measure, the design of present trials, as effecting a me- dicinal process, in order to brmg about the gracious results proposed in that Scripture, "Behold 1 have refined thee, but not with silver; 1 have chosen thee in the furnace of afflic- tion." Isa. xlviii. 10. 2* 18 MEMOIRS OF MRS. IIAWKES. While Mrs. Hawkes's mind was in this state, a circumstance took place, which though seemingly of small importance, proved, by its results, to have been overruled by that Divine Providence which ever guides and directs human events. ]\Irs. Havvkes had a pious sister, who, with her excellent husband, Mr. Jones, belonged to the congregation of St. Mary's Church, Birmingham: attending the ministry of the Rev. Edw. Burn. Mrs. Jones having meniioned to Mr. Burn her intention of visiting her sister in London, Mr. Burn particularly recom- mended her going to hear the Rev. Richard Cecil, while she was in town. In compliance with this recommendation, Mrs. Jones went to St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row, accompanied by Mrs. Hawkes. This occurred in the spring of the year 1787. The impression made upon Mrs. Hawkes's mind, on this occasion, was deep and abiding. She entered into the sanctu- ary "a woman grieved in spirit:" Isa. liv. 6. She returned thence no longer sorrowful, but with new and powerful im- pressions of the efficacy of Scripture consolations ; and with earnest desires to become a partaker of spiritual blessings. From this period Mrs. Hawkes constantly attended St. John's Chapel. Mr. Jones, delighted to discover the deeply serious slate of her sister's mind, and truly anxious to promote her spiritual interests, was induced to write to Mr. Cecil, after an interval of two years, and to request he would call upon Mrs. Hawkes. Mr. Cecil's answer will be found included in the followin' hard lesson, to do tvell and suffer for it patient- ly? J can suffer for it silently, but where is patience, love, re- signation ? ' t ret not thyself in any wise to do evil.' ^ " The brightest morning has often the darkest evenintr. So It has been with me to-day. So feeble is the texture Sf my mmd, that it is easily thrown into disquietude : but many tears will not compose it again. No wonder that such a poor, re- beilious, proud, sinful creature as I am, should need, and have correction: but how far less have I than I deserve! I would desire to receive chastening as my necessary food, for ' Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.' " Mrs. Hawkes's dispensation was indeed one of varied and iong.continued suffering. He, however, who for wise ends had so ordered It, had given her a willing and obedient spirit, ready to take the appointed yoke and wear it patiently : which disposition was in itself a special blessing. Consolations of the highest order were also provided for her. In her knowled^G of Christ she found, "A tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain." Isaiah iv. 6. The followina re- cords will show, that while travelling through a dry and weary iand and under a scorching sun, it was in the sanctuary that she found shade. ^ Sunday, June 28.-'< My heart leaps for joy in mv restora- tion to my beloved and highly-valued privileges. "'I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than dwell in the palaces of the ungodly.' " Sunday, July 5.-!" Great weakness of body-many sharp trials from without-a disturbed and distracted mind-an evi^i foolish imagination-a malignant enemy,-all attack me. But there is a rock in this weary land." Mm.—'' Never again comply with any solicitations to leave my appointed place of worship ; for where can I go to be so richly led f Better say no to a friend, than say ijes, to my soul's loss ! " Sunday, July 12.-- I feel it a profitable indulgence to at- tend early worship at Lothbury. The season is sacred, the bustle and folly of the world is not yet awake ,• there is a holy sympathy in the congregation ; and the ordinance of the Lord's Supper IS peculiarly delightful. I ought to think little of my week-day sorrows, for such inestimable favours on the Sabbath. Sunday, J///^ 19.-- 1 find it good to rise early to secure time, before public worship, for reading and prayer: and in 28 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. order that I may do this, let me imitate my honoured mother's custom of getting every thing of family l)usiness done on the Saturday niglU. She never failed to have every thing done, even to the preparation of every article for dinner; so that her- self, children and servants, were freed from all occupation on the Sabhath. I recollect with reverence her godly habits. Alas ! how little did 1 honour her as 1 ought to have done when she was living. But I feel the benefitof her pious example now" Sunday^ July 26. — " Too ill to observe my usual habit of rising early. The Lord will have ' mercy and not sacrifice.' 1 am enabled this day to set to my seal, that in the sanctuary I have found rivers of living water; and my dim eyes begin to see a litlle of the beauty of the Sun of Righteousness." Sunday, Avgust 2. — " Who ever trusted in the Lord and was disappointed? Who ever came to him desiring to be fed with the bread of heaven, and was sent empty away ? Not I, this day, unworthy as I am! I am made, in a manner, to for- get all the piercing sorrows of the week, and to say, let me only be favoured with the presence of my Saviour, and wel- come all my allotted trials." Thus as a new-born babe did Mrs. Hawkes " desire the sin- cere milk of the word, that she might grow thereby." She expresses strongly, in the following letter to Mrs. Jones, that support which she now derived, even in the midst of outward trials, from the consolations of religion. " This has been a choice morning to my poor barren soul, which for the last week has been tried within and without. But blessed be my gracious Lord, who hath poured water up- on the dry ground of my heart, and caused it to breathe forth, longing, panting, desires after Himself. I feel the relYeshing droppings of his Spirit ; and I am constrained to go out atler him, whom, having not seen (glory be to his name,) I inex- pressibly love and adore! Oh, the preciousness of a present Saviour! Oh, that he were thus ever present ! 1 fear that I am not enough thankful for the goodness of my God. When heavy trials come, 1 am too apt to be bowed down. Not murmuring, thank God; I think I have not for a long time felt anything of that : — but I fear 1 am not rejoicing as I ought to be, for the many mercies that are mixed with my great trials. 1 call up- on you to unite with me in praise and thanksgiving; I cannot give words to my full heart I'or the goodness and tenderness of God to me, the most unworthy of all his creatures. Glory be to his name, that he has graciously caused me to seek, and to find Him; — that by bringing me into his marvellous light, CHAP. II. FROM A. D. 1765 TO 1790. 29 he has afforded me such superior enjoyments, such ennoblintr views, such secret and solid satisfaction ; such as, I am sure° never entered into my heart to conceive ! Oh, it is all wonder and astonishment, that so much mercy should be bestowed on so undeserving a wretch ! But these aVethe benefits and bless- ings of redeeming love. Perhaps you will say, I am indulg- ing too high a flight. But who can soar too high, when con- templating the wondrous works of redemption? It is only to you, that I indulge the overflowing of my gratitude; one turn of my conscious eye into my vile ^seJf, at once awes and chas- tises my rapture; and tells me, with such favours, how far I am from what I ought to be." The spiritual joy with w^hich Mrs. Hawkes was favoured in the early stages of her conversion, together wn'th her severe trials, exemplified in a striking manner the fulfilment of that promise, "I will betroth thee unlo me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unfo me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving-kindness, and in mercies: I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness ; and thou shalt know the Lord." Hosea ii. 19, 20. It is, however, one characteristic of the new creature to be subject to fears respecting its preservation. These fears are naturally expressed in the following extract from her diary. _ August 3.—" I am truly cast down because the time is ar- rived when we make our annual visit into the country. Some of the places to which I must go are peculiarly unfavourable to religion. I have also formerly exhibited there gaiety and folly. I have now to make a stand, and support a very dif- ferent character. I am young and inexperienced in Christiani- ty ; I shall have no support from any creature. What if I should fall into temptation? what if I should be among such as are ashamed of Jesus and his cause? what if I sho'iild be like Pliable, and slide away into unworthy compliances ! My very heart is ready to faint with fear. But I will pray with Jabez, ' O, that thou wouidest bless me indeed, and let thine hand be with me to keep me from evil.' " Broad 3Iarsfon.^ August 7.—" Through mercy, I am here m safety, and find my valuable brother Henry in better health. May his life long be spared. He is a great ornament to reli- gion, and a comfort to all about him. His great strength of understanding, and his remarkable aimableness and comp'osure 'The paternal residence; and where Mrs. Hawkes had lived till the time of her marriage. Her second brother, Henry, continued to rent the estate after the death of his parents. 3* 30 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. of temper, are truly admirable. I have lived with him many yearvS, but I do not remember to have seen him angry on more than one occasion. Whenever he reproved eilhnr friend, do- mestic, or labourer, it was with mildness and dignity ; and his unclouded, cheerful, genuine piety, spread a lustre over the whole of his character that was not to be described. O may 1 copy his bright example." Avgvst 9. — " I have been shutting myself up in my dear departed mother's chamber, the very walls and furniture of which are sacred. A thousand times have I marked her re- tiring into it for purposes of devotion. Often have I overheard her strong cries and tears to God, and often caught the sound of, ' MY CHILDREN,' as if that interest was uppermost. At morning, at noon, and at evening, she never failed to retire to read and pray. Thousands of tears has she shed in this cham- ber: where 1 have sometimes had the privilege of kneeling down by her side. How present in her image ! how sweet my communion with her departed spirit! Little did I then know the value of her intercession for lier children ; or the weight of her character or example as a Christian. Thank God, I know it now ; and abhor myself in proportion as I estimate her* Oh that I might but tread in her honoured steps ! Oh that her prayers for every one of us may be like ' bread cast upon the waters,' found after many days ! Oh may my dear mother's God be my God! He graciously carried her through many years of weakness and sorrow. He enabled her to walk worthy of her high calling; and he stood by her in a dying hour. Her last words were, ' For me to die is gain' — and, '1 will pray for my children while I liave breath.' " My brother seemed much upon her mind. Oh may his mother be much upon his mind, and upon all our minds ; and may we meet her in glory ! Who knows but her happy spirit has been a witness to my secret transactions in her for- mer chamber. May all my transactions through life be equal- ly pleasing in her eyes ! " Dudley. — " I am here truly ' like a sparrow upon the house- top.' I am full of fears lest I should dishonour that holy name and cause I have so lately professed ; — lest I should grieve that Holy Spirit, whose influence alone can support and help me. Thanks be to God, that he gives me to feel my danger, and shows me where lies my strength; and he also enables me, in the spirit of a little child, to tell him all my complaints and fears ; and to call upon him for security. 'Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my Ibolstcps slip not.'" CHAP. II — FROM A. D. 1785 TO 1790. 31 Mem, — "' Beware of hasty friendships; examine all new j)roposals' 1 have had one to-day, but the advice at the begin- ning of this book^ warns me. I have already experienced great advantage from endeavouring to follow my wise counsellor, in avoiding not only too great a degree of pliableness of temper, but also a mean, sneaking, irresolute, shame-faced behaviour among worldly people. 1 find by experience, that they soon discover when the mind is made up; and on making this dis- covery, cease to persuade you to join with them in "their pur- suits ; while they secretly respect the consistent character. I perceive this strongly in the remarks made upon certain per- sons. Some say, we are to become all things to all men. But my honoured minister observed, we are in clanger, lest in imitating St. Paul in becoming all things to all men, we attempt his work without the ballast.^^ It was a great mercy to Mrs. Hawkes, that during her spir- itual conflicts she had a sister strong in the faith, who was to her a nursing mother, to whom she could unburden every thought with advantage, and meet in return both sympathy and spiritual counsel. A reference to the correspondence of these affectionate sisters, may often illustrate the progress of the work of grace in Mrs. Ilawkes's mind. In the following letter, Mrs. Jones, with a view to encourage her sister, expa- tiates, in a very animating manner, on the love and forbear- ance of God ; she writes— " I have had many exercises, but God has enabled me to He at anchor until the storm was over. I have had much to bear within myself, but God is a God of 'patience, and therefore he beareth not like man, but like himself. There is no end of his goodness ! no, no end ! We serve a God of love, who accepts our endeavours to please him. He is not extreme to mark with rigour" every little failure, but regards the motive, and the aflections; and saith, « Let your love be without dissimu- lation : let that be fixed ; and as to other things, I know what is in man, and consider that he is but dust ; and on that ac- count I have opened a fountain to wash away his sin and un- cleanness. His defilement shall not hinder the exercise of my love towards him ; sinful as he is, if he abides in me, (by faith and love,) and my word abides in him, (as the mark to which he aims,) he may ask what he will, and it shall be done unto Her Diary, where she recorded Mr. Cecil's remarks. 32 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. him. O that we knew the strength of this promise, ' whatso- ever ye shall ask the Father in my name, it shall be done.' " VVe may torment and perplex rurselves with this and the other defect ; but we must come to God to be filled with his love. He will strengthen us for every good word and work ; for nothing is so active, so operative a love, which the apostle fully proves, 1 Cor. xiii. \Ve do not expect enough from this love. It is an ocean, and we must cast ourselves into it as well as we can. " 1 hope you continue to meet me at the throne of grace at twelve. I leel it an animating thought, that we can unite in spirit, though we are absent in body. At the Lord's table, last Sunday, I had a very invigorating view of the love of God. It appeared to me without bounds, and as free as the air we breathe, so that my heart could only cry out ' Lord, I accept it, I accept it.^ If in our most favoured moments we have sometimes a sight of the love of God, which we can by no means express in human language, O what amazing discove- ries shall break upon our souls when ihey leave these clay ten- ements ! The very anticipation of it is glorious!" From Mrs. Hawkes to Mrs. Jones. "I thank my dearest sister for her last letter; it did me good. My aching heart feelingly echoed back your words, * There is no end of his goodness ;' if there were, there would be an end of our hope, for 1 am sure there is no end of the daily provocations he receives at our hands, at least I can say from jnine. I seem at this time to be learning deeper lessons of my own utter depravity ; and to feel that sin is in every breath I draw, — in every pulse that beats. I frequently can- not open my lips ; but am only able to prostrate my spirit be- fore God. I feel that if I ask favours, I shall abuse them; and yet I cannot live without asking more and more. There- fore I can only pray, if there are any in the family of Christ whose case resembles mine, deal with me as thou dealest with them. 1 have been greatly encouraged lately by the conside- ration of the wisdom of God, and by believing that what his wisdom undertakes, his love will complete. 1 see, in some measure, that nothing less than infinite wisdom, power, and mercy, did ever devise or accomplish the salvation of a sinner. 1 have had some spiritual exercise and temptations of late, which I had not expected ; so little do I know of the narrow path. Had I experienced these before my faith was well grounded, it seems to me, I should have been overset. But ' I CHAP. II. FROM A. D. 1785 TO 1790. 33 know in whom I have believed '—and I doubt not, though the combat is sharp and long, and I can only just keep my head above water, by seeing someiimes one promise, and sometimes another, that either in time or eternity, I shall see the needs he for the trials of this part of my pilgrimage. 1 thirst for more divine wisdom ; and if it must be gained'"by suffering, so let it be, as far as 1 shall be able to endure. " However, I can say this, ' If I am not willing lobe cured of the disease of sin at any expense, Lord, do it against my will : only uphold me during the process.' I know what it is to have sharp bodily pains, and can conceive of others still more severe; but all is nothing to that crucifixion of the spirit, which we must pass through. That passage was brought strongly to my mind this morning, « Satan hath desired to have thee,^that he might sift thee as wheat, but I have prayed for thee: Who can be sufficiently thankful for such an interces- sor ! Through grace I am yet enabled to say, ' Rejoice not agamst me, O mine enemy ;' I shall yet see thy overthrow, and my victory. Through the blood of the Lamb, I shall yet be more than conqueror. And though various trials and tempta- tions from within and without have well nigh shaken to the ground this house of clay, yet I trust I have another provided, 'A house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.' Let your prayers, my dear sister, help to waft me thither. 1 need them much. I thank you for the benefit I have already de- rived from them ; I entreat yet more. I much wish to come to visit you, and hope I shall soon. The time I leave to Him who is my guide and comforter, as far as comfort is needful. That I have not more, is owing to myself,- that I have any, is owing solely to the riches of His grace." Mrs. Hawkes went soon after to visit her sister at Birming- ham, which appears from the following notice in her diary. ° Birmingham, Sept, 9, 1789. "The meeting of ministers at St. Mary's. Rev. C. Simeon preached from Col. iii. 11. « Christ is all, and in all!'" 'All in all to the poor— to the rich— to the afflicted— to the prosperous— to the weak— to the ignorant— to the guilty.' "His sermon animated my heart; and so did his private, social prayer, and conversation. So pious, so afleciionate, so desirous that I should take Christ to be my all in all; to give myself as a chaste virgin to be married to Christ; to cleave to him closely, as the shadow moves wherever the substance moves. " My heart responds to his entreaty. I desire that Christ should be all in all." 34 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. Sept. 15. — " Returned to Broad Marston. Went to visit my aged and e^xellcnt aunt, S.^ ' an Israelite indeed,' not out- wardly only, but in the heart. She is naturally more like an angel than any character I know ; but grace superadded, makes her also a saint. Not in her own eyes — for she is a mirror of humility, true and unfeigned. Her daughter, Mrs. Cooper, is also an excellent, sincere Christian, who seems to have a good portion of Mary's heart, with Martha's hands. She is a mira- cle of patience and resignation. Though she is said to have a confirmed cancer in^each breast, she appears quite cheerful, and sings walking about the house as if nothing was the mat- ter. She declares, that notwithstanding she has witnessed the sufferings and death of her sister, from this disease, and has no reason but to expect fo go through the same, yet she has seldom an anxious hour on that occasion; for she can leave the matter with God, who will either deliver or support her, through whatever afflictions he lays upon her." " Mtm. — Mrs. Cooper lived only a few years after this, and then died suddenly ! How wise and how happy, to commit her cares to him who cared for her. What would her anxie- ties have done these few remaining years, save, perhaps, to have brought on the very sufferings she had reason to fear 1 O how sinful to distrust God, and meet trouble before it comes; thereby making it double. Yet this I am doing every day. Lord, enable me to leave caring for the morrow, and trust simply to thee 1" Honeijhourne,'^ Sept. 20. — " I have this day been visiting the grave of a female friend and companion of my younger days, who died in the 27th year of her age. She, like myself, no sooner married, than she became a child of sorrow. Her constitution, seemingly very strong, was broken by affliction ; and she was carried olT by a rapid consumption. Her grave speaks loudly to me. May I hear and observe ; and may I, like her, die in hope of a blessed resurrection." Blr?ningha?n, Oct. 10. — " Happy to return to this favoured place. Heard the Rev. Mr. Burn, from Luke xxii. 31, ' Si- mon, Simon, Satan hath desired to have thee, to sift thee as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy Axith fiil not ! ' " " A remarkable circumstance occurred under this very ani- mated and striking sermon. A poor woman had for some lime been under a violent, and almost irresistible temptation to ' Her father's sister. - Residence of her eldest brother, Nathaniel. CHAP. II. FROM A. D. 1785 TO 1790. 35 drown herself; and declared, she had actually risen from her seat no less than twenty times with a desi;^f;i to throw herself into the canal. One of her neighbours seeing her this morn- ing weeping biiferiy, enquired into the cause of her distress, and talked wiih her, but without much etiect. While Mr. Burn wa? preaching at St. Mary's church, she, by seeming accident, dropped in, and was so arrested by the discourse, that she returned home quite another creature. " Such is the benefit of being in the way of duty ; and such the infinite mercy of having a Saviour who says to all his tempted ones, ' I have prayed for thee that thy faith fliil not! ' " London, Sunday, Nov. 1 — "I desire to be iinfeignedly thankfid for the comfort I have this day received in the, ordi- nance of the Lord's Supper. May I never lose sight of the engagements which I made at the altar, to give myself wholly to the Lord ; and to lake him to be my righteousness, sancti- fication, and redemption." Wednesday, Dec. 2.—" My Sundays and Wednesdays are my days of holiday, — days of feasting. I rejoice in their re- turn ; and they afford me ten thousand times more satisfaction and real pleasure than all my days of gaiety and mirth." Friday, Jan. 1, 1790.^' Had a Visit from my revered father in the Gospel, who, as he always does, gave me the richest instruction; which though I cannot recolfect as to the expression, is, I trust, as to the substance, engraven on my heart. ^ "'Rejoice,' he said, ' rather than despond, at the discove- ries you obtain of the deceitfulness of your heart. It may be painful to you, but it is safe. Christians musifi^^JtL not faint. Such as get the deepest knowledge of their indwelling evils, are better grounded in religion than those who only^ee the surface. Observe what views David had of his sinfulness. ' Take care of reading what is called Christian Experi- ence. Very few of such books are well written, i. e. have the experience simply stated ; only mark the difference between the characters given us in the Bible, and the characters usually drawn by man. God gives the true, simple account of the character. He writes down the defects as well as the excel- lences. But when man underlakes to write, he gives the best side of the story : he generally dresses out the character in all its excellences, and casts the "defects into the shade. Do not, therefore, take your standard from human observation, but di- vine. Do not take another person's conscience for the rule of your own ; for there are innumerable cases wherein one can- Ob 3IEM0IRS OF MRS. HAWKES. not judge for another. Study the Scriptures with prayer, and a teachable spirit, and you will never greatly err.' " Me77i. — This is a word in season ; for I have been ready to think 1 ought to turn to every passing pilgrim for help ; and because I felt reluctant so to do, my scrupulous conscience has condemned me, as proud and fastidious. How thankful ought I to be for so wise and condescending a counsellor : for 1 am persuaded, that if in a multitude of counsellors there is safety, in a multitude of counsellors there is also confusion." It were to be wished that Mrs. Hawkes had always inserted in her diary the particular fact, question, or difficulty, which drew out those remarks of Mr. Cecil's which she so carefully recorded. This would have thrown a stronger light on the foregoing observations respecting Christian Biography, as well as given a greater interest to the ideas themselves, as they oc- cur on this and other occasions. Wednesday — " How have I been feasted this evening by hearing from Heb. xii. 7, 8. 'If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.' Let me learn not to murmur; but rather rejoice, under the re- peated marks I have of sonship." Friday — " I am greatly alarmed and distressed to hear of a painful complaint under which my valuable friend and father now labours. I fear I have too much anxiety lest I should lose such an instructor. I ought to look to that Divine Teacher who has said ' I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.' But alas! my faith is small, my weakness great; and my igno- rance extreme. I shall never meet with such another minister ; so able, so condescending. Surely he may say with St. Paul, ' We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.' " Sunday. — "This is the most melancholy Sabbath I have passed since my attendance at St. John's Chapel ! My inval- uable teacher is too ill to preach ; and my eyes run dovvn with tears. In vain 1 try to encourage myself in hope : but I can pray, and that shall be my comfort." Mrs. Hawkes's tender feelings on occasion of the illness of her minister, (which however p^roved but temporary,) recall to mind the Galatian converts, to whose zealous affection St. Paul bears so remarkable a testimony, chap. iv. 14, that they had received him " as an angel of God, even as Christ .Jesus." And he bears them record that if it had been possible, they CHAP. Ill FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 37 would have plucked out their own eyes to have given them to him. He also appeals to God as to the sincerity of his own ardent affection towards those whom he had " begotten through the Gospel," when he says, " For God is my record how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ :" Phil. i. 8, using towards them the most endearing compella- tions, " Therefore my brethren, dearly beloved, and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved." Phil. iv. 1. And for their "furtherance and joy of faith," he has confidence that God would even preserve his life, that their rejoicing in Christ Jesus for him might be more abundant by his coming to them again. Phil. i. 25. Animated and actuated by the same spirit, faithful ministers and true con- verts are " of one mind, having the same love," and enjoying the same everlasting consolation in Christ Jesus our Lord. CHAPTER III. FROM HER SETTLEMENT AT HOLLOWAY TO HER LEAV- ING THAT PLACE. FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. Her attachment to Holloway — Dedicates her house to God — Visited by Mr. Cecil — His conversation — Her domestic trials — Correspondence with Mrs. Jones — Death of her brother Henry — Begins to insert in her diary notes of Mr. Cecil's sermons — Improves her retirement by solid reading — Visits Broad Marston— Birmingham— Madely — Inter- view with Mrs. Fletcher—Return to Holloway- Illness of Mrs. Cecil —Feelings of Mr. Cecil on the occasion— Mr. and Mrs. Hawkes visit Birmingham, Dudley, Sutton, and West Broomwich, accompa- nied by Mr. Cecil — Remarks of Mr. Cecil— Of the Rev. John Newton — Of the Rev, W. Jesse — Return to Town— Mrs. Hawkes's memo- randum on opening the year 1795 — Her long confinement by illness — Her thoughts on recovery — Fast-day 1796 — Mr. Cecil's sermon — His Remarks— Letters— Digression on Melancholy — Mrs. Hawkes goes to Dover — Her state of anxiety there — Returns to Holloway, and finds it a scene of agitation — Mrs. Jones requests for her a tempo- rary asylum in Mr. Cecil's house. It has already been hinted that Mrs. Hawkes had peculiar and severe trials of a domestic nature. These weighed heavily on her spirits, and led her to seek, by retirement and prayer, 38 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. the strength and support she needed. Worldly company and amusements had now no charms for her. It may therefore be easily conceived, with what satisfaction she found, that it was the intention of Mr. Hawkes to take a house at Hollo- way, a spot about four miles from Town, connected with a small farm. To this place she afterwards became exceedingly attached; and during the few years she remained there she had, notwithstanding the continuance of her usual trials, many alleviations. She had frequent opportunities of enjoying the society and conversation of Christian friends, who were invited to her house. But especially did she derive consolation and advantage, from the pastoral visits of him, whom she always mentions as her revered father in the gospel, the Rev. Richard Cecil. Nor was her attendance on his ministry interrupted by her removal from town. She constantly drove this short dis- tance to St. John's Chapel. It will be interesting to refer to her own memorandums at this time, and also during her sub- sequent abode at Holloway ; an interval of about seven years. Though these extracts will furnish but little incident, they strikingly mark the spirit and temper of a young convert, earnestly seeking after God, delighting in his word^and ordi- nances, and desiring to be fed with " hidden manna," under the influences of his Spirit. 3Iarch 8, 1790.— "Drove to-day to see the farm at Hollo- way. I fear I am too anxious to obtain it: but I have many painful reasons for desiring to leave town, which are known only to myself. If I know any thing of my own heart, my first and chief object in desiring Holloway, is, to obtain re- tirement, leisure, and quiet, in order to pursue the things — not of sense— but of faith. My broken health— depressed spirits — and many other things— make me long for solitude." Friday, March 19, 1790.— " Slept at Hollowav for the first time : and I cannot help saying, ' This same shall comfort me.' Which I say with more confidence; because it is the thing I have prayed for, and because I expect comfort here, only from God's making it to be a comfort. I look to him to bless and sanctify it to the strengthening and enriching of my soul. I have hitherto lived like a soldier in the heat of the battle, surrounded by confusion and dismay: now I am per- mitted to retire; and trust that I shall not become a slothful, but a more laborious servant in the vineyard. From this hour I dedicate, as far as lies in my small power, this house to be a house of prayer— a Bethel. May none resort hither but such as love and call upon his name. May every day be a day of CHAP. III.— FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 39 consecration, of secret transaction and intercourse, with Him vyho has so mercifully given it me ; and whatever may con- tinue to be my daily trials of faith and patience, let me now seek to endure them with three-fold resignation ; considering how greatly my heavy, piercing, load is lightened by this re- treat." " My suffering time will soon be o'er, Soon shall my soul away : Then shall I sigh and sin no more, But sing through endless day." April 10. — "Favoured with a call from my revered minis- ter. My heart burns within me when I hear the instruction and conversation of the godly. Let me here record Mr. C.'s advice and remarks. Advice. " ' Do not read the Bible with notes only. It is a loss to confine yourself to any commentator. Read it with prayer, and listen simply to the best Teacher, the Holy Spirit ; who will sometimes so shine upon the word, as to af- ford you an insight and understandmg of the Scriptures such as no commentator upon earth can give. Then you will not only understand it, but lay hold of it. ' Daily observe regular, stated times, for retirement. Let reading, prayer, and meditation, have each their place: each is of importance. Take a verse of Scripture at a time, ponder over it ; examine it in its connexion — reference — bearing ; try what you can get out of it. Where a preacher might'' draw many inferences, you may perhaps be able to draw but one or two ; but if you persevere, you will every day get more and more from your Bible. If you should find these stated periods sometimes formal and heavy— yet go on — do not be discou- raged—you will, upon the whole, obtain much benefit : for whoever makes a serious inquiry after religion, will always meet with an answer from the gospel.' " Ques. "Respecting wiihdrawment from the world." Ans. 'Christian courage does not consist in a disposition to retire from the world in absolute solitude; but in mixing with it, and yet living above it; in being in the world, but not of it; in making a bold stand for Christ; being as the salt of the earth. Yet retirement, at certain seasons, should be secured. We should endeavour to preserve such a spirit in society as to make us relish retirement ; and so improve retirement, as to make us useful to society. Our troubles arise not from our living in the v/orld, but from the world living in us. One part 40 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. of the world is that of inordinately coveting the praise of our fellow-creatures. « Endeavour to go into the world, as far as you are called so to do, putting honour upon your Christian profession ; and if any ask you a reason of the hope that is in you, tell iheai meekly, "/f is the blood of sprinkling 55 5 " Mr. C. gave us an account of the death of a certain pro- fessor of religion, and observed, — ' we have no right to expect a triumphant death-bed, unless we have walked with God in our life.'" April 12. — " Thankful for being able to keep my mouth as with a bridle under much aggravation. 1 have often occasion for the bridle ; but I am not always able to use it." "Though now the storms of sorrow roar, And raise, in cares, a troubled sea : Yet when I stand on yonder shore, There will be calm enough for me. Why then for tempests should I care, Since they but drive me sooner there 1" Dec. 31, 1790. — " Many have been the mercies of this year, spiritual and temporal. Above all, the use of the blessed ordi- nances is my great mercy. Query. — Does my improvement keep pace with my advantages ? Does my soul grow in grace? Do I endeaver to conduct myself in a very trying situation with that wisdom and meekness, humility and patience in which I am so clearly instructed? Have I the charity which endur- eth all things? Am I a doer of the word as well as a hearer? Do I bring home the truths I hear so faithfully preached, and turn them into practice — or are they only as a pleasant song? pleasant to the ear and even to the understanding: but taking no root in the heart. Alas ! I might fill sheets of paper w^ith heads of self-examination, to which I can only answer, 'Cleanse thou me from my secret faults.' I have wept and prayed for this retreat, where I might, in some measure be screened from many painful and agitating occurrences to which I am liable in town ; and where I might withdraw from such society as know not God, and be more able to cultivate a life of faith. All these things have been wonderfully granted me. ' Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.' O send forth thy Holy Spirit to teach me to profit ; or all these advan- tages will afford me nothinii-." Jan. 9, 1791. — " My heart is sick to hear of the wander- ings of one who has for many years stood high in the estima- CHAP. Ill FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 41 tion of the Christian world. Alas ! alas ! this is what I have feared, lest /should begin to run, but not hold out to the end. It is ' He that endureth to the end that shall be saved.' ' Hold thou me up, that my feetsteps slip not !' " Jan. 10. — "A sharp trial this evening. ' O that I had wings like a dove ! for then would I fly away and be at rest.' What though my troubles are like an overwhelming tide, yet my privileges are very great. The special favour of hearing the gospel, so purely and richly preached, should reconcile me to all my trials. And truly if it were not for the comforts God is pleased to bestow, I should soon be in wretched despair, for as to this world, every prospect of happiness is struck at the very root. "The banks are needed when the billows roar." Under the pressure of increased trials Mrs. Hawkes wrote the following letter to her sister Mrs. Jones. " I am sorry to find my dear sister like myself, infested with many anxieties, though of a different nature. Mine have been very heavy indeed of late. For sometime past, I have not been enabled, (in the degree i have been graciously assisted heretofore,) to roll back my burthen on the Lord. But he saw me ready to fliint, and mercifully vouchsafed me timely help. Let none fear trouble with such a compassionate Saviour for a sustainer : for verily he is not an High-Priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities ; but who hath a con- descending and tender sympathy with us under them ; which he will manifest in the time, and manner, and measure, which His infinite wisdom sees best. As for me, I am quite ashamed of myself; truly it may be said, ' if thou faint in the day of ad- versity, thy strength is small.' Small, indeed, is my strength, or rather, feeble is the hold which faith takes of an Almighty arm. I am willing to allow, (for who is not willing to make self-excuses,) that my trials are peculiar, and my present bodily weakness and languor does much towards enfeeblincr the mind also ; yet I have still much to be ashamed of. Our great bu- siness in life is to glorify God, and to speak abroad his praise ; — and the fittest time to do this is under suffering. It is easy enough to sing when the sun shines : but when the heart and flesh fail, then to rejoice in the Lord, becomes the true servants of so good a Master. In the grave the tongue is silent. It can no more publish to fellow-sinners, and fellow-sufferers, that ' The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble ;' and 4* 42 MEMOIRS OF MES. HAWKES. that his tender mercies are more in number than the sand of the sea. It is therefore the living only that can praise him ; and of all living, the affiicted believer, whose every trouble is sanctified, has reason to be loudest in the song." In reply to her sister, Mrs. Jones writes : " It is a mighty conflict ; and if you had not an Almighty Friend to hold you up, your heart and flesh would fail. But he will strengthen your heart, and enable you to fight manfully. He has brought you into ihese trials that you may raise an Eb- enezer to his name, and bear testimony to the truth, and write tried under the promise, 'As thy day is, so shall thy strength be.' God will prove his beloved ones, that they may be con- strained to prove him. A good man used to say, that the same Almighty power v/hich made the world, was also granted to the Christian. You have an anchor that will hold you fast. It is sufficient at such times as these, to endure, as seeing him that is invisible. By and by, you will reap the pleasant and peaceable fruits of these afliicting seasons and exercises. AVhat a happy day will that be when this mortal shall put on immor- tality I but we should be willing to fight before we are crowned ; and the Apostle says we do not fight ' vncertainly.'' Even the most unpleasant vacuities in life have their uses; we must be made to feel what we are — poor fallen creatures — that we may be thankful for that grace which transformeth us into a better image. The knowledge of our weakness must ever be attend- ed with painful sensations ; and I apprehend that we shall ever be increasing in that knowledge as long as we are in the body. But the more we feel our disease, the more shall we prize and apply our remedy. May you, with the strong arm of taith, be able to lay hold of the Saviour, till he perfect his strength in your weakness. I endeavour to bear you before him, and to entreat his mercy. I would not prescribe to him who loves you in connexion with your eternal interests. It is indeed dif- ficult to believe that all this is for the best : but we cannot read God's dispensations aright ; they are too high for mortals to spell them out. Faith and resignation arc written in the most legible characters : may we consider them well ; and may Je- sus Christ work them in us." Thus did He, " who giveth songs in the night," enable these two sisters to cheer and animate each other ; by mentioning " the loving kindness of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord." And thus did ihey begin that song which now, in the paradise of God, they sing with louder and sweeter notes, to him who CHAP. III. — FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1790. 43 loved them and washed ihcm from their sins in his own blood. The next memorandum in Mrs. Hawkes's diary, illustrates a peculiar feature in her natural character, namely, a tendency to pensive depression, — which could not but mingle itself with her religious feelings, and throw a sombre complexion over many parts of her early Christian experience. A highly sen- sitive and reflective mind, meeting with trials of a peculiarly depressing nature, would, without great self-control, be liable to indulge melancholy : or as the poet expresses it, to " nour- ish woe." Tuesday. — " Every time I leave the noisy town and return to this delightful solitude, my heart overflows with thankfulness for such an asylum. Here 1 have much quietness. I desire to be thankful that I have no children : on many accounts they would be the occasions of great sorrow. I have nothing now that ties me to the world. My only source of comfort arises from the prospect of soon leaving it for ever ; and my chief object till that happy time arrives, shall be to make pre- paration for it. ' In my Father's house are many mansions."' '' Weary woild of sin and anguish, How I long from thee to fly ; Fainting for relief I languish, Dying through desire to die. O my life, my only treasure, Let me cast it all iDehind ; Now fill up my mournful measure, Now my heavenly Canaan find. Never shipwrecked'd mariner wanted, More to reach the distant shore; Never wand'ring exile panted For his native country more. Hear my earnest application, Wb Thou who only canst release ; Shew me now thy full salvation, Let me now depart in peace !" Wednesday. — " How suddenly the darkest cloud overspreads the brightest sky ! This has been a calm and clear day ; but my evening is dark and dismal. An old disturbance has thrown my whole frame into the utmost agitation ; I was glad to escape to the house of God : but even there my affVighfed mind could not be calmed. For the first time, 1 ventured to say something of my trials to my minister, who is appointed as a shepherd to watch over, direct, and instruct his flock. I per- ceive he has an aversion to hear of any family matters, and 44 MEMOIRS OF MRS. IIAWKES. discourages all sorts of complainings. His advice was, ' watch over your own spirit and temper. Remember you are a Christian, and have therefore high claims upon you.'" <'May the lessons of this day be as lasting as they are pain- ful, and as salutary as they are wounding. Many peculiari- ties in my situation and case, are there, which are only known to God, and my own bleeding heart. No wonder, therefore, if reproof has in it some mistake. Nevertheless I am, I trust, unfeignedly thankful for the inestimable blessing of having a minister who will not ' daub with untempered mortar;' but will use the probe where he thinks he sees occasion. It is my shame to shrink under such a fatherly hand. But it is my feelings only ; for my judgment rejoices in that precious oil, which shall never bruise, but cheer my head." August, 1791, Sunday. — " My mind is under great anxiety for my honoured minister, who is again confined by illness. Oh what a desert land would this be if deprived of such a shep- herd ! ' Cast thy burden on the Lord and he shall sustain thee.'" Sept. 1791. — "I have this morning been weeping with dear Mrs. C. over the sad news she has just received from her invaluable husband who is at Bath. Alas, her loss must be irreparable; and as to the church ! Tears are literally my meat and drink." Friday, Oct. 28, 1791. — "Set out for Broad Marston to see my dying brother, Henry : but was too late, except to see him in his cotFin ! For my dear brother, as far as respected himself, there was no cause to grieve. The last three years of his life he had been wasting under a fatal disease; but he was ready for his removal. He was an ornament to religion — a light shining in a dark place. " A fi^fend asked him in his dying moments, if the prospect of glory opened to him. — To which he replied with much ani- mation — « It opens ! it opens!' and after a little time, spent seemingly in silent prayer, he died like one falling asleep. Oh, that I may die the death of the righteous ! and may I live the life of the righteous also. " And now both my honoured parents are ' inheriting the promises,' and, I trust, also seven brothers and sisters. Oh that each one left behind may be as safely landed ! Thanks be to God for his unspeakable mercy in having at length, after much obstinacy, made me hear, (I trust so as to obey,) his long neglected call of mercy. A few more waves of trouble, and I shall, I hope, join my blessed relatives to sorrow and CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 45 sitrh no more. Hasten, Lord, that happy day ! and till it shall arrive, O ' guide me vviih thine eye.' Suffer me no more to go after ' lying vanities ;' but keep me in the midway of the paths of righteousness, which are pleasantness and peace." Tuesday. — " Reached Birmingham this day, found my dear sisier a spectacle of woe, having passed many weeks of severe suffering for her son Charles. His visitation was attended with some peculiarly distressing aggravations. Though young, being only ten years of age, the enemy seemed permitted to harass him in a way very wonderful. But a little before his death, he became composed and happy. His mother asked, what made him happy? Pie answered, ' Because I love God, and can pray.' " ]\[ov. 7.—'' Returned to London. My heart is made glad by seeing again my honoured minister after his return from Bath. the^Lord is indeed a hearer of prayer ; and has added 1 trust, many years to his valuable life for the sake of his church and family ; and for the glory of his own name. Let me more than ever take heed how I hear, and treasure up his valuable instructions. ' Shun,' said he, ' matters of controversy, and points of doc- trine, too high for young converts, who should be fed with the sincere milk of the word, and not with strong meat. *Many professors, instead of conversing upon vital and ex- perimental religion, are ever disputing about doctrines. Such are like persons that are sick, and having no appetite for solid food, amuse themselves with turning over the bones. ' Some hearers of the gospel like to have nothing said but what is encouraging and comforting. Such resemble persons in weak health who would be always taking cordials, which though they may for a time raise the spirits, yet secre% under- mine" the strength. A Christian should not only regard the Scripture promises but the Scripture threatenings, warnings, and reproofs. The whole of Scripture is Scripture ; not a part. 'Manvare ready to allegorize the Scriptures without any due consideration of the analogy of faith, or the proportion of things compared one with another, or any regard to the genuine sense of the words : — this is to corrupt the word of God.' "Mr. C. speaking of women, made a distinction between what might be called literary women, and reading women. » All women,' he said, ' should be readers, as far as their sta- tions and circumstances would admit. They should be so for their own sakes — for the sake of their families— and for the sake of society. But what might be termed a literary woman, 46 MEMOIRS OF 3IRS. HAWKES. i. e. a learned woman, should^ and generally did, continue unmarred ; for their public character was apt to make them unfit for private and domestic cares. The excellence and honour of a wife, he remarked, was to be " a keeper at home," as saith St. Peter. Not pressing into public, — but abiding quietly in her station and calling ; contented to be unknown, unnoticed, except for family virtues.' " See Prov. xxxi. Mrs. Hawkes's habit of treasuring up instruction, whether addressed to herself or others, will further appear by the fol- lowing notice in her diary : Nov. 15, 1791. — " Took leave of Miss A., who is going to Paris to study the French language. Mr. C.'s advice to her was, ' As you are entering upon a new scene, and will have many snares and dangers to meet, endeavour to obtain a feel- ing of the importance of your conduct in every step you take. Do not think little of small deviations, in order to make your- self agreeable and well-received. 'A professor of religion should take especial care in his in- tercourse with the world, to avoid what may be termed small indiscretions of conduct. The world is ever on the watch for something upon which to fasten either a scandalous or a foolish story. ' As you will not be able to have the privilege of the ordi- nances as you have here, endeavour to make up the loss by observing in private, on the Sabbath, your usual time of public worship ; and read what is appointed for the church. God can make the want of ordinances the best ordinance. You will feel satisfaction in meeting your old friends in spirit and em- ployment, while you are absent in body. Above all, keep close to your Bible and prayer. Seek God's blessing on all you do.. ^ This will be the way to obtain your object even in temporal things. If it were my duty to study mathematics, 1 should pray for God's help as much as if I were going to preach. We should accustom ourselves to connect God with every thing. Our own wisdom and strength will avail us nothing: but when we can go, with a child-like simplicity and dependence, with all our concerns to God, we shall know what it is to be at peace. Vast prospects lie before the man that has God for his friend. There is a sanctuary in the very or- der of providence, when we arc enabled to leave every thing to that order. '^ • The young lady to whom Mr. C. gave this advice, went to France a year before the Revolution ; and was detained a prisoner there for four j'ears. CHAP. III. FROJI A. D. 1790, TO 1796. 47 3Iem. — "Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel." The following extracts describe one of those painful inter- vals in the Christian's experience, which may be compared to the Winter season; when nothing seems to grow; but rather to decline and wither. Such seasons may, however, be turned to important use, if employed in breaking up the fallow ground ; and in preparing the soil for those precious seeds which are to be nourished by the returning Spring. Nor will the wintry storm be without its use, in strengthening the roots, and de- stroying the insects which might otherwise do mischief. Dec. 1791. — " I am fallen into a comfortless stale, let me examine why it is thus. " From a desire not to be thought a gloomy, sour Christian, am equally careful to avoid the opposite extreme? — or have I not fallen into a degree of levity, and joined too much in ' fool- ish talking and jesting ? ' " Am 1 not become less watchful against what goes by the name of little things, forgetting that he who doth so, ' shall fall by little and little.' Eccles, xix. 1. "Am I as covetous of my time as formerly for good thini^s, or do 1 not suffer lesser matters to intrude 1 And because tliey are lawful concerns, neglect to enquire if they might not be done at another hour, or in less space, or with less solicitude? "Do I secure as much time as usual for morning devotion and reading? especially on the Sabbath, before public worship? Or, do 1 get negligent, and plead weak health as an excuse for self-indulgence? " Do I take care to ponder in my heart the blessed truths I hear and read? mixing faith therewith ? " Many more questions might be asked. But I cannot an- swer even these, except as the publican, ' God be merciful to me a sinner.' "A scrupulous conscience certainly is not desirable, nor does God require us to serve him with a slavish fear. But as the depravity of nature is ever prone to err on one hand or the other, so, happy is that Christian who, when he gets rid of what may be justly termed scrupulosity, does not venture too boldly upon the ground of liberty, and become a little dim- sighted to small deviations. ' Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.' " Sunday. — " What a distracted mind ! But, ' why art thou not cast down, O my soul,' since thy salvation rests not on thy performances, but on him ' who made by his own oblation of 48 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. himself, once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice and satisfaction' for all thy sins and defects. Nevertheless, a wan- dering mind occasions great loss of advantage and comfort; and while I would not be cast down, yet I would mourn over it. " Let me be thankful that Christ's intercession is without distraction or interruption. It does infinitely please and pre- vail with the Father, when we can hardly speak a word for ourselves." Wednesday. — " Much instructed and comforted to-day by a letter received from my dear sister. It is some consolation to find that others have had the same trials with ourselves." The correspondence between Mrs. Hawkes and her sister il- lustrates the advantage which Christians derive from mutual communication on the subject of their spiritual trials, and en- couraging experiences of support under them : a practice which is abundantly exemplified in the New Testament records of the first Christians : but especially in the epistles and correspond- ence which have come down to us from the reformers and martyrs of the English church in the sixteenth century. The following letter appears to be that to which Mrs. H. has just referred, in which Mrs. Jones writes : — " I do not know a more unpleasant part of a Christian's voyage, than a kind of dead calm in which he appears to make no advance; when the storm runs high and the waters rage and swell, it is more tremendous, but then the soul is in exer- tion, labouring for the port; and the joyful expectation inspires courage to row against wind and tide. But we have commit- ted ourselves to the Lord, and as a king will he reign over his people; ' for a good man's steps are ordered by the Lord,' both in the spiritual and natural life. " There is much in us which is not in subjection ; we are frequently for taking the reins of government out of his hands, and choosing for ourselves : but the Lord will subdue all unto himself. We are a long time in learning this one short lesson, ' without me ye can do nothing.' Nor is it possible to under- stand it, save by the experience of total helplessness. But to doubt of God's help at these times, comes from that enemy who is ever employed in attempting to counteract the designs of our gracioif^s King towards us. " What Mr. C. said of a scrupulous conscience, is highly just. 1 never knew any one that was really in earnest, who had not been much afflicted by this old, tried temptation of the enemy. And as he finds it succeed so well, no wonder he continues to practise it. But as that great man wisely CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 to 1796. 49 observes, ' Here you must feel your way out.' But be com- forted with this consideration, that light is at hand. We must first pass through this dark valley : but notice particu- larly how Pilgrim passed through it. I well remember when travelling this part of the road myself, how my very heart used to ache with the conflicts I had to sustain. Day and night did the enemy follow me with his scourges. When eat- ing, it was either too much, or the wrong sort, or it was not with proper gratitude. If I spoke, it was through pride, to seek praise; or it was idle talk, and wasting time; indeed there was not an action in which the enemy did not follow me, and give me a buffet at every step. If it were not for the con- solation which Gqjfi gives us to taste of at such times, the spirit would fail : but ' count it all joy : ' these afflictions work ex- perience. " I believe what Mr. C. says is quite right. Too many, from a manifestation of joy, such as you have had, suppose themselves in a high state of favour; and afterwards they are brought very low to humble them. But the dealings of God with his people are various. Some receive the blessed witness earlier, and some later. Some see more of the depravity of their fallen nature before that time, and some afterwards. Therefore we should expect and pray to be led as God sees fit; and not prescribe anything. ' One day is with the Lord as a thousand years.' Manifestations of joy are given us as re- freshments to help us on our way ; but are not to be trusted in. We are still weak, and must expect to feel so the next time we are assaulted with that powerful enemy, who fights with us through the instrumentality of the unbelieving world — the re- ligious world — our friends and our enemies — our appetites — our business — our lawful cares — and our natural propensities. One way or other, he will strive to hinder our running the race. But faith is our shield : we are saved in all these by the vigorous exercises of faith. If/ should be a means of hurling your mind at any time, the best way to disappoint the enemy in his machinations is to tell it me directly. I do ex- pect he will try to avail himself of me: therefore be prepared: 'For truest friends, through error, wound our peace.'" From Mrs. Haavkes to Mrs. Jones. ♦' I heartily thank my dearest sister lor her most welcome letter. Human friendship is an uncertain good, and a hack- neyed theme : but I was deJLighted to-day in the consideration 50 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKE3. that yours and mine was now cenaen(ed by divine love,' bui'U upon a foundation that cannot be moved. Your letters are an unspeakable cordial and help to my drooping spirits. To know I am under such a Divine leader ought to reconcile me' to my journey however painful or dreary. Yet I am ever ready to faint by reason of the way. I believe that when poor Christian was getting up the Hill Difficulty, he was at one time so hard put to it, as to be obliged to scramble upon his hands and knees. I have of late seemed reduced to the same expedient, for my burdens are so various and so heavy, I can neither walk nor run, but toil, and pant, and creep forward. Thanks be to God, however, my aim through, and under all, is, upwards — to get on, if by any means. And sometimes he condescends to grant me a gracious revival by the way, v/here- by I gain breath a little, and fresh determination to press on; taking for my encouragement, that it is no nev/ thing, because our Lord foretold us, that in the world we should have tribu- lation, but that in him we should have peace. Lord., in mercy grant me that peace ! Prayer, as you say, is my only re- source ; w^ith faith, hope, and patience : waiting till the vision shall speak. Indeed, when I am enabled to pray, 1 get on : but I have been lately subject to so much bodily languor and weariness, with agitated nerves, that my mind seems capable of little more than breathings. " I have been comforted by that very expression in the La- mentations, ' Hide not thine ear from my breathing.' The Spirit helpeth our infirmities, and, as Owen says, ' Intercedes within, while a mighty advocate is interceding without, at the right hand of the Father. With such helps, and such promises, how weak is that faith which sinks ! and yet my spirit did sink under the apprehension of fresh disturbances and agitation lately." " The waves rose very rapidly : but 1 endeavoured to recollect my lesson, and look at the Master of the storm, and at his will in the affair; and the storm in some measure abated. Pray for me, that I may be enabled to say, 'Thy will be done.' He knows how feeble and how frail I am ; that ' I am become like a bottle in the smoke; ' and he will not crush but deliver. " I am endeavouring to improve occasions. A thousand occurrences arise, as my days and hours pass on, which give mean opportunity of getting some slight view of my own heart; as little crevices in a shutter or door admit a ray of light, by which if one cannot discover all that a dark room contains, one may see some few objects. Oh, self! self! thou tormen- CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 51 tor of my peace ! Well, I hope not to be mourning over the ruins, but looking to the recovei'y. I can say with truth, my heart smites me, and I am filled with shame when I consider how little I render to the Lord for all his benefits; and how much unbelief, foreboding fears, and inward depravity, pride, impatience, and self-will yet remain. However, the process of the refiner, is, I trust, still going on ; and my earnest prayer is, that like Job, when I am tried, I may come forth as gold. Every stroke I more than deserve ; but every favour, every mercy, is the purchase of an adorable Saviour, freely bestowed, for his own name's sake. Pray for me that I may ever thus think and feel ; for I can do so no longer than enabled by grace." From this period Mrs. Hawkes wrote down in her diary those parts of Mr. Cecil's sermons which she felt most useful to her. As the entire working of her mind will be seen in her manner of improving divine ordinances, and in those records of sermons with which her own heart went along, occasional extracts from these fragments may interest the reader. Jan. 1, 1792. Sunday, — "Heard Mr. C. from Psalm xxvii. 4. ' One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek af- ter ; that I may dweil in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.' 'The Psalmist gives his reasons why he desires this "one thing." First, to behold the beauty of the Lord ; not anyone particular attribute, but the whole. As beauty consists in an assemblage of parts, blending and harmonizing together, so the beauty of the Lord shines forth most fully in the plan of redemption, where ' Righteousness and peace have kissed each other;' where God, by his manifold wisdom in Christ, can be just, and yet the justifier of the ungodly. ♦The Psalmist also desires to dwell in the temple of the Lord, to enquire the Divine mind and will. He knows it is there that God reveals himself; it is there he bestows his bless- ing and favour : therefore, in another place he says, " My soul longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, to see thy power and glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctiiary." He also desires it because it is a place of refuge; " For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me." He does not say he shall have no enemies; but, ^^ now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies." David had a fourth reason for this earnest wish, namely, that he might offer the sacrifices of prayer and praise. " Therefore will 1 offer in thy tabernacle sacrifices of joy." 52 MEMOIRS OF MRS. IIAWKE3. She then adds a prayer, which will be found her usual prac- tice in recording sermons. " Grant, O Lord, that the rich instructions I have heard this day, may never be forgotten. Let thy preached gospel be as seed sown on good ground, which shall brino; forth fruit an hundred fold. Let thy blessing be upon me, in all my temporal and spiritual concerns, through every day of this new year. Wash away all my transgressions through the year that is past. Enable me to say to whatever would impede my spir- itual progress, ' Hinder me not.' "Oh that I may, like the man after God's own heart, pur- sue only this ' one thing,' to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. " One wish, with holy transport warm, My heart hath formed, and yet shall form ; One gift I ask ; — that to my end, Fair Zion's courts I may attend. There joyful find a sure abode. And view the beauty of my God." Monday^ Jan. 2. — "May 1 bear in mind the confessions and sorrows that closed the year 1791 ! And may this year, entered upon with many tears and prayers, see better fruit than the last. " As I have gained some painful knowledge of my own de- fects, so J trust 1 have obtained some comfortable knowledge of the gracious character of my Saviour ; ' whom not having seen,' 1 love in some small measure : and desire above all things to knov/ and love him more. But let me remember, herein is the test of love : 'If ye love me keep my commandments.' " How happy would my days be if I could say, ' As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord ;' — Yet here is my comfort, » Although my house be not so with God ; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things andsure.' " Jan. 10. — "Very ill to-day. If I am not self-deceived, I have a longing to depart and to be with Christ. Why should I wish to stay in this cold desert wilderness? This is not my rest : surely then death should be welcome to me, as a friend that is about to conduct me home. Ah, how many, many, sorrows have I here ! But I desire to be resigned to whatever my Saviour appoints. I am not my own, but His. His by creation — His by redemption — His by adoption — His by a cheerful surrender of my vile self to Him. And shall I pre- sume to choose for myself, — cither health or sickness, ease or CHAP. III. — FR03I A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 53 sorrow, life or death ] I abhor myself that though I say a thou- sand times over and over, — O my Saviour! I would not, if I could, choose for myself; — yet in practice, I am continually doing so. How much more is my judgment enlightened, than my will subdued. I wonder if I shall always have lo lament this? Thanks for the promise, ' Sin shall not have dominion over you.' " Wednesday, Feb. 16, 1792. — " In returning home from Long-Acre Chapel this evening, among other things, my re- vered minister, with much solemnity said, — ' Whatever your path in this world may be, whether smooth or thorny, I trust you will never be suffered to depart from God, or be unstable in your profession. Anything but that. May /never become a witness against you in the day of judgment. Aiiy thing but that I ' " And now, O Lord, in my secret chamber, my prayer unto thee is indeed, ' Amj thing but that.'' O let me suffer pover- ty, affliction, and a thousand deaths, rather than forsake my God — rather than turn again to the lying vanities of this world. My eyes run down with tears lest my deceitful heart should again be entangled in the love of sin. What an awful idea; that my faithful minister should ever appear as a witness against me at the bar of God! O Lord, preserve and keep me in the right way : lead me, and teach me in the way of thy commandments. Shall I ever be plucked out of thy gracious hands? Hast thou not said of thy sheep, that they shall not? O let me not turn to broken cisterns, since thou hast given me to taste of the living water." Thursday. — " Never can it be told what is contained in these gracious words, ' And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.' "And again, ' I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all ; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.' " Here is a solid rock ! My sins try hard to pluck me out ; my ever-wakeful enemy tries hard to pluck me out : but, O Lord, remember thy word unto thy handmaid whereon ihou hast caused her to trust, 'None shall pluck them out of mv hand.'" Friday. — " How am I terrified at the departure of from God! O Lord, give him not up to judicial blindness. Alas! alas ! Should such a case ever be mine ! What if I too should 5* ^4 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. turn to broken cisterns : should again follow lyinfr vanities, and ' forsake my own mercies !' And what should hmder me ? Nothing but the grace of God. ' Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe:' O take away my life, rather than suffer me ever to grieve or quench thy Holy Spirit. " This case teaches many awful lessons. May I review them often as I go on in my pilgrimao-e. " First, I would say respecting the mystery of the subject, ' Keep me, O Lord, from uttering things that 1 understand not ; things too wonderful for me, that I know not. Behold I am vile, 1 will lay my hand upon my mouth. Shall not the judge of all the earth do right.' " Secondly, I would hear the apostle say, ' Let him that thinketh he standelh, take heed lest he fall.' And ' See that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time.' 'Let us therefore fear lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.' " Wednesday.— '^ Whither should mourners go for consola- tion, but to the sanctuary? ' My soul meltethYor heaviness, strengthen thou me, according to t'hy word.' My soul is pierced through with many sorrows, and this has been a day of se- vere outward conflict. Had I looked to the strong for strength, and kept my mouth as with a bridle, and acquitted myself like a good soldier of Jesus Christ,— it would have been only ow^ ward ; but failing in this point, the enemy has gained great ad- vantage over me; and my mind and frame is thrown into a ferment, not soon to be allayed. It has long been my earnest desire, to fill up my several relations in life, especially o/ze, as unto the Lord. I have been anxious that I might never dis- honour my Christian profession. 1 have been anxious to ob- tain domestic happiness, which I have thought m.y disposition and heart formed for. I find, however, from repeated disap- pointments, that I must live by faith. I must look, not at the sword, but at the hand that holds it. I must say, this and that severe stroke is not from man ; but from my heavenly Father, who ' scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.' (Heb. xii. 6.) 1 am well persuaded that a Christian ought to evidence to all around, that he has the love that ' beareth all things ; is not easily provoked ;' or what difference is there, before man, be- tween him and a tinkling cymbal ? And where is the glory that he should render to God? And what sign is there of grati- tude for the saving love of Christ ? And what conformity to his suffering master ? ' What do ye more than others ?' I will CHAP. Ill FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 55 therefore, instead of saying, ' It is impossible,' pray for that grace that can enable me to do all things ; — things contrary, and hard to flesh and blood. I may, and I fear Tshall fail to please man : but my Saviour is not an hard master ; if 1 la- bour to please Him, 1 shall not fail ; his favour will bear me up under my disappointments, and strengthen me to endure. " 'Tis good for me to wear the yoke, For pride is apt to rise and swell ; 'Tis good to bear my Father's stroke, That I might learn his statutes well." Wednesday. — " Prevented this evenino; from going as usual to Long-Acre Chapel, — by which I learn a sad lesson of my remaining unsubdued, unhumbled spirit. 1 am quarrelling with causes, but I should be observant ot^ effects. The effect of this disappointment might have been good, and have taught me many useful lessons. But my rebellious will, and self-choos- ing, turned it into evil, and sorrow; instead of the sacrifice of a contrite and submissive spirit, it was the sacrifice of a tem- per. Thus even a love of the ordinances themselves may step out of its place, and be adulterated by self-will, and self-pleas- ing. Whatever brings the heart into subjection to the Divine will, is the best ordinance. I therefore trust that this detection of a wrong principle, will make my being kept at home not all loss. What a mercy I can go so frequently ; and what a greater mercy to have a taste and relish for the Gospel. How- many mercies now crowd in upon my, I hope, humble spirit; and how much cause for shame and confusion of face that they have not been more improved. Visit me not, O Lord, as my sins deserve, by taking my privileges away ; but let me ever have access to thy sanctuary. Keep my mercies for me, for they are only safe in thy hands. Thursday. — "A marvellous escape from great danger to- day. In driving alone to town, the coachman was, by a sud- den jolt, thrown out of his seat. The horses took fright, and galloped at an amazing rate for some distance, but were provi- dentially stopped just as they were turning near a bank. ' Bless the Lord, O my soul, who redeemeth fhv life from destruc- tion.'" From the following letter it appears probable, that Mrs. Hawkes had written to Mrs. Jones, expressing the difficulty which she felt in obeying that Scripture command, ' Love your enemies.' A command with which none ever did comply, who had not felt what it was to experience the Divine forgiveness, 56 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. and obtained that ' precious faith,' whereby we are made ' par- takers of the Divine nature.' Mrs. Jones writes: — " It is indeed painful to have our judgment and practice at variance. It is said 'Love your enemies.' Alas! I cannot love my friends as I ought to do, especially when they use me unkindly, an instance of which has just occurred. All these failures arise from the want of more love. We must have more of the mind of Christ, before we can walk in that meek- ness and lowliness, that self-renunciation and resignation, which he requires of us. God would never have commanded us to do well and suffer for it patiently, if he had not meant to give us strength to comply with the injunction. " I do not know what is more unreasonable, than to expect a humble, kind behaviour, from a person under the domin- ion of pride and selfishness. When a covetous worshipper of the god Mammon, is benevolent to the poor and needy ; when those whom the Scripture styles ' Lovers of themselves,' are found seeking the advantage or happiness of others, (any fur- ther than as it seconds their own,) — then shall we assuredly * gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles.' But the Chris- tian has a spiritual supply which the world knows nothing of; with an eternal spring, which our Lord emphatically calls, * living water;' and by the assistance of this spiritual princi- ple, he can love his enemies ; and he can do good to them that hate him. " I was last night much pleased with a sermon of Mr. B — 's from this text, 'Be ye merciful, as your Father which is in heaven is merciful, for he doeth good to the just, and the un- just.' What species of ingratitude, disobedience, and contempt can we conceive of that is not daily offered to God, with ten thousand aggravations ! and yet his mercy endureth through all ! Though the unbelieving and disobedient eat not the chil- dren's bread, yet they have such favours as they are capable of receiving. Mr. B. observed, ' that upon Adam's transgres- sion, righteousness and truth forsook the earth, and flev/ to heaven, from whence they came; but mercy stood by the poor delinquent till it had found out a ransom, and then brought back the other graces.' Oh that our hearts may become, and ever remain, the habitation of mercy ! Let us ever be seeking after this conformity to our Father in heaven. Every act of faith and love admits a little more of the Divine nature into our souls." Before Mrs. Hawkes's conversion, she had been pursuing CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 57 shadows, and enquiring, " Who will shew me any good?" The language of her heart now was, " Lord, lifi thou up the light of thy countenance upon me;" and the full attainment of this blessing she sought in retirement, and in communion with the Father of spirits. This is illustrated by the extracts from her diary, which come next in order ; and which form a strik- ing comment upon the words spoken by divine wisdom, Prov. viii. 21. "That 1 may cause those that love me to inherit sub- stance.^'' April, 1792. — " I can never be enough thankful, that I am not obliged to waste my time in visiting and receiving visits. There was a season when I was as fond of doing so as any one ; but thanks be to my gracious Saviour, who has given me a new taste — new objects — new pursuits — new and true enjoyments. With my books I never find the day long enough ; and the week is gone before I am ready for the end. This is the advantage of religion; and this the privilege of retirement and solitude! This is the secret of being happy; which none of the great ones of the earth ever knew." May, 1792.—" A very merciful preservation from fire. The boards in the house had begun to burn ; but the fire was stopped by the activity of a friend, at some hazard to himself. Let me remember the providential deliverance with gratitude." June 10. — "Much delighted and profited by reading Dr. Owen on the ' Glory of Christ.' My mind is overwhelmed with the grandeur of the subject. I seem to get a glimpse, a little ray of that glorious light: But how narrow, how weak, how feeble is my view. The eyes of my understanding seem scarcely opened. Surely, to know Christ, to become acquaint- ed with his glory, and especially with his glory as the Re- deemer, it is a subject sufficient to occupy every faculty ; and to fill up every moment of time. What is the boasted wisdom of this world? mere folly. Oh to grow in this divine know- ledge ! " I find in reading this amazing book, that my mind is too feeble to grasp the author's comprehensive view all at once ; I therefore take one passage at a time, and having endeavoured to understand that, go on to another; till, by and by, 1 trust I shall be more able to connect the whole. Much is lost by a more general view of things. Thus in the works of crea- tion, a general view confounds the mind: you can only ut- ter, ' It is all stupendous !' But take, for instance, a blade of grass, or the smallest insect, and set all the powers of the mind to investigate these, and what is the efl^ect ? a conviction 58 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. of extreme ignorance: for if these cannot be understood, how can millions of other wonders ! and if we cannot understand earthly things, how can we understand heavenly ? Only by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and the diligent use of means in dependence ihereon. Henceforth may 1 have no other study but to ' know Christ.' " July 1. — " Was favoured to-day by a visit from my hon- oured minister. ' There is no such thing,' said he, ' in the Christian life as standing still. If we do not get forward, we must loose ground. If a child should be no larger in its growth at eight years old, than it was at four, we know at once that there is something the matter. So it is with the soul; if the graces of the spirit do not grow and flourish, there is some la- tent cause which calls for examination. If our love to God, to his word, to his ordinances, to his people, does not increase and if our love of sin, and love to the world does not lessen, it is a sign we do not grow in grace. If we do not gain a greater mastery over ourselves, our tempers and affections, our bad habits, than we had at our first setting out in Christianity, we surely do not grow in grace. ' Never expect much of the joy of the Holy Ghost, if your heart and mind be occupied in the enjoyment of sense. The joy of the spirit is a delicate, sacred deposit ; and must be kept in a pure casket. An unholy breath will dim its lustre, and fade its freshness. The joys of sense — even the most lawful of them— are agitating, tumultuous, and unsatisfactory. The joy of the spirit is calming, modest, strengthening, eleva- ting, and satisfying. The joys of sense, at the best, enervate, lower and impoverish the soul. The joys of the spirit ennoble and enrich it.' "At another time Mr. C. observed, 'They who would yield unreserved obedience, when they know what the will of God is, must neither be influenced by carnal aficctions, nor list- en to plausible objections, nor consult partial counsellors ; nor make any delays; but committing all to the Lord's hand, must simply follow the pillar and the cloud.' May I be a follower of them, who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises!" August. — "'A man's foes shall be they of his own house- hold.' How true do I know this to be ! Happy that soul who can say in the spirit as well as in the words of Christ, ' Father forgive them, they know not what they do.' Through grace, I know what it is to say this in some small measure, and at sometimes; but oh, to find it an abiding principle is what I want! " ' And the Lord said unto Solomon, ' Ask, what I shall CHAP. Ill FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 59 give thee ;' and he has said to each of his children, ' Ask, and ye shall receive.' Why then am 1 lean from day to day? Give, I pray thee, thine handmaid, a wise and understanding heart." September 21. — " Let me record this evening's failure that I may rememher it with humiliation. My heart meditated kindness which it was not backward to perform ; I gave up my feelings to my duty, but it was not received ; on the con- trary, 1 had blame instead of commendation, and hereon I lost my temper and spake unadvisedly with my lips. This proves 1 had desired to please man rather than God. When shall I learn to expect my happiness from God only. He is always pleased with the desire to please him, and never chills the heart that approaches him with holy love and confidence. I have, however, much to be ashamed of, and 1 will endeavour to look at my own faults, rather than justify myself, by tracing the faults of another. ' Self justification may be urged at an un- reasonable time. It may be heard wlien the mind becomes calm, but to offer it during a seizure of passion, is like offering reason to a lunatic' 1 shrink at the question, am I like Him who, * when he was reviled, reviled not again?' ' Enter not into judgment with thy servant, O Lord.'" Jan. 1793. Sunday — "My prayer is, that through the whole of this year, I may every day taste that the Lord is gracious, as I have, through mercy, done this day. Thou that knowest all things, thou that knowest the secrets of the heart, and the inmost thoughts and desires, thou knowest I do not en- treat for riches, nor honour, nor even, (but as far as it may please thee) for a removal of my many trials and sorrows ! No — my first and most ardent desire is, (unless I am greatly self- deceived,) that thou wilt give me the portion of thy children, that thou wilt ' remember me with the favour thou bearest un- to thy people,' that, like Mary, I may sit at thy feet, O blessed Jesus, and attentively hear thy voice." Feb. Sunday. — " Much instructed and refreshed to-day. Lord, water the seed sown, by the showers of thy grace ! " My invaluable minister has some symptoms of a serious complaint, which, should it increase, will prevent his preach- ing. May the Lord of the vineyard avert so heavy a calamity !" Saturday. — "Why is it that the weeks, days, and hours fly faster away when alone than in company, but because I can more freely and silently converse with my then most pres- ent Saviour. Through divine grace I can say, and I would speak it with reverence, ' With him conversing I forget all time ; All seasons, and their change.' " 60 MEMOIRS OF MRS. IIAWKES. Though Mrs. Hawkes had a peculiar capacity for improv- ing and enjoying retirement, yet her disposition was highly social ; and she constantly maintained much spiritual inter- course with Christian friends. It was about this period that she became acquainted with Mrs. Ely Bates. The following letter from this friend, whom she much valued, may be found inter- esting, and will also afford an occasion of bringing out some features of Mrs. H's character. " Brompton, Feb. 22, 1793." "My dear friend, " You will permit me to call you so, because you have been already such in some respects, and 1 trust you will be more so to me: I mean that I shall give you occasion to do me more good. The chief good I want, and would beg you to help me to obtain, is, to climb up from present to heavenly things, ' To be spiritually -minded is life and peace ;' life, which enables for action, and peace, which strengthens by rest. 1 have lost ground by an over attention to little things : therefore if 1 mean to profit by you, I see it is my duty to watch when we meetj against entering on the detail of common life, and rather to en- deavour to get strength, by union with you to climb upwards, and get near the feet of that adorable Saviour who is not only the 'Saviour of the body,' his Church, but of our bodies as distin- guished from our souls, and who can shed his salvation into all the smaller works of our life : as, under the law, all the ves- sels as well as the people, were sprinkled with blood. Heb. ix, 19—21. My dear friend, I am lower down than you think ; (and I entreat you not to consider this as the language of humility ;) I want practical comprehension, that I may not give undue importance to trifles ; theoretical will not do. The understanding works at leisure, distinct from the habits and passions of the whole man, — like a candle before it enters the damp of a coal pit. Pray for me, that my mind may become more spiritual, that I may get nearer to God, watch more unto prayer, and cultivate more quietness of spirit. " I received yesterday a visit from a Miss D , who lives in Hornsey lane, Ilighgate, and it occurred to me that you mio-ht be made useful to her. She was last year in Switzer- lanll, and brought me a letter from a friend there, which was the occasion of her call. Her stay was short, but she took that lime to open to me, in some measure, the state of her muid, and the concern she was under respecting her soul. It seems she has an aunt in Manchester, a pious woman, with whom CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 61 Miss D. had been staying for some months on a visit, and it appears to have been made a blessing to her. But she now stands alone and expresses herself desirous of some help. I thought I would mention it to you, and if you felt yourself disposed to give her the opportunity, she would certainly be very glad to see you. I think it is not desirable for young persons in her state to have many religious acquaintances; they had better be wholly secluded than dissipated: her strength must stand in prayer and retirement. She cannot enjoy many opportunities of hearing the truth preached; and certainly her calling is rather to be faithful to the openings of providence, than pass over a wall, or break through a hedge. I cannot think but that, in general, much loss is suffered, and harm incurred, by too hasty steps of that kind. I believe that where a heart is simple, and attentive to divine grace, all that is needful will be given in due time and season. But we obscure the light, and lose our docility, by overpassing the bounds of providence. — Yet it is natural for persons in her case to look around and say, ' Come and help me.'' Happy if they who come, direct them simply to the great Shepherd : such escape many stumblings and offences. 1 have only room to add, I remain, my dear friend. Yours affectionately, E. Bates. Mrs. Hawkes was a remarkable instance of that self-denial, and elevation of soul, which is recommended in this letter; and of those qualities which dispose the mind to postpone trifling and passing cares, to weightier subjects; not only in the great concerns of eternity, but also in the cultivation of all that is in- tellectual and ennobling. At the same time, it should be ob- served, that in her personal habits, and domestic arrangements, there was a combination of Christian simplicity, with the beau- ty of order and neatness — which habits were continued to the end of her life, through all the impediments of her bodily in- firmities. Here also begins to be developed that hnppy ca- pacity for engaging the affections and improving the relit^ious character of young people, by which Mrs. Hawkes was emi- nently distinguished ; and to which her varied mental resour- ces, her extensive experience, and never failing ciieerfulncss, greatly contributed. Many from a sense of affectionate gratitude for such assist- ance in their spiritual course, are lonoing to join her liappy spirit now before the throne, " with the general assembly and church of the firstborn which are written in heaven." The 6 62 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. next memorandum proves the interest which she took, while on earth, in this spiritual family' March, — " I have lately enjoyed some delightful communion with departed spirits,^ who were once, like myself, pilgrims and strangers upon earth ; poor, infirm, sinful, and weak ; but having believed the promises, and having God for their portion^ are now in the blessed presence of him who sitteth upon the throne forever ; and who are praising him day and night ! My feeble heart rejoices that though my services are vile and im- perfect, they are of the same kind as theirs. That as they de- light to prostrate themselves before God, so do I ; as their hap- piness comes from God, so does mine; as their joy and delight is to praise him, so it is mine. They have crowns to cast before him, I have nothing to present but sinful prayers and tears ; their worship is pure, mine is impure, and mixed with sin and unbelief. But the blood of Jesus makes them clean ; and, per- fumed with the blessed incense of our Saviour's intercession — mine, through the tender mercy of my God, shall be accepted as well as theirs." Wednesday. — " Was again much benefited by the conver- sation of my revered minister. By these opportunities my soul is both refreshed and invigorated. ' Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.' (Prov. xxvii, 17.) ' Take it,' said he, ' for a standing rule,^ that " Through much tribulation you must enter into the kingdom of heaven." But " as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him ;" and he will not suffer them to be tempted " above what they are able to bear." ' It is the will of God that his children should have peace within, whatever they may have without : therefore the Lord says, " Abide in me." 1 St. Paul says, " We are come to the spirits of just men made per- fect." On which text Mr. Gill remarks, " The spirits, or souls, of these are only mentioned, because the communion of saints in a Gospel-church state, hes chiefly in the spirit, or souls, of each other, — or in spiritual things relating to their souls; and their souls are greatly affected and knit to each other. The saints in heaven are here intended, or at least included, whose spirits, or souls, are separate from their bodies ; nor as yet all the saints with them. Believers in the present state of things may be said to be ' come' to them, in hope, expectation and desire." — Matthew Henry also remarks, " Believers have union with departed saints in one and the same Head and Spirit, and a title to the same in- heritance, of which those in earth are heirs, those in hediy en possessors,'^ — Editor. CHAP. III. — FRo>r A. D. 1790, TO 1796. 63 'Take heed of heart-backslidings. Many are endangered by this, who have not made any outward breach. They may be looked up lo as eminent characters, when in their conscience they are convinced that their spiritual strength is shorn, and their graces are in a withering state. * There is nothing that is such a spring to us in the path of duty as setting the Lord always before us. Watch for the first beam of God's favourable countenance, and take great care to cherish it. Beware of every thing that would over-cloud it.'" '' Mr. C. spoke also on the dangerous nature of error. ' Be- ware,' said he, ' of error ; its force and energy are indescriba- ble ; and when it once gets entrance into the mind, it eats as doth a canker. ' That error is the strongest which is built on some truth: half the truth is a lie. All the errors of the difl^erent religious sects have been owing to their separating and twisting to Their own purpose some single truth ; such persons, by taking un- connected Scriptures, may make the Bible speak anything. * Error is never solitanj ; it is always attended by alhou- sand others. Burnet says, ' while profaneness is the broad road to hell, error is the bye-path.' ' All error begins in the heart. It is sometimes remarked that an erroneous man, (such for instance as a Socinian,) is an honest man in avowing wrong principles, because he is zealous for what he thinks is the truth. But the question should be asked, How came he to believe a lie? " Because they did not like to retain God in their knowledge." He has willingly gone, step by step, into error, till he has arrived at that slate ; and then, like the apostle going to Damascus, he cannot do right ; for had he not gone, he would not have acted upon his own principles,— and in going, he acted quite contrary to the will of God. Therefore, a man at length gets into such cir- cumstances and situations that, all things co'nsidered, it is im- possible for him to act right. Two men setting out from the very same point in the angle, will be seen to travel very widely asunder. A very small pebble lying at the mouth of a brook will direct its course.' " Keep me, O Lord, as the apple of thine eye ; and be thou to me as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. While I rejoice in the pleasant streams of instruction, lead me ever up to Thee, the fountain of Life, and enable me to drink abund- antly." Sunduy.-^'^ An uncomfortable day; interrupted, as many of my Sabbaths have been of late, by company. I am thus put 64 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. out of my track, but I must consider it as my cross, since it is not in my own power to shut my door against Sunday idlers : were I left to my choice, I would gladly keep the day sacred. Oh, for a retirednessof spirit, and abstractedness of soul through all!" Wednesday, April 12. — " Heard Mr. C. at Long Acre from Isaiah xl. 30, 31. ' Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fail : but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles ; they shall run and not be weary ; they shall walk and not faint.' " The ignorant and unlearned in the things of God were in- structed to wait upon tiie Lord for the teaching of his Spirit. None grew so wise and prosperous as those who attended to the Great Teacher. We might wait upon favorite preachers, books, friends, &c., but unless we looked first to God, and sought secret intercourse and communion with him, we should make but little progress. We must sit at the feet of Jesus, in a listening obedient spirit; searching the Scriptures continu- ally. The slothful and negligent were also exhorted to wait diligently upon the Lord, in all the means of grace; looking to the true source of good. *' It would not do to wait sometimes. ' The slothful soul de- sireth and hath nothing.' It is not sufficient to have good de- sires, we must endeavour, we must labour, for that meat which doth not perish. People may pretend to despise the diligent, and call them legal, but we are commanded to labour, to watch as well as pray ; to fight like good soldiers. There was much instruction also to the hasty spirit ; to wait with patience, sub- mission, and resignation ; we were not to make hasty conclu- sions against ourselves, nor, like Jehoram, impiously to say, ' Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?' Even Jere- miah, Moses, Elijah, Jonah, &c., erred here. The v.eary and heavy-laden were next greatly encouraged, ' They shall run and not be weary ; they shall walk and not faint' — while they continue to wait on the Lord. " Alas, my memory fails ; but my heart glows with grati- tude for this opportunity. I can truly say, that in waiting upon the Lord, my strength has been renewed. Not for a long time have I been so favoured as under this discourse. ' Bless the Lord, 0_ my soul ; and all that is within me, bless Ills holy name.' " Friday. — " Made a hasty engagement to dine out. Upon recollection I saw I had done foolishly. I am yet too young CHAP. III. — FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. G5 in religion to venture into the contagious atmosphere of the ungodly. I went to my Saviour in simplicity and acknowledged my fault, and prayed for his preserving mercy; when, thanks be to His holy name, he sent me his preventing mercy. I was detained at home by a severe sickness, for which I am truly thankful. Let me henceforward remember that, 'Only to see, (be the sight ever so splendid,) is an insufficient warrant to draw me into places of spiritual hazard.' " ^ Tuesday. — "Confined still by illness. But through mercy my best Comforter has been present with me; and he has enabled me hitherto to resign myself wholly to his disposal. 1 Whatever, in modern days, may be thought of such a degree of ten- derness of conscience as is here expressed, one of the blessed Reformers and Martyrs of our Church, has left a remarkable notice of his feelings under a similar temptation, which in the event occasioned him much trouble and compunction of conscience. John Bradford in one of his epistles writes as follows: — To Mr. Travcs, begging his prayers, and la- menting his own sinful condition : — "Yesternight, a little before supper, I was desired liy a neigbour, my mother's friend, against this day to din- ner. Unto whom, for that a refusal would have been imputed disdain- ful stateliness, I unwillingly, (God to witness,) but not unadvisedly,' yet foolishlif granted to the same, which I advertise you as my excuse for not coming this day. * * * * * * * * * ■ "In your communication with God, I pray you have me of all sinners a most negligent, unthankful and wretched, (Oh, that from the bottom of my heart I confessed the same unfeignedly !) in remembrance, that at length, I might truly convert and turn from these flesh-pots of Egypt, to feed vv'ith his manna, patiently, and assuredly expecting his mercy, joy- fully sighing for, and bearing the badge of his disciples and servants, the cross. ********** "This paper, pen and ink, yea, the marble-stone weepeth, to see my slothful security and unthankful hardness to so merciful and long suffer- ing a Lord. I confess it, I confess it, though not tremblingly, humbly, or penitently, yet I confess it, oh ! hypocritically I confess it! " Therefore pray, pray for me, that I may repent and be turned to God, not despising his wrath, and the death of his Son Jesus Christ, but that I may live in the Spirit, and walk in the Spirit, evermore to bewail my carnal security and this philca>t/am,^ that I may be made a new crea- ture through grace, made meet to receive the new wine of the Gospel into a new vessel, purified by faith, wrought by the Spirit of consolation, which may vouchsafe to lead us in all truth and godly living, that we may know God the Father to be in himself the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. To which most blessed Trinity, be all hon- our and glory forever. Amen. In haste this Thursday in the morning, Yours as his own, "JoHif Bradford." Fathers of the English Church, Vol. VI. page 616. ' Unwittingly. 2 Self-pleasing. 6* 66 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. I want nothing but more grace and devotedness of heart and life ; more union wilh my Saviour, and a nearer intercourse with him. IC pain and sickness will promote these desirable things — welcome both. Every thing is welcome, while my blessed Redeemer condescends to be with me by his presence. 1 know not what lies before me; but it is enough for me that my heavenly Father knows, and will make all things work to- gether for my good." Thursday, May 30 — " The last month has been a peculiar one. Not only has my body been greatly debilitated, but my mind has been variously exercised. Some new lessons have been given : may this and every trying dispensation be sancti- fied, and the design therein fully answered. Hitherto 1 have been enabled to say with confidence, ' I know in whom I have believed, and that he will keep that 1 have committed to him.' ' My mountain has seemed to stand so strong, I said, I shall never be moved.' But of late, some unusual fears have darted across my mind, such as, — What if I should in some dark day lose my anchor hold ? — from which I gather this instruction, ' Live not upon your graces, but upon Christ.' Say, If the fig tree does not blossom, yet will I rejoice in the Lord." June 12. — " Unfavourable clouds of deadness and stupidity have, for several weeks, interrupted the reviving and gladden- ing rays of the Sun of Righteousness. The enemy ha^ thence taken occasion to assault me. But thanks be to my adorable sustainer, I am enabled to see, that though the sun be with- drawn, and storms arise, I am built upon a Rock; and I am still enabled to stand waiting and knocking at mercy's door. He does graciously afford me some glimpses of his countenance, though he does not make his abode with me as heretolbre. He is just, though 1 continue much longer waiting. I am con- scious of much unfaithfulness towards God ; my mind has been too much engaged with inferior objects ; they have been attended to, and he has been neglected or forgotten : — no won- der he should retire. I feel my folly, and wonder at myself that I should have slighted such a guest. I acknowledge mine iniquity ; shouldest thou, O Lord, be extreme to mark what is done amiss, I could not answer thee to one of a thousand. 1 will still throw myself at thy feet, and cling to thy cross, and will there abide, till thou comest to drive out thine enemies, and re-assume thy seat; till then, 1 will be as the importunate widow; and may I be enabled by grace to say with Job, ' Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.' " My former trials were chiefly from outward circumstances; CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 67 deep inward conflicts are now added: the Lord's will be done!" July. — " My soul has long been in a dry and barren state. I am ofien ready to faint, and say. 'will it be always so?' Yet again a hope arises that the vision is only tor an appointed time, and that 1 must wait for it. But in waiting, I find there are these dangers, — either despondency — impatience — or care- lessness. Sometimes I seem to forget the state I am in, and let out my mind to every trifling or busy occupier. Oh when shall I combine the importunity of the widow, with the patient docility of ]\jary ! When shall I be all diligence in watching for good, and yet resignedly say, ' My times are in thy hand.' " Sunday. — " One Sabbath comes after another, and yet I re- main a dry tree; in which there is no sap, no greenness, nei- ther fruit nor blossom. It was not always so. I can look back to the time when I could not only taste but drink of the waters of life, flowing from the sanctuary, and my heart was made glad; and when I could rejoice even under deep sorrows. Now 1 go and look, and long and sigh and weep ; but it is sel- dom that I can obtain one refreshing drop ; and that scarcely seems to penetrate the parched ground. What can I say? — ' Righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto me confusion of face.' " The loss of sensible comforts, and of profit under divine or- dinances, which here forms a part of Mrs. Hawkes's painful experience, has been felt and expressed by others of eminent piety ; of which, examples occur not only in Church History, but also in the Scripture account of eminent saints. Mr. Newton has remarked, " A humble, dependent frame of spirit, perseverance in the appointed means, care to avoid all occasions of sin, a sincere endeavour to glorify God, and an eye to Jesus Christ as our all in all, are sure indications that the soul is thriving^ whether sensible consolations abound or not." And Mr. Adam also says, "Neither high nor low frames will do for a standard of faith: self may be strong in both." Either enjoying God's presence, or mourning the want of it, seems to constitute the temper of every true Christian. They who, like Mrs. Hawkes, have in their early religious experi- ence been favoured with peculiar manifestations of joy, will perhaps feel more sensibly than others, those intervals of dead- ness, which would scarcely be realized by persons less spiritu- ally-minded. Her soul was still thirsting after God, and espe- cially to see his power and glory in the sanctuary. There she sought and found support and instruction in the absence of sen- 68 ME3IOIR3 OF 3IRS. HAWKES. sible comforts : which appears by her record of the following sermon, and by the prayer which accompanies it. Wednesday, Avg. 15. — " Heard Mr. C. at Long Acre, on Psalm xlii. 5. ' Why art Ihou cast down O my "soul? and why art thou disquieted in me 'i Hope thou in God : for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Mr. C. re- marked : — 'Every Christain should say, like David, whatever be the state of things within or without, I will remember my Rock ; and though my soul is disquieted within me, 1 will fight against discouragement, hoping in God. ' Whatever is the cause of depression, whether outward trou- ble, or inward fears, or if our joy in the Lord is withheld, we must not set it down as a proof that we have not grace : but rather look at the most eminent Christians enduring the same conflicts. 'Let the Christian keep upon his ground, and behold Him that is invisible; and though only a poor bruised reed, he stands like a rock. But let him come oft' (hat, and begin dis- puting God's word, and his providence, and then imaginations of all kinds rush in, and his heart is disquieted. 'A believer is not like a u-orldling; he cannot find satisfac- tion in trifles ; take away the comforts and confidences of reli- gion, and he is poor indeed. 'Faith and hope give wings to the soul. V\e often call for the wings of a dove to fly away, because we want to be out of our place, to be somewhere else in order to be more happy. But this arises from impatience. True faith and hope will make us happy any where, and enable us, like Paul and Silas, to sing in a prison. 'Every Christian should remember, whatever may be the cause of his trouble, "there has no temptation taken him but such as is common toman." This is a dreary wilderness; we have not yet attained to our rest, but it remaineth for us. 'If the mourning believer should say. But I have sinned against God, and therefore am under rebuke, and how can 1 help being cast down? Yet let him remember that dispair is no cure ; and to please Satan by doubting, is not the way to be relieved. He should recollect that every season has its par- ticular duty ; and, like David, he should reason with his soul, " Why art thou cast down?" ' As the Christian learns the use of his anchor, there is no wave or billow by which he can be tossed, but this will keep him steady : nay, he should go further, and say with David, CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 69 — bad as things are at present, — " Hope thou in God ; for I shall yet praise him, for the help of his countenance.'" "Blessed be God for atlbrding me opportunities of liearing his word. Aniidst all my fears within, and trials without, this comforts, refreshes, and supports my soul, namely, that I still can pray for the heart-searching eye of God, and solemnly ap- peal to him who knows me, better than I do myself, and say, 'Thou that knovvest all things knowest that I love thee!' that 1 desire nothing in comparison of thee; that I would give up every thing rather than my hope in thee; and that it is my continual cry, Lord, why do I love thee so little? Make me love thee supremely. May the seed which has been sown this day, bo watered by the showers of divine grace; and may I be enabled to praise God for the light of his countenance." Thursday. — "How variable are the frames and feelings! How like the shining and the shadow passing over the green plain ! But, blessed be God, our salvation consisteth not in frames and feelings, but in being engrafted on the living vine, and abiding in Christ: consisteth not even in our sensible hold of him, but in our simple belief of his gracious declaration, that he will never leave, nor forsake, nor suffer us to be plucked out of his hands." Sunday. — " Ijeard Mr. C. to-day from 2 Sam. v. 10. ' And David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him!' " O that in all situations and circumstances, prosperous or adverse, / n)ay have this blessed assurance, that the Lord is with ?ne. "Thank God for a new degree of spiritual life? My Lord has graciously called me to rise above the uncomfortable state I have tor some time been in ; and proclaims himself to my soul, as the Lord who forgiveth all iniquities; as the good physician who healeth all my diseases and pours oil into every wound." September 5, 1793. — "This day I received from my revered minister a large new Bible, handsomely bound : in the begin- ning of which the following lines were written : 'The Lord hear thee my daughter, in the day of trouble: the name of the God of Jacob defend thee. Send thee help from the Sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion, both now, and when he who presents this book shall assist thee no more.'^ 1 Below these lines there is a memorandum in pencil, written by Mrs. Hawkes some years after, as follows. — 1804. JVoiv is the (lay of trouble, and the God of Jacob does defend, strengthen, and comfort his poor servant. 70 me:\ioirs of mrs. hawkes. " O Lord, be pleased to hearken to the petitions of thy ser- vant ; and lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon him ; let his soul be like a well watered garden ; Let 'the good will of him that dwelt in the bush,' rest upon him and all that he hath. Bless the wife of his bosom, and the children whom thou hast given him. Let none of them be wanting when thou comest to make up thy jewels. Bless him in his basket and his store. Bless him in coming in, and going out. O accom- pany the glad tidings thou sendest by him with power, and with the Holy Ghost. Make his ' doctrine to drop as the rain ; his speech to distil as the 6e\v upon the tender herb, and the showers upon the grass.' And now O Lord, be pleased to at- tend unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips. <' With reference to the late depression of my mind, Mr. C. remarked : ' There is experience as well as doctrine to be taught in the school of Christ. We are to be brought out of nature, and taught to walk with God : and this is effected not only by the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit, but also by wholesome corrections. To have a blessed evidence is not inconsistent with cloudy days; with temptations. "We do groan being burdened," says the apostle, and yet these are the men that are renewed day by day, — that rejoice in tribulation. ' Vv' hat is any thing without experience ? Ask the philoso- pher — the artist, &c., if their experience cost them nothing: if no hazard, no expense was endured? And it would be strange if the Christian's experience also must not be made up by a thousand secret particulars. Let us beg of God to superin- tend the process. ' We should mark well the peculiar duties of trying seasons. No time is more trying than when the believer feels any thing like a declining or a revolting state of mind. ' There is a point in every man's life, when, if God is speak- ing to the conscience, it will be said to him as it was to Peter, " Will ye also go away 1 " For every believer, at some time or other feels, that religion is not the undertaking of a day ; but that he must hold on, and hold out. He is a soldier, and he must fight. When temptation, persecution, or affliction, come heavily upon him, then is the time when this question is especially ])ut to him. ' God has, in his provision and proposal of salvation to man, taken into consideration his stilf-neckedness, his iron sinew, his backsliding and wandering heart. ' God's consolations must also be sought in God's way ; and CHAP. Ill FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 71 in his way they shall be obtained. Upon our first setting out in religion, we are apt to expect we shall receive our comforts in our own way : forgetting that God is the appointer of times, and that our business is to wait for him. What a life of ex- pectation and waiting was Abraham's ! How did he hope against hope ! Through what deep waters did he pass ! < The exercise of holy joy may be lost by sin : or, otherwise, David would not have cried, " Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation." If we trifle with sin of any kind, the joy of salva- tion will be suspended ; for the spring of it is the shining of God's Holy Spirit in the heart. And this 7nnst be interrupted, if we wander after other joys. ' The joy of salvation is the joy of calm reflection. It will bear the examination of a dying bed ; it is the joy of hope and expectation ; it is the joy of acceptance and communion with God ; it is everlasting. ' The atmosphere of the world has a tendency to damp this joy. Whenever we are necessarily led into the company of the ungodly, we should feel when the evil influence begins to work upon our minds, and avoid it as a child would a mur- derer ; and then we should hear the question, " Wiil ye also go away ? " and should cry with earnestness to Christ, ♦'Strengthen thou me;" pour thy grace into my soul, and water the root, that I may be preserved from withering; «' Thou hast the words of eternal life.' " Sunday. — " Heard Mr. Scott at Lonir Acre, from John i. 29. ' Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.' " A most blessed discourse. Oh that this, and every other, may take deep root in my heart, and under the glorious Divine influence of tlie Sun of Righteousness, bring forth fruit to his praise ! If it were not for my trust in the great atoning sacri- fice, my defectiveness, only this day, under the means of grace, would sink me into despair ; and would also, did not his pre- cious blood cleanse from all sin, sink me into hell. All glory be to God for the gift of his dear Son I " Nov. 30, 1793 — " Many have been the trials of this last month. Besides being confined to my bed by illness, grieved to the heart on account of a dear relative. Oh that God would condescend in his infinite mercy to bid him live ! O let me never so forsake thee, the blessed fountain of living waters, and turn to broken cisterns that can hold no water ! It is only thy grace which can prevent this. Let it never be withdrawn, I pray thee. Sufl^er me not to quench or grieve thy good 72 MEMOIRS OF MRS. IIAWKES. Spirit. O take away my life, rather than it should be spent in any other service than thine!" The foregoing extract affords a glimpse of the severe inward trials experienced by godly and enlightened persons on account of those relatives who afford no satisfactory evidence of true conversion. Mrs. Hawkes again alludes to this painful sub- ject in the latter part of the following letter to Mrs. Jones. After giving an account of her late illness, she goes on to say;— «' I have been much struck, since my illness, with the degree of formality and insensibility which a Christian may have fallen into, though living under the meridian splendour of religious advantages; perhaps I should have said, the insensibility / have fallen into, rather than suppose it common to Christians. 1 abhor myself when 1 think of my privileges, so much above those of any other person I know. Yet how slow my pro- gress I So drawn off by outward things : a heart so cold, and vain, and proud, and selfish. Who has been so highly favoured as n Feasted not only on the Sabbath, but every day, more or less, with ' a feast of fat things ! ' 1 might have grown like the 'calves of the stall.' InsteJTd of a reed, I might have been like a tall cedar. One would have supposed that my general trials would have been enough to have kept me awake. But I fear I need a sharper stroke yet, to give me a thorough rous- ing. Death must be felt approaching, before 1, in earnest, set about preparing for it. I am amazed at myself! The near views of eternity which have been granted to me in this illness, are so instructive, so animating, and, 1 trust, so transforming, that I say with all my heart, — welcome pain and sickness; 1 would not part with you to sink again into insensibility. I see, every day, more and more of the worth and efficacy of that Divine breath, spoken of in Ezekiel ; and of the utter inefficacy of every thing else, though ever so excellent and beautiful. I long' to live with my soul laid open to receive those precious influences. That is an encouraging promise, ' 1 will be as the dew unto Israel.' My soul no longer prospers than as it is continually receiving these precious dews. With deep hu- miliation and thankfulness I would acknowledge, that God has graciously granted me some reviving of late; yet even this grace shows me how poor I am. The sun, when it shines, discovers the places that remain dark. Oh when shall this dark heart be filled with light! pervading, purifying, and vivi- fying every secret corner. CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 73 " The enemy has lately tried hard to shake my confidence ; in which he has been aided by many peculiar circumstances. But I have since had a blessed opportunity of proving, that they who build on the true and living stone, though they may be alarmed, shall not be removed. \ am thankful that when I am put in the tire of inward or outward trial, my request is, not to come out, but to be purified. Alas, I have much, very much dross to be burnt up; and of course must ex- pect, again and again, to be put into the furnace. But by grace, and that alone, my cry is, ' not my will, but thine be done ; ' or rather, let my will be conformed to thine. " It is indeed a serious thing to be 'tried as silver;' but not alarming, when we recollect that the Holy Refiner sits by, watching the process. If 1 know any thingof myself, I would not forego my little experience of these things, to have escaped, or still to escape all my sorrows. Alas! to see persons under affliction, where no such process seems to take place ' * * * * * *^* ^ "A few hours ago { went to the footstool of Divine mercy, to thank God for the gift of repentance: worlds cannot pur- chase it ; but Christ is exalted to give it ; and this makes Christ precious." In reply to her sister, Mrs. Jones writes :— «' I am thankful to find that through all difficulties, you are still going forward. Let us praise God for every step we are enabled to take in the way to the kingdom. All discouragement savours of unbelief. If the serpent wound us, the antidote must be applied the next moment; and this is what we must strive for, namely, a constant sense of the cleansing and puri- fymg blood of Christ, preventing new guilt from flLstenino- on the conscience. The Lord knows we are weak, and he carries the lambs in his bosom, and gently leads on those that are not able to run. As we incroase in strength we shall mend our pace. _ Let us run, looking unto Jesus ; every look strencrthens the view. The powers of the soul gain vigor bvexe^rcise; and It IS by looking that we are changed into the same imao-e. Lnbehef suggests this is not the time to look ; let it be in hear- mg, or in reading, or in speaking. But faith savs, * Now^ is the accepted lime.' Our whole life should be one continued now. " In one of your former letters you ask me respectino- pray- ing and wishing for death. I think it is not right to pmy for death : the will of God is better than death ; it is belter than !iie, including every enjoyment with which it stands connected. 74 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. The power of the Almighty as a sustainer, could not be made manifest, if there were no subjecls to endure evil. St. Paul says, ' most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmi- ties that the power of Christ may rest upon me.' He did not wish to die upon this occasion. The Divine economy requires that there be some afflicted, some poor, some sick, some in pri- son, that the will of God may be done on earth as it is in hea- ven. But believers have an immense legacy settled upon them ; and, amongst other names, yours and mine are as fully included in the covenant will and testament, as those of any individuals." From the time Mrs. Hawkes first became a converted char- acter, she accustomed herself to close every year with much self-examination, penitence and solemnity of mind ; as also, to open every new year with fresh self-dedication and prayer. This was her continued practice through her whole Christian course. The following memorandums are of this nature : — Dec. 31, 1793. — " It is the will of my heavenly Father that I should close this year in my sick chamber. He has called me more immediately to listen to him ; and as a tender Father has he chastened me. Oh that I were more fully sanctified ! that my heart were as wax sofiened to receive his image and likeness. If it is his will that I should recover, and again em- bark on the rough sea of life, may 1 be enabled to enter upon it with my poor "tattered sails filled with fresh gales from the coasts ofZion. Oh that I may have no will but his, either for life or death ! " Takino- into consideration the innumerable benefits and privileges with which God has graciously loaded me through the past year, how great has been my ingratitude ! " Those awful words make me tremble, — 'Thou art weigh- ed in the balances, and art found wanting.' " O Lord I would own the charge, and should be utterly filled with despair, unless thou didst enable me to fix my eye upon the golden sceptre held out to me in the gospel. Con- science clamours, and points at innumerable transgressions. Many and just are my accusers ; but I will refer them all to my adorable Advocate, while I desire to behold, by faith, the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world!" Jan. 1, 1794. — '"As the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress, so mine eyes are up unto thee," O Lord ! that thou wouldest, in mercy, teach, guide, protect and strengthen me. Enable me, this new year, to dedicate myself afresh to CHAP. III. FRO-M A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 75 thee. Let me not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of my mind. Succour me when temptations assail me ; give me wisdom when difficulties and perplexities beset my path; make thy grace sufficient for me under any agitation of mind, or rufflings of temper. Make me to keep my mouth as with a bridle. Grant that I may be led by thy Holy Spirit, and walk in the Spirit, through the whole of this year !" Sunday, Jan. 4.—" Heard Mr, C. from Ps. xc. 12'. 'So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts un- to wisdom.' ' By wisdom is meant true religion. I am a dying creature — let me be preparing for a dying hour. Let others be distin- guished for their learning, for their knowledge, for their great worldly wisdom : yet, however they may be admired, how- ever splendid they may be, it is all but splendid folly, if there is a provision for the sinner's soul. I am to dwell in eternity. Is so short a life as this to be spent in providing for time? No! • — Eternity succeeds it. There is infinite importance hangs ypon this present moment : eternity hangs upon it. And shall I trifle with iti or spend it in nonsense and vanity ? No i "Teach me to number my days." Not like those who calculate every thing except salvation. Shall I spend my moments in providing only tor a perishing body] No ! 1 have cast up my account, (as if the Psalmist had said,) and now let others do as they please. / know what J have to do : I have toapply my heart unto v/isdom. 'As this is a peculiar season, let each of us look back on the year that is past. J3oes it not seem like a tale that is told? What lessons of humiliation does it teach us for our folly? Lessons of correction also, for mistakes which we in our care- lessness and inconsideration have committed. Does it not tell us that this is a world of disappointment? that nothing earthly is to be trusted? None but God is to be confided in, for none but himself is unchangeable. Does it not furnish us with many important admonitions? Have we not lost some friend that tells us how short life is, and bids us be ready ? It teaches us also many lessons of gratitude, for merciful preservations, for many great blessings. Well therefore may we be told to pre- sent ourselves "as living sacrifices." We are bid to num- ber our days, that is, to \ook forward. Let us set out with faith and prayer. David prays to be taught, " So teach me to num- ber my days." Let us pray that the Holy Spirit may teach ns — guide us — direct us. We have the same God to teach us as David had. Let us then, unlike the foolish of the world, be looking, and going forward.'' 76 ME3I0IRS OF 31RS. HAWKES. " Grant, O Thou, into whose cracious hands I am enabled to commit my soul, that I may not rest with notions of Christ in my head, but that he may take up his dwelling in my heart by faith. Let me not only be pleased to hear of him, but inti- mately and solidly know liim for myself, and not for another. Let the form of godliness, without the power, be my continual dread. Let me take heed that I do not rest in any duties per- formed ; but rather see them as splendid sins if they do not bring Christ to my soul. Let me value no teaching unless it be accompanied by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, which alone can make it effectual. In great mercy forbid that I sliould loose God in his gifts. Though gifts are precious, they are useless and dead if Christ be not in them. I can truly say, I have not any trust, nor any comfort, save in the merits and blood of Jesus Christ : nor dare 1 look at my most holy things, but as they are sprinkled and washed in the blessed fountain open for sin and uncleanness. "'If thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, O Lord, who should stand] But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.' Oh that my many infirmities of late may rouse me to greater diligence ! I would walk with such a de- vout and holy circumspection as though there were no blessed fountain open for sin and uncleanness; and I would, at the same time, depend so entirely upon the blessed atonement, as to have no confidence in thefiesh.^^ Feb. 12 " This morning I was favoured by a call from my honoured minister, who, in the kindest manner, gave me the most wholesome advice, which sunk deeply into my heart. Tliero are indeed many peculiar circumstances belonging to the subject upon which he spoke, to which he is an entire stran- ger: but all he said was highly just and proper; and will, I trust, teach me more than ever to turn mine eyes icithin, where there is work enough to do. The approbation of man, in many instances, cannot be obtained. But, oh, that I may have the testimony of a good conscience before God! A se- cret consciousness that I have done as much as human imper- fection can do. Alas ! this is not the case at present. Lord help me !" From close observation on mankind, and extensive know- ledge of the world, no person was more alive than Mr. Cecil, to the deep and intricate perplexities often connected with fami- ly affairs; and it must be acknowledged, that the trials which Mrs. Hawkes experienced were unusually severe. To her especially, the expressive sentence might apply, " the heart CHAP. III. — FR03r A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 77 knowelh its own bitterness:" and in Mr. Cecil's manner of treating Mrs. Hawkes's case, is discovered the wise and cau- tious spiritual physician, who a[)plies his remedy, not to the sickly apprehensions of the patient, but according to the real, present, spiritual malady of the afflicted. But the reader will gain, from the following letter, written by Mrs. Hawkes, some years after, to a Christian friend in a school of like affliction, further light upon that severe and perplexing dispensation, which caused her to feel the insufficiency of even the wisest and kindest counsellors. To Uys. . " My dear Friend. — I thank you very affectionately for your sympathy in, and kind participation of my sorrows and afflictions. I have reason to be unfeignedly thankful that my bitter cup is mixed with many mercies ; and among the rest, is that of love and Christian friendship, with which few have been so largely favoured. With respect to my various trials, I wish by no means to aggravate them by minute detail. Ma- ny, and many, far beyond me in Christian progress, have far heavier afflictions, with certainly less mitigation and fewer comforts. My visitations are lighter than I deserve. Yet you must allow me to correct some parts of your statement, with respect to my present painful dispensation. You observe, that while my bodily sufTerings are heavy, 1 am excused from many- pangs that frequently fill your heart with anguish, from a quar- ter with which your weal or woe is inseperably connected. Perhaps you will wonder when I assure you, that from the very same source has arisen my severest grief; and all my bodily pain, weakness, and constant oppression — all my change of circumstances and loss of outward comforts — is compara- tively nothing to the load on my heart, occasioned by my ac- cumulated affliction, in that near connexion of which you speak. * * * * If ever I had a wish dearer to me than another, it was that I might not only share the happiness of that relation, but also exert all my best faculties to (ill up its high duties. If I am not mistaken, I could have borne great hardships, many de- privations, and other evils, with an affection which would have made them light and easy. 1 desire however to cast no blame save on myself. I am only now corrected for the wayward sins of my younger years ; I was headstrong, self-willed^ and precipitate. " 1 will not venture to sav that I have done the best I could 7* 78 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. in this connexion, f look back and reflect with sorrow, (as I suppose most others do in taking a retrospect of the past,) upon many errors, on occasions in which, with my present ad- vanced experience, I miglit have acted more wisely. 1 am thankful that, keen as is my disappointment and grief, I feel no sort of disposition to accuse, or to harbour displeasure; much less for any unforgiving temper. I am enabled to look above second causes ; and to see my painful humiliating dispen- sation, to be a dispensation full of wisdom and mercy. I have ever been disposed to wind every thing I love about my heart with a thousand strings ; and I verily think, had the same endear- ing attachments been granted me that are to some, I should have been buried in my inordinate aflJection to them. Therefore, my dear friend, I can truly say, through infinite mercy, and the help of all-sufficient grace, that although my heart must ever bleed with its own secret sorrows, and in a way that none can know but myself, yet so unspeakably great are the bles- sings conveyed to my soul through my various afflictions, that I am not only fully satisfied, but humbly and heartily thank my heavenly Father for all his dealings with me, and all his merciful chastisements : by means of which, through the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit, my heart is weaned from earth ; is made to seek and find all its health, happiness, and security in God; to endure 'as seeing him who is invisi- ble ;' and to look and long for that glorious city, where there shall be no more sorrow nor sin. " Pardon me for such a long preamble about my unworthy insignificant self, which I have entered into, partly to prove that I can sympathize in your particular trials more than you are aware ; but more especially, to bear testimony to the foith- ful covenant-keeping Jehovah, who condescends to pour forth his promised blessings into my soul, so as to make me count these days of suffering, my best days. I am, indeed, almost a prisoner, but I am the Lord's prisoner, filled with hope, and kept in peace. My sufferings abound ; but praised be his name, my consolations also abound; and my joy is in Him, who is ' the chiefest among ten thousand, and altogether lovely.'" After a digression which seemed needful to throw light on the subject of Mrs. Hav.'kes's afflictions, we return to Holloway, where we find her suff'ering one of the inconveniences incident to persons in her circumstances, — the necessity of associating with worldly company. Saturday. — " So much engaged this day, owing to the un- expected arrival of certain friends, as to be scarcely able to CHAP. Ill FR03I A. D. 1700 TO 1796. 79 read, much less to write. Greatly tried with my servants : surely the enemy stirreth up their minds to mischief! O that I may he enabled to say with the Psalmist, ' I will behave my. self wisely in a perfect way ; I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes ; I hate the work of them that turn aside.' "° The following letter from Mrs. Jones leads to the discove- ry that these visitors at Holloway, were persons very uncon- genial to Mrs. Hawkes's religious habits and feelings. She writes, — " 1 can anticipate your feelings, my dear sister, on the ar- rival of your present visitors. But you have no choice in it : their coming is quite unsolicited, and it must be considered as occurring in the order of providence. If you were assured that you would be able to say and do all that your heart wishes, you would exult in the opportunity. But there is not a single day that you can do this even in the most spiritual company ; and a little done in such a case is better than nothing. There is also a spirit and sympathy that is felt by others, even when no words are spoken. It is a great thin^ to have persons brought under the ministration of the word • and God, who worketh all in all, appointeth wavs and means according as it pleaseth him. Your times of private reading and meditation will be interrupted : but your union with Christ is still the same, though the sweet intercourse is broken in upon ; and this makes the sacrifice you offer the more valua- ble. This matter appears to be the will of God ; and whether It is intended for their profit, or your trial, will be seen in a future day. It is no small exercise for your faith now. May Christ himself make good his own word, and keep you from painful carefulness. You know from your former experience how he has kept you, by his mighty power, from the things you have most feared. If the increase of the knowledge and love of God IS to come through faith, there must needs be dif- ficulties to form our trials; and there must needs be comincr short of our desires from the weakness of our nature- this throws us upon mercy, and sinks us to the dust in humiliation'! Ihe first time I came to see you, after you were married, and spent a great deal of time in going about with you from place to place, it often came into my mind, ' What doest thou here''" But God inclined your heart, at that time, to go with me to hear the Gospel of the kingdom, and set before vou an open 80 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. door. I pray that God may meet your present visitors where he met you; and then you will gladly make sacrifice of your comforts. O for that faiih that would meet the will of God in every thing ! The commands which have the harshest sound, such as ' deny thyself,' — ' take up thy cross,' are pleasant in experience, because of the help afforded ; and because the Christian fixes his eye upon the recompense of reward. " Retirement has its advantages, and society has its advan- tages also. Mutual love and forbearance, are called forth as essential exercises, which strengthen and invigorate the racer. The frivolity of the society in general is an argument for se- clusion : but this practice is not according to the ' more excel- lent way.' 1 am, however, sorry when Christians deem com- pany essential to their happiness. Many people here invite me to spend a day with them. That phrase always strikes me with alarm — Spend a day ! My sand is nearly run ; 1 have not many more days to live; and shall I spend a day in idle- ness 1 — No, my days are every one engaged ; I have not one left to throw away. We have so much to thank God for, so much to love him for, and so much to ask him for, that, to- gether with those duties immediately connected with our call- ing, and the kindness to be administered to Christ's suffering members, the business of our lives is already arranged, and the time is too short for the work we have to do. " The children of this world reprove our negligence in spiri- tual pursuits. Nothing can divert them from earnestness and assiduity. But alas, we are loiterers ; turned aside by a thou- sand frivolities. May we have grace to press forward." Besides the benefit and consolation which Mrs. Hawkes de- rived from her attendance at St. John's Chapel, on Sundays, and at Long Acre, on Wednesday evenings, she took delight in attending a service held at six o'clock, on the Sunday morn- ings, at Lothbury, where Mr. Cecil was the alternate preacher. In her next memorandum she expresses her regret, on account of a temporary deprivation of this opportunity. Sunday. — " I am sorry Lothbury is shut up. It was plea- sant and refreshing when I could go there and wait upon God early in the morning. But blessed be his name, he is to be found in the secret chamber, as I have experienced this day. Heard J\Ir. C. from 1 Cor. ii. 9. ' Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.' " A most animating discourse, describing the rich provision CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 to 1796. 81 which God has condescended to make, both here and hereaf- ter, for them that love him ; with the great and expensive pre- paration. To have a just idea of the preparation, we must take a view of the cost. How dearly purchased ! even at the amazing expense of the precious blood of Christ, which is of more worth than a thousand worlds, or millions of gold and silver. But 1 must not mangle and deform this Sermon by at- tempting to describe it. Lord write it upon the tablet of my heart ! and let it encourage, and strengthen, and quicken me, so that I may go on my way rejoicing"" Wednesday — " Much engaged with friends ; unwell in body ; and fatigued in mind. When shall I be so happy as to get spiritual good out of every rising occurrence. Oh for retirement and quiet, which has now so long been inter- rupted ! " Heard Mr. C. at Long Acre, from 1 Kings xix. 19, 20. ' So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth, and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him,' (which was customary in those days as a sign of love, protection, or favour.) This discourse tended to prove that one duty is not to be set up on the ruins of another. We are to be diligent in our calling, yet fervent in spirit, serv- ing the Lord. My soul was delighted and enriched! Lord engraft it inwardly in my heart ! Thursday. — " Still greatly tried with my servants — tempted to impatience and peevishness. Oh when shall I be filled with the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentle- ness, goodness, faith, meekness ! Shame belongs to me this day. Lord, in mercy sprinkle clean water upon me, and 1 shall be cleansed ! " The more we are surrounded and encumbered with cares and ditiiculties, the offener shoLvld we endeavour to break away, and retire into the spirit of meditation and prayer." Friday — " Still engaged with friends and visitors. Very unwell in body; my mind stupid and uncomfortable ; much oppressed by domestic cares and sorrows. " Oh that I could more attend to the apostle's admonition, 'Add to your knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, pa- tience ; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity, or love.' " 'Christian temperance,' says Mr. Wesley, 'extends to all things, inward as well as outward ; to the due government of 82 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. every thought and afiection. Sour godhness, so called, is of the devil. Of true Christian godliness it may be said, 'MilJ, sweet, serene, and tender in her mood, Nor grave from sternness, nor from lightness free : Against example resolutely good, Fervent in zeal, and warm in charity.' " Saturday. — " Much engaged in domestic matters ; but little time for retirement ; some ^q.\y comfortable seasons. Felt a want of patience with A. C. because of her instability ; but was soon enabled to recollect what a predominant feature that formerly was in my own character. 1 have only to think of my own innumerable failings, and then I cannot be uncharitable to those of others. " jMr. C. remarked lately, ' The danger of too much solitude, is, lest the mind, deeply and religiously impressed, should mistake the workings of the imagination for the teaching of the Spirit. See the mistakes concerning abstraction in some of the mystics.' " 'Lord, let me be changed into thine image and likeness,' is a comprehensive prayer ; and a prayer, my lips, (and, I trust, my heart) often utter. But what does it mean? Am I to obtain the image of Christ by falling into a, perhaps favoured, silent contemplation, as if 1 had nothing to do but wait in pas- sive, (well if not indolent,) expectation of an effect to be pro- duced by some sudden, and resistless visitation from heaven ; some mystical influence, working with all the omnipotence of a charm, on my passive heart? have I nothing to do but wait silently, and without co-operation? [s not this the way of the mystics? A way, which may, perhaps, be good as far as it goes; but stopping short with a part, instead of combining a whole. What then is to be added ? To have the image of Christ, is practically to say, in our measure, as he said, ' I came not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.' It is, when an occasion of self-denial, and taking up our cross is presented, — to take up our cross, and to be self denying. It is, in the very midst of contradiction and reviling, to be meek and low'ly, and forgiving, as he was. Jt is, to disregard all earthly splendour, either of riches, or talent, and to be ' poor in spirit.' It is, to have the graces of the Spirit in exercise. Alas I I am ashamed ; ' If thou. Lord, shouldest mark iniqui- ties, O Lord, who shall stand ? ' Surely I need the furnace to be seven times heated, before my corrupt heart is sanctified, and cast into the mould of the Gospel." CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 83 Wednesday — " Heard Mr. C. at Long Acre, from 2 Kings ii. 9, 10, 'And it came to pass when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what 1 shall do for thee, be- fore 1 be taken away from ihee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing ; nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken away from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.' *' Mr. C. remarked, — * The Christian should be meeting God daily in retirement, and attending daily to the duties of religion. You see here, that though Elijah knew he was to be taken up to heaven that day, he did not set it apart for any particular acts of devotion. Some would have said, that when such a great change as from earth to heaven was to take place, the whole day, at least, should have been set apart for prayer; that when God did come, he should have found the prophet on his knees. But the best way of being prepared to meet God, is by a continual practice of religion, and an uninterrupted adherence to his commands; and then we shall be alwat/s Yea.dy. You are not to shut yourselves up in a monastery, to become hermits, to be always going upon the mount ; but your heart and life, in every situation, in every occupation, is to be devoted to God. *''Ask what 1 shall 1 do for thee," &c., and Elisha said, " let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me." Here is a noble request. He did not ask for fame, riches, or honour. "And Elijah said, thou hast asked a hard thing." By this expression must be understood a ^^reat thing : as if he had said, thou hast not made a trifling request, but hast asked nobly, largely; and it is what I cannot promise, because I cannot give it thee ; it must come from God. I did not give it to my- self; therefore I can only pray that thou mayest have it. But this shall be a sign, — if thou see me when 1 am taken away, it shall be so. As if he had said, if God giv:^ thee the strength to look upon this bright vision, if it please him to open thine eyes to «ee me go away ; — it will please him also to give thee thy petition : but if thou see me not, it shall not be so. If^ it is not the will of God that thou shouldest have it, he will not enable thee to see me. ^ ' Hence we may learn, that every thing cometh from God. Even this great prophet, who was so peculiarly honoured of God, could not make Elisha any promise as from himself. No more can the ministers of the Gospel, bestow any thing on 84 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. the hearers, of themselves. We can warn ; we can declare to you the glorious mysteries of the Gospel ; we can point out the way ; we can pray for you ; but we can do no more; the rest must come from God. It is he who must work in you to will and to do of his own good pleasure. O then be like Elisha ; seek the blessing. It is remarkable that Elijah three times de- sired Elisha to stay behind ; but he had niade up his mind ; he was resolved to be profited by his glorious example to the last. He resolutely refused to leave him ; — "As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, 1 will not leave thee." Let me recommend the same spirit to you, my brethren. Be resolute in keeping close to God, — close to his people. When tempta- tions and difficulties come upon you, still, like Elisha, be not persuaded to stay behind. The world will entice you; — your ungodly friends may laugh at you ; — your own evil heart will dispose you to slay from God, and from his house ; but still say, like Elisha, I will not leave thee. I will seek God's Holy Spirit. And remember, that for your encouragement, you have a sure promise, ' He will give his Holy Spirit to them that ask it.' " March 10. — "All the last week I have been confined to my room by severe illness. But I desire not to be caretul about my bodily sufferings ; it matters not, so that my Saviour is with me; His presence is better than ease, better than life it- self. * Welcome weariness and pain, Pledges of relief and ease ! Loss of strength to me is gain, Let my wretched days decrease ! All my days shall soon be past, Pain and grief shall bring the last !'" Aj)ril 16. Mem.—'-'' Forgetfulness will always be a cause of chastisement. So I have found it this day in a painful lesson. I would however pray more earnestly to be strengthened and confirmed in my hold in Christ, that he would in mercy keep my faith from being shaken. I have sustained much loss through unwatchfulness. 'In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin ; but he that refraineth his lips is wise.' I would desire to look back upon what is past and enquire, 'have I not sometimes trusted too much to my own faith, and clear- ness of evidence, rather than to Christ, who is the same, yester- day, to-day and for ever V Let me examine my own heart more humbly upon this point; and watch more unto prayer. 1 am yet in an enemy's land, and know not what changes I shall CHAP. III. — FROM A. D. 1790, TO 1796. 85 meet with before my warfare is over. Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteih it off." About this period Mrs. Hawkes left Holloway for a short time, in order to make her annual visit to her relatives at Broad Marston, and its vicinity. It appears that her health had pre- viously been very delicate, and her spirits particularly weak; — which may account for her feeling much exhausted by a journey of above a hundred miles. Monday, April 28, 1794. Broad Marston. — "After much fatigue, and many fears, 1 arrived here this evening. * Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth ; keep the door of my lips.' Let me remember that wisdom shows itself in speaking just enough, and not too much, and in proper time. May simpli- city and sincerity guide my speech!" Sunday, May 4. — " 'There is a river the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God.' " ' A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest ; as rivers of water in a dry place.' # ***** " ' Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up mine eyes ; Thy faithful- ness is unto all generations.'" Wednesday, 7. — " Very ill, and in much pain : a body of sin and death, with an oppressed mind, makes me groan, being burdened. God be merciful to me a sinner! 'Thou desirest not sacrifice^ else would I give it thee :' ' thou delightest not in burnt-offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou will not despise.'" Sunday, 11. — " ' My soul longtheth, yea, even fainleth for the courts of the Lord.' " vP vp ^ ^ ^ ^ " ' Should not the Shepherds feed the flocks?' 'Am 1 a God at hand, saith the Lord and not a God afar off?' " The connexion and application of these texts is written in obscure short hand. But the feelings of the writer, at this time deprived of her usual spiritual privileges, are clearly evinced, and will be further illustrated by the concluding sen- tence. " I do indeed mourn for the want of my usual privileges. But may not this be partly a device of the enemy to prevent me from getting all the good I can in my present circumstan- ces ? ' Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation,' is a text I need constantly to keep in mind." 8 86 MEMOIRS OF MRS. IIAWKES. Mrs. Hawkes intending, before her return to Holloway, to visit Birmingham, writes to Mrs. Jones af follows : " 1 hope soon to gratify my longing desire to enjoy a little of the society of one of the kindest and best sisters that ever fell to the favoured lot of any body in this world : given me through the great goodness of that gracious God and Father., who whenever he afflicts, exhibits his tender mercy by the mit- igation of every stroke. I must ever acknowledge with grati- tude and deep humiliation, that he not only has never dealt with me as my iniquities deserve; but that he has in various instances, shewed me great loving kindness; and satisfied my mouth with good things, — in spiritual things, good beyond all calculation ! "I have felt much earnestness to-day in prayer respecting our meeting; that we may both of us Ibllow the openings of providence, and that our way may be made clear. I was much struck, some time since, with an observation of Mr. C.'s. — He remarked, ' If we had faith we should be less preplexed in many cases than we are; for our path might be made much more plain. I trust if good is designed by our seeing each other, it will be brought about. I cannot feel willing that this Summer should pass without the desire of my heart being ac- complished. In the present, as well as in a thousand other instances, I fear I cannot come up to the example you set me, of giving up my own will respecting it. But 1 can in this, as in other cases, beg that my heavenly Father will not suffer me to have the thing I long ibr, if it is not His will. I often rejoice that I am in the hands of One, that will not indulge me to my hurt ; and I trust that, through grace, I can acknow- ledge Him good in what he denies, as well as in what he gives. My heart has of late been much taken up in contemplating the love of God in Christ; and greatly does it triumph and re- joice therein. My views have been enlarged on the subject, by two or three sermons on the Canticles, in which Mr. C. so delightfully, and so spiritually, opened the character of God, as a God of love. He says, believers are too narrow in their thoughts, and are apt to ibrget this Divine attribute ; and thus God is greatly dishonoured. Seeing him in Christ, we should see nothing but a God of love, who is pleased in the prosperity of his servants. Ah ! the soul-reviving sight makes me long for stronger faith to comprehend more of that love of which I yet have but a glimmering view. My desire is to be entirely engaged in the pursuit after the knowledge of God and myself. CHAF. ill. FRO:>I A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 87 It seems to me (hat both should go together ; that holy joy should be tempered by deep humiliation; and that deep humil- iation should find support in holy joy. When the heart has this joy, it prays with comfort : it reads the Bible as a rich heir reads over the will of his father, which puts him in the posses- sion of his wealth. As he reads it over, he realizes the thought, * this is mine, and that is mine.' So the believer, as he goes over the Scriptures, says, ' all is mine.' Pray for me, that I may be able to say this more and more." Shortly after, Mrs. Havvkes went to Birmingham, and dur- ing her slay there, she made a visit to Mrs. Fletcher, widow of the Rev. J. Fletcher, of Madeley. The following memorandum gives some particulars of this meeting. Thursday, May 15, 1794. — " Mrs. Jones and myself set out for Madeley. We had a pleasant drive, but lost much time on the road, for which we suffered. We reached the house of that honourable Christian, Mrs. Fletcher, about five o'clock. My spirit was awed and humbled, not only by the noble character of Mrs. F., but by the recollection of the sacred roof under which I was. I would gladly have taken my seat at the threshold of the door, for I felt vmworthy to advance any further. But I was soon made to forget my wretched self, my attention being turned to better subjects. While in con- verse with Mrs. Fletcher, I felt that sacred influence which I desire ever to feel. Glory be to our adorable Saviour, he con- descended to be present with us; and my soul found it a re- freshing season. Here indeed the Sun of Righteousness has arisen, and seems to shine continually. Here the Lord giveth rain in its season, and the souls of the inhabitants are like a well-watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Here is a Christian indeed. Alas! what am I? what have I been doing? Surely no more than slumbering, creeping, dragging on in my heavenly journey. Lord, in mercy speak unto me, that I may go forward ; and let me run the race set before me. " The first remark Mrs. Fletcher made, was on the short- ness of her breath, occasioned by a complaint from which she had long suffered. With an animated countenance she said, * She often thought death could not be far distant. Some time since ' she added, ' I had a dangerous illness, which my friends expected would carry me off, and I began to rejoice in the be- lief that it was my Lord's will I should speedily join my dear friends in heaven. But my disorder taking an unexpected 88 MEMOIRS or MRS. HAWKES. turn, I perceived my time of release was not to be yet, but that God would have me live a little longer; and blessed be his name, I found I had no choice; I could equally embrace his will either for life or death. 1 felt the will of my God like unto a soft pillow, upon which I could lie down, and find rest and safety in all circumstances. Oh, it is a blessed thing to sink into the will of God in all things! Absolute resignation to the Divine will, baffles a thousand temptations; and confi- dence in our Saviour, carries us sweetly through a thousand trials. I find it good to be in the balance, awfully weighed every day, for life or death.' " She then gave us a wonderful and pleasing account of the Rev. Melville Home, and read a letter with a history of his voyage to the New Settlement — the storms and dangers he and his wife encountered, and how astonishingly they were preserved from any thing like repining, or questioning the goodness and mercy of God, or his own call of duty in the course lie was taking, notwithstanding the opposition he expe- rienced. They had both given themselves up for lost, expect- ing the next returning billow to have sunk the ship; and they were waiting and looking for death, not only with composure, but in a spirit of rejoicing : a strong evidence of great faith, especially when all the circumstances were considered. ' Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of ihe Lord, and stay upon his God.' Mrs. F. remarked, 'Then is failh the strongest, when it can lay hold on God at the time every thing seems to go against us ; when the way is hedged up with thorns, or, as Habakkuk expresses it, ' Although the fig-tree shall not blossom.' Lord increase my faith ! " Speaking of the diseases of my own heart, she replied, ' Come to Jesus ! ' adding, ' I feel sometimes as though all I had to say to every body was, Come to Jesus ! don't be kept back ; if you feel you have done amiss, and have received wounds, where can vou wo but to Jesus 1 He has every thing to give that you can want. In every circumstance, in every situation, come freely to your Saviour ! ' But my treacherous memory will not retain the encouraging, inviting, persuasive expressions she here made use of. O Thou, who alone teach- est to profit, write them upon my heart, and bring them to my remembrance when they will be most useful. "After our dear Mrs. Fletcher had prayed with us, we parted. Three such hours I have not spent for a long season. CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 89 I esteem this interview as one of my choicest favours. Oh that I may be the better for it ! "Among other things she related a dream which had been made useful to one who had grown negligent and slothful in the ways of God. ^ " Went to the Dale to sleep. A most beautiful and enchant- ing place, abounding with the wonders of nature: but no sight in this world can be half so animating and astonishing, or so beautiful, as that of a true Christian — a new creature — an image of him in whom all the nations of the earth are blessed; a proof of what Divine grace can do." Holloway, May 17, 1794. — " Returned to town, accom- panied by my dear sister Jones. ' Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits : who forgiveth all thine iniqui- ties, who healeth all thy diseases ; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and ten- der mercies.' " Sunday, 18. — "Went with Mrs. Jones to hear Mr. Scott, who preached from Acts xx. 24. Under his discourse, my mind was strengthened, enlivened, calmed, and comforted." Saturday, 24. — " Mrs. Jones left me. The loss of her so- ciety makes me feel an aching void which no one can fill. Her kindness and sympathy were so cheering, and her Chris- tian converse so animating. Lord enable me to look to thee ! Let me ever rejoice in the security of thy friendship. Enable me to walk with thee; and O, do thou graciously walk with me; not only when thou makest thy sun to shine on my path, but when the storms beat hard." Sunday, May 25.—" Heard Mr. C. from 2 Cor. i. 9. ' But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raiseth the dead.' ' To have this truth brought home to the heart, to feel there is no help in man — " Cursed is the man that trusteth in man" — and that health, strength, and wealth are in themselves but 1 The reader needs scarcely to be reminded, that the word of God is the only rule by which to judge of our present state, or future prospects. A doctrine, however suggested, whether it be by the counsel of a friend, or a dream of the night, is only so far to be regarded as it agrees with the ' laiv and the testimony.^ The virgins in the parable slumbered and slept, but having oil in their vessels, they rose and trimmed them, though it was midnight. Such is the earnest and lively preparation for eternity, to which a bed of sickness, or any other rousing consideration, is some- times, under the influence of Divine grace, rendered subservient. 8* 90 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. vanity ; to feel every moment, that there is in every thing a sentence of death, is a lesson not learnt in a day. « There needs many a stroke to detatch us from such props as God declares will break down ; and to teach us effectually not to trust in ourselves, nor in others, but in God, who is a faithful, promise-keeping God ; to teach us, tliat when there is no truth nor goodness in man, there is all in God, in whom we may put our whole trust. Thus did Abraham, when he was called to slay Isaac. ' The poet, and the mourner, acknowledge the sentence, and then think no more about it : but the Christian has a sanctified teaching of it : he learns it practically. God takes his pro- perty, his faculties, or what he holds dear, and by it he says, look away from all to me: hear my voice, which is the voice of a Father, calling you to trust where alone you cannot be disappointed. ' God teaches us we have death within and without. He writes upon all, " Dead, dead, dead." He will seem sometimes to press us almost beyond measure, and bring us to our wits' end; and this is to make religion something more than mere talk ; and also to destroy our self-confidence, the greatest of all idols. ' When a Christian begins to forget his profession, God will come in some providential dispensation, saying, " Get thee out;" a sentence of death is past, there is nothing here to rest upon ; look higher than earth. God knows that is best for a man which is best for his soul, and which shall profit him ages hence. 'We should consider, if we are under any painful dispen- sation, that it may be in answer to our own prayers ; we have been asking of God that we may be pilgrims indeed; and he has answered us by giving us " not so much as to set the sole of our foot upon." ' While there is a sentence of death on the one hand, the Devil would bring a sentence of despair on the other ; but the believer has still a lively hope in Christ Jesus; he has got the prison doors open, and the king's hand signed to his pardon ; and his trust is " in God that raiseth the dead." * A Christian does not recoil and sink into melancholy, be- cause he sees and feels the sentence of death on every side ; for he is taught by faith to hear the proclamation of the Gospel, and to close in with it. He says, " He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure ; for this is all my salvation, and all my desire." CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 to 1796. 91 < God deals with us by dispensations ; and whatever is in the world, the family, the church, or in our own experience, is to be found in the Bible beforehand. God's chastisements dif- fer from his judgments ; as how severe soever they may be, still a believer, if he looks closely, will find mercy mixed with every stroke. It is " in measure ; when he sendeth it forth, he debateth with it." He does not send afflictions by accident, nor in passion. It is the dealing of a perfect being, contending with the heart, and telling us, He is a Holy and jealous God ; that he trieth the reins ; and that though we may think all is very well, and we are safe, and there is nothing amiss, yet his pure eye discovers much that lies latent in the soul, and it must be brought out. An east wind must blow either upon the pro- perty, upon the family, or upon some beloved object; and the fruit of it is to " take away sin." We must be taught that there is a sentence of death, and learn to live to God.' " Soon after Mrs. Hawkes returned to Holloway, a dispensa- tion opened upon her, to which her affectionate heart was pe- culiarly prepared to respond. It was one effect of her personal sorrows, under Divine grace, to produce in her a tender sym- pathy with all the sons and daughters of affliction; a sympa- thy which was particularly drawn out in her intercourse with the family of the Rev. R. Cecil. The acquaintance between Mrs. Hawkes and Mrs. Cecil, had now grown into an unre- served and intimate friendship ; and in the bonds of Christian love they were so united, that one member could neither suffer nor rejoice without the other. It ma}^ therefore easily be con- ceived how deeply Mrs. Hawkes must have felt, the sudden and alarming illness, with which Mrs. Cecil was at this time visit- ed ; especially as this stroke followed almost immediately up- on another — the death of a beloved child in that family — a boy of four years old, of great interest and promise. A reference to Mrs. Hawkes's diary will best show, how ready she was on this occasion, to comply with that Scripture precept, " weep with them that weep." Wednesday, May 28, 1794. — " Another painful visitation in the house of the man of God ! What a solemn season ! Af- fliction seems to come upon affliction. All my sorrowful sym- pathies are called out to the uttermost. O Thou, who, as a father, pitiest thy children, inspire and hear prayer on this oc- casion ! 'O let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power, preserve thou those that are appointed to die !' " Thursday^ May 29. — " As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so 92 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. is good news to an anxious mind. ' If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.' Friday, May 30. — " Clouds return again ! Doleful tidings from Litile James Street! Tears are my meet and drink; wherever I go, I seem to carry the dear sufferer in my arms, crying, Lord, visit her with thy healing power. 'Affliction Cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground.' ' The Lord doth not willingly afflict.' While this cloud lasts, 1 will get me upon my watch tower; 1 will also intreat that he would awake during the storm, and say, ' Peace be still ;' for at his mighty word of power, the winds and waves shall obey." The same day Mrs. Havvkes received the lollowing note from Mr. Cecil : — "Mr. Cecil's kindest regards to Mrs. Hawkes, and hopes he can say that Mrs. C. is rather better. Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Underwood met last night, and gave him hopes of her recovery : but while such alarming symptoms remain, he stands like Jacob, ' greatly afraid and distressed for the mother with the children.' Thanks be to God, that the grand concern is liable to no such change, and that the present is under a per- fect and gracious direction." Mrs. Hawkes's diary here furnishes an account of that in- terview with Mr. Cecil, the particulars of which, were by her permission, inserted by the Rev. Josiah Pratt, in his personal character of Mr. Cecil. ^ Saturday, May 31, 1794. — "Venturing to call on Mr. Cecil this morning, to enquire after Mrs. Cecil, I found he had given orders that no one should see him. But my great anxiety for Mrs. C. being well known I was, as a parti- cular favour, admitted into the study, — where 1 found Mr. Cecil sitting over his Bible, in great sorrow. He said the physicians gave him next to no hope. His tears fell so fast, that he could utter only broken sentences. Every look and every word was solemnity itself. He said, ' Christians do well to speak of the grace, love, and goodness of God ; but we must also remember, he is a holy and a jealous God. Judgment must begin at the house of God. This severe stroke is only a further call to me, to arise and shake my- self. My hope is still firm in God. He who sends the stroke, will bear me up under it : and I have no doubt but if I 1 See Cecifs Works, Vol. i p. 143. First Edition. CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 93 saw the whole of what God is doing, I should say, " Let her be taken." Yet, while there is life, I cannot help saying, *' Spare her another year, that I may be a little prepared for her loss." 1 know I have higher ground for connfort ; but I shall deeply feel the taking away of the dying lamp. Her ex- cellence as a wife, and a mother, I am obliged to keep out of sight, or I should be overwhelmed. All I can do, is to go from text to text, as a bird from spray to spray. Our Lord said to his disciples, " where is your faith?" God has given her to be my comfort these many years, and shall I not trust him for the future? This is only a further and more expen- sive education for the work of the ministry ; it is but saying more closely. Will you pay the price? If she should die, I shall request all my friends never once to mention her name to me. 1 can gather no help from what is called friendly con- dolence. Job's friends understood grief better, when they sat down and spake not a word." Tuesday, June 3. — " Thank God for a ray of hope ; still many fears: I will cry mightily unto God." Wednesday, 4. — " ' Hope thou in God,' (see 1 Kings xiii. 6.) He has only to speak the word, ' I will, be thou whole,' and it shall be done. ' Unto Thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens,' — 'Do thou it, for thy name's sake.' " On this affecting occasion Mrs. .Tones M^rote to Mrs. Hawkes as follows : — " Your letter, my dear Sister, informing me of the very dan- gerous illness of Mrs. Cecil, has filled me with grief. 1 am distressed for the man of God. No doubt prayer is offered in the churches without ceasing. But though the sentence of death may be already passed upon her, yet he who raises the dead can raise her up again : therefore pray on. May God be abundantly gracious to them both, and cause his loving-kind- ness to appear on their behalf. But if her release is at hand, let us turn our eyes to the brighter side, and view her received into the mansions of blessedness ; exchanging pain and weari- ness for glory and immortality ! Could we see the glory that is revealed when the everlasting doors are opened to admit an heir of heaven, our sighs and tears would be changed to hal- lelujahs ! Yet the sight might perhaps, be too strong for us in this state of probation. What views had good Mr. Fletcher when, in his last moments, he called out to those about him, * Shout, shout — 1 want to hear vou shout that " God is love.'''' 94 :)iejIoirs of mrs. iiavvkes. "I cannot fear for the man of God, whose loss however will be unspeakable heavy. No, the Lord will strengthen him that he fiiint not. The grace of submission to providential dis- pensations, is exclusively the gift of God. Wjjen the mighty power of faith turns our eyes from the things that are seen to the things that are not seen, we can trust God for ourselves and others. Hitherto I have been enabled to trust God more for myself than my friends: but I have always found him a sustainer in extremity. However this alliiction may terminate, it will assuredly work for good. In the mean tinie, we must rest on the anchor of hope." It pleased God to hear the earnest and united supplications which were offered on this occasion, and soon to restore Mrs. Cecil to a state of convalescence. Shortly after, Mrs. Hawkes received from her beloved invalid friend, the following note, which she ever after preserved as an interesting memorial. " My dear Sister, and dearest Friend, — I cannot write, and therefore I beg Mr. Cecil to put down a few words. I have been shaken mightily ; yet hope, though but a reed, to be stronger when the blast is over. I know it will afford you comfort to hear, that the Physicians have pronounced me radi- cally better to-day. It is impossible for me to express my sense of your kindness, and I should certainly accept of what you so kindly propose, if it were necessary ; and whenever I find it is, you shall know. " I wish exceedingly to retain the benefit of your prayers ; but charge you to refrain from oppressing me with your tears, And remain, with the tenderest afiection, and gratitude, lours in our common Lord, J. Cecil." On the following Sunday, June 8, 1794, Mr. Cecil preached a sermon from Eccles. vii. 2. On the advantages of the HOUSE OF MOURNING, which may be seen among his printed sermons. The following passage in Mrs. Hawkes's diary alludes to Mrs. Cecil's recovery, — Wednesday 11. — " ' God is the Lord who has showed us light ! ' ' O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.' May this occasion confirm my faith in God, as a prayer-hearing. and answering God. Through all impediments and infirmities, may my requests be made known unto God ; and may every trial, temptation and difficulty, forward, rather than hinder, my application to him." CHAP. III. — FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 95 ■■ The impressions made on Mr. Cecirs mind by the late visi- tation, are thus described in a letter from Mrs. Flawkes to Mrs. Jones. " I never was more glad to see Mr. Burn. Our beloved pas- tor much needed help. I will not attempt to tell you his late sorrows, nor his present thankfulness for Mrs. C's restoration; but I will tell you his weighty ivords, which, I pray God, we may hide in our hearts, till they shine forth in our lives. ' I most particularly request your prayers, that I may profit by this season ; I have never before been led to reflections so solemn. It is a peculiar time, and I dread lest I should not improve it. The enemy comes in like a flood, with a thousand other things ; but in the strength of the Lord I endeavour to say, ' Get thee behind me Satan,' for I have no time now to attend to thy malicious inventions. The Lord affords me les- sons out of the furnace without being iii it. Blessed be God, my soul is all ear. May instruction be sealed on my poor foolish heart. " Yesterday evening, Mr. C's conversation was truly of a kind that I can only express by the Scripture phrase — " salted ivith fire.'''' ' You see,' said he, ' to what expense I am put to be a minister. This is a call from God to preach better, and to live better; and if I do not obey it, the furnace will be made se- ven-times hotter. I shall, if I am spared, make a closer attack upon the conscience of my several congregations than I have done. This is to tell me, in a louder voice, that every thing is dying around me : it is a pruning time. " Every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." Our fruit is crude and unripe that it scarcely deserves the name of fruit, and therefore it must be pruned. A vine, by the influence of the sun and rain, will cast out long shoots, and presently run over the side of a house : yet the shoots are wild, and there will be no fruit good for any thing, unless the vine is pruned. We are calling for sun and showers, and tel- ling God these will be sufficient. We wouldj have this^ and escape that: but the truth is, God v^'ill have more fruit. He will give it a finer j^aijowr. He will have it ripe, and there- fore we must be pruned ; it is God's way and method. The devil is very busy with suggestions at such a time as this ; but he should not be listened to for a moment. Every hard thought of God, if it is even looked at, spreads destruction : a stream of fire and brimstone from hell is not so destructive as such mis- givings.' Here my mind was so overwhelmed that I lost the fin- 96 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. ishing sentence. May what I did hear, he engraven by the finger of God, the Holy Spirit, upon nny heart, as upon an ad- aniant, never to be erased. Mr. C. fijrther said, ' God was speaking to hinn as he was to Jacob, " Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there." He had been hoping for a little rest at this and the other period. But God says, " Go up to Bethel." It is not to be had here but there. He said, ' the stroke being so sudden, he was not prepared for it ; and therefore the voice out of it was to he always ready.'' I much fear she is only spared for this end, that he may be prepared for her removal : but why should 1 fear? God is all wisdom and love, and will do that which is best for all.* " Mr. C. continued to say, ' A Christian will hear the voice of God in every thing. If a cold nipping east-wind comes and cuts off all his fair blossoms, chills every comfort, he enters into the design, and says, by this shall mine iniquity be purged : and if the east wind be sharp, still " He stayeth his rough wind." The parent who has a child that must go through a painful operation, will entreat the surgeon to invent the easiest method for performing it. "Do not give any more pain than you can help consistently with safety." " Deal gently with the young man." So God saith, " I will send a keen east wind, but not my rough wind ; I will put forth a blight upon all his pleasant things, but there shall be no storms; that will be too much." No physician ever weighed out the medicine to his patient with half so much exactness, and care, as God weighs out to us every trial : not one grain too much does he ever permit to be put into the scale.' — But I cannot recollect some of the choicest things he said. I only know, that what I heard made me tremble; fori am sure there is much iniquity in my heart and nature to be purged away ; and though I have had a cold blighting east wind, yet I fear I must have storms also, before I am purified. However, I am in the hands of per- feet wisdom and perfect love, and my prayer is, to be made holy ^ if by any means. ^ " This deeply experimental discourse shows, in part what the man of God has gained out of this dispensation, which, he ' It pleased God not only to spare the life of Mrs. Cecil, at this time, but also to preserve it for many years afterwards. It was her painful lot to witness the dying out of that bright lamp which had illuminated herself and others : and during twenty years of widowhood, her only consolation was the hope of joining him in perfect day, whom she so tenderly loved and honored here below. CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 97 says, he would not have been without for thousands. Indeed, it IS evident, he has gained great riches by it. All is gold tiiat comes to him. He says he cannot attempt to tell me what this trying season has brought out. He feels like a man that has been arrested, and ordered for execution, but who has obtained the king's pardon. He does not expect to receive such an in- dulgence again: therefore he fixes his eye like a hawk, upon *Be ye ready,' stand ' with your loins girded,' be prepared to part with evenj thing. He lives, he says, upon the faith that removes mountains ; it is a subject he speaks upon with cau- tion ; but is a great point with him. He does not know in what channel God may convey the answer to prayer: it may be in a way very different from what he has expected ; with that he has nothing to do. Our business is, in every thing, great and. small, to treat immediately with God; that is, the nearest way, and then believe, nothing doubting. " You will give me credit when 1 say, 1 would not have lost all this for any sum of money." Mrs. Jones's reply to her sister, is both beautiful, and highly characteristic. She writes — " I am truly thankful for the good tidings you have sent me of our dear friend. Oh, that all the world knew more of that text, ' God is love !' As to the omnipotence, omniscence, and omnipresence of God, of these we can only think as 'children,' but his love we may contemplate as ' fathers.' We are more capable of partaking of this divine attribute than of any other, and he in whom the love of God is perfected, ' dvvelleth in love.' Men may talk of liberality of mind, generous principles, large- ness of heart, and fine feelings, — but whatever does not derive its supplies from this fountain, how pleasant soever, will be faithless as a brook, which though, for a time it may cheer many, yet in the burning heat and freezing cold, it will fail. Love alone, 'never faileth.' It is active as the fire, patient as the sun. But the apostle hath spoken of it so fully in 1 Cor. xiii. that ever to speak of it after him is a poor attempt. Let us use what we have, and ask for more. The best way to increase in this, and every other grace, is to be more in the exercise of it. " Tell dear Mrs. C, I now think I shall reach the Celestial City before her, and when she hears it, I hope she will sing hallelujah I " I never hear any minister enter so deeply into the subject of affliction as Mr. C. It is enouirh to make one wish for a 9 98 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. a taste of that cup, which from his hands who composes the mixture, produces such enlightening and saving effects. But in the idea of suffering, we conceive but little of the bitter which is infused into the draught. If I am not mistaken, there is one ingredient in your cup, which appears to me of divine bounty ; you are highly favoured in having free access to so wise a minister, who is able to instruct you in a way peculiar to himself in the mysteries of the kingdom. I rejoice in all your comforts and advantages; it is a common remark, that 'Great afflictions are often attended with great favours:' which strongly evidences the compassion of Him, who was made in the likeness of man, and who is touched with our in- firmities. It is an unspeakable encouragement to know, both from his own word and from our own experience, that ' he hear- eth us,' and helpeth us too; for I am sure we shou'd say no- thing to the purpose if he did not assist our intercessions. But he who giveth the Spirit, knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, and answers the yet unformed prayer. We must be- lieve that God takes no pleasure in afflicting his children ; and if it were not to show his mighty power, and all-support- ing goodness, probably there had been no martyrs. He does, and will, amply recompence the instruments of his gloiy. — The promises of grace, which lie hidden in the vvord, are searched out in their fullness by suffering subjects. Oh for stronger faith to enter into the riches of God, which are laid up for us in Christ Jesus !" The joy which was felt on account of Mrs. Cecil's recovery, was much chastised by the long-continued weakness under ' which she subsequently laboured ; and which tended to keep alive those deep impressions, which had been produced on the mind of Mr. Cecil. This appears marked in the sermons he preached at this period, of which Mrs. Hawkes's diary furnishes many notices. Sunday.—'' Heard Mr. C. from Ps. Ixi. 2. ' From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed : lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.' ' This psalm was penned when David was in trouble ; and we learn from it where to flee when we are in the like circum- tances. " Hear my cry, O God, attend unto my prayer ; when my heart is overwhelmed, &c." Here seems an allusion to a mnn d J' owning — to one sinking in the mighty waters — "All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me." ' All must know, that are arrived at any age, what it is to CHAP. III. FKOM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 99 be overwhelmed with trouble, from one cause or another : either from bereavements, or from disappointments in business or friendship, from sickness, or from what is far worse than these, a wounded spirit; from violent suggestions and tempta- tions of Satan, or from inward corruptions, as the Psalmist cries, " Mine iniquities have gone over mine head ; as a heavy burden they are too heavy for me." ' Man is born to trouble. There is either a wave over your ihead, or there is one coming. Where then is your resource? Is it the same as David's? Is your prayer like his, " Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I?" * Every idea that conveys comfort and hope, is selected in ihe Bible to hold forth the character of the Redeemer. Isa. xxxii. 2. Heb. vii. 25. ' The Psalmist prays, " Lead me to the Rock," as if he had said, 1 cannot place myself upon it; put me, as thou didst Moses, in the cleft of the rock. ' A shipwrecked mariner, in the midst of his distress and danger, may see a rock very near, which if he could get upon it, would save him from the billows — but he cannot reach it. No more can the Christian; therefore he prays, ^' Lead me to the rock:" thou canst place me upon it, though ever so high; and when I have attained to it, 1 shall be lilled above all mine enemies ; they cannot reach to hurt me. ' God takes various methods to lead us to this rock. He is a God of order, and therefore makes use of means. He sends his Holy Spirit to teach a man what he is by nature, a poor, fallen, guilty creature, having no hope but in Christ. God draws the heart to himself by giving an experimental taste of his goodness. '^ Come, taste and see, how ^racious the Lord is." 'But the Christian sometimes forgets his Rock. He leaves the fountain of living waters, and goes to some creature cistern: then God makes it an empty one. Hosea ii. 8, 9. ' What man cannot teach, God can ; and that perhaps se- verely in the dispensation, but most mercifully in the end. Something more is necessary than merely the discovery of the rock, namely, the school of instruction, whereby we are led to it. All the children of God are more or less brought through ihe valley of humiliation, and are taught to cry, " Flear rny prayer, 6 God ; from the end of the earth will I cry unto thee." AfHiction is sent to humble the heart of the sinner ; to make him teachable; to make him listen to that God who says, " Take my yoke upon you." Human nature, if left to itself, 100 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. would, instead of wearing this yoke, trample upon it: as soon would the wild ass's colt submit to the reins. But God knows how to break the stoutest heart; to subdue the most stubborn will ; to make the most rebellious wear this yoke, not only with quietness, but comfort. ' We may congratulate the man with whom God will con tend : who is not left to himself like a child without education whom he thus overwhelms to save; whom he teaches to say " It is good for me that I have been afflicted." Not that afRic lion, however severe, will do of itself. Cain said, " my punish ment is greather than I can bear," but his heart was not soft ened. Pharaoh hardened his heart under all the dreadful judgments with which he was visited. Affliction must be sane tified ; then its design will be answered. This it was tha made Ephraim, who at first was " like a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke," to " smite upon his thigh," Jer. xxxi. 19. Then it is, we are taught to fly to the Rock of ages. 'But God not only leads by painful instruction, but by gra- cious influences, " Turn ye to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope." ' Instead of trouble leading us from God with murmuring, it should lead us to God for mercy. Prayer may be offered in the loudest storm. < Times of affliction are often times of rich sentiment. Our views of eternal things are enlarged, our value of them height- ened, our desires quickened, our resolutions strengthened. The world appears in its true colour, temporal concerns be- comes less interesting, and all our desire is after God. ' We should take encouragement from our past deliverances, to trust God with all that is to come. David says, " I will abide in thy tabernacle forever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings." ' "Grant, O Lord, that I may be enabled, by faith, to cling more and more to that blessed, pierced hand, which is stretched forth to draw me out of soul-troubled waters; and by it climb to the rock that is higher than I. May 1, by dwelling on this Rock, have some sweet serenity, and gleams of cheering sun- shine, while clouds and tempests are gathering beneath." The anxiety which Mrs. Hawkes had lately experienced, was followed by considerable exhaustion, and temporary con- finement to a sick chamber. The memorandum which occurs next in order, (in which she adopts a sentiment from Bishop Hall,) besides an indication of mental languor, contains also a CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790, TO 1796. 101 trait of Mrs. H.'s character, which must not be passed over in silence, namely, her eminent sincerity. Even in an uncon- verted state, this quality procured to her general esteem. But when it became a sanctified principle, it shone forth with pecu- liar lustre. From the beginning of her course to the end, her conversation was marked by " simplicity and irodly sincerity." 2 Cor. i. 12. i J ^ J J Wednesday, June 18, 1794.—" Not so comfortable in mind this day as I could wish. One has said, It is good to inure the mouth to speaking well ; for good speech "is very often drawn into the affections. But I would fear, that speaking well, without feeling, were the next way to procure an habi- tual hypocrisy. Let my good words follow good affections, and not go before them." _ Thursday.— ^^ First week of hay-making. How sweet the sight from the windows of my secret chamber, where I am this day a prisoner from illness. Yet though here solitary and unsupported and oppressed by sorrows unknown and undi- vided, I am not without joyful expectation. There is one friend who loveth at all times : ' A brother born for adversity.' The helpof the helpless; the hope of the hopeless ; the health of the sick; the strength of the weak; the riches of the poor; the peace of the disquieted ; the companion of the desolate ; the friend of the friendless. To Him alone will 1 call ; and He will raise me above my fears." Saturday.—'' This week seems to have been lost through weakness of body and stupidity of mind. Truly may I say with the Psalmist, " 1 am a worm and no man :" how soon am I pushed down, and my wings clipped. Yet to-day, my spirit has been refreshed by a visit from my revered minister, bringing glad tidings. Let me record, for future use, what my memory can recall of his invigorating remarks. " Mr. C. observed, — ' We stand every day in need of re-inforcements in order to meet every day's exigencies. Danger starts up from every quarter ; and therefore a true Christian will endeavour to be found watching. When he considers Samson, David, Peter, &c., he will say, " Lord help me to watch and pray." Such a man is not only a servant, but a son. He does not wish to separate the work of Christ from the mind of Christ ; ho re- joices in both. 'A Christian should be always on his watch-tower; fi. e.) he should live in a state and habit of recollection ; by which he would be better prepared to encounter whatever trials might y 102 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKE3. come upon him : whereas, if we are off our guard, afflictions wear the aspect of judgments.' Ques " How far to yield to our bodily infirmities ? " Ans. — ' It is of vast importance to know how far to yield to our infirmities ; and how to improve them without fainting un- der their burden. ' Thus, if a man becomes blind, he must do what he can, he must now turn a wheel. Mt is of importance for a man to be shown to himself in every point of view. ' Jacob's thigh must halt — ' Cure of presumption, &c. « Infirmity shows us the folly of our schemes, though we might have thought them essential. * God has a scheme — ' We often play with our remedies, and speculate upon them ; affliction makes us take them. Thus our Bible lies on the shelf: affliction makes us take it down. ' Infirmities make us feel for others ; besides, the top is only kept going while it is whipped.'' " One present said, ' I cannot come up to such and such views.' Mr. C. replied, ' It is not coming wp, but coming down, that we want. ' We should learn to rejoice in infirmities. Affliction is the post of honour : we should have a confidential reliance in the Divine sufficiency to remove all impossibilities. By our bodi- ly infirmities and loss of faculties, we are reminded of the ne- cessity of redeeming the time; and of making use of our faculties while we have them : we are also taught, by the loss of them, that death is hastening on ; and that he has already taken an earnest, and will soon call for the rest.' " The foregoing remarks seem to have been put down by Mrs. Ilawkes as memoranda, to recall to her mind the topics of a conversation which had interested her. In the present form, they are very elliptical ; yet to those acquainted with Mr. Ce- cil's train of thought, and manner of expression, they may suggest some useful hints. Her diary next presents an expe- rimental view of the importance of close communion with the Saviour. July 26. — " ' Abide in me.' Conscience tells me that some of my late trials have arisen from not sufficiently attending to these words of my adorable Master, •' The branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine." This day has closed in deep anguish of spirit, so that my eyes run down with tears. CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 103 * Evening, and morning, and at noon, will f pray, and cry- aloud ; and he shall hoar my voice.' ' For thy JVIaker is thine Husband ; the Lord of Hosts is his name.'" Sunday, 27 — " Heard Mr. C. from Matt. xiv. 28. « And Peter answered him and said, Lord ! if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.' 'The approach of Christ, not only in his providential, but even in his gracious visitations, is sometimes alarming. We often fear when some great good awaits us. ' True faith, and true love to Christ, will enable the believer to encounter all difficulties. ' An arduous work requires both a single and a fixed eye. Peter's eye was single, but it began to wander ; and then he began to sink. If we are able in all circumstances to fix our eye on Christ, all is well. But if we incline to means and creatures, we lose our strength and stability. ' While our blessed Lord's command is our warrant in pur- suing, so his friendship is our security. ' We must not attempt to move without a call : the most zealous Christian must wait for his order; and then he may safely trust himself in the midst of all danger. But we are in general too much disposed to stand still when God bids us go forward ; and to be in too great haste to go forward when God bids us be still. ' It is in trying paths and transactions, that the strength of the believer is increased ; and Christ glorified. He is the wise man, that knows what to do in difficulties like Peter, " Save Master ! " *Our fears occupy more than our lives ; and they are only to be banished by fixing the eye of faith upon an Almighty Friend. The substance of the Bible is, to turn a sinner's^'eye to the Saviour.' " Tuesday, Sep.. 16, 1794.—" Mr. Hawkes and myself, with our revered minister, set offifor Birmingham. We esteem his accompanying us a great condescension, and as conferring upon us a high honor and privilege. Lord enable us to im° prove it! To have the society and conversation of so wise a man, and so godly a minister, for some continuance, is a talent committed to us which ought to gain ten talents. "My prayer for many weeks, concerning this journey, has been, ' Ifihy presence go not with us, carry us not up hence.' " Sunday, Sept. 21—" Went with Mr.' Hawkes, and my dear sister Jones, to St. Mary's Church. Mr. C. preached from Luke xi. 2. ' Thy kingdom come.' 104 ME?.IOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. » When the kinnsdom of Christ comes into the heart, it makes all other thinf^s fade away, and hecome as nothing worth. « It is one thing to pray in a cold forma! manner that the kingdom of Christ may come, and another thing to say with alUhe heart, Let it come whatever I suffer — whatever I may loose — however I may be persecuted or hated. ' Not the prayers only, but the whole life of a Christian is one loud proclamation,'" Let thy kingdom come" — let it pro- ceed let it overcome— let it run and be glorified. The whole life of Christ was one continued expression of the same desire: Let me lay aside my glory, let me expire on the cross,— So "Thy kingdom come." And the martyrs who in every age have'suffered in the cause of God, all cried out by their blood, " Thv kingdom come." ' Wednesday, Sept. 24— "Mr. C. preached at St. .Mary's from Ps. Ixxiii. 16, 17. ' When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me, until I went into the sanctuary of God, then understood I their end.' 'A Christian is distinguished from other men, inasmuch as he lives under a divine influence. He is a traveller on a jour- ney, and like all other travellers, he makes observations i. e. spiritual memoirs, as he passes along. See Deut. viii. 2. 'The sanctuary of God to the spiritual man is the porch of the eternal world— the very confines of heaven. It is here he receives the enlivening rays of the Sun of Righteousness ; and he is as sure that it imparls light and heat and growth to his soul, as the natural sun does to the earth. It is here he meets Christ himself, and "sits down under his shadow with great delight." It is here the enchantment of the world is broken. The light of the sanctuary is a glorious light. « Some objects can only be properly viewed in certain places and situations. There is a certain point, (as the artists ex- press it,) where things may be best seen. If we would have a true view of spiritual objects, we must view them in the sanctuary. Whatever things appear to be in the sanctuary, that they are really. It is there the royal balance is kept ; and the true touchstone is to be found. It is there we must weigh our present pursuits and our beloved idols, if we would know their value and their vanity. ' When we are in the hustle of the world, the awful judg- ments of God are heard without attention : but when we are led into the sanctuary, and there hear His "still small voice," ex- plaining his judgments, then His voice is heard to purpose, " Then°understood I their end, how thou didst set them in slip- pery places." CHAP. III.— FRoi^r A. D. 1790 TO 1706. 105 * How is it that men pursue human science? they retire from noise and whatever would distract their attention. Reliirion is a holy science, which deserves and calls for, all our Tabour and assiduity ; and if we tind it " painful," it is because of our ignorance and infirmity ; and because we have not learned the first rudiments. But there is no cause for discourage, ment ; God offers us his Holy Spirit ; offers us his help to en- able us both to learn and understand the lessons of his sanc- tuary. -The true Christain wants no new thing : but he wants in his heart and niind to comprehend the love of God. He wants to have the influence of the world lessened, and the thinn-s of eternity brought forward. "^ ' Where is tile man who is not perpetually inclined to judge by appearances? "1 saw the ungodly in such prosperity!" Elijah must be led into the Mount, (see 1 Kings xix.) and the Psalmist into the sanctuary, to understand wha° they met with in the world. ' It is one use of the ordinances of God to assist the spiritual worshipper to discern all things aright; to rectify the mind ; and when the heart would ask, " Is not this desirable?" a man must go into the sanctuary before he makes an answer, or else he wdi answer like a/ooZ. " So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee." ' A man may feel as a philosopher, the vanity of passing thmgs ; but they never appear so strongly as when contrast^ ed with spiritual: nor will he ever give them up with all his heart, and wander about " in sheep-skins and goat skins ; be- mg destitute, afflicted, tormented;" till he enters into the sanc- tuary, and sees the King in his beauty. Then his idols will be given to the moles and to the bals ; for he has beheld a light which has outshone all others; and his cry is, "O God, tliou art my God, early will I seek thee. My soul thirsteth for thee, to see thy power and glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary." _ ' If we have seen any thing in the glory and beauty of Christ in the present sanctuary, and are thirstinix for a more full dis- covery, let us take it as a sure earnest of obtaining it : for God never raises expectations to disappoint them. Our care should be to keep close to God, and to pray that he would keep fresh upon our minds the views of the eternal world. Let us look forward to the end of our journey : we are travellers, and cannot expect to have all sunshine, or that our way should be strewed with fiowers. But, as the traveller who is longing to get to 106 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. his home, puts up with the inconveniences of the way, — know- ing that he is only passing along, so should a Christian be un- dismayed by difficulties, knowing he shall shortly be through them. 'The Bible and the Ordinances are refreshments by the way ; in the use of which, God will strengthen and comfort us.' " My mind has been deeply affected this day. Blessed be God, the word preached has been attended with power. O that it may sink deep into my heart! I much want close soul- searching truths, and a deeper solemnity of spirit. I have lived too much out of myself, and not sufficiently marked the in- ward motions. I seem only to be swimming upon the surface of religion; but I would fain dive into its depths. I have stood too much in the outward courts. Lord give me more abundant entrance into the Holy of Holies, through the blood of Jesus. Let no cloud intercept the rays of the Sun of Right- eousness. Let my heart be a tablet for the finger of the Holy Spirit to write upon ; make me ever prompt and ready for thy service ; make me quick to hear thy voice, so as to obey, and may all my affections and actions be at unity. Make me to have a zeal and concern for thy glory; and may my heart shrink at the slightest approach of sin. May I be enabled to weigh every thing in the balance of the sanctuary." Saturdaij, Sept. 27. — " To-day, our honoured minister, Mrs. Jones, and myself, drove to Dudley. JMay this dark and bar- ren town listen to, and receive the word of salvation which will be so faithfully preached to-morrow. I have many anxieties on my mind ; but the Lord is my God ; and why should I be afraid? he can make crooked things straight." Sunday 28 — " Mr. C. preached at the Old Church in the morning, from Mark viii. 36. ' For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?' A solemn and awakening discourse, suited to the place and people. Mr. C. remarked, — ' The soul is the master-piece of God's works ; and its value may be best estimated by the price paid to redeem it; infinite prospects arc set before it — "What then shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" ' The folly of a man does not consist in any particular er- rors of sentiment or doctrine; he mistakes at the very thresh- old ; he is placing the world before heaven ; time before eter- nity ; neglects his soul for worldly possessions; pulls down his barns and builds greater, forgetting that his soid is required of him. CHAP. III. FR03I A. D. 1790 TO 1T9C. 107 ' If any one were to put a piece of money into the hand of a poor creature dro\vninIE3I0IRS OF MRS. IIAV/KES. being baptised into the same faith, and was obedient thereto. ' Every man should take heed and look within. He should hear what his conscience says, on the great matter of religion, nndfoUoio it. No man triflejs with his conscience but, sooner or later, it will be revenged of him. ' We should learn to look upward to God that opens the heart. " He openeth and no man shutteth." It is more easy to convince man of his wants than of his remedy. Many leel the miseries sin has brought upon them ; but how few fiee for refuge to the only hope set before them! ' The conversion of the soul to God is only one continued proof to us that he is still working by his spirit now as really as in the apostles' days. And it further shows that true reli- gion is the same to the end of the world ; that Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever ; that He is risen from the dead, and that mighty things are done through his name. 'Did Ciiristians live more in the practice of "Looking to Jesus;" they would see " Satan falling as lightning from hea- ven." Jesus Christ has " the keys of the house of David." * If theXord has opened our hearts, it is that we should show forth his praise. See Luke viii. He whose name was Legion^ after he had been healed, besought Jesus that he might be with him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, " Return to thine house, and shew what great things the Lord hath done unto thee." Go and be a monument of the grace of God, and live to the glory of God. ' We should look round for such witnesses ; and also con- sider who is looking round upon us. It is not worth while to inquire what ignorant, malicious, people may have to say of us while we are serving the Lord: but to serious enquirers, we should be careful to show our faith, our love, our obedience.' "In the evening we remained at home; the family assem- bled, and Mr. C. expounded the 25th chapter of St. Matthew." Friday Oct. 3 " Spent the day at Sutton, at the Rev. Mr. Riland's. Much benefited and delighted by the heavenly con- versation of the venerable Mr. Newion. He read and com- mented on a passage in the New Testament. He remarked, ' There are proper seasons when, like David, we may say to those who fear God, " Come, and 1 will tell you what he hath done for my soul :" but we should be wise and prudent in these things. When our Lord was in the Mount with his disciples, he charged them, when they came down, to " tell no man." It might have excited envy in the rest of the disciples, and pride in them. The apostle Paul had astonishing visions : but not CHAP. Ill FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 109 a word did he speak, till fourteen years after, when the Corin- thians undervalued him, and obliged him to speak of them : He says much to prove that he did it, even then, with reluc- tance. We should therefore be cautious, when we think that God has dealt with us in an extraordinary manner, how we speak. "Elizabeth hid herself five months;" i. e. retired, which was a token of humility; yet the favour she had re' ceived was sufficiently known, in proper time, to the glory of God. Present impressions of divine love are certainly hum- bling. But the direct tendency of gracious consolations in themselves is one thing ; what evils they may afterwards occa- sion in the heart, is another. The apostle's exaltation to the third heavens could surely have no tendency to make him proud ; but rather to make him walk in greater self abasement. Yet he needed a tiiorn in the flesh. Pride is so subtle, that it can gather strength even from those gracious manifestations which seem directly calculated to mortify it.' "Another remark made by Mr. Newton was :—« Satan is fertile in expedients ; and as often as our situations and circum- stances change, so often will he change his strata^rems and methods of assault. Thus the Christian has the art ''of war to learn over and over again ; and he will meet with cases in which all his former experiences will leave him much at a ■loss.' " Saturday. Among other subjects, Mr. C. spoke upon the obscurity of Heb. iv. He remarked— ' The apostle is labouring, throughout the whole Epistle to the Flebrews, to bring off the Jews from carnal to spiritual views. He here speaks of three sorts of Rest. One, which commenced on the finishing of the works of creation, called the sabbatical rest, verses 3, 4. Another, which was proposed to Israel in the wilderness, to be enjoyed in the Land of Ca- naan, verse 5. And a third, which, after both those rests, was to be enjoyed in the gospel state, and heavenly world, verses 6 to 11. By comparing what the Scripture savs of all these rests, It appears, that the rest which believers obtain here through faith, is the earnest of a future, glorious, and eternal rest in heaven.' " On another occasion Mr. C. said :— * When the multitudes followed our Lord, although he wished for retirement, and had gone purposely to seek it, yet upon their desire for instruction, he gave up his purpose and attend- ed to them. Let us reflect on the sweetness and condescension of such a conduct, in opposition to a sour, monastic, morose 10 110 MEMOIRS OF MRS. HAWKES. professor. We are all too fond of our own will. We want to be doing what we fancy to be great things. But the matter is, to do small things in a right spirit. Let us see every thing that passes as coming from God.' " Wednesday, Oct. 8. — " Went to West Bromwich to visit that aged Christian minister, the Reverend Mr. Jesse. "In the evening he spoke upon Isaiah xl. 31. 'But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength ; they shall mount up with wings as eagles ; they shall run and not be weary ; and they shall walk and not faint.' " Mr. .Tesse remarked, ' It is this gracious influence, which renews, in my old age, much of that Holy zeal and fervour, which directed my steps when I first walked with God in the days of my youth. In this sense, I may say, he maketh me young and lusty as eagles ; who in old age cast their feathers, and become bald like young ones ; and then new feathers grow, and cover them with plumage, as in their youth : then they spread their wings, and mount up on high; and are so strong in their sight, that they can fix their eyes on the full splendour of the sun. ' Thus sincere Christians, who once were bowed down with earthly desires and cares, oppressed with unbelief, and doubts, and fears, renew their strength and hope in God. in old age their souls are vigorous, and their affections mount upward to things above: ihey fix their believing eye on Christ, and con- template the glory of the Sun of Righteousness.' " Sunday Oct. 12. — " Mr. C. preached at West Bromwich, from John vi. 68. 'Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.' '"''Afternoon, from Ps. cxlix. 4. — 'Thou shalt beautify the meek with salvation.' " Wednesday Oct. 15. — "Returned to Birmingham. In the evening, Mr. C. preached at St. Mary's from Ps. Ixxxv. 6. ' Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee?' * A spiritual revival will be the object and prayer of every gracious man's heart, under a sense of a spiritual decay. ' A true Christian, under a sense of spiritual decay, will not be running to the creature for happiness. He knows that all his fresh springs are in God. "I will ])our water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground," isa. xliv. 3., and this water is conveyed through the golden pipes of the or- dinances, and frequently through afflictions and trials. ♦There is a continual propensity in us to turn away from CHAP. III. FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. Ill God. When there begins to be a revival, there will be a turn- ing to God. Then a man begins to find out idols he did not belbre observe; and sees what it is that secretly steals his heart and aficclions from God. ' People in general are apt fo affix gross ideas to idolatry. If a man goes to China, he is astonished at the horrid and ab- surd things that are the objects of their worship : he is not aware that his own idol is his cargo : — but when God speaks to the heart and conscience, he must be heard ; and he says to the merchant, to the miser, to the man of pleasure — and of business too, " you are turning from the fountain of living wa- ters, to broken cisterns, that can hold no water." < Another sign of a revival of religion in the heart, is, when like Abraham, we not only follow God ourselves but endea- vour to command ourh ousehold after us. When, like David, we are earnestly desirous to walk before them with a' perfect heart. For a man to talk of a revival because he has had some sudden impression, some extraordinary vision, — who yet does not evince it by his life and conversation, — is to prove himself deceived. < A true revival is a divine operation, and will produce a true fruit. There will be a heavenly taste, a hungering and thirst- ing afier righteousness. * The ground on which the Psalmist urges this revival is, to obtain the end of all spiritual life, true joy and peace. Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee 1 ' It is a matter of experience, that when idolatry, unbelief, or sin of any kind, enters the soul, we find our hearts sink, and sensible ohjects soon draw off the mind from God; spiritual objects become strange and irksome : we try to feed upon husks, as we formerly did upon the bread of life : but if Christ has designs of mercy, — if he seeks his lost sheep, — our cry will be, "Oh that it was with me as heretofore! oh that thou wouldst revive me again ;" The restless, comfortless state of a backslider may distinguish him from an apostate. ' If there is life in the soul, there will be a holy wrestling with (xod ; the language of such a heart will be, — '' I will not let thee go except thou bless me;" I dare not let thee go ; if I can do nothing but mourn, I will mourn till thou comfort me. Such a secret struggle, is a more noble sight before God and Angels, than all that has ever been celebrated among men. ' A Christian should learn the necessity of abounding in duty, as well as that he should desire holy comfort. Like Habak- kuk he should say, " I will stand upon my watch, and set me 112 MEMOIRS OF 3IRS. HAAVKES. upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when 1 am reproved." 'In dry seasons, we should pray for sjjiritual showers; and we should try to discover what keeps back those showers. If, like Achan, we have secreted the accursed thing, it must be searched out ; and we should say, " if I have not grace to pluck out a right eye. Lord, pluck it out for me." Satan will tell us there is no danger of perishing for want of rain ; that if we hold the truth, there is no danger of decay. But what will the form of godliness avail without the power 1 Let us therefore plead with God for reviving grace; and let us remem- ber that the ordinances we have had to-day, will not serve for to-morrow ; we must have fresh supplies of the living bread, or our souls will assuredly droop and wither. * VV^e should honour God in believing, that while we are praying for a revival, he will send it in all cases. O that we had faith to behold Christ standing with the keys of death and hell, ready not only to put a stop to the water floods of sin and wickedness, — but also to " revive the heart of the contrite ones." " That my people may rejoice in thee." * He that says re- ligion is a dull and gloomy thing, is a stranger to it : for it is a scheme of unbounded joy and happiness. There is a defect in all other joy, in that it has an end : but the Christian's joy shall be heightening to all eternity.' " I\lrs. Ilawkes records the texts of several other sermons preached at Birmingham by Mr. Cecil. His last sermon be- fore leaving that town, was preached on Wednesday, October 22, from Acts viii. 39, — " And he went on his way rejoicing;" — a discourse which excited much interest at the time, and which still lives in the memories of many who heard it. Passing over the remaining memorandums in Mrs. Hawkes's diary, we come at once to that with which she closes the year 1794. Holloway, Dec. 31, 1794. — "The Lord mercifully allows me to close this year in much peace. Were I to recount all the mercies and benefits I have received this year, or to enu- merate the sins and follies which 1 have committed against his great goodness, it would fill a volume. The Lord hath dealt bountifully with me; but I have dealt shamefully with him. Among the blackest of my transgressions is ingratitude for in- numerable mercies. Oh, how great is his goodness, and his mercies past finding out! 1 would desire, O Lord, to close this year with thee. I magnify thy past goodness, and I be- CHAP. III.—FROM A. D. 1790 TO 1796. 113 wail my past transgressions. I adore thy long-sufTerina arace and I abhor my vile ingratitude. Oh let this rolh'no- yea? bear away all my follies, and let them be blotted out of tliy remem- brance forever! 1 come now to seek a fresh application of ' the blood of sprinkling,' that no spot may remain upon my soul, but that I may stand accepted in thy sight, throucrh Jesus Christ my great Advocate. I have no other ''hope ; uov need 1 any other, this being sure and steadfast,—' the blood of Jesus e hrist cleanseth from all sin.' Therefore I can lie down this night in peace, even while deeply sensible of innumerable faults and transgressions. But speak it again, O Holy Spirit, to my heart. and conscience, ' The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth trom all sin.' Amen, Amen." Jan. 1, 1795 — "I have been occupied this mornincr in re- flections upon the new year. I look back on the past with pain, on account of my ingratitude; and can do little more than groan or weep, and repeat, ' God be merciful to me a sin- ner. When I review the years of my past life, I see every leaf not only blotted, but one whole stain. I should have no hope but for the sacrifice of my great High Priest, whose blood cleanseth from all sin. He alone, who ' came by water and by blood,' can atone for my daily infirmities. In this I have strong consolation ; and when faith is in lively exercise, thou