And

natured man, yet I think it is more than probable, this might create some uneasiness between us. if there were any likelihood that we should not perfectly agree, I must act upon the same maxim that determined me with relation to the Pershore affair: "Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full, and trouble therewith."

The Kibworth people urge another objection; which, though I love them tenderly, I cannot lay a great deal of stress upon; which is, that the meeting will be in danger of being broken to pieces. But having seriously considered the affair, I do not see that this is likely to happen unless it be their own fault.

Perhaps, sir, you may think, as I confess I am ready to believe you will, that the two former reasons are sufficient to determine for my continuance at Kibworth; and, if that be the case, I desire you would answer me by the next post. But, if it be your opinion, that there is room for any further deliberation, then I beg that you would do me the favour to make a journey to London upon this occasion, and give Mr. Massey a visit. You will then please to inquire a little further into the character of the people; particularly whether they be candid and good natured, and ready to excuse the defects of a public service, where they may charitably hope that it is honestly designed; and especially, whether there be a spirit of serious religion pretty generally prevailing among them; without which, I am fully persuaded, a minister can never be happy, and which, I bless

God, I do plainly perceive among my friends at Kibworth. I desire you would inquire a little more particularly into the affair, so far as it relates to Mr. Francis, and would consult Mr. Massey's opinion about it. If it would not be too much trouble, I should be very glad if you would talk a little also with Mr. David Jennings upon these heads. I think he was Mr. Foxon's assistant for some years, and so must be well acquainted with the temper and character of the people. And as he is not a stranger to me, he will partly perceive how far we are suited to one another. On the whole, sir, I most earnestly beg, that you would recommend the affair to God, that it may issue well, and that you would give me your advice about it with as much freedom as if I were your own son, and you may depend upon it, that it will be received with the utmost observance by,

I RECEIVED the other day a letter from Mr. Massey to inform me that several of the people of Mr. Foxon's church had some thoughts of inviting you

to be their pastor, and that he had written a letter to you about it, and he also desired me to enforce their request. It is a great satisfaction for me to see that God has rendered you so acceptable, that you have already such opportunities of choosing where you will be serviceable. The resolution you have taken with relation to Pershore I cannot but approve of, as being fully sensible what a danger there might be of considerable difficulties from a people so narrow and rigid. How far the same objection may lie against the other proposal I cannot tell. You know I suppose the people are congregational, but Mr. Foxon was himself a moderate man, and I therefore hope has communicated in some measure the same disposition to his church. Your education under Mr. Jennings will also the better direct you how to manage with a people upon the congregational footing.

I do not understand by Mr. Massey's letter whether they intend to continue the assistant, Mr. Francis, or that you should undertake the whole work. I have hitherto thought it most for your advantage to continue awhile in the country for the reasons you have heard me mention; but, if this church should unite in a call upon you, I do not see that you can have reasons sufficient to induce you to withstand it. There can be no prospect of your continuing long where you are, especially if you think of a family settlement, which I perceive is no very distant idea; and should you remove to some other congregation in the country, and afterwards have a call to London, it will then be more difficult to comply with it, and

more invidious than at present. I know your youth is a considerable objection against your acceptance of such a post, and in London especially at this time of day; but, that God who calls you out to eminent service in his church will, I hope, fit and strengthen you for it; if with an humble sense of your own insufficiency you cast yourself on him, and are so much the more diligent in the use of every means of improvement. There are indeed, in London, many avocations and hinderances to study, which to a young man especially are very prejudicial; but against these must be opposed so much the greater resolution and application; and as there are greater sources of improvement than elsewhere, a wise use of these may

be a balance to the inconveniences.

You see by what I have written which way my thoughts turn. I confess I have a bias upon me, from the desire I have that you may be more within my reach, and the pleasure I should take in seeing your success and usefulness; but you must consult your own thoughts and inclinations, only let not the pretty casuist have too much influence on your resolutions one way or other. Above all, I recommend you in this matter to the Divine direction.

I write in a hurry, because I would willingly send this by to-night's post. My spouse gives her service to you. I cannot now stay to answer the many compliments with which you favour us both, and can only wish you, whenever you marry, as happy as I am. I do not know whether in my last I did not give you

a false account of Mr. Nisbet's and Mr. Brown's death. They are both living: but I must conclude with services to the unknown family where you reside.

I am, dear Sir,

Your affectionate Friend and Servant,

For the Rev. Mr. Doddridge, at Mr. Freeman's, at Burton Overy, near Kibworth, Leicestershire, by the Harborough bag.

TO MR. MASSEY.

S. CLARK.

SIR,

December 7, 1728.

YOUR obliging letter of the twenty-seventh of November is now before me. I hope you will believe that I sincerely share in that general sorrow which is occasioned by the death of your late excellent pastor. Though I was not so happy as to be particularly acquainted with him, I am no stranger to his charater, which is sufficiently known, and most affectionately respected by many in this part of the country.

I need not tell you that I was extremely surprised to hear that I should be mentioned in any of your meetings concerning the choice of a successor; and still more, that a considerable number of your brethren