in the way to achieve it. She hears me with a great deal of patience, and frankly acknowledges that I have a very moving way of pleading my cause; a few evenings ago, after I had been running through a train of rapturous impertinence, she told me, with a blush and a smile, which gave a new grace to her beauty, that she did not know, but that it might be best for us both, that she should spend the winter in London.

I need not tell you, that I have not the least thought of marrying while I stay at Kibworth. But since such a prize is put into my hands, how can I answer it to my own conscience, if I should neglect the opportunity?

You will certainly fancy that I am talking in my sleep; but, if it be so, really my whole life is a dream. I do not know, but that one of these days I may send you a whole folio upon the subject, in which I shall endeavour to demonstrate by incontestable arguments that I am gifted with an abundance of discretion. I question not but that I shall ultimately receive your approbation; for which, I assure you, I am very solicitous. All, however, that I can hope for at present is, that you will suspend your censure, and believe that I always act upon these two favourite maxims, that study is to be the business of a minister's life, and love only the amusement of a few idle moments; and that the most agreeable woman in the world would lose both her beauty and her good nature, if she had nothing to subsist upon but compliments and kisses; or, if you will pardon

me a little pedantry, that (sine Cerere et Baccho friget Venus.) In short, Mrs. Nettleton's wholesome instructions were not thrown away, and (in angusta domo) is my mortal aversion.

My hearty service to all friends, particularly Mrs. Nettleton and my sister. Miss Kitty and I are often talking of her, and we both long to know how she does. I expect a letter from you both in a very few days, and pray do not write in a hurry.

I PRESUME you are no stranger to the great breach which the Providence of God has made in our Church, by the death of our late pastor, the worthy Mr. Foxon. We, however, hope that God will go on to build up that Church which he has planted: and we have had some meetings about a successor, when mention having been made of you, and of that devotional spirit which the Grace of God has given you, I was desired, by a very considerable Number of our Brethren, to send you this, desiring you would

• Sine Cerere et libero friget vinus, Ter. Eun. 4, 5, 6. i. e. sine cibo et vino friget amor.

be pleased to come to town on so important an occasion.

You will easily be convinced how urgent and weighty this affair is; and I entreat you not to give way to any thing that may make against your doing service to the work and interest of Christ, which I am well satisfied you have so much at heart. Be prevailed with, dear sir, to favour us with a sermon or two on this occasion. You will find a most cordial reception, and oblige many friends, particularly,

Sir,

Your hearty Friend and Servant,

ANTHONY MASSEY.

P. S. You will be so kind as to favour me with a line, as soon as your affairs will give leave.

TO MR. CLARK.

REVEREND SIR,

Burton, Dec. 2, 1723.

I QUESTION not but you will be very much surprised to hear that I have just received a letter from Mr. Anthony Massey, a gentleman to whom I am entirely a stranger, in which he tells me, that since Mr. Foxon's death, the members of his church have had some meetings about the choice of a successor, and that mention having been made of me, he was de

sired, by a considerable number of his brethren, to write to me about it. He urges the importance of the affair, and entreats that I would not give way to any thing that may hinder my doing service to the church and interest of Christ. He concludes by saying, "be prevailed upon to give us a sermon or two upon the occasion, and you will meet with a most cordial reception, and oblige many of your friends, particularly your sincere friend, &c." I have transcribed the words of the letter, because I consider them of some importance.

It is certain that I can determine nothing in this affair until I have heard from you; whom, without a compliment, I look upon as, under God, my wisest and kindest friend. Here, therefore, as in the case of Coventry, I shall open my thoughts with the utmost freedom, and heartily submit them to your examination and judgment.

You know human nature so well as to believe that I could not but be pleased at the reception of this letter; and therefore I will not affect to dissemble it. But really, sir, if I had not such a friend to consult, for whose judgment I have the greatest deference, I should be entirely at a loss how to act in this important affair.

It is indeed easy to see on which side the secular advantages lie, and we are too ready to be dazzled with them. But, as I think these were not the views with which I at first designed myself for the ministry, so I would by no means be determined by them; but

would rather inquire, in such a case as this, what may be most for the honour of God and his church, if that be at all concerned in it. It is upon this last head that I would beg your opinion, for, in my present apprehension, I am in a great deal of uncertainty.

I am now with a plain, honest, serious, goodnatured people. I heartily love them myself, and I meet with genuine expressions of an undissembled affection on their side. I would hope that God is among us, and I desire to mention it with a great deal of thankfulness, that I already see some encouraging effects of my poor attempts to serve them. I do not go very much abroad, and when I am at home, I can conveniently spend twelve hours a day in my study. I have now many good books of my own, and my friends, that are still better furnished, are very ready to oblige me with the use of theirs. As to the salary, though it does not certainly amount to forty pounds a year, it is a tolerable subsistence for a single man; and I believe I shall never marry while I stay here. I am also upon very good terms with the neighbouring ministers; and, though I am considerably younger than most of them, yet such is their condescension, that every one treats me like a brother or a son. There is another circumstance, which, perhaps, I am ready to lay too much stress upon. I have a charming Friend who sweetens my retirement, whose conversation is improving as well as entertaining, and who employs all her influence to engage me to