"I see no utility in going into the union, if the whole of our denomination hold back; and it has even been intimated, that if the question be carried, a public protest would be not only made, but published. Surely then, strife, division, and heart-burnings, will be the result of perseverance. Would it not be best to prevent all these, by abandoning the object, and proposing an adjournment? "Yours, most sincerely,

"JOHN TOWNSEND."

On the 10th of February, the general meeting was held, when the Rev. Mr. Taylor introduced the business of the day, by proposing that a society should be formed for the relief of Aged and Infirm Ministers, who had imperative claims upon them, and upon the whole circle of Christians. It was his opinion, that funds might be raised upon the basis of an union, which would include the three denominations, as the claims of humanity were not connected with a difference in religious sentiments.

On the resolution having been read by the secretary, Mr. Townsend offered himself to the notice of the chair, and proposed an immediate adjournment; but it was impossible to prevent discussion, and orthodoxy and heterodoxy, heresy and schism, were terms frequently introduced. After a debate of some length, Mr. Taylor withdrew his motion, and the question was disposed of for that time.

In the June following, this society was formed on the plan of union-Mr. Taylor advancing the 10007. from Mr. Coward's trustees, and Mr. Townsend the 500l., which had been left to his optional disposal amongst poor ministers.

The year 1819 was stamped with the same characteristic features as the preceding. Much

exertion-much suffering. Every duty, whether that of a philanthropist or pastor, was fulfilled with the energy of health, rather than the languor of disease. A quotation from Mr. T.'s journal will best verify this assertion.

Feb. 14.-" Yesterday was a day of trial, as I feared a suspension of my usual labours. In the morning, passed a short time with my friend Mrs. C., one of those members of my church in whom I find much pleasure. In health, she exhibited the temper and conversation of a Christian; and in affliction, she discovered the submission and calmness of one who believed that all things work together for good to those who love God. Attended the Missionary Society at eleven-the Bible Society at twelve-Missionary Society again at four-went to see the wife of Captain, who was ill, and returned to meet the Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Bible Society."

In the March of this year, Mr. Townsend's spirits were much depressed by the loss of his long-esteemed friend, Mr. Hardcastle-a man, who, eminently dear to Christians in general, was tenderly beloved by all who were favoured with his friendship. For many years the tie of pastor had been productive of spiritual communion between these kindred minds, who were not dissimilar in the leading features of their character. Mr. T.'s impressions, on visiting Hatcham House after the decease of this excellent man, are given in the following passage." The tears started to my eyes-a gloom seized my spirits-the treesthe favourite dog-the closed windows-all seemed

to say, He is gone-yes, he is gone! The darkness-the silence that reigned in every room, completed the melancholy tale. The sadness and tears of the servants, silently, but eloquently, proclaimed the worth and excellency of the master they had lost. Mr. H. died, as he had lived, tranquil and devout. We shall meet no more till I see him in the world of light and happiness above."

Mr. Townsend's chapel having undergone extensive repairs and alterations in this year, he felt some anxiety that the debt should be liquidated before his death. The congregation acted liberally, but he collected from his private friends 4501. to complete this object. On this occasion, he thus writes." How pleased am I that my successor will come into the connexion under auspicious circumstances. Oh! that a large portion of the Holy Spirit may rest upon him, and may he see the seed which I have sown, spring up, and bear much fruit. May peace and union reign through the church and congregation, exhibiting the effect of those truths which I have taught them from the pages of inspiration.

CHAPTER IX.

Severe Illness.-Domestic Trials.

JANUARY 1, 1820. "I have this day entered upon a new year, and when I reflect upon all the way which the Lord my God has led me these more than forty years in the wilderness, with what humility and self-abasement should I confess my numerous failures in duty, my backslidings, and multiplied imperfections. Yet, while. mourning over my sins, what reason is furnished for thankfulness and gratitude to God, for His abundant goodness. The streams of mercy have flowed towards me, in a broader and deeper channel than during any preceding year of my life."

Such was the record in the commencement of 1820, from which date Mr. Townsend appears to have kept a more regular journal. While engaged in selecting from this most interesting source, his biographer has been astonished at the piety, humility, ardour, and perseverance that enabled the subject of this memoir, to triumph over a disease threatening him with immediate death. Sleepless by night, indefatigable by day, what

powers are equal to the sketching, even of the features of a portrait, that must, if sketched faithfully, appear exaggerated; the moral and Christian portrait cannot be filled up. To his course, the words of the inspired writer are applicable. The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Mr. Townsend commenced the year with much indisposition: the cold sensibly affected his health, and, when attending early committees, he would make several efforts to leave home before he could accomplish it; but, neither failing health, nor that which operated on it so unfavourably, the inclemency of the weather, could prevent him from engaging in societies, whose object was to promote the glory of God and the good of man,

"These

On one occasion, he thus writes: delightful occupations, in which I have been for so many years engaged, will soon cease; my study has attractions so powerful, that I should spend my time there, did not a sense of duty render my personal attendance necessary, where I must assist in the extension of the Gospel, the dispersion of the Bible, and the education of children. How gladly would I renounce my connexion with the committees, and devote my days to study; but, the words of our Lord are imperative, This ought ye to have done, and not to have left the other undone. Lord Jesus, give me grace and wisdom to serve Thee more fully; may I aim at nothing but Thy glory, and the salvation of my fellow men. Time becomes every day more precious; two must be made out of one, and, to secure hours for more

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