people that I was oppressed in spirit; and this, under the divine blessing, disarmed them of their prejudices, created their sympathy, and constrained them to pray for me; and their prayer seemed to return into their own bosoms, for they not only came to me and expressed kindness and good wishes, but they seemed to have sat under the shadow of the tree of life, and found its fruit sweet to their taste. Oh, how wonderful that the feeble efforts of an instrument so weak and insignificant should be effectual, in the hand of the Most High, of good to souls; but I recollect where it is said, We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Cor. iv. 7. Still I have often looked back with feelings of anxiety and regret, and feared lest I did wrong. I have not only felt, but mourned the want of those advantages which I might have had, if I had resolutely persevered in my first intention of going to some academical institution before I commenced preaching; for it will be seen that this first sermon led to the abandonment of the plan of going to college, and became the step to all that series of services which followed, and to that chain of connexions into which I have been insensibly conducted. On the other hand, when I call to mind the goodness and mercy which have accompanied me in my progress, how much acceptance and success have attended my ministerial labours, I am overwhelmed with surprise, and hope I feel both humility and gratitude."

Upon his return home our young friend visited Mr. Beck, and told him of the invitation he had received to Kingston, which the latter advised him to accept. When he pleaded his deficiency in theological knowledge, Mr. B. recommended to him the study of the Scriptures, the use of the Concordance and other works, giving him the Thesaurus Biblicus of Bernard. Some days afterwards a letter was received from Mr. Whitwer, renewing with earnestness the invitation. With reluctance it was accepted, Mr. Townsend candidly saying, he had so little knowledge and experience in divine things, that he could not enter the vineyard without that course of study, which would enable him to become an acceptable and useful labourer.

Preparation for the services at Kingston was now requisite, and the sermon preached at Mitcham was divided into two, and re-written. On his arrival at the former place, his juvenile appearance struck the manager with surprise, who expressed apprehension that the importance of pulpit duties had not been sufficiently considered. To this, Mr. Townsend replied, that he had yielded very re luctantly to Mr. Whitwer's solicitations. After the services of the day were concluded, many thanks were offered, with an expression of general approbation, and a request that the visit might be renewed. This was promised, and he preached a second Sabbath at Kingston.

Arrangements were now made, with the consent of the managers of the Tabernacle, for his preaching at various places in the vicinity of

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London. At this period much caution and diligence was used in preparing the skeletons of his sermons, and he was gradually being trained for more permanent situations. Shortly after, he was sent for six weeks to Lewes; where the public services were twice on the Sabbath, once in the week, and occasionally in the surrounding villages. The members of the family in which he resided were excellent and amiable, and he met with universal cordiality and kindness. An accident discovered to him some boxes filled with works of the Puritans; these gratified his taste for divinity, and supplied him with materials for future years. Here he became acquainted with Mr. Cecil, with whose preaching he was much delighted: Mr. C.'s sermons were expository, and his critical remarks important, as he was going through the historical parts of the Old Testament.

The congregation becoming much attached to their young supply, application was made to the managers of the Tabernacle for his longer continuance. To this they assented, but, shortly afterwards, Mr. Townsend was seized with a serious illness, on which the physician recommended him to resign preaching entirely. This he declined, and, with the aid of medicine, and the kind nursing of his hostess, soon recovered.

At this period, he obtained Claude's Essay, and De Laune's Plea for the Nonconformists; these authors appear to have decided him in favour of dissenting principles, as he writes thus in his journal. "When I had read these works, I saw the propriety and justice of the principles

and practices, both of ancient and modern Nonconformists, and became settled in my determination to cast in my lot among them. I was much interested in Robinson's attack on the errors of Laud, &c.; and the persecuting spirit of the high church party in the time of Charles II. made me more anxious to become acquainted with the writings of those excellent men, the sternness of whose honesty, and the value and importance of whose principles, had induced them to forego all connexion with a church whose honours and emoluments were as open to them as to others."

A country life was new to him, and its simplicity and quiet appear to have suited his taste. One of his most pleasing excursions was to Heathfield, where resided a man eminent for religion and usefulness. This was Mr. Gilbert, who, after having served his country under Prince Ferdinand, and the Marquis of Granby, retired to a country village, and devoted himself to the service of the King of Kings. His resources were slender, but his energies were mighty; the former were assisted by a society in London. The reading of the Scriptures to a few individuals was the commencement of his labours; then succeeded the reading of sermons, and, finally, an entrance into the ministry. This excellent man died in 1826, after having been the instrument of introducing the Gospel into nearly sixty villages, in many of which chapels have been erected, and stated pastors settled. How faithful is that God, who has promised to bless even the feeblest efforts in his cause!

After a happy residence at Lewes, of eight months, Mr. Townsend was summoned to London. The feeling of regret, at parting, was mutual between minister and people. His kind host presented him with many of the books which he had read with unceasing pleasure. Of this worthy man and his amiable wife, Mr. T. ever retained an affectionate recollection. Recording his return to his paternal roof at this time, he writes" It is impossible for me to express the delightful feelings which occupied my bosom as I approached the humble dwelling in which I was born, and where still resided the dearest objects of my natural affection."

Here Mr. Townsend pauses to make the following reflections." I cannot review this first year of my ministerial career without stopping to acknowledge the great goodness of God, and giving Him the praise of all. I went out from my father's house, from my acquaintance and friends, without knowing whither I went, and, at the same time, worse furnished for the duties I had to perform, and the difficulties and dangers which I had to encounter, than, perhaps, any young man who ever entered into the christian ministry. But He who numbers the hairs of our heads, and suffers not a sparrow to fall to the ground without his notice, gave me his gracious assistance, preserved me from the evils into which the carelessness of youth, and the inexperience consequent upon it, have hurried many a promising young minister; and gave me an unexpected, and I may add, undeserved acceptance in the eyes of the

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