"As to the making of this a public matter, I am in the general most averse to such a step: I think it better to suffer patiently, and to commit my cause to God. But in some respects, there will be a peculiar advantage gained in the present case, which cannot be hoped for again. The Bishop has committed himself in a way that he will not do again. However, I give no definite opinion upon the matter, but leave you to the counsels of wiser men.

Pray remember me most affectionately to your dear Wife, and Father and Mother, with all of whom I sympathize on this painful occasion. However, this is among the 'all things that shall work together for your good.' Believe me most affectionately yours, "C. SIMEON."

Extract from a Narrative of Mr. Simeon's, entitled, 'An Account of what is now taking place in my Church;' referred to in the last letter to Mr. Thomason.

"Oct. 4, 1815.

Having long since committed to paper the circumstances that occurred about four years ago, I now think it wise and prudent to do the same in reference to what is now taking place; more especially, as none but God can foresee what shall be the issue of it.

"Not being in the habit of ever making such occurrences a topic of conversation, even with my most intimate friends, (because of its exciting painful feelings, which I would wish to avoid,) my people, in the event of my death, would be able to put exactly what construction they pleased on my conduct, and no one would be competent to contradict them. Indeed, it has ever been my custom, in controversies of

any kind, to keep duplicates of my letters and statements (as will be found amongst my books of letters in abundance,) in order to guard against misrepresentations of any kind; and that my executor should have in his possession the means of ascertaining the truth, in the event of any injurious reports concerning me. For though it is to me a small matter to be judged of man's judgment;' yet I owe it to the Church of God, and to Religion in general, not to suffer the cause of God to be evil spoken of through me, for want of this species of prudent caution. The character of St. Paul himself would have been greatly injured, and Christianity together with it, if his letters to the Churches of Corinth and Galatia had not been preserved, to confront the statements which were circulated by his opponents among the religious professors of that day. My statements I do not wish to be published, nor do I write them for that end; but only, that they may witness for me what spirit I am of, and be of use to counteract, if it should be necessary, any misrepresentations that may be made after my

decease."

The details of this painful history are then recorded at length, but need not now be further noticed; especially as the disorderly spirit,' which then prevailed, has long since disappeared, and Mr. Simeon had afterwards the joy of ministering to an united and affectionate flock. The conclusion, however, of Mr. Simeon's statement, and his review of the trial, are worthy of consideration.

"I cannot ascribe the whole of this disorderly spirit to the circumstance of their having been invested by me with a portion of authority, for the same spirit manifested itself, in a far greater degree, among Mr.

Robinson's people at Leicester, where no such Society had been formed. There, an hundred went off from his Church at once; and many who remained behind, were as thorns in his side for several years. The true state of the case is, that the corruption of human nature will sooner or later shew itself in every Church. There were those who said to Moses, 'You take too much upon you;' whilst the charge was in truth applicable only to themselves. There ever was, and ever will be, some Diotrephes, who loves to have the pre-eminence,' and who will find some occasion or other to manifest and diffuse his own evil dispositions. If even St. Paul found this to be the case, yea, and the loving John too,-who am I, that I should minister for thirty-three years, and not find it? This is only a fresh proof that human nature is the same in every country and in every age. I pray God to give them a better spirit, and to endue me, as He did Solomon, with wisdom, that I may go in and out before them with a wise and perfect heart."

The following Memorandum is appended, Nov. 1, 1816.

"The annexed letters will shew what reason I have to bless God that this separation has been made. I now minister, both in public and private, with as much delight as at any period of my life. I cease not, however, to pray for the deluded people who have left me."

CHAPTER XVIII.

LETTERS-TO REV. T. THOMASON ON THE ABUSE OF POWER-ANNOYANCE FROM A FELLOW OF HIS COLLEGE-FAVOUR IN THE UNI

VERSITY-CHAPLAINS

-ON

TO INDIA-KINDNESS OF BISHOP MANSEL

MEEKNESS AND FORBEARANCE-ON CONSULTING THE PREJUDICES OF OTHERS-REV. D. CORRIE'S MISSIONARY SERMONLETTER FROM MR. CORRIE ΤΟ MR. SIMEON-LETTER ΤΟ MR. THOMASON ON THE DEPARTURE OF MR. AND MRS. ROBINSON FOR INDIA-SOCIETY FOR EDUCATING PIOUS MEN FOR THE MINISTRY -ON ATTENTION TO COLLEGE DISCIPLINE AND STUDIES-MEMO

RANDUM RESPECTING HIS BROTHER'S PROPERTY-TO REV. T. THOMASON ON THE CHARACTER OF HENRY MARTYN-ON SYMPTOMS OF APPROACHING ILLNESS-THE IMPROVED STATE OF HIS PEOPLE.

1816.

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.

To Rev. T. THOMASON.

"K. C., March 8, 1816.

"My beloved Brother,

"I have just received yours and my dear Sister's of Sept. 1st: they have been almost seven months on their voyage. I regret that your prospects about your Church, and the Bible Society, are so clouded. I confess, I have always been of the opinion, originally suggested by you and our beloved Martyn, respecting Dr. Buchanan's plan of a visible Episcopal Government among you, Power is good, if used for the Lord; but there is great danger of its not being used for the truth. People in authority think they must do something: and to obstruct good men and good things, is more popular than to punish neglect,

or to censure lukewarmness. Our great comfort is, that God reigneth, and that He will ultimately be glorified in men, whether they will or not. He can not only work without them, but against them, or even by them against their own designs.

:

"I have at this moment sweet consolation from this thought. Such conduct is observed towards me at this very hour by one of the Fellows of the College, as, if practised by me, would set not the College only, but the whole town and University in a flame. But the peace and joy which I experience, from lying as clay in the potter's hands, are more than I can express. I forbear to state particulars, because I must fill two sheets with them before you could properly enter into them but I know that, whether men give or take away, it is not man, but the Lord; and that He doeth all things well,' and that if we only wait to the end, we shall see infallible wisdom and unbounded goodness in His darkest dispensations. The example of our blessed Lord, who, as a lamb before its shearers,' was dumb, and without either threatening or complaint, 'committed himself to Him that judgeth righteously,' appears to me most lovely; and I have unspeakable delight in striving (and hitherto with some success) to tread in His steps. God has long taught you this lesson, and I am endeavouring to learn it day by day. A little of the Soxμn will be an ample compensation for a good deal of θλιψές.

"The case, however, that I refer to, is insulated; the respect and kindness shewn me in the whole University far exceeds anything I ever experienced in former times. The numbers that attend my Church are greatly increased; and I do hope that the work of God is prospering amongst us.