Soon after the reception of this letter, I called at his office with the venerable Dr. Gano. After some conversation he offered to give me my board, and the Doctor my lodgings. I was to enter the Grammar school connected with Brown University. The object of my friends was, if I proved tractable, to furnish me with a collegiate education.

Thus the door was opened for me in Providence to become a scholar. I gave encouragement that in the spring I would return and accept the generous offer I had received. But the revival continued at Preston; the people remonstrated against my leaving them; and after mature deliberation, in February I wrote Mr. Eddy a grateful acknowledgment of his kindness, but declined his proffered assistance.

It did not occur to me that I could go when the revival had subsided, and I therefore subjected myself to the sorrow of which he had faithfully forewarned me, and which never ceased to exist in my bosom."

Some of Mr. D.'s religious exercises, from the time he received the communication from the Hon. Judge Eddy until his ordination to the Gospel ministry, are here inserted.

"January 1st, 1816. This is the beginning of a new year. May I commence it with the Lord and be more faithful in his blessed cause than I have been during the year which has now closed forever. How many have the " gone of all the earth" since the commence"way ment of the last year; among whom many of my friends are included. Who knows but that at the close of this year I may be numbered among the dead. If I am called to leave this world may I give up my account with

joy and not with grief. If I live, may I live to the glory of God, and be abundantly useful in Zion.

17th. Spent the day at home. For the most part of the time was exceedingly depressed. The people are unwilling to have me obtain an education, but a fair opportunity now presents without expense to myself, which, in my situation, is very tempting. Lord what shall I do? Make the path of duty plain and enable me with joy to walk therein.

"When shall I be delivered

From this vain world of sin,
And with my blessed Jesus
Drink endless pleasure in,"

This world is a world of sin, and consequently a world of sorrow, mourning, distress, and death. In the evening Brother Richards and myself retired to pray, and although we had not that liberty as at some previous times, still we enjoyed it. It was not altogether a fruitless season.

18th. With a heavy heart and sorrowful mind I left home this morning for Providence to visit Mr. Eddy, who so generously offered me assistance in obtaining an education. The people are much opposed to my leaving them. O may the Lord give me direction and strength to perform that which he shall make known to be his will.

February 3d. Elder S. called and advised with me on the foregoing subject, and asked me with whom I should leave these few sheep and lambs.

4th. This morning much dispirited. The time has come when I must answer the earnest solicitations of

the people, many of whom were present, and I addressed a deeply affected audience from Exodus iii. 14. “Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you." Had some freedom in the application. My conclusion was to continue with them another year, and O may God keep us in the love of the truth as it is in Jesus."

If these pages should pass under the eye of any young man who has the Gospel ministry in contemplation, and who has not enjoyed the advantages of mental culture, let him not hesitate to form a purpose to enjoy them, nor be dissuaded from that purpose when formed. Such is the advice of him, who, though dead, yet speaketh to every such young man.

"29th. Felt some concerned about the Church. May the Lord keep his chosen as under the shadow of his wings. O that my God would grant me grace to know and do his will. I desire to keep my garments unspotted from the world.

March 5th. Read the history of the Jews by Josephus, and as far as he agreed with the Bible, I agreed with him. Had some sense of the importance of living religion and making it a daily business. May I maintain constant godliness in the world, and when I cease to be useful, may I cease to live.

21st. In the afternoon the brethren held a meeting concerning myself, and made mention of my being ordained, which brings a trial upon my mind. O for wisdom from on high that I may go in and out before this people in the fear, name, and strength of God.

22d. Solemn in my mind and desirous of being more like the Saviour. My God, keep me in thy fear and

never suffer me to depart from the simplicity of the truth.

27th. Was informed this morning of the death of my uncle. May I improve this instance of mortality to my spiritual advantage, and while death is making inroads among us, as a family, may we learn righteousness, that at length, the day of our death may be better than the day of our birth; and we leave a name better than precious ointment.

April 1st. In the evening there was a heavy thunder shower, during which my mind was calm and serene. How good it is to have a God on whom we may depend at all times; even

"The God who rules on high,

And thunders when he please,

Who rides upon the stormy sky

And manages the Seas.

This awful God is ours,

Our Saviour and our love;

He will send down his heavenly powers,

To carry us above."

God grant that I may be prepared for a sudden exit. 13th. I passed a number of burying places to-day, and, thought I, these are congregations that are never diminished.

29th. A gloom came over my mind this evening which is better felt than expressed. Perhaps (thought I) I am not a Christian, and as it is not every one that says 'Lord, Lord,' that is to enter the kingdom of heaven, I may not find admittance there. What a solemn and heart-rending idea. My God, if I am de

ceived, rend the veil of deception from my heart and let me see myself in the true light of thy word.

May 5th. In the afternoon I preached from James iii. 3, 4, 5. "Should we put bits in the horses' mouths," &c., from which I discoursed largely on the use of the tongue, and declaimed against swearing, lying, whispering, back-biting, evil-speaking, jesting, and vaintalking. Also upon the proper use of the tongue, such as exalting the perfections of God, praising Christ, having the conversation as becomes the Gospel of Christ, with all meekness and godly simplicity; for when our conversation is seasoned with grace, it will administer edification to the hearers.

13th. Returned home in the morning with a heavy heart, being exceedingly tried with regard to my ordi nation. At the close of the week it will be determined whether I receive it this season.

14th. Fasted and prayed to-day, seeking divine direction concerning my taking the charge of a Church of Jesus Christ, which he has purchased with his own blood. O Lord, grant me light, and suffer me not to rush heedlessly onward. Grant me thy grace to illuminate and strengthen me.

18th. Covenant meeting, in which the Church continued to give me a call to receive the imposition of hands and take the charge of them accordingly. I gave them an answer in the affirmative, but it was painful to me. How young and inexperienced I am! How incapable of such a task and to fulfil a mission so great and important! My God, give me strength to trust alone in thee.

19th. My mind was fruitful in describing the great