thought long to gaze upon the promised charms of the unfolded flower; happy strangers of the melancholy and mysterious fact, that so soon as it had opened it must be suddenly cut down and die! But such and so frail is man-" In the morning they are like grass that groweth up, in the evening it is cut down and withereth.”—Psalm xc. 5, 6. Such and so uncertain is human life—“ It is even as a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."-James iv. 14.

CHAPTER II.

Letters written from Home-His Return to Harwich-Resumes his Studies-Interesting Correspondence-Papers submitted by Spencer to the Committee of Hoxton Academy.

At this interesting period of Mr. Spencer's life, it will be perhaps gratifying to the reader to pause, and gain a more familiar acquaintance with him than can be supplied by a narration of events and circumstances in his history, by perusing some extracts from his correspondence and other papers, which will throw much light upon the formation of his character, and afford a pleasing specimen of his early genius.

I have now before me a packet of letters addressed to his friend Mr. Heward, dated at various periods, from October, 1805, to December, 1806.Though at the commencement of this correspondence he had not attained his fifteenth year, these letters breathe a spirit of the purest piety, and often express sentiments by which age would not be dishonored, in a style remarkably correct and vig

orous.

But the reader shall participate with me in the pleasure which the perusal of this interesting

correspondence—this simple and unaffected utterance of early piety and friendship, has afforded me.

HERTFORD, November 12, 1805.

I join with you in saying, 'how wonderful are God's ways.' We indeed little thought that Mr. H. was the person under whom I should be instructed, when we were at Hoxton, hearing him preach, or I, when I breakfasted with him; at the same time, I cannot forbear adoring that favor which is shown to me from God; ME who am utterly unworthy of the least of all God's mercies. Goodness and mercy have hitherto followed me, and, I doubt not, will through life. May that goodness which was so gloriously displayed in the salvation of sinners, and that mercy which has snatched so many brands from the burning, be our consolation all through life-our joy in deathand the burden of our song to all eternity."

The following observations are worthy of a much older pen, and display a judgment and discretion, rather unusual in a lad, not yet fifteen years of age.

"You informed me in your last, that your desires for the work of the ministry had not at all abated. I sincerely wish that they may be fulfilled, and that you and I may be fellowlaborers in the Lord's vineyard. God certainly can do this for us; let us pray that he may. You still appear dubious of your own ability for that important work. I would have you consider, that God works by whom he will work. He has many ministers in his church, real sent ministers, who have not those great gifts that distinguish many of his servants; and not only so, but these men have often been the means of doing more good than those of great talents-and what is the reason of this? Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight—is all that we must say. And you, my worthy friend, should also remember, that as yet, you cannot form any idea of your own

abilities. As I have often told you, when I lived with you, I doubt not your abilities, when improved by application to study, &c. will be as fit for that employ, (if the will of God) as any other. God, you know, in every thing acts as a sovereign: 'I will work, and who shall let it,' is his language—will work by the feeblest means, and the weakest instruments. I hope you will still be kept low in your own eyes, for, that, I am sure, is one quality, or rather property, of a gospel minister. At our best estate we are altogether vanity, and less than nothing. May the Lord keep us all truly humble. Luther used to say, there were three things made a minister-affliction, meditation, and prayer; that is, sanctified affliction, scriptural meditation, and earnest prayer; in which last particular I hope you are perpetually engaged. Pray, my dear friend, for direction of God-pray for grace, which is of more value, by far, than great gifts, and say in the language of resignation, hope, and faithHere am I, Lord, send me to labor in thy vineyard.' You have appealed to me in saying, 'You well know I shall never rely on my own strength for success and usefulness'—I know you will not, (at least whilst in your present mind) and I pray that God would keep you still so determined. Let us then pray, that we may both of us be able, useful, and humble ministers of the New Testament.

I am glad to find, that you generally hear thrce times a day. Young men who wish to be ministers, cannot hear too much of the gospel, provided they are anxious to improve on what they do hear

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO THE SAME.

HERTFORD, November 18, 1805.

"MY DEAREST FRIEND:-I expected to have heard from you before now, but as I have not, it becomes me to bear the disappointment with fortitude and resolution, hoping that it will not be long before I have a few lines from you. On Saturday last, I heard that that good and worthy man, Mr. Winwood, was dead.

It will, I doubt not, be a great stroke to the family; but I am well assured, that to him death was eternal gain. Truly, the righteous hath hope in his death. May you and I both be found at the last day on the right hand of the Judge with our respected master! While he is tuning his harp to the praises of a precious Jesus, we have to combat with many enemies; we have many trials to pass under

Before we reach the heavenly fields

Or walk the golden streets!

We shall, I am persuaded, feel our own depravity in many instances here below, ere we join with him in everlasting songs above; but if we are enlisted under the banners-the bloodstained banners of the cross, we shall certainly arrive there. Let us then seek, earnestly seek, after the one thing needful; and whilst earthly objects vanish and decay in our estimation; nay, whilst the world dies daily in our view, and its perishing things appear in their proper light-may we feel our hearts panting after the wells of salvation-our souls, with all their faculties, engaged in the noblest of all undertakings—our feet running in the good ways of God—our tongues making mention of his righteousness, and of his only-in short, may we be crucified to the world-risen with Christ--and transformed into his divine image and likeness. This, I trust, I can say is my desire, and I know it is the earnest wish of my dear friend. "I am sensible that your attachment to me is as unshaken as ever. I hope you pray that both of us may be made ministers of the gospel; and in some future day, have our wishes respecting that completely fulfilled. I am very desirous that you may be shortly placed in a situation in which you will have more leisure for reading, writing, studying, &c. O that you were going with me to Harwich. Still continue to pray for one who feels his own unworthiness for the service of his God, and yet wishes to be an instrument of doing great good to souls and if I should not be very successful in my minis