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mon energy. My subject was "I will be your God," &c., and I had some freedom, but little solemnity. The congregation is decreased since the Doctor's death; as they can find none to supply his place fully. And some of the people have left the society, pretending that Mr. Gilbert does not preach the doctrines of grace. But I hope it is but a pretence; for I heard him P. M. preach an ingenious experimental discourse on "Look unto me and be ye saved," &c. He also administered the sacrament and spoke very judiciously and pertinently on the occasion. And I was not a little pleased to find him a weeping petitioner to heaven in prayer. Drunk tea with Mrs. Doddridge, for whom I found a greater friendship than I could decently express. A great number of the people jointly requested me to give them a sermon in the evening; with which I complied, and preached on Isaiah lxvi. 2, with considerable freedom. Many gave me the warmest expression of their satisfaction, and seemed quite revived. Spent the evening after sermon in conversation with Mr. Gilbert (who is naturally grave and reserved) and his assistant, Mr. Warburton.

Monday, August 12.-Went in company with Mr. Warburton and Mr. Wilkinson to make private applications among the people, and received about £16, of which Mrs. Doddridge procured me three guineas. Dined with her, and found her conversation animated with good sense and piety. She remembered me as a correspondent of the dear deceased (as she calls the Doctor), and treated me with uncommon friendship. I was surprised that she could talk of him with so much composure, notwithstanding her flowing affections. She told me she never had a more comfortable season, than when returning from Lisbon, on the boisterous ocean, after the Doctor's death.

Tuesday, August 13.-Finished my application in which I was much obliged to Mr. Warburton for his company. Spent an hour with dear Mrs. Doddridge, and at her requst, parted with prayer, in which I found my heart much enlarged. She made a remark that has often occurred to me since," that she rejoiced that the dear deceased was called to the tribunal of his Master with a heart full of such generous schemes for the good of mankind, which he had zeal to project, though not life to execute." May this be my happy case! There are such charms in a public spirit, that I cannot but wish I could imbibe more of it. And in this view, I rejoice in the fatigues and anxieties of my present mission: though I am quite unmanned, when the thoughts of my Chara rush upon my heart: and the prospect of so long an absence is hardly supportable. Rode through Newport, a considerable town, and came to Holbourn in the evening, on my way to London. Thither I find the attraction of friendship strongly draws me.

Wednesday, August 14.-Called at St. Albans, a large town, and a prodigious thoroughfare. Mr. Hirons, the minister, was not at home; and therefore I could do nothing there to promote my mission. The country has a delightful appearance to a traveller at this season of the year. The turnpike roads are good, and almost surrounded with fine houses, especially between St. Albans and London. The fields are covered with all sorts of grain, and white ready for harvest. It is indeed the land of plenty. But oh! it is a sinful land. I am shocked with the blasphemy and profaneness of the inhabitants; especially the vulgar, who are not under the restraint even of good manners. Arrived in London in the evening, and was revived at the sight of my friends.

Wednesday, August 21.-Set out for Yarmouth, and came twenty-nine miles to Chelmsford. The people in London think we have received enough; and there is little prospect of further benefactions there. Visited sundry of my friends, and had great pleasure in their company; particularly Dr. Avery, Mr. Ward, Mr. Forfeit, Mr. Thomson, Mr. Samuel Stennet, Mr. Savage, Mr. De Berdt, &c. Preached last Sunday for Mr. Hall, on Hebrews, xii. 14, and saw their mode of public baptism. Mr. Hall made a long discourse, like a sermon, on the nature, design, subjects, mode, &c., of the ordinance; prayed, and without laying any particular obligations on the parent, took the child in his arms, and baptised it, and then concluded with prayer. Waited on Sir Joseph Hankey, knight and alderman, and received £5 5s. Last Tuesday heard Mr. Bradbury, at Pinner's Hall.

Thursday, August 22.-Visited Mr. Hukford, an old minister, and Mr. Phillips, his assistant; who seemed favourable to the business of my mission, and promised to do something against my return that way. Proceeded to Colchester (twentyone miles) and visited Mr. Cornel, who appears a warm friend to experimental religion, though I am told, he is, or at least has been, of a very peevish, unminisrerial temper. He was once assistant with Mr. Hall, in London. He promised to solicit benefactions for the College. Colchester is a pretty large town, I am told of considerable trade. The old wall is almost demolished. Here is also a church or two in ruins, destroyed by Oliver Cromwell, because the place stood out very obstinately against him. Here is an Independent, a Presbyterian, and a Baptist

congregation. But the Presbyterian is vacant, and the Baptist is supplied only by a layman; and therefore, I thought it not worth my while to apply to them.

Tuesday, August 27.-From last Friday till this morning, I have been in Ipswich, a very considerable town; and I have hardly spent so many days so happily, and with such a flow of spirits in England. Here lives good Mr. Notcult, whose pious sermons I have seen in America. He is in his eighty-third year; and brought me in mind of old Simeon. He breathes a spirit of devotion, and is waiting for a dismission from earth, with patient and yet eager expectation. His people love their old prophet, and cheerfully afford him a maintenance, though he has been laid aside from public labour above a year. Mr. Gordon is assistant, and now invited to be pastor. He kindly invited me to lodge at his house: and I was greatly edified with his free and pious conversation. He has experimental religion much at heart, and preaches it honestly, and with some success to his people. He is remarkably punctual in private devotion; and upon the whole seems to walk with God. I contracted a friendship with him, which I trust will be immortal; and which I shall endeavour to cultivate by correspondence, when I return to my native country. O how delightful is the conversation of such a minister after I have seen so many of a contrary character. Preached for him last Sunday, A. M., on Jeremiah xxxi. 33, and in the evening, on Isaiah lxvi. 1, 2, with some freedom; and the good people seemed to eagerly drink in the doctrine, and were much pleased. This gave me hope that they would be generous to the College; and I was not disappointed: for on Monday, Mr. Gordon and his clerk went among the people, and collected £23 9s., which is very considerable for people in their circumstances. It is their practice, on Monday evening, to repeat the sermon of the preceding day: with which I complied at their request. There is also a Presbyterian congregation in Ipswich, of which Mr. Thomas Scott is minister. He is suspected of Arminian and Arian principles; but if the suspicion be true, I am sure he differs greatly from the generality of the fraternity with whom I have conversed. His soul seems formed for friendship; and he loves and speaks well of many Calvinists and Trinitarians. He is a gentleman of extensive learning, a fine genius, and a good poet. He is engaged in a practical paraphrase on the Book of Job, with notes; and I think he has executed his scheme to excellent purpose. He also showed me sundry other poetical pieces of his, with which he intends to oblige the world. I preached for him last Sunday, P. M., on Psalm xcvii. 1, and he was heartily pleased with my sermon. I can confide in him that he will exert himself in soliciting his benefactions from his people; though he did not think it so proper now as hereafter; and his people are few and ungenerous; and therefore he could give me no great encouragement. He is brother to Dr. Scott of London, who was once his father's assistant in Norwich, and having imbibed the Socinian sentiments, opposed his own father; and occasioned a division in the congregation. At length he commenced M. D., and laid aside the ministry. Rode through Woodbridge, Wickam-market, Saxmundam, &c., and came to Yoxford. As I was riding along, I formed a resolution to draw up a history on my return, of my present mission, the state of the dissenters in England, of the Church of Scotland, &c., as far as I had opportunity of making observations; and present the MS. to the College of New Jersey; as it may be entertaining and instructive to the students, and perpetuate the remembrance of the remarkable providences we have met with in favour of the Institution. But alas! such are my hurries and the fickleness of my mind, that the most of my schemes of this kind are unexecuted.

Monday, Sept. 2.-Arrived in Yarmouth last Wednesday, where I have continued ever since; and lodged at the Rev. Mr. Frost's, who has treated me with such uncommon kindness as I shall never forget. He is an universal scholar, particularly he understands the languages. He has a public spirit, and a very devout and good heart. In prayer he has an uncommon dexterity in descending to particulars; and is almost as doctrinal and historical as a preacher, and as flourishing as a poet. Preached for him yesterday A. M. and in the evening, with considerable freedom and much to his satisfaction. The people also seemed attentive, and some of them affected. The congregation here is but small and poor; and the friends of my mission hardly hoped for more than twelve guineas at the public collection, but to our agreeable surprise, I received about £24. This I ascribe to the blessing of God upon my sermons, and Mr. Frost's warm recommendation. And I think it an evidence of the remarkable interposition of Providence in favour of the College, that wherever I have stayed to make a collection it has doubled what was ever raised before on the like occasion. I waited on the Presbyterian minister, Mr. Milner; but he refused to propose the matter to his congregation, under pretence that he had engaged to use all his influence to promote a Presbyterian Academy in Lancashire. I strongly suspect that the Institution has been misrepresented to him, perhaps by Dr. Benson, as a Calvinistic scheme, or as in the hands

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of bigots.-Yarmouth is one of the finest towns I have seen in sight of the sea, on the river Yare, with a most spacious, commodious key. The buildings are generally good, and some of them of flint; one in particular, of great antiquity, is of polished flint.

Saturday, September 13.—I have been in Norwich about ten days: and lodged at Mr. Pauls', an excellent young gentleman, who has passed through a great many spiritual trials, and had a series of remarkable experiences. He was once warmly engaged with the Methodists; but since Mr. Wheatley's brutal abominations have come to light, he has left him. This unhappy man had preached a long time here with great warmth and earnestness: endured with the most lamb-like patience the most cruel treatment from the mob, which even endangered his life, and been instrumental to awaken multitudes to a serious sense of religion. But has at last been found guilty of repeated criminal commerce with sundry women, though his own wife was then alive. With a loud voice does this event cry to all the professors of religion, " Be not high-minded but fear." O that none that seek thy face O Lord, may be ashamed on my account! My excellent friend, Mr. Frost, attended me to Norwich; and used all his influence to prepare the way for me among the people. Mr. John Scott is also remarkably friendly. But Mr. Taylor and his assistant Mr. Bourne, being abroad, and Mr. Wood having retired into the country for his health, I found it difficult to introduce the affair of my mission; especially as Mr. Tozer, Mr. Wood's colleague, is not on a good footing with his people, and is about to remove from them to Exeter; and therefore did not think it prudent to be active in the business. Preached for him the weekly lecture last Friday, on Isaiah lxvi. 2, and also last Sunday, P. M. on Isaiah xlv. 22, with considerable freedom. After which I gave an account of the business of my mission. And I find both the sermon and the account were very acceptable to the hearers. A public collection was proposed to be made next Sunday, but Mr. Scott and some others concluded to make private applications to the principal people; which he and Mr. Lincoln did yesterday, and received about £47. Yesterday the famous Mr. Taylor came home, and I waited on him in the evening. He is a very sociable, friendly gentleman, and talks very freely and warmly about Christianity; and seems zealous for its propagation through the world. He gave me the strongest expressions of friendship to my design; but said that as his congregation was just now at the expense of above £3000 in building a pompous new meeting-house, he could not urge it upon them. Last Monday, on my way to Halesworth, to see Mr. Wood, I passed through Burles, a fine little town; dined with Mr. Lincoln, a young dissenting minister there, who seems a cordial Calvinist. Spent two nights and a day with Mr. Wood, and my soul was charmed with the excellent spirit of the man. He is a judicious, solemn, prudent minister, and I think England can boast of but few like him. He is as warmly engaged in the affair of our mission as Mr. Tennent or myself: and notwithstanding his indisposition, has laboured to promote collections in the congregations around. He is generally loved and revered by those of different sentiments, as well as of his own. He was the favourite friend of the late Dr. Doddridge, and seems to possess much of his spirit. His soul is pregnant with noble projects for the good of his whole species, as far as his influence extends. His expressions in prayer are remarkably striking and solemn. I intended to have left Norwich to-day, but I find it is so generally desired by my benefactors, that I should stay another Sabbath, that I could not but consent. Norwich is accounted the third city in England; about one and a half miles in length and one in breadth, the houses very close and crowded with inhabitants. It contains about thirty-one parishes, a fine cathedral with a spire of prodigious height, four dissenting congregations, besides the Quakers. The old Bridewell wall of polished flint is a remarkable curiosity. The principal manufacture is wearing stuffs. Last Saturday visited Mr. Steam, a serious, illiterate Baptist preacher, who conversed very freely upon experimental religion, and promised his influence for me with his small congregation.

Sunday, September 15.-How frail is life! how uncertain! How thin the partition betwixt time and eternity! how quick the transition from the one to the other! of how great importance is it to be always prepared! These reflections are occasioned by my unexpected sudden approach to the eternal world last night, I think the nearest ever I made. My life hung in a doubtful scale: and one grain would have turned it. I spent the evening at Mr. Lincoln's, in company with him, his son and daughter, Mr. Scott and Mr. Paul. At supper I was well, but my appetite was faint. After supper I was well while I smoked a pipe: but when I began a second, I found my spirits flag, and I could not keep up my part in conversation. Then I began to sicken, and made a motion to go home. We walked out of the parlour; and as I was just taking leave of the family, I instantly fell down dead on the floor, and continued, they told me, without any appearance of life for near two minutes

Then I began to struggle, and draw my breath with great force and difficulty, so as to agitate my breast and my whole frame. In about two minutes I suddenly came to myself, and was greatly surprised to find myself fallen on the floor, and my friends about me in such a fright, rubbing my hands and temples, for I had lost all consciousness, and did not in the least perceive my violent fall. They immediately sent for a surgeon, but before he came I began to recover. I was able to walk home, with one supporting me, and though I was greatly enfeebled and exhausted, and my heart heaved and struggled to throw off the blood, I had a little refreshing sleep. This morning I found myself very weak, and a pain at my heart, occasioned, I suppose, by the difficulty of the circulation of blood. I preached, A. M. for Mr. Bowrn, assistant to Mr. Taylor, but had very little vivacity or solemnity. Preached P. M. for Mr. Tozer, with unexpected life and freedom, and to the great satisfaction of the people, and was surprised to find they collected near £20 at the doors.

In the evening I was so exhausted that I could hardly live; but at supper I most remarkably found myself refreshed by my food.

Monday, Sept. 16.-Continued weak, and pained at my heart; and as the doctor as well as myself apprehended it was an apoplectic fit, occasioned by the stagnation of the blood, I had blood drawn this morning; and I was obliged to defer my journey. When I first returned to my senses after the fit, I was quite serene and peaceful in mind. But when I began to reflect upon my circumstances, as being among strangers in a strange land, having a dear helpless family so far from me, whose subsistence depends upon my life, and being so poorly prepared for the enjoyments and employments of heaven, it gave me no small alarm; though I had much more firmness and intrepidity of mind than I could have expected. Nothing in this world affected me so much, as to foresee the effects which the news of my sudden death would have upon my dear Chara. Lord, prepare us both for the parting stroke. I can't but reflect upon it as a remarkable providence, that when I was seized with the fit, I was at a friend's house, and among friends-that I should fall with so much violence, and yet not be hurt. Had I been riding, my fall might have killed me. Had I been alone or among strangers, I would have had none to take proper care of me. But all circumstances were happily ordered by Divine Providence.

Tuesday, Sept. 17.-After taking an affectionate leave of my Norwich friends, I set out for Wattesfield, (about thirty miles) and lodged with the Rev. Mr. Harmer, a friendly, sociable, and ingenious gentleman. His congregation have formed a fund for occasional expenses; and instead of a public collection, he intends to apply to the deacons to give a share of that to the College. Wattesfield is a little country village, but the dissenting congregation is pretty numerous, and afford their minister a handsome living.

Wednesday, Sept. 18.-Came to Bury St. Edmund's, where there are two dissenting congregations, but they are few. Mr. Savile is an ancient minister of great integrity and humility, and a lover of all good men. He is a warm friend to experimental religion, and rejoices in the conversion of sinners by whatever means it be accomplished. He has a particular friendship for the despised Methodists, because one of them, Mr. Skelton, with whom I had some agreeable conversation, was the instrument of making religious impressions upon his daughters.-Mr. Follet is an ingenious, modest young gentleman, a pupil of Dr. Doddridge, not so thoroughly Calvinistic as Mr. Savile.

Thursday, September 19.-Preached Mr. Savile's Lecture P. M. with some freedom and great popularity. And I hope the people here will make a handsome collection, though I can't stay to receive it. Bury is a town of great antiquity, but its ancient grandeur is declined. The ruins of an old abbey, demolished at the Reformation, are very stately; particularly the gate, which is still entire. The walls of the abbey were about two and a half miles in circumference. Here I received the melancholy news of the death of that excellent man, my particular friend Mr. McLaurin of Glasgow. That city has lost one of its brightest ornaments, the Church of Scotland one of its most excellent ministers, and the College of New Jersey one of its best friends. But heaven has received a new inhabitant from this sinful world. May I be prepared to follow. Sic mihi contingat vivere, sicque mori! Friday, September 20.-Came to Sudbury and found Mr. Hextal the minister, and Mr. Gainsborough one of his people, very friendly to me and my mission. Lodged with the latter. Mr. Hextal is one of Dr. Doddridge's pupils, and is possessed of an excellent spirit. He has not fallen into the theological innovations; but goes on in the good old way. Here I was refreshed with an interview with my kind friend, the Rev. Mr. Hunt of Hackney.

Monday, September 23.-Preached yesterday twice for Mr. Hextal on Jeremiah xxxi. 33, and Isaiah xlv. 22. But alas! with more affected than real earnestness

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and solemnity. I gave an account publicly of the business of my mission, and they collected about £18. I find my lowness of spirits returned, which makes me affect solitude, and so impatient of constant company, that I am quite unsociable. I also feel the effects of my late fit, and am sometimes apprehensive of its return. But alas! sin is still strong in me, and makes frequent vigorous insurrections, which I cannot suppress. God be merciful to me a sinner. Last night was much pleased with Mr. Gainsborough's prayer in his family. Mr. Hextal, Mr. Gainsborough and Mr. Fenn went this morning among the principal people to solicit them to enlarge their benefactions; and they succeeded so well, that with what they received yesterday, they made up about £43; besides £5 5s. from one Mrs. Rowe of Long Melford. Rode in the evening to Braintree, in company with Mr. Davidson. Lodged at Samuel Ruggle's, Esq. a gentleman of vast estate and very serious disposition. He generously subscribed £30 to the College. I find the people here are so importunate, that I must stay and preach next Sunday. There are few congregations of dissenters in England so numerous as this, which consists of about twelve hundred; and they seem in general to be a very serious people.

Wednesday, September 25.-Preached for Mr. Davidson on Isaiah xlv. 22, and the Lord made the discourse acceptable to his people.

Thursday, September 26.—Went to Coggeshal, the place where the excellent Dr. Owen was once minister, and communicated my business to the Rev. Mr. Petto, a very friendly man; who promised to lay it before his people. But from what he knows of their dispositions, he could give me little or no encouragement. Went thence to Colchester, and spent the evening with Mr. Cornell, in agreeable conversation. He had communicated the affair to his people, but they were not disposed to favour it.

Friday, September 27.—Went to Witham, and waited on the Rev. Mr. Burnet; but his people were not willing to assist. All the comfort I can take in this short tour, is the reflection that I have taken all the means in my power to promote my important mission.

Saturday, September 28.-I was at leisure in the forenoon; and revived the remembrance of the many delightful hours I have spent in my study at home in reading and contemplation. How do I languish and pine for retirement; and what painful anxieties about my Chara distress my mind. At the request of friendly ministers and others in various parts of Great Britain, I have determined to give my Sermon on Isa. lxii. 1, a second edition. May God attend it into the world. The reading of it was very reviving to Mr. Davidson; who is eminently possessed of the ministerial zeal which it recommends. The more I conversed with him, the more my heart is united to him. I find Mr. Erskine has published the imperfect notes of my Sermon on 1 John ii. 2, which he has corrected, in general, to my taste. His Preface in favour of the College has already had happy effects in Braintree, and excited sundry to double their intended benefactions.

Sunday, September 29.-Preached twice for Mr. Davidson with some freedom; and afterwards joined in the Lord's Supper, with some little devotion. Gave a public account of my mission extempore; and though the collection had been made, I received six pounds more. Was entertained with Mr. Ruggles's devout manner of spending the evening in his family, examining his children, reading a sermon, singing and prayer.

Monday, September 30.-As I was parting with Mr. Ruggles, he was pleased to add £20 to the £30 he had promised, and told me he did not know but he might do yet more. Such a remarkable benefaction could not fail of raising in me a flow of gratitude to God, whose favouring providence has attended me in so uncommon a manner in this mission. Mr. Davidson conducted me about eight miles towards Chelmsford. His soul is formed for friendship, and I could not part with him, without some tender emotions. He is very happy in his people, who seem to be generally possessed with a very serious spirit, and are about 1200 in number. When I came to Chelmsford, I found the ministers there, Mr. Hukford and Mr. Philips, had raised £6 in their little congregation, in my absence. They importuned me to stay and preach, but my hurries would not permit. This day has given me another occasion to record a providential deliverance. As I was riding at a gallop, my horse fell down, and tumbled almost quite over, and I very narrowly escaped his rolling over me. The people that saw me fall were much alarmed, and apprehended my life in the greatest danger. But blessed be God, I did not receive the least injury. Alas! I am afraid that the frequency of such deliverances will render them so familiar, that I shall not take a proper notice of them, and contract a kind of insensibility in danger.

Tuesday, October 1.—I arrived in London, and found by a letter from Mr. Tennent, that he has almost finished his applications in the West, and that he intends to come to London as soon as possible, to prepare for embarking for America.—