CONTENTS. 1. EARLY LETTERS: 1773-1776,-On the choice of a husband, London, Page. 13 On expensive habits, LB, Esq. II. LETTERS TO MRS. SCOTT'S BROTHER-IN-LAW: 1778-1785, On reading the Scriptures and Prayer, An unawakened state of mind, Conviction of sin,-" What must I do to be saved Christian experience,-On Prayer, Hindrances to prayer, Snares of the world, Drawing back, Eternity,-Reproach for Christ's sake, Folly of irreligion, Birth of a child, Self-examination,-Hindrances to being religious, 40, 41 1783-1784-Visit to Lincolnshire-Illness, Alternate trials and consolations, Concern for relatives-Submission to God, 54, 57 London and Church Missionary Societies, IX. LETTERS TO A FRIEND IN SCOTLAND: 1794-1811, Seceders, ib. To the Rev. D. Wilson: On the death of a child, To the Rev. W. Gray: On the recommendation of Books, XII. ON QUESTIONS DISCUSSED AT CLERICAL MEETINGS, LETTERS AND PAPERS. No. I. EARLY LETTERS. 1773-1776. THE articles which occur under this number will be found of a different description from any of those which follow. I insert the first letter as a specimen of the writer's correspondence with his sisters, at the period which immediately followed his ordination and removal into Buckinghamshire. The readers of his Life may, perhaps remember that he states "his ability of writing, and his flow of thought, to have come to him chiefly" in this way-" by corresponding with his sisters on sentimental and other subjects."* This specimen will be acknowledged to demonstrate a surprising change since the time when, according to his own account, he 66 was utterly unable to compose themes, and even greatly at a loss to write a common letter," "absolutely seeming to have no ideas." It is replete with good sense, and loaded with thought, of a kind which would not have presented itself to every young man at twenty-six years of age, even though he might have enjoyed much superior advantages. It is addressed to his sister, afterwards Mrs. Webster, at Spilsby, and treats ON THE CHOICE OF A HUSBAND. 66 MY DEAR SISTER, "Stoke Goldington, August 6, 1773. "I AM now afraid I shall trouble you with long and double letters till you begin to be weary of my correspon * Life, p. 31. |