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tory: that exhibits the progress of a change of the most important nature to the individual indeed, and to the Minister; but this illustrates the effect, and exhibits how the man who had so remarkably been led to the knowledge of the truth, continued to speak and act on all important points for many years. And the whole of what Mr. Scott has stated concerning himself, both in the Force of Truth and the MS. memoir of his own life, is illustrated and confirmed by a series of private letters to near relations and friends, written at the very time when his mind was experiencing that change, preserved by the tender affection of persons then hostile to his views, and of the preservation of which we have reason to apprehend he had not the remotest idea*.

This volume is divided into chapters, each of which contains the narrative of an interesting period of Mr. Scott's life. He was originally intended for the medical profession, and was in consequence sent to the grammar-school of Scorton, in Yorkshire, where he continued five years, and made considerable progress in his classical studies.

When I arrived at Scorton (says Mr. S.) I was asked what Latin books I had read; and my answer induced the usher to overrate my proficiency, and to place me in a class much beyond my superficial attainments. This, however, stimulated me to close application; and it was not very long before I overtook my class-mates, and with ease accompanied them. Had I then been again pushed forward, I might have been excited to persevering diligence: but, as I could appear with tolerable credit without

much application, partly by actual proficiency, and partly by imposing on Mr. Noble, under whose care I now came; my love of play, and my scarcity of money for self-indulgent expenses, induced me to divide a great proportion of my time between diversion and helping other boys in their exercises, for a very scanty remuneration.

Still, however, I made considerable progress, and should have been at the head of the school, had I continued in it another year. But one thing is remarkable, considering what has since taken place, that while I could translate Latin into English, or English into Latin, perhaps more readily and correctly than any other boy in the school, I never could compose themes. I absolutely seemed to have no ideas, when set to work of this kind, either then or for some years afterwards; and was even greatly at a loss to write a common letter. -Pp. 7, 8.

I cannot quit the present subject without observing the dire evils attending large public schools, where the boys are, for a very great part of their time, from under the eye of the master, however vigilant; and at a distance from parents and relations, and all whose presence would im

pose restraint upon them. Thus they are, in great measure, left to devise and practise wickedness together: they embolden one another to break through the defence of natural modesty; they teach their juniors the vicious practices which they have learned from their seniors; they bestow

pains to corrupt each other's principles; they often procure the vilest publications; and, by the help of indexes, and other means, they sometimes become better acquainted with the most indecent passages of the classic authors than with their daily lessons. The most clever, daring, and wicked of the elder boys is the hero for the time being, whom all, that are near enough to him, envy, imitate, and emulate. When he leaves the school, his most successful copyist takes his place; and the same scene is reacted again and again. Those who have money purchase the company of such as are witty and entertaining; and not unfrequently they contract unsuspected habits of intemperance and licentiousness. Something may indeed be done in many cases to counteract these evils: but they are, in a great degree, inseparable from the system,. and are very inadequately counterbalanced by superior advantages for the acquisition of classical learning.-P. 10.

On leaving school, Mr. Scott was placed as apprentice to a surgeon at Alford, by whom he was

soon after dismissed in circumstances which precluded his engaging in a similar situation, and of which his son justly remarks, that his future apparent interests in life were sacrificed, or unwarrant

* The value of this species of testimony ably disregarded, amid the con

has been well stated in Paley's Evidences, and Hora Paulina.

tentions of two high-spirited men. In consequence, Mr. S. continued

nine years in his father's house, exposed to a variety of hardships; when at length he accidentally discovered, that the provision which he might reasonably expect in case of his father's death was intended for another.

On this discovery (says he), I determined to make some effort, however desperate, to extricate myself: and I only waited for an opportunity to declare my determination. Without delay, my Greek grammar was studied through and through; and I made what use I could of my Latin books; my father, in the mean time, expressing his astonishment at my conduct.

At length, in April 1772, I avowed my intention, in almost the worst manner possible. After a long wet day of incessant fatigue, I deemed myself, and perhaps with justice, to be causelessly and severely blamed, and I gave full vent to my indignant passions; and, throwing aside my shepherd's frock, declared my purpose no more to resume it. That night I lodged at my brother's, at a little distance: but, in the morning, I considered that a large flock of ewes, in yeaning time, had no one to look after them, who was competent to the task. I therefore returned, and did what was needful; and then set off for Boston, where a clergyman resided, with whom I had (contracted some acquaintance, by conversing with him on common matters, when he came to do duty in my brother's village, and took refreshment at his house.

To this clergyman I opened my mind with hesitation and trepidation: and nothing could well exceed his astonishment when he heard my purpose of attempting to obtain orders. He knew me only as a shepherd, somewhat more conversible, perhaps, than others in that station, and immediately asked, "Do you know any thing of Latin and Greek?" I told him, I had received education, but that for almost ten years I had never seen a Greek book, except the grammar. He instantly took down a Greek Testament, and put it into my hands; and without difficulty I read several verses, giving both the Latin and English rendering of them, according to the custom of our school. On this, having strongly expressed his surprise, he said, "Our visitation will be next week; the archdeacon, Dr. Gordon, will be here; and, if you will be in the town, I will mention you to him, and induce him, if I can, to send for you." This being settled, I returned immediately to my father for the intervening days; knowing how much, at that season, he wanted my help for services which he could no longer perform himself, and which he

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In five months, Mr. S. obtained admission into holy orders, with pleasing testimonies of approbation, and removed to Stoke Goldington, Bucks, where he entered · upon the curacies of Stoke and Weston Underwood, and applied himself with great diligence to his studies. Hence he removed to Weston; and, in 1774, married Mrs. Jane Kell.

The union thus formed proved to me (says Mr. Scott), in all respects, an inexpressible mercy. Even at the time I had some confused sense of the goodness of God in it; and, in a poor blind way, attempted both to thank him for it, and to purpose devoting myself to his service in the work of the ministry: though I then scarcely knew any thing of that sacred service.

Neither my wife nor myself had been much in the way of religious people, according to my present interpretation of that term; neither of us understood the grand outlines of the Gospel; yet we were both impressed with a strong sense of the truth and importance of the Christian religion, in a general view of it: but her impressions were the deeper, and had far less, from false principles and evil habits, to counteract them. Even before we were fixed in a settled habitation, the thought seemed to occur to us both, almost at the same time, that we ought to pray together; and accordingly I read some prayers from a book: and when, with a female servant, we entered on a temporary dwelling of our own, I immediately began family worship, though I had never lived in any family where it was practised, nor even been present at such a service except once, which was in the house of a dissenting minister.

At first I only used a form of prayer from a manual belonging to my wife. After a little time, I read a chapter of the Bible before the prayer; and, as my views of religion gradually improved, I aimed at something more evangelical, and exchanged my manual for Jenks's Devotions. But, had I duly considered the subject, the Common Prayer Book of our church, with a little arrangement, would have supplied me with far more suitable words, than any book of the kind I had then seen, or have ever yet seen. Merely, indeed, to read the Common Prayer, as appointed for public worship, must, in general, be both inadequate, inappropriate, and in many things superfluous, to a family. But a selection of collects, parts of collects, and extracts

from the Litany, varied as circumstances should require, I am now fully convinced, might be rendered, in all respects, preferable to any other forms which have been published.

I afterwards wrote, on particular occasions, such prayers as I thought proper to be added to the form: and, at length, I was gradually led to adopt the method of extemporary prayer, which I judged, and do still judge, far better for domestic worship, than any forms can be; both as admitting of adaptation to the varying circumstances of families, and the cases of friends and relatives, to be remembered in our prayers; and also as giving scope to more enlargement in intercession according to occurring events, for all sorts and conditions of men. By degrees also I proceed ed to expound, as well as read the Scriptures to my family.

From this beginning, I do not know that, during more than thirty-eight years, the daily worship of God in my family, morning and evening, has ever been interrupted, except when I was ill, or from home and, indeed, when that has been the case, some one of my household has generally supplied my place.

On this I look back with peculiar gratitude, as one grand means of my uncommon measure of domestic comfort, and of bringing down on my children the blessings which God has graciously bestowed upon them. And, though the time which I have allotted to this service has been, for many years, far louger than is generally deemed sufficient or expedient, yet, by a punctual observance of an appointed hour, and the adjustment of domestic affairs to the plan, as known and invariable, no inconvenience worthy of notice has resulted from it. Nor have I, as many complain in excuse for great brevity, found my domestics in general show symptoms of weariness and inattention. My evening worship is much shorter than that of the morning; and for many years past it has taken place, in all ordinary cases, at a pretty early hour; which, where it can be practised, appears much preferable. In numerous instances I have had visitants, especially relatives, to whom I clearly perceived that my family worship was disagreeable; and some who would not so much as by a change of posture profess to join in our prayers: but I never once omitted the service, or altered the method of it, on that account; and in some cases the parties have been softened into a more cordial concurrence with us.

The Author adds to this statement the following important observations.

My dear father having here dwelt at some length ou one of the most remarkable features of his domestic economy, it

may be advisable to despatch the subject,
in what would otherwise have been a pre-
mature place for its introduction. I appre
bend no reflecting person can have enjoyed
the advantage of being repeatedly present
at his morning family worship, without
being forcibly struck with it. His exposi-
tious on these occasions frequently rose
above what any written comment can be
expected to reach, in copiousness, minute
application, spirit, and often elevation' of
thought. Many times I have wished that
his picture could have been taken while he
was expounding to his family. I have never
seen his soul more thrown into his counte-
nance than on these occasions. Every
topic almost of doctrine or duty here came
successively under review, as he passed
through the Scriptures, particularly the
New Testament, in order; and the very
familiarity with which they were illustrated
and brought down to all the occurrences of
life, made the exposition doubly interest-
ing and useful. To what passed here, I
am disposed especially to attribute it, that
not a servant could spend any time in his
family, and attend to what was delivered,
without becoming better informed in Chris-
tian doctrine, and better instructed in the
detail of the duties and proprieties of life,
than religious persons in a much superior
And then
station are usually found to be.

the prayer, which followed, was certainly
one of the finest specimens of "supplica-
tion, intercession, thanksgiving
" for those
present and for "all men," that can be
conceived. Such enlargement, both as to
the subjects and the matter of the petitions,
I have not elsewhere heard. The Scrip-
ture, which had been read and commented
upon, usually gave the direction to the for-
mer part of this act of devotion: and here
he had by habit and meditation, and by en-
tering at the time into the spirit of the pas-
sage, acquired a readiness in seizing every
part of it in all its bearings, and turning it
into matter of supplication; which brought
it again under review in the most edifying
nanner. Whatever was peculiar in the
circumstances of any persons present, was
then brought before" the throne of the
heavenly grace," in a manner which showed
at once the piety, the wisdom, and the be-
nevolence of him who led the service, and
often proved affecting, never, I think,
painful to the parties concerned. From
those present, and all the branches of the
family, with their immediate connexions
and friends, be launched forth to his pa-
rishioners and people; to the various con-
gregations and divisions of “Christ's holy
catholic church;" to all the "ministers of
God's holy word and sacraments," and all
"seminaries of learning and religious edu-
cation;" to his country and all orders of
in Church and State, specially all

men

those "who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity;" to the surrounding nations, with a particular reference to passing events; to the extension of Christ's kingdom in the world; to the state of Jews, heathens, and Mohammedans; to all the various exertions now making to instruct the ignorant, to reclaim the vicious, to relieve the oppressed, and to bring on those happy days, when "the knowledge of the Lord shall fill the earth as the waters cover the seas;" and so for "the whole world of mankind." His petitions relative to these, and almost every other topic that could be named, were often most appropriate and striking, while he implored and pleaded for the raising up in all nations of 66 kings that should resemble David, and Hezekiah, and Josiah, and prove reformers of their people, as well as nursing fathers of the church; for governors, in all the distant provinces of our own and other empires, disinterested, zealous, and unimpeachable, like Daniel and Nehemiah; for bishops, throughout the church, like Timothy and Titus." Indeed, the subject of his remarkable spirit of intercessory prayer will repeatedly come under our notice. Here, therefore, I would conclude with remarking upon the whole, that to his constant and edifying observance of family worship, in connexion with the steady, consistent spirit and conduct, which, notwithstanding imperfections incident to humau nature, they could not fail to remark in him, is, I am persuaded, very much to be traced, not only the blessing of God which, I trust, has descended on his own family, but the further striking and important fact that in very few instances has a servant, or a young person, or indeed any person, passed any length of time under his roof, without appearing to be brought permanently under the influence of religious principle. I consider him as having been singularly blessed in this respect. And yet it was not much his practice to address himself closely and minutely, as some have done with very good effect, to such persons individually. It was not so much by preaching directly to them, as by living before them; making an edifying use of incidents and occasions; and being so constantly instructive, devout, and benevolent in family worship; that, under the blessing of God, he produced so striking an impression upon them. This added tenfold force to whatever else they heard from him in bis public ministrations. Pp. 70-76.

The importance of the preceding extract must be the apology for its length; we perfectly agree with the author in the remarks made on this

part of Mr. Scott's conduct. The following passage may serve as a specimen of the manner in which the great change described in the Force of Truth is illustrated in the volume before us. It is part of a letter to his elder sister, Mrs. Webster.

Even were I (says Mr. Scott) to be put to the trial of losing all my worldly goods, let me ask you, would you have me follow the example of the young man in the Gospel, who, sorrowing, left Christ rather than part with his large possessions? What think you of what our Lord says, But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all other things shall be added unto you? Dare you believe this I DARE: and will act acpromise or not? cordingly, by God's assistance. As to what you argue of my family, &c. I will take every honest precaution to provide for them and I dare confidently submit the event to God, without once distrusting his veracity and goodness. Nor will I ever violate my conscience to provide for my family at least I hope I never shall... Were I in your condition, as a private Christian, the subjects of my scruples would

give me no concern: and I join in the things excepted, with the highest satisfacwhole liturgy of the church, some very few tion. As to my preaching, I neither preach for or against any human inventions. The Word of God is my subject, and my rule; and my preaching, I may venture to say, is more calculated to satisfy than to raise doubts and scruples. Without preferment I may live, and live comfortably and happily but without a clear conscience I cannot.-P. 93.

On this and similar letters the Author remarks:

All this appears to me to present as fine an exhibition, in proportion to the stage on which it was passing, as can, perhaps, be pointed out since the days of Luther, of a man resolutely taking the right side in a severe case of that conflict, which is continually, in one form or other, carrying on in the world, between conscience and present interest; and in which so few are proof against the various assaults that temptation makes upon them. These letters demonstrate that, though the writer was yet far from having obtained just views of Christian doctrines; even of those doctrines which are most essential to the form

ation of the Christian spirit and character; he yet had received that great principle of "obedience to the faith," which was sure,

under the divine blessing, ultimately to bring him right; to lead him to the recep

tion of every truth, and to submission to if I cannot contemplate with mere calm apevery duty, as they might be successively brought home to his conviction. Indeed, almost all the great lineaments of my father's subsequent character are here presented to us in embryo, or rather in a stage of considerable developement :-his decision and boldness-his inflexible integrity -bis acknowledgment of God in all his ways-his firm faith in his word and his providence his superiority to the worldhis exalted views of the service which Christ requires of us, especially in the sacred ministry;-views, be it observed, which, however familiar they may be to any of us, open upon him with all the air and impression of a new discovery. Let a few sentences be recalled to the reader's notice:

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"It has pleased Providence, that, by means of those very studies, on which I founded my hopes of advancement, I have arrived at what is totally incompatible with it. The supreme Director has turned it into an insurmountable obstacle. This is the far better side of the question -namely, poverty, contempt, censure, with a good conscience. "I have chosen this side, and hope by God's assistance to persevere therein.-I will never violate my conscience to provide for my family; at least, I hope I never shall.-Without preferment I may live, and live happily; but without a clear conscience I cannot.-I was bold, and did not betray the cause of God. -Would you have me follow the example of the young man in the Gospel?-God hath promised, and I dare believe him.Dare you believe his promise? I dare: and by his assistance will act accordingly. -I do not fear that he will leave 'me destitute. By reading the Gospels, with prayer to God, I have arrived at that state of mind, as to be ready to resign all my worldly expectations, and to sell all that I have, take up my cross and follow my Lord and Master.-I have discovered the importance of that trust which is committed to me; what is the extent of that duty it requires; and how it ought to be performed: and I find it inconceivably different from what is generally supposed.-I was apt to judge by comparison, and to think I did enough if I did rather more than others but now I find that, as I have been solemnly dedicated to the service of God and religion, I can never do enough, so long as I leave any thing undone, which it was in my power to do, towards the growth of religious knowledge and virtuous practice.-We are to live at the altar: but a living, a bare decent maintenance, without any avaricious or ambitious views of advancing ourselves or our families, or hankering after indulgences, should content us."-I must be pardoned

:

probation sentences like these, not artfully arranged" to serve an occasion," but whispered, in sincerity of heart, where, as we have already seen, they were not likely to be received with approbation, and where there was no prospect of their ever emerging to public notice :-sentences, too, accompanied with unquestionable marks of sobriety of mind and deliberate judgment; expressive of a severe sacrifice then actually taking place; and conveying sentiments which, after some further fluctuations and delays, governed the whole future life of their author. Surely there is something in them which bespeaks even the Christian hero. The occasion, indeed, which first called these principles into action, was, as he soon afterwards found, a fundamental misconception of Christian truths; but the principles themselves were noble. From my father's conduct at this crisis, Mr. Newtón augured well of him but it would be a very small part of what is now before us, that could be submitted to Mr. N.'s observation. Had he known all that passed, he might have well anticipated all that followed.-Pp. 94-96.

We are compelled, with the utmost reluctance, to pass over 'several valuable extracts which we had marked for insertion. The following account of Mr. Scott's Sunday labours, drawn up by a lady who had repeatedly passed some little time under his roof (for the correctness of which we can vouch), and an extract from two of Mr. Scott's own letters, will ocall the room we can at precupy sent spare; whether we shall be able to enrich our pages on any future occasion with farther selections, must depend upon circumstances not entirely in our own control.

"At four o'clock in the morning of every alternate Sunday, winter as well as summer, the watchman gave one heavy knock at the door, and Mr. S. and an old maidservant arose-for he could not go out without his breakfast. He then set forth to meet a congregation at a church in Lothbury, about three miles and a half off; I rather think the only church in London attended so early as six o'clock in the morning. I think he had from two to three hundred auditors, and administered the sacrament each time. He used to observe, that if at any time in his early walk through the streets in the depth of winter

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