author in the Greek. I thought it too late in life to take such a round in this language, as I had done in the Latin. I only wanted the signification of Scriptural words and phrases; and for this I thought I might avail myself of Scapula, the Synopsis, and others, who had sustained the drudgery before me. In the Hebrew, I can read the historical books and psalms with tolerable ease; but in the prophetical and difficult parts, I am frequently obliged to have recourse to lexicons, &c. However, I know so much as to be able, with such helps as are at hand, to judge for myself the meaning of any passage I have occasion to consult. Beyond this I do not think of proceeding, if I can find better employment: for I would rather be some way useful to others, than die with the reputation of an eminent linguist.

Together with these studies, I have kept up a course of reading of the best writers in divinity that have come to my hand, in the Latin and English tongues, and some French, for I picked up the French at times while I used the sea. But within these two or three years, I have accustomed myself chiefly to writing, and have not found time to read many books besides the Scriptures.

I am the more particular in this account, as my case has been something singular; for in all my literary attempts, I have been obliged to strike out my own path by the light I could acquire from books, as I have not had a teacher or assistant since I was ten years of age.

One word concerning my views to the ministry, and I have done. I have told you, that this was my dear mother's hope concerning me; but her death, and the scenes of life in which I afterwards engaged, seemed to cut off the probability. The

first desires of this sort, in my own mind, arose many years ago, from a reflection on Gal. i. 23, 24: "But they had heard only, that he which persecuted us in times past, now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me." I could not but wish for such a public opportunity to testify the riches of divine grace. I thought I was, above most living, a fit person to proclaim that faithful saying, "That Jesus Christ came into the world to save the chief of sinners;" and as my life had been full of remarkable turns, and I seemed selected to show what the Lord could do, I was in some hopes, that, perhaps, sooner or later, he might call me into this service.

I believe it was a distant hope of this that determined me to study the original Scriptures; but it remained an imperfect desire in my own breast, till it was recommended to me by some Christian friends. I started at the thought when first seriously proposed to me; but afterwards set apart some weeks to consider the case, to consult my friends, and to entreat the Lord's direction. The judgment of my friends, and many things that occurred, tended to engage me. My first thought was to join the Dissenters, from a presumption that I could not honestly make the required subscriptions: but Mr. C—, in a conversation upon these points, moderated my scruples; and preferring the Established Church in some other respects, I accepted a title from him some months afterwards, and solicited ordination from the late Archbishop of York. I need not tell you I met a refusal, nor what steps I took afterwards to succeed elsewhere. At present, I desist from my applications. My desire to serve the Lord is not weakened; but I am not so hasty to push myself forward as I was formerly. It is sufficient

that he knows how to dispose of me, and that he both can and will do what is best. To him I commend myself. I trust that his will and my true interest are inseparable. To his name be glory for

ever.

MR. NEWTON finishes his Narrative at the period when he was about to enter upon the work of the ministry. Previous to this, the situation he held in Liverpool was that of tide-surveyor. The hand of Providence was very remarkable in the settlement of Mr. N. in this place. Writing to Mrs. N. he says, "My immediate predecessor in office, Mr. C. had not the least intention of resigning his place, on the occasion of his father's death; though such a report was spread about the town without his knowledge, or rather in defiance of all he could say to contradict it. Yet to this false report I owe my situation. For it put Mr. M. upon an application to Mr. S. the Member for the town; and the very day he received the promise in my favour, Mr. C. was found dead in his bed, though he had been in company, and in perfect health the night before. If I mistake not, the same messenger, who brought the promise, carried back the news of the vacancy to Mr. S. at Chester. About an hour after, the Mayor applied for a nephew of his; but though it was only an hour or two, he was too late. had already written, and sent off the letter, and I was appointed accordingly. These circumstances appear to me extraordinary, though of a piece with: many other parts of my singular history; and the more so, as by another mistake, I missed the landwaiter's place, which was my first object, and which I now see would not have suited us nearly so well. I thank God, I can now look through instruments

Mr. S.

and second causes, and see his wisdom and goodness immediately concerned in fixing my lot."

The duties of his office he thus describes, in another letter to Mrs. N. "I entered upon business yesterday. I find my duty is to attend the tides one week, and visit the ships that arrive, and such as are in the river; and the other week, to inspect the vessels in the docks, and thus alternately the year round. The latter is little more than a sinecure, but the former requires pretty constant attendance, both by day and night. I have a good office, with fire and candle; and fifty or sixty people under my direction; with a handsome six-oared boat and a coxswain, to row me about in form."

While in this situation, he was so remarkable for his punctuality, that he has frequently been observed sitting with his watch in his hand, lest he should fail in keeping his next engagement. One day, however, some business had so detained him, that he came to his boat much later than usual, to the surprise of those who had observed his former punctuality. He went out in the boat, as heretofore, to inspect a ship; but by some accident, the ship blew up just before he reached her; and it appears, that if he had left the shore a few minutes sooner, he must have perished with the rest on board.

The leisure which Mr. N. here enjoyed, was employed in the study of the Scriptures, and in acquiring the Greek and Hebrew languages, in which, without the help of a teacher, he made very considerable progress.

On Dec. 16, 1758, Mr. N. received a title to a curacy from the Rev. Mr. C. He applied for ordination to Dr. Gilbert, Archbishop of York; but his Grace, inflexible in supporting the rules and canons of the Church, refused the application. About

this time, he visited the celebrated author of the Night Thoughts, with whose conversation he was much delighted, and was by him encouraged to persevere in his design. While at Liverpool, Mr. N. had made some attempts in the way of preaching and expounding; and from the manner in which his labours were received by many, he was afraid he might be guilty of a dereliction of duty, were he to abandon the service to which he was desirous to devote himself, though refused orders in the Church; and had it not been for the influence of his judicious and affectionate partner, in the height of his zeal, he would have joined the Dissenters.

In the year 1764, Mr. N. had the curacy of Olney proposed to him, and was recommended by Lord D to Dr. Green, Bishop of Lincoln; of whose candour and tenderness he speaks with much respect.

The bishop had admitted him as a candidate for orders. "The examination," says he, "lasted about an hour, chiefly upon the principal heads of divinity. As I was resolved not to be charged hereafter with dissimulation, I was constrained to differ from his Lordship in some points: but he was not offended; he declared himself satisfied, and has promised to ordain me, either next Sunday in town, or the Sunday following, at Buckden."

At Olney, he became acquainted with two distinguished characters, the well-known poet Cowper, and the Rev. Mr. Scott, then curate of Ravenstone and Weston Underwood, and now rector of Ashton Sandford. To both of these gentlemen, Mr. N. was rendered exceedingly useful. He was the means of solacing and supporting the broken spirit of the unhappy poet, who, from the time of his coming to Olney (short intervals excepted) enjoyed