of this people, and interpreted their shyness to stran. gers as a defect of love; but, however, I can say I found them a most affectionate, generous, steady people; and with tears in my eyes, I can add, they lie near my heart.

Soon after I began my work I found that my constitution could not bear the journeys, so I was obliged to call for help. You sent me another preacher, which afforded me the opportunity of being more useful to the circuit. I should have been very useful about Rochdale, had it not been for two or three members of that society, who required me to do what I could not, either in point of conscience or equity. They so prejudiced some of the simple people, and so broke my spirits, as well as hurt my body, that the work was entirely stopped; my intended expeditions to the neighbouring villages prevented, and I fear, many precious souls wounded, if not murdered, through their conduct. Lord, lay not this sin to their charge! Their conduct, and the harm that I saw they were likely to do, caused me to groan and weep on my bed; my very heart bled, and I poured out strong cries and tears to God to come to my help. I had very remarka. ble answers to prayer; and when I had settled this affair to the best of my power, and was on my return from Roch dale, I was conscientiously reviewing my conduct, as before God, to see if I had acted amiss in the affair; immediately these words came with a Divine unction to my soul:

The opening heavens around me shine

With beams of sacred bliss.

On this I greatly rejoiced, and gave glory to God!

Some time in the winter I went to a neighbouring vil lage, called Clodwick, consisting chiefly of colliers and weavers. I preached to a crowded room full, and with much comfort, and I believe many felt the word: I preached a second time with peace and pleasure. The third time I went I endeavoured to preach out of doors; but as Satan's kingdom began to suffer, (several being awa. kened and joined to the society,) he mustered up his forces, who, being armed with stones and noisy instruments, attacked us furiously. They gnashed on me with their teeth, and threw large coals and stones at me: I was obliged, after a time, to retire into the house, which I did

unhurt, and sung and prayed with a few serious people. When I set off for Oldham with some of my friends, the floods lifted up their voice; they threw dirt and stones amain, yet only one woman was materially hurt, who received a dangerous cut in her head. We were obliged to commence an action against four or five of the rioters, or we must have been murdered, had we gone there again; however, several of the people were received into society, and were filled with all peace and joy in believing. The lawsuit was compromised, and they now met in peace. I had also very severe trials from another quarter. When the new house was opened at Manchester, and I saw such large congregations, I suffered immensely through my timidity. Standing in that pulpit was to me like standing to be shot; but, however, the gracious Lord brought me through the year.

At the Leeds conference I was appointed for Manchester again; but fearing some extraordinary trials, and disapproving of some late things which had occurred; I desired you to remove me to Birstal. You consented; but my friends at Manchester were determined not to part with me till they had received an answer to a petition for my return. During this suspense I went to Liverpool.— Here I remained three weeks, and spent my time much to my profit and comfort, with a loving, generous people; and I believe we were mutally profited by this interview. When I returned to Manchester I received your letter fixing me for Birstal. Soon after this I repaired to my circuit, and met with much kindness from the people. This encouraged me to undertake some difficult things which my nature shrunk at. However, through the help of my God, I was brought through as well as I could expect. Although this is the most easy and suitable circuit for me, who cannot bear much riding, yet I find here enough to convince me it is through much tribulation we enter the kingdom. But I enjoy vast peace of mind, and can appeal to God, that his glory, the good of the Church, and the eternal welfare of my own soul, are the grand objects I have daily in view.

Through the mercy of God, and the faithful concurrence of my fellow labourers, good has been done, and I have had the promise of a farther revival sealed on my

heart. It was on this wise:-After a shower of tears, when in private prayer at Daw-Green, I came down from my chamber, and joined the family in prayer. The power of God fell upon me, and I prayed as the Spirit gave me utterance. I prayed fervently for the circuit, and had a blessed revival before my eyes. I praised God by way of anticipation; being assured that he was about to work. The family felt the Divine unction, and I was so exhausted I could scarce get up from my knees.

I should not omit an unpromising circumstance that happened some time after I came into the circuit. Mr. F- -r carried away a burning and shining light from Cross-Hall, and thereby deprived me of a blessed helper. I was invited to be with them on the day of their espousals, and never before knew such a blessed wedding. I now saw indeed that marriage is honourable in all; being instituted by God, in a state of innocence, and in the garden of paradise. May eternal happiness crown this devoted pair.

I must now draw to a conclusion, praising and blessing my God, whose mercy, love, and faithfulness have been so wonderfully manifested in my pilgrimage. I still find my whole soul in the work. But my spirits are far too active for my body. My constitution is very weak, and, like Saul's armour to David, is a sore clog to my spirit. I hope to live and die in the cause of my adorable Redeemer and his beloved people; I fervently pray that I may end my life in his work. My soul is happy! Divine transport possesses my breast, and Jesus is my daily theme: my all in all for ever and ever! With pleasure and confidence I still declare to all the world,— Ye all may know that God is true, Ye all may feel that God is love.

In this spirit I hope to remain till the mercy of God, and the sole merits of my adorable Redeemer, shall introduce my blushing spirit into the society of angels and saints, to swell the sound of Jesus' fame, and praise my God for ever and ever. I am, Rev. sir, your most affectionate son in the Gospel. J. V.

P. S. Thus far I wrote before the conference. Since

then I have been appointed for Birstal again. I have the prospect of much suffering here, through an unfortunate affair. But all is well. My conscience is undefiled. The Lord is before my eyes, and, by the grace of God, I will hold fast my integrity unto the end.

We took in above two hundred new members last year, and we have a fair prospect in some places this year. In the midst of great anguish of spirit (through the troubles of the Church) I had one morning the most gracious visit from heaven that I have had for some years. O how I laboured in familiar prayer with God that I might then finish my work! "O come, Lord Jesus, come quickly." Even so. Amen. Hallelujah!

MR. THOMAS PAYNE.

TO REV. JOHN WESLEY.

Waterford, March 16, 1781. REV. SIR,-At your request I undertake a work of which, God knows, I am ashamed. For when I look back on my past tempers, words, and actions, I am really amazed that I am yet alive: for surely I have deserved the lowest place in hell. I was created to be happy; but I chose the means of misery: and firmly believe myself the most unworthy of all that body of preachers with whom I am connected.

I was born at Nailsworth, near Stroud, in Gloucestershire, in the year 1741, of very pious and upright parents. They were, by profession, Particular Anabaptists and they lived in the fear and love of God. My father laboured to train up his children in the sameseconding his precepts by his examples and prayers. he kept up family devotion twice a day, reading a chap. ter or psalm first. And twice a day, early and late, he

spent a considerable time with God in secret. Thus he walked with God himself, and incited his children to follow him. He never spoiled the child by sparing the rod, but always remonstrated, and then corrected. And his well timed corrections seldom failed to leave some good impressions upon us.

On his deathbed he gave me his dying charge, with a prayer, which I believe God sealed in heaven. As my mother was weeping, and wishing that God would spare him a little longer, he said, "Would you wish me so much evil as to be any longer detained from the joys of heaven? Poor Tom (meaning me) will lose a good friend to-morrow, about two o'clock." The next day, about that time, he cried out, "Lord, how long are thy chariot wheels coming?" and within a few moments after sweetly fell asleep.

I heartily thank God for a pious education, which laid a foundatfon for a future reformation. From the earliest period of recollection, I found the strivings of God's Spirit. I formed many good resolutions from time to time; but quickly broke through them all; although when I was ten years old I prayed much, and desired to be truly religious. I was left under the care of a currier and leather-dresser, who carried on the shoe-making business. But, being under little restraint, and continually exposed to bad company, I gave way to youthful follies, till I left my place, without asking leave; and till my friends sent me to London. Being now among religious people who belonged to Mr. Whitefield, my good desires revived, and produced a considerable amendment in the whole tenor of my actions.

But I did not at all know myself. And having an inclination to see the world, I enlisted in the year 1759 in General Burgoyne's light regiment of dragoons. But, upon examination I was found not quite tall enough, and so was discharged from them. Being ashamed to return to my friends, I enlisted in the service of the East India Company and was soon sent out in the Triton storeship, for the island of St. Helena, on the south of Africa. I saw the island in a dream just before I enlisted. We sailed from Gravesend in December, 1759, under con