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(vi)

God made him such. "I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the in66 crease."

Among the many little hills of Sion, here and there is found a gloomy appearance of drought and barrenness. Refreshing dews are suspended. The faithful servant of Christ, from year to year, labors abundantly, but can see no return. Yet, let not his heart be troubled. He serves a good Master; who will not fail to bear testimony to his own truth. "It shall "not return unto him void." 66 Every "man shall receive his own reward, ac

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cording to his own work."

Sometimes, when the aspect of things has been thus discouraging, the desponding laborer has been led to meditate a removal. Perhaps, in the following Narrative, may be found something to suggest the expediency of much deliberation and prayer in so important a concern. "God

"hath spoken once; twice have I heard

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this, that power belongeth unto God." With him is "the residue of the Spirit." Nothing is too hard for him to effect. Who can tell, but there is great grace in his pur

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pose, even, towards that field of painful and ineffectual labor. Perhaps his counsel is, even now, ripening. And the servant who has long been “ going forth weeping, bearing precious seed," may, quickly, and with glad surprize, receive from his Master an assurance, the reverse of his fears, "be “not afraid”---" for I have much people in "this place." Then, when the glory of the Lord is revealed, "the mountains will "flow down at his presence," miracles of salvation will be multiplied, and the standard of the Redeemer become the glad resort of a willing people.

Nothing revives the courage and the joy of a true-hearted Disciple and Messenger of Jesus like those visitations from the Most High. The report, wherever circulated, however disregarded and derided by carnal minds, is an occassion of thanksgiving to all who love God's salvation. "With joy they see that "the Lord's hand " is not shortened"---" nor his ear heavy." With gladness and rejoicing, they realize the day when the whole earth shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God!!

And

Influenced by considerations of this nature, and by many intreaties, I applied myself to prepare the following statement of the work of the Lord among us. while I present, especially to my much endeared Charge, this Memorial of the grace of God to them and to me, my heart's desire and prayer is, that it may excite, in ourselves, and in every reader, more fervent supplications, and strenuous endeavors for the conversion and salvation of precious souls! "Now unto him that is able to "do exceeding abundantly above all that "we ask or think, according to the power "that worketh in us, unto him be glory "in the Church by Christ Jesus, through" out all ages, world world without end. "Amen.

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MEMORIAL,

&c.

REVEREND AND DEAR SIR,

I HAVE already acknowledged the much esteemed favor of your letter dated April 15th last. Though many weeks have intervened, I am not conscious of being remiss-indeed "I "have made haste and have not delayed," in my compliance with your request. Your candour will admit the consideration of my engagements, in the present extent and importance of them, as a sufficient apology.

I cannot wonder that the hints, suggested some months since in the Evangelical Magazine,* should have produced enquiries relative to the progress of the work of God amongst us. Nothing, in

* See Evan, Mag. for July 1805.

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this vain, degenerate, and dying world, can afford equal gratification to heaven-born minds as "the

signs of the times"-those copious showers of heavenly blessing-those operations of almighty providence and grace which declare that, God is mindful of his covenant, and that the interest of Zion dwells upon his heart. These are signs encouraging to the faith and hope of God's tried people. Often they cheer a very dark night: they are always pledges of a bright and glorious day.

To the praise of the glory of divine grace we have to acknowledge" the day-spring from on

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high hath visited us, to give light to them who "sit in darkness." The display of God's mercy, contrasted with the state of ignorance, sin, and misery, in which it found us, is marvellous and surprising.

The operations of his hand we behold with wonder and with joy. That word belongs to us, "I am sought of them that asked not for me; "I am found of them that sought me not."

It is now seven years since Providence, by some remarkable circumstances, directed my way to Darwen. This congregation was my first ministerial charge. Here I was placed as in a wide extended desart. The congregation was numerous (perhaps more than five hundred) in a populous part of the country.

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