greatly he revered the Sabbath; how diligently he pursued his main object; and how carefully he observed the dealings of God, and desired to be guided in that way in which he could most glorify him, and subserve the design of the gospel. We are now about to follow him into another scene of action, very similar to the preceding; and we shall see, that he acted up to the plan on which he commenced, and that his piety was not an intermitting spring, but a perennial fountain, the streams of which enriched every place through which they passed.

CHAP. III.

His Progress in experimental Religion, and his Exertions in preaching the Gospel to the Poor, while a Student at Bristol.

ACADEMIES and colleges erected for the study of theology, ought, above all other places, to be distinguished for their piety; and those who pass through them, ought to be able to look back on the season spent in them, as one of the most devout and happy of their lives. These places are often viewed as the mount of God, as the very gate of heaven, and as exempt from the common dangers and trials of life; but it is well known, both by experience and observation, that even these sacred retreats are not free from the temptations of Satan; and though they may not be of a common, they are not, on that account, of a less trying nature. There are very few pious characters who retire from them without sentiments of regret, that more pains were not taken to adorn the mind with the garments of humility, that more of the time there allotted to them was not consecrated to intercourse with heaven, and that the opportunities there enjoyed were not better improved in fitting them for future usefulness. Where many young men are collected together, though their minds may be decidedly serious, yet their temptations to levity will necessarily

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be great and it requires no ordinary portion of divine grace to enable a young man, in such a situation, with humility, seriousness, and diligence, to pursue the even tenor of his course, and, instead of being carried away by the current of "foolish talking and jesting, which are not convenient," to turn it into such a channel, that it may "administer grace to the hearers." It is not to be expected or desired that we should find all the gravity of age in the bloom of youth; but still there is a sedateness of mind, and a decorum of behaviour, which well become those who have devoted themselves to the study of that word, which is to be a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death." There have perhaps been few students in divinity, that have endeavoured more sedulously to improve time, to grow in grace, and to avoid the temptations attendant on a retired and collegiate life, than Mr. C. did; and yet we find him frequently lamenting over his failings in these things, particularly over his proneness to a light and trifling spirit; from which we may learn, that they are most sensible of their faults, who strive most against them, and that they are most conscious of their errors, who are most ardent in pressing toward perfection.

Active exertions are not expected of students, as their time is devoted to the acquisition of useful knowledge in solitude. We are not therefore led to anticipate that their history, in this stage of it; will be marked by any active scenes of benevolent exertion; but are satisfied if we observe them making progress in their various studies, with the expectation that in future years they will turn their acquirements to the best account. For this reason, it becomes the more novel and interesting, when we see a young man thus situated, while diligently employed in the improvement of his own mind, and in increasing his own stock of information, anxious to afford instruction and communicate happiness to those who are "perishing for lack of knowledge." It would be impossible to withhold our admiration from such a character, if engaged only in promoting the temporal felicity of men; but, as identified with the Saviour in seeking to "save that which is lost," he must claim our respect and esteem. The following extracts from the diary of Mr. Chamberlain, when at

the Baptist Academy, Bristol, under the care of the venerable Dr. Ryland, will shew, that while a student, he was a pious Christian, a diligent scholar, and a true Philanthropist. They have been made under the conviction, that it will be more pleasing to the serious reader to find the preceding assertion illustrated by his own words, than by any encomiums of the compiler.

"Oct. 3rd, 1799.-It is now nearly thirty days since I wrote in my diary. Where have I been? What have I been doing? It becomes me to stop and consider; time is gone, never to be recalled. How has it been improved? Alas! what can I say? How can I answer questions so important as these? I have been changing about from place to place; and what shall I say respecting the state of my soul? Surely I have been more than ordinarily stupid and cold, and unpardonably indifferent about the things that are of everlasting importance. My heart is dreadfully hard, and uncommonly unaffected, although I am surrounded with innumerable mercies, divine Providence appearing so evidently in my favour. I have been brought through many dangers to a place in which I desired to be, in a very unexpected way, and in a wonderful manner; have been engaged in the labours of the harvest, and preserved from all dangers and accidents; have been preserved in journeying more than 160 miles, and wonderfully favoured by the providence of God; and shall I still be ungrateful? Shall none of this goodness lead me to repentance? Could I ever have been so ungrateful to a fellow creature as I have been to my God? Surely not; but ah! how unfeeling I am while I acknowledge my ingratitude: it is one thing to acknowledge it, and another thing to have my heart properly affected, and suitably impressed with it. I now enjoy many privileges, and considerable advantages; I have now another opportunity of devoting my time to study. May I be thankful for it, and earnestly desirous, and constantly watchful to improve it. I am in the midst of temptations, and have great need of watchfulness; I am exceedingly liable to be carried away by the levity that surrounds me, and to which I am so inclined. I am convinced that true religion and levity are quite inconsistent with each other, and are, and ever will be, irreconcilable. Religion, if it has a prevailing influence on the mind, will be

an antidote against a volatile and trifling disposition. O that I had less of the spirit of the world, and more of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, of whom it could never be said, 'He laughed, or uttered a vain word!' His words were all the words of wisdom, and his deportment always grave. Blessed example! may I imitate it more and more.

"5th.-0 that I were but deeply impressed with the importance of living to God-of living to him who, I trust, hath loved me, and given himself for me.' This is a thing that is too little upon my mind, and too little affects my heart, when it is the subject of my meditation. O my soul, how is it that thou art no more engaged in contemplating the glories of the dear Redeemer? Did he die for sinners, and is it nothing to thee? Has his blood been spilt? Was he cruelly treated, and ignominiously crucified on Calvary, and is it nothing to thee? Wilt thou so shamefully, so wickedly slight the dear Redeemer? Has he done nothing worthy of thy attention? Well might he say to me, 'Is it nothing to you? Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow.' Shall not his sufferings deeply affect me? Was he smitten for our sins, wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities? Was the chastisement of our peace laid upon him, and by his stripes are we healed? By his sufferings and death, his resurrection and ascension, hath he completed the work of redemption, hath he manifested his regard to the law, the government, and the moral character of the glorious Jehovah? Hath he baffled the projects of the prince of darkness, fully disconcerted all his well formed plans, and finally overcome all his host? Are these things so; and hath he accomplished them in a way so extraordinary, so wonderful, as to cause everlasting confusion to seize the enemies of God, and eternal adoration to fill the heavenly world; and will not all this affect me? Is there not room here for delightful thought and contemplation, infinitely surpassing all that can be found in the world? O my soul, seriously consider these things. Be ashamed of thy past folly; and let it be thy great concern to contemplate the humility and glory of Emmanuel. Admire his excellencies, exalt his love and grace, imitate his example, constantly adhere to his commands, earnestly pray to be con

formed to his image, imbibe his spirit, which is meek and lowly, ́and the sure forerunner of peace and rest. What love hath he manifested towards God and his law, and towards sinful hell-deserving men, who are in a helpless, hopeless condition, because of their wickedness! What wonderful love is here! and have I no love in return? May the love of Christ constrain me, may it bear me away,; may it be my study day and night to live, not to myself, but to him who died, and rose again. I have many times attested the truth of this proposition, that the love of Christ is a theme the most calculated to enliven the mind, to increase holy dispositions and heavenly mindedness. One of my resolutions is, to meditate more on the love of Christ: may I ever regard it, then nothing will separate me from this love.

O my

9th. Lord's day morning, 6 o'clock.-I have reason to bless God for the enjoyment of his presence since I arose. O to be always in a devotional frame of mind! May it be my great concern this day to live near to God. Help me, O Lord, to watch the different movements of my mind, and the corruption of my heart. May every thought be brought into subjection to the obedience of Christ. Assist me in drawing near unto thee; suffer me not to wander from thee; let me enjoy thy presence this day, and at its close, with humiliation, gratitude, and love, commit myself to thee for time and eternity. God, I would fain serve thee; but without the gracious assistance of thy Spirit, I shall find all my efforts fail. I would wish to resolve, (but I am afraid to resolve,) to labour to have my heart properly impressed with the importance of experimental religion, and to consider what are the best means to attain this, which is in itself so desirable and important. I think some of the many that might be mentioned are the following:-Read the word of God, and meditate on his glo-. rious character as revealed therein; on the astonishing character of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour; and on the admirable character which the Holy Spirit sustains, as the quickener and comforter of all the heirs of glory.-Meditate on the glorious work of redemption, and the bright displays that are made therein, of infinite love, infinite wisdom, infinite power, and