you have advanced under that head become absolutely necessary, lest, by mistaking the case, we should lose the benefit of our neighbours' afflictions.

You recommend upon this occasion, "our guarding ourselves against any hard censures, which a reflection upon these extraordinary calamities encourages in minds too readily disposed to judge with severity;" and conclude, "that it is certain that we have no right to determine what are the particular intentions of Providence in this dispensation." But certainly we have a right to determine that such punishments are inflicted because of sin: else how do they (in your own words) "speak to us the language of the divine displeasure?" else how can they be considered as punishments to correct some, and to warn others? else how can they be considered as the louder calls of anger; or of what use to bring us home to ourselves? This you must grant, or you pull down all that you have before builded, and make yourself a trespasser. I allow that we have no right to conclude these unhappy people to be greater sinners than ourselves, because of their greater sufferings. This would lead us pharisaically to cajole ourselves in our iniquities, rather than to take warning by others; yet we are allowed to look upon them as very great offenders. Our Saviour does not reprove his disciples, for thinking those Galileans whose blood (Luke xiii. 2.) Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices, to be very great sinners; but for thinking them to be greater sinners than themselves, which is indeed a temper of mind utterly inconsistent with true repentance.

We are allowed then to suppose the Portuguese to be great sinners, and that the Lisbon earthquake was a punishment inflicted for sin; and if we can discover any thing in their conduct that might tend to bring down this divine judgment upon them, it will be our wisdom to take warning by it, and carefully to avoid it as a fatal snare; and surely we may see some things in them, which God has, in all ages, punished with the most severe chastisement. As,

First, Idolatry. It is impossible but that you, sir, must have heard of the stupid profaneness and idolatry of these people; of their mock processions, and barbarous mimicry of their Redeemer's sufferings, such as was a scandal to human nature, and such as never tarnished the most profane rites of Heathenism. Such fopperies, this horrible punishment should caution us carefully to avoid; and to avoid every means that would lead us into them. It should make us carefully abide by the gospel of Christ, which is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; and wherein is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith. It should make us careful to live up to it, lest, for neglecting so great salvation, God should give us up to strong delusions, to believe such lies, and to worship and serve the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever.

Secondly, Persecution. We all know, that at Lisbon the barbarous Inquisition reigned in all its horrors, and that thousands have there fallen a sacrifice to it, whose blood has long cried aloud for vengeance; and we know that persecutors have been most severely punished in all ages; so that, taught by this dreadful judgment, we should carefully avoid this crime-a crime of so deep a dye, that in its highest stage, when it strikes at the truth as such, it becomes irremissible, and can never be forgiven either in this world or in that which is to come. I allow, that these people are connected to us by every tie but that of religion; but this of itself constitutes so vast a difference, that whenever we are disposed to speak most favourably of their failings, and attribute them to the prejudices of education, or the weakness of human judgment, we should still remember, that we are Protestants, and they were Papists; and indeed, to us, as Protestants and Christians, there is something in this divine judgment so very remarkable, that, if rightly considered, it may greatly

confirm us in both.

As Protestants, we all look for the destruction of antichrist and his kingdom; and here we behold a city, whose unequalled trade in gold, and silver, and precious stones, was a proper type of that spiritual merchandise so many hundred years vended by her mother Rome; like whom, she was built upon seven hills; like whom, as a most obedient daughter, she was a nest of idolaters and persecutors! And as she was so like her mother in every thing, we have all the reason in the world to think, that Rome, like Lisbon, shall one day be punished. Most remarkable it is, that on the day which she had abused to rob the eternal God of his honour, and to give it to the whole host of heaven; on the day which she had abused in shedding the blood of thousands; on that very day God came down to hold his auto da fé, and her own blood was required. Thus, when her mother Rome shall say, "I sit as a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow; in that very day shall her plagues come, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burnt with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her."

As Christians, we all look and wait for the coming of our Lord unto judgment, and therefore should pay a special regard to every token of his approach. He himself has told us, that, before his coming, "there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars, and upon the earth, distress of nations with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring, men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming upon the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." When therefore we see any such things come to pass, we should lift up our heads, for our redemption draws nigh. Nor need we to fear, if Christ dwells in our hearts by faith, if we are rooted and grounded in love, though the heavens and the earth fly away, and their place be found no more; for the Lord of Hosts is with us, and Jesus Christ is our refuge. In whom I am, reverend sir, your sincere well-wisher, &c.

LETTER CLIX.

DEAR AND REVEREND SIR,-You need no apology for delaying your answer to my letter. You have a precedent to plead, which must, if not satisfy, yet strike me dumb; but I propose, if the Lord assist, to be more punctual for the future in acknowledging the favours I receive from my valuable and valued correspondents; among whom I shall always reckon Mr

I am much obliged for your very just and very important remarks. They give me such an idea of your knowledge in the things of Christ, and your acquaintance with experimental religion, that I must beg leave to lay before you the plan which I have sketched out for my Treatise on Gospel Holiness; with an earnest request, that you will rigorously examine it, and freely pass your judgment upon it; suggesting, wherever it is improper, the means of rectifying it; wherever it is defective, a method for completing it.

THE PLAN.

PLEASURE and happiness of Christ's religion. We must partake of the comforts of the gospel, before we can be fitted to practise the duties of the law. Theron, oppressed with fears on account of his numerous sins, discouraged with doubts on account of his imperfect obedience, the cordials of the gospel are readministered with some additional spirit and strength. Holiness, gospel holiness, its nature, necessity, excellency. The endowments necessary to fit us for the practice of holiness; a persuasion of our reconciliation to God, the hope of everlasting happiness, and an assured expectation of grace sufficient for us. The grand efficient of holiness, the blessed Spirit; the principal instrument, faith. This renews the dispute concerning the assurance of faith. Objections to it stated, discussed, answer

ed. Holiness more particularly delineated in its several branches, and deduced from, or founded upon evangelical principles; such as, "I beseech you by the mercies of God: Ye are bought with a price: Ye are the temples of the living God: God hath forgiven you," &c. All these privileges, though not hereditary, yet indefeasible; or the final perseverance of believers. This eminently conducive to holiness. The Scriptures, prayer, Lord's supper, when mixed with faith, are effectual means of holiness. Our friends part, and renew their epistolary correspondence. Theron, desirous to glorify the God of his salvation, asks advice concerning the best method of family-worship, educating children, instructing servants, and edifying his acquaintance. On each of these particulars Aspasio satisfies his inquiry; enlarges on the subject of education, especially the education of daughters, as that seems to be most neglected, or the proper manner of conducting it least understood. Letter on the covenant of grace; comprising the substance, and being a kind of recapitulation of the preceding volumes. Letter on the way of living by faith in the Son of God, or the way of reducing all the gospel doctrines to suitable practice. Aspasio seized with a sudden and fatal illness. His sentiments and behaviour in his last moments.

This, dear sir, is my rough draught. Apply the compasses and plummet; examine it with your rule and line. Improve my plan; assist me, with your advice and prayers, to execute the work; and may the great Master-builder enable me to bring forth the top-stone, for the honour of his holy name, and for the edification of his chosen people. I am, dear sir, with unfeigned affection, your brother in Christ.

N. B. As Mr Hervey did not live to finish his plan, and as he was himself apprehensive that he should not, he desired, in his preface to Marshall