lieving spirit of the world, whatever be our reading, searching, and solicitude, we shall never be led to a saving knowledge of the gospel: we are then led by the spirit of darkness, and not by the Spirit of light. The world by wisdom knew not God.' Fearful and fatal is

It discerns not the

the darkness of the carnal mind. things of the Spirit of God. It sees not the glories of Christ. Oh what gratitude we owe to the Saviour for this precious promise, 'He,' the Holy Spirit, shall take of the things of mine and show them unto you.' The psalmist understood it, 'Open thou mine eyes, and I shall behold wondrous things out of thy law.'

"Your connection with -'s church may present a question of no inconsiderable trial to your feelings; but I believe the Spirit of God will lead you in relation to that also, in a way which your dying reflections will approve. The Unitarian changes the whole import, both of baptism and the Lord's supper. Take away from the import of baptism the necessity of regeneration, the sprinkling of the blood of atonement, the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, and it seems to me its whole evangelical life and soul are gone, and it can be viewed only as a solemn farce. And what is it that renders the Lord's table a solemn, melting, delightful, and awful scene? Is it not the reflection that it commemorates the death of Him who was God manifest in the flesh,' by whom, and for whom all things were created?—who by his more than mortal agonies made a full atonement for our sins, redeeming us from eternal burnings, and purchasing for us the free offer of never-ending joys and glories? Take away these humbling, and comforting, and exalting views of the Lord's supper, and its participation would appear to me but impious trifling with the body and blood of our Lord. I could not with a clear conscience receive the sacred emblems from a minister

who I knew held these low and empty views of this ordinance, nor commune with a church who generally embraced them.

"We must not be alarmed out of a good conscience and the power of a holy and decided example, by the cry, Pharisee, stand by, I am holier than thou!' We must remember that it is no new thing for unbending religious principle and a determination to keep a conscience void of offence both towards God and towards man, to be branded with such epithets as 'uncharitable,' 'pharisaical,' 'proud,' and 'obstinate.' All our concern should be, that when they say these things of us, they say them falsely.

"You speak of your temptations and occasional doubts. Herein hath no strange thing happened unto you. Be thankful that you have any light. Gratefully and promptly improve what you have, and God will give you more. 'He that hath,' or improves what he hath, to him it shall be given, and he shall have more abundantly.'

"With very sincere regards,
"Yours, &c."

CHAPTER IX.

HIS REGARD TO THE REPUTATION OF HIS BRETHREN-AMI

TION SOCIAL WORSHIP-DISCIPLINE INTELLECTUAL POWERS AT BOLTON-LETTER TO MRS. G.-JOURNALFAILURE OF HIS HEALTH-AT NORTHAMPTON-LETTERS TO MRS. G.-PARTING ADDRESS TO HIS PEOPLE.

A TRAIT of character in Mr. Green deserving of distinct notice, was a tender and unvarying regard to the reputation and comfort of his brethren in the ministry. Though not insensible to their imperfections, nor blind to the frequent inconsistencies of their conduct, he was ever slow to arraign them at the bar of his own judgment, and condemn them in the hearing of others. Viewing them as his fellow servants, and standing in the same relations with himself to his Lord and Master, regarding their usefulness as identified with the success of the cause he loved supremely, and their usefulness as depending on their reputation for piety, industry, and zeal, his heart revolted from every thoughtless as well as from every malicious remark, whose tendency was unfriendly to their influence. He ever carried in his hand the broad mantle of charity, and flung it almost involuntarily over any brother

whose character was assailed. No defects of character called forth his animadversions, except those which already indicated prevailing enmity against God and the revelations of his will, nor even these, farther than they were demanded by his sense of obligation to the Redeemer of lost men. While he abhorred the error or the vice that met his eye, he still loved and dealt kindly with the errorist, as one made in the image of God, and capable of being made an heir of heaven. As a matter of course, he had no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, and firmly maintained the principle of noncommunion between Christ and Belial. Still he had that charity which "hopeth all things," and held an attitude. toward ministers of conflicting views, that would allow him to do them good, whenever an opportunity should occur, and convince them, that, though an opponent of their doctrinal system, he was yet their friend. But, toward those who were one in heart, and one in aim, he was a brother indeed, at all times. If they asked advice, he gave it with frankness. If they needed reproof, he administered it with tenderness and love. If they required sympathy, it flowed from his bosom in copious streams. If they were languishing through discouragement, his cordiality of affection and ready entrance into all their trials, and his words of consolation, buoyed up their spirits and sent them on their way rejoicing.

Striking as this trait of character was, we are not to regard it as the fruit of special grace alone. Though doubtless purified and ennobled by the peculiar spirit of the gospel in which he shared so largely, its foundation was laid deep in nature; and the same spirit of kindness was exhibited in just proportions toward all men.

Says an early acquaintance, "He was truly, what is termed an affectionate man; affectionate in his feelings and in his manners. He was naturally so. From my

first knowledge of him he had strong friends. Hence, when the principles of Christian benevolence were infused into his heart, they found there a congenial soil, and made him what he was generally esteemed by those that knew him, a warm hearted, lovely Christian. I think that no small share of his success in life is to be ascribed to his kind feelings and his affectionate manners, and here indeed is one of the most peculiar traits in his character." Certainly, few minds were ever formed with stronger susceptibilities of all that is tender and firm in affectionate attachment. His heart was always expansive, generous, and full. Wherever confidence could be safely reposed— and few better knew where-there it was freely given, without a jealous thought or a token of suspicion. He never lost a friend once gained, nor sought a friend without success. Every thing about him, his countenance, tones, gestures, all declared his benignity, and secured at once both confidence and esteem. In truth, he aimed to promote universal happiness. None were too low in the world's esteem to share his smile, if they sought it, and none too elevated to escape his gentle and salutary rebuke, if they deserved it, and were within his reach.

Though such as had not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance would yet form a correct opinion of him, from every page of his writings, yet we are unwilling to withhold a pertinent quotation from the funeral sermon already referred to, happily illustrating this feature of his character.

men.

"Goodness of heart characterized his intercourse with He was benevolent in all his feelings. He deeply sympathized with his flock in their private sorrows. In the sick chamber and at the bed of death, he was a model of tenderness and fidelity. In every relation which he sustained, goodness marked his feelings and expressions. His people had unbounded confidence in him from their