Rev. Mr. Morrison, contains some excellent and scriptural thoughts on affliction, which had been more than once verified in his own experience. It is entitled to a place in this memoir.

"I am truly glad that you have been sick; for if you are a child of God, an heir of the inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away for ever, you must be trained up for it. And the school of affliction is best fitted to teach the heirs the worth of their inheritance, and the sovereignty of that grace by which it is bestowed.

"How long did Abraham and Sarai wait for the promise? how long did Job grope in darkness? mourn over his prosperous days passed; and pine in bitter anguish and tears for the sore disease of his body? I see, or I think I see, a Divine beauty and glory in that wisdom which is displayed in bringing those who are born children of wrath and heirs of hell, into the marvellous light and liberty of the sons of God. If it had not been for that thorn in the flesh that rankled and festered in Paul, is it probable that he would have been so very willing to depart

and be with Christ? It was the forty years' travel in the wilderness that rendered the land of Canaan so very pleasant to Israel. It is true that it flowed with milk and honey; and for this reason was desirable. But it was beheld at a distance by faith: and if Israel could have been safe and happy in Egypt, there Israel would have remained.

"I fear I am a bastard because I receive so little chastisement; and yet when the rod comes, no matter how gentle the strokes, I begin to fear that the Lord is about to destroy me, as an unbelieving rebel. I toss like a wild bull in a net. The truth is we can do no good without Christ. He prepares his ministers for their services. He sits as a refiner's fire; and he knows what is necessary. At this time I feel such an insensibility to eternal things that I am almost afraid to confess that I am on God's side.

"On the last Lord's day I was in Orange. On my way-and while I was there-and while returning, I attempted six times to preach. Five out of the six I had tolerable liberty. I was strengthened in faith, and preaching seemed to be my element. But,

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alas! on Thursday last, and again to-day, I am like Saul, forsaken of the Lord. The enemy comes in like a flood; and I now begin to fear, that while I preach to others, I myself may prove a castaway. I ask myself, over and over again, how can I, if I believe the' Bible, feel so little interest for the salvation of others! Why am I not more like Luther, Whitfield, and Paul? I cannot converse like yourself with the sick-there my lips are closed-there my affections are chilled-there I cannot mourn with them that mourn, and weep with them that weep. Jesus wept.' He wept over Lazarus, in sympathy with Martha and Mary. And methinks, if there be weeping in heaven, mine is a case that might cause grief-that I, a minister of Christ, should be so hard-hearted and unfeeling."

CHAPTER IV.

Mr. Clopton's pastoral labours in Charlotte--Interesting period of his life--Condition of the churches--Mr. Clopton invited to settle among them-Accepts the invitation--Difficulties to encounter-Extracts from his journal-His discipline--Preaching--Private instructions--Several conversions resulting from his conversations--Visits--Incautious reproofs-Means of which he availed himself to promote religion among his churches--Successes-Remarks.

We have now reached the most interesting period in the life of Mr. Clopton. Charlotte county, Virginia, was for more than ten years the principal scene of his useful labours. Here his powers were vigorously employed, and his extraordinary piety was developed. We are henceforward to contemplate him as an affectionate, vigilant and faithful pastor, and a plain, ardent and laborious preacher, surmounting numerous difficulties by faith, patience and perseverance; silencing calumny by meekness and circumspection; and wielding a mighty influence for the glory of God, and the happiness of men. We shall have an opportunity of forming an intimate acquaint

ance with his principles, habits, conflicts, and enjoyments. If we will attentively examine his history we may find much to reprove our supineness and unbelief; our pride and levity; our ingratitude and covetousness; the formality of our devotions and the misapplication of our talents: much to encourage and guide us through the conflicts and sorrows of life.

The Baptist churches in Charlotte were, in the latter part of 1822, in a deplorable condition. Their former pastor, Elder Richard Dabbs, had removed to the west. The churches were small and feeble, and discipline was greatly, if not entirely neglected. Previous to this time no provision, or a very inadequate one, had been made for the pastor's support. The spirit of benevolent enterprise was not found among them. All were cold, barren and leafless.

There was one who saw and deplored their wintry state this was Mr. Bryan W. Lester, a pious deacon of a neighbouring church, who resided in the county. He became acquainted with Mr. Clopton, and saw that he was eminently qualified to resuscitate the expiring churches in Charlotte. Through the influence