say it was quenched by a parent's hand; while the examples of Samuel and Timothy, and many other distinguished and illustrious men, afford the highest encouragement to parents to cherish the first budding of piety in the hearts of their beloved and tender offspring.

CHAPTER II.

William becomes an apprentice Declines in piety-Class formed in Wexford-Is reclaimed under a prayer by Mr. Wesley-Becomes a leader-Sabbath duties-His acquaintance with Mr. Wesley— Defends him from an assault-Wesley licenses him to preachReflections on local preachers-Their benefit to the Church-Irish conference invites him to travel-Reasons for declining-Moral and religious state of Ireland-Experience of a mountaineer-An ecdote of Wesleyan preacher and parson-Mr. Gurley visits Eng land-Storm at sea-Joseph Benson-Death of Wesley-Rev. John Miller and a highway robber-Mr. Gurley's encounter with a ruffian at an inn-Commences business in Wexford-Catholic priest in a dilemma-Relieved by Mr. Gurley-His marriage.

Ar the age of sixteen William became an apprentice to the silversmith and jewelry business. His piety continued with unabated ardor until he was nearly out of his time of service, when, by mingling in jovial company, he, for a season, brought darkness on his mind, and lost his " crown of rejoicing." He describes his state subsequently as very dangerous and deplorable:

"After I was out of my apprenticeship, I was in a very distressed state of mind. I seemed, at times, to be perfectly indifferent as to what God might do with my soul. I remember, at one time, when it was thundering, and the lightning flashing around me in an awful manner, I wished to die, and even dared the Almighty to strike me dead. O, the little worm I was, to dare Omnipotence! How true the words of inspiration: The spirit of a man may sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit who can bear?""

In a short time, however, reason and conscience regained their ascendency, and he renewed his covenant with God. But, for some months, he walked in darkness, and had no light. But he abstained from all immoral practices and vain company, attended sacrament at the Established

Church, and sought the society of the religious; and when any of the Wesleyan preachers visited the town to preach, he attended the meeting.

Up to this time, it seems, no society had been organized in Wexford, or, if so, it had ceased to exist; although the local preachers, and occasionally the traveling ministers, had preached there for years. Mr. Gurley always attributed his decline in piety principally to the want of Christian friends to take him by the hand, and encourage, instruct, and comfort him, by their example and advice.

The benefit of Christian society to the young convert is incalculable; without it, few, comparatively, who profess Christ, would endure. It is of the highest importance that the young Christian should cultivate the closest intimacy with the truly pious, and unite with the Church as soon as practicable. The youthful professor who refuses to unite with the people of God, or is unnecessarily delaying that important duty, stands on the brink of a precipice; he is precisely where Satan wishes him to be; he is balancing on the pivot of his destiny, and nothing but prompt and decisive action can save him. He must enter the ark, or the floods of rising temptation will sweep him away.

Soon after Mr. G. renewed his covenant with God, a class was organized. In reference to the state of his mind, and the formation of a society, he gives the following

account:

"I now began to revive, but it was to suffer. Truly the arrows of the Almighty were sticking fast in my soul. Remorse of conscience, beyond any thing I can express, weighed down my spirits. From June, 1783, till April, 1785, none but God and myself know what anguish I underwent.

"In September, 1784, a Mr. James Deaves, who had for many years been a member of the Wesleyan society, came

to reside at Wexford. He forwarded a request to the conference to have regular preaching in the city. Accordingly, the Rev. Thomas Tattershall, a traveling preacher, came, and formed the society of ten members. I was the second who rose to join. I well recollect the questions proposed by the preacher, and my answers to them. It may not be uninteresting, at this distant period, to refer to them:

"Question. What are your motives for uniting with the Methodist society?'

"Answer. "I see myself a poor sinner; I desire salvation, and wish to place myself under their watch-care and instruction.'

"Q. Do you believe in the present forgiveness of sin, and the witness of the Holy Spirit?'

"A. 'I believe the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world, to give the knowledge of salvation and the remission of sin.'

"Q. Do you believe in a further state of grace, to be attained in this life?'

"A. 'I do. The sanctification of soul, body, and spirit.' "Q.

Do you believe it possible to continue in that state of holiness?'

"A.

'I do; for Christ said to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for thee."

"Q. Do you believe it is possible to fall from that state?'

"A. 'Yes; for the apostle says, "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."'

"I observed, however, that he questioned me somewhat more particularly than he did some others; but of his reasons for so doing I was not aware.

"He found me in a deplorable state of mind; but he was a loving and tender-hearted man, and gave me such

advice and instruction as my condition and circumstances required."

From September to the ensuing April, Mr. Gurley continued to attend class, and other means of grace. His uncle Gird, though a Whitefieldite, was leader of the class; but his mind was still in gloom and darkness, with occasional glimpses of light and hope. But he knew there was a state of peace, and he resolved to seek till he should once more find his " crown of rejoicing."

It was at this time that he first had the honor of forming an acquaintance with the venerable founder of Methodism. He had seen him and heard him preach when but a boy; but now he was providentially permitted to meet with him, and to find his labors a lasting blessing to his soul. He thus refers to the occasion:

"About this time Mr. Wesley passed through Ireland, and the city of Waterford was one place to which he had forwarded an appointment. Our preacher, Mr. Tattershall, invited me to go with him there, and meet Mr. Wesley.

“We reached Waterford on Friday, and were introduced to him at his lodgings. I remember well that a lady was present in the room, singing Wrestling Jacob,' when Mr. Wesley rose to meet us. He received me with the greatest condescension-took me cordially by the hand. I cannot describe what I felt at that time. The hand of George III would not have been a thousandth part as acceptable to me, for I had always been taught to regard him, even from my infancy, as the greatest and holiest man in the world.

"I had heard him preach in the court-house in Wexford when I was but a child; but from that time I had never seen him until the present. But length of years or distance from him could never banish him from my mind, or abate my regard for him; and now, that near eighty years have passed over me, his memory is as dear to me as ever.