nothing but acquiescence in the Divine will, and gratitude for that gracious dispensation of Heaven which could not have been manifested in a manner more consolatory to the feelings of the man, the son, and the Christian."

Dr. Clarke was speedily summoned from the indulgence of lonesome grief, to resume those life-absorbing efforts which Providence had ordained as the task of his existence, and in the fulfillment of which his own preparation for the rest that remaineth unto the people of God could be best carried on. In the stated work of the pulpit, in advancing the Commentary, and in discharging the duties resulting from his engagement with the Record Commission, the weeks and months passed rapidly away. These avocations called him to Cambridge, to Oxford, and again to Ireland. Connected with his sojourn at Cambridge in December, he makes a memorandum on the formation of a Bible Society in that town: "Lord Hardwicke,” says he, 66 was in the chair, supported by Lord Francis Osborne, the dean of Carlisle, and several of the professors. The meeting lasted from eleven till four o'clock; and such speeches I never heard. Mr. Owen exceeded his former self; Mr. Dealtry spoke like an angel; and Dr. E. D. Clarke, the traveler, like a seraph. Everything was carried, and the meeting ended in a blaze of celestial light. Every man seemed to swear that he would carry the Bible to all who never knew it, so far as the providence of God should permit him to go. For myself, I did not laugh and cry alternately; I did both together, and completely wet my pocket-handkerchief with tears. Between two and three hundred young men of the University were the first movers in this business." In the following April he visited Cambridge again, and was hospitably entertained at Corpus Christi College. During this sojourn he had several hopeful conversations with some of the junior gownsmen, who greatly pleased him "by their disposition and manners." One of these, the Rev. Thomas Galland, M.A., became a distinguished ornament to the Methodist ministry.

CHAPTER VII.

ITINERANCY.

IN June Dr. Clarke resumed his travels in Ireland. "Left London," writes he, "at six A. M., in the Liverpool coach, having under my care a young lady, Miss O'Connor, a perfect stranger to me, but whom I was requested to protect to Dublin. I soon found that she was a Roman Catholic, but of an amiable disposition, and, in her own way, conscientiously religious. At the place of our last changing between Prescot and Warrington, Mr. Nuttall, Mr. Fisher, and their man and carriage were waiting, and took me and my little ward to their place, called Nut Grove, where they were distractingly glad to see me. On our journey I observed that my ward had a French work, called Journal du Chretien, (the Christian's Diary,) in which there is a prayer and what is called 'an act of devotion,' for the morning and evening of each day. Poor little thing, though she had no place of retirement to do these devotions, yet such is her fear of God, that she could not neglect them; and therefore, at the proper time, both morning and evening, she took out her book and read her little devotions. I rejoiced to show her that a heretic, so called, loves the same God."

"June 11. I preached in Liverpool to an immense crowd. I understand a Roman Catholic lady, who had long been seeking rest for her soul, came to the preaching. She was deeply convinced that the foundation of her hope must be alone in the death and merits of Christ. Her heart appeared as if broken under the word, and God showed her the way of salvation by faith through the blood of the cross. The doctor preached again on the 14th at Brunswick Chapel, on "the providence and mercy of God; who

wrought for his own name, and I have reason to believe much good was done. We had a bad night at sea; one mast was split, and the wind was against us. Through mercy we reached Dublin in safety."

"A gentleman at the Custom House, seeing 'Dr. Clarke' on different boxes, (for it was on all Miss O'Connor's,) came out into the mob that surrounded us, and inquired for Dr. Clarke. I answered. He took me into the Custom House, instantly passed all the boxes, would take no money, saw us both into a jingle, and told the fellow to beware he took no more than his fare, which was six shillings and sixpence; and so we got safely to Mr. Keene's."

Dr. Clarke's health was again distressingly impaired. He suffered so much, that existence seemed at times a martyrdom. Through the grace given to him, his will bore up with an indomitable energy, and carried him through the labors of the pulpit, or preaching in the open air, the presidency of the Conference, and the researches of the State. Record business, while many a man in like affliction would have been at home in his bed.

"We this day commence our operations on the Lodge Manuscripts, and I shall open my way with the chancellor of Christ Church, perhaps call on Dr. Barrett and others. Major Sirr's family fully expected me to lodge there; but our people and the preachers have taken fire at the proposal. I found here an affectionate letter from Mr. Averell, who is waiting to convey me to Cork, etc. But such a journey is now utterly out of my power. Another letter was in waiting from Mr. Mayne, of Drogheda, an extract from which will not displease you: 'Dear Doctor,—Our people anxiously desire to see you; and the public at large, to hear you once more. Pray do visit us. The last time you were here, God gave a Roman Catholic to your ministry. He is thoroughly steady, and his wife has since died in the Lord Jesus. Come, therefore; who knows but God may give you another?' I know what both you and Mr. Butterworth will say; and, please God, I shall obey you. There I shall

go, God willing-I think Wednesday-preach to them on Thursday, and return on Friday, if this horrible seizure (of affliction) will give me so much respite. But it so thoroughly embitters every comfort, that I cannot rejoice in anything without trembling. For eight days I have swallowed nothing, cold or hot, solid or fluid, without great, often extreme pain. I am in constant pain, and often in agony indescrib

able."

"June 22. When in Liverpool, I preached two sermons; and it appears that God has owned them in a signal manner. They have produced a universal stir. A Roman Catholic lady was thoroughly converted under the first; she has since joined Miss Titherington's class, and given a wonderful testimony. The trustees waited on me formally to thank me for my visit, and to request that I would come to them next year. Yesterday preached at Wesley Chapel, and at Whitefriars'-street. High fever and utmost exhaustion. Cough most oppressive to-day."

"June 26. I am just this minute returned from Drogheda. Mr. Tobias, Mr. F., and John accompanied me. Yesterday morning they entertained us with a public breakfast; you know I not only do not like, but detest such meetings. However, as it was done to honor me, I endeavored to receive it in good part, and gave them a sort of sermon for about half an hour. [The interval to the evening was spent in an excursion to the scene of the battle of the Boyne, and some other remarkable spots.] . I went into all the hovels in this most miserable village, (Munsterboyce,) where Mr. Butterworth's bounty enabled me to leave a handful of silver last year. I found them in the same or worse misery; and, trusting in God, I opened my stock, and, according to their different necessities, divided with them at least as much as last year. I got a tor

rent of most hearty prayers for me and mine. I was not a little tried when I found I must preach in the new marketplace in the open air. . . . The hour came, and I went to the spot. There were about a thousand people; many

Catholics, and among them two or three priests. There were also two clergymen. What good may have been done, I know not. If God have glory, my labor is not in

vain."

"July 1. We began our Stationing Committee this morning, and have just got through forty circuits. To-morrow will finish that part of the work, and on Friday we enter on the regular work of the Conference."

...

The business of the Stationing Committee brought more vividly before Dr. Clarke's mind his own approaching change of circuit; a subject which, in his peculiar circumstances, excited some uneasiness. It is on this point that he here adds: "Now, my dear Mary, with respect to going to Liverpool; I am far from being happy in London. I feel uncomfortable in Harpur-street. I am maintained by the Society, and they have no adequate work for their money. I do not think I am acting with justice to take the maintenance of a preacher, while not doing one half of his work. Added to this, it is a considerable expense to Mr. B. to make up taxes and deficiencies. . . . You know I am not partial to Liverpool; yet here there seems to be an open door. Not only the Catholic lady was converted when I preached there on my way hither, but also a deist. Perhaps, by others, more accustomed to see God's hand in these matters, these would be considered tokens for good, and particular calls. What can I do? My own mind leads me to give up at once, because I cannot do the full work; and neither my judgment nor conscience will allow me to eat bread in this way, which I have not earned. Indeed, the business is come to a crisis with me. In my present way I shall go on no longer. I have suffered greatly in my mind last year on this account; and shall I commence another in the same circumstances? My day of digging is over; and as to begging, I never could do it. But I may still earn a little bread; though, from all appearances, not long. But that I must leave. I feel I am too much in the bustle of life, and to this there is no congeniality in my