"It was with difficulty I read the book, sir; I

cannot understand it.

***

**

appears to have set out on a race after obscurity, and to have overtaken it."

After dinner, Mr. Hall appeared agitated and depressed, from the anxiety respecting his contemplated removal to Bristol. He commenced the conversation by observing, "I have received an invitation to Bristol, to succeed Dr. Ryland, as pastor of Broadmead, and president of the academy. I shall not, however, think of the latter for a moment, sir. A great difficulty will, I am afraid, be created by Terrill's trust, if the two situations are separated." Mrs. Hall, who was sitting by, added,' Now Mr. Greene is with us, I hope you will talk it over, and come to some decision; it is very unpleasant to remain in this state of suspense.' I asked Mr. Hall whether he had ever tried Dr. Franklin's moral arithmetic?

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No, sir, what do you mean? I have never heard of it." I then explained the plan, which is, first, to state in writing all the reasons pro and con; then estimate the force of each reason, as some will have the weight of two, three, or four minor ones; number them accordingly: cast up both sides; and strike the balance. "Sir," said Mr. Hall, "I see where the plan is defective: you I want a guage, to estimate the importance of each reason." He then stated the various motives which influenced him with regard to the two congregations. The following is the copy of a memorandum which was made at the time:

"I. My two sisters, and my brother-in-law, Mr. James, reside in Bristol, who are in the decline of life. It would, therefore, be very gratifying, not only to myself, but to them, if I decided upon spending my remaining days where we could occasionally enjoy each other's society.

"II. I should have the advantages of a large public library, containing many valuable books and Italian literature, which I cannot procure at Leicester.

"III. At Bristol, I should not only meet several old friends, but very intelligent society ; while at Leicester there are very few reading men with whom I am acquainted.

"IV. Some of my friends contend, that my preaching would be of great advantage to the students. I could not, however, take any part in their tuition.

"V. My old and esteemed friend, Isaiah Birt,*

* This eminent and venerable minister, the patriarch of our denomination, and the oldest surviving friend of Mr. Hall, who recently visited me, observed, that "No person could know Mr. Hall thoroughly, unless they had seen him in his undress. It was in the social circle that the kindness of his disposition, as well as his eminent piety, were apparent." Mr. Birt has kindly permitted the insertion of the following extract, from a published Letter, referring to the decease of his friend, addressed to his son, Rev. J. Birt, of Manchester :

"What a loss! most sensibly do I feel it. Not only did I admire Mr. Hall on account of his superior talents, but I loved him on account of his goodness: the splendour of his genius was seen and admired by every one; but they who were admitted to intimacy with him alone knew the excellency of his heart. They often lost sight of his mighty powers, in admiration of his deep humility, his exalted piety, his childlike simplicity, the ingenuous

and several others, advise me to accept the invitation.

"VI. The change might give a new spring to my energies, and improve the condition of my mind; every thing I say will be new at Bristol, whereas, at Leicester, I have nothing fresh to communicate. After preaching in one place for so long a period, I find great difficulty in fixing upon three new texts every week; and the aversion of the people to expositions, renders the difficulty much greater.

"VII. At Bristol I may have the advantage of air and exercise, without the expense and trouble of keeping a horse and gig; although this is a minor consideration, it would certainly improve my health and spirits.

"Now, sir," continued Mr. Hall, "I will give you the other side of the case:

"I. My labours have been very useful at Leicester; I have baptized two hundred and fifty persons since I came here.

"II. The meeting-house has been twice enlarged for me, and the congregation still keeps up, in point of numbers.

"III. The church and congregation are unanimous in wishing me to remain; and I know that my removal will occasion great pain to all parties.

deference which he paid to others, the tenderness of his compassion, and the extent and warmth of his benevolence. But we shall see him no more. I was invited to bury him, as I did Dr. Ryland; and I most earnestly wished to have performed the service, but I was too ill to attempt it. A little longer, and we shall meet again."

to

" IV. They have offered to increase my salary per annum; and also to build a new place, and allow me to commence de novo, by forming a new church in accordance with my own views.

"These things, sir, perplex me greatly. Now in what manner would you recommend me to act? What is your opinion? Are not the reasons nicely balanced, without going into Dr. Franklin's algebra?" "I consider there is an awful responsibility, sir,' I replied, 'in giving an opinion upon the subject of a minister's removal; it is, however, worthy of your consideration that Mr. Birt, and others, have no doubts respecting it. I remember reading in Matthew Henry's Life, that, when he was placed in a similar situation, and could not, himself, discover the path of duty, after much prayer, he determined to be perfectly passive, and to lay the case before several judicious ministers, by whose decision he resolved to be guided.'" I have done something similar to that, sir," replied Mr. Hall; "but still I am exceedingly perplexed: the people at Bristol are very anxious, and I expect another deputation from them soon.'

A number of minor circumstances, which affected the character of some of his members, greatly influenced Mr. Hall in this decision. The accusers, and the friends of the accused, very much annoyed him, by visiting him at unseasonable hours. One evening, after nine o'clock, on our return from the prayer-meeting, one of those persons called, and kept him from supper until nearly eleven o'clock. On his return to the parlour, he said, "This, sir,

H

is a sample of the interruptions I now meet with: O that I had wings like a dove, then would I fly away and be at rest. I wish I had an invitation to some village, sir, where I could live retired. Is it not very strange, sir, that I never was so fortunate as to have an invitation to a village?" I told him it was not likely that he ever would. knew what I meant, and laughed heartily.

He

The following characteristic circumstance occurred about this time. At a prayer-meeting, which was held on Monday evening, Mr. Hall was informed of the death of one of his old members. For some time he appeared very thoughtful, and at length said, "I should like, if you have no objection, sir, to call on this poor widow, who lost her husband last night; he was the person for whom I prayed yesterday. It will not be much out of our road, sir, and she will think it kind, especially in her present distressing situation. She lives in a humble way, as you will see, sir. Her husband was what we call at Leicester a

stockinger." We accordingly visited the poor woman. Mr. Hall commenced, in the most feeling manner, to administer the balm of consolation. He stated his conviction of the piety of the deceased, with whom he had been acquainted for many years; during which time, his walk and conversation were consistent. "It is, indeed, a great loss," addressing himself to the widow, who was deeply affected by this good man's affectionate address; "but your loss is his unspeakable gain : he is now inheriting the promises." Then turning