1st. I am sensible of such a decline, both in body and in mind, as unfits me, in a considerable degree, for the discharge of the duties incumbent, in a way which either would be satisfactory to myself, (or as I much fear,) profitable to those for whom my services are chiefly intended.

2dly. It is my firm opinion, that when a man is conscious that he is no longer able to perform properly the duties of an office, and is providentially in a situation of living independently of its emoluments, it is an indispensable duty to resign, that a fit person may be timely found to supply the place, for the sake of the community at large, that the public may not suffer, compared with which, the accommodation of the incumbent is, and ought always to be regarded as but a secondary consideration at the most. This I do more readily in the present case, as the patron will have no difficulty in supplying the charge about to be vacated, in such time as that the divinity school shall suffer nothing. There is no ann, (') and consequently no claim for vacant stipend, to occasion a delay after a resignation, as after a decease.

I hope I shall not be misunderstood by any to mean, by this deed, a resignation of the character of a minister of the gospel, and servant of Christ. In this character I glory, so far am I from intending to resign it, but with my breath; nor do I mean to retain it only as a title. For if, by the blessing of God, I should yet be able to do any

(1) The ann, or annate, is the half-year's salary, payable after a minister's or professor's death.

real service, either in defence, or in illustration of the Christian cause, I shall think it my honour, as well as my duty, and the highest gratification of which I am capable, to be so employed. It is only from the particular relation to the people of Aberdeen, as pastor; and the theological students of Marischal College, as teacher, that it is my desire to be loosed. And let me add, this proceeds not from dislike to the particular service of either (for I have had much enjoyment in both, and have the most ardent wishes for the welfare of both,) but from a conviction of unfitness, owing to age and growing infirmities, and from a fervent desire and hope, that in regard to both, the place shall soon be better supplied.

I beg leave to offer my best respects to my brethren of the presbytery, and most thankful acknowledgments for all the marks of attention, with which, in their public capacity as a community, or any of the members individually, have been pleased to honour me. May power, accompanied with divine favour, ever attend them, and may they enjoy much of that greatest of all pleasures to a faithful pastor, to perceive by the fruits produced in their people, that their labours have not been in vain in the Lord.

I very sincerely am, Reverend and dear Sir,

Your affectionate brother in the Lord,

and most humble servant,

GEORGE CAMPBELL.

To the Moderator of the Presbytery of Aberdeen.

LETTER LXXXIII.

REV. AUGUSTUS TOPLADY, on behalf of a certain lady, to DR. DODD, after sentence had been passed upon him.

REV. SIR,

New-street, March 17, 1777. Believe me, when I assure you, that the liberty which I now take results neither from want of tenderness, nor of respect; but from an humble wish of being serviceable to a person, who is recommended to me as a very deserving individual, and whose circumstances are, it seems, considerably narrowed and embarrassed, through the unsuspecting confidence which she reposed on your veracity, justice, and honour.

The lady to whom I allude is Mrs. G—. I need not state the merits of a case with which you, sir, are so thoroughly acquainted. Only permit me to conjure you, by every sacred and moral consideration, and by all your feelings as a man of sensibility, not to depart this world without repaying as much of that iniquitous debt as you possibly can. I say before you depart this world. For it is but too indubitable, that there is not a single ray of hope from any one quarter whatsoever, of your avoiding the utmost effect of the terrible sentence which impends. Let me, therefore, importune you, for God's sake, and for your own, to devote the remainder of your time to more important employ, than that of writing notes on Shakespeare. Indeed, and indeed, your situation is such as should con

fine your attention to objects of infinitely greater moment. The searcher of hearts knows that I thus plainly address you, from motives of absolute humanity, and from an anxious solicitude for your everlasting welfare.

I am with undissembled sympathy and respect,

Sir,

Your well-wisher in time and eternity,

AUGUSTUS TOPLADY.

You will oblige me, sir, if you favour me with a line (by the gentleman who delivers this to your hands) relative to the business respecting Mrs. G

LETTER LXXXIV.

REV. GEORGE WHITFIELD. A solemn declaration of his integrity, in reply to certain calumnies with which he had been assailed.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

London, July 12, 1749.

I am obliged to you for your kind letters; for the trouble you have been at about the money, and for all favours. Was I to follow my own inclinations, I would come and thank you in person; but I fear Providence will not permit me to embark for America this fall. However, I am looking up, and looking about me, and trust our Lord will point out his way before me. I am not at all uneasy at what one of your clergy may have said of

me; I am only sorry upon his own account; having known more than once, that God delights to plead the cause of the injured. I trust I can say, that with simplicity and godly sincerity I desire to have my conversation in the world; and I hope it is my daily study to keep a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man. Whilst this is the case, we need not fear what men or devils can say, or do unto us. They can only speak all manner of evil against us falsely: and that our Lord hath taught us to expect. They can only kill the body; blessed be God, the soul is out of their reach. I am content to wait till the day of judgment for the clearing up of my character: and after I am dead, I desire no other epitaph than this, "Here lies G. W. what sort of a man he was, the great day will discover." O, my dear sir, what a blessed thing is it to have the Redeemer to be our friend. If we can but truly say, " I know that my Redeemer liveth," how safely may we put our souls into his hands, as into the hands of a faithful Creator!

Yours, most affectionately,

G. W.