In the foregoing extract of his letter to Mrs. Bedell, the Christian reader will see how much enlightened his views had become upon the great subject of the sinner's conversion to God. And when the date of this letter is remarked, it having been written in the first summer of his residence at Fayetteville, the fact will appear very evident, that his mind had become fully settled upon the great principles of Christian truth, and his system of ministry had become entirely transformed at this early period of his history. With views of truth like these, so clearly expressed as they were afterwards in his habitual preaching, the results of his ministry are not without adequate instrumentality. He was thus made the means of conversion to hundreds who will undoubtedly be stars in his crown of rejoicing for ever.

In the autumn of 1819, shortly after the interesting circumstances described in one of the preceding letters, he was himself visited with violent disease.

and subsequently said to me, I have attended several prayer-meetings of Episcopalians, and I do think those who are pious in the Episcopal Church, pray better than any people I have ever heard.' Shall I tell you my answer? It bears exactly on the point before us. My dear sir,' said I, Episcopalians have been so much in the habit of praying in the language of the Prayer-book, that they cannot make bad prayers.' And this is a fact. It is more difficult for a pious Episcopalian to make a bad prayer, than a good one. Now, sir, on all these grounds, this resolution expresses my feelings, and I heartily re joice at the establishment of this society. I want to see the Prayer-book in the hands of all. It recommends our Church where she is not known, and makes her more loved where she is already known. May God speed the efforts of the institution now to be organized."

From this he recovered in a few weeks, but it sufficiently proved the unfavourable influence of the climate upon his constitution, and laid the foundation with him for much serious suffering. Successive attacks of ague and fever, endured both by himself and his wife, made it more evident, in each succeeding year, that he could not long remain to labour in that portion of country. Through the summer of 1821, he was absent with his family on a visit to their friends in the northern states, in consequence of their ill health, and returned in the autumn of that year to Fayetteville, in a good degree improved. He came to the conclusion, however, in which all his friends seem to have concurred, that it was quite indispensable for him to remove to a more northern settlement. And in the spring of 1822, the determination for this removal was carried into effect. He had resided in Fayetteville three years and a half, and in that time had witnessed the rising of the Church under his care to eminent prosperity and usefulness. The congregation had greatly increased in number; the number of communicants had become also much enlarged, and many seals had been divinely affixed to his ministry in the conversion of souls to Christ, even among some of the most influential citizens of the place. He had become deeply attached to this flock, and participated most keenly in the sorrow which was felt by them, when the separation appeared inevitable. His reputation and influence in the diocese were so establish

ed and extended, that a committee of gentlemen waited upon him with the request that he would remain among them, and accept the office of their Bishop. His own feeble health, however, absolutely required the projected departure, and he felt entirely inadequate to remain, even in reference to such an opening for usefulness. He left the Church in a most flourishing condition, and the whole community united in their tribute of respect and affection for his character and ministry. A member of the Society of Friends has stated, that in passing through Fayetteville shortly after his removal, he could meet with none, even in the business for which he was there, without hearing expressions of commendation upon his character, and of deep regret for the loss which they had sustained. This people never ceased to cherish for him the warmest affection. While he lived he maintained a constant reciprocation of expressions and acts of friendship; and after his death, they transmitted to his widow, through the following letter of their Rector, resolutions most affectionately expressive of their recollections of him, and their gratitude for his services.

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"FAYETTEVILLE, Sept. 18, 1834.

My esteemed Friend, Mrs. Bedell

"Other considerations than a mere compliance with the request embodied in the above resolution of my Vestry, powerfully incline me to send you a letter of condolence upon the recent afflictive dispensation which has lacerated your breast.

"You were all once resident within this parish. Here the labours of our departed friend were put forth. Here are living seals to his ministry. Here you are all held in sweet remembrance. Where is the breast among us that does not deeply sympathize in your severe bereavement? Still, my dear madam, under our affliction, let us not be unmindful of the truth, that He who made the sun, made the stars also,' and that a host of these diminutive lights combine to soften and enlighten the gloom which they cannot dispel. And O, how many considerations, furnished by inspiration, combine to alleviate, at least, the affliction which it is the will of God you should endure. Consider the world from which our friend has departed; an evil world,' labouring under the curse of its Maker. Consider the 'corruptible body' from which our friend is delivered; a body 'sown in weakness.' Consider the conflict which has ceased for ever, his conflict with principalities and powers.' Consider, moreover, my dear madam, the maturity of our lamented friend, for the enjoy ment of that crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give him at that day.' Consider his deep and unwearied devotion to the cause of the Redeemer who loved him and gave himself for him ;' his noble testimony to the power and sufficiency of Christ for life and salvation. Truly, He who 'made the stars also,' hath not less originated in his blessed word, innumerable considerations to cheer and to sustain your mind under the gloom of its bereavement. If from considerations of comfort in relation to the deceased, we turn to survey the cluster which hangs over his offspring, we shall be no less cheered with the promises which illumine the sacred word. When has the seed of the righteous been forsaken? When has not the Father of spirits more than filled the chasm which his providence had created? What, though periods of seeming indifference, long and dreary, have intervened, the Father in heaven has never failed to vindicate his truth. A redeeming spirit has gone forth. Its energies have arrested the seed of the righteous; they have repented under its influence, believed the Gospel, and will doubtless vin

dicate the faithfulness of Him who hath promised to the fatherless his own divine guidance and affection. Nor to your own mind, my dear madam, will there be wanting many endearing considerations to enliven the gloom which cannot be dispelled. In relation to yourself, you will doubtless see, in this afflictive stroke, but a more infallible mark of divine love. Dry is the rod, indeed, but we know, that in the sanctuary it can be made to bud and blossom and bring forth fruit, no less conducive to your own spiritual welfare, than to the glory of Him who is the 'husband of the widow,' her defender, her present peace and never-ending reward. With the kindest regard to yourself, to Miss T——, and to the children, allow me the place in your remembrance, of a friend and brother in Christ.

"JARVIS B. BUXTON."

When Mr. Bedell had determined that it was his duty to remove from North Carolina, the city of New-York again presented the chief attraction to his mind. There were all the associations of his youth, and chiefly there the various ties which united him to others in life. His aged father, disqualified by his infirmities for contributing any thing to his own support, and his sisters, whose affection for him had ever been requited with the most assiduous attention, were anxious for his residence amongst them, and much of the comfort of the whole family seemed dependent upon his ability to gratify this wish. To this point all his plans at this time were directed. These beloved relatives were necessarily looking to him for their pecuniary support, and through the whole remaining life their wants were never disappointed. In this great duty his