that I may be disposed of in such way as the Head of the church shall approve, it is, Reverend Instructors, with sincere pleasure that I submit myself, your pupil, PLINY FISK." With reference to what will appear in a subsequent journal, it may be proper to state, that the above communication was made, after the Professors had proposed to Mr. Fisk the business of an agent for Benevolent Institutions and objects in this country. On this disclosure of his feelings, they became satisfied that his path of duty led obviously to a foreign mission, and they advised him to this course. Extracts from a confidential correspondence with the Rev. Dr. Woods, Andover, hereafter inserted, will further illustrate the same trait of character, developed in the preceding letter. See Chapters V. VIII. X. While a member of the Theological Seminary, Mr. Fisk devised and executed plans for doing good, not only to his fellow-students, and to the students in the Academy,* and the inhabitants of the town, but to the people in a number of the adjacent towns. His great efforts were directed to the religious improvement of young people. To gain access to them he proposed the formation of Bible classes in a number of the neighboring societies. His plan being approved by the respective pastors, he engaged in it with zeal, and pursued it with success. His feelings on the subject are expressed in a letter to one of his brothers. "Theological Seminary, August 18, 1817. "My dear Brother, The account you gave of the success of the catechetical association in S. afforded me a pleasure not easily described. I imagine you already perceive the anticipated effects of the plan. It is no longer a matter of theory. You have made * Phillips Academy, a flourishing Institution situated near the Theofogical Seminary. the experiment, and begin to find that the study of the Scriptures on this plan is practicable, easy, interesting, and profitable. You find it calculated, no doubt, to excite the prayers of Christians, in behalf of the rising generation, to call into exercise the best affections, and the tenderest concern of their instructers; and you will find, I hope, in the end, that the word of God is able to make wise unto salvation. "You will find it important to persevere with unremitted exertion in the business you have begun. For, however difficult it may be to get such a plan in operation at first, believe me, it is ten times more difficult to manage with such skill, such accommodation to circumstances and wishes, and such indefatigable perseverance, as to carry the thing along successfully from year to year, so as to secure the greatest possible advantages. You will feel the necessity of frequent, earnest, persevering prayer. Without the blessing of God all exertions will prove fruitless. Do all, therefore, in faith and humble dependence on divine aid. When I contemplate the effect of what is now doing in Shelburne, when I consider how much influence may be exerted in the formation of character, in deciding the temporal and eternal destinies of many, when I think how much God may be honored, and how many souls may be saved by these efforts, the subject rests on my mind with indescribable solemnity. O may God give you grace to be faithful, and bless you with the effusion of his Spirit. About "You may be gratified to hear how I succeed in this kind of business this summer. In R. a course has been pursued, very similar to that adopted with you, and with just about the same success. 180 now attend, Sabbath evenings, at different school houses. Once a month, Saturday P. M., I meet with them at the meeting house. More than 100 were at the last meeting. One of my brethren attends with me statedly. In W., about seven miles from this, we have formed another association, consisting of between 40 and 50 members. I love this business, and it becomes in my estimation, more and more important. Who can calculate the advantages which would result to society, were all our youth well instructed in the Scriptures? Let us do what lies in our power towards accomplishing so desirable an object." When his regular engagements would admit, it was a common thing with Mr. F. to walk from six to ten miles, for the purpose of attending a religious meeting; and if there were some humble cottage on or near his way, he would not fail to call; for he loved to preach the gospel to the poor. At the almshouse in A., having obtained permission, he commenced, and regularly attended, when practicable, a religious service on Sabbath evening. His services were always gratefully received. In his intercourse with the surrounding community he was so judicious and conciliating, that he was uncommonly popular, and in his plans successful. His praise still lingers in those churches, where the influence of his benevolent zeal and labors was so happily felt. In concluding this chapter, the attention of the reader will be called more particularly to the devotional habits of Mr. F.-his intercourse with God. He was eminently a man of prayer. He spent much time in secret devotion and meditation. On the Sabbath, particularly, his soul seemed to be drawn so near to God and heaven, that it cost a reluctant effort to bring back his mind to the business of this life. He was always careful to avoid all study, reading, and conversation, that did not tend directly to aid devotion. Prayer and praise, and benevolent labors, constituted his uniform employment on the day of sacred rest. A species of prayer frequent with him, and which he inculcated much on others, was intercession. If he wrote a letter to a friend, he observed a season of secret prayer for that friend. And on receiving a letter, he had no sooner broken the seal, than he repaired to his closet, where not unfrequently he would remain a long time. It was the practice of Mr. Fisk in his devotional meditations and reflections to direct his attention, at the time, to some specific subject; some question of duty, some besetting sin, some plan of usefulness, the evidences he had of personal piety, &c. He kept distinct journals, in which he recorded his feelings and reflections on particular subjects and inquiries. Copious extracts will be given from three of his journals, which related to different topics of meditation and research. And instead of intermingling the reflections contained in these journals in chronological order, each one will be introduced, and continued separately from the others. This method is adopted for the purpose of preventing the abrupt termination of thought, which otherwise would frequently occur; and also to put the reader in possession of a connected series of reflections and inquiries on highly interesting and important subjects. The first series of extracts will be taken from a Journal of Reflections, relating to the subject of SELF-EXAMINATION. "Andover, Theological Seminary, July 4, 1816. A few days since I asked brother C. to give me a theme for meditation. He answered, 'What evidence have you, that you are a Christian?" This morning I have read the 8th chapter of 'Baxter's Saints' Rest,' the object of which is to show how we may discern our title to the saint's rest. Reflections, suggested by the question proposed, and the chapter read, have led me to the conclusion, that I ought to make more thorough work in searching into the state of my own soul, than I have ever yet done. I propose now to take up the question which was suggested to me, and examine it, for the purpose of ascertaining more definitely, whether I am a disciple of Christ or not. It seems proper to institute this inquiry, because, if I am deceiving myself, I must perish, unless I discover the delusion. My eternal interest is at stake. I am now to inquire into my title to heaven. Come then, O my soul, apply thyself to this work. Lay aside thy love of ease, and bring all thy powers to the investigation. Remember, thou art now to attend to thy most important concerns, to transact business of awful moment. And, O Thou Spirit of light and truth, be present with thine aid. Thy presence I invoke, thine assistance I implore. Deny me not. Give me light. Let me understand the rules by which I should try myself; and may I at length, after a complete and impartial investigation, come to a correct conclusion. My inquiries shall have respect to three particulars: "I. The origin of religion in my soul; my Momentous "I. Was heart ever renewed? question! I would weigh it as in the fear of God. The Bible speaks of a new creation, a transforming and renewing of the mind, a new birth, a new heart, of dying to sin, of being brought out of darkness into light, of being reconciled to God, of being in Christ, and of being separate from the world. All these are but different modes of expressing the same thing. Have I ever experienced this? Once I was stupid in respect to religion, and devoted to sin; my affections were engrossed with the things of this world, while God and religion found no place in my heart. Whether the great change has taken place or not, I can safely state as follows: "There was a time when my attention was arrested, and fixed on the concerns of religion; my soul seemed precious, time short, life uncertain, |