query, he remarks: "To determine the justice of a cause by its success, is inequitable: many a just business has miscarried. God will accept of my sincere intentions, though I effect nothing. The journey I am about to undertake is absolutely necessary, as without it I could come to no decision."

It is not improbable that Mrs. Howe had some misgivings respecting this journey. To console her mind, and in some degree prepare her for her worst anticipations, Howe drew up the following paper, illustrative both of the warmth of his affection and the depth of his piety. "We should consider that God hath determined all circumstances, when and where, and after what manner we shall die; and all wisely and well. Should it please him to remove me during this journey, why should you be grieved that he hath done well? Not only well in itself, but well for you, if you love him. You must ere long follow, and will not be always in this world without me. What there is of evil in this case admits of remedy. Draw so much nearer to God and cease from men. Mind heaven more and your loss is made up. I have, through grace, preached immortal truth, which will survive me, and may be to your advantage. As to your dependence on me for worldly concernments, I was never a good projector for the world, so the loss is not great. How many, dear to God, have been preserved in a worse condition! Forget not the

motto, "God will provide." He that feeds the ravens and takes care of the sparrows, will he not take care of you? Are you of his family, and will he not take care of his own? Instead of distrust and repining, give thanks. Bless him with all your soul that he hath revealed and given himself to you for an everlasting portion. Let it be some satisfaction to you that I go willingly, under no dread, with no regret, but with some comfortable knowledge of my way and end."

From some expressions in this paper, in which he adverts to the delicate state of his health, it appears probable that the hope of his deriving benefit in this respect, from the removal, had some weight in his determination. But his chief inducement was evidently the conviction, that he should be more extensively useful in promoting the advancement of religion. Actuated by motives thus pure, he embarked for Liverpool, early in January, 1676, where he shortly afterwards safely arrived. He proceeded thence without delay to London: and on enquiring into the circumstances of the case, after much deliberation, consented to accept the charge. Immediate steps were taken for the removal of his family, all of whom reached London safely, in due course.

Howe entered on his new sphere of labour with all his accustomed energy, influenced by the same peaceful spirit, and the same earnest desires to

promote the cultivation of practical piety. Making the best use of king Charles's indulgence, he preached as often as his strength would permit. His congregation was numerous and highly respectable; and not a few of his hearers were men of solid learning and eminent piety. He was soon universally beloved by his people. The Christian spirit he displayed towards those who had opposed his election to the pastoral office, speedily conciliated their regard. By all the ministers in his own denomination he was highly esteemed; and with many of the church he was on terms of the closest intimacy.

The increased exertions required in his new charge, Howe permitted not to interrupt his regular studies. The important station he now filled rather urged him to greater activity. No sooner was he settled in London than he published the first part of his "Living Temple :" a most elaborate work, which none but a master-mind could have conceived and executed. It was dedicated to the Lord Masarene, under whose hospitable roof it was principally composed. Howe's design, in this noble treatise, was to demonstrate (which he has done by arguments perfectly irresistible) the existence of God; to show what must necessarily be his character; to evince that in the creation of man his obvious intention was to make him a living temple, in which he might

dwell; that owing to man's apostacy this temple was now in ruins; that before it could become the residence of an indwelling Deity, its entire renovation was necessary; that the grand constituents of this change are, love to God and to the whole human family; that to produce this change is the leading design of the gospel; that only in proportion as we are made the subjects of this change, becoming thus the workmanship of God, can we legitimately claim the character of Christians, and that our admission into heaven, in a future state, will be impossible, if we are not now the temples of an indwelling God.

Among the distinguished individuals with whom Howe was on terms of intimacy, was the Honourable Robert Boyle. That gentleman requested Howe to favour him with his thoughts on a controverted point in theology. To oblige his friend he entered the field of disputation, clad however with the armour of peace. In 1677 he published the product of his correspondence, in the form of a brief treatise, entitled the "Reconcileableness of God's Prescience of the Sins of Men, with the Wisdom and the Sincerity of his Counsels and Exhortations." This was a production full of profound thought, abounding with striking scriptural illustrations. By most of his friends it was deservedly admired, but some thought it too liberal. If in any part 'ts reasoning appear inconclusive, it is less the result

of erroneous conceptions, than because the subject is too mighty for our limited mental powers. Every one perceived by this, and the previous productions of his pen, that Howe had all the requisites for an acute disputant, without any of that bitterness of spirit with which they are usually accompanied. The comprehensive grasp of his mind, and his extensive theological knowledge, enabled him to trace the subject he had under consideration, through all the mazy and intricate windings in which it had been involved by the subtlety of its enemies, or the not less dangerous ignorance of its friends. He knew there were depths which the human mind could never fathom; difficulties which were beyond its power ever to surmount, and which it was an act of daring presumption to attempt. This he had the humility to acknowledge, and the prudence invariably to ob

serve.

On the first disclosure of the popish conspiracy, which spread consternation through the kingdom, Howe earnestly laboured to make the apprehensions which the people then felt, the means of exciting them to sericus consideration. He inculcated on his own friends especially, and on those of the opposite party, the importance of cultivating a healing and catholic spirit; contending that the best and most effectual means to check the spread of popery, would be a well-consolidated union