tween this time and the year 1804, with this exception, that he established a printing press at Bala in 1803; which had been principally engaged from that time to his death in printing elementary books for the schools, and his writings, especially his scriptural dictionary, which we shall hereafter notice. The elementary books, as we are told by the Welsh biographer, page 226, went through fifty-five editions in eleven years, that is, from the establishment of the press till the death of Mr. C. Their number in all amounted to 320,000. There is a particular account of them, he says, which may now be seen, kept by the printer. The number of these books gives us some idea of the extent of the Sunday schools. The exertions of Mr. C. which led eventually to the formation of the Bible Society shall be detailed in the next chapter. We shall now conclude this by inserting two letters sent to his friend W

Spiritual converse.-The Spirit's influence.

"Bala, Jan. 10, 1803. I felt much disappointed on my return from London by not having more fellowship and spiritual intercourse with you and Mrs. W—; as I had found it in times past both joyous and profitable. From many religious characters, no spiritual converse is to be expected, as they have not attained to but little spirituality in their own souls. But when I know persons to whom that ground is familiar, I feel grieved and disappointed, if I get not a little communion with them in the green pastures and by the still waters. I am thankful to the Lord that you think of me, a poor worm, in your prayers. Continue, dear friend, this kindness to me. To say that I need your prayers, is saying nothing but what you are already very sensible of. My wants in every instance are equally as great, if

not greater, according to my feelings, every day. I am no wiser nor stronger than in years past long ago, but as I receive wisdom and strength daily. And as to pardon, all is eternal ruin without it every moment. Nothing goes on of real gospel-holiness within or without, but as it is every moment and in every instance, carried on by the holy influence of the Holy Spirit. I think I know in some small degree the amazing difference between the effects of his holy influences and all other feelings and workings whatever. In his light Christ in my estimation is in some degree what he ought to be,— excellent, υπερέχων,glorious, εντιμος,—precious, τιμκ. But without him, Christ and his salvation seem to be nothing at all, but dreams and shadows. I seem to be at a table richly furnished; but what are the richest viands to me, who am full, sickly and squeamish: being after the flesh as to the temper and frame of my mind,' I mind not the things of the Spirit. Continue to pray for me, that I may in particular live daily in every thing under the holy influence of God the Spirit. To be in God's work without his Spirit is terrible,-unprofitable to us and dishonourable to God. O what a com-' fort it is that when we set about praying, he meets us, helps us, and gives us access to God; which all our skill could not command without him through the ages of eternity. Surely the covenant is well ordered in all things for the Holy Spirit is ordained in it to help us in all things."

Liberality to the poor.-The love of God.

"Bala, June 8, 1803. 1 was from home when your very kind letter came, or I would have answered it by return of post to acknowledge the receipt of for the use of our poor godly people. I am gratified by

the confidence you have placed in me, and shall be very glad to be your servant in this good work. I have the happiness of being acquainted with many who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity; many of whom are very poor. I have more than once taken my great coat off my back to cover their naked limbs in the colds of winter, and gone to Mrs. C. for another. I shall meet with no difficulties in laying out your very liberal donation according to your wishes. And I believe you may depend on my faithfulness and disinterestedness in the work according to the best of my knowledge.

"It is not a small privilege to be employed in serving those whom our Lord loves, whether it be in their temporal or spiritual concerns. He hath loved them, redeemed them, and washed them in his own blood; and takes it kind of us that we love and serve one another. Our love is but as nothing at best; but his love has all immensities, and every perfection in it. The more we know, believe and contemplate it in all its fulness, immensity and eternity, the more we shall love him and one another. It is an all-conquering love. It overcomes enemies and makes them friends forever, A cold, stubborn, hard, misgiving and suspicious heart cannot stand before it. Sometimes I wonder that it is possible for me to think of any thing else. And I do rejoice that the period is hastening when I shall be altogether filled with its wonders. The divine perfections are all wonderful and infinitely glorious. But if God had not loved us, they would have been all against us; and we deserved justly they should. But love has inade all ours, and set them all at work in all their infinite greatness in our behalf. The great point was to love: but divine love surmounted all difficulties, arising from

our unworthiness, deformity and guilt, and embraced us in the midst of our vileness, and withheld nothing necessary to qualify us for the full and eternal enjoyment of himself.

I do not trouble myself about his love to me in particular. I know he has loved sinners; and I am one of them. This consideration endears him to me; so that I cannot help loving and praising him, and cleaving to him without any great doubt or hesitation. Every thing in Jesus seems to suit me. I know that all his blessings were intended for such as I am. Who else could make use of them? And why not for me? He is altogether lovely-altogether such an one as I could wish him to be; and I see every thing that I want in him. Where else can I go, or should I go? 1 see so little holiness in me, that I can hardly persuade myself, that I am a saint. But I know that I am a sinner; and as such I seldom fail of having a free access and a favourable audience. I wonder at him, and wonder at myself too. I wonder he admits me into his presence; and I wonder how I can venture, being so vile and unworthy. But when I look towards the throne, every thing seems to favour me-a throne of grace-a great High-priest, touched with the feeling of our infirmities -mercy and grace to be obtained and received; the very things I want, and which alone can help me. What blessings! All smiling on a poor worm, and giving him a cordial welcome-all the wonders of love to a poor sinner!I thank you very sincerely, my dear friend, for putting it in my power to relieve those who love our common Lord, and fare loved by him. It is a gratification, I assure you. Their hearts, as well as mine, will bless the Lord on your behalf, and pray for your soul's prosperity."

CHAP. IV.

FROM 1804 to MR. C.'S DEATH IN 1814.

SECT. I.-From 1804 to 1807.

As Mr. Charles was the principal, though not the only instrument in originating the Bible Society, it is deemed right to detail briefly though minutely, the part he acted in the business.-The exciting or moving cause of this noble institution was the want of bibles, especially in North Wales. This worked on the sympathy of Mr. C. and some of his friends. They exerted themselves; and failed in their first efforts. The urgent want which prevailed allowed them no rest. Their invention was called into exercise; they planned, contrived and fervently prayed. The Lord heard, and directed them eventually in a course which led to sufficient means of relief. This want was created by the success of the gospel. Many in different parts of the country had been awakened into a sense of religion by the powerful preaching of Mr. Rowland and his coadjutors, before Mr. C. went into Wales. When the people were made sensible of the value of eternal things, they wanted to peruse for themselves the words of eternal life. When quickened into life, they became hungry and felt the need of spiritual food. This hunger for the bread of life had been in a degree satisfied in South Wales and partially in the North, by the laudable efforts of the Rev. Peter Williams, who published about the middle