found in them again. This was accordingly the last, as well as the first place of public amusement he ever attended.

About this time there was a remarkable revival of religion in the neighbourhood, chiefly among young people many of them united themselves to the Methodist Society, and among the rest Mr. Williams. Unhappily, however, while men slept, the enemy of righteousness sowed tares among the good seed, which soon sprung up and greatly injured its growth. In the zeal with which some were desirous of promoting the work of holiness in the hearts of the young converts, the doctrine of Christian Perfection was either so earnestly or injudiciously stated by one of the Preachers, or so misapprehended by the young converts, that some of them took offence and left the Society, and others were led into the snare of Antinomianism. Of such great importance is it, whilst wielding the armour of righteousness, on the right hand and on the left, to be wary, lest rashness or inexpertness in opposing an enemy, should inadvertently wound a friend. In order to meet the difficulty which such a case presents, to maintain an important scriptural doctrine against the objections of those who opposed it, and to teach the most successful method in which Christians may apply it to themselves, or recommend it to others, Mr. Wesley published a treatise entitled, "A Plain Account of

Christian Perfection." This treatise, in respect of all christian believers who are desirous of growing in grace, and in the knowledge of the deep things of God, it will be of the utmost advantage to study; and and in respect of those who think fit to oppose contradict, it is inexcusable not to have attentively considered.

In the midst of this dissension and defection, Mr. Williams continued a member of the Society; but was soon assailed with all the deceivableness of Antinomianism, by those who had espoused its tenets, and who were exceedingly desirous of enlisting him under its banners; as in him, could they but have succeeded, they promised themselves a champion.

Being pressed with their reasoning, he felt his deficiency in Scriptural argument, and accordingly betook himself with the utmost diligence to the study of the sacred writings. By this means he became their most formidable opponent; and mightily strengthened and promoted the interests of the cause which he had espoused, and was especially helpful to those who were desirous of knowing the way of the Lord more perfectly. This laid the foundation for that comprehensive and accurate knowledge of the Scriptures, which so greatly distinguished him through the whole of his future life. The Bible, however, was not his only book. He stored his mind

with general knowledge; but his favourite study was that of Church History. With choice sayings of the Primitive Christians, of the Reformers, and of the Martyrs, his memory was richly furnished; and, as occasion required, he would quote whole paragraphs with an accuracy altogether astonishing.

At the age of about twenty-five he removed to a place called RACRE, on the borders of Wales, where, after the patriarchal manner, when he had pitched his tent, he builded an altar to the Lord: there the voice of prayer and praise never ceased to be heard, at least morning and evening, till the day of his death.

Three years after his removal into Wales, he entered into the marriage state with MISS ELIZABETH GARDNER, second daughter of Mr. Gardner of Tattenhall-Wood, Cheshire. She resided at that time at Clapham, near London, where she was married to Mr. Williams by the Rev. William Romaine. They had ten children; all of whom, with the exception of one who died an infant, they had the satisfaction of seeing happily settled in life, and ornamental and useful members of the Methodist Society.

As soon as he was settled in his new habitation, he was sensible of his own want of the public ministry

of that word, which had been the power of God to his salvation, and of the destitute state of the neighbourhood in which he lived. It was, therefore, one of the first objects of his attention, to invite the Preachers of the Rev. John Wesley to his house, which he accordingly did; and immediately opened it for the regular ministration of the gospel, and invited all his neighbours to partake with him and his family of the blessings of salvation. Thus a new centre of spiritual light was occupied, which for the space of upwards of half a century, continued to dissipate the surrounding darkness, and was the means of guiding the feet of many a wanderer into the way of peace. Still, however, he had to mourn over the general disregard of his neighbours, who, like the farmers of old time, were too busily occupied with their agricultural pursuits, to give much heed to the invitation. But, though comparatively few of his immediate neighbours cordially embraced the truth, he had the satisfaction of living to see the light propagated to the surrounding villages, where there are at present several Chapels, and prosperous Christian Societies. In the abundant advantages which his own large and interesting family received from the regular ministry of the word, he had indeed an ample recompence for all the labour and expense he was at in procuring and maintaining it. By this means, all his children were early instructed in the doctrines of revelation, and experienced their saving influence.

The visits of the Preachers to their Father's house, were always anticipated by them with pleasure, and from their friendly conversation they derived much interesting information. For the advantages thus received, they were greatly indebted to the discretion of their parents, who were always studious to cherish in the minds of their children, the greatest respect and affection towards the preachers, by avoiding every remark in their hearing, to the disadvantage of any of them, and by seasonably commending their character and their work. Thus were the messengers of Christ welcomed into their house, and their instructions listened to, with an affection little less than filial.

Through the whole of his long life he preserved a reputation, which no doubtful circumstance in his history could furnish to the tongue of slander to tarnish. Ever laborious and frugal, he possessed the means of ministering to the wants and comforts of his large family, without being burdensome to any; and of affording occasional relief to his indigent neighbours. Though he was well qualified to give public instruction upon religious subjects, he could never be prevailed upon to preach; yet upon emergencies he frequently stood up and gave an exhortation. Here his talents could not but appear to advantage, and sufficiently showed, that had it not been for an excess of modesty and diffidence, he might have been much