but the deacons. Secondly, it was not from Independency usurping the powers of Presbyterianism which were marked for it in the New Testament, that the evil proceeded. Independency is the voice of the majority of the congregation, and when this is under the direction of the elder, or moves in a respectful consultation with him or them, matters are conducted in a brotherly manner for the elder is set to govern in the Christian congregation, not according to his own notions, but according to the word of God; not to domineer over God's heritage according to his own rules, but to govern in the fear of Cd, after the rule of Christ. But this was not the ; it was not the voice of the majority of he most pious members of the congregation that pr ailed in that instance. Therefore, both Presbyterian n and Independency must be vindicated from the imputation of disturbing congregations; and the whole blame be cast upon unscriptural Deaconship, which like a mighty flood carried away the two sea-walls of protection which Christ had set up-even the rule of Eldership and the vote of Independency.

ase at

Seeing the state of things at Cardiff, and being discouraged to prolong the contest with his opponents, he came, after due deliberation, to the resolution to leave, and committed himself, and his cause, and the cause of the church at Cardiff, and the cause of Christ generally, to the care of the great Head of the church. He notices, that "by reading the 91st

Psalm we perceive that he who dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty;' and it is a place so safe, and a shadow so impregnable, that neither the arrow that flieth by day, nor the pestilence that walketh in darkness, the sting of the adder, the asp, nor the viper, can ever penetrate, so as to injure him who hath made the Lord Jesus his refuge. I hope that I have gathered by faith all my precious jewels beneath this shadow, into the refuge and safety there is in God. I have given my soul anew to Christ; my body, my talents, my influence in preaching; my name, my character as a man, as a Christian, and as a preacher of the gospel; my time, and the remnant of my opportunities, my success, my peace and comfort as a Christian and a minister; I have resigned all afresh into the hands of Christ. I have commended to his care, also, my wife, and all the circumstances of my family, and my friends and assistants in the work of the Lord, for whom I pray earnestly that they may be blessed, throughout Anglesea, Caernarvon, Caerphilly, Cardiff, and indeed in all the counties of Wales-there are many of them who were helpers to me in my day. I will say, in the language of Paul, and I hope with affectionate emotions of love to Jesus Christ, The Lord grant unto them that they may find mercy of the Lord in that day.' It is a great privilege to a minister to retain beloved friends, who have helped him with their prayers and sympathy. O

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bless those whom I have, and preserve the new race, the new generation of them that I have found in these parts. I committed to God, also, those who obstruct the progress of the cause here, and disturb the unity and brotherly love of the church. Let Christ, whose the church is, and let not me, remove every obstacle, either by changing and melting in the love of the gospel, or take them somewhere else, where they shall not be a curse and an impediment to the cause-and by the means that shall seem fit in his sight. A word or a nod of thine shuts and opens heaven and earth, and all the locks of the land of Hades, or the invisible state. For the sake of the blood of thy covenant, grant the above things unto me thine unworthy servant." It is difficult not to sympathize with this aged servant of Christ, in the trying circumstances in which he was now placed; being, at the age of threescore and six years, with an impaired state of health, obliged, through the intrigue of a faction, to retire from the two stations he occupied in South Wales, where his labors had been so signally blessed for the conversion of sinners. Yet he would say, "Lay not this sin to their charge in the day of judgment." He was mercifully sustained, notwithstanding all his afflictions, and helped of God to discharge the duties of the pulpit with that efficiency peculiarly his own.

CHAPTER VII.

Mr. Evans's attendance at the Association at Liverpool.-His determination to undertake the charge of the church at Caernarvon. The aid afforded him for this purpose by the Messrs. Rushtons, of Liverpool.-His removal thither, together with the state of the cause there on his arrival.—His visits in the neighborhood.-Anglesea Association, in 1832. -His labors at Caernarvon, and some of his last visits.— His preaching on the Canticles.-An abstract of a letter to a friend in reference to these Lectures.-The change he witnessed in his time in the method of singing in public worship, and his observations thereon.

ABOUT this period, Mr. Evans received an invitation to Bodedern, in Anglesea; but it does not appear that his mind was at all inclined towards that station. Pastors were also wanted at Llanidloes, Llanvaircaereinion. He notices, "I visited those places, and experienced melting seasons in them, but we could not knit together. I went to the Welsh Association, at Liverpool, which was held at Easter, 1832, where I had been many times in years gone by." It is observed by his Welsh biographer, whom we believe was present on that occasion, "that the energy which accompanied Mr. E.'s preaching at this meeting was

astonishing; scores were stirred up to a concern for their souls, and life and animation appeared in the whole congregation." In a private conversation he had with several ministers at this time, he signified his inclination to settle at Caernarvon, which is one of the best and most populous towns in North Wales.

As soon as it became known that his mind was disposed towards this place, the countenances of all the friends brightened up, the spirit of prayer fell upon all present, and many a hearty petition was offered up to God, that he might bless him there, and make him a blessing. There was another church that had an eye at this time to Mr. Evans, as their minister, besides Bodedern, and which he visited on his way to Liverpool; and there, it is remarked, he certainly had some indications of divine influence in connection with his ministry, which made the ministers still more urgent for his going to Caernarvon, for they all felt greatly on account of the Baptist cause in that town. When the room in which they were met was pretty well filled with ministers and others, and all were urging their reasons in favor of his going to Caernarvon, one minister, rather singular in his manner, stepped forward and said, somewhat determinedly, "O no, you had better not go to but to Caernarvon; for it is not likely your talents will suit, but they may suit Caernarvon well." This extraordinary speech excited a momentary smile; for it was well known that Mr. Evans's talents as a