about and intending to labour, instantly devised modes of usefulness new to his flock, and entered upon his work with a spirit which excited equal pleasure and surprize. His fame soon spread, and curiosity drew from the surrounding country crowds of strangers. Whether the pressure of the crowd offended those who loved to be at ease in Zion, or his preaching proved too faithful for those who said prophecy to us smooth things, or from what other cause it originated, it is not now certain; but some of the trustees of the meeting-house became his avowed enemies. Withdrawing from his ministry, they locked up their pews, which the eagerness of the hearers who were standing in the aisles frequently burst open. The opposition, however, gradually died away, and left him without an enemy, where he certainly deserved none.

Thus encouraged, he determined to accept the call of the church to the pastoral charge. On the eleventh of November, 1741, he was ordained by twelve ministers, among whom no other names are now known, but those of Mr. Moon, of Bridgwater, Mr. Stodden, of Taunton, Mr. Palk, of South Molton, Mr. Westcott, of Tiverton, and Mr. Chorley, of Uffculm. What part of the service each one took, is not known. Mr. Darracott's confession of faith was brief, as he wisely abstained from the vain attempt to adduce the

proofs of the doctrines which he avowed as his creed. To the question proposed, "What are your ends for taking upon you the work of the ministry," he replied, " If I know any thing of my own heart, I think I may say with the greatest certainty, I have no end of life but to serve God, and no pleasure like it. And especially in entering the ministry, I know no other motive but the glory of God in the salvation of souls. May I promote this, and I have all my desire."

On the evening of this day of fasting and prayer, he wrote the following reflections. "Nov. 11, 1741, in the evening of my ordination. This has been a solemn and delightful day. I have now put my hand to the gospel plough, with a desire never to look back. I have now publicly devoted myself to the work of the ministry, and I heartily rejoice in what I have done. May I never defile the sacred office! May I never prove a dishonour to my Lord and Master. May I not be a loiterer, but a labourer in his work! and may my labours be crowned with abundant success! Hitherto I have found it to be delightful work, nor have I altogether laboured in vain. I can never be enough thankful for what I have seen, and do still see, of a divine blessing upon my poor labours, while I would be encouraged hereby, to hope and pray for greater success. Grant this, dear Lord, to

thy unworthy servant, and thou wilt herein gratify his warmest wishes and his highest ambition. Amen and Amen."

Similar reflections he recorded on the evening of the first Sabbath on which he administered

the Lord's supper. "Dec. 4, 1741. This day I have been administering the sacrament for the first time; and a most delightful season it has been to my soul. I cannot forbear saying on this occasion, Lord! who and what am I that thou shouldest bring me hitherto! Four were this day admitted, three of whom date their saving impressions under my poor ministry since I have been here. How does my heart rejoice herein, and all that is within me bless and magnify God! Six more were also proposed, whose hearts I hope divine grace has laid hold of. O what has God done by a poor worm already! There is a visible change upon the face of the congregation, which is at once pleasing and hopeful to me. I trust, indeed, that God has much work to do by me here, and that he has much people in this place to gather in, whatever he has done, whatever he shall do by my poor ministrations, this be now and ever my humble song, "Not unto me, O Lord, not unto me, but unto thy name alone be all the glory and all the praise. Amen."

Being now settled in his pastoral charge, he determined to enter into the married state. His affections had been for some time fixed on Miss

Katherine Besley, of Barnstaple. This lady was, like himself, a descendant of the puritan confessors, who founded the dissenting churches. Her mother's name was Peard, whose ancestor, Oliver Peard, is mentioned with honour in the "Nonconformist's Memorial," as minister at Barnstaple. Miss Besley's fine person was inspired with such a mind as Mr. Darracott deserved. The religion of the puritans, in whose scriptural principles she was well instructed, was by her perpetuated to a period when it unhappily began to appear antiquated. Their marriage, which was celebrated in the month of December, 1741, was a happy event to them both. She found in him all the generous tenderness implied in the sacred name of husband, and his heart, alike unfitted for the solitude of celibacy and the contentions of an inauspicious marriage, found in her, repose from the fatigues of his ministry, and solace under the afflictions of life. Her health was not vigorous, but, except in the times when her illness alarmed his fears, she relieved him from all earthly concerns, for which he had an utter aversion.

When he entered on domestic life, and reared an altar to God where he had pitched his tent, he penned a hymn, which will excitè, indeed, no high idea of his poetic genius, but will discover to the pious reader what is infinitely more valu

able, a spirit of devotion animating him in every relation of life.

I.

Oh God of Bethel, whose kind hand
Has all our fathers led,
And in this desert howling land
Has still their table spread.

II.

To thee our humble vows we raise,
To thee address our prayer;¦
And trust ourselves and all our ways
To thy indulgent care.

Thee will we choose to be our God,
To thee ourselves resign;

With all we are and have, O Lord,
We will be ever thine.

VI.

For if, O Lord, thou ours wilt be,
We can give up the rest;

Our souls possess'd alone of thee,

Are infinitely blest.

At this time he received from Dr. Doddridge

the following letter.