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are people, who feldom fmile when they are alone, who therefore are glad to hide themfelves in a throng from the violence of their own reflections; and who, while by their looks and their language they wish to perfuade us they are happy, would be glad to change their conditions with a dog. But in defiance of all their efforts they continue to think, forebode, and tremble. This we know, for it has been our own state, and therefore we know how to commiferate it in others.-From this ftate the Bible relieved us- -When we were led to read it with attention, we found ourselves described.-We learnt the causes of our inquietude-we were directed to a method of relief-we tried, and we were not difappointed.

Deus nobis hæc otia fecit.

We are now certain that the gospel of Chrift is the power of God unto falvation, to every one that believeth. It has reconciled us to God, and to ourselves, to our duty, and our fituation. It is the balm and cordial of the present life, and a fovereign antidote against the fear of death.

Sed hactenus hæc. Some fmaller pieces upon lefs important fubjects close the volume. Not

one of them, I believe, was written with a view to publication, but I was unwilling they should be omitted.

Charles Square, Hoxton,
February 18, 1782.-

JOHN NEWTON,

TABLE TALK.

Si te fortè meæ gravis uret sarcina chartæ, HOR. Lib. I. Epift. 13.

Abjicito.

A. You told me, I remember, glory, built
On felfish principles, is fhame and guilt;
The deeds, that men admire as half divine,
Stark naught, because corrupt in their design.
Strange doctrine this! that without fcruple tears
The laurel, that the very lightning spares;
Brings down the warrior's trophy to the duft,
And eats into his bloody fword like rust.

B. I grant that, men continuing what they are,
Fierce, avaricious, proud, there must be war.
And never meant the rule should be applied
To him, that fights with juftice on his fide.

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