21
writing which, he has probably been more extensively useful than if he had enjoyed the unrestrained exercise of his pubiie ministry.
At length the Lord, who has all hearts in his hands, disposed Dr. Barlow, then Bishop of Lincoln, and others, to pity his undeserved sufferings, and to interest themselves in procuring his enlargement-a circumstance which certainly does them honour.
His active Spirit soon improved the liberty afforded him. He visited the people of God in several places, especially the afflicted, tempted,
persecuted, to whom he was now well qualified to speak a word in reason. He also took this opportunity of paying his grateful acknowledgments to his friends, whose kind assistance he had experienced in prison ; and, as occasion offered, he preached the Gospel with great boldness and acceptance, particularly to the congregation at Bedford, of which he was now chosen minister.
Amidst all his popularity and success, he was kept humble, and was seldom or never known to speak of himself. His whole behaviour was exemplary, so that malice herself is defied to find, even on the narrowest inspection, a single stain upon his reputation and moral character.
His valuable life, worn-out with sufferings, age, and ministerial sorrows, was closed with a memorable act of Christian charity. He was well known under the blessed character of a peacemaker. He was therefore desired by a young gentleman in the neighbourhood of Bedford, to interpose, as a mediator, between himself and his offended father, who lived at Reading, in
