tempt to concentrate them in one point of view. It may not, however, be improper to annex to this paper the concluding part of a sermon preached after his funeral in the church of Holywood, May 12. 1805.

1

AND now, Brethren, what shall I say more? Shall I dismiss you to prosecute in retirement the train of meditation into which we have been led? The claims of duty and of affection forbid our immediate separation. For, since you were last assembled in this house of prayer, an event has taken place too striking and solemn to be passed over in silence. The disposer of all things hath taken to himself one who was long to us all an object of veneration, and of cordial attachment.

To his memory a public tribute of respect is due.

Your late worthy and beloved pastor was descended from parents who belonged to the Lord, and was furnished with resources, in the morning of life, which it is not the lot of all to enjoy. He was prepared, by domestic instruction and example, for the station he was afterwards to fill and adorn; and commended to that God, who, in answer to the prayers of the faithful, causeth his blessing to rest upon their seed. He discovered an early predilection for the sacred office; and engaged with ardour in those studies which were to prepare him for its important and arduous duties. At the university, he found his place among the most promising young men of his time, and gave early presages of that eminence he was destined to attain in maturer years. Indeed, the talents which the God of nature had bestowed were such as required but culture and grace to bring them into full effect. His understanding was uncommonly sound and vigorous; his

apprehension was so quick, that, into subjects the most abstruse, he could penetrate as it were by an intuitive glance. His memory was retentive and powerful, and, from the treasures it contained, things both new and old were produced at pleasure as occasion required.

But if his intellectual endowments, and his acquisitions in literature and science were large and respectable, the moral qualities of his heart and life were fitted to secure, in his behalf, the esteem and affection of all by whom he was known. In the ordinary transactions of life, he conducted himself on the strictest principles of honour and integrity. Precision in business and activity in lawful pursuits were not regarded as beneath his notice; for he could use the world, and keep it in its place, so as not to abuse it. He guided his affairs with discretion; and if, in whatsoever he did, he prospered, he received independence and augmented means of doing good as gifts of God. In the tender relations of domestic life, and in the general

k

intercourse of society, the ample stores of his mind, his chearful and affectionate temper, the effusions of his lively fancy, his unshaken fidelity, his fervent benevolence, formed him to impart and to enjoy no common portion of felicity. Beneath his hospitable roof, the stranger found himself at home; they that were in doubt could repose on his advice; and the poor that sought his bounty, or that sought it nct, were not sent empty

away.

But the work of the ministry was that in which his soul delighted, and to which he directed his chief attention. In obedience to your call, he entered into his labours in early life; and the experience of many now gathered to their fathers, and of many who still survive is registered in heaven, to bear witness, in the day of the Lord, to his faithfulness, and ability, and unwearied perseveDetermined to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified, he never amused you with cunningly devised fables, or the tenets of a philosophy, falsely so

rance.

called. Out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth spake of the things which belong to your peace. The everlasting truths, the holy precepts, the awful threatenings, the exceeding great and precious promises of the glorious gospel of the blessed God, it was his heart's desire, and his invariable practice, to make known among you. He preached the unsearchable riches of Christ, and boldly declared the whole counsel of God.-Nor did he require of you any sacrifices or exertions which he himself was reluctant to make. On that sure foundation which was laid in Zion, he built his own faith, and all his hope of pardon and peace.-As he published the doctrines of grace, so it was grace wherein he was made to stand.-His conduct was correct, and uniform, and consistent. His piety was unaffected, but unmixed with bigotry.-He was tenacious of his principles, but his liberality of sentiment, and his charity towards those who differed from him, were not thereby obstructed or impaired. His life adorned the doctrine of God,