'her in what the world would call better days; but we, who look upward more than the men of the world do, would call no days or seasons ill or unfortunate, because to us there is a promise made, which says, As thy day is so shall thy strength be. Frequently however do I, with affectionate remembrance of yourself, review the different, the interesting journies we have taken together-now separated by the hand of providence, we serve the same beloved Lord, we press to the same holy and happy state. May grace preserve us all the days of our pilgrimage on earth, and land us safe in heaven. "I think that till very lately I never properly considered the uncertainty of human life, or the vanity of the world. God has however caused me to hear impressive lectures on these subjects, in such a way, as secured my deepest attention, and reached my inmost soul. Oh! that I may learn obedience by the things which I suffer. "I hope I am blessed from above in my ministerial work; may the Eternal Spirit sanction and succeed my labors! I hope to be ordained the second week in June. Rev. Ebenezer White, of Chester, has recently joined the spirits of just men made perfect. I am going to his funeral. Farewell; may you keep close to God, and then I know you will be happy. "I am, yours affectionately, "THOMAS SPENCER." A POEM ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. THOMAS SPENCER, OF LIVERPOOL, WHO WAS DROWNED IN BATHING IN THE TIDE, AUGUST 5, 1811. BY JAMES MONTGOMERY. Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters; and thy footsteps are not known." PSALM LXXVII. v. 19. I WILL not sing a mortal's praise; To whom my pow'rs belong; In earth and ocean, sky and air, I worship not the sun at noon, Him through all nature I explore; Sweet in his undissembling mien Were genius, candor, meekness, seen, The lips that lov'd the truth; Of old, before the lamp grew dark, The child of Hannah's pray'r The Lord, who chose him, there. Thus early call'd, and strongly mov'd He triumph'd while he ran. How short his day!--the glorious prize, 1 Appear'd too quickly won: The loveliest star of evening's train And leaves the world in night; Who shall forbid the eye to weep Pluck'd like the lion's prey? The limbs a wreath of clay. Revolving wing his mysterious lot, To God the praise be giv'n, O CHURCH! to whom the youth was dear, Behold the path he trod; A "milky way" through midnight skies! REFLECTIONS ON MORTALITY. BY CHARLES BUCK. "The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field. The grass withereth; the flower fadeth, because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people are grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand for ever." ISAIAH XI. 6, 7, 8. Ir is computed that near thirty millions of the human race die every year! What an awful reflec *1 Samuel, i. 3. tion is this! How great the multitude that are constantly dropping into eternity! and how numerous the paths that lead to the grave! Life, too, is but a short journey, and we soon arrive at the house appointed for all living. We may rather be said to die daily, than to live. We have not only the spoils of death around us, but the seeds of death within us. We do not all however, descend to the tomb in the same way. Some few are spared to the age of man, and then pass silently away. Others are cut off in the bloom of life, and in the midst of active and useful exertions. Some linger for awhile under painful disease-they see their grave ready before they lie down in it. Others, wearied with life, and impatient under its ills, throw themselves into the arms of death: "they either shake their glass to make it run faster, or break it at once by violence." And some who bid fair to stand for a season, are unexpectedly called away by some mysterious dispensation of divine providence. Thus it was with our departed young friend. The public eye was upon him, and much was anticipated from his talents and zeal in the great work in which he was engaged; but infinite Wisdom has seen fit to remove him to another world. Well! what shall we say? "Clouds and darkness are round about the Most High; but righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne."* The words we have chosen are not to be considered only in relation to the opposers of God's ancient people, at the time of their deliverance from captivity, but are applicable to the whole human race. "The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field." The mortality of man then is a subject with which we ought to be deeply affected. It is, indeed, that which makes but a faint impression on the mind; for though the living know that they must die, yet there is a most strange insensibility as to this awful event. We can hear of it without concern, and talk of it without feeling; when it comes nearer to us than usual, we seem awake for a moment, just drop a tear or two over our departed enjoyments, converse a little on the uncertainty of life, and then fall asleep again and dream away our existence; till at last, we are awakened by this very enemy, whose approach we have all along studied to forget, and which most of us, indeed, are ill prepared to meet! But how unwise is this, thus, to impose upon ourselves! Can any thing be more irrational? O that we were but wise-that we did but consider our latter end!"+ In attending to these words, let us observe the state of man as here represented, and endeavor to derive from them some important and useful lessons. I. Observe the Description.-Man is flesh! It is true he possesses an immaterial, immortal principle; but his animal frame is frail and perishing. He is not composed of gold nor silver, marble nor iron, wood nor stone, nor any of the durable materials around him. Almost every object he sees or handles is less perishable than himself. There is nothing substantial in his nature. He is affected by almost every thing that touches him. An insect can contend with him; a worm can undermine him; a little air can stifle him; a few drops of water can drown him; a moth can crush him. The Almighty need not throw a mountain on nim to destroy him; he need not call for a torrent to inundate him; he need not open a volcano to swallow him. No: Weakness and death are in his very frame. It is but an earthly house; a temporary building; the various parts of which are kept together with labor and difficulty. The body must be daily fed, or it languishes: it must be clothed, or it is benumbed with cold; it must lie down for rest, or it will fall of itself: it must be perpetually exercised, or it will become the habitation of disease: it must be treated with attention and watched over with care, or it will be rendered unfit for the funetions of life. How many wheels are there in perpetual motion! the friction of which, if driven too fast, will set fire to the whole machine; or, if impeded or clogged, will stop the whole course. The apostle Paul, calls it a vile body; not indeed in respect to God's workmanship; but as it is flesh, formed of the dust of the ground, the habitation of manyevil propensities, too often a hinderance to de-votion, and must at last become noisome, and be cast into the grave. Here, too, we are all on a level. What is that mighty conqueror, celebrated for his military glory and applauded for his noble achievements in the field of battle?--It is but flesh. What is that illustrious monarch, sitting on a splendid throne, and clothed in all the robes of majesty? It is but flesh. What is that profound philosopher, diving into the depths of science, or soaring above the intellects of his fellows. It is but flesh. What is that persuasive orator, that so impresses with his eloquence, that charms and effects the passions of human mind? It is but flesh. What is that fine form and beautiful countenance, that attracts the attention and fascinates the senses? It is but flesh. "Death (says one) will alike condemn their eyes to impenetrable night; their tongue to eternal silence; their whole system to the grave. I see a superb monument; I approach this striking object. I see magnificent inscriptions: I read the pompous titles of general, prince, monarch; but I long to see the inside of this elegant piece of workmanship; and I peep under the stone that covers him, to whom all this pomp is consecrated. There I find-what? A putrid carcass, devoured by worns! O vanity of human grandeur! Vanity of vanities: all is vanity !"+ Now, is Now i this the case? Then why should we think so much of our bodies? why should all our happiness be placed in the gratification of our senses? Why should we spend so much time and monev in adorning that which must soon decay?Especially aged people; how painful is it to see them so fond of useless decorations! The day is nearly closed: the evening is advancing; and yet they want to go down to the grave covered with finery. Their strength, perhaps, is gone; their frame has the marks of death upon it. It is but a skeleton; and yet they want to cover it with ornaments. What an affecting sight, to see old age and new fashions meeting together! How much happier they whose adorning is not "the outward adorning of plaiting the hair, of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel, but is that of the hidden man of the heart, which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." Seek then this grace. Let not the body be adorned at the expense of the soul. Remember, "to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Put ye on, therefore, the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."il II. Observe the Comparison.-" All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field." Human nature in its lowest state is but grass, and in its highest, but a flower. "The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.s He is then of earthly extraction. Though God was his maker, yet he was not constituted pure intelligence. "The first man, says the apostle, was * Psalm xcvii. 1, 2. † Deut. xxxii. 29. * Phil. iii. 21. + Pet. iii. 3, 4, $ Gen. ii. 7. + Saurin. | Rom. viii. 6. xii. 14 of the earth, earthy." Like grass, how easily endan- | appointed unto men once to die, and after that the gered, how soon cut down. How exposed to the winds judgment. There is no man that hath power over and storms of adversity. Nor can he screen himself the Spirit to retain the Spirit; neither hath he power from these. They pass over the field of life, and often prove destructive in their career. The diseases to which we are liable are numerous, and the casualties we are subject to, are not a few. Ten thousand things lie in ambush to push us to the grave. And even events trifling in themselves have proved destructive. "We read of some, that a fly or a grape stone have dispatched them; some that have died by plucking an hair from their breasts; the Almighty thus turning a very hair into a spear to destroy them. If we consider the vicissitude of natural things, we shall find that death reigns in them all. The day dies into night, summer into winter; time itself, that destroys all things, yet dies continually; nor can it exist two minutes together. Our very life is nothing but a succession of dying; every day, and every hour wears away part of it, and so far as it is already spent, so far are we already dead and buried: so that the longest liver has no more, but, that he is longer a dying than others."t But, another figure is here used by the Prophet: "all the goodliness thereof, is as the flower of the field." Not as the flower of the garden; where it is cultivated and protected; but of the field, where every hand is ready to gather it, or any foot may tread it down. The flower is noted for three qualities: sweetness, that affects the smell; beauty, that affects the eye; softness, that affects the touch. The metaphor, therefore, is here employed to represent man at his best estate. But as the most beautiful flower soon loses these qualities, so it is said, "the days of man are as grass; as a flower of the field so he flourisheth; the wind passeth over it, and it is gone, and the place thereof knoweth it no more. In the morning, it flourisheth and groweth up; in the evening, it is cut down and withereth." Have you not, reader, known this in your own circle? You have been favored with earthly comforts; you have often looked upon them with peculiar pleasure; you have taken more than usual care with those flowers which have appeared tender and beautiful in your own eyes; you have transplanted them, as you thought to a more genial soil; you have said, well, these are delightful objects-these are sources of the greatest pleasure-truly, I am happy in their possessionthese shall be my support and comfort in times yet to come. O, how have you gone and watered these flowers; how have you hedged them round; how have you endeavored to protect them when you saw the storm advancing; but ah! after all, you could not preserve them: you have had the pain to see the leaf fade, the beauty decline, the energy fail, and presently the whole fall. What! said you, Can it be? Is this my child; is this my friend; is this the object I so much admired? Father of mercies! why this? why didst thou not smite yonder weed? why didst thou not let thy hand fall on the unsightly plant, rather than on this choice flower? Thus, however, Providence is pleased to work; and herein it becomes us to learn the vanity of depending on any human excellency. Neither the goodliness of the flower, the care of its owner, nor the felicity of its situation, can preserve it alive. Beware, then, of idolizing the creature. Turn your attention to a superior object: anticipate the joys of another world- there, no worm is at the root; there, the goodliness shall never fade. III. Mark the Universality of Man's Mortality.Not a few, but all flesh is grass. "As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. It is in the day of death."* Ever since the entrance of sin, death has been making the most awful ravages. "One generation passeth away, and another cometh; but the earth abideth for ever." "The world," says one, "is like a great fair, where some are coming in-others going out, while the assembly that is in it is confused, and the most part know not wherefore they are come together." Whether men however be wise or ignorant, idle or active, rich or poor, young or old, death is common to all. It is not to be bribed by riches, impeded by power, conquered by strength, nor stayed by entreaties. All ranks fall before this destroyer. Sometimes it is the harmless infant, who has no sooner entered the vale of tears than it is commanded to depart. Sometimes the youth, whose powers just began to open, and whose appearance was the most promising, is unexpectedly removed. Sometimes the middle aged, in the midst of business, and apparently in health, are pierced by a sudden arrow from the bow of death. Nor are the rich and the great exempt. They too, must die, like others. There is no royal path to the grave. There is not one kind of death for the monarch, and another for the peasant. The crown cannot prolong life, nor the sceptre sway the last enemy, death. Here, too, the wise philosopher, as well as the ignorant barbarian, must fall. The finest understanding must be darkened; the strongest powers fail; and the most brilliant imagination be clouded. Nor shall the mighty conquerors of nations escape. Where are our Alexanders, and our Cesars, who have struck terror through the whole world? And, whither are those tending, who yet disturb mankind with the noise of the chariots of war, the clash of arms, and the groans of the dying? Soon they must surrender to the king of terrors, and be numbered among the slain. Neither let the beautiful nor the fair pride themselves in external appearance. They too must lie down in the grave, and their glory fade. The righteous also, however desirable their example, however exalted their piety, must go the way of all the earth. The wicked, too, must depart. However unwilling, they must obey; however unprepared, they must go. Their cries to stay cannot be heard; their hopes of respite will be in vain. The finally impenitent, it is said, do not go down gently into the grave; but they "are driven away in their wickedness: they are driven out of light into darkness, and chased out of the world."ll But shall not the benevolent, the zealous, the useful be spared? An Enoch and an Elijah, indeed, reached the land of pure delight without passing the dark valley of death; but no promise is given to others of the like privilege. Yes; the most useful must die. These we may consider as the goodliest flowers in the field: as the most valuable of all. But how often are they cut down just as they begin to bud, or suddenly wither as they arrive to their full bloom? What shall we say to the instance before us? Was not here a beautiful flower, with hues painted by the rays of the Sun of Righteousness; and, unfolding its excellencies as the summer advanced, but alas! suddenly, swept away, to be seen no more. O God! mysterious is thy providence, but righteous art thou in all thy ways! Here, then, is the end of all. "The grass withereth, and the flower fadeth;" but it is added, "because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it." Let us not consider it then as coming by chance. Whatever be the means, the place, or the time, let us re 1 member, it is the Lord's doing. Besides, it is necessary to die, as well as to live. There is another state of things, as well as the present, and of far more importance. There is a judgment to come; and we must leave this world to appear before that solemn tribunal. There are dark providences which cannot be understood here: we must quit the present scene, that we may be able to bear the explanation. There are riches of glory, which our present capacities cannot contain: we must die before we shall be able to explore them. There are abodes of light, and mansions of absolute purity above; but we must be dissolved, leave our imperfections here, and be endowed with glorious bodies and celestial minds, to be fitted for the enjoyment of them. To the righteous then, death is a friend. If the flower drop, it is that it may be removed from the desert, to bloom for ever in the light and glory of the paradise of God. As it respects human life, the repetition used in the text should teach us the earnestness with which the frailty of man should be stated, and the necessity there is of endeavoring to impre impress the subject on our own hearts. It is not said that the grass will fade, but that it now does. We shall not only go, but we are all now going to one place. "Our life is a candle, either blown out by the wi wind, or soon burns out of itself." Death comes indeed very sudden to some. Some go cheerfully to rest in the evening, but are consumed before the morning light. Some venture into the river, without suspecting danger; but the waves cover them, and they are seen no more. Others set out on a journey, for business or pleasure, but are thrown out of the vehicle, and carried back dead. Others, while conversing with a friend, in a moment are seized with pain, heave a sigh, and fall lifeless to the ground. "It is a strange folly then, that we, who are subject to such casualties, should yet dream of dying no other way than by old age. Did we but seriously consider, by what small pins the frame of man is held together, it would appear no less a miracle to us, that we live to the end of one day, or one hour."* But while the best and most serious must confess their insensibility to danger, how should we pity the wicked! Sudden death to a good man is sudden glory; but the wicked are neither happy in the thought of death, nor at all prepared for it. They have their portion in this life. The beauties of virtue, the excellencies of godliness, the glories of heaven have no charms for them. They prefer the indulgence of their appetites, the pleasures of the world, and the gratification of their passions to all the satisfaction which a good hope, a pure conscience, or right principles can afford. How dreadful must the prospect of death be to such men! The very thought of leaving this world must fill them with horror. Hence, when one flattered another in the midst of his enjoyments, and asked him, What he wanted more? he said "Continuance." But this is the very thing that cannot be granted. To how many does God say, "This night thy soul shall be required of thee?" O miserable man, then, who builds his happiness on what he cannot retain; who thinks about every thing but the right object; who is always busy in gazing upon the baubles of sense, and despises the pearl of great price; who is assiduously gathering imaginary treasures, which at last will be of no more avail than pebbles or straws, while he neglects the one thing needful! May such remember, before it be too late, that without repentance of their sin and faith in the Saviour, they cannot meet death with joy, nor ever be permitted to enter into the kingdom of heaven. * Hopkins. Having now offered a few Reflections on Mortality let us observe, IV. The consolation afforded us under these affecting views. "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the word of our God shall stand for ever." And Peter adds, "and this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you."* Let us not say then, that our condition is deplorable. He who is infinitely wise and holy, is also merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. "As a father pitieth his children, so he pitieth us."t He has written to us the great things of his law; he has favored us with the revelation of his will. Beholding us as rational, yet sinful and dying creatures, he hath made known to us a system every way adapted to renovate our natures, illuminate our minds, relieve our miseries, and conduct us safe to a happier world. "In this was manifested the love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." Here, then, amidst all the changes of time, and the awful ravages of death, we find a firm basis on which to build. Here we can behold God as our father, Christ as our mediator, and the divine Spirit as our comforter and guide. Here it is that we hear a voice, saying, "Son, daughter, be of good cheer, all thy sins are forgiven thee." Our attention is turned off from every thing here to centre alone in the chief good. Here we can approach the Almighty without trembling; and, without presumption, humbly hope for his benediction. Under the cross, we can dwell without fear, and with wonder and delight behold our guilt rolled away for ever. Clothed with the righteousness of our Redeemer, and participating the influences of his grace, we can rejoice with a joy unspeakable and full of glory. Yes, this, and this only is the support of inan under all the evils of life. This affords tranquillity within, while the tempest rages without. Welcome, then, all ye scenes of sorrow and trouble! Welcome, all ye vicissitudes of life, and harbingers of death! Yea, welcome death itself, and an eternal world! These shall not affright the renewed soul; these shall not damp the happiness of him who looks above, and aspires to glory and immortality. O how delightful, how suitable is the gospel of Christ! What affliction does not this sweeten; what loss does not this repair; what condition does not this make easy! What gloom does not this dispel! "Blessed are they that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance; in thy name shall they rejoice all the day, and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted."ll But let us observe here the striking contrast between this delightful system and all other things. The one is said to fade, but the other shall stand for ever. We have already seen that every thing of a sublunary nature tends to decay: however excellent it may appear to our view: however valuable it may be considered in itself; or however desirous we may be of retaining it-it is of no consequence: mutability and dissolution are written upon all. But here is the Plant of Renoun, that bears twelve manner of fruits; and which shall never cease to yield in the paradise above. For ages already hath the gospel shed its influence among the sons of men. The powers of darkness, indeed, have done all they could to destroy the leaves which are for the healing of the nations. The tree of life has been surrounded with enemies. There, the savage * 1 Pet. i. 25. $ 1 John iv. 9, 10. † Psalm ciii. 15. barbarian, the refined philosopher, the malignant demon, the proud pharisee, the boasting infidel, and the wretched profligate, have all assembled for the purpose of its destruction. But how vain! Who can extinguish the sun? who can blot out a world? who can cause the heavens to depart as a scroll? who can grasp the ocean in his hand! As well might feeble mortals attempt to do this, as endeavor to injure that which is more dear to God, than all the material systems ever created by his all-powerful hand. "It endureth for ever." Yes; it shall still continue to make progress. What! though enemies oppose, ignorance and infidelity strive, and the powers of the world unite against it. What though the means may seem sometimes to be useless, and the faithful, promising servants of God be removed-yet it must prevail. All the laws of nature must be reverted; the sun, turned into darkness; the moon, into blood; and the stars drop from their spheres, sooner than the purposes of Jehovah shall be disannulled. The gospel must live, and finally triumph. All mankind of every age and nation, shall be raised, and assembled to attend the funeral of the world; but none shall ever be called to witness the extirpation of the gospel. It is, therefore, justly designated everlasting; for it shall endure to the end of time, become victorious over all nations, and its happy effects felt for ever in a better world. You, Christian, must shortly feel the stroke of mortality. Heart and flesh must fail; but in that solemn moment you will find, more than ever, the suitability of this divine scheme. When not a single creature in the world can be of any service to you, this shall not leave you comfortless, but remain your support to the last. Then, when closing your eyes on all earthly scenes; when leaving your dearest relatives and friends; when the cold hand of the last enemy is upon you, you shall sing, "Ο death! where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy victory? Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ."* V. Lastly. Observe, that both Man's Mortality and the Divine Clemency are to be proclaimed; for the voice said, Cry. The ministers of the sanctuary are not to dwell in solitude; they are not to live perpetually in the study, nor spend their time in silent meditation. They must come forth; they must cry aloud, and spare not; they must lift up their voice, to warn men of their danger, and to point them to the place of refuge. "I have set watchmen on thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace, day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silent." Such is the divine command. Nor let it be considered as a small privilege, to be reminded of our real condition, and to be favored with the tidings of mercy. "But how shall men call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" The ministration of the gospel is therefore of the greatest importance. It is for this purpose the Almighty is pleased to raise up and qualify his servants, that they may be faithful monitors to the sons of men. Earnestly, zealously, constantly must they declare the truth. They must be "instant in season; out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine."Il Various may be the talents of the ambassadors *1 Cor. xv. 55. † Isa. Ixii. 6. || 2 Tim. iv. 2. of Christ, but their great object must be the same. When this is kept in view, we may expect the Divine blessing will render them successful; for he has said, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."* Let us here recollect, however, that though the Almighty is pleased to honor men and not angels as the instruments of preaching. the gospel, yet they are but earthen vessels; they are flesh and cannot abide for ever. Sometimes they are taken away at the very time when they appear to be the most promising and the most useful. Thus has divine Providence been pleased to remove our dear young friend, of whom we shall now proceed to give some account. Mr. Thomas Spencer was born at Hertford, and received his religious impressions very early in life. Having a great desire to engage in the work of the ministry, he was placed under the care of the Rev. W. Hordle, of Harwich. Here he stayed for twelve months, and displayed evident marks of considerable talent and piety. Before the age of sixteen, he was admitted into Hoxton academy.t Here, on account of his youth, it was thought proper that he should appear in public as little as possible at first. Supplies however being wanted, Mr. S. was sent occasionally to preach. His popularity soon began to appear, and the requests for Mr. Spencer's labors were so numerous, that it was with difficulty that they could be granted. The sweetness of his tone, the evangelical strain of his discourse, his accurate and appropriate quotations from Scripture, his peculiar energy, his youthful appearance, his admirable gift of prayer, all tended to render him popular. Having completed his studies at Hoxton, many destitute congregations were looking with wishful eye towards him, nor was there a little exertion among them who should succeed in obtaining him. As his talents however were acceptable, it was thought that a large sphere of usefulness would be desirable. Accordingly he accepted a call to Liverpool, and commenced his stated ministry on the first Sabbath in February last. Here attracting vast multitudes of people, a larger place was thought necessary. On the 17th of April, he laid the foundation-stone of a new chapel, to be ninety-six feet in length, and sixty-six feet in breadth. On this occasion he wrote to a friend in London as follows: "Yesterday I laid the foundation-stone of my new chapel; gave an address on the spot; and dedicated the place to God in solemn prayer. The auditory consisted of not less than five thousand people, who were all fixed in their attention. May I on that ground often find a solace for my care in the public worship of God! May he bless the undertaking! May his eyes and his heart be there perpetually!" Truly how mysterious are the ways of Providence. His time on earth was indeed to be short. On the Sabbath preceding his death he preached in the morning from those words, Jeremiah xxxi. 3: "I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore, with loving kindness have I drawn thee." He afterwards administered the Lord's Supper, in a manner remarkably edifying and impressive. In the evening, he took for his text the words of our Lord, as recorded in Luke x. 42. "But one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her." On Monday morning, "It appears that Mr. * Matt. xxviii. 20. + For a copy of his religious experience, which was read to the committee previous to his admission, see Memoirs, page 213, 214. + Before he left the Academy he delivered a parting address, in the presence of his fellow students. See Appendix, No. IV. |