How much his heart was, at this time, under the powerful influence of pious emotions may be inferred, also, by an extract from another paper, dated July 1, in the same year. Being the Midsummer vacation, he went, on the evening of that day, with his mother and several christian friends, to Potter's Bar, to hear their minister, Mr. Whitefoot." A great number of people were waiting to hear the word of God. Mr. Whitefoot preached very affectionately for near an hour and a half upon Isaiah, xxviii. 16—' Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone,' &c. People exceedingly attentive. Greyheaded old men and women. After he had displayed, in the most beautiful manner, the Lord Jesus Christ as a foundation, in opposition to all other foundations, for about an hour, he was going to conclude as usual-' which may God of his infinite mercy, grant,' &c., when he broke out again in so pathetic a manner exhorting them to come to Christ, as charmed my inmost soul. In short, he did not know how, nor where, to leave off-he was in a heavenly frame, full and overflowing with love to their precious and immortal souls. Oh! how sweetly did he dwell upon 'tried'-tried by the lawyers and sadducees-tried by Satan-tried by the innumerable throng of devils-tried by his Father -tried by good men in all ages-tried by me. Blessed be his name, I have always found him

faithful, ever since June 10, 1783,

happy, happy day."

my happy,

Though he had now been little more than a year with Mr. Ryland, yet, to the few that remain, who personally knew that extraordinary man, and the greater number who may be conversant with his "Contemplations," it will be unnecessary to remark, that the preceding transcript contains internal evidence of its writer having been among those who participated in his friendship, and who admired his magnificent intellect. Indeed, the profound respect with which he regarded the venerable preceptor of his youth is thus forcibly described by himself in the preface to his latest publication,Rylandiana." "Persius could not more justly say to his tutor

· Tibi me supposui.'

"I regarded him as an oracle in everything. My heart was susceptible; and no man could be more fitted to make strong and permanent impressions upon an inexperienced youth."

Young as he was, the diligence, fidelity, and perseverance with which he applied himself to his stated duties, as a school assistant, and to every suggestion for his personal improvement, did not more impressively exhibit the commanding influence by which, in connexion with his unqualified veneration for his distinguished instructor, he was animated and impelled, than illustrate the power of that moral principle, the uniform operation of which, throughout life, constituted one of the

C

most predominant features in his amiable character. Between his fourteenth and nineteenth year, the number of manuscripts which he commenced and conducted, through successive stages, to various degrees of completion, on almost every subject connected with science and religion, presents a striking memorial of his incessant labour, and remain as a valuable example of what, in connexion with assiduity and a judicious distribution of time, may be accomplished. During this period his pecuniary remuneration scarcely averaged ten pounds per annum; so that the purchase of books could have formed but a very inconsiderable item in the amount of his expenditure; but, in a paper, bearing date April 1, 1789, he gratefully acknowledges,—"I have greater advantages for seeing, reading, and hearing of good books than thousands of youths of my age, in English, French, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew:" he devoutly adds, -"Lord, help me to improve my time and understanding!" Nor was his request either unheard or unanswered.

Among his juvenile memoranda, of the same year, the following occur, and will not be considered uninteresting:-" May 26, 1789. May 26, 1789. Recited Paul's Oration before Agrippa, in the hearing of the Rev. John Jamieson, Homer's night-piece- and read Hebrew in Genesis. He He says, I am the youngest Hebrician he ever saw, and he spoke very kindly to me."

July 14, 1789. Spent an hour and a half with

Dr. Geddes, at the corner of Clipstone-street. I went to thank him for Reineccius, and he gave me Ravis's Oriental Grammar, and his prospectus.'

August 6, 1789. Sent through Dr. Rippon, my Analysis of the Proverbs, with a letter from myself, and another from Mr. Ryland. Also, a translation, in prose and verse, of the first forty-two lines of Homer's Iliad. Addressed to Professor Manning, at Rhode Island."

That ardent desire which ought ever to precede introduction to the onerous responsibilities of the christian ministry, is ordinarily, perhaps, so gradual in its evolution, as to make the precise period of its earliest operation by no means easy to determine; but, considering the deliberative caution by which the subject of this memoir was always eminently distinguished, and that he was little more than sixteen years of age, when, in relation to this deeply interesting affair, he ventured to disclose his feelings to Mr. Ryland, it may be confidently inferred, that the holy flame, as in this instance it so evidently was, must have been enkindled almost in infancy. While it is not only quite natural, but highly commendable, that those, whose views in early life are directed to the ministerial office, in approaching to a decision on so important a point, should seek the assistance of the more advanced in years and experience, the treatment of such cases obviously requires the exercise, in various proportions, of much tenderness, united with great pru

dence, lest the presuming should be exalted above measure, or the diffident unduly depressed. On this occasion, the behaviour of the venerable man whose counsel was solicited, supplies an example alike creditable to his memory and deserving of imitation. "When," says the youthful applicant, "I had opened my heart to him, respecting the work of the ministry, he gave me encouragement. 'Providence,' he said, ' is the interpretation of God's will. Wait and seek, and see what God will do for you. If he intends to employ you, he will make it appear. Pray on ;-be master of the Hebrew Bible and the Greek Testament ;-make a body of divinity, supported by Scripture ;—be always writing definitions and demonstrations; - be always proving something.""

In the evening of the same day, reviewing what had occurred, he writes thus :-" I have this morning devoted myself to Christ, more particularly to his service in this world-to that awful work. I spoke to Mr. Ryland; I told him my life and experience, and the reasons which induced me to study for the ministry. I have reason to believe that God the Holy Spirit has regenerated me. What fine opportunities have I of laying in a stock of knowledge-is it not my duty to Christ—is it not a debt of gratitude-a power to do good, and an opportunity, make the doing of that good a duty? I told Mr. Ryland I trembled at the thought of the base corrupted self-love of the human heart,