accustomed to place entire confidence in the plans which he adopted, as well for the wisdom of their contrivance, as the vigour with which they were prosecuted.

In forming an estimate of his character as an agent, his companionable qualities ought not to be overlooked. It was delightful to be associated with him. He uniformly secured the love and confidence of his subordinate helpers. He was heard to say respecting several individuals, "Well, I never had any difficulty with him. The harmony between us was never interrupted." He was accustomed to commend his fellow-labourers whenever it could be done with pro priety. He rejoiced also to promote their personal happiness. His inquiries respecting their condition or feelings were frequent and fraternal; and what was more remarkable, he invariably fulfilled his engagements to them, sometimes at considerable personal sacrifice. He never assumed towards them a magisterial air, but allowed them to perform their appropriate duties without molestation; never severely scrutinizing their conduct, nor prying into their individual concerns. He wished to have them feel responsible for their own department, and to enjoy their full share of commendation, if found faithful and successful. Every thing about him was open, frank, and generous. All willingly gave the palm of superiority to him, and rejoiced, with their whole heart, to follow such a leader. They now look back with fond remembrance, and, with eyes not unfrequently dimmed with tears, to his fraternal kindness, and to his innumerable cheering words of consolation and encouragement. They sorrow most of all" that they are to see his noble form no more in the world.

Unimpeachable integrity in respect to the benevolent funds intrusted to his keeping, was another distinguishing trait in his character. He acted on the principle that the prosperity, if not the very exist→ ence, of the systems of benevolence, is depending on the rigid honesty of all who have the disposal of pub

lic money. Instead of subjecting himself to the charge of delinquency and carelessness, he, perhaps, erred on the other extreme. He was frequently heard to remark, that he never performed a journey of considerable length in behalf of any public object, without a sacrifice of his pecuniary interests. Examples are rarely seen of honesty more scrupulous, of integrity further beyond the reach of suspicion, accompanied, at the same time, with great, and, considering his circumstances, munificent liberality. One of his last deeds of kindness was the presentation, from his own funds, of a copy of the Memoir of Henry Martyn, to each individual assisted by the American Education Society during his connexion with it. The number of copies comprised in the donation amounted to nearly eight hundred.

In conclusion, it can be said, with entire freedom from exaggeration, that Mr. Cornelius had all the qualities of an accomplished agent and secretary. The most impartial observer of his appearance and his actions will cordially subscribe to this declaration, high as the commendation is which it implies. He possessed uncommon muscular energy; a form of body at once commanding and attractive; a voice of great compass and power; courteousness of address and manners; the rich experience of a Christian pastor, and great ability as a preacher; comprehen→ siveness of mind and liberality of feeling; the union of ardent emotion and solid judgment; admirable pecuniary and business habits; extensive knowledge of the condition of the whole country; and a deep sense of dependence on Christ for success. His name

will be cherished with respect and gratitude by future generations; and the church of Christ, while she adores the profound mystery of God's providence in removing him in the meridian of his days, will, at the same time, bless the great Head of the church for giving her such a leader.

CHAPTER IX.

APPOINTMENT OF MR. CORNELIUS AS CORRESPONDING SECRETARY OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS-DELIBERATIONS-ACCEPTANCE OF THE APPOINTMENT AGENCY IN BOSTON-ILLNESS-DEATH.

On the 10th of May, 1831, Jeremiah Evarts, Esq., corresponding secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, died at Charleston, South Carolina. At the annual meeting of the Board in October following, Mr. Cornelius was chosen to fill the vacancy. The course, which he adopted at this important period of his life, was strictly in accordance with those elevated principles which had long governed him. He wrote to a friend, some weeks after the election, "Hitherto I have felt more like praying, than either writing or conversing. The most I can, or dare say at present, is that with my eyes turned to heaven, and death and the judgment before me, I am trying to ask, 'Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?' Next, I desire to have my ears open to every thing which is likely to make known his will. Lastly, I aim to put a seal on my lips till he permits and directs me to speak. I beg you to remember me in your prayers. It is the best proof of love, which any dear friend, like yourself, can give me. I entreat my friends to pray for me. I think I never wished so earnestly to do the thing which Christ will approve. Every thing else appears comparatively of no moment. His plan is perfect. You

and I are objects of his thought and attention. He has his will concerning our spheres of labour. We had better be in our graves, than to be in any other field than that which he has chosen for us."

In most of the letters which he wrote for two months, he entreated the prayers of his friends with an earnestness which would not be denied. For the last three months of his life, he observed every Friday as a day of fasting and prayer. In addition to this, he set apart several entire days for the purpose of prayer. He examined the most important passages of Scripture, which have reference to the question he was considering, and arranged the results of the investigation under distinct heads. He sent a communication to a number of the most judicious and intelligent Christians in the country, and received a formal reply from about twenty. The results of his inquiries, drawn up with great care, fill about seventy quarto pages of manuscript. The method, which he pursued, he thus states: "1. As the word of God is my sufficient and only rule of faith and practice, in this as well as in every other case of duty, I will faithfully endeavour to ascertain its leading principles, so far as they apply to the present inquiry; and I will not knowingly, suffer any other principle to influence my decisions. 2. I will endeavour to state impartially, and to weigh maturely, those considerations which have been or may be urged as reasons, why I should not accept the appointment. I will, in like manner, endeavour to state impartially, and to weigh maturely, those considerations which have been, or may be urged as reasons, why I should accept the appointment. 3. I will, as in the presence of Christ, and as responsible to him, say where it appears to me the preponderance lies, and consequently where my obligations to Christ require me to labour."

The following are the principles which he considered to be recognised by the word of God, and as applicable to his investigations of duty. A small

part only of the texts which he selected are here copied.

"The Lord Jesus Christ is the sovereign and exclusive proprietor of all I possess, and of all that I can do, as a rational and accountable being. The only lawful question which I can discuss is, How can I best serve Jesus Christ? Where can I reasonably hope to do the most for his cause? If by accepting this appointment, then I am bound, by my vows to him, to accept; if by remaining where I am, then I am bound to decline. My commitments are to Him, and to Him only. For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then are all dead, and that he died for all, that they which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him who died for them and rose again.' One is your master, even Christ.' Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?' Every follower of Christ is bound to regard his talents and means of influence as intrusted to him by God, for this very end, that he may serve and glorify his Creator and Redeemer. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?' Every minister and Christian is bound to do the greatest amount of good, which his situation and capacity admits. Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' The hand of God is to be acknowledged as being in some way connected with all the events which take place in providence, and especially with those which relate to ourselves, and to our duties. "Who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.' • The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.' Divine providence, or God's visible dealings towards us, is nevertheless not to be regarded, as of course, determining what his will concerning us is. Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.' When God has called us to one field of labour, we

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