day, as is usual in such cases, it was determined that a meeting should be held in the vestry, and that the student should lead in the exercises. It had been rumored that he was to make his first attempt at preaching, and many. came anxiously desiring to hear him; so that the number was, altogether too large to be accommodated in the vestry. The wardens opened the doors of .the church, and, after some persuasion, he was induced to enter the pulpit, and perform the regular services. He preached both forenoon and afternoon, to the satisfaction and pleasure of the listening audience. This was to him a happy. day: He had commenced his work, and the way was clearly marked out before him. Long had he desired to speak to the multitude in vindication of the truth; and now his wish had been gratified. "He thanked God, and took courage."

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It is no light work to be a minister; for an individual to prepare his mind to meet the trials and crosses as well as the joys and pleasures of the faithful preacher; to "study to show himself a workman approved of God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly divid ing the word of truth;." to leave all minor considerations, and give the whole soul up to the cause of virtue-of human improvement and happiness. Our young brotherdid not forget this. He knew his need of wisdom and experience and he applied himself accordingly. He remained with his kind patron and friend until July, 1834, in close attention to his studies-preaching occasionally to destitute societies in the vicinity of Portsmouth. At the time of which we speak, he had received an invitation to become the pastor of the Universalist Society in Lamprey River village, Newmarket, N.-H. A neat and commodious house of worship had a short time previous been erected by the brethren in this place;"

and they desired to commence their regular ministerial engagements by obtaining preaching for a part of the time only. They had heard our young brother, and were much interested in him, both as a preacher, and as a Christian brother and friend. He accepted the invitation given him, and removed from Portsmouth to take up his residence as a settled pastor. New and untried scenes were now before him. He felt his need of divine aid at this important season; and most feelingly does he express himself in a letter to a dear friend on the subject:

"How far I shall succeed in this arduous undertaking, with my present inexperience, is known only to the Eternal Mind. To God, and to him alone, do I look for that aid which is necessary to a faithful discharge of the duties devolving upon me. Pray for me, dear brother, that my humble efforts for the spread of gospel truth may be crowned with success, and that I may be enabled to live agreeably to this heavenly doctrine, and thus constrain others to glorify our Father in heaven."

It has been well remarked that priest and people resemble each other. If ministers are dull, and imprudent, and indifferent to religion, the people will be like them. If they are zealous, devotional, and faithful, they will influence their people to imbibe a portion of their spirit. The influence exerted by our young preacher among the new flock over which he had been placed as shepherd, was, in a high degree, beneficial. His zeal moved them—his pulpit services, and his private intercourse, each served to bind the people more closely together, and make them more and more attached to their beloved pastor. He became a favorite wherever he moved in the circle of his friends. He richly enjoyed the pleasures of social intercourse; and although his

ready smile was often suppressed by a kind of habitual seriousness, he was the agreeable companion of the innocently volatile, as well as of the more staid and sober. But his most joyous hours were not passed in the social circle. To see him in the place where he most dearly loved to be, and where he was often at the height of his earthly bliss, we must behold him in the pulpit. Here. he was at home; and here he delighted to stand, and declare to men "the unsearchable riches of Christ." The church in which he preached stands on an eminence overlooking the whole village. This he denominated "Zion's Hill;" nor was the term an unmeaning one to himself and his brethren. They often enjoyed those rich spiritual feasts in their pleasant temple, which made it to them a Zion indeed-a gospel Zion-where light and joy were diffused among them, and their souls were permitted to hold sacred communion with the Father of all. In addition to their regular services on the Sabbath, they soon commenced holding social evening meetings for exhortation, prayer and praise. These had just such an effect as might have been expected. A spirit of lively zeal and devotion was kindled amongst them, and they grew in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.

He was ordained to the work of the ministry in his own church, on Sunday evening, February 8, 1835. We well remember the occasion as one of deep interest; and we find the following allusion to it in his private journal:

"This is a day long to be remembered by me. I preached here through the day, to large congregations; and in the evening I was set apart to the holy work of the gospel ministry by the laying on of hands.' The services were exceedingly solemn and interesting. The

congregation filled the house in every part, and listened with the most profound and unbroken attention. O may God give me strength equal to my day, and enable me to discharge with fidelity the arduous duties attending the high responsibilities which I have taken upon me."

In one year after his ordination, the Society had increased and prospered to a degree that enabled them to engage his services for the whole time. He expressed great joy at this, in his journal. But, during all the time of which we have spoken, stronger indications of his disease were seen; and he was frequently much troubled. In the summer of 1836, his health became very low, so that he had suspended his labors altogether—and, in the month of September, requested a dismission from the people of his charge. The following record on the subject is from his journal:

"Sunday, Sept. 4. This has been a day of trial to my feelings. Preached this morning from the words, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.' After these remarks, I administered the Lord's Supper. It was a very solemn season. The congregation remained. A letter was then read by the Society's clerk, tendering to them my resignation as their Pastor. The feeble state of my health has compelled me to do this. It is a duty hard for me to perform. They are a people whom I love—who live in my warmest affections-and who are entwined around my heart. Wilt thou, O God, be their shepherd, their guide, and their protector!"

This was a trying question to his people. They could not endure the idea of his resignation; and so strongly did they insist on his remaining with them, that he consented to comply with their wishes, and continued to preach occasionally, as his health would permit. Towards the close of this year, his health seemed to be

more encouraging-his strength increasing. We find the following in his record on the last day of the year:

"Saturday, Dec. 31, 1836. This is the last day of another year; and to me it brings with it many solemn and interesting reflections-many emotions of sorrow, and many reasons for gratitude and praise. I have, during this year, experienced many mercies, and I have also been supported while I have passed through many seasons of trouble and affliction. I have been laid upon the bed of sickness, and brought even to the gates of the grave. While others have been called home, I am spared to see the close of another year. O may I be grateful to God for his goodness towards me, and may my life ever be devoted to his service."

As whatever is now to be gleaned from the life of our preacher, can only be found within the short space of seventeen months, we must avail ourselves of such materials as our personal knowledge and his journals afford us. At the commencement of the new year, we find the following in the journal:

"Sunday, Jan. 1. The requiem of the past has just been chanted, and a busy world is now hailing with joy the dawn of a new year. How solemn the thought, that many who now greet its commencement with songs of joy may never live to see its close. And am I one of that vast number? Ah! to this, God alone can answer. May I be prepared for whatever awaits me in the future; may I be enabled to discharge faithfully the duties devolving upon me—and may I ever live and rejoice in the assurance that, whether living or dying, I am the Lord's."

In the month of April his health declined again. He desisted from preaching for a short time; but obtained little or no relief. Receiving an invitation to visit Wal