a love of enterprise. During the summer months, he occasionally made excursions with his father or some intimate friend, to visit the lakes and hills of our highlands. In one of these excursions, a some what romantic occurrence befell the travelers. He and his friend had set out on foot to explore, at their leisure, Dunkeld, and the highlands in its vicinity. They spent a day at Dunkeld, and about sunset set out again with the view of crossing the hills to Strathardle. A dense mist spread over the hills soon after they began to climb. They pressed on, but lost the track that might have guided them safely to the glen. They knew not how to direct their steps to any dwelling. Night came on, and they had no resource but to crouch among the heath, with no other covering than the clothes they wore. They felt hungry and cold; and awaking at midnight, the awful stillness of the lonely mountains spread a strange fear over them. But drawing close together, they again lay down to rest, and slept soundly, till the cry of some wild birds, and the morning dawn aroused them."

The affectionateness of his disposition was shown in his regard for his parents, his love for the people of his charge, and in his devoted attachment to the brother whose death has been mentioned. On that occasion, he poured out the sorrows of his heart in more than one poetic effusion, and he often recurred to the sad bereavement, with mournful interest, in after years. In brief, his disposition was such as to render his heart the best soil for the seeds of divine truth, and for the development and full growth of all the graces of the Spirit. Respectful to the aged, familiar, yet delicate in his intercourse with his equals, kind and considerate to those in inferior conditions, gentle and loving towards the young, he inspired the expectation, that if he became a disciple of the Savior, he would

closely resemble "that disciple whom Jesus loved."

As a scholar, McCheyne was more than respectable. It was evident, in early life, that his mind was active in its movements, and so attentive to whatever came before it, that his infant knowledge rapidly accumulated. "At the age of four, while recovering from some illness, he selected for his recreation, the study of the Greek alphabet, and was able to name all the letters, and write them in a rude way upon a slate. A year after, he made rapid progress in the English class, and at an early age became somewhat eminent among his school-fellows for his melodious voice, and powers of recitation." Another fact may be recited in the words of his biographer, as it reveals one secret of his power in after years. "There were, at that time, catechetical exercises held in the Tron church, in the interval between sermons; and some friends remember the interest often excited in the hearers, by his correct and sweet recitation of the psalms and passages of Scripture." His mental powers rapidly unfolded, and sustained a steady growth up to the time of his settlement in Dundee, if not to the close of his useful and happy career. In the high school, he was one of the best scholars in all the classes to which he belonged, and in some branches was distinguished. When about fourteen, he ventured on poetic composition-the subject being, 'Greece, but living Greece no more;'—and, as might be expected, his effort was wanting in the divine fervor of the poet, rather than in enthu siastic love of liberty. While in the University, he privately studied the modern languages, and took great delight in gymnastic exercises. Moreover," he used his pencil with much success, and had a very considerable knowledge of music," being able also to sing correctly and beautifully. We are told that po

etry was a never-failing recreation, and that he thus drew from Prof. Wilson, a prize in the moral philosophy class, for a poem "On the Covenanters." Notwithstanding this variety of studies and pursuits, he gained some prize in all the various classes he attended.

He had thus received as perfect intellectual training, perhaps, as his native land could furnish to an undergraduate, and now was to come under the influence of the master mind of the college and the church, for Dr. Chalmers reigned in Divinity Hall. Dr. Chalmers had the rare, but most desirable faculty in a teacher, of impressing his character upon others, and McCheyne was a susceptible pupil. "Under Dr. Chalmers for divinity, and Dr. Welch for church history, a course of four years afforded no ordinary advantages for enlarging his understanding." There is evidence that he made good use of his opportunities in the regular studies of the course, Besides this, he paid much attention to collateral studies. He became so familiar with the Hebrew language, that he could consult the original Hebrew of the Old Testament, with, ease and pleasure. A voluntary class, of which he was a member, was formed for the purpose of investigating some point of systematic divinity. They afterwards examined the chief points of the popish controversy. Unfulfilled prophecy occupied their attention at other times, and a class not less pleasant and useful than the others, received the name of exegetical. His mind, naturally active and vigorous, had now received a thorough and symmetrical training. The foundation was laid for excellence and eminence in almost any pursuit in which he might engage; but it is plain, that he was best fitted, not only by education, but divine grace, for the gospel ministry. He was not profoundly learned, as no one is, when just entering on professional life;

but the basis was laid for vast accumulations, if time and the providence of God should permit.

It is clear that his poetical powers were overrated by his friends. It is true, he was a fine versifier; it is delightful to read the effusions of his genial and Christian muse; still they are destitute of the divine afflatus. His love of scenery was for the beautiful, rather than the grand and sublime; or in the language of one of his friends, "he had a kind and quiet eye, which found out the living and beautiful in nature, rather than the majestic and sublime." He might have written a volume of readable, useful and popular poems; as a writer of hymns and sacred songs, he might have surpassed most who have written since the days of Watts; but when compared with Pollok-to say nothing of the great masters-his inferiority, in this regard, is seen at once. In a word, he was not a genius, nor is there any evidence that he imagined himself to be one.

His prose style is very fine. Clear, uniform, direct and elegant, it carries the reader along, continually pleased, yet unconscious of the cause. He had what some call ideality fully developed. There is abundance and richness of thought in all his writings, and he had the happy art of interweaving Scripture in all he wrote, as those only can, who have learned to think in the language of the Spirit. Though he never rises to eloquence, yet he is never tiresome. Some speakers are so natural, easy and graceful, that we scarcely notice their appearance, or observe it only to be pleased; while others, by their ambitious elocution, their violent motions, and their patent artifice, fill us with pain. There is the same difference in the style of different writers. McCheyne belonged to the former class. He was never infected by the vice of many writers and speakers, a constant straining for effect; a fault, by

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the way, which is a sure proof of mental weakness and poverty. His pure, rich thoughts flow from the pen of a ready writer," whether in writing a letter, an address, a poem, or a sermon. And though he never astonishes his reader by lofty flights, yet he never fails to command fixed and delighted attention. He is not so much like the moon, now shining in full-orbed splendor, and now waning to paleness, as like the star, shedding a steady and grateful light.

His mind, though not belonging to the first class, was of a high order. It is not often that two such men as Mackintosh and Robert Hall meet in Edinburgh University, or else where; but perhaps we as rarely meet with one like McCheyne. He was characterized for clear and distinct apprehension of his subject, and happy illustration. He loved truth in all departments of knowledge, and was remarkable for candor. "He had an ingenious and enterprising mind—a mind that could carry out what was suggested, when it did not strike out new light for itself. He possessed great powers of analysis; often his judgment discovered singular discrimination." His style is so agreeable and rich; he was so ready and appropriate on every occasion; there was such fullness and beauty in his treatment of every subject he undertook; the effects of the good training of his mind and heart were so visible, as almost to produce the conviction that he was destined to take rank among the most gifted minds, if his life had been prolonged. But though he did not, by the fire of his genius, or the depth of his penetration, or the broadness of his view, "attain unto the first three;" yet his excellence as a poet, as a scholar, and as a writer, must command respect and inspire affection.

His religious character exhibited uncommon loveliness, yet there was nothing effeminate in him. Though

never called to such privations and endurances as placed the heroic stamp upon Brainerd; still it is plain, he was capable of any self-sacrifice which the Master might have demanded.

He was in his nineteenth year when the service of Christ became the delight of his heart rather than the slavery of conscience. There was, of course, a precise time when the great change took place, but for a while it was like the first streaks of dawn struggling with the darkness. Temptations were thick around him, especially those arising from his former fondness for gay society; yet gradually he arose above these allurements, till the pleasures of piety rendered the enjoyments of the world tasteless. On this point his experience, like that of the late Mrs. Van Lennep-and the mention of one of these lovely Christian characters always brings the other to mind is very instructive to those Christians who are fond of gay scenes, and are carried away by the fascinations of the dance. He found the pleasures of society hindering his growth in grace, and clouding his spiritual vision. Moreover, just in proportion as his religious enjoy. ment increased, pleasure springing from other sources, seemed insipid. Compared with his sources of happiness, it was as husks to "angel's food." The Holy Spirit carried on his work by continuing to deepen in him the conviction of his ungodli ness, and the poliution of his whole nature. "He stated that there was nothing sudden in his case, and that he was led to Christ through deep and ever-abiding, but not awful or distracting convictions." "At first the light dawned slowly, so slowly that for a considerable time he still relished an occasional plunge into scenes of gaiety." But as the increasing light spreads and scatters the shades of night, and sets the eastern heavens in a glow, so did divine grace, with increasing rapid

ity, illuminate his soul. From this period his course may be described by the beautiful figure of Scripture -like "the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

It is impossible to give a correct portraiture of his religious character, without copious drafts from his diary, and his other writings. We must be content, therefore, however unsatisfactory, to sum it up, under a few specifications, with here and there a brief extract. He soon became familiar with the life of Brainerd, and the writings of President Edwards, and it is most evident that his piety took its type from theirs. Like them he had a deep sense of sinfulness. This will be clear from a short passage. "What a mass of corruption have I been! How great a portion of my life have I spent wholly without God in the world; given up to sense and the perishing things around me. Naturally of a feeling and sentimental disposition, how much of my religion has been, and is to this day, tinged with the colors of earth! Restrained from open vice by educational views and the fear of man, how much ungodliness has reigned within me! How often has it broken through all restraint, and come out in the shape of lusts and anger, mad ambitions and unhallowed words! Though my vice was always refined, yet how subtle and how awfully prevalent it was!" This sense of sinfulness increased upon him, as is the case with all devoted Christians, in proportion as he became holy.

As a consequence, he knew how to deal with sinners anxious about their salvation. He never attempt ed to soothe or quiet them, or to take their part against God; but rather to deepen their convictions, till they were slain by the law, and thus led to Christ. His humility, the fruit of these deep convictions, was conspicuous, and thus made him

a safe and sympathizing guide. It is interesting to see how pervading was his piety. It extended to all his outward actions; governed his whole life. He was not devotional by fits, and righteous for the nonce, but seemed always to act as if conscious of being under his great Taskmaster's eye, and desirous of securing his approving smile. He "made a conscience of his very thoughts." His imagination was pu rified by the Spirit. The love of God sanctified all his other affec tions. His religion was not a thing apart from life, but pervaded it, and went with him everywhere. In col lege, in his parish, amid the splen. dors of London, in France, on the sea, in the lonely desert, in the holy land, among the enemies of all righteousnesss, in Austrian Poland, he was the same humble, devotional, upright Christian.

There

He was free from cant. was no appearance of an effort to seem pious. He had not a sanctimonious mask to put on or take off, according to the company he might be in. But on all occasions, in all companies, he was a warmhearted, manly and graceful disciple of Christ. True, he used much Scripture language; he talked much about providence; but herein he differed from the canting professor viz., in that the language of the Spirit was the language of his heart; or rather, the Spirit dwelt in him, and so he spake in the dialect of heaven. This was apparent in his letters, as well as in his conversa. tion. Says his biographer:

that he found time to write letters that "To many it was a subject of wonder always breathed the name of Jesus, amid his innumerable engagements. But the truth was, his letters cost him no expen diture of time; they were ever the fresh thoughts and feelings of his soul at the moment he took up his pen; his habitual frame of soul is what appears in them all. style of his letters reminds us of Samuel The calm, holy, tenderly affectionate Rutherford, whose works he delighted to read-excepting only that his joy never

seems to have risen to ecstacies. The selection of his letters may exhibit somewhat of his holy skill in dropping a word for his Master on all occasions. In a note to the members of his family, he says: The Tay is before me now like a resplendent mirror, glistening in the morning sun. May the same sun shine sweetly on you, and may He that makes it shine, shine into your hearts to give you the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.' There were often such last words as these-O for drops in the pastures of the wilderness! The smiles of Jesus be with you, and the breathings of the Holy Ghost.' To a friend-May we have gales passing from Perth to this, and from here to you, and from heaven to both.' To his brotherI have a host of letters before me, and therefore can add no more. I give you a parting text, Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.'"-pp. 119, 120.

His piety was of the happy kind. He spiritualized all the jubilant passages of the Canticles, and made them the expression of his own joyous religion. In this respect he is as perfect a model as religious biography furnishes. His devotions were not the offspring of ignorance, nor of animal excitement, nor of poetic sensibility, nor of anger aping the manner of righteous indignation; but his soul rejoiced in the Lord, and joyed in the God of his salvation. It may be mentioned, in this connection, that his preaching had a strong tendency to make other Christians happy. Some ministers, it is to be feared, teach their hearers to be wretched; forever harping upon conflicts and trials, as if it were a sin to be happy in this sinful world; as if, forsooth, the heart allied to God, could and should have but little spiritual enjoyment till the glories of heaven blaze around it; as if, again, conflicts and trials did not serve to wean the Christian heart from the world, and fix its affections on the only proper object of supreme love, and the only source of lasting and unalloyed happiness. It was not so with McCheyne, and it is delightful to see the happy effect produced by his joyous piety on other Christians. VOL. VI.

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The following incident from a little work of his, entitled, "Another Lily Gathered," is illustrative of this point. This little work gives an account of a boy who was converted under his ministry, and who, after much suffering, died in great peace. "One of the loveliest features in the character of this little boy was his intense love to the souls of men. He often spoke with me on the fol. ly of men living without Christ in the world. I shall never forget the compassionate glance of his clear blue eye, as he said, 'What a pity it is that they do not a' come to Christ

they would be sic happy.' He often reminded me of the verse, 'Love is of God, and every one that loveth is born of God." "

His piety was nourished by med. itation and prayer, as well as by activity in doing good. The custom of President Edwards, who used to retire to a grove for religious contemplation and worship, was adopted by him. Here is an entry in his Journal: "April 6, [1840.] Love. ly ride and meditation in a retired grove."

His friend, with whom he was united in preparing a narrative of the visit to the Jews, writes: "Many a pleasant remembrance remains of these days, as sheet after sheet passed under the eyes of our mutual criticism. Though intent on accomplishing his work, he kept to his rule, that he must see the face of God before he could undertake any duty.' Often would he wander in the morning among the pleasant woods of Dunsinnan, till he had drunk in refreshment to his soul by meditation on the word of God; and then he took up the pen." The following sentence is from one of his manuscripts: "As I was walking in the fields the thought came over me, with almost overwhelming power, that every one of my flock must soon be in heaven or hell. O how I wished that I had a tongue like thunder, that I might make all hear; or that I had a frame like