first Congress, in 1774, where he continued till his death, a period of nineteen years.

In the summer of 1776, he was appointed one of the five statesmen, who prepared the Declaration of Independence, for the United States. After the blessings of peace, had been vouchsafed to our country, he was chosen delegate to the General Convention, to whom the important work was committed of forming a constitution, for its permanent government.

In all these arduous labours, he sought the direction of the Almighty, and depended upon his blessing. In a letter to a friend, about this period, he says, "May that kind Providence, which guarded these States, through a dangerous and distressing war, to peace and liberty, still watch over, and guide them in the way of safety."

He was elected to the Senate of the United States, and remained in that dignified body until his death. Here, and through the whole of his congressional life, his application to business was indefatigable, and his clear judgment, rational opinion, and inflexible integrity of principle, won the respect and homage of all men.

From his extensive acquaintance with history, as well as his knowledge of human nature, he derived great aid, in the elevated sphere of duty which was appointed him. He was also eminently distinguished for good sense, and discretion, in all his words and deeds. "There is Mr. Sher

man, of Connecticut, who never said a foolish thing in his life," was the tribute of respect, paid him by one of the Presidents of the United States, as he pointed out to a stranger, some of the most eminent statesmen, in the hall of Congress.

Chief Justice Ellsworth, who resembled him in strength of intellect, high integrity of principle, and general structure of character, acknowledged that he had made him his model, from his youth. "And this, said the elder President Adams, is praise enough for them both."

Though Mr. Sherman was elevated to some of the highest honours, which his country could bestow, he was never ashamed of the obscurity of his origin. During the revolutionary war, when the expenses of the army, were submitted to the inspection of Congress, he informed them, that in the contract for the supply of shoes, the charges were too high.

He then gave a particular statement of the cost of leather, other necessary materials, and workmanship, and demonstrated his assertion, beyond a doubt. The gentlemen who attended with him, to this examination, being surprized at the minuteness of his knowledge, he replied, with frankness, and pleasure, "I am by trade, a shoemaker."

He avoided show and extravagance of every kind, and was a consistent, and noble example

of republican simplicity. Age did not impair his usefulness, and his venerable appearance was admired by all. He was a member of the Senate, at the time of his death, which took place July 23d, 1793, at the age of seventy-two, in full possession of his powers of mind and body, and strong in the hope of the gospel which he loved.

His person was lofty, erect, and well-proportioned, and the expression of his countenance, manly and agreeable. He was twice married, first to Miss Elizabeth Hartwell, and afterwards to Miss Rebecca Prescott, both natives of Massachusetts, and was the father of fifteen children. In the domestic relations of son, and brother, husband, father, and friend, he was most kind and faithful. No public business, however pressing, led him to neglect those sacred, relative duties.

The sacred principles of truth, and accountability to God, regulated all his conduct. What is right? what course ought I in conscience to pursue?—were the questions he continually asked himself: and not "what is popular?-what will affect my interest?" Thus his integrity was never questioned, and he dwelt always in the clear sunshine of a "conscience without offence, towards God and towards man.'

The volume which he most loved, and consulted, was the Sacred Scriptures. He was accustomed to purchase a new copy, at every session

of Congress,―to read it daily, and present it to one of his children, at his return home. How valuable must have been the volume, thus hallowed by his meditations and prayers. For the way in which Roger Sherman became great, and surely he was one of our greatest men, was by taking into his heart, in youth, the spirit and precepts of the Word of God.

REV. JOHN FREDERIC OBERLIN.

JOHN FREDERIC OBERLIN, was born August 31st, 1740, at Strasburg, in Germany. Kindness and gentleness of temper, were evinced in his infancy; and in his early years, he showed that disposition to do good to others, which distinguished his maturity, and remained with him until the close of life.

The small sums of money, which were given him by his father, who was poor, he carefully laid by, but not for himself. It was his pleasure to seek out, and relieve sickness and want. Sometimes, when a bill was brought to his father, he would stedfastly watch his countenance, and if he saw it troubled, and imagined that he had not enough to pay the demand, he would run for his little box, and empty it, with childish joy, into his father's hand.

His love of religion continued to grow with his growth, and strengthen with his strength. His choice was to become a minister of the gospel. At the age of twenty, he became the pastor of Waldbach, a parish situated among the high