just been telling me," was the reply. And we see this principle every where apparent in the history of Christianity; especially whereever it has made any real progress. Twelve fishermen, following in the train of the houseless Son of Man, first proclaimed the Gospel to man. The great Apostle of the Gentiles acknowledges his own "rudeness of speech," and that his "bodily presence was weak, and his speech contemptible." So, again, it was not the courtly, refined, and skilful Erasmus, but the unpolished and despised Martin Luther, that was strengthened from on high to work out the Reformation. Every where, and at all times, we may discern that God will not give his glory to another; and that no man, how ever high his abilities, or warm his zeal, can assume to himself the work and the honour which belongs to his Master, without speedily finding his usefulness vanish and his strength sink into perfect weakness.

I would not wish to apply this language, in its full extent, to the writer whose system I am examining; but I will acknowledge, that I look with doubt and hesitation upon every person who steps forward as a reviver of zeal, and an improver of practice, except I find him beginning with the first principle of a closer adherence to the word of God, and a more perfect reliance on His Spirit and power. If the preaching and the practice of Christianity deteriorates, as in such a world as this it is always liable to do, it must be by a departure from scriptural views, and a decline in faith and humility. One, therefore, who would raise the tone of religious feeling amongst ministers

and

people, should begin by exhorting to a more constant use of the sword of the Spirit, to a more implicit, surrendering faith, and a deeper humility. If these methods, which God has prescribed, could fail, no

"skill" of man would be of the least effect.

I have said, that the difference between the language of the Apostle and that of Mr. I. is very apparent. Surely, too much is given by the latter, to human "skill" and "adeptness;" and too little said of that "demonstration of the Spirit," to which alone, in contradistinction to "the enticing words of man's wisdom," St. Paul ascribed all his success. Too much of "political vehicles," and "sentimental vehicles," and "weapons gathered out of every region;" and too little of that uplifting of Christ, which alone can "draw all men unto him."

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Mr. Irving wishes to place the subject of a future judgment," on the foundation of divine revelation, of human understanding, and of the common good." He rejoices, that "this age requireth religious truth to be justified, like other truth, by showing its benefits to the mind itself, and to society at large." Now this language sounds too much as if the preacher thought that by this new method" of which he speaks, he could reason the world into Christianity; forgetting that "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." I will not suppose, that Mr. Irving really imagines that either he, or all the divines on earth, could ever convert a soul by the mere power of eloquence or argument. Why, then, does he appear to rely so much on "skill" and "new methods," and so little upon the preaching of Christ crucified-which is felt by all who are saved, to be "the power of God, and the wisdom of God."

"We preach Christ crucified," says the Apostle. In these latter days, when we attach no other idea to crucifixion than that it was the death the Saviour suffered, the force and point of this expres

sion is lost. If properly considered, it signifies, "We preach the worship of Him whom men consider an executed malefactor; of whom the multitude have no other idea than that of contemptuous abhorrence. We hold up to the Jew an object which the law teaches him to look upon as accursed; we hold up to the reasoning Greek an object which he considers mere folly, or even madness; and we are confident, that by these means, so opposite to what man's wisdom' teacheth, God will eventually subdue all things unto himself; and the rather by these means, in order that the work should be plainly his, and that no flesh should giory in his presence."

I trust that Mr. Irving really

OBITUARY OF THE REV. On the 29th of December last, died the Rev. Thomas Cotterill, M. A. Minister of St. Paul's

church, Sheffield.

The deep sympathy and concern which have been excited by the illness and death of the lamented subject of this Memoir, prove, beyond doubt, the high estimation in which he was held. During his fatal sickness, one object seemed to absorb the attention, one feeling to animate the hearts of the extensive population of Sheffield and its neighbourhood. The sad tidings of his departure were received with unfeigned sorrow; and the affection, respect, and honour, with which his remains were followed to the tomb, were such as are very rarely witnessed. Nor was this grief the mere impulse of the moment, producing no other effects than the exaggerated expressions of fond attachment. Mr. Cotterill had left behind him a widow and five children; for whose temporal wants it had never been in his power, consistently with his higher duties, to make a suitable provi

feels the truth of what I have now brought forward, as deeply as myself. And if so, I shall hope to see him embrace the earliest oppor tunity which may offer itself, of giving proof of the simplicity and sincerity of his reliance on the divine teaching and the divine assistance. But if, on the contrary, he is really looking for success in the ministry from his own "new" and superior "methods" of addressing the people, then he will speedily be added to the number of those who have already proved, that "the weakness of God is stronger than men, and the foolishness of God is wiser than men." Hoping better things,

I remain, Sir, yours, &c.
R. Y.

THOMAS COTTERILL, M. A. sion. A subscription was immediately set on foot for their benefit; and it has been supported with a cheerfulness and a munificence which at once do honour to him and to his numerous friends.

It is a legitimate and perhaps a profitable subject of inquiry, what were the causes that contributed to produce so strong an impression in Mr. Cotterill's favour, upon the minds of all with whom he was connected, by friendship, by kindred, or by pastoral relation? The writer of this article knew him intimately for many years; and, notwithstanding the partialities which so long, and close, and uninterrupted a friendship could not fail to produce, he will endeavour to give a plain and faithful, though very imperfect answer to the proposed inquiry.

A principle of consistent, active, and growing piety, lay at the foundation of that esteem with which the deceased was regarded, and was the main and masterspring of the interest which his presence invariably drew forth.

Before he entered on the sacred ministry, the divine blessing on the appointed means of grace had taught him the extreme malignity of sin, and the total alienation of his heart and life from God and holiness. He felt his urgent need of a Redeemer, a Sanctifier, a Comforter. His hope of acceptance with God was exclusively placed on the blood, the righteousness, and the intercession of Jesus Christ. "Not by works of righteousness which he could do" did he expect to be saved; but according to the rich and unmerited love and kindness of God our Saviour, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost. But while he himself renounced, and taught others to renounce, all dependence upon good works, he was "careful to maintain" them. He urged the indispensable necessity of a sober, righteous, and godly life, both by his public teaching and his private example. Nor was his view of Christian practice superficial and partial. He well understood the requirements of the moral law -the whole range and compass of Christian duties. These first principles of the oracles of God were interwoven, as it were, into his entire habit and system. They were "the leaven that lea vened the whole lump." From hence sprang the warmth and fervour of his love to God, and his deep and anxious concern for the temporal and eternal happiness of his fellow-creatures. Actuated by these considerations, he lived and he laboured for the glory of God, and for the good of that flock which was committed to his charge. But his sense of Christian obligation was too extended, and his zeal and love too ardent, to be confined within narrow bounds.

He was

Bible, of missions, of education, and of Protestantism; and it is with good reason believed, that these abundant, unceasing, selfdenying exertions, together with the unavoidable labours connected with the care of his family and pupils, shortened his days, and made his sun go down at noon. Who will not weep over the extinction of such a burning and shining light? Who, at the same time, will not bless God for having fixed it in its orbit, and surrounded it with such a radiance, and kept it steady in its bright career? "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord." And let the living, especially let the ministers of the sanctuary, be stirred up to follow this devoted servant of God, as he followed Christ.

His piety was as enlightened and liberal as it was sound and practical. He was not indifferent or ill-informed in respect to those deep and mysterious points which divide the Christian world; but though his own mind was made up on these abstruse subjects, he was forbearing, liberal, and catholic in his spirit towards all who differed from him. On doctrines which he deemed essential, he was firm and unbending; but he was moderate and conciliating on those which are more obscurely revealed. So, likewise, though he was cordially and warmly attached to the church of England, and honestly believed her to be in faith, constitution, and discipline, the most scriptural and apostolic church on earth, yet he was charitable in his judgment of those who dissented from her, and kind and respectful in his behaviour towards them. He was willing that every one should share the privilege which he himself enjoyed, of worshipping God in the mode which he considered most edifying and most agreeable to the divine will. While he never compromised his principles, or shrunk

them, he left others to act according to the decision of their own minds, and to stand or fall to their own Master.

It might be expected, that piety of this exalted standard would be the support and anchor of his soul in all time of his tribulation, especially in the hour of death. And so it proved. As far as the fever, which terminated his life, allowed him to manifest its consoling influence, it shed a peaceful and holy calm over his last hours which those who witnessed it can never forget. But even if his sun had not gone down in clouds, the whole tenour of his life was a far nobler testimony to the worth of religion, than any anticipations of future glory which might irradiate the darkness of a death-bed scene. To him, to live had been Christ, and therefore death to him was gain, the termination of his cares, the consummation of his hopes, and the perfection of his bliss.

But the subject of this Memoir was distinguished not only by fervent and enlightened piety, but by fine genius and rare talent. His mind was cast in no ordinary mould. The grasp of his understanding was firm and comprehen.sive. He looked through a subject with rapidity and acuteness, penetrated its dark recesses, unravelled its hidden intricacies, exposed its weaknesses, and stated all its great and important points with clear discrimination and commanding prominence. The flights of his fancy were bold, discursive, and exalted, yet they were generally under the complete guidance and control of a sound judgment. His taste was almost always correct, often exquisite, sometimes perhaps even too delicate and refined. There was an aptness and a readiness about him, a diversity of excellence, and an adaptation of himself to the endless variety of human characters and

those who knew him best. The soundness of his views, and the pleasantness and vivacity of his manners, the potency of his reasoning, and the playfulness of his imagination, formed a contrast that was striking and engaging. He could ascend to the manly contemplation of grave or learned subjects, and he could then relax and mix in the innocent recreations of society, and constitute at once their life, their attraction, and their ornament. His acquirements in science and in literature, if not of the highest order, were various and considerable. He had a strong relish for music and poetry, and the other fine arts; though his deep sense of the value of time, and the worth of souls, would not allow him to cultivate these talents to any great degree. But he chiefly excelled as a public speaker and a preacher of the Gospel. In these departments, all the stores of his well-informed and singularly-gifted mind were fully brought into action. His voice was clear and harmonious, and his delivery peculiarly attractive. His style was plain and excellent, and often truly eloquent; his appeals to the conscience were close and searching, and at the same time persuasive and affectionate; his expositions of Scripture were faithful, luminous, and convincing. He had a happy art of enforcing any point by apt comparison and just similitudes; and his metaphors and images, particularly in some of his speeches, are well conceived and well executed. In his discourses, he treated at large of the leading truths of the Gospel, and never failed to exemplify their holy character and practical influence. His congregation have unanimously requested his brother, the Rev. Joseph Cotterill, Rector of Ampton, Suffolk, to publish a selection from his sermons, including a series of discourses on the Liturgy, in which

he was engaged when death put an end to his labours. It is understood that this request will be complied with, as far as circumstances permit; and it is hoped that the affectionate eagerness of his people and friends, will not prematurely demand its fulfilment, but that the editor will be allowed sufficient time carefully to revise the proposed work. The sermons will be published by subscription; and as there is every reason to believe that they are not unworthy of their author, it is hoped that their circulation, and their usefulness, will not be confined to his own immediate flock. His Family Prayers have already met with the approbation of the public, and his Selection of Psalms and Hymns has received the highest sanction.

In addition to these sterling qualities of piety and talent, there was an affection and a friendliness about Mr. C. that eventually endeared him to all who came within the sphere of his influence. His heart was susceptible of the kindliest emotion; his temper cheerful, sociable, and benevolent; his spirit meek and guileless. Few Christians have ever possessed such patient and exemplary forbearance under provocation; and yet he was placed, at different times, in circumstances that deeply wounded and distressed him. While his consistency and firmness ensured respect, his gentle, conciliating, and wise demeanour disarmed opposition, and gradually converted many of his enemies into friends. "By well-doing, he put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.' "He was not overcome of evil, but overcame evil with good.""His ways pleased the Lord, and he made his enemies to be at peace with him." In proportion as his true character became known, he was respected and beloved. Even those who liked not his preaching could not but admire his practice. Though their pre

MARCH 1824.

judices against the message which he delivered, would not allow them duly to estimate his merits as a minister of Christ, yet they could appreciate his amiable qualities as a neighbour, a companion, a friend, a husband, and a father.

Surely such a bright example will not be lost upon survivors! Surely his friends and his relations will not only cherish his memory, but walk in his steps; and his children will know their father's God! But let those especially who lately constituted his peculiar charge, seriously reflect how weighty a talent has been entrusted to their care,and how solemn an account they will soon have to render of its improvement. While they show every possible mark of attachment to his character and his memory, let them be chiefly solicitous to remember him in the way which the Scripture points out to them, by "following his faith, and considering the end of his conversation, Jesus Christ; the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever." They have been blessed and privileged in a signal manner. Much has been committed to them, and much will reasonably be required of them. The same wisdom and goodness that sent them their late valued minister, can send them a like-minded successor; and for this special mercy let prayer be made without ceasing, by them and by others, unto Almighty God.

Above all, let Mr. C.'s brethren in the ministry emulate his zeal, his prudence, his meekness, his disinterestedness. Let them endeavour to supply the chasm occasioned by his premature death, and to work while it is called to-day, for the night cometh when no man can work. Sickness and disease may seize and destroy them as suddenly as they did him; but will death find them as diligently doing their Master's work, and with equal simplicity and singleness of heart seeking the honour that

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