that was waiting to comfort and support me; telling me he died for sinners, and that he will receive every one that believes on him; and that those who come to him he will not turn away.

"My brother, I have gone to him, and laid all my complaints before him; and he,in great mercy, heard my prayers, and answered them. So trust yourself, my Tom, on him, and be. lieve, and love him more and more. Pray for more faith; and though you think you are not heard, yet still pray on, and never cease.

"I will send you a book, which I beg you will read over and over again for my sake. Do not, my dear Tom, look for my recovery; but be resigned to the will of God.

"Give my love to my uncles and aunts, and may God bless them and you,my dear brother. So prays,

"Your affectionate sister,

"CATH. Y."

Dec. 7, 1803, died Mrs. Rogers, aged 39 years, wife of the Rev. Thomas Rogers, of Wakefield. She bore a heavy affliction with great fortitude and christian resignation. The complaint attacked her in the beginning of October, and it was apprehended, from its very commencement, that it would prove fatal: but this did not alarm her. When she was told of her situation, she said, "It is of the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good. I have been favoured with an unusual share of domestic happiness; and have enjoyed every religious advantage, both public and private, that could inform the mind, and renew the heart. I have long admired the beauty and excellence of gospel truths, and frequently experienced their power, and rejoiced in the comfort of them. It is now my whole desire and earnest prayer, that my reconciled Father in Christ would give me a more enlarged acquaintance with them, that I may be more sensible than ever of my own unworthiness, and rely more unfeignedly on the suitableness and sufficiency of my Redeemer, through whom alone, I look for real and lasting consolation. He has been very dear to my soul for months and years past: and I am persuaded that his ability, and I would hope, his love, are still the same. Indeed I cannot doubt it, since I have the united testimony of his own word, and the comfortable experience of his divine

• Doddridge's Rise and Progress, &c.

presence." Her bodily strength gradually decreased; but the powers of her mind seemed daily to acquire renewed strength. Having been a loving parent, and a most affectionate wife, she often expressed her regard and concern for her family in affecting language: and it was her frequent and fervent prayer, that the Lord would give them his special grace, to enable them so to pass through things temporal, as finally, not to lose the things that are eternal. On Sunday, Dec. 4, she was extremely ill all the day, but felt a greater degree of devotedness to God, and had more lively and interesting views of the excellence of the divine covenant in favour of sinners, than she had ever before experienced. About seven o'clock that evening,being a little relieved from pain, she desired to see her dear children, in order, once more, to impress upon their minds the great importance of religion, the vanity of the world, and the awfulness of death. The eldest was seventeen years of age. She took them to her arms separately, and addressed them with that firmness, propriety, and spiritual energy, which nothing but a deep sense of the value of their immortal souls, and an undoubted assurance of the truth of her religious principles, could inspire. This was an affecting scene. And whilst those who were present were bathed in tears, she was possessed of that serenity and composure of mind, which enabled her to improve the moment to the edification of all that were about her. The impressions that were made upon the minds of those who attended her on this occasion, were such as, it is hoped, will never be erased. On the Monday she was considerably weaker, but feeling alive to her situation, and to her unspeakable obligations to the grace of God. On Tuesday she kept her bed the whole of the day, which was the only time she had done so during her affliction. She felt her dissolution approaching, and seemed so devoted to God, and resigned to his will, as not to have a wish of her own, except that she might glorify him more by her death than she had ever done in her life. On Wednesday morning, about half past eight o'clock, her Redeemer received her into his rest. She has left a most affectionate husband, and six amiable children, to lament the loss of her society, her care, and tender regard: but to rejoice in the thought, that she is now numbered with the samts in glory everlasting.

A FORMER Communication of mine, the character of Lady Carbery, having been well received by your readers, I am emboldened to transmit to you the enclosed account of the Life and Death of Mr. JOHN SMITH, late fellow of Queen's College, Cambridge, who died August the 7th, 1652, and lies interred in the chapel of that college. It is contained in a sermon preached at his funeral, by the pious and learned BISHOP PATRICK.

The first part of the sermon consists of an elucidation of the character of Elijah, and of the regard in which he was held by others, and particularly by Elisha. In these respects Dr. Patrick thinks that his deceased friend may be fitly compared with the ascended prophet. To such as might object to this comparison as too bold, he replies in the words of Gregory Nyssen, that though not in his miraculous powers, yet in "other things we will be bold to compare him with that great man :—in his zealous faith, in his cordial love to God, in his earnest desire and thirst (as he speaks) after that which truly is, in an exact and exquisite life, in a conversation so studied that it was in all things consonant with itself, in most unaffected gravity, wonderful simplicity, and a countenance proportionable to the vigour and strength of his soul; or, in his own words, he had a look that was not one key below his intent, and eager, and sprightly mind. If you look upon his care of those things that were hoped for and neglect of these things that are seen, on his equal love to poor and rich; in these and such like things he imitated the wonders of Elijah. But if any man will needs urge us to strain a

little higher, and compare something in him to his fasting forty days; then what say you to an every day's temperance? And if there must be something answerable to his going up to heaven in a fiery chariot; then look upon the other way of ascending thither, which is the best, by an high transcendent conversation in this world, whereby he made a chariot of his virtues that he might ascend up unto God."

Dr. Patrick then proceeds as follows to exhibit the particulars of this eminent saint's character.

"1. Let us first look upon him in his eminency, dignity, and worth. A very glorious star he was, and shone brighter in our eyes than any that he ever looked upon when he took his view of the heavenly bodies: and now he shines as the brightness of the firmament, and as the stars for ever and ever, being wise and having turned many (1 believe) unto righteousness.

"I shall speak nothing of his earthly parentage save only this, that herein he was like to John the Baptist, the last Elias, in that he was born after his parents had been long childless and were grown aged."

"But let us look only at his heavenly descent, and see how he was allied to God himself. I may say of him as Nazianzen says of his sister, His country was heaven, his town or city was the Jerusalem which is above, his fellowcitizens were the saints, his nobility was the retaining of the Divine impressions and stamps upon his soul, and being like to God the archetype and first pattern of all goodness. And indeed the preserving of the heavenly symbols that are in our souls, and especially the purging

"If I should speak much of the vast ness of his learning (a thing not to be passed by,) it would seem to say that I knew all he was; which I am not so arrogant as to assume unto myself: this I will say, that he could do what he would. He had such a huge, wide capacity of soul, such a sharp and piercing understanding, such a deep reaching mind, that he set himself about nothing but he soon grasped it and made himself a full possessor of it. And if we consider his great industry and indefatigable pains, his Herculean labours day and night from his first com. ing to the university till the time of his long sickness, joined with his large parts, and his frequent meditation, and contemplation, and abstraction of his mind from sensible things; it must needs be concluded that he was a comprehensor of more than I can say or think of; and if I could, it would be too tedious to give you an account of all.

"In a word, he was, as Eunapius speaks of Longinus, a living library, better than that which he hath given to our college, and a walking study, that carried his learning about with him. I never got so much good among all my books by a whole day's plodding in a study, as by an hour's discourse I have got with him. For he was not a library locked up, nor a book clasped, but stood open for any to converse withal that had a mind to learn. Yea he was a fountain running over, labouring to do good to those who perhaps had no mind to receive it. None more free and communicative than he was to such as desired to discourse with him; nor would he grudge to be taken off from his studies upon such an occasion. It may be truly said of him, that a man might always come better from him; and his mouth could drop sentences as easily as an ordinary man could speak sense. And he was no less happy in expressing his mind, than in conceiving; wherein he seems to have excelled the famous philosopher Plotinus, of whom PorChrist. Observ. No. 31.

"I have done with his learning, when I have told you, that as he looked upon honours, riches, and the eagerly-pursued things of this world, as vanities; so did he look upon this also as a piece, though a more excellent piece, of vanity (as he was wont to phrase it) if compared with the higher and more divine accomplishments of the soul. For he did not care to value himself by any of those things which were of a perishing nature, which should fail, and cease, and vanish away; but only by those things which were more solid and substantial, of a divine and immortal_nature, which he might carry out of the world with him.

"He was of very singular wisdom and great prudence, of admirable skill and readiness in the management of affairs, which I make an account is an imitation of that providence of God that governs the world. His learning was so concocted, that it lay not as an idle notion in his head, but made him fit for any employment. He was very full and clear in all his resolutions at any debates, a most wise counsellor in any difficulties and streights, dextrous in untying any knot, of great judgment in satisfying any scruple or doubt even in matters of religion. He was one that soon saw into the depth of any business that was before him, and looked it quite through; that would presently turn it over and over in his mind and see it on all sides; and he understood things so well at the first sight, that he did not often need any second thoughts, but usually stood to the present resolution and determination of his mind.

"And add to this his known integrity, uprightness, and faithfulness; his strong and lively, his waking and truly tender conscience, which joined with the former things I spoke of made him more than a man. He was an exemplar of

3 E

true christian philosophy and virtue, and as it were the spiritual rule, line, and square thereof: of so poised and even a life, that by his wisdom and conscience (were it not that every man should know for himself) one might live almost at a venture, walking blindfold through the world and not miscarry. "He had incorporated, shall I say, or insouled all principles of justice and righteousness, and made them one with himself. So that I may say of him in Antoninus his phrase, he was dipped into justice as it were over head and ears; he had not a slight superficial tincture, but was dyed and coloured quite through with it; so that wheresoever he had a soul, there was justice and righteousness. They who knew him, very well know the truth of all this. And I am persuaded he did as heartily and cordially, as eagerly and earnestly do what appeared to be just and right, without any self-respect or particular reflections, as any man living.

"Methinks I see how earnest he would be in a good matter which appeared to be reasonable and just, as though justice herself had been in him, looking out at his eyes, and speaking at his mouth. It was a virtue indeed that he had a great affection unto, and which he was very zealous to maintain; in whose quarrel he was in danger to be angry, and some times to break forth into a short passion.

"But he was always very urgent upon us that by the grace of God and the help of the mighty spirit of Jesus Christ working in us, we would endea vour to purge out the corruption of our natures, and to crucify the flesh with all the affections and lusts thereof: yea to subdue as much as it is possible even those first motions that are without our consent, and to labour after purity of heart, that so we might see God. For his endeavour was not only to be out of the poilutions of the world through Just, but, in the apostle's language, to be partaker of the Divine nature. And here now what words shall I use?

"What shall I say of his love? None that knew him well, but might see in him love bubbling and springing up in his soul, and flowing out to all; and that love unfeigned, without guile, hypo

crisy, or dissimulation. I cannot tell you how his soul was universalized, how tenderly he embraced all God's creatures in his arms, more especially men, and principally those in whom he beheld the image of his heavenly father.

"His patience was no less admirable than his love, under a lingering and tedious disease, wherein he never murmured nor complained, but rested qui. etly satisfied in the infinite unbounded goodness and tenderness of his father, and the commiserations of Jesus Christ our merciful high priest who can be touched with a feeling of our infirmities. He still resolved with Job, though he kill me, yet'will I trust in him. Nazianzen in an epistle to Philagrius saith, O bravely done most noble soul, who canst play the philosopher, the christian, in thy sickness and sufferings; who canst not only talk but do, not only do but suffer! and he told me in his sick. ness that he hoped he had learned that for which God sent it, and that he thought God kept him so long in such a case, under such burdens and pres sures, that patience might have its perfect work in him. His sickness undoubtedly was (as Nazianzen speaks) a learned disease and full of true philosophy, which taught him more of real christianity, and made his soul of a more strong, able, athletic habit and temper. For, as St. James saith, if patience have its perfect work, then is a soul perfect and entire, wanting nothing. And really in his sickness he shewed what christianity and true religion is able to do; what might, power, and virtue there is in it to bear up a soul under the greatest loads; and that he could through Christ strengthening him do all that which he so admirably discoursed of in his life.

"But for his humility, it was that which was most apparent and conspicuous. You might have beheld in him (as the same Father speaks) true humility in a most eminent degree, and the more eminent, considering how much there was within him which would have swelled and puffed up another. But from his first admission into the university (as I am informed by those that knew him) he sought not great things for himself, but was

contented in the condition wherein he was. He made not haste to rise and climb, as youths are apt to do (which we in these late times too much experience, wherein youths scarce fledged have soared to the highest preferments) but proceeded leisurely by orderly steps not to what he could get, but to what he was fit to undertake. He staid God's time of advancement, with all industry and pains following his studies; as if he rather desired to deserve honour, than to be honoured. He shook off all idleness and sloth, the bane of youth, and so had the blessing of God upon his endeavours, who gave him great encouragement from divers persons of worth, and at last brought him unto this place. And I challenge any one that is impartial to say, if since he came hither, they ever beheld in him any pride, vainglory, boasting, selfconceit, desire of honour and being famous in the world. No, there is not the man living that had the eyes ever to discern any thing of this swoln nature: but on the contrary it was easy to take notice of most profound humility and lowliness of mind, which made him a true disciple of Jesus Christ, who took upon him the form of a servant, and made himself of no reputation. And I dare say our dear friend was as true, as hum. ble a servant (without any compliment) to the good of mankind, as any person that this day lives. This was his design in his studies, and if it had pleased the Lord of life to have prolonged his days, it would have been more of his work for he was resolved (as he, once told me) very much to lay aside other studies, and to labour in the salvation of men's souls, after whose good he most ardent ly thirsted.

"Shall I add above, or unto all these, his faith; I say, his true, lively, and working faith, his simple, plain-hearted, naked faith in Christ? It is likely that it did not busy itself about many fine notions, subtleties, and curiosities, or believing whole volumes; but be sure it was that which was firmly set and fixed in the mercy and goodness of God through Christ; that also which brought down Christ into his soul; which drawed down heaven into his heart; which sucked in life and

strength continually from our Saviour; which made him hearty, serious, and constant in all those forenamed christian virtues. His faith was not without a soul; but what Isidore saith of faith and works, held true of him. His faith was animated, quickened, and actuated by these. It made him God-like, and he lived by faith in the Son of God: by it he came to be truly partaker of the righteousness of Christ, and had it wrought and formed in his very soul. For this indeed was the end of his life, the main design which he carried on, that he might become like to God. So that if one should have asked him that question in Antoninus, what is thy art and profession, thy business and employment? He would not have answered, to be a great philosopher, mathematician, historian, or hebrecian, (all which he was in great eminency) to be a physi cian, lawyer, general linguist; which names and many more his general skill deserved: but he would have answered, as he doth there, my art is to be good; to be a true divine is my care and business, or, in the christian phrase, to be holy as God is holy, to be perfect as my heavenly Father is perfect. All that remember the serious behaviour and weighty expressions he used in his prayers, cannot but call to mind how much his heart was set upon the attainment of this true goodness.

"I have trespassed perhaps too much upon your patience: yet I hope I should not weary you, if I should discourse upon his ingenuousness, his courtesy, his gentleness and sweetness, with many other things of the like nature. And let me say thus much, that he was far from that spirit of devouring zeal that now too much rages. He would rather have been consumed in the service of men, than have called for fire down from heaven, as Elijah did to

consume them. And therefore though Elijah excelled him in this, that he ascended up to heaven in a fiery chariot; yet herein I may say he was above the spirit of Elijah, that he called for no fire to descend from heaven upon men, but the fire of divine love that might burn up all their hatreds, roughness, and cruelty to each other. But as for benignity of mind and chris