he would afford me more light, knowledge and judgment in religious things; that he would give to me clearer views of religion and of my own state, that I may better divide the word of God, and give to every one his portion in season; that he would enable me to preach his word so clearly and forcibly, that none shall have any just excuse for leaving my ministry; that he would be pleased to confer on me, ignorant, feeble, unskilful and sinful as I am, the unspeakable honor of being instrumental in the salvation of souls; that he would dispose and enable me to rejoice, if the honor and influence of the gospel is promoted, however I myself should be neglected or depressed. As to my own spiritual concerns," he adds, "I am a poor miserable sinner, lying at God's mercy; in the disposal of whom, I know he will do well."

January 5, 1806- He thus writes: "Through the wonderful and tender mercy of God, I am brought to see the commencement of another year. My people are in peace, and so far as I can judge, remain friendly to me. But oh, that I could see some fruit of my ministry! Oh, that a blessing evidently attended it! I hope I sincerely desire a revival of pure and undefiled religion. Is it, O my God, too great an honor to put on a creature so ignorant, poor, and sinful as I am, to employ him as an instrument in such a work? Blessed God, thou canst work by feeble means, by instruments in themselves the most worthless. Such am I. Magnify thine own power in my weakness. As to my own spiritual state, I am less than the least of all saints, if I am indeed of that character."

Precious is the testimony, which we are thus enabled to draw from the sacred record of his secret aspirations and his unrevealed purposes, to his unceasing fidelity to his master, his care of his flock, and his constant watch over the outer and inner man. How does the trembling solicitude and the unfeigned humility of such a man, rebuke the shallow pretensions, and the vain assurance of too many who intrude themselves into the sacred office !

It is not alone in this record, designed for no eye but his own, VOL. I. 3

that we discover evidences of his faithful ministry. None that knew him ever doubted that he felt deeply the importance of the trust, and assiduously and ably performed its duties. "Whether he ministered in the sanctuary, or taught from house to house, or dispensed instruction to children, a service in which he peculiarly delighted, or conversed and prayed with the sick and afflicted, all were convinced that he loved them, and earnestly desired their temporal and eternal welfare. They were not wanting in affection to him. Of this they gave abundant proof, while he dwelt among them; and after his removal, when he visited the place, they gathered around him, like children around a father. His coming occasioned universal joy, and they wept at every new parting. It has been said, that some of them were scarcely able to speak of him without tears."

Says one, who passed through the town several years after Mr. Appleton had left his people, and who spent an hour with a family who had enjoyed his ministry, "I can hardly tell you how full and ardent were their expressions of veneration and esteem for him. Notwithstanding the number of years which had elapsed since his removal, their recollections of his worth had all the vividness and freshness of the first bereavement."

Allusion has been made to the interest with which he regarded the children of his parish. He had with them a quarterly exercise for catechetical instruction, which was closed with a familiar extemporaneous address. Often, on his return from this labor, he expressed the great satisfaction he had experienced in it. He prepared a series of sermons on Watts's catechism, which formed the basis of these instructions. These discourses were delivered on Sabbath afternoons, and were listened to with no less interest by the parents, than by the youth for whom they were particularly designed.

Many of far less ability, and who apparently have fallen short of him in faithfulness and assiduity, have been favored with more marked success in their ministry. The true results of pastoral labor are indeed known only to him who knows all

hearts; and not unfrequently one is permitted to cast the seed, the fruit of which is to be reaped by other hands. The religious state of his people was, doubtless, seriously affected by an incident in their history, which deserves mention, inasmuch as it caused agitation during the greater part of his residence among them, and was to him a source of deep solicitude, as well as a severe trial of Christian character.

Not long before his settlement, an unhappy division arose in the town which resulted in the formation of a new religious society, over which a minister had been settled. It was hoped that a union might be effected; but all conciliatory efforts proved unavailing, and the matter at length resulted in a vexatious and long contested suit at law. During this period of animosity and contention, nothing could exceed the prudence and Christian meekness manifested by Mr. Appleton. He was deeply interested in the circumstances of his beloved people, but his noble spirit, purified by the influence of religion, did not suffer contamination from the bitter strife that raged around him. Even those who were of the opposite party could not but regard him with entire respect, and as for his own church and people, their trial and conflict bound them more closely to their pastor. His feelings in view of this unhappy controversy are recorded in his private journal. They indicate a soul deeply moved, yet calm and submissive, and willing to commit the event to God's disposal. On this subject the following was found among his private papers, bearing date, August 22, 1799.

"In four weeks from this time, the cause which involves the interests of the society of which I am minister, will undergo another trial. I know the uncertainty of every event which depends on human decision; especially on a jury which may be ignorant, prejudiced or corrupted. Should we eventually lose all part in the property or even in the parsonage, it will, in all probability, put a period to our existence, as a religious society. Whatever may be the issue of our present litigation, I rejoice from my soul that the Lord reigneth.

"I love this people, and would sooner spend my days among

them, than among any other people whatever. But I know, that God has greater regard for them than it is possible for me to entertain; and if his regard do not prevent him from rendering it necessary for me to leave them, my regard should not prevent me from obeying his providence. I earnestly pray God to defend the temporal and promote the spiritual interest of this people; and I do now solemnly resign myself and them to his wise providence; and shouldest thou, in thy wisdom, O God, render a separation necessary, wilt thou enable me, weak and imperfect as I am, to conduct in such a manner, as to do honor to thyself and to the holy religion of thy Son, to whom be glory forever. Amen."

The result of the suit was in favor of Mr. Appleton's society; and it is gratifying to know, that soon after he removed from Hampton, this breach was closed. The two societies were united and still continue so; and whenever he visited the place, he received scarcely less indubitable marks of respect from those who were of the seceding party, than from his own people.

The talents and acquirements of Mr. Appleton, combined with his well known prudence and purity of character, gained for him the highest respect of all the churches and congregations in that part of the country. By his brethren in the ministry he was much beloved. Says one of them, "in an association of about twenty ministers, and some of them considerably eminent, among whom were Doctors McClintock, and Buckminster, no one was held in higher estimation for talents, theological knowledge, or pastoral fidelity." He was ever active in efforts to promote ministerial faithfulness and improveAt his suggestion several clergymen in the vicinity were accustomed to meet quarterly at each other's houses, for the purposes of private fasting and prayer, and of free conversation upon theological topics and official duties. After he left the ministry at Hampton he received many testimonials of the respect, confidence and affection cherished for him by his former associates, as honorable to his character as they must have been grateful to his feelings.

ment.

Constituted as our Congregational Churches are, the influence of the minister is peculiarly important in respect to the external relation of the churches to each other. In questions of difficulty which often arise involving their peace, order and welfare, men of counsel and wisdom, and of a meek and quiet spirit, are extremely valuable. Many who attract much public notice, as able, impressive preachers, fail in this part of their duty. The well known qualities of Mr. Appleton, his enlightened judgment, his candor, independence, and sincerity, caused him to be in much request in Ecclesiastical Councils. It has been remarked by one, who was with him on several occasions of the kind, at times too when the subjects under deliberation were unusually difficult, that his discernment, discretion and decision were always conspicuous.

In the year 1800 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Means, daughter of Hon. Robert Means of Amherst N. H. In her he found a friend worthy of the connexion, which for nearly twenty years so happily subsisted between them. They had six children, three sons and three daughters. The youngest child, a son, was very suddenly taken from them, when three years old, in October 1817. The eldest son, after having graduated at Bowdoin College, while pursuing the study of law under the direction of Stephen Fales Esq. of Cincinnati, Ohio, was arrested by an attack of bilious fever, and died in October 1830. Thus were many cheering promises and the fond hopes of a large circle of friends suddenly withered. The other children are still living.

While he was settled in the ministry at Hampton, Mr. Appleton, as ever after, manifested great interest in the cause of education. He was a trustee of the flourishing and highly important institution, Phillips Academy at Exeter, and in that office was active and much relied on. He was especially interested in the subject of theological education. His standard was high, and he insisted strongly on the necessity, not only of religious character in the candidate for the ministry, but also of literary and theological attainments; and exerted his influence to awaken