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sible to fix any crime on the conscience of men, who are hardened in jacobinical principles. Every thing is in their eyes good, which others deem the most criminal. It is, therefore, easy for them, in the very article of death, to protest about their innocence.

The manifestation of religious unconcern was in this case such as even to defeat its own purpose. A dying creature amusing himself with logic, when on the very briak of his departure out of the body, betrays only that infatuation and hardness which belong to those unto whom God himself sends strong delusion, that they may believe a lie," because they receive not the love of the truth. There is a heroism supplied by Christian principles, that is far different from that which we have been contemplating; a heroism which beJongs to the full confession of guilt, not to the obstinate assertion of innocence, and to a humble trust in the Saviour of the world, not to the obdurate and final rejection of his mercy..

We are peculiarly happy in being able to furnish our readers with a long and particular account of the death of another person, recently condemned, in whom this Christian heroism appears to us to have been peculiarly exemplified. His last end furnishes a striking contrast to that of Colonel Despard. We have obtained our information in each case from the most authentic sources, and we hold it to be a most sacred duty not to attempt to colour, in any degree, either of these two remarkable transactions,

DEATH OF MR. FINLAY.

FRANCIS FINLAY, the subject of the present narrative, was executed at Newgate, for forgery, on the 9th of Feb. last. He also had been an officer in the army. He was the son of a clergyman of the Church of England now deceased, During his confnement, he was frequently visited by a respectable minister of the Church. Mr. Finlay at first entertained great hope that his own high professional character, and the exertions of some respectable friends, would obtain a mitigation of his sentence, and he was wont chiefly to enquire after the success of their applications. He was assured by the clergyman in question, that there was little prospect of his life being spared, and was reminded of the importance of obtaining pardon for all his sins through the merits of his Redeemer, He acknowledged the justice of the remark, but evidently with an heart, at this time, little interested. Mr. Finlay professed a respect for religion, and a belief in the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, but this was probably the effect rather of early prepossession, than of any present sense of their importance. The Rise and Progress of Religion, by Dr. Doddridge, was

His

put into his hands, and he promised to read it with attention. For near a week his views appeared to be the same. His mind was occupied with the hope of obtaining the king's pardon, though he observed, that whatever his fate might prove he could not be the worse for the visits and instructions afforded him. After a time, he became more serious and thoughtful, less anxious about worldly matters, and better reconciled to his situation. He was generally employed in reading the Bible, Prayerbook, or Doddridge, and was frequently observed to shed tears, His desire of spiritual instruction increased, and he took a cordial interest in the prayers put up for him. When his mind was in this state, he suffered much from the severity of the weather, and his indisposition was attributed by those about him to a lowness of spirits, resulting from a dread of his approaching end. He himself, indeed, now, for the first time, expressed a fear of death, and observed, that had he suffered at the instant when sentence was passed upon him, or at any subsequent period, he could have met his fate like a man. present apprehensions evidently arose from a sense of guilt before God, and a dread of its consequences; and it was plain, that a material change was taking place in his views and conduct, He continued in this frame of mind till Monday, the 10th of January. On the morning of that day he appeared in a great agitation, which was occasioned by the following circumstance. In the preceding night, he dreamt that his father and sister (who were both dead) appeared to him several times, and solemnly exhorted him to "prepare for death, for he would certainly die tomorrow." He was led by the dream to fear that he was not prepared to meet God, and earnestly entreated that prayer might be made for him, repeating the words, "Die to-morrow, to-morrow!" It was observed to him, that by to-morrow might be understood, not the next day, but a time near at hand, and quickly approaching; and that the impression which had been made upon his mind, might prove sig nally useful, through the mercy of God, in awakening him to a more serious concern about the state of his soul. Nothing could exceed the apparent earnestness of his devotion, and depth of his repentance, on the day which is now spoken of. The consideration of his guilt and unworthiness, and the dread of eternal punishment, drew tears from his eyes. No arguments could convince him, that his sentence would not be executed on the following morning; and when informed that his report was not made to the king, and that he would certainly have a week's notice of his execution, he was of opinion, that he should die a na tural death in the course of that night. He was much distressed, Jest his wife, who almost daily visited him, should observe his agitation; and greatly condemned himself

for having brought so much affliction on one, who had shewn the strongest attachment towards him. On the following morning he appeared more composed, and thanked God for the unexpected prolongation of his time, which he trusted he should be enabled to improve. He expressed a hope that he might finally obtain that assurance of forgiveness, through the merits and intercession of the Son of God, which Bishop Atherton possessed before his exe'cution; the remarkable account of whose conversion had been sent to him by the same person, who had furnished him with Doddridge's Rise and Progress. At this time, in praying for himself, he said, that he felt consolation from that passage in the 8th chapter to the Romans, 26th verse --"Likewise the Spirit helpeth our infirmities, &c." He was particularly impressed by some passages in a treatise on repent ance, by the Reverend T. Scott, and repeatedly referred to those parts which represent the distress and sufferings of a contrite spirit, humbled under a sense of guilt, and desirous of pardon. These, he observed, were exactly descriptive of what passed in his own breast.

It graciously pleased the Almighty to allow Mr. Finlay an unusual interval between the time of his sentence and its execution. He, at length, became more tranquil, and spoke of his approaching end with remarkable composure. He hoped God would finish the good work which, as he trusted, was begun in him, and in this case, he said, he did not care how soon he should depart this life. Agreeably to his own request, he received the sacrament with his afflicted wife. He frequently mentioned his family in terms of great affection, particularly his aged mother, his wife, and infant child, and trusted that the Almighty would raise up friends for them in their destitute and unprotected state.

It was now positively asserted, that the report would be made at the levee on the 2d of Feb. and he seemed fully to expect it.

He

He received, from Mr. Kirby, the fatal intelligence with great composure and fortitude, and thanked God for the extraordinary time which had been granted him. On the next morning (Friday) he was urged to settle all temporal matters without delay, for his time was short. said, that he understood he had a week before him. Being told that his sentence would be executed on the following Wednesday, he expressed some surprise: he paused for a few moments, and added, "God's will be done: a day is with him as a thousand years; and he is able to perfect his work at any time." He now seemed to feel more for his poor wife, than on his own account, and hoped God would support her in her distressed condition. At this time he was indulged with a separate apartment, and observed, that compared with his former situation, he was

now in Paradise, being better able to improve the short remainder of his time. He wrote a letter to his mother, another to a lady who had kindly interested herself in the welfare of his family, and a third to his prosecutor, Mr. Earnshaw, thanking him for the lenity shewn before and at the trial, and for the readiness with which he signed his petition to the king, for a mi tigation of his sentence; he wrote also to his wife. He wished to devote the whole of the approaching sabbath to the concerns of his soul, and prayed that the Lord would sanctify his attendance on the means of grace. He conducted himself, during the time of divine service, with the greatest attention, and thanked Dr. Ford for his sermon. Mr. Finlay's child had only been privately baptized, and if there was no impropriety in its being christened in the prison, he was desirous of being witness to his being received into the Church. The following day (Monday) was fixed for the performance of that office, and Colonel L

kindly acceded to Mr. Finlay's wishes of becoming godfather. The composure of Mr. Finlay, the distress of his wife, and the silent attention which prevailed during the ceremony, rendered it a most solemn service. The office being ended, Col. L-— and Mr. Finlay were engaged some time in conversation; just before they parted, the latter observed, that "the healthy appearance of the child did not discredit its godfather, and he hoped his future conduct might not; but that he would prove an honester man than his father." It was agreed that Mr. Finlay should receive the sacrament the next day, rather than on the morning of the execution, which is the usual time. Mr. Finlay awoke on the Tuesday morning unusually refreshed. Just as Mr. Finlay and the person who furnished this account were entering the chapel, a noise below aunounced the approach of his wife, who appeared in an agony of grief, having learnt in the prison that her husband was to be executed the next morning. When she was a little composed, they went into the chapel to receive the sacrament, and found that ordinance to be the strengthening and refreshing of their souls. Mr. Finlay was very desirous that his wife should leave him as soon as they had dined. When urged to return home, she was almost distracted, and intreated that she might be permitted to remain with him till seven o'clock. Mr. Finlay displayed much command of himself during this trying scene. He begged her to spare herself and him, and to consider of how great importance it was, that he should devote the remainder of his time to devotion. He told her that he was only going a journey to a distant, but he was sure a pleasant, country, where he trusted they would meet again never more to part. She was prevailed upon to leave him, with the greatest difficulty, about four o'clock, under an ex

pectation of réturning for a short time. Mr. Finlay was now left alone, and his mind being chiefly intent upon God and heavenly things, the tranquillity, which this trying scene had, in some degree, removed, was restored. He thanked God that "the bitterness of death was past;" and after a few inquiries respecting his wife, he expressed great satisfaction that she had been prevailed on not to return to him. He now observed, there was nothing to call off his attention from God and his own soul, and he trusted the short remainder of his time would be improved to his eternal benefit. It was a source of uneasiness to him, that it was out of his power to make restitution to some of the persons whom he had defrauded, and he hoped they would forgive him the injury he had done them. He lamented that he had not seen his brother, who was in London a short time before his trial came on, and begged that a letter might be written to him, intreating him to depart from sin, and devote himself to the service of God. He acknowledged the goodness of God in not granting the desire he lately expressed, that his sentence might be mitigated to transportation, saying, that he thought that the misery and ignominy which he and his wife must have undergone in a voyage to Botany Bay, would have been more than they could have survived. Mr. Finlay observed, that he did not possess that full assurance of pardon and acceptance, which some persons boast of, and which was granted in so extraordinary a degree to Bp. Atherton; and he was very desirous of knowing whether the composure he experienced, and which had for some time been increasing, was an evidence of the forgiveness of his sins. He was much comforted on being told, that this assurance was not granted to all true Christians in their last hours, and was no where mentioned in Scripture as a necessary evidence of our state; but that the best and most certain conviction of our being pardoned, was, to be conscious that we repent truly of all our sins, that we have a lively faith in the mercy of God through Jesus Christ, that we perceive our progress in godliness, and that we desire to conform our sentiments and actions to the mind and will of God, in dependence on the aid of the Holy Spirit. About ten o'clock he eat part of a biscuit, and drank half a glass of wine; and being recommended to put a little more in his glass, he observed, "that he looked to other means for support, and that a small quantity might affect him, and supply him with a false courage." He added some remarks on the awful condition of those who bave gone to execution in a state of intoxication. This brought to his recollection how much he had been shocked, during the rebellion in Ireland, at the stupid indifference which some persous had manifested at the time of their execution;

and mentioned the conduct of a person of some education, who employed himself on the night preceding his death, and the morning of his execution, in reading Shakspeare. He attributed this dreadful indifference to the principles of infidelity, which had been so industriously disseminated; of which indeed he had ever had the greatest abhorrence.

It is scarcely necessary to observe, that the whole of this evening was not engaged în conversation; the far greater part of it was employed in prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, and in reading the Scriptures.

Mr. Finlay lay down, during three or four hours, and slept for two hours on the night preceding his execution. His waking time was employed in earnest prayer to God, that he would enable him, by his Holy Spirit, to know whether he had obtained pardon of all his sins, through the blood of Jesus Christ, so that he might not depart this life in ignorance and self-deceit, and be ruined by too confident a security. The increased composure which he felt was, as he trusted, a token to him for good. He desired that as soon as his poor wife should be settled, his trunk might be sent to her; observing, that it contained nothing of any value, except the few books given him during his confinement, which he prayed that God would bless to her also.

He begged the minister who attended him to accept his razor and strop, which he observed were pretty good, and he hoped that in using them, he would occasionally think of the giver

Between six and seven, J. Manley, a young man under sentence of transportation, who had set up with Mr. Finlay during the preceding night, came into the room to know whether any thing was wanted. Mr. Finlay took that opportunity of observing that he felt very much for the unfortunate situation of the young man, whose crime, he said, was the consequence of bad example in those whose duty it was to instruct him in religion and virtue: he was sure that there was something good in him; and feared that if he was sent to Botany Bay, he would be ruined for ever. He then asked Manby if he would join in prayer; for he took a remarkable interest in the welfare of the soul of this lad, a circumstance indicative of the sincerity of his own conversion. Finlay expressing a hope that the prayers just offered up might be answered, the young man left the room with tears in his eyes.

Every moment that was not employed in prayer, was now improved by Finlay in meditation. A little after seven he observed with great composure, that his hand was as cool as he ever remembered it. He soon afterwards asked what o'clock it was, and on receiving an answer, he said, "that he did not wish the time of his

execution to be either hastened or prolonged a moment.” A knock at the door led him to conclude the sheriffs were arrived, but a person appeared with a letter from the gentleman who had sent him the books above-mentioned. The contents of this letter increased the satisfaction and composure of Mr. Finlay; and the hope respecting his soul, which was expressed in it, was the subject of instant prayer.

About ten minutes before eight o'clock, the turnkey announced the arrival of the sheriffs and officers. Mr. Finlay rose to meet them, and taking them separately by the hand, thanked theın and Dr. Ford for all indulgencies; and added, "I am quite ready." He was immediately led to the door, when his fetters were knocked off, which being done, he calmly observed," he was free indeed." He was then brought back into the room to be bound, and appeared to derive support on being reminded that his Saviour was bound After this, he for his transgressions. seemed wholly abstracted from every thing that passed. As he again left the room, he said that he had made a mistake; that he intended to drop a white handkerchief, as a signal for the platform to fall, and not the coloured one which he held between his hands. The white handkerchief being given to him, he bowed to the officers, and followed them through the prison. As soon as he came to the outer door of the prison, and within sight of the scaffold, he requested the minister to put up a short prayer for him, before they parted. About twenty or thirty people were assembled in the entrance of Newgate, who were admiring his fortitude, and lamenting his unhappy situation. Hearing their observations, he addressed them in the following words: "Do not imagine, because I am a military man, that the composure I now manifest is the effect of natural courage. It altogether proceeds from a hope that through the merits of my Redeemer, my sins are pardoned, and that I am going to heaven. If I am strong, I am strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Upon this, bowing to the Clergyman, he ascended the scaffold with the utmost composure; and he seemed to retain his fortitude until the fatal moment. The populace took a strong interest in his fate. We understand that his widow, being left in distressed circumstances, a subscription is raising on her behalf.

We are afraid of weakening the impression which this story is calculated to make, by any observations that we can add. Perhaps, however, a remark or two may not be without their use.

First, it is worthy of notice that there

was a great tenderness of feeling in Fin-
lay, during the period which has been de-
scribed. In Despard there appeared to
be sentiments of a contrary kind, and in-
deed to be a levity which was by no means
consistent with sensibility. He spoke to
the people of "humanity," but he be-
haved with a certain species of hardness,
to which he had probably worked himself
up, as the means of sustaining his magna-
nimity. We have heard that when he saw
his wife for the last time, whom he seems
to have instructed in his own principles,
they united in reproaching a third person,
(a lady) for the weakness of weeping bit-
terly. Devotion softens while it soothes
the mind, and disposes to kindness as well
as humility. Irreligion generally affects
stoicism, and has no mode of meeting the
time of trial except that of contradicting
reason and nature. In this respect, there-
fore, the French philosophy is by no means
so reasonable as the Gospel.

But there is a far more important sense in which the conduct of Finlay was more rational than that of Despard. When a convicted criminal is leaving the world, is it not more reasonable that he should confess his sins, than make harangues against his prosecutors; and that he should read his Bible, than betake himself to the study of logic? The progress of religion in the mind of Finlay, appears to have been remarkably consonant to reason, and it is on that account the more satisfactory; for it pleases God to work by his Holy Spirit on the human heart, in a manner perfectly suited to our true condition and circumstances. The dream indeed which Finlay spoke of, may be deemed extraordinary. This, however, is not the circumstance to which either himself, or those around him, looked for evidence of his conversion.

Again, the calmness of Finlay was perfectly rational, while that of Despard was irrational. The one believed that he had obtained pardon of his sins through a Mediator: and why, therefore, should he be afraid? The other, even according to his own principles, was leaving all that makes man happy in this world, without any hope He was, moreof happiness hereafter. over, about to take a tremendous leap, of which it was impossible that he could be perfectly sure that he should not rue the consequences.

We might add many other observations, but we have contented ourselves with endeavouring to rescue religion from the imputation of folly, and with charging this very folly on those men of reason, who are too wise to repent and believe the Gospel.

ERRATA.

Page 2, col. 2, line 46, for his read its, and for was read is.
Page 75, col. 1. line 37, for short-lived read superficial.

We are obliged to defer our Answers to Correspondents till next Month.

CHRISTIAN OBSERVER.

No. 15.

MARCH, 1803.

[No. 3. VOL. II.

Religious Communications.

IGN

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS.

GNATIUS, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church which is at Ephesus in Asia deservedly blessed, health in Jesus Christ and in his immaculate grace.

I have learned your character in the Church, that according to the faith and love which is in Christ, ye are followers of God, and stir yourselves up to good works by the efficacy of his blood: and that more especially since ye heard that I had been sent in bonds out of Syria for our common name and hope, expecting to combat with wild beasts at Rome, in order that by martyrdom I may attain to be his disciple, who offered himself a sacrifice for us.

I have learned also how numerous a people ye are, from Onesimus your bishop, whom I entreat you that after Christ ye love, and endeavour to conform yourselves to his example. Blessed be he who hath made you worthy of such a pastor! With respect to Burrhus, your deacon, it is my wish that he may continue*, for your honour and that of your bishop. Crocus also, who is a pattern of charity, relieved me in all my wants, and may the father of Jesus Christ relieve him, together with Onesimus, Burrhus, Euplus, and Fronto, through whose services I have been made partaker of the bounty of you all! If I am worthy, may I also be made partaker of your company to eternity!

But it behoves you, brethren, to glorify Christ, who hath glorified you, that in obedience ye be perfect, of the same mind, and speaking the same things, that being subject to the bishop and presbytery, ye may be sanctified in all things. Yet I do not prescribe to you as though I myself

* There is at present some ambiguity in the word agapenas, from our ignorance of the particular circumstances of the case. it may, and most probably does, mean, " continue in his office."

CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 15.

were any thing; but since charity suffereth me not to hold my peace, I have taken this occasion of warning you to be subject to the will of God; for even Christ, the inseparable life of believers, is the will of God, and in like manner the bishops of his Church, within their several limits, are of the will of Christ.

It is your duty, therefore, to yield obedience to your bishop, which indeed ye do; for if in so short an intercourse I contracted with him an intimate and spiritual friendship, how much happier is your lot, united to him as the Church to Christ, and as Christ to the Father. Let no one deceive himself: if any one be estranged from the altar he is bereft of the bread of life. For if the prayer of one or two be of so much efficacy, how much more that of the Bishop and Church united? He, therefore, who separates himself from the public assemblies, is puffed up with pride, and hath condemned himself.

And the more modest you perceive him to be, the more is he entitled to reverence. For whom the father of the family hath sent to govern his household, him ye are bound to receive as the master who sent him. And, indeed, Onesimus himself commends your decency and good order, declaring that ye all walk according to the truth, and that heresy hath no place among you.

But there are some of other Churches, who use the name of Christ deceitfully, whom ye ought to avoid as wild beasts that bite in secret. The cure of such wounds is not easy: but there is one physician; God existing in the nature of man, the true life in death, of Mary and of Godt, first pas

+ Και εκ Μαρίας και εκ Θες. I have thought it more prudent to render these words literally, than to venture upon a paraphrastic translation.

R

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