and this representation, it should be observed, is given under circumstances which will not allow us for a moment to suppose, that she designs to write her own panegyric; and when it is further considered, that her faith was fixed on the full atonement of Christ, and that the faintness of her devotion was her greatest grief, there can, I think, remain no doubt, that her heart was right towards God, and that though her evidences were doubtful, her salvation was sure.

2. While however we collect this sort of satisfaction, as to the final condition of her who is now no more, we shall not, I think, be justified in suffering an event of this description to pass without extracting some salutary lessons of instruction from it. Among those, which the understanding of every reader will draw for himself, I would particularly recommend the following.

1. Persons who are in any degree awakened to a sense of religion, and a desire to be led into the way of salvation, should be Jess scrupulous about opening their minds to, and asking spiritual direction of, those whose experience may qualify them, under the divine blessing, to speak a word in season. Prayer and consulting the holy scriptures are, undoubtedly, the most im portant means of advancing devotion in the heart, and producing a resolution of doubts; but unreserved communication with a religious friend has been frequently sanctified to the most profitable ends, and those who sought it have; like the eunuch when instructed by Philip, gone on their way rejoicing.

2. Religious people should be particularly cautious how they countenance that phraseology and manner, which excite so much prejudice against evangelical piety, and give so much offence to cultivated and ingenuous minds. Cant and hypocrisy are so nearly allied, that every imitation of the former affords a presumption of its connection with the latter; and it is not improbable that many are deterred from examining into the doctrines of grace, and therefore, humanly speaking, prevented from embracing the Gospel in its clearness and power, by the preposterous representation which those make of it, whose ignorance is the best excuse which can be offered for their presumption. The prejudice which is here deprecated differs very materially from that which is excited by the offence of the cross; inasmuch as the latter arises out of the doctrine of the Gospel, the other out of the coarse and affected terms in which the simplicity of that doctrine is disguised, not to say disgraced. Surely every art of conciliation, consistent with truth and faithfulness, should be employed in recommending salvation by Christ to those who know him not; and no Christian should think it un

worthy of him to copy the example of that great apostle, who, in an innocent sense, became all things to all men, that by all means he might gain some.

3. At the same time, those who truly desire to acquaint themselves with the way of salvation, ought to guard against those prejudices which become so many obstacles in the way of their religious inquiries. True piety necessarily leads to a sort of singularity; this singularity will, in a greater or less degree, appear in the conversation, the actions, and the whole conduct of a Christian, and necessarily bring upon him the reproach of the world. It must not, therefore, be considered as proof against the truth of doctrines, or the excellence of those who profess them, that the former are charged with consequences which cannot fairly be deduced from them, and that the latter are vilified by opprobrious names which they do not acknowledge and have not deserved. The salvation of the soul is an object of such moment, that in pursuit of it, not only the cross should be endured, but shame despised; and those means be employed, those connections sought, and those books read, which seem most likely to advance it, to whatever harsh judgment they may be severally subject, in the opinion of an irreligious and ill-judging world.

Lastly. No delay should be admitted in clearing up our evidences of acceptance with God, and meetness for heaven. For this observation the reader must be prepared, by that mysterious dispensation of providence, which did not suffer a question so essential to her spiritual peace who proposed it, to receive a solution. Who is there among us who would not consider death, under such circumstances, an unseasonable intruder? And yet, who that lives in a state of indecision upon his eternal prospects, has less to expect?

God has, indeed, afforded us such ample means of information on this most interesting question, that it must be an high offence to leave it doubtful; and as we are admonished to make our calling and election sure, there is ground for concluding, that, where we fail in this respect, it is from a want of diligence in us and not of grace in him.

C. F.

FARTHER ACCOUNT OF THE REVEREND DR. JOHN ERSKINE*.

Extracted from a Sketch of his Character by the Rev. Dr. Davidson.

DR. ERSKINE was descended from two of the most ancient families in the peerage

*See the number for February last, p. 123.

of Scotland, and was nearly related to other distinguished families in that country. He was the eldest son of Mr. Erskine of Carnock, a man of worth and talents, who was an Advocate at the Scotch Bar, and, for some time, Professor of Scotch Law in the University of Edinburgh. His noble soul animated a feeble and slender body; but, through the goodness of providence, he was enabled to sustain many severe shocks of adversity, and was preserved, with his faculties unimpaired, till he had outlived almost all His contem poraries.

Dr. Erskine's talents were far beyond the ordinary standard. He was distinguished by the extent and comprehension of his understanding; by the acuteness, accuracy, and perspicuity of his reasonings, and by the solidity of his judgment.

His temper was naturally warm, generous, and affectionate and in all the intercourses of public and private life, his integrity, benevolence, humility, and unaffected modesty, were very conspicuous.

Dr. Erskine feared God from his earliest youth. Even at school, though he excelled as a scholar, he had a settled delight in the duties of devotion, and in reading and studying the word of God: and in these favourite exercises he was frequently employed, while his class-fellows were engaged in their youthful amusements.

In choosing the ministry as his profession, it was manifest that his motives were of the purest kind. Some of his respectable relations recommended to him the study of the law, as more suitable to his rank, and as opening to him better worldly prospects.

But theology was his favourite study. He adbered firmly to his purpose, unshaken by views of worldly disadvantage; and when he obtained a licence, one of the first texts from which he preached was, "I had rather be a door-keeper in the House of my God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness;" a sentiment of which his mind, at that time, was full, and from which he never afterwards departed.

He was ordained, and became minister of the parish of Kirkintillock in 1744. In 1753, he was translated to the borough of Culross, and was brought from thence to Edinburgh in 1758.

The majority of those among whom he laboured during the long period of fiftyeight years, have left the world. But a multitude of living witnesses still remain to testify, with what ability, earnestness, assiduity, and watchfulness, he fulfilled his ministry to the end, "not shunning to declare all the counsel of God;" with what solicitude and skill also, he distributed to men, of every character and condition, “their portion of meat in due season," ;" with what perseverance and vigour of mind his labours were continued, amidst the infirmities of age and the re

turns of sickness, and even when his bodily strength was almost exhausted.

His manner in the pulpit was not graceful, but when his mind was not depressed by bodily infirmities, he possessed an uncommon degree of spirit and energy. His whole soul appeared to be engaged, both in the devotional parts of the service, and in delivering the doctrines and laws of the Gospel. Every one saw that he himself was fully persuaded of the truth and importance of religion, and his sermons were distinguished by strong sense, perspicuous argument, a minute knowledge of human character, and a rich fund of scriptural evidence. "His heart's desire and prayer to God" for his people was, "that they might be saved."

His solicitude for the salvation of men, was not confined to the congregations in which he personally laboured. His efforts

were directed to the remotest corners of the country; he was ever ready to concur with Christians, of different denominations, in whatsoever he believed was calculated to revive or to forward the interests of true godliness, and it always filled him with joy and with thankfulness to God, to hear of the conversion of sinners, or of the success of the Gospel. His Christian zeal, however, was not limited to his own country. Foreign countries, and distant churches, engaged both his solicitude and his active exertions.

He had a singular facility in the acquisition of languages, which, like all his other talents, he employed for the furtherance of the Gospel. Besides the Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and French languages, which he had learned in his youth, at an advanced period he taught himself the Dutch and the German. He was thus able to maintain a correspondence with literary men in Holland and Germany; and was intimately acquainted with the state of learning, religion, and morals, on the continent. He sent to the continent many works of British authors which he thought valuable; and was in the habit of procuring and reading whatever he understood to be useful among the foreign publications. After availing himself of any advantages which his friends, or his country, might derive from thesc, he commonly transmitted them, along with many productions of the British press, to his correspondents, and to public libraries, in America. He was always executing some benevolent plan; but his manner of doing good was, as if he had said in the words of our Lord, "See thou tell no man.”

He was remarkably adorned with that Christian charity, which "suffereth long, and is kind, which envieth not, which vaunteth not itself, which seeketh not her own, which beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."

Although firm and decided in his own'

principles, he exercised the most unaffect ed charity in judging of men, of measures, and of principles. It is a striking remark, though not peculiarly applicable to Dr. Erskine, that, with a deep persuasion of the universal corruption of human nature, he expressed the tenderest charity towards men individually. Severe and unsparing in judging himself, his indulgence to others had sometimes the appearance of being carried to an extreme. And it must be admitted, that an excess of candour frequently laid him open to the imposition of designing men, and of plausible representations.

His erudition, particularly in whatever related either directly or remotely to his profession, was very extensive. He was a classical scholar of the first order: and far from being satisfied with the superficial information of too many of our modern divines, he was truly a man of science, and a profound theologian.

His discourses demonstrated an accurate and comprehensive acquaintance with human nature, as well as with the Christian system. He had peculiar talents for the exposition of scripture: and his skill in biblical criticism was only equalled by his knowledge of Christian morasi, and his nice discrimination of character.

He had studied carefully the form of government and the laws of his country, and, from principle, was an ardent admirer of the British constitution. He was certainly among the first in Great Britain, who discovered the existence, the nature, and the dreadful tendency of the horrible modern philosophy, so hostile to all regular governments as well as to religion; and among the first who warned his countrymen of the danger to which it exposed them.

He understood well, and practised habitually, the improvement of time; and therefore he was to the end, a diligent and even a laborious student. From the tenaciousness and exactuess of his memory, his conversation was like an index to books, to subjects, to authors, and to characters. Though he did not seek fame, and even shrunk from it, yet his uniform character, his public labours, his disinterested and active benevolence, and his few though important publications, gained him a high estimation in the minds of good men, both at home and abroad. In one word, as a scholar, as a gentleman, as a friend, as a philanthropist, as a Christian, as a pastor, who can be mentioned as excelling Dr. Erskine? In "rejoicing with those who rejoiced, in weeping with those who wept;" in enlivening and delighting his friends with his cheerful and interesting conversation; and in speaking word in season" to the afflicted Christian, he was surpassed by none.

a

In his character were united extensive learning, fervent piety, purity of doctrine,

energy of sentiment, enlarged benevolence, uniformly animated by an ardent zeal for the glory of his master, and for the salvation of men.

In a good cause he was inflexible, in friendship invariable, in discharging the duties of his function indefatigable. In his public ministrations, he was indeed “a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

He endured frequent and severe attacks of bodily affliction, and at last a long course of debility and pain, with the unshaken patience and resignation of a follower of Jesus Christ. But under the pressure of age and infirmities, his mind remained entire; and to the end, he was peculiarly alive to the great concerns of religion in his own country, and throughout the world. Thus did his usefulness run parallel with his life: for though he was incapable of preaching for thirteen months before he died, yet to the day of bis death, nay, even till within a few hours of that event, he was employed in the studies to which he had devoted his life, and which he strove to render subservient to the best interests of Christianity,

But

"He came to his grave fuil of years, and like a shock of corn that cometh in in his season*. In an hour when he thought not," his master came to call him. when he came, be found his servant “occupying" his talents, and "doing" the work assigned him. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." "Gather not my soul with sinners." Let me live the life, "let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."

DEATHS.

Paris, April 27. We are informed from Besancon, under date of the 22d, that TOUISSANT LOUVERTURE, who was in custody at Fort de Joux, departed this life a week ago.

At Camsbarren, near Stirling, JAMES HOSIER, aged 104 years.

At Greenwich Hospital, Lieutenant ANTHONY FORTYE, the oldest Lieutenant in his Majesty's navy.

The Reverend Mr. SAVAGE, of Tetbury. Lately, in Vere-street, Cavendishsquare, the Reverend THOMAS BENTHAM, M. A. F. S. A. Rector of Wood norton, in Norfolk, and Chaplain to Earl Cadogan.

Lately, the Reverend JOHN BARKER, Rector of Fakenham, near Euston, in Suffolk.

At High Wycombe, the Rev. RICHARD WELLES, A. M. of University College, Oxford.

* He died in his eighty-second year.

In the 82nd year of his age, the Hon. E. ARUNDELL, uncle to Lord Arundell, of Wardour.

At the parsonage-house, New Brentford, the Rev. J. RANDALL.

April 4, The Reverend SAMUEL BETHELL, M. A. Rector of Clayton, near Brighton.

April 5. At his seat at White-place, in Berkshire, the Reverend RALPH LEICES

tioncer.

April 3. At Burton-Pynset, Somersetshire, the Dowager Countess of CHATHAM, relict of the great Lord Chatham, and mother to the Right Honourable William Pitt, in the 83d year of her age. Her Ladyship was aunt to the Marquis of Buckingham, and was married to the late Earl of Chatham in the year 1754.

April 5. In Wimpole-street, in the 86th year of her age, Lady FRANCES WILLIAMS WYNN, relict of Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart.

April 6. In Piccadilly, in the 74th year of his age, the Right Honourable Sir WILLIAM HAMILTON, K. B. &c. He was the foster-brother of his present Majesty, and by that immediate protection he procured the favourite appointment of Minister at the court of Naples, which he enjoyed with the uninterrupted approbation of the two courts for thirty-six years.

The Reverend JOHN J. ANSON BROMWICH, Chaplain to the 38th Regiment, and upwards of forty years Vicar of Patshall, Staffordshire.

At Ennets, in the Parish of KincardineO'Niel, Scotland, in the 105th year of her age, JANET GAUL. Her husband, who died lately, reached his 104th year.

At Peterhill, in the county of Cumberland, Mr. JOHN CARRUTHERS, aged 99 years.

Last week, at Wem, Mrs. WYNNE, reAct of the Reverend Mr. Wynne, and niece to the Reverend Dr. Smallbroke.

Lately, suddenly, the Rev. EDWARD HEALY, Rector of Pattrington, near Hull. April 7. At Edinburgh, the Right Hon. the Earl of Dumfries, in the 77th year of his age.

April 10. After a lingering and very afflicting illness, the Reverend Mr. PALMER WHALLEY, Rector of Ecton, near Northampton.

At Portsea, at the advanced age of 107, Mr. RICHARD DAVIES, many years Warden at Portsmouth-dock.

April 2. Mrs. MANSEL, wife of the Reverend Dr. Mansel, Master of Trinity College, Cambridge.

Same day, at Bath, the Rev. HERBERT RANDOLPH, LL. B. Prendary of Sarum, and Rector of Croxton, Lincolnshire.

April 2. Sir JAMES MONTGOMERY, late Lord Chief Baron of Scotland. He was the uncle of the unfortunate Colonel Montgomery.

Lately, at Norwich, the Reverend JOHN WELLS, 40 years Rector of Hickling, in Norfolk.

Lately, the Reverend ARMINE STYLE MAN, 49 years Rector of Great Ringstead, and Vicar of East Barsham, in Norfolk.

Last week, the Reverend JoHN LLOYD, B. D. Vicar of Holywell, Flintshire.

April 10. The Reverend JoHN SMITH, Vicar of Matteshall, in Norfolk. April 12. At his brother's house, in Bishopsgate-street, the Reverend Mr. WALL, Fellow of Merton College, Oxford.

WILLIAM PARK, Esq. of Baliwin's Gardens, aged 76.

April 18. At Stratford-house, in Essex, the Right Honourable JOHN LORD HEN

NIKER.

Lately, in his 28th year, the Reverend THOMAS JACKSON, Head Master of the Free Graninar School at Blackburn, in Lancashire.

April 15. Aged 65, the Reverend WILLIAM HOLDEN, A. M. Vicar of Chatteris, and one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the Isle of Ely.

April 19. At Towyn, in Merionethshire, the Reverend PRYCE MAURICE, Vicar of that parish, and Rector of Clynnin, in the same county.

April 21. At Swaffham, in Norfolk, Mrs. BENEZET, relict of Claude Benezet, Esq. formerly Major of the Horse Grenadier Guards.

April 23. At her father's house in Arlington-street, Miss FELLOWES, second daughter of J. Fellowes, Esq. M. P. for Norwich, aged 19 years. This lady, and her sister, dined with the Earl of Portsmouth on the preceding Sunday; on Monday she complained of the influenza, and expired on Saturday.

April 25. At the Swan Inn, Bedford, Sir JOHN PAYNE, Bart. of Tempsford-ball, and Lieutenant-colonel of the Bedfordshire Militia. He went to bed, apparently in perfect health, about eleven o'clock the preceding evening.

April 28. In his 78th year, ROWLAND CONYERS, Esq. formerly of Argyll-street.

April 30. At Eastcot-house, Mrs. ELIZABETH ROGERS, in an advanced age, equally lamented by her friends, her tenants, and the poor. She was the lineal descendant of the family of Hawtrey, in that county, Representatives of the same in several successive Parliaments.

April 30. At the Priory, near Stanmore, in her 21st year, after a short ill

daughter of the Marquis of Abercorn. She