decease; and one of the last acts he accomplished on earth was to finish the article on Fishes, which was also given to the public in due time. His Catalogue of Shells was more elaborate, and had cost him more labor than any of the others. He left this list entire, (although unaccompanied by the very interesting notes with which it would have been adorned, had he lived to complete it himself,) but not arranged, or prepared for publication. So perfect was it, however, that one of his family readily accomplished what was necessary in order for its presentation to the public.

"Such are his labors in Natural Science; and while we take into consideration the short period devoted to it, and that with a grievous malady upon him, ever and anon prostrating his energies, and compelling him to relinquish these darling pursuits, the amount of labor he accomplished, and what he achieved in the cause of science, are almost incredible.

"He was in the habit of exchanging numerous specimens of Natural History with scientific gentlemen in many different portions of the Union. He maintained a very extensive correspondence, the number of letters he penned in a year being truly enormous, communicating with all the first naturalists in the country, with his college classmates, and a large number of literary and pious acquaintances."

The results of Mr. Linsley's studies in Natural History are indeed wonderful. But if any were disposed to doubt the extent of his labors, as given above, we might refer them to the thousands of beautiful specimens, prepared by his own hand, which adorn the cabinets of his late residence at Elmwood Place, Stratford, and repeat the inscription in St. Paul's church, London, in memory of its distinguished architect: Si monumentum quæris, circumspice. We examined the various articles on the zoölogy of Connecticut, as they were published in the American Journal of Science and the Arts, and read the copious and instructive notes which accompany them, with a high degree of interest and pleasure. Of what Mr. Linsley thus accomplished, we cannot speak too highly; and we could fondly have wished that his valuable life had been much prolonged, that he might have made still further contributions to the treasures of science, as well as to advance the interests of religion. It is more than probable, as has been suggested, that these pursuits, which he followed with a "beautiful enthusiasm," had a beneficial influence on his health, and in his own opinion and that of others, served to protract considerably the period of his life. His industry and example are worthy of imitation, to some extent at least, not only by the partial in

valid, but by those who need and seek relaxation from the sterner duties of their several stations. With such helps as are conveniently obtained, the common observer may easily pursue the study of Natural History, and classify the various specimens of the animal and vegetable kingdoms which he meets with in his accustomed avocations. To say nothing of the healthful and refining influences of such pursuits, the pleasure he would receive from them can be estimated only by the initiated. All nature around him would be invested with new charms and beauties; and friendly voices would seem to greet him from every beast, and bird, and flower. His communion with the Creator's works would be more intimate and rapturous; and though alone, surrounding objects would become his pleasing acquaintances, affording him a delight similar to that which the astronomer feels, as in the calmness of evening he contemplates the wonders of the sky, calls the stars by their familiar names, and discerns the various configurations of the ancient astrologers.

For a year or more prior to his decease, Mr. Linsley's health seemed considerably improved. His family and friends began to hope that it might, to a good degree, be restored. But the time of his departure was at hand. For this event, which he ever kept in view, he was prepared. His last illness was short. His death was peaceful and triumphant. In that hour of trial the Saviour was with him, and he felt that the promises of the gospel, which had hitherto been his solace, were now more than ever "great and precious." His last audible accents were, "Glory to God! glory! glory!" He fell asleep in Jesus, on the morning of December 26, 1843, in the fifty-seventh year of his age. His remains were deposited. in the beautiful cemetery at New Haven, where his funeral, with appropriate services, was attended by his bereaved family and relatives, together with a large number of pious and scientific friends.

In the preceding pages we have, perhaps, sufficiently indicated the leading traits of Mr. Linsley's character. That he was free from faults, we by no means assert. He was of an ardent temperament, decided in his opinions, frank and candid; but he was willing that others should enjoy their own sentiments, and if compelled to differ

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from them, it was in a spirit of Christian kindness. He shared the confidence and affection of all his acquaintances. He possessed an unusual flow of spirits. His social virtues were eminently conspicuous. He was the light and joy of the domestic circle. He was warmly and conscientiously attached to his own religious denomination. He took an active part and manifested a deep interest in all its benevolent operations. He was personally intimate with many of its distinguished preachers and laymen; and he held correspondence with several of its foreign missionaries. His quenchless zeal for the advancement of Christ's kingdom, was accompanied with liberal pecuniary contributions. He remarked, a short time previous to his death, that they had averaged for the last twenty-five years, not less than three hundred. dollars annually. He lived to do good; he died with his work well done; and he has doubtless entered into the joy of his Lord. We introduce one more brief extract from the Memoir, which, besides being a fair specimen of the writer's style, contains reflections that are valuable.

"With an eager thirst of knowledge, in the attainment of which he had exerted such powerful efforts, and sacrificed health, and almost life itself; he was solicitous that others also should share the benefits of mental culture, and was desirous to aid them in the laudable pursuit. Thus, while no longer able to proclaim God's moral attributes as seen in the system of gospel grace, the transition was easy and lovely to the attributes of wisdom and power, as displayed in the magnificence of his creation. He who had expatiated, with adoring wonder, on the love manifested in the gift of ONE who is the salvation of a ruined world, could now contemplate with admiring gratitude, the perfect and wonderful works of Him, who is likewise the Creator and Preserver. And who shall say he has not now united both these blissful employments! While he casts his crown at the feet of the Lamb, saying with the innumerable company, Thou art worthy, for Thou hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood-will he not also contemplate the transcendent glories of an illimitable creation of fathomless beauty, perfection, and power, with a continually increasing intellectual expansion? Is it only in this dark prison-house of the flesh, that we are to cry in rapturous awe, How manifold are thy works, in beauty hast thou made them all!-the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handy work?-or, when we have ascended far above the glittering lamps hung out in this vault of splendor, and with expanded intellect, enlightened apprehensions, and glorified minds, shall we soar into the light which no man can approach unto, drawing near to the ETERNAL SUN? If the departed found such delight in tracing the skill and goodness manifested even in the construction of

that little warbler which falleth not to the ground without its Creator's notice, what must his emotions be when admitted into the temple of Him who stretcheth out the heavens like a curtain, telleth the number of the stars, and calleth them all by their names?

As we review the life and labors of Mr. Linsley, interesting trains of thought are suggested, which might be easily pursued. But we must bring our sketch to a close, having already protracted it beyond our original design. Perhaps some devoted youth, struggling with difficulties, may receive benefit from its perusal, and be stimulated to noble and lofty purposes. He has here an example of what a young man, cast upon his own resources, may accomplish by active industry and persevering effort. Many of the great and good have found the pathway to eminence and usefulness at first attended with painful anxieties and severe personal exertions. To contend successfully against obstacles that seem stern and formidable, develops and strengthens the mental powers, and prepares the individual for still greater and sublimer achievements. It has been observed, and with truth, that "the necessity which may produce such a result, ought scarcely to be viewed as a misfortune. It is rather a part of the means of the most finished education." The ascent of a mountain may be difficult; but he who climbs its rugged side, enjoys a more commanding position and a wider prospect, than he who stops at its base.

S. D. P.

ARTICLE VII.

D'AUBIGNE'S DISCOURSES.

BY THE EDITOR.

The Discourses and Essays of the Rev. J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, D. D., President of the Theological Seminary of Geneva, etc. With an Introduction by ROBERT BAIRD, D. D. Translated from the French by CHARLES W. BAIRD. New York. Harper & Brothers. 1846. 12mo. pp. 466.

Puseyism Examined. By J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGNE', D. D. With an Introductory Notice of the Author. By ROBERT BAIRD. New York. John S. Taylor & Co. 1843. 18mo. pp. 79.

Dr. d'Aubigné has, for a considerable period, filled a large place in the public eye. His "History of the Reformation" has introduced him into tens of thousands of families, of all names and classes. His fame as a historian commends to favorable notice whatever comes from his pen. We are, therefore, prepared to welcome this volume of Discourses to the circle of our Christian literature with sincere pleasure. In his Sermons, Dr. d'Aubigné stands in no danger of committing the faults, if faults they be, into which, as a historian, he seems to us to have fallen. As historical records the volumes on the Reformation do not precisely correspond with our judgment. However delightful and enchanting they may be as popular reading-books, and however scrupulously correct in their statements of all the main facts concerned, the dramatic interest infused into them strikes us as unnatural in authoritative annals and sober history. Scenes and conversations are constantly reported, for which the author must have drawn, it would seem, upon his imagination, and not upon authentic records. They are not matters of history. They are such things as neither public nor private annals are accustomed to record. He has been