xix mility, which appeared in preferring those to himself, who in gifts and graves were much his inferiors; in his excessive modesty, which made him unwilling to publish his excellent compositions, though frequently importuned by the best judges; and in preaching usually in the plainest and most familiar manner, though many of his manuscripts discover his uncommon genius for abstract reasoning; and in some of them, e. g. his sermon on Gal. vi. 14. the sublimest sentiments are expressed in a lively and eloquent manner. There are passages in the above sermon, which will stand a comparison with an excellent paper in the Spectator on the same subject. (6.) A spirit uncommonly vigorous and active. Few made greater conscience of redeeming the time, and spending every moment in planning or executing something worthy the man and the Christian. One while he is engaged in closet devotions; another, pursuing his studies; then discharging, in the most exemplary manner, the various duties of his ministerial function; then conversing or corresponding with others on subjects of general importance ; next approving himself the best and most faithful friend, and the most valuable and affectionate relative. I account it one of the most pleasant and happy circumstances of my life, that for eleven years this eminent servant of Christ, honoured me with his friendship, and often profited me by his instructions and advice. -" CULROSS, "JOHN ERSKINE.” *** "As his departure is a loss to me, in some respects irreparable, and I apprehend a great loss to the church of Christ in general, and especially in Scotland; it has been a very sensible affliction to me ever since I heard it, and is like in some degree to last as long as I continue here. My chief consolations are, that the glorious Head of the church, who so singularly raised him up, accomplished and adorned him, and enabled him by his Spirit to do signal service to his church, has the same cause and interest to maintain, and has the residue of the Spirit. I heartily sympathize with you. May we double our diligence, be faithful to our Divine Redeemer to the death, and meet together in the world above with unmixed and unceasing joy. In the mean while, I am very desirous to know when he died, with the circumstances of it, etc. Whether there be any funeral sermon on him, or character of him published; and if there are, to have them; as also any of his writings published. For as he was a most agreeable correspondent with me, his writings and memory will be ever dear and precious to me. And as his fame is known and valued by many here, if I could have been informed of those particulars, I should have gratified many, by printing the most material passages concerning him in our "BOSTON, N. E. "Decem. 23, 1754. news papers. *** ON MR. M'LAURIN. ADORN'D with learning, taste, and manly sense, Wisdom with genius, wit without offence; Modest, yet resolute in virtue's cause; Ambitious, not of man's, but God's applause. Each talent that enrich'd his heaven born mind, By Jesus given, to Jesus he resign'd. Swift was his race, with health, and vigour blest; Soft was his passage to the land of rest. His work concluded, e'er the day was done, Sudden the Saviour stoop'd and caught him to his Throne. |