THE Rev. John Hooper was born A. D. 1780, at. Wareham, in Dorsetsbire. His parents, who were respectable in the station they occupied, were decidedly attached to the established church; and having, imbibed their sentiments, he regularly attended with them.

The most remarkable feature in his early history was his amiable and modest deportment. This being generally known, and as he was intended for a secular profession, he obtained an introduction to the family of Mr. Richard Wright, where he resided until he entered upon public life.

Previously to his eighteenth year his mind was not enlightened nor impressed with the great truths of religion. "Before this period," he writes, "I lived in a state of entire darkness, unacquainted with the gospel, and unconcerned about my precious soul." His attention was first arrested by a perusal of Mr. Hervey's Dialogues; but his mind was enlightened and informed respecting the way of salvation, under the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Cracknell.

On discovering the importance of

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religion, and the value of his soul, he felt dissatisfied with that ministry which had hitherto afforded him pleasure.':

Though wedded to the church by the example of his parents-by early prejudices-by habit-and by a peculiar fondness for music, (of which he had considerable knowledge,) yet when the improvement of his mind and the prosperity of his soul were put in competition, he instantly decided in favour of the latter, though, (as it will be seen from the following passage,) against much opposition.

"I became uneasy respecting my attendance at Church, not being satisfied with the

moral essays I was accustomed to hear, in

which the name of Christ, (which was now become music to my ears,) was almost, if not entirely, excluded; while the dignity of man, and the beauty of moral virtue, were substituted in its stead. I say I felt uneasy, and came to the resolution to leave it; that I might attend religious worship, among the Protestant Dissenters; where, I thought, I might benefit my soul and increase my knowledge of divine things. Now I met with some obstacles; such as the remon

strances and entreaties of my friends, the scoffing and jests of some among my companions, but to all which I was enabled to turn a deaf ear. I found much advantage from the conversation of those Christian

K

friends, into whose company I was now introduced, I felt an increasing thirst after knowledge with a growing pleasure in private devotion, and in the reading of the Scriptures."

Soon after leaving the Established Church, he was regularly admitted a member of the Independent Church at Wareham, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Cracknell.

As his mind expanded, and his heart glowed under the influence of religion, he became anxious to be a minister of the gospel. He listened to the advice of judicious friendsreceived the approbation of his pastor, and was introduced to Hoxton College, after passing the examination and trials appointed by the committee.

In that Institution he laid the foundation of his future acquirements. When he had completed the appointed terms of study at Hoxton, he embraced the superior advantages of the University of Glasgow; here he attended three sessions, and took the degree of A. M. in 1808.

When the Classical Chair of Hoxton College was vacated by the Rev. Mr. Atkinson, to accept the office of principal of the Grammar School at Mill Hill, Mr. Hooper was strongly recommended by different ministers, and by the testimonials of the several Professors, whose lectures he had attended, to fill the vacant chair.

To this situation Mr. Hooper was invited, and he continued to fill it with honour and acknowledged talent, until the illness that preceded his death, a period of 17 years.

In connexion with the office of Tutor, he exercised the pastoral office for fifteen years over the ancient and highly respectable Independent Church, assembling in Old Gravel Lane, London.

It is difficult, in a brief Memoir, to give the reader a correct idea of this benevolent, learned, and pious He was indebted to the gospel for his knowledge of himself as a

man.

sinner, and the way of salvation, for his inclination to engage in the work of the ministry-the expansion, improvement, and regulation of his strong and vigorous mind his literary character-his piety-his hope and support in death, and for that happiness he enjoys now that he is associated with those pure spirits that surround the throne of the eternal.

Though, as a preacher, he was not what is termed popular, yet his discourses contained a lucid and faithful exhibition of the doctrines and precepts of the gospel, blended with great solemnity, earnestness, and affection. His style of address was generally simple, but "at the kindling of the rational soul within,' he rose with ease and dignity, and unconsciously made it appear that he possessed a mad highly cultivated and of great power.

As a Tutor, it is not too much to say, he was BELOVED BY ALL Who have sat at his feet to receive instruction. It was not merely respect which was fostered, arising from his official station, but a fixed sentiment of the mind, which had its origin in a consciousness of his worth, good feeling, and disinterested friendship. Destitute of that austerity and magisterial domination, which some professors deem essential to form their official character, and not fearing a loss of true dignity by a kind and condescending deportment; he was at all times accessible, and the student could recognise in Mr. Hooper the valuable tutor, and the sincere and affable friend.

Possessing a soul that had no place for bigotry or unkindness, he was a firm advocate of every institution that was likely to diffuse happiness, and make known the gospel among mankind. In this, as in other things he acted upon principle.

Firmly attached to the principles of congregational dissenters, he "appeared as one of the first projectors

As a Christian, both in publie and private, he adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Amiable and lovely by nature, his mind wanted only the principles of the gospel to direct it to proper objects, on which it might expand itself; these he found in the unregenerated part of mankind-the rising generation-the young people, religiously educated in his own congregation; and in the various plans of benevolence and philanthropy, which shed lustre on the present age.

His conversation, at all times, was such as became the Gospel of Christ. Equally distant from levity and from that gloominess which indicates a mind afflicted with melancholy rather than animated by the consolations and prospects afforded by genuine religion. Those who knew him intimately can say, " that his soul was made of tenderness," and that it was exemplified in the affection and hospitality, which prevailed in his domestic circle. He was the most affectionate of husbands, the kindest

The following, we believe, is a correct list of Mr. Hooper's judicious and useful publications; his addresses shew the interest he took in the welfare and improvement of young people-1. A Series of Addresses to Young People; 1 vol. 12mo. 2d edition.-2. The Advantages of Early Piety displayed, in a Memoir of Mr. John Clement, Surgeon, of Weymouth, who dies in the 20th year of his age.-3. Consolation for Bereaved Parents a Funeral Sermon for Robert Simpson Hooper, the Author's eldest Son, with an Address to Young People.-4. A Funeral Sermon to improve the death of the Rev. Noah Hill.-5. Select Remains of the Rev. John Morley Clark, late of Hastings, Sussex, accompanied with a Biographical Sketch; the Oration delivered at his Interment; and Funeral Sermon.-6. The best Means of preventing the spread of Antinomianism: a Sermon preached at Hoxton Chapel, before the Associated Ministers educated at Hoxton. Also edited, Sermons by the Rev. Noah Hill 1 vol.

His health, as his fine and robust appearance indicated, was generally good, and appeared to be established by a tour that he took during the months of July and August last, in order to present to different individuals and churches the claims of Highbury College. His appeals were effective, and he returned and resumed his labours; commencing the last session within those walls, dear to many, and which, as the event has proved, was really the last in which he

was to engage in his official duties. On Wednesday, the 26th of September, when returning from the College to his own house, he had a slight attack of paralysis, but having had medical advice, and feeling het. ter, he again resumed his duties. On Sunday, the 2d of October, feeling strong, and comparatively well, (though occasionally the symptoms were unfavourable,) he ventured to preach three times, and administer the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. With these services he closed his public life, and resigned his commission into the hands of his divine Master, to whom he was shortly to render up his account. On the following Tuesday he had a severe attack of epilepsy, and in the afternoon an attack of paralysis; he continued the subject of affliction till the evening of the 9th of December, when he left the world without a struggle, and entered upon his eternal state.*

During the period of his illness he

He was interred in the vault beneath his own chapel, on Friday, the 16th of December, attended to the "house appointed for all living" by his mourning relatives, and by the Rev. Dr. Harris, Messrs. H. F. Burder, J. Clayton, jun., J. Fletcher, G. Redford, J. Snelgar, and R. Ainslie; T. Wilson, Esq.; two medical gentlemen, and the students of the college.