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family being defrayed) in religious and charitable purposes; and as he sowed liberally, so he also reaped. He has been heard to declare, that though, prior to his conversion, he never had a sufficiency to supply his wants, yet afterwards he never experi enced a pecuniary restraint. In a letter to a friend, dated Oct. 2, 1786, he says, "Hitherto, my extremities have been God's opportunities. He has suitably, seasonably, and oft most marvellously supplied my every want, and helped me through the difficulties of every work he has hitherto condescended to employ me in, having always put it into the hearts of those who were able to help me, when I have needed it. Indeed, through his blessing, my own little property has seemed to multiply in using for Him. How else does it hold out as it does! Oh, my dear friend and brother, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name; for he has done great and marvellous things for us, in us, and by us! Let us, as we poor sinful creatures may, give him all thanks and praise." Though Mr. Scott began his religious life in circumstances not far from indigence, the providence of God, by both his alliances, raised him to a situation which at once secured the supply of his necessities, and afforded him the means of extensive liberality; and it must be particularly noticed, that his was not a liberality undirected by Prudence. Such was his firmness and strict fidelity (for he looked upon himself merely as a steward) that no considerations of personal attachment or other improper motive could have induced him to give to an occasion which he did not approve; and this contributed much to enable him to do good effectively and diffusively.

His talents for introducing religious topics, both in his conversation and correspondence, were of a very eminent kind. His conversation was peculiarly spiritual and savoury. It was scarcely possible to be in his company for any length of time, without hearing something calculated for cdification. He viewed and felt religion as infinitely superior to every thing in the world; and neither wealth nor rank, however exalted, deterred him from introducing the subject. There was indeed such a mixture of good humour and wit in what he said, that it did not often offend ; but generally pleased. It is thought he never wrote a letter, however foreign the subject of it might seem from a religious which did not contain at least some hint or reflection purpose, calculated to excite serious impressions.

There was such a dignity in his carriage, that it rarely happened that any indecent or profane language was uttered in his presence, particularly by any who had a previous acquaintance with him. When, however, this was the case, pointed reproof was sure to be given; but there was at once a peculiar delicacy in the management, as well as singular fidelity in the application of it. An ostler, at an inn in Coventry, being about to do something for his horse, used some profane language; when the ani

mal, turning round to look at Mr. Scott, he improved the opportunity, and said to the ostler, "Do you observe how my horse stares at you? He is not used to such bad words at home: he never hears an oath there; and he does not know what to make of it." Thus the profane sinner was reproved, but could not be offended. The same was observable in his endeavours to impress the thoughtless with serious reflection. At another place, meeting with some ladies, who came to speak to him after preaching, one of them said, 'Do you remember, Sir, dancing with us at such a time and place?' He replied, "O yes, Madam, I remember it very well; and am much ashamed of those days of my vanity; but, Madam, you and I are many years older now, and so much nearer death and eternity." He then proceeded to speak of the great things of God, &c.

In the present times, the sense of the danger of our situation (felt it is to be feared by far too few) and the undisguised determination of an inveterate foe to accomplish our utter destruction, has united all ranks in sentiments of affection for our beloved Sovereign, and attachment to our happy constitution: but this was a trait which shone at all times with a most conspicuous lustre in the character of Mr. Scott, and particularly during that pe riod when the French poison of disaffection was disseminated with so pernicious an industry in this and other nations. If any prejuiced individual has affected to doubt the reality of the existence of genuine patriotism, with a conscientious dissent from the Established Church, here might he have witnessed a full refutation of his prejudice and error *.

Mr. Scott was possessed of the gift and the spirit of prayer in a very eminent degree. His natural endowments, sanctified, spiritualized, and aided by divine grace, qualified him to conduct this very important part of public worship in a very edifying manner. His prayers discovered a ready invention, a fervour of sentiment and expression, an awful solemnity, and a particularity which evidenced his firm belief of the power, and the universal as well as special providence of Him whom he addressed.

His pulpit-discourses, though they might not be embellished with any beauties of arrangement, sentiment, expression, or any very particular eloquence or grace in the delivery, it must be recollected did not profess to be studied compositions; but they contained what was far more valuable, a true savour of piety, just views of Scripture truth, and a pointed address to the consciences of men. There was no trimming, no temporizing,

* Since toleration is as much (to use an expression of the late Lord Mansfield) established by the decisions of our courts, and the principles of our constitution, as the religious institutions themselves, they who would destroy or abridge it are as worthy of being branded with sligmas of disloyalty and disaffection as those (if such there be) who may wish the demoJition of the established church.

shunning to declare the whole counsel of God,-no fear of the faces of men, nor desire of gaining their applause. He paid perhaps too little attention to the composition of his sermons, and was not a very correct preacher; but when he enjoyed the important truths of the gospel in his own mind, as he obviously very frequently did, his sermons were truly excellent ; and abundantly calculated, through the blessing of God, to promote the important ends of preaching,

Mr. Scott was a tender-hearted and truly compassionate man. He could not, without uneasiness, endure even the death of a fowl or other animal for the necessary food of his family. He never neglected his horse at home or abroad; nor would he, either from inattention or false delicacy, confide, without inspection, in the care of any man. Ile has been known, at the house of a friend, when he has thought his beast in any degree neglected, to strip and the roughly clean him with his own hands, thus administering at once to the comfort of his horse, and reproof to the servant of his friend; and even in his prayers he was accustomed, especially in his journies, to pray for the strength and support of his animal, as addressing a God whose care and providence extended to all his creatures.

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Mr. Scott was also a real gentleman: he may have been indebted to the army for some of his exterior graces; but his principles were formed in the school of Christ. His politeness was therefore not insincerity, but the effect of a true and Christian benevolence. In short, Mr. Scott was throughout a real and not a fictitious character; every action was a display of life and feeling! J. W.

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THE WOMAN OF CANAAN.

Thoughts on MATT. xv. 21.

THE adorable Jesus went about doing good, healing all that were oppressed by the Devil; he sought occasions to give men to see and feel the effects of his divine power, for the establishment of his gospel, and the communication of spiritual blessings, to perishing sinners. He travels unto the coasts of Tyre and Sidon; there he meets a deeply afflicted parent, whose daughter was in a most distressing condition. Maternal sym, pathies are not to be described, whether they are pleasing or painful; children are often insensible to parental anxiety, and remain so, until they become parents the selves; and then frequently it is too late to correct errors, which, if healed in time, might have contributed to the comfort of their parents, sinking under the pressure of age, and difficulties occasioned by the improprieties of their offspring. But as the first sin began with parents, and as they communicate its principles to their

children, so children through all succeeding ages, have by the just dispensations of God, been the unnatural correctors of their sinful progenitors.

This afflicted mother was a foreigner; but she was instructed into the truths of God, and had profited by the advantages of her local situation, where the heavenly lamp was not to be extinguished till the gospel-day dawned, and the shadows receded. Some about this once highly favoured spot had knowledge; others united with their knowledge a general profession, and became proselytes of the gate; and others went further, and entered into full communion with the Jewish church. This should encourage hope and expectation, that the fulness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and the broken bough of the Jewish church be restored.

This stranger had a daughter under the immediate power of Satan; her indisposition suited his Satanic empire. He has an infernal pleasure in human misery; the tender mother deeply partook of her daughter's woe: she prays, "O thou incarnate Jehovah, thou who art David's Lord, and yet David's Son, afford thy gracious relief! I believe that thy power is infinite, and thy grace is free; prove thy compassion, and have mercy upon me!" Heartfelt prayer, though apparently neglected and discouraged, will in the issue prevail; it reaches God's throne,it enters his attentive ear, — it touches his compassionate heart; he smiles approbation, his power is engaged, and his hand gives relief. I have heard thee concerning this thing."

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As yet she seems neglected; "he answered her not a word." "Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face."

Joseph spake roughly to his brethren, yet he turned aside and wept; she might be ready to say "Call me not Naomi; call me Marah;" there is much bitterness in my allotment. Qur Lord's silence was designed to draw forth more of her heart; to prove her real character as a strong believer; and to exemplify the riches of his wisdom, power, and grace.

The disciples show more concern for her than our Lord; they became her advocate; they little thought he himself was advocating her cause with his Father, under all these discouraging appearances! The love of Jesus is not to be doubted under the worst of outward calamities, or the deepest darkness we may experience. The disciples say "Send her away," grant her request, for "she crieth after us;" but our Lord's answer was more discouraging still; he seems to cut off all her hopes: "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel;" my mission is only to the Jews. She was not ignorant of this; but she knew his sovereignty; that his power was unlimited, and that its exertions were only circumscribed by his covenantrule. She understood the extent of that, as reaching to the Gentile world, and on that ground she found a firm standing.

She urges her case again: " she worshipped," and prayed "Lord help me!" thou very Jehovah incarnate, be my help! She changes her language;-it is not "thou Son of David;" her faith rises higher; she views him as God over all, blessed for ever. It is a great mercy to be satisfied that Jesus is the Almighty God, willing to save, yea, eager to save the perishing and applying soul. Her faith produced this adoration.

me!"

She directs her prayer for mercy. "Have mercy on God be merciful to me a sinner! I am a miserable sinner, a wretched mother; my daughter is a most distressed object: I suffer in all her sufferings. O compassionate Jesus, grant relief, and show thy character as able and willing to save! The word mercy is taken from the propitiatory, or the mercy-seat that was sprinkled with blood, to shew that there was no mercy for sinners but through the blood of Jesus.-The publican so prayed, "Be propitious unto me!" while in the temple he by faith looked within the vail; so does this distressed woman; and does not ask for arbitrary, or uncovenanted mercy, but the grace and favour secured by the blood of him to whom she prayed.

In appearance, the miserable is denied mercy by the most merciful; and probably the first case he ever objected to; if so, this must have been the more trying to her faith. However, all this only serves to increase her importunity. She wanted the provision Jesus had to give; but she is told, "It is not meet to take the children's bread and cast it to dogs:"- It is unfit to give the blessings of the covenant to the Gentiles, who are out of the Jewish church:-"Without are dogs;" so they were esteemed. She well understood our Lord's meaning, and being taught by a degree of the same wisdom by which he spake, she acknowledges its justice and propriety. Truth, Lord; yet the dogscat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table." She knew the plan of the covenant of grace, revealed in the first promise, illustrated by types and sacrifices, explained in the continued ministry of the prophets, and all substantiated in Jesus; the Holy Spirit was upon her, testifying to her that Jesus was the promised and expected Saviour. Jesus heard the voice of his own Spirit in her, and she prevailed; her daughter was healed; she was made happy: Jesus bore testimony to her singular knowledge and faith, while he displayed his own matchless love, power, and faithfulness.

1. Here is an extraordinary testimony, borne by a very unexpected person, to the Messiah as the light of the Gentiles, and the glory of his people Israel; while those of his own na, tion despised and rejected him. He came to his own, but his own received him not; but to as many as received him, to them gave he the privileges of his children; a new birth ; adopted them into his family, and bestowed on them the inheritance of grace here, and glory for ever,

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