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ance with him, he made some inquiries in regard to the education which I had received. I informed him that it had been sufficiently good for the calling in life to which I was destined; and that, in addition to what was strictly required to fit me for business, I had also enjoyed the advantage of some partial instruction at a Latin school. The eagerness with which he listened to the latter circumstance, and the advice which he gave to me in consequence of it, seem like the things of yesterday. He urged me at once to resume my classical studies, which had been laid aside, to improve the intervals of leisure in my daily occupations, and to prepare myself for any unexpected turn which, in this changeful world, might give a different direction to my pursuits and hopes. A new scene opened upon my view-it was a decisive point in my life-and the whole course of it was, as it were, instantaneously changed. That very night I acted upon his advice. I continued my preparation, under every disadvantage, for that favourable turn, of which, at the time, 1 had no reasonable expectation, but which, very soon after, actually occurred. He encouraged me by his kindness, guided me by his paternal counsel, employed his influence in procuring for me an easy admission into College, superintended my theological studies, continued his friendly offices upon my entrance into the ministry, till, at length, it was my privilege to be associated with him at the same altar, connected by domestic ties, and honoured with a confidence and affection which were never more fully and gratefully returned.

The recollections of him at a period of his life

which was so interesting to myself, are so fresh and vivid, that I cannot forbear from representing him in the soft and pleasing lights in which he then appeared. In after years, when the labours and cares of his high and responsible office were constantly increasing, and vexations of various kinds rose up to disturb his peace and thwart his usefulness, and each wearisome day was closed, as I have often heard him remark, with some anxious thought for the morrow; there were very frequently observed in him an abstraction of mind, an abruptness of manner, a hastiness of expression, and a sudden transition from one subject to another, which broke in upon his own social enjoyments, and lessened the degree of that pleasure which he was wont to impart in his intercourse with his friends. But then the frankness which never forsook him, notwithstanding it was so often most ungenerously abused, was shown without restraint-his warm heart poured out its feelings in all their fulnesshis buoyant spirits were never depressed. In his family he was affectionate to a degree of almost feminine tenderness, playful as his children, and fond even of the domestic animals with which he was always surrounded. His guests felt no restraint in his company, nor was he at all restrained by theirs, but just suffered his character to appear in its natural light, and gave utterance to his thoughts and feelings as they rose up in his mind, according to the varying mood of the moment. Notwithstanding he was never idle, he always seemed to have time for his friends, welcoming them with unfeigned cordiality, and letting them go

with reluctance and regret. For many years

in the habit of spending a portion of almost every Sunday evening at his house, where the conversation generally took a serious and appropriate turn, or was always so rational and innocent as to make me insensible how rapidly the hours flew on. Though often detained too long by the pleasure and advantage of this discourse, he never betrayed the slightest symptoms of weariness and impatience; and I have often since, when exhausted by the labours and excitement of the day, recalled his kind indulgence with mortification and surprise. But his warm and benevolent feelings were never so engagingly shown to the young, as when in a friendly ramble or a ride to his favourite and beautiful retreat in New-Jersey; he entered with a paternal interest into all their views and plans, encouraging them by his praise, and edifying them by his counsel, or else with a flattering confidence laid open to them his own. All the barriers between age and youth, between wisdom and ignorance, were broken down; and where he saw, in the young, ingenuousness, piety, and worth, even though mingled up with imperfections and follies, he seemed to anticipate the fruits of promise, and to commune with them at once as companions and friends. The heart melts at these recollections, and is poured out like water.

The subject of theological education had, from an early period of his ministry, much engrossed his thoughts. The usual preparation for the sacred office, under the private direction and care of a clergyman whose qualifications might not always fit him for the task, and whose ordinary duties,

even under different circumstances, were usually so engrossing as to leave but little time for it, was evidently a very imperfect manner of training up young men for this most weighty and important charge. The growth of our communion, from the rapid increase of our population-the opportunities of extending it, which were lost from the want of clergymen to secure our advantages-the limited education and scanty acquirements of many who were already in orders-and the attention which was given to theological education by several denominations of Christians around us-impressed him strongly with the great and urgent necessity of establishing a seminary on such a large and liberal scale as would be suited to the wants, the interests, and dignity of the Church. The first evidence of his solicitude on this point, was shown in the formation of a society, in 1806, which was to be an humble handmaid to that better system which, even then, had probably been floating through his mind, and which, shortly after, he attempted to bring into form and existence. The objects of this association, which was styled "The Protestant Episcopal Theological Society," were the advancement of its members in theological knowledge, in practical piety, and in all those principles, duties, and dispositions, which would fit them for being orthodox, evangelical, and faithful ministers of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The business of every meeting, which was held weekly, was opened by the presiding clergyman with an office of devotion prepared for the purpose. A sermon, or portion of a sermon, from some approved author, was then read by one

of the members, with a view to improvement in emphasis, accent, and general propriety. Afterwards a portion was read by another, of some treatise on the evidences of Christianity, the constitution of the Christian Church, the doctrines of the Gospel, or of any work which from time to time might be appointed by the presiding clergyman, with the approbation of the Bishop. In regard to this passage, it was expected that every member should be ready to answer any questions that might be proposed to him. The third exercise was the reading, by a different member, of an essay on some religious topic, or a sermon of his own composition; and this was to be delivered memoriter at the ensuing meeting, or an extract from some other sermon or essay that might be appointed. It was the duty of the clergyman who presided, after the performance of this exercise, to call upon the members present for their remarks on the pronunciation, emphasis, style, and delivery, and to sum up the whole with his own.

Questions on theological topics were then to be proposed by the members, and the president was to choose one of these, or such other as he might think proper, and appoint four to discuss it at the following meeting. This discussion was to take place in the absence of the clergyman, but no decision to be made on the question; and at a subsequent meeting, the next one who should preside was also to deliver his sentiments concerning it, for the information of the members. This part of the business of the meeting was closed with prayer.

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