tivation of a popular and graceful manner of speaking, are to be traced the winning persuasion and captivating eloquence, which subsequently characterized his pulpit performances.

He entered the University at Cambridge, in 1788. His continuance at the University was marked by unexceptionable morals and attendance on college requisitions. He enjoyed the favor of his instructers, and the affection of his fellow students. His high collegiate reputation was sustained more by classic attainments, than by superior proficiency in the exact sciences. He particularly excelled in writing and speaking; and was graduated in 1792, with honors, as one of the most distinguished of his class. The literary reputation, he continued to sustain, appears from his appointment

liver the oration before the society of PBK, at their anniversary in 1800, when he took for his subject, "A Review of the eighteenth century.

Immediately on leaving college, he commenced the duties of assistant teacher at Phillips Academy, Exe-.. ter, N. H. where he continued until August, 1793, studiously directing his reading with a view to his future profession. The succeeding year, he filled with great popularity the office of Principal of Phillips Academy, Andover, pursuing at the same time his theological studies with the Rev. Jonathan French. His review of elementary studies deepened his interest in the general subject of education, and prepared him subsequently to be of important benefit to the public schools in connexion with the duties of his sacred profession. In the No

vember of 1794, he commenced preaching at Haverhill, and, in the February following, was, by the unanimous choice of church and people, invited to become their pastor. In April an affirmative answer was returned, and he was ordained on the third of June, 1795. The entire unanimity with which he was received by a people, who had been much divided under a preceding ministry, was, to the subject of this notice, a very affecting circumstance. All ages, and persons of very different religious opinions united in expressing an attachment to him almost enthusiastic. It was common for ministers, with whom he exchanged, to remark the happy change in his congregation, both as to the number of worshippers, and the solemnity, with which they attended.

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A private journal, which he has left, abounds with expressions of the pious sentiment and benevolent feeling, with which he contemplated this interesting event of his life. "I would never forget thy goodness, O thou, whose tender mercies are over all the works of thy hands. Perpetuate the memory of these things in my mind, and keep alive my sensibility and gratitude." After administering the communion for the first time, in which service his peculiar and impressive manner will be long remembered by many who enjoyed the benefit of his ministrations, he thus writes, "I would never forget the feelings of that first interview with the Church, nor the tears we shed, of which the faulty spectators themselves did not withhold their share. I would remember these feelings and tears, as a constant excite>

ment to prayer that many may be added to our communion of such as shall be saved."

At this period he entertained a belief in the Trinity. His preaching, however, was practical, and had little to do with what he was obliged to consider the mysteries of religion; and the opinions, he had been led to form, from the circumstances in which he commenced his theological career, were shadows, which were destined to be dissipated in a clearer acquaintance with the doctrines of the gospel.

This

The process, by which he was led to a change of some of his former opinions, was, first, a doubt of their reality, from their apparent inconsistency with what he esteemed the plain doctrines of christianity. doubt instigated to an anxious inquiry respecting their truth. His personal inquiries weakened the effect of his former impressions, and the fundamental principles of Unitarian belief became the objects of his decided conviction.

He continued in the pastoral care of the society at Haverhill, beloved by an affectionate congregation, his services received with flattering tokens of acceptance in the neighbouring pulpits, and devoting his youthful energies to an earnest, direct, and engaging inculcation of the great truths of the gospel. At this period he was very exact in the distribution of his time. On entering a new year, he writes in his diary-"Let it be my solicitous endeavor this year to redeem time. Let it be my plan to undertake more, and to perform quicker. To carry this design into execution, several things will

be necessary. To take better care of the fragments of time. A portion of the day may be often saved in the morning and evening, which is apt to slide away in other avocations. Less time should be spent in ruminating, or listless study. Let the moments of application be improved, at all times, as they are when special necessity compels to the utmost ardor and activity. Read with attention; converse with spirit and judgment; visit by plan and to some good purpose. Let civility have its place; but let religion and ministerial objects have their turn also. Choose for the pulpit subjects of variety; this will keep curiosity alive, which may be the handmaid of religion; and it may also put me in the way of crossing every hearers prevailing fault, and remind him of a duty, in which he is most of all deficient." The youthful portion of his flock engaged his particular attention, in a course of instruction which he has left in his manuscripts, and prepared with a design, happily directed to enlighten their understandings and interest their affections.

In 1796, he was married to Miss Eunice, eldest daughter of Ebenezer Wales, Esq., of Dorchester. The lamented subject of this notice was particularly remarked by those, who shared his more intimate friendship, as possessing in an eminent degree those qualities which adorn and brighten the scenes of private life. The sweet gentleness, which was never withheld from the humblest stranger, and which excited at once the interest of those whom he transiently met for the first, and perhaps the last season of interview, was peculiarly en

gaging in the walks of domestic life. With a natural attachment to the objects of nearest affection, as strong as can well be supposed to possess the heart, this attachment was refined and exalted by christian principle. The early inculcation of rational and affecting views of religion was an object of supreme regard. He viewed the affections of the heart as formed for an infinite expansion, and as destined to realize their richest exercise in a world, where sorrow and separation would be unknown. These principles prepared him for a cheerful reception and acknowledgement of private blessings, and to a composed acquiescence in their removal; and it was this character, formed on the proper estimate of the direct distributions of Providence, which enabled him to give a religious direction to the joys and griefs of others.

In May, 1803, from the insufficiency of his support, he relinquished the pastoral charge of the society at Haverhill. The determination to which he was led with anxious application for divine direction, and with daily and nightly consideration, was received by his church and society with the most ample testimonials of love and respect. The concurrence of five neighbouring churches was solicited in the dissolution of the connexion, who cordially recommended him, as an able and faithful minister of the gospel, to other places whither Providence might direct him.

The recent struggles, which his susceptible mind had experienced, in the rupture of ties to which he was accustomed to attach a peculiar sacredness, and his anx