MEMOIR, &c.

IN reading the writings of men of genius and learning, our curiosity is often excited to know the history of their lives, and to mark the incidents which are worthy of imitation. We read with warmer interest the sermons of a distinguished minister of Christ, when accompanied with an account of his life, and a delineation of his character; when we see the particular instances of his usefulness; when we behold him in the interesting walks of retirement, and contemplate the social virtues that adorn his life. But it is not entertainment alone that we derive from the biography of those who have been eminent for learning and piety; we may gain much instruction by contemplating their numerous excellences and successful labours. What we are obliged to admire and respect, we are ever prone to imitate.

HENRY KOLLOCK was born at New-Providence, in New-Jersey, whither his parents had retired during the distresses of the revolutionary war. They had previously resided at ElizabethTown; but when the enemy was approaching, they feared those acts of wanton cruelty which had been perpetrated in other places, and thought it prudent to retire for safety to this little village. Here the subject of these memoirs was born on the 14th day of December, 1778. He was the eldest of ten

children, eight of whom survive him. On the return of his parents to Elizabeth-Town, he at an early age commenced the study of the learned languages under able and excellent instructers, with whom he enjoyed every opportunity of advancing in knowledge and virtue. The years of his infancy and childhood were distinguished by intimations of a superior mind; by a natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge, which his friends hailed as the presages of his future eminence. So completely was his mind absorbed by the pursuit of knowledge, so close and unwearied was his application to his books, that, at a very early period, he impaired his health and endangered his life. Often were his parents obliged to urge him to desist from his labours, and at the hour of midnight to force him to bed.

But while his parents afforded him every advantage for the improvement of his mind, and fostered with anxious care the unfolding talents of their son, they were far from neglecting his religious education. They were unwearied in their efforts to imbue his tender mind with the principles of piety, to enlighten his conscience, and to convince him that there was no hope for the sinner except in the mediation of Jesus. The impressions made upon his mind by such religious instruction, at this early period, were never effaced.

After going through the usual course of study at the grammar school, he entered the college of New-Jersey in November, 1792, when he was but thirteen years of age. At this early period he was admitted a member of the junior class. He entered upon his collegiate studies with uncommon ardour, and pursued them with unremitting assiduity; manifesting by his improvement, that his mind, though young, was sufficiently mature to comprehend the higher branches of mathematics and philosophy. Not satisfied with distinguished attainments in

the mere collegiate studies, he spent his leisure hours, not, as is too frequently the case, in vain amusements and dissipation, but in judicious and profitable reading. With such diligence in his studies, and with so exemplary a deportment, it does not excite our wonder that he should have gained the peculiar affection of his companions, and conciliated the high esteem of his instructers.

He was graduated with peculiar distinction in September, 1794; and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts before he had attained his sixteenth year.

After he had completed his collegiate course, he returned to his father's house to mingle with the society of his relatives, and to enjoy those scenes of domestic and social felicity which his affectionate heart was so capable of relishing. Amidst the quiet which he there enjoyed, he devoted his time to the im- . provement of his mind; accurately reviewing the sciences. which he had studied at college, and cultivating, without interruption, those branches of literature to which his taste most strongly inclined him.

It was about this time that he was deeply and solemnly impressed on the subject of religion, although he had before often experienced moments of serious reflection. Under the preaching of the pastor of the church of Elizabeth-Town, he was awakened to a concern for his eternal interest, and brought to see his native guilt, helplessness, and danger. These impressions, strengthened and confirmed, resulted in a saving knowledge of the plan of redemption, and a cordial acceptance of Christ, as the only Saviour. When he had thus felt the power of religion, and hoped that he had become the subject of divine grace, he resolved publicly to declare his attachment to the Redeemer; and was admitted to the communion of the Pres

byterian church in Elizabeth-Town, in 1795, when he wa? about seventeen years of age.

How ex

How interesting and lovely is such a spectacle! quisitely pleasing, to see a youth of that tender age devoting his affections to God, trampling under foot the vanities of the world, subjecting his passions to the government of religion, and complying with the affectionate commands of the Saviour!

After he had publicly professed his faith before the world; it was strongly impressed upon his mind, that God had designed him for the Christian ministry He reviewed with attention the dealings of Divine Providence towards him, and his own heart seconded the wishes of his friends in prompting him to choose this sublime and dignified profession. His zeal for the honour of the Redeemer, and his glowing affection for immortal souls, inspired him with a desire to enter a sphere of usefulness, where all his time and talents could be consecrated to God. He commenced his theological studies under the direction of his pastor; and became a candidate for the gospel ministry in 1797, under the care of the New York ** Presbytery.*

About this time he was elected a tutor of Princeton colleges Since he had left that institution, Dr. Witherspoon had finished his earthly course, and the Rev. Dr. Smith had been appointed his successor. During the continuance of Mr. Kollock at Princeton, his talents and assiduity, his thirst for knowledge and his extensive information, had attracted the attention of

*At that time the New-York and the Jersey Presbytery formed but ope judicatory, under the name of "The New-York Presbytery,"