specting their studies, to think independently.

"Young

ministers feel themselves weak or lame, and they think they must use crutches. But if they would ever do anything in the world, they must learn to walk alone."

And Dr. E. was as independent in the expression of his opinions, as in the formation of them. He would never conceal a doctrine, merely because it was unpopular. He had no fear as to the consequences of truth, if exhibited seasonably and scripturally, either to himself, to his hearers, or to the cause of God. This independence extended not only to religious doctrines, but practice-to questions of morality, as well as those of theology. It made no difference to him, whether any particular practice among his people, or in the churches, was fashionable or unfashionable; or whether its abettors were few or many, high or low, rich or poor, friends or enemies. If the practice was thought to be contrary to the word of God, and of injurious influence to the souls of men, it was sure to meet with his open, undisguised rebuke. Numerous instances might be mentioned, in which he felt constrained to say and do things which he knew would give offence, not only to men of the world, but to some of his ministerial and Christian brethren. Yet, when his mind was made up, and the case was clear, he never spared. If others stood with him, it was very well; but if not, he had the ability to stand alone.

Dr. E. was not only an independent, but an original man. There were many who followed him, but he followed nobody. In the formation of his opinions, and the expression of them, in his doctrine, style, mode of sermonizing, and manner of delivery, he was himself, and nobody else. He investigated the same subjects on which other great men had written, but in a manner as truly his own, as though he had never seen their writings. He examined their reasonings on all connected points, with the same originality and independence of thought, as that with which he examined the subjects themselves.

Another distinguishing trait in the mind and character of Dr. E., was consistency. That he was consistent in his reasoning, is admitted by those who are very far from adopting his sentiments. "Give him his premises," said one, “and you cannot resist his conclusions." "I do not believe his doctrine," said another, "but I admire his logic." And this same unflinching consistency, he carried out in his conduct

and life. "It was commonly said of him," remarks Professor Park, "that every one knows where to find him ;—knows what he will think of a new measure, or how he will treat an old friend, standing up or sitting down, at home or abroad, silent or conversing, cheerful or grave, he was just like himself. 'He never did that, for that does not sound like him,' was good logic with regard to his conduct; and this was his great distinction above other men."

In all his habits, both of body and mind, Dr. E. was characterized by neatness and order. In every article of his dress, in all the furniture of his house, and more especially of his study his books, his papers, his desk, his chairs, even to the hanging of his hat, and the standing of his shovel and tongs, every thing was in its place. And so it was with respect to his mind. His internal furniture, like that without him, was perfectly arranged. Every thing there was in its place, and ready to be brought out of its place, at the bidding of its master.

Another of Dr. Emmons' habits, deserving of notice, was that of thoroughness. Whatever he seriously undertook, he was likely to carry consistently through. In his reading, he was careful to read thoroughly, pondering and digesting what he read, and laying up the results for present or future use. When he entered upon the investigation of any subject, he did not leave it half studied, but was sure to pursue it, till he had arrived at some satisfactory issue. It was this habit of thoroughness, which led him to abstract himself so entirely from the business of the world. He early formed the resolution, that he would give himself wholly to the ministry; and this qualifying word, wholly, meant something in his lips. "He would subject himself," we are told, "to no kind of secular labor; not even to harness his horse, feed his cattle, or bring in his wood." When the house was preparing, into which he was to remove, with his bride, near the commencement of his ministry, he never saw the inside of it till it was finished, although he boarded within sight of it, and passed it almost every day. On one occasion, when his hay was exposed to be wet by a shower, and his hired man came to him for some assistance in securing it, he kindly but promptly answered, "No, I am not going to leave my work to do yours." It may well be questioned whether his notions, on this subject were not carried to an extreme; but they were

strongly indicative of the character of the man, and of those habits of thoroughness and self-control to which he had vigorously trained both mind and body.

In his habits, Dr. E. was strictly a man of temperance. He not only abstained almost entirely through his whole life, from intoxicating drinks, but he was temperate in respect to the quality and amount of his food. He was not, indeed, squeamish and whimsical on this point (like some at this day) analyzing his milk, and weighing his bread, or limiting himself to a set number of mouthfuls; but he preferred a simple diet, avoided what hurt him, and through life was careful to rise from his meals with an unsated appetite. He retired to rest early, enjoyed quiet sleep, and rose refreshed, from one morning to another, to renew his labors. In consequence of his abstemiousness, he was able to live almost entirely without exercise. He affirmed, in his old age, that he never had taken one hour's exercise, merely for the sake of it. "All that a visiter would notice," says Professor Park, "was, that he rose early in the morning, read his Bible and meditated until the breakfast table was brought into his room; walked from his study chair to his repast, afterwards back to his chair, moved again when the dining table was spread for him, consulted his noon-mark, returned in due season to his chosen seat; repeated these journeyings for the evening meal, and before ten o'clock retired to his repose. This seemed to be, and for successive weeks it often was, nearly all the muscular exertion made by one who lived nearly a hundred years."

Among the interesting traits in Dr. Emmons' character, Prof. Park notices the combination of qualities which are often thought to be discordant; such as true dignity with child-like simplicity, modesty with self-respect, candor with inflexibleness, kindness with severity, quickness in his mental operations with judiciousness, care and perseverance. Another instance of the same kind which may be mentioned, is a truly conservative spirit, united with the spirit and habits of a reformer. That Dr. E. was, to some extent, an innovater in his theology, and lay strongly under the imputation of "New Divinity," cannot be denied, and yet, in the general tendencies of his mind and character, he was a genuine conservative. He commenced the study of theology a Calvinist of the old school, and was driven from his ground only by hard struggles. He taught the Assembly's Catechism to his own

children till they were grown, and to the children of his parish for more than fifty years. His pronunciation, dress, and manner of delivery, were all in the antiquated style. He wore his three cornered hat as long as he wore any. It is to be attributed to the same trait of character, that he declined adopting some of those measures which are commonly resorted to in modern times, with a view to promote religion in the church and world. He was accustomed to the old methods, and they seemed preferable to him.

The pastoral character of Dr. E. was somewhat peculiar, though on the whole of a high order. Undoubtedly, the most important part of a pastor's work is, to feed his flock; and this our friend did, with great diligence and fidelity. He fed them with knowledge and understanding. He fed them with food convenient for them. He presented Divine truth in all its aspects, and so divided it among his people, as to give to each his portion in due season.

Dr. E. was also a watchful pastor. He took great pains to be acquainted with all his people; and in the prime of life, there were few among them who were not well known to him, either in person, or by their characters. And every individual with whom he was acquainted was an object of his almost daily consideration. He enquired into their belief and practice on the subject of religion; noticed the manner in which they attended upon the means of grace; and sought, by all suitable methods, to enlighten and sanctify them, and thus fit them for heaven. The great number of occasional sermons which he preached, (not a few of which are contained in the volumes before us,) furnish abundant evidence of the deep interest which he felt in his people, and of the solicitude with which he labored to impress upon them the solemn lessons of Providence, as well as the instructions of the written word.

Dr. E. was an affectionate, sympathizing pastor. In the sick chamber, and at the house of mourning, he was not only appropriate, and instructive in his conversation and prayers, but he was peculiarly kind and sympathetic. His own deep afflictions, in the early part of his ministry, had been a means of improving his feelings in this respect, and of preparing him to meet the afflicted in the most appropriate and acceptable manner.

But with all his sympathy and affection for his people,

SECOND SERIES, VOL. VII. NO. II.

5

Dr. E. would never excuse or palliate their sins. They were as sure to meet his rebuke, when their conduct was known to be censurable, as they were to receive his sympathy in the day of trouble. He was wise as to the time and manner of administering reproof; but no offender could long sit under his preaching, or be in the habit of familiar intercourse with him, without receiving in some form or other, decisive evidence that his conduct was understood and disapproved. His pastoral supervision was thus a constant source of encouragement to the righteous, and of restraint to the wicked.

Dr. Emmons' plan of pastoral supervision and labor was somewhat different, indeed, from that which is ordinarily pursued at the present day. Except in cases of sickness or affliction, or when individuals or families manifested a particular desire to see him, he was not in the habit of visiting his people. He encouraged his people to visit him, and to open their minds freely to him, on all subjects on which they wished for religious instruction; but he did not ordinarily visit them. He believed that he could do then more good by laboring for them in the study. This plan of proceeding, however, he adopted for himself, without pretending to decide that it would be the best for other ministers.

"He made much of the maxim, Know thyself." He was often heard to say that some ministers have a peculiar talent for conversing with individuals and families on religion, and can do more good in this way than they can by preaching; and it is important that those who have this talent should know it, and pursue such a course as will enable them to improve it to the greatest advantage.' But he knew that the most efficient way in which he could operate upon his people and do the most good in the world, was by studying and preaching. In the discharge of these duties, he felt himself to be in his own proper element, wielding the instrument which God put into his hand. That he might have his time for study, was the great reason why he relinquished his pastoral visits in the usual form; and near the close of life, he said himself that he thought he had acted wisely in so doing. If I were to live my life over again,' said he, I would pursue the same course.' Others, who are the best acquainted with his talents, and who have seen the effects of the course which he pursued, generally think that he acted wisely."