trials incident to the christian ministry he endured with exemplary meekness and fortitude. He ran with patience the race set before him; looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith. That he, as well as the rest of his brethren, was a subject of much indwelling corruption, he was deeply sensible and often lamented. Though he was a burning and a shining light in the golden candlestick, in which he was placed, and eminently useful as a minister of Christ, yet he often bewailed his own barrenness and unfruitfulness. He had an affecting sense of the evil nature of sin, and ardently strove to gain a conquest over it in his own heart, and to rescue others from its awful dominion. He was always ready to instruct the ignorant, to comfort the disconsolate, and to preach the gospel to those, who desired it. His services, on the Lord's day, did not constitute the whole of his ministerial labours. He preached abundantly on other occasions, especially during revivals of religion in his own, and neighbouring societies. He was instant in season, and out of season, he reproved, rebuked, exhorted with all long suffering and doctrine. The doctrines, which he preached, were strictly Calvinistick. These, in their various connections and consequences, he well understood, and illustrated and defended with irresist ible force of argument.

"His manner of preaching was peculiarly plain, luminous, solemn, and impressive. By the friends

of truth he was loved and admired.

And no person

could hear him with indifference. His object was to

reach the consciences and hearts of his hearers, and to make them feel, in some measure, as they will, when standing before the tribunal of their final Judge. Nor did he always fail of success. The profound silence and deep solemnity frequently discovered by his audience evinced that impressions were made, which could not easily be eradicated. His labours were, manifestly, accompanied with the influences of the Holy Spirit, and unquestionably instrumental of the salvation of many souls. He had the unspeakable pleasure to witness four or five remarkable revivals of religion, among the people of his charge; the good fruits of which are yet visible" With respect to his prayers, it may with strict propriety be said, they were uncommonly sentimental, pertinent, comprehensive, fervent, solemn, and impressive; and often produced a powerful effect on those, who had opportunity to unite with him before the throne of mercy. At such seasons, he sometimes appeared to be raised above all earthly scenes, and permitted to look within the vail.

Among other things, he was remarkably wise in council. Hence his advice and assistance were often sought in the settlement of ecclesiastical difficulties. On such occasions he was preeminently useful.

"To the preceding observations, respecting the character of mr. Niles, the following may with pro priety be subjoined. As a man he was peculiarly interesting and agreeable. In conversation, he was pleasant without levity, facetious without malignity,

and serious without austerity. He was thoroughly acquainted with the principles of human nature, and quick to discern the motives, by which different characters in society are governed. As a friend he was distinguished for confidence and fidelity. His heart was a cabinet, in which the secrets of others might be locked as safely as in their own. Though not affluent, yet his house was a mansion of hospitality. No man better enjoyed his friends, nor more sincerely sought to make them comfortable and happy. Although, owing to particular cir cumstances, he was not a man of the most extensive reading, yet he possessed very superior powers of mind. Very few better understood the art of thinking, or profited more by it. His ideas lay clear in his own mind, and were generally expressed with uncommon perspicuity. A fair specimen of his talents may be seen in a work, he had nearly completed for the press, when arrested with the paralytick shock before mentioned. This work has since been published. It is entitled Remarks on a sermon preached before the association of ministers, in the third congregational society in Middleborough, 26 September, 1810, by John Reed, D. D. pastor of the first church and congregation in Bridgewater. In these remarks the talents of the author, for me taphysical discussion, are strikingly displayed. It is believed, that no candid reader, after examining them, will hesitate to acknowledge, that he was thoroughly conversant with the abstruser parts of theology.

PEN, VOL. III. D

"Since such was the character of our deceased friend, it is obvious that society has sustained a great loss in his removal, and the church of Christ has been deprived of one of its brightest ornaments. But the afflictive dispensation, which has deprived them of such a blessing, has, it is hoped, issued in his personal benefit. Since he fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith, he has undoubtedly gone to receive a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give to all his faithful ministers at the last great day,and not to them, only, but unto all others also, that love his appearing. A voice from heaven has said, they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. What our Lord said to the angel or minister of the church of Smyrna he says to each of his true ministers; fear none of those things, which thou shalt suffer. Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life. A similar honour is reserved for all his sincere followers. To all such, in presence of the assembled universe, he will ere long say, come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the founda tion of the world. There all sin and suffering will be done away. There they will live and reign with Christ forever and ever; and make an endless progression in knowledge, in holiness, and happiness. What powerful motives present to the view of Christ's ministers, and to all others to be faithful in his service!-Blessed are the dead, who die in the

Lord; for they rest from their labours and their works do follow them."

SUDBURY, MASS.

450. Note.-The rev. ISRAEL LORING was a native of Hull in the vicinity of Boston. He was graduated, at Harvard college, in 1701, and was ordained, at Sudbury, in 1706. He exchanged this for a better world, on the 9 of March, 1772, having nearly completed his 90 year.

Mr. Loring was a sound orthodox divine and highly esteemed, in the New England churches, for his talents, pastoral fidelity, and primitive simplicity, purity, and piety,

His manuscript Journal, consisting of many volumes, written in a fair hand, besides many parochial notices and serious reflections on his birth days, at the commencement of every year, and other special occasions, contains a variety of important biographical and historical facts. A considerable part of this Journal is in the possession of Nathan Stone, esq. of Dennis.

FRAMINGHAM, MASS.

451. Note." Mr. ISAAC Howe of Framinghamdeparted this life, [about 1752] a man not flowing with wealth. In his house were to be seen no curious beaufet set out with plate and China ware; no papered, nor painted, nor gilded rooms; no costly dishes, none of these nor such like things there. No, but on the contrary, the marks of poverty were