periodicals of the time and his private papers, that, unwilling to confine himself within the common range of the profession, he from the first sought to explore the whole field of theological learning, not from motives of ambition, but rather from an ardent love of truth and a deep sense of his accountability for the use he made of the powers which had been given him, and of his means of improvement and usefulness. By the time he left Hampton he was a theologian accomplished beyond his years.

He was alAlthough he

It is no disparagement of Mr. Appleton to say, that when he entered upon the ministry, on some topics of theology he had not formed settled opinions; nor did he profess to have done it. Wedded to no system, calling no man master, he kept his mind open to conviction, and then, as indeed through life, was engaged in the earnest, unceasing pursuit of truth. ways distinguished for independence of mind. treated with great deference the opinions of those who were deserving of respect, he never resigned his right of judging for himself. It has been remarked of him by one who knew him well, that "for authorities without proofs he had but little reverence;" and by another of his personal friends, "that he thought for himself, and sought after truth with the most careful, laborious research; always accompanied, as there is good. reason to believe, with fervent prayer for divine illumination."

The leading characteristics of his preaching, so far as relates to the subjects which he most frequently brought before his people, may be learned from the following extract from a discourse delivered February 22, 1807, the day which completed the tenth year of his ministry. "In reviewing the ten years of my ministry, if any cause of self-congratulation is presented, there are abundant causes of self-reproach. I have, indeed, from the beginning, preached what I believed to be the leading truths of the Bible; and if I have, of late years, insisted more than formerly, on some of its peculiar doctrines, it is because the importance of those doctrines has risen in my apprehension. I have preached, that moral depravity is universally prevalent in our world; of which depravity man and not God is the efficient

cause; that in consequence of human rebellion, God would have been just in consigning the whole human race to everlasting destruction; but he has, through the infinite benignity of his nature, sent his own blessed son to make atonement for sin, destroy the works of the devil, and to offer, on the most reasonable terms, pardon and life eternal to the apostate sons of Adam ;-but that so deep rooted are human perverseness and love of evil, no one of our race would turn from sin to God, and be transferred from a state of death and ruin to a condition of grace and safety, without the powerful operation of grace on the heart :-that regeneration, or a change of heart and character is absolutely necessary to admission into the kingdom of God; that although the unrenewed sinner does nothing which lays God under the smallest obligations to show him mercy, there is still a greater probability that regenerating grace will be conferred on such as make a serious use of prescribed means, than on such, as boldly insult the majesty of heaven, and despise the appointment of God ;-that the divine life in the heart of every believer is maintained by the same divine power, by which it was implanted ;-that no habitual transgressor can have any just ground to believe himself a child of God;-that the day is coming, when every man will be treated according as his works have been, but that works, in order to their being rewardable at the great day, must proceed from right disposition, love to God and submission to his will."

Some of the more abstruse and perplexing topics of our faith he does not appear to have discussed in his sermons. This is in part, doubtless, to be ascribed to his habitual caution in the expression of opinions, which were not the result of long, patient and profound reflection and investigation. It should also be borne in mind, that the history of religion shows us, that the changing aspects of the religious world, have led at different periods to corresponding differences in the matter as well as the manner of pulpit discussion; so that some subjects which now agitate the public mind, thirty years since were not called in question, or were not deemed essential to Christian edification. The

views, however, which Dr. Appleton at length entertained on the most prominent doctrines of the Gospel, may be learned from his works now presented to the public.

As a preacher, though highly attractive, he was entirely free from all display of learning or study of effect.

Most of his

His manner, as a public speaker, will more properly occur to our notice hereafter. It is sufficient to remark here, that it was chaste, dignified, earnest, and in a high degree impressive. sermons were written while he was at Hampton. Though designed for the people of a secluded parish, they were prepared and composed with uncommon care and accuracy. He made it a rule to write but one sermon a week. Monday being devoted to pastoral visits he was accustomed to begin his sermon on Tuesday and end it on Friday. While his discourses were characterized by that simplicity which adapted them to the circumstances and wants of his people, they were also distinguished by richness of sentiment, by strength and purity of style. Whenever he preached, his presence in the pulpit was welcomed equally by the humble Christian and by men of intellect and cultivated taste.

Nor was his care in preparing himself for his public duties confined to the composition of his sermons. He meditated his prayers. Upon this department of ministerial duty he bestowed great attention, and appears to have diligently stored his mind. with a great variety of materials adapted to all the occasions of pastoral duty. Those, who heard him conduct this part of religious service, were impressed with the profound reverence, the elevation, fervor and copiousness, which characterized his devotional exercises.

Besides the composition of his sermons he also contributed to some of the religious periodicals of the time. He was instrumental in establishing a periodical work entitled the Piscataqua Evangelical Magazine, which was conducted by a number of clergymen associated for the purpose. He was also an able contributor to the Panoplist, chiefly on points of doctrine. His communications are marked by the utmost fairness, by a sincere

desire to ascertain truth, and by acumen, sound logic and skill in argument, in which he was not surpassed by any other contributor of his standing. His favorite signatures were Leighton and Owen.

His studies, however, were not exclusively professional. He gratified his taste for literature. History and polite learning received a due share of his attention. Classical studies he never suffered himself to neglect. Even under the pressure of parochial cares he always devoted a portion of his time to the ancient languages. The estimation in which he held this department of learning, as a source of mental discipline, and of correct taste, and especially in their connexion with the just interpretation of the sacred scriptures, was always apparent.

His love of learning and his habits of close and systematic application never intruded on the claims of parochial duty. In no particular are a religious society apt to be more unreasonable, than in their expectations of personal visits from their minister. It is believed, that Mr. Appleton was never charged with neglect in this respect. He visited his parishioners often, and as a minister. Frequently when visiting them, or when receiving visits from them, he spent a portion of the time in reading some such work as Doddridge's Rise and Progress, which was thus made the basis of instructive conversation on some topic of experimental religion.

A private manuscript, entitled Sabbath Evening Resolutions, contains the thoughts of his heart in respect to ministerial duty, and shows with what weight his responsibilities, as a minister of the gospel, rested upon him. This journal was commenced in 1799. The last entry bears date, Jan. 3, 1819. Frequent use will be made of this record of his heart, and it will be found to bear most delightful testimony to his character for circumspection, conscientiousness, and pure and elevated religious sentiment. The following extracts will be read with interest. "Sabbath, May 12, 1799.-1. Resolved never to distrust the goodness of God, nor have my spirits depressed by any thing unfavorable in worldly circumstances.

2. Resolved to preach my sentiments, pray earnestly, conduct prudently, be active in discharging ministerial duties, and then let come of it what will.

As to the duties of this week,-1. Seek opportunities of introducing religion in my occasional visits.

2. Seek opportunities of conversing with them that pray not in their families."

Particular individuals are then specified with whom he designed to converse during the week on the duties and claims of religion. He not unfrequently, in this way, considered on the evening of the sabbath, what there was in the situation of his flock requiring his pastoral care during the ensuing week. It may be added, that his peculiar delicacy of character and his tender regard for the feelings of others, never prevented him from administering warning and reproof when duty required.— Again,

"Sabbath, May 26. Resolved to be peculiarly watchful against hasty, imprudent, or unreasonable expressions."

"Sabbath evening, June 9. Being about to commence a journey, I resolve, by the aids of God's grace,

1. To employ many of my thoughts on profitable subjects by the way.

2. To guard against all unbecoming levity in company of my friends, among whom there is peculiar temptation to relax too far. To behave like a gentleman, but especially like a Christian minister.

3. To give conversation a serious turn, when it can be done with propriety."

His sense of dependence on God, his self-denying temper, and his ardent desire for the religious welfare of the people of his charge, will appear from the following passages.

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"January 1, 1804. It does appear to me, that religion is, somewhat more than usually, a subject of serious consideration among certain of my people. I thankfully acknowledge God's hand in this; and to the same hand I look to render any serious impressions lasting, and to induce a saving issue. I pray that