One of the Assistant Ministers of Christ Church, St. Peter's, and St. James', in the city of Philadelphia.

For the brevity of this and the biographical sketches of Bishop Moore and Bishop White, published in two former numbers of the Port Folio, the Editor believes no other apology will be deemed necessary, than to state, that the very respectable subjects of them are living, and in the exercise of their digni. fied and useful professions- Delicacy and propriety seem therefore to forbid the publication of more than chronological notices.

Posthumous praise is for one reason entitled to a decided preference: it proceeds from an inquest free at least from "the imputation of fear, reward, gain, or the hope thereof," and when it is pronounced it is on a view of the whole ground, it begins with youth and does not pass upon the merit of the individual until he " has finished his course."

DR. ABERCROMBIE was born in this city, on the 26th of January 1758. He received his education in the College and Academy, of Philadelphia, and was admitted to the degree of A. B.

in June 1776, and A. M. in July 1779. He was ordained to the office of Deacon by the Right Reverend Dr. William White, Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the state of Penn'sylvania, in St. Peter's Church, 29th of December, 1793; and received priest's orders on the 28th of December 1794. On the 9th of June, 1794, he was inducted an assistant minister of Christ Church and St. Peter's, and still continues in that office. Besides his parochial cure in the city, he officiated from 1806 to 1809 in the Parish Churches of Trinity, Oxford, and All Saints, Pennepack. In May 1809, St. James' Church being built and incorporated with Christ Church and St. Peter's, the consequent increase of his duties, compelled him to relinquish his charge of the country Churches. The degree of D. D. was conferred on him by the President and Trustees of Princeton College, in the state *of New-Jersey, in October 1804.

Dr. Abercrombie has not confined himself to the performance of his pastoral and parochial duties: but, stimulated by a laudable desire of extending his usefulness, and by a love of literature, (and induced possibly by the inadequacy of a slender salary to meet the exigencies of a numerous family) he has engaged in the instruction of youth; an employment honourable in itself, and not altogether uncongenial to the clerical character, although perhaps to a mind less indefatigable than Dr. A's, too laborious to be superadded to its high and responsible duties. In the spring of 1800, in conjunction with the Reverend Dr. Samuel Magaw, then rector of St. Paul's Church, he founded the "Philadelphia Academy," consisting of a Latin and Greek, an English, and a Mathematical department. After an experience of three years, however, this Institution was found to be too expensive to be supported by tuition-money alone-Dr. Magaw therefore retired, and the Institution, being changed into an "English Academy," Dr. Abercrombie became sole Director on the 15th of February, 1803.

"The Philadelphia Academy" continues in a flourishing condition, and receives general and the most liberal patronage. Although perhaps not necessarily connected with the main purpose of this sketch, it may subserve the important interests of education and of literature (and the interests of education and of literature can never for a moment be forgetten in this Journal) to

state, that in this Academy, an accomplished English education may be obtained, either preparatory to the study of the learned languages and other collegiate studies, with a view to either of the learned professions, or to an immediate engagement in the active pursuits of business. Since 1804 an annual examination and commencement of the senior class (having finished the course of education pursued here) has been held in the month of July. On these occasions, after a strict examination in the several branches of reading, writing, arithmetic, composition, elocution, natural history, geography, logic, the elements of the mathematics, book-keeping, merchants'accounts, &c. those who are found worthy to receive the honours of the institution, deliver exercises in reading and recitation, and receive certificates of their proficiency. These public examinations and exhibitions are found to operate forcibly, not only as excitementsbut as rewards to studiousness and industry. They are concluded by a charge from the Director to the class; in which the social, moral, and religious duties are explained and enforced, and suitable caution and advice are given as to their future conduct through life.

Dr. Abercrombie has published, since his ordination, the following works:

1. A Sermon on the general fast, 8vo.

1798.

2. The Catechism of the Protestant Episcopal Church, with an? 1803. Appendix, occasional prayers, &c. 12mo.

3. Two Com ends, 1st of Elocution, 2d of Natural History, 12mo. 1803.

4. A Funeral Sermon on the death of General Hamilton, 8vo.

1804.

5. Lectures on the Catechism, on Confirmation, and the Liturgy of the Protestant Episcopal Church, with an Address to parents, sponsors, and guardians. 8vo.

}

1807.

6. An improved edition of Murray's abridged Grammar, with

notes. 16mo.

}1807.

7. Second edition of do. with additions, 16mo.

1808.

8. An improved edition of Murray's large Grammar with notes, 12mo.

1808.

9. A Sermon on the Liturgy of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 1808. preached before the state Convention of said Church, 8vo.

10. Charges delivered to the senior class of the Philadelphia Aca demy, at the commencements in the years, (8vo)

1804.

1805.

1806.

1807.

1808.

1809.

1810.