he employed as an agent, in this way, to distribute the charity of other religious people; a service, in which he evidenced much satisfaction, and ever appeared solicitous to perform it to the best advantage.

"Blessed with a memory uncommonly retentive, he had amassed such a stock of knowledge, that he was literally able to bring out of his treasure things new and old. On all occasions, and on almost any subject, he was ready with useful and pertinent remarks. But subjects connected with religion were most congenial to his taste and feelings. On these he conversed with the greatest freedom, and the most sensible delight.

His powers of mind he retained in an uncommon degree, under the decays and infirmities of the outward man. On the last day of his life, when he was unable, by any clear articulation, to communicate his feelings and views, he manifested, by looks and significant gestures, a full apprehension that his departure was at hand, and that he enjoyed the supports and comforts of religion, and was sustained by that hope, which is an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast. Being asked if he could say with the Apostle, I am now ready to be offered; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give me? he very significantly replied in the affirmative; and gave all the evidence, which his situation permitted, of a firm, unshaken confidence in the mercy of God, through the merits and the mediation of Jesus Christ. Thus this aged servant of God fell aleep,

and left his beloved, friends to mourn not as those

who have no hope."

475.

MEDFIELD, MASS.

Note. The rev. THOMAS PRENTISS, D. D. who was graduated, at Harvard college, in 1766, the venerable pastor of the church and congregation in Medfield, departed this life, on the 26 of Februdary, 1814, in the 66 year of his age. The illness, which in a few days brought him to his grave, was a fever, which he caught in visiting a dying parishioner. As a sound divine, an exemplary christian, and a faithful minister of the gospel, he held a conspicuous rank among his brethren.

BROOKFIELD, MASS.

476. Note.-Mr. JOSHUA SPOONER, of Brookfield, was, in a most barbarous manner, murdered, in 1778, by three ruffians, hired by one, who ought to have been the tender companion of his bosom; all of whom were apprehended, tried, convicted, and executed for the nefarious deed.

STOCKBRIDGE, MASS.

477. Note. The hon THEODORE SEDGWICK, while on the circuit, as one of the justices of the supreme court of Massachusetts, was taken ill and died, in Boston, on the 24 of January, 1813, at the age of sixty-seven years. He was educated at Yale college, where he was graduated in 1765. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts

and Sciences, had received the honorary degree of doctor of laws from Harvard university and New Jersey college, and had been, for a long time, a representative in congress, and, for a considerable period, speaker of the house of representatives. He had also been a senator in the national government. He discharged the duties of all the offices, which he sustained in life, with honour to himself and satisfaction to the publick.

AMHERST, MASS.

478. Note The hon. SIMEON STRONG was born, at Northampton, in 1735, but at the age of about seven years, his parents settled in Amherst, where he spent the most of his life. He was distinguished, from an early age, by the sobriety and decency of his manners and by a reflecting and sagacious mind. He was educated at Yale college and had the honour, after graduation, of receiving the premium instituted by the learned and generous dean Berkeley.

Theology was his favourite study through life. For several years, he was a very acceptable preacher of the gospel and had repeated invitations to settle in the ministry; but, being afflicted with pulmonary complaints, he was obliged to relinquish the profession nearest to his heart. He then devoted his attention to jurisprudence and, in due time, became an eminent practitioner at the bar.

In 1800, he was appointed one of the justices of the supreme judicial court of Massachusetts. In

1805, he received, from Harvard university, the honorary degree of doctor of laws.

In all the relations of life his character was estimable to an uncommon degree. For minute and interesting memoirs of the learned, pious, and excellent judge Strong, the reader is referred to the Panoplist. He died, 14 December, 1805; and just befőre he expired, he said, that, as he had long been a professor of the religion of Jesus Christ, he hoped to die in the fullest belief of that religion; and that his only hope was through the atonement of the Saviour.

LONG MEADOW, MASS.

479. Note.-The rev. STEPHEN WILLIAMS, D. D. of Long Meadow, in Springfield, died, on the 10 of June, 1782, in the 90 year of his age. He was the son of the rev. John Williams, and was carried into captivity with his father and others, in 1704, when Deerfield was sacked by the Indians, and many were cruelly put to death with the tomahawk. He obtained a release from his savage captors, and returned to his friends, 21 November, 1705. He was educated at Harvard college, where he was graduated in 1713. He was a chaplain of the provincial forces, at the celebrated siege of Louisbourg, in 1745; also, at Lake George, in 1755, under sir William Johnson, and the following year, under general Winslow.

Just before he died, his family being called around

him, at his desire, he looked upon them and said, is a great thing to die. I must say I am afraid of dying. I am afraid of the pangs and throes of death;: for death is the wages of sin; but I am not afraid to be dead; for, I trust that, through the merits and grace of my dear Redeemer and advocate, Jesus Christ, the sting of death, which is sin, is taken away.

NORTHAMPTON, MASS.

480. The reverend JOHN HUNT. A. M. pastor of the Old South Church in Boston, died, 30 December, A. D. 1775, aged 31 years. As orator, scholar, and divine,. he gave bright presages of future eminence; and his brief but exemplary life he devoted. to the good of his fellow men, until he was summoned to higher services.

By consent of his friends in Northampton, where he drew his first and last breath, the church and congregation, in Boston, who ordained him, 25 September, A. D. 1771, and whose ornament he shone until death, have raised this memorial of his worth; his more lasting praise being in heaven, to shine as the stars, forever and ever.

Note. The foregoing inscription was written by a distinguished character in Boston, at the request of the deacons of the Old South. The monument, from which it is taken, was prepared, at Hartford,