were brilliant that they were captivating-will not, I think, be denied by any who witnessed their exhibition. He undoubtedly displayed no small degree of pulpit eloquence, and his eloquence was distinguished by characteristic features. It was not the kind of eloquence in which a youth of genius might be expected most to excel, and of which luxuriance of imagination constitutes the chief attraction; it was not a peculiar vivacity of fancy, which gave life to his addresses, although in this respect they were not deficient; but they rather owed their effect to the energy and animation infused by the ardor of his soul, and to the unaffected fervor of his religious feelings, the impression of which was aided by no small advantages of person, voice, and elocution. In endeavoring rightly to appreciate his qualifications for the duties of the Christian ministry, I must not omit to notice the truly edifying manner in which he conducted the devotional exercises of the pulpit. His gift in prayer was peculiarly excellent. The language of his petitions seemed to breathe the ardent aspirations of a heart alive to God, and accustomed to enjoy fellowship with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

That he was maturing fast for the enjoyment of his reward, even when he left London to commence his pastoral engagements, is a conviction indelibly impressed upon the minds of those who were accustomed to attend his preaching, or mingle in his

society. They remember certain expressions, both of countenance and language, which seemed to indicate a tone of piety-a spirituality of feelingtoo exalted for a long continuance here. And it is to be regretted, that such expressions, at the time so powerful in their influence, and so carefully preserved by a tenacious memory, no pen-no pencil can portray. Hence the sermons of animated and extemporary preachers, when introduced to us from the press, lose half their force and beauty. The scope of the discourse-the process of the argument -may be indeed preserved; but the unpremeditated, momentary flashes of holy fervor, and of brilliant genius, cannot. The eloquence of the eye— the expression of the countenance-the meaning which is sometimes thrown into every limb and muscle of the frame, are wanting. And though it is pleasing to possess a memorial of those whom living we revered and loved, yet the imperfection of the copy only deepens our regret at the loss of the original. In the preaching of Spencer, it seemed as though he saw before him every object he described --and felt the full force-the vast importance of every subject upon which he spoke."

Preaching one evening at Back-street, Horsley Down, and speaking of the reward of the faithful gospel minister, "Methinks," said he, "I already hear the melodious accents of the Saviour's voice, saying, Well done, good and faithful servant, en

ter into the joy of thy Lord." It was remarked, that he appeared as though he heard a voice, personally addressing him. His anticipation was in a very few months realized!

Anxious for the usefulness and variety of his ministry, he begged of his friend, upon his leaving London, to send him any useful pamphlets or works which might come out; "Let me know," said he, "when popular ministers are in town— the texts they take for particular occasions-festivals, &c., the settling or removal of my fellow students, &c."

The last time he was with his friend alone, prior to his setting off for Liverpool, their approaching separation was, as may be well imagined, the topic of discourse-when, with his own peculiar affection and energy, he said :

"Through Christ when we together came,

In singleness of heart,

We met, oh Jesus! in thy name,

And in thy name we part.

We part in body, not in mind,
Our minds continue one;
And each to each, in Jesus join'd,
We happily go on.

Present in spirit still we are,

And intimately nigh;

While on the wings of faith and prayer,

We Abba! Father! cry.

168

REV. THOMAS SPENCER.

Oh, may thy Spirit, dearest Lord,
In all our travels still

Direct and be our constant guard
To Zion's holy hill.

Oh! what a joyful meeting there,
Beyond these changing shades;
White are the robes we then shall wear,
And crown upon our heads.

Haste, Lord, and bring us to the day
When we shall dwell at home;
Come, oh Redeemer, come away;
Oh, Jesus, quickly come."

CHAPTER VI.

Mr. Spencer commences his pastoral labors at Newington Chapel -Suddenly called by affliction to Brighton-His fears relieved -Correspondence-Success of his ministry-Lays the foundation stone of a New Chapel for his Congregation-Correspondence-Ordination-His first administration of the Lord's Supper-Death-Funeral-Concluding Reflections.

ON Sunday, 3d of February, 1811, Mr. Spencer commenced his stated, pastoral labors at Newington chapel, Liverpool. He was then just twenty years of age-possessed of every endowment that could render him eminent as a minister-and every amiable disposition that could endear him as a friend. The people of his charge, together with numbers who participated with them in their joy, hailed his entrance on his sacred duties with delight. From him they fondly anticipated a long series of varied and useful instructions on him they gazed with admiration, as affording them no mean example of a holy and devoted life-and to him they looked with pleasure as their children's friend. That he was prepared to meet these high expectations, none who have contemplated the superior endowments of his mind can, for a moment, doubt8