Notwithstanding it was so united, he had the pain, in process of time, of seeing it divided; and the ancient temple of the Lord torn down, to say the least, under circumstances that made a breach in the society, that never was healed. The consequence was, the society was divided; two places of public worship erected, and he brought to the painful necessity of relinquishing a part of his charge. The deceased, I believe, passed through those distressing scenes, manifesting a good share of the wisdom of the serpent, and the harmlesness of the dove. He was greatly tried, but through divine goodness he fainted not. His spirit remained unbroken.

His troubles, however, were not ended. Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven, what canst thou do? deeper than hell, what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth and broader than the sea. He soon found that

the little foxes spoil the vines," and eventually could say the "Strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round."-His troubles were heavy and lasted long. His mind was on the rack, night and day, and his graces put to a very severe test. Feeble nature at length gave way. The mental horizon of the deceased became overcast with clouds. God has now lifted his hand against him, and in majesty said, "thou shalt be steward no longer: give an account of thy stewardship. The scene is closed. Your Pastor is gone! His sun on earth is forever set. He is now in the world of spirits, and awaits the meeting, both of his friends and enemies at the bar ofGod. Solemn and deeply interesting will be the meeting.

You are as sheep without a shepherd. May you, my christian friends and members of this ecclesiastical society, conduct wisely in your bereaved state. May you be humbled under the rebuke of Heaven in the present unsearchable providence.

Look steadily, my dear friends, by earnest prayer to the Lord of the aarvest, to provide for you another spiritual guide. Guard carefully against a vain curiosity of hearing every candidate for the ministry. Seek for a man of solid sense, great prudence, and real piety. My best wishes attend you, and with God I leave you.

The ministering servants of Christ, are particularly admonished by the present providence. May we be the wiser and better for it. May we work while the day lasts, and whilst we see our brethren falling, on the right hand, and on the left, be ready, for the coming of our Lord. Brethren, "in such an hour, as ye think not the son of man commeth."

May all this congregation, take warning, by the death of my friend and brother, May they realize, that death is the lot of man; that there is no discharge in that war! give diligence to make their calling and election sure, follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, and eventually, meet, in those mansions, that are in his fathers house, which he has gone before, to prepare, for those who love him.

THE END.