love bloomed with reviving frag- and his heart encouraged to rance, under his skilful culti- these laborious efforts, by the vation. His rebukes were giv-wonderful prosperity, which aten with the feelings of a broth-tended our forefathers in their er, whose only design is to re- arduous though laudable deform, and to whom it affords a signs. pleasing satisfaction, to cover the faults which have excited contrition.

He lived to see fourteen towns, within the present limits of Connecticut, settled in a rugged. wilderness, whose immense forests afforded a gloomy shelter to numerous tribes of faithless and revengeful savages. These dreaded neighbors frequently attacked them, and cruelly murdered those, whom they captivated; but their strength was soon broken, and they were driven to flight or submission. Though our ancestors at this time were few in number, yet the Lord, in whom they trusted, made them to prosper," he cast out the heathen also before them," and

He was much troubled at the frequent and illiberal censures of some churches, which in his opinion, laid the foundation for more mischief than benefit; though when they became necessary, he was by no means insensible of their importance. He observed on this subject, that," the utmost circumspection is needful, that we do not spoil the ordinances of God, by our mismanagement thereof." And in this, as well as in all other difficult matters, he candidly consulted with those, on" enlarged their borders." whose judgment he could rely, before he adopted measures of critical importance. His use fulness and influence were not confined by narrow limits, he "was the father and pillar of the churches in Connecticut ;" he assisted in gathering and organ-hearers, with the necessity of izing all the churches, that were formed in this state, previous to his decease, helped to ordain their ministers, and gave them such advice as their peculiar situations required.

In the pulpit, Mr. Hooker's talents shone with superior lustre. He was an animated and impressive preacher, and correct in his doctrines; but his highest excellency consisted, in impressing the minds of his

relying, for salvation, on the atonement, made to God for the sins of men, by the obedience and sufferings of Christ. His sermons were plain and practical, and were delivered in a He was a distinguished mem- manner so engaging, that whenber of the first general council ever he preached, he was sure of the clergy in New-England, to collect a numerous audience. and from his opinions, which the Even his opposers were unable reader will find at large in his to resist the power with which "Survey of Church Discipline," he spake. It is related of him, was digested the platform of that while he was minister at 1648, which contains the first | Chelmsford, being on a visit to principles of the constitution of Marfield, he was invited to preach the churches of New-England. in the great church, at Leicester. His hands were strengthened One of the principal burgesses

Mr. Hooker was thoroughly versed in the polemic divinity of his time. His logical powers were strong and discriminating, and his dexterity, in managing an argument, united to a flowing elocution, highly qualified him for disputation, to which he was frequently compelled, in defence of his nonconformity. But it ought to be mentioned in his praise, that in the sanctuary, he never fed his people with doubtful disputations; there he ad

conscience, and preached the gospel, in its original purity and simplicity.

was sorely displeased, that this | fashion, without the trouble of popular dissenter, should re- attention. ceive such a mark of respect, and determined, so to disturb the audience, as to frustrate the preacher. He sent a number of base fellows, with musical instruments, into the porch, to effect his dishonorable purpose; but all their efforts were futile, for the audience were still attentive, and the preacher zealous and unabashed. The man at length went himself, and while meditating hostility, he overbeard some observations of Mr. Hooker, which arrested his at-dressed himself to the heart and tention; he stopped to listen, and his conscience smote him. He no longer breathed out threatening and slaughter against the The convicted and awakened worshippers of God, for his bit-ever resorted to him, with the terness against them was chan-greatest freedom and confidence; ged to penitence, and his curses, and his abilities were no where to prayers. His distress termi- more useful and conspicuous, nated in hope; he became a than in convincing the sinner of professor of religion, and proved, his demerit, and the justice of by the consistency of his life, the dealings of Providence, in the sincerity of his reformation. leading him to understand the The discourses of Mr. Hooker nature of holiness, and the only secured so much approbation, way of salvation through the that nearly an hundred of them merits of a Mediator. appeared from the press; but the fortune common to such publications has followed them.They have had their period and are gone to forgetfulness, where they will soon be joined, by their numerous successors. There is more useful, classical, and in the liberal sciences. sound theological reading in ser-ical and theological lectures, mons than in all the systems, while a catechist in the Univerpolemic discussions and com- sity, were so justly admired, that mentaries in the language; yet notes were carefully taken from a dull dissertation will long sur-them, and preserved by his puvive a sermon, which is con- pils. On these occasions, it was sidered of no more value, than the his chief design, to unfold and parson'sweekly discourses, which enforce the great and important are heard, in compliance with doctrines of Christianity, in which he blended the most cor

With his other attainments, he possessed the accomplishments of a profound and a polished scholar. His literary merit obtained for him, the fellowship at Cambridge, and few men of his age, were so thoroughly versed His eth

rect instruction, with a delight-en the time." In this desire he

ful exhibition of the most interesting considerations and inducements, to a life of Christian obedience.

was gratified. He was slightly attacked with an epidemic fever, which had carried off many of his people; but his disorder Through almost the whole soon assumed a threatening as course of his active life, he was pect. After his danger was employed in the instruction of apprehended, he conversed but youth, and particularly those, little with his nearest friends. who were designed for the min-Being asked to express his apistry; and to this undertak-prehensions, respecting the ing, his talents were peculiar-state of New-England; he rely adapted. His suavity gained plied, "I have not that work their affection, his knowledge now to do; I have already de of the doctrines of the scrip-clared the counsel of the Lord.” tures, enabled him to expound He seemed to be conscious, that them consistently, and his accu- his work was done, and well rate and extensive crudition, done, and that nothing remainwhich he freely communicated, ed, but to compose his mind, to elevated their conceptions, and meet the solemn change, that assisted them, in forming the awaited him. A friend, who best habits of thinking and stood in tears by his bed-side, just judging. Many of his pupils, before he expired, said to him, both in England and America," Sir, you are going to receive became eminent divines. The the reward of all your labors ;" last of them, the Rev. James to which he answered, "BroFitch, was settled at Saybrook, ther, I am going to receive merin 1646, where Mr. Hooker as-cy." He then, with perfect sisted in gathering the church, composure, closed his eyes with and ordaining their pastor. his own hands, and with a genAs the life of this godly mantle groan, resigned his spirit was filled up, with usefulness into the hand of God who gave it. and duty, so in his death, he was Thus, on the 7th of July, 1647, calm and resigned. He had said, terminated the life of this venewhile in health, "That herable man, whose death was senshould esteem it a favor from sibly felt, and deeply regretted, God, if he might live no longer, by his numerous acquaintance, than he should be able to con- His brethren in the ministry tinue his active labors in the lamented their loss, and the work of his place; and that churches, which he had watered, when the time of his departure for a long time, cherished his should come, God would short-memory.

Obituary.

HE common practice of be

rous understanding, Dr. Hart had not neglected to improve his mind with literature. He

pursued with uncommon as

siduity science in general; but more especially that which was connected with his profession : and was always able to give a reason, for the faith that was in him." Much distinguished for an accurate knowledge of human nature, and discernment of character; of a social and communicative turn of mind, his talents were not permitted to lie dormant. His frequent calls to heal breaches in other churches: (in his own he had none,) his being often elected to preside in Ecclesiastical councils; the number of young gentlemen

egyric upon the dead, ought not to deter us from paying a just tribute of respect, to the memory of the truly virtuous and excellent nor from exhibiting sketches of their lives, for ensamples to the living. Few men were in life more beloved, or in death more lamented, than Doctor HART, of Preston, whose death was announced last week. Dr. Hart was the son of Thomas Hart, Esq. of Southington, in Connecticut. Being early of a slender and delicate constitution; his father designed to give him a public education: but before he was prepared to enter Col-who were by him trained up to lege, the death of his father deprived him of paternal care. A thirst for knowledge however, and an ardent desire to accomplish his father's purpose, enabled him to surmount every difficulty, and obtain the honors of Yale College in 1760. While a-member of College, he made a public profession of that religion which regulated all his future conduct, and to the interest | of which, his whole future life was devoted. On leaving Col-disposition; of amiable manlege, he commenced the study of Divinity with the late Doctor Bellamy; and soon after he was licensed to preach, he was invited in 1762, to the pastoral care of the church and congregation in the second society in Preston; where he continued and was able to preach and perform all parochial duties, until a short time before his death; which happened October 27, 1808, aged 70. Endowed by nature with a sound and vigo

the ministry; his election to the office of trustee of Dartmouth, and afterwards of Yale College, and of the Missionary Society, of which he was one of the founders, sufficiently attest in what estimation he was held by the public. Much as he was publicly esteemed; those only who were acquainted with his private and domestic life, could justly appreciate his character. Benevolent and placid, in his

ners, unassuming demeanor, and great delicacy: he never intentionally wounded the feelings of any, but always encouraged the modest and diffident. As a husband and father; he was tender and affectionate, perhaps to an extreme. As a friend; open, candid, honest, and sincere. As a neighbor; kind, obliging and affable. As a gentleman in his own house; courteous, hospitable, and truly polite, to a numerous circle of

characters in Europe, of different religious denominations.

friends, to whom it was always open. But most of all he shone as a faithful minister of the refigion of Jesus Christ. Having been set apart to the work of the ministry; he thought it his duty to be "instant in season, and out of season," and "to spend and be spent" in the service of his divine Lord and Master. He adopted St. Paul's rule, "to become all things to all men; that thereby he might gain some." In doing this however, he never yielded up his principles, nor gave any countenance to the vicious. What Dr. Hart was as a preacher, cannot be better expressed, than in the following passage from Cowper, and to no man within the know-wound. He not only soothed ledge of the writer, were these lines more applicable.

Within the sphere of his personal exertions, it was not suffi cient for him that he publicly preached. His private visits in his parish were constant, stated, and universal. He thought it better to visit the house of mourning, than the house of feasting; and continually sought out the abodes of affliction and sorrow, of poverty and distress. He considered the time when the mind was softened by afflic tion, as one best calculated to make some useful impression, and this he always attempted ; but in a manner peculiarly soothing; and never calculated to

the poor by his conversation; but assisted their wants, from the little, which by an exact economy, he was enabled to both by precept and example, save from a small salary; and animated others more able to do the same.

In short, he was a father to the people of his charge; the steady and orderly conduct for which they are distinguished, bear testimony to his usefulness among them. Their attention to him in his last sickness, vieing with each other in acts of kindness towards him; their tears and lamentations at his death and burial, evidence how much they loved him, and how deeply they felt the loss. As he had lived, so he died, with perfect serenity, and Christian composure.

"The chamber where the good man meets his fate,

Is privileg'd beyond the common
walk

Of virtuous life, quite in the verge
of heaven."
Iii.