is confidently believed, to the mansions of his Father's house. But the design of this communication, is to furnish, not so much a biography, as a sketch of character. In this view, the following remarks may, perhaps, be consolatory and animating, and therefore useful. It has often been a ground of just complaint, that the professors of religion do not manifest their faith by their works; but, in the subject of this memoir, all his acquaintance beheld religion, in practice. Beneficence was a well known trait in his character, This was particularly experienced by his patients, to whom, when poor, he was not only a physician, but a father. Their wants he relieved to the extent of his ability, demanding neither compensation, nor any other expressions of gratitude than their total silence upon the subject. His professional charges were remarkably moderate; and his collection of them, from persons in humble circumstances, (if they were collected at all,) was in the most favorable way possible. Destitute of property, when he commenced practice, with an increasing family, and the company which his hospitality drew around him; it was surprising to his friends to see his worldly prosperity. It was obtained by his industry and economy of time. His labors, in his profession, were indefatigable, faithful, and successful. In most instances, particularly in acute diseases, his exertions were greatly blessed, and extensively sought. In his family, his fidelity was remarkable and exemplary. In VOL. V. New Series. family instruction, reading the Scriptures, singing, and prayer, he was scrupulously punctual; nor would he permit any pressure of morning business, nor any evening fatigue, to interfere with these duties, especially that of family prayer. He was ardent in his attachments. It was his character to be warm and interested; and, in no object of importance, could he remain long neuter. Whatsoever his hand found to do, he did it with his might, and in its proper season. In favor of religion, this disposition proved eminently serviceable; for his attachment to the cause of the Redeemer seemed interwoven with every desire and every principle of action. In him we saw an illustration of that which is written, Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it. Labors, and abstinence, and afflictions he would endure beyond most men;-but he could,. not endure, without strong crying and tears, to see Zion mourn, and few come to her solemn feasts. Firm in the distinguishing doctrines of the Gospel, he was zealous for their propagation; and was distressed beyond measure to hear them opposed, by any one, or even neglected by the professed ministers of the Gospel of Christ. Against vice and error, of whatever kind, he took a decided part; his face was set like a flint, and he feared not what man could do unto him, while he secured the approbation of his conscience and his God. Decision and determination were indeed the characteristics of the man. In general they were highly useful; 15 in some instances, however, as he was frank to acknowledge, he had much use for the power of religion, to qualify this disposition with adequate calmness and moderation. He was earnest and faithful, to observe the discipline of the church of God. His plainness and fidelity with offenders, his anxiety for their restoration, and his general exertions for the peace and prosperity of Zion, though they may have created enemies among the unsanctified, will be long and gratefully remembered by his brethren in Christ. Seldom is a man found, to whom it is more emphatically his meat and drink to do the will of his Father in Heaven, than it was to Dr. Brewster. Religion was his delight; not a burden which he must bear, but a pillar to support him, a treasure to enrich him. If it is from the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaketh, religion must have abounded in him; for though reserved, upon common topics, especially in mixed companies, yet his conversation upon religion possessed that readiness and force, which manifested his intimate acquaintance, both with its theory and spirit. He was happy in a talent to introduce this favorite subject, without creating disgust or in curring ridicule. This trait in his character, remarkably fitted him for the situation in which he was called to act; for, during the greater part of his membership in the church, they were destitute of a pastor. During this period, his solemn counsels to his patients, his fervent prayers with them and for them, will never be forgotten, by those who survive; and, in many who have died, it is believed that a favorable record of them has ascended to God the Judge of all. An instance of this, his disposition and habit, marked the closing scene of his life. He was attending a patient, in great distress and in imminent danger. Walking the room, in deep anxiety, "I know not," said he, "what more we can do-but we must all pray for her, and pray for ourselves." These were his last words. The messenger of the Lord was at hand. Dr. Brewster was immediately seized with a fit which appeared to deprive him of all reflection. In this state he lay about six hours, when his spirit returned to God who gave it. Reader! pause, reflect, and imitate the character of those who through faith and patience have inherited the promises. Surely such a life, and, after such a life, such a death, also, are desirable. Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord, yea, saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. May 22, 1812. MISCELLANEOUS. PASTORAL VISISTS. For the Panoplist. Mr. Editor, SHOULD you think fit to give my remarks, on the subject of Pastoral Visits a place in your valuable work, you may perhaps be of opinion, that at least a few hints to the people at large, in reference to the same subject, ought to follow. Many of the duties of a pastor and his flock are reciprocal. If he is bound to preach, they are equally bound to hear. If he must declare all the counsel of God they must reject nothing, at their peril. So, if it is his duty to visit them from house to house, it is their duty to receive him, as their spiritual guide. If he visits by previous appointments, surely the least that the heads of a family can consistently do, is to be at home, if possible, themselves, and to require their children and domestics to be present also. Want of time cannot be pleaded as an excuse; for an hour, or two, in ordinary cases, is sufficient; and such calls upon every family in a society, cannot be very frequent. Besides, more than time enough is spent idly, every week, if not every day, by the very persons, who are most ready to urge this excuse. Complaints are continually brought against ministers, in some places, for neglecting to visit their parishioners, so much as they ought. These com See the Panoptist for last month, p. 59. com plaints are sometimes well founded and sometimes not. More is often required in this way than any minister can perform. Six days in a week, devoted exclusively to visiting, would scarcely be sufficient, to silence every murmur. And where ministers are really deficient in this branch of duty, no small share of the blame, sometimes belongs to the plainants. People ought to know and to realize, that if a pastor has any proper sense, of the tremendous responsibility of his office, it must distress him, to waste so much of his time in mere social visits, as is often required. They must not wonder, that he goes out unfrequently and with reluctance, if they are determined, every time he approaches, to sweep a circle around themselves, within the ample circumference of which religion is not to be admitted. How can he carry on serious conversation, where nobody is willing to hear it? How can he feel animated, when the first sentence he utters freezes a whole tea-party into statues of solid ice? What chance has a spark of fire to kindle, under a deluge of cold water? How discouraging is it for a minister to talk about heaven, in companies where this world occupies the whole field of vision? to talk about the worth of the soul, where all are worshipping the body? Let not these remarks be misunderstood. They do not apply, nor are they intended to apply, to the majority of people in Christian communities. Some ministers are so happy as to live at times, and in places, where religion is the welcome topic of conversation, in almost every circle. Others find, at least some inquisitive and serious persons, wherever they go. But still there can be no doubt, that many a conscientious servant of Christ, has met with discouragements like those which have been mentioned; and has by them been deterred from visiting his people, when he would have gone with pleasure, had they been generally disposed to receive him as a messenger of Jesus. This excuse I know may be carried too far. Letno Christian pastor admit the idea, that he can do little good, in any course of visits, till he has made a thorough trial; and on the other hand, let people so receive their minister at all times; let them enter so cheerfully and unreservedly into religious conversation; and let them listen with such visible interest to his instructions, as that he may be encouraged to repeat his visits as often as possible;that he and they may be profited by every interview, and that thus walking hand in hand during their earthly pilgrimage, they may at length enter into that rest, which remaineth to the people God. MIKROS. EXPOSITION OF MARK х, 19. Thou knowest the commandments; do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness, d fraud not, honor thy father and mother. THERE would be no difficulty in understanding these words con sidered by themselves. We all know the commandments here enumerated, and are convinced of the importance of keeping them. The difficulty respects the manner in which they are introduced. There came one running, and kneeled to Christ, and asked him, good Master, what shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life? The answer was, Thou knowest the commandments, &c. This answer seems to imply, that he might obtain salvation by his own works. But did not Jesus fully understand the doctrine afterwards taught by his apostle to the Gentiles? Paul's words are, As many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse. Again; If there had been a law given, which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law; but by the deeds of the law shall no Aesh living be justified. Did Christ then set this person to seek life in a way, in which it cannot be obtained? This difficulty I shall now attempt to obviate. The very terms of the young man's inquiry seem to suggest our Lord's answer. He did not ask how his sins might be forgiven, nor, in general terms, how he might be saved; but, What shall I do? Matthew records it, What good thing shall I do? May not our Lord's answer be supposed to have this bearing? "If you will by your own works obtain salvation, there is only one way; and that is perfect obedience to the divine law. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things written in the book of the law, to do them. Therefore keep the commandments." But Jesus did not intend to let this inquirer go away without further instruction. If he had manifested any apprehension of the strict and spiritual sense of the law, acknowledged his imperfections and guilt, and asked, how he might obtain forgiveness of past sins, and strength for the performance of future duties, Christ would undoubtedly have directed him to his own blood and righteousness, by placing him among his disciples, where in due time he would have become fully acquainted with the mystery of salvation by the cross. But the young man exhibits nothing of this spiritual sense of self-abasement. On the contrary, he replies, All these have I kept from my youth up, and, as in Matthew, What lack I yet?" There is no reason to doubt the truth of this assertion, in the sense in which he made it. He thought the commandments extended only to the outward conduct. He had never openly defrauded, stolen, borne false witBess, abused his parents, committed adultery, nor been guilty of murder. His outward deportment had probably been moral and amiable. Being ignorant of his obligation to love God supremely, and to serve him in spirit and in truth, he was satisfied with his own character, and exultingly asked, What lack I yet? But the merciful Savior did not leave him in this delusion. He goes on to convince him of his deficiency. One thing thou lackest. Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow me. Now if this young man was convinced, that Jesus was a teacher sent from God, he must have re ceived this command as divine; and his obedience or disobedience was a proper test of his regard for God's authority. His obedience would have manifested a settled disposition to pursue eternal life at any cost; it would have evinced that he esteemed the favor of God more than all his worldly interests and prospects. He would have been, from that time, a constant associate with Jesus, and the rest of his sincere disciples, and faithful, followers. He would have been led into all necessary truth, and finally would have obtained treasure in heaven, on the terms of the Gospel. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. But this man did not endure his trial. Being weighed in the balance, he was found wanting. His disobedience proved, that his supreme affection was placed on earth. If heaven were to be obtained only at the expense of the pride and luxury, which his wealth supported, he must relinquish the pursuit. This gave him pain. He wished to obtain eternal life; but the purchase was too dear. He went away sorrowful; but chose to retain his possessions. Whom could he blame? If he would not perform duty which was clearly set before him, he had no reason to expect further instruction. The solemn admonition suggested by his character and conduct cannot escape the notice of attentive readers. Whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. CASSEDBO, |