make the attempt, or else would have failed from some imprudence or discouragement.

It is very apt to be forgotten, that education embraces not merely the books studied and the teachers employed, but all the influences which go to form the character in early life; and it accordingly so happens that many a parent who pleases himself with the idea, that he is bestowing an excellent education on his son, is actually pursuing a course which will disqualify him for success and usefulness in life; while on the other hand many a one who mourns that he can do no more for his son, is actually training him up in the way that leads to usefulness, honor and happiness. Very many sensible men seem to have forgotten the means by which they themselves rose to respectability; and instead of training up their sons in the patient performance of some laborious duty, they just keep them at school from the time they are old enough to say their alphabet until they are qualified for college, loading them with caresses, filling their pockets with money, adorning their persons with gay clothing, and by their whole treatment disqualifying them for the discipline of college, and for the severe employment of professional duties. It is but a short time since, that we heard a father in a stage coach, mourning over the follies of a thoughtless and dissipated son, casting the whole blame upon the faculty of the oldest college in our country, at which his son had resided. From his own story it was apparent, that the officers of that institution were unjustly censured, that the ruin of the child lay farther back, even with the parent himself. There is all the difference in the world between one accustomed to self-denial and labor, and who goes to college from the promptings of his own mind; and one who is accustomed to neither, and who goes to college to gratify his parents.

In the case of young Payson, even "after his preparatory course was completed, his father delayed sending him to college, assigning as the reason that he saw in him no certain indications of special seriousness, and could not therefore consistently educate him; that it were better on all accounts to retain him on the farin." "He however permitted him to pursue his studies." After receiving the domestic education already described, we are not surprized to be informed, "that his moral character comes down to us even from the first without a blemish, and by the consent of all, he sustained the reputation of a magnanimous, honorable and generous youth."

In examining the influences which conspired to form Dr. Payson's character, we should not leave out of the account the moral discipline he practiced on himself during his course preparatory to the ministry. A large part of mankind are willingly the mere creatures of circumstance, depending entirely on others for their opinions and sentiments on moral subjects; so that they are many of them

mere fac-similes of those with whom they happen to be conversant. Fixed principle they have none; unless it is to float with the tide, and to do and think exactly like those around them. They either never bestow their attention on the high subjects of truth and duty, in their various bearings; or else they look at them through the desceptive medium of custom or general opinion. They never examine things in their elements. They never go to the spring head for the sources of evidence. In short, they receive their opinions, as they do their clothes, from the hand of fashion. Or if they are not so deficient in their regard for what is true in morals and what is proper in the fitness of things, they still are destitute of that firmness of mind which would enable them to form themselves upon the high standard of duty and propriety, which they are capable of admiring. Men of this class are the mere blank paper, upon which men of higher intellect and firmer feelings, impress their character. On the other hand, the subject of the memoir before us, felt, at an early period, a strong desire to become acquainted with all the high objects of truth and duty, by looking directly at them with his own eyes. He left not his opinions to be formed from the current maxims of society, debased as they are by a large alloy of error, but relying on his own perceptions, he formed them with laborious effort, from the pure revelations of God's word. And as he gained his opinions independently, so he adhered to the rules of duty in their application to himself, rigidly and perseveringly. He may sometimes have misjudged in the formation of his rules of conduct; he may have erred in their application; but it does not seem to have arisen from carelessness and a want of investigation in the one case, or from any unwillingness to endure self-denial in the other. We have already referred to his opinion concerning intercourse with society. He felt himself in danger when with man, and thus was led to maintain constant communion with God.

He felt safe, nowhere, but near the throne of grace. He may be said to have studied theology on his knees. Much of his time he spent literally prostrated, with the Bible open before him pleading the promises—“ I will send the Comforter-and when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth." He was especially jealous of his own heart, and to conquer its evil propensities, subjected his body as well as his mind to the severest discipline. No man ever strove harder to "mortify the flesh with the affections and lusts." It is almost incredible, what abstinence and self-denial he voluntarily underwent, and what tasks he imposed on himself, that he might "bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." He allowed himself only a small part of the twenty-four hours for sleep; and his seasons for fasting were injuriously frequent. So

*The following division and appropriation of his time was entered in his diary, about five weeks after his return to his father's.

"Oct. 5.-Resolved to devote, in future, twelve hours to study two, to de

far did he carry his abstinence from food, that his family were alarmed for his safety. Often has his mother, whom he most tenderly loved and reverenced, and whose wishes were law to him, in every thing besides his religious principles, and intercourse with his Maker-in every thing in short, which did not bind the conscience--often has his mother, or a favorite sister, stood at the door of his chamber, with a little milk or some other refreshment equally simple, pleading in vain for admission.

We are not here intending to express an opinion whether the course he pursued in his preparation for the sacred office of preaching the gospel, was best or not, but only to show what sort of selfdiscipline he adopted. He evidently felt deeply that the work of the ministry is a great work; and that his grand business on earth was to prepare himself and others for heaven. Many a student in theology finds the same difficulty which he found, in settling the question whether it is expedient to mingle in general society. On the one hand, there is the command be not conformed to this world, addressed with peculiar emphasis to him; and on the other hand, there is the example of the great apostle of the gentiles, who though he delivered that command, still in his practice became all things to all men; and between the two, as well as from other apparently conflicting evidence, he finds it difficult to decide in regard to his own duty in given cases. We are satisfied that this question is of such a nature, that every one in the circumstances of Mr. Payson, ought to do as he did, and settle it not for others but for himself. He found by consulting his own experience, instead of reasoning as some do from abstract principles, or from observation merely, that the moral influence of going into general society, was to lead his heart away from God and from his duty, and he could conscientiously make no other decision; although another person in the same manner consulting his own experience, might come to a different conclusion in regard to his own duty. And, we apprehend, that this decision and the course of discipline consequent upon it, materially modified his piety through life. This part of his moral history, we think those theological students may read with great advantage, who are in danger of acquiring a superficial piety, by too great intercourse with the world; and we would accordingly recommend it to their especial consideration. In our times great use has been made of the social principle in bringing men into the kingdom of God; and it has so happened that some men of strong social feel

votion; two to relaxation; two to meals and family devotions; and sir, to sleep." But this did not long satisfy him. His rigid notions of duty led him to subtract two hours, from the six devoted to sleep, and to multiply his seasons of fasting to a degree which the human system could not long have sustained. A weekly fast however, was habitual with him, from this time till his last sickness.

ings, after they were born again, have sought for their growth in grace chiefly in intercourse with others. When their piety has languished, they have, instead of repairing directly to God, gone into society to kindle it. They seem to have no independence in their religious affections, but feel only as others feel. They are moral camelions, and borrow their complexion from the color of surrounding objects. On the other hand, it might be said of Payson "never less alone than when alone," for he then had the presence of God, enjoyed communion with him and walked with him. It was in retirement and secret prayers that he cultivated a vigorous growth of piety. He took Christ for his private teacher, and therefore made rapid advances in divine knowledge. He enjoyed not merely the reflected but the direct rays of heaven. He kept the fire of devotion constantly burning on the altar of his heart; or if the flame languished, he rekindled it not by repairing to the piety of others, but to the source of all piety; just as the flame in the temple of old, was kindled not with fire found in the habitations of men, but as it came direct from the skies.

Subjoined are some extracts from his diary.

March 17. Thanks to divine goodness, this has been a good day to me. Was favored with considerable freedom in the morning, and rejoiced in the Lord through the day. In the evening felt an unusual degree of assistance, both in prayer and study. SINCE I BEGAN to beg God'S BLESSING ON MY STUDIES, I HAVE DONE MORE IN ONE WEEK THAN I HAVE DONE IN A WHOLE YEAR BEFORE. Surely it is good to draw near unto God at all times. p. 70. Was much assisted in my studies this evening, so that notwithstanding I was interrupted, I was enabled to write twelve pages of my sermon. It was the more precious because it seemed to be in answer to prayer.

Oct. 19. Sabbath.-Rose with thoughts of God on my mind. Was exceedingly assisted in secret, and in family prayer. Never had my desires and affections so much drawn out after God and holiness. Was filled with the gracious influences of the Spirit, so that I rejoiced with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Never did earth appear so small, heaven so desirable, the Savior so precious, holiness so lovely, God so glorious, as now. In reading the scriptures, they seemed to open with a clearness and force, which delighted and astonished me. Such a sweet, calm, soul satisfying joy I never felt before, in so great a degree. Nothing on earth seemed worth a serious thought, but to glorify God. Had much of the same temper through the day. Was more assisted at meeting than ever before. In the evening had a clearer sense of the evil of sin, a greater hatred of it, and more fixed resolutions against it, than ever. This has been by far the most profitable and blessed day to my soul, that I ever experienced. God be praised! p. 91.

Nov. 21.-Resolved to spend this day in fasting and prayer for greater measures of grace, and assistance to render me more humble and concerned for God's glory; for more love to God and his people, and for ministerial

qualifications. After seeking the divine presence, for which I was enabled to plead with great earnestness, and a feeling sense that I could do nothing without it, I endeavored to recollect, and confess my sins. I saw myself exceedingly vile, seemed the chief of sinners, to be worse than the evil spirits, and thought that the lowest place in hell was my due. **** I felt the most ardent desire for God's glory, and was willing to be a stepping-stone, or any thing however mean, to promote it. To be a fellowlaborer with Christ, in the glorious work of bringing souls to him, seemed to be the most delightful and honorable of all offices; and in this service I felt willing to spend and be spent; to suffer pain, contempt, and death itself. Felt a most intense love for Christ's people, and was willing to be below them all. p. 93.

The rules he adopted for his spiritual improvement were as follows.

1. I will on no pretence whatever, omit reading the scriptures with prayer morning and evening.

2. When practicable, I will spend one day in every week in fasting and prayer.

3. I will allow but six hours for sleep.

4. I will endeavor to redeem the time, by being diligent and fervent in business.

5. I will live more to the glory of God than I have done.

6. I will every evening, review my conduct through the day, and see how far I have fulfilled these resolutions. p. 195.

It was by acting on such rules, it was by cultivating a spirit of devotion, such as is seen in every part of his diary and in his letters, that he became so eminent in personal religion and in ministerial qualifications.

If it fell within our design to present a general estimate of Dr. Payson's character, we might enumerate those social and domestic qualities which endeared him in the various relations of life, to his kindred and friends, while living, and which now render his memory precious. We prefer, however, to confine our remarks to his character as a successful minister of the gospel.

He was more successful than most ministers, because he had a superior love for the souls of his people. This appears to have been his constant and permanent motive of action, from the commencement to the close of his ministry. Under its influence he labored efficiently, prayed fervently, and endured patiently. He felt deeply how great the difference is, between an eternity of blessedness in heaven, and of wretchedness in hell. He felt that he himself was to be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death to every one of his people; and the object for which his whole soul panted, was to reconcile them to God. Now in the history of human nature, we find that when a man places his heart on any object so entirely that his regard for it becomes his ruling passion, he is generally successful in attaining that object. Ministers, and