destitute might be instructed from the Word of God, "and made wise unto everlasting life."

This love was seen not merely in kind words and good thoughts, but in benevolent action: he was an active Christian. How did my young heart feel this twenty-five years ago, when among a little band of Sabbath-school teachers who were laboring at the northerly section of our city, instructing the children of the less-favored and the poor; at a time when our hearts were sad, and almost discouraged; when we were endeavoring to awaken a deeper and wider interest, by inviting the parents and friends to come in and see us. How cheerfully, at our invitation, did he come to the first examination of the school, and encourage us by his presence, his words, and his gifts; and when those little ones, many from the abodes of poverty and want, repeated their sweet hymns, how did the tears course down that good man's cheeks, causing him to say, as he pressed my hand, "This is a beautiful sight, and one I cannot witness without tears"!

Never shall I forget those words, nor the thoughts which at that time they suggested. Is there any thing more delightful (such was our thought) than to witness a man engaged in a large and extensive business, a man of wealth and influence, coming down and mingling freely and kindly with a band of humble Sunday-school teachers,—an act inspiring them with new courage and hope, at a moment when, from the cold indifference and opposition then existing towards these institutions, both heart and hope had begun to fail us, and the school itself was well nigh being closed. If he had done nothing else, this humble Christian act should be a standing monument to his memory; for it was from this school, thus encouraged and sustained, that arose one of the noblest charities that has ever blessed the world,—the Ministry at Large.

The interest this good man took in children was constantly manifested, and continued to the last. Never was he happier than when surrounded by them. There are some among you who may remember seeing him here at the anniversary celebration of our Sunday-school, some three years since. After he had sat for a little time in this pulpit, and gazed at the interesting sight of so many children gathered before him, and listened to their sweet voices, alternately mingling with those of the orphan and the blind who were on each side of him, he said to me, his eyes filled with tears, "This is heavenly; but I must leave you; it is more, I fear, than I can bear, for you know I am a minute man."

This active Christian spirit of love was witnessed by me also last summer, when that sad disaster occurred by which so many lives were lost on board the ill-fated steamboat, the "Henry Clay;" which you may remember was particularly alluded to from this place on the following sabbath. On reading that sermon, which was afterwards published, our departed friend immediately called on me and desired its circulation, with the earnest request that a memorial to Congress might be prepared at once and forwarded. When others were seeking and enjoying the sea-breeze and a purer air in the country, this good man, notwithstanding the heat then so oppressive, was engaged in going round, speaking on the subject to the most influential, obtaining their approval; and, though all were saying, "It will avail little, and do no good," still did he persevere, unchanged in purpose. At the same time he wrote personally to different individuals at Washington, preparing them for the memorial, which soon after followed; when the law relating to steamboats, which had cost so much labor in preparation, but which had been lying on the table for months untouched, was at once taken up and passed. The energy, activity, and perseverance which this good man then manifested, while so many others were indifferent to the matter, will never be forgotten.

And now