happy in their minds, and perhaps it came forward to meet the deficiency, and so kept its revered pastor from sustaining any pecuniary inconvenience. And it would be well if matters of this nature entered more into the consideration of deacons and churches. It is too often the painful fact, that the deficiencies of salary are left to find their level in the disappointed hopes and curtailed comforts of the minister and his family, without a single effort made, or even a regret or wish expressed by the people. But so it should not be, and as it is a subject on which the minister himself cannot interfere, without entrenching on the rules of delicacy, it is kindly suggested that the officers of the church, to whom its pecuniary affairs belong, should arise and bestir themselves, and plead the cause of their pastor.

those who travelled furthest to and from worship the most thankful and delighted to have a name and a place in the house of God. There were seven of the neighbouring villages where our friend was accustomed to visit, either on the Sabbath or the week evening, and preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. His labours were his delight, and he was never more happy than when in one of these villages, surrounded by the listening multitude, he pointed them to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. In two of these places, and as the result of his ministrations, separate churches are formed, and the ordinances of religion statedly enjoyed. In four others members reside, and in one a neat place of worship is erected. The formation of the separate churches at Milton and Blisworth was in the most friendly way, and though painful to part with esteemed and valued members, yet as it tended to the enlargement of the cause, every facility was afforded, and the most honourable dismission readily granted. Mr. Heighton himself took an active part in the proceedings at the formation of the new churches. By these events the number of members at Road was much lessened, but the congregation scarcely sus-him to the realms of glory, while tained any perceptible diminution. others live to revere his memory, It was apprehended a considerable and anticipate the period when reduction would have been made they also shall be absent from the in the salary, as several who left body and present with the Lord. were among the principal subscribers, and this to our friend, whose salary at its best was exceedingly limited, would have been seriously felt, and especially as he had now arrived at that age when growing weakness and debility rendered the comforts of life more necessary. It is, however, mentioned to the honour of the church at Road, that

Mr. Heighton was a labourer in the vineyard. On the Sabbath he preached twice at home and once in the neighbourhood, once on a week evening at his own place, and once or twice in the adjacent villages; to save souls and to glorify Christ were objects near his heart, and to secure their attainment he was instant in season and out of season. Nor did he spend

his strength for nought. During his pastorate, 173 members joined the church, many of them preceded

For two or three years before his decease his natural strength abated, but the vigour of moral principles and spiritual affections continued undiminished. Subject to great pain, and the infirmities attendant upon old age, he felt and said that the time of his departure was drawing nigh. It was his privilege to contemplate death as a

affected his speech, and rendered it difficult to understand what he said; it was, however, quite evident that his faith continued fixed on the atonement, and that with a calm and tranquil mind he waited all the days of his appointed time, till his change came. On Wednesday, the 21st of March, 1827, the hour of release arrived :

conquered enemy, and dying as I receive the reward." He replied, going home. He was laid aside" A reward of grace, all of grace.' from his beloved work several Sometime after this he had a months, and during his confine- paralytic seizure, which greatly ment and weakness, though he talked little, his mind was tranquil and stayed upon God. On Dec. the 1st, 1826, the writer of this memoir visited him, and found him in bed. On the past day, and through the night, he had suffered great-almost excruciating pain, but was now a little relieved. Upon inquiring the state of his mind, he replied, " Much the same as when you were here before. I have no great joys, no great fears; my hope is fixed on the Rock of Ages. I feel I must come to Christ

a poor sinner. I delight (he said) in the character of God," and repeated "I delight in the character of God." I remarked, "You delight in him as much as a holy being, as you do as the God of love?" "Oh, yes, (he said) I wish to be like him." 'You are not afraid to die?" No; sometimes (he said) the pains affright me;" and quoted from Watts

66

"The pains, the groans, the dying strife,
Fright our approaching souls away;
Still we shrink back again to life,
Fond of our prison and our clay :"

--

"One gentle sigh his fetters broke,
We scarce could say he 's gone,
Before his willing spirit took

Its station near the throne."

On the following Tuesday his mortal remains were conveyed to the silent tomb. Several ministers attended, and assisted in the funeral solemnities, and the next Sabbath, Mr. Gray, of Northampton, preached a serion from words chosen by the deceased, "By the grace of God I am what I am,' to a crowded and afflicted audience.

The life of our friend, in private and public, was a comment upon the text he selected; he felt and avowed that he owed all to the grace of God, and doubtless it under this conviction the

was

and repeated with great emphasis words were chosen, as well as to

"Death of deaths and hell's destruction, Land me safe on Canaan's side; Songs of glory

I will ever give to thee."

After I had spent a little time in prayer, he said, "You have expressed the sentiments of my mind." On another visit, I again asked him, "Are you afraid to die?" "No," he immediately replied, "waiting, wishing to depart, no plea but Christ, he is my foundation, my refuge, my hope, my joy, my portion, my all." I said, "You have been enabled to serve your Master faithfully, and are now going to

remind the preacher that what he said should be to magnify the grace of God. In adverting more particularly to his character, sentiments, and preaching, a few words will suffice. Humility was the habitual, not the occasional temper of his mind. He was little in his own eyes, and candid in his judgment of others. Pride and censoriousness are companions. Those who bow at the shrine of their own ideal greatness, are most disposed to overlook and underrate the virtues of their associates; thinking themselves righteous and

despising others; while lowliness not omit to enforce the duties and of mind creates and nurtures gen- obligations either of the saint or tleness, kindness, and love. To sinner. He felt no hesitation in the absence of this "meek and affirming, that while the sinner was quiet spirit" must be traced the unable of himself to believe, it was envy, and strife, and contention an inability of the will, and therewhich too often appear in our fore not only inexcusable, but churches. Individuals determined deeply criminal. Christ, and him to have their own way, regardless crucified, were his principal theme; of the wishes and comfort of here he felt himself quite at home: others, will be troublers in Israel. to exalt the Saviour, to magnify The church at Road has long been the cross, to humble the sinner, characterized for its union, and and to save souls, were the chief this, in part, must be attributed to end of his ministerial exertions; the humble and peaceable dispo- nor did he labour in vain in the sition of its pastor. Lord. Not having had the advanIt has already been observed, tage either of private or public that devotion was the element in instruction, in reference to the which he seemed to live, and move, ministry, it is not to be expected and have his being. One of his he excelled in composition or elofamily, speaking of him, says--cution; he was, however, in the "My father's attachment to the habit of writing much. Nor did house of God was uniform, and his devotions in the family on a Sabbath morning seemed to flow with an unction which increased with the engagements and duties of the day. The holy cheerfulness with which his countenance was lighted up at meeting, and his greetings of christian friends whom he had not seen during the week, on account of distance, I shall never forget, while memory can do its office." There was also au unction, a variety, a fervency, and a copiousness in his prayers, which rendered them singularly edifying; and it was doubtless for this reason he was so frequently chosen to take the general prayer at ministers' meetings and at the Associations.

As a preacher he was doctrinal, lively, energetic, and frequently in his addresses to the conscience, pointed and alarming. His creed was moderate Calvinism. Strenuously he supported the doctrines of grace, and by the prominent exhibition of them, it was his aim to feed the flock of God; but he did

he present to the Lord what cost him nothing. With a mind vigorous and active, and a life devoted and holy, he was enabled to do much for the cause of his Redeemer; or as he would doubtless have expressed it, "not I, but the grace of God which was with me." Constitutionally reserved, he did not appear to that advantage in his pastoral visits, nor so easy and free in his communications with his people, as he was zealous and active in his public labours. Human excellency has its limits, and must be described in measured language. Mr. Heighton had his imperfections, which none more lamented than himself; but even his failings leaned to virtue's side. A resident in the village for fortyone years, his consistent conduct had procured him general respect. When he was laid aside by illness, the clergyman (to the credit of his liberality,) kindly sent to say, any thing his house could supply should be at his service. By the people of his charge he was esteemed and revered, being usually

designated Father Heighton. By the young he was particularly regarded. To them he had paid the kindest attention, and in his prayers and sermons they were the objects of his special solicitude. In his latter moments, the pains of death were soothed by the promptitude and kindness by which, in their turn, they took their station in his sick and dying chamber. He left an aged widow to mourn his removal, but not long did she wear the garments of widowhood, for she also this last April received her summons to quit this house of her pilgrimage. And are not we tending to the tomb? Whatsoever our hand findeth to do, let us do it with all our might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither we are going.

W. G.

ABSTRACT OF A SERMON IN AID OF
THE BAPTIST MISSION, PREACHED
AT SURREY CHAPEL, LONDON, JUNE
18, 1828, BY REV. I. BIRT.

EPHESIANS, ii. 22.

"IN whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the spirit.”

suitable and striking representatious of the church, as in our text it is exhibited under the idea of a building. v. 13.

In attending to this representation we will

I. Notice the materials of this building.

II. Attend to the foundation or plan of the edifice.

III. Regard the instruments, means or agency by which the building is conducted.

IV. Consider its design and end.

I. The materials of this building may be considered in their nature, variety, number, circumstances and worth.

1. In their nature they are of the highest order, human and angelic. However distinct these may at first appear, they have many things in common, and they are expressly associated in the church of God. Every one that is introduced to the church comes unto Mount Sion. See Heb. xii. 22, 23. It is in the church that God gathers together in one all things, both which are in heaven or on earth, chap. i. 10. And it is of Christ its head that the whole family in heaven and earth is named. Chap. iii. 45.

age, nation, kindred, or tongue; and all the angelic thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers. Col. i. 16.

The principles of the gospel mi- 2. The variety is exceedingly nistry in all its departments-whe-great, it includes men of all dether stationary or itinerant, pastoral scriptions, and angels of all orders. or missionary, are:-1. The uni-Rev. vii. 9-12. Men of every versal apostasy of mankind from God. 2. The mediatorial offices, work and reign of our Lord Jesus Christ. 3. That by the ministry of the gospel, under divine influ- 3. The number is beyond all ence, the church is gathered toge-calculation. Of men, a multitude ther to him out of the world, rescued that no man can number; and all from the wrath to come, or con- the angels, including probably all ducted through grace to eternal holy and blessed intelligences, glory. through the whole creation.

To illustrate these principles aud to enforce them on our regard, the Holy Scriptures employ many

4. Their circumstances are very diverse. The angels are all prepared and meet for the building,

whilst men are altogether unsuit- 3. The edifice takes its whole able. They are scattered like trees plan and dimensions from him. in the forest, rough and unhewn All the lines are drawn from the like stones in the quarry, unpre- corner stone, and it is thus fitly pared like ore in the mine. framed together.

5. The value of these materials infinitely surpasses all calculation or estimate. Who can set a value on this accumulation and extent of mind and feeling, and these existing in their vast duration? But

4. His excellences constitute the beauties of the edifice. He is not only the corner stone at the foundation, but also the chief stone of the corner in the edifice. He will be glorified in his saints, and admired in all them that believe. But

III. By what instrumentality, means, and agency, is this building erected? It is a work of the greatest magnitude.

1. The scale on which it is conducted is most extensive. In all parts of the earth, and also in the heavens, it requires a general presence.

II. On what foundation are these materials built, and what is the plan of the edifice? In this we look for correspondence and sufficiency, and our attention is immediately directed to our Lord Jesus Christ, as the chief corner stone, agreeable to Isaiah xxviii. 16."Thus saith the Lord God, behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation." 2. It is a most arduous work. 1. This leads us to contemplate To collect, transform, adjust, unite, our Lord in his infinite perfections, require infinite and creative abiliand in the immutability of his na- ties. ture. The human and the angelic natures have both been tried, and the experiments have equally failed. But here is one able to sustain the persons and interests of such un-phets, apostles, pastors and teachnumbered millions. Well may we credit the apostle, when he says, "In him dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily," Col. ii. 9; and that he is the same yesterday, day, and for ever.

3. The period employed in its erection, all the ages of time, requires-a perpetual being.

In this work, patriarchs, pro

ers have been engaged; angels have been united with them, but they have acted merely as servants, and have been employed as instruto-ments. Stupendous providences have occurred to further this work, but these have been only means. This work has commenced, is now carried on, and will be completed through the Spirit. He is the presiding, effective, continual, and adequate agent. His universal presence, his almighty energies, his holy and eternal nature, render him the all-sufficient agent for per

The materials not only rest on him, but they are all united in him. He is the corner stone. In his person, relations and engagements all are united. He has united himself to our nature in a manner the most intimate, and he is the head of all principality and power. Col. ii. 10. 2. In his mediatorial engage-fecting this great work. ments he is the reconciler of men to himself, and in him to God, to angels, and to each other. The middle wall of partition is extensively broken down.

IV. We now direct our attention to the design of this building. It is for an habitation of God. This is the tabernacle, the temple, the Zion, where he will rest for