plainly manifested a broken and disordered state of mind to those around me, especially at times, though not entirely insane. At length I fell into a lethargy, or dozing sleep, from which to arouse me for the space of two minutes at a time, during ten days, all the efforts of my physicians and friends proved in vain. While in this state I talked much, but it was for the most part wild and incoherent. What was something remarkable, I often intimated in my talk, that I believed myself dead.”

From this attack, by which he was kept for some weeks on the verge of the grave, he slowly recovered so far as to be able to ride and walk, though still too feeble to make any considerable intellectual or bodily exertion. Of course he did not resume his studies at college; though he received the degree of bachelor of arts in August, 1817, a year subsequent to the graduation of his class. During this year he devoted his time wholly to relaxation and gentle exercise, with the hope of regaining his health. For a while he was able to converse only in a whisper, and incapable even of reading, though he could listen to the reading of others, and availed himself of this privilege as often as circumstances would permit. He did indeed attempt to teach a school in South Reading during the following winter, but the effort for only a few weeks wellnigh proved fatal. He was compelled to relinquish his school, and for some time was confined to his bed by a dangerous sickness. He again devoted himself to relaxation and exercise till November, 1816, when, with health far from firm, he entered the Theological Seminary at Andover, where he found himself still incapable of sustaining any considerable degree of mental effort. He was then unable so much as to lead in meetings for prayer, and could walk a short distance only without difficulty. Continued reading, attention to lectures, or close application to any subject, caused a nervous excitement, which was often

painful, and prevented digestion, sleep, and all ease of body or mind.

In such trying circumstances, he maintained his original resolution firmly-to "do what he could, to make his influence felt over a dying world." Gladly would he have devoted his life to the toils and sacrifices and sorrows of a foreign missionary; and once, probably at this time, had it in serious contemplation to do so; and would doubtless have done it, but for the strong arm of God thus laid upon him, confining him to a sphere of action better suited to his calm and gentle spirit.

CHAPTER III.

GOES TO ANDOVER-EMPLOYMENT OF HIS TIME THEREUNITES WITH THE CHURCH HIS RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE-MODE OF SPENDING VACATIONS-APPOINTMENT AT BOWDOIN COLLEGE-TACT AT GOVERNMENT AND INSTRUCTION-PROMPTNESS IN REPROOF-CHRISTIAN FIDELITY-LICENSED TO PREACH-LABORS AT TOPSHAMLETTER TO HIS SISTER-TO MR. J. H.

AT Andover, he found not only able and faithful instructors, but affectionate and sympathizing friends among his fellow students. It was a holy and delightful atmosphere which surrounded him there, well adapted to soothe and refresh a spirit almost crushed by disappointments and physical infirmities. Every indulgence demanded by feeble health was of course yielded to him, and every facility to the acquisition of the knowledge he sought, was furnished by the congenial spirits with whom he was now associated.

We are not in possession of documents that furnish the details of his employments, or of the joys and sorrows to which his heart was no stranger in these circumstances; but we have abundant testimony that he was spiritually minded-always intent on doing good, even when prevented from studies that he loved as the means of future

eminence among the servants of Christ. Close attention to all the ordinary duties of the institution was out of the question; but those duties that fell within the compass of his remaining strength, were discharged with the most scrupulous fidelity. He could listen to the lectures of the several professors, and retain their instruction; he could converse familiarly and freely with his fellow students, and maintain well his part in their deliberative discussions: but deep study, continuous reading, and written disquisitions, imposed a tax on the mental energies which his physical powers could not endure.

But even in these circumstances he did not live uselessly to himself nor to others. To produce holy impressions on those around him was an object ever before him. If he met with his brethren, he endeavored to promote their growth in grace, to increase the spirituality and fervency of their devotions, to quicken their invention of the means of usefulness, and to forward any plans of welldoing which they had already devised. Or, if any where he met with those who were living without God and without hope in the world, he ever had "a word in season to arrest their attention and direct their thoughts to the Lamb of God. Rarely did they escape from his presence without solemn admonition, couched in terms that could not offend, and yet so plain and pointed as to become like the nail fastened in a sure place by the great Master of assemblies. Indeed, who ever left him without receiving some appropriate and tender exhortation from his lips, and without forming some new resolutions of obedience to Christ!

The memorandums left among his papers, relating to this period, are few and brief. Under date of February 23, 1817, he writes:

"If God should give me health, I determine upon the accomplishment of two objects next vacation. One is, to

persuade Mrs. H. and perhaps others, to contribute a sum sufficient to support at least one heathen child. The other is, to establish a catechetical school at C., and instruct it during vacation."

About this time he felt constrained to delay no longer the public acknowledgment of his obligations to Christ, and resolved to fulfil the dying injunction of his Saviour, "Do this in remembrance of me." Some of his exercises on this occasion are recorded.

"Andover Theological Seminary, March 2, 1817. This day I have united myself with the church of God. O my soul, thou hast cause for the deepest repentance and humiliation before God. During five and twenty years thou hast been living upon mercies purchased by the blood of Jesus, but till this day hast refused to confess him before men-to celebrate his dying love. Oh what ingratitude! what crimson guilt! But the mercies of thy Saviour are a boundless ocean; his blood cleanseth from all sin. Here is my only hope. Arise, O my soul, and cast all thy burdens on thy dear Redeemer, who is willing to sustain them; and remember, O my soul! ever remember, that he to whom much is forgiven should love also much. Now the vows of God are upon me; I cannot go back. nant with Jehovah, in the presence of men and of angels, and in the presence of that omniscient Being, who searches the heart. I have promised, through his grace assisting me, to be his and only his, for time and eternity. I cannot go back. No, not so long as God and my soul shall exist. The great transaction is past, and sealed forever. The recording angel has written down the conditions of this covenant in the records of heaven, forever to remain before God. O Lord, enter into covenant with the

I have entered into cove

what am I, that I should Lord of hosts! Blessed