even some of his enemies, were touched with compassion; for, besides the shocking spectacle of such cruel sufferings, the Doctor was then in the vigour of life, and though of low stature, had a fair complexion and engaging countenance; and above all, was eminent by his office, his learning, and his piety. He lay in prison more than ten years; and every day during that long period was to him a day of trial, but likewise of heavenly support and consolation.

This martyr, for such he was in spirit and in sufferings, presented a petition for release to the Long Parliament, so affecting that the house was dissolved in tears, and so reasonable that they unanimously agreed to set him at liberty. His close and tedious confinement, however, had destroyed his health, and gradually brought him to the grave. Yet, he was never heard to speak of his persecutors but in terms of compassion and forgiveness.

Dr. Alexander Leighton had three children, who attained maturity; two sons, and a daughter. Robert, the subject of this memoir, was the eldest son; and was born at London, in the year 1613. After being instructed in the

common parts of education, and initiated into the higher branches, he was sent to the University of Edinburgh. He was pious from his youth; early indicated considerable talents, as well as a strong desire to serve God in the sacred ministry; and his studies were directed with that important view. He soon commanded the admiration of his fellow students by his quick progress in the mathematics and philosophy, and by his familiar acquaintance with the learned languages; while he gained their esteem by the gentleness of his temper, and the prudence of his conduct. Never was the wisdom of the serpent more happily blended with the simplicity of the dove, and the innocence of the lamb.

Young Leighton being about seventeen years of age at the time of his father's undergoing the cruel sentence of the Star Chamber, it is likely that he was then in Scotland; nor does he appear to have been in England during any part of the period when his father was imprisoned. Having finished his academical course with great success and applause, he was sent abroad, and lived several years in France; particularly at Doway, where some of his relations resided. Being an excellent Latin scholar, he

soon acquired the French language, and could speak it almost with the fluency and accent of a native.

Our author early imbibed a strong aversion to prelacy, and to the tyranny which the leaders in the Church of England practised; aversion doubtless greatly heightened by the sufferings of his father; who, as we have seen, was a conscientious, zealous, and persecuted puritan. The son, accordingly, on his return to Britain, attached himself to the Church of Scotland, which was strictly formed on the Presbyterian model; and having been unanimously called by the congregation of Newbottle, near Edinburgh, and passing through the usual course of trial for the ministry to the great satisfaction of his judges, he was ordained there, about the 30th year of his age.

No particular account is preserved of his early life, of the time or manner of his conversion, of his habits and mode of study; and various other things, which might both gratify curiosity, and furnish profitable instruction. This is the less to be wondered at, when we consider the public confusions which then prevailed; and the less to be regretted, that few incidents in the life of our Saviour are specified

till he entered on his public ministry. We only learn the grand outlines, that he encreased in wisdom and knowledge, in favour with God and man; that he frequented the temple, and was subject to his parents. Fond of retirement, devoted to study, naturally reserved, Leighton, it is probable was scarcely known, except by name, and among chosen friends, till Providence called him to be a minister of the New Testament. His uncommon capacity, however, his extensive attainments in classical and theological knowledge, and his piety, are evident from the high approbation of those ministers who tried his talents and his godli

ness.

Our author remained at Newbottle several years; and proved himself to be a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. He was most assiduous in discharging the various duties of his office. His preparation for the pulpit was very exact. He diligently visited the poor, the sick, and the afflicted, of his flock; and promoted personal, domestic, social, and public religion, to the utmost of his power, by precept, example, and many prayers. This faithful minister of Christ lived in a plain and retired manner; had an utter aversion to mixed company; was ex

tremely cautious in the choice of his friends; and was never happier than when engaged in the duties of his office, or in his closet, storing his capacious mind with sacred knowledge, communing with his own heart, and praying to his God.

The mind of our author was not fitted for bustle and strife. Partly from timidity and modesty, partly from inclination for peace perhaps excessive, he seldom attended meetings of the presbytery, or of ministers and elders from neighbouring congregations. He was, however, occasionally present; and it being the custom for the presbytery to inquire of the several brethren, twice a year, "Whether they preached to the times?" Leighton when thus interrogated, acknowledged his omission, and apologised for it, saying, "If all the brethren have preached to the times, may not one poor brother be suffered to preach on eternity?" An answer which discovered fervent piety, rather than scriptural zeal; as the iniquities, the duties, and the signs of the times, should be faithfully proclaimed by every watchman on the walls of spiritual Jerusalem. If the brethren went to one extreme in dwelling too much on public topics; Leighton verged towards the other, in scarcely touching them. But those