time, he had united himself to the Church of Christ in this town. After he became a hopeful subject of divine grace, on the day of his arriving at the age of 21, he began a diary, which he always kept, while he was able to write. In the year 1785, he was elected a deacon in this Church,* an office which he sustained until he had finished his earthly course. In the remains of Dr. Coleman, we recognize the affectionate companion, the indulgent parent, the worthy citizen, the respectable physician, and an ornament to the Church of Christ. But death has dissolved all these relations--he is no more the husband, the father, or the friend. His work on earth is finished. May we not suppose that, if he now could address us, he would say, "For me to live was Christ, but to die is gain"?

You will indulge me a few moments, while I very briefly notice some of the most prominent traits in bis religious character.

1st. In doctrine he was pure. His religion was of that genuine kind, which is founded on principle. He judged that a right belief was essential to a right practice. He adopted those articles of faith, which, by way of distinction, are denominated the doctrines of the Reformation. That "form of sound words," which he held fast, contained the Trinity in Unity, the sovereignty of God, the entire depravity of man, the necessity of divine influence to renew the heart, justification by faith in Christ, and the final perseverance of saints. These truths, he believed and loved. He felt their influence on his own heart, and deemed them to be of essential importance to others.

2dly. He sought to evince to the world the practical use of these doctrines, by his general deportment. Though he was by no means perfect, yet his great object was to live religion---to adorn the Christian profession--to recommend the Gospel, and to ex

* Amherst.

hibit to the world, by his example, what was the influence of truth on practice. How far he obtainedhis object, the recollection of his example will best prove. Much of his good may be evil spoken of, by the enemies of the cross; for this Christians are tʊ expect, while they live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation; but his general conduct was such as to show, that for him to live was Christ.

3dly. He was a man of prayer. He had great confidence in the efficacy of prayer, and he lived accordingly. No doubt is entertained by those who knew him best, but that he daily remembered his Saviour's injunction, "Enter thy closet, and pray to thy Father, who seeth in secret." His practice in his family, gave full demonstration, that he had resolved, like Joshua of old, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

4thly. He was faithful in giving religious instruction to his household. Their eternal salvation was his chief concern. He, indeed, watched for their souls. He opened to them the Scriptures, taught them the things of Christ, and then commended them to the grace of God. In this most reasonable service, he laboured not in vain. He had the satisfaction to see all of them, with their connexions, joining themselves to the household of faith, and one of them going forth in Christ's stead, beseeching sinners to become reconciled unto God.

5thly. He greatly delighted in the prosperity of Zion. He knew that the Gospel was the power of God to salvation. And he ardently desired to see it spread in the world, and make its triumph over the wickedness, the superstition, and the idolatry of mankind. Good news concerning its progress at home and abroad, was as refreshing to his heart, as the shadow of a great rock to a traveller in a weary land. He rejoiced at the success God had given to

Missionary efforts, and in the effusions of his Spirit to revive his cause. He felt it to be his happiness to hear of the goings of Christ in these days of Divine ingathering, to redeem Zion and to seal His chosen. With peculiar interest and satisfaction, he beheld the late revival of religion among us. And we

trust, that after having enjoyed this spiritual harvest on earth, he has been gathered by the Lord of the harvest, to the heavenly garner, where he has brought his sheaf rejoicing.

Finally, the religion which, he embraced and loved, furnished him with support when the time of his departure drew near. He seemed ready to be offered. Calm and resigned, he patiently waited for the coming of his Lord. It was an expression he often used in his last days, that when he closed his eyes to sleep, it was of no concern to him, in which world he awoke. With this submission, and supporting hope, he fell asleep on Monday last, to awake in this world no more. Thus he believed, thus he lived, and thus he died May we not say, For him to live was Christ, but to die is gain?

Permit me, before I close, to make an address to Mourners and others.

It is a source of unspeakable consolation to survivors, to hope death is gain to their departed friends. Such a source of consolation is afforded you. Madam, who are now weeping over a departed husband. You will now recollect how sweet the counsel was, you often took together, and how long you came to this house of God in company. But death has closed these scenes. You mourn, but not without good hope, that what is lost to you, is infinite gain to him. Let this hope alleviate your sorrows, and compose your thoughts to peace. If for him to live was Christ, let it be your life also. Then, very shortly, your earthly pilgrimage will be ended-your trials be over

--your afflictions terminated, and your death a gain. Let not your soul be disquieted within you, but hope in God. He wounds, and he heals. He afflicts, and he consoles. To Him, therefore, we most cordially cominend you. Cast your heavy burdens on the Lord; he shall maintuin you. He styles himself the widow's God. Is not this enough to hush every rising murmur, and to wipe away every tear? Let the remnant of your days be spent in the service of God, and in watching for the coming of the Son of man. And may all your afflictions work out for you, an eternal weight of glory. Thus to die, will be your everlasting gain.

We will address a few words to the Children. Long have you enjoyed the counsel, the Christian example, and the prayers of him whose death you now lament. Peculiarly happy with him as a kind parent, you were blessed in him as a religious monitor. Next to Christ, perhaps you are most indebted to him for that hope of salvation, which you now entertain. He wrestled with God for you, and we trust he prevailed. He would often say, I have no greater joy than to see my children walking in the truth. You well remember that happy, but solemn day, when, at three score years and ten, you were all together around him, and he, like the pious patriarch Jacob, gave you each an address and blessing. But his voice is silent; his counsel you will hear no more; his prayers are ended. Let his counsel, his example, and his prayers, long live in your remembrance. Though dead, may he yet speak to you. So far as for him to live was Christ, so far you are bound to walk in his steps. You confidently believe, that it was gain to him to die. Enquire whether it would be gain to you? Are you now prepared for death? If judgment were now to begin, could you leave the world without regret, and lift up your heads with joy, because your eternal redemption

draws nigh? If the Judge should now appear, and ask what has been your life, could you reply, that for us to live has been Christ? If so, then continue this Christian life; and when the time of your departure shall arrive, to die will be infinite gain. My brethren of this Church; one of your number has now gone the way of all the earth. For many years the deceased was not only a member, but an officer, in the Church. His name is for a praise among you. Long did he distribute to you the memorials of a Saviour's death. But we trust he has gone to the General Assembly of the Church in heaven, where he will no more need elements to remind him of his Saviour, but where he will see him as he is, and be ever in his presence. None of you will continue, by reason of death. Let it be your care to live for Christ. When seats

in the Church are made vacant, by deaths, pray that others may come and occupy their places, that Christ's house may be filled. Honour your profession by a holy walk with God; then, when ye fail, Christ will receive you into His everlasting habitations of rest and praise. Then to die will be your gain.

To close all; are there not some present in this Assembly, of whom it cannot be said, for them to live is Christ? If, my fellow-mortals, such be your condition; if Christ is not your Saviour; and for you to live is not Christ, but sin; a miserable end awaits you. At death you will suffer the loss of all things. Torn from your pleasurable pursuits, and from all you hold dear on earth, having made this world your all, there can be nothing in eternity for you to prize. Having no part with Christ below, you cannot receive Him as a portion above: But must be cast out as unprofitable servants, and for ever remain poor and destitute; having nothing to