desire to " Janeway's Token for Children," which he was wont to peruse in his younger years. He was the child of many prayers; saw religion exhibited daily in its most inviting forms; and thus prepared to receive the permanent impress of Christian truth, he was awakened to a vivid consciousness of eternal things, under a discourse preached at Chester, by the late Rev. William Thorpe, of Bristol, who at that early period of his history paid a visit to his native city.

Mr. Fletcher was now in his tenth year, animated, energetic, and full of hope; but happily under the powerful control of those hallowed influences of Divine grace, which laid the basis of his future character, and which prepared the way for the eminence and usefulness to which he afterwards attained. To say that he was attractive and intelligent among his youthful companions, would be to underrate the real facts of the case-he was the master-spirit of the little circle which he enlivened and adorned, and exhibited indubitable signs of that mental vigour and perspicacity by which he was permanently distinguished.

He received the elements of a sound classical education under teachers eminent for their scholastic attainments; and made such rapid progress in Latin, Greek, and other departments of useful knowledge, as might well have proclaimed his fitness for some of the learned professions. Meanwhile, however, he was destined to follow the occupation of his revered father, as a clock and watchmaker; and with this object in view, he was removed from school at the age of fifteen, and entered on his apprenticeship in 1799.

As might have been anticipated, his mental powers were not to be permanently employed in the mere toils of an ingenious handicraft; though in practical mechanics he showed no mean proficiency, and would doubtless have been a discoverer in his department, had Providence intended him to prosecute the science to which he devoted three or four of his early years.

We regret not that he thus became acquainted with the forms of business in a large city. Observation convinces us that ministers are in general best qualified for the sacred office, who have acquired that practical knowledge of men and things, to which a few years in mercantile life furnishes an easy introduction. It was not a love of change, nor an inaptitude for the occupation to which he had devoted himself, which led Mr. Fletcher to relinquish his early calling; but powerful convictions of duty and conscience, rendered imperative by the palpable intimations of Divine Providence. As his feelings of personal religion grew, he became powerfully moved by the desire of more extended usefulness to his fellow-creatures; and though, for a season, the shrinking modesty of his nature, added to the awfulness of the pastoral function, held him back from an actual surrender of himself to the work of the ministry, yet it became every day more manifest to his friends that this would be his ultimate destination.

In 1801, at the age of seventeen, he made a public profession of his faith in Christ, and was received into the fellowship of the Congregational church assembling in Queen-street Chapel, Chester, where he will be long remembered by those of his own standing for the sweet promise of his early piety and zeal, and where he devoted himself to those labours of love which were no incongruous preparation for the pursuits of a theological student.

About this period, Hoxton Academy (now Highbury College) was rising rapidly in public esteem, under the fostering care of Dr. Simpson and its late devoted Treasurer. In 1803, in the month of May, application was made for Mr. Fletcher's admission into this valuable institution, to which the Congregational churches of England are so deeply indebted; and in the month of August following he became an accredited inmate of the Establishment.

In his new sphere he speedily

evinced talents and energies of a marked and elevated character. Quickness of perception, elegance of thought, and accuracy of composition,-added to most gentlemanly habits, friendly dispositions, and correct deportment, were his characteristics as a theological student.

He was esteemed by all; and formed, while in college, some of those happy fellowships, which were only suspended in death, to be renewed in that blessed world where sanctified friendship will be cemented in eternal love.

In 1804, Mr. Fletcher, anxious to enjoy the benefits of a university curriculum, and having obtained, for classical merit, one of the late Dr. Williams's exhibitions, proceeded, with others, to Glasgow College, where, under its then distinguished Professors, he prosecuted his studies with an assi duity and success, for three successive sessions, which raised him to the first rank among the young men of his standing, and, on his return to England, fixed his reputation as a respectable scholar, and an accomplished and popular divine. Speaking of this period of our lamented friend's career, and classing him with other honoured associates, Dr. Wardlaw observes, "For the three successive sessions during which these three associates pursued their studies together at Glasgow College, and pursued them with high credit to themselves, as the subsequent career of each, as well as the testi monials of eminence at the time, sufficiently evinces,-they frequented our house with the intimacy of brothers; and the friendship then formed with the lamented dead continued, with unabated and uninterrupted stedfastness and fervour, from that time to the day of his death."*

Before Mr. Fletcher had terminated his studies at Glasgow, he received the call of the Congregational church at Blackburn, Lancashire; and, at the early age of twenty-three, was ordained "The Final Triumph of God's faithful Servants," &c. p. 38.

to the pastoral office, on the 16th July, 1807, two months only after his return from Scotland. His settlement in Lancashire was hailed by his brethren throughout the County, and by none more cordially than the late venerable Mr. Roby, of Manchester, who acted to him like a father, and regarded him as a real accession to the talent, learning, and piety, of the denomination in that part of the kingdom. Here, in the year following his settlement in the pastoral charge, on the 20th Dec., 1808, Mr. Fletcher was united in marriage to Miss France, a native of Blackburn, and a member of his own church, and a lady, moreover, who, by a happy combination of estimable qualities, was fitted to be the friend of his heart, the companion and solace of his daily walk; and who, for the space of thirty-six years, has proved herself a devoted wife, and a gentle and watchful mother. We mingle our tears with her's, while we reflect on the sad loss she has sustained,-a loss which the God of love can alone repair.

In Blackburn, and throughout Lancashire, Mr. Fletcher's ministry was acceptable and popular in a high degree. He drew around him a large and prosperous congregation and church, and became the instrument of lasting benefit to multitudes of his fellowcreatures. Here, in a district largely imbued with the spirit of popery, he was induced to study with close attention the Roman Catholic controversy, and to prepare those Lectures for the press, which, from that time to the present, have been regarded by all competent judges as a standard defence of Protestant principles.

Here, too, he became the resident and theological tutor of Blackburn Academy (now Lancashire Independent College), and for many years efficiently discharged the duties connected with that responsible office, and sent forth many youthful pastors, who have well sustained the reputation of their accomplished Instructer.

It

From the distinguished position occupied by Mr. Fletcher in the town of Blackburn, and in the county of Lancaster generally, it might have appeared desirable that he should have finished his course where it had been so auspiciously commenced; but Divine Providence had otherwise determined. was not unreasonable, perhaps, that such a man, after labouring so long in a provincial town, should be disposed, if a fair opportunity offered, to cast himself upon the tide of this vast metropolis. In 1823, such an opportunity presented itself. After a residence for sixteen years in Blackburn, he then received an invitation from the Congregational church at Stepney to become their pastor, which, upon mature reflection and prayer, he accepted, and which he had no reason at any future period to regret. He did not come to London as a stranger, but as one who had acquired a settled reputation, and who was well known by his periodical visits, as a preacher of the first rank. He was heartily welcomed by his brethren in the metropolis, as well as by his new flock at Stepney. But here, perhaps, it may be proper to observe, that he fell into the too common mistake of ardent and devoted minds, viz., that of suffering his mental and physical powers to be overtaxed, by the incessant demands made in great cities upon men of decided power. twelve or fourteen years, our lamented friend was doing the work of two or three men of ordinary energy. And, with the labour,-the almost fastidious labour, which he was wont to bestow upon his pulpit exercises, he became the victim of certain constitutional maladies; insidious, indeed, in their first approaches, but fatal in their result. But we dare not censure our friend for his willingness to serve his God and his generation. He was ever ready, at what he regarded to be the call of duty, either to advocate a great and popular object, or to officiate in a village chapel. Had he been more sparing of his resources, his life might

For

have been prolonged for a season; but it may well be questioned whether he would have effected a greater amount of real good.

In the year 1831, Mr. Fletcher had the degree of D.D. conferred on him by the University of Glasgow, his alma mater, and few men have worn this honour more gracefully than he did.

For some years past, his health was rapidly declining; and though there was a rallying power in his constitution which threw off disease with wonderful ease, it was but too obvious to calm observers, that his days were numbered, and that his work was nearly done. The attacks from which he suffered were so acute and painful, that they exhausted the vital energy; while his anxiety to preserve his standing in the work to which his heart so fervently clung either retarded his recovery or brought back the paroxysms of pain. The fondest persuasions of domestic love could not at all times prevail upon him to abstain from efforts to which he had become unequal. To the last he clung to his ministry, and to his flock. The full current of his thoughts continued to roll onward in their accustomed channel. He retained all the sympathies of “a good minister of Jesus Christ" to the closing scene of existSince last Christmas, it was obvious to all that he was fast sinking into the grave. In April he repaired, with his beloved partner, to the Rev. Joseph France's, at Ham, where it was hoped that change of air and scene might be beneficial. hope was delusive! he was seized with alarming attacks, and was with difficulty removed, on the 1st of May, to his own home, never again to quit it, till his mortal remains were conveyed to the silent tomb. On the following day, he sat up in his study, with great pain to himself, for a few hours, and then retired for ever from an apartment which had been, for many years, the sanctuary of his thoughts," the house of God, and the gate of heaven" to his soul.

ence.

But, alas! the In a short time one of his most

His last illness had now commenced; though the lamp of life continued to burn faintly for the space of five weeks. His sufferings were great, and hope of recovery had ceased. All that medical skill could effect was rendered, with the assiduity which only friendship can exert. "Memory," observes Dr. Wardlaw, in his funeral discourse, now loves to dwell upon the patience and gentleness, and the calm resignation, and the mental peace, and the triumphant faith and piety of the dear sufferer, rather than upon that which then was so distressing.

66

The chamber where the good man meets his fate

Is privileged beyond the common walk of life, Quite on the verge of heaven!"*

Amidst bodily sufferings, sufficient to appal the stoutest heart, the mind of our departed friend was kept "in perfect peace." The utterances which fell from his lips, whether in prayer, or praise, or devout observation, all savoured of a mind emancipated from earth, and filled with heavenly aspiration. did he repeat those touching and appropriate lines

"Yet a season, and we know

Happy entrance shall be given,
All our sorrows left below,

And earth exchanged for heaven."

Often

Once his beloved daughter gently asked him if he wanted anything? His reply was, "There wants nothing, my dear girl, but more conformity to the mind and will of our best Friend."

That his views of affliction were the reverse of gloomy, was rendered obvious by the following striking remarks: "He has put that," said he, "into the cup of affliction which enables us to enjoy it ;" and, after a short pause, “He has taken away all the gall, and all the bitterness, and has given us all the sweetness and all the excellency."

On one occasion, when obviously in deep thought, he exclaimed, emphatically: "It is a great thing to be habitually right!"

*P. 41.

He seemed to triumph in the thought of the resurrection-body, and, in an energetic tone, quoted the words of Paul to the Philippians : "Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his own glorious body," &c.

On his last earthly sabbath he observed, "I wonder what my Lord's will is; it may be for life, or it may be for death. I wish I were away!" and, soon after, "I shall be with my Lord this day!"

He felt great consolation in hearing of the united prayers of his flock on his behalf; and though he seldom prayed audibly for himself, he often did so for his family, and for the universal triumph of Christ's gospel. Once, referring to his beloved children, he supplicated: "The Lord bless them, preserve them, guide them, comfort them. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am."

Being asked by his dear wife if he was afraid of death, he replied, Oh, no; I know in whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him until that day."

Expressing some anxiety about his family, Mrs. Fletcher said, "The Lord will provide for us." He replied, emphatically and confidently, "He WILL."

His interviews with his friends, and particularly with Mr. Hankey, Mr. Garman, (his medical attendant,) and Dr. Burder, were all very touching, and evinced the firmness of his faith, and the calm undisturbed tranquillity of his hope. After the last-named friend and college companion had prayed with him, he faintly remarked, As one whom his brother comforteth!" and, in seeing him retire, he quoted the expressive lines

"One there is above all others,

Best deserves the name of friend;
His is love beyond a brother's,
Costly, free, and knows no end."

In a great agony of suffering, but a short period before he entered into

glorious rest, he poured out the following tender and importunate prayer : "O Christ, forgive me! Immaculate Jesus, help me!" On the night before his decease, the storm of bodily anguish had subsided; and on his daughter asking him if he were in much pain, he softly whispered, "No!" which was the last expression that fell from his mortal lips.

On Thursday morning, the 8th June, his spirit fled peacefully, as on angel's wings, into the bosom of his Lord. He fell asleep in the 59th year of his age, and the 36th of his ministry.

Such a death was suitable to the life of one who had proved himself willing "to spend and be spent for Christ." It was deeply instructive to his beloved family, edifying to his attached flock, and animating to the faith and hope of the Christian church. Through the dark cloud of his sufferings, he was enabled ever to look upon the smiling countenance of a reconciled God and Father in Christ Jesus.

Dr. Fletcher's interment took place on the 16th June, at Abney Park Cemetery, and presented a scene of undissembled grief on the part of many hundreds of spectators. The funeral services were conducted at Stepney Meeting-house, and at the place of sepulture, by the Rev. J. A. James, the Rev. Dr. Burder, the Rev. G. Smith, the Rev. W. Walford, and the Rev. Dr. J. P. Smith.

On Lord's day, the 18th June, the funeral discourse was preached by the Rev. Dr. Wardlaw, of Glasgow, to a crowded and weeping auditory, from the pulpit of the deceased. For the preceding sketch we are greatly indebted to the Doctor's sermon, which we are happy to see in print, and which, we doubt not, will realize that extensive circulation to which its merits so richly entitle it. It was a happy effort, on the part of one who rarely fails to meet the expectations of the public. Eloquent and impressive

throughout, it breathes the spirit of fervent and sanctified friendship—nothing cold, nothing reserved, and nothing unduly eulogistic.

It may be expected, perhaps, in closing this imperfect narrative, that we should attempt something like a faint portraiture of our departed friend. But we are tremblingly alive to the difficulty of doing justice to his many and rare qualities. The symmetry of Dr. Fletcher's mind appeared to us to be its prominent and distinguishing characteristic. His judgment was sober and accurate, without a particle of coldness or torpor; and his fancy was lively and excursive, without any approach to extravagance. He possessed, in an eminent degree, the power of sound logical induction; but he never forgot the relation in which every moral and religious appeal stands to the affections and consciences of accountable beings. There was great nicety often in his discriminations, but they were those rather of the Christian teacher than of the mere metaphysician. His addresses from the pulpit were truly commanding; and had they been less refined and precise in phraseology, they would have been more penetrating. His theology was based on a decidedly scriptural model, and it was so well adjusted and harmonized, that it never exhibited symptoms of self-contradiction and inconsistency. He was a faithful preacher of the cross of Christ, and knew well the avenues to the human conscience. As a man, a minister, a Christian, he was an individual whom most could admire, and few comparatively could censure. How rarely are such men to be found! God grant that the church in our day may be blessed with many such! May his bereaved family be sustained in the hour of their deep sorrow; and may his flock be blessed with a shepherd, who shall lead them into the green pastures which Christ has prepared for them!