ing any occurrence unworthy of his attention. A little fire, according to St. James, may kindle a great matter.

Reading was, through life, a favourite recreation of Bishop Dehon. His active duties would often prevent his being in his study until the evening, and there he would be tempted to remain to the dawn of the succeeding day. A kind attempt to limit his candle proved unavailing, and it is believed that he persevered to the last in this practice so unfriendly to health. What he read, was, in a great measure, made his own, for he had, if I may so speak, a common-place book in his mind, in which were well arranged facts and reflections on a variety of important subjects, gathered from books and from conversation. He had also a ready recollection, which enabled him to draw forth his stores as occasion required. He had naturally a strong memory, and a proper confidence in it, which, doubtless, contributed to its improvement. He availed himself little of notes, which, in supplying, often increase the defects of memory. It may be mentioned, as illustrative of the excellency of this faculty in him, that he could go through the whole public service of the Church, and any of its particular offices, without a book, and that he could repeat, verbally, any of his sermons recently written. His studies, as indeed all his pursuits, were subsidiary to his sacred profession. The elegant literature which he possessed, had been principally acquired in early life, and in the graces which it gave to his conversation and discourses, it was consecrated to the service of the altar. He was familiar with the ancient classics, and the best writers, both in prose and poetry, of his own language. The articles I. and IV., in the Appendix, are published in evidence of his taste and literary attainment, and of the honour he might have reaped in this field, had he not preferred to give himself wholly to a better work. Theology was his chief, and latterly almost his only, study. But all the occupations of a student, although congenial with his nature and habits, were

cheerfully set aside, whenever there was a call to the hum→ bler, more laborious and more useful duties of a parish minister. Let me repeat here, for it was the most prominent circumstance in his life, that he appeared always to recollect that he was a minister of the gospel.

There was a gravity in his conversation, a dignity in his deportment, a selection of associates, a regulation of his studies, and even an attention to dress, suitable to this high and holy character, in short, a conduct in relation to great and small things, which reminded all men, and showed that he himself remembered that he was the ambassador of God. He had cultivated assiduously a proper idea of the holy office, and he endeavoured to live up to the idea, and succeeded in this endeavour, to a degree which is unusual and astonishing. From this anxious endeavour always to conduct with propriety, may have proceeded that formality of manner generally noticed in him, which was certainly not agreeable. This formality may have originated in his early retired habits, or, as he himself supposed, in a constitutional diffidence, such as that, for example, of the excellent Addison. But, whatever was the cause, it is certain, that he lamented the effect, believing that it interfered with his usefulness; that he earnestly endeavoured to correct it; and that he succeeded in doing so, in a degree which surprized many. But it is more important to remark, that his attention to decorum never betrayed him into moroseness. He had considerable success in sallies, both of wit and humor, and could accurately imitate peculiarities of tone and manner. But he rarely indulged this playful humor, and never but with a few select friends, restrained by a sense of dignity, and still more by a benevolence which was as tender of the feelings of another as of his own. Cheerfulness was the natural frame of his temper-a middle course between mirth and sadness. It was more lasting than a strong emotion can be, and it appeared more suitable to his character, and I may add, to the character of our state of existence, in which good

and evil are inseparably mingled. This cheerfulness shed a steady splendour over his life, and over the various circles into which he entered. If at any time it rose to the level of joy, it was in the duties of religion. If any man ever felt that it was good to pray; that in communion with God there is a pleasure, which the world knows not of; and that this imperfect communion resembles that fulness of joy which is in heaven, it was this eminent Christian. And, it may be added, that he had no sorrows so keen as those, which came from the recollection that he was a sinner against his Father in heaven, and that blessed Redeemer, who gave his life a ransom for him. The moderation of his feelings, in relation to temporal wants, was to be ascribed in a great measure to his deep humility. The blessings of providence awakened in him a keen sense of his errors and frailties; and, I doubt not, that when he received them, he felt as Jacob that he was not worthy of the least of all the mercies of his God. He expressed this sentiment on a memorable occasion-his election to the Episcopate: "I ought to be humbled to the dust by the sense of my unworthiness. Lord, what am I, or what is my father's house, that thou shouldst bring me to this honour in thy service.'"* The afflictions of life were also received by him in the temper expressed by David: "He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." His humility increased as he advanced in knowledge, in virtue, and in reputation. It was strengthened by overcoming temptation. It was agreeably illustrated, as well as his delicacy, by this little incident. Having declined the solicitation of several persons to sit for his likeness, the matter was at last urged by an amateur artist of celebrity, in a manner which he knew not how to put aside. He omitted a reply to his letter of request, and being reminded of it, observed that an apology was due for his neglect, but, that it ap

* See Chapter V.

peared to him, there was often as much vanity in declining as in consenting to sit for a likeness, and therefore he had been silent.

In closing this chapter on his private character, I would observe, that probably no single epithet would give a better idea of it, than that of "faithful." "A faithful man

(says Solomon) who can find?" And when we consider how many who have been greatly celebrated, and eminently useful in their public capacity, have been negligent of the duties of private life, it must be admitted that fidelity to every duty, the small and the great, is indeed a rare attainment. It is honorable both to his head and heart, that he nicely balanced the duties of life; that he gave to every one of them, its appropriate weight; and though it cannot be said of him, or of any mortal, that he never did wrong, yet it is believed that he more rarely than usual permitted one duty to displace another, or indulged a good feeling to a vicious excess, He endeavoured, and greatly succeeded, in performing the "weightier matters of the law," and those other things, which though of less consequence, ought not to be left undone. He was generous,

without being unjust; and just, without severity. He remembered that he owed much to his fellow-creatures, but more to his and their God. He took care of all the churches, and also of his own household. The apportionment of time and solicitude correctly among the various duties of life, is one of the rarest attainments of the good man, and it may justly claim his constant vigilance, and fervent prayers.

CHAPTER VIII.

His Last Hours-Proceedings caused by his Death.

It has been mentioned that Bishop Dehon attended the General Convention at New-York, in May, 1817. Being so near the residence of his brother and sisters, and of that flock, to whom his early ministry had been devoted, and whom he never ceased to love, he could not resist the inclination to make them a visit. He preached at Newport, and administered the Lord's Supper, happy in an opportunity of again meeting his friends in that comfortable ordinance. Little did they suppose that their joy would so soon be clouded, and that they should see his face no more. Anxious to return to his family, and aware of the hazard of protracting his return, he remained in Boston only a day or two, and, in a few weeks, was again in Charleston. Doubtless, these friends must adore the kind providence which permitted them, at this time, to enjoy his society, and to receive his affectionate farewell. The latter days of his life were most actively employed. At Sullivan's Island, on the last Lord's day (July 27), on which he officiated, he went through the whole service, and also administered the holy communion. In the morning, his sermon was on public worship; in the afternoon, on Colossians ii. 10. “And ye are complete in him ;”* this was one of his favourite discourses, and for a final one, none could be more appropriate.

See Sermon 46. vol. ii.