tiveness. Some of his expository discourses, in particular, were the most instructive and devout, also, which we ever heard.

Mr. Jay's ministry, moreover, was very comprehensive. There was no one-sidedness about it. His range was large-his survey was widehis scope was most extended,-hence the fulness of instruction which was imparted. He went through the land in its length and breadth.

Mr. Jay as a preacher was very original. This impressed us, when we first heard him with discrimination, and when we listened to his last sermon. He was unquestionably one of the freshest, the most original preachers whose ministrations we ever enjoyed. There was no ambitious craving after originality-quite the reverse; he could not descend to that, it was a quality, a characteristic of his mind. It was as natural for Mr. Jay to be original, as for many men, many public speakers, to be common-place. Dwelling, as he did uniformily, on the great points of evangelical faith and practice, there was nothing that was stale in his representations or embodiments of truth. There was a freshness both in his mode of thought and expression, which every person of taste and piety could not fail to admire. The plans of his sermons were beautiful for their

His

originality, as well as for their clearness. introductions were often fine specimens of this property, many of his illustrations were the simplest possible, and yet the newest and most striking. Some of his sentiments and remarks, his hearers could not fail to admire, for the freshness of thinking which they exhibited. Mr. Jay was accustomed to handle every subject in his own way, he thought for himself on every point, he took, and could take nothing on trust. Every sentiment was carefully tested by his own mind. Hence there was a raciness, a point, a power about all his addresses, which gave to them a peculiar charm. Now this originality. is one of the best features of mind, especially when it is regulated, disciplined, and sanctified by the grace of God, and a chastened, yet earnest desire to confer benefit on immortal souls. Such was that which marked the originality of this honoured man.

These appear to us, after long acquaintance, attentive and minute observation, to have been the characteristic features, the prominent excellences of the revered William Jay, as a preacher. We have stated them calmly, clearly, fully, yet admiringly. We do not think we have exaggerated. We conceive that every enlightened person

who knew and valued the ministrations of Mr. Jay, will, in the main, sanction and approve our representations. We can never recur with indifference, much less with coldness, to the late Mr. Jay as a preacher. His pulpit excellences, so prominent, so varied, so masterly, we shall always admiringly appreciate; and while memory holds her seat, they will never, can never be forgotten.

"O how he spake of things divine,

And raised the soul on high !"

CHAPTER VII.

THE CONVERSATIONS OF MR. JAY, WITH MANY OF HIS REMARKS AND OPINIONS.

Ir was a striking characteristic of the distinguished minister whose intellectual, moral, and Christian features we attempt to unfold, that he was superior, and even eminent, in conversation.

His conversational powers, in the estimation of every competent judge, were of a very high order.

He obviously possessed the rare qualifications for first class conversation.

He was very social in his temper. There was nothing close, ascetic, or recluse, in his disposition.

He was extremely lively and vivacious. He abounded in genuine and dry humour. He had great facility of expression, especially plain, manly, vigorous, Saxon phraseology. There was considerable play of imagination. There was great range of thought and observation.

His reading had been most discursive. He was ever marking character, and he would seize on the strong points of a character, or a subject, with the utmost promptitude and vigour; and, also, with great accuracy. He was never at a loss with regard to a theme; and as his mind was so full, there was a variety of fine subjects continually presented before him, on which he would expatiate in his own peculiar and instructive manner.

Mr. Jay was never so much at home, as when he met with a few ministerial and literary friends, who would enter into thoroughly good conversation with him, and who would embrace, in their discussions, a wide field of literary, ethical, and theological subjects. He was well prepared for each and all.

The conversation of Mr. Jay was widely different from that of the late Robert Hall. The conversation of the latter eminent man was remarkably fluent and rapid. It dashed and sparkled along in a full stream. It was characterised by peculiar animation and vehemence. It was, often, the most brilliant. The vivida vis animi was remarkably unfolded by the conversation of the distinguished man to whom we refer.