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could not be respected, if he was sociable with his people, and therefore always treated them with considerable formality, and sometimes very cavalierly. "To be really sociable," said he, as many ministers are, is highly derogatory to the character of a clergyman. It is sinking his dignity exceedingly, and shows that he has no self respect, and, of course, then, the people will not respect him. Now I had a thousand times rather my people would fear and respect me, than love me to death on account of being sociable and pleasant." He seemed to overlook the fact, that true dignity is always blended with urbanity of speech and manner.

Perhaps he read Shakspeare full as much as was profitable for a minister; and he was very fond of quoting him, and altering some of his passages more or less, to suit his own views. As for instance the passage in King Henry the Fourth,

"The skipping king, he ambled up and down
With shallow jesters, and rash bavin wits,
Mingled his royalty with capering fools;
Had his great name profaned with their scorns;
And gave his countenance against his name,
To laugh at gibing boys, and stand the push
Of every heardless vain comparative !"

he would alter after the following fashion, and repeat with much zest in the presence of any minister whom, he thought, did not think enough of being respected, and was too sociable among the people.

"The skipping parson, ambled through the streets
With shallow jesters, and weak headed wits,
Mingled his ministry with chattering folks;
Had his great name made common with their mirth;
And gave his countenance against his name,
To laugh, and pleasant be, and sociable
With Jemmy, and Tom, and Dick, and Harry."

"There," he would say, "Shakspeare and I together have drawn the character of a sociable minister."

As to visiting, there was considerable complaint among his people, for he did not calculate to do much in that way, be the issue what it might. He said, "he had no patience with those ministers who were all the time gadding about their parishes; for they might know the people could not respect them, if they pursued such a course."

He said he considered it sufficient, if he called upon those of his flock who were sick, or had sickness in their families; and that it

was a work of undignified supererogation to call upon any others; and that, for his part, he would not do it, but would remain at home studying his sermons, that he might bring 'beaten oil' into the sanctuary on the Sabbath."

Such were the feelings that Mr. Jenkins had, when he entered upon his labors at and such were the feelings that he cherished during the (I will not say, how many) years that he remained there.

Can it reasonably be supposed that the church and congregation should have formed at very strong attachment to their pastor? It soon became evident that such was the fact, and that, whatever other feelings they might have towards him, they did not love him. The more intelligent portion of his hearers did respect him as a man of talent, and were pleased and edified with his sermons; but the other portion neither respected him, nor loved him, nor cared for him.

The people in were a very kind and affectionate people, and needed a pastor who could warmly reciprocate their feelings. Such pastors they had been accustomed to have,

and they had lived and labored with them in. uninterrupted harmony and usefulness. And if Mr. Jenkins had exhibited the spirit which a minister of the gospel ever should exhibit; if he had acted the part of the Christian gentleman, the part of a kind and attentive minister, the part of a meek and devoted pastor; if he had mingled with his flock in cheerful and consistent intercourse; if he had manifested a tender interest in their joys and sorrows; he might have remained with them till the day of his death; he might have been not only respected, but sincerely and ardently beloved; he might have exerted a widely extended influence; and doubtless might have been the honored instrument of "turning many sinners to righteousness.'

But alas! He was determined to pursue his own misguided course. He would not listen to the prudent counsels of other interested ministers, who were grieved with the folly of his way, and who, in the spirit of their Master, tried to reclaim him; but he gave them to understand, that he regarded their advice as uncalled for, and as rude officiousness.

He would not take heed to the gentle ex

postulations of his best and most intelligent parishioners, but would answer them with much apparent asperity of feeling, "I know my rights, and I am as competent to judge, what is most advisable for me to do, as any other man. I shall not lower my self respect to receive dictation from any one, nor shall I run the risk of losing the RESPECT of others by changing my course. I shall act as I see fit, and if the people are pleased, it is well; if they are not pleased, it is well; I shall not trouble myself to do any thing differently from what I have done."

As might be supposed the people became discontented, and lamented the day they had ever settled him. The dissatisfaction continued to increase, till he was compelled to resign his pastoral charge.

Thus was dissolved a connection, which, but for his waywardness, might have been useful and lasting; and might have been all that could be desired.