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He gives a most affecting account of him in one of his lucid hours. His wife and his friend had been praying by his bed-side. "When his friend," continues Mr. Price, "had ceased praying, your lamented minister raised himself upon his left elbow, and with his right hand earnestly stretched out towards heaven, and with a voice in its full strength, addressed one of the most clear, connected, pertinent, and awful prayers to God that was perhaps ever uttered by man. It comprised a reference to his wife, his children, himself, and his friend; and then distinctly to his own flock, and all the people of the place, and to the extension of Christ's kingdom throughout the world." His chief request was, that "they might be prepared to stand before the Son of Man." At the close, he sunk down powerless and exhausted on his bed. He continued for about ten days in a state of the greatest danger, and twice he seemed rescued from the grasp of death by the assiduity and skill of his medical attendants. At the end of that time, a favourable change in the disorder renewed the hopes of his anxious friends. The delirium gradually subsided, but he was too weak to admit of conversation. Still the peaceful state of his mind was evident to all around him, and his gentle affectionate spirit made him endeavour by words and looks of kindness to shew his gratitude for their attentions and services. The extraordinary interest felt for him was not confined to his own family and congregation, but seemed to pervade the whole population of the town in which he resided.

The hopes which had been excited, were soon crushed by a return of fever, which in two days put an end to his sufferings. The same holy calm reigned within his breast to the last. Not a shadow of a doubt seems ever to have crossed his mind with respect to his future prospects; and his own will seemed annihilated, being absorbed in

the will of God. The day previou to his death, his brother having remarked to him, that heaven was a blessed place, his countenance lighted up, and he exclaimed, “O yes, it is indeed." "And you," his brother replied, "will soon be there." He paused, and, with an expression of voice and countenance, as if he dared not indulge a wish for immediate blessedness, he rejoined, "That must depend on the will of Him with whom are the issues of life and death." Just before he expired, his afflicted family being assembled round his bed, he prayed for a considerable time in the most fervent and energetic manner, with all his faculties evidently in full exercise. At last his strength failed, and he continued his intercourse with Heaven in a lower tone, when the word “ temptation" struck the ear of his anxious brother; but, on listening, attentively, he perceived with delight, that he was praying for his children that they might be kept from "the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil." His voice then gradually sinking, in a few minutes, without a sigh or a struggle, he closed his earthly labours, and entered into his eternal rest. The feelings of all present during the heart-affecting stillness which succeeded, were in perfect unison with the expression of one amongst them, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." They who witnessed this scene can never forget it. May their last end be like his!

When Mr. Cotterill's death was announced, it seemed as if every one who heard the mournful intelligence had lost a son, a father, or a brother. A few days after his decease, a meeting of the seatholders of St. Paul's was held, for the purpose of expressing their sorrow for the loss of their minister, and their respect for his memory. The whole congregation were requested to put themselves in mourning; and as if they felt every mark of kindness and attention to their de

parted friend (the name by which they affectionately designated him) as a personal favour to themselves, votes of thanks were passed to the medical gentlemen who had attended upon him with unwearied assiduity, and to those ladies who had watched over him and ministered to his wants with maternal tenderness. His funeral was attended by all the clergymen in the town, and by many from the surrounding neighbourhood; alnost all the Dissenting ministers in the place also requested leave to pay this last tribute of respect to his memory, Nearly the whole of his congregation followed his remains to the grave, and many thousands of sincere mourners were assembled.

It was well known to Mr. Cotterill's congregation, that his family, consisting of a wife and five child ren, were left without provision, and they hastened to afford them effectual aid. The day after the funeral a meeting was convened which was marked by a truly generous flow of Christian feeling and benevolence. Nor were this feeling and benevolence confined to the neighbourhood of Sheffield. In Staffordshire, where Mr. Cotterill had previously exercised his ministry, and indeed wherever his character was known, the esteem and affection with which he was regarded, have been evi. denced by liberality towards those whom he left behind him *.

Though the character of Mr. Cotterill has been, to a considerable extent developed in the preceding historical sketch of his life, it may be desirable to advert more particularly to some of its leading features, with a view, chiefly, of illustrating the cause of his ministerial usefulness. He was remarkable, not for originality of genius, but for vigour

The relatives of Mr. Cotterill here acknowledge with unfeigned gratitude the extensive bounty of the Christian public to his widow and children, for whose benefit upwards of Four Thousand Pounds were collected within a few months after his decease.

and soundness of intellect; not for the exhibition of one dazzling talent that attracted the admiration of one class of hearers, but for possessing a union of mental endowments which rendered him interesting and useful to all. His mind was so constituted and so balanced as exactly to fit him for his work. It was quick in perception, strong in apprehension, happy in combinanation, and ready, honest, and argumentative in the development of its stores. His intellectual powers were much assisted by his moral qualities. An unusual freedom from selfishness, vanity, and irritability, made him see every subject in the clear day-light of truth, and stamped a peculiar value on the decisions of his judgment. In attempting to pourtray this part of his character, the language of his friend, Mr. Price, must again be adopted. "If there be one quality more than others which in him manifested itself with singular felicity, it was sweetness of temper. When sweetness of temper is combined with strength of understanding, soundness of principle, and corresponding exertions, it constitutes the greatest charm of earthly existence. Oh! what an appalling sum of misery in domestic and social life is the product of violent, of sullen, of envious, of obstinate, of jealous and froward temper! Throughout the whole of our thirty years' friendship, some of which were passed in almost constant and close intercourse, although we oc casionally thought differently, and came to opposite conclusions upon subjects which cannot be deemed of minor importance, and in which both of us were seriously interested, yet during that period of thirty years I never heard one unkind I never had known cause to suspect, word, I never saw one unkind look, and I never did suspect, him of one unkind thought towards me. Nay more, I never knew him (and I think I was continually admitted to his inmost privacies), I never knew

him utter, or appear secretly to entertain, one unworthy thought of any human being! Hence it was that with due allowance for the decided opinions which such an understanding as his could not but form, and the decided line of conduct which such principles as his could not but pursue, no man living perhaps, within an equal circle, ever had fewer open enemies, and more private friends. Wherever he went, affectionate and warm hearted friends seemed to spring up around him at once, to hail him as almost of a higher order of created beings, and to increase in numbers and in demonstrations of increasing regards, An effect so happy was the result of a most felicitous combination in which sweetness of temper beaming in a countenance which was its most suitable index, seemed to hold a very prominent place. This temper when combined with such principles, such talent, and such exertions as his, seems to form what the holy Apostle has distinctly designated the good man, for whom peradventure some would even dare to die." "In juxta-position with this very conspicuous feature which disposed him to uniform cheerfulness in himself, and to the promotion of it in others, I would place (what might surprise many) a constantly prevailing and most powerfully operative impression of the vanity of life, and the nearness of every man to his final destination. He ever appeared to me, from the very first of his religious impressions to the last, to have upon his mind a more habitual and realizing impression of the near approach and certainty of future judgment, than most other men. He had less of prospective plan, and looking forward to years to come, than most other men; and was always, though unobtrusively, disposed to that seriousness of view which easily admitted the possibility of that day or that night then passing being his last. This possibility, which others would coldly allow, he would feelingly believe;

and where a strong shock would be necessary to impress it vividly upon the mind of others, an apparently trivial incident would suffice for a most operative influence on his own. It was not death, nor any of its circumstances; it was not alarm of dying, for I know not that he ever had any; it was not apprehension of pain or disease, or any violent or lingering mode of dissolution;-it was the moment after death; it was the instant passing into the presence of his God; it was the 'hour when the Son of Man cometh; it was the swallowing up of time into eternity;' it was the sudden burst upon immortal scenes; it was the instantaneous call to a state to be fixed for ever, be it what it may; it was an awful though adoring apprehension of the unutterable Majesty of the Most High; it was the act of giving account to God; it was something, perhaps, stronger and clearer than I can state to you, which in an instant, and at any instant, could impart a holy solemnity to his cheerful mind, which could as instantly dispose it to the more direct impulses and acts of religious duties. Thus to him, time and eternity were (if I may so express it) closer together than to most men. To him the veil which hung between them was of thinner texture; the line which separated them of shorter length. Hence, perhaps, he was habitually nearer to his God than many other real Christians; and without a particle of unbecoming levity on the one hand, or of severity and harshness on the other, was at once the humble, the earnest, the energetic minister of Christ."

But, one of the most striking features in Mr. Cotterill's character was his disinterestedness. They who best knew the interior of his mind, and who, during a series of years, had abundant opportunities of discovering its real tendencies, never could perceive the least approach to an undue consideration of himself. On the contrary, he was ever willing to give up his own just

rights, if he could thereby contribute to the happiness of others. In the intercourse of social life, tests of character in this respect are of constant recurrence and of various description. Many who may be disinterested in pecuniary concerns, are extremely selfish with regard to their personal gratifications. They will sacrifice their money, but not their ease, their reputation, their feelings, or their opinions. But the disinterestedness of Mr. Cotterill was of a very different order; it extended to all those particulars, and plainly proved to those who had any knowledge of him, that he sought "not his own, but the things of Jesus Christ." In public and in private life, the glory of God, and the good of his fellow-creatures appeared to be his constant and undivided aim; and though he could have turned aside into the paths of ease and worldly emolu ment, he deliberately chose the path of labour and comparative poverty. It is evident that these qualities of mind and heart, for which Mr. Cotterill was chiefly distinguished, were peculiarly adapted to give effect to his ministerial instructions. And when a strong sense of duty constrained him to oppose the plans or wishes of others,, these qualities were all brought into active exercise, and produced the happiest results. His moderation was known unto all men; and sooner or later all who had an opportunity of viewing his conduct, were convinced that he was influenced by the purest motives. While this conviction abated prejudice, and the sweetness of his disposition won affection, the unshrinking firmness of his character would not allow him to make any undue concessions, even for the sake of that peace which he so greatly prized. His conduct was uniformly consistent with a remark which he frequently made, that he was always ready to saorifice feeling, but never principle.

To those who were not personally acquainted with Mr. Cotterill, the

character which has been here given of him may possibly appear partial or exaggerated; but they who knew him best, will, it is firmly believed, most clearly acknowledge its faithfulness. Did he then, it may be asked, possess all this excellence without any countervailing defects? It may perhaps be questioned, whether, whilst he was ever ready to attend to the temporal wants of others, he paid all that regard which was necessary to his own worldly circumstances: but, if he did fail here, this did not arise from indolence or self-indulgence; few men were ever more free from "these vices. It was the infirmity of human nature which, in avoiding one error, verged towards another. He had a very strong conviction upon his mind, of the extreme sinfulness of a worldly-minded spirit in a minister of Christ, which made him shrink from every approach to it. Beyond this it would not be easy to fix upon any thing in his conduct of a questionable nature. Doubtless he partook of that depravity of heart which has spread itself through the whole family of fallen man; and whatever he was, as he himself would have been the first to declare, "he was by the grace of God." The differences in natural disposition are so great, that the conflict between the two opposing principles of the flesh and spirit which takes place in the heart of every Christian, is far less observable in some characters than in others. But we must not therefore rashly conclude that they have had less to overcome, because their trials and temptations have been of a different nature. Nor should any omit to follow their example on the ground that they do not possess an equally happy temperament of mind. With respect to those virtues which are peculiarly adapted to recommend religion in the world, it is indeed strange that any persons can neglect to exercise them, and yet imagine that they are actuated by a supreme desire to promote the glory

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of God and the salvation of men. Had there been no express command in Scripture to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, it would have been included in the law of love; and it is difficult to believe that man sincere in his Christian profession, who alleges any natural disposition whatever as a sufficient excuse for not exhibiting religion in an attractive form. There are so many subordinate motives to impel men to the cultivation of what is amiable and praise-worthy in the sight of their fellow-creatures, that it might have been imagined an Apostolic injunction to this effect was unnecessary. But the Spirit of God knew better the backwardness of the human heart to all that is good, even when renewed by Divine grace. St. Paul therefore was taught to urge his beloved converts to the study and practice of the social virtues, by positive precept, by personal example, and by the promise of the Divine favour, and of that blessedness which is inseparable from an intimate communion with the God of peace. "Finally, brethren," he says, "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, what soever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things which ye have both learned and received, and heard, and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you."

FAMILY SERMONS.-No, CXC. Psalm xcvii. 1.-The Lord reigneth, Let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. EVERY thing within us and around us should perpetually recal to our minds the presence and the perfections of Him in whom "we live and move and have our being."

But unhappily this is not the case with the great bulk of mankind; they habitually forget him, they think not of his presence, they seek not his mercy, they are not grateful for his gifts. And, what is worst of all, their forgetfulness is wilful: they neglect him, because they do not love him; they are unwilling to be reminded of him, because they dread his righteous displeasure, and have no wish to walk in the way of his commandments. Far from rejoicing when told that the Lord reigneth, they would conceal themselves, if possible, from his omniscient eye, and withdraw themselves from his dominion; they would live as beings of to-day who have no souls and no concern beyond the grave. But is this reasonable? is it the return which even our natural conscience tells us we owe to our Creator? Above all, is it conduct becoming those who say that they believe in Divine revelation; who acknowledge his being and perfections, as disclosed to us in his word; and who profess to worship him in the Gospel of his Son? Far otherwise! God ought ever to be near to us in our thoughts, as he is near to us in reality; and if we learn to know him aright, and to seek an interest in his favour, the remembrance of his presence, far from filling us with gloom and apprehension, will be a daily source of repose and consolation. Our ignorance will be enlightened, our weakness will be strengthened, our sorrows will be assuaged; we shall rejoice that he reigneth, and shall feel it to be our highest wisdom and privilege to submit ourselves to his righteous government.

In pursuing the consideration of this subject, the text will lead us, in the first place, to contemplate the universal dominion of God; and, secondly, to inquire why we should rejoice in his superintendence.

First, then, we learn from the passage before us, that "the Lord, reigneth."-The right of the Almighty to this supreme, dominion,

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