by all around him, in the management of their temporal con cerns. Much of human character is unfolded in the scenes of domestic life; and here, that of Mr. P. was highly worthy of imitation. He sustained the relations of a son, a husband, a father, and a master, with affectionate gentleness, prudence, and honour.

soon angry

In his intercourse with his Christian brethren, he was "not y;" but could bear much contradiction without any apparent resentment. "Smite me on the one cheek, and 1 will turn to thee the other," was his usual answer to any of his friends who censured his conduct; and the interest of religion owes much to this excellency of disposition in one who, on many occasions, possessed sufficient influence to have carried his point, had he chosen to do it, without a due regard to the opinions of his brethren; but he was the disciple of Him "who pleased not himself;" and he acted under the influence of that declaration, "Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the sons of God."

The doctrinal sentiments of Mr. P. were decidedly Calvinistic; and he conscientiously adhered to the views of the Baptist denomination; but his love to Christians, and his services to the church of Christ were unconfined. Mr. P. was always liberal; yet, as is usually the case with characters of genuine picty, he made great advances in this respect, during his later years. Among many sympton's which indicate the prosperity of evangelical religion, and in which he sincerely rejoiced, there is one of a different nature, which he deeply deplored, "Why should serious and godly ministers, of different denominations," he would say, "who have long been accustomed to the most friendly intercourse with each other, now withhold their acquaintance, and every expression of esteem from all who are not in their own communion? Such a conduct cannot issue in good, by whomsoever it is countenanced or commanded." In his own deportment, Mr. P. never discovered the least alienation of affection from ministers or professors of evangelical piety; and by a ready distribution, to different denominations, of public property left under his own direction, he fully proved that the love of religion, and not a spirit of party, ruled in his heart,

Those who best knew Mr. P. have no doubt that he spent much of his time in devout retirement; and his conversation savoured of the spirit which he imbibed in these exercises; nor can it be supposed that a life like his could be sustained with out those supplies which no other source can afford. As he knew the pleasures of secret prayer, so he constantly recom mended them to others; and was especially fond of circulating Dr. Hawker's tract, concerning "Ten Minutes Advice," on this subject, as well as many other Religious Tracts; often accompanying his gifts with good advice, and with other acts of

MEMOIR OF MR. T. PASCO.

483

beneficence, to which the poor were always accustomed under his hospitable roof. Living authors also found as ready a welcome with Mr. P. as did their pious labours. His acquaintance with ministers was very extensive, and to them his conversation was peculiarly entertaining, from the information, as well as from the piety, which it discovered.

During the few last years of Mr. P. he had kept a steady eye on the interests of the Bristol Education Society, and exerted himself strenuously to promote its prosperity. He had the pleasure to see his exertions, in great measure, crowned with success; and just before he died, commended, with great earnestness, the support of that institution to his survivors; on whom, we are confident, his recommendation cannot be lost.

One virtue Mr. P. possessed in so great a degree, that it ought to be distinctly noticed. Few professors of religion have been so much engaged in the world as he was, and yet have so carefully and successfully guarded against imbibing its spirit. His engagements in the world were indeed those of duty; and through the whole of his life, an instance, it is believed, cannot be recollected when he for a moment forgot, in any company, the dignity or propriety of the Christian character. It ought, however, to be remarked, that felicity like this is not to be attained without sacrifices. Mr. P. hesitated not to give offence by refusing his company in instances where temptation was certain, and duty did not expressly call him. When he believed it his duty to be present in large and mixed companies, no entreaties could prevent his retiring at a very early hour from scenes in which it was impossible, he said, for a Christian to be either delighted or profited.

The writer of this short memoir attempts not to draw, what no man exhibits, a perfect character; but he believes himself fully justified while presenting in this instance, one that was upright, sincere, and worthy of general imitation. There are few professors who might not, standing at the grave of Mr. P. gather, from the recollection of his character, some excellence to enrich and adorn their own.

It is, however, not often seen, that gentleness of manners and an ardent love of peace are combined with an equal degree of fortitude and active courage and while beneficence, in some instances is general and diffusive, from other hands it descends in greater abundance on some favoured spots, to which duty or inclination may direct them. Every virtue has its place in the Christian character; but that all should exist in a degree equally eminent, is an approach towards complete excellence, which those who contemplate life in all its bearings, do not feel themselves warranted to expect. Sensible of his defects, and evidently advancing in his conquests over them; exhibiting a life of sincere obedience, from which no virtue was excluded, and in which most virtues shone with eminence; Mr. P. met, 3 Q2

XIV.

at a far earlier period of the conflict than his friends had anticipated, but not earlier than he desired, that solemn and gracious sentence, which cancelled his imperfections, accepted his obedience, and crowned him with triumph.

It remains only that the last, and most animating scene of Mr. Pasco's life, should be recorded by friendship which was permitted to be a witness; and hopes to be an imitator of the Christian graces which he then displayed.

During a period of almost thirty years, the friends of Mr. P. had not known his health interrupted even by one season of dangerous illness. In the two last years of his life, his wellknown temperance and care of his health had not enabled him to avoid a slight attack of the gout, which was only once repeated, before that illness, which, arising from the same cause, terminated his days.

In the beginning of August last, he was present at the annual meeting of the Education Society at Bristol; and some friends thought that they then perceived symptoms of the fatal disorder lurking in his frame, and diminishing his usual sprightliness and activity. He returned to Oxford early in the month, and, though somewhat indisposed, continued his usual engagements, which were numerous, till about twelve days before he died. It was on the evening of August 19, when, after a day spent in the active service of his friends, he complained of severe indisposition; and it was with difficulty he took horse-exercise the two following days, with a view of diverting the disorder from the vitals, and directing it to the extremities of the system. This measure was not attended with success. On the night of the 21st, he experienced an attack so violent, that respiration was nearly sup pressed, and immediate danger of course apprehended. Medical aid was called in, and relief was procured; but it proved to be only temporary. After two or three days, the disorder returned with redoubled, violence, took firm possession of the seat of life, and though oppo.ed by the skill and sedulous attention of two eminent physicians, baffled every attempt to subdue or remove it, and finally succeeded in the errand on which it was sent, the removal of Mr. P. to a better world.

From the beginning of this illness, Mr. P. appeared to be fully persuaded that it wonk! terminate in his death. Such a persuasion, from whatever source it may arise, has, in similar circumstances, been often realized; and in the present instance it had the greater weight with the friends of Mr. P. from the recollection that he well knew the nature of his case, and could with precision estimate his own danger.

For several days before, his friends were much alarmed respecting him; his conversations, which were greatly interesting, usually closed with such expressions as these: "You will remember this when I am gone. This is the language of your dying friend." He uttered these expressions with equal solemnity

MEMOIR OF MR. T. PASCO.

485

and cheerfulness. The first stroke of his disease was commissioned and empowered to break off every chain: to deliver him at once from all desire of life, and every fear of death. I have no reason," said he, "to be discontent with life; it has smiled, and still smiles on me with every attraction, nor am I insensible to its blessings; but I have a better life-it is better, far better to depart, and to be with Christ."

The prospect of death and judgment filled him, indeed, with a just awe and reverence; and this, combined with a consciousness of imperfection and guilt, which every one taught of Go must feel, seemed for a few hours to suppress his joys; but these clouds were quickly removed by the lively actings of faith on the sure promises of pardoning mercy, and the unchanging faithfulness of the divine Redeemer. Thus supported, this dying Saint displayed, to the praise of divine grace alone, a most dignified serenity, mingled with rational and exalted joy. Of himself he said little, except in penitential confession; and of his own usefulness he said nothing. Of Christ and his excellency, of the beauty of religion, and its unspeakable consolations, his heart and lips were full.

It was a peculiar favour of Divine Providence; that his mind, through all the former part of his illness was most perfectly collected, and that he could speak often and with little difficulty. He improved these interesting days, by charging in the most af fectionate manner the youth around him, to consecrate their carly days to God. "I bless his name," said he, "that I have not now a Saviour to seek, but I have him to enjoy. I was enabled while young to commit to him the keeping of my soul; and I am a monument of his faithfulness. He led ine by the paths of religion to worldly comfort; and to religion I owe it, that prosperity has not become my ruin." He added, with an earnestness and solemnity never to be forgotten, I call on the living to witness that this is my dying charge, Let my God be the God of your youth, and the support and guide of all your days, that so I may meet you in Heaven."

At another time he particularly requested his minister to consider that Christian friends, and especially relatives, would do well to converse freely and frequently, while in perfect health, of their removal from each other to a better world. "We think,"

said he, "that such conversation gives pain, and therefore we avoid it; but the profit will far outweigh the pain; and why should it be a pain at all to fellow-travellers to think of arriving at home, and to observe to each other often, that the will of God will soon decide which of then shall first receive the final summons? Let the house be set in order," he added, "that our friends my be comfortable; and the heart be in order, that we ourselves may be safe and happy.'

Ile next recommended, in very affectionate terms, to the atten

tion of all his friends, that interest of Christ which he was about to leave. "God knows," said he, " that it is dearer than all things to my heart. My friends are dear, my partner in life and my child are dear to me; but far dearer the Saviour's interests, and the salvation of my fellow-nen. O let these be dear to you all."

He added, "Fear not to die: God will support you when you come into these deep waters. Ile has taught me not to fear them. Blessed, for ever blessed. be his name, for the abundant consolations which I now enjoy!"

In this delightful employ Mr. P. continued, as far as a prudent regard to his state admitted, till the progress of the disorder rendered him incapable of much conversation; yet to the last, at suitable intervals, and to particular friends, he continued to converse in similar strains of unaffected, exalted piety, and cheerful serenity; especially desirous to console the affectionate sorrows, and lead to submission the minds of Mrs. and Miss Pasco, their only child.

Prayer without ceasing was offered on his behalf to the Divine Throne. Mr. Pasco, at 53, with a remarkably fine constitution, seemed to be in the prime of life; and all who knew his worth, and felt for the interests of society, as well as those of religion, were carnestly desirous of his longer stay on earth; but, though God saw fit to deny this request, prayer was not unanswered; his death was abundant in consolation, and if, as we hope, prayer shall still prevail, it will be abundant in usefulness also. Mr. P.'s felicity was at last so great, that even his nearest relative was constrained to meet with grateful submission, the moment that rendered her a bereaved widow, under the fullest conviction that it rendered him a glorified saint.

Lord's Day, August 31, was a solemn day to his family and to the church. Mr. P. was fast sinking into the arms of Death. The few hopes which had been anxiously cherished, had now expired. The countenances of all his friends, that is of the whole congregation, wore a deep gloom, chastened and relieved by gratitude and submission. The Minister borrowed the language of Jo-eph, as exactly expressing the sentiments of their dying friend, and addressed the congregation from the words, "I die: and God will surely visit you."-This was considered by all as Mr Pasco's farewell. --The Minister went from the pulpit, and found the dying Christian retained just strength enough to sa y Amen" to a few petitions which he offered, to grasp his han and say, "The Lord be with you."

In the evening, a little revival was experienced, and Mr. P. was anxious to speak the Redeemer's praise with his "last labouring breath." Dr. Watts's hymn was repeated,

"Prova thee, my God, my joys shall rise,

"And run eternal rounds."