the language of Thomas, "My Lord, and my God!!" There was to him a peace which passeth understanding; and it can be described to the unregenerate in no other way, than by saying, it is indescribable. The words of Cowper were applicable.

In strains as sweet as angels use, The gospel whispers peace. It is conceived too that God, in bringing his creatures to a sense of their entire imbecility to extricate themselves from the horrible pit into which they have fallen, is pleased to demolish every prop of the sinner, every false foundation; "and beginning to sink," he will adopt the prayer of Peter, "Lord, save, I perish."

He was permitted for some time after this, to enjoy much communion with his Maker; to feast on those enravishing joys, which the Christian only can know. writes,

He

"Jesus, the vision of thy face Hath overpowering charms." He seems to have enjoyed much satisfaction and instruction from the preaching of Rev. Mr. Murphy, Pedobabtist minister of Midway; and was impressed with the duty of giving openly the testimony of his homage to the only Saviour; but shuddered at the cross of being baptized.

We soon find him instructing a school in Sunbury, still impressed with the duty of following the footsteps of his Master.

Redeemed and regenerated as he hoped he was, the subject of this Memoir felt a tender anxiety for the salvation of others. He had now made some advances in theological knowledge; but to qualify himself more speedily for the arduous duties of a public servant of Christ, he was induced to spend some time in preparatory studies, at Hamden Sidney College, Virginia. (He arrived in May, 1813.) Here he listened to the instructions of the Rev. Dr. Hoge. But his stay at this College was short. A law was

enacted by the Legislature of Virginia, compelling students of col leges to do military duty. Hoping that young Winn would be a soldier in a cause correspondent to the sentiments of our holy religion, Dr. Hoge and other friends advised him to leave the State. Not that the writer would wish to diminish, in the least degree, that high respect for national honour, which characterizes his countrymen; but he does wish, that, if causes of war do exist, they may be removed with weapons less dreadful than the musquet or falchion.

From Hamden Sidney, he returned south, as far as Warren County, (N. C) and there prosecuted his studies. While here, he seemed to pant for the time when he should speak more publickly to sinners; yet submissive to the great Head of the church, he prayed to be controlled by his Spirit, and directed by his guidance. He seemed also to tremble at the awful responsibleness of the office to which he was aspiring, and to discharge the functions of which he humbly implored the Lord to prepare him.

Here he summoned sufficient fortitude to be baptized. Though a cross, yet he enjoyed much calmness and serenity of mind in obeying the injunction, "Follow me."

In October he received letters from his friends, giving account of the death of his'sister Sarah. Soon after this, a brother also died. To console his aged parents, who were broken down by so unexpected a stroke, he returned to them with the design of pursuing his studies near home.

Here he still continued indefatigable in his search for knowledge, and unwearied in his labours to communicate instruction. The poor blacks almost idolized him. He instructed, advised, entreated, warned them. He spoke frequently in publick, and then was licensed to preach by the Sunbury Church. He improved his gifts to

great acceptance, and it is hoped with much effect. He was afterwards ordained. I's views of the ministry cannot here be inserted. He preached a part of the time in the New Port Church, and the other part to the destitute in adjacent counties. He was so punctual to his appointments, that rarely, if ever, was an audience disappointed. Often did he start on his missionary tours when it was raining intensely. Unquestionably his too great anxiety to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ to the perishing, was a means of abridging his useful labours. He. had been out for some time, had exerted himself far beyond his strength, and returned home quite unwell; yet, as if forewarned, the night of death would soon come to him, he preached till quite exhausted. The fever by which he was first attacked, became more and more obstinate, and finally highly inflammatory. His nervous system was much affected.

From the commencement of his sickness, he had a presentiment that he should not recover. But to enable him to bear his pains, he had the presence, much of the heavenly presence of Him "in whom he believed." Many who visited him remark that they never knew one, who seemed to enjoy in illness, more communion with God, than did this saint. He lost no opportunity when surrounded by hearers, to persuade them to seek Christ; and would dwell on the subject till choked by feel ing, or till his strength failed him. His physician tried in vain to restrain him; but as if irresistibly impelled, he would speak of the excellency of Jesus, the only Sav

iour.

One evening, just as the sun was retiring, he pointed those around him, saying, "the time is short." It would swell this Memoir beyond

A short time before his death, he talked most tenderly and plainly to his brother and sister younger than himself, entreated them to seek Christ, as a refuge from the storm that awaits all the impenitent, and then prayed most fervently for them. It is hoped the dying request of a brother will not be disregarded. He suffered much in body, but without a murmur. His faith continued unshaken, his hope lively, and about 7, P. M. on the 27th January, 1819, he breathed his last without a struggle.

So

Of his exemplary conduct, and humble walk, all who had the pleasure of knowing him, will unite their testimony. All looked to him for instruction and advice. much did his father value his example and counsel, that just as his son expired, he broke out, "I have lost a father!" His joys were not so extatic as those of which some have boasted, but like a living fountain, though at times low, they were perpetual.

Rev. Mr. Murphy of the Midway church, was called upon to preach on the funeral occasion. As his excellent sermon will be published, the writer would only say to those who may not meet with it, that he remarked concerning the deceased, "Perhaps he had not an enemy." He lived as a Christian ought to live, and died as a Christian would wish to die. His church, as a tribute of their respect and affection to departed worth, resolved to wear crape for 30 days.

When Rev. Mr. Scriven returned to the county, he preached another sermon to a flock so suddenly bereft of their shepherd, a shepherd which, it is feared, they loved too much.

Αδελφος.

For the American Baptist Magazine.

THERE are but few individuals who have attained to such an humble state of mind, as to hear with calmness of their own imperfections. Perhaps, we are all sensible that it is more agreeable to our natural feelings, to speak of the faults of others, than to be told of our own. any thing has been said to our disadvantage, our pride is immediately alarmed. We feel indignant that any one should even indulge a suspicion, which is unfavourable to our reputation. Hence, admonition is one of the most difficult tasks which a Christian is called to perform. It requires great wisdom, fidelity, and affection to admonish a brother, and to do it with success. It is no easy thing for a person of sensibility and kindness of heart, to address a friend in language which he knows will give him pain; and it is no easy thing for a person who is destitute of these qualities, to administer reproof without doing more injury than good. From the preceding remarks it will appear obvious to your readers why the duty of “admenition" is so frequently neglected, or attended to in such a way as to fail of any happy effect. I hope, Messrs. Editors, it will not be deemed irrelevant with the design of your publication, to insert a few observations on the necessity, the nature, and the advantages of Christian admonition.

When we hear that

1. The imperfection of the Christian character renders the duty of admonition necessary. It is an adage, the truth of which we cannot doubt, that "The best of men, are but men at best." How

ever eminent they may be for pi

ety, benevolence, and zeal, still they are imperfect, in knowledge, holiness and faith; and this imperfection will display itself under some of the trying circumstances of life. Our limited knowledge leads us at times to form erroneous conclusions, and our erroneous conclusions have an unfavourable influence on our conduct. A defective holiness exposes us to the temptations of Satan and the world; and the weakness of our faith makes us liable to act unworthy of our high vocation.

The cares, the pleasures, and honours of the world bring along with them their respective temptations. The cravings of appetite, the ebullitions of passion, the peculiar texture of our minds, and the evil example of others, may all contribute in giving an unfavourable influence to our deportment, and thus render "admonition" necessary.

2. The necessity of admonition will appear, if we consider that few have ever been reclaimed without it.

The commission of sin deadens the moral feelings of the soul. In this situation, we need some one to caution us of our danger, to address us in the language of the Apostle; "Awake, thou that sleepest, and Christ shall give thee light." David does not seem to have been conscious of his guilt till he was visited by the prophet. Having contrived to cover his offence from the eyes of the world, he was as insensible to his situation, as though he had covered it from the eyes of infinite purity. In this state he would probably have remained, had not Nathan admonished him.

The manner in which the prophet introduced his message was admirable, and is worthy of our imitation. He was respectful, tender, and faithful. When he had prepared the way by relating a beautiful parable, and had aroused the feelings of the royal offender, he exclaimed, "Thou art the man.' The reproof had its desired effect Da

vid felt all its force; he was overwhelmed with a sense of shame and guilt, and said, "I have sinned against the Lord."

It was not till the Saviour fastened his eye on Peter, that he went out and wept bitterly. The church at Corinth did not cast out the incestuous person, nor purge themselves from the unrighteous leaven which was so offensive to God, till they were admonished by Paul. He was a man of so much feeling, that he could not rebuke them without strong conflicts of mind. But afterwards he rejoiced not that they were made sorry, but that they sorrowed to repentance. "For, behold," says he, "this selfsame thing, that they ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter." We learn from this instance the necessity as well as the salutary effects of admonition.

our

The nature of Christian admonition will, perhaps, be best explained by describing the manner in which it ought to be administered. This is of as great importance as the duty itself. Almost all success will depend on the manner in which we admonish. If we do this with a wrong spirit, or at an unseasonable time, we may deserve more censure than the person whom we conceive to be the offender. We may be the means of hardening, instead of softening the heart of a fallen brother. The

remedy we apply may be worse than the disease.

1. When admonition is necessary, embrace an early opportunity. It is much easier to heal a disease in its first stages, than when it has taken firm hold of the constitution, and spread itself through the whole system. Nothing then, but the most powerful medicine can preserve life. Similar to this, are the moral diseases which infect the heart. If they are timely observed, and suitably attended, success may be expected. But if the case is neglected, the evil temper will gather strength, the bad habit will become more deeply rooted, the conscience will be less tender, and the backslider will become more insensible to his departure from God.

2. By embracing an early opportunity, we are ourselves better qualified to admonish. When we think we have reason to be dissatisfied with a person, and yet keep the grounds of our dissatisfaction to ourselves, our own minds become improperly biassed. Prejudice takes possession of our breasts, and we view the individual with a jaundiced eye. If he is silent, we accuse him of sullenness; if he speaks, we make him an offender for a word; and if he does that which is good in itself, we cannot believe that his motives are right. When we look through the magnifying glass of prejudice, the smallest defect becomes a crime; and thus we afflict ourselves with difficulties which only exist in our imagination; or, if they exist at all, they might have vanished like the mist before the morning sun, had we pursued the course which the light of truth has pointed out. Let us then, when we are satisfied a person is out of the way, take the earliest opportunity to reclaim him.

This duty should be performed with secrecy. There is scarcely an evil more prevalent in the church of Christ than the neglect of this