CONTENTS. His Diary, giving an account of his Parentage-His Collegiate Life- His Letters while in College-Teaches a School in Northampton Commences his Professional Studies-License to Preach-His first labors as a Preacher-His Call to settle in West Stockbridge- Death of his son Charles Backus-His own sickness in 1813-H's Birthday reflections for 1819-Letters--Attends the Ordination of his son in Ohio-An Appeal to a friend on a sick bed-Other Letters- Another Revival in connection with his labors-Sickness of his oldest son-Counsel to a correspondent dissatisfied with his minis- IT has been sometimes thought that there is no propriety in writing a memoir of any man unless he has been so distinguished as to impress his character upon the age in which he has lived—been of larger stature than his contemporaries—and struck out some new trains of thought. They who have been thus distinguished, ought indeed to have some memorial left of their greatness: but are there no reasons why men of common stature, who have with usefulness filled humble stations, who have delighted in doing good, without being renowned, and been patiently attentive to every-day duties, should also have some memorial of what the Lord was pleased to do by their instrumentality? Few can follow the brilliant path of the great, while multitudes may have a sympathy with such as moved in more ordinary spheres, and may find in examples within the reach of their imitation, motives, which from that very circumstance, come home more effectually to their hearts. It is not even questionable, whether the |