red by the Fountain of all good, through the instrumentality of one enlightened, reflecting, liberal individual, may exceed our computation, till eternity itself shall throw light upon the subject.

It is needless to say to my beloved hearers, that my mind has been led into this train of reflection, by the death of that distinguished citizen* of the community, and invaluable member of this christian society, in regard to whom we are all ready to say, as well as his afflicted family-"O man, greatly beloved."

It has not been my custom to indulge in eulogy in the sacred desk. And to you it is not necessary on this lamented occasion, who have long known his invariable manner of life, his unbending integrity, and his unsparing benevolence. His country he has served in the high places of the field, and the state in its public councils, and the town in its most important offices, and this society in its interests by his clear and solid judgment, his liberality, and pure and amiable manners.The poor have found in him, at all times, a merciful friend, and peculiarly liberal in those years of deep distress, which deranged their employments, and choked the channels of their subsistence. To those organized charities, which have contributed a relief to our local poor, which have aimed to promote just notions of peace and war, to suppress the tremendous evils of intemperance, to circulate the sacred scriptures, to furnish missionaries to those destitute of the preached word, he has been a generous contributor, and in several of them

Moses Brown, Esq.

a most judicious and active officer. But the heart, which was warmed by benevolence, is chilled by death, and the hand, which was prompt to every good work, lies cold in the grave. O man, greatly beloved! may thine example prompt us to undeviating rectitude, and to ceaseless acts of benevolence.

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When we lie on the bed of languishing, may the Lord strengthen us, as he does those who have considered the poor. And may survivors have occasion to remark of us-" Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."

SERMON XIV.

PETER.

JOHN I. 42.

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon, the son of Jona; thou shalt be called Cephas, which is, by interpretation, a stone.

These simple words describe the first interview between Jesus and his eminent disciple, Peter. His brother Andrew, who, it seems, was a disciple of John the Baptist, having heard his master indicating Jesus to those around him, as "the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world," and bearing record to him "as the Son of God," hastened to communicate the important discovery to Peter, which he did in the following words "We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus.”

Although Peter was an entire stranger to Jesus, he at once knew the man, his parentage, and his character.

He seems to have looked into his very heart, and to have glanced an eye foward prophetically upon his future history; for he beheld him, and said, "Thou art Simon the Son of Jona; thou shalt be called Cephas, which is, by interpretation, a stone."

What Jesus perceived of the character and history of Peter, by a glance of his mind, has been unfolded fully in the narrative of the evangelists, and of the historian of the apostles; and I have thought it might be profitable to collect together in one discourse, the most important circumstances of his life, and traits of his character, for our own admonition, warning and encouragement. If this task should be successfully performed, you will perceive resulting from the whole, a character of great peculiarity and strength; great excellencies, shaded by a few great faults. And we cannot be too solicitous to copy the former, and to shun the latter. There is a great variety of natural temper and disposition among persons of real piety. Some of lively affections, and of strong and sudden passions, frequently offend through indiscreet and unseasonable exertions of zeal. And the calm and sedate, while they deliberate coolly and judge wisely, often are deficient in that fervor, courage and activity, which are necessary to usefulness and excellence. Of the former class is Peter; sanguine, courageous, impetuous, and sincere; yet, when surprised by sudden and extreme dangers, liable to be seized with panick and utterly confounded. Thomas was the opposite of Peter; slow of heart to believe, yet, once convinced, firm as a rock. But I proceed to a sketch of Peter's life.

Peter was an inhabitant of Bethsaida, a city in Galilee, lying at the northern extremity of the lake Gennesareth, where he followed the humble occupation of fishing, and had a family. However laborious was his employment, he was negligent of his religious interest and duty; but hearing of Jesus, he immediately repaired to judge for himself, whether he were the Messiah, of whom the nation were then in expectation. He seems, however, to have returned to his old employment, and dwelt in Capernaum, for it was in his house, that Jesus miraculously healed his wife's mother of a fever. Not long after this, Jesus attached him as a constant follower, by an incident, which effectually convinced him of his miraculous character. Peter had toiled all night in his vessel, and had caught nothing; when, at the suggestion of Jesus, he once more let down his net, and at one draught, inclosed an immense quantity of fishes. Peter was overwhelmed with conviction and awe, by this miracle, and felt the deepest abasement in whiat he believed to be the presence of the Messiah. But Jesus said unto him, "Fear not, from henceforth thou shall catch men." In this figurative manner, he called him to the apostleship. Peter understood the call; disregarding every worldly motive, he forsook all, the nets, his vessel, his friends, and relatives, that he might devote himself entirely to Christ, and the ministry of his word.

Not long after this, he was in a most solemn manner, with eleven others, set apart to the apostolic office, and sent forth to preach the Gospel, and to confirm its