the strong powers of his mind and body. Inferior spirits sometimes looked on in amazement, at the rapidity of his movements, and the splendor of his successes. Difficulties either vanished from his path, or augmented his energies in overcoming them. His decision was, however, not in the least allied to rashness or obstinacy. He had carefully investigated his ground before he took his station. He had arranged his duties, even in their minute details, before he entered upon the performance of them. He fixed clearly in his own mind the precise thing to be done, and then brought his whole physical and moral energy to bear upon its execution. The community became accustomed to place entire confidence in the plans which he adopted, as well for the wisdom of their contrivance, as the vigor with which they were prosecuted.

In forming an estimate of his character as an agent, his companionable qualities ought not to be overlooked. It was delightful to be associated with him. He uniformly secured the love and confidence of his subordinate helpers. He was heard to say respecting several individuals, "Well, I never had any difficulty with him. The harmony between us was never interrupted." He was accustomed to commend his fellow-laborers whenever it could be done with propriety. He rejoiced also to promote their personal happiness. His inquiries respecting their condition or feelings were frequent and fraternal; and what was more remarkable, he invariably fulfilled his engagements to them, sometimes at considerable personal sacrifice. He never assumed towards them a magisterial air, but allowed them to perform their appropriate duties without molestation; never severely scrutinizing their conduct, nor prying into their individual concerns. He wished to have them feel responsible for their own department, and to enjoy their full share of commendation, if found faithful and successful. Every thing about him was open, frank,

and generous. All willingly gave the palm of superiority to him, and rejoiced, with their whole heart, to follow such a leader. They now look back with fond remembrance, and, with eyes not unfrequently dimmed with tears, to his fraternal kindness, and to his innumerable cheering words of consolation and encouragement. "They sorrow most of all" that they are to see his noble form no more in the world.

Unimpeachable integrity in respect to the benevolent funds intrusted to his keeping, was another distinguishing trait in his character. He acted on the principle that the prosperity, if not the very existence, of the systems of benevolence, is depending on the rigid honesty of all who have the disposal of public money. Instead of subjecting himself to the charge of delinquency and carelessness, he, perhaps, erred on the other extreme. He was frequently heard to remark, that he never performed a journey of considerable length in behalf of any public object, without a sacrifice of his pecuniary interests. Examples are rarely seen of honesty more scrupulous, of integrity further beyond the reach of suspicion, accompanied, at the same time, with great, and considering his circumstances, munificent liberality. One of his last deeds of kindness, was the presentation, from his own funds, of a copy of the Memoir of Henry Martyn, to each individual assisted by the American Education Society, during his connection with it. The number of copies comprised in the donation, amounted to nearly eight hundred.

In conclusion, it can be said, with entire freedom from exaggeration, that Mr. Cornelius had all the qualities of an accomplished agent and secretary. The most impartial observer of his appearance and his actions will cordially subscribe to this declaration, high as the commendation is which it implies. He possessed uncommon

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muscular energy; a form of body at once commanding and attractive; a voice of great compass and power; courteousness of address and manners; the rich experience of a Christian pastor, and great ability as a preacher; comprehensiveness of mind and liberality of feeling; the union of ardent emotion and solid judgment; admirable pecuniary and business habits; extensive knowledge of the condition of the whole country; and a deep sense of dependence on Christ for success. His name will be cherished with respect and gratitude by future generations; and the church of Christ, while she adores the profound mystery of God's providence in removing him in the meridian of his days, will, at the same time, bless the great Head of the church for giving her such a leader.

CHAPTER IX.

APPOINTMENT OF MR. CORNELIUS AS

SECRETARY OF THE AMERICAN

SIONERS FOR

FOREIGN

CORRESPONDING

BOARD OF COMMIS MISSIONS-DELIBERATIONS

ACCEPTANCE OF THE APPOINTMENT-AGENCY IN BOS

TON-ILLNESS-DEATH.

On the 10th of May, 1831, Jeremiah Evarts, Esq., cor responding secretary of the American Board of Commis. sioners for Foreign Missions, died at Charleston, South Carolina. At the annual meeting of the Board, in October following, Mr. Cornelius was chosen to fill the vacancy. The course, which he adopted at this important period of his life, was strictly in accordance with those elevated principles which had long governed him. He wrote to a friend, some weeks after the election, "Hitherto I have felt more like praying, than either writing or conversing. The most I can, or dare, say at present, is, that with my eyes turned to heaven, and death and the judgment before me, I am trying to ask, 'Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?' Next, I desire to have my ears open to every thing which is likely to make known his will. Lastly, I aim to put a seal on my lips till he permits and directs me to speak. I beg you to remember me in your prayers. It is the best proof of love,

I en

which any dear friend, like yourself, can give me. treat my friends to pray for me. I think I never wished so earnestly to do the thing which Christ will approve. Every thing else appears comparatively of no moment. His plan is perfect. You and I are objects of his thought and attention. He has his will concerning our spheres of labor. We had better be in our graves, than to be in any other field than that which he has chosen for us.” In most of the letters, which he wrote for two months, he entreated the prayers of his friends with an earnestness which would not be denied. For the last three months of his life, he observed every Friday as a day of fasting and prayer. In addition to this, he set apart several entire days for the purpose of prayer. He examined the most important passages of Scripture, which have reference to the question he was considering, and arranged the results of the investigation under distinct heads. He sent a communication to a number of the most judicious and intelligent Christians in the country, and received a formal reply from about twenty. The results of his inquiries, drawn up with great care, fill about seventy quarto pages of manuscript. The method, which he pursued, he thus states. "1. As the word of God is my sufficient and only rule of faith and practice, in this as well as in every other case of duty, I will faithfully endeavor to ascertain its leading principles, so far as they apply to the present inquiry; and I will not, knowingly, suffer any other principle to influence my decisions. 2. I will endeavor to state impartially, and to weigh maturely, those considerations which have been or may be urged as reasons, why I should not accept the appointment. I will, in like manner, endeavor to state impartially, and to weigh maturely, those considerations which have been, or may be urged as reasons, why I should accept the appointment. 3. I will, as in the presence of Christ, and