I shall conclude with a few extracts of letters concerning him, which I have received since his decease, from those who knew him intimately. "His zeal, for the cause of Christ," says one of his congregation, "was uniform and increasingly ardent to the end of his life. One of the last conversations that he bad with me, he concluded in these words: Farewell! Do your utmost for the cause of Christ. I have done a little, and am ashamed that I have done no more. I have such views of its importance, that, had I ability, I would spread the gospel through the world.' His knowledge of books was very extensive; he appeared to have a facility in extracting the substance of them in a short time, as a bee extracts the honey from the expanded flower. He possessed an equal facility in knowing men, more especially ministers, and that not confined to his own denomination: so that in a few minutes he could give you an account who they were, what places they had occupied, and what was their general reputation. From this he was, many times, able to give seasonable advice." "I believe," says a minister who had been one of his pupils, "I was the first young man placed uuder the care of our dear deceased father Sutcliff. From my first acquaintance with divine things, on seeing and hearing him occasionally in my native village, I formed a very high opinion of the general excellence of his character; and the intimate knowledge I had of him, from residing in his family, so far from diminishing my esteem and veneration for him, greatly increased them. His piety was not merely official and public, but personal and habitual. The spirit of devotion rested on him. He was the man of God in all his intercourse. He conducted the worship of his family with singular seriousness, ardour and constancy; never allowing any thing to interfere with it, except great indisposition. He manifested a parental tenderness and solicitude for the welfare of his pupils, and took a lively interest in their joys or sorrows. I have seen him shed the sympathizing tear over them in the hour of affliction. Such was the kindness and gentleness of his deportment, that they could freely impart their minds to him; but, while his affectionate spirit invited their confidence, the gravity of his manner, and the commanding influence of his general character, effectually prevented any improper freedom's being taken with him. Such, too, were the sentiments with which he was regarded among his people: they loved and venerated him, He heard the sermons of his younger brethren with great candour, and, if he saw them timid and embarrassed on public occasions, would take an opportunity of speaking a kind and encouraging word to them, and aim to inspire them with a proper degree of confidence. He was singularly regular and punctual in fulfilling his engagements, whether in preaching or visiting, not only in attending, but in being there at the time; and earnestly inculcated it on his pupils, if they wished to command respect. He endeavoured to preserve and promote the order and regularity of Christian families where he visited. I never saw him out of temper but once, and that was produced by want of punctuality in another person. I often regret that I did not profit more by his instructions and example. He has many times, by his judicious counsel, 'been the guide of my youth.' His name and his memory will ever be dear to me. My father, my fa ther!" " "I have just heard," says another, who had some years since been his pupil," of the death of Mr. Sutcliff. It has returned upon me, whether alone or in company. Such an event may well do so. In him, I saw bright lines of resemblance to our Lord and Master, such as are seldom, very seldom to be met with in poor mortals. Such amiableness of manners, so much of the meekness and gentleness of Christ, of sound judgment, and of warm affection, we seldom see united. While memory holds her place, his name and manner will be cherished by me with pleasing melancholy, not without anticipations of meeting him in another and better world." "The memory of Mr. Sutcliff," says another, who had been his pupil, and who was present at his death, " will live in my warmest affections while I possess the powers of recollection. It seems impossible that I should ever forget such a friend, or speak of him without blessing God that I ever knew him. I am grieved that he is gone, yet grateful that he was continued with us long enough for me to receive his instructions, and witness his example. You have heard some of his dying sentiments. As his address to me may be considered as his dying advice to the young men who were under his tuition, I communicate it, leaving it to your discretion what use to make of it. About three in the morning of the day on which he died, like Israel he strengthened himself, and sat upon his bed. Calling me to him, he, in the most affectionate manner, took hold of my hand, and expressed himself as follows: Preach as you will wish you had when you come to die. It is one thing to preach, and another to do it as a dying man. I am glad you are settled where you are. I think you may say, I dwell among my own people. I am glad we ever knew one another. Spiritual-unions are sweet. I have fled to Jesus: to his cross I am united. The Lord bless you, and make you a blessing!' END OF THE SEVENTH VOLUME. |