ornaments of Marischal College, Drs Campbell and Beattie. For many years afterwards, Mr Hall used often to speak of the kindness shown him by Dr Erskine on that occasion, and of his own feelings when, on taking leave, "the venerable man of God exhorted him to self-vigilance, kissed him, laid his hand upon his head, blessing him, and commending him to the care of the great head of the Church."

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delicate health of the son, and the scanty income of the | was supplied with introductions to two distinguished father seemed to be almost insuperable obstacles in the way of an object so desirable. Mr Hall, therefore, took his son to Kettering, that he might avail himself of the advice of an influential friend, Mr Beeby Wallis. The interview terminated in the choice of a suitable boarding school, but, Mr Wallis, struck with the sickly appearance of the boy, requested his father to allow him to remain with him for a few weeks, that he might have the benefit of a change of air. While residing there, Robert was often requested to display his powers of oratory before an auditory invited to witness the exhibition. The young orator frequently adverted in after life to the injury resulting from such an injudicious practice. "Mr Wallis," said he, was one whom every body loved. He belonged to a family in which probity, candour and benevolence, constituted the general likeness; but conceive, Sir, if you can, the egregious impropriety of setting a boy at eleven, to preach to a company of grave gentlemen, full half of whom wore wigs. I never call the circumstance to mind, without grief at the vanity it inspired; nor when I think of such mistakes of good men, am I inclined to question the correctness of Baxter's language, strong as it is, where he says, Nor should men turn preachers as the river Nilus breeds frogs, (saith Herodotus,) when one-half moveth before the other is made, and while it is yet but plain mud!'"

After having spent a few weeks at Kettering, Robert was placed by his father, as a boarder at the school of the Rev. John Ryland, in the neighbouring town of Northampton. Here he remained for a year and a-half, during which he made great progress in his knowledge of the ancient classics, and in the various departments of elementary science. After studying for some time under his father's care, Robert, now in his fifteenth year, was sent to the Bristol Institution, where young men in connection with the Baptists, were trained for the ministerial office. In this academy, he made rapid progress in the study of theology, but he appears to have estimated intellectual attainments at perhaps too high a value. And hence he was subjected to a salutary mortification. Having been appointed to deliver an address in the vestry of Broadmead Chapel, founded on a passage of Scripture, he suddenly paused in the course of it, covered his face with his hands, exclaiming, "Oh! I have lost all my ideas," and sat down abashed and confounded. On the following week, the same subject was prescribed to him, but his second failure was if possible still more humiliating. He rushed from the vestry, and on returning to his room, exclaimed" If this does not humble me, the devil must have me!" Such were the early efforts of one, who, for nearly half a century, was held in the highest estimation as one of the most distinguished preachers of the age.

While attending the Bristol Academy, he usually spent the summer vacation at Arnsby, under his father's roof. It was on his return home in the summer of 1780, that Mr Hall resolved to examine his son, with the view of setting him apart, if found qualified, to the sacred office of a minister of the Gospel of Christ. Afraid lest his own partiality might warp his judgment, he conducted the examination in the presence of the congregation over which he himself, was pastor, and accordingly, having acquitted himself to their entire satisfaction, Robert Hall was set apart " by lifting up their right hand and by prayer." Though thus nominated to the ministry of the Gospel by his father, and the congregation at Arnsby, he still continued to pursue his studies at the Bristol Institution, and was at length appointed to King's College, Aberdeen, on Dr Ward's foundation. On his way to the north, having received a letter of introduction he waited upon the late venerable Dr Erskine of Edinburgh, by whom again he

It was while attending College at Aberdeen, that Mr Hall first became acquainted with the late Sir James Mackintosh. They were fellow-students, and though in many points they did not coincide in sentiment, they were inseparable companions. They read together; they sat together at lecture if possible; they walked together." They read the ancient classics together, and so well was their intimacy known to their fellow-students, that it was not unusual to hear the remark made concerning them as they went along, "There go Plato and Herodotus." Though destined afterwards to move in far different spheres, these two distinguished individuals continued through life to entertain towards each other sentiments of the strongest esteem and respect. Sir James alleged that to his intercourse with Mr Hail he could trace more of his knowledge, in so far as principles were concerned, than to any other quarter. Mr Hall, on the other hand, declared again and again, that he considered his early friend as possessing an intellect more analogous to that of Bacon, than any person of modern times.

In 1783, while Mr Hall was still pursuing his studies at Aberdeen, he received an invitation from the Baptist congregation of Broadmead, Bristol, to become assistant to Dr Caleb Evans, their pastor. This invitation he accepted, with the express understanding, that while he should reside at Bristol during the summer, he should be permitted to finish his theological course at College during the winter. At length, after having completed his studies, he commenced his pastoral duties at Broadmead, with every prospect of extensive usefulness. His preaching was much admired. Crowds flocked to hear him, and many of the most distinguished men in Bristol, including several clergymen, were his occasional hearers. Amid all this popularity, however, Mr Hall, as he often used to remark at an after period, was yet unacquainted with the grand peculiarities of the Gospel scheme. In his discourses he dwelt much on generalities, and seldom, if ever, adverted to the cardinal doctrine of justification by free grace, or the equally important truth, that we are renewed by the operation of the Spirit of God. Nor was it favourable to Mr Hall's progress in the knowledge of the truth, that in three months after he settled in Bristol, he was appointed classical tutor in the Bristol Academy. This combination of two offices in a young man of twenty-one years of age, could not fail to prove injurious in every point of view, yet he endeavoured for five years to discharge the duties of both with conscientiousness and fidelity. The sentiments of the young pastor of Broadmead, however, appear at this time to have been characterized by a tendency to free and daring speculation, which betrayed a mind not duly exercised in spiritual communion with his great Lord and Master.

At length, in 1788, a serious trial awaited Mr Hall from a quarter the most unexpected. A misunderstanding unfortunately took place between him and his colleague, Dr Evans. The congregation, of course, split into two parties, each becoming the partizan of its favourite minister. For nearly two years this dispute continued, and feeling his situation becoming every day more uncomfortable, not only from the quarrel now referred to, but also from some alleged difference of opinion between him and his people, as to the necessity of re-baptizing adults who had been baptized in infancy, he came to the resolution of relinquishing a charge

which he could no longer retain, either with honour to himself, or advantage to the congregation.

While matters were in this state of uncertainty and suspense, an event occurred, which in the course of providence, opened up to Mr Hall a new and very important sphere of ministerial usefulness. Mr Robinson, the pastor of the Baptist Church of Cambridge, who had adopted sentiments bordering on infidelity, died suddenly while on a visit to Dr Priestley at Birmingham. From the heretical and semi-infidel views inculcated upon them for a long time previous to Mr Robinson's death, the congregation at Cambridge had unhappily imbibed a similar spirit. In these circumstances, Mr Hall, who had already acquired a high reputation as a preacher, was invited to preach for one month, and afterwards for a longer term. At length, in July 1791, he was invited to take the pastoral charge, and readily accepted. The death of Mr Hall's father, which occurred about this time, impressed his mind with feelings of peculiar solemnity in entering upon his new charge. Often had his affectionate parent urged him to avoid barren and profitless speculation, and the recollection of the precepts, as well as example of his now glorified father, exerted a most salutary influence upon his mind. At this period, particularly, he renounced his belief in materialism, which he often declared he "buried in his father's grave."

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His first sermon at Cambridge, was on the doctrine of atonement, and its practical tendencies. Accustomed as the congregation had been to the worse than Socinian views of their late pastor, the subject selected, was one which could not fail to give offence to many of the hearers. "Immediately after the conclusion of the service," accordingly, one of the congregation, who had followed poor Mr Robinson through all his changes of sentiment, went into the vestry and said, Mr Hall, this preaching won't do for us; it will only suit a congregation of old women.' Do you mean my sermon, Sir, or the doctrine?' Your doctrine.' Why is it that the doctrine is fit only for old women?' Because it may suit the musings of people tottering upon the brink of the grave, and who are eagerly seeking comfort.' Thank you, Sir, for your concession. The doctrine will not suit people of any age, unless it be true; and if it be true, it is not fitted for the old women alone, but is equally important at every age."

be more than was needed, and requesting permission to leave the remainder behind him. He persuaded the poorer members of his flock to form little meetings, for reading, religious conversation and prayer, going from house to house. These meetings he himself fre quently attended.

While thus exerting himself for the benefit of his people, Mr Hall was anxiously seeking also his own improvement. He devoted six and sometimes even eight hours a-day to reading. The classics, both Greek and Roman, engaged his peculiar attention, and his theological studies were conducted with the utmost ardour and zeal. About this time, he commenced the study of the Hebrew language, which he had neglected at College, and such was his assiduity and diligence, that he soon became a thorough proficient in it. His intellectual acquirements, however, he did not permit to entrench upon his devotional habits. His discourses, on the contrary, evinced a growing seriousness and spirituality of thought and feeling. His usefulness and popularity rapidly increased, and in 1798, it was found necessary to enlarge his place of worship, so as to accommodate two hundred more persons.

The usual effect of his discourses, while at Cambridge, is thus graphically described by his biographer, Dr Gregory. "From the commencement of his discourse, an almost breathless silence prevailed, deeply impressive and solemnizing from its singular intenseness. Not a sound was heard but that of the preacher's voice_ scarcely an eye but was fixed upon him--not a countenance that he did not watch, and read, and interpret, as he surveyed them again and again, with his rapid, ever-excursive glance. As he advanced and increased in animation, five or six of the auditors would be seen to rise and lean forward over the front of their pews, still keeping their eyes upon him. Some new or striking sentiment or expression would, in a few minutes, cause others to rise in like manner; shortly afterwards still more, and so on, until, long before the close of the sermon, it often happened that a considerable portion of the congregation were seen standing,-every eye directed to the preacher, yet now and then for a moment glancing from one to another, thus transmitting and reciprocating thought and feeling; Mr Hall, himself, though manifestly absorbed in his subject, conscious of the whole, receiving new animation from what he thus witnessed, reflecting it back upon those who were already alive to the inspiration, until all that were susceptible of thought and emotion, seemed wound up to the utmost limit of elevation on earth,-when he would close, and they reluctantly and slowly resume their seats."

In the beginning of the year 1799, Mr Hall had the pleasure of enjoying for some time, the society of his old friend, Sir James Mackintosh, and also the celebrated Dr Parr, both of whom were on a visit at Cambridge. It was in the company of the latter, that Mr Hall acquired the habit of smoking, which so increased as at length to become inveterate.

The ministerial labours of Mr Hall, were becoming every day more successful, and the people increasing in attachment to the evangelical truth, when unfortunately he was dragged into keen political discussion. The French Revolution which occurred about this time, threw the minds of all classes of society into the most intense anxiety, and Mr Hall was prevailed upon to take a prominent part, by the publication of his well known "Apology for the Freedom of the Press." His political celebrity, however, soon led him to be classed by multitudes, with the adherents of Dr Priestley, and, more especially, as in the course of his first pamphlet, he had pronounced a warm eulogium upon that noted individual. And yet, whatever might be Mr Hall's personal respect for Dr Priestley, no two individuals could be more opposed in religious sentiments. For Socin-lution, preached and published his celebrated sermon ianism Mr Hall had the utmost horror, and could never speak of it but with evident detestation.

In his pastoral duties, Mr Hall was remarkably exemplary. For some years he visited every member of his Church once a quarter. These were not calls but visits, and paid usually in the evening, that he might meet the whole assembled family. Among the lower classes, to make them quite at ease, he would sit down with them at supper, and that this might involve them in no extra expense, he took care that they should all know that he preferred a basin of milk. In visiting the poorer widows, it was his practice to carry tea and sugar with him, taking especial care that there should

About this time, Mr Hall, to counteract if possible, the prevailing infidelity of the age, which had been nurtured by, if it did not originate in the French Revo

"on Infidelity," which soon raised bis character both as a profound thinker and an elegant writer. His place of worship now became the resort of multitudes eager to listen to the pulpit instructions of a man of such high celebrity. Many of the members of the University were to be seen mingling with the crowd, and men of all classes vied with one another in extolling his extraordinary powers, both as a pulpit orator and as an author. His fame in the latter capacity received considerable enhancement, by the publication of his sermon " on War," and that entitled "The Sentiments proper to the Present Crisis,” both of which have always been regarded as highly finished productions.

thor. Wherever he went to preach, crowded congregations hung upon his lips. Churchmen and Dissenters, men of all classes and of all opinions flocked to hear one who was justly regarded as a most accomplished and elegant preacher. Whether at Leicester, at Cambridge, at Bristol, or in London, he was called to address overflowing congregations, and commonly of a very mixed character. In the midst of this well merited popularity, the Faculty of Marischal College, with a discrimination which does them the highest credit, conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity, in testimony of their high admiration of his talents and character. He felt much gratified by this mark of their good opinion; but having a conscientious objection to the title, he never adopted it.

No sooner, however, had this extraordinary man reached the summit of his fame, than in the inscrutable arrangements of divine providence, he experienced one of the most distressing calamities which can afflict humanity a temporary derangement of mind. During the greater part, nay, almost the whole of his life, Mr Hall had been subject to a severe pain in his back, which often deprived him of rest, and depressed his spirits. This sore malady increased to an alarming extent in the early months of the year 1803, and by the advice of his physician, he took a house at Shelford, a village about five miles from Cambridge. The change afforded a partial relief; but being deprived of the usual cheerful society which the town afforded, he devoted much of his time to study. The effect of the severe mental exertion, it is melancholy to think of. His brilliant intellect was for a time obscured; reason reeled and he became insane. During this afflictive dispensation, which lasted for nearly two months, his congregation evinced their sympathy in a way most creditable to themselves. They set on foot a subscription, which, with the aid of other friends, became sufficient to pro-mestic worship, and remained there until the evening. duce, besides a life annuity of one hundred pounds, a farther sum nearly equal, vested in Government securities, the latter to be at his own disposal at death: each sum being properly vested in trustees.

After labouring for some months among his people on his recovery to mental health and vigour, symptoms of the same disorder began to show themselves anew, but by the judicious care and attention of his physicians, he completely regained his former tranquillity and composure of mind. It was judged necessary, however, that in present circumstances he should resign his charge at Cambridge, and for a year at least give himself up to the enjoyment of retirement and ease. He accordingly tendered his resignation, and quitted a sphere of exertion in which he had been singularly useful for fifteen years. In consequence of the two visitations of Divine Providence to which we have just referred, Mr Hall's mind appears to have become more than ever impressed with a sense of his entire dependance upon God, his habits were observed to be more devotional, and his exercises more fervent and more elevated. His own decided persuasion in fact was, that to the first of these attacks was to be referred the era of the complete renewal of his heart and affections. Under this persuasion, one of his first acts on regaining the full balance of his mental powers, was to make a solemn dedication of himself to God-an act which he renewed every year on the recurrence of his birth-day.

After spending some time in calm retirement and occasional study, combined with frequent exercise, he gradually regained his bodily health and mental tranquillity, so as to preach occasionally in the villages around his residence in Leicestershire. At length he accepted an invitation to become the stated pastor of a small congregation assembling at a Chapel in Harvey Lane, Leicester, formerly under the care of Dr Carey, whose praise is in all the churches as a faithful and devoted Missionary at Serampore. "The people," said he, in a letter to Dr Ryland, "are a simple-hearted, affectionate, praying people, to whom I preach with more pleasure than to the more refined audience at Cambridge." Among this people he laboured with great comfort and remarkable success for nearly twenty years.

Shortly after entering upon his charge at Leicester, Mr Hall united himself in marriage with a partner of whose piety, prudence, and affection, he was often accustomed to speak in the highest terms: Amid his bodily weaknesses and frequent perplexities she soothed, comforted, and encouraged him. His exertions not only among his own people, but in every good work, were indefatigable; and it was pleasing to perceive that they were highly appreciated. Every new work which issued from his pen raised still higher his celebrity as an au

Mr Hall's public duties were numerous and heavy, but he never permitted them to infringe upon his hours of private devotion. About the year 1812 he commenced the practice of setting apart one day in a month for special prayer and fasting. On these occasions he retired into his study immediately after the morning do

The death of Dr Ryland in 1825 led to Mr Hall's invitation to take the pastoral charge of the congregation at Broadmead, Bristol. After some months spent in anxious deliberation and prayer, he at length agreed to accept it. The separation between him and his people at Leicester, was deeply affecting. It occurred on a Sacramental Sabbath. He went through the ordinary public duties of the day with great composure; but at the Sacramental service his feelings completely overcame him. He sat down, covered his face with his hands, and wept; the people, sharing in his distress, were also dissolved in tears.

Mr Hall was in his sixty-second year when he removed to Bristol, the scene of his earliest, and destined also to be the scene of his last, ministerial labours. During the few years of his residence there, the congregation rapidly increased, and he felt himself surrounded with every comfort. His happiness was also not a little promoted by the society of his distinguished friend, Mr John Foster, in whose powerful mind he felt a kindred sympathy. But amid all his outward enjoyments, Mr Hall still suffered from the complaint in his back, which had been his constant companion through life. To this, as he advanced in years, was superadded a frequent spasmodic affection of the chest. For a time he sought relief in a change of scene and cessation from labour, but the favourable symptoms were of short duration. The disease made rapid inroads on his constitution, and it soon became but too apparent that his end was approaching. The paroxysms of pain in the chest became more frequent, as well as more severe. But his faith and confidence in the divine promises were unshaken. His mind was at perfect peace, trusting in the Lord.

His diffi

The account of the closing scene of this great and good man, is thus given by his medical attendant. "In a very short time, and before I had reached home, I was summoned to behold the last agonizing scene of this great and extraordinary man. culty of breathing had suddenly increased to a dreadful and final paroxysm. It seems, this last paroxysm came on more gradually than was usual with those that preceded. Mr Hall finding his breathing becoming much worse, first rose more on his elbow, then raised his body, supporting himself with his hand, till the increasing agitation obliged him to rise completely on the sofa, and to place his feet in hot water-the usual means he resorted to for relief in every paroxysm. Mrs Hall, observing a fixation of his eyes, and an unusual expression on his countenance, and indeed in his whole manner, became alarmed by the sudden impression that he was dying; and exclaimed in great agitation,This can't be dying!' when he replied, It is death it is death— death! Oh the sufferings of this body!' Mrs Hall then