We are therefore particularly pleased when we have an opportunity of exhibiting the lives of those excellent persons who have appeared in the midst of secular engagements. Short indeed was the career of the amiable subject of the following memoir; but he has left behind him a testimony to the power of religion, which will long, and we hope with advantage, be remembered.

Mr. S. H. Golding was born of respectable parents, at Bridport, in the year 1784. Almost from his childhood he discovered an ardent thirst after knowledge; and he possessed, in a greater degree than many, the means of gratifying this laudable desire. He enjoyed the advantage of a classical education, and made some proficiency in mathematical studies. After quitting school he devoted himself to the law; but still embraced every op portunity which his professional engagements allowed for acquir. ing general knowledge. Hefrequently rose several hours before day in winter, and pursued his studies with an ardor and perseverance, which enabled him, with a remarkable facility of execution, to accomplish more than most other young persons. Many proofs of his indus. try and application remain in his various analyses of works, and several manuscripts, which his relatives possess.

But it is not our intention to fill this memoir with an account of the vigor of his understanding, his singular diligence, the extent of his knowledge, or the refinement of his mind and amiableness of his manners. "We could," to use the words of one of his friends," adduce numer.

ous proofs of the warm affection, tender sensibility, and extreme delicacy of his disposition, and of the integrity, and disinterestedness which distinguished his character. He discovered a conscientious regard to duty in all his transactions, and exemplary and consistent conduct in every relation."

But we wish to fix the reader's attention on his unfeigned piety; which, as his life drew nearer to a close, shone forth with increasing and singular lustre. We know not the date of his first serious impressions. A letter which he wrote, in his fourteenth year, on the death of an elder brother, evinces a mind in some degree affected with eternal con

cerns.

But though nothing decisive appeared in his character at this time, or for some following years, yet during this period he exhibited many favorable symptoms of a mind well disposed. He discovered a reverence for sacred things; and he not only attended upon the public means of grace and the secret du. ties of religion, but frequented those social meetings of prayer which the learned and polite, unless renewed by divine grace, generally regard with disgust and contempt. But though it is impossible to say when that change, without which we cannot see the kingdom of God," took place in his character, yet it will evidently appear from the subsequent part of this memoir, that he had been drawn by divine influence from a love to worldly, to a superior delight in spiritual objects. He who sees no difference in his past and present experience, has reason to call his religion in question. Yet the al

66

teration might be effected, especially in those who have enjoyed a religious education, in a very gradual and imperceptible manner. Such persons are like a man who, gliding down a stream, removes from the dominions of one prince into those of another. He knows not when he passed the boundaries which divide the two kingdoms; and is only conscious of the change, by contras. ting the objects around him with the scenes which he had recent ly quitted.

He went to London in the year 1807. Previously to his going thither, he expresses, in a letter to a friend, his resolution to avail himself of the advantages for improvement which his new situation would afford; but, he adds, what is particularly memorable, as descriptive of his own future condition, Thus have I fully unbosomed myself to you on the most important subject of a temporal nature, which can engage my attention. How far success may smile on my prospects, is only known to the Supreme Disposer of events, who, in the course of his providence, often frustrates the schemes of mortals, to shew more fully his own sovereignty and their dependence.'

On his arrival in London, he was sensible of the numerous snares to which he was exposed, as appears from a letter which he wrote to his brother on that occasion:

With much pleasure,' says he, I reflect on the solicitude you expressed when we parted, that I could be introduced to such company as would be a check to youthful levity, in a place so ensnaring and dangerous, I say,

I was pleased, because it shewed the degree of that, the reality of which I never doubted,-your concern for my best interests. If I have since been so fortu. nate as to find a friend, I owe the favor to that Sovereign Good. ness which fixes the bounds of our habitation, and, in propor. tion to the advantages we are en. trusted with, justly expects a commensurate improvement.'

In a letter, of the same date, addressed to his father, he writes in a language amiably descriptive of his respect, affection, and gratitude.

I should do injustice,' he says, to my own feelings, were I not to begin with expressing my warmest thanks for the excel. lent advice and kind wishes contained in my excellent father's welcome epistle. I regard it as one of the greatest blessings to have had a pious education, and the instructions and prayers of a parent for so long a period; and now that I am, for the first time, separated, I feel more than ever their value. Go on, my dear Sir, to assist your child in this way. He needs it, and will thank you for it; or, at least, should he at any time be disposed to reject it, this circumstance ought to excite him to suspect that he is not what he should be,-what he would be. While, with joy and gratitude, he acknowledges that divine goodness which has hitherto preserved him from vice, he desires to rejoice with trembling, remembering the precept of the apostle, "Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall."

We find that his diligence in his new situation equalled the warmest resolutions which he had

expressed before leaving the country.

'Conceive of me,' says he, in a letter to one of his sisters, 'from half past nine, or earlier in the morning, till ten at night, so engaged as only to be able to spend an hour at dinner; and, in addition to this, having full employment for study (the only time) on my retiring to my lodgings at night, and before breakfast.'

His unwearied diligence and superior talents, soon attracted the notice of men of the first eminence in his profession. He met with the most flattering encouragement from them, and had prospects of wealth and distinction opening before him beyond his highest expectation;-but the fervor of his mind exceeded the strength of his constitution. His unremitting application occasioned a hemorrhage; which, though slight at first, was frequently repeated, and, after some months, terminated fatal. ly. A letter, which our young friend wrote at this period, indicates the pleasing state of his mind.

The anxiety of friends on such occasions,' says he, though highly soothing and endearing, is often painful to the sufferer, insomuch as he sees himself the cause of their sorrow, whose pleasures and cares are blended with his own. For my sake, therefore, as well as your own, be not over-solicitous, my dear sister, about what concerns me. God knows what is best for us;

It is surely a subject of the deepest regret, that so many have fallen the unumely victims of an unrestrained ardor in literary pursuits. Let others take warning by their lamented examples!

VOL. II. New Series.

and in causing me to drink of the cap of affliction, has wise purposes to answer. May the fruit be to alienate from sin, wean from inordinate attachments to the world, to render the Savior more precious, and Heaven more desirable.'

As his disorder increased, a medical gentleman, with a paternal kindness, took him under his own roof, for the sake of giving him that particular attention which he needed at this critical period. His views and feelings at this time are thus expressed, in a letter to his father :

Here then let me pause for a moment, and reflect on the mercies which have accompanied this afflictive dispensation. Far removed from those kind relations, whose tender sympathy and unwearied attention have heretofore been experienced, in the midst of strangers, and not even my friend at hand (Mr.was in the country) my situation appeared really forlorn. Yet have these circumstances heightened the claim of gratitude to that Being, who has excited an interest in the bosom almost of strangers in my behalf. Nothing can exceed the kindness I have experienced from Mr. and Mrs. In the former, parental attention is united with such a degree of professional skill, as sets my mind, and should set yours, al perfect ease on that subject. In the latter, I see all the sensibilities of a mother (the character in which, she says, she wishes me to consider her) displayed. Excluded as I

am from all society, my situation would be somewhat dull, were not every means, consistent with safety, used to r. move thetedium of solitude. In short, no. 20

thing could render one more comfortable under the absence of my relations; while the circumstance of being under the same roof with my doctor, whose assistance in any emergency can be so readily obtained, is particularly favorable. Thus the cup I am called to drink, though bitter, is sweetened with many a pleasant ingredient. Whether the plans I had formed, the accomplishment of which appeared within my reach, will be entirely frustrated, or only interrupted, is best known to the Supreme Disposer of events. I desire to acquiesce in his will, whatever that may be. Certainly my prospects were fair ;—the cloud that intercepted my view was dispersed;-my most sanguine expectations were exceeded, and recent circumstances had increased them;--but, perhaps, I had made this too much an idol. My heart was too much set on it; and, without doubt, Infinite Wis. dom has seen fit to withdraw it from me, that I may be led to trust more entirely on him. Happy will it be that I have been visited with this affliction, if this end be answered by it! You will be solicitous to know what were my views in anticipa tion of that event, which certain ly, at one period, I considered as not far distant. Sensible of the treachery of the heart, and the danger of self deception, it was my prayer to God to give me a right judgment in so important a matter. I trust, my dear Sir, all is well; that I am prepared for any event; that, hav. ing cast anchor within the veil, I have a hold which the terrors of

death cannot shake! Rejoice with me in this hope, and pray

that it may be well founded!'

The pleasing state of his mind, expressed in this letter, is also mentioned by the worthy lady with whom he resided.

"Our dear friend,' says she, 'has often reminded me of this consoling idea of Cowper's, That those who are best fitted to live in this world, are best prepared for the happiness of another. His mind was calm and composed in the most trying period of his illness; and, though he was prohibited from speaking, I could not refuse to listen while he was expressing a sweet testimony to the reality of religion. He said, that his hopes rested on the truths of the gospel, and that he felt their support, and the most perfect resignation to the divine will, as to the event of his illness. I lament that the low tone in which he spoke, and the interest and agitation of the moment, have prevented me from recalling many of the ideas which he uttered, and which I have no doubt but he intended that I should treasure up for the consolation of his friends; but it is enough to know, that, at that solemn period when the human heart would not be tempted to disguise its real sentiments, death had no terrors for your beloved relative.'

The gentleman to whom he alluded in one of his letters, as the friend that he met with soon after his arrival in London, gives the same account of his resignation during this period of his illness; while, at the same time, he pays a tribute to the worth and amia. bleness of his general character.

The first half hour,' says he, addressing his father, that I spent with your son, after his ar