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at Philadelphia in the preceding May. Mr. McGuire was the first person ordained by the new Bishop.

The state of the Church in Fredericksburg was any thing but attractive, and to accept the invitation tendered to him, must have required great moral courage, and an unusual devotion to his work. By a respectable gentleman, who engaged to do all he could to sustain him if he came, he was at the same time frankly advised not to make the attempt, as the congregation had gone down, beyond any reasonable hope of recovery. Mr. McGuire's account of his entrance upon his field of labor, sustains the representation of his friend:

"I was received by the people with very little cordiality, in consequence, I suppose, of the shameful conduct of several ministers who had preceded me in this place. The Church was in a state of complete prostration. Many persons had been driven away, and those who remained were much discouraged. Under these disastrous circumstances, I commenced a career most unpromising in the estimation of

men."

Unpromising indeed! The field devastated and defiled, popular prejudice strong against any attempt for its restoration, the enterprise regarded with indifference by the few who ought to have been most interested and active, he to whom the undertaking was proposed, a youth just turned of twenty, without experience in the work of the ministry, and without the advantages of ministerial position and influence! Under these circumstances, nothing could justify the slightest expectation of success without a stout heart, a discreet head, a hand ready for hard work, in season and out of season, and all these because of that faith which makes strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Now let us listen for a moment to the language of this young and unpretending servant of Christ:

"I commenced a career most unpromising in the estimation of men. But the God of my salvation was with me, and my poor labors, recommended by His secret influences, were soon felt. A work of grace quickly commenced in the Church. Souls were converted to God, and aided by their prayers, we began to lift up our heads, and pursue our work, with increased diligence and strength."

Such was the commencement of a ministry, and of a parochial connection of unusual interest. They were not indeed characterized by the brilliancies which dazzle the eye without

edifying the mind, or warming the heart, or by any of those popular experiments which may serve to assemble and electrify a crowd, but are powerless to impart vitality and vigor to the soul. Mr. McGuire affected neither flights of eloquence, nor exquisite polish, nor profundity in his pulpit services; and all supposititious means of excitement he studiously eschewed. He knew that in the warfare in which he had enlisted, victory was to be achieved, "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts," and with God as his helper, the shepherd's sling and smooth stones of the brook were sufficient.

His relation to the church in Fredericksburg is remarkable for its duration and usefulness. It was formed, as we have seen, in Sept. 1813, when he went there as a lay reader; and it continued until Oct. 1858, when it was terminated by his death. Forty-five years in the same parish! There are few such instances on record. It is, we believe, alone in the annals of the Church in Virginia. Others have attained to a greater longevity, but no one, so far as we know, has passed an equal period in the service of one congregation.

In times when transition from parish to parish, and from one diocese to another, is so frequent, that a space in our religious papers is reserved for their notice, with the stereotyped heading, "Clerical Changes," it is surprisingly pleasant to meet with an instance of permanent residence, for almost half a century. It is a salutary sight to look upon the venerable incumbent, who has faithfully served those at whose call he came, till he rendered for them the last office they needed here "earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust"—with few exceptions, has joined in holy matrimony the heads of the families now forming the congregation, applied the seal of the covenant to the brow of the baptized, introduced to the communion and given the consecrated elements to those who are accustomed to kneel at the chancel, who is thus sacredly connected with the generation which he has laid in their graves, with their successors now blessed with his instructions and care, and with the young who are training to take their place. We can not adequately express our appreciation of the advantages

which a capable minister finds in an extended connection with a parish. The opportunity for acquiring intimate and accurate knowledge of his people, gaining more and more their confidence in his friendship and competence, and, by sincere sympathy in their joys and sorrows, gathering around him their true and tender love; these are among the advantages to be obtained by long residence. They form a power for good, which no mere natural gifts can impart. And as, when one moves, he can not carry them with him for use in his new sphere, or leave them for the benefit of his successor, he should be sure of an equivalent before he consents to a change which renders their loss unavoidable.

If the usefulness of Mr. Mc Guire's ministry was not as uncommon as its duration, it was nevertheless very remarkable. The fruits of his labors were too palpable and plentiful to be overlooked or mistaken. It may be said with truth, that during the long period of his rectorship, there was scarcely a time when some of his congregation were not becoming anxious on the subject of religion, and beginning to inquire: "What must I do to be saved?" His ministry was attended by the almost unintermitting influences of the Holy Spirit, sometimes more, sometimes less copious and extensive. Whilst he was constantly engaged in "building up believers in the most holy faith," "that he might present every one perfect in Christ Jesus," he was often gladdened by individuals, and occasionally by many at the same time, seeking to be guided into "the way of life." To the special work of grace, which appeared soon after he commenced his services in Fredericksburg, we have already alluded. The following memoranda, indicating its continuance, occur in his diary:

Oct. 16, 1815.-"The work of grace during this period was progressive; souls were continually added to us by the Lord, in testimony of His approbation."

April 17, 1816.-"The work of religion under my poor ministry, has progressed, and is progressing. Our once degraded church begins to raise her drooping head. I suppose there are now attached to her communion in this town fifty souls converted savingly to God. This number I calculate as having been converted since my ministrations commenced. Some of these persons are signal monuments of Divine grace perhaps seldom surpassed."

Similar entries occur through successive years:

Christmas, 1822.-"A large congregation. A growing interest about religion." Jan. 1823.-"The people still anxious about their souls."

Jan. 19.-"This day baptized three adults in the church. A solemn occasion. The people much impressed by the ceremony. Many affected to tears. Every prospect that the Lord designs to visit us in mercy."

Feb.-"The interest still increases. Many inquiring' what they must do to be saved.'"

March. "The work of grace begins to assume every appearance of a general revival. The concern of many is becoming deeper, and their anxiety about their spiritual state more intense and painful. Increased the occasions for assembling my people for prayer and exhortation. The first night of holding an additional meeting, the house was crowded, and much sensibility was manifested."

April.-"Our meetings still greatly crowded, many crying out: 'What shall we do to be saved?' My heart is enlarged; praise God, O my soul !"

April." The people meet six or seven times a week. They take pleasure in assembling themselves together. The power and grace of God are signally displayed in some of our meetings. I have never heard of more remarkable evidences of the Divine presence. Some He enables to rejoice with joy unspeakable, in the assurance of His pardoning love; others are painfully convinced of sin and danger, and suffer acute distress of mind."

May.-"The people still continue greatly interested."

These quotations will serve to indicate the state of religion under the ministry of Mr. Mc Guire. Others could be added at pleasure, but we must content ourselves with his account of the great awakening in 1831:

May 17.-"Left home for Norfolk."

May 23.-"Returned home. Death in that short time had entered two families. Whilst at Norfolk, four young females of my flock became more deeply impressed with divine truth, and were confirmed. They had been seriously impressed before. This occasion deepened their convictions, and brought them out on the Lord's side. On our return to Fredericksburg, the change in these girls excited much interest among their young companions. Many seemed to be concerned for their salvation, and evinced desires after a life of devotion to the pursuit of eternal things. Thus it continued until the last Sunday in June, when the Lord's Supper was administered. There were two of our brethren assisting, the Rev. C. Mann and the Rev. J. P. McGuire. The services of this occasion were profitable, and the good work began to spread. One and another showed signs of concern about their salvation. Our meetings became crowded. There was every appearance of deep interest. The old members began to wake up, and evince great sensibility. Many persons young and old, began to cry out, 'What must we do to be saved?' Whilst some continued to mourn, others were suddenly enabled to rejoice in the hope of divine mercy. The number increased, till from three or four, they amounted to about sixty, who were seemingly concerned for their salvation.

"The persons thus graciously visited were of all ages, from twelve to seventythree. At this time there are about forty expressing a hope of forgiveness. The number of males is very considerable, and they are of all professions and callings. This good work has not been marked by any extravagance. A few have been deeply distressed, so much so as to grow pale, and tremble when spoken to about their souls. All have been greatly engrossed by the work, and have given themselves up to its advancement in their own hearts, and then in those around them. "It is the most remarkable work of the kind that I have ever seen, and I desire to bless God for so distinguished a privilege and honor. May it still progress, and may precious souls be gathered into the fold of the Redeemer."

We have no means of becoming further acquainted with the history of this signal visitation, for here the diary, commenced January 1st, 1819, terminates. We regret this, and all the more, because it leaves us without an account, by the same hand, of the glorious work of the Holy Spirit in the same congregation in the spring of 1858. There were, we know, not only no special means used with a view to such a blessing, but owing to the great and growing infirmities of their beloved minister, the congregation was often necessarily deprived of their ordinary religious services. Under these unpropitious circumstances, when no one expected it, the windows of heaven were opened and a shower of grace descended even more abundantly than the former effusion, and causing a harvest greater than the now aged and enfeebled servant was able to garner.

The result of this revival, so far as its effect was manifested by an open profession of religion, was the presentation of eighty-eight persons to receive the rite of confirmation. This number, as was said in reference to those who were converted during the previous visitation, included persons of both sexes, various ages and occupations. Among others, an unusual number of gentlemen of standing and influence. These all on the first opportunity, completed their profession, by partaking of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. This occurred on the twenty-seventh of June last. It was indeed an affecting scene as one remarked, "The most glorious day ever witnessed in St. George's Church." Other ministers were there to relieve the honored patriarch from those services for which he might not feel himself adequate. He officiated only in consecrating

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