the elements, and in their distribution to the first two or three groups which gathered around the chancel. His manner, though feeble and somewhat bewildered, was very solemn, and marked by strong, and at times irrepressible emotion. As he stood within that rail, remembering his journey five and forty years ago, when he came from Baltimore an almost unheeded stranger, to labor among the desolations of the church in Fredericksburg-when he thought of it, and of himself, as they were in that day, and then looked at the numer ous spiritual children around him, "which God had graciously given to His servant," and the spacious beautiful building in which they were assembled, he might well feel, and truly speak as Jacob did: "O Lord, which saidst unto me, Return unto thine own country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee, I am not worthy of the least of all Thy mer cies, and of all the truth which Thou hast showed unto Thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this river, and now I am become two bands."

The whole scene was so overpowering to him, that he was obliged to withdraw to the vestry-room. One of the clergy, who, as soon as he could, followed him out, found him standing with his person bowed, and slowly swaying from side to side, the big tears on his cheeks, and his quivering lips giving utterance to all he could say: "O God! this is too much, this is too much." It was more than the foretaste of the "unspeak able" which is in reversion. It was the "fullness of joy" itself breaking in, as it were, prematurely, in streams more abundant than there was yet room to receive, or strength to bear. It seemed to be kindred to the experience of the devoted 'missionary in the midst of his self-sacrificing labor in the east, when he received such revelations of the grace and glory of God, that overpowered by the view, he cried out: "Hold, Lord, hold, I can bear no more."

The ministry of Mr. McGuire was eminently productive. Its regular annual yield was gratifying, and in some seasons specially abundant-the last the largest. "Planted in the house of the Lord," he "flourished in the courts of our God, still bringing forth fruit in old age." How may we explain

this exemplary usefulness? God, it is true, and He alone, "giveth the increase," but He is pleased to do so in connection with certain instrumentalities; and these He graciously adapts to the accomplishment of His merciful purposes. We may therefore expect, generally to discern in the character and course of the servant, something by which, to human view, he is fitted for the work which he is honored in performing. What of such suitableness is discoverable in the ministry of Mr. McGuire?

1. His intellectual endowments it is unnecessary to note, except that he possessed a sound mind, susceptible of solid improvement, and a courageous spirit, neither deterred nor dismayed by difficulties. But it is important to observe in this connection that he was truly of "good report." So the recommendation for his admission to orders testified, and such, after a ministry of five and forty years in the same parish, was the testimony of the whole community in which he lived and died. They were proud of his virtuous example, and when it was withdrawn from before their eyes, lamented as a public loss. At the close of nearly half a century, the integrity and purity of his moral character were without reproach or suspicion. His daily deportment, instead of negativing his teachings in the pulpit, furnished a fine illustration of the precepts of religion, and a happy persuasive to their practice. This was indeed a power in the line of the Christian ministry. A French infidel, who was for a few days the guest of the excellent Archbishop of Cambray, though not once personally addressed by him on the subject of religion, was so impressed by his beautifully consistent life that he exclaimed: "I must leave this house, or I shall become a Christian." Few who had the privilege of intercourse with Mr. McGuire failed to feel the silent eloquence of his walk and conversation.

2. This attractive rectitude was not the result of mere virtuous training. It was not the effect of any mere philosophical principles or considerations of worldly prudence, but the outward genuine expression of an "inward and spiritual gracea death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness." "Not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but

of God." This he insisted upon as indispensable to a life of true holiness. This he professed to have himself experienced, having the witness of it in his own consciousness of repentance towards God, and a living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—and evidencing it to others, not by a formal morality, or mere outward profession, but by the excellent fruits of the Spirit. He was not one of those unapt teachers, who, when this new birth is named, ask, "How can these things be?" or resolve the whole matter into the reception of baptism, and are satisfied with such proof as the parish record affords. He knew from personal experience what he testified, and could say to inquirers: "Come and hear, and I will declare what God hath done for my soul." His clear consciousness, and consequent distinct instructions, in connection with this great change, contributed largely to his ministerial usefulness.

3. He was an humble man, but this did not prevent him from aspiring to elevated attainments in the divine life. Growth in grace, increasing conformity to the image of Christ, closer communion with God, affections more set upon things above, a brighter perception of their excellence, and a better preparation for their possession-these were attainments for which he ardently longed and diligently sought, in the faithful use of those means which God has ordained and promised to bless. These thirstings of his soul, in connection with devout meditations, thorough self-searching, and earnest prayer are every where apparent in his spiritual diary. His conviction of the necessity of practical piety to promote personal improvement and spiritual enjoyment, he expressed in the following lines: "Happiness, I feel deeply convinced, is intimately connected with the faithful and active discharge of every duty. It is the wise advice of Bishop Wilson, that the Christian cultivate the piety which is active, rather than that which is only contemplative. It is with the soul as with the body, health can only be enjoyed by exercise."

A few extracts bearing different dates, will serve to show the state and action of his mind in reference to his personal piety.

March 9, 1819.-"Much engaged in examining the state of my heart, and considering my condition in the sight of God."

March 11.—“ My soul stirred up to seek the Lord afresh, and make my calling and election sure. Oh! for grace to help me on my way, to revive my heart, and kindle the flame of love into a holy ardor and renovated zeal for the glory of God, and for the salvation of my own soul."

March 22.-"A comfortable meeting with my people to-night. My mind much enlightened on divine subjects during the past week. More fixed in love and admiration of God in Christ. How slow my progress in divine knowledge! God must teach, or I remain ignorant, stupid, and benighted. Lord, vouchsafe Thy gra cious aid yet more and more. Be Thou my teacher and I shall learn well."

April 9. Good Friday.-"Find it good to fast and pray. The Lord manifesting Himself to me in a gracious manner. My soul filled with wonder and gratitude for the love which sacrificed the adorable Redeemer for poor wretched men."

April 11.-"A glorious day. (Easter.) Found peace in waiting on God -nothing but peace, joy, and assurance."

April 12.-"Still peace of mind-sweet peace."

April 13.-"Loving to have fellowship with God, and entering into His presence with joy."

April 19.-"My mind peaceful and happy. Rejoicing in the hope of resting with God after a few more days of toil and pain. My bodily health bad. May my inward man be renewed day by day, as my outward man decays. Lord, help Thy servant."

April 27.-"Made a more complete surrender of myself to God. Find joy in giving myself up to be used for the Lord's glory. No peace in holding back any part. God will not have a divided heart. Our joy is in proportion to our devotion to the Lord. My heart much drawn out to God in prayer to-day. Find it good to draw nigh to God."

April 29.-"My chief delight in the pursuit of holiness."

May 2.--"My mind unusually serene and happy to-night. My delight in the Lord great and unalloyed. Oh! how precious His favor to the soul! How delightful His word and ordinances! They impart the purest joy."

June 7.-"Much engaged to-day in trying my state, in 'proving' myself whether I be 'in the faith,' whether I am making the progress in holiness necessary to see God. May the Lord help me to make my calling and election sure."

That Mr. McGuire was not without the usual vicissitudes in his religious experience, it is scarcely necessary to state. One instance may be introduced with the happy relief which ensued:

June 6, 1821.--" I had long labored under deadness and leanness of soul, though I had groaned under it, and sought the Lord for deliverance. Lately on my return from the convention in Norfolk, I received the sweet persuasion of the divine favor, accompanied by a powerful impression of His continual presence. Under this delightful influence I have continued ever since. This delightful impression of the VOL. VI.-17

presence and love of God gives a constant tranquillity and sober composure to my mind, with a sweet peace and joy in His service equal to any thing I ever felt. I consider it a step of advancement in the divine life, which will make religion more and more delightful to me, and which I hope and believe will abide with me for my sanctification and preparation for the immediate and blissful presence of my God in heaven. Oh! the bliss which is found in the love of Christ! How sweet to the soul the smiles, 'how unsearchable the riches of Christ.'"

Mr. McGuire had no occasion to say: "They made me a keeper of the vineyards, but mine own vineyard have I not kept." Few have watched their heart with more jealous care, or cultivated it with greater diligence and happier result. And here we find another element in the cause of his ministerial success. He wrote and spoke not as from the hearing of the ear, but with a vivid view and deep feeling of the realities to which he testified with a heart under the power of the constraining love of Christ, and throbbing with the hope of glory. This gave to his discourses their unction, and secured for them success, which no oratory nor erudition can command.

4. Mr. McGuire's heart, like his Master's, was in his work. He did not seek the ministry from considerations of worldly policy-as a living-with a view to elevate his social position, to obtain influence, or as affording leisure to indulge a taste for literary pursuits. All these might have been equally or better secured in the secular profession for which he had been preparing, but because he realized most deeply the value of redemption, ardently loved the Redeemer, who effected it through His own bloodshedding and death, sympathized intensely with perishing sinners, and craved their salvation through Jesus Christ, to the glory of His name. These were the views which possessed his mind, fired his soul with zeal for the conversion of his fellow-men, and determined him to forsake all, and follow Jesus in His own appointed ministry of reconciliation. He loved the work for the Master's sake, and the sake of those whose souls it was ordained to save. It had his heart, and to it his energies were freely given. It was not task and toil, but "meat and drink." Though he felt the pressure of its responsibilities, he did not shrink from its labors, they were his business and delight, and instead of an anxiety to spare himself by substituting others, he was ready, and re