A^ ,%.. v«> .0^. "^A^^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // 7 €// :/. <;. €?, V X ^„ ^fe^ f/. 1.0 LI 1.25 «- IIIIIM ■^ IM 11 ii: 1^ III M U III 1.6 P^ <^ /}. ^l m W/A #1 ?V^ op, Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 145S0 (716) 873-4503 iV <% iV ^N ^9) V o ,v. M.*-.*! j^ PROVINCE HOUSE y "'" *" *a£s^3^* '0^^ > THE LATE REV. JOHN KE!R. 1). D. 4 S^-ij?$ryc^<^A^^-^ ^/^^ii»4&^ /i o^fy .^C-B*^*?- 1. ^INTRODUCTIO/N. In proceeding to give an account of the life arid labors of this von- erablo servant of Christ, whose loss the chui-cTi at largo deplores, we niay be pelrmittod to express our regret, thfl't ho and so many of the fathers '6f* our ' church 'have left such scanty records of their early Tabors and trials. The lives of most miriiBtcrs is of duch a calm and uniform tenor, as to present few matei-isela fpr biographj^. It' was however very different with those, -vl^o ^I'st plantvd the gospel in the forests of this country'.'; Their lives abounded in arduous toils, in spirit stirring ihtidefnts, and i^ abxmdant success; Che locord of ^vhich would foi-m an interesting addition to religious literature. But with, the mode-'ty that characterised them, they, ^yith scarcely more then a single xception, left no -written record of their labors And sacrifices. They kept no journals. They neither courted nor expected notori- ety for what they had done. They were content to labor and look for no other reward, than the blessing and ai^iproval of the grea,t master whom they served. Or if they looked to posterity, it wa.s fn the hope, that their works would ft)llow thorn. This indeed i^ n re- cord more enduring than the written page, or the marble pillar.— Still we have reason to regret that the facts of their history. arc so imperfectly known; anr hi^ chMrnfter. hr ■Wi T-^ \ Vi >'. ri made little reference to what he had done, and inVonsequenceTirs' life can be very imperfectly written. But his labors are written on the face of the country, in the moVafwildcrness rejoicing and blos- Boming aa the rose. Such fiicts however as we have been able to glean retjarding his life, wo shall here record. tfi"^, * .IWX Parkntagk and Youth. The Rev. John Keir was born at Buchlyvi^ iij ^{le p^i^ish of Kip- pon, Stirlingshire, Scotland, on the 2rid February 1780.^ He was the eldest of the family, which consisted of two sons and a daughter. — The daughter died after reaching maturity, and shortly after her marriage, and the other son has long since preceded him to the eter nal world. His parents, u-hose names were John and Christiana Keir, wore very pious people. The district in which they then re- tided, was one of the earliest in which the Secessiuii had gained a footing, the congregation thcro being an offshoot of the Ecv. Ebene- zer"Efsliine'3 at Stirling. The people of this parish had been dis- tinguished for their attachment to the Solemn League andCovenant in the bloody days of Lauderdale and Claverhouse, and some of them had suffered and bled in the cause of Scotland's covonated re- formation. At the rise of tlie Secession, when corruption and tyr- anny were gaining the ascendency in the t^liurch of Scotland, they •trongly sympathized with the cuntendings of the Secession fathers, and cheerfully cast in their lot witli them. For ten years, many of tlienl'\vere to be found travelling (iiirty.miles every Sabbath to en- jt)y the ministrations of Eben(»er Ersk-ne,; till their own number, and the increase of preachers in the body, led them, along with their brethren in the neighboring parishes of Balfron, Drymen, and Kil- maronodc, to sot up a tabernacle for themselves near the centre c;" the pnrisli of liall'nm. They continued to form part cf this congre- g;!tir)n till tli;> year IT.')-', when f y erected their own place of wor- shi]. at r.uehlyvic* This congiegation it may be mentioned, pro- duced a large number of the ca.-ly ministers of the Secession. To il belonged. I'nnu a \oyy early jioriud, (Iio parents of the subject of this meninii-, and so fir as I»r. Koir kiv,v, ih^-ii- parents before them; »!o that by hi> ancost/y he wa.-^ (■!i'-." Si,, GlapL;'0\c, Ihni und(n- the suii- IIIM .1.- MTk ilf tin' •V. P. H. • "1. >•. i.iii* 127, ■< ,! i 'I >.4«^^ ^ims-t^smrrmis'iiff"^ ■■irr- 1 erintendence of the Rev. Mr. Kamsay, and afterward of the Rav. Dr Muter, then in conaection with the Antiburgher Synod. It may bo mentioned that, such was their zeal in attending upon ordinances, that they at one time walked regularly every Sabbath,, between se- ven and eight railea, to attend upon the preaching of the word. — Under these ministers Dr. Keir Avas brought up ; in that congrega- tion he first made a profession of religion, and of it he continued a men.ber as long as he remained in the Old Country. III. IIivS Student Life. His ])arents were in comfortable ci. cumstances, and provided for him the means of obtaining an education, until he had completed his college curriculum, Avhich he did at the University of Glasgow.^ Having completed the usual course of literary studies there, he Avat admitted to the study of Theology, under the Rev. Archibald Bruce, of Whitburn, then Trofessor of Theology to the Genei-al AssociatS. Synod. When about the close of his Theological coui^e, what wai commonly called the New Light Controversy came to an issue. — This was a controversy regarding the power of the civil Magistrate in religion. Some portions of the Confession of Faith weixj inter- prcted as teaching intolerant or persecuting principles ; and for sev- eral years a controversy agitated both branches of the Secession, regarding the retention of those portions as part of the Profession of the Church. It is usual in our day to explain away their force, so as to make them accord with the principles of toleration, character- istic of the age. We humbly conceive that the Old Light pfirty of those days, or as Mr. Robertson of Kilmarnock called them, '• th« old darkness men," weie more honest. They openly advocated th« idea, that the magistrate should employ his "active power" in sup- prcs.-S07^ elected as Professor Brucc's ;Mifccr.sov, but ■'vi- heli':vc,llvfLtC« i ..J I (4) Keir never attended his prelections. By the appointment of Synod, Presbyteries assigned to Students under their charge, several excr- Cisos/and examinations, which were to count as one year s attend- "^Whlte fnted upon tae study of Theology, his father purchas^^ for him the forms, and other school apparatus belonging to an mdi vidual in Glasgow, who was relinquishing teaching for the work of the minTs n-. He' e he taught in th. intervals between the sessions of the Theological Hall, during the whole of his Theological ourncuhim. Heve he became acquainted with Mr. Gordon, afterward the Eev. Peter Gordon, of P.E. I., who was then a student of the same body. Ld" ho a so'taughtin Glasgow. They for some time lived together and a friendship of the most intimate nature sprung up between them. Of this the following curious epistle may be taken - an expres i.n .B well as affording indications of a sprightliness of character n youTh which many who knew him only in his later years wo.ld Bcarcely suppose him to possess. Glasgow, Uth October, 1805. ereetine:— Grace, mercy and peace, fi^"i".^°^' ^ "'.'''Xhers with pure consci- Ld. Vo thank God, ^-hom wo serve, f ^^^ °"„^ f°L'!f^^ ence.- that without ceasing we had ™mbrance o ^^^ wUh joy!^ And in order day ; greatly desiring to see thee-that we ", y be^^^^^^^^^^^ _^^ to supply thee with the necessaries of life, f^nd '»^«"^^^'^^^ \^^ ggud thee forty- Btand^^i the way of thy speedy ^^J^^^fJ^^yiSt which by the grace of God ^y« two shillings of money, current w th the ^[/^^e saints of God in Oiis place saluto lu.vebeenenabledto.prc.urefor hee Allthesa.^^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^P ^^^^^^„ ;?Sch arar^lSS^nTacr^ee;rl pt- ,^be with thee. Amen. Written from Glas-ow to brother Gordon by John McAf.thur, John Keir. * W„ havo . ICcr before u., to hi, dearly belovert brothe^ Gordon ,ller the litter bad come to this eonnlry, the most of %vti.eh we shal. ;ls, rill'L it nn.ol.l» to .ome extent Dr. Kicr'. obaraeter dnnng ]us htudont life:— Glasgow, March lOth l»o'- * !:■:,:: s;,'i:L,,f..,iTt. ^^^.i:^ c;fsrr.ti'°ir ^1 »*■ JA'^TWii''! Ml ('<' .■l„„. nn'l iri'^r.' r^ornfly Mr.. Mrarogor. ■■ i^iiif^-.'-^ii %\ . l' rK^orly for «ome time P"^t. Inde d J ha^« "^jj^^^" ^oo close confinement, for bowus, where I fltill f?'V.''V ' „o 1 fororl to attend I visited none all last winto . except the school, ^vh.ch I ^f« °^l.ged to attend i v.sue^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^ ^.^^ .^t; ^t :^™tl.^ir n^v party fn r'everal congregations already, and ar^ n the mcnntin let us comfort one anot\ier with the words of eternal trutn^ NoJiinrmore is nccesBuryto o«-l--inponsolati^^^ ^-^^^f believo"them. I may al«o inform you of he deatl of my sister^ Tdo 'rlhink that ho inclines to. unde^a^e a misg ^ ^E' 7^ g^^J ~r^h7i^edi.to cauw of th, wparation w«8 th. adoption, by th. Synod, of a -w Te.- timouT. \ ) ) I I ■ . ■jW» . »WI1 IJ >i.ii*1 -'- ■-""*"""- Ti l ' .^««jj 1 ut it givCD uo eucuurngwiifiit tn -., t<. tht; Msur^. 1 ;un .xiirctiiiji a later cvcrv day.-cithor from him or'Mr. ?>r\vc, wiUi piirf.iular irifDniiUtinnof the Ktato of religion in that qiiavtor of tlio wnld. I have uf.t mrulo ui- my m'.nd yi't whether I shall "0 to the States or Nuvu Scotia. I ain ratinT iiK'hiie.l to the latter. I iim determined to give the Preshytery no hopes of irolng to cither, until I be lieensod, if over thiit J)e. , ,-, , . " Immediately after the meeting; of last General Synod, our ri-csljytery accor- ding to appointment, assigned to every student under their care two diseourses, which together with an examination on the system, is ti; stand for a year at tho Hall. They appointed mo 2 Cor. x. 18, to tr'c end, for a lecture, and the last clause of verse 20 for a popular sermon. The reason they gave me this iiassagc was M.at they understood that I was not sound in tlio faith uijon the doctrine of the atonement, and it .vas necessary that tho PresLytcry sLould be made acquaint- ed with my views on that subject. I delivered the lecture about throe montljs ago, when, as they could find no material difforeu.'O between iny views and their own, it was approved of, and I was ordered to prepare the soriuon with all con- venient speed. I have it readv, and am ".o deliver it at next meeting oi the Presbytery. In mv lecture, I viewed the necc^^slty of the at )neinent, iw arising Fholly from tho circumstances in which man is placed, and not founded at all upon the divine placability.* I considered thp de.ath of Christ merolv as the -rrand meane appointed by divine wisdom, for fulfilling that mercilul intention, which God has from all eternity etUertained toward his fallen crc'.iturcs. 1 did not attempt to explain the manner m which the sacrifice of Christ is connected with the for'-'veness of sin. It is enough that this is declared by Go.l to be tho medium through which our salvation is effected. But I am nmniiig on with a subject, in which you are bett(%Yer6cd than I am. It gives mo pleasun>, how- ever, to think that I may write you my sentiments in everything without reserve. I would be very glad that our correspondence should turn upon doctnual subjects. It would be of great advantage to me in my researches after truth. '•Onr Theological society is still existing and in a very tlounshmg condition. We have got a number of new members since you left us, among whom is Mr. Gilmour, Teacher, opfosite the Bank, a gentleman who has excccdingl:^' correct views of the doctrines of the go'ipel. He and I are generally iqxm one side ol t/.e 1 We have very fierce encounters with Mr. Hogg, wko always adopts the t side. Mr. Brownleef is not vet licensed, but ho has given in some of 8, I believe. He will probably go, to i\jmerica. There is a great scarcity vacancies all supplied. Tha ti deposed, which makes the demand for preachers very great. • • brother is just waiting to receive this letter, which prevents me from ny more. "l have not time to read it over. I hope you will excuse anv jies. I shall write you a long letter soon after the meeting of the Svaod, •i,n no^a T tif.nf. voii will wHte to me as soon as this comes to hand. c'lestion f rthodox his trials, _ _ ... of preachers here just now. They cannot get the . _ Old Light movement has occasioned a number of new ones, and several rainistera have been deposed, which makes the demand for preachers very great adding any inaccuracies. I shall write you a long with all the news. I hope you will write to me as soon as this comes to with an account of all the news in Nova Scotia, jpajticularly of the state of religion tbore. I will see you, perhaps, in the course of a year or two. I remain, Dear Friend. Yojjrs, sincerely, ' JOHK KeIK. There are several points in this I'ctter worthy of notice. In the first place, we may notice the liberality of his Hcntinfients. Ho ppeaks of diflaoulties about taking license in connection with the Anti- burgher Synod. This arose from no scruples regarding the great ey stem- of divine truth, as held by that body, foi - on these his mind ' t The Idea plainly is, that tho atonement was not neceaaary to render God placable. God TrM«JwajBinercjM, but tne ausnement wai needed to open a ^ay lor the cxevcue ol mor ey In conrirtenoy with justice. * Noff Dr. Brownie* ef New York. I i [ ill ->:m^'^:^' m v^^'-^^fc HP y I toever wavered, but from wluit i.e regarded ae its into'erant spirit. The narrowness of thoir views, and the illiborality of tlieir spirit, were e\-hibitod in forms, wliich lo tlie present age would be almost incredible. For example, they would suspend a man Irom chureh privileges, for hearing sermon in a parish cluirch. A young man of excellent chai-acter and promising talents, when nearly ready for license, went to hoar .*ermon from, a relative, who had just been or- dained in the Established Church. For this ho was summoned be- fore the church court,, and threatened with suspension if he did not express sorrow for his offence. He offered to express his regret, that ho should have done anything that would. have given offence to his brethren, but ho could not acknowledge anything sinful.in what he had done. They retused tc acoppt this, and he left the feody, and be- came a useful minister of another. At the time of which we speak, much of this illiborality had passed away, but so much of it fitill re' mainod, that it would appear that he scrupled for a time about bo- coming one of its ministers. This also manifested his strict consci- ontiousncss. It may bo mentioned, that the liberal spirit which ho thus early imbibed from the study of the word of God, characterized him through life. While none could be more strenuous in maintain- ing those views of truth, which ho had conscientiously adopted, none was more ready to acknowledge excellence, where he found it, in brethren of another name. Another feature manifested by the above letter, is the ind?} end. once of his mind. From Dr. Keir's rigid adherence to the old The- ology, an im])ression might have been made on some minds that ha would have received his Theological system implicitly from his tut- ors. Instead of this, it appears plainly from the above letter, that ho adopted his views from no hximan gystem orhuman teacher; that he called no man master, and that he dw3w his knowledge of divia* truth directly from the original fountain of wisdom. This appeared, as we shall hereafter notice, in his labors as a teacher of Theology. both from the pulpit and the Professor's desk. But perhaps the most noticeable feature of the abovo letter, is th* rebuke which it administers to that spirit, not yet extinct in du- church, expressively denominated, heresy hunting. If there was on» man in our church more than another, in whose soundness in the faith the wliole body had confidence, that man was Dr. Keir, and yet it would appear fVom the above letter, that such Avas tho keen scent for lieresy of s'mio would be zealots for the truth, that when a young man, he was suppectod as unsound upon a vital point, and had to pae? througli jm investigation, to test the accuracy of his views. It -;p»..v, I'^i «#(«^S««^'-'*'*''***i^^^"«*=^^^'*^'^***''^ \ * •(8) is well, no doubt, to be zealous for the truth, and even jealous for it. But th'at spirit which is always suspecting error,— is bo ready to make a uuu. an offender for a word, and is eagle eyed in defecting Bome heterodox Hcntimon.t lurking under the most innoecnt expres- sions -is most unchrstian and injurious. A fe",- months ago, Dr. Keir' in conversing on the subject, informed lis that the suspicion, arose out of Mr. Irarie's case, r.icrred to in the above letter. Th:. iVir Imrie was a man of subtle mind, wh,> seemed to delight in ex- Lr^-ising his ingenuity in presenting the truths of religion in an un- usual manner, or in the form of paradox. This case was for several years before the Synod, and finally he was deposed. But, as Jr. Keir informed us, there was a strong symi^athy for him among th« students, and from the above letter it appears that he himselt had the same feeling, and this led the Presbytery to entertain suspicion. of them generally, himself among the rest. In connection with this, he mentioned to us recently, that the Presbytery here in tmsequenc* of the case, became suspicious of the orthodoxy of the body at home, and resolved to subject all ministers coming from Scotland, to an ex- amination previous to their being received. The Theological society mentioned in the above letter, was an as- sociation of young men principally student, of Theology, f.r the purpose of mutual progress in their studies. They held regular meetings at which questions in Divinity were discussed, essays weie read, and sometimes discourses or plans of discourses delivered and criticised. Of this association, he and Mr. Gordon were members, while they remained in the Old Country, and he ever a ter recognis- ed it as an important means of advancement m.hib studies. IV. Dfvotion tc Missionary work, and appointment to Nova Scotia. But his intimacy with Mr. Gordon was especially interesting Jrom its connection with his decision to come to this country. The latter when a working weaver, had been so touched by one of Dr. Mc Gregors appeafs, secting forth the spiritual destitution of tins coun try that he resoWed to devote himself to study for the work of h ^•^istry, with a view to c.^iing out as a missionary During the whole course of his studies, he kept this object steadily in view^ and whether his intercourse with Dr. Keir, -s the means of .n,m^ a^in^ in the mind of the latter, the desire to devote himself to the :re work or not, it had at least the effect of strengthening a^ confirming it. The Missionary work was then occnpyiug the atten- ' \t \--4if mMM ri yay/ort/^^ (9) tion of tho Church, and stirring appeals were coming homo, both from the United States and Nova Scotia, to tbe bod_y to which tlicy belonged, for mer to preach the everlasting gospel to the perishing. But thero wore, at that time, few young men willing to encounter the BacrificcB which Buoh a mii'sion involved. His heart wiia touch- ed, and by i-'-tcroouvHe with M. . GonJon, his desire to ]!reach the gos- pel to the destitute was Increased, so that 1-y the time Mr. Goruon was licensed, about two years before his own licensure, hie resolnticn was1al--en, and he had pledged himself to hi.« dear f-iond, that when liconsea, he would follow him to the Western wilderneHa. ThuH, ho who h.iH the hcart3 of all men in his hands, was answcriug the pray- ers of I)r. McGregor :ind his associates, by raising up faithfu' men, to accomplish hi.s ])urpo5cs of morcy to this country, and putting it into tneir hearts lo come to the holpof the Lord against the mighty. It ■>% ill appear from the above letter. tV. or a time he hesitated between this country and.the United Stu< . where p, number of his follow students, particularly the Rev. Alex. Bullions, had gone. Wo believe that we are safe in saying, that the matter waa finally decid- ed, by his friendship for Mr. Gordon, j^iie latter, «n .''.is arrival in P. E. IslaivJ, had bnen called to Princetown and St. Peters. He preferred the call of the latter, and when some of the people of the former place, complained to him of his dtcision, he replied, that ho . would get them a better man than himself, alluding to Dr. Ktir. — Hence his influence was directed to influence the latter to choo.so this country as th.c sphere of his labors, in which he was successful. Having completed his usual term of study, Dr. Keir was duly licens- ed to prea jh the gospel, by the Presbytery of Glasgow, about the close of the year 1807, and preached in the various vacancies of the body, till the following summer. At the meeting of Synod in 1808, he formally tendered hif services to the supreme court, for the J^Tova Scotia mission. The Synod Avas not very anxious to accept his ser- vices for the work, '.hero were chen many congrc'-ation^ vacant in the church a': home, and preachers were voiy sjarce, so that when ,the que.itioii was tulion about sending him to ^cva S':otia, it was CO r.ied in the affirmative, only by a majority ui one vct3, and even this was only because of his own anxiety to go. it will be thue ssen that his coming to this eoantry, was in the true spirit of mir-Hionary devotcanebs, and it may bu added, that the sacrifices nnd triala of nissionaries coming to this country, v;ere quite equal to tliose en- dured by the majority of modern missionaries, /.t the un.o of this decision of Synod, ther*' waf" :\,\\ ajiplirat'an l.elcre thfvr. from ri oon- (rregatjon juft formfd in r^'nnwtii.m •". ith the bod) a. .llaliiV,'-. :.uJ t (10) (he Synod fiont him out with a Bpecial view to that plaee, giving him liberty to return in two years, if he did not like the country, tho ex- penccs of hia passage heme to be paid. V. From uis appointment to Nova iScoTiA till his Ordination. Having thus been aly accepted as a ]\Ii88ionary, ha immediately prepared to set out for IiIb destination. Three weeks previous to his departure, ho was married to Mary, only daughter of James, and Amelia Burnet, persons distinguished for their early and deep piety, -and respectable members of Dr. Thomson's congregation in Glasgow, in counexion with the Kelief Synod. This union of Secession and Eelief was as happy in a domestic point of view, as has the larger onion of the same name been in an Ecclesiastical. For the long period of fifty years they have travelled tho journey of life together, unitedly bearing its burdens and sharing its joys— "as heirs together of the grace of life." "Lovely and pleasant were they in their lives," and in their deaths they cannot be long divided. It may be here mentioned that during his student life, be enjoyed considerable friend- ly intercourse with ministers and students of tho Eelief Synod, and acquired a }ng\\ esteem for that body. He rejoiced therefore greatly at tho steps taken for union between it and tho Secession, and when tho union did take place, his remark was, that it should have taken place long before. We may also mention that by his marriage ho becam'^ in right of his wife a Burgess of the city of Glasgow, though had he found it necessary to trade within the bounds of the city, his principles as an Antibugher would have prevented him taking tho jath then required of such.* On the last Sabbath previous to hl^J departure, ho proclaimed tho gospel of siilvation in Greenock, and on the one previous, in Paisley, where a liberal contribution was handed to him to defray tho expens- es o£ his mission. In September he set sail from his native land for Pictlfe, where he safclv arrived, and where he was leceived with great joy by the brethren. The Presbytery were at that time anxious about Princ« Edward Island, particulary in consequence of the dis- ri7m.v he necc...a.y to fxrlain, tbut the Burgesses of certain cities in Britain, havo „l„m. tl.e riKht to rto I.umu..,- within certain limit... " Tho freedom of tho city" sometimes ,,..sn„t..ttcco in the salt market of Glasgow, yet it is ', ,^„,'i,Urcd a oomplimcnt. whuh is received with all dne r.spect. An oath which wai ro- nuirolof Burgesses in certain cities of Scotland, produced the diviBion of the Soo«iMO» , . into DuTgh«H »nd. A oi ib«rgh««, th. l.tt*T dwyitig the l»wfulDM» Of the -.th. feti** l ii i r -i iiii ririltTii'liyfiftT, yavflon \ j|( *3*.. J (11) appointments th« people there hud cxperi-jnced. About eiglitoon years had elapsed pinec Dr. McGregor had Siet proached the pospeF in Princetown, and with the exception of a ohort time, that Mr. Urquhart had laboured among lliom, they had received only occa- sional supply of sermon, and had suffered the miseries of hope defer- red. In tlie year 17(t9 the Synod in Scotland had appointed the Rev Francis Pringle to that place, but coming out by way of New York the Presbyter}' there detained him. In the year 1803 Dr. McCulloch was appointed to P. V\. Island, but he arrived too late in the fall to get u passage over, and remained in IMctou all winter. A party fi-om the former })lace arrived in Pictou to take him over, on the very day of his induction at the latter. Mr. Gordon had been sent to the Is- land two years previously, but his health was now failing, and it was already seen that he was not to bo spared long to labor in the Lord'B vineyard on earth. Under these circumstances the Presbytery con- sidered the circumstances of the Island so pressing, that, notwith- standing the applii:.Hon from Halifax, they sent him lO the former place for the winter. This decision accorded with his own views, and the appointment as bringing him into close association with his old friend, Mr. Gordon, was particularly agreeable to his feelings. He and Mrs. Keir accordingly removed to P. E. Island that fall, where he took up his abode at Princctown, lodging for the winter in the house of Mr. John Thomson, one of the elders, near where the present church now stands. During the most of that winter he preached at Princetown and the adjacent settlements, but he also preached at St. Peters by exchange with Mr. Gordon. The latter came tct Princetown in April following, though in a state of groat feebleness, to dispense Bajitism to the peo- ple, while Dr. Keir supplied his place. On his way home Mr. Gordon died at Covehead. Dr. Keir then, we l)elievc, also gave some supply to St. Peters. Jn spring he returned to the mainland, and during that summer (1809) he supplied IFalitiix and Merigomi.sh. In the meantime calls came out both Ironi St. Peters and Princetown, the call of the latter being dated 19th June 18G9. The people of Halifax and Mcrigomish also prepared to call him, l^ut *iie Presbytery in consequence of the f;tate of the L-land 1 y the death of Mr. Gordon, were anxious for hini to go there, and in his own opinion the tinger of Providence ])ointod out that duty called liini thither. In these cir- cumstaneos the (^alla from these, places wtise not prosecuted. The people of Halifax were bo disapp.ointed thut ihoy threatened to joim another body Wo-haTc* eonvprsetl vtith t^cvprnl ivrsoBB who lei oilec! him at tbi* /I aiM (1%) (itriod of his Jiie, and it i» interesting to look back upon the impres- sions formed of him then, and compare them with what ho showed himBclf afterward. As to his preaching, it was not of the fityle^ which might bo denominated popular, but by the judicious it was relished tor its full and clear exhibitions of divine truth. But the most curious fact is that he was regarded, and that by persons havi no- Lad good opportuniiicb of judging, a.s disposed to indolence, and by Ofhers as rather vain. We could scarcely have imagined any thing niore opposite to the tcnOr of his whole subsequent career. Z^othino- in his after life seemed more to distinguish him than his laborious Cind self denying diligence in duty, and the unf;.ii.vn«I hnn-.Ui'.y of l\is cliaracter. The iin :essionH form.'i-i -f him iinght have, hocn well founded at <} at lime, but 'f tl.ey w.^ro, lu's subsequcr.t life reflects all the more honor upon that divine- grace, by which he was enabled so entircjy to ovcicomo the tendencies of his nalur?.! temperament. The Presbytery, with whom at that time rested the decision in Ca-' • of competing callrr, having, in accordance with his own inclin- uuo:., decided in favor of Trincetoun, ho proceeded thither that sea- Bc:i; end there finally took up his abode. But in consequence of t.-hr.t he considered the disorganized Btat<» of the congregation, and in ordci" thai he might have time to become better acquainted with the people, before dispensing church privileges to th -ra, he requested the Presbytery that his ordination might be deferred till the follow- ing season, and that he might be allowed in the meantime to preach to the people as a licentiate. This was :!greed to and his ordination tti'cordingly did not take place till Juno ISIO. Accordingly at that tinic, the Presbytery proceeded to Princetown for his oriinatiori. T'.c mea.bcrs proh-imt were. Dr.McGrGgor,the Ecv. D. ncan Eoss, Dr. McCullocli and the late Mr. Mitchell of Piver John. They arrived by way of Bedeque late in the week. Dr. McGregor preached on Saturday from Phil. 3. 8,—" I count all things but loss for the cxcc!^ rcy of Christ Jesus mv Lord." But the ordination did not take pn-.e till the following day, (Sabbath.) An ordination was then an event entirely new In that part of the Island, and excit- ed great interest. There were many doubtless who rejoiced in tho event, as realizing their long disappointed expectations, of having th ordiaaiccB uf religion regularly dispensed among them. But t itt nov.'ity of t'lO ovcat, excited the curiosity of many othcra. So that tho wi-.oic population not ciiiy of Princetown, but of New Lon- dou, Bodoqae hvaI the west bide of Eiclimond Bay, iiblo to attend, a s: moled on ISo ocCition. Tho audience for thoao days, when. popuiation w;iti :>p;..rsc, waa considered imraonse. The old churclx >■ :: J \ v^^ '■} If \ (13) •(v^ould not hold half of the congregation. A platform was accordi'ng-- ly erected outside the church but close by it on which the ordination took place. Part of the audience remained seated in tho church within sight and hearing, while the rest were aescn.hled outside. — Dr. MeCulloch ])reached from Acts 17. 3 — 10, "He hath appointed a day in which he will judge the worM in righteousnces by that maa whom he hath ordained," narrated the steps, put tho questionH of the formula ami offered up the ordination prayer. Mr. Eoss gave the charge to the people, and we believe, also to tho minister, and Mr. Mitchell concluded the services by a sermoT^ from Acts 18. 26, "Unto- you is tho word of this salvation sent." But considerable disapoint- mont vvas felt by the peoi)lc, that they were not hearing tho voice of Dr. McGregor, whom they regarded as the father of the congregation,' and to whom many of them individually looked as their spiritual father. As one brother after another ocr-iipicd the stand, there were whisperings, "will it be him next," and as tho scrvicoa were conclud- ing without his taking any part, their disappointment almost amount- ed to vexation, but a co.n letc revulsion took place, when o.rter the benediction it was ann'^nnced that in ten miauu s Dr. McGx-egor would preach in Gaelic. The jwoplo of rrincetiwn were originally from Canty re, in Argyleshire, and the old people mostly spoke Gaelic, so that they eagerly crowded around him to hear the gospel in their na- tive tongue, and such was their interest in it, inc eased by tho revul- sion of leeling affecting from their former disa;)puiu ment, that he had been speaking but a few minutes when the wh )'e congregation were bathed in tears. Altogether the day was one of deep and liallowea interest, and yet has a place in the fondest reoy lections of tho few now sui'viving of those present, while the young have heard of it traditionally from their parents as a day long to be remembered. But "when the sons of God came to present themselves before tho Lord, f:liemcr. He had considerable sk'U in sketching, and drew a caricature of tho whole proceedings. He pictured Dr. McGregor in one of his postures of greatest earnestness, and words coming out of his mouth, which were a profane caricaturoof his test, while some' of tho leading persons of ihe congregation were ry-presented with mouths open, cr in other ridiculous posturea Aa a caricature it waa clever, and was afterward freely circulated. Tho author waa at that timo a, man of influence — had a fine cetablishmont of Mills — and for h tame muut ^ T.ondon the few families then residing Lo^;Tt^^^^^^ fourteen, what now embraces five congregations ttwCat " 11 soon be six. "I find" sa=n the Dr. "at hi. jubilee tha ana w hat gixtv-four persone, erabraoing nearly all lld.ho"/i»Uie of Eichmond Bay. Of these sl.ty.fbnr per,on ana uio v^ fourteen remain alive unto this t°"° yrrte ; a s B":Ket'dni.e„..y a.d faitbf.Uy discha^g- 7„11 Je d> tL ofthopaBloral office over this widely Bealtered field. CVe he at Prineofow,, one half of this time, «Mle the o.h^r Mf ,va, divided an-.ng the other settlements mentioned But h » Itor we not confined to preachins the gospel. He regularly v.s,.- ed all t^o toilie. of this scattered charge and regularly held d.ets of examination in every section. To annreciate fully the toil which this involved, wo must remem- ber heTotion of fhe congregation and the physical state of he country A large bay six mil«H across, separated between the pim- c pal sections, requiring either to be crossed in boats, or rendermg n'cl r^c-ulof t^^^ or to some parts thirty -1- ;vh^^; Waller creeks and rivers divided other sections, and rendered mter- cou e bTtween them difficult and fatiguing. Besides, there were lZZyZro^^^--ori^^yon^....rn.. The most of the traveling ;rig fhe shore, and much of it had to be performe on io .- ..There was no broad road" says the I^ev. B. fe. 1 '^"'^^ ^°" "P'' ^vhich you could comfortably drive in your neat carnage. The best :^c^traveIling,opentoyourchoice,w.sridingcmVK>i^bad.a^ nerhana the roads might be such as not to admit of tlub, and ti o •otne'y must be perfumed on foot. The wintry Btorm and the co d ioXriTwast must often be encountered, without the ! her or giving little attentiou to the work of preparation for the pul. ptThyhaye turned to otl,er en.ploymentB, making the work oftha m nist y a secondary m.itter, ami the result has been to inerease Ze-U complained ot-to romlor the support still more inace- ^:^'lnd <^tcn to leave a congi.gation to Bpivitual^nn-; Ld perhaps to send leanness to the minister s own soul To U- t-«l^ tation to rehix his diligence in the work to which 1. had deyotcd hi r 1 by turning aJde to other employments, we are happy to s tLl^rlveirtoyergayeway. He did indeed, as most .f the t'he of the church felt it necessary to do, -Utjvate a smaU pie^e of land to aid in the support of his family, but ho d^d not gne h s attention to the business of farming, jn such a way »« *<> ^^J.^/^^ auln ion from tho work of th. ministry. This he t.lt to be b:. great \ 4 ' ■'^*ij".' im!mm?v' tmmii m m0mmm MMMaMMMMtnMMHWIM f . buKiness, lo tins he had dcvotod himself^— the vows of God ■weTenpoh him~and "with his might" ho attended to each of its duties. He "gave attendance to reading" as he had opportunity, he wrote out his sermons carefully, and even wi\en most pressed in his worldly ■circurastancoR, he regularly visited and catechised his whole congre- gation, even when its limits were most extensive. And ho found in his experience that the name of him whom ho served was Jehovah Jireh, " The Lord will provide." Faithfully attending to his minis- terial work he found the fulfilment of the divine promise, "Thy hrend shall he given tlico, .hy water shall bo sure." He and his family were always provided for. If he ever was in debt, it Avas but to a limited extent, and never forfluch a length of time, as to cause any serious embarrassment. Such indefatigable labor and such disinterested self-donia'l, accom- p.inied, aa from his cliaracter wo know it must have been, with earn- est prayer for the divine blessing, was attended with success. Wo may remark that the trials through which ho was called to pass in the early years of his ministry, had a beneficial ofFoct upon his own mind. Those who are old cuougli to remember him when ho firnit came to this co.mtry and could compare him with what he was a few years after, tell that they could n®.t but remark a deepened humility, a grow- ing meekness, and a ripened spirituality, showing that Ms path like that of the just was shining moi-o and more unto the perfect day, and that " all things work together for good to them that love God."— And the fruit appeared in his congregation. When ho settled among ■them there were doubtless a number of pious people in all the sec- tions of it, but from their circumstances for many 3-ears previously, there must have been general ignorance in religion and indifference to spiritual things. The people of Prii>cetown had settled there, some of them as early as the year 1771, and until Dr. McGregor visited them in 1791, they had scarcely ever heard a sermon. When he first preached among them, there woi-e persons nineteen years of ago present, who had never heard a sermon. From that date till the time of Dr. Keir'a settlement, a period of neai'ly twenty years, with the exception of the time of Mr. Urquhart's residence among them, all the supply of preaching they had ■•^as from visits of Dr. McGre- gor and other ministers, scarcely exceeding three or four Sabbaths in the year. Under these circumstances we need not be surpriseu that much ignorance and spiritual deadness prevailed. The adjacent eet- tlementB were not in a more favorable condition. The Eov. Mr. Urquhart bad indeed been about two years laboring among them, and had establiBhed church order. But he left them in a somewhat * — rjBtmri) ■ y f;<^ \ jm. * ^^,yy an incident, which took place short'.y before Dr. Keir's settle- ment, wbicli wo have heard related by those who wtnossed it, of wiioni some are sill living. A member of the church had been guil- ty of something of which the elders felt it their duty to take cogni- ^anco. Aftov due (ioliboration they resolved, that he should be "put 'Hit of the cliiii-ch." Accordingly on the first Sabbath after, on which thoiv was preaching, on Jiis entering the church, one of the I'ilders sprang from his seat, and beckoned to a brother Elder to come to his assistance, when both proceeded to the spot where the unlortunate sinner was, and seizing him by the collar, they dragged iiiin to the door, and then hurled him as far from the sacred pre- cincts of tlie building as their united sti'ongth enabled them to do. — We .are afraid that such rigid discipline was inetFectual in subduing I he refractory spirit of the otfender, tor wliile the Elders stood guarding the sacred ))ortals, he went away muttering, that they might turn him out of the church on earth, but they could not turn him out of the church in h'.'aveii. We mention these things to show tli<' state, of matters at Prince- town, when Dr. Keir settled there, that his success may be apprecia- ted. He did not come to a well trained congregation, he had to organize and train it. Jle did not come to a ])eople well versed in religious knowledge and regular in their religious habits. There were indeed, as we have said, a nuniljcr of pious ])ersiMis amon<'- them, but the majority he had to train both in religious kiuiwledgo and christian duties. But the success of his labors soon ap{)eared. The people generally grew in religious knowledge — the careless and inditfereiit were a!-oused — and souls were added to the Lord- 'fhe etl'ect of his labors will appear in the ]irogre.ss of his congregation, to which we shall presently advert. Hut in ret'ereiice to individuals wo may say, that many trace their first serious inijn'ossions to his miiiistir.tions, and juany still living, and many now in i-'loiy, could ])oint to him as their spiritual |iarent. The nuiulier of such the great day will disclose, but we have evidence siithcienl to satisly v\ory candid mind, that he will beamonii; the number of ihose, who " luni many Id righteousness, who .shall shine a^ the stars for ever ;lnd ever." Could the history of such individual cases, ot' men hroun-ht to the knowledge of the truth through liis instrumentality. he recordeil,wc believe that there wouM be abundance oi materi.al for an interest- ing narrative. We Mill state '' .. • Cr •*f I r1 ^-vtmimm «0) Often had he to travel considerable distances on foot. The creekn sometimeB required him to make a long circuit to go round the.r head or had to be crossed Bomotimes in canoes, sometimes on horse- back, when the water would be well up the horse's sides, and we have heard him tell ot crossing a stream in the neighborhood of Belfast m the following curious mo^e. It was too deep to be waded, and there was neither boat nor cando in the neighbornood. The man in com- pany with him was a good swimmer, but Dr. Keir could not swim at all In these circumstances, the on'y plan they could devise to gain the other side was to tie the clothes of both in a bundle, and his comp?»nion to swim over with them on his head, and then return to assist Dr. Keir ucross. This was accordingly done, and they pro- ceeded on their way. In these journeys he was not only for days but for weeks from home, nnd often exposed to piercing cold and wintrv storm, ^,ithv.•l■y inadequate protection against their incle- mency, and olten partaking only of the homely^fare and th. rude, aocommodauon afforded by the hv^ of the new settler. But no murmur escaped his lips. He also found the ])oople in many instan- ces very ignorant and careless. We have heard him toll of there be- ing such talking when he began preaching, even after he had spoken to them to be silent, that he hn.l f. road the Psalm at the top of his voice to drown their clamour. His missiona-y labors however, were not confino.l to Prince hd- ward Island. After the death of :\I r.. IJi-quhart he visited Miramichi, and preached at different places along tlie river. He preached at the house of Mr. Henderson, with whom ho lodged, at Doiiglastow.:. where there was an old church, in the Cku-I House at .Newcastle, up at the forks of tlio river, and at Burnt C'huich. He also yisitcd among the people, but found them so ignorant in religions matters, that he could not consicontiously dispense to them the isacramonts.— As a specimen of this he mentioned to us the following incident.— One man having applied to liiin on the rOad to baptize his child, he told him that he must have some conversation with him first. On their way the Dr. happened to ask him wh(> bapti/.ed his last child. He replied " the minister and an old woman." ^' How is that," the Dr. asked. The nuui replied "The chil- sharp. may wliieh "nir.ny are detiied." And i:ot only so hut the people evinced the wannest attachment to him. This feelini,^ was strona; in those sections, which it was deemed advisable to ert-ct into new eonngland, and of tho ,M!ivrownu' . and tiio S'c(OM-i( r f'ltliors in Scotland on the 18th. Wo V mmtUi '^iulkjPM^L-S?3 ^fliP?p 4 ff ».,ii \ ^ n wmmk%m w» ■ M Jfi ' j .f P - 'eivo tho writings of tho former to form a ortir.plete storehouse of Theology, and the man wlio lias his quiver tilled with weapons drawn from that arnioiy, is well equipped for warfare against tho armies of the aliens. Desirabk as it is to be acquainted with modern Theological writers, yet tho old soem to have pushed their enquiries to the full limits of tho powers of the human mind, and often times the productions of modern orthodox writers, are but a mrt of detritus of their writings, while tho ingenuity of modern crrorists has scarce- ly forged any now weapons of assault upon divine truth. The Mar- rowraen and Secession fathers, w-ho have been called "the only distinct- ive school of Theology that .Scotland hasproduced,"exhibitin substance the same system, though slightly moditiod inthe mode of its present- ation. With the views of these writers, Dr. Keir's acquaintance was both accurate and extensive. We may hero remark, that so far as his Theology was formed from any human writings, it might be said to have been moulded by the authors referred to. His Theology was that of Owen and the Secession fathers. While we say this, we must however remark, that after all his Theology was essential Bi- l^lical. His views were drawn directly from the great fountain of divine truth, and all his expositions of doctrines were distinguished hy their fulness of scripture reference, fie was indeed a man "migh- ty in the scriptures." In his preaching too he tiad treated the great doctrines of the gospel systematicall}^ and had a course of sermons, which presented nearly a complete system of Theology. Thus he was equipped for the duties of tho office in a manner, which amply justified tho svnod's choice. Having with some reluctance accepted the office, he entered upon its duties with great diligence. Ho devoted his attention to such reading, as would enable him to keep abreast of the Christian Liter- ature of tho age ; and he extended tho sermons referred to into a full course of lectures on Theology, of which a synopsis has been pub- lished for tho use of his students. In many Institutions at the pre- sent day, from the number of excellent systems of Theology already befoi'o the public, it is not considered the most efficient mode of itoaching Theology, for tho Professor to prepare a full course of lec- tures of his own. It is believed that the work may be done as tho- roughly by examination of the students on ono of the standard sys- tems, such as Dick's, and by supplementary lectures on particular Bubjects, that may require special consideration. Dr. Keir had been accustomed to the other mo^':, and his cosrse of lectures will afford tho best evidence of hie assiduity It was not our privilege to hear his lectures ns vrritten out, nor can wo speak of their contents !h)m 1'^ 'i;Tf**l ■liiiiimiBrTii mm I. ■ i/'f't "i- m f (30^ Y»ei-8onal knowledge of them othorwisc. Hut from what we hnre heard we believe that they afford most creditable evidence not only of the Hoiindness of IiIh views, but also of the extent of his Theologi- cal attainments. For a few yoart alter his appointment, the Hall met in his house, and the students, who were then few in number, boarded with his family. It is only of this period," that wo can speak from our own experience, and we bcliovo that we express the feeling of those, not a numerous body, who attended at that time, when we say that we reckon the few weeks spent annually with him in this way as not only among the most pleasant, hut also as among the most valuable, for our Christian progress and ministerial usefulness, of our past lives. Wo attended daily upon his prele.itions, and he gave us plenty of work to do, so that we were kept busy. As a lecturer we do not profess to set him along side of some wo have heard in other Institu- tions. Wc have sat under men of greater originality of thought, men who impressed us more deeply with a sense of their intellectual power — we have heard lectures from such men, showing a wider range of thought, taking a firmer grasp of a subject and exhibiting it in more brilliant lights; but we have never sat under one, who produced deeper impressiotis of moral goodness, nor one who in tho handling of tho great themes of Christian doctrine, presented them more as great practical realities — nor one who left deeper impressions on our minds of tho duties and responsibiliiies of the sacred office. — Indeed we confess that we consider Dr. Keir's excellence as a pro- fessor lay rather in this point, than cither in the learning or intel- lectual power displayed on hi? prelections. Impressions of this kind wore greatly deepened by the privilege we then enjoyed, not only of daily, but we may say of hourly per- sonal intercourse with him. It was then that wc learned rightly to estimate hifi worth, and associating with him thus closely, we must have been slow scholars, if we did not come away better men and better fitted for u isfulness as ministers. Then too it may be observ- ed we learned the extent both of his Theological attainments and general information. From hesitancy of manner and his great na- tural mbdesty, bis pu>^lic appearances often did not do justice to himself, and did not leave the most favourable impressions upon the mind of strangers. Those only who were brougut into familiar in- tercourse with him in pjivate, fully knew the loveliness of his charac ter, and the extent of his acquirements. In subsequent years the Hall met at West Eiver, and we cannot apeak of his teaching there from personal experience. But his faith y-- fr 1 k IT' i0»mA'- [31J fulness and sncceHS an n Theological tutor, will bet appear in tho-a who, trained under him, arc now preaching the gospel of God a bon not only in this Province, hut in the distant isles of the sea. Not- withstanding the disadvantages under whichthey have been placed, he might say as Dr. Balmer, "Happy i. the man that hath lus quiver full of them." X. Christian and Benevolent Enterprise. In noticing Dr. Keir's public labors, there remains only one other point to bo considered, viz : the interest which he took m the Chns- Ln and benevolent enterprises of the age. To this however we can but briefly advert. From an early period ho had been deeply intev- csted in the Missionary undertakings of the church, and in the true Bpirit of Missionary devotcdness, he had given himself to the work ofpreaching the gospel in America. And he ever after mamfested how deeply his heart was engaged in every thing connected w^th the prosperity ofZion and the extension oftho kingdom of the Kc- deemer. .. . „. During the first years of his ministry, so far as we aware, it does not appear that to any considerable extent, he led his congregaf.on to contribute either to the schemes of the church, or to the great re- ligious institutions of the age. His congregation was weak, its mem- bers scattered and scarcely able to support the ordinances <»f religion among themselves; and money was especially scarce. Prince Edww-d Island, more than any other part of the church, having even when blessed with abundance of food, hitb rto always had difficulty in se- curing a moneyed circulating mediva, wheat, oats, barley, having often been the legular articles of e .change. , ^.^ . a But he always felt an interest in the work of gospel diffusion, und in later years ho entered with his whole heart, into the work of x- citing his own congregation and others to liberality in the great work He particularly delighted in the Foreign Mission of our church After Mr. Geddie he was one of the first in the body to adopt the idea, and to believe in its practicability. By the influenco of his exhortations and the example of his liberality, his congregation were led to come under most liberal engagemeirts, in t^^ ^vent of the synod's entering upon such an undertaking. Ho introduced the overture for engaging in the work into synod and the weifeht of his character and opinion contributed much to the caiTying of the mea- sure. It was a day of deep delight to him when the church finally engaged in the work. We were present at the Presbytery, when Mr MMI ' W a n.* '! 1 ■ Gcddio wr.H tiiially Kcparatod from Iiia ooni^nvgation, and at a publiV meeting liold Iho sniriC day in tlio Princotown cluircli to bid him farewell. Amid many things that wore in(erc5ting and affecting, we can yet well recollect the appcaraiico of Dr. Keir on the occasion! To him the whole .scone, especially when viewed in connexion with the past, e: contrasted w^sJt tiicr\- now saw Av.'th the state of things when he arrived on tlie Ishuid. Thirty-seven years before ho had left his native land as a Foreign Missionary, and thirty-five ycM-s before he had been ordaincfl over a people few in number, widely scattered, and pinched in their worldly circumstances, and fora time' Avas the only Presbyterian minister on Prince Edward Island. Now he saw a number of flourishing congregations, and many faithful ministers of different denominations throughout the Island, and now the church to which he belonged, principally througw the zeal of the ministers, and the liberality of tiie congregations, i.x tliat section of it, engaged in sending a minister to labor tar honce among the Gen- tiles, — an undertaking at that time almost unprecedented amon^. colonial churches. With strong feeling of gratitude might ho say,- ^what hath God wrought?" In the carrying on of the work, ho was ever ready to render his- "counsel and assistance, lie was a member of the Foreign Mission Board from its formation till his death, and so flir as he was enabled to rttend its meetings, took an active part in the management of its business. The progress of the mission he anxiously' watched, and ■oven in its darkest hour, hia faith in the promises of the God of Mis- sions, and his confidence in its success were never shaken. Firmly did he ! iticipate the day, when the spirit of God Avould descend vCpon the moral desert, and the thirsty land become pools of water. When the clouds began to break, and when tidings of success refreshed our hearts, and still more when each succeeding message brought us in' telligence of additional progress, none rejoiced more than Dr. Keir, or more heartily raised his voice in giving glory to him who alone giveth the increase. Xll. Pbusonal and Domestic History. Having thus briefly sketched his chief public eftbrts, we must brief- ' ly refer to his personal and domestic history. Upon this there is not much to record. Of his religious history we can say but little. Ho kept no diary and he did not proclaim his piety on the housetops, by an ostiMilritions declaration of his " exporionce. " Bu( his close **.i ft ' [3'.)] ■xafix with (!o(l ;iu(l liin growing likeness to the Siiviour vvcro clearly maiiirt-'st. I'liose who knew him iiitimalciy know best liow closohi.s (liiily foniniunion with his heavenly lather. But to all who came iu roiitacM, will) iiini, it was evident that his path like that of the Jii«t, was shining more and more unto the perfect day. Wo have lieurd il said that in youth his temper was (piiok. If so grace enab| led iiiiu to sub'ue it so ontiivly, that he ^".la distinguished for his ("liristiiiii meekness — but all the features of the Christian character were exhibited in increasing brilliancy, so as to bo known and read of all men. He was never n verv strongman, and somethirtv years am he ex- hibited signs of jiiiling strength, -which alarmed his friends. But from this he recovered and through the greater part of his ministerial career, he enjoyed an .imount oij health, which enabled him to dis- rhai'go the duties of the ministry with an unintei'rupted regularity, sucii as has been rarely exhibited. " It is wor'^hy of being remem- bered, here also," he remarked at his Jubilee "as no ordinary ground of thankfulness that during the whole of this long period, (of fifty \ears ) I have not been ])r*vented by sickness, but only upon two occasions, from ])reaching every Lord's day, aud at all other times, when called in Providence to the pcrforiaance of the duty." AVe may mention that one of these occasions was after he. had passed his TTtli year. We ^lo not feel it necessary to draw aside the veil from his private life, and to expose to public view his appearance in his family. It is ( sufficvfut to say that in ihis relation ho exhibited a pattern of the same Christian virtues, as distinguished him in every other walk of lile. It has been the case that sonv.' excellent men have tailed here, ijiit l)v Keir's Christian excellence appeared Jiot so much in the towering eminence of any one feature of character, as in the harmony and proj)ortion in which all the Christian virtues were exhibited. Ho exhibited not the (jualiLies which make a man extraoi'dinary in one position, but that well balanced state of mind and si)irit, which ren- ders a man the object of esteem in all tlm relations of life. And we say from frequent and favourable op[)Oiuunitiesof judging, that those w ho would K.eo Dr. Kcir in his most endearing aspects — those who would have learned how lovea!)le a man ho was, and would fully apjireiiale his exceilence, required to see him in the bosom of his family. — It behoved them to observe him as tlie I'aithlul prophet, lirit'st, aud king of tlia; eii-eie — to behold ium as the tender husband ;uk' 'he faiiiiful cousisellor — as the alVeetiouate iiilher and guide of the young- - to niark !.is lirjiuu's.-^ in resist i;!g and. reproving wrong. Wgt/ps <rm. They were always pro- sentod as great living truths, lying at the foundation of practical godliness, and in connexion with his exhibition of them, wo have heard from him some of the most rousing appeals to the conscience, to which it was over our privilege to listen. Like tho apostle Paul, he might bo described, as " by manifestation of the truth commending himself to every man's conscience in the sight of God." Tho best testi- mony to this may be found in the statemen' in individual, who gave up attendance upon his ministrations, asr-ignir.^jj as a i-eason that he did not like to attend Dr. Keir's preaching, for it always mado him nneasy. One feature of his discourses is deserving of particular notice, viz : their biblical cnaracter. Every truth was enforced by scripture reference, to an extent which showed how deeply he had drunk at the fountain of wi.'^dom, and how profound his reverence foi divine authority. It must bu admitted however, that hispreach- ing was soarceiy ot the Kiiid called popular. This arose partly from his raanuor, and in paiticulju-from u hesitancy of speech, which was fr?nu«intly interruiited by a slight cough, so that strangers, i* those who had only liea;.* with tho most loving veneration, while among his brethren in the mmistry he was both loved and venerated as a father. But especially was it pleasing for him to contemplate the state of the church on tho Island then, compared with what it was when he came to it, "At that period, said tho Rev. R. S. Patterson writing a few years ago, "the counUy presented the appearance of an almost unbroken forest Only here ^nU there, at wide intervals, might be seen a l«w solitary- settlers, dwelling for the most part in poor log huts with a little clearing around them. The moral and religious condition of the people also was vcr affect- jncr The few that made any pretensions to jucty, wore as sheep Hcattorcd abroad, having no shepherd. Tho labors of tho «cv. Mr. Gordon had been short, and much impeded by his incroas.ng debility, even while they did continue. There was therefore little oUo than a moral wa«t^ when Dr. Koir anwod. liut how great tho change which he has lived to witness! Instead of a dense uninterrupted forcat, he sees an extensive, cultivated countrj- ; instead of a few lonely huts, numerous and conifortablo habitations, instead of a handful of WBI^W^W'gpBWWBtJMft- \:-«i 'I / J ';j I stmggii„g.sottlc..vs,:i population, .f„vcril()...n<. i,,.-.-,; ..f .. ■ • . fcand of isolatocl Christians, l.avin. non. |,. car. f... ^U.l^. ,'::,:":, nun.bcr ot laborious n.lnisters and (lourishin,. eon.ro.ui. s .1 r" oL:lls shall break forth bofbro you into sin.i.u,. and ail ,.. . Anv^ Hhall c ap their hands. Instead oltho thorn. .1.11 . . am .t shall bo to the Lord for a nan.o. for an ovVrlastin'. -,I.„ ,; shall not bo cut off." " '.-,ii th.u Ono trial ..as indeed permitted to darken his Imter d.vs 1, ,.•.. ooofapeeuharnaturo-ono in which after all his efforls ,.. ,,.: , 'P the matter, an unfavonrahlo in.pression ro,.u.dIn... I,is .oj , -n^.ned ,vpon the minds of n.any, oven of thos^ .ho ;e,. lit -.shers. An extraordinary delusion .sei.ed the n.in.ls ofa n hi | o well-mean,n,. people, whi<.h could not he dislod^e-l .-ithn- f ' 'te.ngs. But (hnst.an faith and patience shone ..on.nicuonJv t^^nct J et ho had cause for thankfulness, that Cod " brouHu forth h^nghteousnoss as the light and his loving-kindness as the no;': l-is'^Lfdavs^'fr "7 ''' '"'^ -"l''-tieally that his last days were >^best dajs. as character exhibited a beautiful i.icture of rino- n^J^ the master's garner, and m Hness for the inLritance o I m n"; V f: "'"'^ '^ ^^"*"""^' *^ ^"-•-•^^> '"' the labors of the n nistry, and in a manner, which if not in bodilv vigor vet in n ••. ^ and mo..l powe, surpassed the perfbrmances'of 1 "s ^a^ ^ J^l T.onhstwnuerhe wentthrough the whole wo.^,offivmilvvisL ■" I'-^ eongregat.on. In him was fulfdle i .'''' ^'" ^'^'"'•^'^^"^^^ t'^^ '^l>or in Princetown in 1808 and had con umed with but slight interruptions to minister tl ei^ over since, although his ordination did not Jake place fV.r s, l after, it was resolved to celebrate his Jubilee then. As events 1. ve •'oon oniorod smico. we cannot i,:„ rejoice at their determinat e, 1 t- A •^***%H,. Qf'ifforJ^ I ':iih1. Mil i!,,. ,| <-< o MocKuneVm.titute, and in a„ arbor adioinin., as J.^ miothor bu, d,n, near. Tables had bccu .pread for -S) ,^ " Lose .ere hiled four tin.es, .nd part of then, five tin.es. ^", as' -ved that n.uny were present who did not partake of le "od" tlungs prov.ded ,n sueh ubunda.ee by thcpcopie of Prineet ^ln - ^useal.ula.ea the c-on^pany n>et in the open air. After rehgious exer- >o.. addresses were presented to Dr. iveir from tho congregation of 8UU.ibk icphes. ihe audience was then addressed bv several minis era present, wi.nse-eral votes of thanks were passe^dabodoX; vas ung,and i>e eon-vogation was dismissed with the Anost Jfc l>cnedK.,on when the vest crowds quietly separated, all ;eemn^^^^^ ;:rat,fied w.th what they .ad witnessed. The proceeds of the^^ mootmg amounting to 4:112, were handed over to Dr Keir as an ex pressioji of good will. . **" *'^- ^IV. Last hays, Death and Bueiai,. At th3 time of his Jubilee, Dr. Jveir appeared in his usnal health A pensive thoughtfulness, deeper than usual, appeared to rest ulon urn, but It seemed only appropriate to the tender recollection? of toe, past, and those views of the solemn responsibilities of hrm nisf 2n :t" V'?r'? ""'' "^^"•^"^' ^^^^« ^'- ^-' there w^s no. th ng uKlicate, that his health jvas ^w>rse than it had been for year! or that It nightnot behis Master's will tocontinuehim in activeseS pastorate t 11 the time for the opening of the Seminary. But it was remarked that for some time before his death, his' pulpit mil" ra ions were marked by more than usual earnestness.' He seamed to feel, more and more deeply the value of the soul, the JZ^l JvJ ,4»^ \. r ;j '^f-^^- (38) uiul iiiici'i'tiuiiiy of life, iiiul tlie nearnesft of etornity, jiiul ho preached as i( ali'oady ho were breathing the air of the better land, to which lie WHS so soon to take his journey. On the Sabbath before leaving honie, the last of his earthly niiiiistry, he lectured on that exclama- tion in which the ajiostle, concluding his c position of the grander themes of Salvation — pours forth his sublime and atFecting tri- buto to the Avisdoni, goodness and sovereignty of (rod — in a strain scarcely surpassed e-on in Scripture— a passage, which might well have been chosen as a fitting close to the ministry of one, who had been called to teach divine truth as a r^ystem, and whoso great aim in all his instructions had been to exhibit God as all in all, Rom. xi. 33 —66, " O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God I how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways pas finding out ! For who hath known the mind of the Lord '( or who hath been his counsellor? or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again '/ For of him and through him, and to him, are all things; to whom be glory for over. Amen." At the end of August ho came over to the mainland, to enter upon the duties of the Theological Hall. lie attended the opening of tho Seminary in tho new buildings at Truro on the Ist of September, and entered upon the duties of his class, seemingly in his usual state of health. The only circumstance remarked in the conducting of his class, which would give indication of anything tho matter with Litn was that at times his mind seemed in a state of \acancy, until areas ed by something said or done in his presence. But the same thing had been noted before, though perhaps not to the same extent, and it did not excite attention, lie went through tho exercises of the class as usual until the 15th of tho month. On that day after class he went to tho Post office to enquire for letters from home, but while away lost all recollection, lie fell into tho hands of kind friends, who conveyed him to his lodgings in a carriage. Medical aid was called on, ai.d every thing was done for him that human skill could devise. But congestion of the brain had set in, and his constitution was too far gone to resist its violence. In spite of all that medical skill could do, ho continued to sink till about 12 o'clock on the night of the 22nd, when he expired. His work was done. His Groat Master had given tho commission and none could reverse his decision. During the gi-eater part of his illness he was in a state ot lethargy, whieh continued to deepen till the end, so that ho held but little communication with any person. When spoken to in a aud or sharp tone of voice, he was aroused for a> instant, and was ablo to "'w^au.^^ ' V ggnf^- •m^ r C/oy/o SyfQdj,,!^ 1,1, ' ^ givo an intelligent auHwer, but imniodiutely lie rclapsoil :iyaiii into unconHoiousness, and the impression made at the moment seemed us rapidl}- to bo effaced. Tims there was no opportunity of his giving one of those death-l)ed testimonies, \\ hieh good men arc often per- mitted to bear to the honor of our religion, lie was not permitted to utter any of those triumphant expressions of juy and hope, s(j eoin- forting to friends, and by which Tho chanilicr wore the fjond man moots his fate la privileged lioyoiul the cDnimon walk (if life, Quite on the vnrgo of lienven. Nor Avas he permitted to utter uny of those jjarting counsels and warnings so well fitted to be pvofitalile to survivors. But thero was no need of such in his case. Ilis life oi abunchuit labors is a better testimony than any death-bed saying. "Blessed iire the dead that die in tho Lord from henceforth, yea, saith the spirit, they rest from their labors, and their works do follow than." It would no doubt have been a pleasure to his iriends had he been permitted. to die in the bosom of his own famil}-. But seeing that his master willed otherwisOjthey are called tobo^v in submission to his will, and say "It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good." Perhaps they may even here see reason to say of this as of ail his ar- rangements, "be hath done all th.ings well." AVe think it Avas a]>- propriate to a long and laborious life, that he should die at his post with all his armor on, and still " about his father's business." Intelligence of his sickness had been conveyed to his family, but not in time for any of them, Avith the exception of hi« youngest son, who happened to be in Nova Scotia, to reach Truro before he died. Some members of t\u\ family came from PrincetoAvn to (.'harlotte- tOAvn, intending to come across, but the steamer had gone and no other mode of conveyance otlercd. They however heard of him fi-o- quently by telegraph, and during the two or three days that elapsed till intelligance of his death Avas received, the house at Avhich tiioj lodged was a house of mourning, many aa'Iio had sat under his min- istry, and many belonging to the ci'y, Avho had known him and ven- erated his character, calling frequeiitl^y- and anxiously enquiring for tidings regarding him, and giving utterance to sincere expressions of sorrow, Avhen they heard that all Avas over. When they returned home, the house was filled with persons who had assembled to condole with tho family, and when tho tidings Avcro conveyed, that the husband, the father, and tho pastor, was noAv no more, the scene waa deeply affecting. But this wo must pass over. In the meantime arrangcmonta had been made for the removal of th« 7 \JihiiiiM^~ ^ K i [40) ro:nains to PrincotoAvn for interment. On tlio day following his ticatli, (Thursday 23rd September.) they were ;w;i;atioii. uull- <'i iit inyliimse iuid infoMncd nicof his dtvUli, iind tiuit he wns niiliis way to Summcrside. vvhoro hw roniaiiiM were e-xpectod bv th(( .' the introduction of the roniains into the l:ouse, I entered for the purpose of endeavouring to admiuister suitai,'.? consola- tion to the bereaved family. I found a largo comp:>nv of [icrsons, chiefly females, prof eut who had come to await the arrival (jf the procossiou. It wiiS evident from their countenances that they felt that they had sustaine(( a severe bereavement. The remains were brought into the house, and on the following morning, Satur- day, the .'ffiu was uncovered, .ind the bereaved family had the melanclwly satis- faction ol looking upon the .•ount(>nance, now pale in death, of the once affection- ate husband and revcn-d and kind hitliin-, and the e(-ngregat'i:n, of their lamented jiastor. No provision had been made for sermon on the following Sabbath. The funeral was appointed to take iilace on Mond;iy ensuing at two o'clock. "On Monday 1 proceeded to I'rineotown, v, hence 1 had returned homo on Satur- d.ly. A large number of persons had assembled to the funeral, how many wo have no means of exactly knowing. Besides manv from the neighboring settle- ments, scarcely any in the eongregatiou was aliser.t, that could possibly be i)re- Bcnt. Not a few Roman Catholics, also, attended the funeral. The servw • , were commenced by singing a part of tlni o'.tth Psalm, the Kov. Isaac Murray,' wiio also read the loth Chaph then offered up prayer. T'he people having taken some refreshment, prayer was again offered up, in a very impressive manner, by the Rev. Alex. Sutherland, of the Free Church, who hail kindly come from a c\)nsidcrablo distance to be pre- sent Tipon the occasion. The remains were then conveyed to the resting place in the church-yard, and there .Icposited. As I had been" appointed liy the Presliy- tor^ to supply the pulpit at Princetowu, on the following Sabbath, "l endeavored to improve tlio solemn event by a sermon from Matthew x.\iv ; 45, 4li. 'AVho then IS a faithful and wise and' servant, whom tho Lord hath appointed ruler over his house to give them meal in due season ; blcsv- I iu that servant, whom his Lord when lie cometh Khali find sn d,,ii|.'." I hich was given out by of 1st Corinthians. 1 •4, ^ ving his death, ctou, l)eing fol- crc they were owed we shall tdanning illness (ii>;ri';i;ati(jii. full- n-* nil liis w;iy to Viniiiiorlaml tluit fz wti'u-ii place 1 (.)n CO liiiijr near, I, ■vlio had cunie ^m til his late ro- aml amonji; tho liuvo sustaiueil a l.aees, as well as ing their respect il rapidly neared if poi'si jis wore; >vimis liivivai ul oni'jlo, t'le ]irii- riintai)Mii;i pcr- Kiiir from Siun- lithi'iiiy; that tlio [irevi()u« iiij;lit. wore to lio eeeii everywhere felt c arrived at the remains into the suitiii,'.? conso'a- chicfly feniulcs, ,vi scvidcnt from re bereavement, uorning, Satiir- lelanclioly satis- c oiiee atf'eotion- r their lamented 2; Sabbath. The 'elotk. home on Sutur- how many we i.hliorinf.': settle- possibly Ijc pre- Tho servi.-. as j:;iven ont by (lorinthisms. 1 ent, prayer was . Sutherland, ul' tance to bo pre- restinji; phue in ly the Vrcsby- h, I endeavored 4"), 411. "Who ippointed ruler servivni, whou\ I 'W (41 XY. Conclusion. We have thus sketched the history of a goal man lately passed from our midst— we liave given an outline of his labors, and perhaps now we should endeavor to delineate his character : but this will be better ex- hibited by the above memorial of his life, imperfect as it is, than by any thing we can say here. Nor do we feel it necessary, to saf much in the way of descriliing his intellectual powers. We by no moan^ place Dr Keir in the first rank as to talents or original genius. And yet he occupied a place in our Church, such as no othei- man has done for some time. We arc safe in saying that for a number of years, there ha3 been no iiiembcr of our t^ynod who liad the general esteem and veneration r(>thren. In the first place, ho possessed, i( not extraordinary powers of mind, vet good talents, among which pre- (lomiiiited that mysterious i^iculty, or whatever it' may be called, m which men of great talents are sometimes deficient, generally known as good (5ommon sense. To this may be traced that practical prudence, which through life distinguislicd him, and which rendered him so useful as a practical man in the Church. But secondly, he was characterized by great diligence, all his powers were well improved, and whatever his hand formed to do ho did it with his might. And thirdly, liis whole conduct bore the impress of deep piety. In his presence, we felt " how awful goodaess is." His religion especially manifested itself in ilio khidness and affection of his disposition. Ilis whole intercourse with men seemed to bo guided by the command of the Apostle, '• (Jiv- ing none offence, either to Jew or Gentile, tliat the ministry 1)0 not blamed." And lastly, he was distinguished by great devotcdness to his work. This in one view, may be regarded as a part of piety, but in another it is one peculiar form in which it manifests itself. It is now universally acknowledged, that no man will excel in tiny profes- sion, or department of business, without a spirit of devotcdness to it. and this spirit will supply in a good measure, the lack of other (jualific'a- tions. The predominant quality of Dr Kcir's mind was " devotednoss '0 the service of God in the gospel of his Soti/^ and we believe that # ii^^iMi'^'0^^^**^ ' (42) to this, especially combined with the features already mentioned, wai- owing the fact, that he became •■ more honor;iblc than his Ijrcthren." The subject suggests many practical retiections. We shall however, in conclusion give only some tlioughts on the death of an aged min- ister, extracted f'om a sermon by the Rev. J. Kerr of Glasgow, on the death' of his colleague, Dr Kidston. " Tho woi-ld we livo ill, is one (if uoaseless mutation. Every Hcttiii}:; sun liriii^s its cha.'^f- wlietlior we jierceivo tlioiii m- iint. Omv liy flny. " our age is (Ii'liiirloil !ImI I'oniiivoi] froni us like n s!ic}iIht(1's tc iit." \Vc ]iii.;!i ' ur tultpr rmi'Ie ovory nijrht iieiucr ileatli, ueaior judjreiueut. X\m (Iciiiiitutc (iICmcIi frionil wild" enters tho world (if sjiirits is intended to irivc us tiiiv- a(lniouiti(jn- ],eilvin^^ tiipv leave tliis lesson. " Tliou also slialt iKviime weak as we : tin u slialt heeome' like unto us." The dcatli of a Christian minister eoniea with :'. wider circumferenei! and deeper siji;niticaiie.' of warninj; than ahmist any ither. It visits everv house in a laru;(> cuiinnuidty witli its note of i.dian^e, and i;no(d profound. Tor sixty years, i inui'^e invaded every seat in the house of God, hut it sjiared the central one. The teaeluM's place seemed to have made a covenant with death, a strant^er might have visited this congre;;a- tion at the interval of lialf a century to tiiid tlie' same f.ice there, and in the ; ceaseless revuhitions around it. one ii.xeil place aiijieared to have heen found, in . in the iirmaiient of stars, moveless amid surrounding mutahility. Hut now tluit : faney is dissolved, tho ancient landnuirk is removed whiidi these fatlujrs had : set for us. Now we have heen hrought to the iieartfelt acknowledgement, "We lire stranger?-, lielbre thee and sojourners, as were all our fathers ; (air days on the e .'th arc as a sh,ido-\\, and there is ikhic aliidins;.'' This one change calls to mind many ; it stirs up the dead for us : it leads the eyes to wander from seat ' to seat, and :.sk the ipiestion, "Our fathers, where arc they." There are high , places of weeping in the path of life that summon us to look back, and none . more .sacred and touching, than those that lead u.s to meditate on the waste that death has caused in a religious community. The overthrow of empires and fall (4' ancient dyuiisties are impressive : and yet lre(iuontly they roll over head like tlie tl under peal, and leave the homes of men unharmed, that the sun may smile on thcni when the storm is past. Hut a "change in a Christian congrega- tion reminds us of the (pienching of domestic tires, of the dispersions of family circles, of cokhiess and desolation in homes and hearts." * * * " Whih we east our eyes further back, how few survive of those that saw him who has just departed enter on his ministry ! The names of thein that arc asleep are more by far than of them who arc alive and remain. Tis long >;iuee the congregation of the dead has had the nuijority. Men of faith and liraycr and active zeal, who carried many a year the ark of God, arc numbered witli a generation past. Families once nunn'rous, have left not a name ; or scinie wlitary mourner with Kizpah like grief lives to guard tiieif memory. Voices that sung God's praises are hunhcd in silence. Those who walked t() the housp of God in company are resting together in the narrow house ; and fathers and brethren and fellow partners m the journey, whom we have loved us our owu soul, " have been led caj.tive of him who opens not the house of his prisoners." ; What hearts have liecn rent in these partings that bleed afresh as memory touch- es the wound, and that shall never ])e fully healed, till the great day when the grave shall hear th; word ii'esfoj-e! As the saviour stood before the sepul- chre of Lazarus, it is seiu with toucliing simplicity, "Jesus wept," and where- fore ? It was not, as Jol.n Howe has observed, over that one grave : "For lie knew his own purpose and foresaw the certain and glorious ease of this dark -\ lift jfMB_ "-' — -m fatflorcf ^ fAMPHin MNDIR f Syroeui*, N. V. Stojkton, Calif. "qjLHff'Wi ' """ I"'*'" • « • ¥ \y mentioned, was an his Ijrcthren." We sliuU however, li of an aged min- of Glasgow, on the n. Every Hcttinj:; sun V Ity (Iny. " our a^e is " \Vc ]ii"tcli 1 ur tiiltpr ho (i(')iaitufc' 111 cMcIi ; us tliis' a'^bV' read "1807." " 6, line 10, for " 2 Cor. X. 18" read 2 Cor. V. 1?. 13, 18, 22, 23, 24, 5, for Acts 17. 3-10. read Acts 17-31. 24, for " affecting" read " resulting." 9, omit " the first." 1, for " supplied" read "supported." 2, for " 1829" read " 1826." .20, for "year" read "years."