IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I liA 11128 110 1^ 1^ 122 2.0 IL25 1 1.4 m 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WIST MAIN STRUT WIBSTIR,N.Y. 14580 (716) S7a-4S03 i- iV iV %^ <^ [\ ^\ Wk\ CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiq ues Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-dtre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mdthode normale de filmage sont indiqu^s ci-dessous. D D D D D D Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur I I Covers damaged/ Couverture endommag^e Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaurde et/ou pellicul6e [~~| Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque I I Coloured maps/ Cartes gdographiques en couleur □ Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Reli6 avec d'autras documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La re liure serrde peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge intirieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout6es lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsque cela dtait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6t6 film^es. Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppl^mentaires; □ Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur □ Pages damaged/ Pages endommagdes □ Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restaurdes et/ou pellicul6es Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ ^ I Pages ddcolordes, tachetdes ou piqudes I I Pages detached/ D Pages ddtach^es Showthrough/ Transparence Quality of prir Qualitd indgale de I'impression Includes supplementary materii Comprend du materiel suppl^mentaire Only edition available/ Seule Edition disponibia ry\ Showthrough/ I I Quality of print varies/ I I Includes supplementary material/ I — I Only edition available/ Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont M fllmies d nouveau da fapon d obtenir la mellleure image possible. This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est filmi au taux de reduction indiquA ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X y 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: National Library of Canada L'exemplaire filmd fut reproduit grSce d la g6n6ro8it6 de: Bibliothdque nationale du Canada The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and e ding on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol — »> (meaning "CON- TINUED "), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettetd de l'exemplaire filmd, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprim^e sont film6s en commenpant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont film6s en commenpant par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols —^ signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbole V signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre film6s i des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour §tre reproduit en un seul clichd, il est filmd d partir de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas. en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m^thode. 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 S 6 TESTIMONIALS IN FAVOB OF THE REV. FRANCIS NICOL, ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND ; A CANDIDATE FOR THE CHAIR OF HEBREW, CHURCH HISTORY, AND BIBLICAL CRITICISM, IK QUEEN'S COLLEGE, KINGSTON, C. W. MONTREAL: PRINTED BY JOHN LOVKLr, AT ms STEAM-P«iNTINO BmBUSnMBNT, BT. N1CH0I,A8 STUKBT. 1857. TESTIMONIALS. Copy ok Certificates laid i^efore the General Assemcly OF THE CniRcii OF Scotland's -Colonial Committee.— May 1850. From the Rev. James Barr, D.D., Mbmtcr of Si. Enoch's Parish, Glanr/oio. "The Rov. Francis Nicd, Preacher of the Gospel, has acted for more than a twelve-moiuli in the capacity of Parochial Mis- sionary in the Parish of St. Enoch's, of whicli I am ministci. I have much pleasure in expressing the high satisfaction whi^h he has afforded to myself, to the members of session, and to the concrreiration at la.-g-e, by the zeal and ability with which he has discharged tlie duties of his situation, in preaching when required in visiting the families of the poor, and in snperintendino. our Sabbath Schools. Mr. Nicol is a young man of very superior talents and acquirements, an excellent, useful, and agreeable preacher, of decided but unobtrusive piety, of pleasing manners and g..od address, of sound judgment and' great prudence, of in- defatigable activity and perseveraiice, an 1 alt..gother cal-ulated to prove an eflicient, acceptable, and successful nsinister of Christ. He possesses in a iemai'k;a)le degree a combination of those qualities which are peculiarly requisite in a minister for the British Colonies, and which would not fail to render him a m.-st valuable a(;quisition to the families of our country, now resident in the Maui i tins.* Glasgow, 12th April, 1850.' James Barr, Minister. •While this situation was still opoi. Mr. N'icol w,m induced by the .nonmI(,o,„„Htteeto repair immediately to llalifUx, whore thcrj was From the Rf,v. George Gray, D.D., Professor of Oriental Lanr/uayes, Glamjow University. "Glasgow College, 12tli April, 1850. I have seldom had so good a Student, alike as to ability, in- dustry, and character, as Mr. Francis Nicol. Ho was foremost in his classes and took the highest honours, and from my con- nexion with Ayr of which he is a native, I have personal know- lodo-e of the prudence, piety, and estimable feeling, by which in private he has always been distinguished. He informs me that ho is an applicant for the vacancy in the Mauritius, and I feel quite assured that the Colonial Committee could not make an appointment more likely, under the Divine blessing, to prove creditable to our Church, and beneficial to the Presbyterians in that Island. George Gray, D.D." From the Rev. Alexander Hill, D.D., Professor of Divinity^ Glasyow Colkye. "It was in consequence of the very favorable opinion I enter- tained of Mr. NicoFs character, attainments and Christian princi- ples, that I recommended him to the Kirk-Session of St. Enoch's, when they were desirous to obtain a Preacher of the Gospel, who would be an efficient missionary. From ray occasional residence in Ayr, where Mr. Nicol lived with his parents, I had many op- portunities before he entered this Hall of observing his conduct, and of becoming acquainted with every particular in his history, and throughout the whole of his Theological course, I uniforndy foimd him an exern[)lary Student. He stood liigh in the estima- tion of his companions, filling at one time the chair of their Missionary Association ; and his exercises in the Hall were not only creditable to his talent, but indicated a mind familiar with the truths of the Gospel, and duly imbued with their vast im- portance. I consider the Colonial Committee to have cause for thankful- ness, that so excellent a young man as the Rev. Francis Nicol has offered his services unto them ; and I have no doubt, if he is ap- pointed to the situation at present vacant in the Mauritius, he will by the blessing of God, be an untiring, faithful, and efficient labourer in the work of the Lord. Alexander Hill, D.D." From the Rev. Robert Auld, D.D., Minister of the first charge, Ayr. " 20th April, 1850. I have been acquainted with Mr. Francis Nicol for many years. He is a native of Ayr, and was educated at Ayr Academy, and I have good reason to believe he was a distinguished Student, through the whole of his educational career and University curri- culum. He passed trials before the Presbytery of Ayr with much aj. probation, was licensed to preach the Gospel, and repeatedly officiated in the Churches of Ayr, and in neighbouring paiishesto the satisfaction of those who heard him. He possesses respect- able talents, entertains just sentiments on religious subjects ac- cording to the doctrines of the Church of Scotland; his conduct so far as known to me has been suited to his professional charac- ter and views ; and I am persuaded he will be attentive, zealoua, and faithful in the discharge of his duties as a Minister of the Gospel, wherever Providence may order his lot. RoHKRT Auld, Minister of Ayr.- ^ From the Rev. Robert Jamif.son. TXT)., Minister of St. PauCs Parish, Glasgow, Editor of Paxton's Eastern Manners and Customs, a contributor to Kitto's Biblical Cyclopaedia, &t. "I have the pleasure of being very well acquainted with Mr. Francis Nicol, Preacher. He was, during his attendance at Col- e lenro, connoctod with my congregation, and was most regular and exemplary in his attendance on the ordinances. Since obtaining license he lias for the last year been resident in this city as Mis- sionary in St. Enoch's parish, and has occasionally ofK.iated for me with much acceptance, as I have heard several times from those in whoso judgment I have confidence. Mr. Nicol is assidu- ous in his preparations, conscientious in his views of duty, correct in his habits, and anxious to do good. In private he is intelligent and of good manners, affable in Ids address, and possessed of great command over his temper. In short, wliether I regard his professional acquirements, or his conduct in society, he is a per- son who has gained tlie esteem and respect of all who know him, and I am only sorry to think that the Church at homo has not already secured the benefit of his pastoral services for one of her unprovided stations. Robert Jamieson, D.D. Glasgow, 12th April, 1850." Fro7n the Presbytery of Glasgotv. "Glasgow, 27th March, 1850. The Presbytery of Glasgow do hereby certify tliat Mr. Francis Nicol, Preacher of the Gospel, is most favourably known to them, that he has otBciated within their bounds with great fidelity, ability, and success, and that they believe him to be well quali- fied in every respect to approve himself a most diligent, faithful, and acceptable Minister of the grace of God, wherever Providence may api)oiut his lot. Attested by James Smith, P. C." TESTIMONIALS In favor of Mr. Nicol as rAXDioATE for the vacant chair OF ITef!kew, Church History, and Biblical Criticism, in Queen's College, Kingston, C. W. From the Rev. Alexander Hill, D.D., Professor of Divinity, Glasgoiv College. "The College, Glasgow, Feby. 26, ISoV. It was in May, 1848, tliat the Eev. Francis Nicol, now of St. John's, Newfoundland, completed his course of study in this University. I have a distinct recollection of his appearance, the place which he occupied in my class room, the propriety of his behaviour, and the estimation in which he was held by his com- panions. On looking at my private note book I find that his dis- courses in the Hall were all mentioned with praise, and his name is recorded as a prize holder in both the llebrew and the Church History classes. Mr. Nicol continued to reside in Glasgow for a considerable time after he became a Licentiate of the Church of Scotland, and were it necessary I could bear testimony to the zealous and effective manner in which he dischara'ed his duties in the parish with which he was connected. But I refer to this simply with the view of illustrating Mr. Nicol's character. His conscientiousness will lead him to exert himself to the utmost in any situation in which he may be placed, and should he be ap- pointed to the vacant chair in Queen's College, his known attain- ments and his power of application leave me no room to doubt that its duties will be ably and efficiently performed by him. Alexander Hill, D.D., Professor of Divinity?^ From the Rev. Robert Jamieson, D.D., Minister of St. PauVs Parish, Glasgow. " Glasgow, 6th March, 1857. It affords me very great pleasure i need to have an opportunity of testifying to brethren and friends on the other side of the Atlantic, the high opinion that I in common -with all who knew him here entertained of Rev. Francis Nicol, St. John's, Newfound- land. Of his talents and acceptability as a preacher, I need not say anything, both because my impressions as to his pulpit ap- pearances are embodied in a testimonial of date, 12th April, 1850, and because there must be multitudes within the range of his present pastoral labours who can bear testimony to his ripened experience and qualifications as a Minister, infinitely better than I am. m circumstances to do. But I can with perfect propriety state that his attainments as a scholar were equally high as his character for preaching while he was resident in Scotland. It consists with my personal knowledge, that he distinguished him- self at College by his superior acquirements in professional study, more particularly that he was considered by the late Dr. Greorgo Gray, Professor of Hebrew in the College of Glasgow, as one of the best Students in his class, — an opinion justified by Mr. Nicol's Academic honours for proficiency in the knowledge of Hebrew, — and also that in the class of Church History, he obtained by the votes of his fellow-students, whose judgment was approved of by the late eminent Dr. Reid, the highest prize for his attainments in historical knowledore. I cannot doubt that one who evinced so decided a bias for professional study in his youth, and who made such marked and successful progress, has been keeping up his literary tastes and habits, and that now Mr. Nicol must be emi- nently qualified for the office of Professor of Hebrew and Church History in Queen's College. Believing him as I do from my recollections of his professional character, while amongst us, to be well fitted to fill this responsible office, with credit to himself and usefulness to the Church in Canada, I sincerely trust that he may succeed in the object of his honourable ambition. Robert Jamieson, D.D., Minister of St. PauVs Parish, Glasc/oio.''^ From the Rev. Allan McLean, Author of a history of Mona- chism, d'c. "The Rev. Francis Nicol and I were fellow-students in the Hebrew class of tlie University ofCJlasgow under \)r. Gray, and in that of Ciiurch History under Dr. Reid. I have a distinct remem- brance that in each of these classes Mr, Nicol took a very high standing. Indeed he was looked up to by his fellow-students as one most proficient in these departments of study. In the Session 1840-47, his fellow-students in these classes voted him very high prizes, indeed if my memory does not fail me he carried oft' the first prize both in the Hebrew and Church History class that year. I had long the pleasure of Mr. Xicol's acquaintance, boih before and after the period above referred to, and had always reason to entertain the highest opinion of his character and conduct. He writes me he is now a candidate for the chair of Hebrew and Church History in Queen's College, Upper Canada. I have no doubt that if elected he will fulfil the duties of the office with zeal and ability. Allan McLean, Minister of Calton. 18 Groat Hamilton Street, ) Glasgow, 26th March, 1857." \ I « From the Rev. James Elder Gumming, Minister of East Church Parish, J\rth. "The Rev. Francis Nicol, of St. Johns, Newfoundland, was for some yeais a fellow-student with me in ihe University of Glasgow. I had then much intercourse with him as a friend, and had abun- dant opportunity to know the estimation in which he was held. I well remember that he was regarded as the first Hebrew scholar of his year, that he occupied a prominent position in the Divinity Hall, and that he united great intellec^tual power to uncommon suavity of manner. H:id our lamented professors. Dr. Gray r.nd Dr. Reid, who have left behind them memories so much cherished, been now alive, their testimony would, I am confident, have been 10 given in such a manner to Mr. Nicol's attainments as to render that of his fellow-students totally unnecessary. All that re- mains for me to do is to testify what was the feeling towards Mr. Nicol, on tlie part both of professors and students. I have no means of knowing whether lie has since then been increasing his attainments in Hebrew, Biblical criiicism, and (^liurch History; but if he has bee.' 'edeeming the promise of furnier days in these departments, I cannot doubt that he would now make a professor, able, learned, pains-taking, and conscientious, be very useful to the Church, aud much beloved by his students. James Eldku Cummtno, Min. of E. a P., PertUr From the REV.IlonEUT II. Scott, Minister of the Parishof Coputh. " I was intimately accpiainted with the Rev. Francis Nicol while we both attended the TheologicMl classes in the (Glasgow University, and 1 have much pleasure in staling how highly he stood in each of these classes. In the Hebrew (ilass he was legartled as the best student, and it would need but little additional study to enable him to teach that language as well as it has hitherto been taught in our Scotch Universities. Diligent a})plicati()n such as he would give if he had the leisure, would soon make him distinguished as a Hebraist and Professor. Nor is it only by his attainments in this language that he is recommended. Having a solid and inquisitive mind, and one well stored with general, but especially with Biblical literature, he is peculiarly adapted for a chair which requires the discussion of questions of exegesis and abstract theology. Not in ditierent to the scholarship of (jteruiany, he is equally alive to the sound and solid Divinity of Jiritain, and I should exjtect that the views he would inculcate would have all the freshness of the one and all thescripturaliu'ssof the other. I am conlident that, if he should be appojnteil to this situation, he will get into the element in wdiich he is best fitted to move, and will do more for the good of the Church than lie can possibly do in his present situation, much as his services there may bo prized. Rohert II. SooTT, Minister of the Parish of Capath^ /Scotland, Caputii Manse, March 20, 1857," i 11 f •ti From the Rev. William P. Rorison, Minister of the Parish of Dalserf. " 1 liorehy testify that I have been intimately acquainted for many years with the Rev. Francis Nicol, of St. Johns, Newfound- land, lie and I were fellow-students at Glaso-.nv Culleo'e, and I retnemher that he was very diligent and successful in liis studies. He particularly distiiirriiished himself in tlie Theoloirical classes, and, indeed, I am of opinion that he was tlie best Hebrew scholar of his day at College. I believe that his literary acquirements, combined with his gentlemanly manners and kindly dis[)Osilion render him peculiarly fitted for being a successful teacher of youth. (Signed) William P. Rorison, Minister of Valserf Manse of Dalserf, April 11, 185 7." It From the Rev. John C. C. P>rown, Minister of the Parish of Ceres, " Understanding that the Rev. Francis Nicol is at present a candidate for the vacant chair of Hebrew, Church History, and Biblical criticism in Queen's ('ollege, Kingston, Canada, and that, on a(H,'ount of tlic deaths of Professors Gray and Reid, late of Glasgow University, it wid not be in his power to procure those certificates which would have most ministered to the success of his apjilication, T willingly bear testimony to the zeal, diligence, and success wiih which he prosecuted his studies while in attend- ance with me at the Divinity Hall. He Avas by far the nicst dis- tinguislied student of his year, and, being very amiable atnl judi- cious as well as talented, he was held in high este(>m. In one worlh'ge, Canada, and requests me to state my oj)inion of Lis fitness for tiie discharge of the duties of the Professorship. You are, no doubt, aware that he was ordained by the Presby- tery of St. John, in 1851, befure he went to Newfoundland, there being then no I'resbytery of Halifax. At that time I had an op- poriunity of forming an opinion of his professional knowledge, and I have much pleasure in stating that the result of his examinalions, both oral and written, was highly creditable to hiin and most satisfactory to the Presbytery. His discourses were chaste in dic- tion and sound in doctrine, and evinced that he liad carefully studied his subjects and clearly brought out the truths involved in them. His examination in Hebrew and Greek manifested his intiniiito and critical acquaintance with these languages; and in Chronology and Church History he was quite at home. The testimonials he then produced and others I have since Been show that, during his collegiate courses, he carried otf the highest honors, and that hm talents, naturally good, were carefully cultivated. I have thus been led to form a high opinion of his talents and acquirements, and to l>elieve that he is well qualified for the pro- fessors]ii[) to which he as[)ires, and, if appointed, that he will maintain the credit of the College, by proving himself fully com- j)etent for the honorable discharge of the very important duties of the chair. Should you deem my testimony of any service, you are at liberty to use this note in whatever way you may think most for bis advantiige. I am, Rev. dear Sir, Yours very truly, W, Don ALU. Tlic Rev. Wm. Snodorass, ) Montreal, C. E. ,1 '> u y)i From the Rev. John iScoTT, Minuter of St. Mattkero's Churchy Halifax^ Nova Scotia. "Tlie Rev. FraTicis Nicol, who is a candidate for the vacant chair of the Hebrew, Cluirch History, and Bil)iical Criticism, in Queen's G(^lle!^e, Kingston, was for two years engaioiis, and his pri- vate communication, his doctrine and manner of life, all the time he went out and in amongst us, having the commendation of all our christian people. I have great pleasure in bearing testimony to his mild disposi- tion, simi»le maimers, an