This was, of which this disciple was so generously but effectually reproved by his divine master. perhaps, the case. Still the fact remains just the same, and comes most clearly to our point. Naturally attracted then by that oratory which captivates the imagination and electrifies the affections, men are not so immediately disposed to value that species of eloquence which solicits attention and insinuates conviction. Boanerges has more votes than Barnabas. But is this taste, however general, of the best kind? Whoever has examined the complexion of those discourses which are recorded of the greatest preacher that ever appeared to enlighten and ameliorate the world,—those of the Son of God!—will perceive their characteristic excellences, next to the truths which they teach, to consist chiefly in their moderation, winningness, and simplicity. Retiredness of living and humility in teaching, shunning the blaze of that world which they illumine, are most estimable on the part of preachers; and that these qualities do very generally distinguish the clergymen of our establishment, conceding some exceptions, none but their most obdurate opponents can feel disposed to controvert. Among pastors who so live and teach, truth has to rank the present preacher. Thomas Sheppard, M. A. completed his minis terial studies at Edmund Hall, Oxford, under the superintendance of those learned and respectable divines, Dr. Dixon and the Rev. Mr. Crouch, with credit to himself and satisfaction to his tutors. He was chosen the Afternoon Lecturer of St. Mary's, Stoke Newington, in 1783; and, on the death of the Rev. Mr. Faulkener, he afterwards became Minister of Ely-Chapel, in Holborn. Having awaited the issue of the memorable contest for the Rectorship of Clerkenwell, Mr. Sheppard was, in 1804, appointed by the successful candidate, Mr. Foster, Curate and Morning Preacher of Pentonville Chapel. Succeeding to this cure, he took his farewell of the congregation at Ely-Chapel, where his loss has since been ably supplied by Mr. Wilcox; but he still retains the lectureship at Stoke Newington. Mr. Sheppard has not, therefore, risen immaturely into notice, but gained progressively, and deservedly, on the public eye. It is not by concealing his radical opinions, by halting between systems and sects, in order to please most men by being honest with none, that this preacher deserves the apostolical commendation of making himself all things to all. He simulates not. Decidedly calvinistic, and perfectly evangelical, his sentiments are yet so urged as to propitiate enquirers and neutralise adver saries. Humility always becomes orthodoxy. He unreservedly announces what is truth; but then he discreetly enforces it. He is zealous at the same time; but his zeal has knowledge in it. Excepting some short head-notes, his sermons are quite extempore. They are all sufficiently premeditated, and legitimately divided; perspicuously reasoned; pertinently illustrated; and feelingly applicatory to the heart. Both his deportment and delivery are impressive, yet free, None of the arts of style, none of the traps of speech, are to be found in him. Simplicity runs through all his character. He prays with exemplary devoutness, and praise-worthy propriety; never affecting too much to alter what so few eventually amend; consistently regarding the established ordinances of his church. He reveres the forms of the church, and adopts them, though he could pray well without them. Although he stands but short in stature, and is not strong in voice, defects of this sort are not marked. The Rev. Thomas Sheppard has not sent any sermon to press. JOHN SHEPPARD, B. A. HAPPY is it for the world when the preachers of religion are known to be such from right motives. When they are not so, bad will be the best. Indifference is most dangerous in this profession. When the heart is here cold, of what worth is the head? The choice of such men should be made their lot; and, what is more, their lot should be their choice. Sincere pleasure does it give me as authorized to state thus much of the present preacher. His lot was first his choice-his choice now forms his lot! John Sheppard, B. A. is from St. John's College, Oxford. Having for some time officiated as Curate of St. Clement Danes, upon which title he was in fact ordained, he shortly after became Morning Preacher and Tuesday Evening Lecturer at West Street Chapel, St. Giles's; and is now also Alternate Evening Lecturer at St. Margaret's Chapel, Broad-Way, Westminster. Originally he was intended for the legal profession; but, experiencing an entire change of sentiments, he was finally led, by this change, to embark in the sacred vocation of religion. Every man hath his proper gift of God,' says St. Paul; one after this manner, and another after that.' The great diversity of human taste requires this diversity of gifts. Energy is necessary to stimulate some; some, tenderness is calculated to subdue. Mildness belongs to the present preacher. Heaven has granted to Mr. Sheppard this gift of christian teaching; and since he neglects not the gift that is in him,' but, following the Apostle's direction to Timothy, continues diligently to stir up this gift of God,' there is therefore no room to doubt, that, as he is now profitable for it, he will hereafter make 'full proof of the ministry.' His qualifications and his attainments rank him comparatively high. High in worth, high in truth, high in zeal. Liberally construing a passage to be found in the preface to the Rev. Samuel Wesley's poem of the Life of Christ, I would say to him, in no mean strain of religious versification Taught to contemn the miser's useless store, |