In the afternoon a stranger preached for him; and, notwithstanding his great debility and fatigue, he went to church, and heard a solemn discourse, on the subject of death. While in church, he was attacked by a slight paralytic affection of the arm, which soon passed off; but, on his return home, he sustained a more violent shock, under which he fell at his own door. Physicians were immediately sent for; and, after the usual remedies were applied, it was found that circulation was soon restored, and that the stroke was only transient. The gloomy apprehensions of his friends began to subside; they could not but hope, that he would soon be restored to health, and be able again to perform his ministerial duties. But, alas! their hopes were vain. The All-wise, whose "thoughts are not as our thoughts," had ordered it otherwise, and His will must be done.

On the morning of the next Sabbath, after rising from his bed, and partially dressing, he was in the act of raising his hand to his head, when he was suddenly seized with a violent paralytic affection, which instantly deprived him of his mental and corporeal powers. Medical aid was immediately obtained, but all efforts to restore his reason and feeling seemed ineffectual.

It is impossible to describe the feelings of his beloved people, when they heard of the dangerous illness of their pastor : every countenance was overspread with gloom: one common feeling of sorrowful regret, and the deepest anxiety, was excited in every bosom. His house was constantly crowded by persons of both sexes, and of all ages, begging for permission to sit with their dying pastor, and minister to his wants. Such was the solicitude of the pious part of his congregation, that a prayer-meeting was immediately established in the church, to offer special supplication for their spiritual shep

herd. There the children of God daily assembled, and earnestly prayed, that the Most Merciful would not take from them their beloved minister; or, if he should be removed, that he would permit him, before his departure, to give a public testimony of his triumphant faith. Though God saw fit to deny one request, yet the other petition he was pleased graciously to answer.

The last moments of Dr. Kollock were of too decisive and interesting a nature; his feelings, at the hour of death, too desirable, to be slightly passed over.

The death-bed of the Christian, presents a scene always affecting, and, at times, highly instructive. "It is good for" us to approach the bed-side of the departing saint, and contemplate his conduct in the trying hour of dissolution. It is interesting and profitable to see him, with " hopes full of immortality," leaving the world with joy, hailing death as his friend, and longing to rest in the embraces of his Saviour. There we are sensibly taught the excellency of Christianity above all other religions, and see its efficacy in imparting consolation when every other refuge fails.

The chamber where the good man meets his fate,

Is privileged beyond the common walk

Of virtuous life, quite in the verge of Heaven.

You see the man; you see his hold on Heaven.

Heaven waits not the last moment; owns her friends
On this side death, and points them out to men.

On the morning of Wednesday, Dr. Kollock's speech and reason were restored to him; and in his conversation with his friends, he manifested a resignation and strength of faith, a tranquillity and peace, a calm and holy repose upon the Saviour,

which could not but edify and delight them. He was sensible of his approaching dissolution, but death seemed to him to have 'no terrors; he rather contemplated it as the joyful messenger, commissioned to bear him to his God. His patience and resignation were remarkable. Though he experienced the most exquisite bodily sufferings, yet no murmuring word ever escaped his lips.

"Are your sufferings great?" said a friend to him, at a time when his whole body was covered with blisters. "Oh! if you can imagine a human being placed on a bed of living coals, you can have some idea of my tortures ;" but, instead of uttering a complaint, he immediately added, " Pray, pray for me, that I may have gratitude and patience."

He requested to see the Rev. Mr. Capers and the Rev. Mr. Cranston. Before they arrived, one of the members of his church approached his bed and said to him, "My dear pastor, do you remember the dying words of Stephen ?" With a countenance brightening with joy, and in an animated tone of voice, he replied, "O yes! Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.'

After this he revived considerably, and, seeing many of his pious friends in the room, called them to him, bade each of them farewell, and talked composedly of death and heaven.

When Mr. Capers arrived and approached his bed-side, he instantly recognised him, and clasping his hand, exclaimed, "As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." "Does your way into the holiest appear plain ?" "I think so," replied the dying pastor: "I think that through Christ I am ready to depart." Mr. Capers then prayed with him; and, during the prayer, he manifested great devotion, and seemed much affected. Soon afterwards Mr. Cranston conversed and prayed with him; and during the

conversation, it was pleasing to see with what rapture he dwelt on the love, and power, and grace of Christ, and how feelingly he spoke of that world of happiness into which he was entering.

About five o'clock he requested one of the family to get the "Pilgrim's Progress," and read the pilgrim's passage through the swellings of Jordan. This was one of his favourite books on practical religion; he frequently read it when in health, and often derived from the perusal spiritual strength and consolation; and now in his last hours, it affords to his soul the sweetest satisfaction. After making some observations on the passage which had been read, in which it appeared evident that his hope became stronger, and his faith more steadfast, as he approached the "heavenly city;" he requested his friends to sing that beautiful hymn of Watts's-(31st, 2d book):

The agitation was so great, when he made the request, that the hymn could not easily be found. Observing it, he calmly said, "Never mind; the 66th hymn of the 2d book will do ;" and, commencing, repeated the whole of it aloud:

"There is a land of pure delight,
Where saints immortal reign," &c.

His friends, who witnessed it, will never forget with what feeling and animation he repeated this beautiful hymn. His face was lighted up with holy joy, while contemplating the glory that awaited him; every word of the poet expressed the delightful emotions of his own heart. The tremulous tones of his voice; his countenance irradiated with the smiles of be

nignity; his eye kindling into rapture at the prospect of Hea ven; all seemed to say, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace."

After the hymn was sung, he again introduced the subject of his death; spoke with great composure of his funeral, and selected the hymns which he wished to be sung on that occasion. He then called the members of his family together, and to each of them spoke of the Redeemer with the interest and feeling of a dying Christian, and earnestly exhorted them to live near to God.

For nearly an hour before his death he said but little. With his eyes raised to Heaven, and his hands clasped in a supplicating posture, he was evidently engaged in fervent and humble prayer. With his "loins girt," and his "lamp shining" brightly, he was anxiously waiting the coming of his Redeemer. He waited not long. Without a groan or struggle, he peacefully fell asleep in Jesus, at a quarter past ten o'clock, on the night of the 29th of December, 1819, aged forty-one years.

It is impossible to describe the effect which this afflictive providence produced; to show what a deep wound was inflicted upon the feelings; to tell how many hearts bled, how many eyes wept. A universal gloom overspead the city; deep and melancholy regret pervaded every heart. And is it strange that such sensations were excited? The church had lost one of the most eloquent and useful preachers; an affectionate people, an endeared pastor; science, one of her brightest ornaments; thousands, a tender and endeared friend; society, one of the loveliest of men.