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ties for the amassing of riches , than any other ; yet in the practice of this professidn he was distinguished by his probity and moderation , and always acted in strict obedience to the letter and spirit of that excellent precept of our holy rettV gion , «« Let no man go beyond , or
defraud his brother in any matter . ' He has often been the disinterested adviser and mediator when circumstances had put it into his power to be the retained professional advocate . He chose rather to persuade men to forgive their brethren their trespasses , and to live peaceably with each other , than to enrich himself
with the spoils which contention would have held out to him , or to rear the fabric of his own fortune upon the wreck of that of his fellow-man . But the character thus honourable , as to professional duties , is worthy of our imitation in other points of view . He was a kind friend
and benefactor to the poor ; he freely gave his advice to those who were in difficulties aud distress . He was an affectionate husband , a tender father , and in every social or relative connexion he endeavoured to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith he was called . He
wasithe firm and consistent friend of civil and religious liberty . He was no timeserver , nor courtly sycophant , changing with the policy and fashion of the times , aud seeking applause and reward by the sacrifice of priuciple ; nor did he court popularity by flattering the prejudices of the multitude , and falling in with all the extravagant political theories of the day ; but he advocated the cause of rational
reform and real liberty , and dared to be the steady and honest supporter of the true interests of his country in the most difficult times . Nor was his religious character \ ess admirable . Bred up among the Dissenters , the mode of worship which education and habit had contributed to
attach him to , was still more endeared to him when , in maturer years , examination and reflection bad convinced him of its beneficial tendency . He noticed how corrupt and oppressive religion had often become when allied to temporal power ; aud he considered the conduct
of those highly inconsistent who , while they professed to be the followers of Jesus , ; connected themselves with the kingdoms of this world . He therefore acknowledged uo head or master upon earth ; in spiritual matters ; and , while he rendered unto Caesar the things which are
Cap ^ r ^ , bs . rendered unto God the things v vhi ^ ' > arp Gobi ' s , It was his practice whilejr ^ a ^ ing the sacrqd volume , to make such notes and , extracts as would assist \\\ m in his ; further researches , and enable him , «/ tp . QrpyJi wjiat is that good , anil acceptable , and perfect will of God . By
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this study of the Scriptures he became more and mdre confirmed in the belief of that fundamental article of the Jewish aud Christian systems , the Unity of Gad ; and with that independence of mind for which be was remarkable , he worshi ped the God of his fathers after the way
which the world deem heresy . He chose to abstain from joining the popular sects of the day , although from his connexions and circumstances in life he had many temptations to do so ; and he bore with firmness and Christian indifference hi * share of the misrepresentations and obloquy and suspicion which the sect every
where spoken against so constantly meets with . . Yet , while he differed from his brethren in matters of faith , he had that charity for all men , without which , religious professions and services are utterly vain . He neither limited the mercies of the Holy One of Israel to a few
favourites , nor rested the salvation of his fellow-men upon the weak foundation oi a religious creed ; but he delighted to call upon the Lord his God , as the Father aud friend of all his widely-extended family , ever ready to receive the repentant sinner . Such were the religious principles which shed their beneficial influence over his
mind , and which produced the character here portrayed . They enabled him to resist the temptations of the world , and to bear the severe pains of body to which he was often subject , and the various distresses of life , with that resignation to the will of God which becomes a
disciple of Jesus ; and in his last hour he reaped the full benefit of so wise and pious a line of conduct . His health had been declining for some months before his decease ; but as no immediate danger was apprehended , his family flattered themselves that he would be snared to
them yet many years . Nor did this hope leave them until within a few days of his death . On the evening of his decease , feeling his end approaching , and while surrounded by his sorrowing family , he said , ** Will you all join me in prayer ?" and immediately prayed aloud in the most collected and pious manner .
He expressed his firm belief of his acceptance with God ; not from any merit of his own , for he acknowledged himself a sinner who had often dared the Divine displeasure , and who had not been sufficiently grateful for the beuuties of Providence , and that at the best he had been
an unprofitable servant . But he trusted to the eternal and unchangeable goodness of his . Almighty Father , who knew the sincerity of his heart , and to the promises he has vouchsafe d 16 us through the one Mediator between Gojl and men * the niau Christ Jesus . He said that he . had pW ^ ed , if it were the will of God , be iiifel *
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£ 2 OUtnary . —John &ilhing > tonjEsq 0
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Jan. 2, 1822, page 62, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2508/page/62/
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