Attracted by the “bodies of divinity,” and other theological works, which his “antiquarian library” contained, his attention was particularly directed to the fundamental truths of religion, and the doctrines of “the various denominations of the Christian world.” The result was, that without joining any, he imbibed such portions of the tenets of each sect, that his opinions on this subject were as singular as on every other. Above all sectaries, yet not entirely agreeing even with them, he “loved and venerated” the “Moravians or United Brethren,” for their meek, unassuming demeanour, their ceaseless perseverance in propagating the gospel, and their boundless love towards the whole human race. Of his own particular notions, he thus says, “If I on doctrines have right view, Here’s this for me, and that for you; Another gives my neighbour comfort, A stranger comes with one of some sort. When after candid scrutinizing, We find them equally worth prizing; ’Cause all in gospel love imparted, Nor is there any one perverted; Only as they may seem unlike, Nor can on other’s fancy strike: Whereas from due conformity, O! what a spread of harmony, Each with each, bearing and forbearing. All wishing for a better hearing, Would in due time, then full improve Into _one family of love_: Instead of shyness on each other, My fellow-christian, sister, brother, And each in candour thus impart, You have my fellowship and heart; Let this but be the _root_ o’ th’ sense, _Jesus the Christ_, my confidence, As given in the Father’s love, No other system I approve.” After a short illness, towards the conclusion of his seventy-eighth year, death closed his mortal career. Notwithstanding his eccentricity, he was “devoid of guile,” plain and sincere in all transactions, and his memory is universally respected.--“Peace to his ashes”--(to use his own expressions,) “Let all the world say worst they can, He was an upright, honest man.” K. [42] A coal-lighter. * * * * * ~Winter.~ _For the Table Book._ WINTER! I love thee, for thou com’st to me Laden with joys congenial to my mind, Books that with bards and solitude agree, And all those virtues which adorn mankind. What though the meadows, and the neighb’ring hills, That rear their cloudy summits in the skies-- What though the woodland brooks, and lowland rills, That charm’d our ears, and gratified our eyes. In thy forlorn habiliments appear? What though the zephyrs of the summer tide, And all the softer beauties of the year Are fled and gone, kind Heav’n has not denied Our books and studies, music, conversation, And ev’ning parties for our recreation; And these suffice, for seasons snatch’d away, Till SPRING leads forth the slowly-length’ning day. B. W. R. * * * * *