He was ordained in the year 1811, and for many years officiated in the parish of Madeley, England, and the testimony of those who knew him there is, that he was systematic in all his plans, which were laid after much consideration and prayer, and then as earnestly carried out. For eleven years and a half he was your minister, part of which time he was unable to perform any active duties from weakness, and a violent nervous affection which seized him when the Bishop of Toronto visited this place, to consecrate the church and confirm the young. It was to him a severe trial to be laid aside, as he used to express himself, as of no more use, and yet with cheerful humility he would often observe, “The Lord’s work can go on without me,” or words to that effect. But contrary to his own expectation and that of his friends, he was again restored to comparative health and strength, and oh, how eagerly did he resume his duties directly he felt himself equal to them, and his gratitude to God was great for enabling him again to set forth Christ! Joined to fidelity, diligence, and perseverance, was continual watchfulness. He waited for the Lord’s coming, he watched unto prayer, as one who was to give an account. The exhortation of the prophet Ezekiel (iii. 17), “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel,” was deeply impressed upon his mind, and every means in his power he used to win souls to Christ. He watched over the young of his flock with a father’s love and a father’s anxiety, and many present can testify to the affectionate kindness with which he received them in little parties to explain and enforce the precepts of the Gospel. In visiting his people he was watchful to speak a word in season, making it, I believe, a rule never, or very rarely, to leave a house or family without speaking of the one thing needful. Ever remembering that the vows of God were upon him, he was studiously careful that even in manner he might act as became a minister of God, whilst at the same time few were more cheerful than himself. His pulpit preparations were also subjects of much anxious watchfulness and prayer: he studied what he conceived to be his people’s wants, and in love endeavoured to declare to them the whole counsel of God.