structor, that, when any of his pupils were sent to the university, over which the late Dr. Ewing presided, who has been so deservedly famed as a scholar, they were always received without examination. It was sufficient to know they had received their education with Dr. Latta.

"An Is

As a man, Dr. Latta was truly amiable. raelite indeed he was, in whom there was no guiie. Possessing a very affectionate heart, he was a steady, sincere, and faithful friend. A fund of good sense, and a natural cheerfulness which he possessed, rendered him both a profitable and agreeable companion. His conversation was instructive and entertaining. It was indeed almost impossible to be long in his company without being both pleased and improved. Both old and young were fond of his society. When paying a visit to any of his people, it was pleasing to see the youth gather around him to enjoy his conversation. Though by his deportment he always inspired a reverence for his character, yet he was easy of access, and never failed to attract the attention, and add to the entertainment of those, with whom he conversed.

As a christian and minister, he was exemplary to a remarkable degree. He was an ornament to religion, and his uniform deportment was such as to recommend it to all who knew him. When cheerful, there was nothing of levity about him; when grave, there was no austerity. His conduct was always manly and dignified, and calculated to inspire both reverence and love. The Scriptures were the rule of his life, and the glory of God the end for which he lived. He was conscientious in the discharge of every duty. And with such dignity did he support the sacred office which he bore, that there was scarce ever an instance of any person conducting himself profanely or rudely in his presence. The sight

of him made folly blush, and vice to cover its

head.

As a preacher too he was highly eminent. He naturally possessed a strong and penetrating mind, and this was well-furnished by reading and study. His style of writing was accurate, nervous, and often elegant. Though it was evident he sought not after refinement in his composition, yet the ornaments and graces of diction, seemed occasionally to force themselves upon him. In the pulpit he possessed an uncommon gravity*. His countenance and mein bespoke him to be the man of God. His manner was plain and unaffected, but interesting and impressive. The vein of good sense which ran through all his preaching, and evidently flowed from a heart which deeply felt all that he said, powerfully arrested the attention of his hearers. He was faithful to declare the whole counsel of God. While he comforted and encouraged true christians, he held up to sinners a glass in which they might see themselves; but in addressing them, he always spoke as with the compassion of a father. The doctrines of grace were the burden of his preaching. On them he delighted to dwell, and his manner of handling them was peculiarly interesting. His whole life and conversation, showed how near he lived to his master, how supremely he was devoted to his work, and how much he was concerned for the salvation of souls. He himself lived, and endeavoured to teach others to live, for eternity. Though on earth, his conversation was in heaven. Few men indeed have discovered more indifference for amassing the wealth of this world, or more

* Though Mr. Latta wrote many sermons at full length, many of which were sufficiently correct for the press, yet none of them were published, except a discourse on Psalmody. The object of this was to show, that the principal subjects of Psalmody should be taken from the Gospel.

diligence, in laying up treasures for another. Being set as a watchman on the walls of Zion, he devoted himself assiduously to his trust.

He was willing to spend, and was spent in his master's service. He was instant in season, and out of season. For upwards of forty years, he laboured faithfully in the vineyard of the Lord. Though of a very delicate constitution, by a remarkable temperance and care, he attained to more than the ordinary age of He lived till near the close of his 68th year. On January 29th, 1801, he ceased from his labours, and, as we confidently hope, entered into that rest which remaineth for the people of God.

man.

For some time before his death he was impressed with the idea that the time of his departure was not far distant. This was evident from letters which he wrote to two of his sons*, shortly before his last illness. It was matter of regret to his friends, that such was the nature of the disease by which he was removed, that they were deprived of the advantages which they must have enjoyed from the conversation of such a man in his last moments, and as it were, in the porch of heaven, had he been able to speak to others. But of this they were deprived. During several days previously to his dissolution, he appeared to sleep incessantly; and without a struggle or a groan, fell asleep in Jesus.

Such was the life, and such the death, of this excellent man. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace."

Dr. Latta left a widow and eight children, four sons and four daughters, who deeply lamented their loss. Three of his sons, before his death, to his great satisfaction, entered into the Gospel ministry; and the fourth has since been licensed to preach the Gospel.

FOR THE CHRISTIAN's MAGAZINE.

The State of the Reformed Church, as also of the different religious denominations in Holland, previous to the late revolution.

(Concluded from p. 251.)

THE Lutherans, besides enjoying religious liber

ty, have also the privilege of erecting public places of worship, in all the cities of the United Provinces. Even in many places in the country, they are suffered to exercise their worship, though it be contrary to several acts of the States of Holland.

The number of Lutheran congregations in the United Provinces, and Dutch Flanders, is forty, which are served by fifty-one settled ministers. In 1809, there were sixty-nine ministers. In Holland, there are nineteen congregations, and twentyseven ministers; in Zealand, three congregations and four ministers; in Utrecht, two congregations and three ministers; in Gelderland, four congregations and four ministers; in Overyssel, three congregations and three ministers; in Friesland, two congregations and two ministers; in Groningen, three congregations and four ministers; in Dutch Flanders, four congregations and four ministers. In addition to

these congregations, there is one composed of Saltzburgh emigrants, in the district of Radzand, which is served by a minister who receives his salary from the states general.

The young men who contemplate the office of the ministry, prosecute their preparatory studies in one of the Universities or schools of established reputation, and afterwards their theological studies under any minister whom they may choose. They must then go to one of the Lutheran universities in Germany, to qualify them for ordination. Whilst they are yet students they may preach in any place in the Netherlands, except in Amsterdam. Before they can preach there, they must be examined by the ministerium, or ministry. When they have accepted a call, they must pass a final examination, after which they are set apart to the work of the ministry, by the laying on of hands.

Although the whole number of Lutheran congregations is small, yet severally, in most places, these congregations are numerous. The largest is in Amsterdam, which is under the superintendance of five ministers, ten elders, and twelve deacons. Besides these officers there are three church masters, whose business it is to take care of the two churches, which belong to this congregation, and also of the burial of the dead. The consistory here meet generally twice in every month. The Lord's Supper is administered every two weeks.

The Lutherans have an orphan house in Amsterdam, Leyden, the Hague, and Haerlem. The first is under the direction of six governors, and three governesses. In their church ceremonies they differ more or less from their brethren in other countries. They have no altars nor images in their churches; and their ministers do not wear a surplice in their preaching, or administering of the Lord's Supper, but the ordinary black dress of clergymen.

The Remonstrants are so called, in consequence of a remonstrance which they delivered to the states of Holland, in 1610. They are the followers of James VOL. III.-No. VII. 3 A