FOR THE CHRISTIAN's MAGAZINE.

Memoirs of Rev. JONATHAN FRENCH, the late much-esteemed pastor of the South Church and Congregation in Andover, Massachusetts. By the Rev. TIMOTHY ALDEN, A. M. Principal of the Young Ladies' Academy in Newark, NewJersey*.

THE Rev. JONATHAN FRENCH, descended from

ancestors eminent for that evangelical faith and practicet which distinguished many of the fathers of NewEngland, was born at Braintree, on the 30th of January, 1740. He lived with his parents, following the occupation of his father, who was a farmer, till he was about seventeen years old. At this time he en

* Some few details in these Memoirs, chiefly genealogical, are omitted, with the consent of the Author. The Memoirs are published at full length in a Pamphlet.

Among these Ephraim Thayer and his wife were indulged the peculiar satisfaction of living to see fourteen children arrive at years of maturity, enter a family state, and unanimously make the noble resolulution of Joshua ; as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. On one communion occasion, they enjoyed the singular felicity of presenting themselves, with the fourteen children God had graciously given them, at the table of the Lord, to receive the emblems of redeeming love! A similar instance has seldom been found in the annals of the Christian Church

listed as a private soldier, in the army employed against the French and Indians, and in March, 1757, repaired to Fort Edward. In August following, he was taken with the small-pox, and on his recovery from that disorder, being seized with the fever and ague, he was unable to perform duty, obtained a discharge, and returned home in October.

The tumult and temptations of the camp, did not obliterate the serious instructions which he had received from his pious parents. It appears from his journal, that he was observant of religious duties, and that he gladly improved every opportunity to attend public worship. He constantly made a memorandum of the texts which were used by the chaplains, and other ministers, who occasionally visited the army.

Soon after his return, he was stationed at Castle William, in the capacity of a sergeant. As the superior officers were often absent, the chief care of the garrison in such case, devolved upon Mr. French; so that the office he sustained, was then of considerable importance to so young a man. He had also the charge of the sutler's store.

Twice, during his residence on this island, his life was in great jeopardy.

An Indian, who was a servant at the castle, applied to him at the store, on a certain time, for some rum, which he refused to let him have; supposing, from his appearance, that he had already drank more than was proper. A few days after, as he was walking alone, he met the Indian, who advanced towards him in a menacing attitude, with a drawn knife. There being no way to avoid an encounter, he took what advantage he could of the ground, which was sloping, and, by a sudden and vigorous stroke with his foot against the heels, and his hand against the neck of the Indian, brought him to the earth. Seizing a

hoop-pole, which providentially lay near, he threatened the Indian's life, unless he would solemnly promise to conduct well for the future. The Indian seemed to be overwhelmed with astonishment that he should, on any condition, spare him, and ever after, with the liveliest gratitude, as if he owed his life to Mr. French, was ready, on all occasions, to do him any service in his power.

In the other instance, an Indian prisoner had found means to escape from confinement; but, not being able to get clear of the guard which pursued him, he resorted to a narrow passage in the castle, and having previously armed himself with a large club, swore he would kill any one who should attempt to take him. Mr. French was directed to conduct a file of men to the place and seize him; but none of the soldiers had courage to approach him, under such circumstances. Mr. French, being at that time small of stature, was not eyed with so much fear by the Indian, as were his soldiers. While he was talking to his men, and giving them directions, he watched for an opportunity, which he presently had, when the Indian's attention was somewhat diverted, and, springing, with much agility, a number of feet, caught hold of the club, and, in a moment, with the assistance of his soldiers, secured the prisoner.

While at the castle, he was honoured with the acquaintance and friendship of many literary and other respectable characters in Boston and its vicinity. From childhood he had a fondness for books, and sedulously improved in this situation the advantages which refined society, and his opportunities for reading, afforded. For mathematical and philosophical researches he had a natural propensity. He, however, devoted his leisure principally to the study of physic and surgery; contemplating the healing art, for a considerable time, as the profession he was to

follow in life. To this the benevolent bias of his mind strongly urged him, and his station at the garrison was favourable for gaining the necessary instruction. Under the direction of the surgeon of this post, an English gentleman, by the name of Crosier, if the writer mistake not, and the friendly aid of doctors Whitworth and Jeffries, he soon made such proficiency in the acquirement of medical knowledge, and had so much the confidence of the faculty, that the medicines and care of the sick were often intrusted solely to him.

He was ever a man of great resolution and perseverance; and it was always a maxim with him in every station of life, to do what was to be done, as soon as he consistently could. No small difficulties nor dangers ever deterred him from the discharge of duty. The following anecdote is offered as an exemplification of this trait in his character.

A man belonging to the garrison was afflicted with a dangerous ulcer. Mr. French, on examining it, found there were appearances of a mortification. He repaired to the medicine chest; but, on searching, could find no such dressings as he thought the case required. The surgeon, who had been expected, was unable to come by reason of a sudden change in the weather, which had so frozen the water in Boston harbour, as to prevent the passing of a boat, but not so as to make it safe for any one on foot. Mr. French not being able to procure a man who was willing to venture over, in his zeal furnished himself with a pole, and, holding it horizontally, that it might facilitate his getting out if he should fall through the ice, travelled to Boston, though often in great danger; procured the necessary articles, returned, and was undoubtedly the instrument, under providence, of saving the patient's life.

The physicians before-mentioned, particularly re

commended it to him to pursue the profession he had contemplated, and promised to afford him every aid in their power towards his establishment in Boston. They considered him as having peculiar talents for eminence in that line; but the great Head of the Church had other purposes respecting him. He had even so far listened to the advice of friends, as to determine upon a settlement in the practice of physic, and to enter into a family state; having for about four years, formed an acquaintance with a view to marriage, with the lady who afterwards became the companion of his life.

About this time, however, he received such encouragement from several literary friends, as led him to resolve upon a collegiate education. The lady, to whom he was engaged, concurred with him in the plan, and urged him to perseverance in it, as she thought it afforded a prospect of his greater usefulness in life.

Messrs. Davis and Phillips, who were chaplains at the castle, assisted him in his studies preparatory for admission into the college. Several gentlemen, and particularly Mr. Bernard, son of the governor, furnished him with books for the purpose.

He continued at Castle William, discharging the duties of his station, till ready to commence his residence at college. On the last day of his service at the garrison, he waited on the governor and other company, as commanding officer for the day, gave up his commission, presented his sword to his successor, repaired to Harvard university, became subject to authority, and in the evening rung the bell as butler's freshman.

Being considerably advanced in years, he was indulged with greater intimacy with the officers of college, and other gentlemen of Cambridge, than is usual for under-graduates, and he possessed, in an