His remains were interred on Friday last, with every testimony of respect from the inhabitants of the town. The Rev. Mr. Kirkland preached an affectionate discourse from John, ix., 4. The whole assembly expressed their sorrow for the loss of one so near and dear to them as a brother and friend; so amiable in the more tender relations of domestic life, so exemplary as a Christian, so useful as a minister, so respectable in all the public offices he sustained. Who does not readily acknowledge the worth and excellence of such a character ? List of Dr. Belknap's Publications. A Sermon upon Military Duty, preached at Dover, 1772. A Serious Address to a Parishioner upon the neglect of Public Worship. A Sermon on Jesus Christ, the only Foundation, preached before an association of ministers in New-Hampshire. Election Sermon, preached at Portsmouth, 1784. If, worn with grief and rack'd with pain, February 9, 1791. A Sermon at the ordination of the Rev. Jedediah Morse, 1789. A Discourse, delivered at the request of the Historical Society, October, 1792; being the Completion of the Third Century from Columbus's Discovery of America. Dissertations upon the Character and Resurrection of Christ, 1 vol. 12mo. Collections of Psalms and Hymns, 1 vol. 12mo. Convention Sermon, 1796. A Sermon on the Day of the National Fast, May 9th, 1798. Dr. Belknap's Historical Works are, History of New-Hampshire, 3 vols. 8vo. The Foresters; an American Tale: being a Sequel to the History of John Bull, the Clothier, 1 vol. 12mo. American Biography, 2 vols. 8vo. He published also several Essays upon the African Trade; upon Civil and Religious Liberty; upon the State and Settlement of this Country, in periodical papers, in the Columbian Magazine, printed in Philadelphia, in the Boston Magazine, 1784, in the Historical Collections, and in newspapers. Extract from the Rev. Mr. Kirkland's Sermon at the interment of the Rev. Dr. Belknap "In an eminent manner did the person we lament appear to consider himself, with all his endowments and opportunities, as placed in the world by the Great Moral Governor, and bound by the strongest obligations and motives to be faithful, active, and persevering in the duties of this station. In few instances have time and talents been so diligently, conscientiously, and usefully employed. A genius active and original, a judgment distinguished and correct, and a retentive memory, improved by a learned education and habitual and close industry, and united to Christian faith and temper, could not fail to make a character of eminent usefulness and honour. We have reason to bless the great Head of the Church that he devoted himself to the Christian ministry, and entered into the spirit of his office. With what diligence and zeal he strove to acquire and communicate a Christian knowledge, none present can be ignorant. Seizing the early hour of the day, superior to the enticements of indolence, abhorring idleness, finishing whatever study or inquiry he had begun, and using recreations and visits as preparations for serious pursuits, his mind became enriched with a large store of theological and evangelical learning. But his ardent curiosity did not confine itself to the mere studies of his profession. Not by slighting any of the public or private duties of his office, but by superior economy of time and industry, he redeemed leisure to carry his researches into other fields of literature, suited to gratify his taste and increase his usefulness. How well he join ed to theology and general literature the knowl edge of human nature and the character of men, was evinced by his discourses, adapted to real life, and unfolding the secret springs of action; and by his conversation and behaviour, suited to persons, times, and places. “Such intellectual and moral attainments could not but render him an important character to the world, to his country, and to the religious, literary, and domestic societies with which he was connected. The world has reaped the fruits of his labours and researches, not only in his professional studies, but in other departments of literature; in writings which will maintain their reputation so long as readers of piety and taste and lovers of historical truth remain. It is a painful circumstance attending his death, that it stops the progress of a useful and interesting work, for which the public voice pronounces him peculiarly qualified, and which the world of letters hoped he might extend through the successive periods of his country's history.* "How he magnified the office of the Christian ministry, you and others who enjoyed his ministrations, who joined in his prayers, who sat under his preaching, and who saw him in the private duties of his station, can better conceive than I describe. If a judicious and seasonable choice of subjects, pertinacity in thought, clearness in method, and warmth in application; if * The American Biography. language plain and perspicuous, polished and nervous; if striking illustration; if evangelical doctrines and motives; if a seriousness and fervour, evincing that the preacher's own mind was affected; if a pronunciation free and natural, distinct and emphatical, are excellences in public teaching, you, my brethren of this society, have possessed them in your deceased pastor. Your attention was never drawn from the great practical views of the Gospel by the needless introduction of controversial subjects, nor your minds perplexed, nor your devotional feelings damped by the cold subtleties of metaphysics. His preaching was designed to make you good and happy, and not to gain your applause. While the manner, as well as the matter, was suited to affect the heart, no attempt was made to overbear your imaginations and excite your passions by clamorous and affected tones. “While the Church is deprived of a distinguished minister, the republic of letters of an accomplished scholar and writer, the country mourns a patriot. Ever a strenuous asserter of the rights of the colonies in speech and writing, and a warm friend of the Revolution which accomplished the independence of the United States, he was also a decided advocate and supporter of the government of our own choice which succeeded, and of the Constitution of the states in union, which he considered the bulwark of our national security and welfare. His love |