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and after a proper examination, he obtained a li cense for publick practice. While he was at Salem he was an instructor of youth; among his scholars was the famous sir George Downing, whose father had made his settlement in that town.

Mr. Fisk published a catechism which he entitled, "the olive branch watered," which was said to be a useful work; yet he chose the assembly's catechism for his publick expositions, which he went over in discourses before his afternoon sermons on the Sabbath. He died of a complication of ails, and is compared on this account to Calvin, who was troubled with as many infirmities, as in different subjects might have supplied a hospital.

Mr. Fisk left several children. One was settled in the ministry at Braintree. This gentleman was graduated at Harvard College, 1662; he had a son who was graduated, 1708, who was invited to settle in the new church, Summer street, Boston, but the division was so great, that he declined their call. The ministers of Boston were very desirous Mr. F. should be fixed in the town. He afterwards was minister of the first church in Salem; ordained, 1718; was dismissed from the ministry, 1745, and died, 1770, aged 81. He was father of the late gen. Fisk. Magnalia. Bentley's description of Salem.

FISK NATHAN, D. D. was born at Weston, Sept. 6, 1733; graduated at Harvard College, 1754; and ordained pastor of the third church in Brookfield, May 28, 1758. He received his diploma of D. D. 1792. He was a critical and learned divine; his discourses were calculated to give instruction, and allure men to the love of religion. They are among the best that have been published in this country. Though he was not a popular preacher, yet his manner was pathetick, and he gained the affections of his people while he grew in their esteem. He was an example of the virtues he preached to others, and all who knew him loved

him. In simplicity and godly sincerity he had his conversation in the world. Had he not been so modest and unassuming, he would have made a greater figure among the celebrated characters of the age. In the circle where he moved he had great influence; all the neighbouring clergy looked up to him as a father and a friend. Among the stars of the churches he appeared with a pure and serene lustre. His path was that of the "rising light which shineth more and more unto the perfect day." This text was chosen by him for the last discourse he ever preached, and it must be peculiarly impressive to those who knew the character of the man. After preaching on the Lord's day, Nov. 24, 1799, he passed the evening in company, appeared cheerful and in good health, went to bed apparently well, but during his sleep, death came as a friend to remove him to the mansions of eternal rest.

Dr. Fisk did not confine himself to theological publications; he wrote a number of essays in the Massachusetts Spy under the title of the "Worcester speculator," and also under the signature of a Neighbour;" and in the Massachusetts Magazine under the title of the "General Observer;" also, the philanthropist in twenty numbers.*

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FRANKLIN BENJAMIN, L L. D. F. R. S. was born in Boston, January 27, 1706. His father was in a humble occupation, but industrious, sober and very respectable among his fellow citizens. The newspaper which announces his death, represents him as modest and unassuming. Though he courted not the admiration of men, yet all who knew him admired him." He constantly attended

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His other printed works are, an historical sermon on the settlement and growth of Brookfield, 1775; a fast sermon, 1776; a funeral sermon on Mr. Joshua Spencer, 1778; an oration on the capture of lord Cornwallis, 1781; a sermon at the funeral of Mr. Josiah Hobbes, who was killed by lightning, April 24, 1774; a volume of sermons on various subjects, 1794; the Dudleian lecture sermon, 1796. All his essays were collected and publish ed in two volumes, styled, the Moral Monitor, 1801.

means.

publick worship, and brought up his children in the ways of piety. He had a particular desire to give Benjamin a college education, but wanted the He therefore put him as an apprentice to the elder brother, J. Franklin, who then published the Boston Gazette. B. Green had printed the Bos, ton Newsletter from April 24, 1704. Franklin printed the first No. of the Gazette, Dec. 21, 1719. The very next week Bradford published the Mercury at Philadelphia. These were the first newspapers printed in America. Soon after this, Franklin delivered over to S. Kneeland the Gazette, and emitted another paper, called the Courant, which became famous from the literary effusions of his brother Benjamin. When he was only a lad, he wrote essays which were sprightly and satirical, and of a tendency to gain subscribers. Young Franklin was fond of books, and acquired more knowledge than is common at that age; and according to the account which he gives of himself, was as wise in his own conceit, as he was in the estimation of others. The life of an author written by himself generally displays more vanity than wisdom. Such talents, however, as Franklin possessed could not be concealed, had he not been disposed to trumpet his own fame. He not only brought himself into notice by his writings, but distinguished himself among the wits, free thinkers, and merry wags of the town. By this conduct he forfeited the friendship of several gentlemen who were disposed to serve him; who loved his family, but were the friends of virtue and religion. He was always the head of every deistical club, with whom he associated. His zeal against the religious part of the community, as well as his superiour genius, gave him a claim to the first place of distinction. While he remained in this country, his chief com. panion was Ralph, who afterward went to England, and became a celebrated political writer. Pope gives him a rank among dunces; but lord Melcombe

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speaks of him, as holding the best pen among the opposers of the administration. The literary repu tation of Ralph is buried with him; but Franklin shines among the most brilliant characters of the age. His works have given his name uncommon celebrity; and his publick services will never be forgotten in his own country. While he shines with such a peculiar lustre, we regret that his principles and moral sentiments in early life were not more worthy of praise. One lesson is to be learned from his memoirs never to put great confidence in a man's friendship and promises, who is destitute of religious principles. The conduct of his bosom friends, who were libertines and without religion, almost persuaded Franklin to be a christian.

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every instance, where he trusted them, they deceived him, and he gives a warning to others from his own sad experience. He left Boston when he was only 17 years of age. He went to Philadelphia, and was introduced to gov. Keith, who seemed disposed to patronise him. By his advice he took a voyage to England, that he might complete himself in every part of his business. The governour assured him of his assistance, which the young man vainly hoped would be greatly to his profit; but in this he was disappointed. The governour was a

man of the world, obliging in his manners, but without fidelity in his dealings. Finding therefore that he must depend upon his own exertions, young Mr. Franklin would not be idle, nor had he a disposition to sink under misfortune. His mind was always active, and with such a spirit of industry and capacity for every kind of work, it is no wonder that he met with success, if not equal to his wishes, yet beyond what common men would expect. He deserves the greater credit when we view him a youth, in a strange land, fond of pleasure, and exposed to every kind of temptation. In 1726, he returned to Philadelphia. He soon obtained employment, and by his prudence and economy, as

well as habitual industry, gained a subsistence, and in a very few years increased his property. In this city, he instituted a club for the discussion of political and philosophical questions, which were well calculated to try and improve their minds. These are printed in his works. In 1732, he published poor Richard's almanack.” This is full of prudential maxims, economical hints, and good advice. We see in every page something congenial to the humour of the man. How far such maxims influence the generality of readers, is not easy to say. If they prevent youth from being extravagant or idle, they are useful; but they hang on the lips of some, as an excuse for their avarice. Profusion is not generosity, nor should a prudent man be parsimonious. The wise sayings of "poor Richard," have been repeated, and copied, and printed in many works. They appear in another form, from their author, in a book entitled, "The way to wealth."

Mr. Franklin was chosen master of the post office in Philadelphia in 1737. The year before he had been clerk to the general court. He was employed in much publick business, and in many use. ful projects. In 1731, he founded the famous library of Philadelphia. In 1738, he improved the police of the city, by organizing companies to secure their property against fire. It is said this was the origin of all the fire clubs which are now in every city. His patriotick zeal was also discovered in the year 1744, when a very serious dispute happened between the proprietary interest, and that of the people, concerning the forces which were to be raised for their common defence. He proposed a method which seemed well calculated to end the dispute. It was a voluntary association; and ten thousand joined in it as subscribers. Other remarkable services might be mentioned which gave Dr. Franklin a high character among philanthropists. But as a philosopher he gained the most notice,