by president Burr, who in a few days followed his friend to the silent tomb. The discourse was published without the corrections of the author, but is a suitable testimony of respect to a magistrate, whose energies and virtues gave him celebrity among the best characters.

Gov. B. never lost his attachment to his native soil, or the place of his education. He left a request to have a monument erected in the burial ground at Cambridge, with a particular order for defraying the expence. By some neglect it was never finished. It is true of certain gentlemen, that they inherit the fortune without the spirit and industry of their ancestors. And his eldest son did not follow his steps.

In writing an account of gov. B. the religious part of his character ought not to be omitted. He was truly pious, though he might be inclining to enthusiasm. The wits of Massachusetts made sport of this, and suggested that he appeared to greater advantage in Whitefield's journal than in our political annals. He did not want, however, the sagacity of a statesman, and was a man of uncommon industry; he was as strict in his morals, as pious in his walk and conversation. It is a noble kind of enthusiasm which leads a man to promote every literary and religious institution, and to do all the good in his power.

That gov B. loved his country, all were ready to allow. That he had New England prejudices, especially in favour of the churches, is readily granted; and it is as evident that, under his administration, the province enjoyed as much peace and prosperity, as in the same number of years during that century.

The strength of intellect which marked the character and proceedings of Burnet; that extensive knowledge of law and government, and readiness to dispute with a host of representatives, were not so liberally granted to his successor. Mr. Belcher

had only an American education, but his talents were above mediocrity, and he exercised them in a manner which secured reputation, esteem and respect. He felt the lashes of satire from his opponents, who were witty and severe in their remarks; but he had the support of his integrity; he possessed a noble, generous disposition; and might make a demand upon the gratitude of his country for the sacrifice of a large property to serve its best inter

est.

Gov. Belcher left two sons, who were educated at Harvard College, and made some figure in life. Andrew, the eldest, was graduated, 1724. He held several publick offices, and was one of his majesty's council. He possessed a handsome property, without much patriotick zeal, or literary taste. He died before the revolutionary war. Hutch. Hist. vol. II. Evening Post, 1740.

JONATHAN BELCHER, chief justice of Nova Scotia, was also the son of gov. Belcher; was educated at Harvard College, and received the honours of of that seminary, 1728. He had also a degree of master of arts from the university of Cambridge, and from Dublin. He applied himself to the study of law, and went to Chebucto among the first settlers. The spot received the name of Halifax in honour of one of his majesty's principal secretaries of state. Mr. Belcher was one of their magistrates, and rose to be chief justice of the province, and for some years was lieut. governor. He was a man of excellent habits, prudent, upright, of great political

His seat at Milton was consumed, 1776, in the night, by an accident. His widow, with the old lady, gov. Belcher's widow, who resided with her, hardly escaped the flames. They were carried into the barn, put into the family coach, and forgotten till all was over. The barn was near the house but was preserved, there being little or no wind stirring. The writer of this ar ticle recollects taking tea with the ladies in this barn, which was fitted up for a temporary reception. They conversed with cheerfulness upon the publick changes, and the changes in their own circumstances.

integrity. His prejudices were much in favour of New England, which, in a measure, lessened that respect which the subjects of his British majesty were, otherwise, disposed to pay him during the revolutionary war.

His name and character, however, are held in no small reputation by the people of the present eneration.

BELKNAP JEREMY, D. D. holds a distinguished place among the literary men of this country. His publications are as much read, and as likely to attract further notice, as any books of the kind. They have certainly excited a grateful esteem for the author.

He was born in Boston, June 4, 1744, and had the rudiments of his education under the care of the celebrated Lovel, who has been styled the Busby of New England.

He early discovered the marks of genius, and entered Harvard College in 1758. His mind was there cultivated with care; he made considerable progress in classical literature, and was master of a great variety of knowledge, before he took his first degree. At the commencement, A. D. 1762, he received the honours of the college. From this time, till he became a preacher of the gospel, he applied himself closely to his studies, and discoveredsuch talents for composition, so much taste and sentiment, that several of the best scholars among the clergy predicted his future excellence. Some part of this time he employed in instructing youth; and amidst other pursuits, he wrote several fugitive pieces, which were not known to be his, but were read with pleasure, as effusions of a fertile fancy, or the labours of a student, who had more than common parts and learning.

Whilst Mr. Belknap indulged himself in philological inquiries, and studied various branches of science, he had very serious impressions of divine truth; and the more he turned his thoughts to the

ology, the more he was captivated with the beauties of religion. He no sooner became a preacher than his praise was in the churches. His sermons were excellent; and his grave manner, just emphasis, and distinct articulation, were more striking to well-informed hearers, than those graces of elocution, which render some preachers popular, or which make the fanatical multitude admire. He was ordained at Dover, New-Hampshire, when he was a young man. There he passed several years of his valuable life, with the esteem and affection of his flock; in habits of intimacy with ministers and other gentlemen of the neighbouring places, all of whom regretted his departure from the state. received marks of attention and respect from the first characters of the community, who persuaded and encouraged him to compile a history, which does much honour to our country, and which has given the author a name and distinction among the first literary characters of the age.

He

The only publications which appear with the name of Dr. Belknap, while he was a minister in New Hampshire, beside the first volume of his History, are-a sermon upon military duty, dedicated to sir John Wentworth, then governor of the province; a sermon preached before an association of ministers, which has since been reprinted by the society for propagating the gospel, &c. and the election sermon, in the year 1785.

He wrote other pamphlets and several political speculations in the New Hampshire Gazette, upon the controversy between Great Britain and the Colonies. He also wrote in the Boston newspapers, against the African slavery. An ingenious young man in this town, at the desire of a West India merchant, had written in favour of the African trade, using all the arguments which can be gathered for the lawfulness of slavery, from the scriptures and the practice of nations. He took the signature of John Marsham, and seemed to court the contro

versy, as one able to maintain his ground and confute his opponents. These essays being published in the newspapers, were answered through the same channel, by several able and ingenious hands. Among the best pieces were those which proceeded from the pen of Dr. Belknap. When the Columbian Magazine was published in Philadelphia, he was solicited to become a writer; and in that work may be seen the first sketches of the American Biography.

Dr. Belknap removed to Boston, A. D. 1787. The church in Federal-street, which had been established upon the Presbyterian model, had agreed to form themselves upon Congregational principles, and they invited him to be their pastor. Nothing could have been more agreeable to the ministers and people of the other churches, and to all who regarded the interests of the university at Cambridge, with which he became officially connected; being fully confident that he would be a great instrument in promoting the cause of religion and learning. As an overseer of the college, he was attentive to the concerns of the institution; always taking a lively interest in every thing that respected its welfare. During the eleven years of his ministry in this town, the religious society with which he was connected grew and flourished. The attachment was strong and mutual. While they admired his diligence and fidelity, he received from them every testimony of respect, which marks the character of a kind and obliging people. He was very active in encouraging those books, which are design ed for the use and benefit of children; for he was their sincere and affectionate friend; and very affa ble and kind with all classes of people. He gave advice with cheerfulness, and with an attention to the concerns of his acquaintance, which invited their confidence.

The friends of Dr. Belknap were numerous. He became a member of many literary and benevo