hand.

46

Thus Overberg became the founder and supporter of a most efficient and highly beneficial class of schoolmasters throughout his native country. But added to this, he was the means of forming and educating a great number of young females as teachers, who voluntarily engaged in the employment, not for pecuniary advantage, but induced by love to God and man."

"The female teachers received also the most valuable information from attendance on the free school, which was connected with the female choristers of the Lorrain convent, to which we have already alluded. Overberg gave at this institution, instruction in religion, Biblical history, and arithmetic, three times a week, of several hours' continuance. Persons of all classes flocked to attend this school, especially on Sunday, when he taught in the church, where this faithful servant might be compared to Him who said, Suffer little children to come unto me,' &c. The high importance he attached to this opportunity of imparting knowledge, may be seen by the following extract from this journal.

"15th Jan. 1790.- I have again attended to the duties of my school without the requisite preparation. Oh, my God, grant me grace to improve in this respect. I feel that I deceive myself when I expect to be made useful under these circumstances; when I fancy that I understand my subject, and am seduced to attend to some other business as of more immediate consequence; for it is impossible that any other occupation could be of such paramount importance. From this deficiency in preparatory study, many errors arise; the instruction becomes uninteresting, confused, prolix, and undefined; the children become perplexed; their attention is distracted, and the lesson is unpleasant both to them and myself. I feel that I am especially called upon to beware of degenerating into tedious minutiæ, and of becoming too diffuse, and at the same time too

abstruse for their youthful minds. To comprehend and apply one truth is more advantageous to them, than to advance ten propositions, none of which they have been able to understand or retain in their memories; or, perhaps forget, in their attention to the nine, the one which was of the most importance. Oh God, assist me to copy more closely the example which thy dear Son has left us, of imparting instruction; and enable me to acquire the simplicity, conciseness, and impressive style of my dear Master.'"

Feb. 7th, 1790.- Thou art constantly teaching me, oh my God, by my own experience, how incapable I am of performing any work from my own powers alone. When I am the most fearful that the instruction thou hast appointed me to give, will be inadequate, and my efforts ineffectual, then to my astonishment it proves the most beneficial; and just the contrary, when I feel secure, and certain that I shall succeed. Is not this a sign from Thee that I must not trust to my own abilities, but look to thy grace for the blessing? Lord, help me to glorify thee in this entire dependence! Oh my God, thou art ever shewing me thy mercy, and even this day thou hast again supplied my deficiencies, and enabled me publicly to instruct thy children in the church. O give me at length that spirit of devotion, of which I acknowledge I am unworthy, since I have so often done despite to thy grace; yet, O Lord, grant me thy spirit, that in all my life and conversation, more especially in every thing which relates to the instruction of the children, I may have a single eye to thy will and thy glory. Oh my Father, my Father in Christ! leave me not! let me not lay any unnecessary burden upon the attention or capacities of thy dear little flock; let me not give them strong meat instead of milk, chaff instead of wheat."

"Still more was the zeal of this servant awakened, when the time arrived for preparing the elder children for the reception of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The year previous, he required the names of all who proposed to be recipients of this solemn ordinance; and from that time he observed their dispositions and characters with the greatest attention, and advised and led them forward with redoubled energy. From Whitsuntide to the following Easter, he devoted an extra portion of time to their improvement, and during this period went through all the chief doctrines of Revelation; end to preserve himself from

digression on other points, he wrote the whole of his discourses for each lesson. These were attended by a great number of other persons, among whom were many theological students; who, if not regenerated, if not recipients of the same Spirit, at least, by transcribing his sermons, followed that course of thought which that Spirit had inspired."

After having for seven-and-twenty years sustained the office of teacher, not only in the weekly hours set apart for religious instruction in the Lorraine convent school, but also in the preparation of the communicants, the convent was abolished; the school became connected with the parish, and the religious instruction transferred to the vicar. After having finished the last examination preparatory to confirmation, Overberg was attacked by a severe illness, and thought that his end was approaching. The presentiment was not fulfilled; God prolonged his life for fourteen years, for the benefit of his fellow-creatures, and allowed him also an opportunity of continuing in measure his usefulness to the children in the school. From this time he visited them one afternoon in every fortnight, and seating himself among them on one of the forms, he spoke to them in his own familiar yet impressive manner. The unrestrained cheerfulness of his youthful days never forsook him; the fire and vigour of his mind did not decay with age; the day on which he attended the school, was considered by the children as half a holiday, and when he entered, their voices all united in animated salutations. On his becoming Dean of Ueberwasser, the principal teacher in the school admonished the children, that they should no longer call him Mr. Overberg; but, according to the German custom of giving every one his respective titles, even in common conversation, they must be careful to salute him as your Reverence the Dean. This threw a restraint on the manners of the children, and one who had always shewn the warmest affection, drew back as he left the school, from awkward bashfulness, behind the rest. Overberg remarked the circumstance, and said: "Well, have you forgotten me? No, no, Mr. Overberg, exclaimed the child, with joy again beaming on its countenance; and from this time he retained among them only his old title."

The rich or the poor, the child or the man, were to Overberg of equal importance: for he saw only the immortal soul, purchased by the blood of Christ. Some of his more learned and

fashionable friends have been often displeased, after having waited in the antiroom for some time, hearing him in earnest conversation with another guest, at finding that it was only a poor country woman, or an old notorious beggar, who had so long engaged his attention. He became all things to all men, that he might win all to Christ; and the spiritual necessities of the poorest child were as important to him as those of the richest of his flock."

"His influence was not confined alone to the town where he dwelt; but persons living at the distance of forty or fifty miles, sought comfort and direction from him under scruples of conscience or the weight of sin. He was generally detained two or three hours every Saturday morning at the confessional, as well as on the Sunday, and considerably longer before the high festivals. His other occupations during the week, were often interrupted by the visits of persons who were under the stings of concience, or seeking religious information, and they never found him indisposed to attend, for his Christian feeling extended even to the most obstinate and evil disposed."

"Although in the foregoing traits in the character of Overberg, we see on every hand the faithful pastor and persevering teacher: yet there remains another important sphere of labour, in which to contemplate this great and good man; viz. his activity and zeal as Director of the Theological Seminary in Munster. When Overberg, in 1809, undertook this office, his fame, both as an author and teacher, was not confined to his own country, and his services to his fatherland had been universally acknowledged. This general tribute of praise was not however necessary to awaken in the aspirants to the pastoral office, that deep and affectionate reverence with which they received him as their future guide; for no one could gaze upon his figure, bowed down with labouring for the good of others, or on the affectionate zeal which glowed on his features; no one could hear the words of wisdom, clothed in the mild garb of humility, which fell from his lips, without being convinced that here was more than human learning, and without offering the involuntary homage of respect and love."

"It was his custom to sit up in bed, even before the servant left the room who awoke him, and to rise immediately. His first employments were prayer and religious contemplation, and at an early hour he might also often be heard singing the hymn, 'Jam lucis

orto sidere. His private preparation being ended, he joined the students, and united with them in the worship of God, after which he generally again retired for a time for religious exercises. After this, the business of the day began. Independent of the duties which pertained to his office as Director of the seminary, he acted for a series of years for the government as Counsellor for the Consistory, in the school department; presided at the Normal school; preached, catechised, held confessional services before he administered the sacrament; visited the sick; published many valuable books; and carried on a most extensive correspondence, his letters not being those alone of business or compliment, but each containing at least a few portions of such spiritual food, as were most applicable to the circumstances of his correspondent. How, with such numerous public engagements, he was able to throw off so much that is highly valuable from his pen, is scarcely possible to conceive, for it might with perfect truth be said, that from morning until evening he did not enjoy the leisure of one quarter of an hour. Students, tutors, scholars, persons preparing for the office of schoolmaster, his fellow-labourers in the ministry, his friends, his church, persons of all classes, both in the city and from distant parts, who needed comfort, assistance, or advice, flocked to visit him; and besides these, the poor and needy, whether deserving or undeserving. Ceaseless was the knocking at his door, and he received every one, quietly laying aside his book or pen, and entering at once with interest into the object of his visitor. But as soon as he was again alone, he returned to his occupation, and continued to read, write, and pray, till again interrupted. The extreme equanimity of his temper could alone have enabled him to bear this constant trial of his patience, or given the power immediately to recommence his studies. If I have been reading a psalm,' he has been heard to say, and am obliged to break off at the third verse, I begin again at the fourth.'"'

"He was very abstemious, and never took wine but as a medicine. After dinner he generally accompanied the Prebendary to his room, where he remained about half an hour in pleasant intercourse; which, with his usual walk, were the only recreations he ever sought, excepting a fortnight every summer in the beginning of August, when he visited one or other of his friends in the country. On his return he celebrated the day of his

baptism, by inviting all the students to supper, where each was served with half a bottle of wine. At this meal he was always cheerful and goodhumoured; related anecdotes and incidents which had occurred to him on his journeys with the most vivid description; called upon the students to sing; and endeavoured, in every suitable manner, to promote harmony and ge neral satisfaction."

"During the anarchy consequent on French occupation, when public instruction not only met with no support, but when the funds hitherto appropriated to a partial liquidation were entirely withdrawn, the provincial schools of Munster were supported nearly at his sole expense. Being, in the year 1816, nominated a Counsellor of the Consistory by his majesty the King of Prussia, he faithfully applied his increasing influence, to promote the welfare both of the church and schools. He lived in sincere friendship with his colleagues, which mere difference of denomination was never suffered to interrupt. His official communications and decisions, whether verbal or in writing, were always marked by the most scrupulous conscientiousness and cautious consideration. In the year 1818, the order of the Red Eagle, of the third class, was conferred on him as a mark of royal approbation. Being about this time confined to his room for more than half a year, by a very painful ringworm, he endeavoured frequently to guard against impatience and discontent, by reflecting, together with his trials, on the blessings which his Heavenly Father had conferred upon him."

"When from application to his studies, his disease seemed to make rapid progress, he accused himself of having long neglected communion with God.

He said he felt his affections were more torpid, his efforts at self-denial weaker, and his desire for amusement and diversion of mind more lively. When he would again renew his lost privilege, he found that a reluctance prevailed over him, and kept him from an entire surrender. At this time he remarks, 'God in infinite mercy allowed me to be tempted to very grievous sins; and this obliged me, that I might not be overpowered by them, to flee with every thought and affection to the only refuge; and thus my gracious Lord led me back to the inward life of faith. Oh grant, merciful Saviour, that I may never again leave thee nor forsake thee; I determine, assisted by thy grace, not to let one day pass without heartfelt communion with thee, unless pre

vented by some most extraordinary Occurrence; that I will consider for the future, more thy glory than my own comfort; and in my intercourse with mankind, I will keep in mind the relation in which they stand to God the Father, to Christ the Redeemer, to the Holy Ghost the Sanctifier, and to eternity."

"We have endeavoured to shew the true source of Overberg's usefulness, that source which is the very life of personal and active piety-communiou with God in prayer. With what power, and in what manner, he exerted this life, without which all our works become a dead letter, the extracts from his journal exemplify. Thus :

66 6

April 2nd, Good Friday.-Thou didst say, oh, my blessed Saviour, that when thou wert lifted up, thou wouldst draw all men unto thee. Thou hast been raised up on the accursed tree, thou art now exalted above the angels and archangels, above all on earth and all in heaven, thou art now seated at the right hand of God: fulfil at this time, I beseech thee, thy promise. Draw us unto thyself; give us a living faith, ardent and aspiring hopes, and devoted love; so that, by faith, hope, and love, we may be united to thee in everlasting bands. Thou knowest the corruption of my heart; thou only hast a remedy: oh have mercy upon me!'" "June 20th.-O God! I thank thee that thou art ever more deeply impressing upon my heart the truth, that away from thee no peace can be found. I would not, indeed, seek it apart from thee, for what would be all the world without my God and Saviour? Possessing thee, what can I fear-what can I wish for more?'"

"From the time of his dangerous illness in 1818, his strength seemed gradually to decay. In 1824, his weakness was so great, that it appeared impossible for him to resume his instruction in the Normal School; but by the advice of his physician he rallied all his powers, and entered on his work. Love and zeal gave him strength, though his infirmities reminded him forcibly that his end was approaching. To his old friend, Pastor Huffer, of Lieshorn, he wrote on the 19th of August, 1824: 'I believe the days of my pilgrimage are drawing to a close. Praise the Lord, who has helped me so far; he will be with me to the end. Nature mourns when shorn, from time to time, by little and little, of her strength. But my dear friend, (I speak to you. now quasi sub rosa,) is it not better to lay aside our garments by degrees, than in full vigour to plunge into the grave?

By a gradual decay we are led to consider our frailty, to humble ourselves under the mighty band of God, and it affords us an opportunity of submitting willingly to the sacrifices he requires. Lord, wilt thou deprive me of sight? It is well! accept the cheerful sacrifice, with my thanksgiving that I have so long enjoyed it. Wilt thou also take away my power to walk or write, or visit me with loss of speech or hearing? Lord, it is well!'

"He was able, without interruption, to continue the course of instruction to the end; and at the close of his lecture, on the 7th of November, he took leave of his pupils in these words :'Let us all place our confidence solely in God.' Little did they then imagine, that in three days they should see him for the last time in his coffin!'

"When his servant went the following morning to awake him, he found him on the couch, half dressed, with his head hanging towards the floor, and insensible. The servant believed him dead, and calling for some of the students, they laid him on his bed, where, however, he quickly revived. He had slept well during the night, and was seized with faintness on first rising. In answer to the question how he felt, he answered, Very ill.' Two physicians were in immediate attendance, and they gave hopes of his recovery, but forbade every mental exertion. In reply to which, Overberg remarked, 'You are right; all philosophizing is now over.' In the evening, when he rose to have his bed made, he was seized with a sudden rigidity of limb, and stood for five minutes with uplifted hands and eyesall animation, even to breathing, apparently suspended. Upon regaining his faculties, he prepared to receive the sacrament; and after the customary confession, partook of the ordinance with great devotion.

"At nine o'clock the following morning he received visits from some of his friends, and sent several affectionate messages to others: ordered his dinner, and with unusual cheerfulness appeared, with scarcely repressible joy, to await his dismission. At four o'clock in the afternoon, he wished to rise, and the nurse having called one of the students, he, with the assistance of a friend who remained with him, placed him in an easy chair. His head sunk back on the cushion; and on being asked whether he felt pain in his head, he answered, No, not exactly pain, but confusion; but we may thank God, even that our faculties are worn out, for we then become more willing to surrender them

to God; because (and here a smile played upon his features) we can use them no longer.' His bed being ready, he walked to it with the assistance of his friends, who shortly afterwards took leave, and he told the nurse she might sit down at the window, and go on with her knitting; he thought he should be able to sleep. She had scarcely sat down, when she perceived symptoms of great uneasiness, and hastening to the bed, she heard him articulate'Jesus, to thee I live! Jesus, to thee I die !' He again waved his hand, as if taking leave of her; and she imme

THE protracted debate upon Lord Morpeth's Irish Registration Bill will not have terminated when our remarks go to press. The Bill, besides a great number of minute technicalities, which it were superfluous for us, even if we had space, to discuss, involves two leading particulars of great importance, not only to Ireland but to England and Scotland; and this not merely from the measure of influence which the Irish portion of the legislature exerts upon parliamentary proceedings; but because any material changes in regard to the amount of the qualification for the elective franchise, or the mode of estimating it. would be followed by strenuous efforts to apply the same principles to Great Britain; thus oversetting the arrangements of the Reform bill, which had begun to settle down to solidity, and opening before us new changes, all tending towards democracy; whereas national quiet and a spirit of constitutional conservation, united with an unshrinking reform of abuses, are essential to the public welfare.

The two leading particulars are the mode of ascertaining the qualification, and its amount. The government bill proposes that the mode should be by means of the assessment to the rates. There is one serious objection to this; namely, that the rating itself, instead of being fair, may be tampered with, in order to extend the franchise. The assumed guarantee is, that a tenant will not wish to be rated tco high; but in some cases the value, whether legitimate or vena!, of a vote might lead to the insertion of a larger rent in the lease than is meant to be exacted; and landlords, tenants, or parliamentary candidates might be willing to pay the addi

tional assessment caused by the nominal value of the holding over the real payment; and which, in many cases, would be of verytriflingamount. Still, the fraud, the false-swearing, and even the honest uncertainty, which have marked the litigations respecting the value of property in Ireland, with a view to registration, demand that some better mode should be devised for fixing it; and the parochial rating might perhaps, with due precautions, be made as convenient and stringent as any other. But then her majesty's ministers propose that a rating of £5. should confer a qualification; and this is advocated upon the ground that the assessment is usually much lower than the actual value; and that even if it were not so, the poverty of vast masses of the people in Ireland renders £5. a more aristocratic sum than £10. in England or Scotland; so that the comparative number of electors would still be less than on this side of the Channel. To the first of these arguments, it is surely a fair reply, that if a tenant procures or allows his holding to be assessed too low, in order to diminish his rates, he has no right to turn round and say, that it is worth more, when he claims the franchise. As to the second point, it un settles all the bearings of the adjustments made under the Reform Bill; it throws augmented weight into the democratical scale; it introduces a multitude of the least fitting and most venal electors; and if extended in its spirit to Great Britain, as it soon must be after being introduced into Ireland, it would lead to a degradation of suffrage in our populous towns which no calmlyreflecting patriot, who values our best Institutions in Church or State, could contemplate without alarming appre