of which that popular clergyman, the Rev. John Brown, is minister. It was delivered on the afternoon of Thursday the 3d of May last year, being the day of humiliation and prayer, before the celebration of the holy communion. Many, we doubt not, who heard him that day, will recollect the profound and eloquent discourse which he delivered, in which there was a brilliant display of poetical imagery, combined with metaphysical acuteness and admirable reasoning; and many, we doubt not, will recollect his feeble appearance, and the exhaustion which was apparent, ere he closed. Alas! disease was then making rapid inroads on his constitution, and his public ministrations were soon to end forever. After the service was concluded, Mr. Pollok was confined to his bed, from the fatigue which he underwent; in a few days, however, he partially recovered.

But the disease which preyed on Mr. Pollok's constitution, and which was to consign him to the grave, was that which is too

4

often deceptious to many, and especially to its victims. It was consumption. Mr. Pollok did not at first apprehend any serious consequences. He had published his great work, "THE COURSE OF TIME;" and he was now, as it were, taking his ease, having committed his splendid poem to the ordeal of public opinion. In the beginning of last summer, he removed from Edinburgh to Slateford, a most romantic village in the parish of St. Cuthbert's, delightfully situated on the rivulet called the Water of Leith, about three miles from the city. There, in the family of the Rev. Dr. Belfrage, minister of the united congregation of Slateford, he was received with the utmost affection and respect. The salubrity of the air, and particular attention to diet, it was fondly anticipated would restore him to vigor, especially as he had youth, and the advantage of the season in his favor. The well-known medical reputation of Dr. Belfrage, too, was fortunate for him in this delightful retirement. At first it was thought that the change of

residence would render him convalescent; and he was even able to officiate once or twice in the chapel at Slateford. Finding, however, that his health was not returning, he was, during the summer, induced to take an easy tour to Aberdeen, in the hope that change of air and scene might recruit his exhausted frame. But the expectations of his friends were disappointed; he returned, and it was evident that disease was quickly hastening him to the grave.

During Mr. Pollok's residence at Slateford, with the amiable family of Dr. Belfrage, he experienced the utmost kindness and attention, from a gentleman of the most distinguished medical reputation in the metropolis, Dr. Abercromby. This gentleman olis,-Dr. frequently visited him, and tendered him his medical advice, with his friendly conversation. Many others in the metropolis, both laity and clergy of various denominations, also evinced their respect for him, by their solicitations. Among the former, the Right Hon. Sir John Sinclair, who, at a public

dinner, expressed his opinion of "THE COURSE OF TIME;" and the family of Dr. Monro of the University of Edinburgh, who possess the delightful retreat of Craig Lockart, in the immediate vicinity of Slateford, ought not to be forgotten. Among the latter, it is almost needless to particularize names; the clergy of his own communion were specially interested in his welfare. The Rev. John Brown of Rose Street chapel, displayed towards him the kindness of a friend, and did every thing in his power to promote his happiness.

Of the kindness of Dr. Belfrage, Mr. Pollok always spoke with the most grateful enthusiasm. During his residence at Slateford, that gentleman acted towards him as a father and a friend. Every thing which was thought conducive to his comfort was at his command. He was loved and respected by all. His friends and fellow students in Edinburgh, also, frequently visited him, and cheered him by their conversations on former days. Indeed, Mr. Pollok fre

quently declared, that he could never repay Dr. Belfrage's attention; and it is, perhaps, a consoling reflection to that excellent clergyman to know, that his kindness was fully appreciated both by Mr. Pollok and his friends, and is still remembered by the latter with very grateful feelings, although the object of it was so soon consigned to the grave.

But the summer hastened on, and Mr. Pollok still was the subject of disease. It was now thought necessary that a change of climate should be tried, and it was anticipated that the salubrious air of Italy might restore him to health. The Italian city of Pisa, in the grand duchy of Tuscany, was the place selected for his residence. To a mind like his, deeply stored with classical learning, and capable of appreciating the scenes of that delightful country, such a residence must have possessed the highest interest. And had he gone thither, and recovered his health, his enthusiasm would have been excited by the associations of the