some friends, prompted his parents to give him a liberal education. Accordingly they put him under the care of the Rev. Dr. Allison, who has been so deservedly famed as a teacher and scholar, and who, at that time, kept a classical school at New London. in the county of Chester, (Penn.) His application and proficiency here were remarkable; and the seriousness which he so early discovered, increasing with his years, he improved much in religious knowlege and experience. Of his qualifications in this respect, and the esteem in which he was held by various people, there is a striking evidence in the religious duties he was called to perform; for families with whom he resided, looked up to him to lead their worship, when he was but fourteen years of age; and he did it with an understanding which charmed and astonished all who heard him.

Dr. Allison being chosen to the vice-presidency of a college in Philadelphia, then forming and bearing its name, and having removed in consequence from New London to take charge of it, his young pupil soon followed him; and under this able instructor having completed his collegiate education, he obtained a diploma at the first commencement that took place in this new seminary. On this occasion he had assigned to him the salutatory oration to be delivered in Latin, which is always an honorary exer cise, being assigned to the person reputed to be the best scholar.

His character and attainments being well known to the trustees of the college, he received an invitation to become one of its teachers; and through the influence of Dr. Allison, was induced to accept it. In this capacity he continued for several years, pursuing at the same time his favourite study, divinity, under the beloved instructor with whom he had received all his education. Living in Philadelphia, he put him

self under the care of the Presbytery, which bears its name; and after passing his trials with much approbation, was licensed by it to preach the Gospel.

Unwilling as yet to take charge of a congregation, and desirous of further improvement, he still retained his situation in the college, pursuing his studies under Dr. Allison; preaching when he could, and availing himself always of the advantage of submitting his sermons to the inspection of this venerable instructor. By this means he acquired an accuracy in composition to which few attain, and which he carried with him through the remainder of his life.

Pursuing this course for several years, he at last accepted a call from the congregation of Deep Run, in the county of Bucks, (Penn.) Here he remained for about five years. But receiving a call from the congregations of Chesnut Level, in Lancaster county, he was induced to settle among that people, with whom he spent the remainder of his days.

The character which he had always sustained as a scholar, soon rendered a number of his people and others here, anxious to commit to his care their sons, to whom they designed to give a liberal education. With their wishes in this respect he was unwilling to comply, lest such a charge would too much interfere with his pastoral duties, to which he wished to be wholly devoted. A few of his particular friends, however, prevailed on him to take their sons; and once giving way to solicitations of this kind, it was difficult afterwards to resist. Perceiving the applications numerous, and the pressure almost irresistible, he was induced to employ an usher, that he might gratify his friends, and at the same time receive little interruption to his other duties, as the mere superintendence of a school would not be burthensome, but serve rather as a relaxation and amusement. This school was continued under his direc

tion for several years, and was acquiring great reputation; but the commencement of the revolutionary war at this time, arrested its progress. His ushers, and several of his more advanced students, joined the army, and being unwilling to take charge of the school himself, it was dissolved. During the war he took a deep interest himself in, and was a firm and zealous advocate for, American liberty. He both spoke and wrote to advance its cause. He was active in stimulating his people to defend their rights, and in the autumn of seventy, when it was the lot of an unusual number of them to serve in the militia, he took his blanket like a soldier, and spent the campaign with them to encourage them.

After the termination of the war, as soon as learning became again an object of pursuit, a latin school was established within the bounds of his congregation by Mr. Sampson Smith; but this gentleman being suddenly killed by a stroke of lightning, his pupils were left without a guide or instructor. Here again, Dr. Latta was compelled to take a charge, which, in his own mind he had resolved never to resume. The eyes of these young men, promising for numbers and talents, were turned upon him, and their affecting solicitations to take them under his care, in their desolate situation, was irresistible.

He became once more the guide and instructor of youth, and under his fostering care, many have arisen to eminence both in church and in state.

As a teacher, Dr. Latta was remarkably well qualified. Without severity, he had the faculty of governing well. He possessed the happy talent of making his pupils both fear and love him. They witnessed his fidelity, they saw his concern for their interests, and they reverenced him as a father. As a scholar too he had few equals. His crudition was general and profound. Such were his known abilities, and such his reputation as an in

structor, that, when any of his pupils were sent to the university, over which the late Dr. Ewing presided, who has been so deservedly famed as a scholar, they were always received without examination. It was sufficient to know they had received their education with Dr. Latta.

"An Is

As a man, Dr. Latta was truly amiable. raelite indeed he was, in whom there was no guile." Possessing a very affectionate heart, he was a steady, sincere, and faithful friend. A fund of good sense, and a natural cheerfulness which he possessed, rendered him both a profitable and agreeable companion. His conversation was instructive and entertaining. It was indeed almost impossible to be long in his company without being both pleased and improved. Both old and young were fond of his society. When paying a visit to any of his people, it was pleasing to see the youth gather around him to enjoy his conversation. Though by his deportment he always inspired a reverence for his character, yet he was easy of access, and never failed to attract the attention, and add to the entertainment of those, with whom he conversed.

As a christian and minister, he was exemplary to a remarkable degree. He was an ornament to religion, and his uniform deportment was such as to recommend it to all who knew him. When cheerful, there was nothing of levity about him; when grave, there was no austerity. His conduct was always manly and dignified, and calculated to inspire both reverence and love. The Scriptures were the rule of his life, and the glory of God the end for which he lived. He was conscientious in the discharge of every duty. And with such dignity did he support the sacred office which he bore, that there was scarce ever an instance of any person conducting himself profanely or rudely in his presence. The sight

of him made folly blush, and vice to cover its head.

As a preacher too he was highly eminent. He naturally possessed a strong and penetrating mind, and this was well-furnished by reading and study. His style of writing was accurate, nervous, and often elegant. Though it was evident he sought not after refinement in his composition, yet the ornaments and graces of diction, seemed occasionally to force themselves upon him. In the pulpit he possessed an uncommon gravity*. His countenance and mein bespoke him to be the man of God. His manner was plain and unaffected, but interesting and impressive. The vein of good sense which ran through all his preaching, and evidently flowed from a heart which deeply felt all that he said, powerfully arrested the attention of his hearers. He was faithful to declare the whole counsel of God. While he comforted and encouraged true christians, he held up to sinners a glass in which they might see themselves; but in addressing them, he always spoke as with the compassion of a father. The doctrines of grace were the burden of his preaching. On them he delighted to dwell, and his manner of handling them was peculiarly interesting. His whole life and conversation, showed how near he lived to his master, how supremely he was devoted to his work, and how much he was concerned for the salvation of souls. He himself lived, and endeavoured to teach others to live, for eternity. Though on earth, his conversation was in heaven. Few men indeed have discovered more indifference for amassing the wealth of this world, or more

Though Mr. Latta wrote many sermons at full length, many of which were sufficiently correct for the press, yet none of them were published, except a discourse on Psalmody. The object of this was to show, that the principal subjects of Psalmody should be taken from the Gospel.