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Few men ever displayed a nobler or more disinterested spirit of benevolence. "Such was his generosity," says a friend, "that many times he has been known to give away his last mite." When he was at Reading, a Dissenting minister, yet living, was about to remove from a place in that neighbourhood; but was unable, for want of money. He applied to Mr. Eyre, told him his case, and informed him that he must raise the money by the sale of his books. Mr. Eyre begged he would not do so, but leave the matter to him. By his own liberal contribution, and the aid of his friends, he procured a sum which was received him upwards of fifty pounds: with tears of gratitude to God, for raising up such a friend in To benefit the pious and industrious the time of distress.poor of his congregation at Homerton, he lent out small sums of money, to be repaid at a certain time, without any interest; and although his generous and unsuspecting spirit was sometimes imposed upon, he had the pleasure of seeing, in several instances, the good effects of his exertions.

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For erecting buildings in the country for the worship of God, and preaching the gospel, he gave liberally out of his own purse. "There," said he, to a minister who called with a case of this nature," is my poor mite towards this blessed work (giving him five pounds); and I wish I could give you fifty." In the last year of his life, when the Society we shall soon notice, determined to educate their own preachers, he generously gave his own house for that purpose; and begged it might be considered as property consecrated to the cause of God. From the same principle, he never received any thing from the situations he filled in the Missionary, or any other Society, though his application was intense.

As he one day stood talking with a person of his own congregation, a poor man, in great distress, asked him for some money. Mr. Eyre gave him a guinea. The tears of gratitude started into the beggar's eyes; who could hardly believe what he saw. Mr. Eyre's friend hinted to him, he should consider his own large family, and not be so profuse of his money, "O! (answered he). I shall soon have it repaid, with interest." The next day a present of considerably greater value being sent him, he pleasantly rallied his neighbour on his own too cautious and illiberal disposition.

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at the point of death, begged his wife to enquire, if any thing could be found to take away the distress of mind which he felt at the thought of dying. "Look," said he, "into Moore's Almanack, perhaps he says something about it." His little girl, who attended the Sunday-school, being present, said to him, Father, there is a good man, belonging to our school, who visits sick people, to pray with them; and if he knew you "Run for him!" said the poor creature. wanted him, he would come to you.' girl went, and returned with one of her teachers, who was surprized to find any man in Hackney so ignorant, as not to know even of the existence of the Bible. The teacher read and explained, as simply as possible, some of the most suitable parts of the New Testament; and, by repeated visits, was the instrument of giving to this poor ignorant creature, a clear view of the way of salvation. When ke died, we are informed, be gave satisfactory evidence of faith in the Son of God.

His trust in Divine Providence was equally remarkable. When his father turned him out of doors for preaching the gospel," Now, Sir," said he, "I take God for my father and, my friend; and if ever I am reduced to want, you may blame my religion." While he possessed money of his own, he took nothing for his itinerant labours, when in the Countess of Huntingdon's connexion. Once, when his stock was quite expended, and his poor horse without food, he called at a house on the road, when he was informed a paper was left for him; which, upon opening, he found contained two guineas.

When he married, he was under the necessity of taking 1001. of Mrs. Eyre's property, to buy them furniture. Several years, when his family increased, and his income appeared to be inade quate to their expences, his confidence was unshaken; and before the end of the year, adequate supplies came in. His large family, notwithstanding his tender affection, never seemed for a moment to awaken anxiety about their provision. This state of mind was attained, no doubt, by a watchful observation of Divine Providence, as well as a firm belief in it; and by making his wants a matter of prayer, and his supplies of praise †. Holy zeal was the prominent feature of his character. It was not the spirit of party, but liberal and amiable. He loved all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity; and laboured to unite real Christians, of every denomination, in the bonds of love. Nor was it confined, in its exercise, to his own congregation; but meditated schemes for the general increase of the Saviour's kingdom.

The first thing of public notoriety, was the Evangelical Magazine. Mr. Eyre had observed the high degree of importance which periodical publications had obtained in the world, by their extensive circulation. Philosophers and politicians had availed themselves of this aid, to extend the boundaries of Science, or strengthen the interest of Party. A periodical publication exhibits a mode of instruction, with which the world was formerly unacquainted; but since it has been adopted, has produced a surprizing revolution in sentiments and manners. Thousands read a Magazine, who have neither money to purchase, nor leisure to peruse larger volumes. Perceiving that a certain description of writers, by monopolizing a work of this kind, had made more converts to their opinions, and done more mischief to the cause of vital religion, than the folios of Socinus, or the laboured productions of his more infidel followers, he justly concluded, that an engine, so capable of a destructive or salutary tendency, ought to be applied for evangelical purposes; remarking, that should the servants of Christ neglect the use of those means which circumstances

He has repeatedly remarked, as an instance both of the kindness of Providence, and the generosity of his people, that when he was robbed one night of most of his own and family's linen (it being collected together for washing) a few days after, some of his friend's left in the hands of his banker, 100 1. for his use, without a name.

had rendered favourable for the propagation of evangelical sentiments, it would argue a criminal supineness, or total indifference to the best interests of society.

Of this indifference, he found no reason to complain. No sooner was the nature and design of this work made public, than Mr. Eyre received the warmest encouragement from his brethren in the ministry. It was agreed, that the editors of such a work should be composed of Churchmen and Dissenters of different denominations; uniting their efforts in the common cause of gospel-truth; and, at the same time, diffusing liberal sentiments, wheresoever the providence of God might direct their little confluence of Christian doctrine and Catholicism to wind its peaceful and salutary course." Pecuniary reward was abandoned, when they resolved to devote the profits to alleviate the distresses of Widows of Evangelical Ministers §.

In July 1793, their first Number was published; and, in the Preface to the volume of the following year, they had to acknowledge the Divine Goodness for an extensive circulation of their pamphlet. The Hymn, "Sacred to Truth," prefixed to that volume, was written by Mr. Eyre. With gratitude we are bound to acknowledge, that, under the auspices of Heaven, and much indebted to the laborious attention of its late valuable Editor, this Work has increased in its sale to an extent exceeding the most sanguine expectations of its authors; and, we trust, attended with the Divine blessing to many of its readers

Scarcely had this Magazine been published one whole year, before a paper appeared in it, written by one of its first Editors, the Rev. D. Bogue, addressed to the Evangelical Dissenters, calling upon them to unite in exertions for evangelizing the poor Heathen; and concluding with a particular exhortation to the ministers of the metropolis, "To consult together on this important subject; and, without loss of time, to propose some plan for the accomplishment of this most desirable end; " that our Lord Jesus Christ may have the Heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession." This address gave occasion to various private conversations on the subject. At length, on the 4th of November, 1794, the first meeting, with a view to forming the Missionary Society, took place. It was a small, but glowing and harmonious circle of ministers, of various connections and denominations; and, in this number was Mr. Eyre. The active part he took in the formation of this Society, and the steady zeal he manifested towards its important object, are well known to thousands.

In a letter to a friend, dated June 8, 1802, Mr. Eyre, says, "We have given of the profits to distressed objects [widows of ministers, &c.] 23631. 2 s.; and to the support of Missiona, 2601. 10s.: amounting together to 26231. 12s.; and, I hope, we shall not give less during the same number of years ensuing." This account has ben found a trifle under the truth; and since that time, 3161. more have been distibuted; making in the whole 29391. 125.

The present sale of this work is 2,000 monthly.

At the first yearly meeting of the Society, when they declared their unanimous approbation of the design to establish a Society for sending Missionaries to heathen countries, an overpowering pleasure attended in the breasts of many, on the passing of that important resolution. Mr. Eyre, when words, almost interrupted with joy," found out their way," introduced a plan which had been proposed, for the consideration of this meeting, by a series of historical observations, pointing out the analogy between the first propagation of the gospel by the apostles and others in the early ages, and the work then in view; and explaining the manner in which Christianity had been in latter ages introduced into some countries, formerly Pagan; together with an account of Missionary attempts since the period of the Reformation. Of all objects, this engaged most of Mr. Eyre's zealous attention, in discharging his duty as a Director, and afterwards as the Secretary of this Society. He has been in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in fastings, and in cold. Many ardent prayers has he put up to the great Head of the church for its success; and, could we favour our readers with extracts from his letters to the Missionaries, they would then perceive how much his heart was occupied in this work.

At the formation of this Institution, a hope was indulged by its members, that salutary effects at home would be seen to arise from such combined benevolent exertions. "Ministers will return to their particular work with increased fervour, courage, and union of spirit. The people will be awakened, to regard anore seriously, and to search more deeply into that divine treasure, which they have themselves pronounced worthy to be carried to the uttermost ends of the earth." In this they have not been disappointed. Many thousands hear the gospel, in vilJages and towns, where it was not preached before the formation of this Society. Mr. Eyre, in particular, besides his perpetual attention to this Society, in the year 1796 formed another, composed of five or six affluent and pious persons of his own congregation, for the purpose of propagating the gospel at home, in villages or towns notorious for their ignorance and vice. This Society, of which Mr. Eyre was the Secretary and Treasurer, fixed its attention on a part of the county of Hants; where it has been productive of great good. Two congregations have been raised, and two decent buildings erected for publie worship. The gospel is preached by useful ministers, to multitudes in different villages around; and many persons have been savingly called to a knowledge of Christ in different places, and are now, blessing God for the religious advantages they have received, and still continue to enjoy.

The interest he took in the welfare of this Society, and the able manner in which he directed its operations, will appear by a few extracts from his letters to one of the ministers.

"Push forward the work (said he) while weather and opportunity are

favourable: we shall have a blessed season for rest when, through the grace of God, we have finished the work he has mercifully given us to do.”

When, in the course of their labours, these good men met with opposition, he encouraged them, by saying,

"The great opposition you have experienced, is no more than we might have expected. A wisdom that cannot err has assured us, that the carnal. mind is enmity against God; and where there is an enmity against the physician, there will be no love for his prescriptions. If we press the ne-, cessity of submission upon them, they will oppose us in proportion to our earnestness, till a divine influence softens their hearts, and gives them a discernment of their danger. At present, they are objects of our compassion; and, I trust, many of them will be subdued by the grace of our, Lord Jesus Christ, as Paul was, even at the moment when his heart was full of rage against him and his people."

“I am thankful to God for the faithful testimony you have borne at Rogate, and other villages, which have been altogether unaccustomed to the gospel. The gospel being in the church near Hommerford, renders Sunday visits inexpedient; but if our service once now and then will be acceptable, it may share with the villages in proportion to its importance.”

"You labour, you suffer reproach, you rejoice. This is apostolical! -Go on in the same spirit; and be assured, not only of my friendship and esteem, but, what is of infinitely greater consequence; be assured, your labour will not be vain in the Lord."

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Much of the success of ministers depending, under God, upon the meekness of their own temper and conduct, Mr. Eyre did not fail to inculcate these on his younger brethren:

"It will give me no small pleasure to hear that you go on comfortably and prosperously. Bear the infirmities of the weak, and expect no more than the nature of every one's standing, and experience will warrant. If we would attract numbers, we must win them by a continual exemplifie cation of the gentleness of Christ. No bonds are so powerful as those of love. The force of kindness is inconceivably great. I do not wonder that Mr. N's popularity has increased with his years, and that he has as many friends almost as he has acquaintances; since no minister has discovered towards his people stronger affection, or taken more pains to encourage every hopeful appearance in those who indicated any desire to read the scripture, or attend occasionally or constantly on the means of grace.”

"I trust you will yet see greater things than these. We must first sow, and then we shall reap. Few are made useful in the conversion of others, ho do not feel what the apostle expresses, by travailing in birth till Christ be formed in them. Such strong desire to be useful, will not be contented with any thing less than an entire consecration of our whole selves to the Lord; and when our heart is thus in the work, labour will be sweet, and success our best reward."

"Avoid whatever tends to obstruct your efforts: idle visits, idle conver sation, and activity itself, which does not effect your best object. Remember how zealous the servants of Christ are in many places; and how abun dantly God blesses the labours of those who serve him faithfully. Above all, pray often, and read the Scriptures much, and be sure that your ministry will be most profitable, when your own heart is most affected with heavenly subjects. Endeavour to discountenance all bitterness and rancour between true believers, however difierent their notions or views in some non-essential points; and you will find most pleasure when love prevails. In your preaching, aim constantly at the conscience : - but let your manner be as soft and kind as your words are searching: -- wound only with a view to heal; and lead with gentleness the sick and needy to Jesus Christ. And may the God of peace be with you continually!"

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