he might otherwise have enjoyed the comforts of his earthly existence.

In the same manner, the journey of life is relieved and animated by a view of those excellent and exemplary persons, who have been seen in greater or fewer numbers, in all ages, passing across the wilderness of this world. We rejoice in knowing that there are, or have been, characters of this description amongst the race of man; and though we may not have been so fortunate as to enjoy the acquaintance of any of these, yet the very assurance of their having existed is calculated to cheer and refresh us, to exalt our opinion of the species to which we belong, and to lead us to bless the King of heaven for exhibiting, in the course of his providence, such examples to the world.

Amongst the number of those who have thus shone as lights to mankind, we may, with the greatest justice, point out the person, a part of whose devotional exercises is now, with all deference and respect, submitted to the public. To verify this

assumption, the editor will state such particulars of the life and character of his author as he is persuaded are competent to the purpose.

Engaged in extensive commercial concerns with Russia, Spain, and the United States of America, and exporting to these. quarters of the globe the manufactures of Sheffield and Birmingham, he was at the same time intent upon making and seconding improvements in the latter town and its vicinity, where he then resided. Amongst these improvements may be enumerated the erection of a general hospital, the institution of a public library, the reparation of the adjacent roads, and an increase of accommodation and ease for foot-passengers, more especially along the streets of the town. It is obvious that a gentleman may render himself a very valuable and useful member of society, by setting on foot and encouraging works of these descriptions.

Humanity and compassion must have taken strong possession of the mind that

is prompted to concert measures for the benefit of the lowest orders of the community. In return for such exertions, no pecuniary advantage is to be expected. The poor have nothing with which to repay their best benefactors, for the most part, bat declarations of their gratitude; and of these they are often very sparing. It should be considered too, that it would be fruitless and unavailing to take an active part in the accomplishment of plans for the advantage of the indigent, unless their friend is willing to assist with his purse as well as with his countenance and advice. Nor is it thought too much to be expected that an associate founder of an hospital or infirmary should both contribute handsomely to its original establishment, and have his name enrolled as one of its permanent supporters. Our benevolent author did both.

It has been justly remarked that antecedently to the promulgation of the christian dispensation, hospitals, such as we now have in almost every great town, were no where to be seen. This happy change must be allowed to reflect great honour

upon the benign and compassionate spirit of our holy religion; and those whose active exertions have been most instrumental in the erection of such beneficial establishments are worthy to be ranked amongst the enlightened friends of mercy and mankind.

It enhances the excellence of any character when efforts, made to promote the comfort and happiness of the poor, are accompanied with a readiness to further the interests of erudition and learning. Without pretending to more than moderate attainments in literature, Mr. Russel was anxious to afford to others the means of acquiring the most exalted. He wished to see the fruits of the finest geniuses that ever did honour to human nature put into the hands of his townsmen, and took a pleasure in the prospect of affording those, whose time and talents enabled them to avail themselves of it, an opportunity of making the highest advances in science and learning. In pursu ance of this, he took such methods as led to the formation of a public library upon a comprehensive and liberal plan; and, by the

united aid of his advice, influence, and subscription, succeeded in bringing to maturity the project he had set his mind upon. The town of Birmingham has cause, therefore, to enroll him not only among her humane and generous citizens, but to assign him a distinguished niche, as a friend and coadjutor, in the temple of the muses.

The same disposition which prompts men to assist their fellow-creatures in affairs of importance leads them to the adoption of schemes by which comforts and conveniencies of less moment may be attained. Travelling from one part of the country to another is, in many cases, of such absolute necessity, and in others, contributes so much to the health and promotion of social intercourse, that whatever tends to render it expensive, unpleasant, or dangerous, beyond what is unavoidable, must be considered as an evil which should be mitigated as much as possible, if not wholly removed. The gentleman of whom we are speaking, perceiving to what extent the evil prevailed in his own town and neighbour