and spiritual prosperty. Dr. Herron's preaching power was at its height. His influence was extended throughout the two cities, and his reputation was becoming known throughout the whole church. The attendance upon his ministry rapidly increased, the membership was correspondingly enlarged, and the demand for pews was such that an enlargement became a necessity. The extension was completed December, 1817, and from the re-sale of the pews, sufficient funds were realized to meet the expenses of the improvement and to erect a session room in the rear of the church. The congregation in token of their appreciation of his services, and the high estimate in which he was held as a minister, increased his salary, and gave him their united support and encouragement in his work, and the session made the record that "the affairs of the congregation wore a satisfactory and pleasing aspect." Thus triumphed the truth and grace of God over the carnal opposition of unrenewed men.

In further token of the high valuation placed upon the ministerial services of Dr. Herron by the Second church of Pittsburgh, a proposition was made to the trustees of the First congregation from those of the Second, expressive of their conviction, "that it would contribute to the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, the honor of religion, and the advantage of the Presbyterian interests, to unite both congregations as a collegiate charge, under the pastoral control of Dr. Herron, with a colleague to be chosen by the joint vote of the two congregations." This proposition was, after full consideration, respectfully declined. It is here cited to show the high esteem in which Dr. Herron was held by the whole Presbyterian community.

Dr. Herron was also an earnest advocate of thorough and systematic bible and catechetical instruction in the family and in the Sabbath school. He believed in the old method of drilling the young in the letter of the shorter catechism as one of the best methods of inculcating evangelical truth and of training a generation of sound orthodox christians. In 1823 Dr. Herron organized a bible class for the instruction of old and young, male and female, which was held every Sabbath

afternoon in the church, conducted by himself, and was largely attended and productive of great and lasting good.

In 1825 a new field of christian effort was opened up adapted to enlist the energies and call into requisition the practical wisdom and persevering energy of Dr. Herron. In that year the General Assembly had resolved to establish a theological seminary in the West, and had appointed five commissioners, of whom General Andrew Jackson was one, to select a suitable location. This led Dr. Herron in connection with Dr. Swift to urge the claims of Allegheny City, upon the attention of the commission. He entered with all his accustomed energy and tact into the work of securing the institution for that locality, and as the result of much persevering and skilful effort, supported as he was by the ministers and citizens of that whole region, succeeded in securing a report in favor of its location in Allegheny City, Pa. The location being settled, Dr. Swift devoted himself to the supervision of the instruction of the students, whilst Dr. Herron took upon himself the burden of providing for the financial support of the seminary. To none but to those who have had experience in the same, can the anxieties, the trials, the assiduous labors of such an enterprise be duly appreciated. To Dr. Herron, Dr. Swift and Dr. David Elliott this insitution owes its establishment, and its usefulness. These were the men who watched over its nativity, nursed it in its infancy, and nourished it by their self-sacrificing labors and benefactions. And to no one other source does this institution owe its successful establishment under the good providence of God, more than to his persevering assiduity. It was a great and unspeakable comfort to him in his old age that he was permitted to see and rejoice in its prosperity. In the winter of 1827 and 1828 Dr. Herron was graciously and abundantly rewarded for all his previous years of labor and toil, and of long wrestling in faith and prayer, by the occurrence of a deep, powerful and extensive revival of religion, the details of which are very instructive and encouraging. The special interest began in a brief conference between Dr. Herron, Dr. Campbell and five or six others, after a Wednesday evening prayer-meeting, on the state of religion in the church and the

importance of Christians praying for a revival of God's work, leading them to unite in earnest prayer again before they parted for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Another meeting for prayer was appointed by those present for Saturday evening, which proved to be a season of earnest wrestling with God from which those present went away with believing pursuasion that God was about to pour out His Spirit with power upon the people. The interest pervaded and controlled all the services of the ensuing Sabbath and led to the appointment of a meeting for conference and prayer in the lecture-room, which, to Dr. Herron's surprise and joy, was filled and crowded by those who presented themselves as subjects for prayer. A series of meetings were commenced and continued daily, for from three to four months. The work continued to deepen and extend in the church and community. The members were greatly quickened and increased in activity and many from the world were savingly brought to Christ. The result was an addition to the church of over sixty on profession of their faith at the two following communions and an equal number to the Second church, then under the ministry of Dr. Swift, among whom was a number of young men who afterwards became ministers of the gospel. This religious awakening Dr. Herron always regarded as a genuine work of grace and permanent in its blessed fruits. Another season of like precious revival occurred in the year 1832, in connection with a similar work in many other churches in Western Pennsylvania. Again a series of meetings were appointed which increased in interest from day to day, resulting in an ingathering of over one hundred into the church. This religious interest continued for a long period, the fruits of which were manifest in additions for two successive years. The years 1840, 1841 and 1843 were years of the right hand of God, in the ministry of Dr. Herron. The year 1835 was a year of great religious excitement under the preaching of the Rev. Mr. Gallagher, a noted revivalist. The results of this religious flailing was some precious wheat, but much more worthless chaff. "Some excellent Christians," said Dr. Paxton in his memorial discourse," who were then born again, live to attest the presence and power of the Holy

Spirit, but many spurious converts and some dreadful apostates live to attest the fact that there was another spirit at work, an enemy sowing tares among the wheat." In the year 1850, in his 76th year, Dr. Herron, on account of the persuasion that the period of his active work had come to an end, asked to be relieved of his pastoral charge. His request was granted and by his approval his successor was chosen and for nearly ten years this venerable patriarch of western Pennsylvania was permitted to exemplify the sustaining power of Divine grace amid the trials and infirmities of old age. His happy serene life came to a peaceful end December 6, 1860. From Dr. Paxton's memorial discourse we thus sum up his most conspicuous traits as a man, a Christian and a minister of the gospel.

As a man he was a man of nerve, will, power, molding rather than being molded, breasting the current rather than floating upon its surface. As a Christian he was distinguished by a vigorous growth and a uniform development of the whole circle of Christian graces.

As a minister his preaching was doctrinal, experimental, awakening, tender and affectionate.

As a Presbyter he was attentive, regular and prompt, thoroughly acquainted with the rules of order and making a good presiding officer.

Dr. Herron was chosen Moderator of the General Assembly at its meeting in Philadelphia in the year 1827.

He was married in February, 1802, to Miss Elizabeth Blain, daughter of Alexander Blain, Esq., of Carlisle, Pa., and sister of the wife of the Rev. Dr. Matthew Brown. She died in the year 1855. They had several children.

Rev. David Elliott, D. D., LL. D.

Another most prominent minister of the Presbytery of Carlisle and eminent servant of God was the Rev. Dr. David Elliott. Of him Dr. J. I. Brownson, in his admirable commemorative discourse, has thus spoken: "A man who, favored of God, and by reason of strength," passed far beyond fourscore years; a man who, through the average of two generations, was an honored, as well as " an able minister of the New Tes