force, brain-power and enduring fibre in an uncommon degree. The countenance also betokened his idiosyncrasy. His complexion, though not pale, was far from ruddy; the features were not marked but bore an expression of serenity; the mouth indicated refinement and firmness; the hair was flowing but somewhat prematurely grey. The beaming, piercing, yet benignant eyes, overshadowed by the massive brow, and the expansive forehead as a 'lofty dome of thought,' will never be forgotten by those who knew him best and loved him most.
A beautiful portrait in words was drawn just sixty years ago of James Thomason's parents (the Rev. Thomas Thomason and his wife) by Charles Simeon, and it may be quoted here: —
'Were I to compare him with anything it would be with the light on which a great diversity of rays are joined, but no one more conspicuous than another. Towards God he was distinguished by a simplicity of mind and purpose, and towards man by a placidity of manner and deportment. I never saw anything of self blended with his actions. He seemed to have one aim and end in all he did; and what he did was never by effort so much as by a habit. In fact, every day with him, from morning till evening, was a kind of equable course, something like that of the sun in a Cambridge atmosphere. He gave a tempered light, never blazing forth with unusual splendour, but diffusing to all around him a chastened influence. Everything was done by him in its season, but in so quiet a way as not to attract any particular attention. There was an extraordinary resemblance between him and Mrs. Thomason. Each executed a great deal every day; though there was much business there was no bustle, no
