fy , 5L © . / 2- Stom f 0e &i6rat£ of (professor Wiffidm (JtXiffer (Jtarfon, ©.©., &&.©. $reeenfeo 6p (Tttre. $arfon to f 0e fei6rarg of (Princeton £#eofo$icaf igeminarg BX 9225 .C65 M4 1862 Memorial of the Rev. Henry G. Comingo, D.D., pastor o I MEMORIAL ( apr 20 lew OF TUE REV. HENRY G. COMINGO, D. D., PASTOR OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STEUBENVILLE, OHIO. CONTAINING HIS TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY DISCOURSE, PROCEEDINGS OF THE ANNIVERSARY MEETING, HIS TWO SERMONS, DELIVERED NOVEMBER 24th, FUNERAL DISCOURSE, BY Rev. DR. C. C. BEATTY. PUBLISHED AT THE REQUEST OF THE CHURCH. STEUBENVILLE : PRINTED AT THE HERALD OFFICE. 1862. ANNIVERSARY DISCOURSE: PREACHED BY THE REVEREND HENRY G. COMINGO, D. D^ NOVEMBER 17th, 1861, TwentyrFive Years after his Entrance on his Ministry AT STEUBEN^YILLE, OHIO. mttiMrfitw HENRY G. COMINGO, Boaw Near Harrodsburg, Kentucky, FEBRUARY 2nd, 1809, At Centre College, Danville, Ky., JULY, 1832. XLaiooxxsool to r»r©«.ola. By the Presbytery of New Brunswick, N. J. FEBRUARY 3rd, 1836. In First Presbyterian Church, Steubenville, 0. NOVEMBER 18th, 1836. Orola.lxiL©ol 3E»«-stor By the Presbytery of Steubenville, MAY 24th, 1837. DECEMBER 1st, 1861. ANNIVERSARY DISCOURSE. I remember the days of old, I meditate on all Thy works j I muse on the work of Thy Hands. — Psalm 143: v. 5. One much given to solemn reflection, has said with striking emphasis : — " 'Tis greatly wise to talk with our past hours, And ask Ihem what report they bore to Heaven." Israel was commanded to "remember all the way in which the Lord their God had led them." Even a slight acquaintance with the mental habits of the Psalmist will show that he found both a favorite and profitable study, in the records of the past. Hear some of the many utterances of the inspired Lyrist : "I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times ; I call to remembrance, my song in the night." "I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember Thy wonders of old." We cannot beiieve that it will be displeasing to our Divine Sovereign, for us to occupy our attention with the suggestive and instructive retrospect of the times, and seasons given to us for our profit, now closed to us, and irretrieveably drifted beyond the bourne of Time. Hence, it is reasonable and proper, that on this special occasion, when we attempt to cast back our vision upon the way which the Lord has led us, fur a quarter of a century, that first of all we lift up our hearts and voices to "the Father of Lights, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift," in fer- vent thanksgiving, and here raise our Ebenezer, inscribing upon it those memerable words of faith and prayer, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." Standing in the peculiar position, in which we are placed this day, it makes a world-wide difference whether we look upon the quarter of a century, just now completed, or upon the same num- ber of years this day begun. The former is the well explored country, all surveyed, and mapped, and open to the gaze of every beholder. The latter is the virgin continent, just looming up in the hazy distance, in sight of the discoverer. The former has written out its chronology, its discoveries, its biographic and historic sketches, and wholly withdrawn the veil from the once hidden epoch, unequalled in interest in any similar past period of the Christian era. The latter stands ready to begin, to-morrow, to turn prophecy into historj ; and by a gradual, unremitting process, will bring to light the stupendous events, for which all the world waits with impatient expectation, and to inaugurate great provi- dential developments, that shall thrill and startle the rising gen- eration. The one is now the plain, practical, matter-of-fact lesson book. The other is the volume of brilliant speculations, all ra- diant with the bright day dreams, and fancy sketches of the good time coming, to engross the lovers of fiction, and render them oblivious of the safe and profitable teaching of the past. Impet- uous as we are in our attempts to grasp the events of the future, we, after all our labored efforts, cannot tell what a day will bring forth. But even with the imperfect record before us, of the past quarter of a century, we may recur to those days of old, and gravely ponder their revelations and teachings, and rise from the lesson better fitted to take our bearings upon the untried waste of waters still ebbing and flowing in life's unresting ocean. This day twenty-five years ago I first entered this pulpit, ac- companied by the Rev. Elisha McCurdy, a venerable patriarch, whose name stands intimately associated with the great revivals, by which our church was much enlarged and strengthened, at the beginning of the present century. I then preached on the doctrine of justification by faith, from the text "Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5: 1. On the third day of the preceding February I had been licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, N. J.; and when about to leave the Seminary the succeeding autumn, Dr. Miller informed me that my old friend, E. T. McLain, — who had been preaching here — had been compelled to leave, on ac- count of ill health, and he would suggest that I should take this place on my way to Kentucky, and spend a Sabbath or two here, if this congregation should still remain without a supply. It was understood that the severe illness of Dr. Beatty would render it impossible for him to resume his pastoral care, over this Church. I had finished my course in the Seminary, and felt anxious to know whether and where the Lord had work for me to do, in his vineyard. I had prayed for Divine direction. IJaving been brought up in a slave State, and having witnessed the difficulties of maintaining ministerial fidelity in such a community, I had asked, with humbleness and submission, that God would grant me a field not cumbered with the embarrassments which I so much dreaded. When I arrived at Pittsburgh, becoming impatient to reach home, and feeling a delicacy in offering myself to so large and important a Church, I wrote to David Hoge, a prominent elder,, and mentioned the promise I had made to Dr. Miller, to call and preach here, provided the way was open ; saying at the same time,, that I would consider the promise as fulfilled, if the pulpit were occupied, and I would then feel at liberty to hasten homeward. To this he replied "that they had no one to preach the next Sab- bath, and it was the wish of the session that I should stop and preach one day." I preached two days, expecting to start homo the ensuing day, when, the river being filled with ice, I gave up my purpose, and accepted an invitation to supply the pulpit dur- ing the winter. In the month of February a call was made out,, and put into my hands at the meeting of the Presbytery next en- suing, which, (after previously conferring with my friends, and. asking the Lord to interpose some obstacle if it were not His will,, or for His glory, that I should undertake to fill this important and responsible post,) I finally accepted. In relation to this, I find the following entry in an old journal,, never designed to see the light, but which places you in posses- sion of the state of my mind at the time the call was submitted :: " February 15th, 1837. This day, by the Grace of God, J have been permitted to set apart for fasting and prayer. On the last Monday, the congregation of this town met and- unanimously elected me their Pastor. For this I feel grateful, and see no reason why I may not accept ; but in so important a matter I felt bound in a special manner to consult the Will of the Lord ; therefore, this the first and grand object I have presented before His Throne, pleading that if obstacles or reasons should exist why I should not here abide,, the Lord would show them to me, and lead me to the place in which He would have me to labor." One other brief extract I may here note, as it seems to fall in with the history of my settlement over this Church : "May 24th, 1837. This has been one of the most solemn periods of my life— the day of my ordination and installation over the Presbyterian Church of Steubenville. Doctor' Be.atty presided. Mr. McArthur, the Pastor of the Church in Cadiz — now a saint in glory — preached from these words : " I beseech you, brethren, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain." Dr. Smith, then President of Franklin College, (now Pastor in Gneensburg, Pa.,) gave the charges. The exercises were solemn. I felt as though I could shrink away, and refuse to labor ; I felt in a deeper, and more solemn manner than ever before, "Who is sufficient for these things ;" the vast import of the work, and my need of everything from God to enable me to discharge the sacred and responsible duties laid upon me. I commonly find comfort in the belief that the Great Shepherd called me here. He has en- joined these solemn, duties upon me, surely He will be with me to the end of life." I venture to present these glimpses of the train of outward pro- vidences, and of the inner workings of my own heart in bringing about my location here, as the Pastor of this Church. I deem it proper to glance back at my surroundings in this town when I landed here, an inexperienced stranger, for the first time in my life setting my foot upon Ohio soil. Then the streets were with- out gas-light; here, and there, a dim oil lamp served to make darkness visible. Our Churches, also, had a few faint lamps that gave the speaker the outlines of human forms before him, but lit- tle more could be seen of the congregation at the evening service. Then, a large class of persons were engaged in hauling water from the river for the supply of seven thousand people — that being about the population at that period. Then there was no railroad within many miles of this place; the stage-coach and the steamer were the main public carriers, and with these modes of travel the public seemed quite contented. The mails were carried in coaches, making the ordinary time of transit twelve hours, from this to Pittsburgh. Though Prof. Henrvhad made some remark- able experiments with electro-magnetism, the thought of bringing Pittsburgh within one minute of this City, and of sending mes- sengers from New York to the Pacific border that could outrun the chariot of the sun, had not yet found a place even in the im- aginations of men. Then, a large and beautiful section of our present City, lying north of Dock street, was chiefly an open field, and a convenient pasture ground. The Churches then existing were : — one Methodist Episcopal Church, worshipping in a building of the form of a T, holding about five hundred persons, and standing on the site where we see the capacious and elegant Kramer Chapel. St. Paul's Epis- copal Church then stood as you now see it, with the exception that it has been considerably enlarged, and decorated since that time. Dr. Morse was at that time Rector of that Church, — and here I may say that he is the only Minister left of all that were then in charge of the Churches in this city. On the lot upon Fifth street, now occupied by the 1st United Presbyterian Church, 6tood a small brick building, perhaps thirty feet wide, and forty long, where the Rev. Mr. Buchanan had ministered for a number of years. That structure since disappeared, and was re-produced on Church street, in the form of a dwelling house, where, per- haps, the present tenants lie down and rise up, not knowing that the brick walls around them were for a score of years and more, vocal with the teachings and prayers of that faithful and zealous pastor, who finished a long and useful life in our midst, and whose dust this day slumbers in the home of our dead. That Church was supplanted by a much larger, but rather unsightly building. which has recentlj been changed into the tasteful and beautiful audience chamber, now occupied by the ministrations of the Rev. J. K. Andrews. On Fifth street, south of Market, stood the Methodist Protestant Church — a low, one-story brick building — which, perhaps, held about four hundred persons. The Rev. Mr. Elliott was the Minister then in charge ; he was literary and spec- ulative, much devoted in his studies, to the then popular subject of phrenology ; an eloquent speaker, and much esteemed and ad- mired in this community. That building has been happily dis- placed by the new and handsome Church, now so acceptably filled by the Rev. Mr. Abbott. In this general glance at the Churches of this City, it remains that we notice the two new congregations formed since that time. The first was formed from this Church in the year 1838, first known as the Free, and now as the Second Presbyterian Church, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Patterson. Its Pastors have been the following estimable and beloved brethren : the Rev. Joseph H. Chambers — since called to bis reward, the Rev. Dr. Beatty, the Rev. ¥m. P. Breed, now of Philadelphia, and the' Rev. Henry B. Chapin, uow of Trenton, 1ST. J. The Church building was furnished to that people through the munificence of my predecessor in the pastorate of this Church, the Rev. Dr. Beatty. A score of years has brought that Church through many difficulties, up to a maturity of stature and strength, greatly gratifying to the large number of faithful members who long have labored and prayed for its success and prosperity. The other new Church is the Hamline Chapel; that large edifice was opened January, 1847, on North Fourth street. Its communion has done good service to the cause of religion, containing now 170 members. But we turn back to our own Church edifice. It had a high pulpit, approached by two spiral stairways, and shut up by two doors, which quite effectually concealed the minister, when seated, from all persons in the body of the Church. Its position was sixteen feet in front of the spot on which I now stand. 'The win- dows on the south side had some broken Venetian blinds, and some other contrivances to keep the sun-light from glaring too vividly in the eyes of the worshippers. The walls were white; the galleries unfinished. The Church was heated by two small stoves, standing under the gallery, some twenty feet from the aisle doors. This house was enlarged in 1850, and has since B 10 been decorated and improved so as to meet the demands of the congregation, wont to assemble here to worship God. But now Ave turn rather to the interior history of this congrega- tion, during the period under review; and meditate on the works of God's hands, and muse on His dealings with us. This Church has been organized about sixty years, and has en- joyed the ministrations of the Rev. Mr. Snodgrass, the Rev. ¥m. McMillan, the Rev. Obadiah Jennings, D. D., the Rev. Dr. Beatty, and the Rev. E. T. McLain. On entering upon my pastoral duties here, I found everything well ordered, and the congregation well trained, under the thir- teen years of the faithful pastorate of Dr. Beatty. Here I labored for many months without seeing any results of my ministry. At last I saw two persons appear before the Session, asking for ad- mission to the Church. I shall never forget the impressions then made upon my mind. ]S T ow, I thought, I saw evidence that it was the will of God to own the instrumentality of my poor ministra- tions to save the souls of men. The question whether the Great Master would own my labors then met a hopeful solution. I well remember, that I felt solicitous to be the instrument of leading one soul to Jesus, and often thought that would more than ten thousand times compensate me for life-long toil in the work of the ministry. Here I will further remark, that many who have been added to this Church, during my pastorate, were evidently brought to embrace the Gospel through the ministrations of others. God's faithfulness to this branch of His planting, has been gratefully marked. Human agency, by whomsoever exerted, has been nothing in comparison with the efficient workings of God's Providence, His Word and Spirit in continuing and pros- pering this portion of His heritage. The retrospect shows that in the past quarter of a century of marked vicissitudes, we have passed through seasons of great dark- ness, when general declension brought upon us the hidings of our Father's face ; when open apostacy caused bitter griefs to many hearts ; when the necessary exercise of discipline seemed to stir up the angry passions of those whom the Session desired to ben- efit, and reclaim by the use of this holy ordinance of God. Many such dark days, long and painful winters passed over us; and of- ten, the question, has been asked at the Throne of Grace, and of one another, "is mercy clear gone forever?" Yet we here bear witness to an important fact, that generally. 11 after the painful work of discipline had been carried out, we were permitted to Bee tokens of Divine favor, in the deeper awakening of Christians, and the conviction and conversion of souls. Those days of heaviness and sorrow fled away; those nights of weeping were followed by seasons of refreshing and merciful visitation. This fact in general we might infer from what we behold this day; that after the numerous removals, dismissals and deaths ; af- ter nearly oue hundred members have been dismissed to our sis- ter Church, in this city : and, on the other hand, a considerable number as the nucleus of the Cross Creek Church, there are at this time about seventy members more than there were a quarter of a century since. Shortly anterior to that period, there had been two glorious re- vivals. The one in 1831, which brought in from the world seven- ty-nine members ; the other in 1835, which added on a single ■communion occasion, fifty-three on examination. These refresh- ing seasons have ever afforded to my mind, and heart, the most cheering evidence, that in this congregation, God has had his .hidden ones who did much by their prayers and supplications, in producing some of these blessed results which we have, from time to time witnessed, with tearful interest. We cannot now attempt to estimate the measure of gracious influences of the Holy Spirit which have sustained his people here against so many adverse in- fluences. Great and marvellous have been His acts of kindness toward us in this respect, for which it behoves us to magnify and bless His Holy name. But in the tangible effects of His grace upon those who were straying far from God, in open rebellion, we may find cause this day gratefully to testify the wonders of His love. I cannot embody in words all that we witnessed in 1838; but our history records that fifty-five in that year came out from the world and confessed Christ, in this place. The ensuing year, forty-nine, in this presence, took up their cross to follow Christ, and came with you to the table of the Lord. The next year, fifty-five. For several following years, no signal manifesta- tions of the Spirit of God were witnessed, yet small numbers were added to the Church every year, till 1855, when we saw, at one communion, twenty taking their seats, for the first time, at the table of the Lord. A time of much declension and dark- ness followed. The hearts of God's people were greatly discour- aged, and many seemed ready to faint under the adversity of our beloved Church. With health broken, wandering for months in a foreign land, disheartened and scarcely hoping to Bee my native country again, or resume my ministerial Labors, in the beginning of 1856 I|sent my resignation to the Session, in order that they might present it to the congregation. This, they in great kind- and patience, declined to accept. In the course of that year, as most here-, present will remember, I resumed my labors, but with much doubt and misgiving. The year 1858 ushered in a glorious revival, in which we were favored with the earnest, and profitable ministrations of the belov- ed McKeunan, who has but lately gone to his blessed reward. That year we saw seventy-live new witnesses for Christ joyfully singing, " People of the living God," But our apprehensions were without foundation, it is the Lord, and not man who keeps and defends His blood-bought church. They who were so long with us in our trials, and, con- flicts, as well as in times of refreshing to-day are, " — saints above,, how great their joyg. How bright their glories be. " As we well know, C 18 '• Once they were mourning here below; And wet their couch with tears; They wrestled hard as wo do now, With sine and doubts and feara. We ask them whence their victory came ? They with united breath Ascribe their conquest to the Lamb, ■ Their triumph to His death. " Three of the original bench of elders are yet with us. A. J. McDowell, Daniel Potter, and, ¥m. McLaughlin, who I am sure will heartily respond to all that I have said in relation to their departed brethren, and who are all this day looking with joyful hope to a blessed re-union with their former companions, and cherished friends, beyond the portals of the skies. Here, I may turn your attention to a few matters, that have been made patent to my experience and observation, as a pastor. First, That a church made up of an imperfect pastor, an imper- fect session, and an imperfect membership, must necessarily develope many imperfections in its workings. Yet this is the sort of organization, God has chosen for the diffusion of His re- ligion in our sin-ruined world. He hath committed the glorious, priceless treasure of the Gospel to earthen vessels that the excel- lency of the power might be everywhere seen and known to be of God and not of man. I have learned that even the best of men have their seasons of passion, prejudice, and, perversity; yet after all, time, gentleness, and kindness bring them like the needle after the electrical storm, to resume the heavenward bearings of righteousness, and truth. I have seen excellent men, amid excitement, quitting their pew8 and, abandoning their places, with menaces and prophecies, yet those very men I have seen in the Church consistently pursuing their duty, I have been with them at their own request in sickness and death ; and of that class yet living, I number some of my warmest personal friends. I have learned not to give up hope when the night is dark, the storm lowering, and the vessel rudely tost by conflicting winds. Our Father is at the helm, " Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." "We may safely rely"on Him, who reigns above the clouds, and "rides upon the storm, " to see to it, that whatever becomes of ministers, or elders, rich men, or poor men, wicked men, or, devils, "the gates of Hell " shall never prevail against any single body of believers, " built upon the foun- dation of the Apostles, and, Prophets, Jesus Christ, himself being the chief corner stone. " 19 I nave learned that secret and open devices of malignant pei sons, and misrepresentation and direct falsehood, will not long have the power to do harm ; they fail of their end, bring their authors to confusion, and, sometimes to sorrow. God preserves his servants despite their own weakness, blindness and ignorance, and by His hidden shield turns away all that else would prove inju- rious, or, disastrous to the reputation, and, usefulness of his servants. Surely " God is a Sun and Shield," and none need fear for safety who put their trust in Him. " No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. " I have also learned that there are often wrapped up in the ad- verse and appalling providences of God, the richest blessings He is wont to bestow upon the children of men. From looking at the past, we turn for a moment to the present and, the future. Here am I to-day as I never was before, at the end of a continuous ministry of twenty-five years. It is morally certain that such an occasion will never return to me on earth, just as now those years are gone, and all their issues for good, or, evil are sealed, so the entire limit of my service will soon all be past, and I shall enter upon the review, not by the light of dim memory, but by the light of Eternity around the Throne. I see some to whom I have offered the Gospel of Christ for the period almost sufficient to bound a generation, they have still re- jected Him ; I confess I greatly fear that their decision is unalter- ably made. If so, how much of that result lies chargeable to my account ? This day, I believe a great number, who once occupied these seats, are seated around "the Great White Throne." What views, what experiences, what teachings, what joys are theirs ! I cannot but look onward a little when those of us who remain, shall all be gone, a stranger's voice shall here, herald the Gospel tidings, and a great congregation of strangers shall fill these pews, and, hear, and believe, repent and drink of the fountain of the Water of Life and be saved. Where, then, shall we be, who celebrate this quarter centennial anniversary ? We shall lie in our graves, our spirits shall be with our Saviour, and our friends above, or, " reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. " For twenty-five years gone, we give thanks to God ; its mem- ories, its record, its history, demand our praise. Oh, as now we see the last year of this eventful period, its history is written in 20 fratricidal blood. But if we come up at the great reckoning day, without Christ, deceived by false hopes, or taking the awful hazard of His open rejection, what lines will be dark enough to trace our calamities? Shall we find blood-guiltiness charged against us, not indeed, fraternal blood, but the blood of Christ trampled under foot. May God forbid ! Nay rather, my brethren, let us draw the veil when all our sorrows shall be ended, our last sigh heaved, our latest tear wiped away, our last pain of body, and, spirit assuaged; when, as a Church, and, congregation, those below and those above, with Pastor, elders and people, shall meet and dwell together; where Christ is, and the spirits of just men made perfect, the General Assembly, and Church of the first born, whose names are written in Heaven. Then, indeed, all our years below will be gone; "gone like some small star that has been twinkling in the curtain of night, gone, like the dying cadence of distant minstrelsy as it vanishes into air, gone, like the word just spoken, never to be recalled, gone, like the clouds after the rain, gone, like the leaves of the autumn forest, gone, as yesterday is gone," never, never, never to return. But of that congregation, none shall be removed, none shall be offended, none disciplined for offences; none shall sicken, or, sigh or, weep, none shall sin, nor suffer and none die ; but with unwearied voices, and untiring strains, from hearts overflowing with soul-satisfying, eternal, growing joy, we shall ascribe, "Sal- vation to our God," even, "blessing, and honor, and glory and power, unto Him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb, forever, and, ever," Amen. PROCEEDINGS* OF THE ANNIVERSARY MEETING INCLUDING ADDRESSES by REV. DR. BEATTY. AND REV. A. M. REID. On Sabbath, the 17th of November, it was just twenty-five years, since the Rev. Dr. Comingo began his ministrations in the First Presbyterian Church, Steubenville, and the interesting occasion was celebrated in a becoming manner. At a meeting of the congregation, previously, it had been " Re- solved that we celebrate the Quarter Centennial Anniversary of the relation of Dr. H. G. Comingo, as Pastor of our Church, and that we extend an invitation to the ministers of all the Evangelical Churches, and to the congregation of the Second Presbyterian Church." The congregation of the Second Church united with the First in all the exercises of the occasion. On the morning of the Sabbath, Dr. Comingo preached to a very crowded house, the discourse which is now pub- lished. Dr. Beatty, the predecessor of Dr. Comingo, as Pastor of the First Presbyteriau Church, had been invited by the Session to fill the pulpit in the evening, but was prevented from being present, by indisposition. The Rev. J. B. Patterson, of the Second Church, preached, instead, an admirable sermon from the text, "No man liveth to himself." In continuance of the exercises of this joyful occasion, a meet- ing was appointed to be held in the First Church, on the Tuesday * This account of the Anniversary is prepared chiefly from an article published in the newspapers at the time. 22 evening following. When the appointed hour had arrived, the house was filled with a deeply interested audience, the clergy of the place occupying seats about the pulpit. The exercises were opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Abbott, of the Methodist Protestant Church. The Rev. Dr. Beatty then introduced the proceedings, by referring to the action of the congregation ; and after speaking of the advantages of long pas- torates, bore strong testimony to the great excellence of Dr. Comingo as a preacher, a pastor, and a brother greatly beloved ; — somewhat as follows : ABSTRACT OF REMARKS BY DR. BEATTY. This is a rare, as well as interesting occasion, upon which we are met this evening. The purpose is to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary, of the entrance of the Rev. Dr. Comingo, upon his ministerial labors, in this congregation. Such occasions should not be rare, according to the good old Presbyterian usage of making the pastoral, like the marriage, relation, to be one for life, But from some cause, perhaps the influence of our Methodist brethren, who continually change the location of ministers, or from the restlessness of the age in which we live ; — this good old custom is so much out of fashion, that a minister seldom continues twenty-five years in the same congregation. This is to be deplored, according to my opinion, whose views on the perma- nency of the pastoral relation, are pretty well known to most of you. There are advantages in the continued labors of a minister among the same people, where children grow up to maturity under his instructions, which cannot be compensated by any either fancied or real advantages of rotation. Such, however, is the fondness for change, both with ministers and Churches, that we are not often permitted to note such an event, as the quarter century anniversary of a pastorate. It speaks well then for both pastor and people that this relation has been so long maintained ; and the interest of this season is equally creditable to both. I congratulate them upon it. Nor is this peculiar to this congre- gation ; as it seems a trait in the character of the community, (I speak it to their praise,) that it is not given to change. My ex- cellent brother here, the Rector of St. Paul's, (Dr. Morse,) has been such, more than forty years; — it is not very long since the Pastor of the United Presbyterian Church was carried to his grave, after a continued pastorate of upwards of forty years ; and I trust 23 that his worthy successor may as long occupy the same place. Even the Methodist Churches, so far as their rules will admit, have showed the same inclination. When I came among you, almost forty years ago, it was with no other expectation than that my relation as Pastor would last through life; but God ordered it differently. When this brother entered upon his labors in my place, how very little did I think that I should live to see even half as many years elapse. But I rejoice and thank God that it is so, and that I am privileged to unite with you on this pleasant occasion — offering our mutual congratulations. We have been permitted to enjoy each others society in close and intimate relations, and have labored long and delightfully together, without a serious jar or misunderstanding to interrupt our mutual, Christian and ministerial intercourse. I must think it evidence of unusual kindness and amiability that he could have so long forborne with one conscious of so many im- perfections and errors. His labors among you in preaching faithfully and earnestly the Word: — in pastoral visitation, and other good works, you all know as well as I do ; but none of you can know, as well as I, the deep anxieties of his mind, and his fervent desire for your spiritual and eternal good. — If the brother was not present I might be induced to say more concerning him : — but you know it is not my wont to praise or compliment, — especially in the presence of the object. And now it is well and fitting that this Church and congrega- tion have prepared a suitable testimonial for their Pastor on this occasion ; and with these few prefatory remarks, I give way to that member of the Session, who is charged with this matter, and as I understand is ready to make the presentation. Mr. B. Drennen, on behalf of the officers and congregation of the First Church, then presented to Dr. Comingo a purse of gold and a handsome suit of clothes, as a testimonial of their love to him, and t"heir gratitude to him for his abundant and faithful la- bors, since he had been their Pastor. "The Dr., in accepting the gift, said that he had generally, been a 'Looker-on in Vienna,' and he now found that to be " the observed of all observers," was rather a sore trial to his modesty. He said that while he felt conscious that he had ever sought them and not theirs — the flock and not the Jkece — yet this evening he suddenly found himself in possession of the fleece, and that the finest of the wool ; nay more, without becoming an Argonaut, he found himself in possession of the golden fleece. He felt that there were circumstances in which even St. Paul would acknowledge that it ' is a great thing that we should reap your carnal things ' when it betokens so clearly the good feeling and affection of a grate- ful people to their pastor ; if a cup of cold water given to a disciple in the name of n disciple should not be without its reward, then their reward was sure." 24 Several short addresses were now made. Rev. J. B. Patterson, of the Second Church, said he and his wife (the Second Church) had come back to spend a pleasant evening with their mother. (The Second Church was a colony from the First Church.) It was delightful to them, on this occasion of joy and gladness, to meet once more at the old family hearth. The Rev. Mr. Andrews, of the United Presbyterian Church, and the Rev. Mr. Christian, of the Episcopal Church, also made addresses appropriate to the occasion. Professor Reid, of the Steubenville Female Seminary, gave a pleasant reminiscence of his first meeting with Dr. Comingo, in remarks as follows, at the close presenting Dr. C. with a little bouquet of "wild flowers, gathered by himself on Mt. Blanc : REMARKS OF PROF. REID. In the month of September, 1855, 1 spent a long-to-be-remembered Sabbathin the Vale of Chamouni, in Switzerland. Toward eventide I walked out to worship in Nature's Ca- thedral. Scarcely a cloud was to be seen in the clear sky. And Mt. Blanc and the granite spires of his range and the glaciers at his feet, were all out in their glory. I ascended the Flegerc a celebrated mountain opposite Mt. Blanc, a few thousand feet, for a better view. About midway up, I saw a stranger whom I took to be an American, whose face and mien greatly pleased me. He was gazing intently on the scene before us, and seemed to be entirely absorbed in the contemplation. I saw his thoughts were in the same channel with my own, and I ventured'to address him. " Can an Atheist," said he, " look upon such scenes as these and be an Atheist still ? Can he look upon these mountains and not see the hand of God, who piled them thus ? " So the interesting stranger went on, directing our thoughts through Nature up to Nature's God. Right before us was the great white dome of Mt. Blanc, rising from his silent Sea of Pines. And " Mt. Blanc is the Monarch of Mountains, They crowned him long ago On a throne of rocks, in a robe of clouds, With a diadem of snow." And our thoughts ascended from the snow-crowned mountain to the great white throne which it suggests and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heavens fled away. And those thousand spires of granite, glittering in the sun-light, around the mighty dome of Mt. Blanc — piercing far, far, into the deep blue of the sky, carried our thoughts at once to the glittering spires of that Celestial City, whose walls are jasper and whose streets are gold. And the grand glacier, with its sheen of light, right in front of us, reminded us of that other "Sea of glass mingled with fire." And a3 we looked, and listened to the voices of Nature, and worshipped ; as Nature's music came to our ear from pine-grove and cataract, " like some sweet beguiling melody," we could almost fancy them standing on this sea of glass too, " having the harps of God and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb," saying, " Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord, God Almighty." And the crystal river (the Arveiron,) that flows out from the foot of the sea of ice — the great glacier that lies in the lap of the Monarch, reminded us of the pure river of Water of Life that proceeds from the throne of God and tho Lamb, and we felt that " Earth with her thousand voices praises God." With such glorious views before us, with such high thoughts and holy contemplations we descended, the stranger and I, from the mountain Bad felt that life swells into grandeur 25 when diguified by recollections pf such scenes. And ere we readied the little village that nestles at the foot of Mt. Blanc, I felt that I had found in that far off land a Christian friend and Christian brother. That friend was he whom we honor to night. That brother was the beloved Pastor of this Church. I hold in my hand a very little bouquet of Alpine flowers — flowers plucked, by my own hand, from the side of Mt. Blanc, and I beg, Sir, your acceptance of this little offering as a memorial of our first meeting on the top of the Alps, and as a very slight token of my high esteem for you as a Christian gentleman and a Christian minister, an esteem which 1 assure you continues to increase with every passing year, And may I not hope that this little bunch of flowers will be a pledge that our friendship, begun in a far-off land and now cemented by Christian love, will extend into that other far-off land from which no traveler returns. Dr. Comingo said, in reply, "that he had a very vivid recollec- tion of the day, and, scene so eloquently described by his friend the Professor. He greatly appreciated the kind spirit which dic- tated the words just spoken. He would keep these flowers as a precious memento of a very pleasant incident in his life. He thanked very heartily all the friends who had so often shown him kindness. God would reward them. He felt that "he had borne the heat and burthen of the day," 'that the shadows were lengthening and the quiet evening teas coming, but he could look forward with hope, nay with joy, to the hour, when he should be re-united to some who had gone before, and should be ready to welcome those who came after." After the singing of a grand anthem, in fine style, by the Choirs of the two Churches ; the assembly was dismissed with the Ben- ediction by Dr. Morse, of the Protestant Episcopal Church. But this was not the conclusion of the affair. The whole assembly adjourned to a large hall in the city, to partake of a magnificent supper, which had been prepared by the ladies of the First Church. Probably eight hundred people partook of the supper. It was really a joyous and happy occasion. The Pastor's heart was re- freshed by so many cheering evidences of affection : he felt strengthened for his future work, and the hearts of his people were knit to him in closer bonds than ever. Long will it be re- membered with pleasure, by all those who participated in it, D It is with the greatest hesitation, and reluctance, that these last sermons, of Mr. Comingo's last earthly Sabbath are permitted, in their fragmentary, and, imperfect state, to see the light ; and they are only yielded to the affectionate urgency of a sorrowing people, and in the remembrance that he ever held his own reputation, subordinate, to th» good of men, and the glory of God. Mr. Comingo rarely wrote out his discourses with completeness, and always with abbreviations which others understand with difficulty, the following ones, from the fatal but unsuspected disease of the chest, which made writing irksome, and the premonitions of his own heart which led him to depend on the inspiration of the moment, are marked examples of this. The greatest care has been taken to pre- serve his own expressions, even when ambiguous, or mutilated, rather than desecrate them by the shaping of another pen. The whole speak plainly, that the hand, that wrote but did not correct, is in the dust. TWO SERMONS: BEING THE LAST DELIVERED BY THE EEV. DR. HENEY G. COMINGO, Sabbath Morning and Evening, November 24th, 1861. "Peace be unto you." — John 20 ■': 19. This was a common form of oriental salutation, at meeting, or, parting ; and like our own terms "good-bye," "farewell," its pro- fessed import, was good-will, kindly interest in, and prayer for, the welfare of the person addressed. Often, however, these are the merest, idlest, emptiest forms, that fall from the lips only, without a response in the heart. But they are not always a thoughtless utterance. That Mother who says " farewell," as she presses to her heart for the last time, the son who is hastening to the vessel, that will put a hemisphere between them, means it all. And here that beautiful salutation, "Peace be unto you," from Him "who spake as never man spake" expresses more than Mother's heart with all its overflowing tenderness can feel, more than the human understanding can comprehend. 27 What a day was that first day of the week which dawned so many centuries ago upon the ancient city of Jerusalem ! What a day of days to be remembered while the world stands, as the day spring of joy, and salvation for ruined man. The early dawn of that day presents to our view the Lord of Glory, bursting the bars of death, conquering our last enemy, leaving the grave triumph- antly, and becoming "the first fruits" of them that slept, saying, "I will ransom them from the power of the grave ; I will redeem them from death ; death, I will be they plagues, grave, I will be thy destruction." The sorrowing women "came very early in the morning" "when it was yet dark" to the sepulchre to perform the last offices for the lifeless form of Him they loved, and were followed by Peter and John, they found the tomb untenanted by Him they sought, and wondering and perplexed at the angelic vision, "had gone away again unto their own home," Mary remaining at the sepulchre weeping, then Jesus made Himself known to her, and honored her with a message to His disciples. That same day saw Him walking with two of the disciples to Emmaus rebuking them as " slow of heart to believe all that the Prophets had spoken," uttering that emphatic interrogatory, never to be forgotten by one sinner saved by grace, " Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" and then expounding and illustrating the teachings of Moses and all the Prophets, and showing their direct application to Himself. That evening He came to the city whence He had gone out in the morning, and sought the secluded chamber where the disciples were met with doors closed to keep the hostile, and persecuting Jews from malignantly intruding to overhear their conversation, or, disturb their worship. It is difficult to conceive the thrilling emotions of that company of sorrowing disciples when they beheld their Lord standing in their midst, prefacing His words of grace and mercy, with the salutation "Peace be unto you." This was a -mighty, heart-quickening thought, all the past, its sins, its perversions was forgiven, forgotten ; He came not as a wrathful Judge to reckon with them for their unbelief, and unfaithfulness ; He came not to reproach them with their blameable conduct ; He brought with Him from the sepulchre something very different from upbraidings : He came with peace in His heart, and, upon His lips, He said "Peace be unto you." 28 Let us consider First, The significance of that "peace" here declared to the trembling, anxious disciples. Secondly, The extent of the benefits then assured to them. Thirdly, The future blessedness it would bring to their ex- perience. So far from uttering an unmeaning form of words, the Savior employed one weighty as eternity, and designed to convey, when falling from His divine lips, more than tongue can adequately express. A learned expositor says the word ffirene, peace, in a civil sense, is the opposite of war, and dissension. Then in a tropical sense it means peace of mind, tranquility arising from reconciliation with God and a sense of the divine favor. " Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." " Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost." " The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts, and minds through Christ Jesus." The evangelical Prophet sets before us the same great Gospel thought. "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him." This is the great foundation stone of man's security and happiness. The procurement of this peace was the grand object of Christ's mission, and mediation. The accomplishment of this peace was first secured as He rose from the sepulchre, for He "was delivered for our offences, and raised again, for our justification." Hence that which was upon His heart in all the course of His humiliation, in all His sufferings, and abasement, in all His teachings, and sacrifices, in all His prayers, and, agonies, and only finished when He gave up the ghost, and, was under the power of death for a time, and rose the victor over the grave and over death, He hastened to cry to His beloved followers, "Peace be unto you." It links itself with happiness and bliss as their procuring cause. Hence we read of "the way of peace," that is, of happiness, and of the "sons of peace," or bliss or happiness. Further the Saviour also included in this benediction, the earnest good wishes, and, kindness of his heart Tims wo Bee that such a word upon the Savior's lips comes to the cars of mortals, with un importance, and, significance that language can scarcely express. He points to what He has purchased for His people, to what He would cause to be proclaimed and pub- lished abroad by His ambassadors, "Peace on earth, good will toward men." Here words are things, things of the greatest magnitude, of the highest intrinsic value to all men. His word created the uni- verse, and at his bidding, in the twinkling of an eye, ten thousand worlds would spring forth again in order, and beauty. But such words would not procure for poor, helpless, sinful man, one-half such gifts and blessings as we find in his address to the secluded worshippers in the holy city. ..... Secondly, Here we glance at the extent of the benefits then assured to them by the words of our Lord. "Peace," says Baxter, " containeth infinite blessings, it strengthened faith, it kindleth charity." ....... These words now spoken were not simply designed to allay the sudden perturbation, and, alarm that might have been awakened by His unexpected presence in their midst. The Saviour had said much to them ahout Peace before His death; "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." " These things have I spoken unto you that ye might have peace." Nay long before His advent He was proclaimed, " The Prince of Peace." Though they had been conscious of once standing in open hos- tility to God, had defied His anger, and wilfully trampled His law under foot; yet now coming up from the tomb His work finished, His Father's seal of approbation upon him, His "everlasting right- eousness, " now "brought in, "as assured to every believer; as these now believed, hoped, trusted, worshipped, He proclaimed as theirs peace, reconciliation between God and their own souls, and ac- ceptance as righteous in His sight, for the sake of the divine mer- it now made .theirs in an everlasting covenant. This was a boon that could never else have been attained and realized. There was but one ransom price that could avail; that was now offered and accepted, and therefore they might receive the assurance of peace with God through our Lord Jesus^Christ. " "Jehovah Tsidkenu ! my treasure and boast, Jehovah Tsidkenu ! I ne'er can be lost: In Thee I shall conquer by flood and by field, My cable, my anchor, my breast-plate, my shield." 30 Besides this they then had peace of conscience, the direct out- growth from the state of pardon, and acceptance secured by the merits of Christ. Great imperfections, short-comings, and sins would constantly recur to the jealous observation, of the anxious heart, but the blood of Christ would allay the accusations of conscience and re- lieve from all apprehension of falling under God's wrath, or of coming into condemnation. "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that con- demneth ? It is Christ that died." How blessed is this condition compared with that of the soul in which conscience is ever pointing to fearful retribution that shall wring the soul with sorrow, and writing accusations that could not fail to bring to our minds the treasures of wrath laid up in store for us. ...... They then also had the assurance of the Saviour's gracious wishes, and, all sufficient offices, so that nothing should harm them, or, make them afraid. Our catechism defines the benefits we receive in this life — "as- surance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end." "Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience." Guilt being purged from ua in the sight of the Lord we stand in His favor. . ... "Come with boldness to the throne of grace," cheerfully acquiesce in the dispensations of God. ..... "Joy in the Holy Ghost." ..... . "Increase of grace" and the principle of perse- verance therein to eternal life. Thirdly, The future blessedness this peace shall realize to their experience. As they are by the righteousness of Christ reinstated in the eye of the law, and judgment of God so shall they reach the meet- ness and qualifications requisite to enable them to enjoy Heaven. The appointment of sorrows and reverses good. all efficacious "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory, that shall b« revealed in us. " . . . . . . 3r " rejoice in hope of the glory of God. " "we glory in tribulations." The resources whence their joys flow .... the exhaustless well-springs in Christ. We must survey His merits, we must see the treasures of His wisdom, we must follow the exertions of His power, and the outpouring upon us, of His heart of hearts, in that" love which passeth knowledge." It must be commensurate with the capacity of the soul to receive of God, and, of God to give, and with eternity in duration. These words were better than the offers of gold and silver, houses and lands, honor and authority, crowns and sceptres. In- deed no greater gifts were in His hands, than these He declared to the eleven. As Christ was there so He delights to be in every company of worshippers. "Where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I, in the midst of them." He is there not as a mere spectator but to dis- pense consolations and blessings. How sad the fact that many are so slow to believe this, and wound our Lord by cold neglect. Peace Let me exhort you to maintain this among yourselves. "Behold, how good, and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity !" But I proclaim this peace to you . . every one ; if you only really, and truly believe, see what is yours. From this time forth let us ever hear these words of Christ as we kneel in our closets . . . at the family altar, where the few meet, to call unitedly upon His name, or, as we pour the public prayer in the sanctuary. When we enter His church He will teach us the immeasurable blessings He conveyed in these words of peace. . . . He will whisper them in our ear, as the last of earth fades from the glazing eye ; and salute us with them as we enter the habitations of His glory. " Occupy till I come." — Luke 19: 18. The occurrences which drew from our Saviour the wonderful parable in which our text is found, took place in the city of Jeri- cho, as Jesus passed through on His way to Jerusalem. The many marvellous works He had done had excited the curiosity of a citizen of that place, a man of fortune and position, a collector of customs. Being little of stature, the crowd that surrounded our Lord seemed likely to prevent his seeing Him, but forgetful of his dignity, and impelled by a divinely implanted desire, he climbed up into a sycamore tree that over-shadowed the wayside. Thompson in his admirable volume "The Land, and the Book," concludes this was not the mulberry, as some have supposed, but the Kliarub or Syrian Sycamore, a tree usually planted along thor- oughfares in oriental countries, and admirably adapted to the pur- pose for which Zaccheus selected it, having a rough, shaggy trunk, and giant arms. Our Lord was not unobservant of the workings of his heart, and graciously responded to his deeply felt, but unuttered desire by saying to him, "Zaccheus make haste, and come down for to-day I must abide at thy house. " The processes within his heart are not developed, but we find as the blind saw, the deaf heard, the dumb spoke at the Saviour's bidding, so the selfish worldly spirit of this man soon became conscious of a great change, as was evinced by the quick and ready benevolence expressed, and the earnest avowal of resolutions for the future. The Saviour then de- clares in the presence Of others that He had thus signally blessed Zaccheus "forasmuch as he was a son of Abraham," and further intimates that the great object of His wonderful mission to the earth was to seek and to save the lost. The gross views of the Jewish people blinded them so that they saw nothing higher in the sublime spiritual lesson the Lord had just spoken than the as- sumption of a temporal kingdom, and their deliverance from the Roman yoke. Indeed as they drew near to Jerusalem, they were bo carried away by this delusion as to look for his immediate en- thronement. In His inimitable wisdom the Saviour designed to 33 correct their erroneous views, by the brief and instructive parable which He proceeded to narrate. A nobleman went to receive the investiture of a kingdom, falling to him in a distant country. Of this they had familiar examples. Most of the Kings of the East at this time were vassals to Rome, and the heir, seldom ven- tured to ascend the vacant throne without her sanction and some- times a journey to the Capital was requisite to ensure their suc- cession. Herod, and, Archelaus reigned by favor of the Romans. — To ten servants the nobleman delivered ten pounds (equivalent to the talents of the parallel parable in Matthew,) with which each was to do business till his return, enjoining their duty and obli- gations, in the words of our text, " Occupy till I come. " I know few words says an eminently pious writer more searching and impressive than these four. They are spoken to all who profess and call themselves christians. They address the conscience of all who have not renounced their profession and turned their backs on Christianity. They ought to stir up the hearers of the Gospel to "examine themselves whether they are in the faith, and to prove themselves. " After such a process of self-inspection, a large company here, but recently met at the Lord's table, not we trust with any such misguided apprehensions as bewildered the minds of the secular, sensuous Jews but we have reason to hope you ordered your purposes and plans of life for the glory of the Master who so lately placed in your hands, fresh tokens of His love and pledges of His return. It will not be unprofitable we trust to dwell upon these four significant, and, impressive words so earnestly spoken by the Lord Jesus. They are as really and truly addressed to us, "on whom the ends of the world are come " as to those who gathered round Him in the home of the publican. It is an impressive thought indeed that Jesus speaks to us. His very words are ringing in *our ears. It is true we hear not the sweet tones of voice, which conveyed his blessed lessons of truth and consolation to all hearts so that they wondered at the words of truth and grace which He spake. But when we have a lesson so brie£ and practical from the un- derstanding, that is infinite, from wisdom, that is unsearchable, from a friend that loved us while we were his enemies, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all evil, and make us kings and priests unto God, when He has gone to prepare a E 34 place for us, and declared that He will return again, and receive us unto Himself that we may be with Him, and behold His glory; surely it is but reasonable that we should most deeply, earnestly and, reverently give our thoughts, and careful and practical atten- tion to every syllable that falls from His lips ! But in the next place we inquire into the significant import of these words. The servants of the nobleman were to do business, and, increas-e wealth, the christian is to do good and promote the glory of the Master. Behold what He has entrusted to each one of His chil- dren. . . ..... The germ of the new life is planted by His own hand in your heart. One grand stage of the development, pertains to the part of our pilgrimage anterior to the grave. What a work is to be wrought in the riddance of all those evil growths, that spring like noxious weeds, to retard the better, and more valuable plants in the garden of your soul. Selfishness is adverse to the heaven-born benevolence of the new nature, it must be eradicated ; sloth is opposed, to pains-taking labor and, dilligence in all the appointed duties of the christian walk ; sen- suality to faith, sinful pleasure, to the spirit of devotion, self-right- eousneBs, to the habitual trust in Christ . . the flesh to the spirit, corruption to grace. the course of duty when we be- come new creatures. What has He given into our hands to be accounted for, and use- fully employed till the day of release. Consider, — your bodily health and strength, mental gifts and capacities, money, and earthly possessions, rank, and position in life, example, and influence with others. Liberty to read the Bi- ble, and hear the gospel, plentiful supply of the means of grace. All these are your pounds, all these are to be used and employ- ed with continual reference to Christ's glory. Of Him come both riches and honor, His is the silver and His the gold, His is your body, and His your spirit, He appoints your habitation, and He gives you life and health, "ye are not your own — ye are bought with a price." Has God imparted to you new life th e Holy Ghost . opened to you precious prom- ises. . . the throne of grace given you daily access, to christains and the impenitent 35 assurod us not a cup of cold water unrewarded 1 To what specific ends are wo to direct our efforts in following the spirit of this injunction? This is the best and most successful method of turning them to our own spiritual advantage. Job's captivity was turned when he prayed for his friends. The deepest gloom and despondence of the christain's heart have often broken away when he became interested for others, and his own troubles havo been wholly for- gotten. The effort and desire to benefit others, and especially labor and care for their salvation and spirituality marvellously bear the souls of believers onward in assimilation to Christ. We look at Captain Vicars maintaining a near- ness to his Saviour, amid the bustle of camp life, — amid the intens- est war excitement, it is because he was not ashamed to bear Christ to others, wherever ho mingled with his fellow soldiers, officers, or privates. But the glorious results to be expected from these agencies af- ford a mighty incentive. . . Dr. Abed conceive the labors of the Sabbath School teacher those little seeds of truth placed in the soil of youthful hearts The Bible class . . the instance of 3Ess Ching. The word spoken to cold languishing believers, — an instance in my recollection. Many years ago there was in this church a christian of whom it might be said he was " faithful in a little " he loved the courts of the Lord's house, and ever filled his seat in the prayer-meeting assisting in his humble way in its devotions. On his way to the latter he passed the house of a brother in the church, a man of richer gifts and longer christian experience, but alas! one who had never tasted the sweet fulfilment, of that prom- ise " where two, or, three are gathered in my name there am I in the midst of them." Meekly, but perseveringly the humble man plied the older christian with entreaties, and expostulations, rather than argument, until at last he yielded, accompanied him to the prayer-meeting and became a joyful, and most edifying participant in its services, and though then far advanced in life lived to plead with God for this church, and prevail, when even the wise virgins around were sleeping. In primitive times the gospel was thus diffused by all classes even down to slaves. In our own land, and day we have a beau- tiful illustration of what even this humble class may do for that 36 gospel which makes tliem freemen in Christ. " Old Moses " was a slave on the eastern shore of Maryland; converted by the grace of God he prayed that his master might partake of the same bless- inge. These praydrs, overheard at his master's dwelling gave offence, and he was sold, but he who proclaimed himself the hear- er of prayer, brought their subject to the feet of Jesus. This is the only time for this work. In it you may engage for a brief day, and then never have access to do aught again for eternity ........ Christ promises to be with you and . . . His grace sufficient for you. He will give His holy spirit too to them that ask Him. Thus an open door is set before you to occupy : as Christ did in His day as many of the cloud of witnesses who are now in glory. But the great thought is that Christ comes, " till he come. " This we understand in the general import, to indicate to his people and church, the great requirement at their hands, till he shall gather His elect from the four winds. But to the individual it points out that nearing period within perhaps a single step, when this vapor-like life shall vanish, and we shall be seen in our familiar walks no more, "in such an hour as ye think not the son of man cometh." Then although we had labored unseen, and endured pain and insult and often mourned our ill success, we shall find that in every step of our faithful occupancy we were sustained by His presence, care, and sympathy. It shall then be seen that not any of our efforts were forgotten, or overlooked, — that at an unexpected moment, a word dropped, fixed itself in the memory, — took root in the heart, and sprang forth, under the energy of the new life. Oh ! what answers to prayer, what happy and vast results from the exertions of those who sought to obey this injunction, five — ten — an hundred-fold results, and life everlasting. The reward when He comes, — the rest, — the joy, the future occupancy when He bids us "come up higher," — "eye hathnot seen." But the Lord cometh; say, ye, who bear the name of Christ what is your present attitude ? are you hiding your Lord's money making no exertion, do you not think of the work to be done ? do you exonerate yourselves on some flimsy pretext ? are you hurrying to meet Him with nothing to show but a few outward formal acts, on the unerring records of your 37 coming Lord ? . . . . . Your heart barren of interest for others, your hands utterly idle that you never labored, or prayed for the ungodly, that your talents were neglected, or wasted on your own selfish aims and purposes. What must we say when we meet our Lord to account for that He has granted, and we shall find nothing of all he intrusted, of the ample means, temporal and eternal, material and spiritual, all were abused, neglected despite these solemn words. If you have not made the experiment believer, consider that your course locks up from your enjoyment the treasure house of christian experience. Oh, what a blessed vision do I behold, this church awaking to the import, and obligation of these words ! How many mentally confessing past delinquency, resolving to obey their Lord . . . How many saying, "Lord what will Thou have me to do ?" Three hundred prayers in secret addressed to the hearer of prayer for the welfare of the whole, and the conversion of sinners. Three hundred words, — sentences, spoken, or efforts daily made for the impenitent. Three hundred bright and impressive exam- ples of Christ-like walk and devotion. These, in the mass . in the house of prayer and sanctuary all making out an account in the record of the an- gel, well-pleasing to the Master. And as one and another is call- ed, the Saviour's salutation meets each on the confines of the ce- lestial city "well done good and faithful servant." Then . . . the final gathering of all, while growing numbers shall remain "to occupy," and thus from this spot till the end of time, a stream of faithful occupiers ascend to glory ...... and at last the reward, and bliss complete before the throne of God and the Lamb. FUNERAL OF REV. H. G. COMINGO, D. D. The following account is taken from the Presbyterian Banner, and was written by the Rev. James Allison: At 9 o'clock on Wednesday morning, after a ride on the railroad of two hours, we found ourself at the station in Steubenville. This place we had frequently visited, and every time before this there was a kind voice to welcome us and a warm hand to grasp us. But to-day that voice is silent, that hand is cold. And we, along with multitudes of others, have come to attend the funeral ceremonies of the Rev. Henry G. Comingo, D. D., who had died on the previous Sabbath morning, in the 53d year of his age. The whole city seemed to feel that it had met with a great loss. The children in the streets played less merrily. The countenances of men and women were more than usually serious, and they talked in subdued tones. While business seemed almost entirely suspended. At the hour of 1U o'clock, the body of our deceased brother was carried into the church by the Elders, followed by the widow, her two orphan boys, and her relatives. After these came the clergymen of the city and others from a distance. The church had been already filled by the congregation and inhabitants, so far as they were able to obtain admittance. As the body — enclosed iu a beautiful burial casket, and arrayed in the suit of clothes presented him a few days previous to his last illness — was slowly carried up the aisle, an involuntary sob escaped hundreds of lips. So audible was the weeping that no heart was untouched. The house was completely draped in black, the daylight excluded and lamps lighted. The solemn services were introduced by singing the 633d Hymn — "Vital 6park of heavenly flame." The Rev. J. B. Patterson, pastor of the Second Presbyterian church, then read appro- priate selections of Scripture, taken principally from the 15th chapter of 1. Corinthians. After this, prayer was offered by the Rev. James I. Brownson, D. D., of Washington, Pa. Then the Rev. C. C. Beattt, D. D., who conducted the exercises, said, that owing to the fact that he had been the predecessor of Dr. Comingo in the pastorate of that church, and his long intimacy with his deceased brother, it would naturally be expected that he should 6ay something, on this occasion, of his worth and of his hopes. But neither the state of his health nor his emotions would allow this at present, and he would give place to others. On a future occasion he would discharge this duty, at a time of which due notice would be given. He then introduced the venerable Rev. Henry Weed, D. D., of Wheeling, a member of the first class that graduated at Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Weed 6aid : What is the voice of a poor and infirm old man, amid this drapery, these mournful faces, these weeping eyes, and thes^ throbbing hearts ? An inaudible voice was speaking to them to-day; it was the voice of God. Gladly would the speaker be silent, but in con- sideration of the dying request of his brother, who so deliberately contemplated death, he could not refuse to speak. He had lost a friend, all there had lost a friend. And that loss was great. Every one's thoughts at once recurred to his labors, his services, and his death. To us the loss was sudden, but the change was not so to him who had just left us. Before mortal symptoms had presented themselves he had felt and said that his work was finished. It was not im- possible to believe that God by his holy Spirit could impress his servant with the convic- tion that his work was done. It was consoling in this case to know that the Lord had not suddenly broken the ties that had bound him to earth. Thus he could quietly meet the approaching change, saying ''My work is done," when the hand of disease was con- firming his previous anticipations. How like Paul ! and there was much of the Paclinb in his character. How like Christ I He desired to meet those of his charge who had gone before to the general assembly and Church of the first born. He could leave the people he loved, because he loved his Lord more. Estimable as he was as a man, it was of grace, and not of man, that he was enabled to die thus — so peacefully and so hopefully — most of 30 those present had often heard him commend Christ. God made him to realize in his owii experience that grace of which he had testified. His death is a warning to Christians to be ready. Especially is it a warning to the un- converted. For, successful as his ministry had been, all of them had not accepted the Gospel. He had besought them with an affectionate solicitude and a holy earnestness never to be forgotten. Even amid the pains of death he had sent messages to his people. In your retirement forget not these. The Rev. A. M. Reid, of the Female Seminary, then said : * I should not speak in this presence, to-day, christian friends, but that I have a message entrusted to me, for his congregation, from our dear brother who is gone. When I was with him about noon of last Saturday, the day before he left us, he spoke freely of his death and his bright prospect beyond. After giving me messages of kindness and love for different members of our family, even to the youngest of the household, and for the young ladies of the Seminary in whom he always felt a deep interest, and of whom he often spoke as "the strangers in our midst," he said: "And my dear congregation, tell them- how much I love them. My dear, dear people, I did not know how much I loved them. They have been very kind to me ever since I have been with them, bearing with my im- perfections and short-comings. Ask them to forgive me if I have wronged any one of them in any wise. And 1 do freely forgive any who may have wronged me. And tell my dear congregation from their dying pastor's bed to give their hearts to Jesus. Oh, why will they reject my Saviour ?" My impenitent friends, you, who have long listened to that voice now silent can best answer that question: "Oh, why will they reject my Saviour ?" Oh, my dying friends, let the stillness and silence of this solemn scene impress this last sad question of your dying pastor upon your hearts. You would not listen to his voice from that pulpit, will you not listen to his voice from this coffin '? Oh, if his spirit could come here from heaven to-day and re-animate those cold lips, with what passionate earnestness would he beseech and urge you to give your hearts to Jesus. Rejectors of Jesus, if you would see your pastor again in yon bright world, listen to his last words, give your hearts to Jesus. If you would die like him triumphing over death, give your hearts to Jesus. I have seen him in many a joyous and happy hour, the most joyous of the joyful the happiest of the happy. God only knows the many pleasant hours we have spent together — for he enjoyed the higher and purer pleasures of social and religious life as much as any one. But I have never seen him so happy, in such a rapture of exalted happiness, as when, in the near prospect of death on last Saturday, he said, "I shall awake in His likeness. Oh, precious thought, to be like Jesus." Then clasping his hands, with light from heaven upon his face, he said: "0 glorious horn- ! O blest abode ! I shall be near and like my God." He had not the shadow of a doubt as to the future. "To-morrow" said he, "is the first Sabbath of December and I shall spend it in heaven." He was anxious to depart and be with Christ which is far better. "Are you willing to die?" I said to him the night of his death. "0 yes," he replied, "I am afraid 1 am impatient to be gone." The language of- his heart in his last moments is well expressed in a hymn which was very dear to him. "Let me go, the day is breaking, Dear companions let me go." And when the day was breaking his spirit took its upward flight and he did spend the first Sabbath of December in heaven as he had predicted. "Meet me in heaven," said he. — • God grant that we all may meet him in heaven. The Rev. Mr. Andrews, of the United Presbyterian Church, remarked : That he felt constrained to say a word to magnify the grace of God, to cheer and ani- mate. Five years ago he had come to this place, was most cordially received by brother Comingo. And from that hour to this he had found him the friend in whom he could confide and the brother he could love. On last Saturday evening he had gone to his room, and as he entered, the dying pastor exclaimed, "Almost home, come along brother, and bring your people with you." Two weeks ago, in this place the people, like Mart of old, had brought the alabaster-box and broken it. The perfume was grateful. And though an envious spirit might have said, why all this waste — why was not this sold and given to the poor ? He could have replied, pointing to the clothes they had given him, "they have done this against my burial." He had often seen brother Cominuo happy, but *MI R. furnished' his remarks inserted, instead of the abstract in the Banner. 40 never in so much ecstacy of enjoyment as or. last Saturday evening, when the Bilver cord was being loosed, and the golden bowl broken. He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Ahbott, of the Methodist Protestant church, who bore testimony to the generosity, worth, and christian character of the deceased. The Eev. Dr. Jacobus, of the Western Theological Seminary, said : At the risk of disturbing the impression now made, he must refer to another feature of the character of his dear departed brother. He had met him twenty-six years ago, in the Seminary at Princeton. He was a senior, I a junior. Then he was the same genial friend and devoted Christian as ever since. He was a man of public spirit in all great and good enterprises. He would be missed in the General Assembly and in the Synod; and especially would the members of Synod remember his holy earnestness at the last meet- ing. He would be missed in the Presbytery, at "Washington College, and in the Western Theological Seminary. Is it possible that brother Comingo lies there ? What a beautiful winding up of a quarter of a century. You met to receive his salutation, and give him those garments, not to preach in, as you fondly hoped, but to lie in death. How instruc- tive the course of such a father, husband, and friend ! How do our eyes follow this chariot, this horseman as he steps out of these vestments into heaven ! Well do we remember when the last Convention met in Pittsburgh for prayer, with what a prayer he opened that solemn convocation; how he poured out his great soul. How appropriate his last texts ! In the morning, "Peace be with you;" and in the afternoon, "Occupy till I come." And on Monday, when he felt the first attack of disease he had said, "How becoming if the Master should now take me home !" There was not a blight on his character — not a stain on his memory. He could say with the Apostle, "I know that my Redeemer liveth,"