MEMORIAL 
 
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 OF THE 
 
 REV. JACOB BRODHEAD..B.1). 
 

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Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2011 with funding from 
 
 Princeton Theological Seminary Library 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/memorialofrevjacOObeth 
 

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 % Memorial 
 
 REV. JACOB BRODHEAD, D.D. 
 
SERVICES AT THE FUNERAL 
 
 OP THE 
 
 REV. JACOB BRODHEAD. D.D.. 
 
 IN THE 
 
 prili S»frl tyfltik in % €itv at gfjeto-gnrk, 
 
 ON FRIDAY, THE 8TH OF JUNE, 1855: 
 
 WITH 
 
 RESOLUTIONS OF THE GENERAL SYNOD 
 
 OF THE 
 
 REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH. 
 
 AND OF 
 
 VARIOUS CONSISTORIES, ETC. ; 
 
 AND 
 
 A DISCOURSE 
 
 ON THE OCCASION OP HIS DECEASE, 
 
 DELIVERED IN THE NORTH DUTCH CHURCH ON SUNDAY EVENING, 1ST JULY, 185.3, 
 
 BY THE 
 
 REV. GEORGE W. BETHUNE, D.D. 
 
 N E W- YO R K: 
 
 PRINTED BY JOHN A. GRAY, 95 & 97 CLIFF ST., COR. FRANKFORT. 
 
 1855. 
 
PROCEEDINGS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 (tara! £po& frf % 'gtfaxmtli frotcstant gutcir Clvurch 
 
 IK 
 
 N O R T H • A M E R I C A\ 
 
 IN RELATION TO THE DECEASE OF 
 
 THE REVEREND DOCTOR BRODHEAD. 
 
 The General Synod of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church con- 
 vened, pursuant to adjournment, on Wednesday, June 6th, in the 
 Second Reformed Dutch Church of the city of New-Brunswick, at 10 
 o'clock A. M. 
 
 Previous to entering upon the religious exercises, the President 
 announced that he had just received a telegraphic dispatch containing 
 the melancholy intelligence of the decease of the Rev. Jacob Brod- 
 iiead, D.D., a venerated father in the Church. Suitable and affecting 
 allusions were made to this sad event, in both the addresses delivered 
 at the religious exercises, and at the close the following resolution was 
 presented by Rev. Dr. Bethune, and unanimously adopted : 
 
 " Whereas the tidings have reached us that it has pleased God to 
 remove from among us the spirit of our beloved friend and father, the 
 Rev. Dr. Brodhead ; 
 
 "Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to prepare a minute ex- 
 pressive of the sense of the Synod with regard to this solemn dispen- 
 sation of Providence, and of the deep and affectionate respect they 
 entertain for his memory." 
 
 The following Committee was appointed : Rev. George W. Be- 
 thune, D.D., Rev. Cornelius Van Cleef, and the Elder, Abraham 
 Van Nest. 
 
S PROCEEDINGS. 
 
 The Committee appointed to prepare a minute of the sentiments of 
 this Synod, in reference to the decease of the Rev. Dr. Brodhead, 
 reported, and their report was accepted, adopted, and is as follows : 
 
 " The Synod have heard with profound emotion that our beloved 
 and venerated father, the Rev. Jacob Brodhead, D.D., has ceased 
 from his labors and entered into rest. Therefore, 
 
 "Resolved, That we humbly recognize the hand of a faithful God in 
 this solemn dispensation, and bow submissively to the will of Him 
 who gave and hath taken away. 
 
 ".Resolved, That we declare our devout thankfulness for the blessing 
 vouchsafed to the Church in the devoted and most fruitful ministry of 
 His eminent servant, who, during so long a period, has filled a fore- 
 most place in the duties of the sacred office, and has now been taken 
 up as a shock of corn fully ripe. 
 
 "Resolved, That we record our testimony to the many Christian vir- 
 tues, which, by the grace of the Spirit,, adorned his private as well as 
 public life, and now embalm his precious memory. 
 
 "Resolved, That we offer our prayers through the Head of the 
 Church for strength to follow his godly example, and that our present 
 bereavement may be sanctified to our eternal profit. 
 
 "Resolved, That a deputation of six ministers and six elders be ap- 
 pointed to attend his funeral in New- York, and that they procure the 
 reading of these resolutions in the course of the exercises on that occa- 
 sion. 
 
 "Resolved, That a copy of this minute, attested by the officers of the 
 Synod, be sent to the family of our departed friend, with the assurance 
 of our respectful and tender sympathies in their great sorrow. 
 
 "All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 " George W. Bethune." 
 
 The President announced the following Committee to attend the 
 funeral of the Rev. Dr. Brodhead, which was approved : 
 
 Rev. Messrs. George W. Bethune, D.D., Elders Abraham Van Nest, 
 George H. Fisher, D.D., Rowsee Peyton, 
 
 Abraham Polhemus, Jacob B;rinckerhoff, 
 
 Lawrence H. Van Dyck, George P. Frost, 
 
 Edward P. Stimpson, John Reed, 
 
 William Vf. Halloway. John P. Ldyster. 
 
$ unctal Sctlnas in tk $tarti gutclr CIntrtlr. 
 
 On Friday afternoon, the 8th of June, 1855, the North Dutch 
 Church, corner of Fulton and William streets, New- York, was crowded 
 with a congregation, many of whom were clergymen of the city and 
 vicinity, who had come to pay the last tribute of respect to their de- 
 ceased brother and friend, the Eeverend Jacob Brodhead, D.D. 
 
 At halt-past four o'clock, the body was carried from the Consistory 
 room in the rear of the church, attended by pall-bearers, and placed 
 before the pulpit. 
 
 The seats in front, reserved for the relatives of the deceased, were 
 taken by his son, John Romeyn Brodhead, Esq., Naval Officer of the 
 Port ; Mr. and Mrs. George M. Atwater, of Springfield, Mass., his 
 daughter and son-in-law ; Mr. Nicholas Bleecker, of Albany ; Mrs. 
 John Van Schaick; Mr. and Mrs. David W. Wetmore; Mr. and Mrs. 
 Harvey Spencer ; and other step-children and family connections. 
 
 A deputation from the General Synod of the Reformed Protestant 
 Dutch Church, assembled at New-Brunswick, N. J., consisting of the 
 
 Rev. George Vf. Bethune, D.D., and the Elder Abraham Van Nest, 
 George H. Fisher, D.D., 
 Abraham Polhemus, 
 Lawrence H. Van Dyck, 
 Edward P. Stimpson, 
 William "W. Halloway, 
 
 took seats on each side of the pulpit. 
 
 Rowsee Peyton, 
 Jacob Brinckerhoff, 
 George P. Frost, 
 John Reed, 
 John P. Ldyster, 
 
 The Rev. John Knox, D.D., Rev. Thomas De Witt, D.D., Rev. 
 Thomas E. Vermilye, D.D., the Ministers of the Collegiate Church, 
 and the Reverend Nathan Bangs, D.D., of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, occupied the pulpit. 
 
 The Consistory of the Collegiate Church were seated near the. 
 
10 FUNERAL SERVICES IN THE 
 
 chancel ; and the pews in the middle aisle were filled chiefly by the 
 clergy of New- York and its neighborhood. 
 
 The pulpit and communion-table were hung with massive black 
 cloth drapery ; and the whole scene, with so many venerable fathers 
 of the Church assembled, was solemn and imposing. 
 
 After a requiem had been performed by the choir, the Rev. Dr. Ver- 
 milye began the services by reading the 727th Hymn, commencing : 
 
 " Hear what the voice from heaven proclaims 
 For all the pious dead ; 
 Sweet is the savour of their names, 
 And soft their sleeping bed," 
 
 which was sung by the whole congregation. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Vermilye then read the 90th Psalm, and the 15th 
 chapter of 1 Corinthians, from the 20th verse, beginning, " But now is 
 Christ risen from the dead." 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Knox, Senior Minister of the Collegiate Church, fol- 
 lowed in an appropriate and impressive prayer. 
 
 The 748th Hymn was then sung, commencing : 
 
 " Thou art gone to the grave ! but we will not deplore thee, 
 
 Though sorrows and darkness encompass the tomb ; 
 Thy Saviour has passed through its portals before thee, 
 And the lamp of his love is thy guide through the gloom." 
 
 The Rev. George W. Bethune, D.D.,as Chairman of the Deputation 
 of Synod, then ascended the pulpit and made the following state- 
 ment : 
 
 " The General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church met, in the 
 providence of God, for their annual session on Wednesday, the day 
 before yesterday. We had scarcely completed our organization be- 
 fore the swift messenger reached us with the tidings of our father's 
 departure to heaven. The Synod had ordered the usual devotional 
 exercises to precede our business, when the announcement of which I 
 have spoken was made. The first act of the Synod therefore was 
 one of melancholy but not unpleasing satisfaction — the ordering of 
 proper measures to testify our respect, and the respect of the whole 
 Church, for the memory of him who had departed. The Committee 
 appointed for the purpose reported the following preamble and reso- 
 lutions which were unanimously adopted :" 
 
 " The Synod have heard with profound emotion that our beloved and venerated 
 father, the Rev. Jacob Brodiiead, D.D., has ceased from his labors, and entereJ 
 into rest. Therefore, 
 
 " Resolved, That we humbly recognize the hand of a faithful God in this solemn 
 
NORTH DUTCH CHURCH. 11 
 
 dispensation, and bow submissively to the will of Him who gave and hath taken 
 away. 
 
 <: Resolved, That we declare our devout thankfulness for the blessings vouchsafed 
 to the Church in the devoted and most fruitful ministry of His eminent servant, 
 who during so long a period has rilled a foremost place in the duties of the sacred 
 office, and has been taken up like a shock of corn fully ripe. 
 
 " Resolved, That we record our testimony to the many Christian virtues which by 
 the grace of the Spirit adorned his private as well as his public life, and now em- 
 balm his precious memory. 
 
 " Resolved, That we offer our prayers through the Head of the Church for strength 
 to follow his godly example, that our present bereavement may be sanctified to 
 our eternal profit. 
 
 "Resolved, That a deputation of six Ministers and six Elders be appointed to at- 
 tend his funeral in New-York, and that they procure the reading of these resolu- 
 tions in the course of the exercises on that occasion. 
 
 "Resolved, That a copy of thig minute, attested by the Officers of the Synod, be 
 sent to the family of our departed friend, with the assurance of our respectful and 
 tender sympathy in their great sorrow." 
 
 After announcing the names of the Delegates Dr. Bethune added : 
 " I am thankful that Providence has permitted every one of this dele- 
 gation to be present on this occasion. We have come, deputed by 
 the highest Court of our Church, to testify the deep affection which 
 fills every heart of this Christian Union, at the mention of the me- 
 mory and name of him whose sacred dust we are now about to com- 
 mit to its rest." 
 
 The Eev. Dr. De Witt then rose and said : " Our endeared father 
 and friend, whose remains lie before us, died on the morning of 
 Wednesday, the sixth instant, at the house of his daughter, in Spring- 
 field, Mass., aged seventy-three. It was a beautiful and striking coin- 
 cidence, in providence, that on that very morning the General Synod 
 of our Church commenced its annual session ; and the intelligence 
 of the death of Dr. Brodhead was conveyed to that high judicature, 
 with lightning speed. It produced a deep impression, influencing the 
 devotions of the Synod at the commencement of its session, and led 
 to the adoption of the resolutions which have just been read, and the 
 appointment of a Committee to attend the funeral solemnities in their 
 behalf, all of whom are here present. Rest assured, my hearers, they 
 were not mere formal resolves — they were the spontaneous prompt- 
 ings of the heart of the Church. The designation of the Chairman 
 of the Committee who drafted the resolutions and also of the deputa- 
 tion here present, the Rev. Dr. Bethune, was a most appropriate one. 
 as he succeeded our departed friend and father in Christ, in three of 
 his pastoral charges, namely, Rhinebeck, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn . 
 and was in the continued habit of the closest intercourse and friend- 
 ship with him. We have reason to hope that at an early period he 
 will furnish, in a funeral discourse, a fuller and better tribute to his 
 memory than can be given on this occasion. 
 
12 FUNERAL SERVICES IN THE 
 
 " It is related of the well-known Dr. John Owen, by many termed 
 the ' prince of divines,' that when he was on his dying bed, awaiting 
 his speedy dissolution, he dictated a short letter to a friend. The 
 amanuensis had written : ' I am yet in the land of (he living.'' He at 
 once arrested him, saying : ' Stop, alter that ; write I am yet in the 
 land of the dying, but I hope soon to be in the land of the living.' 
 How beautifully descriptive is this of the contrast between this mortal 
 life, terminating in death as ' the wages of sin,' and that ' eternal life' 
 in the inheritance of saints in light, which is the gift of God through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord ! The Gospel brings life and immortality to 
 light. The grace of Christ, which it reveals, brings life to the guilty 
 in pardon and acceptance before God, and life to the depraved, the 
 ' dead in trespasses and sins,' by renewal to holiness. ' I am the 
 resurrection and the life,' said the Saviour ; ' he that believeth in me, 
 though he were dead, yet shall he live, and he that liveth and believ 
 eth in me shall never die.' The preacher in Ecclesiastes remarks : 
 k A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death 
 than the day of one's birth.' The day of birth introduces into a world 
 of sin and sorrow, where death reigns, bearing its execution upon all ; 
 but the day of death brings to the believer deliverance from sin and 
 sorrow, and an entrance into that 'rest that remains for the people of 
 God.' ' Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for they rest from 
 their labors, and their works do follow them.' A good name is that 
 which expresses the reality and truth of character, as approved of 
 God, the Searcher of the heart, and manifested before men in a con- 
 sistently pious, upright, useful, and beneficent life. It is 'better 
 than precious ointment.' The ointment composed of costly spices, 
 and used for the anointing of those set apart to civil and sacred offices 
 was fragrant and healing, and was the emblem of the anointing of the 
 Holy Ghost resting on believers. This anointing which forms the 
 ' good name' is better than the outward emblem of ' precious ointment.' 
 There is a strict connection and a beautiful harmony between the 
 ' good name' formed in life, and the ' day of death, which is better 
 than the day of one's birth.' ' To live is Christ, and to die is gain.' 
 ' Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that 
 man is peace.' Our father and brother in Christ, whose remains be- 
 fore us wait their resting-place in the grave, has left the land of the 
 dying and has entered the land of the living. He has left us the 
 ' good name' which grace formed for him in his earthly course, and am 
 now contemplate the day of his death as better than that of his birth. 
 
 "Let these prefatory remarks suffice. I will now proceed to 
 state to you with great succinctness some of the events in the life of 
 
XORTH DUTCH CHURCH. 18 
 
 our departed friend, and then exhibit some of the general traits of his 
 spirit and character, especially in the work of the ministry. 
 
 " He who now addresses yon, doubtless owes the position he here 
 occupies to the fact of his early intercourse with the deceased in his 
 family. After leaving college in 1808, the speaker, brought up at 
 Kingston, Ulster county, adjacent to Rhinebeck, before entering on his 
 formal theological course, was kindly received by Dr. Brodhead in 
 his family, where he spent a year. It is in the domestic scene that 
 Christian character is best illustrated. Memory has often adverted 
 to the consistent illustration of it there found, and to the happy in- 
 fluence and impression the speaker derived from that intercourse. 
 
 "The Rev. Dr. Jacob Brodhead was born at Marbletown, in the 
 county of Ulster, on the 14th of May, 1782. He was of an ancient 
 New- York family. His father, Charles W. Brodhead, was a highly 
 respected citizen of that town and county, a devoted patriot in the 
 cause of American Independence, and an officer in the army during 
 the Revolutionary War. He raised a company of grenadiers, mainly 
 at his own expense, and was with them in command in the American 
 Army, at the surrender of General Burgoyne at Saratoga. Dr. Brod- 
 head's mother was Sarah Hardexbergh, of New-Paltz, in the county 
 ( >f Ulster. The ancestor of the family was Captain Daniel Brodhead, 
 who came from Yorkshire, in England, with Colonel Nicolls, at the 
 time of the surrender of the colony of New-Netherland to the British 
 crown, in 1664. Official duty was assigned to him at Esopus, or Kings- 
 ton, in Ulster county, where he remained until his death in 1669, and 
 in which county different branches of his descendants are now found. 
 The county of Ulster was settled by Hollanders and Huguenots ; and 
 until very lately, the decided numerical predominance of its inhabit- 
 ants consisted of their descendants, a people distinguished by the most 
 valuable traits of character. From the first, the family of Brodhead 
 became interwoven with these, and identified with them in feelings, 
 traits, and interests. Dr. Brodhead was the youngest son, and his 
 father designed him for a profession, and with the hope it might prove 
 the ministry of the Gospel. 
 
 " When he was twelve years old, in 1794, Dr. Brodhead was placed, 
 by his father, under the care of the Rev. Abraham Van Horne, of 
 Rochester, Ulster county, to study the languages. After pursuing 
 classical studies for two years with Domine Van Horne, he went to 
 Schenectady, where the Rev. Dr. Theodorick Romeyn, who had mar- 
 ried his father's sister, and who is well remembered as an able minis- 
 ter, and to whose exertions more than those of any other person the 
 foundation of Union College is attributed, was settled. He there en- 
 
14: FUNERAL SERVICES IN THE 
 
 tered the grammar-school under the direction of Mr. Halsey, in 1796, 
 and remained a year. In 1797 he was sent to the Kingston Academy, 
 which had for many years been the leading academy in the State, and 
 was then superintended by Timothy Treadwell Smith, afterwards Pro- 
 fessor in Union College. In September, 1799, Dr. Brodhead's father 
 died ; and in November following, he entered the junior class in Union 
 College, and graduated in the spring of 1801. The next June he com- 
 menced the study of divinity at Hackensack, N. J., under the Rev. 
 Dr. Solomon Fr.eligh, where he continued until October, 1802, when 
 he was called to be a tutor in Union College. This office he held for 
 eighteen months, at the same time pursuing his theological studies 
 under the direction of his uncle, Dr. The'odorick Romeyn. In April, 
 1804, he was licensed by the Classis of Albany to preach the Gospel. 
 
 " Let me here advert for a moment to an early friend and associate 
 of Dr. Brodhead, much identified in their course through life, who is 
 still surviving in the ministry of our Church, the Rev. Dr. Cornelius 
 D. Westbrook. They were born in the same county, within a few 
 miles from each other, and within the same week, went to Domine 
 Van Horne's together, pursued their academical and collegiate studies 
 together, graduated at the same time, were tutors during the same 
 period, were licensed for the ministry at the same time, and had their 
 early ministerial settlement within the same classis. 
 
 " Immediately after his licensure, Dr. Brodhead received a call from 
 the Reformed Dutch Church at Rhinebeck Flats, in Duchess county, 
 where he removed in July, 1804. He was ordained by the Classis of 
 Poughkeepsie, and installed in the following October ; and in the same 
 month was married to Miss Eliza Bleecker, daughter of John N. 
 Bleecker, of Albany. He was preceded in the pastoral charge of the 
 church at Rhinebeck, by the Reverend (afterwards Dr.) John Brod- 
 head Romeyn, whose high standing in the Christian Church is well 
 known, and who died in 1825, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in 
 Cedar street of this city. They were cousins by birth, and they mar- 
 ried sisters. The only surviving son of Dr. Brodhead, whom you all 
 well know, bears the honored name of his uncle. 
 
 " The general character of Dr. Brodhead, and the popularity of his 
 public services attracted attention from other parts of the Church. 
 In November, 1809, he received a call from the Collegiate Reformed 
 Dutch Church in this city, which he accepted ; and on the morning of 
 Sunday the 17th of December following, he, and the Reverend John 
 Schureman were installed as colleagues with Doctors Livingston, 
 Kuypers, and Abeel. The same afternoon Dr. Brodhead preached 
 his introductory sermon in the Middle Church, from the text in 
 2 Cor. XII : 14 : ' Por I seek not yours, but you.' 
 
NORTH DUTCH CHUECH. 15 
 
 " During his settlement in the Collegiate Church, many changes 
 occurred in its ministers. In 1810, Dr. Livingston having been ap- 
 pointed Theological Professor, and President of Queen's College, 
 removed to New-Brunswick. In 1811, Dr. Schureman was also called 
 there as Professor, and Vice-President of the College ; and, in 1812, 
 Dr. Abeel died. For more than a year, Dr. Kuypers and Dr. Brod- 
 head remained the sole pastors of the Church, until the settlement 
 of Dr. Milledoler as their colleague, in the spring of 1813. 
 
 " Dr. Brodhead's ministrations in the Collegiate Church were very 
 acceptable and useful, and he won his way into the affections and 
 respect of the people, many of whom still hold his labors here in 
 grateful remembrance. He was active and earnest, as well in 
 the Church as out of it. Having been appointed in 1811, during the 
 war, by Governor Tompkins, chaplain of a regiment of artillery, 
 he constantly visited the troops at their station in the performance of 
 his duty. In 1812, he was elected one of the Trustees of Queen's (now 
 Rutgers) College ; and it is but just to say, that no one of his associates 
 in that Board, during the many years he held a seat in it, surpassed 
 him in devoted and intelligent service in behalf of the institution. 
 
 " A new enterprise, however, had been started, for the extension of 
 the Reformed Dutch Church in the State of Pennsylvania ; and Dr. 
 Brodhead was appealed to, as the agent to carry it into effect. In 
 the summer of 1813 he was urgently solicited by the congregation in 
 Crown street to go to Philadelphia, and undertake the establishment 
 of the First Reformed Dutch Church in that city. He yielded to 
 these solicitations; resigned his position in the Collegiate Church; 
 and went to Philadelphia in September of that year. In hi§ labors 
 in that sphere he was eminently successful. He took a high stand at 
 once among the clergy in that city. The venerable Bishop White, 
 Dr. Miln6~r, and Mr. Boyd, of the Episcopal Church ; Dr. Green, Dr. 
 Potts, and Dr. Janeway, of the Presbyterian ; Dr. Helmuth, Dr. 
 Staughton, and other eminent ministers of other denominations, 
 were among his warmest friends. The Reverend Joseph Eastburn, 
 well known as " Father Eastburn," the seaman's friend, was very inti- 
 mate with him, and frequently assisted him in his pulpit services. A 
 Second Reformed Dutch Church was organized under Dr. Brodhead's 
 auspices, and for several years was ministered toby the Reverend David 
 Parker. Another was established in Spring Garden, which was min- 
 istered to, during his residence in Philadelphia, first by the Reverend 
 Brogun Hoff, and afterwards by the Reverend Jacob C. Sears. The 
 congregation and the membership of the Crown-Street Church con- 
 tinually increased until they became strong and prosperous. The 
 
16 FUNERAL SERVICES IN THE 
 
 blessing of the Head of the Church rested upon his ministry during its 
 continuance there for twelve years, in which time he declined several 
 invitations to other places, among which was Market street, in this city, 
 where a new Reformed Dutch Church had been organized. He was 
 also strongly urged to accept a call from the Van de Water-Street 
 Church ; and overtures were made to him to become President of the 
 Theological Seminary at Carlisle. 
 
 "In the spring of 1826, Dr. Brodhead returned to New- York, 
 having accepted a call from the Reformed Dutch Church in Broome 
 street, which was then in a weak condition. Old friends greeted 
 his return warmly ; and many flocked to attend his preaching. 
 His church was soon filled. Nor did he neglect the calls of duty and 
 benevolence in various departments. Among other efforts of this 
 character, he took an active part in the first steps towards the 
 foundation of the present New- York University. He remained 
 the acceptable and useful pastor of the Broome-Street Church until 
 October, 1837 ; when, for the benefit of his wife's health, and hav- 
 ing purchased a country residence on the margin of the Hudson 
 river, he removed to Saugerties, in Ulster county, and accepted a 
 call from the church at Flatbush, in its vicinity, a few miles north of 
 ' Kingston. 
 
 " In the spring of 1841, after much solicitation, Dr. Brodhead was 
 prevailed upon to give up his residence in the country, and become 
 the minister of the Central Reformed Dutch Church in Brooklyn, in 
 which charge he continued until October, 1846, when he relinquished 
 it. He was succeeded, after an interval, by the Rev. Dr. Bethune, 
 under whose auspices the present "Church on the Heights" was organ- 
 ized. At the united request of Dr. Bethune and of the Consistory, 
 Dr. Brodhead preached the closing sermon in the Central Church, on 
 Sunday the 27th of July, 1851. This sermon was soon afterwards 
 published at the request of the Consistory. 
 
 "Early in May, 1841, Dr. Brodhead was called to part with 
 the wife of his youth and the mother of his children. Their two 
 oldest children were taken from them by death during their first resi- 
 dence in New- York, the elder a most promising boy of the age of 
 seven, whose early religious exercises and happy death have been 
 delineated in a tract. A daughter, born in Philadelphia, died there 
 in 1825. Their son Alfred died in 1837, at the age of twenty-one. 
 An only son and an only daughter, now present, survive. 
 
 "In 1844, Dr. Brodhead was again married to Mrs. Fanny Spencer, 
 of Brooklyn, who died in January, 1852. After her death he resided 
 alternately at Brooklyn, New- York, and Springfield, with different 
 
NORTH DUTCH CHURCH. 17 
 
 branches of his family, almost constantly performing ministerial serv- 
 ices for vacant churches, or in aid of his brethren. In October last 
 he visited New- York, and remained with his only son during the win- 
 ter. We remember the great elasticity and cheerfulness of spirit 
 with which he greeted his old friends, and the hopes they cherished 
 that he might continue in health and vigor for a length of time. He 
 assisted at the dedication of the recently-erected church edifice of the 
 Collegiate Church, on the Fifth avenue. He preached once on each 
 Sunday during the winter, in the Broome-Street Church, which was 
 then vacant, and in the Collegiate Churches. His last sermon was 
 preached in our Ninth-Street Church, on the first Sunday in March, 
 upon the parable of the Pharisee and Publican, Luke XVIII 9, etc. 
 
 " Soon afterwards his health failed, and he returned to his daughter's 
 residence at Springfield towards the end of April, in the hope that a 
 change of air would be beneficial. In this he was disappointed. Dis- 
 ease rapidly advanced and took firmer and deeper hold. But the love 
 of that truth which he preached so earnestly in life, was strong in 
 death. He looked serenely at the approach of the destroyer with 
 firm confidence in Christ ; until at last, on the morning of Wednesday, 
 the sixth of June, surrounded by his surviving family, he gently and 
 peacefully fell asleep in the faith and hope of that Saviour whom he 
 had loved and served. 
 
 " His precious remains are now to be deposited in the tomb where 
 two of his children lie. They will be placed in the minister's vault 
 in front of the pulpit of this church. It was his special request that 
 they should be there laid. The association of his ministry with this 
 church always affected him most deeply ; and I have often heard him 
 say : ' I love the old North Church, and if I fill any of your pulpits 
 it is that one I should prefer.' 
 
 " Twenty-two years ago, that vault was last opened to receive the 
 remains of his old colleague, the venerable Dr. Kuypers ; on which 
 occasion Dr. Brodhead fulfilled the mournful office which I now per- 
 form. And many will remember that two years ago, last Septem- 
 ber, the solemn funeral services of the Church were here rendered to 
 another of his colleagues, and of our ministers, Dr. Milledoler. 
 
 " I am gratified in being able now to announce that, by the leave of 
 Providence, at an early future time, a funeral discourse by the Rev. 
 Dr. Bethune, who succeeded Dr. Brodhead, as I have stated, in three- 
 several charges, will be delivered in this church, where our revered 
 friend labored so well as a pastor, and where these insignia of mourn- 
 ing hang. 
 
 " I said I would make a brief allusion to the spirit and character 
 
IS FUNERAL SERVICES IN THE 
 
 of our beloved father, especially with reference to his ministry. But 
 I feel that at this time, a mere glance at the character of Dr. Brod- 
 head can alone be given. A fuller delineation will be furnished on 
 another occasion, and from the able hand of one who long enjoyed 
 communion with him. The piety of Dr. Brodhead, springing up in 
 early life, was deep and tender. It was not impulsive and spasmodic, 
 but springing from the living fountain — ' the well of water within the 
 soul, springing up into everlasting life' — and it was steady and even, 
 expanding and deepening in its onward course. It intermingled with 
 all his studies, labors, and associations in life, and stamped the cha- 
 racter of his ministerial and pastoral services. His sentiments were 
 strictly and decidedly evangelical, in close conformity to the Church 
 of his fathers, which he loved and served. They were ever promi- 
 nent in his preaching, clothed in the mo'i^d of experience and prac- 
 tice. He was distinguished by the great tenderness of feeling which 
 characterized his preaching and his pastoral intercourse with his peo- 
 ple. Those who attended his ministrations remember how often in 
 the fullness of his emotions his voice faltered, and tears flowed forth 
 as he besought sinners to be reconciled unto God, and dwelt upon the 
 love and grace of Christ. His manner was simple, chaste, animated, 
 and effective. He has often reminded us of the description drawn by 
 Cowper : 
 
 'I would express him simple, grave, sincere, 
 In doctrine incorrupt, in language plain, 
 And plain in manner ; decent, solemn, chaste, 
 And natural in gesture ; much impressed 
 Himself, as conscious of his awful charge, 
 And anxious mainly that the flock he feeds 
 Hay feel it too ; affectionate in look, 
 And tender in address, as well becomes 
 A messenger of grace to guilty man.' 
 
 " No one who had a grasp of Dr. Brodhead's hand, or met him 
 in social life, could fail to observe the sincerity and cordiality of his na- 
 ture. It was so in his family circle. It was so in all his passing inter- 
 course with his friends and his fellow-men. It was strikingly so in his 
 services as a minister of the Gospel. When he preached, every body 
 had the impression that there was nothing artistic about him, and 
 nothing like effort to produce effect. 
 
 " His prominent characteristic was that of a ' son of consolation ;' 
 but, knowing the 'terrors of the Lord,' he could employ them in order 
 to 'persuade men.' His appeals to the impenitent were often most 
 bold and pungent, but they were ever in the spirit of Paul, who said : 
 
NORTH DUTCH CHURCH. 19 
 
 ' Of whom I have told you often, and tell you even now, weeping, that 
 they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.' 
 
 ' By him the violated law speaks out 
 Its thunders ; and by him, in strains as sweet 
 As angels use, the Gospel whispers peace.' 
 
 "Dr. Brodhead combined the strongest and most uncompromising 
 attachment to the doctrines and order of his own Church, with an en- 
 larged charity towards, and the kindest friendly intercourse with, evan- 
 gelical Christians of different denominations. His spirit was large, 
 loving, and catholic. The courtesy and amenity of his manners, the 
 faithfulness and acceptableness of his preaching, and his benevolent 
 pastoral intercourse, left a sweet savour of affectionate regard in every 
 church where he ministered ; and in his visits to them afterwards, and 
 in supplying his old pulpits, he was ever most ardently greeted. Not 
 a ruffle of feeling in all his pastoral charges was ever found. He has 
 now received the end of his faith — the salvation of his soul. 
 
 "And now, to close the whole, let us mark the providence of God in 
 this event. How few are there of his compeers — single and solitary 
 they are — who approach to fifty years of service in the ministry ! Let 
 us, who are advancing to these years, as we meditate on the flight of 
 time, look back to its precious hours — too much neglected — and stand- 
 ing, as it were, on the very verge of eternity, speak as dying men to 
 dying men. And ye, who are younger in years and in the vigor of 
 your days, while you feel the responsibility of your trust, have respect 
 for those who have gone before you ! 
 
 "And to you who are the relatives — the son and the daughter of the 
 departed — to you I would say : Yours is a rich legacy of example ! 
 May it be duly valued by you ! Let your father's Saviour be your 
 Saviour, and you will share with him in the inheritance of eternal 
 life !" 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Bethune then read the 753d Hymn, beginning — 
 
 1 ' Unveil thy bosom, faithful tomb ! 
 Take this new treasure to thy trust ; 
 And give these sacred relics room 
 To seek a slumber in the dust," 
 
 which, with the Doxology, was sung by the whole congregation. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Nathan Bangs, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 then pronounced the Apostolic Benediction. 
 
20 FUNERAL SERVICES IN THE NORTH DUTCH CHURCH, 
 
 The body was then lowered into the minister's vault, in front of the 
 pulpit. 
 
 On the metallic coffin was a plate with this inscription : 
 
 JACOB BRODHEAD, 
 
 DOCTOR OF DIVINITY. 
 
 Born 14 May, 1782 — Died 6 June, 1855. 
 
 Aged 13 tears and 23 days. 
 
RESOLUTIONS. 
 
 RESOLUTIONS OF THE COLLEGIATE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH OF 
 NEW-YORK, ON THE OCCASION OF THE DECEASE OF REV. DR. 
 BRODHEAD. 
 
 At a meeting of the minister, elders, and deacons of the Reformed 
 Protestant Dutch Church of the city of New- York, held June 7, 1855, 
 the Consistory being informed of the death of the Rev. Jacob Brod- 
 head, D.D., formerly one of the ministers of this church, on Wednes- 
 day morning, the 6th instant, it was 
 
 Resolved, That this Consistory entertain a deeply-grateful sense of 
 the character and services of this beloved and revered servant of 
 God. His most acceptable and useful labors as a collegiate minister 
 in this church from 1809 to 1813, are still held in affectionate remem- 
 brance ; while in the different spheres which he has successively occu- 
 pied, his labors in his ministry of more than fifty years, have been 
 highly appreciated and greatly blessed. 
 
 He has now closed a long life of unspotted purity and worth, re- 
 spected by the whole community, and embalmed in the affections of 
 the Church, and has gently fallen asleep in Jesus. 
 
 Resolved, That this Consistory will, as a body, attend the funeral 
 of Dr. Brodhead, to-morrow, at 4 P.M., at the North Church in Wil- 
 liam street. 
 
 Resolved, That a copy of this minute be transmitted to the children 
 of Dr. Brodhead, with the expression of their sympathy in the be- 
 reavement with which Providence has visited them. 
 
 Extract from the minutes. 
 
 Cornelius Bogert, Clerk. 
 
 RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE CONSISTORY OF THE FIRST RE- 
 FORMED DUTCH CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA, IN RELATION TO THE 
 DEATH OF REV. DR. BRODHEAD. 
 
 This Consistory having heard of the death of the Rev. Jacob Brod- 
 head, D.D., who departed this life on Wednesday, June 6, 1855, at 
 Springfield, Mass. ; be it, therefore, 
 
22 RESOLUTIONS. 
 
 Resolved, That the Consistory of the First Reformed Dutch Church 
 of Philadelphia deeply lament the death of this venerable and highly 
 esteemed servant of God, who was the first pastor of this church, and 
 who, by his devotion to his holy work and exemplary walk and con 
 versation, endeared himself to all in this community who had the 
 pleasure of his acquaintance ; and who not only left behind the fra- 
 grance of " a good name," that will long endure, but under whose 
 successful administration of God's word in our midst, many, yea, very 
 many, were led to a saving knowledge of Christ. 
 
 Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with his bereaved family in 
 this hour of their sorrow, yet rejoice to know they " sorrow not as 
 those who have no hope," and earnestly commend them to Him who 
 is " a very present help in trouble," and who alone is able to sustain 
 and comfort them in their affliction. 
 
 Resolved, That we unite with the Consistories of the Second and 
 Third Churches of this city in requesting the Rev. G. W. Bethune, 
 D.J)., to repeat in the pulpit of this church, as soon as it may be prac- 
 ticable, the sermon he is now preparing to deliver in New- York, in 
 commemoration of our beloved and lamented father in the Gospel of 
 Christ. 
 
 Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the minutes, and a 
 copy of the same be forwarded to the family of the deceased, and be 
 published in the Christian Intelligencer. 
 
 By order of Consistory, A. A. Willits, President. 
 
 Henry A. Bower, Secretary. 
 
 Philadelphia, June 18, 1855. 
 
 RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE CONSISTORY OP THE THIRD 
 REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 The Consistory of the Third Reformed Dutch Church of Philadel- 
 phia esteem it alike their duty and privilege to bear their public testi- 
 mony to the precious memory of the late Rev. Jacob Brodhead, D.D. 
 To his holy ministry the Reformed Dutch Church in this city owes its 
 establishment, and much of its present prosperity. Some of the aged 
 members of this communion were actively engaged with him in these 
 labors of love ; others look up to him as their spiritual father and their 
 gentle guide in the heavenly Avay. Many souls now connected with 
 other communions, and many who have gone to heaven, have joyfully 
 recognized him as the friend who brought them to Jesus. 
 
 After the lapse of more than forty years since his settlement in this 
 city, the fame of his touching eloquence, the faithfulness of his Gospel 
 teachings, the memory of his consistent piety, and the tenderness of 
 his pastoral ministry, are as familiar as household words, to thousands 
 who revere his character and love his honored name. " His praise is 
 
RESOLUTIONS. 23 
 
 in all the churches." He " rests from his labors, and his works do 
 follow him." Therefore^ 
 
 Resolved, That we truly sympathize with his bereaved family, and 
 we pray that their sorrow may be turned into joy, as they remember 
 his work, his love, the way in which he walked, and the home to which 
 he has gone. May that Saviour whom he served so long, be their 
 own refuge in this hour of bereavement. 
 
 Resolved, That we earnestly unite with the Consistories of the First 
 and Second Reformed Dutch churches in requesting the Rev. Dr. Be- 
 thune to repeat in this city the sermon which he is now preparing in 
 memory of our late beloved and venerated father in Christ. 
 
 Resolved, That copies of this Minute be sent to the family of the 
 deceased, and published in the Christian Intelligencer, and the Presby- 
 terian and Christian Observer of this city. 
 
 Charles Wurts, Clerk. 
 
 THE FOLLOWING PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS WERE ADOPTED 
 AT A STATED MEETING OP THE CONSISTORY OF THE REFORMED 
 DUTCH CHURCH IN BROOME STREET, JUNE 11, 1S55. 
 
 The Consistory of the Reformed Dutch Church in Broome street 
 desire to express their deep regret in the loss the Church of Christ has 
 sustained in the removal by death of the Rev. Jacob Brodhead, D.D. 
 
 Although the memory of Dr. Brodhead is affectionately cherished 
 by the Christian community, and his praise is in all the churches, his 
 loss is more immediately felt by the church in Broome street, to 
 whom he ministered as their pastor for the space of eleven years ; and 
 they feel thankful that the time which has elapsed since the close of 
 his ministry did not weaken the affection subsisting between him and 
 the people of his late charge ; and it is to them a source of pleasurable 
 recollection and consolation, that during the last winter, and whilst 
 they were without a pastor, he kindly supplied their pulpit, and con- 
 tinued to preach for them until the sickness came that transferred him 
 from earth to heaven, thus closing his ministerial service with the peo- 
 ple of his late charge. 
 
 The Consistory desire to thank God that their beloved friend has 
 been permitted by Divine grace to close a long and useful life without 
 blemish or spot, and that having now rested from his labors, he has 
 received that blessed welcome, " Well done, good and faithful servant, 
 enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." 
 
 Resolved, That this Consistory sympathize with the children of their 
 late pastor in the bereavement they have sustained in the decease of a 
 loved father. 
 
24 RESOLUTIONS. 
 
 Resolved, That in testimony of respect for our late pastor, the pulpit 
 of the church be put in mourning. 
 
 Resolved, That a copy of the above resolutions, signed by the Clerk 
 of the Board, be delivered to the children of Dr. Brodhead, and be 
 published in the Christian Intelligencer. 
 
 James V. Freeman, Clerk. 
 
 RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE CONSISTORY OF THE REFORMED 
 DUTCH CHURCH OF RHINEBECK, WITH REFERENCE TO THE 
 DEATH OF THE REV. DR. BRODHEAD. 
 
 Whereas the great Head of the Church has lately removed by 
 death the Rev. Jacob Brodhead, D.D., who commenced his ministry 
 in this church, and for five years, from A.D. 1804 to A.D. 1809, was 
 the useful and beloved pastor of this people ; therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That we, the Consistory of the Reformed Dutch Church of 
 Rhinebeck, as the representatives of our church and congregation, hold 
 in veneration the worth and usefulness of our departed father in Christ ; 
 that we bless God for what, in years gone by, he accomplished among 
 us, the fruit of which can yet be plainly seen ; that we rejoice in the 
 great good which he was enabled subsequently to accomplish in other 
 fields of Gospel labor ; that we praise the Lord for the peaceful death 
 which closed his long and well-employed life on earth ; and, while we 
 entertain the joyful hope that our revered friend and pastor is now 
 wearing the crown of glory, that we endeavor to follow him as he fol- 
 lowed Christ, that we may at last occupy humble places beside him in 
 heaven. 
 
 Resolved, That, in honor of his memory, our pulpit be enshrouded 
 in mourning. 
 
 Resolved, That these resolutions be inserted in our book of Minutes, 
 be read to the congregation of this church, be published in the Christ- 
 ian Intelligencer, and a copy be transmitted to the friends of the de- 
 ceased. 
 
 " Peter Stryker, Pres. of Consistory. 
 
 The above resolutions were read from the pulpit of the Reformed 
 Dutch Church of Rhinebeck, on Sabbath morning, June 24th, and a 
 sermon on the death of Dr. Brodhead was preached by the pastor, 
 the Rev. Mr. Stryker, from 2 Tim. IV : 7, 8 : "I have fought a good 
 fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith ; henceforth 
 there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the 
 righteous Judge, shall give me at that day ; and not to me only, but 
 unto all them also that love his appearing." 
 
TRIBUTE 
 
 TO THE MEMORY OF THE LATE REV. JACOB BRODHEAD, D.D. 
 
 O . H O S M E K . 
 
 "Why are the gray-haired fathers of the Church 
 Convened within these consecrated walls ? 
 Why altar-piece and pulpit hung with black, 
 "While peals a requiem on the summer air, 
 And heads in deep solemnity are bowed ? 
 A guiding light is quenched, that long had thrown 
 Its steady radiance on life's troubled sea, 
 Like the tall watch-fire, on some beetling cliff, 
 Hailed by benighted seamen o'er the waves. 
 A loved and venerated form will walk 
 On mercy's errand in our midst no more : 
 His mission is accomplished, and the tomb 
 Opens its portals for the honored dead. 
 
 Better than riches or the robes of jiride 
 Are the bright graces of the pure in heart : 
 The clay walls of the prison crumble down, 
 Earth to her breast receives the cast-off robe ; 
 But acts of goodness, oft in secret done, 
 Unasked-for visitations to the dens 
 Where mute remorse lies housed with pleading woe, 
 Embalm their memory for ever more ; 
 And heavenly harp-strings by angelic hands 
 Are grandly swept when their enfranchised souls 
 Soar upward, lark-like, to the better land. 
 
 True to his sacred office, labored on 
 Our venerated father to the last ; 
 And when the summons that we all must hear 
 Was whispered by Death's angel, with a smile 
 He heard the tidings, and his last good-by 
 Had in it more of welcome than farewell. 
 
26 TRIBUTE. 
 
 How rich the legacy he left ! How poor 
 
 Are the mere gauds of fortune, or the shouts 
 
 That herald stern Ambition on his way, 
 
 "While martial music surges on the wind, 
 
 And banner-staffs untwine their golden folds, 
 
 Compared with greeting looks and heart-warm sniiles- 
 
 The free, spontaneous offering of love 
 
 When all who knew him saw his face benign ! 
 
 The loved who leave us are not always lost ; 
 They die not like the perishable leaves, 
 Or summer roses, of so brief a date. 
 And one like him, who influenced for good, 
 In public and in private life, the world, 
 Lives on in grateful hearts, where he has sown 
 The precious seeds of charity and love, 
 "When the dumb earth to her maternal arms 
 Takes back the loan of poor, dissolving clay. 
 
 A soldier of the Church, he nobly fought 
 The fight of faith, and bore the blessed cross, 
 "Without a stain upon his sacred robe, 
 Until his long, bright pilgrimage is o'er. 
 Not without record sleeps he in the grave : 
 The blessings that he showered upon his flock, 
 His pure example and advice and alms 
 With Christ-like meekness on the poor bestowed, 
 And the pale crowd of suppliants that choke 
 The ways of this sad world, are written down, 
 And registered in heaven. 
 
 Mourn not for him I 
 Ripe for the harvest, he has passed away, 
 And still the light of his departure calm 
 Lingers round places that have known him long, 
 Like the illumined tracks of vanished day. 
 
 Naval Office, N.Y., June 15, 1855. 
 
-A DISCOURSE 
 
 ON THB 
 
 OCCASION OF THE DECEASE 
 
 OF THB 
 
 KEY. JACOB "BRODHEAD, D.I). 
 
 DELITEKED IN THE 
 
 NORTH DUTCH CHURCH 
 
 IN THE CITY OF NEW-YORK, 
 ON SUNDAY EVENING, 1 JULY, 1855. 
 
 BY THB 
 
 REV. GEORGE 
 
 Cl lilt, 
 
 I W. T3ETHUNE, D.D. 
 
DISCOURSE 
 
 1 Thessaloxians II : 7, 8, 9. 
 
 " We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishetk her children : 
 
 " So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto 
 
 you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear 
 
 unto us. 
 
 "For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail." 
 
 Blessed be God for the apostle Paul ! Blessed be God for 
 such a Christian ! Blessed be God for such a preacher ! 
 
 We have the supreme and incomparable example of Jesus 
 Christ, as the sole standard of evangelical life, adapted to all 
 ages and all circumstances, allowing of neither exception nor 
 addition, the sufficiency of which none may, without blas- 
 phemy, impeach, while the following of it is the only way to 
 heaven. Yet the perfection of the Immanuel abashes our 
 courage. The fullness of his Godhead dwelt in a sinless 
 humanity. No taint of evil mingled with the passions of that 
 mortal flesh he took on him as our brother ; the sorrows he 
 endured as our Redeemer, wrung a spirit guiltless of wrong ; 
 there was no deceit in his heart betraying him to the malice 
 of temptation or the depravities of doubt ; but, begotten of 
 the Holy Ghost, the Seed of the woman walked through our 
 duties upheld by a virtue omnipotent, and the glory of Jeho- 
 vah our righteousness transfigured with divine beauty the Son 
 
30 DR. bethune's 
 
 of Man, sanctifying his gentle speech with the eloquence of 
 God. How may sinners like us follow in the steps of the 
 Holy One ? How shall we attempt to utter the solemn Gospel 
 from our polluted, treacherous, stammering lips? We know 
 that the obligation is just ; that no rule less exalted can restore 
 us to the likeness of our heavenly Father, and that no other 
 doctrine can save our fellow-sinners or ourselves ; but " who 
 is sufficient for these things ?" "Who is able to bear the weight 
 of that cross under which the Strength of Israel fainted, 
 when he went to die amidst its agonies, slain for our guilt ? 
 
 Truly said the Master to his disciples : " It is expedient for 
 you that I go away ; for, if I go not away, the Comforter will 
 not come unto you." Nothing less than the indwelling of a 
 divine spirit can qualify us to imitate a divine example. Yet 
 our weak faith could not have been satisfied with a promise ; 
 nor did He who knows our frame intend that it should be. 
 We need actual proof by manifest experiment, that the Holy 
 Ghost does inspire sinners, such as we are, with power, wis- 
 dom and love, to live a Christ-like life, to triumph over the 
 virulence of Satan, and to declare in words of irresistible per- 
 suasion the whole counsel of God. After the descent of the 
 Comforter at the Pentecost, such witnesses abounded. The 
 change in the character of the believers, especially of the 
 eleven, and the success of the Gospel through them, were 
 miracles far transcending those which Jesus himself had 
 wrought while on earth. The timid became fearless, the 
 doubting resolute, and that one, who had even with curses 
 disowned his discipleship, foremost in proclaiming the religion 
 of the Crucified. Unlearned men from benighted Galilee, 
 with no other argument than the simple story of Christ's com- 
 ing to save sinners, confounded the Sanhedrim, and, among 
 the Gentiles, challenged the most logical philosophies. The 
 triumphs of their zeal were innumerable, and the world saw, 
 with a wonder such as no physical prodigies could excite, the 
 most bigoted Jews and the most sensual heathen changed by 
 
DISCOURSE. 31 
 
 a few solemn words into meek, self-denied, undaunted con- 
 fessors of the cross. Ever since, it has pleased God to advance 
 and confirm his power over the hearts of men by the testi- 
 mony and the lives of regenerated sinners. 
 
 Of all these, the writer of our text is the most remarkable, 
 whether we consider the transformation of his spirit, the extent 
 of his instrumentality, or the blessing on his work. The evan- 
 gelical Church unanimously acclaim him greatest in the king- 
 dom of God, our best example of a Christian and of a Christian 
 preacher after Christ ; nay, whatever indebtedness we feel to 
 the other sacred instructors, who by the authority of the Lord 
 laid the foundation of our faith, such is the degree of spiritual 
 benefit we have drawn from the fountain through his personal 
 and epistolary labors for us who are not of the circumcision, 
 that we spontaneously yield him, not without warrant, affec- 
 tionate reverence as our father in the Gospel. We know 
 more of him than of any of the rest. His adoring gratitude 
 for the mercy that took him as " the chief of sinners," and 
 made him " not a whit behind the chiefest apostles," ever 
 prompts him with equal frankness to confess what he was by 
 nature and declare what he had become by grace. His sym- 
 pathy with the anguish and hopes of a penitent soul com- 
 passed about by temptation, is so close, that we see his own 
 experience pulsating in his faithful counsels; nor does he hesi- 
 tate to lay bare all the workings of his bruised yet joyful 
 heart, that he may be " a pattern to all who should afterward 
 believe on Jesus Christ to everlasting life." The weakest 
 straggler toward the light, finds Saul of Tarsus groping beside 
 him in the dark depths ; the' mightiest champion of the truth 
 looks upward, from the best heights of sanctified intellect, to 
 demonstrations of " our beloved brother Paul," unspeakably 
 more grand. 
 
 Yery delightful and edifying would it be for us to dwell 
 upon each feature of Christian excellence in the portrait of the 
 apostle ; but our present duty confines us to his character of 
 
32 dr. bethune's 
 
 himself in the words before us, as a preacher of salvation ; 
 which also discloses the secret of his unparalleled success. 
 
 " We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth 
 her children : So, being affectionately desirous of yon, we 
 were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God 
 only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 
 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail." 
 
 Here we Have strikingly developed: 
 
 The Work and Temper of his Ministry. 
 
 First: His work 
 was the preaching, or, as he expresses it, the "imparting" 
 of the Gospel to his fellow-sinners. This, he states incident- 
 ally, as obvious, but the more emphatically for that reason, 
 lie had no other aim or method. In his Epistle to the Romans, 
 he styles himself, " a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an 
 apostle, separated unto the gospel of God." As a servant of 
 Jesus Christ, the Saviour of sinners, and bought with his 
 Master's most precious blood, he had no choice in the employ- 
 ment of his energies, but that Master's will ; " called to be an 
 apostle," whose office was to preach " the gospel of God," he 
 regarded himself as " separated" from all other occupations to 
 that alone. The world was full of evils ; crimes and cruel- 
 ties, falsehoods and impostures, everywhere abounded ; but 
 they were all the fruits of a spirit at enmity with God, and 
 well he knew that until the evil was extirpated, any outward 
 reforms were a waste of pains ; while his own history had 
 taught him how irresistibly that enmity was turned into love 
 by the doctrine of the cross, under the applying grace of the 
 Holy Ghost, pledged to accompany it. His generous heart 
 must have often been indignant at the oppressions of the weak, 
 and sickened over the pollutions of prevalent idolatry ; but he 
 never turned aside from his great object, the conversion of 
 souls. Conversion first, then reformation, was his policy and 
 his rule, for he knew no principle of genuine virtue but 
 Christian faith, the only channel through which divine energy 
 
DISCOURSE. 33 
 
 " purifies the heart," " works by love," and " overcomes the 
 world." "The power of an endless life" was upon him. He 
 u looked not at the things which are seen, but at the things 
 which are not seen ; for the things which are seen are tempo- 
 ral, but the things which are not seen are eternal." The 
 affairs of this present time entered little into his account, ex- 
 cept as they bore on the everlasting future. Twice rapt in an 
 ecstacy to behold the glories of heaven, he never ceased to 
 long for its spiritual beauty and sinless joy. Assured of his 
 own inheritance there, the richness of his hope moved him to 
 a vehement desire that he might share it with all his fellows ; 
 and, when he thought of the awful hell awaiting all who fail 
 to enter the gate of life, he yearned in agony over the multi- 
 tudes that knew not God. What were the worldly lot of men, 
 their pains or their ease, their poverty or their rank, when 
 brought into contrast with the world to come ? In a little 
 while their bodies would lie together in a common dust ; but 
 the certainty of their damnation, fearful and endless, if they 
 died without Christ, overwhelmed him. Snatched himself 
 like a brand from the burning, he trembled at their danger of 
 that fiery doom. There was no salvation for them but in the 
 Gospel, and, therefore, he laid aside all else to preach the Gos- 
 pel, and, " as an ambassador for Christ," " knowing the terrors 
 of the Lord," to " persuade men" that they should believe on 
 the Saviour he had found for his own soul. 
 
 The prejudices of Jewish bigotry were intense, Gentile 
 science proudly arrogant, and Paul was versed in both. None 
 could be better aware than he, that the cross would offend the 
 one and be the ridicule of the other. Yet he preached it, 
 preached it always, preached nothing else at Jerusalem, 
 Athens, Rome, everywhere. His Master had sent him to 
 preach the Gospel, and the Gospel only ; how could he dis- 
 obey ? Except men were converted to the cross, they must ull 
 alike perish ; how could he mock them with any other theme ? 
 
 God had set his glory in the Gospel. It was the brightness 
 
34: dr. bethune's 
 
 of his manifold wisdom, the finest exhibition of his power. 
 Whatever good the arts, and policies, and inventions of human 
 wit might do to men, God would have neither honor nor 
 grateful tribute from it; and the apostle was jealous for the 
 majesty of his Redeemer, lie was the servant of men only 
 as he was the servant of Christ ; and, therefore, he sought their 
 benefit only as it should redound to the praise of the glory of 
 divine grace. He shrank from no sacrifice in his philanthropy ; 
 but no pretense of benevolent aim could induce him to take 
 counsel of the ungodly or to strike hands with a scorner. His 
 only enemy was the enemy of mankind ; but he sought no 
 carnal weapon, for he bore in his fearless grasp " the sword 
 of the Spirit," "mighty to God." 
 
 Nor was that Gospel, in his acceptation, a vague, uncertain 
 thing, yielding its sacred name to every new hypothesis of 
 morals or metaphysical fantasy ; but always and only the sim- 
 ple doctrine preached to the poor and comprehensible by little 
 children : Christ Jesus come to save sinners by the blood of 
 his cross and the grace of his Spirit, through faith in his name. 
 Many teachers since, less learned than he, and far less elo- 
 quent, have labored to make the great mystery more philo- 
 sophical, to demonstrate it against the skeptic by syllogisms of 
 the schools, and to entrap the careless ear by rhetorical strata- 
 gem. Paul counted all these things but loss beside " the 
 excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord." His 
 cultivated mind could not act illogically, nor his tongue forget 
 its wealth of language ; God, who ever adapts his instruments, 
 took him as foreseeing Providence had trained him, and sanc- 
 tified him for an apostleship to the whole world ; but the vigor 
 of his faith transcends the conceptions of the orator ; the divine 
 thoughts, burning within him, and evolved from the central 
 germ of infinite truth, overflow his soul on every side in vast 
 extending circles, that dash aside the impertinency of human 
 art ; and if there be effort in his phrase, it is to body forth the 
 idea, whose fulness is ineffable, by a simplicity so transparent, 
 
DISCOURSE. 85 
 
 that the light, streaming down through the rent vail, may 
 reach us without a shadow. How reverently mindful he is of 
 his mission ! how abhorrent of the sin that so easily besets the 
 preacher ! — " Christ sent me to preach the Gospel, not with the 
 wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of 
 none effect." We may not say, as some have said, that he is 
 hidden behind his theme. Such was not the will of God when 
 he chose men to be messengers of the glad tidings. He had a 
 use for the sympathy, and voice, and countenance of the peni- 
 tent, believing sinner pleading in Christ's name with his fel- 
 low-sinners. We see Paul, we hear him, we feel the magnet- 
 ism of his strong affections ; but it is Paul transfigured by the 
 spirit of Christ ; the cross in his heart, the hope of heaven like 
 a halo on his brow, tears of anxious pity streaming from his 
 eyes, his arms outstretched to clasp us as his brethren, himself 
 the proof of the mercy he proclaims. 
 
 Secondly : His Temper 
 corresponded to his work. 
 
 " We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth 
 her children." There is an exquisiteness in this figure, per- 
 vading, as it does, our whole text, to which no translation can 
 do justice. A little farther on, when speaking of his more 
 authoritative counsels, he says : " Ye know how we exhorted, 
 and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father his 
 [own] children ;" but here a father's most faithful affection is 
 not enough to represent the emotions and out-goings of his love 
 for these objects of his ministry. Nothing can describe it less 
 than that peculiar sensibility which a suckling mother has 
 toward the babe in her arms. " We were gentle among you 
 [I attempt as closely as possible the full meaning of his admir- 
 able Greek] as a nursing mother cherisheth her own offspring ; 
 so, being moved with a yearning desire for your best welfare, 
 we were willing to have imparted r.nto you, not the Gospel 
 only, [the sincere milk of the word, gushing out to you from 
 
36 dr. bethune's 
 
 our own bosom,] but, also, [as such a mother feels that she is 
 giving and delights to give,] the very strength of our life, be- 
 cause [from your being the offspring of our faith, and your 
 having been nourished through our ministry] ye had become 
 dear unto us." 
 
 He was gentle. The example of the Master was gentle, of 
 which our apostle made an argument, when he beseeches the 
 Corinthians " by the gentleness of Christ ;" and of which 
 Christ before had made a reason for being heard : " Learn of 
 me, for I am meek and lowly of heart;" and so, a certain fruit 
 of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter's work in the heart, is " gen- 
 tleness," and the whole strain of the Gospel is gentle. It does 
 not come to destroy, or even punish, but to save poor sinners 
 out of Divine pity for their miserable condition and terrible 
 danger ; and how shall a preacher of that Gospel be ungentle ? 
 The truth of the Gospel is often keen in rebuke ; but it is the 
 severity of a kind surgeon, who cuts to the quick out of his 
 very care of life, pained himself more than he gives pain. 
 Alas ! we preachers of these days are not always gentle ; and 
 yet we are, whenever the spirit of Christ rules our spirits and 
 our tongues. But how monstrous would it be if a mother were 
 harsh or violent to the babe on her breast ! So the feebleness, 
 helplessness, ignorance of these his spiritual children, disarmed 
 the apostle of an impatience, which their folly might, other- 
 wise, have readily provoked. He would " not break the bruised 
 reed nor quench the smoking flax." Any roughness or even 
 suddenness might have destroyed their little, new-born life; 
 and therefore, strong as his grasp could be, with them he was 
 gentle. 
 
 But the word, in its connection, implies more. One may be 
 gentle from natural disposition, or from prudence ; a nursing 
 mother is gentle because she is tender. She feels for her babe 
 as though it were still part of herself, nay, . .' 1 her- 
 
 self — it is so frail, so dear — her love dwells with gushing fond- 
 ness on its tiny features, catching their slightest expression of 
 
DISCOURSE. 37 
 
 pleasure or pain, want or satisfaction ; if the light of a smile, a 
 gleam of affection play over them, she fondles it with rapture ; 
 but if a shadow of ill or uneasiness, she gathers it more closely 
 to her warm heart with a pity, endearment and appropriation 
 unutterable. Even divine love acknowledges comparison with 
 it. " Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should 
 not have compassion on the son of her womb ?" asks the Lord 
 of Zion, doubting in her affliction. It is this more than instinct- 
 ive, more than rational tenderness of the mother, that secures 
 at once her devotion to her child and the child's love toward 
 her. So the Scriptures speak of the loving-kindness and tender 
 mercy of God towards his children, as an argument for their 
 trust, and an obligation on their gratitude. Of this the Gospel 
 is the fullest manifestation ; for it " gives knowledge of salva- 
 tion unto his people, by the remission of their sins through the 
 tender mercy of our God." How tender is Christ, the Good 
 Shepherd, " gathering the lambs in his arms, and gently lead- 
 ing those that are with young !" What tears, what anguish, 
 what long-suffering is his, even toward the obdurate ! " O 
 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and 
 stonest them that are sent unto thee ; how often would I have 
 gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her 
 chickens under her wings ! and ye would not." How yet more 
 intense his grateful compassion for those who, through " the 
 travail of his soul," become " his seed" ! And as our heavenly 
 Father imparts his own strong affection to the natural parents 
 for the nourishing of his human children, so does he in the 
 stronger adoption of penitent sinners, inspire with a saving 
 love like his own those whom he uses as the spiritual fathers 
 of his regenerated family. Thus was the apostle gentle among 
 them as a nurse cherisheth her own offspring. 
 
 He was devoted to them. The mother is never weary. As 
 she forgot her j>ains in the joy of having borne a living child, 
 so she forgets all fatigue and exertion, the wasting of her own 
 strength, and the peril of her own life, for her babe ; and this 
 
38 dr. bethune's 
 
 the more, if the babe be sickly and in danger. These young 
 children, committed to the nourishing of Paul's zeal, were, as 
 he well knew from his own experience, exposed to manifold 
 temptations, their own hearts, ill able to resist from their prone- 
 ness to sin, yet remaining in them ; and, like his tender Master, 
 he did not condemn, but pity them the more, counting not his 
 own life dear to him for their sakes. lie appeals to their con- 
 sciousness of this, his faithful, self-sacrificing ardor : " Ye re- 
 member, brethren, our labour and travail." Born of his 
 zeal, having grown near his heart, he is not only willing to 
 feed them with the Gospel which God had given him for them, 
 but he would even have added his own life — all his faculties — 
 yes, to martyrdom itself, if it were necessary, (as, indeed, the 
 issue proved,) to their growth and establishment in grace. 
 Such had been the devotion of Christ, who redeemed his 
 Church with his own blood, and such was the devotion which 
 love to Christ and love to their souls animated him with. 
 Every giving forth of his tender care made them dearer ; the 
 more they needed the more he gave, the more he gave the 
 more he was willing to give ; so affectionately was he " de- 
 sirous of them," and so inexpressibly beloved had they become. 
 Nor was this gentle, tender devotion, though it was emi- 
 nently, peculiarly the characteristic of Paul as a preacher of the 
 Gospel. We have hitherto treated only of him ; but must not 
 overlook the fact that he speaks in the plural ; because, as may 
 be seen by reference to the opening of the epistle, he associated 
 his fellow-laborers, Silvanus and Timotheus, the evangelists, 
 with him in this message to the church of Thessalonica. The 
 temper of his ministry was the temper of theirs. So is it, so 
 must it be of all true ministers of the Gospel. ISTone can enter 
 into the joy of their Lord over ransomed souls, unless they 
 have shared in his travail and labour to bring sinners to God. 
 The great attractive charm of the Gospel, the secret of its 
 power over the hearts of men is its tender mercy. " There is 
 forgiveness with thee," says the prophetic Psalmist, " that thou 
 
DISCOURSE. 39 
 
 mayest be feared." It is the love of Christ, who died for us 
 and rose again, that constrains the contrite, melted by his 
 sacrifice, to live not for themselves, but for him. There is 
 power in the truth, but the power of evangelical truth is, in its 
 story of Christ's redeeming love ; the truth which sets forth 
 " Christ evidently crucified" for us, is the truth which triumphs 
 by the tender mercy of the Comforter over the enmity of sin. 
 Hence it must be that a preacher, according to the instrumen- 
 tality of gracious Providence, can hope to achieve success only 
 as he ministers the Gospel in the spirit of the Gospel. What 
 usefulness has paralleled Paul's ? What preacher since Christ 
 has equalled him in heart ? It was not his power of argument, 
 matchless reasoner as he is ; nor his command of language and 
 figure, though there he excels beyond comparison ; but his 
 love, his Christ-like love, that in all ages of the Church has 
 breathed on all disciples a spirit which transforms them as it 
 had transformed him. Ah ! brethren, brethren of the cross, 
 brethren of the ministry, listen to his own words, and let us 
 follow his precept and example : " Though I speak with the 
 tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am be- 
 come as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal; and though I have 
 the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all know- 
 ledge ; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove 
 mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." This is the 
 grace we need above all other endowments, for lack of which 
 the modern church and the modern pulpit have lost so much 
 power ; and without which eloquence, learning and scholastic 
 science are valueless and vain. 
 
 You must have been struck, my hearers, by the appropriate- 
 ness of the text to the occasion. We are met this evening of 
 the holy day for the worship of God our Saviour, yet with the 
 impression of a solemn fact in his providence on our minds. 
 Our heavenly Father has taken from us, as we confidently be- 
 lieve, within his own house, the soul of one very dear to many 
 
4.0 DR. BETHUNE'S 
 
 as a pious friend, eminent before the world as a Christian, and 
 venerated by the Church as a faithful minister of the everlast- 
 ing Gospel. This is no place for eulogy of man. Our purpose 
 is thankful acknowledgment of that divine grace, which called 
 and sanctified a fellow-sinner to a service fruitful for our reli- 
 gious advantage. Tears are ready to flow fast and freely, yet, 
 save those of natural affection, they are signs less of sorrow 
 than of gratulation, that glorious rest has crowned a pilgrim- 
 age long intent on heaven ; where, presented through Christ 
 Jesus, the good and faithful servant now enjoys eternal wages. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Bkodhead was so well and widely known, that 
 an elaborate portraiture of his character would at this time be 
 superfluous. A discourse pronounced over his recent grave by 
 the intimate friend of his entire life, the Rev. Dr. Thomas De 
 Witt, and since printed,* contains, among eloquent tributes to 
 his worth, details of his history. His only surviving son is 
 solacing his great bereavement by gathering, with pious hand, 
 records of his father's private and public services, to be pre- 
 served in a fragrant memorial. My present office, therefore, 
 as a preacher of Christ, speaking from a pulpit from which he 
 often preached, and never aught but Christ, is to unite with 
 you in such recollections of his Christian course and ministerial 
 qualities as shall best tend to the honor of his Master and ours. 
 " He was a burning and shining light, and we were willing for 
 a season to rejoice in his light ;" yet should we be most for- 
 getful of both his teaching and practice, if in honoring him 
 whom the Lord honored, we did not honor Christ supremely. 
 
 Having dedicated himself to God in his fresh youth, he kept 
 his vow steadily until the end. So far from losing the warmth 
 of his love, it grew with his experience and his knowledge of 
 the Saviour. This, doubtless, was assisted by the strength of 
 his constitution, his ardent temperament and healthful disposi- 
 tion. No one could look on his marked, pleasing features, ex- 
 pressive of thought and feeling, his tall, manly frame, and his 
 
 * See ante, page 11. 
 
DISCOURSE. 41 
 
 easy, prompt movement, without recognizing a sound mind in 
 a sound body. Frank, generous, and kind, lie appeared what 
 he was. Keenly sensitive, he could not disguise his feeling of 
 wrong, and, courteous himself, he expected courtesy. With 
 less quickness of nerve and emotion, he would have lacked 
 that appreciation of others which was his chief charm, and that 
 perception of fitness which was his chief talent. Vanity was 
 too mean a vice to reach him, but, with less grace in his heart, 
 he would have been proud; for his notions of self-propriety 
 were learned in that school of gentlemen now, unhappily, be- 
 come old ; yet no one was more alive to the joy or sorrow of a 
 fellow-being. When he gave you his hand, you knew that his 
 heart came with it ; and his smiles or his tears were natural as 
 a child's. 
 
 It is no wonder, then, that under the influence of religion, 
 he was what he was. Firm, yet not impassible ; consistent, 
 yet never pragmatical ; steadfast in faith and virtue, but free 
 from exacting bigotry and petty scrupulosities ; fearless in cen- 
 sure of vice and damning error, yet tolerant of human weak- 
 ness ; covetous of converse with the gravely wise and wisely 
 good, yet affectionately considerate of the young, and delight- 
 ing to take little children up in his arms ; open to approach 
 and winning in his advances ; so, mingling freely with all 
 classes, but ever mindful of his allegiance to the kingdom 
 which is not of this world, he proved not less in the common 
 duties of daily life, than in the fellowships of Christian solem- 
 nity, that his piety was a dominant principle, maintained by 
 habitual communion with God, study of the Scriptures, and 
 contemplation of eternal things. 
 
 To say he never had an enemy, were poor praise, for he fol- 
 lowed the Crucified ; yet I never heard of one. To claim that 
 he was without fault or foible, were to deny his humble con- 
 fessions of trust only in the Saviour of sinners ; yet no scandal 
 ever clung to his name, no blot rests on his memory, nor even 
 an eccentric folly impairs the pleasantness of the image he has 
 
42 DR. bethune's 
 
 left on our minds. Many good men wept at his death, while 
 censure stood veiled and silent beside his sacred grave. 
 
 He shrank from no responsibility which Providence laid on 
 him. His patriotism was a love of his whole country and of all 
 his country men, loyalty to the Union and its safe-guard, the 
 Constitution, zeal for the education of its youth and increase of 
 its science ; but always elevated by his unshaken belief that 
 "righteousness alone exalteth a nation," and that "sin is a 
 reproach to any people."- In his personal friendships he was 
 true and constant ; and in the more endearing relations of his 
 family none but lips now quivering with filial sorrow should 
 attempt to tell how good, and kind, and devoted he was to 
 those whom he outlived and those who survive him. His life 
 resembled not a sheltered pool, placid because stagnant ; or a 
 water-course straightened by artificial embankments; but a 
 stream of strong tide through open fields, ruffled often by the 
 free airs and its own force, more useful from its graceful 
 curves, yet ever flowing on with still-increasing volume, to 
 freshen and to bless till it reached the bright, illimitable sea. 
 
 It is, however, impossible to exhibit the Christian man apart 
 from his official characteristics, and the more since he rarely 
 allowed us to forget that he was a minister of the Gospel. It 
 was as a preacher in the sanctuary, a pastor in your dwellings, 
 and a standard-bearer in the militant Church, that the most of 
 you, my friends, loved him best, because you knew him best. 
 Entering on his theological studies at nineteen, and ordained 
 bishop of a flock at twenty-two, his personal life was ever after 
 closely interwoven with his sacred functions ; and, as a little 
 while since, I traced the work and temper of Paul, " the minis- 
 ter of Christ to us Gentiles," I could not avoid throwing into 
 stronger relief those marks of an evangelical minister in which 
 he resembled the great Apostle, though at the distance which 
 must ever separate the uninspired from those miraculously 
 
 * See Note A. 
 
DISCOURSE. 43 
 
 qualified by tlie Holy Ghost. Trained under the ablest of the 
 able divines in our Church at that day, he entered his profes- 
 sion with their high testimonials to his learning and soundness, 
 nor did he afterwards, at any time, suspend his acquisitions. 
 With enlightened views of the sacred function through which 
 it pleases God, more than by any other instrumentality, to 
 save them that believe, he laid aside every temptation of the 
 world, to be a preacher. He loved knowledge in all its 
 branches ; nor may we doubt that usefulness by essay or book 
 urged its probabilities upon him. As a junior member of a 
 collegiate faculty, his success might have opened prospects of 
 an academical career, not without attraction ; but, from the 
 hour that the hands of the Classis were laid on his young head, 
 he did but one thing.* It was no longer a question with him 
 in what way his talents could accomplish most good, for the 
 injunction and the vow were on him, to preach the Gospel to 
 sinners, that by Divine grace they might be saved ; nor had 
 any motives such power with him as the hope of serving his 
 Master's honor in the salvation of souls. For the same reason 
 he preached only the Gospel. That was the only means which 
 the Master had committed to him, and he neither dared nor 
 desired to use any other, f 
 
 The Gospel was, in his conscientious judgment, not only the 
 sole theme proper for the pulpit, but the great method ap- 
 pointed by the wisdom of God for the exercise of his power in 
 removing the evils consequent upon sin from our unhappy 
 world. Hence we never knew him bring into his discourses 
 any of the various measures and schemes of reform, which 
 have, like fashionable epidemics, excited the world and the 
 Church ; not that he did not desire a universal freedom and 
 morality ; but because he doubted the efficiency of every 
 invention that came not from God. Whether the success of the 
 Gospel were immediate or delayed, he had no alternative. 
 
 * See Note B. \ See Note C. 
 
44 dr. bethune's 
 
 Politicians might wrangle about laws, and self-styled philoso- 
 phers aim at reconstructing the world on a better system than 
 that of its Divine Author ; he was neither statesman, nor legis- 
 lator, nor judge, nor philosopher, but a preacher of the Gospel. 
 The world was, at the best, as bad when Jesus Christ and his 
 apostles went forth to save it ; they had no method but the 
 Gospel, and he followed them. "Where," would he exclaim, 
 " is the wise, where is the scribe, where is the disputer of this 
 world ? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this 
 world V 
 
 lie preached the Gospel in its simplicity. He was particu- 
 larly happy in teaching Christian doctrine with clearness and 
 sweetness. His style was an unusual compound of didactic 
 statement, glowing illustration, and pathetic ardor. Some men, 
 whose mechanical brains can never work outside of a dialectic 
 formula or metaphysical theorem, might have disputed his rhe- 
 torical talent, because he did not strip his subject to a dry, 
 fleshless skeleton ; but its genuineness was proved by its 
 effects, when thousands hung weeping on his utterances, and 
 hearts, long obdurate, broke in penitence as he pleaded with 
 demonstration of the Spirit. During the thirteen years he 
 spent in Philadelphia, between his thirty-first and forty-fourth 
 year, when his faculties were most vigorous, he had control 
 over crowds of hearers unparalleled in the history of that city, 
 and rare in modern times. His own immediate congregation 
 filled the vast edifice they had erected, every morning of the 
 Sabbath ; but, every evening, the rush from all parts of the 
 town and all classes of people overflowed its utmost capacity 
 the moment its doors were open ; and this throughout the 
 whole thirteen years. He gained such attention by no unwor- 
 thy arts. He never truckled to vulgarity of taste, or prejudice, 
 or passion ; never pleased the gross ear by invective or carica- 
 ture ; never scoffed at the recorded wisdom of pious expe- 
 rience, nor acted the pantomime of droll or clown. No light, 
 mocking laugh ran through his galleries, to the profanation of 
 
DISCOURSE. 45 
 
 holy time and place. He was ever solemn, earnest, reverent 
 of God, and respectful to man ; his doctrine, the solid, out- 
 spoken truth of Scripture reviled as Calvinism ; his language, 
 decent, manly Saxon, such as scholars choose for its honesty, 
 gentlemen speak, and Christians love, because like that into 
 which our Bible is rendered. A well-taught child could un- 
 derstand Dr. BnopiiEAD, even when most eloquent. For elo- 
 quent he was — eloquent from the depth of his personal piety, 
 from his thorough acquaintance with our best model, the Eng- 
 lish Scriptures, from his admiration of evangelical truth ; but 
 chiefly because his Master's love, and pity, and tenderness for 
 sin-stricken and sin-burdened souls, poured through all and 
 over all he said an unction from the Holy One, fragrant with 
 the name of Jesus. 
 
 Tenderness was especially his characteristic. Having that al- 
 most instinctive skill to reach the more sensitive chords of the 
 human heart which belongs, as a distinguishing attribute, to 
 oratorical genius, with a most lively apprehension of things 
 concerning our eternal peace, he could not restrain his emotion 
 while he probed the torpid conscience to the quick, or applied 
 the balm of Gilead to the bleeding spirit. Hence, catching a 
 fondness for parable from our Lord's sermons, he delighted to 
 preach on Scriptural narratives, laying open the humanity 
 common to us all, and making his hearers feel that the moral 
 of the story was applicable to them. Those who do not know 
 of his career in Philadelphia may think my description of him 
 there exaggerated ; but there are thousands of yet living wit- 
 nesses to its veracity. Even after he returned to New- York, 
 and during the eleven years of his settlement in the Broome- 
 Street Church, it was crowded — every seat taken, and many 
 applicants turned away. Yet a man of such strong feelings 
 lives fast ; and, though he was clear, interesting, and im- 
 press] he end, it could not be expected that he would 
 retain all the enthusiasm of his palmy prime — but the age that 
 sobered, mellowed him — and his older hearers liked him not 
 
46 DR. BETHUNE'S 
 
 the less ; and his last charge, relinquished in his sixty-fifth year, 
 was more fruitful than his first,* 
 
 His ministry throughout was eminently successful ; more so> 
 it is thought, with reason, than that of any other 'minister in 
 the a k ik its of our Church; for God had made him wise in 
 winning souls. Full statistics of all his labors can not be ac- 
 curately given ; but, taking thirty-four years in four settle- 
 ments, I find the remarkable average of twenty-four persons 
 added annually on confession of their faith, or six at each com- 
 munion. This is yet more surprising, if we remember that his 
 first congregation (Rhinebeck) was then comparatively small, 
 and that another (Crown street, Philadelphia) was gathered 
 almost wholly by himself, and two others (Broome street, J^ew- 
 York, and Brooklyn) were feeble when he took charge of them. 
 For Dr. Brodiiead loved most to build up. A weak congre- 
 gation, or one in its first growth, had more attraction in his 
 eyes than the strong and established ; a proof of which was 
 given by his relinquishing his settlement in our wealthy Colle- 
 giate Church of New-York, because there his place could easily 
 be supplied, and taking the charge of Crown street in Phila- 
 delphia, because at its beginning it might not readily succeed 
 in obtaining a pastor.f 
 
 His harvests were greatest in Philadelphia, where, out of 
 567 persons added to the communion of the Crown-Street 
 Church, only 84 were admitted by letter, leaving an average 
 annual accession from the world of 37, or about 9 at each com- 
 munion. ISTor were these additions from occasional excitements, 
 with seasons of barrenness intervening. The increase, though in 
 some years greater than in others, was very steady. In twenty 
 communions succeeding his installation the number but in one 
 falls as low as nine, in eight is over twenty, and in two over 
 thirty. The known caution of Dr. Broduead assures us that 
 these were not received lightly ; and having followed him, 
 
 * See Note D. f See Note E. 
 
DISCOUESE. 47 
 
 though at considerable intervals, in three of his charges, I never 
 knew one of tlieni deserving of discipline, but many devoted, 
 well-taught, steady-minded Christians, maintaining an undoubt- 
 ed credit for sincerity, and active in every good work. Yery 
 often have I heard them, especially on beds of sickness and 
 death, recalling his sermons and pious sayings, and blessing 
 God for the good sent to their souls through him whom they 
 never ceased to consider their dearest minister. Is it surpris- 
 ing that the name of such a man is held in such precious 
 remembrance \ 
 
 "We of the Reformed Dutch churches have peculiar reason 
 for gratitude to God in our recollections of his most useful 
 labours. Born, baptized, and bred in our communion, his 
 whole life was spent in laboring for its prosperity. Far, very 
 far was Iw from bigotry or sectarian exclusiveness. lie loved 
 and was beloved by evangelical Christians of all churches, 
 freely exchanging pulpits with those of their ministers to whom 
 such courtesy was agreeable, and rendering such aid as he 
 could to those that sought it ;* but he loved his own Church 
 with a loyalty never chilled or shaken. He loved her people 
 and her clergy and her institutions ; he loved her catechisms, 
 her creeds, and her devotional forms ; he loved her history and 
 her usages ;f and he loved her to the end, as those near him in 
 the closing days of his pilgrimage can testify. Even when, as 
 to other signs, unconscious, his memory was busy among the 
 scenes and companions of his past engagements ; not the least 
 touching or expressive instance of which was his repeating, 
 after a long silence, iri strong tones, " Peter Labagh ! Peter 
 Labagh !" the name of that dear father still permitted to linger 
 among us, venerated by us all as an impersonation of the faith 
 and spirit of our Church. 
 
 That Dr. Brodiiead would have been gladly welcomed to 
 fields of usefulness in other kindred denominations there can 
 
 * See Note F. f See Note G. 
 
48 dr. bethune's 
 
 be no doubt ; but I do not believe that he ever seriously 
 thought of transferrins: himself from our immediate connection.* 
 His native Church was dear to him as the home of his youth 
 and most blessed experiences, where "his best friends, his 
 kindred dwelt," under the shadow of the Eock. He left it 
 only to join the Church above. 
 
 The ancients had a frequent saying, " Call no man happy 
 till you have seen him die ;" so liable they deemed the most 
 fortunate to sore reverses. The death of our friend was a 
 happy consummation of a life which, though not free from ne- 
 cessary trials, was a most happy one. 
 
 He died in a happy hour. He had passed the Fiftieth anni- 
 versary of his ordination, and spent his last winter, with a few 
 days of spring, among his old and greatly attached friends in 
 this city. His strength was sufficient to gratify his own heart 
 and theirs in preaching often and even regularly for his former 
 beloved charge in Broome street, who needed his cherishing 
 care, and sometimes in the Collegiate Churches of which he had 
 been in his younger days a minister. It was as if he had 
 come to bless his children before he departed.f Such was, no 
 doubt, his feeling ; for his last sermon to the Broome-street 
 people (the last but one that he ever preached) was such a one 
 as such a preacher could utter from such a text : " Yea, I 
 think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir yon up 
 by putting you in remembrance, knowing that shortly I must 
 put off this my tabernacle, even as the Lord Jesus Christ hath 
 showed me. Moreover, I will endeavor that ye may be able, 
 after my decease, to have these things always in remem- 
 brance."^: 
 
 He died in a happy hour. He had exceeded by a few 
 years that limit of threescore and ten beyond which man's 
 strength is "labor and sorrow ;" yet years, rather than decay. 
 
 * See Note H. f Heb. XI : 21. J. 2 Peter 1 : 12-15. 
 
DISCOURSE. 49 
 
 warned him of the shadows. His form was erect, his hair not 
 white, his voice clear, his mind vigorous, and his heart warm. 
 He was ready to depart, but not weary of living ; and when 
 his death came, it was not as an agony, but a hushing gently 
 to sleep. 
 
 He died in a happy hour. There was not a wish of his 
 heart ungratified. Those of his beloved ones who would wel- 
 come him to heaven were more in number than those he would 
 leave behind.* When his failing heart told him that its 
 throbbings would soon be over, he sought his daughter's home, 
 where, from her husband, the son of his choice, and herself, 
 every filial attention awaited him, and he could take their 
 child to his breast. There his own dearly beloved son went 
 quickly to join him. Pious friends, who had learned to love 
 him in his age, were near to pray for him. With a little com- 
 pany of disciples, several of whom were brother ministers, he 
 partook in thankful faith of his Lord's last supper. " Oh ! that 
 you could know what raptures I enjoy!" he exclaimed : then, 
 fearing to wrong the least remnant of a life he had given to 
 God, he added : "Be still, O my soul!"f 
 
 When his eyes, swimming in mortal faintness, looked around 
 before they closed, they met the eyes of all he loved best, ex- 
 cept those he was about to greet in heaven. There was not 
 even a tremor of his frame when he breathed out his soul 
 to God. That soul is now glad among the angels, and his 
 flesh rests in hope, until Christ comes to make it like his own. 
 
 Thine be all the glory, O God and Father of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ ! and grant, O our Father ! for Christ's sake, that as 
 thou didst sanctify the life of our departed brother for so rich 
 a blessing, now by the same grace to sanctify for blessing, a 
 thousand fold more, his death and the memory of his ex- 
 ample. Amen. 
 
 * See Note I. f See Note K. 
 
 4 
 
NOTES. 
 
 NOTE A. 
 
 It is stated by Dr. De "Witt, in his address, (page 15,) that Dr. Brodhead was 
 appointed by Governor Tompkins, during the war with England, chaplain of a regi- 
 ment, and that, in the performance of his duty, he constantly visited the troops at 
 their post. His commission was dated 11 February, 1811, and appointed him 
 Chaplain of the 3d Regiment, First Brigade of New- York State Artillery, then 
 embodied. He faithfully served in this office until his removal to Philadelphia, in 
 the month of September, 1813. 
 
 Soon after his settlement in Philadelphia, he went out at the head of his congre- 
 gation, and worked for several weeks at the trenches which were then being made 
 below the city. A sort of redoubt was thrown up on one of the points of the line, 
 which, in compliment to him, was called "Brodhead's Fort." 
 
 In reference to Dr. Brodhead's interest in subjects connected with education 
 and benevolence, alluded to by Dr. De Witt, (pages 15 and 16,) it may be stated 
 that he was a very punctual and regular attendant at the meetings of the Trustees 
 of Queen's (now Burgers) College, to which Board he was elected on the 13th of 
 February, 1812. He always considered the prosperity of that institution as con- 
 nected with the welfare of the Reformed Dutch Church ; and in his double capacity 
 of President of General Synod in 1825, and Trustee of the College, he took an active 
 part in the measures which resulted in its revival in that year. 
 
 Nevertheless, soon after his settlement in the Broome-Street Church, Dr. Brod- 
 head felt the importance of establishing an institution in the city of New-York, 
 which should, in every respect, be equal to the wants and worthy of the grow- 
 ing greatness of the metropolis. The actual originator of the present " University 
 of the City of New- York," was, undoubtedly, the late Rev. Dr. Alexander Gunn, 
 of Bloomingdale. In 182T, he developed his plans to Dr. Brodhead, who at once 
 embarked heartily in the enterprise. Other gentlemen, among whom were the Rev. 
 Dr. Cox, Judge Betts, Chancellor Kent, Mr. Mtndert Van Schaick, Mr. Hugh 
 Maxwell, Mr. Eleazer Lord, Mr. Morgan Lewis, etc., were soon associated, 
 and warmly interested in the subject. They had frequent interviews at their 
 respective houses, a memorandum of one of which meetings, on the 23d of Sep- 
 tember, 1828, at which were present Messrs. Van Schaick, Lord, Maxwell, and 
 Drs. Cox and Brodhead, still exists in the handwriting of the latter. A committee 
 was then appointed to revise and publish the plan for a University, which appears 
 to have been drawn up by Dr. Brodhead. This plan was accordingly revised and 
 matured during the next year, and a prospectus was printed, giving the general 
 scope of the proposed institution, and signed "by order of the Committee, Morgan 
 Lewis, Chairman, Hugh Maxwell, Secretary." A copy of this prospectus was 
 
52 NOTES. 
 
 published in the New-York daily papers of January, 1830. These preliminary 
 steps led to the foundation of the present University of the City of New- York, 
 which was incorporated by an act of the Legislature passed 18 April, 1831. 
 Among the members of the first council, under this incorporation, were Drs. Cox 
 and Brodhead, and Messrs. Lewis, Betts, and Van Sciiaick, who had partici- 
 pated in the original movements referred to above. 
 
 NOTE B. 
 
 But few of Dr. Brodhead's sermons and addresses have been printed. The fol- 
 lowing list contains the titles of all that are known to exist : 
 
 1. An Introductory Discourse, delivered in the Reformed Dutch Church in the City 
 of Philadelphia, October 10, 1813. By Jacob Broduead, A.M., Pastor of said 
 Church. " I seek not yours, but you." II Cor. XII : 14. 
 
 2. A Plea for the Poor. A sermon delivered in the Independent Tabernacle in 
 Philadelphia, on Sabbath evening, IS December, 1814, for the benefit of the 
 Female Hospitable Society. By Jacob Brodhead, A.M., Pastor of the Reformed 
 Dutch Church in Crown street. "Plead the cause of the poor and needy." Prov. 
 XXXI : 9. 
 
 3. A New Year's Memorial for Minister and People. A sermon preached in 
 Crown-Street Church, Philadelphia, 1 January, 1826. By Jacob Brodiiead, 
 D.D. "And this day shall be unto you for a memorial." Exodus, XII : 14. 
 
 4. A Sermon delivered in the Reformed Dutch Church in Broome street, in the City 
 of New- York, on the 9th of December, 1S30, being Thanksgiving Day. By 
 Jacob Brodhead, D.D. " Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, 
 even the God of our salvation. Selah." Psalm LXVIII : 19. 
 
 5. A Discourse on Education, delivered in the Reformed Dutch Church in Broome 
 street, on Sabbath evening, 30 January, 1831, for the benefit of the Sunday- 
 schools of the Church. By Jacob Brodhead, D.D. "And these words, which I 
 command thee, this day, shall be in thine heart ; and thou shall teach them diligently 
 unto thy children." Deut. VI : 6, 1. 
 
 6. An Address Delivered at the Interment of the Reverend Dr. Gerardus A. 
 Kuypers, in the North Dutch Church, New- York, on 1 July, 1833. By the 
 Reverend Jacob Brodiiead, D.D. 
 
 7. A Sermon Preached in the Central Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, Brook- 
 lyn, on Sabbath morning, 27th of July, 1851. By Jacob Brodhead, D.D. 
 u And this day shall be unto you for a memorial." Exodus, XII : 14. 
 
 NOTE C. 
 
 On the morning of Sunday, the 19th of September, 1813, Dr. Brodhead preached 
 his first sermon to the people of the Crown-Street Church, Philadelphia, from the 
 text: l: I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ." In his private memoranda for 
 that day, he says: "I feel all the responsibility of a pastor. A new church and a 
 now people 1 Much to do to get things in order ; trembling for the issue I What 
 can I do but go to that throne of grace to which I have often resorted and found 
 
NOTES. 53 
 
 help ? * * * * I trust that ' I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ,' but 
 that to preach it in its plainness will be the business of my life." 
 
 Dr. Brodfiead was installed in the Crown-Street Church on Sunday, 10 Octo- 
 ber, 1813, in the evening of which day he preached his introductory discourse from 
 the text : " I seek not yours but you," II Corinthians, XII : 14. This discourse was 
 immediately published, by request. 
 
 NOTE D. 
 
 The congregation of the Crown-Street Church, in Philadelphia, having erected a 
 new building in a more convenient quarter of the city, Dr. Brodhead was very 
 affectionately invited by their pastor, the Reverend Mr. Willits, to take a part in 
 the services at its dedication on the 29th of April, 1S55. He received this invita- 
 tion just after his attack of illness in March, and delayed answering it, in the ear- 
 nest hope that he might be able to attend. He frequently expressed his desire to 
 see his old Philadelphia friends once more, and, at one time, seemed to think that 
 he could gratify his wish. But this was not permitted to him. He accordingly 
 wrote a feeling letter to Mr. Willits, which was read by him at the Dedicatory 
 service. After his return to Springfield he frequently asked about that dedication, 
 and listened with great interest to the account of it as published in the journals. 
 
 NOTE E. 
 
 In the spring of 1813, Dr. Broddead was very strongly urged by some of the 
 leading members of the congregation which, under the Rev. Mr. Burch, had been 
 worshipping in the Crown-Street Church, to give up his " excellent situation" in 
 New-York, and come and establish a Reformed Dutch Church in Philadelphia. 
 About the middle of the following June, he received a unanimous call from the con- 
 sistory. He weighed the subject welL The following is a synopsis of one of his 
 private memoranda. Among his reasons against going were : I. His comfortable 
 standing in the Collegiate Church ; II. The advantage of ministerial intercourse in 
 New-York, which might bo more contracted in Philadelphia ; III. God had visibly 
 blessed his labors in New- York; IV. In point of respectability, the Collegiate 
 Church was, perhaps, the first in the whole Dutch Church ; V. Most of his friends 
 opposed his going. In favor of going were : I. The difficulties in the Collegiate sys- 
 tem ; II. In New- York, some oppose the use of notes, but not so in Philadelphia ; 
 III. The unanimity of the Crown-street people in their call ; IV. Under the cir- 
 cumstances that congregation would be one of the most important in the Dutch 
 Church ; V. To decline their call might be pernicious to that Church, whereas " my 
 place here, I believe, can be supplied without much inconvenience or difficulty." 
 
 After mature deliberation, and under a controlling sense of duty, he determined 
 to accept the call to Philadelphia, and announced his intention to the Collegiate 
 Consistory. That body, on the 20th of August, 1813, passed a very affectionate 
 resolution, regretting his acceptance of the call to Crown street, but agreeing to 
 dismiss him. The Chassis of New- York accordingly met on the 31st of August, and 
 dissolved the connection. 
 
54 NOTES. 
 
 NOTE F. 
 
 Dr. De "Witt in his address (page 15) has referred to some of the clergymen, es- 
 pecially the venerated " Father Eastbuen," with whom Dr. Brodhead was on terms 
 of warm friendship in Philadelphia. He frequently preached for his Methodist and 
 Moravian brethren, and was always welcomed heartily to their pulpits. After re- 
 signing his last call at Brooklyn, in 1846, he constantly assisted his clerical friends 
 in that neighborhood ; and never, indeed, laid aside his ministerial robe until his 
 death. In 1852, after the decease of his wife, he went to reside with his daughter, 
 and for the first time in his life, in the State of Massachusetts. But he did not find 
 himself a stranger in a strange land. The clergymen of Springfield received him 
 as a friend, and respected him as a divine. Among others, may be named the 
 Rev. Dr. Osgood, Rev. R. H. Seeley, Rev. H. M. Field, Rev. S. G-. Buckingham, 
 and Rev. H. M. Parsons of the several Congregational churches of that city and 
 its neighborhood, and the Rev. "W. S. Child, of the Episcopal Church, whose 
 Christian and most gratifying attentions, always heartily reciprocated, contributed 
 very materially to comfort and cheer him in the evening of his eventful life. 
 
 NOTE G-. 
 
 Dr. Brodiiead's earnest and uncompromising attachment to his own Church was 
 too well known to require comment. It may, however, be now stated that when, a 
 few years ago, it was proposed, in some quarters, to change the name of the 
 Church, by omitting from its title the distinctive word "Dutch," he took active 
 measures to defeat the project. The " Circular," on that subject, sent to the several 
 consistories, in January 1854, was the result of his own suggestion. 
 
 NOTE II. 
 
 In several instances, and especially during his settlement in Philadelphia, Dr. 
 Brodhead was urged to accept calls to fields of labor in other denominations, 
 among which were the Yandewater-Street Church in New-York, and the German 
 Theological Seminary at Carlisle, as stated by Dr. De "Witt, in page 16 of his ad- 
 dress. All these invitations, however, were steadily declined; although, in the 
 case of the Yandewater-Street Church, their application to him was supported and 
 earnestly pressed by one of his dearest and most valued friends, the Rev. Dr. 
 Robert McCartee, formerly of the Canal-Street Church, and now of Newburgh. 
 
 NOTE I. 
 
 Dr. Brodiiead's children were: Charles Howard, born, 29 July, 1805 ; died, 6 
 March, 1813. John Bleecker, born, 11 June, 1808; died, 9 October, 1810. John 
 Romeyn, born, 2 January, 1814. Alfred, born, 9 September, 1815 ; died, 24 
 August, 1837. Eliza Yan Sciiaick, born 20 October, 1822 ; died, 1 October, 1825. 
 Harriet Romeyn, born, 8 August, 1826 ; married to George M. Atwater. 
 
 In this connection, and with reference to the statement by Dr. De Witt, on page 
 14 of his address, the following extract of a letter from the Rev. Dr. Cornelius D. 
 Westbrook to Mr. John Romeyn Brodhead, dated Kingston, 10 July, 1855, 
 may be of interest : 
 
NOTES. 55 
 
 " Your grandfather's putting his son with the Rev. Abraham Van Hoene, in 
 1194, was the occasion of my being destined for an academical and collegiate 
 course of studies. Domine Van Horne, in looking out for some associate for his 
 new pupil, selected me for that purpose, went to my father, and obtained his con- 
 sent that his only child should join young Jacob Brodhead in his preparatory 
 schooling. From that time we studied together, got our lessons together, and re- 
 cited them together, until we graduated at Union College in the year 1801. "We 
 came out together, in the ministry in the year 1804, under his uncle the Rev. Dr. 
 Theodorick Rometn, of Schenectady. 
 
 "In addition to what others have so deservedly left on record respecting this faith- 
 ful and successful minister of Jehovah Jesus, I can say a few things. 
 
 " Your father was the youngest of your grandfather's children. He was like 
 Joseph, the pet lamb of the aged patriarch ; but not like Joseph did he meet with 
 the envy and subsequent hatred of his brothers. They loved, respected, and 
 honored him to the last. I record this to their credit. 
 
 " He was in early youth noted for a prominent love of distinction — a reigning 
 desire to appear well before men. He was, accordingly, neat in his person, and in 
 his dress, even to particularity : but all this was regulated and controlled by a 
 strict moral sense and conscientious behavior throughout his whole course. He 
 was, therefore, studious, industrious, prompt, and punctual, throughout his prepara- 
 tory courses and his ministrations in the churches over which he presided. Never 
 can too much stress be laid upon such qualifications, especially in him who minis- 
 ters in holy things. These came most powerfully in aid of his warm-hearted piety, 
 and left him at the close of his active labors with a popular regard which but very 
 few aged and exempt Ministers have held to the last. 
 
 "He owed, under God, much — very much — to your dear mother. Years ago, he 
 acknowledged this to me. She was, indeed, a ' help-meet ' for a man of his tem- 
 perament. Highly intellectual, decided, sincere — exemplarily devoted and ardent 
 in all her domestic, social, and religious relations — she stood by the side of her 
 husband and children, their constant friend, counsellor, and guide. Some of those 
 dear ones she lived to part with, and finally left that affectionate circle by a painful 
 death. I knew her well — and that in early life. She never gave up her domestic 
 duties for fashion : she was true to her friends — and those of her own selection were 
 not many. Her children — their education — and the position of her husband in the 
 Church and the world, these sacred obligations constantly claimed her care and her 
 attention. Her record is on high. 
 
 " In the autumn of 1 799 — before we went to College, your grandfather died. On 
 his death-bed, Captain Brodhead sent for my father — his fellow-soldier in the 
 Revolutionary war — and exacted from him the pledge to keep ws together in our 
 future studies. This engagement was faithfully performed. No two persons in the 
 ministry of the Reformed Dutch Church have been so closely and intimately 
 united as your father and myself." 
 
 NOTE K. 
 
 The following is from the pen of the Rev. R. H. Seelet, of Springfield, Mas- 
 sachusetts : 
 
 " For several weeks before his decease, it was evident that Dr. Brodhead did 
 
56 NOTES. 
 
 not expect to recover, and he signified his wish once more to partake of the sacra- 
 ment of the Lord's Supper. 
 
 " But his friends hesitated, as they could not feel that he was not to regain his 
 health ; and it was feared that, in his weak and nervous state, it might be attended 
 with unfavorable effects. 
 
 " However, after consultation with his physicians, it was agreed upon, and the 
 appointment was made for the administration of the ordinance at his room on Sab- 
 bath afternoon, the 20th of May, 1855. 
 
 "Accordingly, at the close of the services in their respective churches, the fol- 
 lowing clergymen met: Rev. Dr. S. Osgood, Rev. S. G. Buckingham, Rev. H. 
 M. Parsons, and Rev. R. H. Seeley, who — with Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Atwater, 
 and Mr. S. H. Moselet — composed the company who united with Dr. Brodhead 
 in this most interesting act of Christian faitli and fellowship. 
 
 "At the commencement of the services, it was deemed proper to caution him in 
 respect to tho necessity of calmness and composure, that his health might not bo 
 unnecessarily jeoparded ; and the encouragement that could be gathered from the 
 report of his physicians concerning his symptoms, was also given him. This was 
 done lest his religious emotions should too much elate and excite him, on the one 
 hand, or the thought that it was his last sacrament should possibly depress his 
 mind, on the other hand, and so prove unfavorable to his physical condition. 
 
 " This done, the gospel of John, chapter XIV, from 1st verse, was read, and also 
 tho institution, from Luke XXII : 14. 
 
 " The blessing was then implored and the bread distributed by Rev. Dr. Osgood, 
 and the cup by Rev. Mr. Buckingham, and the occasion, as may well be imagined, 
 was most solemn and interesting. It was good to be there, and the minds of all 
 spontaneously recurred to the scene in that upper room, where the ordinance was 
 instituted, and a few of His ministers received these sacred emblems of his dying 
 love from the hands of the Redeemer himself. 
 
 "Though we were without His bodily presence, He manifested himself by most 
 precious tokens, and the religious enjoyment of Dr. Brodhead was evidently 
 most intense. At one time, he could not help giving it expression, and, after a 
 few moments' silent meditation, said to those present : ' Oh ! could you but know 
 what raptures I enjoy.' Then, as if on the verge of eternity, and rejoicing in 
 view of heavenly glories, he uttered exclamations of affection, of gratitude, and 
 of praise to God ; but suddenly stopping in the midst, as if recollecting the danger 
 to his physical strength, with a most beautiful and striking effort at self-control, he 
 said to himself: 'But cease. Be still, my soul!' and immediately was calm as a 
 child in the Saviour's arms. 
 
 "After prayer, a few more words of Christian sympathy and consolation were 
 spoken, and the hope expressed that, with our people, we might again have the 
 pleasure of hearing him in our pulpits. He signified his doubt as to the fact, but 
 the satisfaction it would afford him, if such were the will of God ; ' for,' said he, 
 ' you know it has been my greatest delight to preach Jesus Christ,' and in tears 
 buried his face. 
 
 " The apostolic benediction was then pronounced, and closed one of the most 
 tender, interesting, and religiously profitable scenes I ever witnessed, or expect to 
 witness till earth shall be exchanged for that world where all the servants of God 
 shall meet, and unite in unending and tearless fellowship. R. H. S. 
 
 " Springfield, June, 1855."