t)ELlVERED IN BRUNSWICK, 
 
 SEPTEMBER 9th, 1802, 
 
 BY THE REV. JOSEPH M'KEEN, A.M. & A.A.S. 
 
 AT HIS ENTRANCE ON 
 THE DUflES OF PRESIDENT OF BOWDOIN COLLEGE: 
 
 AN EULOGY, 
 
 PRONOUNCED AT HIS FUNERAL, 
 
 BY THE REVEREND WILLIAM JENKS. 
 
 PORTLAND: 
 
 PRINTED BY THOMAS E. WAIT & CO. 
 
 i8or. 
 
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 INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 
 
 The candor I have experienced from 
 the reverend and honorable gentlemen who 
 c y- ^se the boards of trustees and overseers 
 ot Bowdoin College, will not, I trust, be with- 
 holden on this occasion. It is this confidence 
 alone, which enables me to rise and address 
 you, at a moment when the weight of the 
 charge I have consented to undertake, bears 
 with peculiar force upon my mind. 
 
 The organization of a literary institution in 
 the district of Maine, which is rapidly increas- 
 ing in population, is an interesting event, and 
 will form an important epoch in its history. 
 The disadvantages with which the district has 
 contended from the days of its early settlement, 
 have been numerous and discouraging. The 
 scattered inhabitants were long in a weak and 
 defenceless state : for more than a century the 
 
sword of the wilderness was a terror to them ; 
 and they were frequently constrained to lay 
 aside the peaceful instruments of the husband- 
 man, and to seize the weapons of defence. 
 Planted in detached settlements along an ex- 
 tensive coast, and depending on precarious 
 supplies of subsistence from abroad, it was 
 long before they could enjoy the means of 
 education with which some other parts of 
 New England were early favored. Add to 
 this, that deep and strong prejudices prevailed 
 against the soil and climate, by which immigra- 
 tions were discouraged, and the population of 
 the district long retarded. These mistakes 
 have yielded to the correcting hand of time ; 
 and Maine is rapidly advancing to that state of 
 maturity, in which, without being forcibly 
 plucked, she will drop from her parent stock. 
 While the wilderness is literally blossoming 
 like the rose, and the late howling desert by 
 the patient hand of industry is becoming a 
 fruitful field, it is pleasing to the friends of 
 science, religion, and good order, to observe 
 a growing disposition in the inhabitants to 
 promote edut^tion ; without which, the prospect 
 of the future' State of society must be painful 
 to the reflecting^and feeling mind. ; * 
 
In this assembly it cannot be necessary to 
 expatiate on its importance to mankind ; whe- 
 ther we consider them as inhabitants of this 
 world, or as destined for an immortal exist- 
 ence in a state of retribution beyond the grave. 
 The page of inspiration teaches, that for the 
 soul to be without knowledge, it is not good ; 
 without the knowledge of the duties of his 
 station in life, no man can act his part with 
 honor to himself, or advantage to the commu- 
 nity. Without knowledge, a man must be a 
 stranger to rational enjoyment ; time will often 
 be a heavy burden to him ; and to rid himself 
 of such an incumbrance, he will be strongly 
 tempted to abandon himself to sensual gratifi- 
 cations, which will incapacitate him for manly 
 and worthy pursuits, and render him an object 
 of pity to some, and of contempt to others. 
 
 A man, who intends to practise any mecha- 
 nic art, must make himself acquainted with it, 
 or he cannot expect to succeed. Instruction 
 is surely not less necessary to one who con- 
 templates the profession of law, physic, or 
 divinity; without it, he can have the confi- 
 dence of none but the ignorant, and he cannot 
 depend even on that. As they have no fixed 
 principles, by which to form their judgment. 
 
they easily fall a prey to the delusive arts 
 of any new pretender to superior knowledge, 
 especially in medicine and theology. When 
 the title to a man's estate is disputed, he gene- 
 rally endeavours to employ an able advocate; 
 when the health of his body only is concerned, 
 he can trust the prescriptions of an empiric: 
 but, if undisturbed in the possession of his 
 estate, and enjoying sound health, he is too 
 often contented with such instructions on the 
 subject of his eternal interests as he can obtain 
 from the most illiterate vagrants, who under- 
 stand neither what they say, nor whereof they 
 affirm. 
 
 I would not be understood to assert, nor 
 even intimate, that human learning is alone 
 sufficient to make a man a good teacher of 
 religion. I believe that he must have so felt 
 the power of divine truth upon his heart, as to 
 be brought under its governing influence. But 
 since the days of inspiration were over, an 
 acquaintance with the force of language, with 
 the rules of legitimate reasoning, and especially 
 with the sacred scriptures, which can be ac- 
 quired only by reading, study, and meditation, 
 is necessary to qualify one for the office of a 
 teacher in the church. 
 
That the inhabitants of this district may 
 have of their own sons to fill the liberal profes- 
 sions among them, and particularly to instruct 
 them in the principles and practice of our holy 
 religion, is doubtless the object of this institu- 
 tion ; and an object it is, worthy the liberal 
 patronage of the enlightened and patriotic legis- 
 lature, which laid its foundation, and of the 
 aid its funds have received from several gen- 
 tlemen, especially that friend of science whose 
 name it bears. That their generous intentions 
 may not be frustrated, it becomes all to take 
 heed, who are, or may be, concerned in its 
 government or instruction. 
 
 It ought always to be remembered, that Ute- 
 vary institutions are founded and endowed for 
 the common good, and not for the private 
 advantage of those who resort to them for 
 education. It is not that they may be enabled 
 to pass through life in an easy or reputable 
 manner, but that their mental powers may be 
 cultivated and improved for the benefit of 
 society. If it be true, that no man should live 
 10 himself, we may safely assert, that every 
 man who has been aided by a public institu- 
 tion to acquire an education, and to qualify 
 
8 
 
 himself for usefulness, is under peculiar obli- 
 gations to exert his talents for the public good. 
 
 The governors and instructors of a literary- 
 institution owe to God and society the sacred 
 duty of guarding the morals of the youth com- 
 mitted to their care. A young man of talents, 
 who gains an acquaintance with literature and 
 science, but at the same time imbibes irre- 
 ligious and immoral principles, and contracts 
 vicious habits at college, is likely to become a 
 dangerous member of society. It had been 
 better for him, and for the community, that he 
 had lived in ignorance ; in which case, he would 
 have had less guilt, and possessed fewer mis- 
 chievous accomplishments. He is more danger- 
 ous than a madman, armed with instruments of 
 death, and let loose among the defenceless in- 
 habitants of a village. In one case the danger 
 is seen, and an alarm is instantly given to all 
 to be on their guard; in the other it is con- 
 cealed, and the destroyer is embraced and 
 cherished by those who are soon to be his 
 victims. 
 
 Let it never be imagined then, that the sole 
 object of education is to make youth acquainted 
 with languages, sciences, and arts. It is of 
 
incalculable importance, that, as education in- 
 creases their mental energies, these energies 
 should be righdy directed. It is confessed, 
 that to give them this direction exceeds the 
 greatest human skill. A Paul might plant, 
 and an Apollos water ; to command increase is 
 the prerogative of Deity. But as the husband- 
 man is not discouraged from cultivating and 
 sowing his land, by the consideration, that 
 without the genial warmth of the sun and the 
 rain of heaven, his labor will be all in vain, 
 neither should we despair of success in form- 
 ing the minds of youth to virtue and useful- 
 ness in life, because we cannot command it. 
 
 Though the principal labor and responsi- 
 bility will fall to the share of the immediate 
 instructors, these honorable boards will give 
 me leave to remind them, that, without their 
 prompt and steady support, the instructors will 
 be able to accomplish much less than is pro- 
 bably expected of them. 
 
 The volatility of a youthful mind frequently 
 gives rise to eccentricities, and an impatience 
 of the most wholesome restraint; the mildest 
 government is thought oppressive, and the 
 indulgent parent's ear is easily opened to the 
 
10 
 
 voice of complaint; imaginary fears are ex- 
 cited, that the genius of a darUng son will be 
 cramped, his spirits broken, the fire of his 
 ambition quenched, and that he will be doomed 
 to drudge through life in a sphere far below 
 that for which nature had destined him. His 
 youthful genius must be permitted to expand 
 by its native and uncontrolled energies ; and 
 no doubt is entertained, that, in manhood, his 
 virtues will hang in clusters upon him. I 
 confess, that I am not so much of a modern 
 philosopher, as to subscribe implicitly to this 
 doctrine. In the natural world we find, that 
 without culture, weeds , outgrow more useful 
 plants, and choke them ; and reasoning from 
 analogy will lead us to suppose, that without 
 restraint or discipline, the mind of a youth 
 will resemble the field of the slothful, and the 
 vineyard of the man void of understanding. 
 
 It is admitted, that, as excessive pruning 
 may injure a tree, so may discipline, too severe, 
 an ingenuous youth. It is proper to cohsult his 
 genius, and assist its expansion, rather than to 
 force it into an unnatural direction. But an 
 attention to order, and the early formation of 
 habits of industry and investigation, are con- 
 ceived to be objects of vast importance in the 
 
11 
 
 education of youth. I may venture to assert, 
 that such habits are of more importance than 
 mere knowledge. It is doubtless a desirable 
 thing to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge ; 
 but, in aiming at this, there is a serious danger 
 to be avoided, that of inducing an impatience 
 of application, and an aversion to every thing 
 that requires labor. Could we fill the mind 
 of a youth with science by as easy a process as 
 a modern chymist fills a vial with factitious air, 
 it may be doubted whether his education would 
 be of much use to him. In this connexion, it 
 may not be improper to suggest an advantage 
 arising from the study of what are called the 
 learned languages ; it inures a youthful mind to 
 application, and is, in this respect, useful ; even 
 if no advantage arose from the knowledge of 
 them. The mind acquires strength and vigor 
 from exercise, as well as the body. We should 
 think a parent guilty of a gross error in the 
 education of his son, if he never allowed him 
 to vise his limbs, and appointed a servant to 
 carry him in his arms, or convey him in a 
 carriage. We should be guilty of a similar 
 error in education, if we aimed at making a 
 youth learned without study. It is important^ 
 that he should have full employment for the 
 
12 
 
 exercise of his mental powers, rather than be 
 carried in the arms of his tutor to the temple 
 of science. Perhaps I have said more than 
 was necessary, on the utility of acquiring habits 
 of industry and application, while youth are in 
 the course of their education. If tlie importance 
 of the subject will not justify me, I have no 
 apology to offer ; and must transgress a little 
 longer upon your patience, while I declare, 
 that, in my opinion, a youth had better be four 
 years employed " nihil operose agendo^'''' in dili- 
 gently doing what would be utterly useless to 
 him in life, than in light reading, which requires 
 no thinking. 
 
 If habits of application be of so much im- 
 portance, it is desirable, that all concerned in 
 the government and instruction of the college 
 should concur in enforcing subordination, re- 
 gular conduct, and a diligent improvement of 
 time. 
 
 Give me leave then, gentlemen, to invite 
 your z;ealous co-operation with the immediate 
 instructors in ordaining, and executing, such 
 laws and regulations as will be likely to keep 
 our students, during their residence in college, 
 as fully 'employed as will be consistent with 
 their health. Employment will contribute not 
 
13 
 
 a little to the preservation of their morals, the 
 prevention of unnecessary expense, and the 
 preclusion of pernicious customs, which, once 
 introduced, cannot be easily abolished. The 
 importance of uniting our efforts to effect these 
 salutary purposes cannot escape the notice of 
 a reflecting mind. Should we be so happy as 
 to succeed in forming a number for usefulness 
 in church and state, we may expect our num- 
 bers to increase, when more ample accommo- 
 dations and means of instruction will be neces- 
 sary. 
 
 And now let me entreat* all good men here 
 present, who wish to see their fellow citizens 
 enlightened, virtuous, free, and happy, to exert 
 the portion of influence which they possess, in 
 favor of this infant institution ; and to unite 
 in fervent supplications to the great Father of 
 light, knowledge, and all good, that his bless- 
 ing may descend upon this seminary ; that it 
 may eminently contribute to the advancement 
 of useful knowledge, the religion of Jesus 
 Christ, the best interests of man, and the glory 
 of God. 
 
AN 
 
 EULOGY 
 
 PRONOUNCED IN BRUNSWICK, (MAINE) 
 JULY 18th, 1807, 
 
 AT THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE 
 
 REV. JOSEPH M'KEEN, D. D. A. A. S. 
 
 AND PRESIDENT OF BOWDOIN COLLEGE. 
 
 BY WILLIAM JENKS, A. M. 
 
 ONE OF THE MINISTERS OF BATH, 
 
 '* Finis vitse ejus nobis luctuosus, amicis tristis, extraneis etiam 
 ig^otisque non sine cura fuit." 
 
 Tacitus, de vit. Acb. 
 
 PORTLAND: 
 
 SRINTED BY THOMAS B, WAIT & CO, 
 1807. 
 
AN EULOGY. 
 
 Though we well know, that no dis- 
 tinction of reputation or merit can claim for its 
 possessor an exemption from the last, common 
 lot of humanity, yet we cannot withhold the 
 expression of regret and grief whenever the 
 good, the learned and the great are summoned 
 from the world. At such periods we forget, 
 for a time, our accustomed pursuits, and with 
 deepfelt sympathy mingle our sorrows. We 
 value our pleasures less, and regard the va- 
 rious objects of former cares with diminished 
 ardour. Every thing wears to us, while under 
 these impressions, a gloomy aspect ; and in the 
 mortality of him, whom we lament, we read 
 with presaging melancholy the prophecy of 
 our own departure. 
 
18 
 
 Such too are our feelings on the death of a 
 friend. But the intimacy of acquaintaince 
 softens the impression of great talents and dis- 
 tinguished worth. Hence more tender emo- 
 tions occupy the mind ; and while others mourn 
 a philosopher, a statesman, or divine, those, 
 who were placed nearer to him in life, and 
 enjoyed his society and friendship, will lament 
 the MAN. 
 
 In our regrets for the person, whose death 
 now causes a general sorrow, and to whose 
 honoured memory we are paying a sad, final 
 tribute, the sensations both of affectionate 
 esteem and love, and of heartfelt veneration 
 and respect, are intimately blended. Our feel- 
 ings comprise the sad products of public, 
 private and domestic grief. We mourn the 
 loss of a man remarkably qualified for pre- 
 siding with becoming dignity in a literary insti- 
 tution like that in this place ; we mourn the 
 sound divine, the studious scholar, the prudent, 
 upright citizen ; we mourn the sagacious, in- 
 telligent and affectionate friend; and let me add, 
 with deep and respectful sympathy, we share 
 in the sorrows of the bereaved family, deprived 
 at one stroke of the husband long beloved, and 
 the father most tenderly endeared. 
 
19 
 
 1 am sensible that, since the merit and well 
 earned reputation of the deceased might be 
 best illustrated by some one, who had pro- 
 gressed with him in the journey of life, my 
 own appearance in this place may require an 
 apology. But the avocations of literary and 
 collegiate cares, rendered peculiarly pressing 
 by the late President's long confinement, and 
 the tender interest, which, as an intimate friend, 
 he could not but feel in the sorrows of an 
 afflicted family, have effectually precluded from 
 this office the gentleman, whom I conceive best 
 qualified to sustain it, who, from having been 
 united with the deceased in official duties,* 
 could have given this audience a better esti- 
 mate of his important services. If, however, 
 a genuine regard to the interests of science, 
 and a sincere and affectionate respect for the 
 late President of this College, can authorize 
 my own compliance with the wish of those, 
 who placed me here, I may then presume on 
 your favourable attention, and with warm, yet 
 trembling emotions, will endeavour to trace 
 the features and footsteps of departed worth. 
 
 * John Abbot, A. M. pi'ofessor of languages in Bowdoin College, 
 was inaugurated into that office on the day of President M<Keen's inau- 
 gm-ation, and Iiad befoi-e tliis been in habits of acquaintance with him 
 
20 
 
 President M'Keen was bom at London-' 
 derry, in the state of New Hampshire, on the 
 15th of October, 1757 ; and had therefore 
 scarcely reached the period of half a century 
 when he was removed, by a long and distress- 
 ing malady, from a life of laborious usefulness, 
 and from the enjoyment of undiminished pub- 
 lic confidence and an increasing reputation, to 
 that state, in which knowledge is procured at 
 its fountain, and in which alone the animating 
 hopes of the Christian can receive their full 
 accomplishment. 
 
 His immediate ancestors were from the north 
 of Ireland, whence the family migrated at the 
 period of settling his native town, about the 
 year 1718. They were however of Scotch 
 descent,* and his father, who was brought to 
 this country but a child, enjoyed the common 
 privilege of its first settlers, health and longe- 
 vity.! He died in his 80th year, in 1793. 
 
 * See an account of this settleiaent in Dr. Belknap's History ofNew 
 Hampshire, vol. II. p. 35, &c. James M'Keen, Esq. there mentioned 
 as the &'St justice of the peace among^ these immigrants, was the parent 
 of twenty one cliildren, and grandfather of the President. The najne of 
 his father was John. 
 
 f In vol. III. Hist. N. Hamp. p. 251, it is said, " In Londonderry the 
 " first planters lived on an average to 80 years ; some to 90, and others 
 "to 100." 
 
21 
 
 The President inherited an admirable con- 
 stitution of body. From his early years he 
 was strong and athletic, able to support fatigue 
 and endure hardship ; and at the juvenile age 
 excelled in all those manly exercises, to which 
 the active and hardy yeomanry of our country 
 are then accustomed. But his mind was not 
 suffered to remain uncultivated ; for at the ten- 
 der age of thirteen, after having completed the 
 preparatory course of study with the Reverend 
 Mr. Williams, of Windham, in his native 
 state, he was entered a member of Dartmouth 
 College. 
 
 A collegiate life admits but little diversity in 
 its incidents ; it is not therefore necessary to 
 pause at them, except only to remark, that Mr. 
 M'Keen evinced a taste and capacity for the 
 abstruser and more solid branches of science, 
 and, after exhibiting a decided predilection for 
 mathematical pursuits, received the first hon- 
 ours of the College in 1774, with the character 
 of a good classical scholar. Immediately after 
 this he returned to his native town, and there, 
 among the friends and companions of his 
 youth, commenced his duties as an instructor, 
 refreshing his own mind with the principles of 
 science while he was imparting them to others, 
 
22 
 
 and increasing his acquaintance with literature 
 at large in the intervals of duty. As an evi- 
 dence of the esteem of his townsmen, let it be 
 remarked, that for eight successive years this 
 employment was continued. Feeling then the 
 same attachment to mathematicks and astrono- 
 my, which he had cultivated while at College, 
 he left Londonderry, in the summer of 1780, 
 for a temporary residence at Cambridge, where 
 he pursued a course of studies in natural and 
 experimental philosophy, mathematicks and 
 astronomy, under Professor Williams, who, 
 the year before, had succeeded the learned 
 and venerable Wintht^op in the chair of that 
 highly useful and most interesting depart- 
 ment. 
 
 It appears that, after this period, Mr. 
 M'Keen directed his attention principally to 
 theological pursuits, and resumed, for that 
 purpose, his connection with his former tutor, 
 the Reverend Mr. Williams, of Windham, 
 under whom he laid the foundation of that 
 accurate and discriminating knowledge of sa- 
 cred subjects, which so eminently qualified 
 him to be an instructor from the pulpit in 
 things of eternal importance. It should not, 
 however, be forgotton, that for a considerable 
 
23 
 
 time he was an assistant in the respectable 
 Academy at Andover, to Dr. Pearson, late 
 Professor of the Hebrew and oriental lan- 
 guages in the University of Cambridge ; and 
 that his usual reputation for diligence in the 
 discharge of duty, and skill in respect to the 
 mode, accompanied him in that employment. 
 While a candidate for settlement as a mi- 
 nister of the gospel, his labours were very 
 acceptable. At one period they were exerted 
 among the congregation collected in Boston 
 by the Reverend Mr. Moor head. This was 
 composed principally of " Presbyterian Stran- 
 " gers." It is no wonder, therefore, that Mr. 
 M'Keen, whose early life had been passed 
 in their discipline, whose connections were of 
 similar sentiments and origin, and who had 
 himself been examined and approved by the 
 Presbytery, of which his tutor was a member, 
 should sympathise with their feelings in such 
 a manner, as to create a warm interest in his 
 favour. But, whether from want of funds, 
 or whatever other cause, their partiality was 
 never matured into an invitation to settle 
 among them. It is worthy of remark, how- 
 ever, that their choice at length fell on one, 
 whom their admired preacher, greatly to his 
 
24 
 
 honour, much resembled in the distinguishing 
 features of his mind, and general character of 
 his manners ; I mean the late excellent Dr. 
 Belknap, whose productions are an ornament 
 to the literature of our country, and whose 
 name will ever be connected with the memory 
 of our worthies. 
 
 The church in Beverly, having been de- 
 prived of their pastor, the late Reverend Dr. 
 WiLLARD, by his elevation to the Presidency of 
 the University at Cambridge, in the year 1781, 
 had remained for some time destitute. In 
 178 5 they invited Mr. M'Keen, then in his 
 28th year, to assume among them the minis- 
 terial office. In May of that year, having re- 
 linquished his connexion with the Presbytery, 
 he was ordained, and, like his beloved and 
 respected predecessor, enjoyed the full con- 
 fidence of his people, growing in their esteem 
 and affection, and becoming more and more 
 endeared by the innumerable kind and friendly 
 attentions, which his natural goodness of heart 
 prompted him to render, and to which his 
 sacred station afforded continual opportunities. 
 
 In the year succeeding his settlement in the 
 ministry, Mr. M'Keen became a husband. 
 To characterise him in this relation, as the 
 
tender and faithful companion, the prudent head 
 of a family, the firm guardian of dome stick 
 peace and honour, would be common praise. 
 But common as it is, it is praise of the first 
 importance, and the tears and sorrows of a 
 widowed consort too forcibly proclaim how 
 richly he deserved it. Sacred be those sor- 
 rows ! Unimpeded, as they are unbidden, be 
 
 those tears 'till the kind Parent of all, in 
 
 his rich mercy, and by his effectual consola- 
 tions, shall graciously wipe them away ! 
 
 It was a peculiar happiness, that the lady, 
 with whom he formed this connexion, was 
 descended from ancestors of the same pious 
 company, as his own, and had been educated 
 in similar habits, having been brought up 
 among the most familiar scenes of his youth. 
 
 Mr. M'Keen continued for seventeen years 
 pastor of the church at Beverly, during which 
 time his reputation as a sound divine and solid 
 scholar is well known. In 1800 he was ap- 
 pointed to preach the election sermon ; and at 
 its delivery, if the pleasing recollection may in 
 this place be indulged me for a moment, I 
 became for the first time personally acquainted 
 with the perspicuity of style, the strength and 
 appropriateness of reasoning, and the plain 
 
m 
 
 and impressive manner, which ever distin- 
 guished his pubHc performances. There I 
 first learned to imbibe respect for that acute- 
 ness of discernment, and fehcity of illustration, 
 which, at a subsequent period, when enjoying 
 the privilege of his friendship, I found no less 
 conspicuous in the private man, than in the 
 religious instructor.* 
 
 * The author of this eulogy is unwilling- to deny himself the pleasure 
 of inserting here an extract from a well drawn cliaracter of the reverend 
 President, which appeared in the Eastern Repository of July 21st, and 
 for which the public is indebted to the pen of Alden Bradtord, Esq. 
 " Few," says he, " are so well qualified for an instructor and governor 
 " of youth. For, with great attainments in science, lie united a mild, 
 " though fom and decided spirit, those conciliating yet dignified manners 
 " which inspired respect, and secured him the esteem of all who knew 
 *' him. As a Christian minister he was prudent, zealous and faithful. 
 ** While pastor of the large and respectable society in Beverly, he enjoyed 
 *' the affection of his people, and was highly esteemed by the reverend 
 " gentlemen of the clergy in that part of the country. In theological 
 *' knowledge and biblical criticism he was a great proficient. His ser- 
 " mons discovered solidity of judgment and strength of intellect, which 
 '' were equalled by few divines. That pronounced by him on the 
 " anniversary of election is not inferior to any delivered on a similar 
 " occasion within our recollection. 
 
 " In private and social circles Dr. M'Keen was pleasant, affectionate 
 *' and exemplary ; not too reserved for familial* conversation ; nor did his 
 " usual gravity of deportment partake in the least degree of ungracious 
 " austerity. None had the privilege of liis acquaintance, who did not 
 " imbibe sentiments of affection as of respect for his amiable virtues. In 
 " him were eminently exemplified the estimable qualities requisite to 
 *' constitute the Christian character. His piety was without ostentation ; 
 " his love of evangelical truth untinctured by bigotry or superstition. 
 " Such was President M'Keen. We moura the loss of a scholar, 
 " a gentleman, a Christian." 
 
 II 
 
27 
 
 About this time he was elected a member of 
 the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 
 among whose pubUcations will be found dis- 
 cussions and deductions of a mathematical 
 nature, to which his name is affixed.* He 
 was also a member of the society for propa- 
 gating the gospel. 
 
 But a wider sphere of public usefulness 
 awaited him. When it became expedient to 
 carry into operation this important seminary 
 of literature, which now deeply mourns his 
 loss, the trustees and overseers, directed by 
 public sentiment and private knowledge to the 
 consideration of his eminent qualifications for 
 the station, made choice of him as President 
 of Bowdoin College,! and invited him to the 
 
 * See Transactions of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 
 vol. n. part 2. pag-es 62 and 66. Dr. M'Keen's other publications were, 
 beside his election sermon, a sermon at the ordination of Rev. Rrrus An- 
 derson, at North Yarmouth, one at the ordination of Rev. Mr. Moore, 
 at Newbury, Old Town, and three sermons on occasions of public fast- 
 ing and prayer. 
 
 f The Chailer of Incorporation of this College is dated June 24th, 
 1794 ; but the unproductive nature of its endowments, they being chiefly 
 lands in the unsettled parts of the District, together with the necessary 
 preparation of buildings, &c. deferred the operation of the institution 
 eight years fi-om its foundation. At length, in September 1802, students 
 were admitted, there being tlien a president and professor of languages. 
 The number of the first cl.tss was eight, one of whom died in the begin- 
 ning of his second year. The other seven were graduated in their course. 
 
28 
 
 duties of the office on the 9th of July, 1801. 
 His answer, which graces their Records, will 
 remain a valuable monument of his charac- 
 teristic modesty, cool judgment, and prompt 
 
 At the admission of the third class, in 1804, anotlier executive officer was 
 found necessary, and Samuel Willard, A. B. from the imiversity at 
 Cambridge, was chosen tutor. He entered on his office in Octobex-, 1804, 
 and quitted it the year after. In 1805 it became necessary to add another 
 instructor to til e numbar ; and as the Hon. James Bowdoin, Esq. had 
 bestowed 1000 acres of land toward founding- a professorship of Mathe- 
 maticks and Natural Philosophy, it was thought expedient, although this 
 bequest was not yet productive, to establish the professorship from the 
 general funds, wliich indeed support all the present offices of instruction. 
 According-ly Parker Cleaveland, A. M. being elected to the office, 
 was invited from the University at Cambridg-e, where he was tutor in 
 that branch, and installed in the new professorship, October 23d, 1805. 
 At the same time the vacancy, occasioned by Mr. Willard's resigna- 
 tion, was supplied by the choice of Nathan Parker, A. B. from Cam- 
 bridge. Such was the state of the College at the late President's death ; 
 at which time 44 young gentlemen had been admitted as students. 
 
 The library of the College, which has received several additions from 
 private benefactions, beside those of the family, whose name the institu- 
 tion bears, contains between fourteen and fifteen hundred volumes. Of 
 these a number, to the value of 100/. sterling, are selected, and were the 
 donation of Madam Bowdoin, relict of the late governor. The philo- 
 sophical apparatus is perhaps exceeded by none in New England, except 
 that at Cambridge. It is new, and sufficient for a complete course of 
 experimental lectures. A chymical apparatus has also been lately pre- 
 sented, and that useful science is now a part of the collegiate course of 
 study. 
 
 The buildings consist of the president's house, and a chapel, which 
 contains in its second story the library and philosophical apparatus, be- 
 side the brick building for the students, in dimension fifty feet by for<cy. 
 This has three stories and a belfry, and bears the name of Massachu- 
 setts Hall. Another building of brick for the further accommodation 
 of the students, 100 feet long and 40 wide, is in great forwardness. It 
 will have fom- stories, and will render a residence at this College as 
 commodious as at any in oiu* couptry. 
 
29 
 
 decision. Having signified his acceptance ot 
 the appointment, in July of the following year 
 he prepared, with his accustomed wisdom, for 
 the best establishment of the institution, by 
 visiting personally, in conjunction with the 
 Professor of languages elect, the University at 
 Cambridge, and the Colleges at Providence, 
 New Plaven, and Williamstown. It was the 
 important object of this journey to ascertain, 
 from actual inspection, the modes of govern- 
 ment and instruction, and qualifications for 
 admission usual in the New England Colleges ; 
 and one of the valuable effects, which followed, 
 was, the requirement of such qualifications 
 for entrance to this institution, as immediately 
 ranked the infant College, in this respect,* 
 second in the Eastern States. On the 2d of 
 September following this journey, the instal- 
 lation of the President and Senior Professor 
 took place, with what emotions of satisfaction 
 and joy many of the present audience well 
 
 * It may not be amiss to obsen^e, that the laws requu*e.for admission;, 
 an ability in the candidate to sustain a strict examination in the px'inci- 
 ples of the Latin and Greek lang-uages, the select orations of Cicero, 
 the jCneid of Virgil, Arithmetic as far as the rule of three, and also to 
 translate Eng-lish into Latin ; being the same qualifications as were 
 required at Cambridge before the regulations of 1805. 
 
30 
 
 remember, and my reverend father,* to whose 
 sacred monitions we have been hstening, and 
 who bore so large a part in that day's grateful 
 solemnities, can best declare. Sad indeed is 
 this reverse ! There lie the remains of the 
 man, whom you then delighted to honour, and 
 from whose eminent services, services already 
 prejudged from his past character, you doubt- 
 less anticipated a long train of public benefits. 
 Alas, that so short a career should follow a 
 beginning so auspicious ! 
 
 The ability and faithfulness, with which he 
 discharged the arduous duties of his highly 
 responsible station, in the government and in- 
 struction of the students, you, gentlemen, who 
 were associated with him in those labours, can 
 easily appreciate, and those, who enjoyed the 
 happiness of experiencing his truly parental 
 kindness, and of imbibing from him the lessons 
 of Divine and human knowledge, will never 
 forget. But such an estimation of his labours 
 was not confined to this society; for in 1804 
 his " Alma Mater," the College at Hanover, 
 
 * Rev. Samuel Deane, D. D. A. A. S. who delivered a discourse on 
 this occasion from Job iii. 19. and w^ho, as Vice President of the CoUege> 
 presided at the inauguration of Mr. M'Keen. • 
 
31 
 
 conferred on him the title of Doctor in Divi- 
 nity, an assignment as honorary to those who 
 made, as to him who received it. 
 
 In the midst of these honours and labours, 
 the President, who had always enjoyed re- 
 markable health, uninterrupted even by occa- 
 sional illness, began to feel, about September 
 1805, the access of that disease, which at 
 length proved fatal.* Whether it were, that 
 his mode of life was too sedentary and re- 
 quired too constant attention, or that the exer- 
 cise, which he now used, did not equal that, 
 to which he had been accustomed in the dis- 
 charge of his parochial duties,! or whatever 
 else were the cause, medical men best know. 
 The symptoms however appeared to decrease 
 with the approach of summer ; and in the 
 autumn of 1806 he attempted a journey to 
 Beverly, where his former complaint recurred 
 with alarming appearances. Still he was 
 encouraged to hope a removal of it, but it 
 
 * The first attack appeared to be an inflammation of the liver. 
 
 ■j- The president has been heai'd to say, that often in visiting' the sick, 
 when, if it were good weather, he seldom rode, he has continued his 
 walk for six or eig-ht miles. As he feared a tendency to grow corpulent, 
 he was exact in his habits, and generally caused himself to be weighed 
 yearly, preserving for a series of years the same weight with hut trifling' 
 variation. 
 
32 
 
 continued obstinate. Every attention, which 
 friendship and professional skill could bestow, 
 was afforded, and his situation, though remote 
 from his family, made as comfortable, as un- 
 der such circumstances, it could possibly be. 
 He was in the bosom of a society long at- 
 tached to him, and earnest to express their 
 affection. But why should I enlarge on these 
 circumstances, of which an anxious public 
 have been minutely informed ? Yes, we have 
 watched the progress of his disorder, trem- 
 bling, and have listened with fond credulity 
 to every favourable report, in the hope, which 
 himself had in a degree indulged, that an 
 excellent constitution might be assisted by 
 change of weather to shake off the disease. 
 Vain have been our hopes, unavailing our 
 wishes ! Could the prayers of his personal 
 friends, of the friends of religion and science, 
 of the friends of our rising country and of 
 this literary institution have prevailed, long^ 
 would he have continued to be the light of 
 our Eastern Churches, the ornament of our 
 society, the head of our literature, and the 
 fostering father of our noble-minded youth. 
 
 The President returned to his family much 
 enfeebled. The original disorder had assumed 
 
33 
 
 another form, and now threatened a dropsy. 
 He was accompanied in the journey homeward 
 by a medical gentleman,* whose assiduous 
 attentions to him since, the effects not only 
 of professional industry and concern, but of 
 high respectful friendship, secured to him 
 every assistance of the healing art, and left 
 us the melancholy consolation of reflecting, 
 that the powers of medicine were inadequate 
 to his relief. Alas, that they were fruitless ! 
 I have now, as far as the information I have 
 obtained permitted me, followed our late be- 
 loved friend, and revered and honoured Pre- 
 sident, through the several stages of a life 
 filled with duties. If it were barren of strik- 
 ing incidents, let it be imputed, under the 
 Divine Providence, to a temper not easily 
 moved, a calm, dispassionate mind, a regular, 
 persevering diligence, and habits of moral 
 excellence early acquired and stedfastly main- 
 tained. Educated in industry and sobriety 
 as well as religion, of which his father, who 
 bore the title of deacon in the church, was an 
 amiable example, he had from his youth a 
 
 * Dr. Lincoln of Topsham. While at Beverly he wa,s under the 
 medical care of Dr. Fisher. 
 
34 
 
 respect for the genuine simplicity and unas- 
 suming worth, that distinguished other times. 
 A puritan in heart, he was however the gentle- 
 man in manners. His knowledge of the world, 
 and the peculiar sweetness of his disposition 
 rendered him accommodating to all. Though 
 naturally reserved perhaps, he was yet com- 
 municative in confidential intercourse, and in 
 the exercise of his office. A stranger to 
 deceit, his language was ever the expression 
 of his feelings, sincere though guarded, warm 
 and animated, but never extravagant. 
 
 If I have been able to estimate justly the 
 character of the late Reverend Dr. M'Keen, 
 and surely it is expected of me here that I 
 speak the undisguised sentiments of my heart, 
 since flattery, as it could be no benefit to the 
 dead, and but an injury to the living, would 
 at the same time be equally abhorrent from 
 my duty and habits, I may say, that his pe- 
 culiar excellency seemed to be a sound, dis- 
 criminating judgment. This indeed is by 
 many considered as but the perfection of all 
 the faculties. Notwithstanding however the 
 justness of the remark, it is yet true, that men 
 of equal merit may yet excel in very distinct 
 departments. Some have excited astonish- 
 
35 
 
 ment by the brilliancy of their talents ; others 
 have won esteem by the lasting nature of their 
 powers and acquirements. Of the latter de- 
 scription was, if I mistake not, the man, whose 
 loss we deplore ; a loss the more deplorable, 
 because it is rarely the case, that all those 
 talents, which he possessed, and which admira- 
 bly fitted him for presiding with dignity and 
 usefulness over an institution like this, are 
 found united in the same person. 
 
 You, Gentlemen, who were his associates in 
 the government and instruction of the College, 
 have reason to mourn the removal of one, 
 whom to know intimately was but to admire 
 and love. You were witnesses to his indefati- 
 gable zeal for the interests of science, morality 
 and religion ; to his fatherly tenderness toward 
 your pupils ; to his patience and firmness in 
 the arduous employments of the presidency; 
 and, since the duties of a classical instructor 
 were combined with those cares,* to his 
 
 * We hope it may not be long before some liberal friend of science, 
 among the opulent Individuals of the Disti-ict or elsewhere, will enlarge 
 the plan of instruction, either by the foundation of a new professorship, 
 or the support of an assistant tutor, that so the time of the principal of 
 the institution may not be necessarily devoted to hearing the ordinary 
 recitations of a class. Certainly no appropriations of wealth can be of 
 greater service to our country, than those, which have for their object 
 t.lie interests of literatm-e and religion. 
 
56 
 
 ability in tempering his instructions to the 
 capacity and need of the individuals who 
 received them. But your deepfelt grief is 
 more expressive than any other testimony of 
 esteem and veneration. 
 
 To the members of the several classes of 
 students gladly would I offer consolation. 
 But the loss of such a friend and father is 
 almost irreparable. You will ever reflect with 
 the strongest emotion on his kindness, conde- 
 scension, affability and love. You will lament 
 him, as a second parent. But I conjure you, 
 by the affection with which you cherish his 
 memory, and by your wish to enjoy through 
 life, and especially at its close, the secret 
 satisfactions, which he experienced, let his 
 
 instructions be faithfully regarded let them 
 
 not be merely treasured in your memory, but 
 exhibit them in your conduct. One class 
 alone the President had the pleasure of usher- 
 ing into the manly duties of life. But you 
 will all remember with me the impressive 
 exclamation, which he uttered to them in his 
 parting address ; " God forbid that you should 
 " ever be ashamed to be governed by the 
 " principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ." 
 These were the ruling principles of his own 
 
37 
 
 life, and these alone, he well knew, could 
 ensure the usefulness and happiness of your's. 
 Yes, respected youth, your late loved Presi- 
 dent was a man of piety, a Christian, as well 
 ^s a scholar. He was himself a humble pupil 
 of the Redeemer, and his life will rank among 
 the most consistent, simple and impressive 
 examples of its efficacy. Be ye followers then 
 of him, even as he followed Christ. 
 
 The intimate connexion of the President in 
 his official character with the boards of Trus- 
 tees and Overseers of the College, will cause 
 their members deeply to regret the loss we 
 now sustain. May God, who in his wise and 
 holy providence has deprived us of the man, 
 who seemed to unite all hearts, point out one, 
 qualified by his peculiar excellencies, to oc- 
 cupy his station, and bless him with equal 
 success. 
 
 But while a successor in these public duties 
 is an attainment within our power, what con- 
 solatory hope shall we offer to the bereaved 
 family of the deceased ? We can but offer our 
 sympathy. We can but commend you to God. 
 We can but implore for you the Divine conso- 
 lations, and express our hearty wish that you 
 may experience them sensibly. He, who now 
 
38 
 
 wounds, is able to heal. The hope and ex- 
 pectation of a future state of bliss, and the 
 assurance of a resurrection to eternal life, 
 which we have the firmest grounds to entertain 
 for all who sleep in Jesus ; these are your best 
 treasure. Let me add, you have long had 
 before you one of the most interesting and 
 best examples of the Christian graces. May 
 It teach you resignation, patience, piety and 
 virtue. Then will the separation, which is 
 now so painful, be but transitory, and you 
 will hereafter meet to separate no more ! 
 
 THE END. 
 
19 y-H-f 
 
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