fc'/A DISCOURSE DELIVERED IN THE CHURCH IN BRATTLE SQUARE, ON SUNDAY, MAY 3 , 1 8 4 0 , 4 OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH REV. JOHN T. KIRKLAND, D. D. L.L. D. Late President of Harvard University. BY FRANCIS PARKMAN, D. D. Pastor of the New North Church. BOSTON: JOHN H. EASTBURN, PRINTER, No. 18 State Street. 1840 . A DISCOURSE DELIVERED IN THE CHURCH IN BRATTLE SQUARE, ON SUNDAY, MAY 3, 1 8 4 0 , OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF REV. JOHN T. KIRKLAND, D. D. L.L. D. Late President of Harvard University. BY FRANCIS PAR KM AN, D. D. Pastor of the New North Church. BOSTON: JOHN H. EASTBURN, PRINTER, No. 18 State Street. 1840. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 https://archive.org/details/discoursedeliverOOpark £ At a meeting of the Proprietors of the Church in Brattle Square, holden in the afternoon of Sunday, the Ed day of May, 1840, it was unanimously Voted , that the Society gratefully acknowledge the sympathy and kindness of the Rev. Dr. Parkman in the performance of the religious services this morning, by the invitation of our respected Pastor. Voted , that a Committee of three members be appointed to wait on the Rev. Dr. Parkman, and to present to him the thanks of the Society for the appropriate and interesting discourse, which he this morning delivered in commemoration of the life and character of their fellow worshipper and par- ishioner, the late Rev. John T. Kirkland, D. D., and to request a copy thereof for the press. Voted, that Hon. James T. Austin, Henderson Inches, Esq. and Dr. John Homans, constitute this Committee. A true copy from the Records. IVERS J. AUSTIN, Proprietors' Clerk . S E R M O N . JOHN 5, 35. He was a burning and a shining light. It is to distinguished excellence alone, that we can apply the praise, which the Master here bestows upon his faithful and intrepid fore-runner. Moral and intellectual excellence are included when we say of an individual, that he is a shining light. This union is essential, because neither one of these quali- ties separate from the other constitutes true glory. For moral worth without some good measure of in- tellectual power, though it be well-pleasing in the sight of God, and shall not fail of its reward, cannot diffuse widely its influence ; while on the other hand, mere intellect, unsanctified by religion, uncontrolled by principle is a doubtful good. It has light; but it is not light from Heaven. It may dazzle only to de- stroy. It is not a reflexion from the sun of right- eousness, whose beams are for the healing of the nations. 6 So also, when the Psalmist speaks of the excellent of the earth, in whom he declares was his delight, he refers to those, who combine moral goodness with power to enlighten and bless. He supposes a union of those gifts, which naturally command the respect of men with the holiness, which conforms us to the image of the Father; gifts which belong to a “ soul touched to the finest issues,” and to an heart right with God. These, with whatever other qualities you may imagine as constituting spiritual excellence and in- tellectual glory, must belong to those, whom we honor as lights of the world. Their characters pre- sent an object engaging to our contemplations. Their example proves to us, not the grace and dig- nity only, but the practicableness of virtue. They persuade us to become what we admire. They are of the true worshippers of the Father, whom he seeketh to praise Him. They are the ornament and defence of the community, in which they live. They encourage the good by the gentle influences of their own virtue ; and the evil blush and are humbled in their presence. It should be to us, my brethren, a subject of thankfulness to God, if it has been our privilege to be favored with examples like these. If in the di- versified relations of the social or the civil, and especially if within the narrow walks of the domestic life, we have found a wise friend and counsellor, an 7 efficient patron, a faithful Pastor, a skilful guide of youth, an exemplary and honored citizen, a true fol- lower of Christ Jesus, a sincere lover of his country and of mankind. Happy the community in which such examples abound : and happy the individual, who in surveying his privileges, and the sources of his blessings can say, “ O Lord, my goodness ex- tendeth not to thee, but to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent in whom is my delight.” And without fear of bestowing any unmerited eulogium, ill-becoming these temples of God con- secrated to truth, may we number with them who have been lights in the world, and whose destiny it is to shine hereafter as the stars, that honored individu- al, who having finished the course appointed him, was with the last week gathered with the great con- gregation of the dead. The place, which President Kirkland so long held in the respect and warm affec- tions of this community will surely justify — I should rather say demand — our respectful tribute to his memory, especially in these churches, where his in- structions have been often heard, and his presence was our gladness. When I have said, as was declar- ed of the Messenger, that he was “ a shining light ;” when I have added what was uttered by the angel concerning a chosen prophet, that he was “ a man greatly beloved,” I have uttered only that, to which I am certain that your hearts, my brethren, who have known him, and the hearts of this community, 8 yea, of multitudes in the remotest portions in the land, who have shared in his good influences, will at once respond. He was a burning and a shining light ; and for a long season, if estimated by the usual course of hu- man existence were we permitted to rejoice in his light. Early engaged in the instruction of youth, in the seminary, of which he was afterwards the honor- ed head ; sustaining a faithful and successful minis- try of almost seventeen years in one of the churches of this metropolis ; and thence presiding for a still longer period over the university — we must count it with the subjects of our gratitude that his usefulness was preserved to us so long. Nearly forty years of public service, in the employment too of such gifts, as were those, with which it pleased the Father of spirits to endue him, must be regarded as no or- dinary allotment of favor to the individual entrusted with them, or to the community who share in the benefit. Nor, rightly regarded, can even those years of infirmity, which were allotted him, be counted as lost, since they were sustained, as long as reason held its seat, with that serene and filial trust, which no change of times could prevail to disturb ; and since, together with the example they furnished of a patient endurance, we may learn from them the les- son, which his latter days were peculiarly fitted to impress — “ Let not the wise man glory in his wis- dom ; neither let the mighty man glory in his might. 9 But let him that glorieth glory in this — that he un- derstandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord, who exerciseth judgment in the earth.” Confident then, as I am, of the interest which you, my friends of this flock, still cherish in the character and departure of our venerated father who was also for a season a worshipper with you in this temple, I shall deem no apology necessary for inviting your attention to some brief notices of his life, and of the gifts and virtues by which he was distinguished. The late John Thornton Kirkland was born in the State of New York, within that part now included in Herkimer County, on the seventeenth of August, 1770. He was the son, and a twin-son of Rev. Samuel Kirkland, who partly through the influ- ence of the celebrated Whitefield, with whom in the course of his frequent visits to America Mr. Kirkland formed an intimate friendship, united doubtless with the promptings of his own ardent mind, devoted him- self to the arduous and, as it sometimes proved, the hazardous work of a Missionary to the Indians; dur- ing his residence among whom some of his children were born ; and the impressions which were made by the scenes of their early childhood never were effaced. The mother of Dr. Kirkland was a lady of distinguished gifts, which she consecrated in a meek wisdom to the education of her numerous family ; and the fruits of her maternal faithfulness, though 2 10 she lived not to witness them, were seen in the char- acter of this, her elder son. His name, John Thornton, was given him in hon- or of an individual, known as an eminent merchant in London, and specially as the head of an excellent family, himself and his descendants for two or three generations remarkable, not more for their wealth than for their philanthrophy ; and he above them all, by the large sums which for a long series of years he annually bestowed in aid of young men, who gave promise of usefulness in the ministry. It was prob- ably by his friendship for Mr. Whitefield, who was himself patronized in his youth by the elder Thorn- ton, and accustomed to celebrate his benefactor, that the father was led to bestow upon his son this honor- ed name. During the revolutionary war, which rendered hazardous a residence among the Indians of Oneida, his father removed with his family for their greater safety to the western parts of Massachusetts : and in the pleasant village of Stockbridge, which at differ- ent periods has been honored as the residence of many eminent individuals, young Kirkland spent some of his youthful days. He was there bereaved of the care of his excellent mother, of whom he re- tained the tenderest remembrance, and for the bene- fits he derived from her character and cares he was accustomed to express his deep obligations. From Stockbridge he was sent to Andover as a pupil of the 11 Academy in that place; and in 1785, with the pat- ronage of the excellent Judge Phillips, afterwards Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth, for whose character he ever cherished a high respect, he became a member of Harvard University.* ** For the winter vacation of 1787, while yet in the midst of his collegiate course, he was engaged to enter upon the instruction of a school. But the re- bellion of Shays occurring at that time, and the Commonwealth requiring the services of some of its most active citizens for its suppression, young Kirk- land, releasing himself from his school, enlisted as a soldier. He continued in service with the troops under the command of General Lincoln, till the object for which they were called, was honorably accomplished ; exhibiting thus early the fervors of a patriotism, which always glowed in his breast, which with him was not a name or a pretence, as with some who boast largely, but a sentiment and a prin- * Like most eminent men of this country, Dr. Kirkland had no patrimony either to aid or to tempt him. Through his academic course he was sustained in part by a patronage, which he never forgot and afterwards imitated, and in part by his labors in keeping school. Knowing by experience the trials and advantages of young men of talents without wealth, he was ever their generous friend and helper. Indeed the facility, with which in this and other modes he “ dispersed and scattered abroad,” united with a certain negligence ** in affairs,” which was his undeniable foible, was during his Presidency a source of inconvenience. Errors like these, however, will not fail of indul- gence, with those, who consider the far more serious defects with which hu- man excellence in its highest advancement is too often mingled ; and the gen- erous sources in which an incautious or excessive charity has its origin. 12 ciple, prompting his most generous feelings and his noblest thoughts. After the completion of his academic course, in 1789, during which he gave indications of the emi- nence he was destined to attain, he became the Tu- tor of Metaphysics in the University, pursuing at the same time the studies of his chosen profession, till upon the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of the Rev. Oliver Everett, he was unanimously invited as his successor to the pastoral charge of the New South Church in this City, being ordained to that office on the 5th of February, 1794. Here, in a relation which was ever dear to him, he remained more than sixteen years, making full proof of his ministry ; and by the weight of his preaching, though in the usual acceptation of the term, it could never be called popular ; by the assi- duity of his pastoral cares, which though not mani- fested in a frequent social intercourse with the whole flock, still gave no occasion to the humblest to complain that they were overlooked, and in in- stances not a few, left durable impressions, as I can testify, at once of his discernment of the human heart and his skill and tenderness in healing its sor- rows ; and, perhaps, still more, by the influence of his talents and character through the whole commu- nity, he became in a remarkable degree the object of the respect and love of his congregation. Among his hearers were many of the most distinguished cit- 13 izens of the Commonwealth, who at once honored him as their pastor and cherished him as their friend. iVnd in the mutual confidence they maintained, which was extensively shared by other eminent in- dividuals in various walks of life, Dr. Kirkland found some of his choicest personal satisfactions and the means also of his widest influence. In those emergencies of the country which occur- red during the eventful period of his ministry ; in times of political division, exciting party, kindling animosity, and demanding at once strenuous effort and the wisdom that dwells with discretion ; more especially during the crisis of the French Revolu- tion, amidst the ardent hopes it excited on one side for the cause of freedom, and fears on the other for the interests of religion, Dr. Kirkland exerted a wise and most salutary power. He loved 44 liberty with order,” he loved religious freedom with religious faith, and united himself with some of the purest and most enlightened patriots, whom the country has known, in labors to preserve them. Yet — and it is a reflection which 1 may not omit — he never forgot in the citizen or politician the sanctity of the pastor. He never forgot that he had been 44 separated to the gospel ministry ;” nor did he permit good services to the public to betray him into negligence of the flock. He remembered the injunction 44 Feed the church of God.” In his religious discourses he could illustrate great principles, and enforce the righteousness which 14 exalts a nation, and expose the sins which are re- proach and ruin ; but he did not mingle party poli- tics with the sacrifices of the altar, nor deem it meet or right, or his bounden duty, to distract the hearts of his hearers with the secular topics of the hour, when he stood up in the sanctuary to present their prayers ; to supplicate for them the pardon of their sins ; to solace their griefs ; and as the servant of the high God to show unto them the way of salvation. His sound judgment and considerate regard for the feel- ings, impressions, and spiritual wants of all were at- tended with their peaceful fruits. Our respected friend, like his cotemporary, the amiable and exem- plary Dr. Lathrop* had no enemies, for malice itself could find nothing against them except concerning the law of their God. On the other hand, there was much undoubtedly in the aspects of those times, to awaken the solicitude and to demand the efforts of the wise and good. And it is not easy for those of my hearers, who were not conversant with the dan- gers of that period, to estimate to its full extent the value of an influence, such as our friend exerted within and without the walks of his profession, in ar- resting the progress of infidelity, and establishing the dominion of Christian truth and morals against the pretensions of a wild democracy and of an insidious philosophy.f * See Sermon at the funeral of Dr. Lathrop. t See his Discourses, as published between 1795 and 1800 ; and particu- larly his Oration before the Society of Phi Beta Kappa in 1798. 15 The religious character of Dr. Kirkland, to which in this connexion we must advert, was exhibited — if indeed the term may be employed of one who did nothing for exhibition, — in a manner altogether ac- cordant with the character of his mind and the be- nevolence of his heart. It was eminently 44 with the heart that he believed unto righteousness.” He found in Christianity not a creed only, but a law of life and an immortal hope. His faith allied him at once to God and to his fellow-creatures ; to God as his Father, witness, and Judge ; to the Son of God as his Saviour, and to all mankind as his brethren. He believed, and therefore he preached, that the end, for which the grace of God had appeared, was to teach men to live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present world ;* that condition depended on conduct; and he found both encouragement and restraint in 44 the looking for of the appearing of Christ Jesus.” Few so well understood, and none could more skilfully expose the pretensions of the religionist or the subtleties of metaphysical theology. His taste and studies had made him familiar with the controversial writers of his day. But he could see in the peculiarities of the Gene- van or of any other school, little intelligible, true, * This was the text and topic of his discourse before the Massachusetts Convention of Congregational Ministers in 1813. It is to be hoped, that this admirable sermon, which many to this day remember for its profound and com- prehensive views, nor less for its enlarged and catholic spirit, will with some other of his productions be given to the public. 16 or useful, but what it has in common with the simple and universally received principles of christ> ianity.* His religious, and above all his devotional feelings he would not unnecessarily exhibit; his just taste and humility alike forbidding it. But they — and there were not wanting such— who could infer from his reserve or from the habitual cheerful- ness and contagious gladness of his spirit, a deficien- cy in the religious affections, only betrayed how little they understood his character, or could appreciate the depth and reality of his piety. He remembered the injunction of the Master, “ When thou prayest, enter into thy closet and shut thy door about thee.” And he was not slow to discern, though always mer- ciful in exposing, the affectation or pretensions of such, as preferred in their prayers or their alms to be seen of men. In the course of his ministry, and afterwards as President of the University, he was often called to officiate in those occasional services, which, exciting the general expectation, demand more than usual thought and judgment for their successful fulfilment. His discourses and his prayers on such occasions * See this sentiment illustrated with his characteristic felicity, in an article in the Monthly Anthology of 1809, published as a Review of McFarland’s History of Heresies and Vindication of the Primitive Faith. Dr. Kirkland’s early personal friendship with some of the eminent Metaphysical Divines of New England qualified him well, as appears in every page of this able article, to understand, and where he was disposed, to refute their dogmas. 17 none of us, my brethren, will forget, who were privi- leged to hear them. The first opportunity I can recal of this nature was upon the death of the late Dr. Belknap. They were associated as Pastors of sister churches ; and upon the sudden departure of that eminent divine and historian in the midst of his years and usefulness, Mr. Kirkland* was called to preach at the interment. He was then only in the fifth year of his ministry, and the discourse was pre- pared with the shortness of notice, which such occa- sions of necessity suppose. Permit me to adduce a brief extract here, as it may serve at once to revive a grateful recollection in the minds of some of the elder of my hearers of one of the most distinguished men of our country, while it affords a specimen of that graphic delineation of character, that wise and just eulogium, that richness of thought and dignity with tenderness of expression, which were ever at the command of the preacher’s pen. “ How he magnified the office of the Christian ministry, you and others, who enjoyed his ministra- tions, who joined in his prayers, who listened to his preaching and saw him in the private duties of his station can better conceive than I describe.” “ You are witnesses of what is lost no less in private conduct and example than in public ministrations : * Dr. Kirkland received an honorary degree of Doctor in Divinity from Princeton in 1802, when only in his thirty-second year, and a degree of L.L. D . some years after, from Brown University. 3 18 how well his life became his doctrine ; how the di- vine, moral, and social virtues appeared in him in the various scenes of life ; in the hours of adversity, and in his intercourse with his people. You are wit- nesses how kind and inoffensive, yet how plain and sincere was his demeanor towards you : how simple and unaffected were his manners. The sick are witnesses of his attention, fidelity, and tenderness in comforting the believing, in warning the sinner, and confirming the doubtful. The unreasonable and censorious are witnesses of his patience and indul- gence ; the unbelieving of his desire to convince them ; the afflicted and despondent of the sweetness of his consolations and his gentle encouragements ; the poor of his ready advice and assistance, and to the extent of his abilities, his alms ; the rich of his Christian independence united with a becoming com- plaisance ; and the profligate of his grief for their depravity, of his utter disapprobation of their char- acters.” Methinks, brethren, as I utter these sentences, I see the image of our venerated friend in his own en- gaging yet dignified intercourse with the various classes and conditions of men. He himself most happily united the independence, that was a stranger to fear, with that sense of propriety and justice, that honored all men ; an abhorence for sin with pity for the sinner, merciful interpretation of motive, and gen- erous allowance for the delusive power of temptation. 19 Of the wisdom and self-distrust with which he ad- vocated the cause of moral reform, as well as other vital interests of society, civil, literary, and philan- thropic, never suffering his zeal to gain the victory of his discretion, or to overlook dangers of one class in avoiding their opposites — he has bequeathed us an example in an admirable discourse delivered be- fore the Massachusetts Society for the suppression of Intemperance, more than twenty-five years since ; a discourse, which as it was among the earliest, will readily be regarded as one of the weightiest of the excellent productions, which that great cause has since called forth. “Let us,” says he, “in all our consultations and measures, proceed under the influence of an enlight- ened zeal to do what in us lies to banish this moral and physical pestilence from every walk of society, acting in the fear of God with true charity and com- passion towards men ; and careful, lest while enter- ing a protest against the sensual transgressions of others, we do not practise spiritual sins ; and whilst exerting our endeavors to reclaim those, who have the vices of men, and are addicted to ease and plea- sure, we do not reserve to ourselves the vices of dev- ils, envy, malignity, selfishness and pride.” The election of Dr. Kirkland to the Presidency of Harvard University upon the death of Dr. Webber, in 1810 , was with the cordial approbation of all its 20 friends. Though he had not then exceeded his for- tieth year, yet even before that period, when the ap- pointment had been declined by his friend Mr. Ames, the public had selected him as the individual best qualified for that responsible trust. It was accepted, on his part, with the distrust that marks minds of su- perior excellence, proposing to themselves high aims, yet fearful of not attaining them, and with unfeigned regrets at relinquishing a connexion with his people, which had become mutually dear. The day, upon which he entered upon its duties, was a day of con- gratulation and exulting hope with all who loved the prosperity of our cherished seminary. And how fully their anticipations were realized ; how well he justi- fied the public hope ; how the University prospered under his smiles, which have well been called a ben- ediction — you, my hearers, who have known, and specially his pupils, that have loved him, need not my feeble tongue to declare. Even they, who vio- lated the laws, could not find it in their hearts to treat otherwise than with respect him, who so gently enforced them, “whose look even of disappointment was the most effectual rebuke, and who tempered the strictness of discipline with a winning gravity and grace.'* Pre-eminently indeed was President Kirkland qual- *See remarks by Dr. J. G. Palfrey at a meeting of the Alumni, April 27, on the evening preceding the interment of Dr. Kirkland, at which Resolutions were passed expressive of their sense of his character. 21 ified for a station, of which at all times the cares, and sometimes the trials, are commensurate with the honors. His happy genius and command of all his resources, his unfailing judgment, adequate to all emergencies, his searching penetration and discern- ment of character which seemed like intuition ; his love of youth and clear perception at once of their capacities and their dangers ; his charity, truly pa- ternal, for their errors and desire above all things for their virtue — these excellent gifts, crowned by his wide reputation and the confidence felt in the purity and elevation of his character, rendered him, above most men, the fit person for this office. “He knew , 55 as he has himself happily illustrated in his exquisite description of the youth of Fisher Ames,* “he knew how difficult it is to check the causes and control the effects of youthful error and passion . 55 He knew that “the college life is a severe experiment upon the strength of juvenile virtue ; 55 he represented it as the rare felicity of an exemplary pupil, “that he did not need the smart of guilt to make him virtuous nor the regret of folly to make him wise ; 55 and in commend- ing the sacred interests of education to the nurturing care of the Legislature^ whom he was called to ad- dress, he showed with that weight and dignity of ex- pression, of which he was master, “how solemn and affecting was the enquiry with the guardians and * See Life of Fisher Ames prefixed to his Works, t See his Election Sermon in 1816. 22 teachers of the young, by what means to preserve the successions of young and defenceless generations from the waste of talents, from the perversion of feel- ings, and the ruin of hopes, to which they are ex- posed ; how to secure at once the progress of their minds and the growth of their virtues ; how to make their existence a blessing to society, to themselves, and to those from whom they sprung ; in what man- ner best to do what can be done but once ; and to seize the fugitive moments of uncertainty and con- test, on which their characters and their destinies are suspended.” It has indeed been objected, that in his adminis- tration of the College, President Kirkland was dis- posed to an excessive lenity, and that in seasons of disorder, too common in our public seminaries, in enforcing the laws he was wanting in decision.* If this indeed was his error, we are persuaded, it was the result, not so much of an undue facility of temper, to which in a station so responsible he would never have yielded, as of his deliberate judgment. He thought that young men in college, as well as old men in the world, were most effectually governed and re- claimed by love. He relied much, perhaps it may have sometimes proved too confidently, on the gene- rous sentiments of youth. But this at least must be * A few sentences on this and another page are added in the printing, which on account of the unavoidable length of the discourse, and of the communion service which followed, were omitted in the delivery. 23 remembered, that so happily was his personal influ- ence exerted, he was the object invariably of the res- pect and love of his pupils. At no season of insub- ordination, even amidst those wayward impulses, in which false notions of honor betray to disorders, as unreasonable as they are impotent, no pupil was ever known to violate the respect due to him. Even they who could be faithless to themselves, and carried from the University little good besides, still carried with them their love to the President. And not a few gave touching evidence of the place he possessed in their hearts, when after his retirement from Cam- bridge,* amidst sickness and decline, Dr. Kirkland visited some of the distant cities of our country, his grateful pupils, residing there, flew to him as to their father, and though, with some, years of separation had elapsed, were prodigal of the tokens of their ven- eration and esteem. With what mild and gentle majesty — though he was never studious of forms, and in the pulpit never distinguished for the graces of his manner — he pre- sided over our academic solemnities, and added to the honors he conferred by the benignity with which he conferred them, will be easily understood by all who witnessed ; and specially by those, who beheld * In the spring of 1828, Dr. Kirkland, having previously been visited by an attack of paralysis, and his general health in consequence declining, re- signed his Presidency, and after frequent journies in his own country, spent several years in Europe. 24 him on that peculiar occasion, when as the Head of the University, he presented his associates and pupils to the Head of the nation, in his progress through the Eastern States in 1817,* and afterwards wel- comed Lafayette to the honors and hospitalities of Cambridge. With what tender affection and fervent prayer he commended the graduates, as they departed from his guidance, to the God of their fathers and the arbiter of their lot — with what energy and pathos of utter- ance he invoked for them all heavenly benediction — that God would spread over them his sure defence, and compass them with his favor as a shield, there are those, who can never forget ; and others there may be, who unknown to themselves, are reaping the fruits of his lips. If in this connexion I may be per- mitted, not as a pupil but as a younger brother or son in the gospel, to mingle my grateful recollections with these imperfect notices, I would say, that stand- ing as I did with his reverend hands upon my head, as he separated me by hi& prayer of consecration to my ministry, I cannot forget, as long as memory re- mains, his pregnant and paternal supplications. — There are those of my people who remember them with me, and who number with their privileges the blessings of his intercession. * President Monroe, who declared himself deeply impressed and even sub- dued by the imposing dignity of his manner. 25 As the Head of the College, Dr. Kirkland, himself a Clergyman and constantly officiating in the services of his profession, was regarded as the head also of the Clergy ; in that sense, I mean, in which by usage from the very foundation of the Seminary, and the free spirit of Congregationalism, the term can alone be regarded. To this distinction he was enti- tled, by his academic station, by his eminence as a Divine, his theological attainments, his liberal Ca- tholicism, his consideration and love of the brethren. He was indeed unto us as a father and a brother. There was not a clergyman in the Commonwealth, however obscure the scene of his labors, but was cer- tain of a just appreciation of his merits, and of a friendly reception from the President of the College. His singular penetration of character, to which I have already referred ; his memory of persons as well as of things, always a commanding faculty, and preserv- ed to a remarkable degree, even amidst infirmities that usually impair it, enabling him to recall what he had once known, and to bestow honor where honor was due, were among his facilities and felicities in all his intercourse with his friends, and even with strangers. You also, my brethren of this Society, will not fail of some grateful remembrances of our departed head, who has been in succession, the companion and friend, the instructor and guide, the kind patron and 26 honored relative of your pastors ;* whom in the va- cancies which occurred in your pulpit you often sought for his ministrations and his counsel ; and who honored this ancient Church with the chosen temples of the land. Some of you, I doubt not, will remem- ber the affecting tribute, which, on the melancholy day of the interment of your gifted Buckminster, when the tempest without and the “weeping canopy of the heavens” seemed responsive to your grief, he paid to his memory. And while he thus spoke of the private virtues of a friend, whom he loved as a brother, you will be ready to think he was uncon- sciously describing himself. “ They, to whom he was allied by nature and affec- tion, need not that I should speak of his private vir- tues, of the unvarying dutifulness and devotion of the child, of the fond solicitude and delicate kindness of the brother, of the warmth and constancy of the friend ; nor of the personal qualities and virtues that could not fail to strike our attention — patience, that made him refrain from complaint — and generosity, that did not ask for participation in his peculiar trials ; courage and elevation, that would not suffer him to * With Dr. Thacher, the fourth minister of Brattle Street Church, Dr. Kirkland shared seven years of his ministry in the same city and association. With Mr. Buckminster and his immediate successors, Everett and Palfrey, he maintained the closest friendship, and with the present Pastor he was allied by near family connexion, was for a time the inmate of his house, and re- garded him as his son. Dr. Kirkland was also a worshipper in that Church, previously to his last sickness. 27 take any measure or behave to any man under the influence of fear — and simplicity of intention and purpose, that rejected all artifice in speech and con- duct. Nor shall I pretend to enumerate all that gave grace and effect to his talents and virtue, his literary taste, his advantage of countenance lighted up with intelligence, and bright with the vivacity of genius and the smiles of kind affection. But God hath changed his countenance and sent him away.”* Those of you, my younger hearers, who have only heard of Dr. Kirkland, or perhaps have seen him on- ly in the days of his infirmity, may find it difficult to justify the terms of veneration and affection with which, now that he is gone, his memory will assured- ly be honored. And doubtless, with the evils attend- ing declining years and death in old age, which may well help to reconcile us to an earlier exit, must be counted this, that the character and life of the indi- vidual will at that period be judged by a race younger than his own ; that the history of his bright- est days, the fair promises of youth, the gifts and at- * The day on which Mr. Buckminster was interred was, as is intimated above, a day of unusual darkness and rain ; notwithstanding which, the ser- vices were attended by a numerous assemblage of his brethren and his flock, and others, his deeply afflicted friends. Tt is to be regretted that the discourse by President Kirkland, of which we have given an extract, W33 not yielded for publication ; for though composed within a very brief interval, and amidst the toils of an annual examination of one of the classes at the College, it abounds in rich thought and touching expression. For the extracts we have made, we are indebted to the care of Professor Palfrey, who has preserved them in the Appendix to his Historical Discourses. 28 tainments and deeds of manhood, the wisdom, piety, and patriotism, which even while the fruits were ripening, obtained due honors, shall be unknown or forgotten, except by him who earned them. They are gone, his coevals and friends, who knew him in his freshness, who were witnesses of his glory, and were eager to proclaim it. But another generation has arisen, who know not him or them. Happily this was but in a very limited degree the infelicity of our venerable friend. The multitudes of almost every age, from the hoary head of four score to the ardent youth, the young hope of the College and of the State, who thronged in company to yonder tem- ple to pay their honors at his tomb, was of itself a touching evidence that his memory is fresh within us, that it hath in it that which will not die.* But, if there be a stranger in this assembly, who needs the testimony — and God forbid that in this house consecrated to his worship we should presume to extol with false honors mortal men — to such would 1 say even as did king David of his counsellor ; “ Know ye not, that a prince and a great man hath fallen this day ?” That one, whom God had endued * It was at first proposed by the immediate friends of Dr. Kirkland, that the funeral should be attended without public notices. But at the request of the Alumni of the College, who met on the evening preceding the day of his interment, this arrangement was changed. His remains were carried into the New South Church, of which he had been the Pastor, and the spectacle of the multitudes, both of the Alumni and of various classes assembled to express their respect and attachment, was at once affecting and instructive. 29 with an unusual measure of his spirit, whose gener- ous heart, binding him to his friends, to his country and to his race, enlarged his understanding and prompted noble purposes ; whose influence was only less weighty than it was kind, whose lips spoke sweetly, as he declared of others, for God and good- ness, whose character and whose gifts were to sci- ence and religion, to the church and to the world an ornament and a defence — has been taken from among us. And we will invite him to join with us in our prayers, that it would please the God who gave him and has taken away, to sanctify his departure to the churches, which he instructed by his lips and blest with his prayers ; to the University, in which he “ sat as chief to the pupils whom he guided with the skilfulness of his wisdom and persuaded to virtue by his life ; to the Ministry, whose profession he adorned ; to the Commonwealth, to whose prosperity in the day of his strength he contributed, rejoicing always in the gladness of the people ; to the whole country of which he was the enlightened citizen ; to the lovers of truth and virtue, of learning, freedom, and un- defiled Christianity throughout the world. True indeed it is, that his latter days were days of infirmity, and for a season, the bright light which was in him was darkened. “ Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.” We rest upon the blessed promise of thy Son, that what we know not 30 now we shall know hereafter. And now, blessed be God the darkness is past, the shadows are scattered, and the light has shone. The soul of our venerated friend, disembodied and set free, has ascended to its native Heaven : and there, with them that have been wise and turned many to righteousness, shall shine as the stars of God. There, it is united with kindred spirits whom he loved ; with the spirits of Belknap and of Clarke, of Ames and Parsons, of Eliot and of Buckminster, of Cabot and of Thacher ; with whom he labored on earth, whose virtues he embalmed in his memory, and honored by his praise. He is united to Him, the Master and the Head, the Shepherd who cannot die, whose steps he followed, and by whose light he walked in darkness. He has ascended to God, his witness and judge, who entrusted to him his gifts, who appointed him his trials, and will con- fer an unfading crown. Spirit of our departed friend ! we rejoice, that thou hast ascended to thy Father’s house. It is well with thee, for thou hast entered upon thy rest. We were gladdened by thy light on earth. Be unto us still a light from Heaven. We will treasure up the counsels of thy wisdom, and cherish with grateful hearts the memory of thy love. And in the mercy of Him, who has led thee as the good Shepherd through the dark valley ; through the grace of Christ Jesus, by whose faith thou didst walk in darkness, may we be found worthy at the last of a re-union with thee in a world of unfading glory. APPENDIX. The following is, we believe, an accurate list of Dr. Kirkland’s acknowl- edged publications. Besides these, he made many valuable contributions to the literary and religious Journals of his times, to the Monthly Anthology, ed- ited from 1804 to 1812 by a Society of Gentlemen, of which he was a mem- ber, and to the Christian Disciple, which followed it in 1813. 1. 1795. Sermon before the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. 2. 1798. National Fast Sermon, May 9. 3. 1798. At the Interment of Rev. Jeremy Belknap, D. D. 4. 1798. An Oration before the Phi Beta Kappa Society, Cambridge. 5. 1799. Sermon on the death of General George Washington, delivered Sunday, Dec. 29. 6. 1800. Sermon at the Ordination of Rev. John Pipon, at Taunton. 7. 1801. Address before the Massachusetts Charitable Fire Society. 8. 1808. Memoir of the Life and Character of Fisher Ames, prefixed to his Works. 9. 1809. Biography of Commodore Preble.* 10. 1814. Discourse before Massachusetts Society for the Suppression of Intemperance. 11. 1816. Sermon before the Legislature of Massachusetts on the day of the General Election, May. 12. 1823. Discourse on the death of Hon. George Cabot. 13. 1826. Eulogy on John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, delivered before the American Academy, and published in their Collections. Of the numerous services he was called to perform at Ordinations, and on other public occasions, academic or professional, only a very small part was given to the press. * To these biographical notices may be added, a brief Memoir of Rev. Dr. John Lalhrop, published in Christian Disciple in 1816. -