YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

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Relyea, B. J.
The voice and influence of the pious dead, a sermon.
Fall River, 1852.

35.

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THE VOICE AND INFLUENCE OF THE PIOUS DEAD :

SERMON PREACHED BEFORE THE
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY IN FALL
RIVER, MASS. OCT. 3. 1852.
ON OCCASION OF THE DEATH
OF THE
KEY. OKIN EOWLER,
FORMER PASTOR OF SAID CHURCH, AND AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH, A
REPRESENTATIVE IN THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES.
BY B. J. RELYEA,
fit
PRESENT PASTOR.
PUBLISHED BY REQUEST OF THE CHURCH.

FALL RIVER:
PRINTED BY HENRY PRATT,
No. 20 Pocasset House.
1852.

SERMON.
" He being dead yet speaketh.'

Heb. xi. i.

The name of righteous Abel stands first on the catalogue
and register of Heaven. He was the first trophy of
redeeming grace ; the first' immortal spirit taken from the
prospective mass of sinful humanity, washed from the
impurities of a fallen and depraved nature, and fixed in
eternal glory ; the first star in the diadem of the Divine
Redeemer of men. Of him it is said that, " He being
dead yet speaketh." Although early in life, and at the
very beginning of the world's history, cut off by the hand
of cruelty and violence ; yet in departing he has left an
influence behind him which is still felt. Although silent
in death, from that silence comes forth a testimony that is
still heard ; a voice that still reverberates in the depths of
the human heart.
The inspired writer, in the portion of Scripture before
us, is commending the principle and exercise of faith ;
and specifies its advantages and achievements, as seen in
the lives and examples of those holy men of old whose
names are here recorded. Among these advantages of
faith, which are urged upon our attention, is this, that by
it, the " Elders obtained a good report ;" and by it, Abel
"being dead yet speaketh." Prom which, as falling par-

ticularly under our present notice, we may conclude the
writer here teaches us that, it belongs to the nature of
faith, and of piety which is the fruit of faith, to perpetuate
its influence among men : that the man who lives in the
exercise of it, shall transmit on earth a holy memory, and
a power of goodness, which shall abide when himself is
swallowed up in death. I announce, then, this, as the
subject of discourse, deduced from these words of Scrip
ture, viz : The Voice and Influence of the Pious Dead.
Human life is valuable for its own sake, considered
merely in reference to what a man may enjoy, or what he
may accomplish while in the world. But it has relations
to the future, which render it infinitely more important.
Out of it are the issues of a good, or an evil, to compre
hend which transcends the capacities of our understanding,
and which eternity only can reveal. Under the stern dis
cipline of his earthly probation, every man matures to
himself a character which fixes his destiny forever : at the
same time, his mind and doings leave their impress upon
the world's heart and life. If his activities are irreligious
and unholy, his soul shall perish " where their worm dieth
not and where their fire is not quenched ;" his name shall
rot, and his works shall be destroyed. On the other hand,
if his life embrace the element of faith and piety, he re
ceives the growth of a holy character ; his soul shall live
in the blessedness of paradise ; his name shall be had in
everlasting remembrance ; his testimony and power shall
be perpetuated on earth.
The spirit of the dying saint, like ascending Elijah,
wrapped in glory, is carried to heaven as in a chariot of fire ;
and sheds down the mantle of its earthly goodness and
earthly influence to bless the world it has left.
It would be indeed, an interesting and blessed employ
ment, and not inappropriate to this occasion, to follow the
cherished and pious dead to their rest on high • and with
the aid of revelation, to meditate upon the character of

the "just made perfect;" upon the ineffable delights at
God's right hand ; and to catch something of the radiance
and glory of that abode, where they behold the face of
God and the Lamb forevermore. But our text invites us
to an humbler duty, that of marking and improving the
voice and influence by which they still speak to Us.
The words before us, are used in reference to the first
victim of the reign of death over mankind. They carry
us up to the very commencement of that stream, which,
coursing down the track of time, sweeps the whole race of
man successively into the oblivion of the grave, and fills
the earth with lamentation and mourning. They carry us
back to that first dissolution, as if there, at the outset of
death's career, to assure us, in relation to the righteous,
that even, so far as this world is concerned, there is that
which survives his destroying touch, there is that upon
which corruption has no power. Truth and goodness, like
the soul itself, are immortal. Whatsoever of good a man
does ; whatsoever of truth he exemplifies in his life ;
whatsoever of power he embodies in his character, it shall
live after him. Death hath not dominion over it. Though
the period of a righteous man's life may be short ; though
his body may die, and the earth may cover it ; not only
does his spirit live eternal in the kingdom of God ; but
there survives, even here, an utterance and a power that
die not.
If we inquire, what are the elements of that power
which a good man leaves behind him, by which " he, being
dead, yet speaketh ;" we shall find that they are chiefly
the following, viz :
I. The truths which by his instrumentality were de
veloped to the view of men, and incorporated in the world's
belief. II. The permanent results of his labors in the hearts
of individuals, and in the bosom of society.
III. The hallowed memory of his example and char
acter.

Let us briefly consider each of these in order, as a means
of continuing a good man's voice and influence in the
world, when he himself is no more.
I. The truths which by his instrumentality were de
veloped to the view of men, and incorporated in the world's
belief. The power of truth is universally felt and acknowledged.
It has changed the state and condition of whole commu
nities of men. It has aroused the slumber of ages and
awakened the dormant energies of mankind. It has, as
with an irresistable impulse called forth the spirit of a
nation, and shaken the very foundations of society. It
has dethroned kings and overturned dynasties. It has
abolished customs, religions, and institutions which seemed
perpetual, and which the combined despotisms of earth
could not have moved. It is yet to demolish the throne
and monarchy of Satan ; to renew the face and moral con
stitution of the world.
A man cannot originate truth, or add anything to its
inherent truthfulness and power. He may however, be
the instrument of calling forth truth from the dark con
fusion of ignorance and error. He may cause it, in the
apprehensions of men, to take to itself a distinct and
definite form, and to impress itself with living force, upon
their minds and hearts. He may give it prevalence in the
opinions of society.
The laws of the solar system, existed before the discov
eries of Newton ; but it was granted him to expound them
to mankind ; and in the prevalence of the knowledge
which he taught, his voice is still heard. The doctrine of
free religious toleration, as a principle of political economy,
was as true before the time of John Locke as since : but it
was the prerogative of his mighty intellect to hold it up
to the view of men, and to maintain it with such ability as
to rebuke the persecuting bigotry of the world. Although
men may even forget their obligations to him for its devel-

opement in the opinions of society ; still, in the increasing
influence of that truth, " He being dead yet speaketh."
Like useful metals in the bosom of the earth, truth ex
ists, though hid. A man only finds it, moulds it into form,
and wields it as the sword of power.
In this promulgation of truth, every man's office is not
the same ; but each stands in his own order, and in his
own measure, To a few, it has been permitted to become
the mediums of communicating a divine revelation from
God to men. Speaking as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost, their words are the oracles of God, and to us the
fountains of truth. Theirs is the highest possible sphere
of human usefulness or influence.
A few, one here and another there, along the path of
history, living at a period when the world in its progress,
was at the point of some great moral or social revolution ;
possessing a mind, an experience, and a place, to embody
in themselves, the yearning and advancing spirit of their
times ; and, with a strong hand laying hold of the great
principles then struggling for birth, they have been permit
ted, by one mighty effort, to break through the incrusta
tion of ages. Fixing their impress upon the onward
movement, they have changed the course of human events ;
and exercised a sway more vast, a power more profound
and more lasting, than that of the greatest dynasties.
Others, living in times when speculation was awakened
and active, but when, as yet, the forms and boundaries of
truth were not definitely marked, have been enabled, by
their strong logical powers and their deep piety, so to em
brace the whole Christian scheme, and to develop its great
truths into a system ; so to dispel the mists which hang
about the clouded conceptions of men ; so to bring forth
order and harmony from the chaos of controversy, that
they stand the successful, triumphant champions of truth,
and have become the permanent instructors of mankind.
Of such as have been named, the world has but few •.

8
nor is there need of many. The great mass of those who
are set for the defence and confirmation of the truth, are
persons, in their various capacities as public teachers and
private Christians, who, by prayer and study, with what
ever of human aid may be had, draw from the divine
oracles the living form and spirit of truth ; who, with
clearness of perception, with unwavering faith, and with
unshrinking resolution, maintain it before the world ; who
manifest it in their lives, and in their words and teachings,
commend it to the consciences of their fellow men. Thus
every good man is, in his own calling, a holder forth of
the word of life. Great capacities of intellect, the power
of eloquence, and position or office in society, may in
crease a man's influence, living or dead ; but they are not
essential to it. Truth is maintained by conformity of
heart, by strength of principle and purpose, no less than
by mental endowments, and by the advantages of position
among men. Abel occupied no eminent place : we do not
read that he was possessed of any extraordinary natural
powers ; yet, by the simple goodness of his heart, and by
his firm adherence to the teachings of faith, " He being
dead yet speaketh."'
In like manner, the most humble, though silent, may so
identify the truths of godliness with a holy life, as to give
them a power which shall continue when he himself has
passed away, and which shall testify through all coming
time that he has not lived in vain. So far, then, as a man
shall give prevalence to truth, he shall through it, speak to
those who shall come after him.
II. The second element of that abiding influence which
a good man leaves in the world, is found in the permanent
results on society, of his labor while on earth.
Human society has a unity of being, a continuous exist
ence. Each mind is connected by organic laws with its
fellows. Each age is linked, by natural causes, to that
which precede, and that which follows it. Society of the

present, is the result of the past ; and the doings of the
present mould the future : so that every man, according to
his character and capacity, shall leave his own impress en
graved upon the public mind, and its institutions ; and
shall bequeath to the future, the fruits of his activity. If
he impart culture, or discipline, or piety to other minds,
these will in a greater or less degree communicate it to
others, and these again to others still ; thus not only is his
influence prolonged, but the sphere of it is ever enlarging.
If he do any thing to destroy one evil practice, or to estab
lish one good custom, his work shall continue ; and society
shall enjoy the benefit of his labor for successive years.
It has been the favored lot of a few men to become the
founders of new institutions ; and to establish a new order
of things. Such men have, through these institutions,
moulded the form of society for ages, and have exerted an
influence for all time to come. It is not however, the
originators of new institutions, only, who thus perpetuate
their influence. The man who by his wisdom, by the
force of his character, and by his activity, maintains them,
removes their imperfections, or gives prevalence to those
virtues which lie as the foundations upon which they rest,
shall not lose his reward. His works become incorporated
with these institutions ; they become in some sense his
own, and by them " He being dead yet speaketh."
In anticipation of the resurrection and the judgment, I
have often thought with admiration, upon the position and
honor of a first Missionary of the Cross, who, solitary and
alone, has gone to a heathen population, and there by his
teachings and holy influence, with the blessing of God, has
moved to piety a few hearts, already increased to thou
sands ; has there changed the customs and the character
of society ; has there planted the immutable truths and in
stitutions of Christianity ; has there commenced a work
which shall bear fruit, until the last trumpet shall sound,
and he, and the redeemed through his instrumentality,
2

10
shall stand before assembled worlds to receive the Crown
of Glory.
Not unlike these are the abiding results of every good
man's life. " One," indeed, " soweth, and another reap-
eth"; but they shall "rejoice together." It was permitted
Paul to plant, and Apollos to water ; but in the increase
which God giveth, the work of both is seen. The wise
master builder layeth the foundations ; and another build-
eth thereon : if his work abide, he shall receive his reward.
Whether at home or abroad, the pious in every age, each,
in the sphere and the place which Providence has assigned
him, are co-workers with God. They leave behind them
fruits of their labor which are a rebuke to the wicked, and
a blessing to the world. In heaven, where they await the
completion of the world's history, their joys are ever height
ened by receiving new and living testimonials of their use
fulness on earth. Verily, "they rest from their labors, and
their works do follow them."
So far then, as a man causes the great principles of right
eousness and truth to be developed in the characters of
individuals, in the customs of society, or in the permanent
institutions of men ; or, so far as he strengthens and upholds
them, when already developed, while these results of his
life remain in the world, he, though dead, exerts through
them, an influence which must be felt ; and speaks with a
voice which must be heard.
III. The third means, by which a holy man " being
dead yet speaketh," is the hallowed memory of his exam
ple and character.
Holy example is precept wrought out in action. It has
reference to the historic life, the active doings of the indi
vidual. A good act, not only marks the boundaries of sin
and holiness, but it serves as a clear and forcible illustration
of the precept. As a means of teaching moral and religious
truth, it occupies much the same relation to the principle
of rectitude, which the diagram does to a proposition in

11
mathematics. It makes the distinctions of right more plain
and vivid.
It also forces truth upon the conscience with the power
of a deeper conviction. Partly owing to the greater clear
ness with which it is seen, and the different manner in
which it is inculcated, and partly owing to the individual
influence which accompanies it, ^truth, set forth in exam
ple, is a greater restraint upon sin, and a more efficient per
suasive to virtue than mere precept. Nothing so strongly
condemns the feeling and exercise of selfishness, as an act
of generous benevolence : nothing so rebukes irreligion
as the consistent life and holy devotions of a truly pious
soul. So long then, as a worthy deed, or a holy example
shall be remembered, so long through it, the good man shall
speak with authority and power.
Holy character, however, is more than action. It is at
once, the shrine and image of living goodness. Carrying
us beyond the mere activities of the individual history, it
gives us the stamp and measure of the man. The soul is a
living thing ; a spiritual essence, radiating its own moral
and religious qualities. Truth, imbibed in the heart, be
comes living truth. It exists not merely in the form of
theories, propositions, and precepts ; but in feeling, in
spirit and power. The man embodies in himself, a personal
type of holiness, embracing the whole compass of moral
and religious principle ; and by his outward doings, he
causes to stand before us, an estimate or image of his
spiritual nature, which we call character, and which moves
upon us a power of goodness, a demonstration of spirit.
Thus, every man, according to his inherent strength and
holy discipline, makes himself to be felt ; and the memory
and influence of that character, shall abide among men,
when his body has mouldered into dust. How often, is
conscience in us aroused and sin repressed, by calling to
mind the pious dead. The recollections of a gentle, affec
tionate praying mother, embalmed in the memory, has

12
been through life, the guardian angel of many a youth,
with power to save him from ruin. The image of a holy
man, has often become in a lawful sense, the patron saint
of a nation. So, with every good man, in proportion to
the sphere of his influence and usefulness while here, will
his name and his goodness be had in remembrance. In the
recollections of his fellow men, he shall still have a place
and a power ; and his character shall be transmitted, as a
pattern, and a reproof to those who shall come after him.
So far then, as a man exemplifies, in his character, the
Christian virtues, while the bright image of that character
lives in the memory of the world, by it he shall speak in
a manner that cannot but reach the heart and the conscience.
Here, then, is the voice and influence of the good man
when he is dead. In the truths which he taught and
exemplified in his life ; in the permanent results of his
labor upon the minds of others, upon the customs and
institutions of men ; in the hallowed memory of his ex
ample and character, is erected, in the bosom of society,
by his own hands, a monument more honorable and more
enduring than any pile or tablet of stone. It is the me
morial of his name and worth : it is the sum of his use
fulness in the world : it is the instrument by which, he is
still heard to instruct and admonish mankind. In this
three-fold manner, and rather, by this three-fold influence
" He being dead yet speaketh."
It is fit to be observed, that these words are recorded
of one, who, for his goodness sake, by the hand of wicked
violence, was thrust out of the earth. The embodied
spirit of Satan and a persecuting world, in the person of
his brother, condemned by his life, unable to endure the
influence of his piety and his words, rose up against him ;
and sought by one deadly onset to annihilate his being, to
crush his name and influence forever : but in vain. The
voice of that blood, which cried out unto God, and uttered
its condemnation in the heart of the evil-doer, speaks no

13
less in the world, with a power which shall be felt while
time shall last. Men may kill the body, but after that have
no more that they can do. It lies not in the ability of
malice or wickedness, to destroy the work of the right
eous, to obliterate his name, or silence the voice by which
he speaks. Eminent devotedness to God and duty, may
shorten a man's life ; but it perpetuates his memory and
influence on the earth.
It may be remarked, also, that an individual's usefulness
is not always diminished by his being taken away in the
strength of his manhood, or even in the morning of his
days. There is a peculiar voice and testimony, that come
from the youthful dead, whose life was characterized by
a Christian spirit, and whose death was calm and peaceful
in the hope of a life to come. Or, if a man die in the
maturity of his strength, and in the midst of his years, he
bequeaths to the world, the remembrance, and the weight
of a character unobscured and undiminished by the weak
ness of declining age.
There are two considerations favorable to the voice and
influence of the pious dead, which should not pass with
out a moment's notice.
' One is, that, the good man's memory ever grows bright
est as the time in which he lived recedes from us. Perhaps
the holiest character on earth, does not bear, to best advan
tage, a too close inspection. A good man in this world is
still an imperfect man. With his substantial virtues, he
has defects which force themselves upon the picture which
other minds draw of his character, which mar its beauty,
and diminish its influence over them. When he is no
more, men dwell upon the good which preponderates, and
forget the imperfections. Of the wicked, nothing is seen
in the distance of the past, but his wickedness. The
righteous is soon judged by his excellencies alone. His
memory on earth, like his spirit in heaven, becomes per
fected.

14
It is also true, that the estimate which we form of a
man, is very much modified by the manner in which his
active virtues stand related to ourselves. There are vir
tues and those often, which constitute a man's highest
honor, and out of which grows his highest usefulness,
which are of such a nature, that the exercise of them, in
this imperfect world, necessarily crosses the inclinations
and feelings of some of his fellow men. The minds of
such are not open to form a correct judgment of his char
acter, or to receive his good influence. But the mere
memory of goodness with which we never came in con
tact, calls forth no such opposition. Men will often praise
and magnify the dead for qualities which, under certain
circumstances, they dislike in the living.
The other consideration to which allusion is made, is,
that the work and teachings of a pious man, concern that
which must abide, and ever continue to be of interest to
mankind. His name and influence are joined to a cause
which must prevail, and endure to the end of the world.
If a man labor merely for the fashion of the hour, when
the hour and the fashion have vanished, his labor is lost-
In literature, if a man choose a subject of local or tran
sient interest, when the occasion is past, himself and his
work are forgotten. The work and the teachings of the
Christian, on the contrary, lay hold of the great and uni
versal principles of human nature : they relate to truths
which must ever find a response in the hearts and con
sciences of men. They are, therefore, permanent and
lasting. If a man attach himself to a falling monarchy,
his work and his influence must be involved in the ruin,
and be destroyed. But, if he join a rising power, his
name and the fruits of his labor shall continue with it.
We know that the work of Satan shall be destroyed ; and
with it shall end the labor and influence of the irreligious :
but the dominion of Christ is an everlasting dominion, and
,of his kingdom there is no end. The church of the liv-

15
ing God is an immutable structure, against which the gates
of hell shall not prevail. Reaching from the beginning
to the end of time, it is that pillar of truth and goodness,
upon which each holy and devoted man leaves inscribed
his own memory and the record of his doings, to be borne
through distant and successive periods, to teach and to
bless ages to come.
Few, perhaps, occupy a place in the history of mankind,.
such as to have their name and their influence, like that of
Abel, transmitted separate and distinct from all others to
the end of the world ; but if, after the lapse of generations,
the memory of the individual be swallowed up; he is only
lost in the countless number of the saints. The utterance
becomes the united, deep, and lasting testimony of the
innumerable company of the faithful dead'. Their voice,
like that which John heard in Heaven, is the mingled
voice of a great multitude ; yet distinct, prolonged and
mighty. Who shall feel that he has lived in vain, if it be
merely to swell the number of those who, having obtained
a good report, leave their united voice in behalf of truth
and goodness, and their united influence to bless the
world ?
The pious dead of every age, bear one uniform and
united testimony. They all teach the same great truths;
of human depravity and guilt ; of expiation and redemp
tion by means of atoning blood. They utter the same
condemnation and rebuke against sin and irreligion. —
They all call us onward to the practice of the same Chris
tian virtues, and hold out to us the same hope of eternal
life. These great and essential truths of Christianity, they
embodied in their teachings ; they incorporated them in,
the fruits of their labors, and exemplified them in their
lives and characters : and thus they commend them with
power and authority to our minds. The whole past his
tory of the church is brought to bear upon us with its

16
influences for our salvation. God has compassed us about
with this great cloud of witnesses for our admonition and
instruction. In connection with the subject thus unfolded, Icome
now briefly, to speak of the Rev. Oein Fowler, who was
for more than eighteen years, the pastor of this church ;
and, at the time of his death the honored representative of
this district in the Congress of the United States. I am
fully aware, that the nature of this duty is such, as to
render me liable to the censure of some, for saying too
much ; of others, for saying too little, but in this, as in
all other matters, you will permit me to speak what lies in
my own mind, leaving each to add thereto, or to take
therefrom, according as a longer and more intimate ac
quaintance shall better have informed his own judgment.
I shall not, in the space allotted me, attempt anything
like, a full analysis of his life and character, but shall only
notice a few things, in which his life stands related to the
subject which has passed before us, with a view to our
improving the event of his death, and profiting by the
voice and influence by which he still speaks.
He was possessed of many of the properties of a strong
character, such a character as makes a forcible impression
on society, and leaves an abiding influence. The natural
and constitutional qualities of his mind, as well as body,
were those of soundness and strength. His mental pow
ers, in early life, were called forth, disciplined and enlarged
by a thorough, systematic, and laborious course of study ;
and by contact in the pursuits of learning, with accom
plished and aspiring intellects. He entered upon the
active period and duties of manhood, with the confidence
of one who has successfully tried his abilities with others,
and with the resolution of one who has nobly determined
to secure to himself an honorable position among men, and
to accomplish something useful to the world and the cause
of his Redeemer. He engaged in whatever business was

17
before him with earnestness, diligence and energy. In all
things which it became him to do, he was prompt, thor
ough, systematic, persevering ; and the regularity of his
habits, gave him the command of his time. His manner
was dignified ; yet affable and kind : as a ,man and a citi
zen, he was honest and exemplary : and in the private
relations of life, without reproach.
He was a man of firm and settled principles. Always
deliberate, his opinions were formed after most mature
reflection ; and as a consequence, there was seldom occasion
to alter them. Hence, he possessed a stability of mind, a
depth of conviction, a firmness of adherence, and a strength
of purpose which commanded the respect of his fellow
men, and saved him from the weakness of change and
indecision. Having been from his childhood instructed in the truths
of Christian morality and virtue, and living with the ex
ample of godly parents before him, his mind was early
established in those principles. He maintained them with
a constancy unwavering ; with a steadfastness immovable.
He was ever their consistent advocate and zealous promoter.
He was a man of unbending integrity ; of unyielding
adherence to what he esteemed to be truth and duty.
Where it was proper, he knew how to become " all things
to all men ;" but where principle was concerned, he had
the courage and the strength to stand firm, whether other
men smiled or frowned. If, in any thing in which he was
concerned, a man chose to overstep the boundaries of right,
he was quietly made to feel that there was a weight and a
power placed in the opposite scale which it was not easy
to overcome. In nothing does the grandeur of his char
acter more strikingly appear than in his maintaining with
calm dignity, yet at all hazards, and in utter disregard of
consequences, that which he considered just and right. If
at any time, the storms of this world's strife beat upon
him, it was his felicity and his honor not only to survive
3

IS
them, but to come forth from them confirmed in principle,
stronger in virtue, and stronger in the confidence of man
kind. As a Moderator of a deliberative body, he had few
equals, and no superior. He held the reins of order with
courtesy ; yet with a clear mind, and a strong hand.
He was a man of sincere and earnest piety. According
to the testimony of one who has long been his fellow-
laborer in the ministry, "He prayed much." As every
mere human character on earth is but an imperfect type of
Christian goodness, I shall not presume that his piety may
not have had its defects : yet it was deep, fervent, and
lasting. It may with eminent propriety, be said that he
embodied in himself very much of the spirit of a true and
a living Christianity : and, that this spirit within him,
modified and softened the exercises of his mind, and the
doings of his life.
His learning and attainments were various and compre
hensive. On subjects which particularly engaged his
attention, or in reference to which he was called upon to
act, his knowledge was minute and extensive, showing a
great degree of research, and a patient investigation of
facts. With the exception of the last three years of his life,
the energies of his mind were devoted to the business of
religious instruction, and the duties of a Christian minis
ter. The first words of Scripture which I ever heard from
his lips were these : " Be ye, therefore, steadfast, unmova-
ble, always abounding in the work of the Lord." And,
perhaps few in their ministerial capacity, have more fully
exemplified this precept of the Apostle. He gave his
strong and well disciplined powers, in candor and diligence,
to the study of the Scriptures ; he developed their truths
with clearness, in his own forms of thought ; he felt their
reality in his own experience ; he exemplified them in his
life ; and he unfolded and expounded them to others. His

19
position gave him access to the minds and hearts of his
fellow men ; and for the long period of thirty years, with
unceasing activity, and without interruption, it was his
delight to hold forth, to solemn audiences, the pure and
sublime teachings of the Gospel of Christ.
In the discharge of parochial duties, he was untiring
and laborious. He has seldom been equalled in the fre
quency, and the number of his pastoral, or social visits.
He lived with and among his people. He was active in
whatever concerned their welfare, or the welfare of society.
In this intercourse, he possessed two qualities which gave
him great influence, and for which his memory will long
be cherished. One was a heart capable of affection and
sympathy. He was susceptible of a sincere attachment to
those with whom he associated. He could rejoice with
those that did rejoice, and weep with those that wept.
He not only comforted them in times of deep and over
whelming affliction, but he was interested in all the lesser
joys and sorrows of their lives. His heart was a fountain
of kindness and consolation from which none were ex
cluded. The other quality of which I shall speak, was a
sound judgment in all the practical concerns of life ; which
came to the relief of many a mind, in the hour of per
plexity and doubt. He entered with greater minuteness
than most men can into the affairs and interests of others ;
and, sympathizing with their feelings, and possessing their
confidence, his advice was often sought and appreciated.
To very many he was more than a friend ; he became their
counsellor, and their guide : and was treated with that
deference and esteem which children are accustomed to
show towards a wise and judicious father.
Of his preaching, it might perhaps be safest to leave
those to judge who so long enjoyed the benefit of his
ministry. Yet I may be permitted to observe, that he
brought to the work a strong mind ; a mature judgment ;
a well stored memory ; varied reading, and much study.

20
His discourses were prepared with great care and labor.
He was a sound, clear and forcible preacher. He was not,
perhaps, esteemed to be particularly rapid, or brilliant in
composition or oratory ; yet he wrote, and spoke with
ease, correctness and power. He sought rather to benefit
than to please ; rather to instruct and to save, than to
amuse his hearers. His aim was to bring forth the great
and weighty truths of the gospel ; and to enforce them in
a plain and impressive manner, by reason and argument,
upon the minds and consciences of men, with a view to
lead them to repentance, and to the enjoyment of eternal
life. He was a man of strong sensibilities ; and his mes
sages were often delivered with a fervency of feeling, and
a strength of emotion which carried with him the sympa
thies of those who heard him. So successful was he in
his work, that not a few, under his ministry, were gath
ered into the fold of Christ. Many of you who hear me
this day, will long have occasion to bless God for his faith
fulness in word and doctrine.
Bring together, now, the individuals whose investiga
tions and thoughts have been aided ; whose perceptions of
truth have been enlarged ; whose knowledge has been
increased ; and whose convictions have been strengthened,
by his ministry : bring together all the families of parents
and children, in whose minds, half unconsciously to them
selves, his instructions have become a foundation of their
belief, and an element of their mental and religious life.
Estimate the influence of these instructions, and these
minds thus instructed, upon the public sentiment ; and you
may judge, how far, the doctrines of Christianity have,
through his instrumentality, been incorporated in the opin
ions and belief of society. Who will doubt, but that the
truths of redemption, and the principles of virtue and
humanity, have a development and a prevalence, as an
abiding power in the public mind, through his teachings,
especially here, where the strength of his life was chiefly

21
employed ? Not only in the prevalence of truth, is his
influence seen and felt ; his life and labors have left their
permanent results in the characters of individuals ; in the
customs and state of society. Here he labored with suc
cess to establish and sustain the institutions of the gospel :
here he sought to reform and improve the habits and char
acter of the community. Here he nourished the growth
of piety and religion : and his work remains, inwrought in
the very structure and framework of society ; to bear
testimony to his usefulness, and to perpetuate .his goodness.
When called from the duties of a pastor, to those of a legis
lator, he carried with him the same diligence in business,
the same persevering energy, the same honesty of purpose,
the same rigid adherence to principle which had characterize
ed his previous life ; and these qualities secured to him the
confidence and the praise of his constituents, and made his
influence felt in the councils of the nation. His statistical
information, and his habits of careful and minute investi
gation of whatever subject required action, enabled him to
proceed with decision and firmness, and in debate, to bring
forth an array of facts and arguments which were not
always agreeable to his opponents, or easy to be refuted.
Of the wisdom and correctness of his positions in refer
ence to the great questions which agitate the political world,
it becomes not me here to speak : suffice it to say, he was
honest in his convictions, and threw the whole weight of
his mind and character, on the side of what he judged to
be right. He discharged with fidelity, the responsibilities
of the place entrusted to him. He fell a victim to his
devotion to duty, and the public interest. He died in
honor and reputation ; and the event has cast a pall of
sorrow, a cloud of profound gloom over the entire popula
tion among whom he dwelt. He will long be remembered
as an upright citizen, a faithful, Christian minister, a friend
and benefactor of his country and his race. He has gone

22
to his rest ; his name, his character, and the fruits of a
long and useful life, are the inheritance of the world.
By way of improving this event, I can only, very briefly,
urge upon your notice three things :
1st. Be reminded, that he is on earth no more, and that
all the opportunities of profiting by his living instructions
and influence, are gone forever. Such a man, in the
position he occupied, is no ordinary blessing. He was the
honored medium of communicating to you Heaven's choic
est gifts. You had the benefit of his wisdom to guide,
and of his counsels to direct. You had the benefit of his
friendship, and the consolations which he administered.
He opened to you the door of truth, and unfolded the
word of life. He exposed to you the threatenings of
divine wrath, and held out to you the overtures of divine
mercy. When your love of the world caused the future to be
neglected, he brought to you motives from the world to
come, and drew your souls in contact with the things that
belong to eternity. When you were without feeling, he
uttered soul-moving truths to awaken you, and poured
forth the spirit of his own pity to soften your hearts.
When you were assembled in worship, he directed your
thoughts in prayer, and carried your minds up to the very
presence of God, and the throne of grace. If you failed
to follow him, you still felt that he penetrated above the
clouds, held spiritual communion with his maker, and
drew from on high, an unction for your soul. You had
the benefit of his prayers ; and we are told, the fervent,
effectual prayer of the righteous man availeth much. It
is an interesting fact, and one to be deeply weighed by
you, that the last moments of his reason, when feeling
that he was about to depart, were employed in prayer for
this people, for this church, and all who are or have been
connected with it, for this congregation, and this commu
nity. But his prayers on earth are ended. His work is

23
done. Opportunities and blessings, too often neglected
and misimproved, are now to be enjoyed no more. This
well-spring of your spiritual life is dried up forever. Me-
thinks, I never felt the responsibility of the place I occu
py, or the solemnity of your probation, as I do this day.
All your other earthly privileges and means of salvation,
will in like manner, soon be withdrawn.
2d. Be reminded, that " He being dead yet speaketh."
The truths which he taught, echoing from mind to mind,
will still sound in your ears, and move upon your hearts :
the results of his labors, will still everywhere meet and
admonish you : and the memory of his life and character,
as an embodiment of piety and worth, will still be present
in your minds, to encourage virtue, and rebuke sin. God
in great mercy, as we have seen, has so ordered it, that a
good man leaves a voice and influence behind him. His
therefore, still speaks to you to follow in his footsteps.
He still proclaims repentance from sin, and faith in our
Lord Jesus Christ, as the only way of salvation. From
the grave more solemnly than ever, he says, " The time is
short," " Therefore be ye also ready ; for in such an hour
as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh." This voice in
your consciences is God's messenger of mercy. If you
listen, it will guide you to salvation. If you turn away,
and refuse to hear, it will increase your condemnation.
3d. Be reminded, that your work, like his, will soon be
done. Your days are being numbered : and every man
shall be judged according to that which he hath done. If
you are still in sin, haste, repent ; undo your work, and
build upon a better foundation. You have little time to
spare. " Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with
thy might ; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowl
edge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."
It is fit that his body and yours should sleep, where you
have lived, and wrought together. His dust shall repose
with you. Many of his hearers have gone before him ;;

24
and you who remain will soon be borne to the same burial
place : but remember, that in the resurrection, he shall
again stand among you. If you are saved, he will glory
in you, as his joy and his crown. If not, he must rise up
in judgment against you, and bear testimony that ye heard
his words, but ye did thejm not.

HI
*ampht«t
 Sincim — 
Gaylord Bros. Inc.
Makers
Syracuse, N. Y.
MI. JAN 21,1908

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