USA > Delaware > Early clergy of Pennsylvania and Delaware > Part 9
USA > Pennsylvania > Early clergy of Pennsylvania and Delaware > Part 9
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Dr. Sprague remarks his own observation of Dr. Abercrombie's conversational power, and geniality, and love of antiquity, and his readiness to do him a favor.
The Rev. Dr. Henry M. Mason, of Easton, Maryland, was a brother-in-law of Dr. Abercrombie. He described him as eloquent in reading the service, while his ser- mons were at times very effective. He was guileless, and claimed no merit, looking for salvation only to the "All Sufficient Sacrifice" of Christ. Before death, he declared that the thought of Christ had driven away every fear.
David Paul Brown, Esq., describes the Doctor as slender, with a pallid countenance, and of an active disposition. He had many instructive anecdotes to re- late.
The Rev. Dr. John Coleman states that his ministry extended over half a century, and that in old-time manner he used to wear black silk gloves in officiating. As age advanced his solemnity and spirituality in- creased. The Bible and Ambrose Serle's devout "Christian Remembrancer " were the two books which
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employed his mind. His funeral was attended by vast numbers of clergy and laity, at St. Peter's Church. Bishop Onderdonk performed the service. At the grave the sighs and tears of clergy and people indicated the love and honor which were given him.
Bishop De Lancey notes that he properly regarded reading as " dignified conversation," or " talking from a book." He made the Scriptures lifelike and impressive. He had loved St. Peter's Church from childhood. In old age he was patient in illness, interested in the pros- pects of his children, and using "the means of grace," as he looked forward hopefully to "the life of glory." He was trustful and benevolent, and his useful ministry ran from Revolutionary days to another generation, so that he was an interesting link with the past.
Bishop Kemper became assistant minister of the united parishes in 1811. He served twenty years with success, and then became rector of St. Paul's Church, Norwalk, Connecticut. In 1835 he was consecrated as Missionary Bishop of Missouri and Indiana, being the first missionary bishop in this American Church. His zeal and devotion are still remembered.
Jackson Kemper was a native of the State of New York, and was ordained by Bishop White. He was also consecrated by Bishop White, at St. Peter's Church, in this city. This was the last bishop consecrated by Bishop White. Various missionary jurisdictions became dioceses under the untiring labors of this devoted servant of Christ and his name is venerated throughout the West. As he once entered a railway car, he was pointed out by one passenger to another as the most generally beloved man in Wisconsin. In 1859 he became Bishop of Wisconsin. He ended his earthly toils in 1879, and entered the Paradise of God. He was buried
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at his beloved Nashotah Theological Seminary, where his tomb may serve as a stimulus to students in the West to imitate his noble example.
When Iowa became a diocese the clergy and laity passed resolutions- showing their deep appreciation of the fostering care of Bishop Kemper, under whom they had learned to walk alone. Bishop H. W. Lce was then elected, and well continued the work of his predecessor. The Hon. Isaac H. Kiersted, in an article on the diocese of Indiana, in The Church Cyclopædia, states that it took two years for Bishop Kemper to make visitations which could now be performed in two months. For six months of the year the Indiana roads were "almost impassable." A mud wagon with four horses pulled the traveler through mire, and forded rivers, sometimes swollen. Bishop Kemper went through many dangers, but he had a strong constitution, and a cheerful disposition, and the hand of God was over him.
Bishop G. W. Doane preached the sermon at the con- secration of Bishop Kemper and Bishops Doane and B. B Smith presented him. An article entitled "Recollect- ions of Bishop White" appeared in " The Missionary," published at Burlington, New Jersey, Nov. 11, A.D., 1837, which describes the aged Bishop White as weeping while performing his last service in consecrating a bishop. Bishop Philander Chase assisted wearing his black skull-cap, and his feeling displayed itself in tearful emotion when reading the Gospel about feeding Christ's sheep, or St. Peter's asseveration that Christ knew that he loved Him. The hearty responses of the people showed their interest in the solemn service. The venerable Drs. Abercrombie and Milnor assisted in the service. Dr. Milnor had been brought up in the Society of Friends, and his presence is therefore notable. Bishop
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White, -"the Apostolic White,"-with his hoary head as "a crown of glory" with tottering steps leaned on the venerable Bishop Moore, of Virginia, whose silvery locks flowed in graceful profusion down his shoulders. A half century before White had been consecrated by the Metropolitan of Canterbury, and for nearly seventy years had, in "sound doctrine" and purity of life pro- claimed "the truth as it is in Jesus." Bishop White had consecrated Bishop Moore, and this whole scene, with its various characters, marks an era in the history of the American Church.
Before entering the General Theological Seminary, I had the pleasure of traveling a short distance in Wis- consin by railway and carriage with the aged Bishop Kemper. I asked him whether he did not get tired in his severe labors, to which he replied, "Do you get tired of doing your daily duty, Sir?" Those labors which moved the wonder of the Church were to him merely natural acts of a dutiful child to his Heavenly Parent. I further questioned him with regard to any differences in opinion that might naturally exist among his clergy as to doctrine, and he replied in his genial way, " I do not allow my boys to quarrel," and the clergy were glad to be the "boys" of so loving a father.
The bishop's simple red house, of wood, not far from Nashotah, was a contrast to the comforts of city life which he had known. The churchman who travels West should visit Nashotah where spiritual life flourishes among scenes of sylvan beauty. He would bring home a lasting impression as to the value of Western missions, and think more highly of Breck and Cole and Adams, and the younger Keraper. Religious men ought not to travel for mere amusement, and the new world has holy shrines as well as the old one. A Bishop White Ha !!
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at Nashotah keeps up the memory of Philadelphia. Nashotah means twin in the Indian tongue, and twin lakes brighten the scene. Bishop Coxe sings :
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"But how it makes my heart of hearts upswell, To see our English ritual planted there, Where walks his round Nashotah's sentinel, And breaks its daily service on the air!"
"And where at dawn the prairie-fox did bark, Are heard by night, sweet canticle and chant : Where sung before no choirist but the lark, Ring out the Church's anthems jubilant !"
I was informed that in the early days of Nashotah, a a wild animal once came and looked into the window of the cabin where a student dwelt.
The success of Bishop Kemper's work at St. James's Church may be seen in the fact, noted in the biography of Dr. Muhlenberg, that in 1813, on Easter Even, when Muhlenberg was confirmed in that church, the class numbered one hundred and eighty-onc, a thing before unknown in Philadelphia, and Bishop White expressed the gladness of his heart on this occasion in the sermon. I know that I express the feelings of both your rectors in saying that a similar class would give them great joy, but such ingatherings must follow the work of the people as well as of the pastor, and with the ardent spirit of a Kemper at work in every communicant here it might indeed appear at the day of Judgment that thousands had been born to glory in St. James's Church. The preaching of Bishop Kemper was very effective. He was zealous in Sunday-school work, which was begun in the parish in his day.
Rev. Dr. James Milnor was assistant minister of the united churches from 1814 to 1816. The vestry parted
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from him with regret when he became rector of St. George's Church, New York, and Dr. Dorr speaks of his dignity and his usefulness in his long rectorate in New York. In Dr. Dorr's history of the Sunday- schools, a meeting of Mr. Milnor's Bible Class is men- tioned, which was held at a school-room in Ranstead Court, between Race and Vine Streets, below Fifth Street, on Feb. 13th, A.D., 1816, to form a society for instructing poor children in religion on Sundays. Ladies from the various parishes attended the meeting. A Sunday-school was opened the next Sunday at Christ Church, and thus begun a blessed and Christ-like work in these parishes which has borne much fruit. After two Sundays the work was divided into three schools, one for each of the three churches.
The Rev. Dr. John S. Stone prepared an extended Memoir of Dr. Milnor giving a full account of his early and later life, and of his spiritual experiences. Dr. Milnor is here represented as recording his interest in a letter received from Mr. Kemper, showing a lively desire for the reviving of the Church of Christ. The Doctor had been a lawyer, and was a member of Congress the time he received the letter. He was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood by Bishop White in St. James's Church. The first sermon preached to his former associates was on the text, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ," Rom. 1: 16. His succeeding life showed that he carried out in action the spirit of the text.
Dr. Milnor was honored on his visit to England, and stood deservedly high in the estimation of his fellow- countrymen. He was a beloved correspondent of Bishop Daniel Wilson, of Calcutta. He was a gener- ous, cheerful and sympathetic Christian, and the weeping
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crowd of friends and parishioners which surrounded the rectory when his death was announced, and the throng which attended his funeral, and the notices of the public prints, and of religious bodies, after his death, evinced the exalted position which he had acquired. This honor came to him because he looked alone to Christ's cross for salvation, and in humility studied how to advance the glory of God, and the everlasting good of his fellow-men. Dr. Sprague gave a synopsis of Dr. Stone's Memoir, which sketch we will further abbreviate from his Annals.
Dr. Milnor was born in Philadelphia, in 1773. His father was a friend of Washington, and interested in the success of the American cause. The son was edu- cated in the University of Pennsylvania, being noted for his sound judgment and kindly disposition. He did not graduate, but entered on the study of Law, and ob- tained a good practice in Norristown, but returned to Philadelphia, where he was successful. His faithful and beloved wife was Eleanor Pawling. Mr. Milnor was a member of the Select Council of Philadelphia, and for one year its President. When he determined to enter the sacred ministry, he acted as catechist and lay-reader in St. John's Church, Norristown, for a time. His first sermon was preached in St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia, on the day of his ordination. He alter- ward became assistant minister in the united churches.
In 1830 Dr. Milnor went to London as a delegate of the American Bible Society to the British and Foreign Bible Societies, representing also other religious insti- tutions.
His last sermon was on the duty of charitably judging others, exemplifying his own character. After a meet- ing of the Directors of the Deaf and Dumb Institution,
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at his study, he died with little warning, but breathing a prayer which showed that he was peacefully entering the Paradise of God. His son described the dying scene. The Doctor's wife was absent in company with a sick daughter who had traveled to a distance from home. Dr. Tyng preached the funeral sermon. The last sermon of Dr. Milnor was printed.
Chancellor Walworth speaks of the " delightful Fri- day evening services," which the Doctor held in his Sunday-school room, and which were exceedingly useful in advancing spiritual life. The Doctor prayed extem- poraneously with great earnestness for the salvation of his people. He was a wise leader, and his preaching was Scriptural and winning, showing a solicitude for the saving of his hearers to the glory of God. He was conciliating in his intercourse with his parishioners and did not love controversy in general matters, and was wide-hearted in his regard for all Christian people. He ever kept his ministerial office in view, and showed evi- dently that he possessed the spirit of his Divine Master.
Bishop Eastburn describes Dr. Milnor as abundant in labors, and powerful in his extended influence. The Bishop's elder clerical brother was a communicant at St. George's. He composed the Trinity Hymn, "O Holy, Holy, Holy Lord," when only eighteen years old. Dr. Milnor was industrious and systematic, and his legal life had given him a knowledge of the world. His warm zeal soon raised St. George's to a prosperous position. On the Lord's Day the church was crowded with serious worshipers, and the "presence of God" seemed to animate the rector in the services, and especi- ally at the Holy Communion, when a throng of com- municants presented themselves to receive the broken
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body and shed blood of their common Lord and Saviour. Dr. Milnor was an effective parish minister, always at work, and going from house to house, delighting to per- form his duty. God blessed his labors and he reaped abundantly. Sin and its remedy in the sacrifice of the "Lamb of God" were the themes of the preaching of this devoted "man of God." He animated younger minis- ters in their preaching. He was a useful leader in religious societies, and once acted most effectually as the secretary and general agent for the Foreign Missions of the Episcopal Church.
Bishop Eastburn paints the general sorrow which followed the death of so saintly a man. He was pleas- ant in intercourse, and his "ruddy countenance" evinced frankness and good humor. His conversation dis- played his charity. He was both firm and loving, and in mellowed age his affectionate disposition blessed those who approached him. His talents were used as a sacred trust, to be accounted for at the day of judgment. Bishop Eastburn, in closing the account, which I have synopsized, holds up the great man as a pattern to stir sluggishness, and inspire Christian love. The devoted man toiled to the end of life, as had been his wish and he has doubtless met many in Paradise who were his spiritual children here, and so the heavenly family is being filled with those who have finished the carthly conquest, and entered into the peace of God. God help us all to labor that we may be found among them.
The Rev. Dr. William A. Muhlenberg was assistant minister of the united churches from 1817 to 1820. Dr. Dorr says that he was very useful. I once met this good man when, with his "hoary head " as "a crown of glory," he stood at the door of the noble St. Luke's Hospital in New York, which was a living monument
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of his love to his suffering fellow-men. It is a picture ever to be remembered. I have also seen him, as with gentle grace he instructed his flock at the Church of the Holy Communion. The world has seen few such men." His life, by Sister Anne Ayres, who was associated with him, as if a daughter, for over thirty years, reads like a romance. As she was a sharer in his good works, she tells a story to incite others to such action, which should be read by every member of these three parishes- once served by him. I will briefly condense her narrative. Dr. Muhlenberg was descended from "the blessed and venerable Henry Melchior Muhlenberg." This worthy clergyman and Doctor was the founder of the Lutherans in this country.
William Augustus Muhlenberg was born in Phila -. delphia, in 1796. He was reverent from a child, and always expected to be a clergyman. When not over eight years old he used to have church Sunday evenings and preach to the family in childish fashion, but thought- fully, he would also have an offering taken. He was always striving to improve. When nine years of age we see him, hand in hand with his sister of seven, going to Christ Church, and sitting in the gallery, and looking down on General Washington's pew, with its lining of red velvet. He dearly loved the organ. The ground for the first St. James's Church was bought of Mrs. Muhlenberg. A large pew was given to the widow, Mary Muhlenberg, and she became a parishioner in the new church to the delight of her children, who had only been permitted to attend Episcopal services when the Lutheran services of Dr. Meyer had been in German. William was fond of the Church Year, and his diary notes a most joyful Christmas at St. James's Church, and a sermon by Dr. Abercrombie, and a service by
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Bishop Kemper. He was a pupil of Dr. Abercrombie, at the Philadelphia Academy. He was loving to mother and sister. The preaching of Bishop Kemper had an effect on his mind, and he was confirmed under his care, being then a collegian of sixteen. He writes "religion is my delight." He graduated at the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania in 1815. Rev. Dr. Christian F. Cruse, afterward Librarian of the General Theolog- ical Seminary, took the first honor in the class, Dr. George B. Wood the second, and Muhlenberg the third. The future clergyman studied theology under Bishop White, and assisted Mr. Kemper in visiting the sick and poor. He was a Sunday-school teacher and leader in church music. He first officiated as lay-reader at Rad- nor Church, reading a sermon from Gisborne on the Love of God. Afterward he worked several weeks in Huntingdon County. He was a manager in an Auxiliary Bible Society, Bishop White was the president of the parent society, which was the first one in this country. Mr. Muhlenberg was ordained by Bishop White, with Richard M. Mason, in 1817, and soon became assistant in this parish. He organized St. James's Sunday- school.
In 1820 he became rector of St. James's Church, in Lancaster, where Bishop Kerfoot was a pupil in his Sunday-school. Dr. Muhlenberg pushed with energy the enlargement of the old hymnal, being a poet, a hymn- writer, and composer .of music. It was his desire to found a school which would be a Christian home, and after a short rectorship at Flushing, Long Island, he entered enthusiastically on the work of founding the Flushing Institute and afterwards St. Paul's College arose on a beautiful site, not far distant. All his many plans were subject to God's will. He desired to educate
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those who should be clergymen. He elevated the boys mentally and spiritually. Rev. Professors Mahan, J. G. Barton and L. Van Bokkelen assisted in teaching. The Church Year was observed with great care and beauty. There were delightful chapel services daily, at morning, noon and evening. Newton May, M.D., and Rev. Dr. Robert S. Howland were teachers at St. Paul's, which became a pattern to other church schools in this country.
The beautiful Church of the Holy Communion was built by Dr. Muhlenberg's widowed sister, Mrs. Rogers, according to her husband's wish. The Doctor took charge of this free church, supported by the offerings, with its daily service and weekly Communion. The nucleus of the Sisterhood and Hospital grew up around it. The college educated many clergy, Bishops Bedell, Kerfoot and Odenheimer being among its pupils. The loving teacher now became again a loving parish min- ister. He was deferential to the poor, for they were stamped with God's image. St. Luke's Hospital arose from his observation of the needs of the sick poor. The fresh air excursions originated with him. His wise and earnest efforts for church unity must not be forgot- ten, as seen in the Memorial Papers.
St. Luke's Hospital was one of the greatest works of Dr. Muhlenberg. Bishop Wainwright laid its corner- stone in 1854. A central chapel communicates with the wards that Christian comfort may reach the sick bed. The biographer says that the open door of the hospital seems to welcome the sufferer in the words of Christ: "Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Late at night and early in the morning, Dr. Muhlenberg, who made his home in the hospital, was comforting suffering souls
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in his room or in the wards. He called the place Lazarus's Palace. He was very trustful to others be- cause innocent himself. In this abode many pious souls found peace. Dr. Muhlenberg's bosom friend, Dr. Cruse, ended his days with him.
Dr. Muhlenberg had many dreams of ways to aid humanity, and many of them became realities. St. Johnland, the Christian village on the beautiful waters of the sound, has given a respectable home to many a toiler, helping him to help himself. Why should there not be a St. Johnland near Philadelphia ?
This saintly man bore fruit in his old age, and was satisfied with a "long life," seeing " the salvation of God." He worked bravely and cheerfully to the end, dying on a Sunday, in his hospital home at St. Luke's, in 1877. He was buried at St. Johnland, amid the bless- ings of those whom he had aided, and offerings of rich and poor, down to the value of pennies, combined to rear him a monument. There was a spontaneous tribute of love from the religious world at his death.
Dr. Muhlenberg taught the rich the luxury of doing good, as a venerable and generous lady once gladly acknowledged. His holy and self-denying life stimulated others, and laymen, like Minturn, Wolfe and Bonnie, were ready to follow such a leader. The sympathy of this man was world-wide. He was a spiritual Father in school, church and hospital. He was unselfish, and his faith was heroic, and the mountain became "a plain" before it. With a few dollars in hand he could believe that St. Luke's Hospital would arise, and now hundreds of thousands have been given to it. Our blessed Lord said, "All things are possible to him that believeth." He was energetic, and his work was personal, and long con- tinued, while he sustained his helpers by his sunny
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disposition. In his old age he sympathetically arranged the Old Man's Home at St. Johnland. Humility and thankfulness, and trustful prayer, and gentle consider-" ation were characteristics of this saint, who kept a young heart in old age : for he was renewing his youth by waiting on the Lord, and his soul flew upward as an eagle. His closing days were filled with prayer and praise, and passed in submission to the holy will of God. When he composed the tune "St. Bernard" for "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee," he designated one whose character was like his own. When Mr. Minturn was buried Dr. Muhlenberg announced as the text of his funeral sermon the passage in Micah, about doing justly, and loving mercy, and walking humbly with God, simply adding as the sermon, "So did he." Such a sermon might have fitly attended the funeral of the preacher himself.
The imniense impulse which Dr. Muhlenberg gave to church life and charity in this country, and to beautiful and attractive worship is yet felt. This lasting work was due to the sublime faith of the man who died poor, because he had sought the good of others. If a poor man becomes a millionaire by repeated steps of business faith, a Christian may accomplish untold wonders by making himself God's instrument and following where he leads, though the way may at times be dark.
Two striking contrasts present themselves. Of the two little children we saw in the gallery of Christ Church, one builds a church, where the other shall lead many in the divine life. The lad who was confirmed under the pastoral care of Bishop Kemper, in after years rejoices to further in his New York Church the founding of a new church of the Holy Communion in Wisconsin, and to receive the Holy Communion and the Benediction
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from him whom he well styles "the Father of Missions in our church."
Bishop De Lancey's work in this parish was men- tioned in a sermon lately delivered at St. Peter's Church. There are oil paintings of Bishops White and De Lancey in the vestry-room of St. James's Church, and one of Dr. Morton, once owned by Thomas Pratt, which was painted by Roberts, in Paris.
The scholarly historiographer of the American Church, Rev. Dr. Francis L. Hawks, who was a fine reader and a striking preacher, and long the rector of Calvary Church, New York, was for eighteen months the assistant of Bishop White and preceded Dr. Morton.
A sketch of Rev. Dr. Henry J. Morton appeared in "The Church" in 1887. He is a native of New York, being the son of Major-general Jacob Morton. He graduated at Columbia College with honor, afterward studying law with his brother, Washington J. Morton. His artistic skill and taste are well known. He is a graduate of the General Theological Seminary and was ordained by Bishop Hobart. In 1830 he became Assist- ant Minister in St. James's Church, and the next year was ordained priest by Bishop White. He served the Bishop in the assistantship five years. Bishop White died in 1836, and Dr. Morton was elected rector, assuming charge in 1837. He was long President of the Standing Committee of the diocese. IIe has been connected with various public societies. The University of Pennsyl- vania honored him with a Doctorate in Divinity. In 1886 he became Rector Emeritus of this church, having served the parish over a half-century. He has followed the rule of the Church and the guiding of the Word of God, and receives due honor among those whom he has instructed in divine things. I quote the closing
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