USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > New Brunswick > Historical discourse delivered at the celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the First Reformed Dutch Church, New Brunswick, N.J., October 1, 1867 > Part 13
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We were not favored with what would be called revivals ; but we had times when the dews of divine grace distilled sweetly among the people. On several occasions we received sixteen to the communion on profession, and in the course of three years and a half seventy-eight, with thirty-two by cer- tificate, making one hundred and ten. After my ministry ter- minated, it overwhelmed me to hear from the precious man and devoted missionary, Frederick B. Thompson, that the word at my lips had been made the word of life to his soul.
I regard it with interest that I was the first pastor who in- stituted a stated and regular weekly evening lecture in our city congregation. As there was no church lecture-room at the time, through the kindness of the proper authorities we en- joyed the use of the Lancaster School-house, which I think was one of the early buildings of Queen's College. The excel- lent system (which I have never ceased to admire) of having a weekly catechising and lectures in connection, in several dis- tinct neighborhoods in succession, throughout the congregation, was in use. One point was Poole's Landing ; another, Middle- bush ; a third, Three Mile Run ; a fourth was George's Road Poorhouse ; while the catechising in the city was weekly. These services in the country districts were attended by al- most every person, young and mature, and were regarded as hallowed seasons. Their observance had the effect for genera- · tions of securing an amount of sound Bible knowledge which gave the highest character for Christian intelligence to the
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people of Middlesex and Somerset counties ; for they constitu- ted the prevailing system of all our churches in this region, and they trained the most faithful church-going population I have ever seen. The work of the pastor became increased, but it was delightful.
By arrangement with the Consistory, one sermon on the Sabbath was given in the church the first year of settlement ; but the country and city lectures made three preaching ser- vices per week. The second year, there were four weekly ; while funeral sermons, and sermons at the houses of sick or in- firm or aged persons in the country, made them not unfre- quently five. One not actually in the work in a large charge can scarcely realize how the demands for service press a will- ing man. But it is well, for it is the Master's work ; and while a man is in health, what can he better do ? As for myself, I was a stranger to sickness or ailment of any kind at that period.
Another circumstance of great interest at the time was the fact that, in compliance with my desire and the appeals made, the observance of the Lord's Supper four times in the year was introduced. The usage had been to celebrate that ordinance at intervals of six months. On this subject there has been in a lifetime a very general conformity in our churches in a quar- terly communion, while in a few cases a change has been made to six times in the year.
When we consider primitive usage, we can not but wonder that there should have been so great a deviation from that ex- ample as a commemoration once or even twice in the year. The idea of frequency is distinct in the words of the institu- tion, and it should be such as to maintain at the same time the idea of the hallowed character of the service.
But that to which I confess I look back with great satis- faction, as most important to myself in its various bearings, was the ground publicly taken on one of the most destruc- tive of social usages.
In the fall of 1820 occurred the suspension from his minis- try, under the charge of intoxication, of one of our most dis- tinguished ministers by a northern Classis. He was reported the most accomplished pulpit orator in the northern part of
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the State of New-York-a fine scholar, a gentleman of very wide influence. His fall grieved many hearts, while it broke up his pastoral relations, and covered his later life with a dark shadow from which he never emerged, though that which caused it had been corrected. It was apparent to me, as a looker on, that he had no more natural appetite for strong drink than any other man, but was the victim to the usages of social life-ruined by his friends, who became afterward his accusers. Every man of any position had his sideboard in his parlor, and that well stocked with the choicest of stimulants. Every visitor was expected to take his sip whenever he called. It was ungenteel-it was a slight, a reflection-not to drink a glass. And in making a half-dozen calls in the course of two or three hours and taking as many drinks, how, as a matter of course, was an appetite formed. The wonder was, not that there were so many drunkards, but that every body was not such. To my mind, the usage was horrible; and my determi- nation was, wherever I settled, on the first public exercise, to relieve myself forever from compliance with the tyrant custom. Never can I forget the scene. This sanctuary was crowded in every part, as there was great curiosity to hear the first ser- mon of the young pastor elect. At the close, with the case which had occurred full in my mind, and which I stated, I solicited the people never, under any circumstances, to offer me strong drink, and not to consider me impolite or churlish if I peremptorily declined, should they forget themselves.
I remember well how the smile passed at my expense over the face of the whole congregation. It was a bold step for so young a man; but it was most important. It was shutting down the gate of access to a course which has been ruinous everywhere. It made its impression for good, as it fastened itself upon the minds of my people from its peculiarity and novelty. Need I say that step was never regretted ?
As was proposed, let me give some sketches of my hearers. It may be said, probably, that, as are a man's hearers, such is his ministry. He will be influenced by the description of per- sons who are to sit in judgment on his performances. The in- telligent, the cultivated, the discriminating will stimulate the young man to corresponding efforts. Every locality which
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has public institutions, in which and around which strong and educated men cluster, will have its terrors to the beginner in public services, while it will furnish strong encouragement to fidelity and earnestness, for it is in the best degree apprecia- tive.
It was my privilege to have as my constant hearers a noble band of twenty-five or thirty young men of the Theological Seminary, quite a proportion of whom was near my own age, whose feelings and warm interest were with me. Ours were most pleasant relations, as I was so recently one of them. How many have gone to the grave, having done a good work for the Master ! A small proportion remain, and they have become the fathers in our Israel. Thus we pass along, class after class, to various fields, encountering the wear and tear of life, but never losing the tenderness of that tie which bound us together in the Theological Hall and in our Christian asso- ciations. I said noble young men. Let me not leave an im- pression that I look upon them as an exception par excellence- by no means. My relations to the Seminary have been such as to bring me often, in the intervening years, in contact with the young brethren gathering here for training for the minis- try, and my opportunity of seeing other young men has not been limited; and I say unhesitatingly, notwithstanding in- sinuations in some quarters, that I have never seen a higher class of mind and character than gathers here in preparation for ministerial work.
At the head of the school of the prophets was the venera- ble and venerated Dr. Livingston. His seat was always here, at the head of the elders' pew, and he was ever the object of interest on which the stranger would fix his admiring gaze. He presented the most perfect specimen of an old gentleman of the continental school of a hundred years ago ; rather tall, fully developed in physical system, calm, dignified in air, yet affable, bland, with his flowing white wig dropping down to his coat-collar, he was a man by himself. His were inex- haustible stores of knowledge, showing that he had been an intense student, comprehending in his course the vast fields of science and literature as well as theology, and having all at command. To him was always yielded the sermon of the sac-
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ramental Sabbath morning; and then it was he poured forth the riches of his evangelical resources and his sweet Christian experience-touching, warming, thrilling every heart-making the occasion a festival indeed. His mode of sermonizing was eminently didactic and analytical, turning every thing in his text to account. His grand peculiarity in the pulpit was the large illustration of his subjects by voice and action. In this he has had no successor ; some have attempted its imitation, but, as usual in such cases, they have been miserable failures. To him belongs the credit of giving a permanent form to the the- ological training of the Seminary, and it must be pronounced sound, Biblical, evangelical. Its results, as seen in our minis- try, are all we could ask. It was my frequent privilege to accompany the doctor in his walks, and it was always delight- ful to notice the respect paid him by all classes and ages, and especially to see the satisfaction of the. little ones where we called, as he laid his hand on their heads and pronounced his blessing on them. Never shall I forget my first sight of him, in Albany street. It was in the spring of 1819. I was then contemplating joining the Seminary for my closing year, and was here to witness the final examination. He was passing down Albany street, and reached Mr. Blauvelt's house, (now No. 52,) on the stoop of which some half-dozen students sat, who lifted their hats to him. With peculiar dignity, he turned his person squarely toward them, and with both hands took off his broad-brimmed hat and bowed his whole person. To my mind, he stood as the personification of one of the patri- archs.
One of my most cherished memories is that I enjoyed, when I left this charge, his warm love and confidence, and received from him, in his own beautiful penmanship, the expression of them. It was the last time I saw him, as soon after he slept in Jesus.
My closing year in the Seminary was the first year of the professorship of Dr. John Ludlow, who was, in his twenty- fifth year-in June, 1819-elected to his office, and for two years was a hearer. The choice of so young a professor was deemed a remarkable, while it was proved, by the result, a most wise? proceeding. The new professor was not to be
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judged by the years he had seen, but by his mental develop- ment and strength of character, and these gave him a very marked preeminence. His was a rare case of maturity of mind at that age ; and, while he possessed an iron constitution, with his experience in teaching as a tutor in Union College he was especially fitted for his work. And a hard work it was. It seemed a giant's burden, and manfully he bore it.
He had every thing to prepare, as text-books in several of his departments were few. He instituted the system of her- meneutical and exegetical studies in the Seminary, and gave a character to that branch of preparation altogether new to our students. He was charged with teaching Hebrew, Greek, Church History, Church Government, Pastoral Theology, and Biblical Analysis. Day and night he was engaged, the light in his study being the last extinguished in his neighborhood. . He preached occasionally, and then it was with the power of a master. His manner was modeled somewhat after that of his preceptor, Dr. Nott, President of Union College ; but the clarion voice, and the piercing eye, and the energetic gesture were his own. He was not emotional, and accordingly his preferred field of topics was that involving power and perhaps terror. He was not rhetorical, in the sense of the florid and metaphorical, but very plain in style; his words just what ex- pressed his thoughts-no more, no less-the right word used, and always in the right place. His aim evidently was, first, to get in his own mind a definite, clear conception of a sub- ject, and then to present it in the most direct and effective manner. He emerged from the Seminary an orator of the first degree, and as long as he preached ex tempore, that is, without notes, was everywhere acknowledged such. The dis- tinguished Chancellor Kent, then in his own prime, when he heard Dr. Ludlow in the pulpit, at Albany, in 1822, preach on 1 Cor. 1: 22-24, pronounced it the most commanding pul- pit effort he had ever heard. The sermon, as an intellectual production and an exhibition and defense of the Gospel, was a masterpiece.
Dr. Ludlow was a wise and sound-minded man, possessing a most marked balance of mind. No man saw better what belonged to a given occasion or could better unravel what was
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conflicting. In social life he manifested the warmest affections and the most unyielding fidelity in his friendships. His were capabilities for the most responsible trusts, Had he been a military man, he would have been one of the great captains of the age; had he devoted himself to law, he would have taken rank with the most distinguished jurists; and had he given himself to political science, he would have won renown as the first of statesmen. What a thought it is that this man, so fitted by nature and attainments, was forced to retire from the posi- tion he so admirably filled here by the want of funds requisite for the support of a second professor ; but his going waked up the church to her duty. In the work of the ministry, in the church of Albany, he won a great reputation; in the University position he occupied, at Philadelphia, he made his mark on . every class with which he had to do, and his memory is che- rished most tenderly. . He was truly one of the leading minds of our church.
A few months only elapsed when, having been chosen to sup- ply Dr. Ludlow's place, the Rev. John De Witt, D.D., of Alba- ny, came among us, truly a man of genius and finely cultivated taste as well as capital scholarly attainments. His had not been the advantages of early theological culture, as those now enjoyed, but he had made up for all by most assiduous study of the best authors and critics of the day. He had, in Albany, in the Second Church, occupied a most influential position, and called around him a large and very devoted people. There I was his hearer for a large portion of a year, and there, as a temporary dweller, I learned to love the doctrines and usages of the Dutch Church ; for, though brought up with Dutch boys as my daily playmates and schoolmates, in New-York, and hearing the tongue almost every hour spoken, and learning to speak it in a degree, I had never crossed the threshold of a Dutch Church, as "I was not Dutch." Dr. De Witt soon made himself felt in the Seminary and in the town. He was a most animated man, and infused animation and energy into what- ever he undertook. He did nothing (as we say) by halves, and would have every man like himself. He seemed to catch intuitively what others would mine out by hard labor. As a preacher he was polished in his whole style and manner, and
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eloquent and pathetic. While he developed a subject in a way to satisfy the intellect, he knew how to bring it home to the heart. One of the best defenses I have ever heard of the Sa- viour's divinity he gave in this pulpit, from the first five verses of John's Gospel. So, too, one of his most moving, practical ser- mons was from Hosea, "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord." It has always been to me a matter of wonder that a volume of his sermons was never printed.
There was one form of service he performed, in addition to all his other duties, which was highly valued ; he gave special attention to the elocutionary culture of students, after the rules of Walker, on which his own delivery was formed. On the decease of Dr. Livingston, that the Seniors might lose as little as possible from that event, he carried on their course in Didac- tic Theology, and thus in effect, for several months, he had the whole weight of Seminary instruction resting on him. He was very fond of nature. To him, principally, are we indebted for the fine shade-trees of the Campus, as well as for the fine floral display which was yearly seen and admired at his door. He, too, was the means of the donation of what was known as the Mrs. Chinn's Library, and which he selected.
One personal incident, to me of great moment, I may men- tion, if for no other reason than to show how judicious Chris- tian friends may benefit a young preacher. We were on inti- mate terms. One day he said to me, "Have you any idea how you preach ?" I told him I had not, and often wished to hear some one preach as I did, that I might see and hear my own manner, and correct it. He asked if he should show me. I solicited him by all means, for I knew that he had a remarkable power of imitation. He gave it to me, and it was the most valuable lesson of my early ministry ; it altered my whole manner of preaching from that day.
But I must fill up my picture with notice of another most worthy, and most unassuming clerical hearer, and that is Rev. John S. Mabon, who received his Professoral certificate at the same time with Dr. Thomas De Witt. If true greatness is modest and retiring, then Mr. Mabon is entitled to the honor, for he was such. No one could have intercourse with him without being struck with the evidences of his profound and
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varied cultivation. He was indefatigable in study, and was most happy among the literary treasures (gathered by himself in Europe) which filled his shelves. He never assumed the pastoral office, though, when in health, he not unfrequently supplied pulpits, and had performed missionary work in North- ern New-York and in Canada. . He was an honored educator, and had the satisfaction of preparing not a few young men for college classes. In the Grammar School of Rutgers College he labored continuously for nine years. On the decease of the excellent and amiable Dr. John Schureman, the General Synod gave him charge of instruction in Hebrew, in the Seminary, until a professor should be chosen. His students remembered his faithful efforts gratefully. He was the warm friend as well as the devoted instructor of young men, sympathizing in their trials and ever ready to help with counsel and other aid.
It was unfortunate that Mr. Mabon confined himself to his laborious avocations so closely that his health was thereby seri- ously impaired. He was brought into close relations with Dr. Van Vranken, as he married the doctor's sister, a Christian lady, whom I may well remember, as she was the warm and sympathizing friend of my family. Mr. Mabon was a model hearer, being always closely attentive, and entering into all the trying circumstances of a beginner in pulpit duties. As a the- ologian, no man exceeded him in soundness of views and intel- ligent apprehension of truthı. Bred first under most thorough Scotch training, he completed his course with Dr. Livingston. In his latter days his trials were various and severe, but borne with a Christian spirit. Thoughi personally gone to his rest, he lives in a son, whose privilege it is to occupy a high position among our ministry.
It belongs to my narrative to say that the distinguished George Wood, who reached the pinnacle of fame as a lawyer, was a constant attendant in the morning of the Sabbath. His close attention was calculated to induce care in every effort on the part of a young preacher. James Schureman Nevius, the most cheerful and vivacious of young men, always ready for a joke and never behind in a repartee, and, at the time, a keen, discriminating young lawyer, was my fellow-boarder at his uncle's, and my hearer. With sharp eye and keen ear he al-
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ways heard the young fledgeling in the pulpit. And then regu- larly came Dr. Ackerman, whose interested countenance has often come up before me, and whose son has become the bene- factor of our missionary brethren.
Shall I not speak of my helpers ? They deserve a special place. We have the advantage, through our ecclesiastical sys- tem, of surrounding a minister with the best material of which a church is composed. If a man is unfitted, or fails in accom- plishing a fair work, he may be easily passed by and another introduced to his place. It was my privilege to have some most capital men in the eldership as well as active men in the deaconship ; not all of the same characteristics, but rarely a de- ficient man-plain for the most part, sincere, possessed of good sense and piety. Mr. James Schureman was a noble specimen of a man, highly intelligent, judicious, and possessed of general influence, and of large and liberal views. He had seen much of public life in honorable positions, and was qualified for the leading place which others assigned him. Frederick Van Liew, of Middlebush, was a farmer, and had enjoyed few advantages ; but he was far beyond the ordinary run of men; more than almost any other man he had the confidence of the country part of the congregation, and was their most able advocate. It was my privilege to enjoy always his regard and confidence. Peter Voorhies, of Middlebush, was an aged man in my day ; he had long been a pillar in the church. But I can not dwell on the Wyckoffs, Henry Van Arsdale, David Fine, Philip Oakie, Henry Schenck, Lewis Carman, the Outcalts, Judge Nicholas Booraem, George Nevius, and others; the last two still surviving. Another I can never forget. Though not a member of the church, Peter Spader was. a most valuable man ; his favors were constant. Though separated, by removal, to another charge, I always received a cordial welcome when we met.
Paul charged his true yoke-fellow, Euodias, to help "those women which labored with him in the Gospel;" and what pas- tor has not reason to cherish a high regard for this class of his helpers ? Their place is a most important one. When are they not first in good deeds? When are they not the ever ready cooperators in the plans of usefulness a pastor may commend ?
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When are they not the most persevering? Here they were to me most valuable. They constituted a valuable band. But there are four whom I have had special reason to remember most kindly : Sarah Van Doren was never weary in well-doing, never could do too much, the Sabbath-school was on her heart; Miss H. Vethake, cultivated, highly educated, retiring, and nev- er self-reliant, regarded no study or labor too much for the cause of piety ; the two sisters, Phoebe and Elizabeth Bennett, became members during my ministry, and were most efficient workers and supports. Only within a few years has the last of the four been called home, leaving her blessing behind her in the form of benevolent gifts.
May I say a word about co-laborers, whose work lay around me in this church-field? The ministerial brethren of the Clas- sis were most valuable men. John S. Vredenbergh, of Somer- ville, was a man of strong, marked merit. His whole heart was in his work, and it was a large work; and in this he had a helper in a wife, who was a second Isabella Graham in the variety and importance of her benevolent works. Few families were more esteemed than theirs, and few are there where un- usual culture and intelligent, earnest piety were so strikingly the characteristics, and few have made such personal consecra- tions to the cause of Christ.
Mr. Vredenbergh went into the ministry from this church. I found his aged father in its fellowship when I settled. The pastor of Somerville was always heard with attention in the councils of the church, for he was a most judicious and wise man. God blessed his work abundantly, and it is remarkable how great its results were after his decease. Not long after that event, a most extensive and powerful revival occurred, and some three hundred and fifty were gathered into the fold. It was the first revival in which I had labored, and it was de- lightful to hear constantly of some good word or earnest ser- mon of the deceased pastor as the instrument of awakening.
One of the most Nathanael-like men was John L. Zabries- kie, pastor of Millstone, and he was my nearest clerical neigh- bor. He was an honored instrument in building up what I used to regard as one of the most desirable rural charges in the denomination. He was eminently a man of peace, and of
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great simplicity of character. Without any pretensions to greatness, his ministry was truly evangelical, and he saw the children and the children's children come into the church. His house was the much-loved place of ministerial meeting.
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