USA > New Jersey > Burlington County > Burlington > History of the church in Burlington, New Jersey : comprising the facts and incidents of nearly two hundred years, from original, contemporaneous sources > Part 46
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THE DAY AFTER THE BURIAL.
"The Service at St. Mary's Church, where the Rev. Dr. Ogilby, a former assistant in the Parish, preached a special sermon, was in keeping with that of Saturday. This noble Church, a fitting monument of the departed Bishop's life-work, seemed filled with a mourning congregation. This was especially noticed at the administration of the Holy Communion, to which nearly all the Communicants came robed in black, and some of them unable to restrain the outburst of their overwhelming grief. The same deep feeling was manifest at the Church of St. Barnabas, where the Rev. Dr. Mahan preached a sermon commemorative of the Bishop's life and labors. * * *
"The unanimity of feeling, and the intensity of sorrow mani- fested, not only by his own Diocese and Parishioners, but by the citizens of Burlington generally, afforded the most satisfac- tory testimony of his life and character. Those among whom the most trying part of his life was passed, who had seen his daily walk and conversation, were surely the ones to estimate aright his true worth. A man's nearest neighbors are generally his severest judges. And with the verdict rendered by Bur- lington on Saturday last, before us, we would be little affected by any opposing judgment. We admire manliness and truth. And we were especially pleased to hear of the noble part taken by the Rev. Dr. Van Rensselaer, a distinguished Presbyterian minister. At one time he and Bishop Doane were engaged in controversy, but the instincts of the real Christian gentleman prevailed over all less worthy considerations. Lately, we have understood, these two former opponents were more drawn to-
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gether, and we learn that Dr. Van Rensselaer has declared that his esteem grew upon his nearer intimacy. He showed the- most delicate and tender attentions to Bishop Doane during his. illness, and, on his death, addressed one of the most comforting letters to the afflicted family, and on Sunday afternoon preached a most impressive and touching sermon on the Bishop's death, bearing the strongest testimony to his worth and character, to the Presbyterian congregation at Burlington."-The Churchman.
DR. VAN RENSSELAER'S DISCOURSE.
The title of this discourse, which was subsequently printed, is, " A funeral sermon on the occasion of the death of Bishop Doane, preached in the Presbyterian Church, Burlington, N. J., on May 1st, 1859, by Cortlandt Van Rensselaer, D. D., a min- ister of the Presbyterian Church." It is prefaced with the fol- lowing note :
" Providence often summons a person to the performance of duties, which would otherwise more naturally have devolved upon others. Living in Burlington by the side of Bishop Doane, I felt called upon to notice his death. My own stand- point varies from that of some others. I shall have no personal controversy with any who differ from me. God is the Judge of all.
C. V. R."
The text is, " Let us fall now into the hand of the Lord ; for his mercies are great ; but let me not fall into the hand of man." -- 2 SAM. xxiv : 14.
Having noticed some of the things suggested by the spirit of the text, it proceeds thus :
" The qualities that gave to Bishop Doane his great influence, and enabled him to accomplish so much service, seem to me to be summed up under three classes : intellectual vigour, an in- domitable will, and strong personal attractions.
" 1. God gave the Bishop a fine mind. He was a man of mark in intellectual operations. His mind was clear and vivid, of varied resources, and highly cultivated. His perceptions were quick. He possessed the vis fervida ingenii. Not so much the logician as the rhetorician, he yet never lacked argument to.
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attain his ends. His rich talents were moulded by common sense, and by an enlarged knowledge of human nature. In an emergency, his intellect soared highest. In fact, one of Bishop Doane's peculiarities of greatness consisted in always equalling the occasion. He saw what was to be done, and could do it, and did it. He was adroit, when it was necessary to be adroit. The lawyers said that he could have beaten them all, if educated a lawyer ; and military officers affirmed that he would have made a grand general in war. Far-seeing, clear, quick, bold, always the centre of the campaign, his mind, especially in emer- gencies, moved in flashes whilst his right arm thundered in action. The fertility of his resources testified to superior endow- ments. His was the activity of spirit. His restless mind found no time for repose ; and he was ready for every kind of service proper for him to perform. His mind was highly cultivated. He was at home in English literature. The adornments of the scholar graced his learning, and varied knowledge mingled with his theological attainments. All who came in contact with Bishop Doane, felt the power of his intellect. Nor were his opponents unwilling to acknowledge his commanding mental gifts.
" 2. Bishop Doane had a wonderful strength of will. He was a man of firm purpose ; resolute to be, to do, and to suffer. He could not be second where he had a right to be at all, nor sub- ordinate in anything where a share of work fell to his hands. It was a privilege for him to be beforehand. His will was in- domitable. The Church, as the State, needs these men of strong wiil. Every community needs them. Men of weak will have their place ; and generally they go through life with fewer ene- mies, and are blessed with the gentler virtues. But men of will are the men of mark, the men of deeds.
"It was this will-power that gave to Bishop Doane his energy. Energy does not necessarily belong to high intellect. It is not a mental gift or operation. It belongs to the heart. Its spring is in the affections, or 'active powers,' according to the philoso- phers. Bishop Doane's energy was a fire never out. It is said that, at the central depot at Bordentown, a reserve engine is
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always kept with fuel ignited, ready for the emergencies of the road. An ever-ready locomotive in energetic activity was this Bishop ; with large driving wheels, and to each wheel a panting cylinder. His will was of a higher power than steam ; it gene- rated energy in the soul.
" His self-denial was associated with his will. What he de- termined to do, he omitted no means to bring to pass. The end must meet the beginning ; and by God's grace success must crown the plan. In labours he was abundant. No wind, no rain, no cold, could keep him from his appointments. He has been known to cross the Delaware when the brave heart of the ferryman dissuaded from the peril. He could submit to all privations in the discharge of duty. He could sleep anywhere ; in his chair, at his writing-table, in the car, or steamboat, or wagon. And after working for twenty hours, the sleep of the other four could well be taken without choice of place. His will outworked his frame, in urging to laborious self-denial of every kind for the Church's sake.
" It was strength of will that gave the Bishop his perse- verance. Many a man would have quailed where he was fresh to go forward. Like the workman at the anvil, he would wield the hammer all day, could the last stroke but perfect the work. He withstood with persevering defiance an opposition which would have overborne almost any other man. He clung fast to Burlington College, when many advised him to surrender it ; and whatever may be the ultimate fate of that institution, it could not die whilst the Bishop lived. His perseverance had its ramifications of care and of industry in every part of the diocese.
" His will was a strong element in the Bishop's success as a disciplinarian. Burlington College and St. Mary's Hall were under the most rigid government. The two institutions, so near each other, required watchful supervision, and all the appli- ances of the wisest discipline. Bishop Doane was unremitting in the fidelity of his oversight. His rules were rigid, minute, and wise ; and they were efficiently administered. The peremp- toriness of authority was blended with parental affection ; and
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in all the outgoings of his love, the young men and maidens knew that a large will encircled a large heart.
"3. Remarkable social traits contributed to Bishop Doane's extensive influence. He was a man of amiable disposition and of warm feelings. His courtesy gained him friends everywhere. Generous to the poor ; kind to all ; abounding with pleasant conversation ; genial and free ; accessible at all times ; he was the life of the social circle ; and it is no wonder that his personal endearments won hosts of attachments. At the same time, it must be admitted that many people did not like him, partly from prejudices, partly from his personal complacency, and partly from causes already alluded to. But it cannot be denied that Bishop Doane was eminently blessed with faithful and de- voted friends, in his congregation, in his diocese, and throughout his whole church.
" Let it be noticed, to his honor, that vindictiveness was not a. part of his social character. He keenly felt the disparaging esti- mate of others, but rarely did others detect any resentment. He would meet his adversaries with the usual courtesies of life, at home or abroad ; and many have been ' the coals of fire' which his condescension has placed upon their heads.
" One of the most winning traits of Bishop Doane's character was his love of children. He gained their hearts. He was the the little ones' friend. What prettier sight than to see the grandfather, hand in hand with his fair, curly grandchild, prat- tling together through the streets ? The Bishop loved little children, and all the little children loved the Bishop.
" Bishop Doane was happily outliving the opposition that had formerly existed against him. One of his greatest misfor- tunes was in the number of flatterers that surrounded him-not flatterers always by intention, but rendering their homage in too- open and dangerous a form. His susceptible social nature was under the constant temptation to ' think more highly of himself than he ought to think.' Others may paint, if they choose, the infirmities of his social character in darker colours. I have given the outline as I have seen it. Never intimate with the Bishop, I have nevertheless known him and studied him for
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twenty-three years ; and although his nature had its faults, it was a noble one. The secret of his influence and success in life is to be found in the three classes of endowments I have men- tioned,-a vivid intellect, a strong will, and the social charms of his personal presence.
" As a BISHOP, the departed prelate will undoubtedly be acknowledged by his Church to be one of her greatest sons. So he was. He magnified his office. His work was done on a great scale. He was personally, everywhere, in his own diocese ; and his writings were circulated widely in every other diocese. He was the prominent man in the House of Bishops. He could out-preach, out-vote, and out-work the whole of his brethren in the Episcopate. He was a sort of Napoleon among Bishops. It was after he crossed Alps of difficulties, that he entered upon the campaigns of his highest renown. 'The bridge of Lodi and the field of Marengo were to him the inspirations of heroism and the rallying time of mightiest strategy. Bishop Doane was, perhaps, better adapted to the English Church than to the American. His prelatical notions suited a monarchy more than a republic. In the House of Lords, he would have stood among the foremost of Lord Bishops. He of Oxford, would not have ranked before him of New Jersey. Bishop Doane was a good deal of an Anglican in his modes of thought and his views of ecclesiastical authority. Had he lived in the days of Charles, he would have been a Laudean in prelatical and political con- victions-super-Laudean in intellect, and sub-Laudean in gen- eral ecclesiastical temper. My own sympathies are altogether with the evangelical, or Low Church Bishops, as are those of the vast majority of this audience. I do not believe in the doctrines of lofty Church order and transmitted grace, so favour- ably received in some quarters. But this is a free country ; and the soul by nature is free, and has a right to its opinions, subject to the authority of the great Head of the Church. Bishop Doane had a right to his ; and he believed himself to be, in a peculiar sense, a successor of the Apostles. He is one of the few American Bishops who has had the boldness to carry out his theory, and to call himself an Apostle. He delighted in his
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office. Peter was to him the example of rigid adherence to the forms of the concision, whilst Paul was his example in enduring suffering for the extension of the Church. With an exalted view of his office, he lived, and laboured, and died. In this spirit, he encountered all his hardships and perils ; and when, as in the case of danger in crossing the Delaware, he jumped into the frail skiff, inviting the ferryman to follow, it was the same spirit of 'APOSTOLUM VEHIS.' Bishop Doane was, in short, as complete a specimen of a High Church Bishop as the world has seen, and, in some respects, he was a model for any class of Bishops at home or in mother England.
" As a RECTOR, Bishop Doane was precisely what might be expected of a man of his character. He was earnest, active, fertile in expedients, a faithful visitor of his people, and a friend of the poor. He seemed to be always in the right place at the right time. He went about doing good, and was known in Burlington as Rector more than Bishop.
" As a PREACHER, no Bishop surpassed Bishop Doane. He has published more sermons than the whole House of Bishops- able sermons, which will be perpetual memorials of his intel- lectual powers, and of his zeal for the Church. These discourses are on a great variety of topics, but they contain much scriptural truth, mingled with his own peculiar views of apostolic order, sacramental grace, and ecclesiastical unity. His sermon before the last General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Phila- delphia, was the occasion of one of the greatest triumphs he was ever permitted to enjoy. When his discourses and diocesan addresses are collected into a series of volumes, they will be found to be a treasury of High Church doctrine and order, which no Bishop, nor all the Bishops of his way of thinking, could equal. I have read most of his productions, and, although often disagreeing with him in sentiment, I have never failed to notice his intellectual vigour, his zeal for his Church, and his unction for the episcopate.
" As an ORATOR, Bishop Doane surpassed most of his brethren. His best efforts were fine and impressive. His voice was loud, and when he chose, well modulated. His ges-
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ticulation was animated and strong. His clear blue eye glowed with vivacity ; and his words worked their way into the minds and hearts of his audience. Bishop Doane showed an adapta- tion to the masses, which many speakers in the sacred desk so much lack. He was a whole-souled, commanding orator, when great occasions summoned forth his powers. The two best spec- imens of his delivery, within my own observation, were at Mrs. Bradford's funeral, and at the celebration of the last birthday of Washington. Nothing could be more appropriate and more effective, for the ends of oratory, than was his manner on those occasions. At times, I am told, that he did not do himself justice ; but he had it in him, and it generally came out. Who of the citizens of Burlington, that heard him on the 22d of last February, did not recognize the voice, the manner, and the presence, of a great popular orator ?
" As a WRITER, Bishop Doane's style was peculiar. It was ornate, pithy, Saxon. It was a style of his own. It would not suit most men. Few ought to presume to imitate it. But it suited himself. Many admire it. It had the great merit of clearness. No one ever misunderstood him, although his punc- tuation was as remarkable as his style. He was a ready writer ; accomplishing with ease all that he undertook, and commonly justifying, in the productions of his pen, the highest expecta- tions. If his higher occupations had not called him away from the pursuits of literature, he would have ranked among the finest poets of the age.
" In the various points of view in which his characteristics have been now considered, Bishop Doane was a remarkable man. And his death was an harmonious termination of a long and useful life. Let us meditate, now, upon some of the circum- stances of his departure.
" He died in the midst of his work. His preaching, during his last semi-annual Visitation, was unusually acceptable. Sev- eral of my own brethren in the Presbyterian ministry have spoken, in glowing terms, of one of his sermons in West Jersey. His Episcopal appointments in Monmouth county, (the last one at Freehold,) were fulfilled in the midst of rain and high
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winds, and sometimes in an open wagon. His services, as was his custom, were arranged two or three for each day. Work was his delight ; and at his work he met the premonitions of death. With his Episcopal staff in his hand, he received the wound of the last enemy,-not from behind, but face to face.
" Another kind token of Providence towards the Bishop was, that he died at home. Riverside opened its massive doors to him for the last time ; and entering its hall, he found a resting- place in its genial study. After partaking of a slight repast, he retired to bed, never to rise from it. The magnificent mansion, where he had projected his enlarged schemes, written his nu- merous sermons, and entertained with his profuse hospitality his hosts of friends, was the fit place for Bishop Doane to die. And Riverside had the privilege of his death and funeral.
" God also permitted the Bishop to arrange what was wanting to the completion of his Episcopal work. During his sickness he conversed, for some hours, about the affairs of his Diocese ; and gave directions, and left memoranda, respecting its approaching exigency. On one of these occasions, he had a long interview with the Hon. Abraham Browning, of Camden; shortly after which, a paroxysm of delirium occurred. God spared him, however, to complete all the necessary arrangements in the affairs of his church.
"The time of Bishop Doane's death was well ordered in Prov- idence. Had it occurred a few years before, a cloud of gloom would have rested over his grave; and the inheritance of his good name might have been unredeemed from the tax-list of evil report. But the aspect had been changed. His honours had returned to him; and, as if in anticipation of his last end, his fellow-citizens had invited him to appear before them once more in an address. On the birthday of Washington, old memories were revived ; and he, who had so often, in former years, ad- dressed the people of Burlington, in its Lyceum, again made its Hall vocal with his eloquence, and again received the applause of his friends and neighbours. His diocese, also, was in a pros- perous condition, and he was taken away from evil to come. In
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the judgment of his best friends, it was a good time for him to die. And God knew it, above men.
" God was good to the Bishop in surrounding him, during sickness, with the kindest comforts and care. His sons were present with all the activities of filial devotion; one of them from the beginning to the end, by day and by night. The other, who had become a Romanist, received forgiveness for all the personal pain the father and the Bishop had received. This was one of the incidents that must have given to the death- chamber a sublimity. His faithful physician did all that skill could do ; and the noble and venerable physician of Bristol, and the most distinguished from Philadelphia, freely gave the con- tributions of the medical profession. The tenderest female hearts were around about the sufferer,-without which, indeed, no death-bed can be what man expects and wants. It was well ordered that she, who had the first claims to be present, was absent; for could feeble health well bear those scenes of sorrow? } God was merciful in all these incidents.
" The Bishop, too, had his reason at the last. It is sad to die with a beclouded mind. Various intervals of delirium had occurred, especially about the middle of the attack. In these, the Bishop's mind was on the affairs of his diocese, or his class- room, or personal concerns. Disease struck its pains in every nerve, and bloodvessel, and muscle of the body, dethroning the intellect, for a time, from its high dominion. But it recovered its place before death, and he conversed with relatives and friends, took a last loving farewell of all, and prepared for the conflict, ' faint though pursuing.'
" The Bishop was strengthened to die in peace. Partaking of the communion, early in the morning of his last day on earth, he was refreshed by the service, and at its close, pronounced with a clear voice the blessing. He then composed himself for the final struggle. The last words, as taken down by the family physician, were, 'I die in the faith of the Son of God, and the
+ "Since the delivery of this discourse, I have received a letter from a rela- tive in Rome, from which the following is an extract: 'In coming out of church to day, we met Mrs. Doane, who, I thought, looked remarkably well. She almost immediately began to speak of the Bishop, and expressed her intention to return home.'" C. V. R.
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confidence of His One Catholic Church. I have no merits-no man has, but my trust is in the mercy of Jesus.'
" Thus departed, at noonday, April 27th, this distinguished Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. 'Let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercies are great; but let me not fall into the hand of man." Bishop Doane has passed away from human judgments, to the judgment-seat of God !
" May all allusion be omitted of that remarkable funeral ?
" The burial of Bishop Doane was one befitting his position. A Bishop must be buried as becometh a Bishop. The funeral procession was one of sublime solemnity, No one, who saw it, can ever forget it. The day and the season were opportune with the brightness and sadness of the last of April. The coffin borne aloft on the shoulders of fellow-mortals ; the royal purple of the pall, fringed with white, and fluttering out to the wind like the motions of a stricken eagle ; the crosier overlaying the body with the emblem of Episcopal authority ; the bereaved family lament- ing with Christian lamentation the father of the household ; the three-score of surpliced clergy following their silent Chief with uncovered heads ; the Governor, Chief Justice, and other digni- taries of the State; the students of the College with badges of grief, and the weeping young ladies of the Hall arrayed in full mourning, true-hearted representatives of their sister-graduates all over the land; the long line of distinguished strangers and of sympathizing fellow-citizens ; the tolling of all the church bells, and of the city bell ; the immense gathering of spectators around St. Mary's Church and the grave ;- everything was as impressive as life and death could make it.
" The high task I have attempted, has been imperfectly per- formed. I am ready to meet its responsibilities before God and man. My offering of May-flowers, fragrant with the freshness of their gathering, has been laid upon the new-made grave ;- flowers plucked by a Puritan's hand, and placed in memoriam. over the dust of a great Episcopal Bishop."
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THE PROGRESS OF ST. BARNABAS' FREE MISSION.
"On the Feast of St. Barnabas, A. D. 1858, the Bishop laid the corner stone of the new School Chapel of St. Barnabas' Free Mission. It was an act of faith and hope, and God has realized it to us. The building was dedicated to the worship of Almighty God by the Bishop, on Saturday, November 27, the last day of Church's year. It is not fully paid for yet, but we trust, in all this year, to clear it of the debt. The east and west windows are gifts ; the pelican window, the gift of the Bishop himself. The altar furniture was also given, and the font is the gift of the Parish School children. The plans and superintendence of the building were given by the architect, Mr. C. H. Condit, of Newark. It is an early English building, of brick, seating four hundred persons, with a wooden recessed chancel. Since its completion, the services have increased in numbers and solem- nity, and the requirement of the Prayer Book is strictly con- firmed to, for the weekly, Octave, and Holy Day, Eucharists ; and daily service. The congregation grows in size, in regular and frequent attendance, in devout and decent worship; and it is hoped also, in spirituality and holiness. A Mission work, a work 'of consolation,' is asserting its power for good; going where it is sorely needed, with the loving help of faithful women. The Mission schools are very flourishing, more room having been given them, by the addition of the old chapel. There are two more teachers, and more scholars. The teachers are of the sort that work for the love of Christ, and of His lambs. Mr. Charles H. Bryan, a candidate for Holy Orders, assists Mr. Geo. Seymour Lewis in the care of the music, which is successful and promising. This constant service is still given, without salary, for love's sake. Much work too has been given by the people, in cleaning the chapel, washing the surplices, etc., without charge; and works of mercy to the sick poor, given generally and thankfully, by the people, are tokens of spiritual life. The plan of daily religious training, and weekly public catechising, asserts still more and more, its superiority over the one hour's promiscuous teaching, in a Sunday School, of weary children, by untrained and inexperienced teachers. Through all
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