USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > Lives of the clergy of New York and Brooklyn: embracing two hundred biographies of eminent living men in all denominations. Also, the history of each sect and congregation, Pt. 1 > Part 18
USA > New York > New York City > Lives of the clergy of New York and Brooklyn: embracing two hundred biographies of eminent living men in all denominations. Also, the history of each sect and congregation, Pt. 1 > Part 18
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28
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REV. JOHN MURRAY FORBES, D. D.
withdrew from the Catholic Church, and re-entered that in which he had been first ordained. His reasons for this important act are given in the following letter, which is a correct version, and differs from an- other in print :
NEW YORK, October 17th, 1859. MOST REVEREND JOHN HUGHES, D. D., Archbishop, &c. :-
MOST REVEREND SIR-It is now nearly ten years since, under your auspices, I laid down my ministry in the Protestant Episcopal Church, to submit myself to the Church of Rome. The interval, as you know, has not been idly spent ; each day has had its responsibility and duty, and with these have come experience, observa- tion, and the knowledge of many things not so well understood before. The result is that I feel I have committed a grave error, which, publicly made, should be publicly repaired. When I came to you, it was, as I stated, with a deep and con- scientious conviction that it was necessary to be in communion with the See of Rome ; but this conviction I have not been able to sustain, in face of the fact that by it the natural rights of man and all individual liberty must be sacrificed-nor only so, but the private conscience often violated, and one forced, by silence ut least, to acquiesce in what is opposed to moral truth and justice. Under these circumstances, when I call to mind how slender is the foundation in the earliest ages of the Church upon which has been reared the present Papal power, I can no longer regard it as legitimately imposing obligations upon me or any one else. I do now, therefore, by this act, disown and withdraw myself from its alleged juris- diction.
I remain, most reverend sir, your obedient servant,
JOHN MURRAY FORBES, D. D., Late Pastor of St. Inn's Church, N. Y. When this remarkable letter was made public it caused a great excitement in the religious world. No one who knew Dr. Forbes could for a moment suppose that in leaving the Episcopal Church, and now in repudiating the Catholic, that he was actuated by any except the most conscientious motives. Still he had his assailants on both occasions, and submitted to the greatest possible trial in his per- sonal feelings. His return to the Episcopal faith was hailed with the deepest joy by his old friends and parishioners. He had never lost the respect of those persons, and on every side he received the warmest tokens of confidence from both elergy and laity. He was fully restored to his order in the Protestant Episcopal Church, in 1862, and became associate rector with the Rev. Dr. Tuttle of his old parish, St. Luke's. In October, 1869, he was elected dem of the General Theological Seminary. His installation to office took place in February, 1870, at the church of the Transfiguration with interest. ing services. In the course of an address, Dr. Forbes used the follow- ing language: "Romanisi has conferred upon us the inestimable privileges of professing God's revealed word, and the orders which
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REV. JOHN MURRAY FORBES, D. D.
Christ ordained should always subsist in His church. But this church throws chains around us which no one can endure and preserve his manhood."
The General Theological Seminary is located on a large property on Ninth avenue and West Twentieth and West Twenty-first streets. It was founded in 1817, removed to New Haven in 1820, and re- moved back again to New York in 1821. The seminary buildings and professors' houses are plainly constructed edifices of granite, some of which were erected in 1823 and others in 1838. It is under discussion to sell this now very valuable property, and remove the seminary to some other location. The faculty is a very able one, embracing as it does some of the most eminent names of the Episcopal ministry, and the institution is in a very flourishing condition.
Dr. Forbes entered upon his duties of permanent head of the seminary, the want of such a functionary having been deeply felt for twenty-five years, with his accustomed urbanity and zeal. He also visited among the different parishes, as opportunity offered for preach- ing, and was everywhere listened to with great interest. Considera- tions of his own induced him to resign in November, 1872.
He is of the medium height, and has a round, erect figure. His head is large and round, with regular features. The expression of his face is very amiable and benevolent, and his high prominent brow bespeaks his more than ordinary intellectual capacity. His hair is a silver gray, and his whole appearance venerable and impressive in the extreme. He has one of those genial noble faces that the gaze loves to linger upon. The eyes are soft and bright, and there is a cheerfulness, an amiability, and an intellectuality that together make a countenance not easily forgotten. Then while he is a man of an ever-present dignity, he always exhibits a courtesy and affability of the most pleasing description. With all this polish and softness of manners, it is also easily to be seen that he is a person of much force of character. He is not demonstrative in either speech or manner. but there are to be observed a firmness and precision, an exactness to principle and duty, and an earnest desire for right and the truth, that show him to have strong feelings and opinions, and to have the will to maintain them. Hence wherever he is placed he is a tower of strength. Ile has not only a learned, but practical mind, and an energy which is not less unselfish than it is untiring. In the field of action he is eager, firm, and bold at the same time that he studiously avoids everything which might offend personal sus-
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REV. JOHN MURRAY FORBES, D. D.
ceptibility. A just and generous spirit characterizes all his relations with his fellow-men, and, while he is no seeker for popularity, inter- course with him always secures it with all classes.
The sermons preached by Dr. Forbes are peculiar to himself. A life-long and thorough student of theology, it is not difficult for him to take any text from the Scriptures and speak extemporaneously upon it. You see him go into the pulpit, and, after reading his text, he turns to his audience and addresses them in the most logical and argumentative manner without the assistance of anything written. Whatever previous thought and preparation he may allow himself is altogether mental. You are particularly struck with his choice, epigrammatic language, with the fullness and clearness of his explana- tions and argument, and with the modest and unostentatious manner of delivery. At times there is evidence of warmth and feeling, but the general tone is that of great calmness and dignity. His words are most simple, but they have marked foree and expressiveness. They are apt and terse, and are most happily chosen for the place and purpose in which they are used. His voice is not loud, but it has quite sufficient compass, and is so modulated that every word has the best effect. A few expressive gestures are all that he ever attempts. While he speaks his face is very animated, and he thoroughly impresses you with his sincerity and devout piety. A truly good man, his preaching presents him in the light of a most learned and conscientious expounder of Gospel truths.
198
REV. BISHOP RANDOLPH S. FOSTER, D. D., LL. D., OF THE METHODIST CHURCHI.
EV. DR. RANDOLPHI S. FOSTER, one of the Bishops of the Methodist church, was born at Williamsburg, Clermont county, Ohio, February 22d, 1820. When he was six years old his father removed to Bracken county, Ken. tucky, where he attended such a school as the county afforded. At fourteen years he entered Augusta College, one of the earliest Methodist collegiate institutions which was established in the United States, where he continued until he had entered the senior year. He had been converted at the early age of twelve years, and when thir- teen years and a half he had received authority to exhort in the Methodist church. On leaving college, in 1837, at seventeen, he was licensed as a preacher, and, entering the Ohio Conference, was appointed to the Charleston Circuit in Western Virginia. He re- mained in the Ohio Conference thirteen years, and had appointments at many places, including the cities of Lancaster, Springfield, and Cincinnati. IIe came to New York in 1849, and, entering the New York Conference, was first stationed in the Mulberry street church for two years, and subsequently at Greene street church two years. He next entered the New York East Conference, and went to the Pacific street church, Brooklyn, where he remained two years. Re- turning to the New York Conference, he went to Trinity church, New York, for one year, and then became president of the North- western University in Illinois, where he remained three years. After this he again returned to New York, and remained at the Washing- ton Square Church for two years, then, going to Sing Sing for two years, and then to the Eighteenth street church, New York, for three years, and in 1867 commenced another two years' appointment at the Washington Square church. Later he became a professor in the Drew Theological Seminary, New Jersey.
In 1861, Dr. Foster was elected president of the Troy University ;
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BISHOP RANDOLPH S. FOSTER, D. D., LL. D.
but, on account of the financial embarrassments of the institution, did not accept the position. The General Conference in May, 1872, elected him one of the Bishops of the Methodist church.
Bishop Foster received the degree of D. D. from the Western University, and LL. D. from the Northwestern University. He is the author of several published works, and various occasional sermons. The titles of his works are "Objections to Calvinism," published in Cincinnati in 1848; "Christian Purity," published by the Harpers, New York, and the Methodist Book Concern, in 1851 ; "Ministry for the Times," published in New York in 1853.
Bishop Foster is tall, well-proportioned, and seems to be a man of a considerable amount of physical vigor. ITis head is of ample size, with regular, expressive features. It is readily to be seen that he is of a reflective, serious nature, and has mental power as well as force of character. He is dignified, and reserved to some extent, but is not without congeniality. In all respects he is a sedate, sober-going man, feeling and observing the dignity and proprieties belonging to the clerical station.
His whole life has been one of undeviating piety and labor in his profession. His early conversion was accompanied by many affecting incidents of thorough self-sacrifice and devotion to the cause of re- ligion ; and his ministerial career, which dates from his very youth, has been strikingly marked by rigid adherence, not only to religious principles, but to every-day duty. He presents in his own conduct as far as he can, the true religious life, but he does it without parade and without bigotry.
Bishop Foster is justly regarded as one of the most scholarly men in the Methodist church. His attainments in the whole field of theology are of the first order. He is not one of your showy scholars, indulging in metaphysical disquisitions and pedantic opinions, but as an expounder of the scriptures there are few more learned. His teachings and all his writings are thoroughly reflective, and show the utmost scope of the well-stored and naturally logical mind. He is not only particularly clear in all his statements and explanations, but he is so comprehensive and logieal in his mode of reasoning that he delights the intellectual as much as he instructs the lesser mind. At the same time there are occasional passages in which he gives scope to his imagination, which is always distinguished by much ro- ligious inspiration and a peculiarly tender pathos His arguments are majestic efforts of thought, but he is a man of those warm feel-
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BISHOP RANDOLPH S. FOSTER, D. D., LL. D.
ings of the heart that religious topics invariably appeal more or less to his emotions.
He is a speaker of much effectiveness from his calm dignity of address. His intelligent, beaming face, his earnest, authoritative voice, his composed and appropriate gestures, are all sources of power over his audience. He obtains instant and undivided attention, and every word, distinctly and forcibly uttered, goes, like an arrow through the air, to the mind and heart.
Bishop Foster is a representative of the class of educated men in the Methodist ministry. They are the forerunners of the talented body of clergy who are hereafter to maintain the popular supremacy of this church. In proportion as this new influence shall bless and ex- alt mankind, so will be the renown of those who have originated it.
201
REV. CYRUS D. FOSS, D. D., LATE PA TOR OF ST. PAUL'S METHODIST CHURCHI, NEW YORK.
EV. DR. CYRUS D. FOSS was born at Kingston, N. Y., January 17th, 1834. He pursued his earlier studies at the Seminary at Amenia, N. Y., and was graduated in theology at the Wesleyan University in 1854. In the previous year he had been licensed as a local preacher of the Methodist church; but after graduation, he became a teacher in the Amenia Seminary. He remained there three years as instructor and one year as principal. He then joined the New York Conference, and entered upon regular pastoral duty. His appointments were at Chester, Orange County, N. Y., in 1857-58; Fleet Street Church, Brooklyn, 1859-60, when he was transferred to the New York East Conference, and stationed for the first time at St. Paul's. New York. For the last fourteen years he has been al. together at St. Paul's, and other prominent churches of New York, never remaining from the first named for any great length of time, as the people are greatly attached to him. In the spring of 1874 he left St. Paul's to fill an appointment at St. James' Church (Harlem), New York City, where he is now officiating.
Some years since, Dr. Foss declined a professorship in the Drew Theological Seminary, preferring to remain in the pastoral work. which he greatly loves. At the meeting of the General Conference, in May, 1872, he received a large vote as a candidate for one of the vacant bishoprics, but finally, himself withdrew his name, suggesting that an older man should be elected. He is conspicuous as a tom- perance advocate in the State, and uses both pen and tongue to ad- vance this cause. He frequently contributes to religious and tem- perance publications. As a speaker at meetings for special purposes. and as a preacher in camp-meetings, he is extremely effective and
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REV. CYRUS D. FOSS, D. D.
popular. He received the degree of A. M. from Wesleyan Univer- sity in 1857. Within a few years the degree of D. D. has also been conferred upon him.
Dr. Foss is of the medium height, well-proportioned, and of an erect, commanding figure. His complexion inclines to the dark, with a ruddy, healthful glow, and he has dark hair and whiskers. His eyes are small, and have very modest sort of glances, except when he is aroused in public speaking, when they light up with in- tellectual fire. In his general demeanor he is retiring and unobtrusive, and still he is one of those men in whom this very modesty is a token of power.
Some people are nobodies unless they make a noise, and push and elbow somebody else out of the way. Then there are those, who of their own volition always seek the back-ground, but in whose very silence, quiet, and dignity there are found ummistakable signs of the inner forces of true mental and moral greatness. The great thinkers, and those who rise to the highest point of personal virtue, are men who care so little for the world's applause, and so much for the development of the practice of principles, that they even shun observation. Sometimes such human jewels as these are positively considered bores, and noisy, self-sufficient individuals carry off the palm of popularity, and have exceeding reputations as learned men.
Dr. Foss is nothing in the throng of the vain and ambitious. His sensitiveness is of the most delicate character, and the moment any - body crowds him he unselfishly gives way. Ile enters into no con- tests for flattery or honors, but he treasures up as his dearest idol the duty of expanding the qualities which make man great m the hght of intelligence and conscience. You must know him to appreciate him, unless you have that knowledge of human nature which enables you to detect force of character which is so much concealed. In his strictly private life he is decidely genial and communicative. He acts as if he thoroughly enjoyed himself, and makes social communion a means of refinement, for both mind and heart. The one is aglow with light, cheerful, and tender sentiments, and the other yields a rich flow of manly and Christian sympathies. You see that his learning is of the most thorough character, that it is his dehight, und that he pursues his scholarly studies with a mind naturally strong, far-reaching, and retentive. His reserve entirely fades away, and there is nothing of the seeming dread, which he shows at other tones, that somebody will think him vain and presumptuous. His social
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REV. CYRUS D. FOSS, D. D.
qualities-which are the gentlest, the most considerate, and the most gentlemanly-now appear in their true excellence, and his talents and worth are equally conspicuous.
Already holding a prominent place in his denomination, he is still a rising man. Most of his sermons are extemporaneous efforts. Hle has a great deal of deliberation in his delivery, though there is none too much for effective speaking. He weighs every word, and as he goes on, the thought gains in strength, completeness, and beauty, until it is finished clear and vivid to both speaker and hearer. Ile has no reserve, as far as language is concerned, in the pulpit. To talk about religion, to call sinners to repentance, and comfort those who come to ask the way to grace-these make him bold. Now his eyes beam with a new light; now his form straightens and fills out with conscious powers; and now his lips are heard in tones of thunder. He does not speak with any doubtfulness, with any fear that there can be any mistake about what he says; but he speaks with the emphatic utterance of the learned mind and the renewed heart. He is earnest at all times ; but there are periods when this is more evident . than at others. He has outbursts of considerable vehemence, and the whole tide of his feelings and mental comprehension sweeps outward in his effort to teach and to touch. His voice is strong, and especi- ally rich-toned in the more impassioned flights of eloquence. An argumentative style is a favorite one with him-something that gives an opportunity to combat objections, and to build up logic, from his own resources and intelligence. He is always ready, going directly to the point, and meeting every issue with a fairness and success, which are only equaled by the fervor and grandeur of his elo- quence.
204
ЛИНН
வாழ்த்தும்
REV. JUSTUS CLEMENT FRENCH,
PASTOR OF THE WESTMINSTER PRESBYTE- RIAN CHURCH, BROOKLYN.
R EV. JUSTUS CLEMENT FRENCII was born at Barre, Vermont, May 3d, 1831. He received early academie instruction, and was graduated at Williams College, Mas- sachusetts, in 1853. Ilis studies for the ministry were pursued at the Union Theological Seminary, New York, where he was graduated in 1856. Ile was ordained March 5th, 1857. and became settled over the Central Congregational Church, in Ormond Place, Brooklyn. The church edifice was handsomely im- proved at that time. His pastorate here continued for fourteen years. In November, 1870, he resigned under the compulsion of the most grievous necessity, viz .: his utter nervous prostration, the result of too intense and prolonged application to his work. This was, he states, the great trial of his life. Ilis people would not consent to the separation, until his peremptory demand made it inevitable. Then, presenting him with several thousand dollars, they bade him seek re- storation, In January, 1871, he left for California, and spent nearly six months on the Pacific coast ; laid there the foundation of renewed health; returned to the East, and for six months preached from city to city, receiving and declining seven calls, until in November of that year, he entered into an arrangement with the Westminster Pres. byterian Church of Brooklyn, to supply its pulpit for six months, as he would on no account accept its call given at that date.
This congregation was organized in South Brooklyn in 1855, and worship was first held in a hall. In 1856 lots were purchased on the corner of Clinton street and First Place, at a cost of thirteen thousand dollars, in the rear part of which a chapel was created, costing seven thousand dollars. Other improvements were subsequently made at a large outlay of money. Professor Hitchcock preached for some time : but the first called pastor was the Rev. Hugh Smith Carpenter, who came in 1857, and remained until near the date when Mr. French took
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REV. JUSTUS CLEMENT FRENCH.
charge. As early as March, 1872, the prosperity of the church, under Mr. French, became so positive and assured, and his own health was so firmly re-established that he accepted the unanimous call of the congregation, and was installed March 6th, 1872. Rev Mr. Carpenter was called to the Howard street Presbyter'an Church of San Fran- cisco, and Dr. Seudder, a former pastor of that church, was called to the Central Congregational of Brooklyn. A perfect pastoral trian- gulation was affected by these changes.
Since 1872 the membership of the Westminster Church has more than doubled in number, the Sunday School nearly quadrupled, the congregation increased in a ten-fold ratio, and the financial condition of the Society become most satisfactory.
As one result of Mr. French's California trip he prepared, in the winter of 1873, three lectures, which he illustrated by cartoons drawn by himself with colored chalks and crayons on canvas paper. These cartoons are geven feet by four and a half feet. The lectures have been delivered repeatedly before immense audiences, and receiv- ed from the press most favorable notice.
Mr. French has published various sermons of great power and beauty of language. During his college days he wrote numerons poetic effusions of more than ordinary merit. At the present time, in hours of relaxation from severer literary toil, he occasionally cultivates the Muses.
Ilis head is long, with considerable expression about the bros. His expression is most happy and smiling. In his manners he is exceedingly polite and cordial, and in his conversation there is generally a tendency to cheerfulness. His social qualities are desery- edly appreciated, and his presence is the certain promoter of gemality. Without effort, without hesitation or ceremony, he mingles with all, old and young, with a happy adaptability of manners and conversa- tion that always interests, pleases, and captivates.
Ilis writings are fearless, graceful, and eloquent. The strong convictions of his mind and the melting emotions of his heart are infused in every line. He can feel nothing, he can write nothing, that is not honest, true, and good. He brings everything to the list of a quick and vigilant conscience, and of an honorable and conrag- cous nature. If it stands the examination, none can be a holder champion ; and if its fails, none will be a more determined loe. Hence, in the discussion of all principles, doctrines, and themes, he advocates or denounces, with a nature fully aroused to the require.
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REV. JUSTUS CLEMENT FRENCH.
ments of duty, and with every power of mind strengthened for the issue.
Mr. French has evidently made declamation somewhat of a study. but he has natural capabilities of the first order as an orator. He delivers himself with calmness, effectiveness, and entire naturaless. There is, on his own part, a full and complete understanding of his subject; and the flow of language in making this clear to others is one uninterrupted stream of fluent, earnest thought. His writings have much terseness and grammatical accuracy, and in speaking he is usually careful to make every word do its necessary and effective part. His gestures are few and simple, while highly appropriate.
Mr. French is a working, practical, thorough-going Christian. He makes no compromises and asks no favors of the adversary, and has little patience with those who do. Of a most cheerful, hopeful spirit, enjoying society and its pleasures with a generous though sensible limit, and melting sadness and seriousness into joy and mirth when- ever it can be profitably accomplished, still he never forgets the pur- pose, dignity, and importance of his religious calling. Without de- grading the minister, he consents to exhibit the man ; and, without turning his directing finger from the open gates on high, he has a hand to scatter flowers along the carthly road.
207
REV. OCTAVIUS B. FROTHINGHAM, PASTOR OF THE THIRD UNITARIAN CHURCII, NEW YORK.
EV. OCTAVIUS B. FROTHINGHAM was born in the city of Boston, November 26th, 1822. His early studies were at the Latin School. He was graduated at Harvard University in 1843, and at the Divinity School in 1846. He was ordained to the ministry of the Unitarian church, and installed as pastor of the North Church, Salem, March 10th, 1847. In the spring of 1855 he removed to Jersey City, where he established the First Unitarian Church, and remained four years as pastor. He next accepted a call, in the spring of 1859, to the Third Congregational Unitarian Society of New York, which position he still retains. The society was in its infancy, and services were held in a public hall. As in all his other pastorships, the earnest and well-directed efforts of Mr. Frothingham soon showed their results in a large numerical inerease of the congregation. Lots were ob- tained in Fortieth street, near Sixth avenue, and a church built which was dedieated in May, 1863. The whole cost of the property was forty thousand dollars. A debt of eighteen thousand dollars remained on the ground after the erection of the church. Some years later the edifice was sold to Dr. Alexander R. Thompson's Reformed Congregation, since which time the Third Society have worshiped in a hall on Sixth avenue. The congregation is one of the most intellectual which assembles in New York. The attendance is about five hundred, and there are seventy children in the Sunday school. This society represents the liberal branch of the Unitarian body, differing on points of doctrine from such Unitarians as Drs. Bellows and Farley. Mr. Frothingham's publications consist of several small volumes, and various occasional sermons.
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