USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > Reformed Protestant Dutch church in Philadelphia : an historical discourse > Part 3
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very outset of an infant enterprise, and be- fore almost any other business had been done, aside from the organization of the Church, such a record should appear. I mention it it again, to add, that it should always be one of our landmarks, and that we should never permit those who may come after us in this pulpit and in these pews, to say that we have dishonoured our precedents, and forsaken this high cause and standard. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, and that there may be meat in mine house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (Mal. iii. 10.)
The formation, in October, 1855, and the unexpected degree of success of the "Scud- der Missionary Society," composed princi- pally of our children and youth, and the aid given through our Ladies' Society to another Beneficiary, are earnests of still greater mea- sures of devotion to the great interests of Missions and the supply of the ministry, than we have ever yet attained unto. Let us see to it, that we never let this banner droop.
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F Since the organization of this Church, the office of Elder has been sustained by nine per- sons; the office of Deacon, by nineteen persons ; and that of Trustee, by twenty-six persons.
This review of our little history would be incomplete, without some notices of other changes which are stamped upon its pages. Of the original number of communicants, ten are dead; eight have been dismissed to join other churches, and three have left the city, whose names are still on the register. Of those who first sustained the offices of the Church, four have deceased, whose liberality and zealous attachment to these sacred inte- rests, deserve more than the passing tribute of this discourse.
First upon the record, is the name of ANDREW ADAMS, EsQ., who died June 30th, 1839-an amiable man, prompt, wil- ling and efficient. He was a counsellor, friend and brother, beloved while living, and mourned when dead, by his associates in the Board of Trustees. He was one of the largest contributors to the erection of this building, and to all the benevolent and religious objects of liberality. In the welfare of this Church
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he took a deep interest, and had his useful life been spared until the communion season succeeding his death, it was his cherished purpose, then to have professed that hope in Jesus, which he had enjoyed for some time previous. But God saw fit to take him to himself, and to the communion of "the spirits of the just made perfect."
In the month of January, 1842, another breach was made in the congregation, by the lamented death of one of its first friends, the venerable PETER HERTZOG, in the sixty-second year of his age. For several years, he was the President of the Board of Trustees, and a most liberal and useful friend of this Church. A man of great dignity of presence and character, a firm and honourable friend, benevolent in his impulses, and gentle in his deportment, his loss was severely felt. Un- ostentatious, and yet active in the counsels of the Board of Trustees, he was always ready to help, in every emergency, those interests which his associates knew to lie near his heart. Like his friend, Mr. Adams, he never made a public profession of religion, but in- tended doing so at the sacramental season,
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which occurred only two weeks after his re- mains had been committed to the grave. He was a good man, and his memory is now most worthily associated with the Theological Semi- nary of our Church, by the erection of that much needed, capacious, and stately building, which is at once the local habitation of our "School of the Prophets," the monument to Mr. Hertzog's name, and to the enlightened munificence of that Christian lady, who, of all others, knew him best, and mourned him most, as her husband. Long may it stand, a blessing to the ministry, and to the Churches of our land and age .*
Next upon the register of our lamented dead, stands the name of ELISHA WELLS. As a deacon, and afterwards an elder, and from the beginning of the Church, as a trustee, his record is most honourable and impressive. He is described, in the language of Dr. Be-
* The "Peter Hertzog Theological Hall" was erected in 1856, at New Brunswick, New Jersey, through the liberality of Mrs. Anna Hertzog, whose generous dona- tion of nearly $32,000, has secured this commodious edifice to the General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church.
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thune, as "a beloved brother, and a faithful elder." "He was the first who subscribed, and one of the largest donors, towards the building of this place of worship. He was equally zealous and devoted in building up the spiritual temple. He was a good man, and walked in the fear of the Lord, and did much good in the name of Jesus. His death was sudden, but neither alarming nor unwel- come to him; and his unshaken courage in passing through the dark valley, has given us another proof that Christ has taken the sting from death, and the victory from the grave."
Since the settlement of your present pas- tor, we have buried one who was long an elder and active member of the Crown street Church, and during his latter years, a fellow- communicant with us : I refer to that venera- ble servant of God, Mr. FREDERICK ERRINGER, who died October 20th, 1855, in the eighty- third year of his age. He was the successor of the late Bishop White, as President of the First- day, or Sabbath-school Society, which was the precursor of the American Sunday School Union; an office which he held to the day of
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his death, and to which he clung with the most youthful and pious fervor, that I ever knew to move the heart of an old man, of more than four-score years. It was my privi- lege often to visit him, and to witness the living power of that active and joyful faith, in the exercise of which he closed his death- dimmed eyes upon this world. He loved the Church-he venerated her principles and her history. He was often a useful delegate to her ecclesiastical assemblies. And next to her, he loved the children of the Church-aye, and children, wherever he could see them, and teach and bring them into the fold of the good Shepherd. And when I saw him die, I could not but feel that the memory of this just man was blessed. He was the friend of my fathers for three generations back; and as a son who would not forsake his own, nor his father's friend, I rejoice in this opportunity to pay a brief tribute, personal and pastoral, to one who, above all, was like Abraham, " the friend of God."
Time, and my limited knowledge of others of the worthy dead of this people, allow, at this time, the notice of but one more revered
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and distinguished name, that shines like a quiet star upon our list of communicants.
This is the record : "THOMAS BUCHANAN, (Governor of Liberia,) admitted by certificate from Crown street Church, January 12th, 1838, died at Bassa, in Africa, September 3d, 1841, in . the thirty-third year of his age."
This is not the place or time for a review of his remarkable career; but I cannot pass him by, without adverting to some facts which should embalm his memory in the inmost heart of this Church. He came from Utica to Philadelphia, with Dr. Bethune, with a view to preparation for the Gospel ministry. Soon after this Church was formed, he united with its communion by certificate, from the Crown street Church, and remained in it until he died, in that far-off land. His pur- pose of becoming a preacher of the Gospel, was providentially changed. Circumstances had thrown him into close connection with the Colonization Society of this State; and God soon showed that he had set him apart for another ministry. His friends had ample reason to prove that they were not mistaken,
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when the weighty interests of the then infant colony in Liberia were entrusted to their youthful Secretary. Like the band of chosen - men who went out with Saul, he was one "whose heart God had touched," and fitted for a great work. When on his first voy- age to Africa to succor the distressed colo- nists, and to explore the field, in December, 1835, he thus wrote: "The God who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb, can also temper the rays of a tropical sun to a Northern con- stitution. ' But, though he slay me, yet will I trust Him.' The work is His, to which I go, and is worthy of all sacrifice." At an- other time, in a letter to a friend, he speaks of home scenes, and then exclaims : "Oh ! that I might again enjoy the reality which these pleasing visions call up before me ; but it may not be : I must struggle on in my soli- tude, in this far-away land, until I finish the work which is given me to do." And he did do that "work," with a zeal which consumed him, until shattered by disease, but sustained by a calm and sure trust in God, he "finished" it, and went up to receive his crown. His first visit to Africa, was as an agent of the New
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York and Pennsylvania Colonization Socie- ties, in 1835, to relieve the condition of the suffering colonists. Having discharged this duty, he returned to this country, and in 1838, was appointed Governor of Liberia. From the moment of his arrival in the colony, there is dated a new era in its history : for, with admirable wisdom and vigor, he laid anew, and broad and deep, the foundations of that now hopeful African Republic. He
was everything to the colony-now leading her soldiers to battle and victory over savage tribes who had attacked them-now, by trea- ties with chieftains, by influence with our own Government, and by personal and heroic efforts, rescuing the wretched slaves from their fetters; and, to use his own language, "forgetful of all personal considerations, in his desire to destroy" this dreadful slave " traffic, accursed of God, and loathed by all good men."* Again, we see him at the helm
* The following is the passage, quoted from one of his despatches to the Board, which may well be pon- dered by those who wish to see what would again be the result of the monstrous proposition, so boldly made, to revive this infamous traffic, and to cover it with the
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of government over the colonists, "feared and respected by the natives," and resolutely, in the face of odium and all consequences, enforcing the laws of his feeble State upon citizens and foreigners alike, until he stamped upon the colony much of the dignity and honour of his own high and pure character, and made it a spectacle to the nations of the world. The death of such a man, was a severe blow to the infant Republic, and it created a deep sensation wherever it was known. The late Rev. Dr. Archibald Alex- ander thus wrote of him when he was living : "No one can read the despatches, or watch
stars and stripes : " My heart is sick with the daily exhi- bitions of my country's flag protecting this traffic, ac- cursed of God, and loathed by all good men. Could you see, as I see, the multiplied miseries which it is daily inflicting on this unhappy land, like me, you would forget all personal considerations in your desire to destroy it. But I cannot tell you the ten-thousandth part of the evil : fire, famine, blood, and chains, are the necessary elements of the slave trade; and every conceivable com- bination of these elements is daily produced in this wretched land. Oh! my country-my country !- how enormous is thy guilt in this matter !- how great thy debt to injured Africa !"
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the measures of Governor Buchanan, without feeling at once that he beholds the evidences of a truly great and remarkable character."- (History of African Colonization, p. 572.) And after hearing of his death, he wrote: "I do not know when you will be able to supply his place. He was a man of commanding tal- ents, and admirable decision and courage." And that eminent statesman, the late Roger M. Sherman, declared, in a letter to the So- ciety : "He was not only eminently qualified for the station which he held, but equally so, for the highest duties, civil or military, which any nation could require. All his words and actions were marked with wisdom, integrity, and dignity. His talents, like those of Wash- ington, were adapted to every exigency ; and to accomplish the greatest good, was his con- stant and controlling principle."
Amid his arduous and self-denying duties, he did not forget the Church of his love and of his vows. Many of you may recollect a letter which he wrote to the members of this Church, in which he pleaded like an apostle for that injured race to which he devoted his precious life. And if any think that I am
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dwelling too long and too ardently over the memories of this young servant of Christ, my answer must be in the concluding sentences of that warm appeal. Hear him: "I will add another claim upon your prayerful inte- rest, in behalf of my poor savage, dying neighbours. You have a brother here-one whose name is recorded with yours; whose hopes and whose home are with you; who loves you, and prays for you. He beseeches, in all earnestness, that your supplications may ascend for the salvation of this wretched people, for whose welfare he has come out from the pleasant scenes of his native land, and the sweet society of Christian friends. And now, farewell ! May God in his infinite mercy guard you, and guide and preserve you long on the earth, to advance his cause. Again, farewell; and should we never meet, till
"' Above, ne'er to part, but forever to dwell
With the MASTER in glory-till then, Oh ! farewell.'"
Brethren and friends, this was our bro- ther ; a light from our own altars. His 6
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body sleeps beneath the shade of some tall palm trees, near the Government House, at Bassa. His memoir has yet to be written ; and shall I add, that no marble marks the sacred spot ! (although I have learned that provision is now being made for a suitable monument.) But, in the language of one of his Liberian friends : "While the green turf flourishes, and the south sea-breezes spread the perfumes of flowers planted on the spot sacred to his ashes, may his memory abide in the heart of every Liberian, and his praises diffuse a sacred love for his name in the home of every coloured man, to whose cause he was so wholly and ardently devoted." With the sainted Finley, and Alexander, and Mills, and Ashmun, and other great and good friends of this cause of God and humanity, the mem- ory of Thomas Buchanan will forever be united with the sufferings, the slavery, and the regeneration and millenial freedom of that teeming race and mysterious continent. Without boasting, but in humble thankfulness, I desire to glory "after a godly sort," that this bright name adorns the registers of our own beloved Church.
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Next to the power of its pulpit in the past, and in some respects beyond it, (although it may be said to be really a legitimate part of its influence upon this, our fellow-communi- cant,) this Church has sent forth no agency so commanding and enduring, so world-wide in its reach, as that of this sanctified, emi- nently useful, and heroic young man. Let us imitate his piety, and strive to follow, though at so great a distance, and in other walks of life, his work, his patience, his valor, and his immortal victory. May God raise up from among us many, who, like him, shall be distinguished ornaments of the world, and pillars in his Church !
[Since the delivery of this discourse, death has made another serious inroad upon us, by taking away one who was, perhaps, more thoroughly identified with this Church than any other of its officers or members. Mr. GEORGE W. MORRIS, died on Sabbath even- ing, February 22d, 1857, aged 60 years. Converted, by the grace of God, under the ministry of Rev. Dr. Brodhead, in July, 1823, he connected himself with the commu- nion of the Crown street Church, and for
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several years he was a deacon, and afterwards an elder there. One of the founders of this Church, he served from its organization as elder, trustee, and treasurer, until he was re- moved from us by the hand of God. In the two churches, he bore the office of elder for nearly twenty-six successive years. During the long period of his connection with this Church, he was absent but twice from the meetings of the board of trustees, and I be- lieve he was never absent from the usual quarterly meeting of the elders, previous to the communion season. The same faithful- ness marked his attendance upon the Sabbath and weekly services of the Church. Nothing short of a necessity could keep him away from these sacred engagements. The active use- fulness of such a man, during more than a score of years, is not easily measured; and his loss alone can teach us his value. His Christian character was symmetrical and strong. Naturally gentle, kind, considerate, firm in principle, sanguine, generous, and cheerful, ready in action, and zealous in per- severance-he combined many noble traits in an unusual degree. He was not a negative
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character-but positive, earnest, and steady to his convictions. His piety partook largely of those natural features. He did nothing in religion to be seen of men ; but his experience was broad and deep. He loved "the old paths" of truth and righteousness, and his example proved him a man of faith, and of works. Perhaps the best designation of his personal religion would be its realizing power. His eye seemed fixed upon the throne of God, and his heart upon his Saviour. "He endured as seeing Him who is invisible." This was his habitual frame. Without any raptures or ecstasies, he enjoyed large measures of the as- surance of faith. He had long regarded the great question of his existence as " settled" forever, and upon his dying bed he could say triumphantly, with Paul, "I know whom I have believed, and that He is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day." When asked, "What are your prospects ? Where are you going ?" he replied most earnestly, " Why, where should I be going but to heaven ? I could not go anywhere else." And so the good man died, calmly re- posing upon Jesus: uttering with almost his 6*
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last breath, these sweet anticipations of "the glory to be revealed, 'Good thoughts, good thoughts !' "
Next to his Lord and Saviour, and to his family, his affections ran out towards this Church. So closely had he been identified with all its interests, from the beginning, that every stone, even of the outward house, seemed precious in his eyes. Nothing that concerned its welfare escaped his attention ; and it must be acknowledged that his views generally con- trolled its policy. Opinions might differ as to his judgment in given cases, but none could ever doubt his purity of purpose and his pious zeal. His devotion to the spiritual house, fully justified the remark he made to me, during his last illness: "Oh! how I have loved that Church !" In reply to my sugges- tion referring to his own intimate relations to it, he added, "I never doubted its suc- cess. It was a great responsibility; but if I had not been there, God would have raised up others to take my place : He never wants for instruments. It was founded in many prayers-God will continue to take care of it, as He has always done." Faithful as
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he was, he often regretted that he had " done so little for his Saviour," and spake of himself as an "unprofitable servant." Yet who among us has done more, or as much for Christ, as our departed friend ? He mourned over his infirmities and sins, for he realized these as well as the hopes and comforts of grace. Yet how luminous was his Christian example to us all. The churches have few such elders and members to lose ; and when they die, it becomes them to cherish their memories, to follow their good example, and by humble prayer, and increased faithfulness, to improve "the day of visitation" which re- moves such pillars from the house of God. ]
CONCLUSION.
THUS, brethren, I have hastily reviewed the events, the results and the changes, of the first twenty-one years of the history of this Church enterprise.
Here, then, let us set up our stone of help, and call the name of it Ebenezer, saying, " Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." How wonderfully hath He helped us from the first
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inception of the enterprise, in a private par- lour, and from its small beginnings, through all this score of years. He hath helped us, when He put it into the hearts of his people to begin this great work. He hath helped us by raising up liberal and devoted friends, " men like a flock, and honourable women.not a few," who have " borne the burden and heat of the day," amid all changes and trials. He hath helped us by sparing so many of these valuable lives during this long period -lives that have been and still are bound up with this Church, for our Saviour's sake-lives whose record is not yet made up, but whose memorials will not be less emphatic and de- lightful than those of the revered dead whom we have this day remembered with filial and Christian love. He hath helped us, by per- petuating the ministry of this Church, and by crowning that ministry with many of the choicest blessings of the Holy Ghost, in the conversion of sinners, and the sanctification
and usefulness of believers. He hath helped
us, by enabling us to maintain the most peace- ful and cooperative relations with other Chris- tian people and churches, and denominations.
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He hath helped us to spread abroad the truth, by many means of usefulness, in private Christian life, and in our associated capacities. From our band of communicants, a chosen few are now preaching the word of life: some of them in very prominent stations, and all in spheres of active labour. I may mention the names of Rev. Dr. Enoch C. Wines, Professor in Washington College, Pa., Rev. Henry J. Van Dyck, of Brooklyn, and Rev. J. Hal- stead Carroll, of Jamesburg, N. J.
And now, as to all our good things, " by the grace of God we are what we are." "The Lord is our memorial."
As to the future-both the past and the present afford us good grounds for hope and effort. The formation of this Church was a public pledge to God, and to His Church, and to this great city, that they who composed it, and their successors, would stretch every nerve to give the gospel to as many as could be reached by its ministry, and by the various forms of sanctified Christian effort. It was a solemn pledge to the great Head of the Church, that we would lift the banner of His Cross, and never dishonour it-that we would
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draw the sword for Him, and never sheathe it. How far this promise has been kept, the day of judgment will determine. But this I know, that we must be false to all our history, and faithless to the covenant blessings of our adorable Lord, and recreant to all our oppor- tunities and obligations, and that we must dishonour the memories, and prayers, and la- bours of our sainted dead, if ever we shall cease, as a Church and congregation, to main- tain and spread "the truth as in Jesus," the order of our worship, and our Christian fel- lowship with other followers of our Lord and Saviour. "The lines have fallen to us in pleasant places : yea, we have a goodly heri- tage. Let us love it and preserve it. Let us cultivate a noble home spirit, with genero- sity to " all the saints in Christ Jesus." Let us, if we can, remove obstacles, whatever they may be, whether temporal or spiritual. Let the inspiring associations of this service and of our past history, move us to the commence- ment of a new career. Let the memory of the self-denying efforts in which this Church originated, animate us to a higher standard of active piety and enlarged liberality.
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Finally, let us act upon the motto of the apostolic John Eliot, "Faith and prayer will accomplish anything." Yes, brethren and friends, faith in God's power and willingness to do for us all that we need, faith in the principles of the blessed gospel to meet the spiritual and everlasting wants of immortal souls, faith in God's promise to give the Holy Ghost, and in "His Eternal Son," "by whose stripes we are healed," and through whom we shall have the victory. Let humble, im- portunate, earnest prayer, be the language of this faith. Give us these, and then " the zeal of the Lord of Hosts shall perform it." And when our race is run, and when this Church shall have finished its long history, the last survivors shall build the pillar, more endur- ing than stone, and shall " call it Ebenezer, and say, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." "To Him be glory, in the Church, world without end. Amen and Amen."
HECKMAN BINDERY INC.
JAN 96
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N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA 46962
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