An essay on the life of the Right Reverend Theodore Dehon, D.D., late bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of South Carolina: with an appendix

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A'S ESSAY

LIFE

TITX: niGHT HE VEKJEA'Jt

THEODORE DEHON, D. D,

LATE BISHOP OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH

THE DIOCESE OF SOUTH-CAROLINA :

APPENDIX.

By C. E. GADSDEN, D. D,

RECTOR OF ST. PHILIF's CHURCH, CHARLESTON-

CHARLESTON:

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR,

BY A. E, MILLER,

No. 4 Broad-st.

1833.

' 484205

KNTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS. IN THE YEAR L-33, JBY THE REV.
C. E. GADSDEN, IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COL'RT OF SOUTH-
CAROLINA.*

* The proceofls arc to h»- approprialcd to the benetil of the Sunday School Society of Si.
Philip"* Church, CharloMon.

PREFACE,

No species of reading is so interesting as Biography. None
can be more instructive, and more useful, when its subject is a
good man. The goodness of the individual now before us, was
reflected from a variety of stations. It has guided and quickened
a number of persons, both of the clergy and the laity, among
the young and the mature. And shall the benefit be confined
to his cotemporariesi Is it not right to attempt to embalm his
excellence 1 If these pages shall reflect a few only of the rays
which beamed from his living example, the author will be glad
and thankful. It may be said that the Sermons of Bishop Dehon,
now before the public, sufficiently illustrate his character. It is
indeed true, that his distinguishing virtues exhibit themselves in
his writings ; and that we trace there the strength and tendencies
of his mind, and the extent and variety of his attainments. But
there are delicate features of the heart which are developed by
occurrences ; and there are valuable opinions, not only on life
and manners, but respecting religion, for expressing which the
Sermons afforded no opportunity. lu our volume are several of
his papers which have not until now been published ; and, may I
be permitted to add, some particulars stated, which were known
to a few persons only. The public will judge whether the author
hag overrated their value.

iv . PREFACE.

The Episcopal office is not sufficiently estimated by the mass
of our countrymen. It has been misunderstood. Could its use-
fulness be exemphfied more satisfactorily than by the life of a
a person who understood its desijjfn, and, by divme grace, was
enabled to fulfil its arduous and very important duties? The
memoirs, however imperfectly prepared, of one who gave him-
self wholly to the work of the Christian ministry, and in these
latter days blessed our eyes with the sight of a primitive deacon,
a primitive presbyter, and a primitive bisiiop, cannot but be
instructive and animating to his brethren of the cleriry. We
have many invaluable treatises on the " sacred office ;" but " the
voice," we also say

The pen " \s but an instrument on which a man
Can play what tune he pleases ;
In tlie deed — tlie unequivocal, authentic deed —
We found sound argument, we read the heart."

We have been told from infancy, and we know, that " example
is more effi?ctual than precept ;" wc may add, that there are facts
valuable to the Cimrch, if not to the community in geueral, for
making which pulilic, the present essay affords the most lavour-
able opportunity.

Conscious of his insufficiency for the due execution of this
undertaking, the author entirely adopts the language of Bishop
Burnet as applied to lioylc : "■ When I remember how much I
Baw in hnn, and learned, or at least might have learned, from
him ; when I reflect on the gravity of his very appearance, the
elevation of his thoughts and discourses, the modesty of his
temper, and the humility of his whole deportment, which might
have served to have forced the best thoughts even upon the worst
minds ; when, 1 say, i bring all this together into my mind, as I

PREFACE. V

form upon it too bright an idea to be easily remembered by such
as did not know him ; so T am very sensible that 1 cannot raise
it equal to the thoughts of such as did."

It cannot be unbecoming, and the author does, in all sincerity,
invoke the divine blessing on this work, that it may promote, in
some degree, the imitation of its admired and beloved subject,
and the sacred cause to which he was devoted.

COJVTEJVTS,

pages;
Preliminary.— Brief Notices of the Protestant Episcopal Church,

from 1606 to 1793 1-39

Chapter I.— His Childhood, Youth, and Early Manhood, 41-71

II.— His Ministry at Newport, 71-94

III. — His Visit to South-Carolina, and occurrences between

the years 1802 and 1810, 94-110

IV.— His Ministry — Charleston, 11 1-152

V. — His Ministry — Charleston; continued 153-176

VI.— His Episcopal Ministry, 177-224

VII.— Miscellaneous, 225-250

VIII. — His Last Days — Proceedings caused by his death, ., .251-300

SviAEER I. — An Oration on Taste, delivered at Harvard University,
on the occasion of taking his first degree in the Arts :
1795, 301-306

II.— Sermon on the death of Washington : 1799, 306-311

III. — Sermon on Exodus ii. 6., at the Charleston Orphan-

House : 1803, 311-317

I v.— An Oration before the Phi BetaKappa Society : 18G7, . . 317-325

V. — Extracts from his Annual Addresses to the Convention

of the Diocese of South-Carolina, : 325-331

VI. — An Address, and other papers, in behalf of the Pro-
testant Episcopal Society for the Advancement of
Christianity in South-Carolina, 332-237

VII.— 'Circular to the Clergy on the Restoration of Peace, ... 337-339

VIII.— Prayer for the Fourth of July, 340

IX. — An Universal Prayer for all things necessary to Salva-

tion, 340-341

AN ESSAY,

PRELIMINARY.

Brief Notices of the Protestant Episcopal Church, from
1606 to 1778.

It is not uncommon to attribute the merit, whatever it
may be, of having settled North-America, exckisively to
dissenters from the Church of England. But this is a
mistake. In New-England, at Salem, as early as 1629,
that is only nine years after the first landing at Plymouth,
there were persons attached to the faith of that Church,
and there is no doubt that, in all the provinces, some of
the original adventurers held the same religious principles.
They were decidedly the majority, among those who first
came to Virginia, and a very large proportion of the
founders of Maryland. The original grant for South-
Carolina was made to members* of the Church of Eng-
land, and it contained a provision that sectaries, though
tolerated, should not " in any- wise scandalize or reproach
the liturgy, forms and ceremonies, or any thing relating
thereunto."

The history of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
United States of America, in substance, is contained in

Lord Ashley, a Deiat, is an exception.
I

ti PRELIMINARY.

" Humphrey's Historical Account of the Society for the
Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts ;" in the
printed abstracts of the proceedings, and the anniversary
sermons, for the first eighty years, of the said Society; in
the life of the Rev. Dr. Johnson, first president of King's
College, N. Y.; in the " Historical Account of the Church
in South-Carolina," by the Rev. Dr. Dalcho ; in the Me-
moirs by Bishop White ; in the .Journals of the General,
and of the Diocesan Conventions ; and in the recently
published " Memorial of Bishop Hobart." With respect
to some of these documents, viz. the anniversary sermons,
and abstracts of the Society above-named, if accessible,*
they do not appear to iiave been thoroughly examined by
our historians. What we have gleaned from them, and
from a few otlier sources, will shew, that in some part»
of our country, our fatluMs in tlu' faitli were nnu'li, and
for a N)uir tinu', ix'rsccuted ; thai many ol'tlicm wcredis-
tinguislied by tjieir fortitude, iirnnu'>s, zeal, anti hberuiity,
and the clergy, in paiticiilar, hy a disinterestedness, a
devote(lurs<, and a courage wortiiy of the days of " tluj
glorious company of the apostles, and the noble army of
martyrs." It will be seen also, ihai oin' ('imrch has been.
<'ver the same, as lo her principles, characterized by a
"zeal according to know Icdnc" by walking in the "old
[)aths," and by a picly ard<Mit, yd ratioiiiil and sober,
(Mpially distant from the opposite extremes of suj)erstition
and enthusiasm. It is drlightful to mark, in seasons of
rt.'ligious comuujtion, solxr-minded Christians, of every
name, retreating, as to an ark of jHuice and safety, within
Iier pale. It ought to he more giiurally known, that Sun-
day schools, bihle, and hook distrihutiug Societies,! and
measures for chri>ti;ini/ing the .lews, the Indian tribes, and

* A complete sot, \* itliin a few years, lias been importod for the library of
the " Society for the Advancement of Christianity in South-Carolina."

t Perhaps we ou^ht to inst'rt in this list, Theological Seininarirs. since such
an institution for missionaries was projected by the Bishop of Sodor and Ma»
as early as 1710.

PRELIMINARY. d

the negro slaves, are not of as modern date as most per-
sons suppose ; that, in the last named class, according to
the experience of our fathers, subordination* and general
good conduct were essentially promoted by a knowledge
of the gospel; that the growth of our Church was much
retarded by the want of Bishops, and adv anced by plac-
ing the prayer-book, in the hands of the uninformed, and
tlie disaffected. But we will not any farther anticipate
the facts which we now proceed to lay before our readers,
chronologically arranged, and in general narrated in the
words of the original recorders.

1606. The King gave orders as follows, that " the
President, Council and Ministers should provide, that the
true word of God should be preached, planted, and used
in the colonies, according to the rites and doctrines of the
Church of England."

1609. In the new charter for the first colony in Vir-
ginia, it was declared, that " to prevent the superstitions
of the Church of Rome, none should pass into Virginia
but such as sl'iall have first taken the oath of suprem-
acy."

1820. There were five clergymen of the Church of
England in these provinces. The Virginia company had
ordered, in each of the eleven boroughs, one hundred
acres, to be set apart for a glebe ; and, for the farthei'
maintenance of the minister, required of each planter a
certain portion of tobacco. The Bishop of London had
collected, and ])aid in £1000 towards a college in Vir-
ginia. He was applied to, to procure ministers. Here
are interesting examples of zeal in the cause of religion
and learning. This province had been settled not more
than thirteen years, t when the Bishop was applied to for
duly qualified ministers ; and previously, provision was

* See in these annals 1712.

t The first permanent settlement was in 1607.

4 PRELIMINARY.

made for their comfortable support.* That the country
might have a succession of able ministers educated among
the people whom they were to instruct, the Bishop of
London wisely and generously pursued the plan which
was adopted by Bishop Middleton in India, and laid the
foundation of a college. This ,£1000, raised by him, most
probably was a part of the fund of William and Mary col-
lege.

1629. Among the new comers at Salem, Massachusetts,
were two named Brown, men of note,t who objected to
the mode of procedure in forming a Church on the inde-
pendent plan. They called the members of this Church
separatists from the Church of England, and endeavoured
to introduce the book of common-prayer. For this con-
duct, they were called to an account, and were informed,
by the governor, that New-England was no place for such
as they, and therefore, within the same year, at the return
of the ships he sent them both back to England.f This
fact satisfactorily explains the preference for the colo-
nies, other than New-England, which was generally en-
tertained by those early emigrants who were attached
to the Church of England. It was half a century after
this before any Episcopal Church was erected in New-
England.

1639. Virginia retaliated on New-England by pass-
ing severe laws affecting puritans.

1650. Additional provision for ministers was made in
Virginia. Gov. Berkley gave orders that each minister
should have a convenient house, and two hundred acres
of gleb'^-land. And he instructed his officers to be care-
ful th Llmighty God be duly and daily served according

' Bishop Sherlock's Memorial on having Bishops in America.

t "Two of the first patentees," says Marshall.

t See in Churchman's Magazine, vol. ii. an extract from " the Nevv-Kngland
Memorial by the Secretary of Plymouth Court" — a book not af all partial to
the Church of England

PRELIMINARY. O

to the form of religion established in the Church of Eng-
land, and that every congregation should have an able
minister, not only " sufficient," but " conformable."* —
The Rev. Mr. Boucher, of Maryland, author of " Dis-
courses on the American Revolution," states, that in the
middle of this century, there was not in the whole colony
of Virginia, a single dissenting congregation.

1661. A company was incorporated "for the propaga-
tion of the gospel amongst the heathen natives of New-
England, and the parts adjacent in America." The first
Governor of this association, appointed by the King, was
Robert Boyle. He makes reference to this company in
his last will, in which he settles an annual salary for some
learned divine to preach eight sermons in the year, for
proving the Christian religion against notorious infidels,
and requires the said preachers to be assisting to all com-
panies for propagating the Christian religion in foreign
parts. " In humble imitation of those lectures founded by
the Hon. Mr. Boyle," (as he modestly expresses himself)
the Hon. Chief Justice Pinckney, who died in 1758, by his
will, founded two semi-annual lectures, to be preached in
St. Philip's Church, Charleston, on " the greatness and
goodness of God." The Church of England was estab-
lished by law in Virginia this year.

1670. About this time, the Rev. Dr. Alexander Mur-
ray was nominated for the Episcopate in America. But
the coming in of the new ministry, called "the Cabal,"
defeated the measure.!

1679. About this time, the first Episcopal Church was
erected in Boston, and the Episcopalians petition f'^ the
Bishop of London for a minister. The Bishop of 1 '^ilon
instituting an inquiry, found that there were only four|:

" Bishop Sherlock's Memorial.

t "Free Examination," by the Rev. Dr. Chandler, published in 1774,
who refers to the original papers in the Duke of Bedford's office.

t One of these probably was in South-Carolina, the Rev. Atkin Williamson,
who came to the province about that time.

6 PRELIMINARY.

ministers of the Church of England in all North- America.
To encourage the emigration of this useful class of men,
Charles II. offered a bounty of d£20. Queen Mary gave
^200 per annum to support missionaries. To the same
object several of the nobility, clergy, and gentry, contri-
buted generously. Chiefly to forward the education of
candidates for holy orders, a liberal charter and endow-
ment for a college were given by William and Mary, after
whom it was in gratitude named. t

1681-90. The first Episcopal Church in South-Caro-
hna, in Charleston, was built on the site of the present St.
Michael's Church, and was called St. Philip's. As the
congregation must have been small and not wealthy, it
may have been thought suitable to name their Church
after a deacon, rather than any superior character, or the
name may have reference to the fact, that it was Philip
who preached the gospel and baptized the pious stranger
in a foreign land. We can form no conjecture respecting
the choice, if it was Philij) the apostle, and not the dea-
con, in memory of whom the' name was selected.

1691-92. Maryland was divided by law into })arishes,
and a maintenance established for the respective minis-
ters.

1()95. It was determined iu that province to have t^ome
one clergyman to preside over the rest, and they petition-
ed William and Mary to make the judicial oHice of com-
missary ])urely ecclesiastical, in order to provide a fund
for the sup|)()rt of this ])residing clergymau. The judicial
oflice of commissary was valued at £400 per annum.
They also v/rote to the Bishop of l^ondon recpu'sting him
to send over a suitable character for this othce. He forth-
Avith appointed the Kev. Dr. Bray, who was so distin-
guished for his zeal that he has been called the Howard
of religion. He was the founder of sixty parochial and
eighty-three lending libraries at home, and of thirty-nine

Iluniphries' History.

PRELIMINARY. 7

parochial libraries* in the colonies, of these thirty were
in Maryland. It was the exclusive object to collect such
theological books as might assist the clergy in their voca-
tion. Thirty-four thousand religious books and tracts
were sent to America for distribution, by the benevolent
exertions of this individual. Hov/ much good may be
effected by the enterprize and industry even of one man !
Here we behold a whole continent, and generation after
generation essentially, probably everlastingly blessed, by
the beneficence of this one person ! After several ineffec-
tual attempts to procure from government, funds for the
propagation of the gospel in America, he suggested, and
was principally instrumental in rearing the '' Society for
the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts." Indeed,
he may justly be considered the founder of this incorpor-
ated Society, as well as of another association called the
•' Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge," which
gave birth to the former,! though only of a few years ear-
lier date. This latter Society has principally laboured at
home and in India, whither it has sent missionaries, bibles,
and religious books.t

1696. The Rev. Samuel Marshall was appointed the
minister of St. Philip's Church in Charleston. He is re-
presented to have been a learned, pious, and Vvorthy man,
who was induced to leave a considerable benefice and
come to the province, by the Rev. William Burkitt,
author of the " Exposition of the New Testament," and
the Rev. Dr. Bray. By this benevolent man he was fur-
nished with a library which he brought out with him.
He was so acceptable that the flock increased from fifty
to nearly seven hundred, and a Church was built, and

* One of these, consisting of two hundred and twenty-five vohimes, was in
Charleston.

t General Account of the Society.

t "The associates of Dr. Bray," a Society so called in England, are still
engaged in prosecuting his two favourite objects, viz. the founding of parochial
libraries, and the christianizing of negroes.

» PRELIMINARV.

a new brick parsonage-house. The General Assembly
moreover settled on him and his successors, £150 per
annum, two negroes, and a small stock of cattle. A
farm of seventeen acres was generously given to the
Church by Mrs. Afra Coming. About the same time,
the Rev. Dr. Bray induced the Rev. Mr. Clayton, who
was the first minister of the Church in Pennsylvania,
to come to that province, who was provided by him
with a library. Under his ministry, a handsome Churclj
was erected, and the congregatioj;! increased from fifty to
seven hundred. He died in 1699 of yellow-fever, taken
in visiting the sick, deservedly regretted as a most amia-
ble and pious character. It is remarkable that the Rev.
Mr. Marshall, who came out about the same time, died
this year also in South-Carolina of a contagious distem-
per, taken in visiting the sick.

1698. Public worship, after the Ejuscopal manner, was
first introduced into Rhode-Island. Tlie Rev. Mr. Vesey,
first minister in New- York, is thus commended in a letter
to the Society by Caleb Heathcote — " He hath ever
continued with great faithfulness in the discharge of his
duty. His life and conversation hath likewise been very
regular, and without the least stain or blemish as to his
morals. He is not only a very excellent preacher, but
was always very careful never to mix in his sermons, any
thing imj)roper to be delivei-ed out of the pulpit. It is the
good providence of God, he is contimuMl so long among us,-
for tiie thorough settlement of the Church in this place."
Of this Mr. Heathcote, it is said, " by his prudent zeal,
and wise conduct In* was a chief instrument in settling the
Church of England, in New- York, Connecticut and New-
Jersey."

1700. The Rev. Mr. Evans came to Philadelphia. He
was the second Episcopal minister who was settled in that
place. Within two years he introduced to the faith of the
Church above five hundred persons, chiedy from among
those who had separated in 1691 or J 692 fiom the Foxian

PRELIMINARY. i^

Quakers. These separated Quakers went at first by the
name of Keithians, their leader being a Mr. Keith. This
was the same Mr. Keith who, subsequently taking holy
orders, was appointed a missionary of the Society. His
coming among his old friends in this character was very
agreeable to them, and he was the means of inducing
many to become members of the Episcopal Church. He
and his companion in the mission, the Rev. Mr. Talbot,
baptized at least two hundred in Pennsylvania, Jersey,
and New- York. In the two former provinces, the Rev.
Mr. Evans baptized, of the Quakers, about five hundred
adults and children. In New-Jersey, a considerable pro-
portion of the earliest members of the Church were con-
verts from Quakerism. In New- York, many of the con-
verts were from among the Dutch, for whose accommoda-
tion the liturgy and sermon were in that language. The
younger people, however, were taught the Church cate-
chism in English. At Albany, about 1712, there were
one hundred and sixty children so taught, of Dutch de-
scent. The first minister settled in this province was the
Rev. Mr. Vesey, who was chosen by the vestry before his
ordination, for which purpose he soon after went to Eng-
land. He is reported to have been a truly pious man, and
a faithful, discreet, and useful minister. Catechising on
week days, in places remote from the residence of the
minister, was at that time practised, and found of great
service. Might not this custom be revived with advan-
tage, and especially in those extensive parishes, both in
the old and new States, which often embrace a circuit of
twenty miles or more ?

1701. The " Society for Propagating the Gospel in
Foreign Parts," which contributed more than any other to
the planting and nurture of the Church in this land, com-
menced its operations. It received in 1702 a benefaction
of .£1000, and year after year other benefactions, with an
accession of annual subscribers. The first proceedings of
this Society were the entering into a correspondence with

10 PRELIMINARY.

intelligent men resident in tlie different colonies, as to
their religious condition, and the sending forth two mis-
sionaries, the Rev. Messrs. Keith and Talbot, who were
directed to travel through the whole of them. The first
named, landed at Boston, June 11, 1702, and visited ten
of the provinces as far south as North-Carolina inclusive.
The friends of the Church being stirred up, as well as
some of the governors, anxiously petitioned the Society
to send out ministers, promising a hearty co-operation in
making the necessary provision for their maintenance.
Excepting Virginia and Maryland, in which the clergy
had salaries settled on them by acts of assembly, every
one of the old United States participated in the bounty of
this Society. To each missionary, they committed £5
worth of small tracts, besides bibles, prayer-books, the
Whole Duty of Man, and other books of devotion or
instruction, to be dispersed among the people, and among
the children by their schoolmasters. Within the first
twenty-five years they had distributed above eight thous-
and volumes and one hundred thousand small tracts, in
South-Carolina £300 worth of tracts, and above two
thousand volumes. In the instructions to tlieir mission-
aries, one is to this eHect : That they shall, to the best
of their judgment, distribute those small tracts among
such of their parishionc^rs as shall want them most and
appinir likely to make the best use of them ; and that
sMch uselul books of \\hi(h they have not a sufficient
number to £,'•/>.", they be ready to lend to those, who will
be most caieful in leading and restoring tiiem. In New-
York, they distrilMited the prayer-book in Dutch, which
had the ellect of riMuoving some prejudices which had
existed against the liturgy. To the young, of Dutch
extraction, English prayer-books ])roved a means of
improvement in our language, and also induced them
to attend on English preaching. The Society were in-
formed that the books proved very useful in leading many
into a due knowlediie of the duties of a Christian life, miA

PRELIMINARY. 11

particularly that the prayer-books had influenced uiany to
come to Church. Thus it appears that bible, prayer
book, and tract societies are not a modern invention, as
has been asserted. Whatever merit belongs to these
methods of propagating the gospel and of building up
Christians in their holy faith, this Society must be recog-
nized as having originated, or at least availed itself of,
them, long since. I know not but it may also rightfully
claim the credit of having revived* Sunday schools. It
was not until 1782 that Robert Raikes, a member of tjie
Church of England, formed a Sunday school. But it was
as early as 1720 that Mr. Iluddlestone, a teacher in New-
York supported by this benevolent corporation, used to
teach every Sunday at Church before, and at his house
after, sermon. Besides his own scholars, other children,
and many of them African slaves, attended this Sunday
school. The whole number was about one hundred. t
The Society had several great purposes. It was a mis-
sionary, education, bible, prayer-book, and tract Society.
As an encouragement to pious ministers to enter the ardu-
ous service, the Society presented their faithful mission-
aries considerable gratuities, when they were pressed with
distressing circumstances, and on occasion of any public
calamity, as war with the Indians, and the like. They also
made handsome presents to the widows and orphans of the
missionaries who were left unprovided for. On one occa-
sion it is recorded, and probably there were other in
stances, that they extended their liberality to ministers who
were not in their employ. When South-Carolina had been
ravaged by the Indians, they voted to each minister in the
colony who needed it, a bounty of dC30. Two French

The expression is chosen because Sunday schools are regarded as being
substantially the same as the catechetical schools conducted by pious laymen
and women in the first ages of the Church.

i The kindred Society, that for Promoting Christip.n Knowledge, in a sub-
scription roll, dated 1699. say "We do subscribe for promoting Christian
knowledge, as by erecting catechetical schools."

12 PRELIMINARY.

ministers, the Rev. Messrs. Lapierre and Ricliboiirg, who,
on account of their circumstances, were just preparing
to quit the country, were prevented by so seasonable a
reUef.

1703. The Rev. Mr. Blair, first missionary to North-
Carolina, was sent out.

1704. Attempts were commenced by the Society, and
others of the Church, to convert the Indians. The Church
minister at Albany often preached to the Indians at Sche-
nectady. By direction of Queen Anne, a chapel was built
at the Mohock's Castle, and a parsonage-house. With
the minister, a schoolmaster was also sent out to teach
the children English. The Indians objecting to this, they
were taught in their own language. They would not
suffer their children to be corrected. For their use/
translations were made of the daily morning and evening
prayer, the litany and the catechism, also family prayers,
St. Matthew, several psalms and chapters, particularly
the fifteenth of the first epistle to the Corinthians. But
their roving disposition, and the suggestions of Jesuits,
and of other Indian tribes caused the whole benevolent
plan to fail. They at last withdrew their children,
mocked the missionary, and forbad him to come; to
their abode. But, however discouraginiir these facts may
seem, tlie charity was not wholly in vain. 3Ir. Davis,
who was among these Indians as late as 1S23, relates that
thoy revert with pleasure to that period, when the Society
in England for propagating the gos])el sent a faithful
labourer among them, who reared the standard of the
cross, and planted tlic upnstolic Church in the bosom of
their nation, lie states that the chiefs and warriors,
and indeed the whole people, are zealously attached to
the Episcopal Church, viewing it as the Church of their
forefathers. Thus we find the declaration of holy scrip-
ture verified — " Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou
shall find it after many days,"

PRELIMINARY. 13

1707.* The Rev. Mr. Muirson, who appears to have
been the first Church minister who laboured in Connecti-
cut, was called on at Stratford, and a paper read to him
by a magistrate, purporting that he had done an illegal
thing in coming among them to establish a new way of
worship, and forewarning him from preaching any more.
Ministers and magistrates went from house to house to
persuade the people not to attend his preaching, and
threatening with imprisonment and a fine of £5, those
who should do so. There was quoted to him a law to
this effect. '' Tliere shall be no ministry or Church ad-
ministration entertained or attended by the inhabitants of
any town or plantation in this colony, distinct and sepa-
rate from and in opposition to that which is openly and
publicly observed and dispensed by the approved minister
of the place." They who strove to have the Church
worship settled at Stratford were about fifteen families,
most of them tradesmen, some husbandmen who had
been born and bred in England. Their discourses
about the Church service, first turned their neighbours
thoughts this way. Here, we may remark, is another
evidence, if evidence were wanting, of the value of our
liturgy, as a bond of union to her members, and a means
of recommending her institutions. Those societies whose
design it is to defend and propagate Church principles
cannot be insensible to the great importance of disseminat-
ing the book of common-prayer. t Service according to
our way was first held in Connecticut in 1706, but no
Church was built there till 1723.

1710. An old wooden Chuiich, on the present site of
Christ Church, was buih in Philadelphia. At the anni-
versary meeting of the " Society for Propagating the
Gospel," a poor person laid at the vestry door a small

A Carolinian may be permitted to extract this in a note: a new Church
built this year at Rye, Now- York, has ''a handsome ahar-piece made of
Carolina cedar."

t See, in these annals, 1722.

14 PRELIMINARY.

parcel of Church catechisms, with a note desiring they
might be accepted and sent to the plantations. An order
of the board was made accordingly. The Bishop of
Sodor and Man proposed to set on foot a sort of per-
petual seminary to educate persons in the Isle of Man,
in orcler to be sent abroad for the propagation of the gos-
pel, it having been found difficult to obtain missionaries :
yoimg men naturally declining a mission if they have any
tolerable prospects nearer home.

1711. Upon renewed instances from governors, minis-
ters, vestries, and people, the '* Society for Propagating
the Gospel," alleging there were many ministers who re-
quired spiritual governors, petitioned the Q,ueen that four
Bishops (one of them for Barbadoes) should be sent to
America. She approved the measure, and a bill was or-
dered, but her death intervened. The Society also sug-
gested means by which they might be supported. A
similar petition was also addressed to her successor, and
favourably received. But the rebellion prevented the
measure. The plan was to have one Bishop for the con-
tinent, and another for the isles of America, who were to
have no temporal power. Archbishop Tenison favoured
the design, and at his death left £1000 to aid in their sup-
port. About tliis time, the Society purchased n hoiisc at
Burlington, New-.fersey, for the residence of a Bislioj), at
J ho cost of c£COO. The instructing of the negro and In-
dian slaves belonging to the plantations and families of
any of her mujesty's subjects, nnd so to prepare them for
conversion, ba])tism and comjuunion, was a charge given
to every missionary, to a particular catechist for slaves,
and to all schoolmasters, according to their opportunity
;uid power. The missionary to tlue Indians writes that
lie instructed them every Lord's day and Wednesday.
He took the catechetical way, and had gone through
briefly the chief fundamentals of religion.

1712. When the conspiracy in New- York was discover-
ed, jiiiiny persons spoke against giving the negroes in-

PRELIMliNARY. 16

struction, and the Society's catecliist was much blamed.
But upon the trial of these insurgents, there were but two
of his school so much as charged, and only one a baptized
man. The latter was acknowledged to be innocent by
the common voice. The other was concerned in the plot,
though not in the murder that followed. The most guilty
negroes belonged to those persons who had been the de-
clared opposers of making them Christians. The Gov-
ernor, Robert Hunter, publicly declared his approbation
of the design of christianizing the negroes. In a procla-
mation he recommended the object to the clergy, having
previously visited the school. He, the council, the mayor,
recorder, and two chief justices, gave to Mr. Neau a very
ample testimonial, setting forth : That he had demeaned
himself to the great advancement of religion in general,
and the particular benefit of the free Indians, negro slaves,
and other heathens in those parts. In Albany also, the en-
deavours to christianize the negroes, made by the Church
minister, were crowned with success. This subject ap-
pears from the beginning to have engaged the attention
of those interested in the religious condition of the colo-
nies. It was a special object with the Rev. Dr. Bray,
and his associates. They caused to be printed, and dis-
persed in the West-Indies, an abridgment of Bishop Wil-
son's Instruction for the Indians, justly regarding this as
eiqually suitable for the negroes, and Lectures for the Ne-
groes, by the Rev. Mr. Duke, late rector of St. Thomas,
in Barbadoes. It appears from the will of Dr. Bray, that
he had prepared several catechetical pieces for the con-
version of the negroes, which he directs to be transmitted
to certain persons for their use. Mr. D'Allone, private
secretary to King William, bequeathed to Dr. Bray and
his associates £900 towards erecting a capital fund for
converting the negroes in the British plantations. Out of
the interest of this fund an annual stipend was paid for
several years towards the support of a catechist, to teach

16 PRELIMINARY.

the negroes in Georgia. These associates, in 1760, open-
ed schools for negro children in different parts of America,
under the care and inspection of worthy persons, who
charitably engaged to see that the children were properly
instructed in the principles of Christianity, and that the
great and necessary duties of obedience and hdeiity to
their masters, and humility and eontentedness with their
condition were duly impressed on their minds.* In these
schools, very many were brought up in the fear of God
and the faith of the gospel, and approved themselves good
Christians, and of steady fidelity to their masters. They
now have three such scliools in Nova-Scotia, one at Nas-
sau, and two in Philadelphia. The latter are sup})orted
by ground rent from a lot purchased in the year 1774.
Bishop White is one of the trustees of this property. In an
eloquent essay on the christianizing of negroes, by Bisho})
Portciis, who must have had a more than common solici-
tude on this suljject, hav inii' the spiritual superintendence
of the West-Indies, we lind tiiese judicious observations:
*' It is to the education of the young negroes that we are
principally to look for tlic success of our spiritual labours.
These may be brought up from their earliest youth in
habits of virtue, and restrained from all licentious indul-
gences : these may have the principles and the precepts
of religion impressed so early upon their minds, as to sink
deep and to tfike firm root, and bring forth the fruits of p
truly Christian life."

1713. A schoolmaster sent to Long-Island. The vestry
write to the Society, " wit hout your Ijounty and charity, our
poor children would undoubtedly want all education; our
people are poor and si^ttled distantly from one another, and
unable to board out their children." The Soci( ty sent
for the school, catechisms and prayer-books. X50() were
givfen by the lords-|)ro])rietors towards the building of
the Church at C'harleston, South-Carolina.

' Life of Bray. p. GO,

PRELIMINARY. 17

1714. Archbishop Tennison bequeathed £1000 towards
settling two bishops, one for the continent, the other for
the isles of America, and till such bishops be settled, that
the interest be divided* among the disabled and superan-
nuated clerary. The Society recommended to a very
worthy member, that he compile a small treatise, which
may incline all such patrons, masters, or merchants (who
are still averse thereto) to bring their slaves to the saving
ordinance of baptism, and not to suffer so many poor souls
for whom Christ died, to be left without the pales of his
holy catholic Church, as standing blemishes on the pro-
testant name, for uncharitableness and want of mercy.
This recommendation produced the desired effect. Par-
ticular instructions on the same point were given to the
missionaries, and printed in the annual report. Among
the impediments to the success of missions in America,
there is mentioned, as the first and chiefest, the want of
a bishop, w^iich some letters thence exceedingly bemoan.
In the evening of the Lord's day not only Mr. Huddle-
stone's scholars, but several of the young people of New-
York were statedly instructed. To this Sunday school
(for such it was, though it might not have been so called)
the Society furnished twenty-four common prayer-books,
and as many of Lewis' explanation of the Church cate-
chism, twelve bibles, &c. The Society has been at a
great charge for the instruction and maintenance of Prince
George, son of a Yammonsea Sachem, for some time in
England, who may, in the hands of God, become a heal-
ing instrument for cementing those late breaches which
have been fatally evidenced between the English, and
their neighbours on the frontiers of Carolina.

1721. Fifteen churches, very decent structures, were
in Pennsylvania. It is said, the peo])le make no account
of riding twenty miles to Church. Tvvo thousand volumes
and £300 worth of small tracts had been distributed in
that province by the Society. The Church at Bristol was
called St. James', because opened near that day.

3

18 PRELIMINARY.

1722. At a public commencement at Yale College hi
New-Haven, several persons who had been brought up in
the independent way, and were either candidates or or-
dained ministers of that persuasion, and among these, the
president of the College, Dr. Cutler, Mr. Brown, a tutor
in the same, and Mr. Samuel Johnson, who was after-
wards president of King's College in New- York, declared
their conformity to the Church of England, laid down
their preferments, and went to England for Episcopal
ordination. Previous to this, they held a conference with
the trustees, at which their new views were discussed with
considerable earnestness on both sides. This change was
chiefly attributed to the reading of ecclesiastical history,
and of some of those works in vindication of the Church,
which had been introduced into Yale College hbrary, by
benefactors in Great-Britain, particularly " Slater's Ori-
ginal Drauiilit," and " Potter on Church Government.'*
Mr. Johnson was enliglitencd by "Archbishop King on
the Inventions of Men in the Worshij) of God," and by
a copy of the jjrayer-book loaned liim by a pious mem-
ber. Here we have another instance of the usefulness
of the prayer-book as a guide to the Church, and hei
defender and expounder. Dr. (aitler having for con-
scieuce sake forfeited liis presidency, was soon after ap-
[)ointed rector of a Clnucii at IJoston. TIkmc are lately
come over from Connecticur, iu order to receive Episcopal
ordination, Mr. T. Cutler, late president of Yale College.
Mr. I). IJrowu, late tutor of the same, and iMr. S. Jolm-
sou, late pastor of \Vest-Ha\en, whom, as they ai)])eaj- to
be persons (if distiugui>lie(l merit, and have been received
with favour by the Bishop of London, the Society pro-
poses, when (|ualitied by ordination, to receive into the
mission.

172'3. Two .huobite bishoj)s came over to Ameiica
privately, upon which Dr. Gibson, newly made Bishop of
Tiondon, took occasion to urge the nec<'ssity of sending
over such bishops as were well aflected to the irovern-

PRELIMINARY. 19

uient. One of these is said to have died in New-Jer-
sey.* The first Episcopal Church in Connecticut was
erected at Stratford. The motto of the Society for Pro-
pagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts was, " Transientes
adjnvate nos^ peue infideles.^'' Mr. Huddlestone teaches
tlie negroes in the steeple of the Church every Sunday
before sermon, and after sermon at his own house. The
Rev. Mr. Macsparrow from Narragansetts writes, that
during Lent, several children come to Church every Sun-
day and publicly repeat the catechism, which they per-
form with such decency and distinctness, that the people
are wonderfully enamoured with that method of training
up children.

1725. A patent was given to Bishop Gibson, in which
his whole power and jurisdiction were confined to the
clergy only. Dr. Chandler in his free examination states,
*'that the members of the Church in the colonies have
contracted a general aversion to the control of Episcopal
autiiority ; therefore. Dr. Seeker proposes, and indeed it
has long been agreed on all sides, that the jurisdiction of
our future bishops shall not extend to the laity, but be
confined to the clergy of our Church. Such an alteration
in order to render the Episcopate agreeable to our own
people as well as unexceptionable to others, is an im-
provement which it may fairly be presumed Dr. Tennison
would himself greatly approve of, were he now living."
The idea of ministerial, spiritual authority not extend-
ing to the laity, is not easily understood. The fact is
remarkable as an evidence of the strong current of
prejudice which, in this country, set against the distin-
guishing institutions of our Church. Notwithstanding the
high authority in favour of this alteration, to make Episco-
pacy palatable, it may be made a question, whether the
concession was not too broad, and the temporizing doc-
trine carried too far. It must be admitted, however, that

* A Free Examination of the Critical Commentary.

20 PRELIMINARY.

as we have neither the whole plan before us, nor are ac-
quainted with all the circumstances, we cannot conclusively
decide the question. The Society being exceeding desir-
ous to promote to their utmost, the instruction and con-
version of the poor negroes, have not only appointed the
Rev. Mr. Colgan to carry on the good work as catechist,
at New- York (where are said to be fourteen hundred
negroes and Indian slaves) but have also written to all their
missionaries to use their best endeavours every where to
persuade the masters to suffer their negroes to be instruct-
ed, and to take all convenient opportunilies to do it, and
esj)ecially to take care to instruct such slaves as they may
have belonging to themselves, and to fit them for receiving
baptism. They have appointed a j^erson well recom-
mended to them (Mr. T. Wilkie) for the em})loy, to be
the catechist of the slaves on their plantations, and use
all dili.^ence to teach the neurncs the principles of Chris-
tianity, and to pre|)ar<' tlinu Inr hnniism: his salary is
£100.

1727. Christ Climcli, l^iiiladclphia, was built.

172vS. A benefaction of i*')^. 14*-. ()(l. was received,
being the produce of rice shipped by the Rev. Mr. Guy
of South-Carolina, a part of the estate of Mr. George
Boyle, bequeatiied to the Society. £l(yfi. 3.v. was paid to
the treasurer, towards raising a fund for t\\v. maintenance
of catechists to instruct negroes in the plantations. The
llv.v. Mr. .Johnson of Stratford, rejmrts, among other
things, that he had baptized Mr. Mordecai 3Iarks, a .lew,
who is a very worthy pr<)selyte and steady coinmunicc^ut.
It is about thirty yinirs since the building of the first Church
in Pennsylvania, and tiu-re are now fifteen churches, v(My
decent structures, t'nr celebrating public worship ; and in
New-York province, sixteen or seventeen, nf which tleven
are in the city alone ; in the colonies generally, above sixty
churches are now erected. Adverting to these times, the
Rev. Dr. Ifumplnies remarks — "The colonists deserve
the help of their countrymen, for those who were ri( ji

* PRELIMINARY. 21

showed a very earnest and sincere zeal to have the Church
settled among them, and many poor inhahitants who had
scarce built themselves houses contributed towards build-
ing churches. They have been liberal in their poverty,
and that providence which hath, in so early a season, dis-
posed them to be a religious people, seems by that to de-
sign them hereafter to be a great and flourishing people."
When we recollect that this was penned before the year
1730, it appears somewhat prophetical.

1729. <£152. 15^. given for the maintenance of cate-
chists to instruct negroes.

1731. Bishop Berkley, in his sermon before the Society,
says — "The French and Spaniards have bishops, and it
is not found that their colonies are worse subjects, or de-
pend less on their mother country on that account."

1732-33. In the sermon it is said — " It is a constant
direction to every minister employed abroad, to instruct
the negroes that belong to the inhabitants allotted to his
care. Peculiar teachers or catechists are likewise ap-
])ointed for this good purpose, nor have the endeavours
used for instructing these poor creatures been without
success. The annual accounts of the proceedings of the
Society, furnish frequent instances of their conversion.
To carry on the good work more effectually, a particular
fund is appointed for that purpose."

1738. The report says — "Many thousands of our peo-
ple, infants and adults, and many Indians and negroes,
have been baptized, and instructed in the true faith of our
Lord Jesus Christ ; and more than eight thousand volumes
of bibles, common prayer-books, and other religious and
useful books, with above an hundred thousand small
tracts of devotion and instruction, have been dispersed in
foreign parts, and there is now a very hopeful appearance
of religion," &c. The Rev. Dr. Cutler, minister of
Christ Church in Boston, writes, among other thin-Ts —
"There are three congregations of the Church of Eng-
land, and nine large congregations of Independaals, one

22 PRELIMINARY.

of Presbyterians (not very large) a small one of Anabap-
tists, a smaller yet of Quakers, and he fears infidelity
spreads among them by a denial or corruption of the great
principles of Christianity, and by a disregard to revela-
tion, with too much of a v/ilful captiousness, and criticism
upon the sacred text^ cherished in private cabals, and by
the use of bad books in great number brought over to
them." The Society say — " They have launched out so
far as to have established ministers, catechists and school-
masters in our colonies, to the certain amount of <£3090
per annum upon only the certain income of <£638 7**.

1739. The annual subscriptions of the Society for the
Propagation of the Gospel, amount to but little above
£000, and two-thirds of this sum are subscribed by the
clergy.

1740. In the sermon by Bishop Seeker, he says — " The
success of catechists, among the negroes, where it was
least has not been inconsiderable ; and so great in the
plantation l)elonging to the Society, that out of two hun-
dred and thirty, at least seventy are now believers in
Christ. In one considerable province, the members of
our Church lie under peculiar burdens. In New-England
they are rated to the support of what the Independants,
who are the greater part, call the Established Church.
And the goods of many have been seized, and their bodies
imprisoned for non-payment. The Anaba])tists, on their
jietition, were exemj)ted from paying the rate, and the
Quakers without petitioning ; but the petition of the
members of our Church was rejected." Kev. Mr. Arnold
writes, that at West-IIaven, some have been sufferers for
their rehgion, ha\ ing been fined for not going to meetings,
and others thrown into jail for not paying contributions to
the Indepc^ndent teachers. The fund for the instruction
of negroes consists, at present, of about £2500. In
South-Carolina, the Society had, says Dr. Chandler, ten
missionaries at an expense of £450 per anninn. This
year a large number of congregations appear to have been

PRELIMINARY* 23

formed, and churches erected in various part sot* Connec-
ticut. Previously, notwithstanding the interest that must
have been felt when Dr. Cutler, president of Yale College,
Dr. Johnson, and others in high repute changed their senti-
ments, there were not more than three or four congrega-
tions. The accession to the Church at this time is easily
accounted for. The boisterous and theatrical manner of
preaching of Whitfield, attempted to be imitated by his
followers, who were far inferior in genius, disgusted many
persons of sober intellect, who looked rather for the still
small voice heard by the prophet, than the thunder and
storm of enthusiasm. The strange and almost frantic
actions frequently exhibited at their evening lectures, put
them upon inquiry. And this terminated in a conviction
that even the calmer but rigid doctrines of Calvin, con-
cerning predestination, in which they had been instructed,
were not founded on the word of God.

1741. The Rev. Mr. Johnson, missionary at Stratford,
writes, " that a variety of traveUing, enthusiastical and
antinomian teachers so affrighted the people with their
dismal outcries, that their bodies have been frequently
affected with surprizing convulsions ; and these convul-
sions have sometimes seized on those who came as mere
spectators, and are no friends to the new methods, even
without their minds being at all infected; but the Church
liath rather gained than suffered by these commotions,
and three or four families in the parish have already come
over to it upon these distractions."

1742. Commissary Price, dated Boston, writes, " that
the assembly of Massachusetts, under the influence of their
new governor, Shirley, passed a law which frees the
members of the Church of England, in that province,
from paying to the support of what the Independants there
call the established religion." But by the letters from Con-
necticut, it appears, that the magistrates of it continue
their former violent methods, especially against our new
conformists, and not long since committed four of them.

21 PRELIMINARY.

eontribuloifc towards building a Church, to jail, for not
contributing towards building a meeting-house, at the
same time that the province was much disturbed through
the extravagances of enthusiastic teachers, more espe-
cially of one Davenport. Not only teachers, but tailors,
shoemakers, and other mechanics, and even women, boys,
and girls, vt^ere become (as their term is) exhorters. The
Rev. Mr. Hoe, at Boston, writes — " that he attended a
conference with the Indians about one hundred and fifty
miles from Boston, and that most of the indians (about
four hundred in all) had small brazen crucifixes about
their necks, but in all other respects appeared true sav-
ages, and upon his talking to them about their crucifixes,
one of their young men smartly replied in French, ' let
every one take care of his own religion.' " The Rev. Mr.
Backhouse, Chester, Pennsylvania, writes — " that for
want of Episcopal ministers, many join with the dissenters
in worship, and that one of their teachers bciing asked
how his congregation stood affected in these unsettled
times, answered, he was liapj^y in having his congregation
chiefly consisting of Church of England people, who gave
themselves up to nozie of those wild notions, and enthusi-
astic ravings, v/hich some people practised so much, and
were so fond of.

1743. Teachers were appointed for tlie college at Bar-
badoes, founded by Gen. Codrington.

1744. The Rev. Dr. Cutler of Boston, writes— "that
endeavours were by no means wanting for the spreading
of infidelity, and so huge a number of books for tliat
purpose liad been Ir.tely imported to Boston from Lon-
don, that the freight c;une to X*45, that currency. At
[)erl)y, all :^iu'h in>-ices of the peace are put out of com-
mission as conform to the Church of England. The Rev.
Mr. Backhouse, Chester, Pennsylvania, writes — "that he
hath been constrained to teach school, to prevent the chil-
dren of his congregation from going for education to such
as jnight pervert them in their religious principles."

PRELIMINARY. 25

1745. Dr. Cutler writes — " that scarce a Sunday passes
without the company, at his Church, of some dissenters,
multitudes being now inclined to examine and look into
both sides of a question, which few comparatively could
be persuaded to do heretofore, till the late revival of en-
thusiasm among them, and some hundreds have thereupon
been added to the Church."

1746. The Society received a valuable collection of
books, from the Rev. William Dehaire, for a parochial
Hbrary in some part of America — it is ordered to be placed
at Chiist Church, Boston. At Newport, the congregation
is said to be very large, not of whites only, but of blacks
also. Mr. Wetmore writes — " that he had the satisfaction
to find at Yale College five bachelors of arts of this year
openly professing themselves of the Church of Englai d."

1748. Whitefield, Tenant, and other warm preachers,
came through Connecticut, and fired the people with en-
thusiasm, which occasioned one of the most wealthy, and
intelligent, and zealous Congregationalists at Stratford
(Col. Burr) to join the Episcopalians, and assist in build-
ing the Church at that town.

1749. In New-England, even the ignorant negroes and
Indians have set up preaching and praying by the spirit,
and they have their meeting-houses, in which such of them
as can neither write nor read, hold forth in their turns.
This hath brought many serious-thinking dissenters to
consider more attentively the decency and order in the
Church of England, and to join themselves to it. The
Society (the Bishop of Cloyne furnishing the means)
having sent some valuable theological books to Harvard
College, a letter of thanks was sent them by President
Holyoke.

1749-.50. The Bishop of London (Sherlock) presented
a memorial in favour of having bishops in America. It
came from him with great propriety, as having the spirit-
ual jurisdiction of the Church in these provinces. He
recommends the appointment, not for Pennsylvania or

4

26 PRELIMINARY.

New-England, but only for those colonies in which the
Church was established ; and proves, by quotations from
public acts, that it was so in Maryland, Virginia, North
and South-Carolina. For their maintenance, he suggests
private contributions, as the crown could not afford to
maintain them, and a tax might raise opposition to their
settlement, and cause the bishops to be regarded as ex-
cisemen. He attributes the prejudices which existed in
some degree against bishops, to the people having been
destitute of them for so many years. Bishop Butler drew
up a plan for having bishops in America, and Archbishop
Seeker addressed a letter on the same subject to an
American clergyman, setting forth the arrangements de-
termined on to remove prejudices, &lc. As Moravian
bishops were authorized by act of parliament, he com-
plains that as much was not done for the American Epis-
copal Church. The Society return thanks to the Rev.
Mr. Bacon, rector of St. Peter's, Talbot County, Mary-
land, for twenty-five copies of his sermon j)reached to a
congregation of black sluves, aud tw('nty-fi^e copies of
his four sermons preached there \\\nni the great and in-
dispensable duty of all Chri.^tiiui masters ;iiid mistresses
to brin"- up their nei>ro slaves iu the knowledi»e and feai
of God. The Rev. (now I5i>h(»j)) Meade had these ad-
mirable sermons repiiuted about 1H1(), ;iud they have
beeu siuc(^ republished iu Ciiarlestou. Mr. Oiiilvie, mis-
siouary to the Mohawk Indians, rejjorts, that he adminis-
tered thesacrameut to thirteeu Indians, bjit that too many
others are so far degenerated into drunkards, that his
chief hopes aie |)l;u'e(l oti the rising generation, the chil-
dren being universally disposed to learn.

175'2. The commissioners for liuilding the Church of
St. Michael, Charleston, having waited on his Excellency
the Governor, to dosiie that he would be phn^serl to lay
the first stone ; on Monday last (February 20) his Excel-
lency (Governor James Glen) attended by several of the
members of his Majesty's honorable council, and of the

PRELIMINARY. 27

assembly of this province, with the commissioners and
orier gentlemen, was pleased to proceed to the spot, and
lay the same accordingly, and thereon a sum of money ; a
stone was then laid by each of the gentlemen that attend-
ed his Excellency, followed by the loud acclamations of a
mimerous concourse of people that had assembled to see
the ceremony ; after which the company proceeded to Mr.
Gordon's, where a handsome entertainment was provided
by the commissioners. Dinner over, his Majesty's health
was drank, followed by a discharge of the cannon at Gran-
ville's bastion, then the healths of all the royal family, and
other loyal toasts ; and the day was concluded with pecu-
liar pleasure and satisfaction. This Church will be built
on the plan of one of Mr. Gibson's designs, and it is thought
will exhibit a fine piece of architecture when completed.
The steeple being designed much larger than that of St.
PliiUp's, will have a fine set of bells.*

1753. Twelve persons agreed that they and their fami-
lies should form a congregation at Roxbury (Connecticut).
Having no prospect of soon obtaining a minister, they
made choice of one of their number, Captain Hawley, to
be their reader. The congregation grew, and it was not
long before they found themselves in a capacity for build-
ins^ a Church. The orio^inal twelve belonged to four con-
tiguous towns, New-Milford, Southbury, Woodbury, and
Roxbury, and met in the latter as the most central place.
Captain Hawley officiated for twelve years, and this is one
among the instances of the utility of lay-reading, where
circumstances do not admit of the people having a minis-
ter, which of course will always be preferred where practi-
cable. According to the computation of the Rev. Dr.
Johnson of Stratford, no less than five out of twenty-five
candidates for holy orders from New-England have lost
their lives in the attempt. Three candidates intended for

* Timothy's Gazette, February 22, 1752.

28 PRELIMINARY.

the town of Hebron, successively died in consequence of
going to England — one drowned, and two by smaii-pox.
1754. In 1701, when this Society was chartered, there
were not more than five churches of the Church of Eng-
land, though much more than half of the inhabitants were
of that denomination. Now more than one hundred
churches or chapels are built, near seventy missionares
and catechists are employed, schools are estabhshed,
bibles and books of devotion dispersed. The inhabitants
are said to amount to eight hundred thousand, besides
three hundred and fifty thousand negroes.

1756. Their children (i. e. Episcopalians) are debarred
the privilege of a liberal education, unless they will submit
to accept it on such conditions as dissenters require, which,
in Yale College, is to submit to a fine as often as they at-
tend the worship of the Church of England, communicants
only excepted, and those only on sacrament days.

1757. Mr. Barton, missionary to York, Pennsylvania,
is said to have often, at the head of his congregations, gone
to oppose the savage and murderous enemy, which has
had so good an effect, that they are verily persuaded, that
he hath been instrumental, under God, in preventing many
families from deserting tiieir plantations, and having the
fruits of many years gathered by the hands of rapacious
and cruel murderers. A letter to Mr. Penn says — " Mr^
Barton has put himself at the head of his congregations,
and marched either by night or day on every alarm. Had
others imitated his exampl(% Cumberland would not have
wanted men enough to defend it ; nor has he done any
thing in the military way but what hath increased his
character for piety, and that of a sincerely religious man,
and zealous minister."

1758. The dissenters prevailed by their majority in the
vestry at Jamaica, Long-Island, to present one 8imon
Horton, a dissenting teacher, for induction into the parish,
but the governor would not admit him into that cure.

PRELIMINARY. 29

1759. One-half of the money raised in New- York by
pubhc lottery for the Episcopal college, was, by the assem-
bly of the province, applied to another purpose. The
Society voted £.500 to the building and support of the
same. The Rev. Mr. Bristowe left it his library of near
fifteen hundred volumes.

1760. St. Michael's Church being now almost finished,
v/e hear that a subscription is set on foot for purchasing a
set of bells for its steeple, the cost of which will be about
£400 or £500 sterling.*

1761. The Society had, in New-England, twenty-seven
missionaries ; and as one of the reasons for having but few
in North-Carolina, the unhealthiness of the climate is
mentioned. St. Peter's (Philadelphia) was built this year.
Mr. Ogilvie, missionary at Albany, writes — that " he is
informed that there is no nation (Indians) bordering on
the five great lakes, or the banks of the Ohio, the Missis-
sippi, and all the way to Louisiana, but what are supplied
with priests and schoolmasters, and have decent places of
divine worship, with every splendid utensil of their reli-
gion." They had been instructed by the priests of the
Roman Catholic religion. The Rev. Mr. Macdowell,
Brunswick, North-Carolina, agreed with the vestry, in
every year, to reserve to himself four Sundays, to be em-
ployed in other parishes, besides the places Avhich he can
attend on common days : for two or three weeks he has
been employed every day, preaching and baptizing.

1762. The Rev. Mr. Langinau, Newfoundland, writes —
•' In Whitlass Bay are eleven poor families, all Irish Ro-
man Catholics, where the few Potestants there are in
danger even of their lives." The Rev. Mr. Bass, New-
berry, New-England, writes — that "the dissenters, upon
his refusing to give them leave to hold their relis^ious
meetings in his Church, till they could build a meeting-

^ Timothy's Gazette, July 19, 1760.

30 PRELIMINARY.

house, had forcibly entered into it." Governor Bernard
recommended, and the Society directed, him to permit the
dissenters to use the Church for a Hmited time ; provided
they disclaim all manner of right to it, Slc. The Rev.
Mr. Beach, Newtown, writes — that " of eight hundred
members in his cure, two hundred and forty are commu-
nicants." The Rev. Mr. Apthorp, missionary at Cam-
bridge, writes — as he had hitherto been of little service to
the Society, not as yet residing at Cambridge, he cannot
accept the salary for 1759 and '60, but begs leave to grant
it towards the building of the Church. Agreed to. The
Rev. Mr. Chandler, New-Jersey, writes — that " the dis-
senters are become so charitable as to think there is no
material difference between them and us ; and such is the
moderation of some churchmen as to return the compli-
ment in their opinion of the dissenters." The Rev. Mr.
Morton, New-.[ersey, writes — his commnnicants lasl East-
er were only five, the people having been taugjit by dis-
senting ministers, that they ninst arrive at ahnost a state
of perfection before they can be worthy pai takers. The
Rev. Mr. Barton, Lancaster, writes — that in his mission
(aijoiit twenty-four thousand souls) he has avowedly no
infidels. The poor peoj)le in Pecpu'e and Caernarvon, con-
tented to dw^ell in the meanest huts, contributed hand-
somely to the building of two stone churches, which they
did at their sole expense. Tlie Rev. Mr. Stewart, North-
Carolina, writes — that " when he mentions baj)tizing a
person by immersion, he would be sorry to have it thought
affectation of singularity in him, and assures the Society
he did it only to keep people from falling off from the
Church. That province, he observes, has lately been
overrun with a j)eople, who at first called themselves
Anabaptists, but who, refining upon their scheme, have
run into many errors, and bewildered the minds of the
peo|)le. A notion of inspiration, visions, and of their sect
being the elect of God, is gone out amongst them." The

PRELIMINARY. 31

Rev. Mr. Martyn of St. Andrew's, South-Carolina, re-
signed tlie Society's salary, thinking he was sufficiently
provided for by the |3arish.

1763. The Rev. Mr. Fayerweather, Massachusetts,
writes — "some persons take too many occasions of ex-
pressing great bitterness against the Church of England."
He finds immersion preferred by many, and administers in
that way when requested. The Rev. Mr. Browne, New-
Hampshire, informs the Society, that Governor Went-
worth has interested them (by grants) in one hundred and
twenty towns, and will interest them in every one he shall
hereafter grant. The interest in each of these towns will
amount to three hundred acres or more. Besides, the
governor has set apart glebes in each of them. He has
in vain endeavoured to procure a gentlemen to go to Eng-
land for orders, to become an itinerant. The small-pox,
and the danger of the sea, are insurmountable difficulties
and show the necessity of an American bishop. The Rev.
Mr. Punduin, Connecticut, writes — that he has entered
upon the thirtieth year of his service to the Society, and
during that long term, has been enabled to officiate every
Sunday, except one. By the blessing of heaven he has
raised up eleven churches. The Rev. Mr. Milner, West-
Chester, petitions the Society to continue their bounty to
a schoolmaster, as the school is a nursery for the Church.
The Rev. Dr. Johnson writes — that a Mr. Bennet, aged
fifty, has an earnest desire to spend the remainder of his
days in converting the Mohawk, and other indian tribes.
He only desires so much salary as to support his own
person, having a competent estate which he would leave
with his family. The Rev. Mr. Campbell, New-Jersey,
writes — that his congregation at Mount Holly, which was
very flourishing, has been hurt by some enthusiastical
people, who pretend that Mr. Macclenaghan is the only
preacher of Christ in America, and all the rest iare Armi-
nians, &c. Arthur Dobbs, Governor of North-Carolina,
suggested, that it is of infinite consequence to appoint

32 PiiELIiUINAKY.

bishops for the colonies. The several parishes provided
only anmiaUy for the incumbent, alleging, that so the
clergy may be obliged to better duty, which for want of
Episcopal jurisdiction they might neglect. The Rev. Mr.
Carter, Bahama, writes — that the profanation of the
Lord's day, by negroes working, is an evil which he has
hitherto in vain endeavoured to suppress — a practice
which has its sanction from custom, and the indulgence
of the owners, who have assigned them that day to work
for themselves, vviiich God intended as a day of rest from
bodily labour, and to be employed in his more immediate
service.

1764. On the 15th September, arrived in the Little
Carpenter, Captain Muir, a tine peal of bells, and clock,
for St. Michael's Church in this town. An act was passed
for allowing an assistant to the rector of St. Michael's
parish, for the time being ; for settling an allowance, or
salary, of X200 sterling, or the value thereof in current
money, per annum, on the said assistant ; and for settling
the same on the assistant of St. Philip's, in lieu of the £50
sterhng, and subscription allowed, such assistant ; also, for
allowing jC200 currency, per annum, for the repairs of St.
Michael's Church, and for enabling the churchwardens
and vestry, for the time being, of St. Michael's ])arish, to
sell the old and purchase a new parsonage-house and land
for the said parish of St. 3Iichael. The General Assem-
bly adjourned October (5, uf)on which joyful occasion the
guns at Granville's bastion were fired, and St. Michael's
bells rang.* In the Ga/.ette of February 19, 17(>3, a
native Caroliniun, at tliat time a merchant in London, is
highly applauded ior his zeal in promoting a subscription
in London, to procure a clock, an organ, and a peal of
bells, for St. 31ichael's Church in Charlestown. When
th*' town of Claremont, New-Hampshire, was granted,
one share containing three hundred acres, or more, was

* Timothy's Gazette, October 1-8, 17G4

PRELIMINARY. SS

I'eserved as a glebe to the Church of England, as by law
established, and one to the Society for the Propagation of
the Gospel,* &c. The Rev. Mr. Bennett, Nova-Scotia,
writes—" he finds it expedient to lay aside all thoughts of
advantage from occasional fees, that he may avoid the
least appearance of lucrative views, which, in present cir-
cumstances, might prevent the success of his ministry."
The Rev. Mr. Barton, Lancaster, desires to introduce to
the notice of the Society, Mr. Nathan Evans, an old man.
whose generosity to the Church is, perhaps, unequalled in
this part of the world. Though he acquired his estate by
hard labour and industry, he has given to the congrega-
tion, of which he is a member, <£100 towards finishing
the Church, purchased a glebe of forty acres, and obliges
himself and heirs to pay to the present minister £S a jem',
and to his successors <£1 a year, forever. He promises
to assign a bond of £100 more for the benefit of the minis-
ter.

1765. Various pamphlets, issued in favour of, and in
opposition to, the introduction of bishops into America.
A convention of tlie. Episcopal clergy of New- York and
New- Jersey, was held at Perth Amboy, and they peti-
tioned the King to appoint bishops for these colonies.
They disclaim any interference with civil rights. They
also addressed, on the same subject, the Archbishop of
Canterbury. It appears some of the members of the
Church were opposed to having bishops, influenced by a
dislike of discipline, the fear of the expense, or the sug-
gestions of the other sects. The Rev. Mr. Apthorp,
Cambridge, recommends relief to Harvard College, their
library having been totally burned. The Society agreed
to present £100 worth of books. The Rev. Mr. Beach,
Newtown, writes — that his hearers are continually in-
creasing by additions from the Independants, who attend
the Church from a disgust to the Antinomian doctrines of

^ Churchman's Magazine, vol. ii. p. 175
5

34 PRELIMINARY.

their teachers, till at length they are reconciled to the
liturgy. He has never failed, through sickness, but two
Sundays in thirty-two years. The Rev. Samuel Sea-
bury, Jamaica, Long-Island, acquaints the Society with
the death of his father, who was their missionary at
Hampstead. He also mentions they had had a long visit
from Whitfield, whose tenets and method of preaching
have been adopted by many of the dissenting teachers.
Col. F. Philips of Philipsburgh, New-York, represents that
he and his family had erected a handsome stone Church,
and prepared every thing necessary for the decent per-
formance of divine service, also given a glebe of two hundred
and fifty acres, on which he will build a house, to cost £400
currency. The board appointed the Rev. Mr. Munro to
this station. The Rev. Mr. Auchmuty, New- York, states
that nol one siui>le black that had been admitted by him
to the holy communion, has turned out bad, or been, in
any shape, a disgrace to our holy profession. He and the
Rev. Mr. Barclay bajitized four hmnhf^d aud thirty-one
adults and children in the last year. The Rev. Mr.
Chandler, New-Jersey, complains thjjt fhe tran(piillity of
his mission has been sonicw hat disturbed by his having
refused Mr. Whitfield his j)ulpit, knowing the very ex-
ceptionable point of light in which AVliitfu^ld ibrmerly
stood witii his superiors at home, through his undutiful
and schismatical behaviour, and having no evidence of his
reformatiou. The J{ev. Mr. Carter, l^ahamas, writes —
that the inhabitants of Harliom-Isiaud ncitlier work them-
selves, nor suiier the.r slaves to work, on the l..ord's day,
but allot thvMn ati(»tlier day in every week to work for
themselves — that at Eleuthera, even adults of both sexes
submit to be publicly catechised without reluctance.

1767. The Rev. 31r. Moreau, missionary to the I'rench,
at Lunenburgh, Nova-Scotia, writes — " that the indians
have shewed him the copy of a letter, which they are told
was written by Jesus Christ, to the Bishop of Liecon in
France, to be sent to them. It is signed by two persons.

PRELIMINARY. 35

who say they have received it from the said bishop, to be
distributed among the savages. Each of them have a
copy of it, which they wear next their heart. The letter
is filled with the grossest absurdities imaginable. They
are there threatened with eternal damnation, if they fail
in any point of the Romish religion, and, on the contrary,
are promised endless happiness, if they separate from
those of a different opinion. They are never to die a
sudden death, nor be drowned, nor perish in war, so long-
as they have this letter next their heart." The Rev. Mr.
Bailey, Massachusetts, writes — ^that the Indians are taught
by the Romanists to believe that it is necessary to their
eternal salvation to extirpate the English, because they
cruelly murdered the Saviour of mankind. He states,
that Dr. Gardner, a physician at Boston, has generously
given the use of a house and farm seven years, for the
missionary at Pownelborough ; subscribed largely, and is
soliciting a subscription, for building them a parsonage-
house and Church ; has published, at his own expense, an
edition of " Bishop Beveridge's Sermon on the Excel-
lency of the Common Prayer," which has been dispersed
to good people ; and intends to give a glebe, build a
Church and parso>nage-house, and endow it for the sup-
port of an Episcopal minister at Gardner's Town.

1770. Dr. Chandler writes — that the Society had this
year, in North-Carolina, as many as twelve missionaries.
The corporation for the relief of the widows and orphans
of clergymen of the Church, in the three provinces of New-
York, New-Jersey, and Pennsylvania, had their first meet-
ing October 10, 1769. The Society agreed to give them
£60.

1771. There were twenty churches in Massachusetts,
and a still larger number of Episcopal congregations. Of
Connecticut, Dr. Chandler says — " I cannot, at present,
recollect an example, in any age or country, wherein so
great a proportion of proselytes has been made to any
religion in so short a time, as has been made to the

36 PRELIMINARY.

Church of England in the western division of tliat popu-
lous colony, unless where the power of miracles, or the
arm of the magistrate was exerted to produce that effect."
The Society has but one missionary in South-Carolina,
" as the Church there has become able to stand upon its
own legs, and to support itself." In the colonies in gene-
ral, it is estimated, and the Rev. Dr. Chauncey admits it,
that the number of churchmen is two hundred and seventy
thousand, exclusively of the islands, after reducing the
number as low as possible.

1775. Previous to this year, the governors and council
of New-Hampshire granted to the " Society for the Pro-
pagation of the Gospel in foreign parts," a share of land
in seventy-three townships in that State. The Society, in
1788, vested these lands in certain trustees for the sup-
port of a bishop and ministers in that State.* There are
about eighty clergymen in the States north of Maryland,
all supported chwjly by the Society in England, excepting
those in the four citie-j, Boston, Newport, New- York, and
Philadelphia. The Rev. Mr. Stnart, New- York, writes —
that such is the sterihty of the Mohawk (though the most
copious of any Indian language uj)on the continent) that a
person who is not entirely master of it,- cannot convey to
them any distinct ideas on (fn ine subjects.

1776. The Rev. Mr. Usher, New-England, is stated to
have been fifty-two years in the employment of the Soci-
ety. The controversy on the subject of having bishops,
which was begun in 1765, was revived this year, the dis-
senters being very much opj)osed to the measure.

1777. While the war lasted, many churches were closed,
many of the clergy having either quit the country or object-
ing to use the liturgy, imless permitted to })ray for the King.
At one period there was in Pennsylvania oidy one otHciating
clergyman. In the Archbishop of York's sermon, t we
read, that when the Society was chartered, " one half of the
inhabitants of the colonies were said to be of the Church of

See Churchman's Magazine, vol. ii. p. '^l'^. \ p U^

PRELIMINARY. 37

England, and, excepting Virginia and Maryland, through-
out the wJiole continent they had only hfty-six churches."
A lay committee in Nova-Scotia attempt to amalgamate
the Church with other denominations. The clergy resist,
and the Society approve of their conduct. Dr. Caner is
denominated, "the father of the American clergy." The
Rev. Mr. Inglis writes—" that all the clergy in New- Jersey,
New- York, Connecticut, and, so far as he can learn, the rest
of New-England, have proved faithful, loyal subjects, and
were often maltreated." The venerable Mr. Beach de-
clared, "that he would do his duty, preach and pray for
the King, till they cut out his tongue." The provincial con-
vention of Virginia published an edict, by which some col-
lects are to be wholly omitted, and others altered, the word
"Commonwealth" beins^ substituted for the " Kino^." —
One of the American generals told Mr. Inglis that " Gen-
eral Washington would be at Church, and would be glad if
the prayers for the King and royal family were omitted."
He paid no regard to the message, and not long after told
General W^ashington, " that it was in his power to shut up
their churches, but by no means in his power to make the
clergy depart from their duty." One hundred and fifty
armed men came into his Church- while he was officiating
on a Sunday, several women fainted, but he went on with
the usual service. Several of the American officers sent to
him for the keys of the churches, that their chaplains might
preach in them. He ])eremptorily refused to comply, and
let them know , that if they would use the churches, they
must break the doors and gates to get in. He accord-
ingly took possession of all the keys, lest the sextons
might be tampered with, and to threats his answer was,
that he would adhere to his duty be the consequences
what they would. Upon this they desisted, and did not
occupy any of the churches. Trinity Church w as burned
this year by incendiaries. Mr. Avery was murdered in
a most barbarous manner, for refusing to pray for the
Congress.

38 PRELIMINARY.

1778. The Rev. Mr. Batwell of Yorktown, or Carlisle,
Penosylvania, was plunged into a stream several times,
because he was a tory.*

1783. The clergy of Connecticut addressed a letter to
the Archbishop of York, requesting him to consecrate the
Rev. Dr. Seabury. They declare it is " an appHcation
which we consider as not only seasonable, but more than
ever necessary, at this time ; because if it be now any
longer neglected, there is reason to apprehend that a plan
of a very extraordinary nature, lately formed in Philadel-
phia, may be carried into execution. This plan is, in
brief, to constitute a nominal Episcopate by the united
suffrages of presbyters and laymen.t We think it our
duty, to reject such a spurious substitute for Episcopacy,
and, as far as may be in our })ower, to prevent its taking
effect." In their letter, for the same object, to the Arch-
bishoj) of Canterbury,! they say — "a further reason that
induces us to take this early and only measure we can de-
vise for the purpose is, effectually to prevent the carrying
into execution a i)lan of a very extraordinary nature form-
ed in Philadelphia. To what degree such a plan may
operate upon the minds of tlie uninformed, unstable, or
imprinci|)led part of tlie Church, we can, at present,
form no opinion ; equally unable are we to conjecture
what may be the lengths to which the rage for popular
right, as the fountain of all institutions, civil and ecclesi-
astical, will run : suHicient for us it is, that while we
conscientiously reject such a sj)urious substitute for Epis-
copacy, we also think it our duty to take every stej) within
our power to frustrate its pernicious effects." They are
said, by the author of the })amphlet referred to,§ to have

* iMany of tlie Ej)iscopal clergy took part with the countiy, against the
British government.

+ Churchman's Magazine, vol. iii. p. 212.

t Ibid, vol. iv. p. 38. In Annals of Scottish Episcopacy, p. 72, is a letter
of Bishop Seabury objecting to the revised prayer-book, and to the adniissioi
of laymen into convention.

^ See White's Memyirs, p. 82.

PRELIMINARY. 39

been under a mistake. But it is evident their opinion of
it led to the prompt measures relative to Dr. Seabury's
mission. " It is worthy of remark, that his consecration
first introduced me (says Bishop Skinner) to the acquaint-
ance of some eminent divines of the Church of England,
and they were the men who thenceforth interested them-
selves so much in the repeal of the penal statutes, and in
the grievously depressed situation of the Episcopal Church
of Scotland." This was followed, as is known, by the
happy union of that Church and the Church of England,
Immediately after the peace, some went to England for
holy orders, and while their application was under con-
sideration, the Danish Church, which is Episcopal, offered
to ordain them. An act of parliament, allowing the
bishop to dispense with certain political requisitions, hav-
ing been obtained, they were admitted to holy orders by
the Bishop of London.

1793. Bishop Douglas states, in his sermon preached
before the Society, that when the troubles in America
began, nearly one hundred missionaries were in actual
employment.

KSSAY

ON THE LIFE OF THE

MIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON,

CHAPTER I.

His Childhood, Youth, and early Manhood.

The father of Theodore Dehon was a French emigrant,
who settled at Boston some years before the American
revolution. He was remarkable for those ardent feel-
ings of loyalty, which in this country are scarcely un-
derstood, for he is said to have been so deeply affected
by the murder of the " amiable Louis," as to have lost
his senses. He was a protestant, and decided in his
attachment to the Episcopal denomination. It is known
that the usurpation of one of its churches in Boston,
was viewed by him with merited indignation. He died
in the year 1796, leaving six daughters, and four sons.
Theodore, the eighth child, and third son, was born
on the 8tli December, 1776. His mother, on whom
now devolved the sole care of the family, was a lady
of many and rare virtues. " She* was married before
she had completed her sixteenth year ; and, through life,
was celebrated for great personal beauty, and uncommon

^ We use the words of a correspondent,

6

42 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

sweetness of disposition ; for her mild and gentle deport-
ment ; for her inflexible firmness, and decision ; for strength
of mind, and correct judgment ; for her amiable and en-
gaging manners ; and her uniform attachment to the prin-
ciples of religion. In her observation of the Lord's day,
she was strict and exemplary. Attached to the doctrines,
discipline, and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church,
she was seldom absent from the sanctuary on the festivals
and fasts of the Church ; and never of a Sunday, without
the most urgent necessity. Formed for excellence in
every department of life, she was particularly calculated
to excel in the relation of a mother. She possessed the
happy faculty of securing the obedience, the respect, and
the aifection, of her children ; never provoking them to
wrath, but gently bringing them up 'in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord.' She early impressed upon their
minds a great reverence and veneration for the Christian
sabbath ; and taught them the necessity, and benelicial
tendency of public worship. She was aware of the im-
portance of catechetical instructions, which she often en-
gaged in ; and required her cliildren to read, and prize
the bible, as the word of God, and the luie of life. The
nature and destructive consequences of vice, she strongly
and forcibly pointed out to them ; while she represented,
in its true light, the present and future happiness of the
pist and good. It appears to have been her chief desire
to rcMider her children good, wise, and amiable ; useful
in the hfe that now is, and })artakers of endless fehcity
in that which is to come." The character of a child de-
pends much upon that of the mother, and it is belie\ed
that the subject of this memoir profited greatly by that
example wliich was first and most constantly presented to
his infancy. He often expressed his admiration of her
virtues, particularly her meekness and devotion, and it
was under the influence of a strong moral ap|)robation, no
less than of a filial aifection, which was probably never
exceeded, that he said to a friend, " Oh I wish you had

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 43

known her." She was often in his thoughts, and at such
times he has, when he supposed no one near, been heard
to exclaim, " Spirit of my mother, where art thou .?" He
felt particularly grateful for her attention to his religious
education, and attributed to it some of the deepest and
best impressions on his heart. She brought up her chil-
dren according to the system of her Church. They were
dedicated to God in baptism, in the temple, as soon as
possible. In the depth of winter, when only a few days
old, her little Theodore was sent to the house of God, to
be " lent unto the Lord," to seek his blessing, and the
intercessions of his people. She regularly conducted her
children to public worship, and to public catechising, and
instructed them herself at home statedly on Sunday even-
ings, correctly judging that that portion of holy time could
not be more profitably spent than in such domestic duties.
To the family scene, on these occasions, when she would
read the holy volume with those accents so sweet to the
ear of filial love ; when she would assist the little ones in
reciting the catechism, and those pious hymns which speak
to the heart, and would lift up for them, and herself, the
voice of supplication, and adoration, to their father in
heaven, he would advert, as among the most pleasant
recollections of his life ; and the benefits of this method no
doubt strengthened him in those sentiments on the import-
ance of religious education, which he so ably enforced in
his sermons on that subject, and in the opinion that the
churches should not be opened for public worship on Sun-
day night, because that time could be more profitably
spent by heads of families, in the rehgious instruction of
their children, and servants ; and as to single persons, he
considered that meditation and prayer, either in private,
or with their respective households, would not be less use-
ful than public worship, after having already devoted the
morning and afternoon to this duty. It is an error to
suppose that the duties of the sanctuary are the only duties
which belono: to the Lord's dav- The Christian is bomid

44 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

to divide "holy time" suitably between the worship of
the temple, and that of the closet, and the famiiy ; be-
tween hearing, and reading ; the study of religion, ar^d,
if he be master of a family, the teaching it to those over
whom he pf esides : and he should take care that no one of
these duties be so performed, as to occasion the omission,
or imperfect performance of anothei- which is equall} l^is
duty. At the proper age, our young friend received from
Bishop Seabury the holy rite of conlirniation ; an ordi-
nance of whose favourable influence on the rising genera-
tion, he always entertained the highest opinion.

Mrs. Dehon was richly re|)aid for her endeavours and
prayers, by the moral and rehgious proficiency of her son ;
and she had the happiness to live to see him a minister of
the gosj)el, the bias to which had, no doubt, been nurtured,
if it had not been created, by her early, pious solicitude.
In the year 1804, he was separated, by death, from this
beloved parent. His feelings, on that occasion, were thus
expressed in the followiug extract from a letter to a friend:

'• Newport, November 20, 1804.

" An indescribable lassitude, since the death of my ex-
cellent mother, has aluiost unfitted me for every thing,
even for correspondence with my friends. She was ten-
derly beloved by me. Every pleasure of my life was con-
necti^l with her existence. I fell under the blow wliich
took her Irom nu'. It was sudden, uue\j)ected. With
her the family seemed to (li<'. Instead of soothing, we
were only able to swell each other's grief. Thongh many
months ha\<' now elapsed since the event, they have car-
ried with them no day \vhicli has not renewed the remem-
brance of my loss. It is not. that I do not ac(jniesce in
the will of («od. If I might choose the events of life, I
would choose no ntlur than those he has appointc^d me.
His way is perfect. But, oh my friend, how nuich easier
is it to think than to act — to perceive than to perform —
our duty. Time, the friend only of the uneasy, has liow-
ever diminished the pains of recollection. I remember
with chastised irrief."

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 4r>

To this event he briefly alludes in his Easter sermon,
on Ps. cxviii. 24. " Have you a mother, whose absence
from you you mourn, but, concerning whom, it is the
solace of your grief to believe that, she is among the
spirits of the Just, before the throne of the Eternal ? How-
great should be your gratitude to the Redeemer," &c.
In iiis delightful sermon, on Job vii. 16. "I would not
live always,"* he dwells on the same thought, and the
Christian will especially admire the transition to the
Saviour at the coilckision of the extract whicli follows :
" Our kindred, also, are dead. Our fathers, it may be,
and our dear mothers, and the friends whom we have
loved as our own souls. In a world which they have left
forever, who would always remain ? To the state to
which they have passed, ^,vho does not sometimes solace
himself with the expectation of one day going ? Death
gathers us to our fathers. Death restores to us tiie
friends of whom he had deprived us\ Death brings the
child to the long absent parent. He brings the parent to
her often lamented child. Pleasant to nature is the
thought of mingling our ashes with the ashes of our an-
cestors, and sharing with our kindred the repose of the
grave. But ravishing to the eye of faith is the prospect
of rejoining their spirits in better worlds, and winging
with them the liiglits of immortality. Jesus too, our
blessed Redeemer, he hath passed through the gate of
death. And shall we not choose to drink of the cup of
which he hath drank. The vale which he hath conse-
crated by his own presence, shall we be averse to enter ?
There is a noble satisfaction in sharing the fate of the
worthy. There is a comfort, a joy, in being conformed in
our fortunes to those whom we venerate or love. How
much then, in the contemplation of dissolution, must it
bend the Christian's mind to his doom, to recollect that
his Lord submitted to die."

* This Sermon is iu vol. ii. No. lxxiii.

46 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

" The distinguishing qualities (remarks one of his fami-
ly) of his childhood appear to have been sedateness, steadi-
ness, amiableness, goodness, gentleness, filial and fra-
ternal affection, patience, perseverance, application, love
of books, love of public worship, undeviating integrity
and sobriety. He never discovered much disposition to
play, or to frequent the society of boys ; but would
resort to the nursery with books, which he read with
great eagerness and delight, and was always happy when
thus employed. The ceremonies and worsliip of the
Church, at a very early age, engaged his attention ; and
he would allow nothing to detain him from the sanc-
tuary, when it was in his power to be there. He would
never be absent from public catcchisings, which always
deeply interested him ; and on occasion of any of the
solemn festivals of the Church, particularly that of Christ-
mas, he expressed an unusual degree of ch'liglit, and was
always among the first to be present, i\\u\ assist in orna-
menting the Churcli. It is well remembered tiiat lie
looked forward to the ministry fioni his earliest years;
an;i that he had, even in boyhood, a gra\(^ and clerical
appearance. He Uiscd fre(|n<'ntly to say of himself, after
he was in lioly orders, {»n(l s<^ttled at IVewport, that he
always wished and inteiuled to be a clergyman. From a
boy, he had a serious turn of mind, and a disposition to
investigate whatever came within the leach of his t>bserva-
tion. And during the year after he graduated, which he
passed in the retirement of a country village, h.e devoted
much of his time to th«' diligent study of the holy scrip-
tures, seeking, b\ iiieaiis of freipu^nt and fervent prayer,
direction from above, to enable him to " have a right judg-
ment in all things," in (irder that his principles miiiht be
rightly and tirndy fixed, before he entered the sacred min-
istry." At a very early age, in Mr. Carter's school, it is
said, "his conq)anions, v\cn those who were some years
older than hin)self, looked up to him as to a superior mind,
\\\u] lie was often culled nj)on by his instructor to assist him

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 47

ill teaching." At the Boston grammar school, he was
under the care of Mr. Hunt, " who expressed an exalted
opinion of his talents and scholarship ; and was always
speaking his praise. One of his school-fellows remem-
bers, that during the seven years he remained at this
school, he was invariably at the head of his class ; and
that when he left the school, at the age of fourteen years,
he received the first honour, being appointed to deliver
the English oration. The teacher used often to remark
that while some of his pupils seemed born for obscu-
rity, Theodore was born for eminence and distinction.
' I always (said he) marked him for a great man ; and
thought he would arrive at what he did.' " It was
noticed, that lie did not presume upon his quickness
of apprehension, but was unremitted in application, de-
voting to reading much of that time w hich is usually given
to juvenile sports, determined that the talents which God
had given him should not be buried. Admired for his
genius and attainments, he seems to have attracted still
more attention by that sweetness of disposition, which
was stamped on his countenance, and expressed in the
tenderest tones, and the most endearing manners. It is
said that the parents of Bishop Home would never permit
him to be awakened, when an infant, but by the sound of
pleasant music, 'and that their solicitude laid the founda-
tion of that excellent temper for which he was distinguish-
ed. There can be no doubt that, in this respect, nature,
parental care, and divine grace, had done much for Bishop
Dehon. On hearing him preach, an Englishman exclaim-
ed, " Ah, he reminds me of our good Bishop Home,"
and a more intimate inspection of his character would
have shown a still greater foundation for the resemblance.
Docile and grateful to his instructors, affectionate and
generous to his companions, and condescending to infe-
riors, he wa« generally beloved. It was remarked now,
as it was through life, that he had little taste for those
occupations and amusements which fascinate the many ;

48 E.S.SAY ON THE LIFE OF

that he was averse to being in a cro\vd ; tliat he loved a
small, select company, and, in general, a single com-
panion : that home and retirement had special charms
in his eyes, thongh he would never indulge his inclination
to the neglect of duty, or of greater usefulness. Such
rare excellencies would have been vah.ied anywhere. —
They could not have been neglected in Boston, eminent
as the principal seat of learning in our country, and fiiled
with the patrons of genius. Some minds, in all ages, and
in every country, have been lost to society, for want of a
discerning and generous patronage,

" For Knowledge, to their eyes, her ample* pnge,
Ilich with the spoils of Time, did ne'er enrol ;

Chill Penury repress'd their noble rage,
And froze the genial current of the soul."

It is not easy to conceive a charity more valuable and
more delightful in its exercise than that which bestows on
genius the j)ri\ileges of education. And thrice happy
must those persons have been, who were the honoured
instruments of giving to the Church and the country, such
a character as that nov; before us. In his turn, he was a
most generous patron, and there can be no doubt that, in
the persons of young men similarly situated with himself,
he repaid tenfold the i)ounty which he had received.

At Harvard University, of whirh he became a member
befoie he was fifteen years ol" a;re, he was distinguished,
although among the youngest, as the first scholar in his
class. But he had the higher distinction of virtue. "I

was with hijn (renwuked the Rev. Mr. ) in the

college two years, nor do I lulieve, during the whole time
of his residence there, that he ev(M- did or said a thing, at
Avhich he ought to blush." " F often thought (said f)n<' of
his classmates) while we were at college, that he would
be a bishop, he was so grave and dignified." The natural
bent of his mind, and a view to his future occupation, led
him to attenfl more particularly to the classics, and the
principles of good writing and speaking. It is believed.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 4S^

that in accuracy of composition, very few under-graduates!
have ever equalled him. Among his early themes, which
the partiality of friends have preserved ^ it is pleasant to
trace many of those sentiments which formed the basis of
his character. The first of these, written before he was
seventeen years of age, has for its motto, " Friendship in
the wine of life." In this essay he maintains the reality
of friendship, against those who call it a name, a charm
which lulls to sleep, and points out some of its excellen-
cies, and its abuses. The beautiful imagination which he
so successfully cultivated, appears here in blossom. " A
virtuous friendship : unpleasant, alas, would be the jour-
ney of life, did not this benign sun beautify and enliven
each surrounding scene; dispel the 'dim clouds of woe,'
which darken the atmosphere of humanity^ and expand
the buds of unanimity, whose fragrance adds a zest to
every enjovment. The morn of life is beautifully en-
livened by the genial warmth of its rays, and when the
dusky shades of the evening approach, what can be more
desirable than a generous friendship * to rock the cradle
of reposing' age." At college, and indeed it may be
added through life, he assiduously cultivated friendship.
He had what many would consider a romantic idea of its
high obligations, and he literally loved his friend as his
own soul. The friend of his youth* whom he survived
several years, had in his heart an imperishable monument.
Another of his early essays has for its motto, " Art is
long, and life is short," and in this we find a variety of
pious reflections. " How, and for what intent came I
here ? Whither does my existence tend ? How shall I,
on the theatre of action, do justice to the part allotted me
in the drama of life ? These are questions, which, as
probationers, we ought frequently to apply to ourselves.
To be the ' middle link of being's endless chain,' how
important ! To discharge the debt of gratitude, which,

^ Mr. Fraucis Channin^.

50 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

as a dependant being, he owes his benefactor ; to perform
the affectionate and endearing offices, which, as a brother,
he owes mankind ; following her in her vast, her varied
field, to look through nature up to nature's God ; to
penetrate the labyrinth of the heart ; by expanding, to
improve and dignify the faculties of the mind ; amidst
the allurements to dissipation and the lust of vice, to
preserve innocence unspotted and virtue bright ; to study
the laws of reason; to obey the dictates of humanity; in
short, to be an adej^t in the ' ars recti vioendi,^ which, as
a man, is his duty and interest : how long, how extensive
is the task !" I introduce here a sentiment, which inti-
mates that, even at this early period, he had resolved not
to divide his energies among various objects, but to give
himself wholly to that one profession which he had de-
liberately chosen : " Tiie greatest obstruction to our pro-
gress in art is this vain aim at perfection in every branch.
But how irrational is the desire. If a num should spend
his time in learning the alphabets of several, he would liave
but little knowledge of any language. Even the hea\enly
luminaries, have each its orbit marked out, in whicli it
moves; and shall man be able to traverse unl)onn(;ed
space? l\o. Instead of roving through the numerous
winding avenues to wisdom's bower, we should select one
|)atlj for our progression, and in that path steadily perse-
vere." This essay is dated May, 1794. In the follow-
ing essay we mark that admiration of frankness, and
abhorence of dissimulation, by which he was always and
eminently distinguished. From his motto, " An honest
man is the noblest work of God," he bursts forth into this
effusion : " Tliere is a dignity peculiar to the character of
an honest man, which commands the respect of brazen
facet! villainy, and overawes the impudence of vice her-
self. A greater or more enviable compliment than the
short eulogy, ' he is honest,' fame never jiaid to any one's
reputation. The exploits of the hero, tlie researches of
the j)hilosopher, the wine and oil of the humane, cannot

• THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 51

overbalance, in the scale of excellence, the godlike frank-
ness of an honest mind. That genuine frankness, which
is the cream of friendship, rises spontaneously from his
consciousness of integrity. Whenever he speaks, he
utters the sentiments he feels, though perhaps they may
bring upon him the curses of those in whose ears they
thunder unwelcome conviction. He at the same time
detests him as a miscreant, who suffers his principles to
be either warped or veiled by the mere courtesy of any
man living." — " Honesty and shame cannot inhabit the
same bosom ; so soon, therefore, as he violates his word,
or does any action he would wish to conceal from the
woiJd, that instant his lustre is eclipsed ; he ceases to be
God's noblest work."

In these remarks, the friends of Bishop Dehon cannot fail
to recognize a portrait of himself. He was *' an Israelite
indeed in whom there was no guile."

In his essay, on parental affection, with this appropriate
motto, ' Omnis in Ascanio chari stat cura parentis,'''* in
which he maintains, with much ingenuity, that it is an
instinct, a source of the richest enjoyment, and a most
useful part of the divine economy, he has these passages :
" Stoical indeed must be his disposition, who can coldly
assert that the reciprocal fondness of parent and child is
but a mere creature of habit. Nature turns with resent-
ment at this prostitution of reason, and justice would de-
cree that, to the feelings, the felicity of a parent, he should
die a stranger. Parental affection is a vine which nature
herself plants and invigorates : on this vine the blooming
fruit clusters w hich yields to man the nectar of life. Be-
hold the fond parent leaping with transport at the birth
of a child, and showing to each congratulating friend, the
source of joys he never knew till now. See with what
anxiety his bosom heaves, lest, ere it buds, the tender
plant should wither. With what dehght does he hold in
his arms the prattling babe, while its lisping voice conveys
rapture to his ear, and the imperfect articulation of nature

52 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

awakes all the parent in his heart. When reason begins*
to dawn, with what pleasure does he direct the embryo
ideas; and form for manhood the infant mind. Should
death, at any period, protude his ruffian hand and snatch
to the dreary tomb the favourite charge, hope flies, despair
invades, nay, sometimes life forsakes the spoiled parent.
But should the child arrive to maturity and engage in the
active scenes of life, the parent's fondness increases with
his age ; he blesses each gale that wafts his care success,
and feeds his own ambition upon the eminence of his off-
spring. Lastly^ see him stretch forth his hand from the
pillow of dissolution, for a last affectionate embrace ; hear
him pronounce, with expiring voice, ' My child, live and
be happy.' Surely affection like this must be founded in
nature ; it is too refined for man to acquire. Behold
history embalming the memory of the venerable judge,
wiio, when justice was demanding the eyes of his son, and
nature was pleading for his pardon, determiiKMl that his
son should foifiMt to justice one eye, and that he himself
would forfeit the other. 15ehold dumb Atys overleaping
the barrier, which nature had opposed to his speech, and
exclaiming with the energy of eloquence, ' Spare my
father.' " Such (piotations must interest, not merely as
lh(^ <'\ idences of a cultivated understanding, but as the
first fruits of the tendtMest sensihility. But the last in
the series of essays, which he wrote at college, is the most
interesting ; and it appears to liave iiad a direct reference
to his own conduct, at this important crisis, just about to
enter on the busy scenes of manhood. The subject,
" The choice of a profession," is so important, and his
remarks illustrate so iiappily his good sense, and wit ; his
habitual reference of events to an overruling juovidcnce ;
Jiis affectionate gratitude to his instructors ; and especially
some of the leading principles by which his life was di-
rected, that the reader will be gratified to see it published
entire. .|t is dated June, 1795.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 53

" Self flattered, inexperienced, high in hope

When young, with sanguine cheer and streamers gay

We cut our cable, launch into the world,

And fondly dream each wind and storm our friend ;

All in some darling enterpize embark." — Young.

"The transition from youth to manhood is one of the
•most important events in the drama of hnman existence.
At this period man begins to act. Hitherto, no design has
distinguished his character ; he ha^ never appeared but in
masquerade. In infancy, the cradle and his nurse's arms
bound his prospect ; instinct and his nurse's will direct
both the movements of his body, and the emotions of his
mind. In early youth, he but enters on a larger standing-
stool. All his ideas lie dormant in eu^bryo ; and scarcely
the twilight of reason appears. Eoyage, however, passes
away with imperceptible .rapidity ; and a choice must be
made of the part he will act on that busy stage where he
must presently appear. Happy would it be for individ-
uals, for society, for man, if every one would notice the
beckoning finger of nature, and follow steadily where she
conducts. Certainly the Eternal Parent, who watches
with equal care the vegetation of a tulip, and the opera-,
tions of a system, who has appointed to each planet its
proper orbit, and assigned to innumerable suns, their
places, never left to chance the important arrang*ement of
the links which compose the chain of intellectual being.
Look into the natural world, and behold the vapours
which load the bosom of tiie atmosphere, distilled upon
the lofty mountain's summit, conveyed down its craggy
side, and then transferred over some parched plain to
its original, grand reservoir ! Behold, also, th« vast
variety of plants nourished by those very particles, which
are death to man ; while they respire that pure salubrious
air by which he breathes and lives ! Realize the nicety
with which the sun and moon alternately reign ; each
presiding in his own territory, without invading the do-
minion of the other. In short, study the beautifid, the
perfect economy of nature in almost every inanimate sub-

S4 fiSSAY ON THE LIFE OF

stance, and say, if it be not highly probable that every
intellectual being was designed for some particular pur-
pose ; was moulded to fill some particular place. Ob-
servation, indeed, discovers that nature has acted consist-
ently. Every one will find, if he study himself, that he
possesses certain endowments, which qualify him for some
one profession in preference to any other. Some evi-
dently are entrusted with five talents, others with two, and
others with but one. Why this difference in abilities r
Because of the various sublunary professions, which must
all be filled, every one has its essential, peculiar requisites.
Nature, then, has designated for every man his proper
sphere, and graduated, by merit, the scale of preferment.
Worldly interest, and contracted desires, are powerful
opponents to this purpose of nature. In pro]X)rtion as
any professiou becomes pojjular, powerful, or lucrative,
its votaries increase. Ftw men. wlieu choosing the road
they will follow as they jointu y tliroii::!! life, seriously aSk
themselves these s(;rious (juestioiis — to this does nature
point ? — can 1 here serve my Uod, my country, and man-
,kind, to the best advantage.'' The only arguments of
allowed weight are — this i< thr road to fame — this is the
field for ambition — here I <au easily accjuire i)roi)erty,
and soort retire with the tiophicjs of independence. In
fact, so insatiate is the I hirst fo» wealth, at the present
day, that a man is enticed into any profession by the
narrow considcMatiou that he cau there make a fortune.
This sneaking nu)tive has sutficient force to debase the
man, whom nature has distinguished as her favourite;
and t(]^ render him airogant upon whom she lias frowned.
How often do v.'e see persons, who might make useful
characters in the shoj) of Crispin, condenining theinsclves
by enlisting under the banners of iJlackstiuie, How often
do they, who were designed for priests in the temple of
Minerva, liend, with servility, the kiiee to IMntus; and
sacritice, at his gilded shrine, the noble earnest <)f innnor-
tal souls. Such conduct is injury to self, thoughtlessness

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 55

of society, ingratitude to nature, high treason against God.
The designed effects of that variety of capacities observa-
ble in man, is sometimes counteracted by the ambition of
parents. Bhndness to the faults and foibles of the child,
is a constitutional weakness in almost every parent. The
fond mother imagines her son a paragon of perfection ;
and ' the father's ambition centers in his Ascanius.' This
entirely excludes reason from ail their deliberations con-
cerning his welfare. While the boy is yet in petticoats,
they determine his future profession, and by pushing him
into the literary world, before one pow^- or disposition of
his mind is knov/n, they increase the number of ' fools of
quality.' It is equally remarkable and true, that early
youth is the period when we first form our opinion of our-
selves. Self-love magnifying prodigiously our smallest
virtues, and diminishing almost to invisibility our greatest
faults, forms the opinion replete with partiality. It flat-
ters our ambition for pre-eminence ; inexperience gives a
sanction to all its dictates ; and hope, which in every state
deceives, while it makes happy in youth, plays with our
ignorance. We should, therefore, be careful of relying
too much on an untried wing ; lest, like the adventurous
unfeathered bird, we flutter, pant, and fall to the ground.
" The choice of a profession is equally as important in
its nature and consequences, as the choice of a consort to
accompany us through life, to blunt its thorns, and cheer
its dreary scenes. Reason advises the youth, who is de-
termining his future course, to enquire what are the quali-
fications necessary for the occupation he has in view?
How far he possesses these qualifications f Whether the
employment be congenial with his nature ? What are its
attendant difficulties ? How far he can attain in it the
main end of his being ? Whether in that line he can be
happy himself, render all around liim happy, be useful to
the world, do honour to his creator ? Having satisfied
himself concerning these points, he may resolve. Having
resolved, he must steadily persevere ; convinced that, as

56 ESiSAV ON THE LIFE OF

the coiitiiiual dripping- of water wears the hardest stone,
so unceasing apphcation will remo^ve the heaviest diffi-
culty, and overleap the highest obstruction. Be his pro-
fession, however, what it may, gratitude to the worthy,
industrious monitors of his youth, will never be a subject
of secondary consideration. The adieu of those, from
whom he has received peculiar attention, will pierce his
sensibility to the very quick. While he reaps in the
world a harvest of advantage from their careful culture,
he will offer unto them the thanksgivings of a grateful
heart, cordially vvlshing them temporal and eternal pros-
perity."

These essays do evidently belong to his life, for they
indicate the qualities both of his mind and heart, the pro-
gress which he had made in knowledge and in virtue, and
to a considerable degree the i)rinciples and feelings which
guided liis conduct, and were the foundation of his char-
acter and usefulness. It is indeed pleasant to know that
the warmtli of his heart was not cliilled by tJu; current of
time, nor the noble aspirations of his youtli eradicated by
the fascijiations of a perishing world, and the example of
the indolent and ^>roveHing. The j)roductions of his pen
were considered so supeiior to those • of under-graduates
in general, that the Professor of Rhetoric requested a
copy of one of them, wliich he never recollects to have
done of any other of his puj)ils. At the commencement,
when he received his degree of bachelor of arts, in 1795,
he delivered the Enjihsli oration, which was considered the
lirst honour in tlie exercises of the day. His subject was
"Taste,"*, a (pmlity of good writing which he eminently
possessed, and was, tlierefore, very capable of illustrating.
He was listened to with j)rofound attention, and engaged
general adnnration by the loveliness of his countenance,
the graces of his person, the modesty of his deportment,
the beauty of his comjiosition, and the correctness of in*

iSee Ap])endi.\. No. 1

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 5*?

speRking. He was decidedly the favourite of the day.
Ine separation from the University was distressing to
hiA) m several respects. It removed him from beloved in-
structors and comi^anions. It called him from the tran-
qy)h occupations of the student, to engage in the distracting
di'ties-of maturer age ; to be a painful witness of the con-
terrtions of men ; to encounter their contradictions ; and to
partake of their toils and cares. It called him from re-
tirement, and his study, to that world which so often drew
forth his sighs and tears, and to those active employments
which were uncongenial with his temper and habits. In
short, it terminated a period of his life, which he declared
he always regarded as the happiest portion of it. Success
in his nur suits, and the general estimation which encir-
cled iiim, rendered his time at college peculiarly happy.
And there was much in that scene to interest a mind like
his. The mild disciphne of a college, so different from
that of a grammar-school, the incentives to laudable ex-
ertion, the variety of intellectual pursuits, the discoveries
of natural science opened to the mind by the most inter-
esting experiments, the order and tranquillity of the ar-
raugements compared with the bustle that prevails in the
world, the freedom of the heart from those perplexities
and cares which attend it at a later period in life, the
agreeable relaxation afforded by the stated vacations,
and the social enjoyments of a community in which there
is so much less rivalry, and so much more good feeling
than in any other large society, render the condition of
a student in one of our colleges peculiarly agreeable to a
mind desirous of knowledge, and a heart susceptible of
kind and elevated emotions. At this time, ' he had also
two soujces of enjoyment which he greatly valued — ^the
society of several families of intelligence, and virtue, and
refinement, at whose houses he visited, and whose hos-
pitality he mentioned with gratitude as having contribut-
ed much to the satisfaction of his leisure hours — and that
higiier pleasure to which I have before adverted, an inti-

8

58 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

mate communion of thought and feeling with a bosom
friend, who was also a student.

Bishop Smith, principal of the Charleston College,
having applied to some gentlemen in Boston to procure
a head master for that institution, their attention waB
directed to Mr. Dehon, and it furnishes conclusive evi-
dence of the high reputation which he had already attain-
ed for learning and prudence. Honourable and profitable
as the situation would have been, he declined it — influenced
chiefly, it is believed, by the consideration that it would
interfere with his long cherished design : preparation for
the sacred office. It is a common error for a young man in
our country '* to be enticed (as he expressed it) into any
profession by the narrow consideration that he can there
make a fortune.'" How often does he spend the precious
time and e.vlianst tlie energies in school-keeping, wliich
ought to ha^ r been (h'voted to tlie (jualifying himseiffor that
profession in wliidi he liad pinjKised to em|)loy his Hfe.
The business, intended as a t( in|)orary exjiedient, at length
proves the only oiu* for wliieii lie is enpable. Honourable
and most useful is tli(> |)rore>>ioii ot'ji teacher. But if it
were chosen, as in other coniitries, lor life, it would be
conducted with the l)e<t /eal and Miccess. with the great-
est comfort t<t ihe pre(rj)t<»i\ and benelit to his pupils.
Injniious consecpiences are nna\oidabIe when it is com-
mitted to tiiose who ha\r no ambition of excelling in it.
who consider it merely :is a means of livelihood, and whose
atteiuion is di\ ided between it, and some other pursuit.
It is true, some «»f otn* most distinguished men have, in
early inanliood, eniraired in the busiiu'ss of tuition, but it
cannot be belie\ed that they were as successful as the
twpvricnrcd teacher, although he were even inferior in
talent and learniuir, and it will be found that, in general,
tliey liinited both their tinu' and attention, not mifre-
quently, we camiot doubt, to the disadvantag(^ of their
j)upils, so as to produce the least ])ossible interference
with their ultimate views. Although Mr. Dehon had

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 59

declined a large school, and an engagement for any length
of time, he was induced to teach a few scholars for a few
months. I would embrace this occasion to observe, that
the duties of a school interfere with the studies of profes-
sional life much more than is generally supposed. The
mind which has been unduly excited in adapting itself to
various capacities, and the nerves unstrung by the noise
and perverseness of the pupils, require some hours of
relaxation and bodily exercise, before the study can
be entered with comfort or advantage. Might not the
candidate for either of the professions, if dependent for
his maintenance on his daily exertions, select some occu-
pations more eligible than that of school-keeping ?

About a year after he left the University, Mr. Dehon
entered, in the capacity of a lay-reader, into that sacred
service in which he continued with unwearied diligence to
the end of his life. It was the custom in some churches
at- that time, and the canon forbidding it* did not then
exist, for the lay-reader to dehver a discourse written by
himself, and there is extant a sermon of his preached at
Cambridge in December, 1796, on a thanksgiving occa-
sion. This was among his first attempts in this species
of composition, and it breathes such sentiments of piety,
patriotism and benevolence, as must render the following
extracts acceptable to the reader. His text is Matt. vi.
13. " Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever : Amen." After some remarks on the
doctrine of providence as inculcated both by reason and
revelation, he divides his subject, and then utters this
pious ejaculation : " Would to God, I possessed the com-
manding pathos of St. Paul, or the winning softness of
St. John, that I might warm the affections of my hearers
to give thanks unto the Lord, to sing praises unto our
God, to blow up the trumpet on our solemn feast day.
The richest source of true glory is goodness. In this

* The prohibitory Canon was passed in 1804,

Oy KSSAY ON THE LIFE OF

point of view, the sovereign of the universal kingdom m
glorious indeed. . The goodness of the great sovereiiin is
Conspicuous in that after having created man he benefi-
cently provides for his preservation. Where is the per-
son who basks not in his sunshine by day — who sleeps not
t)eneath his covert by night ? Where shall we find the
man who feasts not on the food which his providence dis-
tributes— who quaffs not of the spring which he causes to
flow ? Who gives to that food the power to nourish ?
Who imparts to that refreshment the ability to exhilarate ?
' Thine, Lord, is the glory.' It is a farther mark of
God's favour to man, that while other beings quite inac-
tive range, and of their doings God takes no account, his
conduct is under the inspection of the most high. While
the other created beings with which we are acquainted,
appear incapable of knowing a God, and of adoring his
glory, man is endowed with reason to discover him,
through his works, and blessed with a revelation sanc-
tioning and strengthening her suggestions. While the
brutes live out a thoughtless existence, and then jierish
forever, he is acting to some end, and is destined to an
immortality beyond the grave. Great indeed is the glory
of the Lord, as displayed in man's redemption, and in the
gos[)rl of his 8on. That disrovers a nuijesty which un-
assisted reason had newv found — that extorts an adora-
tion which feeble nature^ had never paid. It carries us
forwai'd to the j)erio(l when the immortalized spirits of
men shall nintc in one grand, harmonious peal, shouting
' Allehilia, iflory and h(Uiour to the Lord, our God.' "

In applying the subject, he observes: "We are this
day assembled at the call of our executive, and in con-
tinuation of the rnstoni of the pious first settlers in New-
England, to commejnorate the mercies that, dnring the
year past, have been lavished on the State, of which we
are citizens. A pious custom it is, and (irod grant that
the piety which gave it birth may prove its protector, and

ov^r defend it from the rude, tfic unhallowed touch of

lay p
, the

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 61

atheistic infidelity. Let us not, however, confine our
acknowledgments to one solitary day appointed by civil
authority. Let us rather, as our Church happily ex-
presses it in her liturgy, ' shew forth his praise, not only
with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to
his service.' By thus shouting our Amen to the ascription
of the kingdom, the power and the glory to the Lord, we
shall be fitted and made worthy to celebrate an eternal
thanksgiving in his heavenly kingdom."

Having officiated as a lay-reader at Cambridge, for
some months, he was invited to act in the same capacity
for a much larger congregation at Newport, Rhode-Island.
It is believed that the first sermon he delivered there was
from Romans i. 16. "I am not ashamed of the gospel of
Christ." The exordium insists upon religion, as distin-
guishing man from other creatures on earth, and on the
superiority of Christianity over all other systems* of reli-
gion. He then divides his subject into two heads :

I. The transcendant excellence of the gospel.

II. The corruption of the principles from which a
shame of it generally proceeds.

Under the first head he shows the gospel to be ex-
cellent in

1. Its origin.

2. Its nature.

3. Its end.

Under the second head he shows that the causes of
shame are,

1. A fear of the remarks of the world.

2. Inconsideration.

3. The pride of the human mind.

4. The unsubdued strength of vice.

From a variety of excellent remarks we quote the fol-
lowing : " Take his belief from the real Christian, and
you give a mortal stab to his comfort ; you deprive him of
a treasure for which the world qannot compensate ; you

62 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

obliterate from the face of nature every lovely feature,
and obscure that light by the reflection of which he had
discerned something significant in life, something desi-
rable in existence."

" There are many who are afraid to profess openly
their faith in the gospel, or «ven soberly to examine its
evidences, lest they should excite the observation of their
less serious acquaintances, and incur the imputation of
hypocrisy, or weakness. If they go to Jesus, it must be
with Nicodemus, by night, for fear of the Jews. Now a
more unworthy principle cannot operate upon the mind
of man. It augurs a want of manly independence, which
would be considered disgraceful in any other cause, and
is dangerous as well as disgraceful, where such moment-
ous interests are at stake. ' Who art thou, that thou
shouldst be ashamed of a man that shall die, and of the
sons of^nen that shall be as dust, and forgcttest the Lord
thy maker ?' "

" To consider is, in eVery ago, man's privilege and
duty. And inconsidcration, when that which is nothing,
or is every thing, demands his attention, is one of his
follies over which, if tlicMc he tears in heaven, angels
weep."

" Virtue nnd vice arc so directly in opposition, that our
contem])! for one will be as exactly proj)ortioned to our
attachment to the other as the elevation of one part of a
balance to the depression of the counterpoise. — Christian-
ity is as grievous to the corrupt nnnd as the light of the
sun to the disordered eye. They who are truly brought
out of darkness into light; in whom the holy sj)irit hath
broken the power of sin; and who are thus turned from
Satan unto (iod, can never be ashamed of the name, the
gospel, the ordinances, the friends of the redeenier. ^ So
far as you find yourselves reluctant to acknowledge Christ,
to rejoice in his nanu* and word, and to follow his steps,
so far un(|uestionably ari^ you from being perfectly turned

THE RIQHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 63

to the living God. The reason assigned by him why men
love darkness rather than hght, is because their deeds
are evil."

In an application more than usually animated, he says :
" Ye, who are lovers of moral improvement, will ye be
ashamed of that faith which has been the delight of
Abraham and Moses, of David and Samuel, of the glori-
ous company of the Apostles, the goodly fellowship of the
Prophets, the noble army of Martyrs, and the host of
Christian worthies whose virtues have formed the purest
lustre which yet has rested on the human character f Ye
who are admirers of reason, will ye be -ashamed of the
faith in which those masters of reason, a Locke and a
Newton, a Boyle and a Hale, a Washington and a Jones,
have found their peace and satisfaction ? Ye who are
willing and glad to avail yourselves of the redemption that
is in Christ Jesus, will ye be ashamed to appear as his
followers,, and defenders of his cause, when, to secure for
you this redemption, he endured the cross, despising the
shame, though he was heir of the glory and bhss of heaven ?
I call upon you to guard against this false shame, by your
knowledge of* the evils of which scepticism is productive.
I call upon you to guard against it, by the holy sign
impressed upon you at your baptism, in token that you
should not afterwards be ashamed to confess the faith
of Christ crucified, ' manfully to fight under his ban-
ner, and to continue his faithful soldier and servant unto
your life's end.' I call upon you to guard against it,
by that transcendant tenderness, that ineffable goodness,
which hath led him to offer his own body and blood to be
your spiritual food and sustenance, and is ready, unworthy
as we are, if we will go humbly to his table, to entertain,
us with heavenly food, and to spread over us the banner
of love. And finally, I call upon you to guard against it,
by that solemn declaration from his own lips, with which
I shall close this discourse : ' Whosoever shall be ashamed

64 ESSAY Oi\ THE LIFE OF

of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful
generation, of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed
when he cometh in the glory of his Father, with the holy
angels.' "

This discourse was copied, and probably enlarged and
improved, in the year 1810. It, no doubt, contains much
of the style and sentiment of the original production ; but
it is introduced here not so much as an early specimen, as
on account of the prevalent error which it so ably exposes.
The plan is exhibited as an illustration of his logical
method. The arrangement of his discourses, as to every,
the minutest part of them, was always settled in his mind,
if not sketched on paper, before he began to write them
out. Indeed, most of the expressions had been selected,
so that he could, with little difficulty, as I have heard him
say, pronounce them before they were written. One
great advantage of this habit was, that it enabled him to
prepare his sermons out of his study, on a ride, or«a walk, or
when detained, as waiting for a funeral, and when he once
sat down to write, the discourse was finished in a few hours.
The rapidity with which he wrote, was a strong evidence
of his quickness of recollection. And an understanding,
well disciplined by logic and rhetoric, could alone have
introduced each member, sentence, and word, in its pro-
per place. It was as the skill of the architect, to apply
his own words, who prepares his materials, and then so
adjusts his beams, joists, rafters, and boards, as to pro-
duce a compact and beautiful edifice.'

In this office of lay-reader, at Newport, he gave general
satisfaction hoth in the desk and the pulpit ; and, it is
believed, all the discourses wore even now of his own
composition. His theological studies were directed by
the Rev. Dr. Parker, then rector of Trinity Church, Bos-
ton, afterwards bishoj), with whom he enjoyed the closest
intimacv, and whose metnory he alwavs affi^ctionatel\
cherished. He often mentioned Dr. Parker as one of the

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 65

best readers of the public service that he had ever heard,
and he was suitably influenced by his bright example as
a friend to order, and an active parish minister.

The following nqjices of Bishop Parker ate from the
funeral sermon by the Rev. Dr. Gardiner, who was for
several years his colleague ; and his successor in the rec-
torship of Trinity Church, Boston.

" As the Episcopal Church had shared the royal bounty
and favour, and, in this country, had always been unpopu-
lar among the zealots of other persuasions, she naturally
became an object of jealousy at this crisis (1776) and her
ministers the objects of resentment. Alarmed for their
personal safety, in this moment of menace and peril, they
fled. Mr. Parker alone remained, and constant to his

dutv, persevered in its execution." " To his noble

conduct must, doubtless, be attributed the preservation of
the Episcopal Church in this town. Nor was the spirit
he displayed less disinterested than firm. Repeatedly
did he refuse the rectorship of this Church, anxiously
desirous of leaving open a path for the return of his senior
colleague, and it was with difficulty, and after a consider-
able space of time, that he was prevailed on to accept it.
His reputation extended throughout the Union. He was
looked up to as the head of the Episcopal Church in New-
England, and inferior to no clergyman on the continent
in the essential accomplishments of that -sacred character.
His discourses were serious and solid. He was deeply
impressed with the necessity of inculcating the essential
doctrines of Christianity, which peculiarly distinguish it
from other religions, and from a mere system of ethics.
Tiie divinity of the Saviour, the doctrine of atonement,
faith in the holy Trinity, were, he conceived, essential
parts of the Christian system. But though zealously at-
tached to these important doctrines, he never, for a
moment, lost sight of reason and good sense, and would
as vigorously oppose the advocates of blind faith, and
absolute predestination, as the defenders of loose and

9

66 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

latitudinarian sentiments in religion. It will be difficult,
if not impossible, to find another so well qualified to per-
form the important duties of a parish minister."

" His attention to the poor and to'tliQ sick, was unremit-
ting. He administered every spiritual and temporal con-
solation, which their situation demanded, and cheerfully

sacrificed all engagements to the call of duty." "As

a man, he was endowed with great and distinguished
virtues. With a sound understanding, he united a most
humane and feeling heart. No child of misfortune was
ever turned from his door without relief, and often have 1
seen him turn aside, to conceal the tear of sensibility that
had started in his eye at the appearance or recital of dis-
tress, in which he had no reason to be peculiarly interest-
ed. To avarice he was an entire stranger. He despised
money for its own sake, and valued it only as necessary to
procure the c<>n\enieiices of life, and relieve the wants of
the poor <iii(i unroll iiiialc. An clciiryman in ^his country
ever e.vercised mort; extensively the rites of hospitality.
His doors were always open to his numerous friends and
acquaintance, and his table spread Ini their entertainment.
He appeared to the greiitest advantage under his own
roof, wlicre, in the presence of his numerous family,
amidst the pleasures of social iutei(«>urse,he relieved the
cares and fatigues of the. day, with cheerful and agreeable
conv(;rsation. l^liose who were nmst interested in his
welfare, would often hint to him the propriety of saving u
j)ortion of his income, for the future support of his nume-
rous family. 'But the generosity of his nature forever
struggled with his ccujiugal affection and [)arental tender-
ness, and too tViMnuiitly |Mo\cd victorious in the contest.
His rank in society, and the profession of a gentleman, he
considered, re<|uire(l a style of living, rather beyotul what
is merely decent ;im<I necessary, and though his peoph'
were liberal, y<'t his income was not more than sufliciiMit
to satisfy the demands of a very larije family, and his own
sense of propriety.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 67

" There was a general impression tl>at he was a proud
man, among those who knew him but slightly. But never
was there a charge more unfounded. A certain loftiness
of deportment, perhaps a little stiffness of manners, and
the occasional neglect of returning those salutations in the
street, which the courtesies of life seem to require, might
have given rise to this supposition, and can alone serve
for its apology. For never did I know a human being,
who entertained a more humble opinion of himself, was
more diffident of his own talents, or less inclined to give
pain or offence to any living creature. What I here
affirm, I affiifn on my own personal knowledge and ob-
servation, and should consider flattery of any kind, on
this solemn occasion, the worst species of hypocrisy.

" Bishop Parker was a man of distinguished |;rudence,
and this virtue in him was pure and unalloyed. It was
entirely unmixed with cunning, the despicable vice of
little minds, and mean capacities. He scorned to gain a
moment's popularity by a trick, and simulation and dis-
simulation he utterly disdained. His prudence was of
the* most manly kind, the result of naturally good feelings
and intuitive good sense, which led him to think, and
speak, and act the very thing lie ought, and to support a
character of dignity and propriety at all times, and in
every situation.

" As a citizen, he was in the iiighest degree useful, and
in this view of his character, there is not, perhaps, an
individual in Boston, whose loss will be more extensively
felt. There is not a society in town, established for the
promotion of public good, or private benevolence, of which
he was not a distinguished member, and, in most of them,
an active officer. Whatever tended to improve or ameli-
orate the condition of his fellow-citizens, was the constant
object of his care and attention, and he zealously co-oper-
ated in every plan devised for that purpose. Such was
his acknowledged integrity, and so great the opinion of
his judgment, that he was often chosen as umpire, or

68 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

arbitrator, to decide the disputes of individuals, and if hig
decisions were sometimes unsatisfactory, they were always
just and impartial. To the widow and orphan, he was
the comforter, adviser, and friend. Whatever propeity
they inherited, he laid out to the utmost advantage ; and
if it proved insufficient for their support, he was zealous
in promoting subscriptions for theit relief." He was con-
secrated Bishop of the " Eastern Diocese" in 1&04, but
ere he had discharged a single duty of his new dignity,
he died.

I have extended these extracts, because they are almost
as applicable to Bishop Dehon as to Bislif>p Parker — to
the pupil as to the preceptor. May not these points of
character, as they must, have been admired, have been
almost unconsciously imitated ?

It needs scarcely to be observed, that the same diligence
which he had employed at the academy, was now conse-
crated to the noblest of sciences, even to that ' which is
unto salvation.' And his friends had the great satisfaction
to perceive that ho grew daily, not in knowledge only, but
in virtue also ; in favour with m<Mi, and, as they had good
reason to hope, with his God. The temptations to which
his youth, beauty, and rei)utation c\|)osed him, would
have injured any heart in which religious |)rinciple was not
deeply rooted. But he passed uncontaminated through
the gay season of life. I le boie his honors meekly. Few,
very lew, hu\ e been able so to overcome the world, the flesh,
and t lie devil. Let the nlmy be ascribed to that divine
grace on which he hahitiially placed his whole reliauce,
and which hv often iu\<>ke(l with stroug cries aiul many
tears. This may scmmu a proper place to introduce his
sentiments on " Early Piety," although they are extract-
ed from a sermon tlated in the year following to that of
which we are now treating. He intended the discourse
to be admonitory to himself, as well as to others, for he
uses the ex|)ression, "at our period of life": "Other
barriers are erected in this world than that of religion.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 69

which promise instant emohiment ; and under them the
yonng eagerly enlist directed by blind impulse, or thoughts
which are the offspring of the moment. Solomon gave
no unnecessary advice, when he said ' Remember (hy
creator in the days of thy youth.' It is a mistaken idea,
that religion is best accommodated to the sedateness of
age ; and is incompatible with the pursuits of youth. —
Never does it appear more lively, or dispense a more
salutary influence than when it glows in the youthful
breast : it does not convert the cheerfulness of this season
into gloom ; it iiujioses no. restraint upon the innocent
hilarity of the morning of life. But it gives a cast of
rationality to our pleasures, and so regulates them that
they may not leave stings in the bosom ; nor vanish with
the heat of youthful blood. It is true, it checks the wild
eccentricities of passion, and the illusive vagaries of folly.
They are like the sudden flashes of inflammable air, which
are momentary, in tlfeir duration and render the atmos-
phere smoky, and corrupt. Instead of these, religion sub-
stitutes the purer real pleasures of benevolence, content-
ment, complacency, self-government and piety. She refines
the feelings which yield rational delight, and moderates the
transports whose excess brings misery. The tendency of
the one is to ennoble a man, and render him satisfied with
himself; the tendency of the other is to degenerate a man,

and render him debased in his own eyes." " If it

be necessary ever to be religious, it is to be always so.
Religion is not a dress accommodated to a certain age.
It is a garment in which we are to be always attired to
meet our Lord when he comes. Every moment of life is
more precious than all the glittering joys which pleasure
can display. Age, unable with pleasure to review the
past, destitute of principles to illumine the present, and
without religion to satisfy it with a prospect of eternity,
must, methinks, be an unenviable lot. On the contrary,
that evening of that life cannot but be pleasant, which has
been spent in a manner conformable with the will of the

70 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

Most High, and as becometh rational and moral beings.
Review of the past is then satisfaction, and anticipation
is bhss. The Lord has a claim to the first fruits of om*
being. To offer to Deity the remains of a life which has
been devoted to vice and folly, is not accomplishing the
end for which he gave us existence. The man who dedi-
cates the morning of his days to the author of his being,
will have a rich harvest of joy. ' I love them that love me,
and they that seek me early shall find me.' "

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 71

CHAPTER II.

His Ministry at Newport.

Mr. Dehon was ordained a deacon by Bishop Baas, at
Newburyport, Massachusetts, on the 24th December, 1797,
and was immediately elected rectOr of Trinity Church,
Newport, Rhode-Island. The following was his letter of
acceptance :

-'To the Congregation of Trinity Church at Newport.

" Gentlemen, — The convincing proof of your anxiety for
my settlement among you as your rector, exhibited in your
renewed application, flatters and affects me. When I
answered your former proposals, the predominant objec-
tion against a compliance with your wishes was the want
of a stipend adequate to the situation. But for this, 1
should have been influenced by your unanimity, and felt
it my duty to comply with your request. This objection
being silenced by your second resolve, and the same unan-
imity of proceeding having continued, I feel it an obligation
to accept, with cheerfulness, the rectorship of your Church.
Relying for assistance upon that Being, who alone is capa-
ble of blessing men with endowments equal to the offices
which they are called to sustain, I promise, on my part, to
discharge the several duties of that office, which I now
accept, so far as I am able, and so long as the providence
of God shall see fit to continue me in the same. It will,
doubtless, gentlemen, be most agreeable to you, and it
will be most convenient for me, that I receive holy orders
before I meet you at Newport. As a presentation from you
will be expected by the bishop, it is necessary that it should

72 ESSAY Ox\ THE LIFE OF

be forwarded by the earliest opportunity. I shall en-
deavour to be with you immediately after orders shall
have been obtained, and I devoutly wish that we may then
commence a long series of years of mutual satisfaction,
comfort, and joy. • Theodore Dehon.

" Cambridge, November 29, 1797."

When he entered upon this charge he preached from
Phihppians ii. 2. " Fulfil ye my joy ;" and no text could hav e
been more appropriate, for through life he looked to the ex-
ercise of the ministry as the chief source of his joy. In this
discourse he shews " some of the ways in which the fulfil-
ment of the joy of a Christian minister must depend u])on
the people, who are committed to his care." " The thing
most dear to ca ery faithful minister of Christ, is the suc-
cess of the gospel. If, therefore, the people feel no con-
cern for the cause ; if they discover to the world that their
profession of religion is altogether a matter of education,
habit, or convenience; if they cni])loy a clergyman solely
because it is decent and customary to have one ; if, when
they have em])ioyed him, they betray the instability of their
faith by a disrepect for his otiice, and an unwillingness to
maintain it, it is hardly ])ossible that the joy of their min-
ister can in any degree be fulfilled." *' No sight

below lieaven can be more lovely, even in the eyes of Deity
himself, than a Christian congregation walking hand in
hand like brothers ; endeavouring to promote each other's
])rosj)crity, and imjij-ovement ; and in sweet unison ad-
vancing the glory of God and of his Christ. This was
the princi|)al object of St. Paul's desires, when be ad-
dressed to his IMiilippian converts the passage from which
the text was selected. If, says he, there be any consohi-
tion in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowshifi of
the spirit, fulfil ye my joy ; that ye be like-min(fed, having
the same love ; beinff of one accord, of one mind ; doing
nothing from strife or vain-gloy ; but in lowliness of mind
each esteeming otJHMs better than himself So great a
source of deliirht must this be to every minister of the

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 73

gospel, that he who finds it his, must be happy in his
oliice here, independent of his future prospects. Could
he feel assured, that in that day, when all the stewards of
the gospel shall be called to account, he should appear at
the head of those who lived in this world under his paro-
chial care, and presenting them to his master, be able to
say, ' of them whom thou gavest me I have lost none,'
his joy would be literally, and in the noblest sense fulfilled."
He sums up his remarks as follows : " The foundation
of his joy must undoubtedly be laid in himself. The haj)-
piness must rest upon the basis of his own belief in the
religion he professes ; his own adherence to the precepts
he inculcates, and his faithfulness in the discharge of his
official duties. But, though these are the corner-stones
upon which his joy must be founded, they alone are not
adequate to its fulfilment. You have seen that much,
very much, depends upon his people's being heartily en-
gaged in the cause which they profess to maintain ; upon
the success of his ministry among them ; upon their living
in harmony and love ; and upon the hope resulting from
his and their progress in holiness, that though death must
suspend, it will not annihilate their happy intercourse, but
that it shall be perpetuated in the regions of eternal bliss.
I have been thus particular upon the subject, not doubt-
ing, that particularity would be pardoned by you, upon
this occasion ; an occasion to me the most affecting of
any which has occurred since the commencement of my
existence. An infinitely wise and good God has seen fit,
at this early period of my life, to call me to the ministry of
his Church upon earth. When reflecting upon the holi-
ness of the office, when considering the importance of the
interests, the greatness of the obligations, and the arduous-
ness of the duties which it involves, I have been compelled
to exclaim, with the author of my text, ' who is sufficient
for these things.' But relying upon him, who out of the
mouths of babes and sucklings can perfect praise, and hav-
ing full confidence in the declaration, made by our master,

10

74 ESSAV ON THE LIFE OF

when he instituted holy orders in his Church, that he would
be with us always, even to the end of the world, I this
day meet you as your minister in Christ. Already has
the happiness of your pastor commenced, in beholding a
Church but lately divided against itself, and almost tot-
tering to dissolution, now united in voice, and, he devoutly
hopes, in affection. In the language of the apostle per-
mit him to address you, ' Fulfil ye my joy,' " &c.

This discourse is a fair specimen of the accuracy of
composition which appeared in all his writings. He can
scarcely ever be said to have written carelessly. It is
also a happy illustration of those tender feelings, and that
humility which adorned his writings and his life. The
reader will })erceive an analogy between the sentiments
here expressed, and those on the occasion of his being
advanced to the Episcopate.*

It is said this Church was, about this time, in a declin-
ing state. Differences prevailed in the congregation
which much disturbed its peace, and interrupted its pros-
perity. There was no office whicli Mr. Dehon undertook
with greater j)Ieasinc, and executed with better success,
than that of mediator. His expostulations, founded in
scrij)turc, were unanswerable. His example enforced
every lesson. His affectionate manner was irresistible.
" Blessed are the ])eace-makers, for they shall be called
the children of God." He perceived a misunderstanding
so soon as it was j)rodured, and instantly endeavoined to
coriect it. He noticed the first wave of anger, and pour-
ed u|)on it the oil of kindness. He never beheld the
peace of any society interrupted, without aj)|)lying to its
restoration the energies of his mind, and the fascinations
of his heart. He never saw the brother alienated from
his brother, without a desire, a jnayer, and an attempt,
as far as propriety would permit, to effect a reconciliation.
Like Moses, in tiiis respect, not less than in his meekness^

"^ See Chapter V.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 75

he came forward to allay the heat of passion, and heal
tlic woiinds of friendshi}3 ; and his look, and speech,
made the appeal of Moses to the heart, " Sirs, ye are
brethren, why do ye wrong one to another ?" The harmony
of his congregation, produced by his address, continued
uninterrupted. It flourished greatly, and the praises of
its minister were in the heart, and on the lips of every
one. There was talent, and knowledge, and oratory, to
excite commendation, but the tribute now alluded to was
less from the understanding than from the affections, and
was rendered more to goodness than to other excellencies.
The expressions of those in the humbler walks of society,
while their eyes were filled with tears, the delicate attenr
tions of the refined, and the solicitude of all for his wel-
fare, brought to mind those happy times when the minister
was revered as a father, and esteemed " very highly
in love for his work's sake." The nominal salary was
small. But the people ministered abundantly to his com-
foit. And many of their gifts had unspeakable value,
because associated with such feelings as the heart loves
to awaken. The knowledge of their existence constitutes
one of the best joys of a Christian minister. In his own
emphatic language, he here wanted nothing. On the 9thi
October, 1800, he was ordained a priest, at Nev^bury^
port, by the same bishop from whom he bad received
deacon's orders.

His time, at Newport, was chiefly divided between
parochial visits, and his study. The congregation was
large, and he felt it his duty to be acquainted with
every member of it. To some, his visits were only occa-
sional, while to others they were frequent, and long pro-
tracted. He loved to speak with those that feared the
Lord. He felt that he could be instructed in some things
by the weakest disciple ; and the experienced Christian,
in the humblest situation, always commanded his respect,
and was valued as a good monitor, and a living witness
of the efficacy of the gospel. He loved to chasten hi$

76 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

attachment to the present scene, and to cultivate humility
and benevolence, by frequenting the abode of poverty and
wretchedness, and the chamber of sickness and death.
By such visits he was also impressively reminded of the
sinfulness of human nature, which had exjjosed it to so
many and dreadful calamities, and of the value of that
religion which was sent from heaven to bind up the
broken-hearted ; to declare good tidings to the poor, and
to kindle the light of immortality in the valley of the
shadow of death. He recollected that our Lord had com-
mended the state of poverty, as favourable to the recep-
tion of the gospel, and, therefore, went often to the houses
of the poor, to reclaim from error, or to encourage in
well-doing, them and tlieir children ; to persuade them to
practice family and private worshi}) ; to attend at the
sanctuary ; to think less of a world which had disappoint-
ed them, and mure of those riches wliich are certain and
everlasting. "From tlu; ht)\e!s of the poor (writes a
friend) he would turn to the <iw('llin;is of the aflliient, and
paint the scenes he had left with siuli Allowing <'olours, and
in such pathetic language, as would immediately induce
them to send, out of their abundance, portions to tliose
who had nothing to eat. Freijuent instances have come
within my knowledge, of comforts which have been sent,
without even the giver's name, to tlie distressed and needy,
in consecjiu'nce of his feeling descrij)tion of their situation."
By administering to their necessities from his own purse,
and calling in others to their relief, when his own nieans
w^ere insufhcient, he a<'(iuired their conlidence ; by his
attentions, and those of other Christians influenced by
him, he excited in then) self-resjject ; by giving them some
well selected tract, or larger book, he conveyc^d useful
instruction, and hnally, by some scrij)tnral incident hap-
pily introduced, "a word fitly spoken, hke apples of gold
in pictures of silver," he gradually led them from immoral
and irreligious habits, to become good members of society,
and tlie Church. The eftect of alilicti<»n. to excite reli-

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. V 4

o'ious feelings, could not have escaped the observation of
Mr. Delion. The sick and the afflicted were sure of his
marked attention. He came to weep with them, to
assist in opening the lessons of providence, and to pray
that they might be consoled, and corrected, and edi-
fied. The awe of the timid was soon removed by the
tenderness of his address. The sinner perceived immedi-
ately that he taught a doctrine of peace, not of terror. If
the first visit had been reluctantly accepted, the second
was eagerly desired. The dying mortal and his weeping
relatives welcomed him as the herald of consolation, and
the physician of the soul. But there was one class of
mourners, who more particularly engaged his solicitude
and attention, those who having turned their thoughts to
the important concerns of religion, had become over-
whelmed with remorse and fear, under a consciousness of
their sinfulness. Into their feelings, he entered immedi-
ately and completely, and he spared neither time, nor
reflection, nor prayer, to bring tliem into the way of peace.
He was blessed with signal success, and if there was any
event which warmed his heart with a higher joy, it was
that he had been used by the Almighty as an instrument
in the conversion of a sinner from the error of his ways.
" You have doubtless heard (thus he writes to a friend) of

the death of . We are all in tears. His family,

what a scene of grief! They have, however, such con-
solations as cannot fail to soothe them, when the vague
anguish of their bosoms becomes defined. His Christian
faith, resignation, and humility, were wonderful. Under
the most agonizing pains he received baptism, and the
eucharist at diiferent periods, and was precisely in that
state, in which we all should wish our friends to quit this
scene, and enter upon the eternal world. At some future
time, I will give you an account of my interviews with him.
To me, the recollection of them is pleasant, as the choicest
incidents of my life." He here alludes to a gentleman
eminent in the medical profession, who unfortunately

78 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

had embraced sceptical principles. In addition to this
circumstance, there was in him an amiableness which
particularly excited in this young pastor an anxiety for his
spiritual welfare. It pleased God to inflict on him a pro-
tracted illness, during which Mr. Dehon frequently visited
him, and they engaged in the discussion of that most im-
portant of questions, " What shall a man do to be saved ?"
Objection after objection was patiently heard, mildly com-
batted, and eftectually removed. Gradually was Christian
truth unfolded to the mind of the inquirer, and at length
the zealous and persevering minister had the satisfaction
of seeing him not only almost, but altogether a Christian.
This event was the more grateful, as the relatives of the
convert were particular friends of Mr. Dehon. He did
indeed participate in their joy, that the son and brother
who had l)oen as if dead was alive again, that he who had
been lost, in a spiritual sense, was now found for eternity.
"I feel well, assured (writes a relative) that the conversa-
tions and character of 3Ir. Dehon were tlie means of in-
teresting my beloved in the truth of religion, and

the cords of love by which he drew him out of darkness
into light, will, I trust, give him to be one of the precious
seals of his ministry." On another occasion, a gentle-
man, from a distant part of the country, who happened to
be at Newport, had strenuously objected to being visited
by Mr. Dehon, but having yielded at length to tlie solicita-
tions of a pious friend, he became so nuich interested in the
message of the gospel, that \w desired to have the benevo-
lent minister often near him. and departed this life with a
})ower of iaith and hope which astonished and delighted
his attendants. These are some of the children beiiotten
in the gosjjel by this \oung pastor, and they evince at
once his capacity for the sacred oltice, and the blessing of
heaven which already attended his ministrations.

ITis sermons at this time were as correct and elegantly
written as at any period of his life. Jt was s;iid of them
ihnt they were remarkably equal. If other cleri^ymen ex-

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 79

celled him on paiticular occasions, very few could be com-
pared with him in the general excellency of his discourses.
There was an uniformity in his writings, and indeed in
his temper and conduct, seldom below the standard of
strict propriety and high merit. It was remarked that
his people never were pleased to see his place in the pul-
pit occupied by another. His success in interesting them
Sunday after Sunday, v/as owing, in no small degree, to
the variety of his subjects, and illustrations. It would
not be easy to name a preacher who so seldom fell into
the same train of thought, and modes of expression. The
theologian may think that his sermons at this period
are not so exclusively Christian, and so profound in theo-
logical science, as those of a subsequent date, and perhaps
candour mjist admit that, as a highly cultivated taste
sometimes interferes with the simplicity of the gospel, so
its fundamental principles were not so often and earnestly
insisted on as they might have been. But it is gratify-
ing to observe that those great truths ; the corruption of
the heart ; the atonement by Christ, the Son of God ; the
sanctitication of the Holy Ghost, which, in the view of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, are at the foundation of the
Christian system, grew daily in his estimation, and had
the most decided approbation of his soberest and maturest
judgment. His character as a preacher cannot be said
to have been formed while he was yet a deacon, but it
already was as the dawn of a bright day. The excellence
of his sermons, in a literary point of view, is the more
surprising, as he now prepared two every week, except
on the week preceding the Sunday for the administration of
the Lord's supper, and it is believed he omitted the morning-
sermon on that day, less to spare himself, than to accommo-
date the congregation, and to remind them of the superior,
importance of this holy ordinance, and in this most im-
pressive manner, to. invite them to partake of it, and to
give it an undivided attention. It is to be regretted, that
the fondness for preaching, to which the apostle not in>-

80 ES.SAY O^i THE LIFE OF

probably iilUides, wlieu lie speaks of " itching ears,"
should prevent the inti'oduction generally of this custom,
particularly in large congregations ; and it is surprising
that any should not prefer the omission of the sermon to
the curtailment of the communion service, by including a
whole table in one address, as has been proposed — a
measure which could not but impair the effect of this
sacred ordinance, as well in respect to the partaker as to
the mere sj^ectator. It may be observed that the persmml
address impressively enforces the comfortable doctrine
that Jesus died for eacli and every man, and not for an
elect few.

The revival of the ancient custom of public baptism,
was among the most valuable fruits of his youthful minis-
try. It is jirobablc that the examiple of Bishoj) Parker
had strengthened th(^ convictions of his own mind, in rela-
tion to this subject. But it would have been a suiiicient
reason with him, always diiiident of himself, and confident
in the wisdom of the Clmrch, that her rubric expressly
enjoined the administration of baptism in the Church, on
some holy-day or ])rayer-d}iy, immediately after the second
lesson, cxce})t in cases of necessity. The case of sick-
ness is s'pecially mentioned, and there may be other cases,
which the Church desigiu'd to leave to a sound discretion.
ludecMl, all general directions imply exceptions in those
cases which could not have been anticipated by hunum
Avisdom. The regulations of the ChurcJi in relation to
the other sacram( iit are precisely similar. The Lord's
suj)per is to be Jtdministered in the Churcli, as the most
suitable ])lace, but in the case of sickness it is permitted
in a i)rivate house. It camml be doubted that if tiiis
order was iuno\ated upon, the convenience of some indi-
A-iduals, and tlu' power of custom, which often is consider-
ed a reason, would render it as difficult to restore the
primitive usage as it has been found in the case of the
solemn sacrament of baptism. There is n '^ a reason lor
the pffO/ic celebration of the Lord's supper whicli does not

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 8l

apply to the other sacrament. And there seems a special
propriety in administering, in the presence of the Christian
society, the act of initiation into that society. In this
good work, he encountered strong opposition from indi-
viduals of influence. To some of them, such reasons as
these appeared sufficient — that they had not been used to
the proposed way ; that it was inconvenient ; that they
had been accustomed to associate with this solemn act of
religion, a social entertainment ; and finally, that they
were unwilling to contemplate a service with any addi-
tional solemnity, which they performed rather from habit^
or in comphance with the wishes of a pious friend. But
our pastor was not to be diverted from his duty by any
opposition, and the objections which were offered satisfied
him that baptism in private houses had led, and perhaps
was almost unavoidably subject, to great abuses. He was
not willing that his people in general should lose the
benefit of witnessing this significant ordinance, or that
the baptized in particular should be deprived of the
prayers of the congregation, and of the best means of ex-
citing in their sponsors a due sense of their responsibility.
He conducted this affair with his usual discretion, with the
firmness of Paul, and the meekness of Moses ; and such
was his success, that some parents candidly declared, that
in future they would object to a proposal for privately
baptizing their children, although they had been strongly
in favour of it.* At this early period of his ministry,
he appears to have been also sensible of the usefulness
of another ancient usage of our Church, the observance
of the fast and festival days.t He felt the interest of a
primitive beUever in the events and characters of the
Christian history, and considering the commemoration of
them happily calculated to promote religious sensibility

* la Chapter IV. this subject is again mentioned and more fully eonaidered.

* This subject is also considered in Chapter IV.

1]

82 tSSAY ON THE LIFE OF

and knowledge, the appointed public service on the fasts
and festivals was punctually performed.

On the occasion of the death of G. Gibbs, Esq., a lead-
ing member of the congregation, Mr. Dehon preached a
discourse, the following extract from which will be accept-
able to our readers. He opened the subject in this in-
teresting manner : " That we must die is the most affect-
ing truth the mind can contemplate. As an event which
terminates the busy pursuits and dear connexions of life ;
an event which, whatever its consequence, can take place
but once ; an event with which may be connected con-
cerns of infinite and eternal importance to our being :
dissolution is a subject of consideration, iuteresting, awful,
momentous. What death is to man f — whether he is the
dreadful conqueror he appears ? — how it is with his vic-
tims, whii(> survivors mourn ? — what will be our condi-
tion when his destroying hand shall have touched us ? —
are questions which solemnize and absorb attention ; and
prove the falling of the curtain more deeply interesting
than the opening of existence, or the develojiement of life.
" Upon this subject, experience can give us no instruc-
tion. None go to the mansions of death, and return with
the desired infornuition. It is a to|)ic upon which experi-
ence, sequestered beyond the confines of mortality, keeps
a mysterious silence. Of reason, too, we ask in vain for
a satisfactory answer to our inquiries. Jiife is an enigma
which she can hardly e.\})lain. How much more, then, is
death? The torch wliirli nature holds at the mouth of
the tomb, sheds but a dubious and (]uivering light. It
requires a beam from tlie source of all knowledge and
power to illustrate man's condition. We need a voice
from heaven to assure us, that to the good and useful, to
our beloved and virtuous friends, to those who are worthy
of the favour of God, death is not the termination, but the
commencement, of their best life and joys. And blosed
be God, this voice wc have testified by the beloved disci])I«

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 83

of our Lord, who, in the fourteenth chapter of the book
of Revelation, and thirteenth verse, furnishes us with
these words, " I heard a voice," ifec.

At the close of the discourse, he thus introduces the
character of the deceased : •' Such is death to the upright.
It is the close of labour, and the commencement of joy.
Clothed with immortality, they enter into peace. To
wish them back to this toilsome existence, would be un-
wise, unkind ; it would be like wishing the good patriarch
again exposed to the dangers and anxieties of the flood,
after he had reached the Ararat of safety, and the bow of
protection had been placed over him in the heavens. If
to have lived doing good, and to have departed in the sure
faith of the holy name, be to die in the Lord, this blessed-
ness in death may be eminently predicated of the valuable
character, at the remembrance of whose late departure
from among us our tears yet flow, and our bosoms will
long be grieved. Your expectations, the public emotion
at his loss, and my own fond affection for him, all require
that the excellencies of his life should not be forgotten,
while we bewail his death. Endowed naturally with
vigorous powers of mind and body, blessed by Providence
with abundant fortune, and animated by a spirit which
viewed nothing with indifference, that concerned the hap-
piness or improvement of his country or man, Mr. Gibbs
was eminently qualified to rank among those rare charac-
ters, the value of whose lives is felt while they are here,
and whose deaths cause a void in society, which the ordi-
nary course of events does not often fill. Do we con-
template him as a citizen, who was more sensible of his
country's honour, or felt more tenderly her wrongs ? The
real interest of his town, his State, and his nation, were
near his heart, and could they realize his wishes, rational
freedom, increased prosperity, pure religion, peace and
joy, would long be their allotments. Do we contemplate
him in his mercantile character -^ By enterprize, integ-
rity, candour, and punctuality, he rendered himself known '

84 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

and respectable through his own country, in Europe, and
the Indies, and with a portion of that benevolence, which
actuates the Deity, and emanates from him, it was his
dehght to convert his commercial projects into occasions
of benefiting those whom it was necessary to employ in
the accomphshment of them. Do we contemplate him in
his state of distinguished affluence f He was the almoner
of God. Never was a man in a less degree rich for him-
self. Pride in his wealth he had none ; and he was chiefly
happy in it, because it enabled him to bless his family
and connexions, to benetit his community, to employ the
honest and industrious poor, and to wijje the tear from
the widow's and the or|)han's cheek. Do we remember
him in the connexion by which he was related to us all,
as a member of this society ? Alas, what a })illar of our
Church has God taken away ! A modest, yet firm, be-
liever in her |)rinciples ; a siucero admirer of her services ;
a friend and liberal benefactor to her ministers: he has
left her to regret that siie shall no nunc be benefited by
him, save in the influence wliirli his exemplary benevo-
lence, meekness, faith, and resiiriiatiori, should have upon
each of her sons so louii* as the reuHMubijince of them
endures. Shall we ap|)roacli tenderly the domestic scene,
and contemplate him in those relations in which the true
characters of men generally apjx'ar ? ilevc he was an
ornauient to his natiue. His cheerful and afl'cctionatc
disj)osition, liis honest, unsusiucious, benevolent soul, qual-
ified him to be a pattern of all that is lovely in domestic
life. Oft has afl'ection admired in him, and long will
memory de|)lore, the fond and faithful husband, the ten-
der and indulgent father, the kind brother, the gener-
ous master, and the unwearied friend. Such, in every
view of him, was this beloved man. Could usefulness in
his station, could the most anxious exertions of relative
afl'ection and medical skill, could the blessinirs and tears
of the poor and the desolate, could the importunate |)rayervS
of tlu' faithful, Jiave prolonged hfe, we yet had seen him

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 85

in the busy scene, in the social circle, and in the house of
God, gladdening us with his presence. But he is gather-
ed so his fathers in peace. Soothed with the conciousness
of a useful life, yet too humble to rely on this as worthy
of any reward, his hopes of a happy eternity rested on that
rock, more durable than the everlasting hills, the mercy
of God and merits of the Redeemer. Testifying the truth
and blessed iniiuences of the. gospel, he closed the evening
of his useful, arduous day, with the dignity, composure,
and devotions of the Christian. Who, as he muses on his
course and end, hears not the voice of wisdom calling
frojn her ^eat, ' Mark the perfect man, and behold the
upright, for the end of that man is peace.'

" With his bereaved family, what bosom that is human
does not sympathize. Gracious and adorable God, their
hearts are pained ; their anguish, O thou friend of the
afflicted, is exceeding great ! Let the balm of thy conso-
lations descend upon their spirits, as the dew upon the
tender ])lant when it droopeth. Give them to discern
through the cloud, thy fatherly hand administeiing the
affliction, and thy right hand extended to wijje away their
tears. Yes, my disconsolate friends, it is God who hath
done it. Calm, then, your sorrows oYi the bosom of his
unspeakable love. With faithful affection, you have done
what you could. On the tomb of the beloved dead, the
beams of glory and of consolation are bright. Give to his
memory the tears which religion forbids not to fiow^, but
give also to the Almighty the hearts he has formed, the
acquiescence in his will which his goodness claims.

"Let none of us, my brethren, suffer this event, big
with most solemn and affecting instructions, to pass un-
improved. Would you have. your posterity refreshed by
the fragrance of your good names, when you shall sleep in
the dust ? — would you have the love and esteem of your
fellow-beings to sweeten your lives, and their tears to
descend upon your tombs t — would you have the spirit
of the Almighty to support you in the hour of dissolution,

86 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

and, when every earthly comfort fails, be cheered with the
hojDe of immortality and peace f learn this day to live for
others as well as yourselves, to cultivate the kind and
benevolent affections, to aid the poor when he crieth, the
fatherless, and her who has no helper ; to be modest and
useful in your stations ; to reverence God, and honour the
Redeemer. ' To the npright there ariseth lit^ht in the
darkness, and the memory of the just is blessed.'

"But the death of our lamented friend, as well as his
life, urges a most important lesson upon our minds. After
paying to his memory the tribute which his worth deserved,
how natural to reflect that the fashion of this world pass-
eth away. Thou^rh surrounded by every thing which
could endear and fortify life, he yet nuist go down to the
chambers of the dead. His wealth is now no more to
him thuji the hollow wind that moans over his remains.
His benevoleiKc and meekness, his piety, integrity, and
interest in the merits of his Savioui-, are the only treasures
he has carried witii hifn ; with tliosi* he must sttiud before
his God, and as they shall avail him (blessed and forever
blessed be the lamb, that f/uy shall fiiily avail) so will be
his eternity. Pause — aud ronsidcM' this, my fathers, his
contemporaries. Ponder it, my younger friends, who are
spending your strength for this world's goods. Learn
here that you must die. Bring home to your hearts the
r(^flection, that riches profit not in tlu^ day of death; that
as the flower of the grass, their possessor must fade away.
' fiUy up toi- yoursehcs treasures in heaven.' Labour,
})lan, he rich for eternity. Then, though the earth br
moved, and the heavens melt, and the glory of all flesh
perish fovever, ^oii will have a happiness which >hall sur-
vive \\\v wreck, will be taken to the imperishahlr abodes
of (lod and the Lamb."

The feebleness of his constitution, aggravated by thr
keen air and the fogs of Rhode-Tsland, and his nnr«Mnit-
ting labours, reiidered it imj)ossil)le for him t(> continue
the sole minister of the Church, and his atfectionate flock

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 87

hesitated not to provide him with an assistant. By this
kindness he was reheved, in part, of the labour of writing-
sermons, and of pubUc speaking, particularly injurious to
one threatened with a pulmonary disorder, but it does not
appear that he relaxed his studies, or parochial visits.
The time saved from one occupation was devoted to some
other not less useful. It was now that he laid the founda-
tion of his theological knowledge, for after his removal to
South-Carolina, he had scarcely any time for deep investi-
gations. It ought to be mentioned as a cause of his pro-
ficiency, which was very great, considering the few hours
which ill health and active duty left for study, that he gave
more time to thinking than to reading. He selected the
best works and studied them thoroughly. There was,
therefore, an originality in his conversation and writings
not to be found where the habit of reading rather than of
reflec*:ion is indulged in, and the memory is moje exer-
cised thau the judgment. " His studies (I use the lan-
guage of a friend) were protracted to the hours of mid-
night. I have heard him say that the dawn of morning
frequently found him at his books. He did not approve
of midnight studies, yet he could not overcome his love of
conversing with the oracles of God, and the living monu-
ments of the mighty dead in the calm and silent hours of
night. May I not say, that this was the only instance in
which he practised what he disapproved ?" He was ])ar-
ticularly fond of the old authors of the Church of Eng-
land. It is believed that studies of a secular nature,
though he had so high a rehsh both for literatiue and
science, occupied little of his time, and that when he did
attend to them, it was to render them subsidiary to his use-
fulness as a minister of Christ. Perhaps no man ever
conformed more strictly to that admirable injunction in
the office for the ordering of priests : " Consider how
studious ye ought to be in reading and learning the scrip-
tures, and for this self same cause, how ye ought to for-
sake, and set aside, as much as ye may, all world! v cave?

SB ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

and studies." He read the Greek scriptures with perieci
ease, and it is believed had paid some attention to the
Hebrew, although he considered this less important, for it
is the type which is contained in this language, while the
anti-type, the substance of the shadow, is in the Greek.
It is true, the Greek is Hebraical, and, therefore, the
theologian will not neglect the former lans^uaife. I trust
I may be excused for the digressive remark, although it
may have often suggested itself to many others, that in
the English language, and jjrobabiy in no human composi-
tion, is there to be found so comprehensive, yet concise,
an exposition of ministerial obligation, and so eloquent an
exhortation to its fulfilment, as in that part of the ordina-
tion office from which we have just ([uoted. It appears
that he had " clearly determined, by God's grace, to
give himself wholly to this office of a mini^^ter, and that,
as much as possible, he applied himself wholly to this one
thing, and drew all his cares and studies that way ;" for
at this time he resisted the temptation of an increased
income and (what was more dilKcuit for him) a friendly
solicitation to undertake the education of the two sons of
a ])rother clergyman, who was able handsomely to re-
munerate him. He was willing and desirous to serve
them, but he could not consent to do that which would
interfere with higher obligations. He uniformly nuiin-
tained, that the clergy, who liad parochial charges, ought
not, if it could jmssibly be avoi<led, to engage in the occu-
pation of teaching. Jie thought that it would injure their
health, and if it did not spoil the temper, of which there
was much danger, or at least unfit it for the arduous
duties of a minister, yet it would occupy the energies
which God had called to be exerted in another s|)here.
He had the highest respect for the profession of an in-
structor of youth, considering it, as every wise man ujust,
as among the most imjuirtant which can be entrusted to a
mortal. But he thought that the field of education was
sufficiently spacious to require the undivided efforts of any

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. W

man, and he always strenuously recommended that the
Church and the school should each have its own proper
olticer. It is indeed worthy of the serious consideration of
every minister proposing to become an instructor of youth,
whethei- he has a disposition which will render the offices
compatible in his own case. The narrow income of
the' clergy furnishes a strong temptation to engage in
some additional pursuit, but they should have a reasonable
confidence that God will provide for his ministers, and it
may be feared that their consenting to engage in other
pursuits, may encourage more and more the withholding
of the means of maintenance, to which they have, under
the gospel, an incontrovertible claim. Let the people be
made to understand that the duties of the ministry are
sufficient to occupy the whole time of any man. Let
them see, that ministers are always employed, and in their
one great work, and we may hope a beneficial change in
public opinion, and the most happy results. It is known
that such considerations were urged by Mr. Dehon on a
worthy young minister, who afterwards deeply regretted
that they had not influenced him, for he became a victim
to his exertions, made from the most laudable motives,
in these two arduous professions. Let me add, that too
many boys have an improper feeling towards their school-
ma-iter, which it would be unfortunate that they should
entertain for their minister, as it would necessarily inter-
fere with his influence on their minds and hearts.

Notwithstanding the diligence of Mr. Dehon in the dis-
charge of his sacred duties, he found time for the exercise
of hospitality. To this he was led by the benevolence of
his nature, and by principle, for he recollected that this
virtue was enjoined on ministers by St. Paul, and on
Christians in general, by our Lord, in that affecting de-
claration, " I was a stranger and ye took me in." New-
port was a place of much resort during a part of the year,
and his hospitality must have entrenched on his small
income. Tlie stranger was sure of some attention from

12

do ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

him. The clergy, and candidates for orders, made his
house their home. And the children of his friends were
often reUeved of their chief expenses in visiting Newport,
sometimes for months, by being admitted under his hos-
pitable roof.

His chief recreation at Newport was the cultivation of
a httle garden with his own hands. This emplo}ment
promoted his health, and while it illustrated his taste lor
simple pleasures, it fostered his love of retirement, and
his habit of associating providence with all the scenes of
nature, particularly with those which are beautiful and
agreeable. In every flower, his devotion traced the wis-
dom, and the superabundant goodness of its divine creator.
'' Dr. Hammond used to sj)eak of a certain man, who,
when he was upon his death-bed, enjoined his son to spend
his timr in composing verses, and cultivating a garden,
because lie thought that no temptation could creep into
either of these employments." Jeremy Tfiylor thus com-
mends this amusement :

" In books and gardens thou hast i)laced aright
Thy noble, innocent deHght."

*' It may be to.o nmch t(» say of it, as luis been said,
(remarks the Quarterly Review*) that it is the purest of
JHiman pleasures ; but it was in a garden that man was
placed when he came pure from the hand of his creator, and
it is in gardens that they who are blest with means and
opportunity may create an Eden for themselves, as far as
earth is now capable of the resemblance." To this taste
of Ml. Dcliou we may attribute one of his most betiutifnl
and finished discourses from the text, " There was a gar-
den, and in the garden a se[)ulchre."t In the conclusion,
he says : " There, by 'the river of God,' is the garden which
has no 'sepulchre.' Its pleasures are perennial. Its joys
are nourished with the dews of immortality. On its IxwderK

^ No. XXXVII. Life of Evelyn. t See vol. ii. Sermon 75>

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 91

are Cherubim and flaming swords, to exclude, forever, the
tempter, that he may no more mar the innocence and hap-
piness of the children of the Most High. There walk, the
heirs of glory, amidst unfading flowers, surrounded, every

where, with trees of Hfe." The young " are in

in the spring of life. Beautiful to them is the garden be-
fore them, and teeming with innumerable pleasures. Its
opening flowers delight their hearts. With sanguine
assiduity, they are setting a thousand plants of future hap-
piness. They hear nothing but promises of felicity, in the
whispering gales which pass by them. But, my youthful
friends, ' in the garden there is a sepulchre.' Though you
are now in the spring-time of life, there is a winter in every
man's yeai'. The flowers, with which he solaced himself,
must fade. The plants which he cherished shall wither.
Time shall prove treacherous, a spoiler of every joy ; and
nothing will one day remain, but the ' sepulchre ' and the
relics it embosoms." After recommending moderation in
the pursuit of things temporal, and ardour in the heavenly
race, he thus concludes : " The debt of your nature, you
shall indeed pay ; but when your bodies descend into the
' sepulchre,' your souls shall be with him in paradise."
Thus did the recreations of this good man minister to his
piety, and to the edification of his people.

But there v/as another recreation, in which he had far
more delight, the cultivation of the mind and heart of
his youngest sister, who was to him, as he expressed
it, "as a daughter." He knew the importance of in-
struction, especially in sacred truth. And he felt that a
care for the soul would be the most solid proof of fraternal
aflection. It need not be added, that a disposition, mild and
aflfectionate, a mind well furnished, a heart properly disci-
plined by the gospel, a high estimation of the female char-
acter, and a cultivated taste for polite literature, eminently
qualified him for the important and pleasant ofiice of the
guide of the female mind. Perhaps it ought to be men-
tioned here, that he felt it both a recreation and a duty, to

92 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

visit, as often as circumstances would permit, his motheiv
then residing in Boston, whom he loved, honoured, and
succoured all the days of her life. " He would gladly
have had her reside with him, could he have obtained her
consent. Two of his sisters were prevailed uyon to re-
move to Newport, and accept the situation which he had
at first designed for his mother."

In such a manner, in the discharge of functions the most
important which can be entrusted to a mortal, and in
relaxations pure and elevated, and indeed useful, to his fel-
low-creatures, his time was passed in Newport. Abroad,
he was welcomed in that character which he was most
ambitious to attain — the character of a faithful minister
of Christ. And his home was the abode of as high domes-
tic felicity as probably was ever experienced in this world,
since the fall. In readiuii his sermon, on Ps. cxxxiii. 1.
the mind of his friend naturally turns to the domestic
scene at New|)f)rt : " Look into the family wliere fraternal
affection is ever awake, where no discordant note inter-
rupts the harmony of daily occujiences, and 'behold how
good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together
in unity.' The wants and alllirtions of the whole are
alleviated, by mutual purtici|)ation, and the success and
happiness of each individual are increased, by reciprocal
conimnuication. Such a funiily cannot but obtain respect-
ability with the wise and good, and is most likely to secure
prosperity in the affairs of the world."

A scene of Tdcn — a iieavenly scene like this, could only
have be< II produced by the influence of "that wisdom
from above, which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,
and easy to be entreated, lull of mercy and of good fruits,
without partiality and without hypocrisy."

The following extract of a letter by a lady of Virginia,
written at Newport about this time, will be regarded as
an appropriate conclusion of this chajiter : " Mr. Dehon,
the minister who has lately taken possession of Trinity
Church, of French extract, the only flaw in him, is pist

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 93

twenty-one years old, handsome as Adonis, with the most
saint-like appearance I ever beheld, has talents, which, if
heaven lends him to earth long enough to bring them to
maturity, will surpass all those who have gone before him
in the clerical line ; his sermons of his own composing are
finished pieces of rhetoric, and delivered with an ele-
gance, fluency, and grace, that cannot fail to charm every
hearer. His youthful, innocent, devout figure, would
inspire a heathen with piety, what wonder, then, that
your sister should listen to him with delight."

An elderly Quaker lady, who had been induced to go and
hear him on some public occasion, obsei'ved to the person
whom she accompanied-^" Well, friend, it appears to me
you have chosen your minister, tis the children of Israel
did their Paschal lamb, without blemish."

94 ES^AY ON THE LIFE OF

CHAPTER 111.

His Visit to South- Carolina, and occurrences between the years
1802 and 1810.

We have now arrived at a period, in the life before us,
particularly interesting to the Church of South-Carolina.
It is both |)leasant and profitable to examine the chain of
divine providence. The first link, often small, is suc-
ceeded by a greater and a gjeater, until we come to the
last, which is ahnost too great to be perceived by a mor-
tal mind. Wliat mighty consequences, even those of an
immortal nature, are seen to have for their cause, a cir-
cumstance which wonid otherwise be considered trivial !
His visit to Charleston in the winter of 1802—3, was occa-
sioned by his ill-hcahh. In reference to this, his con-
gregation passed the following : " Whereas the Rev. Mr.
Dehon, our rector, who has been long indisposed, hath
signified to the congregation, now assembled for the pur-
j)ose, by his note of yesterday's date, that his progress
towards a confirmed state of health is so slow and un-
steady, as to atibrd but little lu)i)e of his performing pub-
lic service during the cold weather, and being advised by
the medical gentlemen, whom he has consulted, to try the
efiicacy of a warmer climate, and is therefore induced,
with great reluctance, and after much hesitation, to ask
leave of absence dining the wintev season : It is voted
and resolved, that the so reasonable request of our rector be
granted in its fullest extent, and that his salary be con-
tinued and paid as though he was present, dining his
absence, most earnestly praying Almighty God to preserve
his life, and restore him again, in his own good time, in

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 95

perfect health, to his anxious flock." He soon experi-
enced benefit from our cUmate, and was ena'bled to offici-
ate occasionally. At that time, the celebrated President
Smith, of Princeton, was in Charleston, and his pulpit
eloquence would have cast into the shade a merit not
above mediocrity. But the young minister was very gene-
rally admired, and there were persons who retained, for
many years, the impression of the discourses which he then
delivered. At the Orphan Asylum, it is recollected, that
he chose for his text, and none could be more appropriate,
the remark applied to the infant Moses, when his ark of
bulrushes was opened by the charitable princess : " Be-
hold, the babe wept." As it is an object with us always to
let him speak for himself, we are happy to have it in our
power to present our readers with this ingenious, elegant,
most affecting discourse.* It was natural that the author
of such a discourse, not less interesting in his chaste, feel-
ing delivery, than in his matter, should have attracted and
fixed the public attention. But he was not less admired
by those who were favoured with his visits and conversa-
tion. Most of the persons, who became acquainted with
him, conceived a more than common regard for him ; and
in the observation of his high endow ments, both of mind
and heart, the clergyman in whose house he was hospita-
bly accommodated, t then said, that he should be happy to
see that young man bishop of this diocese. The atten-
tions, w hich were chiefly induced by his reputation, and by
the satisfaction" which his company aflbrded, he attributed
altogether to the benevolence of individuals, and, under
the influence of gratitude, was always anxious to find
opportunities to return their kindness, to themselves, their
children, and their, friends. In a letter, after his return to
Newport, he thus writes: '^I should do violence to mj
feelings not to mention, particulaily, your worthy friends.
To hear of their welfare will give me the greatest pleasure.

^ See Appendix, No, III. t The Rev. ThornaF Fro=f

96 Eric^AY ON THE LIFE OF

There arc many questions which I have to ask you, about
my esteemed friends. The recollection of 's hu-
mane visits and attentions sometimes cheers me, at this

distance, in a gloomy day. Mrs. , and my worthy

friend Mr. — , and many others, who, you know, are

dear to me — is it well with them all ? — whose kind atten-
tions do now give a peculiar pulse to my heart." — "To
a sick stranger (it is his own observation) the rites of
hospitality are doubly valuable ;" and he was remarkable
for fiiifiiling them in such a case to their utmost extent*
In hisjourneys, this winter, he had taken, for a comj)anion,
an agreeable foreigner, whom he accidentally met with,
and who, it appeared, had left his own country in conse-
quence of a fraud. His conduct, on the discovery of this
aiHicting circumstance, may be traced in the following
extract of a letter :

" il/y dear sir, — The jKiin and })erp'exity which I have
felt, have been too nmch for me. The scene, consequent
to the perusal of your letter, has made irrc almost sick.

During the ride from , I j)erc(Mved a change in

's behaviour. Uneasiness was uj)()n his counte-

jiance. Heaviness was upon his heart. I incpiired the
cause of his a})parent distress, lie re|)lied that he had
received unpleasant intelligence before he started, and

would comnnmicate it to me in . I concluded he

had received tidings of tiie loss of some friend, or pro-
perty ; and resolved to draw from him, in the course of
the day, the nature of his grief, that, if it were possibie, I
might administer comfort. 15ut your letter was handed
me just before breakfast, and, while it surprised njy curi-
osity, overwhelmed me with anguish and embarrassnicnt.
Conscience, 1 perceived, had been exercising his scourge
upon the unhappy youth, with inexorable severity ; and
some exj)ressions he had dropt, of the [)erplexities of life,
oi'thc little importance of health to him, the emptiness of
the world, '^c, excited my m«»st anxious ;i;;!>rei)<'nsions
for Ins gaiety and future conduct. How to act wiUi ten-

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 97

derness to him and justice to myself and others, I know

not." " With as much deHcacy as I could use, I

told him what I had received. You can enter into my
feelings, my friend ; you can conceive my sensations when
the tears broke from his eyes, and rolled down his cheeks.
Good God ! every fibre of my frame was tortured — every
thought of my mind was confounded. Not an emotion of
resentment could I feel. 1 felt nothing but commisera-
tion. He explained, fully, his situation to me, as to a
brother, and told me, that conscious of the impropriety of

travelling with me, he had mentioned to that he

should embrace the first opportunity to leave me, with a
letter explanatory of his conduct. I left him to choose the
course he would pursue, after giving him the best and most

friendly advice my mind and heart could furnish." •

"What will become of the unfortunate man I know not.^
The most gloomy solicitude, the most painful anxiety, for
him, has oppressed me, ever since his departure. Had I my
conveyance I would now pursue him, and make still another
effort to snatch him from the precipice of ruin. But I
have done what I could. May God preserve him from
any rash step, and guide him to the path of integrity, and
a wise application of the talents which he certainly pos-
sesses."

In the city of Savannah, Mr. Dehon produced the same
favourable impression which he did in other places, and his
visit was long remembered as no common gratification.

A few months after his return to Newport, the vestry of
St. PhiUp's Church invited him to take the place of assistant
minister, vacated by the death of the Rev. P. M. Parker.

" Charleston, S. C, September 11, 1803.

^^ Reverend and respected Sir, — We, the vestry and
church-wardens of St. Philip's Church, Charleston, being
impressed with a sincere regard for you, on account of
your clerical talents, and very exemplary pious conduct,
during your stay among us, beg leave, as a testimony
thereof, thus to acknowledge the same, and to assure you

13

98 £SSAY ON THE LIFE Ot

that you have our prayers and good wishes for the perfect
recovery of your health, and the enjoyment of every
w^oridly fehcity : and as a further testimony of our regard
for you, we beg leave to observe that, if from the expe-
rience you have had of this, our southern chme, it should
appear to you to be more congenial to your health and
constitution than a northern one, we shall be much grati-
fied by your residence here, as assistant minister of St,
Philip's Church. We are not unacquainted with the
mutual attachment that there is between you and your
congregation ; and should not have even hinted this much,
were we not apprehensive, that the northern climate may
be injurious to your health, which, we are sorry to learn,
has been impaired since your return home. If so, we
hesitate not to declare, that we believe your compliance
with our wishes, will be as gratifying to our congregation,
as to us, the vestry and church-wardens thereof.

" With unfeigned regard and esteem, we remain, much
respected and reverend sir, your obedient servant.
"By order of the vestry,

" Thomas Corbett.

"P. S. — Salary, i:.320 per annum."

' To the V^e;-.trv and Wardens of St. Philip's C'hurtl), in Charleston.

" GentlrmcUy — Some time has elai)sed, since I received
from you a very flattering invitation to reside among you,
as assistant uilnistcr of your Church. A rcmeuibrance of
the endearing civilities, v.hich I had already experienced in
your hospitable city, tiie friendly and respectful terms in
which your wishes were comnHinicated to me, togetiier
with the circumstances of the Society, with which I am
at present connected, have compelled me to deliberate
long and seriously, before I could, with satisfaction, con-
vey to you a reply. A progressive recovery of my health,
with a prospect that a surgical operation, shortly to be
perfv)rmed on me, will tend to establish it, has at length
induced me to believe, that it is my duty to make trial of
tliis climate the ensuing ^vinter. Should the result be

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 99

such as will encourage the hope, that I may remain here
in safety, the pecuhar situation of the Church in this
place, will oblige me to continue among them. Upon any
supposition, it would be impossible for me to be again in
your city, before the autumn of the next year. Conceiv-
ing, therefore, that it may be injurious to the interests of
your Church, and, perhaps, to the health of your worthy
rector, to have the office of assistant minister ^o long
vacant, I must request, that your overtures to me may no
longer prevent you from availing yourselves of any oppor-
tunity to have the vacancy satisfactorily filled. For the
kind concern you have manifested for my welfare, and
for the honour conferred on me by your resolve, I beg
you, gentlemen, to accept my most grateful acknowledg-
ments. Devoutly I pray, that the choicest of heaven's
blessings may descend upon you, jointly and severally,
and that the great Head of the Church would furnish your
congregation with an assistant pastor, much better quali-
fied than myself, to promote the important interests of his
kingdom among you, and to serve you acceptably in all
the offices of the ministry.

" With very sincere regard, and sentiments of unfeigned
respect, I remain, gentlemen, your obliged servant,

'^ Newport, R. I., Nov. 15, 1803. THEODORE DeHON."

On this subject, he thus writes to a friend :

" Newport, November 15, 1803.

*' You will, perhaps, be surprised, that I have not ac-
cepted the invitation from the vestry and wardens of St.
Philip's Church. Be assured, dear sir, I have not decid-
ed without much and serious consideration. I am sensi-
ble of the pleasures and advantages I forego. But there
are reasons which should hold me here, if it be possible to
remain here in safety. At any rate, I could not be in
Charleston before the next fall, were I determined to
make it my residence. I have, therefore, felt it my duty,
to decline their friendly, and most flattering invitation."
- * " From the improved state of my health (which

4 >S 4 >^ 1 i ; )

100 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

is now as good, as at any period witliin the last two years)
I make an inference, rather Tavourahle to my continued
residence in Newport. Should I be disappointed, and
my health again decline, I shall consider myself as having
done my duty, and seek another abode."

Among the reasons to which he alludes, one is under-
stood to have been the sohcitude of his mother, who, hav-
ing lost a son in our climate, so unfavourable to those not
inured to it, was unwilling that he should encounter this
peril. But the consideration which continued to influence
him, after her death, now also existed in its full strength,
viz. an inextinguishable affection for his congregation.
During this time, he was not insensible to the incon-
veniences of the climate of Rhode-Island, of which he thus
pleasantly writes : "June 24, 1803.

*' We had a pleasant voyage, till we met the Rhode-
Island fogs, when my health and spirits began to droop.
They gave us a lasting salutation, hanging about our
ship, in the dread gloom of their thickest, muggiest
nature, for four successive days. Had you been with us,
while you pitied my sufferings, you would have triumphed
over my attachment to Newport." On another occasion,
he writes : "I am returned to this region of fogs. Should
this letter be dull, do not be angry, for here I am, almost
as dumb as a fish, so near, in this atmosphere, to the ele-
ment of the finny tribe. I should not be sur|)rised, if we
all should have fins and scales. Yet, Bceotia, which was
covered with eternal fogs, produced Pindar, Plutarch,
Epaminondas, and I know not whom — a rare consolation
to the inhabitniits of these vapours. But, notwithstanding
these great exceptions, I cannot help thinking, that the
mind droops under the dam() gloom spread by these fugi-
tives from the sea. For myself, I am sure, that a mild
blue sky, and bright sun, are very conducive to sprightli-
ness of body, liveliness of fancy, and tran(]uillity of mind.
' Temperie cali corpimjue, animmqm juvaUirJ' "

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 101

In July, 1804, the rectory of St. Philip's Church be-
came vacant, by the death of the Rev. Thomas Frost,
and the vestry again directed their attention to Mr. Dehon.
"In Vestry, resolved, that the following letter be for-
warded to Mr. Robert Rowand, to be delivered to the
Rev. Mr. Dehon, if, before the delivery thereof, he is
certain of his acceptance of the invitation; otherwise,
not to be delivered, but to be returned."

" Reverend and respected Sir, — Our Church is, at pre-
sent, without any settled minister therein, occasioned by
the death of our uorthy rector, Mr. Frost. It is our wish,
and the wish of our congregation (of whom you have some
knowledge) that his place may be supplied by a minister
of piety and ability ; and we know of none more accord-
ing to our wishes than yourself. Our former application
to you upon this business, expressed our knowdedge of
your attachment to your congregation, and their's to you ;
and that nothing but the want of health would separate
you. Having lately had some intimation, that the climate
of Rhode-Island, is not congenial thereto, we are induced
thereby, to assure you, that w^e shall be very happy to
receive your assent to be rector of St. Philip's Church ;
we shall receive you with much gratification in that capa-
city : and, we think, that the congregation will readily
dispense with a temporary absence, to Sullivan's Island,
in the summer season, when your health may require it ;
and we can truly say as much for ourselves.

'' Charleston, September 2, 1804."

In a letter to a friend, at this time, he says :

" Newport, November 20, 1804.

" You have no doubt wondered, that I withstood the
allurements of St. Phihp's rectory. Be assured, I had
hard struggles. But I was much encouraged to decline,
by the information, that a distinguished divine stood
ready to fill the vacancy. There could, therefore, be no
loss to the Church, but, perhaps, much gain, from my not
accepting the appointment."

102 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

His letter of condolence, on the occasion of the death
of the Rev. Mr. Frost, with which we have been kindly
favoured, will be highly acceptable to our readers.

" Newport, November 24, 1804.

" Dear Madam^ — A nice observer of human nature has
remarked, that ' jiremature consolation is but the remem-
brance of sorrow.' Perhaps the sentiment is just. An
apprehension that it might be, together with the keenness
of my feelings, whenever I have thought upon my depart-
ed friend, has restrained me, a long time, from intruding
on your grief. An apology for doing it now, would, per-
haps, better become me, than a reason why 1 have not
done it before.

" You have, madam, been called to one of the severest
trials of human nature. To have the dear objects, around
whom our iiffections were entwined, torn from us suddenly,
in the midst of their lives, is amongst the sorest calamities
of this chequered existence. Alas, what heart can lie
still, when God doeth this ! But it is a privilege that our
friends were virtuous. The characters of mankind are
so various in the world, and, in too many cases, so much
worse than indifferent, that ///r/y certainly are distinguish-
ed, who have had the u])right allotted then) for their near
connexions. And as every motive is a motive to resigna-
tion, you can never reflect on the character of Mr. Frost,
without having your sorrows mitigated : a more benevo-
lent heart never beat in a human bosom. Tlie j)riucij)les,
too, which legulated his life, were drawn from the highest
sonrc(% ' the word of Truth.' And, in the most sacred of
stations, he discharged the most arduous of duties, with
a zeal and fidelity, which we humbly trust gained his
nuister's smiles. To have had such a husband, is a very
great favour ; and, in the; Christian view of it, to lose such
a husband, is to have him transplanted into u milder re-
gion, where his goodly qualities may be CApanded to theii
l>roper perfection.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 103

•' Though I thus write, I am sensible, madam, how
unnecessary it is, to suggest to you, motives to acquies-
cence, or topics of consolation. Your own resources are
sufficiently great. Already, I doubt not, your piety and
good sense have induced you to bow with submission to
the perfect will of God. You have wept ; for who could
help w^eeping that had experienced his love ? But you
have looked through your tears upon your children, and
resolved, for their sakes, to be consoled. You have con-
verted, and will convert, the mournful event into an occa-
sion of exhibiting those virtues and graces, which, while
they propitiate the smiles of heaven towards us, are the
ornaments of the human, and the evidences of the Chris-
tian character.

" I hope the dear, bereaved children, are all well. They
often excite my prayers. That they may be choice com-
forts to you in every period of life, and that, with them,
you may, hereafter, find him you mourn, amongst the
spirits that surround the throne of the Eternal, and jointly
share with him the bliss and glory of the celestial world,
are, madam, amongst the most devout wishes of your
sympathizing friend, Theodore Dehon."

''Mrs. Frost."

It was in this year that, " he was afflicted with a tumour
on his neck, generally supposed to be of the scrofulous
kind. Within a few weeks, this had increased to an
alarming degree, until it gave him great pain and uneasi-
ness, deprived him of rest, and threatened the speedy ter-
mination of his life. At this time, as on all other occa-
sions of difficulty and trial, he had recourse to fervent
prayer ; seeking aid and direction of Him, who, in infinite
wisdom, ordereth all events for good. This being done,
he said to his sister, that he had resigned himself to the
will of his maker ; and was determined to go to Boston,
and have the operation performed, whether it should be
attended with life or death. Relying on the opinion of
an experienced physician, who, in opposition to all others.

104 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

maintained that it was an incisted tumour, and, therefore;
capable of being removed by a chirurgical operation ; he,
after repeated applications, at length prevailed with an
eminent physician of Boston, the late Dr. Warren, to try
the experiment of removing it by the operation of the
knife. All the physicians, who vicre present on that oc-
casion, were urgent in their entreaties, that he should be
bound, representing the imminent danger he would be in,
should the severity of the sufferings he was about to en-
dure, cause him to make the least motion. To this pro-
posal, he would by no means consent ; assuring them it
was wholly unnecessary.* On cutting, it was found to be
a sack ; but in so close contact with the carotid artery
and jugular vein, that to separate it from them required
the nicest discernment, and would be attended with great
danger. During the opiM-ation, which continued tifty-
eight minutes, he bore tli(> pain with great fortitude, and
steady composure. After the tumour was removed, he
examined the wound, by the help of 51 roiivex mirror, and
calmly observed the ciiciihilion of the blood, as it ascend-
ed and desceu(l<'d through the vessels of the neck. Every
time the wound was dressed, mil 11 it was liealed, and the
cure was completed, he coutimi('«l to examine it in the
same manner."

" By this extraordinary ojieratiou (he writes to a friend)
through the great gooduess of (iod, my life was saved from
very near destruction ;" and in his Sermon, on Job xxxv.
14, he thus piously adverts to it: "The speaker would
modestly observe, that the pains and calamities inider
which himself has recently laboured, were a small price
for the experience they brought him of the j>ower of

* A similar inoidcMit is related of Bishop Heber. When Httle more than
two years old, beiiitr dangerously ill, he was ordered to he blooded. The
apothf'cary took hold of !iis arm, on which he exclaimed, " Do uot hold me.'"
When a«si!;ed, that if he moved, he would be much more hurt, "1 W'»nt
sti' l:e i! li'-d. aiv' i dily held out nis arm. looking the whole time at the
operation. — Life of Htber.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 105

Abni^hty to support his servants under any emergency,
and as well to resuscitate our bodies after they shall have
slept in the dust, as to cause the flesh which had been torn,
divided, and benumbed, to become new, and heal. Yes,
thou g-racious Being-, in thv darkest recesses, and heaviest
dispensations, thou art just and good. Under the influ-
ence of thy spirit, the trial of our faith worketh patience,
and patience experience, and experience hope. Incense,
therefore, shall arise to thee, even from the furnace of
affliction."

In the year. 1807, he was invited to deliver the annual
oration, at Cambridge, before the Phi Beta Kappa Soci-
ety. Into this Society he had been elected (a privilege
always reserved for the meritorious) while a member of
the University, and his appointment, as its orator, is re-
garded as one of the highest honors bestowed by that
select association. He always considered literature, by the
agreeable employment it affords, by abstracting the mind
from low concerns, and by furnishing light on the evi-
dences of Christianity, as the natural ally of good morals
and religion. He was not insensible to its abuses, but he
wisely thought, that truth and virtue had the strongest
claim to the choice weapons it furnishes for their support.*
While, therefore, he freely contributed his influence and
means to promote the cause of literature, he would not
deny on this occasion, the effort of his genius and elo-
quence. This orationt obtained him much praise. Its
pubhsher introduces it in this manner : " Some of our
Society were present, and delighted with the address.
The author deserves our gratitude."

■* How applicable is this remark to him : " Is not the grand, the only object
of my life, to preach Christ to men ? Let me, therefore, convert every species
of mental food into spiritual nourishment: whether it be Homer or Milton,
Gibbon or Hume, that I read; whether it be with intelligent or unlearned
iHen that I converse; or whether it be sitting or walking that I meditate." —
Life of Buchanan.

i It is printed in the Appendix.

14

106 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

In the year 1808, he represented tlie diocese of Rhode-
Island in the General Convention at Baltimore, and dis-
tinguished himself by a temperate, but steady, opposition to
the proposal for setting forth additional hymns. " His
main objection (remarks a friend, with whom he had con-
versed on the subject) was the yielding to demands, which,
once satisfied, would increase upon the Convention, until
a sort of methodistical and fanatical singing would j)revail
in the Church. He saw, in the measure proi)osed, some
movings of what he deemed the spirit of fanaticism." It
was now that he attracted the particular attention of the
venerable Bishop White, who remarked that he ho])ed to
see him in the House of Bislioj)s. He soon after received
the degree of doctor of divinity, from the College of New^-
Jersey ; in consequence, as there is reason to believe, of the
ability, develojied on this occc.jsiun. The admiration and
affection, which had attended him in other cities, appeared
in Baltimore, and were expressed, on the part of a circle of
ladies, by a signiticant donation.* In a short visit, he ap-
peared to have gained, with some persons, an influence,
which, in iieneral, is the fruit only of a long intimacy ; and,
it is understood, that he Wdtild ha\(' been settled in the
niinistrv in this great city, iflln' siii:irestions to that etiect
had received thc^ smallest eiir(»urai:enient from him. One
of its ni(»t <listini:iii>he(l citi/.ens-l e\pr(\<sed to him, by let-
ter, his adniiialioii ol' \\\< discourse on religious education,
which he preached at Baltimore s»d»s(Mjuently U) this dale,
accompanied with the re(|iiest to he permitted to read it.

The climate of '%i'wport was still found uncongenial
with his constitution, disponed to a |)ulmonary disorder.
He sufi'ered miuh iVont this cause, and for sonu* mouths
in the year, was incapable ot' attending: to his ministerial
duTos. It appeared, theretbre, essential ecjiuiUy to his
comfort and usefulness, that he should remove to a milder
chmtite. Aiul a vacancy having occurred in IHU), in St.

' A clerical robe. + The Hon. Lutlier Martin

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHOlV. lO*^

Michael's Church, Charleston, S. C. by the much regretted
reiuovai of the Rev. N. Bowen to the diocese of New- York,
it was, by an unanimous vote, tendered to Mr. Dehon.

In their proceedings on the subject of fiUing the vacancy,
it is said, " The vestry being studious to act without any
impropriety towards him, or his congregation, resolved to
postpone any invitation, until they can be certified whethef
it can be made with a probability of being acceded to by
him, and ^vithout affording any reasonable cause of dis-
pleasure to his congregation."

In his reply, dated Newport, June 27, 1809, he says :
" I received your note, inclosing a resolve, by which I pray
you to be assured, I feel myself very highly honoured,
whether I consider its purpose, or the manner in which
it has been conveyed to me. A removal to South-Caro-
lina has, in consequence of the repeated overtures I have
received from that quarter, become a subject which claims
my serious consideration. But, I have many fears, that
I have not strength, either of body or voice, adequate to
the performance of the public duties of the ministry in
that Chuixh, especially in very warm seasons ; during
which, great exertions have always proved injurious to
me. On'this account it is, that if my mind was made up
in favour of a removal to your city, I should prefer to ac-
cept an appointment in St. Philip's Church, where I
found much less exertion necessary in performing divine
service, and I am led to suppose there is more stated as-
sistance. This preference, you will perceive, I must
naturally feel myself obliged to indulge, when I add, that
the vestry of that Church have twice done me the honour
of inviting me, in the most gratifying terms, to become
their minister."

He thus writes to a brother clergyman :

" Newport, October 24, 1809.

*^ At length, my dear sir, influenced by your persuasion,
and by the impression which I have received, that the call
to St. Michael's Church deserves mv serious attention. T

108 E^SAY ON THE LIFE OF

have determined to visit Charleston on this business.—
"With this determination I have made the vestry acquaint-
ed. There was no other way in which, with satisfaction
to myself and my friends, I couid bring the matter to a
couchision, And now, my dear friend, has the conflict I
have dreaded, commenced. The expressions of affec-
tion, of anxiety and regret, which fall from the hps of my
parishioners, and the tears of those who have been accus-
tomed to resort to me with their cares and their wants,
move my very soul. You have passed through this con-
flict, and know what it is. Strengthen me with your
encouragement, and your prayers. I hope the divine
providence is conducting my steps ; and that when 1 get
to Charleston, I shall .find it good for me to be there."
After his arrival in Charleston, he deliberated during
several months on the course which duty called him to
pursue. He nuule it a subject of frequent and anxions
prayer, and asked the counsel and the prayers of pious
persons ; always having great conlidence in social prayer,
founded on that promise, which he woukl quote to his
friends, "If two of you shall agree on earth, as touching
any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of
my Father, who is in heaven."' The community became
more and more desirous that he should settle among them,
and the clergy, in particular, exj)ressed, on this subject,
much solicitude. His health, atfected by the shocks it
had received .in JXewport, though ameliorated by our
chmate, was yet feeble, iind interrupted. But still he
hesitated, lingering in heart with his beloved flock in
Newr^ort. His decision was postponed as long as possi-
ble,, and was at length the trium])h of his judgment over
his feelings. The imjiortance of this decision to tjie
Church in South-Carolina, and, eventually, to the Church
in general in these United States, must be felt by her
members, and will be acknowledged by all who have be-
come acquainted with his character and conduct.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 109

In his letter to the vestry of St. Michael's Church,
dated Charleston, February 16, 1810, he says : " Hav-
ing received, during my short residence among you, a
very agreeable impression of the state of the congre-
gation you represent, and having made some experi-
ment of the competency of my strength to the perform-
ance of the public duties in your Church, I shall no longer
hesitate to accept the invitation to the rectorship of the
same, with which you have been pleased to honom- me, if
I may be permitted to reserve to myself the privilege of
dej)uting some person to perform my duties during the
dangerous months of the summer. I do not wish to be
understood, that I suppose it will be necessary always to
avail myself of this privilege. This, you will at once per-
ceive, would mihtate with the desire, which every clergy-
man must feel, to be as much as possible present with
the flock, of which he is charged v/ith the oversight and
care. In making this reservation, I have an eye also to
the feelings of my iriends at the north^vard ; with whom,
the knowledge that I have made it, will have much weight,
in reconciling them to my removal to this place."

The vestry unanimously resolved to accede to the terms
proposed by him in the above letter, and that the salary
should commence from the first day of January preceding.
In his letter, dated February 19, he says : " Having re-
ceived from your chairman, a copy of your resolution,
acceding to the terms on which I was willing to accept
the charge of your Church, I consider myself engaged to
become your rector. Connected as I yet am Vv^ith the
Church in Newport, I must decline the acceptance of any
salary from your Society, previous to the date, which
shall be given to the dissolution of my connexion with the
former Church.'' The journal of July 9, 1811, says:
" The vestry having, with great concern, observed the
effect which the present inclement season has unfortun-
ately had upon the health of the Rev. Dr. Dehon, our
worthy rector, and from the affectionate regard they en-

110 12SSAY ON THE LIFE OF

tertain for liiiu, advise, that he do, as soon as his con-
venience will allow, leave the State for tlie remainder of
the summer months, although he may not be able to pro-
cure a gentleman to perform divine service in St. Michael's
Church in his stead." In his reply, he says : "I have re-
ceived this communication with the liveliest sense of their
kindness, and beg leave to return them my very sincere
thanks. Having at length succeeded in making an ar-
rangement, by which the Church, with the blessing of
God, will be kept oj)en throughout the summqr, I can now
think of retiring, during the inclemency of the season, with
greater satisfaction."

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 11 J

CHAPTER IV.

His 3Iinistry — Charleston.

During the winter of 1810-11, the health of Dr. Dehoa
continued feeble. On Monday he always appeared to
suffer in consequence of the duties of the preceding day.
But he had undertaken the sole charge of the Church,
and resolved not to spare himself. He often appeared in
the desk, when he was scarcely well enough to be a silent
worshipper, and his spirit, animated by his devotion,
seemed to refresh and sustain his sinking body. His
place in the pulpit was frequently supplied by his brethren,
but they were invited by him in the indulgence of that
humility, which loved to prefer others to himself, and of
that benevolence which desired to gratify them and their
friends, and not because he sought his own ease. He
seklom asked assistance in the other duties of the Church.
He loved to present for his people the offering of their
prayer to God, and when his friends would sympathize
with him, under his great labours, he would express a
satisfaction, that he was permitted to labour although to
exhaustion in the service of God. It is remarkable that
his industry continued in a climate, of which it may almost
be said, as of India by Dr. Buchanan — " This is a chmate
which tries the mind like a furnace. Were God to tyrant
me a peculiar blessing, it would be the habit of industry
while I remain in this country." He cultivated the idea,
that, in the Church the minister, was to pray not so much
for himself as for the assembled congregation. He seem-
ed always to remember, that he was standing between

112 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

them and their God ; that he was oiFeiitio^ 'their supphca-
tions, and their tlianksgivings, and hence there was a
sohriety of emphasis, tone, and manner, which proved the
absence of selfish emotion, and convinced the hearer that
his was a pure offering, if any from man can be so called.
It is one of the great advantages of a form of prayer, that
it protects the public worship from the expressions of pri-
vate feeling.* But the form can only prevent the verbal
expression, and it implies a powerful impression of the dig-
nity of his office, and a remarkable self-control in that
ministei, who succeeds in guarding his pubhc devotion
from the associations of his life, and the intrusion of feel-
ings which are altogether of a private nature. Every
association becoming the duty, he evidently encouraged.
When he prayed, " Good Lord deliver us from lightning
and tempest — from pestilence and famine," it was seen
that his devotion was kimlled by the recollection of dis-
pensations feared at that season, or mercifully controlled.
On the solemn fast of Good-Friday, he ap])ealed yet more
earnestly to the "agony and l)loody sweat, the cross and
passion, the ]>recious dcatli and l)urial" of our blessed
Saviour. And when he supplicated the divine mercy for
the rulers of the land, the ministers of his Lord, the travel-
ler, the ca|)tive, the widow, and the fatherless, it seemed
as if the persons whoiu he knew in any of these relations,
stood before him, and their respective necessities were, in all
their strength, pressing upon his heart. In short, through-
out the service he ajipeared, not as the private Christian,
but as the minister praying for the peo])lc. There were
other hiudrancrs which he surmounted in a greater de-

* This \yn\x\d be the pl.ice to remark his estimation of the liturgy, but ou
that topic we need only refer to Sermon 17, in vol. i., than which, a better on
the subject exists not, ajiJ will add this anecdote. The excellency of our
lit'irg-y being the .subject of conversation, the commendations of enlightened,
pious men. not of our communion, such as the Rev. Drs. Adam Clarke and
Robert Ilall, were adverted to. Bishop Dehon remarked to this rlTect : He who
praises the liturgy, praises himself; pays a conifjliment to hiit own taste and
judgment.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 113

gree than usual. His admirable collectedness of mind
was conspicuous in the pubhc services of religion. He
seemed always to be sensible of the nature of the duty
in which he was engaged. His whole deportment was
suitable. In prayer, he seldom, if ever, adopted an im-
conscious posture, or a declamatory voice. In the pulpit,
there was no unmeaning action, or that listlessness, or
those sallies of emotion, which show that the imagination
has been wandering to other scenes. The want of sym-
pathy on the part of the worshipper, the inattention of the
hearer, and the occasional incidents which sometimes dis-
turb the beauty of public worship, passed by him as if
they were unobserved. His mind and heart, occupied
with the higliest concerns, appeared above interruption.
And, as in life generally, so eminently in the house of
God, it seemed as if nothing could disturb the serenity of
his temper, or weaken the energies of his mind. Most
ministers probably recollect some occasion, when want of
attention on the part of the hearers has hurried them
through a discourse, so as to increase the inattention
which otherwise might have passed away ; or when want
of sympathy has chilled their own devotion, and even at
that ordinance which, above all, should raise the affections
to heaven ; or when their private sorrows and cares have
accompanied them to the altar of God, and unfitted them
for its elevated and holy duties. Let the example now
recorded, encourage them to hope that th'eir minds may
be better disciplined, and that, by the grace of God, they
may, in this respect also, " overcome the world."

In the inflections of his voice, it was perceived that he
entered into the spirit of all the varieties of our beautiful
and subhme liturgy. The Church reminds the worshipper
of the changes in her service, by inviting him to change his
position — to kneel in prayer, and stand in praise — but the
minuter variations are to be suggested by the voice of the
minister. His voice is to add fervour to supplication, hu-
mility to gratitude, solemnity to the scriptures, and author-

15

114 ESiSAY ON THE LIFE OF

ity to the commandments, the absohition, and the benedic-
tion. But he was never more eloquent than in administer-
ing the sacraments of the Church. In baptism, he gave the
service its full effect, by applying the several parts of it to the
different persons concerned. He considered it one of the
most solemn and affecting of transactions. And though he
had baptized thousands in the course of his ministry, and
often many on the same occasion, he never treated it with
any thing like familiarity. His looks, gestures, movements,
tones, and feelings, were unusually solemn. When he
received the babe from the hand of the sponsor, and, look-
ing up to heaven, dedicated him to " the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost," he seemed scarcely in the flesh.
And when he returned him to the spiritual guardian, his
manner expressed the admonition and encouragement —
" Take this child and nurse it for God, and he will give
thee thy wages." He looked upon the child, on such
occasions, with a glow of delight, as if he contemj)lated
him snatched from great peril, and j)lace(l in the ark
of peace and hope — as if lie heheld the Holy Ghost
descending upon this child of adoption, and pledging to
him the light, and strength, and comfort, of his gracious
iufhience, Jiud heard the same voice which declared,
tVom heaven, at thr haptism of Jesus, "This is my
loved Son, in \\lu)m I am wrll j)l('ased." In the admin-
istration ol' the Lord's shjjjmt, his deportment was be-
coming the high priest of the liord standing in the most
holy place. No discouisc on ciiarity can be so impressive
as those sentences of inspiration in the communion olilce,
which call to this duty, and the congregation Avill long
remember th(^ |)atenial manner in which he moved them
to do good unto those who are of the household of taith,
and when he received the j)latc, holding it in their pre-
sence, reminded them that with such sacrifices God is
well pleased. When he placed this olFering on the holy
table, he manifested deep humility, as if he were contrast-
ing the oblation of the creature with the oblation of the

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 115

creator ; and realizing how exceeding great the mer-
cy of God, how poor and feeble the gratitude of man.
The ahns received at the altar, formed, in the course of
the year, a considerable sum, and it was distributed with
great judgment, not to the paupers only, but to those who,
unable to dig and ashamed to beg, were the most pro-
per subjects of a charity like this. The relief from the
civil treasury does not reach those, whom the best feel-
ings and principles restrain from making known their desti-
tute condition. The "prayer for the Church militant"
was a favourite one with him. He rejoiced in an oppor-
tunity to intercede for the afflicted, at the very altar, when
he could plead iu their behalf the bleeding memorials of
the Saviour. The petition that all Christians might agree
in doctrine, and hve in unity and godly love, was congenial
to his liberal disposition. And he had inexpressible pleas-
ure in the recollection of departed friends, awakened by
the last part of the prayer, and in expressing his gratitude
for such instruments of divine mercy, and the hope of a
re-union with them in the heavenly kingdom.

The humility of his heart was never so fully evinced,
as in the confession at the holy table. He felt the bur-
den of his own sins, and those of the whole congregation,
and though his eyes, bent downwards as becometh the
penitent, were not seen, w^hen he rose you could perceive
that they had been suffused with tears. This form of con-
fession he often used at home. And no man ever said
with more sincerity, " The remembrance of my misdoings
is grievous unto me; the burthen of them is intolerable."
The absolution formulary, and the declarations of our
Saviour which follovv^ it, in the office, were, indeed, wel-
come to his heart, and his chastened joy was set forth in
the hymn of praise, in repeating which, he looked up as
if indeed associated in the delightful act "*vith angels,
and archangels, and all the company of heaven." The
singing he considered so important a part of this interest-
ing ceremony, doubtless because it had taken place at its

116 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

first celebration, that he seldom consented to omit it, even
at the private communion of the sick chamber. The
hymn which he most frequently selected was the ninety-
sixth, " To Jesus our exalted Lord," and, perhaps, no
other is .better calculated to cherish the dispositions of the
devout communicant. When he uttered the thanksgiving
for this spiritual food, he did indeed appear thankful for
himself and all others who were partakers of it, and as he
retired from the altar, his deportment was as if he had
been with Jesus, and had had his soul strengthened and
refreshed. Of the consecrated elements, remaining after
the service, he again partook, evidently w ith the same feel-
ings as when the address was pronounced, as if he dis-
cerned the Lord's body and blood. In the pulpit, his
manner was always suitable to the place, and remarkably
graceful. His gestures were significant, and never with-
held when they w^ould be useful to his subject. He moved
his jjerson, as it appeared proper, with perfect ease. But
he enforced his sentiments chiefly by the expression of his
countenance. There never was a face, and an eye,* in
which the emotions of the soul were more plainly exhibit-
ed. The fairness of his complexion rendered every shade
of colour visible. As I w rite, I have a distinct recollec-
tion of that look which would entreat men to be reconciled
to God, and plead the cause of the poor ; which would
rebuke the ungodly, and applaud the good man. In his
sermons, every topic of persuasion was used. But he much
more frequently availed himself of the motives addressed to
thii benevolence and the gratitude of mankind, than of those
addressed to their fears and selfishness. His own mind
was most influenced by motives of a generous nature, and
he charitably concluded that such was the case with other
men. Terror was a weaj)on not congenial to his disposi-
tion. And, perhaps he did not sufticiently use it, consid-

* Alluding to the sweet expression of his eye, a young German exclaimed,
■' I have not seen such an eye, except in Germany. "■

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 117

ering the depravity of human nature, and the example of
the most successful preachers. Still, there is truth in
the following remarks of an anonymous writer: "Many
preachers appeal too largely to the principle o^ fear. It is
not to be relied upon for tlie production of moral changes, to
the same extent as those motives which appeal to the hojtes
and desires of intelligent creatures. More will be effected
ordinarily by making invitations to heaven, the burden of
the preacher's message, while the subject of future punish-
ment is a subsidiary topic. The general strain of tlie
bible is on this plan. The gospel is good news, and the
preacher's cliief business is to be its bearer. The ambas-
sador for Christ should have his eye stedfastly fixed on
the glories of heaven, and beckon rather than drive his
hearers."* It was the remark of St. Chrysostom, that a
minister shonld be not merely as the father of his people,
but that he should also treat them with the tenderness of a
mother. But it is difficult to preserve the proper medium
between indulgence and severity. And both the parent
and minister are liable to error in this respect. It is said,
that when the apostle John was too old to preach, he would
sometimes address the congregation in these few emphatic
words, " Little children love one another." Dr. Delion
often remarked, that St. John v/as, in his estimation, the
most perfect of mortals, and there is no doubt that he
imitated him in the character of his preaching. All his
discourses exhibit his mild temper, and affectionate dis-
position. In his sermon on the character of St. John, he
says : "If it were permitted us to desire the fehcity in
which another better than ourselves was made happy, the
Christian might, perhaps, with more propriety envy, than
any other being of the human race, ' the disciple w^hom Jesus
loved.' " The minister who is frequently called on to pre-
pare sermons, is apt to fall into an uniformity of method, and
to repeat his topics and illustrations. His heareis, there-

* " C. S. A." in Episcopal Recorder.

118 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

fore, thoiio'h they may have different texts, often hear the
same sermon. But he endeavomed to give his discourses
that interest which is founded in novelty and variety. On
the return of the annual festivals, he would vary the sub-
ject of his sermon as much as possible. He wrote accord-
ing- to all the different methods. Sometimes his sermons
were textual, or employed in unfolding the truths contained
in a particular text. This method carries the attention
of the hearer to different points, without detaining it long
on any one subject, and enables the preacher to adapt his
remarks to the various classes of his hearers. He was
successful in selecting such texts as were calcidated to
awaken attention, and suitable to the circumstances of
his hearers. In illustrating the mixture of evil with good,
in the allotment of man, his text was this : " There was a
garden, and in it a sepulchre." On a charitable occasion,
his text was, " Behold, the babe wept ;" to enforce the'
obligation of religious education, he selected these words,
" Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give thee
thy wages ;" and before the Convention, " Go thy way
forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside
the Shepherd's tents." But he preferred, in general,
topical sermons, or such as treat of a single subject, on
account of their superior cflect on the mind of the hearer,
making one distinct impression. He would sometimes
devote two or three discourses to a single subject, and
indeed generally wished to exhaust it. He was content,
however, to bring the strong points before his hearers,
and avoidcd-the error of mingling, indiscriminately, weak
and strong arguments, and of saying all that could possi-
bly be said on the subject. He discoursed, as tar as w^as
practicable, on the great truths of religion, in a connected
order, that they might illustrate each other, and be con-
sidered by the people as parts of a great whole, as links
of the same chain descending from heaven to earth. His
series of discourses "on the public means of grace," will
be valued for tracing a connexion between them, which

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 119

lias not been usually noticed. And his illustration of the
principles of the gospel, in his sermons adapted to the
ecclesiastical year, as its great events and characters,
were successively presented to the attention in the public
service, was an able defence of the admirable order of
our Church in her fasts and festivals. On days of civil
appointment, he delighted to trace the resemblance of the
dealings of God with Israel and with this nation. He
never preached on those points which divide parties, for
he was aware how useless it is to reason with men under
the influence of party excitement, and how necessary it
is to husband ministerial influence that it may be used on
important occasions. But, above all, he regarded these
points, with few exceptions, as utterly unworthy of the
dignity of the pulpit. On those questions of morals and
religion, which are Inseparably blended with politics, he
did not scruple to give his opinion in and out of the pulpit,
such as the duty of civil rulers to rule in the fear of God,
and at least not to profane the institutions of religion by
their public acts or private example. Among his most
interesting sermons, were those on scripture characters.
He had here an excellent opportunity of exhibiting the
intricacies of the human heart, and enforcing an abhor-
rence of vice and a love for moral excellence. With so
much variety of subject and method, the discourses were
as remarkable for variety of illustration. No writer
has less common-place remark. No person could antici-
pate the beauty and fragrance of the flowers he would
scatter over his pages. Simile was the figure which he
most delighted in. His illustration was never borrowed
from an object below his subject, and it always shed some
liffht. His figures would bear the closest examination.
His eloquence never took a flight which it was not able to
sustain. It was so much admired, that the hearer wished
to have bis delight renewed by reading the sermon. This
wish his benevolence indulged, until he discovered copies
had been made of some of his sermons, which induced the

120 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

resolution not to loan them out, but to very particular
friends. In some respects, his discourses were uniform.
They were uniformly, correct in style, mature in senti-
ment, and complete in their plan. It has been observed
of him, that though others might sometimes preach better,
he alway? preached well. When it is recollected that few
preachers repeated their sermons so seldom as he did,
and that he was so often called on to preach, the uniform
excellence of his sermons is truly remarkable. Few of
them can be called hasty compositions. Those which
were written in a few hours, were the fruit of much re-
flection. He prepared his sermon completely in his mind
before he committed it to paper. And this was often
done in the vvaik and the journey, which either health or
business refjuired. It would seem scarcely necessary to
observe, that he, on no occasion, j)reached the sermon of
another. Indeed, few availed themselves less of the
thoughts, ilhist rations, and expressions of others. Un-
doubtedly it is allowable to quote passages from an author,
due credit bein<>- given to him. I shoidd even think it
proj)er, when extraordinary duties press u])on a minis-
ter, or his health is feeble, to use the sermon of another,
provided the people he disfinctlij infarmed ofthejact. But,
to preach the sermon of another, as if it were one's own,
although some respectable ))ersons may have dune so,
doubtless, without consideration, is a species of fraud ; a
fraud on the j)erson whose discourse is borrowed, on the
peo|)le who are k'd unduly to estimate the preacher, a'ld
on all liis brotluM- ministers, who are disparaged by his
suj>p()sed e:vc<li'Mice. It is astonishing, that the indigna-
tion of the [mbiic, and esjiecially of the clerg) , has not
put down this practice in the few instances in which it is
believed to exist. What would be thought of a lawyer,
who was to repeat at the bar one of the speeches of
Erskine or Curran — of a civihan, who, in the legisia-
tiu'e, was to seek reputation by exhibiting himself in the
borrowed plumes of Lord Chatiiam — or a physician.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 121

whose medical thesis was transcribed from Koerhave 'or
Cullen ? If a man is not capable of writing sermons,
let him not become a minister ; and if he becomes too
imbecile toconlinue to compose, let him candidly acknow-
ledge Ins infirmity," and own himself a mere reader. If
the practice of borrowing sermons wer^ to become preva-
lent, the consequence would be that persons of slender
qualifications would intrude into the sacred ministry, and
those who were duly prepared, for want of exercise would
gradually become less so. The frequent writing of ser-
mons is one of the best methods a clergyman can adopt
to strengthen his understanding, refresh his memory,
and secure his theological attainments. Besides, if a
man *has not sufficient knowledge to write sermons,
how can he defertd religion, should it be assailed in his
presence, or instruct his people, when he visits them in
sickness and sorrow, and when thiey cAll upon him to solve
cases» of conscience. . It is true, there are published ser-
mons of far greater merit than most clergymen can pro-
duce, but even if it were not criminal to u«e them as our
own, it is behoved thkt their eiTect on a congregation
would not be equal to that of an inferior one prepared by
the minister, adapted tojocal circumstances, and delivered
wdth the energy of an honest man.

He had considerable talent for extemporary speaking,
but the sacredness of his feelings* in relation to every
thing connected with religion, would not permit hi'm, ex-
cept very rarely, to exercise it in the pulpit. And it was
the same feeling which cuccasioned his strict aitention to
the preparation of his sermons, for with his intellectual
resouices much less study would have enabled hini to dis-
charge his duties. On only one occasion, so far as I
know^ was Ke induced to preach extemporaneously. Be-
ing in the neighbpurhood of the indian village near the
Catawba river, in South-Carolina, on the Lord's day, he
was invited to preach. He had no discourse suitable to
the occasion, and not sufficient time to write one. He,

16

122 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

therefore, expounded the ten commandfnents for about
an hour, with an ability which would have induced some
ministers to persevere in this method of preaching, not
only as more calculated to excite admiratiorf, but as afford-
ing them more leisure.*

This remark, ayplicable to his pulpit exercises, may,
pei'haps, be applied to his character in general : he endea-
voured to do all things well. He came nearer the model of
a finished character than almost any other man. In all the
offices of the Church, *he appeared the finished minister.
This was probably the great charm of his character. His
preaching had much pathos and elegance. His prayer
was fervent. Byt it was'the excellence of the whole, tke
gesture, the tone, the feeling, not in the pulpit only, but
in the desk, in the altar, and in every (tflicial act, which
attracted • the aiuHence. Strangers defighted to be at
his Church. There was. something which they liad not
witnessed before. There was a manner eminent^v his;
own, and the general excellence of it was- so great that
the inaccuracies were not noticed. I here allude to a
slowness, perhaps too great. TI16 feebleness of his con-
stitution, and the character of his mind, would have pre-
vented in him a rapid utterance.^ But from this he was
still more restrained by the soleulnity of his feelings in
the house of God. He felt that lie stood on holy ground,
and as if the Almighty in person was* charging him not to
be raslf wixh his mouth. They jvho statedly attended on
his ministry soon became reconciled to this slowness, and,
indeed, th^ie were occasion^ in which it was ver}" impres-
sive. It was never an unmeauing* slowness. If, in this
respect, his judgment erred, he was in an extreme far
preferable to the huiiied manner, * which is so prevalent,
and is too often adopted in^accommod^ion tO the unrea-
sonable incliiftitioiis of the tnafoiit}! of hearers. He esti-

* It is said, ip an aiteitipt somewhat similar, the groat Tillotson tHiled — so
much are most men euslavod to habit.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 123

mated the ordinance of preaching, as of divine appoint-
ment, and set forth^its advantages in one of his discourses.
But {le did not expect that the extraordinary effects which
had followed it amons^ the unchristianized and uncivil-
ized, would be experienced in a country where the gospel
was klready well known, and the press had changed the
whole character of society. He thought that some Chris-
tians attributed to .this ordinance an undue importance,
which led them to undervalue the other public means of
grace.* As to their relative importance, l>e rated public
prayer tmd the sacraments above preaching, and would,
at aiiy time, curtail his sermon, or altogether omit it,
rather than any part of the w^orship. The state of his
health compelled him, sometimes, in the heat of summer,
to omit the sermon in the afternoon, and . he thought the
omission would have the good effect of teaching the people
the superior importance of prayer. It is well known to have
been the original custojn of the Church of England to have
bill one aermon a day. The addition of a second was an
innovation.* He doubted its expediency considered as a
geceval rifla. Indeed, the more he investigated the cus-
toms of the parent Church, the mqi'^ he admired their wis-
dom. He regretted some of the alterations in the American
prayer-book, and seemed to have wished that nothing had
been changied, except so, far as \^as made necessary by the
change of our civil government. His love of preaching too,
was chastenect hj the apprehension that it might, perhaps
unconsciously to himself, cherish the natural vanity of the
heart. Whitfield has said, " It is dii^cult to go through
the fiery trial of popularity anda^pplause untainted." Dr.
Dehon observed that the pulpit was a dangerous place. On

* " Nor is there much decency or good sense in exalting the pulpit so greatly
above the reading-desk, as if preaching were a more important office than
prayer, or the commentaries of men more, valuable than the scriptures them-
selves ; and it is, therefore, noticed vi^ith approbation by honest Isaac Walton,
in his life of Herbert, that this excellent man, in the nev^r Church which he
built at his own expense, had the pulpit and desk of the same height, and
opposite to each other." — Lrjfe of Heber, vol. ii. p. 55.

124 E»SAY ON THE LIFE OF

communion days, in particulai:, )ie appeared to prefer not
to enter it. Preaching is a valuable 4«eans both of con-
version and edification. But it is believed that the spec-
tacle of a pious congregation seriously engaged in prayer,
the affecting ceremonies of divine institution, and the pub-
lic reading of the holy scriptures, without note or comilient,
according to a well digested systeii), in wliich nothing
material is omitted, and the Old and JXetv Testament are
adduced to-illustrate each other, ordinarily make a more
permanent impression on the mind p^nd heart than the
best preaching. Catechising he considered the mdst suit-
able mode of instruction for the young, and for ^ose
ignorant persons who are significantly called *' babes, in
Christ." There was something in this -office especially
congenial to his humble and tander disposition. He dis-
charged it with great suaress, and in a manner ver}
interesting both to the instructed and the witnesses.
He often said, thete was no duty sq pleasant to him as the
catechising of little children! He honoured sac#ed music
as consecrated *o the praises of God on the moniing of the
creatioy, and on the day of redemj)tion ; as * favourite
enjoymentbf the saintf of old, and of the heavenly inhabi-
tants, but especially as ^n orcfinance* of God's Church.
Musical instruments were used in the Old Test«ament
Church ; the spirit^ of thetfust are figuratively represented
harping with their harj)s ; and no evil resulting from their
use -has been experienced. Dr. Dehon vindicated tlunn,
and recommended psalmody, in general, in a particular
discourse.?^ His selection of psalms and hymns adapted
to the ecclesiastical day, pr occasion, and to his sermon,
was remarkably appropriate. Sometimes, by the singing
of a single v^erse or two, he \vould give great efiect to this
part of the worsluj*. Thus, on Easter-eve, what could be
more suitable and affecting thaa this verse of the twenty-
fiflh kymn :

Sermon 18, vol. ii

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 125

" The gi-aves of all his saints he biess'd,

When in the grave he l^y ;
And rising thence, their hopes he rais'd
• To everlasting day !"

• « «

And on a funeral occasion, how consoling the fourth verse

of the sixty-fifth psahii :
•

" Blest is the ma^, who near Thee plac'd,

Within Thy sacred dwelling lives !
Whilst we at hunifble distance taste
: The vast dehg'hts Thytemple gives." ' ^ ^

He thought the singing%ought to be performed in a standi
ing posture, but from motives of prudence did not insist
on it.* He had a decided preference for^the psalms
over hymns. The psalms contain more elevated senti-
ments than the best hymtis, antl the best hymns derive
tlieir merit fw)m beinc paraphrases of the jlsalms. The
h^^mn which begins thus, " The spacious firmament on
high," is a paraphrase of tlue nineteenth psalm : " The
Lord my pasture shall prepare," of the Oventy-third :,
'.'•Eternal source of every joy," of the sixty-fifth: and
" Before Jehovah's awful throne," which is, perhaps, the
sublimest hymn in our language, borrows its ideas from
the hundredth psalm. The psalms have bf^en us'ed in the
Church of God from the beginning. . And it is a pleasant
recollection foi the Christian worshipper, that he praises
his mak^- in the strain which has been on the lips of
patriarchs, saints, aiid martyrs, and whicK, not improba-
bly, they 'are now repeating with angels in heaven. They
are, moreover, of divine inspiration, and, if possible, ren-
dered more sacred by the circumstance that a verse from
them was repeated by our Lord on the cross — that it was,
if I may ^o speak, his dying song. It may be added^ that
the hymn which he and the apostles sang at the4ioly supper
was most probably the paschal hymn whieh /consisted of
the* hundred and thirteenth, aud the five following psalms.

* See Chapter VI.

126 ESSAY ON THE LWE OF

It is to be hoped that the ministers of bur Church will
t«ike care that the hymns do not supersede the use of the
psahiis in pubhc worship, an evil to which there appears
much tendency, and Against which thfe C^uu'ch has guarded
by the direction that, the one shall never be used without
the other, in the celebration of divine service.* The, ver-
sion of Tate &. Brady is the nearest to the original, and,
on that account, the best ; though a good version may be
considered. yet, a desid^ratun^. As to' Watts' p^lii^,
though their merit be great, they are more properly to be
i^gard^d as pffraphrases tlmn traaslations.

The affair's of St. Michael's Church had been judicioudy
regulated bf its former rector. Under his influence, a
great change was effected in the. general seriousness of
the congregation, and thfe constancy of their attendance
on divine worsliip. And there was«a considerable acces-
sion to th^ number of communicants. Heliad essentially
promoted the cause of the .EjMScopfiJ Church bf .encou-
raging young men to enter its ministry, and guiding them
in their preparatory studies ^ by occasionally minister
ing in the vacant parishes, and assisting them in pro-
curing ministers, and especially by re-orgahizing the
State Cdnventiion, which had been for niany years sus-
{Wiided, jind maintnuiing in that body, with the utmost
zeal^ the tiue principles of our ecclesiastical government.
His reMH»vul was siiuerely regretted, not only by his own
j)('0|)le^ but by >he Ej)is(Oj)al coniinunUy in general. The
congregatit)n ^yas in a flourishing state when Ih*. J)ehon
bedamc^ it§ rector. But he thoiisht that its prosperity
would be aihauced by a few additional regulations. —
Antong these, thr most important was a strict adherence
tothQor4er of the Church, that baptism should bp admin-

* liiihrir. — ".U'lwnevt'r the hymns are used at the celebration of divine
son'ice. a certain portion or portions of the Psalms of David, in metre, shall
also be sung." This •rubric was passed by both Houses (see Journals of
the (Jenerul Convention, jip. 249-250, and2(>l-2()2). .We state this, because
tlir authority of the nibric has been very unreasonably rjuestioned.

THE RIGHT REV. THEOBORE DEHON. 127

istered in the Church on some occasion of public worship,
after the second lesson, except»in cases of necessity. His
views on this subject are expressed in one of his sermons*
from Luke ii. 22. " They brought liim to Jerusalem to
present him to, the "Ldrd." - 'He draws his reasons for pub-
lic baptism froHBi three sources : '* The authority of the
Church, the nature of the sacrament, and the great and
peculiar advantages attending the public administration
of it%" Under the first head, after adverting to the rubric
and to the pr-dination vow, he adds, with characteristic
modesty, and delicate address : " This, to your consciences,
Avill excuse your clergy, if, at any time, they find them-
selves obliged to ask 'of you the gratificaticfn o^ having
your childien brought to the Church, when you wish to
have them baptized." Under the second head, he has
this appeal : " And shall this transaction, the most solemn,
the most momentous in its import, which takes place upon
our globe, be done in secret ? •Shall it be* performed
lightly in some private chamber, or gaily in some festive

hall ?" • V "But, it is objected, what interest can

the congregation take in the baptism of a child, of whom
they know nothing. Ah,» my hearers, at every rescue of
one of om-Vace'from the dominion of evil, and translation
of Mm into the kingdom of the R'edeerner, thei^ is joy in
the presence of the angels of God. And'do jou, par-
t?ik^rs' of his nature, ask what interest ha^ I in this?
At every administration of baptism, the Redeemer, in his
high state of glory, sees of the U'avail of his soul a^id is
satisfied. And do you, profess followers of him, ask what
interest have I in this?" • " "Ah, were we suffi-
ciently alive to the mercies of God, the honour of the
•Redeemer, and the salvation of our fellow-beings, there
could iiot be to us a scene more interesting than the 'new
birth, even of the humblest offspring of Adam, to the fife,
and relations, and privileges, and hopes, with which we

^ Sermon 8, vol. i.

128 ES;:^ AY ON -THE LIFE OF

are begotten in .baptism by Christ Jesiis*." Under the
third hfead, aiiiong nianj^ e«:eellent remarks ll^ has these :
" Samuel, whose piety and integrity we all njay w,e\\
emulate, was carried 'to the temple in his childhood, and '
devoted to God. Jesus himsSk", wlfb hs hp increased in
stature, increased also in favoui»wiTh Gofihand man, was
brought in his infancy to Jerusalem!^ by his pious parents,
to be presented in the temple unt« the Lord. And it is
9t tiie place of his worship that the Almighty has lieen
pissed, specially to prwnise his blessing. -J^or; further,
can it be believed, that, in th^ li'ps o/ a pious paient,
it would always be an inefficacious apj^eai to his rising
<j^'j;prin§ — -rrty chiid, ifi your infancy you were carried to
die altar of God, and there, with- prayers and tears, de-
voted to a virtuous life.'" '* Finally, the influ(^n(;e

and I'oputation of religion ane involved more than at first
tliought miglit h<i supposed, in the public and soleiiin ad-
ministiatiort of this ordhuuice. ' Tlie respcHt of the mj^iss
of mankintl, for tiie doctrines and juecepts of religion,
will very much denencT upon their respect for ite institu-
tions. TheiV respect lor its institutions will, j)erhaji^, not
less<lepefid upon the manner in which they arc performed,
than upon the reasons on which they are J>rounded. On
this account it is of'mspe'akable importance tluUthe saCra-
ments of t^hrflstianity should be generally administev^d ii»
a holy jilace^ and^ wlien it^ is practicable^ on a holy da/,
and always in a holy manner."

['have alr(^idy mentioyed the restoration, at h'm Church
in Newj)ort, 6f this primitive usage.*. He had now, there-
fore, a new 'motive in its favour, the e\'j)eriencc of its
beneficial eifects. He knew that some persons would
consider him an innovator, although lie was, in fact,-
oppo'sing a mischievous innovatioUj He knew t^\^t the
practice he opposed was recommended by habit, and by
convenience, and was jmrticularly favoured by the rich

■ Sep Chapter II.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 129

and the great. He had encountered difficulties in this
matter at Newport, and expected that he would meet
stronger opposition here. But he was not to be turned
aside from duty, and a regard to the welfare of his flock,
by any considerations. In his private intercourse with
parents, he made a strong appeal to their feelings, by the
inquiry, whether they would be willing to deprive their
children of the prayers of a devout congregation? He
sought a friendly conversation with those persons who
differed from him on the subject, and generally succeeded
in removing their objections. Even when he failed to
convince, his affectionate manner, persuaded his people^
that the object was important in his opinion, and that so
worthy a minister and kind a friend, ought to be gratified.
He cautiously avoided any public controversy on this point,
and urged his friends to beware of it, knowing that it would
inflame prejudice and create parties, in whose conflicts
truth would unavoidably suffer. He met each objector
singly, reasoned with him meekly, and convinced him,
that he was advocating a public measure, not his mere
opinion ; and was solicitous for truth, not for victory. In
this way, each objector was induced to be silent, or to
agree with him, and thus, gradually, acquiescence, and
finally, a general approbation of his proceeding was ob-
tained. To this admirable discretion, he added an in-
flexible firmness in the course on which he had entered.
The servant of the Lord would not strive, but was " gen-
tle unto all men, apt to teach, patient ; in meekness in-
structing those that oppose themselves ;" but from the
decision of his conscience, he was not to be moved by the
fear or the favour of any man. He would not consent
to promote, what might seem the immediate interest of
the Church, by a sacrifice of her future and permanent
prosperity. The uncommon propriety with which he
conducted this business, was most probably the fruit
of his prayers. In concerns of much less importance
he was known diligently to seek the divine direction and

17

18D ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

blessing, and it cannot be doubted that on this occasion,
which excited his best energies and affections, he prayed
frequently and fervently. He had the satisfaction to see
his complete success unattended with any of those un-
pleasant circumstances, which occurred in some other con-
gregations. He had another satisfaction. His example
and advice, modestly communicated, led to its adoption in
most of the Churches in this diocese. It \\ as not for
some years after this subject had, in appearance, been
settled, that it produced any considerable excitement,
and, it is probable, that this was occasioned by a dej)art-
ure from the prudent course of proceeding which he had
adopted. This regulation, as was anticipated, has had
the haj^py effect of illustrating the necessity and utility of
baptism. It has ensured it a more solemn administra-
tion— has prevented some imj)ro])er persons from under-
taking tlie office of sponsor — made the sponsor more sensi-
ble of his responsibihty — and called the congregation to a
serious recollection of their baptismal engagements. It
may be mentioned, as other advantages, that it has led
the laity to investigate the regulations of their own
Church, and induced a |)r<>per sentiment of veneration
for her wisdom, and resj)ect for her authority, and it has
relieved the clergy from ba})tizing from house to house, a
practice which must ijave consumed a great deal of that
time, which, for the benefit of their ])eople, ought to be
spent in their study, and in visiting tiie sick, and thc^
afHictcd. If the ministry of Dr. Dehon had been in no
other resnect useful, this single rcgidation would have
entitled him to the gratitude of the Church, and posterity.
Oh had he been spared, till, by his increasing influence,
this custom had been revived and established in all our
Ciuirches in the Lnited States, how valuable would liavc
been this inheritance to them, and how great the measure
of his satisfaction! But we trust that God will raise up
otht;r agents for this good work. Indeed, it is to be re-
gretted that any of the directions of our Church siiould be

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 131

disregarded by its members, either through carelessness,
or accommodation to other denominations ; for the framers
of our hturgy were equally distinguished for their know-
ledge and piety ; and the utility of their regulations has
been tested by experience. It was his custom to intro-
duce the occasional prayers, after the general thanksgiv-
ing, and not before it, in which respect he differed from
some of our clergy. It may be well briefly to state his
reasons, for matters of comparatively small importance
shed light upon character. The rubric directs " the
pravers and thanksgivings upon several occasions to be
used Siefore the two final prayers of morning and evening-
service." The quotation from II. Corinthians, xiii. 14,
Dr. Dehon considered a prayer, and justly, for if it were
a benediction, it could not be used by a deacon, which it
is \)y general consent. The rubric quoted above, is also
in t^ie English prayer-book, but the general thanksgiving
bein^, in that book, placed among the occasional offices,
the officiating minister has his option to use the other
occasional prayers, either before or after the general
thanksgiving. This arrangement, in the English prayer-
book, will explain the fact that some clergymen use the
occasional prayers before, and some after, the general
thanksgiving-, and both without transgressing the rubric,
for that leaves it to discretion in luhat order the occasional
offices shall be used, and the general thanksgiving is one
of tliose occasional offices. But, in the American prayer-
book, the general thanksgiving has a fixed place in the
service, and, therefore, the occasional prayers, to comply
with the rubric, must come in before the two final prayers.
An observance of all the festivals appointed by the
Church was an ancient custom, which Dr. Dehon wished
to see revived in his congregation.* It was a sufficient
reason with him that this was recommended by the
Church, whose wisdom he venerated and whose discipline

* For other remarks on this point, see Chapter II.

132 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

he had vowed to maintain. But the advantages of this
custom are many and great. The services of our Church
are a complete system of instruction, not only auxihary to
the pulpit, but intended to supply its deficiencies, and cor-
rect its errors. The doctrines of the gospel, beginning
with that of the advent of the Messiah, and ending with
that of tlie blessed Trinity, are presented to the attention
during tlie first half of the year, and during the remaining
Sundays of the year, the prece]its of the gospel are ex-
plained and enforced. On stated days, the remarkable
events in the life of our blessed Lord, and the instruments
of divine mercy in the establishment of the gospel, are
commemorated, and the design of these festivals is to
quicken our gratitude to God, and to imjnove our Chris-
tian knowledge. " By festival solemnities and set dav-s,
(says St. August in) we dedicate and sanctity to God die
memory of his benefits, lest unthankful forgetfulness tliere-
of should creep upon us in courses of time." Religion
cannot forbid us to houour our Ixiifactors, and to whom
have maidvind Ixcu so iudel)tcd us to those prisons whose
memory we cherish on the saints' days? But tlir proper
improvemrnt ol" tlicii' days so calh'd. is to coiitemplatc
their holy example for our own incitement, and to honour
the (ilod who nuule them such as they were. It is be-
lieved, that, in some Churclies, this usefid custom has
been neglected from want of «'oi>si(leruli(»n, or from a
desire to meet the views of other denominations. It has
been called a popi>li cii-tom, a remark which may be
applied also to the public reading of the scriptures, the
observance of the Loiifs day, and many other good cus-
toms. Surelv I lie fijne has passed, when a name can be
considered an argununt. Others have beeti influenced
by a misapplication of scripture texts, which have an ex-
clusive reference to the Jewish ceremonies. Some have
objected that the tendency of this custom is to transfer to
men the honour due to God only. But the possibility of
abuse is no argument against the use, although tlie probn-

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 133

bility may be. Now, it is confidently believed, that this
effect has never been produced in any of our congrega-
tions, and, indeed, it is scarcely possible, since the ap-
pointed service constantly refers gratitude and praise to
the Almighty, and exhibits man merely as his humble
instrument. Among other good effects, the revival of
this primitive custom led to a more general reading of that
excellent work, " Nelson on the Fasts and Festivals of
the Church," and excited a spirit of religious inquiry
respecting scriptural history and biography, and the dis-
tinctive principles of our Church. To preserve the unity
of effect, and to illustrate the system of the Church, Dr.
Dehon's discourses were usually adapted to the prescribed
public service ; and when a saint's day occurred on Sun-
day, he generally took the opportunity to discourse on his
character. The example at St. Michael's was soon fol-
lowed by the other Episcopal churches in Charleston. At
first, some persons thought that public worship was too often
celebrated, but the oftener they attended, the greater was
their satisfaction, and we may hope that many, who, in
spirit with Saints John, or Paul, or Peter, sang praises to
God on earth, are now engaged in the same privilege in
heaven, with the general assembly and Church of the first
born. He encouraged a love of the sanctuary by his ex-
ample, almost always attending at St. Philip's Church on
Friday, and thus observing two prayer-days in every
week, besides the stated festivals and fasts. The solemn
fast of Lent, he observ ed in a truly primitive manner. It
was to him a reason for more than ordinary abstraction
from the pleasures and pursuits of the present life, for
religious reflection, humiliation, and prayer, and for per-
forming works of beneficence both temporal and spiritual.
In the example of the Hebrew Church, of the Christian
Church of the first ages, and of our blessed Lord himself;
in the obvious propriety of appointing a stated time for
religious consideration, and making this time the same to
all Christians, that they may have mutual assistance and

134 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

prayer ; in the benefits which have been experienced,
and the blessings from divine providence to society, which
may reasonably be expected from its faithful observance,
the Lent institution has much to recommend it, and it is a
just occasion both of surprise and regret, that it is so little
regarded in our age, and especially in our country. On
the prayer-days, in this season, he read the whole of the
litany, and the humility with which he breathed the sigh-
ing of a contrite heart, and uttered the fervent supplica-
tions, " O Christ hear us : Lord have mercy upon us :
Mercifully forgive the sins of thy people: Graciously
hear us, O Christ ; graciously hear us, O Lord Christ :"
showed that he entered into the spirit of the institution.
He marked the distinction of this holy time also, by add-
ing to tlie instructions of the week days, reading from
some approved work, as " Seeker's Lectures on the Cate-
chism," or " the Homilies of the Church." He estimated
both these works as a treasine of sound theology. The
former he repeated seyeral successive seasons, and invited
the attention of tlie people ]>y expressing in the strongest
terms his adiuiration of tlio book and the nuthor. —
There is no douht that in his pri\ate devotions, (kn'ing
tliis solenni season, he prayed and confessed /r;r Ins ptop/e,
and it is believed he used as a form, the prayer of a
worthy e\a'iif)lar, wliich is recorded in the ninth chapter
of the book of Daniel. He succeeded in reconmHMiding to
his congregation a s])ecial reverence for the Passion Week.
The public worship was well attended, and a suitable
seriousiiessi was observable. Indeed, it was not easy to
resist the eloquence of his appeal to the heart, and the
effect of his devout exam|)le. On the first day of this
week, and Good-Friday, his discourses on .the passion
would often melt the congregation into tears. But on the
other days, their atfections were moved altogether by the
simple narrative of the Evangelists, and his aftbcting
maimer. He was himself with Jesus in ihe garden, and
near the cross, and he drew his hearers to the same place

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 135

by the cords of sympathy. With him it was, indeed,
*' holy week." The public services, private meditation,
and increased attention to the sick, and the afflicted, oc-
cupied nearly all his time. It was a significant custom of
his to put away from about him, on a holy day, every
thing which might draw his attention from its great duties,
and he endeavoured to put away always from his thoughts,
all earthly concerns, except those of necessity and charity.
To abstain from food is a natural expression of sorrow,
and it is a becoming expression of the Christian's sorrow
for his sins, and the sufferings of his Redeemer. Fasting,
in which term is included total abstinence for a given
time, and a moderate indulgence of appetite both as to
the quantity and quality of food, was practised by the Old
Testament saints, by the apostles, and our Lord himself.
To fast to such a degree as to subdue the flesh to the
spirit, is an obvious, and indispensible duty. It is an
evidence of the degeneracy of modern Christians that they
neglect this useful practice. And, although it has been
abused, as all other good practices have, in some ages of
the Church, and a weak or a wicked man may suppose
that it will atone for the neglect of the weightier matters
of the law, yet to reproach the Church for recommending
it, impressively reminds us (as good Mr. Hooker says) of
the complaint of David, " I wept, and chastened myself
with fasting, and tliat was turned to my reproof." Al-
though Dr. Dehon did not fast to be seen of men, and,
therefore, avoided much speaking of this duty, yet it is
behaved that he performed it in the most exemplary man-
ner. The great object of instruction is to induce the
learner to think for himself, and it is among the excellent
effects of the fast and festival solemnities, that they lead and
assist the members of the Church to contemplate singly
some great event, or illustrious character, of the Christian
dispensation. Thus, the very names of Christmas, Easter,
and Whitsuntide, turn the mind to the three greatest
events in the gospel history, the advent of the Saviour of

136 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

the world — the resurrection of Christ, the seal of our re-
demption— and the descent of the Holy Ghost, our sane-
tifier, instructor, and comforter. And while such institu-
tions are preserved in our Chsirch, it may be expected
that its members will be distinguished by a sound faith,
and correct knowledge of Christian truth. Such insti-
tutions are as a beacon against heresy, and a star guid-
ing to the Saviour. There was another new regulation
introduced by Dr. Dehon. When the day for the stated
monthly communion occurred near to one of the great
festivals, he would not omit it, and thus there was an
addition of two or three sacramental occasions in the
course of the year. He was of opinion, that this or-
dinance was the jnoper act of Clnistian worship, and
the chief instrument of spiritual growth, and regretted
that circumstances prevented its administration on every
Lord's day, acconiing to the practice of the primitive
Church. In this duty and privilege he found his own
highest enjoyment. His views respecting it are con-
tained in his printed discourses,* but he often explain-
ed and recommended it not only from the pidpit, but in
conversation. He seldom visited a sick person for any
length of time, to whom he did not administer it. If a
communicant, he would exhort him, especially in this
time of need, to use tiie ai)pointcd means of refreshment
and streniith to tlie soul, and if not a commuuicant, he
would, day after day, patiently instruct him until he was
prepared lor it, and blessed with its participation. In
this way, he happily relieved the tediousness of disease
and the sorrows of death. He often gatliered the mem-
bers of a family ;i! ound the dying couch of a parent to wit-
ness the comfort she received from tlie tokens of f(»ri»ive-
ness, or to unite with her in the memorial of a Saviour's
love, and thus be incited to value this affecting ordinance.
Many would, probably, but for him, have passed into

• See vol. i. Sermons 9. 10. 1!

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 137

eternity, without having ever performed this bounden
duty, and reasonable service. And several strangers,
having come among us in pursuit of health, have rea-
son to bless the good providence, who brought them
within the sphere of his servant, but for whom, they
might never have complied with the dying injunction of
their Saviour. It was one of bis remarks, that much of
the lasting comfort of the communicant depends on the
instruction given for his first communion. He thought,
that, even if well prepared, the person who intends to be-
come a communicant ought to seek an interview with his
minister, as this might lead to a profitable conversation,
and, though a secondary consideration, contribute to bind
them together in the bonds of Christian affection. When
the person has not had the rite of confirmation, this seems
more necessary, as at that time he would have been in-
structed by his minister, and there is so evident a pro-
priety in it, that every good Cinistian will conform to it,
even if it had not been implied in our rubrics, and enjoin-
ed* by that Church from which our's is derived. They
who sought his advice on such occasions, were richly
compensated. He would put in their hands the best
treatises, usually " Seeker's Lectures on the Catechism,"
" Archbishop Synge's answer to all the excuses and pre-
tensions which men ordinarily make for their not coming
to the holy communion," or " Bishop Wilson on the Lord's
supper," or Bishop Beveridge's work on the same subject,
which last, in particular, he valued very highly. He would
present views of the subject new to them, and which
would induce them to come forward with alacrity and
augmented satisfaction. He used to tell the young, that
if spared to old age, it would be one of their happiest recol-
lections, that they had, through a long life, been guests
at the holy table. He would embrace the occasion of

* '• So many as intend to be partakers of the holy communion shall signify
their name to the curate," &c. — Rubricin English prayer-book.

18

1^8 ESJSAY ON THE LIFE OF

these visits to persuade other members of the family U*
remember their Redeemer in the way he iiimseif hath
appointed, and would make such an appeal to their pater-
nal and filial feelings as was often irresistible. What joy
so ofieat as that of union, in the adoration of your heavenly
Father, and of a feast in common on the memorials cJf a
Saviour's love ! And how delightful to rest on the hope
of being re-united, after the short separation of death, in
the heavenly kingdom ! He had particular pleasure when
he beheld parents and their cliildreu, or intimate friends,
kneeling together at the altar, and he would make the
address to them jointly in the distribution of the elensents.
It was his observatioii, that God usually divided his gifts
among his ministers, so that while one excelled in the pul-
pit, another would be more interesting in the desk, and
the most acceptable efforts of the third would be in paro-
chial visitation. He observed, that if allt)wed to choose,
he would prefer the endowments for this latter depart-
ment, and would often express his admiration of one of
his elder brethren, who possessed them in an eminent de-
gree. But, though imconscious of his own excellence, it
was great. He had more than one talent, and it would
be difficult to determine whetjier he excelled in the details
of public or private ministrations. In the house of mourn-
ing, and the sick chamber, his knowledge of the scriptures
was jnvalual)le, for he could always find some character,
or some text, directly applicable for instruction and com-
fort. His knowledge of human nature enabled him to
select to})ics suitable to tlie occasion and the character,
and he seldom, if ever, made one of those unlucky re-
marks, which, however true in itself, so often interrupt
the success of a religious teacher. But on these occasions
especially, the excellencies of his heart were developed ;
and the fervour of his piety, the tenderness of his natnre,
and the pejfection of his sympathy, were invaluable. The
topic of consolation which he principally enforced, was
the love of God, exhibited most affect inijly in the gift of

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 139

his blessed Son, our Lord, towards his covenanted people.
He ^vould remind the afflicted of the great things, tempo-
ral and spiritual, which their Father in heaven had done
for them, and of his exceeding great and precious pro-
mises, which he, for his part, would most surely keep and
perform, and thus produce an acquiescence in the past,
and a hvely confidence for the future. It is the ground
of hope stated by the apostle, " He that spared not his
own Son, but gave him up for us all, how shall he not, with
hhn, also freely give us all things." But he availed him-
self of all the various motives for resignation, and there
was one of an interesting natui'e to which he often allud-
ed, both in public and private, viz. that Christian friends
would probably recognize, and be with each other, in
the heavenly region. On this subject, he had pondered
deeply, partly for his own consolation, under the loss of
beloved friends ; and he had desigi^pd a sermon on it,
which, it is deeply to be regretted, he did not live to com-
plete. In favour of this opinion, which is valuable both
as an incentive to piety and a consolation under afflic-
tion, there are more circumstances than is generally sup-
posed. The goodness of God would«iaturally lead to the
belief, thiit the pious who are separated by death, will be
re-united by the resurrection ; that the ardent prayers and
the dying wishes of his faithful servants, in relation to this
concern, will be answered ; and that the virtuous friend-
ship, founded and fostered on earth by his providence and
grace, will be renewed, as a means of celestial happiness
and continual improvement. If the Christian retains his
me.nory, and it is supposed that the faculties of the soul
will be rather strengthened than impaired after death, it
would seem to follow that he must recognize his brother
when they come to the same place of their heavenly
Father. The heathen held this opinion : Cicero says :
'* O glorious day, when I shall join njy Cato in the as-
serablv of spirits ;" Socrates : " What an inconceivable
happiness to converse in another world with Sisyphus,

140 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

Ulysses, and others, especially as those who inhabit tliat
world shall die no more ;" and it is well known to be I eld
by the Hindoo,, the African, and the Indian. If we refer
to Christians, we shall find St. Cyprian sayinof " Our
parents, brethren, children, and near relations expect us
in heaven ;" it is maintained by St. Jerome and St. Au-
gustin,*and seems to be alluded to by the authors of the
Book of Common-prayer, for in the burial service we pray
to have our consummation " u'itli all those who are depart-
ed in the true faith," and in the prayer for tlie Church
militant, we pray that we may be partakers of his heav-
enly kingdom, with his departed servants. This opinion
is a natural consecjuence of the doctrine of the general
judgment, and it is implied in the declarations that the
saints shall judge the world, and that the apostles shall
judge tlie twelve tribes of Israel, for if the saints are 40
be known to tlie wicked, surely they will be to each other.
In the ])ai'able of Lazarus and the rich man, we hnd, not
merely that they knew each other, but, rliat liazarus was
in the most ititimatf^ intercoinsi; with Abraham. It is the
promise to tlu^ righteous that they shall sit down with
Abrahau), and Isaa«, and .lacob, in the kingdom, and,
doid)t!ess, with others endoared tn them by the sympathy
of lite ; and they arc said at dt'ath to be gathered unto
theii- fathers, or their |)«m»;)I('.'* In a conversation with
our liOrd, the Sadduccs urged, as an objection to the doc-
trine of the resnrr<'(tion, the ditlicidty arising froni future
ac'.piaintance. ?So\v, if it were so, that there is no future
actpmiiUance, X\\c mciuion of the fact would have been a
coinpU'te answer to the Sadduces. But his reply is an
indirect acknowledgnient of this opinion : " They who
shall be acccMuited worthy to obtain that world, neither
marry, nor are given in marriage. They are ecpial unto
the angels." As if he had said, they do Hve together not
us men, but as augeJs. The apostles are to be associated

ClenesJB xxv, §

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. I4l

in heaven, for our Lord spake of partaking the new wine
with them. Ministers and people will recognize each
other, for St. Paul says — " We are your glory as ye also
are our's in the day of the Lord Jesus." — " Warning
every man, and teaching every man, in all wisdom, that
we • may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus."
They who suffer together will be rewarded together, for,
says St. Paul, " If so be that we suffer with him that we
also may be glorified together." The mother, in Macca-
bees, expects to meet her sons, for she says, " I beseech
thee, my son, fear not this tormentor, but, being worthy
of thy brethren, take thy death, that I may receive thee
again in mercy with thy brethren." David expresses the
same confidence on the death of his infant — "I shall go*
to him." To Mary, mourning at the grave of her bro-
ther, it seems to be intimated, as a ground of consolation,
that he will be restored to her. There are many passages
of scripture which represent the intercourse of the saints
as one of the constituents of the heavenly happiness, and
it is most probable, that those dispositions which have been
cpngenial on earth, will be so in heaven. The interesting
nature of the subject must explain this long digression.

It is scarely necessary to observe, that here, as before
at Newport, Dr. Dehon improved the season when sick-
ness and sorrow had softened the heart, and destroyed
some of the weeds of error, for planting the good seed of
truth, and here, too, God was pleased to bless his labours,
and give an increase. I can speak of his conduct on such
occasions from personal observation, and I always rejoiced
when he would consent to give any of my charge his
counsel and comfort. He has visited me in sickness and
afllliction, and I know the value of his instruction, conso-
lation, and prayers. When the sick recovered, he would
delicately remind them of their late vows, or sentiments,
and recommend them to return thanks to God, who had
answered their petitions. He uniformly and earnestly
exhorted the afllicted to attend at the Church and altafr

142 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

as a means of consolation and improvement — as an
evidence oi their resignation — and an example that would
be useful, particularly to their own families. He would
advert to the* conduct of David, itnder the loss of his be-
loved child, as a model for the imitation of mourners. He
regretted much the custom into which even the most pious
of our community liad fa^lien, of absenting themselves from
the services of the Church for some time after the death of
a friend, as if the contrary would imply a want of proper
feeling. His sentiments on this subject made so deep an
impression on his widow, that on the Sunday after his
decease, with a resolution, as extraordinary as it was
praiseworthy, she went to the Church, and the altar,
where he had ministered, and his remains were deposited.

The utility o^ the fnqueut intercourse of a minister with
his flock was felt by Dr. Dehon. But in his large con-
grei»ation this was impossible, as it respects all of them.
He determined, therefore, to give most of his time to the
sick, the afiiicted, and the poor. His successor has ex-
pressed his surprize to hear from several |)oor families
that he, frrqnfMly visited them. His presence was a coni-
fort to tiiem. He was their gem^rons benefactor. He
gave or lent, as seemed expedient. He jjrocured for
them tlie assistance and attention of other persons. He
fouiul eirwployment for them, and schools and apprentice-
places for their children. He encouraged tiiem to attend
public worshij), and assisted them in paying pew-rent,
particularly those, who, among the evils of a reverse of
fortune, were no longer able to meet this expense. It
was the experience of his inability to provide for all such
cases, wliicii made liim anxious that some expedient of a
public nature should be adojjted — which, since his de-
cease, has been lui[)pily accomplished in the election of
St. Stephen's Chajjel.

The servile class had a full share of his connniseration
and services. In sickness, he j>rayed with them, and
partook of the holy supper. He encouraged them to seek

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHO\. 143

baptism for themselves, and their children. Pie patiently
and repeatedly instructed those among- them, who were
candidates for baptism, and would accommodate his illus-
trations to their capacity and condition, in a way equally
honourable to his nnderstanding and benevolence, which
rendered him much beloved by tliat class of people, and
very useful to them both in a temporal and spiritual point of
view. He was particular in teaching that a good Christian
must be a good servant, and made it a rule always to read
to them those portions of scripture wliich treat of the duties
of servants. He considered it obligatory on masters to pro-
vide for their servants the means of religious instruction,
and thought that if this was incompatible with^ their state,
such a consideration would be an unanswerable argument
against slavery. He was satisfied, however, that so far
from its being unsafe to give slaves Christian instruction,
it was this alone wUicli could secure their subordination.
Human beings will have some rehgion, anfl if excluded from
a sound faith and pare worship, will fall into the extrava-
gancies of the enthusiast', or the snares of the impostor.
The gospel was designed by its divine author to include
this class of human beings, for it contains admonitions
particularly addressed to them. St. Paul calls them to
prove the sincerity of their Christian profession by obe-
dience to their own masters ; and St. Peter adds, not only
to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. The
case of Philemon v^as often stated in a most interesting
manner by Dr. Dehon, as affording much instruction con-
nected with this subject. It shows, he would observe,
that the Christian profession does not release a servant
from his obligation to his master, for we find that Phile-
mon, who was a fugitive slave, was expressly required by
St. Pajd to return to his master. vSt. Paul even wished
to retain him, but felt it improper to do so, without the
consent of his master ; " without thy mind (he writes) I
would do nothing." And the good effect of the gospel on
his conduct, as a servant, is confidently asserted by the

144 ESt^AY ON THE LIFE OF

apostle: "In time past unprofitable, but now profitable
to thee." If humanity and piety cannot influence the
ma?jority o£ masters, it is surprizing that policy should not
indjice them to provide wholesome religious instruction for
their slaves. Some planters have been properly excited
on this subject, and they ar^ ready to bear testimony to
the happy moral effects of true religion.*

Dr. Dehon was at all times acces#ble to the humblest,
as to the highest, of his congregation. It is not necessary
to observe, that his morality was too unaccommodating to
permit him to say that h^ was not at home when he was,
but it may be observed as an evidence of his obligino- dis-
position, ai^d of his readiness to be "the servant of all,"
according to the injunction of our Lord, that he seldom
refused to leave his own aflairs to attend to the claims of
any'of his people. His counsel in relation to temj)oral con-
cerns was sometimes asked, and i( wafe afforded with
promptitude and fet^Hng. He was a most useful adviser,
and his well knoun discretion encourui'-ed the utmost con-
fidence. This was never abused even by accident. He
was secret a« the grave on every subject which had even
a remote relation to what had been entrusted to him.
By no occurrence was the sagacity of our rector more
strikingly illustrated, and we may add, his firnmess, than
by one, which a due regard for the lasting security and
welfare of the Church retjuires that we should notice with
some detail. On the 2d August, 181(5, the following
passed the -vestry : " Whereas, there has of late been a
considerable increase of communicants in this Church,
whereby the personal form of address, under which the
sacrament is administered, has become so tedious as to
be a source of serious complaint, and, conserpiently, the
duties of the officiating clergy are rendered more, labori-
ous and fatiguing, and may tend to enervate their e.ver-
tions in the discharge of their ordinary duties: resolved,

See. on this subject, Chapter VI.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 145

unanimously, that the vestry do make a respectful repre-
sentation to the rector of this Church, in the name and
on behalf of the members thereof, that so much of the
external ceremony, in the celebration of the Lord's sup-
per, be rehnquished, as, on the presentation of the ele-
ments, includes, under a personal address, two or more
persons, wlien, by giving to such address a plural termina-
tion, it might comprehend a whole table ; and should the
rector consider himself restricted from effecting the de-
sired alteration, he would use his endeavours to induce
the General Convention to make such transposition in the
ritual, as will enable the clergy to comply with this re-
quest."

His reply of same date : — ^' I have just received the
resolution of the vestry of St. Michael's, which you were
this day requested to transmit. It shall have my deliber-
ate and serious consideration."

His letter on this important subject :

" Charleston, August 21, 1816.

" Gentlemen^ — The resolution adopted by you, on the
2d instant, and transmitted to me by your chairman, has
had my deliberate and serious consideration. To make
the alteration you propose, no clergyman of himself is
competent. The clergy, when they are ordained, do
promise most solemnly to conform to the worship of their
Church, as set forth in the Book of Common-prayer.
The rubric in the communion office of that book, requires
them, when they are delivering the elements of the Lord's
supper, to be saying the address, applying it to each indi-
vidual by using the singidar 'pronoun. And the rule of the
Convention of this diocese, in this case provided, and also
the votes of the several congregations adopting the Book
of Common-prayer, requires them to use the Book ' of
Common-prayer, and administration of the sacraments
and other rite« and ceremonies of the Church, according
to the use of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
United States of America.' No individual, therefore,

19

146 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

can make any alteration in the administration of the sei*-
vice. And there seems to be an unfortunate incongruity
in its bein^ ever requested, inasmuch as the vestry there-
by call upon the minister to do that, which the vote of the
congregation, adopting the Book of Common-prayer for
their form and mode of worshi^j, in consonance with his
higher ohligatious, requires him not to do. It is happy
that the power of making changes rests not with any in<U-
vidual, or body of men, unauthorized thereto ; but exclu-
sively with the authority of the Church, for the Lord hath
promised to be with the latter ' always, even unto the end
of the world,' but not with the former. By this arrange-
ment, moreover, the Church is happily protected from the
inHiience of the errors of any individual. Where, indeed,
would be the unity and integrity, the soundness and
beauty of our service, if every individual could alter it to
suit his own fancy, or the fancies of others. The only
way of coming regularly at the alteration you propose, is
by a memorial to the (leneral Convention, and it conse-
quently becomes a (piestion, whether the vestry of St.
Michael's Church will transmit to them siich a memorial.
The interest, which, in comnu^n with all Episcopalians, I
feel in the rc^putation and safety of the Church, the rela-
tion in which I s^and to you as rector of the congregation,
whose concerns arc our joint care, and what a still more
sacred relation requiies of me, all combine to induce me
to give you, without reserve, my opinion on this (pies-
tion. And, in(h'*'d, I feel mys<'lf invited and compelled to
do so, by your r<Mpiest, that 1 would use my endeavours,
at the next General Convention, to have the alteration
made.

" There are two sources from which very serious ob-
jections to the alterations arise : The interest and value
of the address, and the dangers to be apprehended from
innovation. The address was framed, by.'th<* compilers
of the lituigy, with great care and consideration, and
adopted as it now stands, after much trial, to satisfy the

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 147

discontented of all sides — it is a very close paraphrase of
our Lord's words at the first celebration of the supper.
It is the design of the Church in applying it to every indi-
vidual by the use of the singular form, to convey to the
faithful recipient, singly and personally, all the benefits of
the Redeemer's death and passion — the certainty, great
utIHty, and precious value of this design, are dwelt on by
some of the best writers upon the communion service, and
commentators on the Book of Common-prayer.

" There are contained in the address, as it now stands,
and is directed to be used, important antidotes against
heretical opinions ; and guards of the faith of the Church.
It conveys, in its particular application to the pious com-
municant, especially when he is more than usually op-
pressed with the sense of sin or the sorrows of life, more
comfort than perhaps any part of our liturgy. It was
cavilled against by the earliest adversaries of the Church,
because it was not addressed to a whole table, but applied
singly to each communicant ; and these cavils, in the con-
troversy between the Church and the dissenters, were
then fully 'confuted. It has stood unaltered for two cen-
ttiries, though occasions for the alteration, more pressing
tlian the present, must have occurred in that time. To
change it now, on the plea that the repetition is tedious,
would approach to a violation of St. Paul's instruction to
communicants to ' tarry for one another,' and it is of
the same import, and not of less importance, than the
singular form in the administration of baptism. Sacra-
ments have respect to individuals, and " seeing God by
sacraments doth apply in particular unto every man's
person the grace, which himself hath provided for all
mankind ; there is no cause why, administering the sacra-
ments, we should forbear to express that in our forms of
speech, which he, by his word and gospel, teacheth all to
beheve."* Such being the use and value of the address,

* Hooker.

148 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

who that holds the true faith of the Church would be will-
ing to have it changed ? But even if it were not of ^ucli
significance and utility, it is a maxim of sound wisdom,
that it is better to endure some small defects in a good
system, than to endanger the system by attempting alter-
ations. It is impossible, by any arrangement, to satisfy
all men ; and who can say where it shall end, wlien you
begin to change ? It will easily be perceived by you, that
if one vestry may call for an omission of the repetition of
the address in the communion service, another vestry
may think the service of morning-prayer too long, and
call for an omission of the litany, and another for the
omision of the repetition of the doxologles and of the Lord's
prayer. And what part of the service will be secure ?
The safety of the faith, and of the unity of the worship of
the Church, depends very much, gentlemen, under the
blessing of God, upon the stability of her litany.* ' And
instead of taking one stone from her building, and there-
by loosening the whole, and encouraging other hands to
attempt to take away others, it were better that her chil-
dren should cherish a fond regard even for the moss upon
her venerable fabric, which so solcnmly testifies its an-
ti<piity, and so iiajipily distinguishes it from fabrics of
modern creation.

" With these sentiments, you will perceive that it would
be impossible for me to (tomply with your request, that I
would U!se my endeavours in the (ieneial Convention to
have the j)roposcd alteration accomplished. On the con-
trary ! cannot refrain from saying, tiiat nothing which has
occurre<t to me in the course of my ministry has given me
more jiam, than that the vestry of the Church with which
I am so happily connected, should have been induced to

* Nbtc by the bioirr'pher : Archbishop Laud has expressed the same opinion.
•' Ever since I canu' in place (.-cays he) I laboured notliing more, thrin lliat ihe
external public wortiliip of God might be preserved — Ix'ing still of opinion, tiiat
unity cannot long contime in the Church where uniformity is shut out at thr-
rhurch door." — Southcy's Book of the Church, vol. ii. p. 413.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 149

move an alteration of the liturgy — especially of the mode
of administering the Lord's supper. Might my opinion
avail with you, I could most earnestly wish, that the reso-
lution were rescinded, and the record of it removed from
your journals. There is reason to believe that the dis-
satisfaction, on which your resolution is predicated, does
not exist. The remonstrances against any alteration,
signed by upwards of two hundred and thirty of the com-
municants of St. Michael's Church, and herewith trans-
mitted to you, will shew that the impression upon this
subject is an erroneous one. Still it may be, that some
few, through age or infirmity, find the length of the ser-
vice, not ' tedious,' but fatiguing, and it is doubtless our
duty to provide, as much as may be, for the comfort of
all. In doing this, I .need not say to you, that you will,
at all times, have my hearty co-operation. There are
many ways in which, if the difficulty supposed does in any
degree exist, or shall hereafter exist, it may be remedied
without danger, and, perhaps, with an increase of the ease
of all. For this purpose, I would recommend, that the
*alms and oblations' should be collected by four, instead
of two persons ; that three additional cups should be pro-
vided for the service of the altar ; and that such a mode
of extendinof the railino- around the table, on communion
days, be adopted, as will enable many more of the com-
municants to go u|) to the table at once, and many clergy-
men to be engaged at the same time in administering to
them the bread and wine. It is much easier, and safer,
to alter a chancel, than to alter the ritual of the Church,
and while this measure would curtail half of the time which
is employed in administering the elements, it would, by
bringing to the service clergymen, whose assistance, in
this case, would be voluntary and gratuitous, verify to
observation, what the Church in South-Carolina has rea-
son to bless God for, that she has a body of clergy who
think no labour unwelcosue, by which they can |>]oi)iote
the interests of the Church, and the satisiaction and com-

150 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

fort- of her members. Commending you, gentlemen, to
the guidance and blessing of Almighty God, I remain,
your affectionate and faithful rector,*

" Theodore Dehon."

" The vestry appealing to the Almighty for the purity of
their intentions ; their sole view in determining upon the
resolution of the 2d instant, having been to consult the
comfort and convenience of the congregation generally,
and that of the communicants of the Church in particular,
without entertaining the most distant idea of any innova-
tion of the liturgy, from vrhat they were given to under-
stand (from a venerable and respected clergyman, who
had passed the greater part of a long life in England, in
the service of the Episcopal Church) was the ])ractice of
the Church of England, particularly in large places, where
the communicants were numerous, or of doing the smallest-
violence even to the religious prejudices or scruples of
any individual whatever, having, in the resolution, had no
other motive than the jiromotion of the welfare and pros-
perity of the Ch irch at large: aiid whereas, from a free
and full conference with the rector, as well as from his-
communication this day considered, it is evident that no
individual is competent to make ;\\\y alteration in the
api)ointed service of the Church; and, moreover, that the
information concerning the ground, upon which the reso-
lution was nuncd, ha\ iug j^roved erroneous, inasnuich as
two hundred and thirty-tliree comiminicants, by their re-
monstrances to the rector, have fully stated that the sup-
posed dissatisfaction does not exist ; it was, therefore,
further resolved, that the resolution of the 2d instant be,
and the same is, hereby rescinded."

It is believed, that this occurrence had its orii>iji in
Socinian principles, atiecting not many, but one or two

* A reply, in substance the same, was made by the ministers of St. Pliilip's
Church to its vestry, who had adopted like lesohuiuiis. Thc>»» clergymen
and Dr. Dehon had freely conferred on this subject ofc omniou and general
interest.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 151

persons of influence. Dr. Waterland remarks, " that in
general, discussions which had immediately for their object
to lessen the dignity and importance of the Lord's supper,
were, in reality, designed as so many attacks upon the
divinity of Christ."

By a course of conduct, guided by so much piety, bene-
volence and wisdom, and crowned with so much useful-
ness, he gained, to an extent almost unprecedented, the
love of many, and the esteem and respect of all his peo-
ple. It has been said that no man is without enemies.
If he had any, they were created by envy, or by misin-
formation. It is believed that there was not one who did
not venerate him.

In the following ideal description of a clergyman, by
the celebrated Dr. Kett, they who knew Dr. Dehon will
recognize an exact portrait. — "A pious, learned, and
diligent divine, is one of the strongest supports, and
brightest ornaments of his country. In his general inter-
course with mankind, while he maintains his dignity, he
is free from formality or moroseness ; enjoys society, but
avoids its dissipation and its follies, and knows the value
of time too well to sacrifice any very considerable share
of it to mere amusements. To those who differ from him
in religious opinions, he shews firmness of principle with-
out asperity of conduct, as he is ever mild, gentle and
tolerant. He w^arms the hearts of his flock, by his fervent
and unaffected piety, and he enlightens their understand-
ings, confirms their faith, and invigorates their practice,
by his judicious and impressive discourses. In his private
admonitions, he is diligent in giving advice, and delicate
in his manner of doing it ; always considering wiiether the
means he employs of reconciling animosities and reprov-
ing vice, are best calculated to answer the proposed ends.
He maintains a proper intercourse w itli ail classes of his
parishioners, but he is neither arrogant to the poor, nor
servile to the rich. To the indigent and deserving he is
a constant friend, and, so far as he is able, protects them

152 ESSAY OPS THE LIFE OF

from tlie oppression of their superiors ; he relieves their
wants according to the extent of his abihty, and reconciles
them to their laborious and humble stations, by the most
earnest exhortations to patience and contentment. He is
the composer of strife, and the soother of extravagant
passions, and no less the temporal than the spiritual min-
ister of peace. His family is the model for all others in
their attention to private and public duties ; he is the
general object of esteem to all, except the malignant and
the envious ; and he has the happiness to observe, that,
as he advances in life, the respectability of his character
gives additional efficacy to his instructions, and both in-
creases the honour, and promotes the ditiusion of his iioly
reli«j;ion."

We may add, that on reading the following remarks from
the EdinburgliReview, his life is almost unavoidably brought
to our recolh^ction. — " It is no ordinary national benefit to
have a nundjcr of well educated men dispersed over every
part of the kingdom, whose especial business it is to keep
u]) and enforce the knowledge of those most exalted truths
which relate to the duties of man, and to his ultimate des-
tiny ; and wlio, besides, have a sort of general commission
to promote the goodof those aniong whom they are set-
tled, in every possible manner ; to relieve sickness and
poverty, to comfort affliction, to coimsel ignorance, to
compose <piarrels, to soften all violent and imcharitable
feelings, and to reprove and discountenance vice. This,
we say, is the theory of the business of a parochial clergy.
That the practice should always come up to it, it would be
utter folly to assert, or to expect : but such is the innate
excellence of Christianity, that even now, amidst all the
imperi'iM'tions of the existing establishment, its salutary
efiects are clearlv felt."

TrtE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON* t^H

CHAPTER V.

Ills Ministry — Charleston: continued^
• *

In the last chapter was contained a view of Dr. Dehon's
conduct, pubhc and jH'ivate, in relation to the [)articnlar
congregation of which he was the rector. But as a min-
ister of the Church, he had other duties. He knew their
extent, and felt their importance. While he assiduously
cultivate'd his own field, he was always ready to assist his
fellow labourers ; and while he nourished his own flock, he
pitied those persons who were as sheep without a shepherd,
and particularly such as had enjoyed the green pastures,
and been led by the still waters of the gospel. And in this
diocese, indeed in our country generally, what a wide scope
for this commiseration ! The temple, in too many places
in ruins, given to the mole and the bat, the uncovered sepul-
chre, the extensive wilderness, in which, though man has
found a habitation, none has yet been found for the Lord,
his God ; and, may I not add, the crowd gathered on the
brink of a river, like worshippers by the Ganges, the fran-
tic motions, the wild scream, the torches flitting in the
wood at dead of night, the "holy laugh," as it is pro-
fanely called, the contrast of levity and gloom, of mirth and
devotion, of poverty and splendid equipage, of sleepiness
and vociferation, the confusion of infant and adult voices,
and of singing, praying, preaching, clapping of hands and
conversation, in diflferent groups at the same moment ; and,
finally, the whole scene of what is called a religious meet-
ing, might compel the inquiry of the traveller — can this be
a Christian land ? Dr. Dehon had a deep sohcitude, that
the pure principles and rational worship of the gospel

20

IM ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

should take root in his country, and as he was attached to
the Episcopal Chuich, not from accident, but conviction,
he wished its system to be widely extended. He was
always ready to minister in a .vacant parish, and if he
could not do so on the Lord's day, he would hold service
on some other day. He took pains to emco'urage among-
his acquaintantes, zeal and liljerality in the erection
and repair of Churches, and the maintenanpe of minis-
ters. Whenever he met with one, whose disposition and
character seemed peculiarly adapted to tiie sacred 'office,
he would encourage him to enter it, and his counsel, his
library, hjs purse, and his i^ifluence, \tere always at tiie
service of -the candidate^ for the ministry. It is believed
that for several a#iong the mo*t respectai^le and useful of
our present clergy, the Church is indebted, under^od, to
his suggestions and patrotiage. But individual efforts
are, comparative^ feeble, and desultory, and the friends
of Christianity have reason tt) bless God that he put it
into the heait of his servants to estabhsb, and has since
so much favoured the " Society for the Advancement ol"
Christianity in South-Cai^olina." It has been doubted
whether he is U\ be considered the founder of this institu-
lion. It is certain, for I had it from his own lips, that
before he came to reside in Soutli-t arolina, reflecting on
the probable means' of good to the Ciuirch, an association,
havilig the objects of that ju.-t named, presented itself to
his mind, and he then determined that should iie settle ia^
this diocese, it would be otvi of his earliest endeavours to*
form such an one. Previous to his arrival, the Rev. Dr.
Bowen had suggested to several of the clergy and h:ity
the expediency of instituting a Society t« collect a theolo-
gical library, for the use of the meud>€rs and otluMs — with
which otlier '>»irposcs useful to tl^e Church night be con-
m^*Aed. It will be recoiiected this is one of tl|e objects
of .the Seciety now existing. But it was no^ designated
in the constitution, being considered, under our circum-
>tances, as less important than either of the thfee ob-

THE RIGHttT REV. fHEOOORE DEHON. 155

ji^cts there specified. Dr. Bowen and Dr. Dehon hav-
ing communicated to each other their respectivfe views, it
WM3 concluded to form a society "'for the advancement of
Christiarfity," wliich, of course, would embrace several
objects subsidiary to the orreat one named in'its title. At
the first meetin;^ of a few friends, a committee was ap-
pointed to prejiare an address amd constit^itiftn. These
were written by Dr. Dehon, llnd unanimously adopted by
the Society without the alteration of a single word. The
sirldi*ess is. short but comprehensive, and will be admired
by every Christian, and ihan of taste.^ AU the papers of
tins kind, which were committed to him were prepared
with care, and I do not recollect an instance in which it
was found necessary, on submitting them, to correct tftem
in the smallest particular. The constitution originally
contained ten* articles. During the twenty years since they
were enacted, they have not been altered even as to a
wor^, except the third, so as by a change of the anniversary
to secure a larger meeting, and in particular* the pre^nce of
the members of the Diocesan Convention. Three articles
have been added, one providing *for an aiinual sermon,
and a collection in all the Churches, of which the. rectors
are members of tjbe Society ; and the other two in refer^
efice to tlie library, which, aftor a few months, the success
of the Society enabled the trustees to institute. Soon
aftf^^-this, it v.as resolved to create a permanent fund, so
thrit the Societv's means of usefulmess might increase as
it advanced in years. For the excellent report on this
subject, the recommendations of which were adopted by
the Bo?ad of Managers, they were indebted to Robert J.
TurnbuU, Esq^-t It is printed in the first annual report of

* It is ill Appendix No. VI. ♦

t According to this plan, the permanent fund was to increase until it yielded
an annual interest of $1000, when only one-half of the interest was to be
applied to its increase, until it shall produce an income of $2000 per annum,
when oae-fourth thereof .4iall be re-invested, and added to the capital, and in
proportion as the funds shall afterwards increase, the smaller shall be the
portion of its income set apart for its augmentation

I5&t ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

the Board. For this institution he watched, and pray<^,
and laboured, with parental solicitude to the end of his
life. He filled, until , removed by death, the office of
president, with his characteristic * zeal and prMdence. —
His influence was exerted to induce capable and wort|py
persons to become officers of the Society, and to continue
to hold them, when they were anxious 4o retire. He
recommended it, on all siiifiable occasions, as the jjroper
depository of benefactions aifcl legacies, and as meriting
the patronage, according to their ability, of every ment-
ber of the Church ih the diocese. It was, by his sugges-
tion, that several persons were induced to enrol their
young children among the members of the Society, a
mqfisure which, while it added to the funds, would, he
conceived, naturally assist to 'create in their minds an in-
terest for the' religion of their fathers. He, thought, also,
that it was u significant expression of pious gratitude, and
attachment to th^» Church, to make one's child a contri-
butoV tt) its *;i^)port and enlargement. • To iiis influence the
Society is, #e have no doubt, indebted for the generous
legacy vvhidh it received from a lady of his congregatkm.*
Even in a pecuniary point of view, therefore, his loss to
it was incalculably greut. At the time of his death, the
permanent fund had accnljiulated to sJ0,124. At ])re-
sent (I{!^.3i) it amounts to ^4(3,0.59. He always evinced
a high degree of joy on the retuling of the treasiu^r's

reiiorts, and wtth tt;ai^, would express his thankfulness

"I

to tke 'good |>roviilence who had so signally prospered
the Society. lU' looked to it as the great, means, un-
der God, of the future extension of tlie Church, and
often said that he did not exj)ect the vacant jiarishes
generally would be sup})lied with ministers until it could
afford them some a'ssistauce. The satisfaction of wit-
nessing this effect iS fully enjoyed by tlie present mem-
bers: " one planteth and another reapeth." In* relation

' Miss De ToUinere, wiiose legacy aiuouutnd to $f .15i^

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 157

to it, he considered every object of importance. He
minutely inspected and regulated every i)art of the sys-
tem, and was seldom absent from its meetings, whether
important business was to be transacted, or not. "J'he
candidates patronized, the missionaries selected, their
destination, and the* books and tracts published, were, in
general, all by his recommendation. He was the most
active and useful member of the Society^ and emphatically
its head. As the funds increased, he proposed the pur-
chase of a theological library, and, chiefly by his care, it
is a select collection, containing several old and scarce
works, and most of the standard books of English theol-
ogy. Some of these books were given, and others pur-
chased in England. In collecting books, as well as money
for the object, the Society are much indelited to its first
librariaa, the Rev. Dr. Dalcho. The library was com-
menced in 1815, and now (1832) has 1771 volumes. Of
the seven annual reports which had appeared previous to
his death, the first, second and sixth are from his pen.*
He hved to witness some of the advantages of this Society.
In having aided the education of a respected clergyman ;
by its missionary formed a new congregation, now flourish-
ing at the capitol of the State, and diffused much inform-
ation respecting the Church, as well as excited the zeal of
its friends by the distribution of a great number of bibles,
prayer-books, and tracts of approv ed reputation ; it had
given a pledge to the Christian pubhc that its usefulness
would be limited only by its means. The first fruits jus-
tified the hope of an abundant harvest.

In the Convention of February, 1810, he declined to
take a seat, because he had not yet complied with the
formality required by Canon XXXI. As he advanced in
life, he became more and more sensible of the importance
of conformity to the canons and rubrics. The deviation of
one minister in a small matter, encourages greater devia-

Interesting extracts from these reports are printed in Appendix No. VI.

158 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

tion in other ministers, and unless there be some fixed
principle of adherence, the unity of worshi]*) which is an
imj^ortant guardian of ouf faith, and the ground of the
mo^st dehghtful associations, will graViually be lost. The
d^i'ections in the prayer-book, although they may "appear
to a superficial observer unnecessarHy minute, will bq^r
the severest examination. They are founded in a pro-
found knowledge* of human nature, and in an accurate
acquaintance with the regulations of the primitive Chris-
tian Church, and of the Hebrew Church, whose polity was
the work of the Almighty himself. The believer in the
doctrine that the Holy Ghost guides the understandirig on
important occasions, will fiiid no difiiculty in the supposi-
tion, that the councils of the Church, if properly conduct-
ed, will be led by this gracious influence to enact such
laws, and such only, as are proper, and j)romisiug useful-
ness. It is a still more important consideration, that con-
formity to the canons and worship is solemnly vow^d at
the time of ordination,* and therefore, however ail indi-
vidual niight doubt the necessity, or even the expediency,
of some of these injunctions, he is obligated to obey them,
so long as he remains a minister of this Church.

TJiere had been in the minds of many Kj>if»copalians an
unreasonable jealousy of the Diocesan Convention, and jft
disposition to dc^stroy it, arising from vlu imfomided opinion
that it would control the vestries, particularly in reflation
to their funds, and the choice and removal of ministers.
Such views had partly contributed to a sus])ension of that
body from 17;W until IH04, and after its re*ival (which
was princJinilly efiected by the exertions of the Rev. Dr.
Boweii) they again interrupted its peaces and uspfulness.
The finidamentrd principles of a ]>iocesan Convention
were assailed by soine of its members, on grounds which
showed that the true nature of the meeting was misunder-
stood, and that unaccountable fears of its power had seized

' Soe Constitution of the Protesitant Episcopal Church. -Arlirle ^1l

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 159

their minds. The controversy chiefly rested on this» point,
"Whether the clergy should be,, ex-ofScio, members of
the Convention." In vain was it shewn that such a rule
existed in every Diocesan Convention ; that it was neces-
sary clergymen should •form a part of it, and if no pro-
vision was made to insure; their presence, thp body would
have neglected .the means of its own preservation ; that it
could not give thcclerary greater power than the laity, for
an article of the constitution directed the votes to be taken
by parishes ; another article authorized each parish to send
as many lay-delegates as they pleased ; and, finally, that
no interference of the Convention v, ith vestries could take
place, since one of the constitutional rules expressly pro-
hibited any measure affecting the temporal rights of the
parishes. Successive Conventions qualified the unpopu-
lar article in various ways, but unanimity among the
members could not be obtained. Dr. Dehon had heard
often of this difference, and was an eye-witness of its
unhappy effects, when he attended, as a visitor, the
Convention of 1810: He saw that the root of the evil
was a misunderstanding of the design of the meeting,
and that this would be best corrected by making the com-
munity sensible of its utility, and indeed necessity, to the
carrying on the- business of. the Church, and more espe-
cially of its proper religious character, free from all secu-
lar views. His deportment in the Convention, impres-
sively reminded those about him, that they were in the
house of God. His remarks frequently alluded to scrip-
ture, and were always suitable to the sacred occasion.

He expressed his gratification to a member of the Con-
vention, that, in his speeches, he did so generally avail
himself of scriptural arguments and illustrations. He was
exact in attending the prayers of the Convention, consider-
ing the opportunity for a general union of the Churches in
prayer as one of the most important advantages which
resulted from the meeting. But there v/as one measure
proposed by him, particularly calculated to illustrate the

1-60 ESSAY i)N THE LIFE OF

solemnity of the occasion, viz. that at the opening, there
should invariably be the celebration of the holy com-
munion.* He thought that debate should be avoide(t, as
calculated to excite feeling, and endeavoured to^io away
the objections to what he considered a necessary rule, by
private conferences. By his ad\'ice, a friendly conference
was held between the ministers and some of the people of
that copgregation, in which were the i^rincipal objectors.
He drew up a clause of a conciliatory nature, which he had
previously ascertained iwould meet the -wiehes of many
moderate men. This amendmentt was almost unanlnir'
ousiy adopted by the Convention, and it produced the
desired result. One or t\\ o persons murmured against it,
but the rest were satisfied. The Convention have liever
since been troubled with the suliject, which for seven years
previously rendered it a scene of contention, prevented its
fulfilling its proper duties, and was daily t'xciting disap-
probation of the meeting. The triumph of firmness with
moderation, and zeal with discretion, was comph^te. —
This was an occasion of much anxiety to hinj, and of
fervent prayer. Ft is knouii that while one of the con-
ferences was held, he was in his study })raying for its
happy termination. His success excited in his bosom the
liveliest joy, for it was the success of that Church whicii
he loved.

It cannot be expected that a clergyman of the Episcopal
Church, formed as his habits usually are, should excel as a
speaker in a deliberative body. Hut, although Dr. Dehon
had practiced extempore speaking less than many clergy-
men, he shewed, in the Convention of 1811, that, in this
respect also, his talents were of the first order. He was in
no respect inferior to the able lawyers and civilians whom

* He introduced the proposal tliat the meetings of the General Convention
also, should open with the administration of the Loid'ssu[)per. — See Chapter V'l.

t See Journal of Convention for 1814, in Dalcho's Church History, p. 530.
The conciliatory amendnT'nt was hrought ibrwaid hy tiie Rev Mr. Simons.
b'jl it was suggested, and. it is believed, drawn up by Bishop Dehon

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 161

he met on the floor of the Convention. His manner was
unembarrassed, his reasoning perspicuous, his expressions
accurate, and his sentences finished, so that you would
have supposed he was repeating a written composition
prepared with the utmost care. The arrangement of his
arguments, sentences, and words, was a happy ilhistra-
tioii of the '^ lucidas ordo^ He had the address of show-
ing the fallacy of an argument, without making any
remark upon it, merely by stating it clearly, and in con-
trast with an opposite statement. He avoided irritating
his opponents either by his matter or manner, and was
so conciliatory, that, when unconvinced, they regretted to
differ from him, and were always persuaded that he was
contending not for victory but for truth. In this, as on
other occasions, he appeared acting under the influence of
that precept : " The servant of the Lord must not strive,
but be gentle unto all men ; in meekness instructing those
that oppose themselves."

At this time he was elected president of the Standing
Committee, and in this station especially, was developed
his talent for governing. He presided with a dignity far
removed from austerity, and an urbanity which never de*
generated into levity or indecision. He was most impar-
tial. He carefully avoided to betray, by any act, or even
look, his own sentiments on a question, while it was in
debate, and when he repeated a motion, he scrupulously
adopted the very expressions of the mover. The examin-
ation of the candidates for holy orders was now in a more
particular manner committed to him, and here the admira-
tion of his friends was increased, in discovering the extent
of his acquirements in general knowledge and theology.
At their four examinations, the proficiency of the candi-
dates, in every branclMequired by the canons, was carefully
ascertained. This was the prescribed duty of the Stand-*
ing Committee, and the circumstance, that an examina-
tion would aftewards be held by the ordaining bishop,
would not justify, in his opinion, a relaxation of the eanon.

21

162 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

Thus it appears, he regulated, by his example^ the contluct
of most of the clergy ; he superintended the candidates for
holy orders ; and was most active in suggesting and exe-
cuting such measures as seemed proper for the advance-
ment of Christianity in the diocese : in short,- by general
consent, was a superintendent of the Church before he
was its bishop, and already had acquired a degree of in-
formal authority which showed the great weight of his
character.

It was at the Convention in 1812 that he was elected
bishop. He was fully persuaded that the prosperity of
the Church depended very much on its having this officer.
But he regretted that the choice should fall on himself.
He felt, Ifowevcr, as he ex]:)ressed it, that it was not in
accepting only that responsibility would be incurred — that
there was responsibility also in declining. He postponed
a reply to the communication on his election for two days,
that he might have time for deliberation and consultation.*
He made it a subject of anxious ])rayer. He opened to
'the clergy, whom he convened on the occasiou, the state
of his mind. He observed, with unaticcted huinihty, tjiat
the consciousness of his imperfections made him fear to
enter this holy'orti((^ — that his disposition and habits were*
retired, and, therefore, lie was little fitted to mingle much
with society— ^hat if he should hereafter wish to return to
the laiwl of his relations, his acceptance of the Episcopate
might be affi insurmountable obstacle — that, on the other
hand, he was sensible of the importance of the Episcopal
office to the prosperity of the diocese, and of the neces-

* "The Rev. Mr. Tscluidy. in the name of the committee appointed to
wail oa tie Ijishop elect, reported—; that they had performed this duty, and
were req^J^t^•d by the Rev. Dr. Dehon, to inform the Convention, that he is
deeply scujsible of the honour conferred on him by this appointment; that
^nderthe appVeliensions lie has of the responsibility which will be connected
with^his decision,'1ie could wish, before he makes up his ibiud upon the
subject, to have an interview with his brethren of the clergy; and that he
iiinstf therefore, crave the indulgence of the Convention in deferring hi<?
;ii\.swer until Saturday ttjorning.' "'

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 163

sity of increasing the number of bishops in our country,
so as to secure the succession, there being at present so
few bishops, and they advanced in life, and, therefore,
that he was unwiUing to dechne any sacrifice of inchna-
tion and ease, which might contribute to such valuable
purposes. There was the utmost frankness in this com-
munication. The clergy sympathized with him, and felt
for him increased reverence and affection. They were
unanimous in the opinion that his acceptance was a duty.
He was greatly influenced by their sentiments. He ask-
ed whether they would engage to give him their assistance
as it might be needed, and having received this assurance
in the strongest and most affectionate terms, he retired,
purposing during that night, to form his decision. It
was, probably, in these hours of stillness, that he pen-
ned the following observations : "It having pleased Al-
mighty God to permit me to be called to the office of a
bishop in his Church, I ought to be humbled to the dust,
by the sense of my unworthinesi ; and penetrated with
gratitude, love and fear, for this undeserved distinction.

* Lord ! what am I, or what is my father's house, that
thou shouldest bring me to this honouM in thy service?'

"I have examined my past life. Oh! how little do I
find, with which to be satisfied — how much to condemn !

* God be merciful to me a sinner.' Would men inspect
tkernselves closely by the light of God's word, how little
cause would they find in themselves for self-complacency.
Alas, my best services have been alloyed with too much
selfishness ; and conscience accuses me \i^ith many sins.
Never have I felt myself so poor and needy — so culpable
and wretched — so much a subject for mercy, rather than
favour. ' Lord, what is man that tl^u art mindful of him,
or the son of man that thou so r.egar^est him.' At times
I Imve felt as if I would give worlds, if I had them, could
I but go spotless into the office whereunto I have b^een per-
mitted to be called. Perhaps there is something of pride
and seif-love in this. ' There is none good but one.' Al

164 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

whom he has employed, from among men, have been sin-
ners. In him alone can there be any glorying — to him
must be all glory. Paul who persecuted, and Peter who
denied Jesus, were employed as apostles by him, and their
conversion has scarcely done less than their labours for
his cause. I hope God has presented me with this most
humbling view of myself, that I may perceive fully, at my
entrance on my office, that if I stand at all, it must be in
the worthiness of Christ — that in me there is no good
thing to give me authority, power, complacency, or con^
fidence — that I must act by his authority and power ; be
a dependant of his ; and owe evdry thing to him ; espe-
cially, that I may know and feel the absolute necessity —
the amazing extent — the obliging power of his mercy in
Christ Jesus, and so have a fuller sense of the importance
of the treasure entrusted to me. My best delight has
been in his law. My iiindest joy "

This abrupt termination shew* that ,we have here only
a fragment. It is muck to be regretted that the c6nclud-
ing reflections, if they were ever committed to paper, have
not been found.

The vestry of St. Michael's Chmcli, in flieir letter
dated February'^1, 1812, say: "The election yesterday
which gives a head to our Church, has excited great
and general jsatisfact ion among Episcopalians. We are
aware that in accepting the office of bishop, we shall
lose some of your personal services in the discharge of
parochial duties, but highly and deservedly as we ap-
preciate them, we think it our duty to sacrifice something
to the general interests of the Church. We trust, that
actuated by the sartie principle, your answer to the Con-
ventioM to-morrow, \^ll correspond with their wishes. —
Permit us to say, tjjat io our opinion, the state of our
Church calls on you imperiously to accept the appofnt-
ment offered you. Rest assured, that on all occasions,
the vestry of this Church wi^ atford you all the aid in
their power, to enable you to fulfil the important and

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 165

solemn duties of your new appointment. We avail our-
selves of this opportunity to tender you the assurance of
our affectionate attachment, and to invoke the blessing of
the Almighty on your pious labours in the vineyard of
Christ." ^ In his reply, dated February 2'^, he says :
" This expression of their opinion and wishes has had no
little influence in leading me to the decision which has
this day been communicated to the Convention. The
duties which will be devolved upon me by this new ap-
pointment, are solemn anc^ weighty. Amidst the mingled
emotions, which I feel, when contemplating them, it is to
me the source of great happiness, to have received from
the vestry of my oww Church, the assurances of all the
support and aid in Iheir power. Such pledges must ani-
mate me to the work."

When he was about to go on for consecration, and had
informed the vestry, their chairman, in reply, dated July
5, 1812, among other things, says . " Permit me, on the
present occasion, to renew. the assurance of the just sense
the vestry entertain of your inestimable value, and the
affectionate regard they can never cease to have for you :
while the former secures to you their prayers to the Su-
preme Ruler of the universe for your safety, the latter can-
not fail of exciting the same anxious solicitude for your
happiness."

-^On the 20th June, 1813, the vestry resolved, that " in
consequence of the excessive heat of the weather, and
great distress experienced by the bishop in discharging
the entire duties of the Church, the chairman do com-
municate with the bishop on the subject, and suggest to
him the necessity of dispensing with a sermon on such
afternoons during the summer months, as he may deem
necessary."

The following letter, which appears on the Journal of
the Convention, February 22, 1812, is a time picture of
bis heart, and will be admired by every reader of taste,
piety, and feeling :

166 ES8AY ON THE LM-'E OF

" Brethren of the clergy and laity of the Church in South-'
Carolina, in Convention assembled, — The information 1
have received, throirgh the committee appointed by you
to communicate it, of your election ®f me to the Epis-
copate of the Chuich in this State, has very deeply affect-
ed me — whether I consider the greakiess of the honour you
have thereby done me, or the solemn responsibility attach-
ed to the answer, which I am novv called upon to give.

" With trembling anxiety I have deliberated upon the
subject, and my reply is now dictated under the influence
of feelings, which are constantly impelling me to ask —
' Who is sufficient for tl^ese things ?'•

" There are, however, considerations numerous and
weighty, arising in my own mind from*tlivers views of the
subject ; and urged also upon me with alfectionate imd
pious concern, from several 'quarters, by those whose
opinions I ought to respect, and whose wishes I ought to
regard, which seem hardly to leave me at liberty (even if
I wished to do so) to decline the acceptance of this ap-
po'intment. ^

" Dej)ending, therefore, upon \ho promised support and
co-oj)eration of my brethren in the ministry ; encoinaged
by the pleasing evidence which h;is been exiiibiten at this
Convention, of the li\ely interest w liich the laity will take
in the prinrij)les and welfare of tlielyhurch; impressed
with the testimony, which the examples .of .the first apot^-
fles furnish of the sufficiency of God's power to use, with
good effect, the ^lumblest instrument in the cause of his
truth; and relying, above all, upon the promise h^ft graci-
ously with the (Miurch by its blessed head, that he will l)e
with his ministering servant^ always, even unto the end of
the world, J, now give you my consent, with the flivour of
God, to be j)laced. in the office to which you have ap-
pointed me — persuaded, that of this Convention I shall
have every assistance in the discharge of its duties, which
thev can give, and commending myself hunibly to yoiw
candour and prayers.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHO?.. 167

"111 order to carry your \vish(^s into eftect, it will be
necessary, timt the testimonial from the t-onvention ot"
the State, reqtiLsed in this case by the third canon of the
General Convention, should be prepared arid signed be-
fore you adjourn ; and that the StJIinding Committee should
be directed by the Convention to take the necessary steps
for convening a college *of bishops, at such time as shall be
found proper. Of the testimonial, some measure will, 1
presuineijt be taken, to furnish, -in behaM' of the Convention,
as many attested copies as the occasion may require.

" In looking forward, gentlemen, to tfie yet distant en-
trance upon the dtities of this oHice, my heart is full with
emotions, v/hich iny worcfe cafindt express. God grant
that it may be the means, under his blessing, of our grow-
ing up into him in all things, who is the head, even C'hrist ;
and that from him th& whole body, fitly joined together,
and compacted by that,* Vvhich every joint supplieth, ac-
cording to the effectual working *in the pleasure of every
part, may make increase of ^lie body unto^the edifying of
itself in love. . Theodore Dehon."

He read, with strict attention, those chapters in the
episties to TimotRy and Titus, which treat of the qualifi-
cations of a bishop, and while they increased his reluctance
to become this responsible t>fiicer, they produced a deep
impression, to \\4iicii may be attributed much of that cir-
cumspection and exalted excellence, which he afterwards
exhibited. From Boston, on September 22, 1812, he

thus writes to a friend : " The concern of ; — has

weighed mucli upon my spirits since I saw you, and, to-
gether with the solemn businc^ss before me,* has absorbed
my time and thoughts, and left me little opportunity or
desireifor company or recreatioti."

Dr.' Delion felt a lively interest in all those measures
which had for their object the welfare of mankind. The
Orphan Asylum in our city coinmanded his services, his

* He was consecrated in the OctoUpr^ollowin;:.

16b ESSAY ON THE LIFE Of

influence, and his ^irayeis, and its anniversary was vvei-
corned by iiiiy, with no common emotion, as the jubilee of
charity. -The tenants of the Poor-House were visited' by
him, whenever they desired, and to him they are indebted
for the suggestion, on wMch the benevolent.commissioners
immediately acted, that they skould be provided with a
chapel for 1?iie public services erf the Lord's day. He
induced the clergy of his Church to unite with him in
offering to officiate, in rotation, on the evening of that
day. The cliapel was opened by him with a suitable dis-
course from Maft. xi. 5, tlte whole of which is a beautiful
specimen of affecting simplicity and pious solicitude for
the souls t>f his fellow nten* The following extracts will be
accej)table in this. place. " To the intendant arfU council,
mnch praise is due. In this act, they have shewn them-
selves protectors of the cfe'rnal as w%il as temporal inter-
ests of the poor." *^ • #

"Other religit)ns nej^lected the poor. The heathens
left the n,eedy tp peiisli. Ayd evcui among ihe Jews, tlicre
was, in their corru^Hion, a provcM-b that the blessing of
God rested only u})on*a rich man. I5ut Jesus Chuist lim-
ited not his mercy to any condition of Vilfc. In his C^iurch
the rich and the poor meet together."

" How liabh* are they to lie discontented, and murnnir
as^ainst God: How. liable to br hnrrie<* by their wants
into acts of dishonesty, and by their associations to be led
to lie and swear, and take God's name in \ ain : How
frtMpieijtly are they overcome by idleness, end how dan-
gerous before them is strong driidv : How many have
fallendownslainby.it, and who shall number the* evils
of their indolence*: Tlie men how prone to lust, and
the women* how^ easily a prey to remorseless seduction!
Amidst these dailgers so numerous, so greatj so uwi'ul,
liappy for them if they have the breastplate of righteo'iis-
ncss, the shield df faith, an^l the sword of the spirit !"

" Many are their sorrows. One is blind — she sees not
the face of nature .nor of man. Perpetual darkncs's ren-

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 169

ders her poverty inore poor. How happy for this bUnd
person if jier mind be cheered with the hght of hfe — if,
with the eye of faitli, slie can see the countenance of a
reconciled God, and the prospect of joys awaiting her in
heaven. Another has been made poor by his vices. Sin
gives to poverty its keenest sting. How happy for this
wretched being, if, in the abode of his poverty, there be
presented to him the physician to whom he can say —
'Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me whole;' if, into
his wounded spirit, there be poured the wine and oil of
the gospel, which points to the Lamb of God, taking away,
upon the cross, the sins of the world, and bids the peni-
tent sinner look up and live."

" The poor are happy when the gospel is preached to
them, inasmuch as it puts within their reach all that is of
real importance to man. He can patiently lay at the
gate of the rich man, and meekly bear his neglect, if he
can hope that when the few years of suffering shall have
passed away, he shall repose with Lazarus in Abraham's
bosom. Attach to the aims-house a school for heaven,
and the poor man may one day bless the poverty which
brought him within its walls."

" To its house of mercy is now added a house of
prayer — a chapel to its alms-house — from which, together,
we hope, there may ascend the alms and the prayers of
the city as a memorial before God, and bring down upon
it his protection and blessing. A poor-house in a Chris-
tian land, without divine service, is not completely a house

of comfort or of mercy for the poor." " Shall the

broken heart be here bound up ? Shall the lame man
here leap as a hart? Shall the tongue of the dumb here
sing ? May the sinner here learn to repent — the penitent
to believe — and the believer to rejoice in the hope of
mercy, and to work out his salvation, even the salvation
of eternal life f Zealous and compassionate commis-
sioner, how great your joy in such a prospect ! Through
the years of many generations may it be none other than

22

170 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

as a house of God, and to the poor, who from time to
time shall worship in it, may it prove a gate of heaven."
The services thus commenced, were continued as long
as Dr. Dehon lived. The engagejnents of our clergy did
not permit them to officiate in the day, when their minis-
trations would have been better attended, but only in the
evening. Dr. Dehon regularly took his turn, although
the bodily fatigue to one of his frame, after having held
two services at his own Church, must have been distress-
ing. Many persons expressed their surprize that this
provision for the spiritual wants of the adult poor (a simi-
lar arrangement at the Orphan-House having long been
adopted) had not been sooner made, and it was always
a source of great satisfaction to its pious and benevolent
suggester. There were other poor, not so reduced as
to resort to the alms-house, but still not able to pay for
the advantages of religious worshij) and instruction. His
benevolent solicitude was manifested by an endeavour to
procure seats for them in the newly erected Church of St.
Paul's — a purpose which, in due season, was hai)pily
effected — five pews having been purchased by a few pious,
generous hearted individuals, and set apart for such per-
sons as would pay for their seats a small sum, adecpiate to
the Church assessment on the same.*

The Bible Society of Charleston was instituted in 18J0.
Dr. Delion was one of its founders. He thought the insti-
tution practicable and would be us(?ful, j)rovided it adheied
strictly to its fundamental principle, as stated in the first
article of the Constitution, to this effect : "The version
of the bible in general use, without note or connnent, shall
be the only version to be distributed in the English lan-
guage; nor shall any coj)y of the bible, in a foreign lan-
guage, be distril)uted, which, in its doctrine or spirit, shall
differ essentiallv from the doctrine and sj)irit of the Eng-
ligh version already mentioned above." The last clause^

' See Chapter VI.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 171

beginning at the word " nor," it will be perceived is pecu-
liar to the Charleston Bible Society,* and, it is believed,
was added to the article (as originally proposed) at the
instance of Dr. Dehon. He considered this clause to be
important, as the following proceedings will shew :

" Extract frmn the minutes of the Board of Managers of
the Charleston Bib/e Society, May 13, 1811. — The Rev. Dr.
Dehon offered the following resolution, which was passed
unanimously : resolved, that it is the sense of this Board,
that in the copy of the constitution of the Charleston Bible
Society, which has been printed, there is an omission, in
the first article, of the last clause thereof, as adopted by
the Society, which, according to the best recollection of
this Board, was to this effect : ' Nor shall any copy of the
bible, in a foreign language, be distributed, which, in its
doctrine or spirit, shall differ essentially from the doctrine
and spirit of the English version already mentioned above.'

" Resolved further, that the Chairman of this Board be
requested to obtain from Thomas Lowndes, Esq., the
president of the first meeting of the Society, at which the
constitution was adopted, his testimony respecting the
omission of the above-mentioned clause, in the first arti-
cle of the constitution, in order that the proper steps may
be taken for reinstating it."

" Extract from the mimites of the Bible Society , June 17,
1811. — The Recording Secretary brought to the view of
the Society two resolutions of the Board of Managers of the
13th May last, and of the 15th of June instant, respecting
an omitted clause in the printed rules of this Society, to-
gether with the information from Thomas Lowndes, Esq.,
accompanying the same ; and upon its being manifested
to the satisfaction of the Society that the following clause

* In the American Bible Society's constitution, the article provides, that
''the only copies, in the English language, to be circulated by the Society,
shall be of the version now in common use." The British and Foreign Bible
Society's article is to the same eiFect: "The only copies in the languages
of the United Kingdom, to be. etc., shall be of the authorized version."

172 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

[to wit : ' Nor shall any copy of the bible, in a foreign lan-
guage, be distributed, which, in its doctrine or spirit, shall
differ essentially from the doctrine and spirit of the Eng-
lish version already mentioned above,'] was omitted at the
end of the first article, it was resolved, that a new copy
of the rules of this Society be printed, having the above
clause inserted in its proper place (with an expl aiatory
note) to be included in the pamphlet containing the foi^e-
going report of the Board of Managers, and immediately
preceding the same."

In the Board of Managers he uniformly opposed every
measure which might have a tendency to interfere with
this first constitutional article, on the preservation of which
he considered the success and the very existence of the
Society, on its original plan of end)racing all denomina-
tions of protestant Christians, essentially depended. His
sagacity ])erceived, at a glance, the movements, whether
intended or not, wiiich might have such a tendency. The
proposal, therefore, oft repeated, to celebrate the anniver-
sary by public religious services, and a discourse, was al-
ways objected to by him. In public worship Christians of
various creeds could not consisteutly and harmoniously
unite, for while some i)referred precojnposed, others pre-
ferred extempore prayers, and the {jr.ayers left to the dis-
cretion ofeachof the individuals who offered them, would
of course end)ody his views oi* scriptural truth, in w Inch all
Christians could not cone in-. I le did not object to the meet-
ings being opened witii the Lord's jirayer, and another
carefully prepared tmd duly ratified, from which of course
might be excluded sentiments and expressions not gene-
rally approved. Me was willing, at least, that the attempt
should be made whether such a i)rayer can be had.* A

* His vipws strictly corresponded with those suhsequenfly expressed by some
of the most pious and intelh;:;ent men olCireat-Britaiii. whose liberality has
never been questioned, as the rollo\vinfT document shows: In an address
recently circulated (1831) by the president and otiier o'licers of the British and
Foreign Bible Society, they say: "We have considered the proposition for

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 178

committee was appointed for the purpose, and the prayer
prepared by them submitted to the Society. But it was
objected to, and by the very person who, it is understood,
had drawn it up, on the ground that he and his denomina-
tion were, on principle, opposed to " precomjfosed pray-
ers." The result was the determination of the Society to
have their meetings opened with the use of the "Lord's
prayer exchisively, and the reading of a portion of the
holy scriptures."

An anniversary discourse, which was a favourite measure
with a leading member of the Board, and again and again
proposed, it appeared to Dr. Dehon, would be, to all in-
tents and purposes, a collection of notes and coinments on
the bible. Courtesy, if no other motive, would probably
lead to its publication, and thus the Board, contrary to the
very constitution from which they derived their existence,
would sanction both the uttering and the publishing of
sectarian thoughts and phraseology. The difference of
opinion among the members of the Board interrupted its
harmony, and was the cause of the following letter pre-
pared by him.

introducing a law, that the meetings of the Society, and its committees, should
be opened with prayer. It is obvious that the Bible Society, by its coustitulion,
unites persons of different religious opinions in one imjjo/tant object for the
furtherance of which they may co-operate without any compromise of ti'.eir
respective principles. No arrangement has yet been suggested on the suljject
of the introduction of prayer into the meetings, which appears to us geiieiaily
practicable, or which would not demand such a compromise on the pari of
some of our members; and we cannot venture to recommend the adoption of
a measure which might force any friends of the Society to the alternative of
either retiring from it, or of appearing to sacrifice that consistency on which
peace of mind, and usefulness, so materially depend. We are likewise persuaded
that the tone which has pervaded its reports, and the sentiments which have
animated its proceedings, must make it manifest that the Society has distinctly
professed to look up to the favour of the Most High, and to ascribe its success
whi»lly to his blessing. This, we conceive is the frame of mind in which the
Christian is habitually prepared to enter upon any busmess, whether religions
or secular."

174 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

-' To the President of the Charleston Bible Society. '"' ^^

*' Dear Sir, — We have to request that you will com-
municate to the Board of Managers of the Charleston
Bible Society, our resignation of our seats in that Board;
and also, that you will have the goodness to state to that
Society, at its approaching anniversary, that we decline a
re-election to any office of that institution. So long as
the attention of the members of the Board of Managers
was confined to the great and sole object for which that
institution was formed, we have had real satisfaction and
pleasure in co-operating for the accomplishment of that
object — an object, in our view, as excellent as any which
can engage the attention of man. But propositions hav-
ing been made to combine with it other objects, and
expressions having been used, both in the Board and in
private conversations with members of it, by advocates
of those propositions, which leave the supjiosition inad-
missible that they can co-operate cordially with us in our
comnion work, and consccjuently that there may hereafter
be much exposure to such collisions and contentions as
can be productive of no good — a respect for the Church
to which we belong, and for our own feelings, which we
would not willingly have exposed to the effect of painful
altercations — and also, a desire that the Board of 3Ian-
agers may pursue the great object of the Bible Society
with that unanimity which becomes every Christian as-
sembly, induces us, sir, to make this resignation. And in
making it, we have pleasure in assuring you that while
that harmony prevailed in the Board of Managers, which
was for several years j)reserved by judiciously kec^ping
out of view {)urj)oses, about which the meuibers must
necessarily be supposed to difier, we were happy in our
seats among them — and also, that so long as the Society
shall direct its operations solely to the object for which it
was instituted, and to which its constitution was intended

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 175

to confine them, we shall cherish for it our best wishes,
and offer for it our fervent prayers. We are, sir, with
sentiments of the utmost esteem, respectfully and affec-
tionately your obedient servants.

" Theodore Dehon,
Christopher E. Gadsden,
Paul T. Gervais,

'^ ' Charleston, June 19, 1813. FREDERICK DaLCHO.' "

After he had resigned his seat in the Board of Man-
agers, he continued to attend the meetings of the vSociety,
and his remarks on the nature of charity, in reply to some
insinuations that there was a want of it on the part of the
Episcopalians, will be long remembered. They were a
just and impressive exposition of sev eral verses of the
thirteenth chapter of the first of Corinthians, and there
vyas a touch of humour when he introduced " charity is
not puffed up," which showed what he could do when he
chose, though he seldom indulged himself, in that way.

Several parishes in the diocese, and indeed wherever our
Church has long found a place, have funds instituted by the
generosity of former generations, and accumulated by the
prudence of those laymen who, from time to time, have
been the chief in the cono^reo-ation. Dr. Dehon thouo^ht it
very desirable that all the parishes should haVe this advan-
tage, and more especially in this country, in which the sup-
port of religious institutions rests altogether on private
contributions, and where, as there are no entails, the flock
may be composed to-day of rich, and to-morrow of poor
men, where also, emigration is so common, that unless the
Church has other resources than annual contributions it
may be exiled from a useful field, and with difficulty, if
ever, reinstated. It was previous to his being bishop,
(after which of course his attention was more earnestly
invited to this subject) that he suggested to men of influ-
ence in several parishes, the expediency of commencing
a fund, even if the first contributions to it were ever so
small, which was to be suffered to accumulate until suffi-

176 ESSAY ON THE LIEE OF

cient to yield an annual interest adequate to the effectual
assistance of the parish — a result more or less remote,
but still certain, if there was only a beginning and no want
of proper care. It was his advice that this fund should
be committed to tlie guardianship of trustees distinct from
the vestry, so as to afford a double security for its pre-
servation and improvement. The •' Society for the Ad-
vancement of Christianity," being an incorporated body,
and their treasurer being required to giv^e bonds, control-
led in all his disbursements by the president a .d Board of
Trustees, and his accounts subjected to stated quarterly
examinations, he thought offered the oj)portunity to the
parishes respectively ibr having their funds well guarded
and increased. His advice was not in vain. Tlie parish
of St. John's, Berkley, have now (1832) a fund amounting
to $13,632; that of Prince George, Winyaw, amounts to
$7,729; and that of St. Luke's, to $3,18.3. These
funds arc nn(hM- the care of the Society al)ove-named, and
their income, under certain provisions, will be subject to
the order of the \estries. J lad the counsel of Dr. Dehon
been more generally followed, some of our parishes would
douhtless now present a very dilicrcnt aspect and in par-
ticlar those whose Cliurchcs are dilapidated — those which
have no ministers — and those whose ecclesiastical exist-
ence IS in tlanger.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 177

CHAPTER VI.

His Episcopal Ministry,

The consecration of Dr. Dehon, was at Philadelphia,
on the 15th October, 1812, by the Right Rev. Bishop
White, Bishops Hobart and Jarvis being present, and
assisting. At the succeeding Convention, (for 1813) the
following correspondence between the clergy and the
bishop took place :

*' To the Right Rev. Theodore Dehon, D. D.,

Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in South-CaroUna.

^^ Right Rev. Sir, — ^We, the clergy of your diocese,
should not do justice to the tender and affectionate senti-
ments of our hearts towards you, if we were longer to
delay the expressions of these emotions.

" When we take a view of the declining state of the
Church of South-Carolina, for some years past, for the
want of a visible head, to whom we might with confidence
look up for advice in our difficulties, consolation under
our trials and sorrows, and to animate and quicken our
zeal, this address to you, through which we desire to
give utterance to our attachment to you, personally, seems
naturally to become an act of humble, and, we hope, sin-
cere gratitude to the bountiful giver of all goodness ; that
He has been pleased, in his wise and gracious providence,
to direct us to select you, from among your clerical bre-
thren, to preside over the concerns ctfour Church. We,
therefore, dearest and Right Rev. Sir, congratulate you —
we congratulate ourselves — we congratulate the flocks un-
der our particular charge, and who are near and dear to our

23

178 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

souls, that we have one appointed to the Episcopal office
among us, whom they and we so hiajhly esteem, respect,
and love. We flatter ourselves with the pleasing expec-
tation, that whatever you may propose for the extension
of true and vital religion, amongst all those with whom
we may individually have any concern, you will find us
willing and cheerful to obey, and ardent and zealous to
execute. We cannot take our leave of you, at this time,
without offering up our fervent supplications to the all-
gracious and merciful Father of men, to grant you a full
portion of his divine spirit, that you may be enabled faith-
fully to discharge the great, the important duties, with
which you are entrusted ; and when you shall be called
from your terrestrial labours, you may be admitted among
the saints and priests of the Most High God, in the celes-
tial world ; amid the ])laudits of angels, and the whole
hosts of heaven, with ' well done thon good and faithful
servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'

" This is the sincere wish, the ardent prayer of. Right

Rev. Sir, your sons, your brotheis, your fellow-labourers,

in the vineyard of our most blessed Lord and Master.

(Signed) " W. Percy, D.D., Rector of the 3d Epis.

Church,

T. Mills, D.D., Rector of St. Andrew's,

S. Halllxg, D.J)., Rector of Prince Geo.,

Winy aw,
Andrew Fowler, late Rector of St. Bar-
tholomew's,
Jas. Dewar Simons, Rector of St. Philip's,
C. E. Gadsden, Assistant Minister of do.
J. J. Tst'iUDV, Rector of St. .John's, Berk.,
C. Snowden, Rector of St. Stephen's,
J. Campbell, Rector of St. Helena, Beau-
•foit.

"Charleston, S. C, February 16, 1813."'

I^HE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 170

***ro the Clergy of the Pro. Episv Church in the State of South-Carolina.

*' Reverend Brethren,-— The address presented to me, by
your committee, in your behalf, is received by me with
sentiments tender and affectionate as those by which it
was dictated. The feehngs it has added to emotions
which had already been excited in me, by the new cir-
cumstances under which we have, in this week, been as-
sembled, 1 should in vain attempt to describe.

" That the declining state of the Church in South-Caro-
lina, for some years past, has been partly owing to its
want of all the orders of the ministry, I do not doubt. So
far as it respects the restoration to the Church of the Epis-
copal office, I can partake of your joy ; and have only to
regret, that he who has been called to that office, has not
more of those qualities which should prepare men for it,
to entitle him to the flattering expressions of your satisfac-
tion and good will. I shall often need, brethren, your ad-
vice and co-operation. I shall always need your prayers.

" Among the grounds on which I congratulate myself,
(for some such grounds there are) it is not the least that 1
behold around me a body of clergy, however small, among
whom may be found piety and knowledge, regularity,
brotherly kindness, and peace, of whom I indulge the
hope, that it shall be said, as of the earlier disciples of
our Blaster, ' see how they love one another.'

"The declaration of your readiness to co-operate with
me in any measure, that may be proposed for ' the exten-
sion of true and vital religion' among the people of your
respective cures, is to me a source of pleasure and hope ;
and I pray you to be assured, that any information or
suggestions concerning the interests of the Church, which
in your individual or joint capacities, you may at any time
be able to give me, will be received by me with thankful-
ness, and weighed with attention.

" Nothing of this world should be more encouraging to
the ministers of the Redeemer, than to know that they have
the prayers of each other. For your afl:ectionate suppUca-

180 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

tions in my behalf, I render you my thanks. On the pro*
mised constancy of them I place a solicitous dependence.
And while, brethren, beloved and reverend, 1 thank my
God for all the good ffifts of grace, or of nature, which he
hath bestowed, or shall bestow on you, for the benefit of
his Church, it is, and often will be my earnest prayer, that
you may be happy and successful, each of you, in his min-
istry here — and that when the Chief Shepherd shall ap-
pear, you also may appear with him in glory.

" Charleston, Feb. 17, 1813. THEODORE DeHOiX."

The benefits resulting from a strict adherence to the
directions of the Church, as to public baptism, had been
now experienced by two congregations, and it was natural
to wish that they might be extended through the diocese.
Among the clergy, there was scarcely any difference of
opinion on this subject, and the best informed and most
pious laymen highly approved of his course in relation
to it. A venerable layman, whose influence was deserv-
edly great, being asked his o|)inion, observed, that he per-
fectly recollected that the celebrated Commissary Garden
always insisted on the adiiiinistration of baptism in tlw
Churchy and tliat tlie leiaxation of discipline which subse-
quently toolv {)la((;, was to \w ascribed to the introduction
into the province of several clergyincii not remarkable for
their zeal. It may be added, tiiat the revolution inter-
rupted the order of our cIiuicIk's, and when they were
re-organized, a degree of acconunodation to the world
was deemed necessary. It can never l)e proper to oblige
a man of influence, or even a friend, at the exi)euse of a
regulation important to the prosperity of the Church.
The minister ought to be condescending. He should take
pains to explain the ])rinriples of the Churjch, and to re-
move the objections of its members. He should let them
see, that he is willing, and even anxious, to oblige them,
as far as he can, consistently with duty. But he must be
tirm as a rock, where principle is concerned. Such was
Dr. Dehon. lie would not have moved an inch from the

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 18J

path of duty, although the loss of his Hving would have
been the certain consequence of his inflexibility. A min-
ister who acts with firmness, will command the respect
even of those who dislike him ; and, what is of far more
consequence, he will have the divine approbation. God
will take care of those who are faithful ; and if, in his
service, they lose houses, or lands, or friends, he will repay
them a thousand fold. The condescension of Dr. Dehon,
to opponents, was very remarkable. Even when they
treated his expostulations with indifference, and cherished
the most provoking obstinacy, he would continue to rea-
son with them. To others, the moving of them appeared
hopeless, and his attempts not unlike the throwing away
of pearls : but he had, in an eminent degree, the charity
which hopeth all things. To a solitary objector, he would
give as much time, and argument, and eloquence, as if he
were addressing a large congregation. This was judi-
cious, as the success of politicians, vv iser in their genera-
tion than the children of light, constantly exemplifies.
The single enemy is most easily vanquished, and perhaps
he may be made an advocate of the cause which he had
opposed. He now considered himself as, in a sense, the
minister of every Protestant Episcopalian in the diocese,
and with his views of the ministerial relation, tlie duties
to which he felt himself called were, indeed, numerous
and arduous. Several of the services of the Episcopate
were entirely new in this State. To prepare the public
mind for the rite of confirmation, which had never been
administei-ed in this diocese, he explained and vindicated
it in several discourses which form a learned and complete
treatise on the subject, and are a happy specimen of ori-
ginal reflection.* It is believed that many of his thoughts
are new, and that there is no work on this subject of

* An edition has been published by the " Society for the Advancement of
Christianity in South-Carolina." to whom the copy-right was generously given
by Mrs. Dehon. Another edition has been printed at New- York, in conse-
quence of the demand there for the work.

182 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

superior merit. He preached these discourses in St*
Michael's, and in several of the vacant parishes*. With
his characteristic modesty, he preferred that the other
congrei^atioos should be instructed on this subject by their
own ministers. The candidates in his congregation he
instructed with his usual assiduity, and he made them an
address which beautifully illustrates his talent for accom-
modating himself to the capacities of the young, while it
gives another evidence, that though now bishop, he was
still the faithful parish minister. The following extracts
will be acceptable.

After an introduction, in which he says, " As the min-
ister to whom is couMded the care of seeing that you are
well prepared, J cannot but feel anxious that you should
do it in simplicity and godly sincerity, with soberness and
singleness of heart," and in which he reminds tiiem that
the Christian life is " an arduous work, a difficult and
painful warfare," he offers these motives for coming to
the solemn rite of confirmation. " Consider yourselves as
cast off from the favour of God — as lying, in consequence
of sin, under his awful displeasure — as rejected from the
family of the great and blessed Lord of heaven and earth,
and what words can express to you the value of forgiveness
of sin, and restoration, by adoption, to his fatherly regard,
and an interest in his love and benediction ^ Consider
yourselves as deprived of the presence, the comfort, and
the enlivening iuHiuuice of that spirit of (iod, without
which there can be no joy iim- \irtiie in the universe: and
Avho can propose to you a boon so inestimable as the re-
turn of this spirit to you, to be in and abide with you for
ever ? Consider yourselves as mortal, obliged to die, and
to lie down in the chambers of corruption : and what is
there in the comjiass of your conception so desirable as
the promise of a resurrection from the grave, and the
enjoyment of immortality, and the felicities of the king-
doui of heaven eteruallv, without interruption or end.'*
Yet, these are the good things which, on condition of your

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 183

faithfulness to your vows, God promises to you in your con-
finnation ; good things, incomparably better than aught
you can find in any of the paths or pursuits of this vain
world — good things, which will well be purchased by part-
ing with all that is iiighly estimated in this wicked world.
If the course be difficult over which you are called to
pass, there is suspended at its end such dawns of glory,
reserved for the victors, as will more than compensate
your labours and cares."

Speaking of the proper preparation, he says — "Above
all things, have right apprehensions of the Being to whom
you make your vows. It is not a haughty monarch, who
sits upon his throne, frowning upon those who aj>proach
him. It is not an austere father, who has no compassion
for the iufirrnities of his offspring, and discards forever
those who have offended him. No. Though infinitely
wise, so that he cannot be mocked — though infinitely holy,
so that he cannot but be displeased with all hypocrisy, he is
infinitely gracious to look upon the sincere with his favour.
It is to a king who has directed all the acts of his govern-
ment for your instruction and salvation. It is to a father,
who so loveth you, that he hath given his first and only
begotten son for you, that you go. Go, then, with the
love, with the fihal reverence, with the confidence, with
the joy, with the docility, with the resolution of obedience,
which such a father may justly expect in his erring chil-
dren, when they come to ask his mercies and benedictions ;
and encourage yourselves, as you go, with that his graci-
ous declaration, which is worthy, especially at this time,
to be constantly in your remembrance — ' I love them that
love me, and they that seek me early shall find me.' "

In the course of the year 1813, confirmation was adminr
istered by him to five hundred and sixteen persons, and
he stated to the Convention, " that it had been received
with much solemnity, good preparation, and apparent
satisfaction." The whole number confirmed by him, was

184 E«SAY ON THE LIFE OF

one thousand and seventy-six, sixty of them at Savannah,
Georgia.

In the vacant parishes, in order that the candidates for
confirmation might not come forward unprepared, he
would cheerfully undertake the labour of privately in-
structing them, and this often in the evening, after a
fatiguing journey, or on the morning of the day on which
he expected to be occupied in his arduous public minis-
trations. In the same hour, he might be seen engaged in
the humblest and the highest duties of the sacred office —
now instructing the catechumen, a child, or an African,
in the first dawn of intelligence, and then, with apostolic
dignity, blessing the people and ordaining the ministry.
To the candidate for confirmation, he usually recommend-
ed "Seeker's Sermon" on that ceremony, and the tract
entitled '• Pastoral Advice to those who are preparing for
Confirmation," which, as connecting the subject with bap-
tism, he thought particularly vahi;d)le. His solemnity in
administering this ordinance, had a powerful eficct not
only on the parties concerned, but on the spectators in
general, many of whom were induced by it to seek it for
themselves and their children. He gave force to every
expression, and it was imjK)ssibh' not to recognize his
humility and benevolence, when, after having finished the
laying on of hands, he raised his eyes to heaven and said,
"Let thy fatherly iiand ever be over them, and thy Holy
Spirit ever be with tlienj." At such a time he looked like
a fatiier, filled with affection and solicitude, surrounded by
his children just about to enter the untried world, and the
mind was carried to that aftecting scene recorded in the
Old T(»stanient, when the fiuher of the faithfid put forth
his hands on the head of the sons of Joseph, and affect-
ingly exclainu'd — " God bless the lads." The address
which he made at the conclusion, was a most interesting
description of the Christian covenant, its duties and privi-
leges; and is among the most aftecting of the many aji-

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHOlV. 185

peals* which he made to the heart, in the course of his
mifiistry. It is usual for the Episcopal officer to keep his
seat, hut this posture seems tq have been uneasy to his
humility, for he changed it. His visitations were extended
to evei:y parit^h in the diocese, and also to spme places in
which the EjMscopaiians were too few, or too indifterent
to be organized as a congregation. It was sufficient for
him that the Church had once existed — that two or three
professed our faith — and that the visits might be useful.
They were eminently so. There was scarcely a place in
which considerable excitement was not produced, even by
a single short visit. They repaired their churches, or built
new ones, enclosed their grave-yard, made subscriptions
for the support of a minister, and in some instances, form-
ed a permanent fund for that purpose, earnestly requested
a repetition of his attention, and, in a variety of ways,
showed that he laboured ifot in vain. If these visits could
have been followed by sending ministers to the vacant
parishes, agreeably to the wish of almost all of them, the
happiest results might have been justly anticipated. But
there was a deficiency of ministers* He endeavoured in
vain to supply it by application to other dioceses. As a
partial remedy, he prevailed on several laymen, some in
high civil stations, to afct as readers in their churches,
until they could be supplied with ministers. But experi-
ence proved that they could not flourish without the regu-
lar administration of the ordinances. The excitement of
the Episcopal visit would last a few months, and then the
people, or the reader, would neglect to attend. A second
visit would renew the zeal, again to slumber and die away.
In these visits, his attention was awake to every passing
occurrence. He made himself accurately acquainted with
the state of the parishes. He conversed with their lead-
ing men in the fullest manner. With modest dignity, he
urged all proper measures for the advancement of religion.

■* It is printed with the Sermons on Confirmation, in a small vohmie.-

24

186 , ESSAV ON THE LIFE OF

He would not allow himself to be discouraged by the want
of piety, or of energy, in those with whom he conversed*
He would endeavour to remove their objections in the
most judicious and earnest manner, and persuade them at
least not to abandon the cause without a trial. If they
could not erect a large Church, they might, for the pre-
sent, accommodate themselves with a neat small one ; and
it • might be erected by a joint contribution of mateiial^
and labour. If they could not singly support a minister,
they might form an. union for that purpose with some
other' parish ; at least, might become^ members of the
Society, whose special object it was to send missionaries
to the destitute churches. He urged them to invite the
clergy of the neighbouring parishes to givC them occa-
sional services ; to send delegates to the Convention ; and
to elect vestries, as means of preserving an interest in the
concerns of thd; Church. But Ife did not confine his atten-
tion to these general objects. He appeared in the vaca^jt
parish, not only a bishop, but a humble missionary. He
invited religious conversation, and at thmily worship,
which he introduced, peihaps for tluj first time, into many
a house, his mamu r v. as most engaging, and the lessoiTs
selected by him peculiarly appropriate and interesting.
Wherever there were connnunicvints, he woultl adminis-
ter the I^ord's supper, jilthoiigh this service, added to his'
other duties and the fatigu<; of travelling, would sometimes
nearly exhaust iiim. He thought that this high act of wor-
ship would especially draw down the blessing of God on the
parish — that it was eminently adapted to excite devotional
feelings, as well in those who ])artook as in tho;ie v. ho wit-
nessed it — and if he could find only two, whom, perhaps,
he had himself assisted in preparing for this xheir first
communion, he would not omit it. He advi^sed the clergy
also, in their visits to the vacant churches, every time to
set up. the altar. In his Episcopal visitations, he in-
structed the adult candidates fty- baptism, nu^st of whom
were slaves, who needed line upon line; catechised the

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 187

cliildren ; and if he heard of any one suffering from sick-
ness or affliction, he would endeavour, as if he were their
parish minister, to be with them, if it were only for a
few moments, to give a word of consolation, and repeat
the prayer of faith. He was, from nature and habit,
remarkably diffident. Intercourse with strangers was
always painful to him. But when it promised to be
useful, and seemed a duty of his office, he advanced to
it with alacrity and fulfilled it with the strictest fidelity.
The triumph of principle over inclination, in this par-
ticular, was complete. " We shall never be. able (says
Addison) to hve to our satisfaction in the deepest retire-
ment, until we learn to hve, in some measure to our satis-
faction, amidst the noise and bustle of life." His visits
were attended with much bodily fatigue, for the churches
in this diocese are scifttered over an extent of about two
hundred miles in length by one hundred in breadth, and
as he was sole minisjev of iiis congregation in Charleston,
he had to perform many of these visits in the interval be-
tween one Sunday and another. He rarely left his own
flock for two Sundays in succession. During five months
of the year, our climate confined him to the city ; yet, in
the yfear 1813, he made no less than sixteen visitations —
the most distant, one hundred and twenty, and the least,
thirty miles from his residence ; two to Columbia, distant
one hundred and twenty miles: — one to Beaufort, eighty
miles-.-and one to Georgetown, sixty miles, in nearly
opposite directions. Useful as he was' at vSt. Michafel's,.
it must ever be regretted that his situation there should
have so much interfered with his higher duties. Had he
been unencumbered with a parochial charge, the effect of
his visitations would have been, we cannot doubt, incalcu-
lably great. He had not the cominand, over the feelings,
of a Whitfield, but he would have i.iade a more permanent
impression, and left traces of his course which might claim
joy and gratitude, in South-Carolina, to the end of time.
He felt much solicitude for the members of the Church

188 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OP

scattered through the country, and particularly those in
remote districts, who had no opportunity of participating
in its ordinances, and corresponded with some of them as
to the course they should pursuse, until they became suf-
ficiently numerous to form congregations. Inthis'way he
encouraged their stedfastness, and gave them all the pas-
toral attention which circumstances permitted.

He laid hands suddenly on no man. He cultivated an
acquaintance with the candidates for the sacred office ;
endeavoured to correct what was wrong, to guide Vvhat
was good, and to implant those dispositions* in them
which are necessary and useful to- the *mini^ter of the
gospel. His books were at their command. He required
them to make abstracts of the principal works in theology,
an exercise, whicli, while it gave them a facility of com-
position, and made necessary attenti^'e and repeated read-
ing, enabled bim to trace their industry and th*e character
of tlieir minds. Tlu'rc was no provision in thisdiocese
for tbo instruction of the candidates, and tliis duty he
vohiuiarily ujidcrtook. At tiie examinations, he asked,
on t . ery branch, so many important (juestions, that the
other. examiners sehiom fell it necessai^ to add any. He
coinmciuhui svlierc coinnicndation was due, and when he
coid<l not connurnd, liis acbnonitions to diligence were
conveyed in a mild and alfcctionate manner, which gave
them their full weight. li' tiie candidate was deficient,
his ordination was postj)oned until he had j)Toperly pre-
.pared himself, aifd a promise was -given him, at the sug-
gesti(Mi of the bi^liop, that the cause of delay should
be ke))t secret. The accepted candidate for deacon'^s
ordeis was informed of the branches in which he a|)i)ear-
ed least j)re|M'\red, and reminded that a better knowledge
of them would be expected when lie applied, to be ordained
a priest, '^rhe texts assigned by the bishop were remark-
ably suitable to the several examinations. Foi* example.

'' See CanoM VIll. on the duty of a Bisijop with respect to Candidates.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 189

the first examination behig on Moral Philosophy, &c., he
selected this text for the candidate to write on — " What is
truth ?" At the second examination, being on the Books
of Scriptnre, the text — " All scripture is given by inspira-
tion of God." At the third, being on Systematic Divinit/,
some text on the Atonement, or other cardinal doctrine,;
and at the fourth, on Ecclesiastical Polity, this text — " Let
all things be done decently and in order." At the conclu-
sion of the final examination, he usually offered up prayers,
with the clergy and the candidates, having special reference
to his expected ordination.

In no instance did he use the dispensing power, autho-
rized • by the canons, in favour of candidates deficient in
literary qualifications. He thou"^ht that this power ought to
be used with the utmost caution, and seldom, if ever, when
the person was not advanced in life. He objected to it in the
casp of a candidate who was more than forty years of age.
To one, thirty years old, whose application for a dispensa-
tion wa9«seconded by several pious men, he gave thiscouiiT
sel : Immediately place yourself under a competent teach-
er, and, by diligence, you can, in due season, acquire
the necessary knowledge. The advice was promptly and
zealously followed, and in six montljs the object was at-
tained. There are few cases in which the same advice
would not be attended with good effect, and it would be a
useful test of the zeal a-nd humility of the candidate. He
seldom preached at an ordination. He liked the services
to be divided among the cleigy, and perhaps he thought
that by the administrator confining himself to the ordina-
tion office alone, its full effect would be best realized.
The instruction on the duties of a priest, he admired
mu(ih, and observed that it left nothing to be added by
the sermon. Solemn and dignified in all liis ministerial
services, he appeared still more elevated above the con-
cerns of time, when performing the most imrmrtant duty
of the highest officer of the Church. The possible con-

190 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

seqlie»ces of this ordination seemed to lie open before
him, and to animate his prayers for the good, and against
the evil. He ordained one priest and four deacons, and
at the time of his death there were six candidates for
Kbly orders in the diocese. He encouraged the newly
ordained to enter immediately on their duties, and until
they were called to a parish, would endeavour to find them
employment either as visitors to vacant situations, or as
missionaries under the auspices of the " Society for the
Advancement of 'Christianity." He consecrated four
chinches — St. Paul's, Radciitfehorough ; St. Paul's, Sto-
no ; St. John's, Colleton ; and Trinity Church, Colum-
bia-— to the erection of the two last his influence had tnain-
ly contributed. His sermhn*' at Coliimhia was so much
admired in England, that it was there used on a similar
occasion by direction of the bisho|) (the appointed jireaclier
having failed to attend). He remarked, that the opening
of .a ne\\ Church was, to him, aluays one of the most in-
teresting events, and that he would go fur to be present at
such an occurrence. He concluded that the clergy gene-
rally participated in this sentiment, and therefore invited as
many of them as^ possible to attend, whenever he adminis-
tered consecration. At Cohimbia, and St. Paul's, Radclifl'e-
borough, abnost all the clergy of the diocese were juesent,
several of tliein having come from a considerable distance;
and those seenos will long be rememix^red, as among the
nu^st int(n*csting that ha\ c ever been witnessed. The ani-
mtition of llie occasion, and tlic sympathy oft lie clergy, light-
ed up the countenance of the bishop in a peculiur numner,
as he passed uj) the aisle, chanting tJie hymn at tiie open-
ing of the Conseeiat:(Ui Oilice, and perhaps there was no
time wlu II he appeared to so great advantage, 'l^he Epis-
copal dress, which particularly becjime him. the chastened
fervour of his hmguHge, the elevation of his air, l)lended

* It is printed in the i^ermons, vol. ii. No. iwiii.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 191

with humility, and the gleam of joy in his eye^N, contribut-
ed to this efiect. The planting of a Church at Columbia,
was amons: the earliest and most favoured of his measures.
He saw that it was all-important, that the legislators of
the State should have an opportunity "of becoming ac-
quainted with our Church, which could in no way be
accomplished so effectually, as by locating it at the seat
of government. lie realized, also, the importance of a
Church, in the neighbourhood of the great literary insti-
tution of the State, and the expediency of beginning at
Columbia, the. attempt of extending our principles to
the upper districts. It is believed that the first sugges-
tion on this subject came fi-om him, and it is certain that,
in the Board of Trustees of the Protestant Episcopal So-
ciety, he was the chief advocate of the mission, by which
the Episcopal congregation, in Columbia, was gathered.
He visited this little flock, and promoted their growth by
every proper method. His gratitude and joy on the finish-
ing of the Church, were strongly expressed in the dis-
course a,bove referred to, in whicli he bestowed merited
praise on the lay-persons who had been most active in the
good work, accompanied with the wish, thp.t God would
remember their good deeds done for his house, and the
offices thereof.

To encourage this congregation, and in pursuance of
another important object — to claim for the Church a de-
gree of public attention — at his suggestion, one of the
annual Conventions, the only oiie ever held out of Charles-
ton, met at Columbia, and, notwithstanding the incon-
veniences to which a majority of the members were thereby
subjected, a respectable number cheerfully attended. But
while he was anxious that the Church should be extended,
he was not less so that it should be revived in those places
where it. had been known. In the parishes, in which
the population had been too much reduced to support the
ordinances of religion, he thought that a proper homage
to the God of their fathers required, that the buildings in

192 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

which he had been worshipped should be preserved tfoni
ruin. And as a decency becoming a Christian, land, and
which would have a good moral effect, he also recom-
mended that the grave-yard should be enclosed, and the
vaults entirel^^ covered. Such were ajmong the topics of
his conversation in the count ly parishes, where the objec-
tion to the settlement of ministers, arising from the small
number of the white populgyjon, and their absence for half
of the year, was combated with much force.* At the
annual Conventions, having narrated his diocesan pro-
ceedings, during the year, he usually rec(fmn]ended such
measures as were adapted to 'promote the interests of
religion, both collectively and individually. At the first
Convention (IHl-S) which took niace four months after the
date of his consecration, ho of course had little to rei)ort„
but he did not omit the aniuuii Address, giving "a brief
statement, that the \ cry useful Canon, providing for an ac-
curate view of the state of tiie Church, from time to time,
might not seem, at any time, to have b(>en disregarded.''

In his address to the Convention (1814) he beautifully
and feelingly adverts to the prevailing unanimity in the
Church, and .recommends the i)atrouizing the "Society
for the Advancement of ('hristianity in South-Car.olina,"
Avith a special view to the sending of missionaries to the
destitute parishes ; and, also, the repairing the houses of
worshij).

In lr<15 (Febriiarv) he adv«Mts to the advantages resum-
ing from tlic union of the diiferent dioceses, in General
Convention ; to the agreement in doctrine, existing in this
diocese ; to the restoration of the ancient eustom of j)ul)lic
baptism ; to the importance of having a Church at Colum-
bia ; to the laudable attem|)ts by one of the j)arishes to
create a iiermanent fund tor the support of the ministry
among them ; and to the gratuitous services, in vacant
parishes, of settled ministers.

* See Address to Coaveution (l815)

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 193

In 1815 (December) he recommends the repairing of the
churches, and the protecting of the grave-yards every-
wiiere, although there might be no prospect of soon set-
tling a minister ; and ably sets aside the objection, arising
from the short period in which the proprietors reside on
their plantations, against keeping up religious services in
the country churches. He recommends attention to fami-
ly worship, the circulation of religious books, the pious
education of youth, and the zealous co-operation of this
diocese in instituting a General Theological Seminary.
He significantly puts the question whether Christians ought
not to set apart a portion of their income for the support
of religion, and whether they ought to be surpassed in
alms-deeds by the ancient people of God.

There was no Convention in 1816, that in December^
1815, having superseded it.

In 1817 (February) he expresses his pious gratitude and
gladness on the occasion of the " Society for the Advance-
ment of Christianity in South-Carolina" having had willed
to it a munificent legacy, and expresses his conviction of
the usefulness of the annual meetings in Convention.' —
These addresses* were usually dehvered just before the
adjournment of the Convention. It would, to most per-
sons, seem more natural that they should have been de-
livered at the opening of the Convention, and such is the
custom, we believe, in all the dioceses. His pursuing
a different course is, doubtless, to be attributed to his
peculiar aversion to any act which might look like dic-
tating to the body, or in the least interfering with the
freedom of its deliberations. This proceeding strikingly
exemplifies his characteristic modesty.

It will be observed, that the addresses were not a
mere detail of the Episcopal transactions. They resem-
bled those interesting compositions called charges. They
were always Ustened to with delight in the Convention,

/ See interesting extracts from them in the Appendix

194 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

and afterwards in the different churches in which, by their
order, tliey were read. They were the intellectual and
moral treat of the Convention, and produced an animation
which alone would have rendered the meeting useful to
the Church. They had, also, a happy influence in cor-
recting prejudices against the Convention, and strength-
ening the impression, which I have mentioned it was his
great object to effect, viz. that the body was instituted
purely for religious purposes. In the chair, he presided
with the utmost dignity and impartiality, and greatly facili-
tated business by the collectedness and discrimination of
his mind. The advantage of having so much intelligence
in the head of the body, was obvious to every eye. His
humility led him to remark, that not being conversant with
the proceediuirs of deliberative bodies, he would wish to be
directed on fjuestions of order by the better informed per-
sons present. The skill, however, with which he con-
ducted the business, conid not be excelled, and occasioned
the remark of an eminent civilian, that he had a mind
which discerned the right course at a glance, and supplied
the want of evpcrience.

A pleasant and usclVd object connected with these an-
nual Conv('iUi«)n>-, was ll»e association of the clergy of the
diocese. Hisliop Dehon had a strong affection for hist
brethren ot'lhe clergy. It having been observed, by one
distinguished votary oi' natural science to another, that
their pinsiiit was a strong bond of anion, he admitted the
fact, ImU inainlained that there was no pursuit in life
calculated to bind men together so strongly as the clerical
profession. In his eyes, it was always a badge of respect-
ability, and a jiassport to confidence and kindness. He
was willing to share his honours with them, and more,
to- promote their rej)utation, although it should diminish
his own. It is known that he contributed greatly to the
literary efforts of some of his brethren, and, while he lis-
tened to the praises of them, which more properly be-
longed to himself, he had great pleasure. He >vas too

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 195

iioble to envy, and too rich in intellectual treasure to be
sparing of it. But he had a high motive in the precept,
*' Be kindly afFectioned one to another, in honour prefer-
ring one another." It was evident that — the society of
his brethren, at the time of Convention, was a refresh-
ment to him amid the cares and anxieties of that period.
Their presence made him happy, and his affectionate
attentions rendered them so. His conversation generally
turned on the state of religion in their respective parishes,
and while this was, to him, the most interesting of sub-
jects, it enabled him to adopt such measures as belonged
to his high station, and afforded an opportunity of con-
veying to the clergy, much valuable advice. The excel-
lencies of his mind and heart developed more and more,
as he became more familiar with the duties of his station ;
and the clergy went from each succeeding Convention with
increased admiration and affection for their bishop. It
•has been observed of many men, that estimation for them
often diminishes in proportion as acquaintance becomes
more intimate. But the contrary was certainly true of
Bishop Dehon. They liked him most who knew him best,
and many of his warmest admirers were those who, when
they viewed him at a distance, had nothing more than
common respect.

He availed himself of this annual meeting of the clergy
to adopt some means for the rehef of the destitute parishes.
He proposed, and it was generally complied with, to the
great benefit, it is believed, of the Church, that each cler-
gyman should undertake to hold divine service and admin-
ister the ordinances in two parishes besides his own, as
often as he conveniently could. He would not consent to
be excepted from this arrangement, but after each clergy-
man had chosen the two most convenient to himself, he
would take his two, which were generally those most re-
mote from his home. On no occasion did he recommend
a measure, of the burden of which he was not ready to
bear his full proportion. He seemed to consider his office

196 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

as calling him to the greatest sacrifices and labours. He
felt the force of his Lord's injunction, "Whosoever will
be great among you, let him be your minister ; and who-
soever will be chief among you, let him be your servant."
*' Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto,
but to minister," and, like St. Paul, *' he laboured more
abundantly " than any one of his associates. A friendly
intercourse with the clergy was steadily cultivated by him.
Wiien he visited their parishes, he preferred always to
stay with one of them. Their morsel was far more agree-
able to him than " the king's meat." . He had the delica-
cy, which made him suppose that they would be hurt if he
wore to go elsewhere. He maintained a correspondence
witii many of tliem. And he befriended them by e\ ery
metliod which a generous heart and a solid understanding
could devise. In conversation with their j)arishioners, he
vindicated tlieir merits, and imj>roved every occasion to
promote their usefulness and comfort. He was the cause-
of many of those endearing attentions which they probably
attributed to others. His kindness always extended itself
to the family and friends of his brethren.* Addicted to
patronize youth, and to help the aliiicted, he loved espe-
cially to patronize the son, and to comfort the widow of a
broiher minister.

It ought to he mentioned here, ft)r it was much to be
atti ihiited to liis example and pnulent care, that great
harmony and aH'eetiou j)revailed among the clergy. In
c\en bo<i\ of fallible men there must be expected to arise
misconception, difference of oj)inion, and, perhaj)s, inter-
feienee of iiUerest. Hut IJishop Dehon inculcated, by his
conduct, that brotherly atleetion which is the best security
against these evils. He taught them to judge charitably
of all men, esjiecially of a brother minister, and in honour
to prefer one another. He was watchful of those little
differences which the sun of kindness can soon dis|)erse,

'' See, in Chapter VIll.. the letters to Mis-^ Fowler aud the R«v A Fowler.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 197

but if neglected may incre-^se beyond remedy. And while
he thus made the whole Christian family to rejoice, he had
the happiness to know that the world had said, " See how
these ministers love one another." As a counsellor to his
clergy, he was invaluable. He tauijht them, both by pre-
cept and example, neither to inteifere with the rights of
vestries, nor to submit to encroachments on that spiritual
jurisdiction, which belon^^s exclusively to the clerical order.
Under the influence of hi.oh political excitement, one of
the clergy had preached an exceptionable discourse ; the
vestry passed a resolution that he should for ever be ex-
cluded from the pulpit of that congregation. The bishop
urgently recommended the clergyman never to introduce
pohtits into his sermons, but, at the same time, decidedly
maintained that no vestry had a right to pass such an
interdict, and heartily approved of the reply made to the
vestry by the ministers of the Church in which the sermon
was preached, who firmly but respectfully stated in their
letter, that the power to admit and exclude from their
pulpit was subject to their sole control, so long as they
continued to hold the offices of rector and assistant min-
ister.

That the poor should have free access to the ordinances
of the gospel, was ever a ruling desire of Bishop Dehon.
Besides the having pews set apart for their use, which we
have already mentioned* as a measure suggested by him,
he recommended the procuring of another Church in some
central situation, principally for the accommodation of the
poor. The plan was to build a Church in the most eco-
nomical manner, by gratuitous subscription, and he had
induced a number of persons to agree that they would rent,
for the use of poor families, a number of the pews, at thirty
dollars each, annually, which asnount would be applied to
the maintenance of the minister. Most of his views on
this subject were happily, and with all the happy conse-

* Chapter V.

198 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

quences he anticipated, carried into effect a few years
after his decease, in the erection of St. Stephen's Chapel,
for the use of the poor, whose minister is supported by the
" Ladies' Domestic Misssionary Society."* The benevo-
lent idea of holding public worship on the Lord's day in
the Poor-House of Charleston, as we have stated, t origin-
ated with Bishop Dehon. But in looking over his diocese
with the eye of a patriot, philanthropist, and Christian,
there was an object which could not have escaped his atten-
tion, and which excited all his good feelings. Unhappy
African ! To all thy sufferings is there to be added the
misery of being in the world without a knowledge of God,
and without the -hope of a blessed eternity.'^ In thy own
land, and in all other lands, is it thy doom never to share in
the comforts of the gospel ; and is this greatest of bless-
ings here brought within thy reach only to afflict thee more
by the knowledge that thou art not permitted to taste it ?
It cannot be. The gospel is not the j)roperty of one man
rather than another. It is intended to travel from East
to West, and, in God's good time, no man will be hid
from the heat thereof. In lii$ own congregation, as I
have before remarked,! he was the laborious and patient
minister of the African. And he (Micouraged, among the
masters and mistresses in his Hock, that best kindness to-
wards their servants, a concern for their eternal salvation.

" He is the freeman whom the Truth makes free,
And ill! are slaves beside. "||

He was of opinion, that to the domestics in a family reli-
gious instruction might be imparted withoiU much incon-
venience, for it might be committed in part to the elder
children, and in larije families the different members miffht
divide the interesting duty among them ; each om; iinder-

* The respected widow of the bishop was, from the beginning, and coh-
inues to be, the principal conductor of this very useful 8ociety.

t Chapter V. ] Chapter IV. || Cowper's Task, book v.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 199

taking to instruct two or more. When one ha,(l been well
instructed, he might become the instructor of his fellow-
servants, and the head of the household would only have
to exercise a general superintendance over the good work.
At least, a pious youth might instruct his man-servant,
and a young lady her maid. His example enforced \ih
precept in this, as in other respects. Every one of his
servants was required to attend family worship, and op-
portunity was afforded them to be at public worshij) on the
Lord's day. In reproving them he made use of religious
considerations, and he took care that they were duly in-
structed in the principles of religion. On one of these
occasions, a servant, who had robbed him, was so much
aftected by his searching remarks on the danger of sin, as
to be led to make a full confession of his guilt.

But when advanced to the Episcopate, he felt that,
on this subject, a more arduous task now devolved upon
him. In the scale of civilization, the slaves in the city
were much advanced above those in the country. Many
of the former were already christianized, and the oppor-
tunities of religious instruction were increasing. But in
the country, the disproportion between the whites and
blacks is so great, that, with the best disposition, the
former could do little in the v/ork of christianizing the
latter. Many of them were almost as ignorant of the
gospel as if they had remained in Africa. The bishops
of London, who had under their care the American pro-
vinces, before the revolution, and «ince that period, the
West-Indies, have ever felt a solicitude on this subject.
Some of them have written on the obligation and method
of instructing slaves in the Christian religion, but none of
them so fully as the zealous and amiable Porteus. The
" Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts,"
having become possessed, by bequest, of a number of
slaves, Bishop Porteus recommended that they should be
instructed in the gospel, according to a method which
might serve as a model for every plantation. A catechist

200 ESSAY Oi\ THE LIFE OF

was to be appointed, whose duty it should be to teach
them, and more particularly the young, the principles of
Christianity, and, for this purpose, to collect them always
on the Lord's day in the intervals of public worship, and
oftener, as might be found convenient. This catechist,
at first, might be a white man, but he thought that it
would be least expensive, and, perhaps, more useful, to
select one or niore of the most intelligent, humble, and
pious blacks, who might be prejiared for this office. —
Every plantation has its nurse, and why should it not be
provided with a person whose special care it should be
to train his fellow-servants in the nurture and admonition
of the Lord ? The slaves also, according to Bishop Por-
teus' plan, were to be required to attend the public ser-
vice, and, such of them as were duly pre})ared, admitted
to the sacraments. He thought the little children ought
to be bapti/ed, and gradually educated, in that best of
schools, the Church of God. He did not anticipate much
immediate benefit from this plan, but he thought that the
patient |)rosecution of it would j)roducc an etfect which
would be sensibly perceived in another generation. —
Bishop Delion warndy approved of this |)lan, and it is not
easy to conceive one more judicious. At j)resent, they
receive little benefit froni tli(^ public offices of religion^
because tliey want the necessary |)reparation lor under-
standing them. They generally attend a preaching whuh
aims princi|)aHy to excite terror, whose impression, though
violent, is usually tram^ient, and which is not sufficiently
particidar in teaching them, that to be good Christiana
they must be good servants.* The persons of their own
colour who undertake to instruct them, are too often
worse than ignorant : presumptuous men, who make a
gain of ffodliness, and known to be indolent, deceitful,
and sometimes grossly immoral. Such characters bring

^ Of certain prearhcrs. Lord Bacon says, '" Thoy cxliorf woll. and work
comp'inction (ifmind. mikI hriiig ine:i well Ut the ([iiestion : ' Men and brethren,
ivliat shall we do ? ' But that is not enough, except they resolve the question"

^PHE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 20l

^feiigion into discredit, not only with their masters, but
with the better principled slaves. Bishop Porte us' plan
would make the owner, or his ovefseeiS the superintend-
ent, if I may so speak, of the religious department. He
would select, as the catechist, one who has sufficient know-
ledge and skill in teaching, but, above all, of pious charac-
ter, or at least of unimpeached morals. He would see
that they were taught the plain, sober principles of the
gospel, which require all men to be contented in that state
of life in which God has placed them, and enjoin the mas-
ter to give his servants that which is just and equal, and
*' the servant to be obedient to his master, in singleness of
heart, fearing God, not answering again, not purloining,
but showing all good fidelity," and this " not only to the
good and gentle, but also to the frovvard." The situation
of the slave is, in many respects, favourable to the cul-
tivation of true rehgion. He has less temptation than
other men to the love of the world — to that ambition
which occasioned the fall of the angels — and that avarice
w4iich so often drov^ns men in destruction and perdition.
He has peculiar reasons to cling to the hope of immortal-
ity. Let the experiment be fairly tried, and, not improb-
ably, the power of Christianity may gain a new trophy on
some of our plantations, and its sublimest effects be real-
ized in the sons of Africa. As far as the experiment of
Bishop Porteus' plan has been made among us, it has
succeeded beyond expectation. It has been adopted only
for a few years by a few individuals. The influence of
Christianity is always gradual. Let the work be carried
on for one generation, so that all the cultivators of a
plantation shall be such only as, from infancy, have been
religiously educated, and we cannot doubt that, by the
blessing of God on his own institutions, they would exhibit
a new character. It is not supposed that they would all
be sincere Christians, but that there would be seen among
them that moral influence of the gospel which renders a
Christian so superior to a pagan community, whatever

26

202 EiS;SAY ON THE LIFE OF

degree of civilization the latter may have attained. The
stated ministrations of the Church in our parishes appear-
ed to Bishop Dehon a preliminary and most important
measure. A minister would be the proper director of
pious masters. His visits would supply incitement both
to the owners and the slaves. And that grace of God,
without which there can be no spiritual improvement, is
not to be expected, but in the faithful and diligent use of
the divine ordinances — the worship of the sanctuary — the
pubhc reading and preaching of God's word, and the ad-
ministration of the holy sacraments. In many of the low
country parishes, the white population had decreased to
a very small number, but the black population was very
large, and increasing ; and for their sake, principally,
the rebuilding and reorganizing of the churches seemed
very desirable. Although his judgment and feelings were
strongly enlisted in this good cause, he jnoceeded in it
with his accustomed prudence. He knew that prejudices
existed against his views of this subject, and that they
would be increased by opposition. He endeavoured tc*
enlighten the community on the subject, in a private, quiet
way. He would gladly eudirace opportunities to converse
with men of inriuenc(^ relating to it, but he forbore to
speak of it in public, believing that the time had not yet
come. He dissuaded one of his clergy from preaching on
this matter before the Convention. He was cautious to
circulate only such works as were perfectly unexception-
able. Porteus' sermon and tract he recommended, but
the sermons of the Kev. T. 15acon of Maryland, address-
ed to masters and servants, in 174-3, which he thought in
many respects excellent, he declined to put in circulation
on account of certain e\i)ressions, which he feared might
make the master mistake the real object of the religious
instructor, and cause the slave to think of himself more
highly than he ought to think.* He thought that preju-

* These sermons having been corrected, so as to do away these objections,
were published in Charleston, in 1830.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 203

dice was best corrected by the evidence of facts, and
therefore, encouraged the pious immediately to undertake
and perseveringly to prosecute tlie good work on their
own plantations, and thus to exhibit to their neighbours
the contrast of religious and irreligious slaves, or rather
between sound, sober piety, and superstition or enthusiasm.
He found, after a few years, that these prejudices, in
some of the country parishes, were even stronger than
he had supposed. From the establishment of the Episco-
pal Church in this State, the blacks had been admitted to
all its privileges. The first clergy, in their reports to
the Missionary Society in the mother country, frequently
mentioned their baptizing of the negroes, and catechizing
them. The celebrated Commissary Garden had felt so
much solicitude on this subject, that he founded, or greatly
fostered a school, without charge, in Charleston, for the
special instruction of Africans in elementary knowledge,
considering it as, in a great degree, subsidiary, though
not indispensable, to their religious improvement. The
Legislature of the province had, in an early public act,*
recognized the propriety of administering baptism to
this class of people. Every year there were baptized
in the churches of the city a great number, not less,
for the last eight or ten years than a hundred, on an
average ; and many thousands had, from time to time,
been admitted to the holy communion. The clergy had

L" * " Since charity and the Christian religion which we profess, obliges us to
wish well to the souls of all men, and that no persons may neglect to baptize
their negroes or slaves, or suffer them to be baptized for fear that thereby
they should be manumitted and set free. Be it therefore enacted, that it shall
be, and is hereby declared, lawful for any negro or Indian slave, or any other
slave or slaves whatever, to receive and profess the Christian faith, and be
thereunto baptized." This act was passed in 1712. See Gri?nkc's Laws, p. 18.
In evidence of the just respect for the Christian religion, entertained by
these early legislators, we quote from another act (1740, p. 168ofGrimke) as
follows: "If any person, in this province, shall, on the Lord's day, commonly
called Sunday, employ any slave in any work or labour (works of absolute
necessity, and the necessary occasions of the family only excepted); every
person in such case offending, shall forfeit the sum of £5 current money, for
every slave they shall so work or labour."

204 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

been careful to remind them of their duty as slaves, and
recognized their subordination in a particular manner,
by refusing to admit them to the sacraments without
a testimony of good character from their masters. That
any congregation should have opposed the baptism of this
class, could not have been expected. In one of his visita-
tions, Bishop Dehon was requested to baptize several
black persons, by their mistress. He satisfied himself of
their fitness, and consented to do so. But on his arrival
at the Church, a few persons of authority stated to him,
that they were unwilling that the baptism should be ad-
ministered. His surprise was great, and his sorrow still
greater. The presence of mind, the wisdom, and, above
all, the meekness of our good bishop, did not forsake him
on this trying occasion. He paused for a few moments,
and said in substance : I have been requested by the
owner of tliese slaves to baptize them, and as a minister
of Christ it is my duty to do so. The building belongs to
those whom you rei)resent,* and, of course, is subject to
your regulations. Your communication should be made
not to me, but to the owner of these slaves. At your re-
quest, she may decline to present them for baptism, but
if they arc |)resonted, f cannot refuse to do my duty. The
gejitlemeu accordingly e.\j)ress('d their disapju'obation to
th(^ owner, who, of course, desired the slaves not to in-
trude tluMusi Ives. Some j)ersons thought that Bishop
Dehon ought to have retired from the Church on that
occasion. I5iit he recollected that he was a minister of
the religion of peace and good will, and that there were
many j)ersons p|•e^ent to whom the loss of public worship
would be a great disappointment. He went through tiie
service with a heart much affected by the incident, and in
a manner of more than common interest. He even con-
sented to remain and partake of the civilities of the neigh-
bourhood, unwilling to omit any act of conciliation, or to

* It was a h\iil(liti2, the property of which was invostfil in trustPOP. uot. av
il<ual, in a rorporntion. recognized as oftho Prolestunt Kpi<!ro"Tl Chvali.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 205

lose any opportunity for adv ancing what was nearest his
heart, the spiritual welfare of all men. In no other in-
stance was any formal opposition made to the baptism of
black persons. Hundreds have since had this ordinance
of our Church in all parts of the diocese, and in the
course of his visitations to the vacant parishes, he was
often called upon to administer it.*

The Sunday School system was introduced into our
churches by Bishop Dehon. His views are developed in
this paper :

* In a political point of view, the utility of the religious instruction imparted
to the blacks, in the Protestant Episcopal Church, was strikingly exemplified by
the insurrection which occurred in Charleston, in 1822. From a pamphlet (a)
which appeared soon after that event, we extract the following interesting
statement and reflections: "None of the negroes belonging to the Protestant
Episcopal Church were concerned in the-late conspiracy. To what cause is

this to be attributed?" "Is it because the coloured leaders in that

Church were not permitted to expound the scriptures, or to exhort, in words
of their own ; to use extemporary prayer, and to utter, at such times, whatever
nonsense and profanity migh-, happen to come into their minds ? Is it because
the order and language of the worship of that Church, being precomposed and
arranged, cannot be perverted or abused to party purposes ? These questions
deserve serious reflection.

" When the coloured class-leaders, in the Protestant Episcopal Church, were
allowed to meet for religious ei^ercises, they were accustomed to use no other
worship than the regular course prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer,

for the day." "At the time alluded to, there were three hundred and

sixteen black and coloured communicants in the Episcopal cliurches in
Charleston, and all of them were free Irom reproach; and there were, at the
same time, about two hundred black and coloured children in their Sunday
Schools. The instruction in these schools will be admitted to be judicious and
useful. In the third annual report of the ' Charleston Protestant Episcopal
Sunday Sohool Society,' it is stated, that ' several classes of the coloured
children are instructed by some elderly coloured members, under the inspection
of the ministers of the Church. Their instruction consists in a knowledge of
the Church Catechism; some portions of the sacred writings, and the psalms
and hymns. No secular instruction is given in this school.' The children
committed their exercises to memory, (b)"

(a) "Practical Considerations," &c., a pamphlet attributed to the Rev. Dr. Dalcho.

(b) " I think there is sufficient evidence to establisli the fact, that the general character for
orderly conduct, in many of the negroes and people of colour, belonging to the Protestant
Episcopal churches in Charleston, is, in a great measure, to be attributed to the excellout
foundation which was laid, for their moral and religious instruction, in the school established
before the revolution, in St. Philip's Church. There are several very orderly .nnd d^-cent
negroes, and people of colour, now living, v/ho were instrucied in that school; and their
general deportment has satisfied me, of the usefulness of these institutions, for meliorating-
the moral character of our black and coloured population."

206 E.SSAY ON THE LIFE OF

" Plan for the first Episcopal Sunday Sdwolin Charleston,
instituted in 18J 7, lauler the Rev. Mr, Fowler. — Whereas,
there are in this city numerous families of poor children,
who, by reason of their parents having no place of worship,
are growing up in utter ignorance of their Creator and
Redeemer, and without any religious or moial instruction
whatever ; and whereas, the Christian education of all
children is of tiie utmost impoitance to society, as well as
to their own souls, and the promotion of it a very accepta-
ble service to our Lord Jesus Christ, who commanded the
little children to be brought unto him ; we, the subscribers,
desirous of obtaiuing, on the best foundation, for all chil-
dren, and also needy and uninformed adults who may wish
to avail themselves of them, the benefits of Sunday Schools,
from which, in other Christian countries, so great and good
effects have been derived, do agree to pay quarterly, in
advance, one doHar, to the bishop of the diocese, for the
time being, to be exclusively applied for the support of a
catechist or instructor, whose business shall be to attend,
on Sundays, from eight to ten o'clock in the morning, and
two hours in the evejiing, either before or after divine ser-
vice, as shall be found to be expedient, a Sunday School for
the purpose of instructing the children, or others who shall
be gathered into the school, in all the doctrines and pre-
cepts of the gospel of the Kedoemer. And believing this
to be one of the best cliaii(i(>s in which Christians can be
(engaged, we call upon all our fellow Christians to strengthen
us, and co-o])erate with us in this work," tV:c. <fcc. Into
this school were gathered the children from all the Epis-
copal congreiratious in Charleston, and some others of poor
parents ; and at a diiferent hour, many children of colour ;
the instruction of the latter was not originall\ cnnt<Mn-
plated, but was attended to altogether gratuitously on the
part of the livv. Mr. Fowler. The whole nund)er in both
schools was about two hundred, or one hundred and twenty
in the former, and eighty in the latter, under the superin-
tendant and eiffht teachers. It continued for more than

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 207

two years, when it was deemed expedient to institute a
Sunday School in each one of our city congregations, and
about this time the worthy reverend catechist was sent as
a missionary to Cheraw.

Attendance at the General Convention was a duty
scrupulously performed by Bishop D^hon. On the 24th
April, 1814, in his letter to the vestry, he says: "The
General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
these United States, will meet at Philadelphia on the third
Tuesday of May next. Conceiving it incumbent on me,
in the station I hold, to attend that Convention, it will
be necessary for me to be absent some weeks from my
parochial cure." After his return from this Convention,
on the 11th August, 1814, the vestry resolved that the
chairman do write a letter to the bishop " expressive of
the high regard they have for tiie safety of his health ; and
that they recommend his passing some time on Sullivan's
Island, till the safety of the city, as regards health, may
permit his return to resume the duties of the Church."*
Devoted to the Church, it would always have been his desire
to be present at her great council. But it was more than a
satisfaction, a solemn duty, than which no one committed
to a bishop is of greater importance. The bishops form
a distinct house in our Ecclesiastical Legislature. It may
be expected that some will unavoidably be absent. The
House of Bishops has, on some occasions, consisted of
only three members. The importance, therefore, of
each vote is apparent. The absence of a single bishop
might, under certain circumstances, be an evil to the
Church of lasting consequence. The distance from the
usual seat of the Convention was not far from a thousand
miles. It was held at a season of the year, which ren-
dered a return to this climate hazardous, more especially
to one not accustomed to it. The Convention of 1814
occurred during a period of war, so that he was subjected

* May not attention so kind and delicate be proposed to the imitation of all
vestries ?

208 iiS.SAY O^ THE LIFE OF

to the necessity of a joiiniey by land, wliich, on the return
at midsummer, was extremely fatiguing. As was feared,
the consequence was a serious attack of sickness soon
after his arrival at home. In the year 1817, he again
went to the Convention, and it was necessary, as before,
that he slioukl return at the sickly season. In the course
of a few weeks, he was visited with that fever which ter-
minated his life. Whether his life would have been pro-
longed, had he not gone to the North, is a question which
mortals cannot solve. But it is certain that he would
have gone had he foreseen the event, if he had been satis-
fied, as he appeared to be on this occasion, after much
hesitation and reflection, that it was his duty. He was a
most valuable member of this Ecclesiastical Council. He
was the decided opponent of change. He thought that
the formularies of our Church had been sufficiently, and
perhaps too much, altered after the American revolution,
and wished that the Convention might confine its atten-
tion to preserve and give full eflect to the system as it
existed. Tlie perfection of the ])rayer-l)ook, or of any
thinii" human, was no j)art of his creed. Hut he deemed
it most prudent not to oj)(mi th(; door for alterations. Tn
the office for consecrating churches, he regretted the
omission of a j)elition in reference to the burial of one's
friends, in that delightful prayer (the second in the office)
in which the chief scenes of the sanctuary are so vividly
pourtrayed. I have heard him suggest other additions
and alterations, but he never projjosed, or wished to have
proposed, any thing of the kind to the General Convention,
for the reasons we have just stated. He was anxious, as
he had been in the Diocesan Convention, that our ecclesi-
astical nu (^tings should be, in form and in fact, and not in
name merely, of a reliiiious character, lie felt, and it
was expressed in his words and actions, and \u his whole
demeanor, while in the Convention, that he was en-
gaged in solenm business. The propostd, that the future
ConveMitions shouM open with the administration of the

THE iilGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON* 20^

lioly communion, which originated from a suggestion of
his, was dictated both by hh feehngs and his judgment.
This measure is an evidence of the importance he attached
to that ordinance, as a means of propitiating the divine
favour, and also of his singular piety ; and whether it be
considered as one of the appointed channels of divine
^race, or mere!} as a moral instrument of good reflections
and disj)ositions, it may be expected to produce the most
happy efl^ects. The General Convention of 1817, was
the first which opened in this proper manner, and it is
believed that by no prior meeting was the welfare of the
Church more essentially promoted, or the unanimity and
brotherly kindness of the members more effectually main-
tained.

In this body, the discretion of Bishop Dehon was not
less cons])icuous than his firmness and piety. Conciliatory
in his conduct to all the members, he was always the ad-
vocate of those measures which would be agreeable to the
friends of the Church generally, provided they did not
involve a departure from sound principle. This was
illustrated on the occasion of the proposal, of the posture
of standing in singing, w hich he could not but deem most
suitable, and therefore approved. This posture had pre-
vailed in some of the churches at the North, but in our
diocese it was not usual, and from the relaxing efiect of
the climate it v»^ould be inconvenient ; and there was little
doubt would be disagreeable to many. He, therefore, pro-
posed a modification, by which the contemplated change
might be delayed by the bishop of any diocese.

In the House of Bishops, in tlie year 1814, he proposed
a resolution relative to a General Theological Seminary,
which was adopted by both houses, and this was the first
measure 6f the Convention on that important subject. He
considered a learned clergy essential to the prosperity of
the Church, and more especially since other denomina-
tions had made such ample provision for the object. He
thought that a good seminary, devoted to theology, would

27

210 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

not only rear up an able body of clergy, but be the means
of multiplying clergymen, vvko were much wanted in every
diocese, since it would offer inducements to enter the min-
istry, and might be so constituted as to afford gratuitous
education, and perhaps maintenance, to indigent students.
He preferred, in the present state of our Church, one
seminary, rather than several seminaries, because ha
thought that it would be more respectable if supported
by the liberality and zeal of the whole Church, that it
would be a bond of union in faith and disciphne, between
the difl'erent dioceses, and that the candidates would
naturally enter into friendly connexions, which in after
hfe would greatly promote the welfare of the Church in
general. It appeared to him that our Church was com-
petent to establish a Theological Seminary on the most
liberal foundation, but that it was questionable, whether
it coidd establish several that would be provided \\ith
professors, a library,' and funds sulhcient to answer the
great purposes of siicli an institution. The whole num-
ber of candidates'that would be willing to become students
at a seminary probably does not exceed seventy ; but if
they were one hundred, it would be true economy to have
them educated at the smue seminary. The cx})ense to
which candidates residiui: at a distance would he subjected,
would be tiiiliug, coni')ared with the amount necessary to
establish a second seminary in their neighbourhood. His
views on this subject, second in im|)ortance to none which
has engaged the attention of the Chinch since its organiza-
tion after the Anu'iican revolution, were often exj^ressed in
his own diocese, and its Convention, in 1'^I4, passed a rt^so-
lution instructing its delegates to tlie General Convention
to invite the attention of that body to this matter.* At
the General Convention of the same year, a delegate
from thi-! di«> 'e^^^ did accordingly propose the following

* See Gospel Mo^soi-ic: , April. 1831. and Journals of Diocesan Convention.
1814, 1815 and K^l/.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 211

resolution: — "Resolved, that, with the consent of the
House of Sishcps, a joint committee of both houses be
appointed, to take intO consideration the institution of a
Theological G^minaiy, and, if they should deem the same
expedient, to report a plan for the raising of funds, and
geaerally for the accomplishment of the object." This
resolution, the first ever offered on the subject, was post-
poned indefinitely, by a majority of two votes. The laity
were divided, three dioceses voting in the affirmative, and
three -in the negative. The clergy voted four dioceses in
the affirmative, and six in the negative. The loss of this
resolution is principally to be attributed to the appearance
of a publication, at the moment of the sitting of the Con-
vention, announcing the intention to establish a seminary
to be located in New- Jersey, under the superintendence
chiefly of the bishops of that diocese and of New- York,
and it was supposed, by some, that the General Seminary
would interfere with this, and other local seminaries which
were said to be in contemplation. It needs scarcely to be
observed, that the design for the above-mentioned local
seminary, which was on the most extensive scale, was
never prosecuted, probably because it was deemed im-
practicable. The measure having failed in the lower
house. Bishop Dehon determined to take such a course
as might lead to its adoption, at the next Convention,
and accordingly proposed "that it be referred to the
bishops, and, in those dioceses in which there are no
bishops, to the standing committees therein, to inquire in
their respective dioceses, or States, and to consider* for
themselves, concerning the expediency of establishing a
Theological Seminary, to be conducted under the gene-
ral authority of this Church, and to report to the next
General Convention." This resolution wa-^ adopted by
both houses. In conformity thereto, he consulted his
Diocesan Convention, and a resolution passed that body
expressing their conviction of the great importance of the
proposed undertaking, and, renewing the instructions to

212 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

their delegates to urge its adoption by the General Con-
vention. At its meeting in May, 1817, Bishop Dehon
reported from his diocese in favour of the seminary, and,
at his suggestion, the other bishops were called on for
their's, all of which were favourable, except those of two
bishops. These reports were sent down to the lower house,
agreeably to the resolution of lvS14. They produced the
effect which he had anticipated. The friends of the mea-
sure were irresistible, and resolutions for the establish-
ment of the seminary were unanimously adopted. 'In all
the circumstances leading to this important result, his
sagacity and address were strikingly illustrated. He
knew that there was so much to be said for, and so little
against this measure, that it would be generally aj)proved
in the ditferent dioceses, and that their approbation would
have great weiirht in the General Convention. But there
was nothing dejirer to his heart than unanimity among
the members of the Church. Me could not be satisfied
with a large majority lor his favomite design. He ascer-
tained the views of those Vvho differed from him, and
cheerfully consented to such arrangements, as to the
seminary, as might meet their wishes, and indiwe them to
promote its establishment. Ho conversed with them in
private, in his peculiar manner, whicii never failed to win
esteem, and in jieuning the resolutions consulted their
views and wishes as fur as j)ossil)lc. This conciliatory
conduct, worthy of the imitation of every member of
a deliberative luxly, and more especially of an ecclesias-
tica^ one, completely succeeded. The resolutions, which
form the foundation of the institution of which the best
hopes may be formed as a defence and an honour to our
Church, were unanimoosly adopted in both houses. And
to whom is the njcrit of tliis good work due, if not to Bishop
Dehon? Who will whis|)er that this fair fame belongs
to any other? To some, I may have a))peared tedious
in tracing the origin of this matter. Hut '' honour to
whom iionour is due" is a scripture injunction. And

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 213

when I recollent that this honour was not acquired with-
out much exposure of healtli and hfe, without the best
exertions of inind and heart, and the most anxious prayers
to him who ordereth the wills of unruly men, I feel that
in following the suggestions of friendship, I have been
paying a tribute to justice. If this Seminary should, under
the blessing of God, equal the expectation of its friends,
it will be the most noble and lasting monument to the
memory of him who is justly to be considered its founder.

His minute attention to every thing connected with his
official duties, and his great prudence in not giving coun-
tenance to the smallest error, are well known to us all.
But the following circumstance is a remarkable exempli-
fication of these facts. " Having perceived many typo-
graphical errors in the various editions of the Book of
Common Prayer which had come under his notice, he
requested one of his clergy (whose words are here quoted)
to calculate, annually, with the utmost care, the days on
which the moveable festivals and fasts, and other holy-days,
would fall, that he might have something more certain to
depend upon, than the ordinary sources of information.
At that time, Hugh Gaines' octavo edition of the Prayer-
book, of 1793, was the standard ; but it was so full of
errors, that, in 1822, a more correct standard edition was
published under the superintendence of a committee of the
General Convention, which that body approved of at its
triennial meeting in 1823. It is hardly necessary to add,
that the clergyman complied with the bishop's request.
In connexion with this subject, it may be stated, that
when the Protestant Episcopal Society was about to pro-
cure a large supply of the Book of Common Prayer for
distribution in this diocese, the bishop had a copy carefully
examined, and the errata placed in each copy of the book,
in order to warrant him in giving a certificate in conformity
with the canon. The edition was printed for the Society."

The zeal of Bishop Dehon never carried him beyond
the limits of propriety, and it could not be satisfied with

214 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

the discharge merely of his own special duties. While a
priest, he was always ready to serve other parishes, in con-
sistence with the claims on his services of his own parish,
and when he became bishop, if the welfare of his |:articu-
lar diocese permitted, he was anxious to be useful in other
dioceses. Although his visitations took him often from
his family, and subjected him to many inconveniences. He
promptly accepted the invitation to consecrate the Church
in Savannah, (Georgia), and he had intended to visit
Augusta, in which he understood there formerly existed a
congregation of Episcopalians.*

Having traced his conduct in relation to the Church to
which he was deliberately and warmly attached, this may
be a proper place to speak of his conduct in relation to
other denominations of Christians. The congregation of
German Lutherans being without a minister, and about
to lay the corner-stone of a Church, requested him to
officiate : and, on that occasion, in addition to the Lord's
prayer, and some collects from the Book of Common
Prayer, he prepared and used the following prayer :

" O Almighty God, and merciful Father, who hast built
thy Church upon the foundation of the apostles and pro-
phets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone,
grant tli^at, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, all Chris-
tians may be so joined together in unity of spirit, and in
the bond of peace, that they may ho a holy ten)])le, ac-
ceptable unto thee, and that all the churches which they
build to thy name may have the same foundation and cor-
Jier-stone answering together to thine ancient Jerusalem,
which was built as a city that is at unity in itself. In an
especial manner, we suj)|)licate thy good providence and
grace for thy servants of this congregation, in whose be-
half we at this time appear before thee. Grant, O Lord,
that in the house which they build for thy worship, the

* In 1823, Georgia became organized as a Hiocese. and the biahop of South
Carolina has been since invited to take the cliurge of it.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 215

Inost comfortable gospel of Christ may be truly preached,
truly received, and truly followed, to the glory cf thy name,
and the peace, joy, and salvation of thy people. Grant,
O Lord, that in their house thy ways may be known unto
them, and they be enabled to hold the faith ' in unity of
spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.'
Grant, O Lord, that, in the act in whicli they are engaged,
their minds may be directed to thy truth ; and that, under
thy good providence, it may conduce to the extension of
the knowledge of it, as it is in Jesus, to the breaking down
of the kingdom of sin, satan, and death, and the multipli-
cation of such as are born again, and made heirs of ever-
lasting salvation. Grant that, in all their worship, they
may come unto thee by the spirit, through Jesus the medi-
ator, worshipping the Father, as thou hast ordained, in
spirit and in truth. Grant, O Lord, that the ministers,
who shall minister in the temple they build, may be
after thine own heart, who, both by their life and doc-
trine, shall set forth thy true and lively word, and rightly
and duly administer thy holy sacraments. Grant, O Lord,
that this people may here remember all those thy ser-
vants, who are departed in the true faith of thy holy name,
and may have grace to follow their good examples, that,
with them, they may be partakers of thy heavenly king-
dom. Grant, O Lord, that in the prosecution of their
work, thy merciful providence, if it so please thee, may
avert all calamities and afflictive accidents, and that,
through the abundance of thy grace, all things may, now
and ever, be done, according to thy own prescription,
decently and in order. And grant, O Father, Lord of
heaven and earth, that the course of this world may be so
peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church
may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness, that so they
may walk in the ways of truth and peace, and, at last, be
numbered with thy saints in glory everlasting ; through
thy merits, O blessed Jesus, thou shepherd and bishop of
souls, who art given, to be head over all things, unto the

216 tSSAY ON THE LIFE OV

Church, and who hvest and reignest with the Father and
the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen."

No man could regret more deeply than he did, the
differences of opinion and practice among Christians.
And he still more regretted that these differences should
ever occasion a breach of chanty. It may be truly said,
that they did not impair his own charity. He loved every
good man. He pitied every bad man. He prayed for all
men ; and entertained the hope, that many, whom he con-
ceived to be in error, would obtain mercy from that God,
who knoweth man's frailty even in his best estate. But
he never could be persuaded, that charity required the
Christian to give up or compromise principles, which he
believed true and important. While, therefore, he was
tenacious of his own principles, he was willing tliat other
Christians should he tenacious of their's. He thought
that each might mutually endeavour to convince the otier,
but that while there was a difference of sentiment, the
attempt to unite them in societies for the promotion of
religion, would imjjair the iuHuence of truth, and often
lead to violations of that riiai ity, which it was designed
to cultiviite. Of th()s(» instituticms, in the sup|)ort of which
Christians could unite without a compromise of their dif-
fering principh^s, he heartily approved, and theretbre wa&
an advocate and a suj)porter of the \V\h\e Society, and of
several other societies for the rehef of indigence, disease
and inlirmity. All experience shows, that union among
Christians of dilferent denominations for religious pur-
poses, except in the case of the Bible Society, (if, indeed,
it may justly be considered an exce|>tion), has generally
terminated either in an union of faith, that is, in the
one party relimpiishing their own peculiar sciitiments;
or else, in a separation w*»ich has rendered the parties
more unfriendly to e;ich other than they were before the
attempted union. To this, there is indeed an lionourable
exception in the case of the London Society for convert-
ing the Jews, which was originally created by various

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 217

denominations, but, after trial, the impracticability of con-
ducting the business harmoniously having become appa-
rent, the minority candidly acknowledged the 'fact, and
magnanimously withdrew from its management, leavhig
their best wishes and bounty with the Episcopalians, to
whom the carrying it on was c6mmitted.* If it is asked
by some benevolent, hut unreflecting man : Is the attempt
to unite Christians impracticable ? we reply, yes. It is a
melancholy fact, but it is undeniably true, that until there
be an union of sentiment there cannot be any real union
of action. The pro|>er method to eff'ect this desirable
union is by prayer, and endeavour, that they may become
of one mind and (me heart, and not by coalitions which
exist only, in appearance, and have the effect of changing
error in opinio» to error in conduct. In illustration of
Bishop Dehon's views of this subject, is recorded the fol-
lowing anecdote. A minister ^of another denomination
called on him to invite bis co-operatioa in a religious
ufidertaking, *nd, by w^ay of recommending his object.

* At a meeting of the " London Society for Promoting Christianity among
the Jews," (February 28, 1815) the following jesolution was proposed: —
" The present meeting most deeply regrets the difficultihs which have arisen
with respect to the union of the members of the Established Chuich and other
Christians, in the management of the Society, in matters of Church order and
discipline ; and also, that the execution of the rules proposed on the 27th
December last, has not appeared practicable ; that under circumstances of such
difficulty as the Society is now placed in, unity of design, and principle, and
operation, is peculiarly and indispensably necessary for its future management.
And as the dissenting members have, with a spirit most truly concilatory,
offered to leave the management of the institution in the hands of their brethren
of the Established Church, this meeting do, with the same spirit of Christian
meekness and charity, approve and acceptethe offer," &c. " The dissenting
gentlemen expressed their, determination, though they had withdrawn from
the management, still to cpntinue their aid to the institution, both by their
influence and example; and they thus evinced themselves to be actuated by
principles of the most exalted Christian philanthropy and liberality, which,
we trust, will be both felt and imitated in every part of the kingdom. Perhaps
the history of the Christian Church presents few examples of a point of so
much difficulty and delicacy having been decided with such a happy union
of those sentiments which most highly adorn the Christian character. The
resolution passed unanimously." — Christian Observer, vol. xiv. No. 3. p. IP^^.

28

•

218 E8HAY ON THE L^E Oj^!

obierved, that he had^^io wish to see his own Churc^i in-
crease, that he wislie'd the ^teftsion *of, Christianity in
g>eneral, or tlie increase of all churches. To this, Bishop
Dehon replied, that he could not agfree with him, for hay-
ing a ^decided preference^ f(^ the EpiscO]ial Church, he
wished its increase rather*than that of any* other, and in-
deed that he would be ha])py if all Christians could be
persuaded to becoYne members of the Episcopal Chinch.
He, of course, woiild have preferred tire prevalence
of Christianity under what he conceived an imperfect
form to its remaining stationary, but he was not prepared
t6 say, that all tlje variefts systems which unfortunately
4ividjn Christians 'were eqiiaUy good, and that he ,was so
indiifeient to his own principles of faith and worship,
^ to have no particular wish for their cHffusion. He was
one of the eaiiiest and most active friends of the Bibfe
Society. Tiiis.was a c6mnn')n ^eld, in which h^l)elievcd
'Christians migid meet, and it was delightful to film to coii^
teinplate tlie institution in this light. J»#t his; judgroefit
told Jiim thnt oven liere, withont llic utmost cai;tion, har-
mony might he ijiterniptcd. On consenting to become
one of the founders of a Bible Socii^y in Charleston, he
stiy;ed,*as a condition, that* it shoiii^l be fogfined to rhe
^gle obj<'ct of distribiuing the bible with6ut note or conv^
meht, and he drafted, in whole o^ in part, the article of
4ii« constitution in whic^^that idmi was^)laiij]y expressed.
Whenever propositions were suhmitccd, th^t interferecf
with the spirit of this article, he ahva^ resisted them, not
merely because he thought they w8uld te^d to at;o;npfo-
^msc of principU' on the part of some^of the members, but
^so, as he expressly declared, becaitse he conceived tlje
harmony, and, indeed, the very existence oftho Society
depended (wi a strict adherence to its fmidanieutal object.
In this gpinion of his well-informed and sagacious «iind,
he was inurh strengthened by the example of the BtitfSh
and Foreign Bible Sociofy, which had been ever most
particular in tiiis respect, and whose j^unexampled pros-

THB RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 21^

•

perity, rendered every part of ite conduct worthy of ob-
servation. He'remained a member aVid a sincere friend
of tiie Society to thei^tay of his death, and when an in-
timatiorf^ to l^e contrary 'was gxpresseigl .in a Northern
gazette, he instantly repelled it in a manner equally pub-
lic. It is trie^ that he did withdraw from the BoarcT of
Ma'iaofers, because of insinuations, respecting the Episco-
pal Chiircb, made ia that Board, vyhich he thought would
render il pcioful for him to attend, and which, if repeat-
ed, inigLt interi'upt the harmcfny of proceedings. But
he always attended the meetings of the Society, and took
parf in* its "^neral business.* On these occasions, the
firmness of his principles, in contrast with the fervency of
his Qhm:'it^:, and tlje ur,banity of his manners, was conspicu-
ously ifliiFtmted. It \vlls among the happiest specimens
of the ^'fiftiler in re," and the '•'• siiamier in modo,''^ He
appeared the sincere adi^ocate of charity, but still more*
the advocate of truth.! It was his opinion that the divi-
sions among Christians had been much increased by a
dejyarfure, at the Reformation, from the ministry of the
Ch'jrch. He thought, with Calvin, that it was indeed a
high privilege enjoyed by .the Church of England, in being
able to retain, when it separated from Ifome, all tiie
orders of the ministry. He could not but admire the fer-
vent devotion of some of the Roman CathoUc writers,
aM a paayerf from one of them, somewhat altered, was
often used by him, and acknowledged as among the nio§t
feeling and comprehensive he had ever 'seen. Next: to
his own Chiyeh, that of the Moravians was regarded by
him as most nearly conformed to th^ scriptural model.
He pften observed, that if h^ ^vjei•e to exchange, it would
li^ve his preference. It is kno^vn, that this denomination
of Christians* have scrupulously maintained the Episcopal

* 48ee more on this subject in Chapter V. " ♦

t " Amicus Socratis, anjicus PlatoH^s seel magis amicus veritatis."

\ It is printed in the Appendix.

220 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

succession, and their simplicity of manners, ^^lich so
nearly resembles that of the early Christians, their bro-
therly affection, their deep sfi*tse of the value of the atone-
ment by our Divine Redeemer, and their unexampled zeal
and self-denial in the cause of missions, must have been
congenial to one of his dispositidh. He visited their chief
towns in Pennsylvania, and North-Carolina, and was
ipuch interested by some of their religious ceremonies and
their mode of life, particularly with tne circumstance tiiat
all their civil arrangements were made subservient to the.
one thing needful. This is J;he characteristic of a Mora-
vian community, and it most delightfully aflS^s the h^rt
of the Christian. Tt was justly remarkea also by him,
th^t with a zeal, which, in missfbnary dyties, is witliout a
parallel, the Moravian exhibited ift) fouaticisiB. Me col-
lects no crowd in the fields, around him. He lights no
J;orches in the wood. He deals, not jn vociferat4on Vnd
extravagant gesture. He carries to the savage the ai'ts of
civilization, and* recommends religion fir^t by his own ex-
ample. He patiently instructs the children of nature for
this world and the next. He and his wife, the partaker
of his cares and labours, go to the hut of the wild man to
speak to his conscience, in the still small voice of piety,
and to o|)cn for him the voiunu^ of duty aii^l ^eace. Tlitir
plans, conp«ived in a |)r()fouu(l knowledge of human ^la-
ture, and prosecuted with tlu^ zeal of a marttr,* have been
blessed witji a success which authorizes the belief that
God is with th(.'fn of a truth.

The Socinialii heresy apj)eared in Ne\v-England, and
continued to spr(»ny[, while Dr. Dehon resided 'there. It
having been suggested ^i his j)resence that the increase*!
learnhiij of the clerirv had probablv led to This elfect,
he immediately controverted jlie position, baing evidently
unwilling that this .blot should^ attach itself to literature.
'»Oii both sides of the Atlantic, this heresy Ims chi^riy
appeared among those who* had been educated in the
principles 6f Calvin, and it may probably lie attributed

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 29#

to that disposition in mankind, when they Jiave detected
errors' in any system, to abandon it altogether, and
adopt one as contrary to it as possjjDle. Endeavouring
to remove some defects from the building^, they uphft
its foundation. He considered this a capital error, and
did not hesitate to express the sentiment, and earnestly
to endeav^onr to establish his charge in the faith of tkeir
own Church on this important point. But the Socinian^

"and every other dissenter, had a claim on his charity*
He would make no compromise to their errors, but he
would never deny them the sympathy of a brother, or
consent to consider them beyond the reach of divine
mercy. The dtjctrine of the Trinity was, he thought,
plainly revealed in the scfiptures, and it did not appear
to him any objection that it is incomprehensible by man,
si«ce he comprehends so little even of that which is around
him. I find it declared, said he, in unequivocal terms,
that the Father is God, that the Son is God, that the Holy.;
Ghost is God, and that there is but one Ged. I receive all
these propositions om the authority of the sacred volume.
On this topic he re*ad with admiration Horseley's Letters to

♦Dr. Priestly. In conversing on the divinity of Christ, he
sometimes stated an argument which I find also stated in
his sermon from John xiv. 8. as follows : "All will agree
that there is a supreme love, a sacred afifection, a constant
obedience, and a cordial homage due from man to his God.
These are obligations signed by nature. They appear
just and reasonable to every reflecting mind. But upon
what are they grounded ? Upon his infinite goodness in
gi\^ng us being, and his right in us as his creatures.
These found a claim which all feel and acknowledge. But
if calling us from nothing to limited life, give him who
made us a title to ouriirst regard and appropriate hom-
age, must not redeeming us from ruin to immortality and
bliss give him who saved us a claim as great — as strong ?

^^^ay. Christian, if thou wast convinced that he, who for thy
fcake, though rich became ])oor, and for thv sin suffered,

222 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

tHough undefiled, an ignoiaainious death, was only* some

su-perior created l^eino:, couldst thoii'4ielp feeling the most

ardent aftection for^him? Would not thy adorattbn* and

praise in worship be often turned to him? If we are

as greatly blessed in redemption as in creation, he who

redeemed us must have, by similar reasoning/a claim to

our hearts. It was, tterefore, determined in 'the councils

of wisdom, that the Redeemer of man should be one with
i . • ' *

tfae Creator. God of God." He introduces the above ^

consideration 'f as the point which has ever had great
weiofht in convincinsr me that the author of my salvation
was'tlre author of jny being — that the Son and the Father
were' one .in the Godhead." . ' '

The doctrine of unconditionarelection was, in the opin-
ion of Bishop Dehon, altogether without scriptural found-
ation. The term^s election, elect, jHe^e^tination, and llie
like, in the scmpturcs, had reference, irf his o|>inion, either
^ a national election, or to a ('(milithnuil election of the
individual, founcfed on the divine foreknowledge of his
faith and obedience. In the iormer .«ense, the M'ebrews'
and .afterwards Christians, were calle(t tlie elect'peo])le
of God, not as elected to eternal life, but to religious*
privileges in this world. \n the lat^ter sense, the A|)ostle
say^, " whom he did foreknow, he also did j)redcstiimre ;"
that is, whom he foreknew would comply with the tewns
of salvjition, them did he choose as hts peo]>h'. '^^I'he elec-
tion, therefore, is not uircouditioniJ, as Ciilviiynaiiitained,
but,,as it is etprci^sed in our seventeenth article, it is ..a
doctrine "full of comfort to f^adlu persons," and^ " a dan-
gdroiis downfall to x:arnal' |)ersons lacking tip spirit of
Christ." The seventeenth article cn^ never be proj)erly
intei:preted tn^a (^alvinistii^^ense, f#i%these two unanswer-
able reasons. "^First, hi that sense ♦it? would contradict the
liturgy of the Church, and i» Ji palj)able maimer^ the. con-
secration prayer, in the office for tlie holy comniimion, and
also the thirty-first article, in which it is dechired*that X\\&
ofleriui!: of Christ is " a satisfacfeioii for all the sAs of the

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 223

whole worH," whereas the Calvinist maintajns that it is a
" satisfadlion for the sins of the elect only." Now, it can
never he supposed tlj^t the frasiiers of our articles and
lituroy intended to contradict themselves.

The second reason is this : the authors of the articles
are known not to have hdd 4;he se^timeri^s of Calvin, and
the Calvinists of the day were so dissatisfied with their
articles, that they proposed. a substitution for them, com-
monly ciltted the " Lambeth Articles/' in which the tenets
or Calvin are contained.*"

Having briefly traced the conduct of Bishop Dehon, in
relation to his own Church, and to other Christians, in
concluding this chapter, I would observe, that his designs,
both pious and benevolent, were crowned with remark-
able success. They were general^ formed after much
inquiry and serious reflection — were prosecuted with zeal
and perseverance*— and made the subject of earnest and
frequent prayer to Him who controleth the wills of all
men. He originated the " Society for the Advancement'
of Christianity in South-Carolina," t and^its success ex-
ceeded the expectations of its most sanguine friends. He
attempted the revi\*a1- of the Church in parishes,! seem-
ingly gone to decay and had the happiness to behold that
there were yet sparks of life. He suggested the estab-
lishment of a Church at Sullivan's Island, and another at
Columbia, (a most important station, the capitol of the
State, and the seat of ks college,) and soon the business
was accomplished. He proposed the institution of a
Theological Seminary, and, notwithstanding an active
opposition, lived to see it in a fair train of success. He

* See "Lawrence's Bam pton Lectures," and " How's Vindication of the
Protestant Episcopal Church."

t See Chapter V.

t Those referred to, are Christ Church ; All-Saints ; St. James', Santee ;
St. Paul's, Stono ; St. Luke's ; St. Mark's, (two congregations^ ; St. John's,
Colleton; St. Matthew's; Prince William's; and Prince George's, North-
San tee.

224

^■ %EiiSi\Y ON THE LIFE OF

suggested th(^ eJ^^clion of a Cliurch in the heart of the
city, more particularly for the accommodation of the poor,
which purpose, a few years after his death, was happily
effected.

These circumstances are mentioned as illustrative, not
only of ^le wisdom of his p^irposes, and the zeal of his
character, but of that divine blessing, which seemed, iri a
remarkable wianner, tS attend him in his undertakings,
and to crown them with almost, unexampled success.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON* 225

CHAPTER VIL

Miscellaneous,

In private life, Bishop Dehon was a pattern both to the
^^lergy and the laity. He instructed his flock by his exam^
pie. In all the important transactions of life', he sought,
by prayer, the direction and blessing of the Ail-wise and
Ail-mighty. A pure piety prefers to be alone with God,
and therefore we are prepared to expect that he would
find more delight in private than in social worship, which
IS often indebted for its effect to the power of sympathy.
He loved to perform his devotions at the silent hour of
midnight, as most favourable to an undisturbed communion
with his Maker. He eminently fulfilled the precept to
*' pray without ceasing." God was in all his thoughts,
and the ejaculation of praise to his divine benefactor often
escaped his lips. It was justly remarked by one who had
studied his character, that he " carried about with him, as
the daily subject of his thoughts, and the very garment of
his soul, a living sense of God's presence." He was an
attentive observer of the dispensations of providence*
But he always spoke modestly respecting them, and con-
ceived that it is a common error to suppose that men, in
general, understand the design of those events which are
daily occurring. It is undeniably true, that individuals
are often following their own imaginations, when they
think that they are following the leadings of providence.
The scriptures are a sure light in the path of duty, and
they who have that light cannot wisely seek any other.
He searched them daily, and few men have ever been

29

226 ESi^AY ON THE LIFE OF

SO thoroughly acquainted with them. In preparing hii^
sermons, he had httle occasion for a concordance, and
in conversation he could readily draw from the treasury
either of the Old or New Testament. He had bestowed
scarcely less attention on the Apocrypha, and he woidd
often quote the admirable maxims it contains. The
prayer for wisdom in the ninth chapter of the Book of
Wisdom, was much valued by him, and it is kno^vn that
he made it his own in his supplications, w ith an appli-
cation in his mind to his high and holy office. He read
the scriptures with a special view to his own practice,
and therefore knew accurately and fully what the Lord
his God recpiired of him in the several relations which he
filled, and, also, how those good men, whose lives are
recorded for imitation, had acted under similar circum-
stances. Among the Old Testament saints, it is believed
that the character of Moses in particular had attracted
his admiration, and it is known that among the INew Tes-
tament saints, he felt chief veneration and aft'ection for
the Apostle John. He succeeded in attahiing, to a v.on-
derful degree, tiie prominent virtues of these two persons,
meekness, and a ch' voted love to God and man ; and in his
discourse on the character of St. .lolm, it is impossible for
an acijuaintjiiice not to trace his.oun likeness.* iiut there
is a character- with wh«>ni the lesser lights of goodness are
not to be c()mpar(Ml. The Stur of Bethlehem is without a
spot or a passing cloud. IJishop Dehon was a follower of
Ciirist. *'Jn whatever condition thou art, still ask thy-
self what would my blessed Saviour have thought, said,
or done, in this case." This maxim he made for himself.
All the delicate features of this superlative character, he
had marked with a most careful vision. He had looked
at them again and again. He thought that no occurrejice
in which the Saviour of the* world had been concerned
could be considered tri\ ial, and he often gathered valuable

^ ■ * J^re Srernion JivJ. \ol. ii.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 227

instruction from circumstances which would have escaped
the observation of most other persons. In the labyrinth
of life, he found Jesus a sure guide, and his example at
once a high motive to exertion, and the best lesson of
humility. The principles which he was thus diligent in
acquiring, he was inflexible in maintaining. He was
careful to ascertain the right course of conduct, and even
in respect to matters which to others appeared unimport-
ant. , Rarely, if ever, did he act precipitately. He re-
flected long, and consulted books, and wise men. But
when his opinion was once settled — ^to adopt the remark
made of him, on a particular occasion, by the venerable
Bishop White — "nothing could move him." In this
respect, he resembled Sir Matthew Hale, of whom Dr.
Burnett says — "He would never run suddenly into any
conclusion concerning any matter of importance. ' Fes-
Una lente^ was his beloved motto, which he ordered to be
engraven on the head of his stafl*, and was often heard to
say, that he had observed many witty men run into great
errors because they did not give themselves time to thinks
but the heat of imagination making some notions appear
in good colours to them, they, without staying till that
cooled, were violently led by the impulses it made on
them ; whereas, calm and slow men, who pass for dull in
the common estimation, could search after the truth and
find it out, as with more deliberation, so with greater cer-
tainty." The conduct of Bishop Dehon was, therefore,
remarkably uniform and steady, for on all questions of
importance, his opinion had been settled. He was pre-
cisely the person described by an ancient moralist and poet :

" Fix'd aud steady to his trust,
Inflexible to truth, and obstinately just."

But no one was ever more accommodating to the inclina-
tion of others, on occasions that did not involve moral
principle. He united, in an eminent degree, stedfastness
of purpose with gentleness of manner, the " suamter in

228 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

modo^'^ and the '■'- fortiter in re," and, in tliis respect, we may
apply to him a remark from the author just quoted respect-
ing Boyle : " It contributes to raise our esteem the higher
of such persons, who to a depth of knowledge which often
makes men morose, and to a height of piety which too
often makes them severe, have added all the softness of
humanity, and all the tenderness of charity and obliging
civility, as well as a melting 'kindness." With Bishop
Dehon, particularly in his early hfe, some persons might
trace a resemblance in what Madame De Stael has said
of her father : "He might be feeble from goodness, and
wavering from reflection, but when he l)elieved that duty
was concerned in a resolution, he thought that he heard
the voice of God, and wliatever attempts miglit be made
to shake him, ho listened only to it."

The minuteness of his scriptural information was often
valuable to his friends, and it produced in him and them
an increased reverence for tlie sacred writings, since it
illustrated not merely their sufficiency, bfit their abun-
dance for moral and religious ])urposes. Some of his
expositions of scripture were remarkably original, and it
is regretted that such as he sonuitimes oftered in conversa-
tion have not been presoi'ved. It is recollected that he
maintained from this text, (!>an. x. 'Jl.) " Tiiere is none
that hoidcth with iiic in these things, but Michael your
prince/' that tii(a<' was iViriidsiiip in heaven. This is a
legit imntr iiifcn iice, l)ut it is not one that woidd I)ave
octiirred to niaiiv |)(ms(M)s. From the text — "I testify
auaia to cvciv man that is circumcised that h(^ is a (kljtor
to do the whole law," ((*al. v. '3.) he drew the inference,
the coriJM'tiiess of wliich camiot be doubted, that the can-
didate for adiMis>i<»ii to the rite of ciiTunicision was ex-
peclt'd, iMipli(>(lly or expiessly, to take the \()W to "keep
God's holy will and comnuiudnients, and walk in the same
all the days of his life." This remark was induced in
defence of that part of the baptismal ollice just quoted,
one of i\\& congregation having (puv-tioned tiie ]>ropiiet;.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 229

of making so comprehensive a vow. It was an unanswer-
able reply, that the divine wisdom had exacted, in form
or substance, such a vow ; and the evidence of this fact
afforded by the text above quoted, which would not have
occurred to less practised students of the holy volume,
was directly to the point.

Every thing which had relation to the Supreme Being
claimed the greatest reverence with Bishop Dehon. He
disapproved of religious conversation, unless conducted
with a suitable gravity, and thought the introduction of
sacred subjects into a miscellaneous newspaper was, in
general, to be avoided as a species of profanation. When
he entered the house of God he looked as if he had left
the world at the door, and when he read the bible his
whole manner reminded the hearer that it was a holy
book. In his family, he read the scriptures morning and
evening, usually one of the lessons appointed for the day,
as in the Prayer-book calendar ; but when, in his travels,
he lodged from home, he generally selected some portion
of scripture a]ipropriate to the state of the parish, or
the circumstances of the family. The second chapter of
the Epistle to Titus, which contains directions for the
various domestic relations, was one which he most fre^
quently selected.

The changes of his life always excited in his mind reli-
gious reflections, and it is known that when he was about
to occupy a house of his own^ after having been. for some
years a resident in the family of a friend, he made several
resolutions for the regulation of his conduct in this new
situation. About a year after this he became a husband,*
and it is known that he contemplated this relation, and
that of a parent, with all the solicitude of a Christian. He
made the resolution of the patriarch, " as for me and my
house we will serve the Lord," and to that Lord he

* He was married October 26, 1813, at St. Philip's Church, by the Rector,
to Miss Sarah, youngest daughter of the highly respected and venerablt^
Nathaniel Russell. One daughter and two sons blessed this union^

2W - ESiSAY ON THE LIFE OF

looked for direction and assistance to fulfil it. A friend
having quoted (Jer. x. 25.) " Pour out thy fury upon the
families that have not called on thy name," as an argu-
ment for family worship, he questioned whether family
worship was in the view of the prophet, so unwilling was
he to force any text into the service of a cause which he
yet was desirous to promote. His views on this subject
are interestingly expressed in his address to the Conven-
tion, December, 1815 : " The pleasant and very useful
duty of family worship has always been most attended to
in the most pious ages, and the influence of it upon the
religious state of a people, must, in the nature of things,
be very considerable. Where tliere is attention paid to
this duty ; the choicest pleasures of the domestic circle
are found and seen around the domestic altar, and were
it generally attended to, it is believed that it would not
only have the happiest influence upon the families which
regarded it, but also bring down a blessing upon the
churches to which those families belonged." He recpiired
his servants* to attend family' worsliij), had them cate-
chized at home, and encouraged their attendance at. pub-
lic worship, and induced some of them to partake of the
higl»(M- oi'dinances of the (.'hnrch. In (lie education of his
rhildren he was only permitted to lay tlu' foinidation in
tlirir ba])tisiii, :ni(l lo coiiiinriKl iJiciii to God moreover by
his earnest prayers, ile selected as a sponsor for his
first child, a lady venerable in piety as in years, and ob-
served that though she might not live lo discharge all the
duties of a sponsor, yet, from her prayers he could not
but anti('i[)ate imich benefit. A\ hen he looked around
him, as he r{>marked,r and saw riches so often an injury,
he could not say that he wished his children to be rich.
He judged that the best store for old a!L»e, and (lie best
legacy for a family, was the favour of God, and therefore,
though lie was by lU) means extravagant, yet he sj)ent liis

* See Chapter VI.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHO:n. 231

income liberally, and was not anxious to lay up treasures
on earth. I have heard him say, he blessed God that
he had been, through life, remarkably free from the too
common anxiety respecting a comfortable provision for
the life that now is, for he had the greatest confidence in
Divine providence, and especially in his care of his nunis-
ters. He was "given to hospitality," and in this respect
also fulfilled the character of a good minister, as deline-
ated by St. Paul. The stranger was sure of a welcome
at his house, and to his bretlu'en of the clergy it was as a
home. Their society was especially agreeable to him,
and. he seemed particularly to enjoy the social meal on the
evening of Christmas day, after the usual solemnities, at
which the guests were some of the clerg}^ and their fami-
lies. In his conversation, it was observable that he rarely
spoke of himself, and when he spoke of others, he care-
fully avoided, saying any thing which could injure them.
He usually preferred not to lead the conversation, but
when it became proper for him to do so, he exhibited suf-
ficient socialness, and much more than he was supposed to
possess. It must be admitted that there was a degree of
stiffness or formality, but there was scarcely more qf it in
the largest than in the smallest company, even when tliis
was composed of particular intimates, and it piobably was
founded in his native diffidence, confirmed by liis early
and favourite habits; Religion was a subject never in-
truded by him on any company, but he seldom suffered
to be lost a good opportunity for introducing it, and he
never permitted any improper sentiment to pass, without
some significant expression of his disapprobation. A look
of astonishment or pity, a sudden silence, and a respectful
withdrawal, would sometimes express more than language
could. He disliked the discussion of religious questions,
in mixed companies, believing that it had seldom pro-
duced any good effect, and that it was often conducted with
too much heat, or under the influence of improper motives.
But he never refused to converse with a sincere inquirer

232 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

after truth, or declined the charitable office of removing*
his doubts. On such occasions, he would exhibit the
greatest ingenuity, and would be so absorbed by the sub-
ject, and the wish to be useful, that he would protract the
conversation to the latest hour of the night, and sonie-
times in the open air and a standing posture, alike unmind-
ful, of exposure and fatigue. Honest scruples he was
always most anxious to remove or allay- They were the
subject of his constant and feVvent prayers. The persons
affected by them he visited often, conversed with them for
hours, selected for them proper books, and, in short, ex-
hibited in their behalf, though they had been strangers to
him, the concern of an intimate friend. But es})ecially
did he love to converse with those thflt feared the Lord.*
Sincere piety in any man, however humbled by poverty
or cas?t, claimed both his resj)e(t and affection. He could
exchange thoughts for hours, and with evident satisfiic-
tion, with a poor iUiterate frl low-being, who had no other
knowledge but that of .Fesus Christ. The mind illumined
and the heart warmed by the gospel, without relerence to
any other imj)rovement, was always congenial with his
own. Still he did not undervalue human knowledge, and
the ^'crmeimMits of society, but as these added lustre to
his own piety, so he rc^joiced tt> behold them in other
pious persons. For 15ishop White, he entertained great
admiration. The union of learning 4ind piety, of dignity
with sii»ii)li(ity of manners, added to a winnifig courte-
ousness, and an apo-tolic /cal regulat(Ml by remarkable
soundness (if judiiiiiciit, would have retideied this vener-
able man th(> ornamcMt of any association with which he
was coniK cted, as it does of that Church of which he may
be considered the chief builder, in those United States.
Bishoj) Dehon declared that for his visit to Phihidelpliia
in 1814, it was no small inducement, that he shoulil have
anotJicr opportunity of intercourse with this great and

"* Malachi iii. H)

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. ^33

good man, who, then advanced in years, would not pro-
bably hve to be at another Convention. But how great
the fallacy of human calculation ! The young man has
fallen. And the veteran has survived him already fifteen
years. Long may it please a good providence to spare
our jjatriarch.

Into a large company, Bishop Dehon did not refuse to
enter, when courteousness, to which he was scrupulously
attentive, required ; but it was evident he did not enjoy him-
self in a mixed society, and he preferred to see his friends
singly. The unrestrained communication of thought with
a kindred bosom was the social pleasure which he espe-
cially valued, and he made an arrangement with a friend,
by which they should, once a week, enjoy each other's
society for some hours without interruption. It is known
that these meetings were almost invariably closed with
prayer. In the following letter his social inclinations are
delightfully developed.

" Savannah, April 4, 1803.

*' It was, upon the whole, a very pleasant journey. The
roads were fine. The appearance and fragrance of the
woods were dehghtful. Nothing was wanting, but an
agreeable companion to share the pleasures and divide
the troubles of the day. When my mind was wearied
with reflection or the sameness of the scene, I amused
myself by talking with my man Jemmy. I asked him the
name of this tree or the use of that shrub, or some other
ready question, and though his answers gave me no in-
formation, the relief it was to him to break his silence,
afforded me positive pleasure. After all the dissatisfaction
with mankind, which their crimes or their imperfections
occasion, we cannot, my friend, divest ourselves of social
feelings. Were I beyond the reach of beings of my kind,
I should make acquaintances of the birds, and talk to the
winds. The generous hospitality and frank politeness of
the planters form the best traits in the character of Caro-
lina. At , I was charmed. He has a paradise

30

234 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

about him — a paradise with two Eves. I }3assed two dayi^
with them, and on the third the family accompanied me

to . Telemachiis was not more strongly inclined

to loiter about the abodes of Calypso than I to remain

awhile at these enchanting seats. Poor ! I had

secretly indulged the hope of affording him the gratifica-
tion, which, in his letter to you, he appeared anxiously to
desire. But he is celebrating an Eucharist in the temple
above. He died at , resigned and happy."

He had a high relish for rural life. The tranquillity of
the country, and the simple manners of its inhabitants,
were congenial with his disposition, and he sometimes in-
dulged the hope of fixing his residence in the northw estern
part of the Slate, where he might, in the intermission of
his public duties, enjoy the pleasures of retirement. I
have seen him more than usually cheerful at the house of
a friend in the country, where his time was agreeably
diversified during the day with reading, riding, walking,
and conversation, and in the evening with sacred music,
for he delighted to have the psalms and hymns of the
Church introduced into tlie parlom*.

In his daily intercourse with men, there was nothing so
remurka!)le as his meekness. The carelessness and the
contracnctioiis of those with whom he was called to do
business, passed over iiis temper w ithout rufiiing it, appa-
rently in the least, as a light breeze over the great ocean.
It was not that he did not observe the conduct which most
men find it sodillicult to bear, or that he was naturally of
a cold tcm|)eranuMit. J>ut his caliimcss proceeded from a
setth^l conviction, that to be put out of humoi5i' was to in-
crease the evil, indeed, was (uore painful than the disa-
gree:il)le thing itself; and tiiat he was ref[iiired, as the
servfuit of tlie Lord, to be gejitle unto all men. He acted
on that coinisel of Fuller, "Add not a second evil to that
which thou already endurest, by sufiering thyself to be
oveiconu? with im{)at!(Mice. Impatience does not dimin-
ish, but always augments the evil." l^ider the often

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 235

recurring vexations of life, his equanimity was remarked
with wonder, not by his friends only, bmt by strangers.
It was, not improbably, owing to this placid temper, that
he retained always a youthful appearance. After forty,
his hair had its beautiful auburn hue, and his brow its
natural smoothness. The wrinkles of care could not set-
tle there. As meekness, so also discretion, marked his
intercourse with his fellow-men. It may be truly said of
him, that he guided his words and actions, and even his
looks, with discretion. Charity, too, pervaded his con-
duct— the charity which envieth not, is not puffed up,
doth not behave itself unseemly, is not easily provoked,
thinketh no evil and hopeth all things. He always put
the most favourable construction upon the conduct of his
fellow-men, and would take pains to divert attention from
the dark to the bright part of their character. He was
too humble to indulge unmingled severity to others. In-
dignation against wrong was always tempered with pity
for the criminal, who perhaps had been exposed to a vio-
lent temptation, or unfortified with good principles. The
reproof of our Lord, " Let him that is without sin cast
the first stone," would, if properly considered, restrain
much of that censoriousness which prevails on the world.
Having this characteristic of true chanty, it cannot be
supposed that he was deficient in those of her qualities,
which, though less valuable, are more generally cultivated.
There probably was not an individual in the diocese, and
but few in any part of Christendom, who gave so great a
portion of their income to benevolent and religious pur-
poses. In imitation of the scripture saints, he gave away
(and this, it is believed, he did from an early period of his
life) one-tenth of his income, and after some years he
increased this appropriation to one-seventh, observing,
that he thought Christians being still more highly favour-
ed ought to do more in the cause of their divine benefactor
than the Jews used to do, and that the proportion was
suggested by the division of time, of which, by divine

336 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

direction, one-seventh was consecrated to sacred purposes.
It gave him particular pleasure to assist youth in obtain-
ino- their efiucation, or a family in commencing business,
or in extricating themselves from embarrassment ; and
he often induced such persons to accept his bounty, by
proposing it in the form of a loan, in this respect also,
conforming to the character pourtrayed in Psalm cxii. 5.
"A good man sheweth favour and lendeth." Having
bestowed so much time and effort in promoting the
erection and repair of churches, he might have felt him-
self excused from a pecuniary contribution. Indeed, it
is surprising that his assistance in this way should have
been asked by the laity. But he freely gave, and in
liberality also was a pattern to the members of the dio-
cese. He encouraged, in various ways, the disposition to
contribute generously to objects of piety and charity, and
there is no doubt, that by his removal great sums have
been turned from these channels. There was jieculiar
delicacy, and almost irresistible effect, in his method of
recommending these good deeds. There was a perse-
verance in lu'ging the claims of charity, which was not to
be confounded with the importunity of a weak or vulgar
solicitor. A lady, whom he greatly respected and es-
teemed, ha\ing KMnaikful to him the plainness of her
habitation, in the ((iiiutry, he at onre commended and
enrourage<i the liberality wliicli lie had admired in her
conduct, by obscrv ini:-, with a teeliiig accent,

" Yet what lier charity impairs,
She saves by prudence in affairs."

It was not uncommon with hiin to give such a ])leasant
turn to the conversation, and indulge a wit not merely
innocent but itistructive. A htdy having res|)ectfully hint-
ed that she had heard ticict', one of his sermons, he re|)licd
somewhat in this manner : Can you inform me how the
subject >vns treated? what were the divisions of the dis-
rourse .'' or name some doctrine or duty enforced? T<.»

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 237

these inquiries, she having given a negative, he playfully
rejoined, Well madam, I see I shall have to preacli it/or
you a third time. The attentions of a gentleman to a
lady being the subject of conversation, and the former
having disclaimed any other sentiment than friendship,
the bishop archly said to him, " Let brotherly love con-
tinue."

He was a member and warm friend of the " Society
for the Relief of the Widows and Or^)hans of the Clergy
of the Protestant Episcopal Church in South-Carolina,"
and at its annual meetings it was pleasant to observe the
interest with which he engaged in the business of this
excellent institution, and the gratitude to God, which he
embraced the opportunity to express when invited to per-
form the religious services at the dinner table. He was
favourable to a liberal appropriation of the funds of the
Society, believing that their present prosperity warranted
it, and having a confidence that the Almighty would con-
tinue to bless a design so intimately connected with the
welfare of his Church.

Patriotism was, with Bishop Dehon, both a feeling and
a principle. The home of his parents, the scenes of his
childhood, and the sepulchre of those most dear to him,
were always recollected with the liveliest emotion. He
loved to visit Boston, if it were only for a few days, to
pass through the street and look at the habitation of his
early life. I recollect the look and tone which invited the
sympathy of his friend, as he pointed to the house where
had dwelt his mother. But no man had less of what may
be called local feeling. He disliked the too common prac-
tice in inhabitants of different States, ridicuhng each other,
and declared his conviction that intelligent and good men
in the North and South thought and felt essentially alike.
He considered the country as one ; having, with a few
exceptions, a common origin, educated under similar in-
stitutions, and allied by a revolution, in which they had
encountered common sufferings and dangers, and enjoyed

238 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

common hopes and success. The idea of a separation of
the Union, which had been unwisely and imfeehngly sug-
gested, was distressing to his sensibility, and it is believed
was the occasion with him of many ardent prayers. The
national adversity always led him to hnmiliation before
God, as the national prosperity did to sincere joy and
affecting thanksgiving. During the season of the late
war he requested his friends to pray specially for their
country ; he prepared a prayer for the fourth of July ;* and
it is known that he respectfully suggested to the civil
authority the appointment of fasting and of thanksgiving
days. The earliest discourse from his pen was delivered
on an occasion of public thanksgiving,t and this, as well as
that on the death of the Father of his Country,| and many
others, al)ound with the expressions of genuine patriotism.
He thus expresses himself in a letter dated October 27,
1812, after a visit to Mount Vernon. " How vain ap-
peared all conspicuous place, all human distinction, when
I stood by his coffin and saw him wasting into common
earth, with no better exemption from this humbling doom
of our race, than those obscure individuals who were
wasting away in the same tomb with him. I know that
' the memorial of virtue is immortal.' But if it were not
'known unto God' it would be of little consequence, as it

respects the individual, that it is ' known unto men.' "

" 1 never, my dear friend, felt the absence of magnanimity
from my country, till I stood by the grave of Washington.
1 could not help saying to myself, ' Is this his tomb, and
is it in America.' But if I learnt here the vanity of all
human distinction, I learnt also anew the worth of our
holy religion, of whose benignant iuHuences in corrt^cting
the evils which sadden the estimate of man's present con-
dition, it is not with me the least that it (uiabh's us to be-
lieve, of the great and good, that the day of their death

^ See Appendix No. VIII. t See a pait of it in Chapter II.

t See Appendix No. II.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 239

is better than the day of their birth." On his journey
to attend the Convention at Philadelphia, (May, 1814,)
the road brought him within a half-day's ride of Monti-
cello. His companion having expressed an earnest wish
to see both that scat and its illustrious proprietor, he
kindly and promptly surrendered his own inclination.
Unprovided with a letter, we were nevertheless hospita-
bly invited to pass the night. The extensive and varied
scenery from this mountain — the arrangements of the
grounds, and of the interior of the mansion, and its scien-
tific decorations, presented many interesting novelties ;
but our attention was chiefly engaged by the presence and
the conversation of the great man. Mr. Jefferson's large
person seemed the appropriate tenement of his capacious
and largely stored mind. He moved with great ease and
more rapidity, than one unaccustomed to it could have
done, over his well-waxed, tessellated mahogany-floor.
He spoke, almost constantly, on various topics seasonably
introduced, very sensibly, and seemed never to hesitate for
a thought or a word. The impression was unavoidable,
that he was a master mind. The regret was equally un-
avoidable, that it had been so indifferent, if not averse, to
moral studies, important beyond all comparison — studies
which had deeply interested Newton, Locke and Bacon.

Having breakfasted with Mr. Jefferson, we proceeded to
the seat of President Madison, with whom Bishop Dehon
was acquainted. The conversation here was chiefly kept
up by Mrs. Madison. Mr. Madison spoke chiefly in short
sentences, and exclusively on common topics. Bishop
Dehon was particularly interested with the meek aspect
of the aged mother of the President, who made her first
appearance at dinner, and by a few inquiries and remarks
authorized the belief that the Protestant Episcopal Church
had a place in her heart. On our return from this Con-
vention, in July, we passed through the valley of Virginia.
Its sublime and beautiful scenery, and those objects of
reasonable curiosity, the disruption of the mountain at

Ui)

Ei5rfAY ON THE LIFE OF

Harper's Ferry ; Madison and Wier's Caves, and the
Natural Bridge, were not new to Bishop Dehon. But he
wished his friend to participate in the gratification he had
experienced from a visit to them. Of the Natural Bridge
he remarked, that, on descending to the valley, when it
first burst on the vision, it was impossible not to be struck
with awe, and to have the attention entirely absorbed by
this wonderful work of the Almighty.

His " Circular" to the clergy,* breathing a pious patri-
otism on the occasion of the restoration of peace in 1815,
is properly connected with this part of his life. He
thought patriotism was a duty. He recollected how much
it was cherished by the people of God, and that ardent
expression of the man after God's own heart, than which
history furnishes nothing more touching, " If I forget thee,
O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning." " By
the rivers of Babylon there we sat down ; we wept when
we remembered Zion." " How shall we sing the Lord's
sono^ in a strange land ! " He could not agree with the
celebrated SoameJenyns, that this sentiment was contrary
to the genius of the Christian religion, for it is recognized
by its })!essed author in his own conduct, who wept for the
fate of his country, on one of the only two occasions on
which he is recorded tbus to have evliiliitid his humanity,
and never spoke more aliectingly tliau when he address-
ed it: "Oh .Jerusalem, .lerusakMu, how often would I
have gathered thee together, as a hen doth gather her
chickens under her wings, and ye would not." It will be
recollected also, that he came first to his own, and thoiiirh
they received him not, he charged his apostles to go first
to the lost shee[) of the iiouse of Israel. The patriotism
of our bishoj) was formed on this perfect model. It was
a quiet, profound sentiment, as a deep stream, which
silent fv pursues its course, never to injure, but unceas-
ingly to do good in different places and in difi'erent ways-

' Appendix No. VII

*f H£ RlOHt JHEV. THEODORE DEHON* ^41

Justly mio^ht he have said, ^^ Non magna loquimur sed iyivi"
wns.^^ He expressed his love of his country eminently. by
prayer for it, and by a good life, which are acceptable to
the God, who giveth rain and fruitful reasons, and who is
King among the nations ; and by cherishing, to the whole
extent of his influence, the interests of religion and know-
ledge. He considered that the virtue and happiness of a
community were inseparably connected ; that there was
no moral virtue distinct from true religion ; that know-
ledge without religion was liable to abuse ; and that reli-
gion without knowledge had a precarious foundation. He
was the patron of science and literature to the extent of
his resources. He attached himself to several literary
associations, and subscribed to several publications purely
from public considerations. He was a zealous advocate
of free schools, and when it was proposed to abolish them
in this State, endeavoured to avert this result, and promot-
ed the measure proposed by the Bible Society, recommend-
ing to the Legislature that, in these schools, the holy bible
should be invariably used. The passages, in that book,
unsuitable to a young mind, he considered might be easily
omitted by a judicious instructor, and that there were too
many children who probably would grow up in ignorance
of it, un^less they read it at school. Among the impres-
sions of childhood, always the most durable, it surely is
desirable to secure a place for the truths of revelation.

Having considered his conduct in various relations, I
Xvould now speak of his friendship. In this relation, he
appears to me to have excelled himself. Had I known
him as well in other relations, perhaps I should consider
iiim equally above praise in them. But my present im-
pression is that this is the brightest part of his character,
and I have reserved it to the last place, because it is most
difficult to do it justice. He had the scripture mark of
the most exalted friendship : " Greater love hath no man
than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend." He
^vould have laid down his life for his friend. He thought

31

242 ESSAY ON THE LLPE OF

that the highest sanction had been given to friendship uii"
der the old dispensation, in that warning not to consent Uf
idolatry even if enticed by a brother, or a son, or a daughter^
or the wife of thy bosom, " or thy friend, which is as thine
own sou!,'^* He would quote this passage as illustrating
both the strength and the secrecy of true friendship. The
example of our Lord, who, among the twelve, had his
favourite John, and the intimacy of particular individuals
in heaven, t were circumstances to which he often advert-
ed. He wished to haVe with his friend but one heart, one
soul, and one purse. The advice of the Apostle, "Con-
fess your faults one to another, and pray one for another,"
was, in his opinion, particularly addressed to friends, and
he was anxious to fulfil it to its utmost extent. " 1 should
love my friend (lie said) the better for telling me of my
faults. ' Faithful are the wounds of a friend.' If I know
myself, I can bear to be told of my faults." Fidelity, iu
this particular, he considered one of the great advantages
of a genuine friendshi(). Few are there in whom sympa-
thy was so pure an emotion. In promoting the comfort
of his friends, he was at least as active as he would have
been in self-service. Their sorrows, theii fears, their joys,
were empliutically his own. He invited them to speak of
their aflnirs, arid listened with the utmost interest. If he
found his fiieiids disliked, he would exert himself to re-
move the unfavourable impression ; and when they were
injured, he came forward, urd^nown lo them, to persuade^-
the wroiig-<l()er to make rc.'paration. He had a special
regard for th.e (Viend of his friends. There were persons
for whom his liking could be traced to no other circum-
stance, but their attachment and relation to his friends.
When these were sick, his countenance told you that his
heart was sick. At such a time, in the sincerity of his
soul, he would ex|)ress a wish that he could be permitted
:o divide their malady. As this sympathy of his friends.

Deal. xiii. 6. + Daniel x. "21

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 243

was seldom equal to his own, he was sometimes led to
doubt their sincerity and affection ; and this may be men-
tioned as one of the faults of his character, but it is known
that he endeavoured to correct it by frequent reflection on
the Apostle's description of charity, which " hopeth all
things," and on that lesson of the son of Sirach, " Admon-
ish * tiiy friend, it may be he hath not done it : and if he
have done it, that he do it no more. Admonish thy friend,
it may be he hath not said it : and if he have, that he speak
it not again. Admonish a friend : for many times it is a
slander, and believe not every tale." " There is one that
sHppeth from his speech, but not from his heart ; and who
is he that hath not offended with his tongue f" It was
delightful to hear him repeat this lesson on the discre-
tion, the patience, and the forgiveness of true friendship.
KaVely did he shp in his speech ; and if, under the influ-
ence of mistake or impropriety in his friend, he felt coldly
towards him, the current of affection would soon return to
its natural channel, and the overflowings of kindness were
the chief evidences that it had been interrupted. It is
impossible to recollect the disinterestedness, and tender-
ness, and immutability of his friendship, without a consci-
ousness of having been far below^ his standard ; which is
truly painful. A heart which had attained so exalted a
degree of Christian excellence, was meet for a better soci-
ety than earth can affbrd. He expressed himself pleased
with several of Jerciuy Taylor's remarks on the nature of
friendship, among which were these : " There are two
things which a friend can never pardon — a treacherous
blow, and the revealing of a secret — because these are
against the nature of friendship ; they are the adulteries
of it, and dissolve the union ; and in the matters of friend-
ship, which is the marriage of souls, these are the proper
causes of divorce ; and therefore I shall add this only, that
js^ecrecy is the chastity of friendshij;, and the publication of

^ Ecclesiasticus, xix. 13.

244 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

it is a prostitution, and direct debauchery ; but a secret,
treacherous wound is a perfect and unpardonable apostacy.
I remember a pretty apologue that Bromiard tells. A
fowler, in a sharp frosty-morning, having taken many lit-
tle birds, for which he had long watched, began to take
up his nets ; and, nipping the birds on the head, laid them
down. A young thrush espying the tears trickhng down
his cheeks by reason of the extreme cold, said to her
mother, that certainly the man was very merciful and
compassionate that wept so bitterly over the calamity of
the |)oor birds. But her mother told her more wisely,
that she might better judge of the man's disposition by his
hand than by his eye ; and if the hands do strike treache-
rously, he can never be admitted to friendship, who speaks
fairly and weei)s pitifully. FFiendship is the greatest
honour and ingenuity in the world." Again says Taylor :
" Do not think thou didst contract alliance with an angel,
when thou didst take thy friend into thy bosom ; he may be
weak as well as thou art, and thou mayst need pardon as
well as he, and that man loves flattery more than friend-
ship, who would not only have; his friend, but all the con-
tingencies of his friend, to l;u:nor him." In his sermon
on the character of St. John tiie Evangelist, Bishop Dehon
thus speaks : " Our religion is not hostile to those ])re-
cious pleasures, which are derived from individual friend-
ship. Our Lord had his particular friend. From the
circle of his disciples, he chose one congenial person, to
whom he o|)ened his bosom, and loved him with an espe-
cial love. It did not interfere with that general benevo-
lence, which is due to all men. Every human J)eing had
a proper portion of his regard; the claims of nont^ were
overlooked ; all his extrnordinary afl'ection for his friend,
was a surplus of love. It was so coincident with the in-
clination of feeling minds, to seek the joys which friend-
ship only yields, that to have left it unauthorized by his
reliijion, would have been a great disparagement. Un-
authorized, did I say ? May we nr)t <;i y. they he ha« n cf in-

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 245

mended it ? Is not his examjile as holy as his precepts ?
What could have induced him to prefer one course of vir-
tuous conduct to another, but to ])oint out.the way in which
we may enjoy th^ greatest happiness, and attain to the high-
est degree of excellence of which our nature is susceptible f
That a friendship such as religion approves is indisputa-
bly useful, precious, and oftentimes salutary, is the advice
on which we rely. Animating, and promotive of noble
imitation, are the excellencies of a friend. How opera-
tive is respect for his opinion, in restraining one from any
thing which his virtue would reprove. How favourable is
his sympathy, in the day of sorrow, to our peace and
resignation. That it contributes to the happiness of life,
who needs be told ? It is a boon which every person can
estimate. Its pleasures are confessedly the purest, and
most exquisite, of any this side heaven. We may not,
therefore, hesitate, I conceive, to believe that the Saviour
encourages, by his example, to the cYiltivation of a virtue
so favourable to the happinness and improvement of those
whom he delighted to guide into the paths of bliss. And
how amiable does he appear in thus entering into the feel-
ings of men. What a commendation does this give to his
gospel. Surely the religion is sublime, and must have the
happiness of men for its end, which, while it inculcates an
universal charity, excludes not its disciples from the pure
felicity of an individual friendship, which multiplies all our
joys by sharing them, and, by dividing, lessens every wo.
But, to avail ourselves rightly of this liberty, we must
learn from our subject what are the qualities for which we
should look in those, whom we admit to our closest inti-
macy. A good friend is not easily found. The bliss of
this treasure is rarely enjoyed on earth. Led on by feel-
ing ; overpowered by good nature ; captivated with flat-
tery ; infatuated by some single excellence, men often fall
into such friendships as are inconstant, as fortune smiles,
and end in bitterness. Would you have a friend who will
be sincere and useful ; whom you may trust to enter into

246 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

your bosom, and participate all your thoughts ; who will
be faithful to your happinnes ; stand unaltered in his at-
tachment when a^lversity assails you ; and by his advice,
his sympathy, his example, and his tendey reproof, be to
you a treasure beyond all price f Guard against the ma-
hgnant, the envious, and the immoral. Be not caught
with spendid vices. Seek the heart which is formed to
benevolence, and hallowed by religion's purifying influ-
ence. The value of the acquisition, will repay the most
active caution. To be secure from disappointment, choose
such a character as ' Jesus loved.' " He believed that
virtuous friendship would outlive the present scene. He
cherished the hope of meeting his departed friends in
the eternal world,* and, both in his conversation and
sermons, . ailuded to this sul)ject. He never mentioned
this hope, houever, as a principal topic of consolation,
believing- that the scriptures direct tlie mind rather to
God than to any fell6\v-creature, and that our Lord Jesus
Christ is able to supply to the believer every loss, accord-
ing to his affectionate declaration : " Whosoever shall do
the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister,
and mother."

Bisliop Dehon loved to be alone. A great portion of
that time which he could spare from society, was, no doubt,
passed in communion with his Gud. It was in solitude
also, that he reflected- on the past, and made resolutions
for the future. "Consider thy ways," was a precept
which he strictly obeyed, and it was the result of his con-
sideration, that his conduct through life was so singularly
unexcej)tionable'. Subjects, which at first sight, a|)|)cared
unimj)ortant, when examined in tlicir connexions, were
found worthy of that deep thought which he bestowed on
them. The world too often denominates those matters
trifles, which examination proves are serious concerns ;
and he who holds a public station, will be slow in consider-

* See Chapter IV.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE 13EHON. 247

ing any occurrence •unworthy of his attention. A little
fire, according to St. James, may kindle a great matter.

Reading was, through life, a faToiuite recreation of
Bishop Dehon. His active duties would -often prevent
his being in his study until the evening, and there he
would be tempted to remain to the dawn of the suc-
ceeding day. A kind attempt to limit his candle proved
unavailing, and it is believed that he persevered to the
last in this practice so unfriendly to health. What he
read, was, in a great measure, made his own, for he had,
if I may so speak, a common-place book in his mind, in
which were well arranged fiicts and reflections on a vari-
ety of important subjects, gathered from books and from
conversation. He had also a ready recollection, which
enabled him to draw forth his stores as occasion required.
He had natiu-aily a strong memoiy, and a proper confidence
in it, which, doubtless, contributed to its improvement.
He availed himself little of notes, which, in supplying^
often increase the defects of memory. It may be men-
tioned, as illustrative of the excellency of this faculty in
him, that he could go through the whole public service of
the Chnrch, and any of its particular ofiices, without a
book, and that he couid repeat, verbally, any of his ser-
mons recently written. His studies, as indeed all his
pursuits, were subsidiary to his sacred profession. Tlie
elegant literature which he possessed, had been princi-
pally acquired in early life, and in the graces which it
gave to his conversation and discourses, it was consecrated
to the service of tlie altar. He w as familiar with the an-
cient classics, and the best writers, both in prose and poe-
try, of his own language. The articles I. and IV., in tli^e
Appendix, are published in evidence of his taste and lite-
rary attainment, and of the honour he might have reaped
in this field, had he not preferred to give himself wholly
to a better work. Theology w^as his. chief, and latterly
almost his only, study. But all the occupations of a stu-
dent, although congenial with his nature and habits, were

'248 tS^AY ON THE LIFE OF

cheerfully set aside, whenever there was a call to the hum-^
bier, more laborious and more useful duties of a parish
minister. Let me repeat here, for it was the most promi-
nent circums^dnce in his life, that he appeared always to
recollect that he was a minister of the gospel. There was
a gravity in his conversation, a dignity in his deportment,
a selection of associates, a regulation of his studies, and
even an attention to dress, suit ible to this high and holy
character, in short, a conduct in relation to great and
small things, which reminded all men, and showed that he
himself remembered that he was the ambassador of God*
He had cultivated assiduously a proper idea of the holy
office, and he endeavoured to live up to the idea, and suc-
ceeded in this endeavour, to a degree which is unusual
and astonishing. From this anxious endeavour aiwa\s to
conduct with propriety, may have proceeded that formahty
of manner generally noticed in him, wliich was certainly
not agreeable. This formality mav have originated in his
early retired habits, or, as he himself suj)pose{l, in a con-
stitutional difri(leii(e, such as that, for example, of the
excellent Addison. 15ut, whatever was the cause, it is
certain, that he lanuMited the eftcct, believing that'it inter-
fered with his usefulness ; that he earnestly endeavoured
to correct it ; and that he succeeded in tloing so, in a de-
gree which surprized many. But it is more important to
remark, that his attention to decorum never betrayed him
into morosenes!5. He had consideral>le success in sallies,
bot'i of wit and humor, and could accurately imitate pecu-
liarities of tone and manner. But he rarely indulged this
playfid humor, and never but with a few select friends,
restrained by a sense of dignity, and still more by a bene-
volence which was as tender of the feelings of another as
of his own. Cheerfulness was the natural frame of his
temper — a middle coinse between mirth and sadness. It
was more lasting than a strong emotion can be, and it
ap|)rar(Ml more suitable to his character, and I may add,
to the character of our state of existence, in which good

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHoN* ^i9

a»d evil are inseparably mingled. This cheerfulness shed
a steady splendour over his life, and over the various cir-
cles into which he entered. If at any time it rose to the
level of joy, it was in the duties of religion. If any man
ever felt that it was good to pray ; that in communion with
God there is a pleasure, which the world knows not of;
and that this imperfect communion resembles that fulness
of joy which is in heaven, it was this eminent Christian.
And, it may be added, that he had no sorrows so keen as
those, which came from the recollection that he was a
sinner against his Father in heaven, and that blessed Re-
deemer, who gave his life a ransom for him. The mode-
ration of his feelings, in relation to temporal wants, was to
be ascribed in a great measure to his deep humility. The
blessings of providence awakened in him a keen sense of
his errors and frailties ; and, I doubt not, that when he
received them, he felt as Jacob that he was not worthy of
the least of all the mercies of liis God. He expressed this
sentiment on a memorable occasion- — his election to the
Epi.-copate : " I ought to be humbled to the dust by the
sense of my unworthiness. ' Lord, what am T, or what is
my father's house, that thou shouldst 'bring me to this
honour in thy service.'"* The afflictions of life were
also received by him in the temper expressed by David :
" He hath not dealt with us after our sins ; nor rewarded
us according to our iniquities." His humility increased
as he advanced in knowledge, in virtue, and in reputation.
It was strengthened by overcoming temptation. It was
agreeably illustrated, as well as his delicacy, by this little
incident. Having declined the solicitation of several per-
sons to sit for his likeness, the matter was at last urged
by an amateur artist of celebrity, in a manner which he
knew not how to put aside. He omitted a reply to
his letter of request, and being reminded of it, observed
that an apology was due for his neglect, but, that it ap-

^ See Chapter V.

i^2

250 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

peared to him, there was often as much vanity in declin-
ing as in consenting to sit for a Ukeness, and therefore
he had been silent.

In closing this chapter on his private character, I would
observe, that probably no single epitiiet would give a bet-
ter idea of it, than that of "faithful." "A foithful man
(says Solomon) who can find?" And when we consider
how many who have been greatly celebrated, and emi-
nently useful in their public capacity, have been negligent
of the duties of private life, it must be admitted that fidel-
ity to every duty, the small and the great, is indeed a rare
attainment. It is honorable both to his head and heart,
that he nicely balanced the duties of hfe ; that he gave to
every one of them, its appropriate weight ; and though it
cannot ])e said of him, or of any mortal, that he never did
wrong, vet it is believed that he more rarely than usual
permitted o\w duty to displace another, or indulged a good
feeling to a vicious excess. He endeavoured, and greatly
succeeded, in performing the "weightier matters of tlie
law," and those other things, which though of less conse-
(pience, ought not to be left uridoue. He was generous,
witlioiU b('iii:r unjii>t ; and just, without severity. He
remembered that he owed much to his fellow-creatures,
but more to his and their (jod. ife took care of all the
churches, and alx) of his own household. The apportion-
ment of time ami solicitude correctly among the various
duties of life, is one of the rarest attainments of the good
man, and il may justly claim his con>tant vigilance, and
fervent pravers.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 251

CHAPTER VIII.

His Last Hours — Proceedings caused hy his Death.

It has been mentioned that Bishop Dehon attended the
General Convention at New- York, in May, 1817. Being
so near the residence of his brother and sisters, and of that
flock, to whom his early ministry had been devoted, and
whom he never ceased to love, he could not resist the in-
clination to make them a visit. He preached at Newport,
and administered the Lord's Supper, happy in an oppor-
tunity of again meeting his friends in that comfortable
ordinance. Little did they suppose that their joy would
so soon be clouded, and that they should see his face no
more. Anxious to return to his family, and aware of the
hazard of protracting his return, he remained in Boston
only a day or two, and, in a few weeks, was again in
Charleston. Doubtless, these friends must adore the
kind providence which permitted them, at this time, to
enjoy his society, and to receive his affectionate farewell.
The latter days of his life were most actively emj)loyed.
At Sullivan's Island, on the last Lord's day (July 27), on
which he officiated, he went through the whole service, and
also administered the holy communion. In the morning,
his sermon was on public worship ; in the afternoon, on
Colossians ii. 10. "And ye are complete in him;"* this
was one of his favourite discourses, and for a final one,
none could be more appropriate.

* See Sermon 46. vol. ii.

252 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

Although oppressed more than usually by the heat, in
consequence of his having been so recently in a Northern
climate, he continued to go from house to house, in his
parish, doing good. He made frequent visits to the sick
wife of a brother clergyman, and it was in that part of the
city, as is generally supposed, that he received the seeds
of the fatal pestilence. At her interment, he officiated,
and he remained at the grave, for some time, v. Itli a
countenance which was particularly noticed, and indicated
that he was meditating on his own mortality. lie an-
nounced the melancholy event, to the absent relatives of
the deceased, in the following letters :

Letter from the Right Rev. Theodore Dehon to Miss Lavinia

F Older.

'' Charleston, July 29, 1817.

''^ My dear ijDunij: friend, — It is at the request of your
sister, and several otliers of your accjuaintance, that I
write to inform you of an event in your famdy, by which
you will be called to mourn. God, in his wisdom, has in-
deed, in every age, called his best children to sorrow. He
now has seen fit to put your resignation to his will to a
se\rre trial. He re(piir(>s yon to resign your good and be-
lov<'(l M)otIi(M- into his han(U. She was taken sick about
n week ago, and on J^^imday cvcninir her spirit dej)arted,
to be, as we trust, with the souls of the righteous — to be
with her Redeemer in |)aradise.

"The loss of this excellent mother is, indeed, a heavy
bereavement to you. But you will rememlK-r it is God
who hath done it ; you w ill consider how you have been
privileged in having her so long with you ; you will recol-
lect, if to you it is a loss, to her, we have every reason to
believe, it is a gain. Yes ; with her all trials and sorrows
are ended : Khe rests from her labours. 'I'he bitterness
of death is passed with her. She is entered into jieace.
What remains for us who survive, is to bow submissively
to that will of the Almighty, which cannot but be ffood :
an<l to endeavour to follow her excellent ste[)s.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 253

" Separated from your family, this affliction will be to
you peculiarly grievous. The physicians have said you
cannot come to town. In this necessity, call to your aid
the rich consolations which are in your power. Recollect
that your Father, your heavenly Father, is with you every
where ; seek, by prayer, the support and comfort of his
Spirit ; turn to the numerous passages of consolation and
promise in his holy word ; meditate upon the right of God
to do what he will with his own ; look forward to the period
when all the good shall be together in the kingdom of God ;
and God shall there wipe away all tears from every eye.
Mtiy he be your refuge now, in your distress. If you seek
him, he will be found of you, and will sanctify your sor-
rows to your own benefit, and to the glory of his name.

" I saw your sisters to-day, they have been sick, but are
getting bettCT. They beg you to be content where you
are, till it shall be safe for you to come to them.

" With much sympathy, and affectionate concern, I am,
young friend, very sincerely yours,

" Theodore Dehon.

Letter from the Right Rev. Theodore Dehon^ to the Rev. Andrew
Fowler^ at New- York.

" Charleston, July 29, 1817.

"Mj^ dear friend and brother, — How mysterious are
the dispensations of the Almighty ! You will, before this,
have received a letter from Dr. Gadsden, informing you of
the melancholy event which has happened in your family.
Your dear and truly excellent wife had not been well for
some weeks. She kept about, however, until the 20th of
this month, when I understand she was taken with symp-
toms of a fever. It was not in its appearance alarming.
She was attended by Dr. Wilson, who, I believe, appre-
hended no danger. Her illness was mentioned to me by
Mr. Muller on Saturday, and I went immediately to see
her. She, and indeed all the members of the family, had
more or less fever. She did not appear to apprehend

254 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

any danger. There was a stupor about her, which your
daughter told me was sleepiness. I was going to the
island to pass Sunday there, and bade her 'good-bye,'
hoping I might find her better on Monday. But lie whom
she loved and served, and whose dispensations, though
dark, are wise and good, had determined otherwise. —
When I arrived on Monday, I learned on the wharf, that
it had pleased God to take her from among us, between
ten and eleven o'clock on Sunday evening ; to take her
from among us, to be, as our hope is, ' with the spirits
of the just made perfect ;" till he shall raise her body, and
invest her with man's primitive glory and immortality.
To you, my deai- brother, this stroke is heavy. Our tears
have fallen for you. But when I call to mind the Hfe of
this excellent woman ; her ftiithfulness as a wife, a niother,
and a friend ; her sincerity and excmplariness as a Chris-
tian ; her delight in the ordinances of God ; and the emi-
nent degree, in which she possessed that ornament of her
sex, which is, in the sight of God, of great price; I feel
that there is not room to sorrow for her. For what is this
voice which was heard from heaven, ' blessed are the dead
who die in the Lord. Even so, saith the spirit, for they
rest from their labours.'

" When 1 heard the tidings, 1 went directly to your fam-
ily. There had been many friends with them to comfort
them in their sorrows. I found them avaihng themselves
of tiie j)rinci[)l('s they had been taught, and conducting
as Cliiistians should conduct. Their eartiily father was
away, but God, in whose service he had gone, seemed to
manifest himself a father to them in this needful time of
trouble. Gatherine continues sick, and Miss La\ iuia is at
Pinevil!<', but Mrs. Fabian and your youugest daughter,
were a!)ie to att(Mid the funeral of their mother, which
took place at six o'clock last evening. Her remains (at-
tended by the clergy as j)all-bearers) weie conveyed to
St. Michael's Church, and, after the a])pointed service,

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 255

were deposited by the side of her daughter, in that ceme-
tary. The hymn sung on the occasion was the funeral
hymn.

*' There seems, my brother, to have been peace in her
death. She was easy, I am told, but so oppressed with
heaviness, that she did not speak. Mr. Gadsden and Mr.
Muller visited her in the evening, and prayed by her.
The last words she was heard to say, were ' nothing hurts
me.' I have regretted my absence from town that day.
But surely nothing could be wanting to her death, who
was daily living the life of the Christian ; and would, at
any time, have been found striving to walk ' in the com-
mandments and ordinances of God, blameless.'

" That He who hath taken away the desire of your eyes,
may fulfil to you, on this occasion, his good promises to
his servants, and restore you soon in safety to your family
and us, is, at this time, my dear sir, among the most fer-
vent prayers of your sympathizing and affectionate friend
and brother, Theodore Dehon.

" Tuesday noon.

" P. S. — I have kept this letter open that I might see
your family this morning, and let you know how they are.
This postscript is written at your house. Mrs. Fabian is
sitting by me, and begs me to desire you ' not to make
yourself uneasy, for they find many friends.' Your chil-
dren are all better. Catherine is free from fever, and is
sitting up. I trust that under the good blessing of God
they will all do well.

Perhaps, at this time, he had a persuasion that the
stranger's fever, as it is called, would visit him, and that
he might be its victim. On the last day of his health, he
was at Sullivan's Island, occupied in directing the work-
men how to arrange the pews in the Church. The estab-
lishment of a Church at this place of refuge for strangers
to our climate, and of resort for many of our citizens, in the
summer, was a purpose he earnestly desired, and its ac-
complishment is chiefly to be attributed to his influence

256 fij^SAY UN THE LIFE OF

and exertions. Public worship had been celebrated there
for many years, but the room was small and inconvenient,
and the worsliippers had never been organized as a con-
gregation. Bishop Dehon set forward a subscription, con-
tributed liberally, and effected the purchase of a public
building, which has since been converted into a neat and
commodious Church, and duly consecrated, under the
name of " Grace Church." In testimony of their spiritual
obligations. to him, a monument has been erected in this
Church, by the congregation, to his memory, with this in-
scription, understood to have been written by the late
William Crafts, Esq.

Queni te Deuu esse jussit.

This Marble

is an humble nieinoiial of the

Right Rev. THEODORE DEHON, D. D.

late Rector of St. Mich.^el's Church,

in Charleston, and Risiiop of the

Did cse of South-Carolina.

He \v:is born :it Boston,

On the 8lh day of December, 1776,

and died

On the Cth day of August, A. D 1817.

Our State was ble8spd by his pure exaiuple.

his Christian zeal.

and ardent ilevotion to the Church.

Thc'people of Cliarle-ton were improved

ity Iiis solemn admonitions:

Loved hi. II for his pastoial care, and beheld

in his life the beauty of holiness.

The last days of hio pious

and benevolent life, were devoted to the

religiou? edificaiion of this Island,

and the establislimeut of this Church.

fie reared its altar — its walls arc his memorial I

"Remember him, O. my (lod, conecrninp this,

and wipe not out the good deeds which

he has done for the house of his God,

and the offices thereof."

On his return from this last visit to Sullivan's Island,
in the afternoon, he othciated at a funeral, and after-
wards made a visit of consolation to the afflicted mother
of the deceased. It was this evening that disease assailed
him. He went out no more. So true is it that he la-
boured in his holy ollice almost to the last, and tliat, as
it has been expressively stated, he died at his post. The
following remarks, though they occurred in a conversa-
tion some months before, properly belong to this place.
" Death (said he) is, to the good man, no object of terror*

THE RIGHT REV* THEODORE DEHON, 25f

He considers it as a mysterious ordinance of God, full of
unsearchable wisdom and mercy. He is, therefore, ever
ready to lay down his life, when God shall warn him to
depart, and regards it only as but for a season, by * the
author and giver of all good gifts.' But, above all, he
contemplates death as a messenger from the world of
spirits, sent to convey the glad tidings of instant dehver-
ance to the pilgrim in this vale of tears." " On these
subjects (observes the gentleman with whom he held the
conversation), he expatiated with a serene and winning
sincerity, that enhanced the«expression of his countenance,
and the moral beauty of his eloquence. But when he
spoke of the enjoyments of the soul in its immortal state,
and of 'this corru|>tion putting on incorruption ;' of the
celestial bodies wherewith purified believers should be
clothed, and of the inconceivable beauty and perfection of
those glorified forms ; when he dwelt on the spiritual in-
tercourse of pro|)hets, and apostles, and martyrs, with just
men made perfect, and on the adoration of the redeemed,
then indeed ' little lower than the angels,' he seemed pre-
pared to ' be changed in a moment from the image of the
earthly, to the image of the heavenly;' and as though he
had heard the voice from heaven, ' Behold I come quickly,'
he v/as ready to answer, ' Amen, even so, come, Lord
Jesus.' Sainted spirit ! even the foresight of thy early
departure could scarcely have heightened the serene, yet
subhme piety of thy feelings." During his sickness, which
continued for six days, he dechned the visits of all but a
very few friends, being probably unwilling that his thoughts
should be distracted by the variety of recollections that their
presence might induce, or of conversation that they might
engage in. His illness was too severe to admit of his
speaking much. But the greatest sufferings could not
alter the settled serenity of his temper. To his attend-
ants he was uniformly kind. Having made a sudden ex-
clamation from pain, he immediately observed, " Do not
■suppose that I murmur ;" and to calm the bosom of his

33

258 ES«AY ON THE LIFE OF

nearest relative, he referred to that passage of scripture,
" Be still, and know that I am God." The thirty-third
chapter of Jo!) having been read to him, he remarked, "I
do not know whether (as here expressed) my flesh will
ever again he fresher than a child's ; but this I know, I
am just where I would be — in the hands of God." He
declared that his trust in God, on this occasion, had never
been shaken ; that he knew he should carry to God, at
death, much sinfulness, but "that is covered;" he said a
second time, with emphasis, " that is covered." On the
day of his death, the divine Herbert said to Mr. Wood-
not, " My dear friend, I am sorry I have nothing to pie-
sent to my merciful God, but sin and misery ; but the
first is pardoned, and a few hours will now put a period to
the latter." Adverting to his particular disease, Bishop
D'jhon said, " Why is it that the stranger is subject to this
calamity, from which the native is exempt? — but God
hath set the one against the other."* On his last day,
when life appeared to be fast ebbing, he was asked, " On
what promise of God do you now rest?" and he replied,
" Be thou faithful unto death, and 1 v» ill give thee a crown
of life."t He said a second time, " thee," witii emphasis,
by which he was understood to intinuite, that the promises
were expressed iutlivi<Uially, so that cacti peison might
have the comfort of aj)j»!ying them to himself, for it is
recollected that he would utter with e!n])hasis the "thee,"

* Tlie whole passnge in Ecclesiat;tes vii. 14. is: "In the day of prosperity
be joyful, but in tlie day ofadversity consider: God also hath set the one over
against the other," on whicli Bishop Patrick thus comments: " We oiiirhl to
accoiHjnodate ourselves ?o the present state of things — in prosperity, to enjoy
God's blessings cheerfully — and wiien allliclion doth come, let us take it
patiently, considering, among other things, that there may be a change to a
bette; comiilion. Into prosperity or adversity the Divine Wisdom liath divided
our life, and so proportioned them one to the other, that none can justly find
fault with his divine disposal, nor, all things considered, tell how to mend
them, or order them better."

t Kev. ii. 10. Thi.- text was used for the discourse on occasion of his death.
The Rev. Dr. Buchanan gave for his funeral text: •' Being justified by faith,
we have peace with God."

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 259

in the distribution of the holy supper, and he often spoke
of the satisfaction which is produced by considering the
declarations* of scripture with a personal application, and
of its being a great excellence in the public service of our
Church, that it taught each individual to make a self-ap-
phcation. It is not improbable, tjiat while he intended to
express his own reliance on the faithfulness of the Al-
mighty, and on his exceeding great and precious promises
vouchsafed for the merits of his beloved Son ; he also de-
signed to convey to the inquirer a seasonable exhortation.
It is said this glorious promise was made by our Lord
Jesus Christ to Polycarp about seventy years before his
death.* In illustration of this quotation from scripture, he
added the remark, in that laconic manner which he some-
times adopted as peculiarly weighty : " There you have it
all, the promise and the condition." The following ques-
tion was also made, " With what subject are your thoughts
now employed?" and he replied, " That I would endea-
vour to be a more perfect being ;" thus at once express-
ing a consciousness of his imperfection, and an anxiety to
live nearer to God. It is recollected that in health he
often expressed the same sentiment. It may be truly
said, that he eminently participated in those feelings which
St. Paul has so eloquently expressed : " Not as though I
had already attained, either were already perfect, but I
follow after — forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I
press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of
God in Christ Jesus. "t An opportunity being afforded,
lie explicitly declared, in conformity to the tenor of his
sermons and his whole life, that he depended for»salvation
on the merits of the Saviour. And if he had been direct-
ed for consolation to the retrospect of his usefulness, I
doubt not he would have said, as il'id Archbishop Carroll
on a like occasion, '' I have no confidence in my own

• Echard's Eccl. Hist., vol. ii. p. 49J. I Phi}..iii. r2.

260 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

deeds, all my hopes rest on that cross." Bishop Dehon
had remarked that there was singular foice in that expres-
sion of the consecration prayer in the office for the holy
communion — " not weighing our merits, but pardoning our
offences" — as if conscious of the Hghtness of our nierits
and the weight of our offences, we pray that the former
may not be weighed in the balance of a just and perfect
God, and that the latter may be covered by the " i\]l\,
perfect and sufficient satisfaction" of "Jesus Ciirist our
Lord." Within a short time of the tinai moment, and
when the voice was already faltering, he quoted from one
of our collects, the words "Increase and multiply U!»on us
thy mercy," and thus commented, " Increase, not only
increase, but multiply." His last quotation from scrip-
ture, and almost the last words which he ntiered were,
"God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,"* and I shall
never fosi'-ot the thrilling tone wliich spoke the more than
words. It expressed his conHdcnc*' in that divine faith-
fulness on '.vhich tlie patiiarchs rested, and in that divine
mercy wiii( h is from generation to generation. As his
end drew near, he was silent and still. His eyes looked
lovelier, when fixed on the angels ready to receive his
spirit. His countenance had th<' expression of his hap-
piest and most j)ious monuMits. It was tin ned from earth
and his fricMids, unto lu^aven and to God. " Mark the
upright, for the end of that man is peace." At this time,
the comnuMidatory prayer was ofl'ered uj) at his bedside.
The scene was most affectiuir and solenm. Several of th<^
clergy, his physicians and the chief mourner were present.

* It is an- interesting circuni(<tan( e, that in "The Messiah,"' (l)ook xii.)
Klopstock attributes the same words to his dying saint.

" How shall I leave thee in thy last moments ! I cannot leave thee.

Compose thyself, dear sister, thou art alone with God.

And may the (lod of Abraham, Isaac and Jicob be with thee !

" Stay then. May lie be with me. wlio fills the
Heavens, and whose ■\lmichtv voice c.ills the children of men
To leturn ti> life. With me be the God of Abraham, Isaac,
And Jacob!"

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 261

All were in tears, and the officiating minister paused at
every sentence to repress his feelings.

" O much respected, much lamented friend,
Thy life was holy, happy was thine end!
By saints esteem'd, and e'en by sinners blest.
And best belov'd by tho^e who knew thee best !
In thee the Saviour's image clearly shone,
As chrystal lakes reflect the orient sun."*

In relating his last remarks, I have generally confined
myself to those of a pious nature. There was one which
showed that his benevolence also was strong in death.
Being much refreshed by the use of lavender, immediate
ly after some of it was given to him he observed to this

effect : " Pray send a bottle to Mrs. (a person

then sick) for it will be acce})table and useful to her.
I have felt much refreshed by it." In this connexion,
we may mention also that to the two clergymen nearest
him on his right and left, he gave a kiss. It would not
be proper here to record his remarks of, and to, his dearest
relative. But they were truly interesting and most affec-
tionate. They will be always remembered with unspeak-
able comfort, by the heart to which they belong. In the
retrospect of this whole scene — of the piety and charity
which illumined that chamber — may we not truly say
" Finis coronal opus^'' ?

As soon as his death was known, many persons of all
classes came to seek the melancholy satisfaction of con-
templating all that remained of him on earth, and on no
similar occasion was there ever witnessed a more sincere
and deep sorrow. If there w^as one who had not been
sensible of his uncommon excellence, and extensive use-
fulness, he now was alive to the error, and the sentiment
was general, that his death was a public calamity, while
his friends felt most keenly what they had previously ac-
knowledged, perhaps too coldly, that it was improbable
they " e'er should look upon his like again." They wept

* Lines on the Rev. T. Knight.

262 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

for themselves, their children, and the Church. For him,
they could not weep ; for they had the full assurance of
hope, that their loss was his gain. And it was a consoling
reflection, that his path through life had shone with a con-
stantly increasing brilliancy, and that he died in the midst
of his glory, with a reputation bright as the noonday
sun. Ah, how often is life protracted until the frailty of
human nature is developed, and the prospect of early life is
disappointed ! How few attain to old age, with an un-
clouded reputation ! In the present case, there could have
been little room for such doubts, but while there is life,
there is moral danger, and happy are they who having
reached an eminence in virtue, the privilege of very few,
are thence translated to a region of perfect and everlast-
ing security. *' Futurity (says Solon) carries for every
man many various and uncertain events in its bosom.
He, therefore, whom heaven blesses with success to the
last, is, in our estimation, the haj/jiy num. But the hap-
piness of him who still lives, and has tii(> dangers of life to
encounter, appears to us no better tlian riiat of a cham-
pion before the combat is determined, and while the crown
is uncertain.*'* It was tlie i)ri\ilege of LJisliop Dehon
also to be r<'mo\('d while he uas yet useful, yet doing good,
and thus to carry to the grav(> no oi'dinary regret, no com-
mon .honours. " Something (says .lercmy 'J'aylor) is to
be given to custom ; something to fame, to nature, and to
civilities, and to the honour of the d(^ceased friends ; for
that man is esteemed to die miserable, for whom no friend
or relative sheds a tear, or j)ays a solemn sigh. I desire
to die a dry death, but am not very desirous to have a dry
funeral : some showers sprinkled upon my grave would do
well and comely ; and a soft shower to turn those llowers
into a springing memory or a fair rehearsal. "t

The renujval of a good man in the vigour of lif(% in the
career of daily and extensive usefulness, is among the

"^ Plufarcir? Life. t Taylor's Holy Dying.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 263

most mysterious dispensations of divine providence. The
scriptures represent it us in some cases a judgment on a
people who have proved themselves unworthy of one of the
greatest blessings — a life devoted to the good of others,
and constantly instructing by its bright exa,mple. Such a
dispensation is, however, more generally designed as a
warning of the instability of the best earthly possessions,
and of the certainty of death, for when it strikes a lofty
mark, it cannot be unnoticed, it al^o impressively •de-
clares the immortality of man's being, for it surely is
improbable that true greatness would be nourished by
providence and grace, to exist only for a few years ; and
that its expanding qualities should be destroyed in their
blossom. It is natural to conclude, that the active minis-
ter of God is translated to another region, to carry on His
work with warmer affections, and with nobler powers ; and
that a good God, who is long suffering even to the wicked,
would not terminate the present joys of the good man,
except by giving to him enjoyments incomparably better.
In the remov^al of a valuable character, it may be, I repeat,
among the designs of providence, impressively to remind
men (the dispensation being considered in connexion with
God's unerring wisdom and ineffable goodness) that there
must be an hereafter — that there must be a future, in which
the unfinished labours of charity shall be carried oi^j and
good deeds receive their recompense. But whether we
can or cannot discover the reasons of the divine proceed-
ings, this we are assured of, that they are undeviatingly
wise and merciful. God " doth all things well," and there
is reason to be grateful for his condescension, in permit-
ting men so often to discern the designs of his administra-
tion, and in his having been pleased to promise at a future
day to justify all his ways: "What I do (he hath said)
thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter."
" Now we see as through a glass darkly, but then we shall
see as face to face. Now we know only in part, but then
we shall know even as we are known."

264 ES.SAY ON THE LIFE OF

There was one topic of consolation to which several
persons at this time resorted, which strongly illustrates
their estimation of the deceased, viz. that the Church which
he had left might still engage his affections, and be a sub-
ject of his prayers in heaven. This hojje does not appear
unauthorized by the scriptures, but, on the contrary, they
encourage it, by representing the angels — and if the an-
gels, why not tlje spirits of just men — engaged in the
service of the Church on earth ; and more, that Moses and
Efias, such was their concern in the interests of this earth,
left heaven to visit it. It appears also, that Lazarus
in the eternal world prayed for his brother on earth. It
is sometimes objected to the opinion here stated, that it is
the doctrine of the intercession of the saints, as held b}^
the Roman Catholics. But their error appears rather in
their prayers to the saints, than in supposing that these
may sometimes pray for them. And though it is admitted
that Christ is the only 3Iediator between God and man,
yet it is perfectly consistent to believe, that as good men
here pray for each other, so good men in heaven may pray
for those who are yet on earth. It may be added, that
this view of tlic subject, though controverted by some Pro-
testants, has been held by others not inferior in talents,
learning, piety, and reputation for orthodoxy. Some have
ihougiit, that it is not to Ik' adiuiltcd that the saints have
knowledg(; of the transactions on eaitli, because it would
detract irom tlicir felicity. Hut it will be recollected that
the saint does not re('ei\e the full measure of felicity, un-
til t!ie day of judgment, and it mjiy i»e that the spectacle
of his friends on earth, ungratefid to their Maker, and neg-
lectful ot' their true welfare, is the alloy in his condition,
not to be entirely removed until earth shall be no more.
[t is more imj)ortant to remaik, that if the happiness of
the angel is not essentially impaired by his being admitted
to a deLH'ee of fellowship with the inhabitants of this lower
world, the same fellowship may be, willuMit inconvenience,
permitted to the departed spirits of the just.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 265

The love which our blessed Lord had for his Church,
stili exists in heaven. Why may we not suppose that his
ministers have the same feeUng, though in an inferior de-
gree ; that theij stili labour and pray for the Church mili-
tant, and that they can, even in their present exaltation,
address their children in the gospel after the manner of
the Apostle : " Though I be absent in the flesh, yet I am
with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order,
and the stedfastness of your faith in Ciirist"?*

The crowd who attended the interment of Bishop
Dehon, notwithstanding a violent and incessant rain, and
the prevalence of yellow fever in the city, was unusually
great. In conformity with the known wishes of the de-
ceased, the distribution of scarfs and craj^e was dispensed
with. Indeed any, the least, pageantry would have ill
suited the undissembled sorrow, which was seated on every
countenance. The rich and the poor, the master and his
slave, the clergy and the laity, here met together to render
a common tribute of affection and reverence. On all sim-
ilar occasions, a discourse had been delivered, but now,
the- clergy felt their inability to do justice to their own feel-
ings, to the merit of the deceased, and to the solemnity
of the whole scene. The divine eloquence of the burial
service seemed eminently adapted to the present circum-
stances. The first four verses of Psalm Ixv. were sung
with much feeling. The body was borne to its last bed
by the clergy, and the grave was filled in by the vestry
and other respectable gentlemen. As if by general con-
sent, the servants usually employed on such an occasion
were dispensed with. He had been heard to say, proba-
bly in a conversation induced by his great fatigue in the
administration of the Lord's Supper, that he should think
it a desirable circumstance to die at the altar, and he
added, and there to be buried. This remark having been
mentioned to the vestry, they resolved, in their affectionate
anxiety to honour his memory, that his body should be
interred beneath the chancel, which was accordingly done.

* Golos. ii. 5.

S4

266 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

A plain slab now covers it, with this inscription :

Here Rest

The Remains of

The Right Reverend

THEODORE DEHON, D. D.

late Rector

Of this Church,

and Bishop

Of the Diocese

of South-Carolina.

He was born in Boston,

On the 8th of Dpcember, 1776,

And Departed

this Life,

On the 6th of August, 1817,

in the 41st year

^ of his Age.

The vestry directed that the Church should be hung in
mourning, invited the Rev. Dr. Gadsden to preach a fune-
ral sermon, (which was done on the 19th of August, and
has been printed by the joint request of the vestry, and of
the ""Society for the Advancement of Chrisfianity ") and
in their resohitions remark, tliat "they feel, in common
with the entire Church, the melancholy loss sustained by
his death, and by which a very near and dear connexion
between tliein has been dissohed, and beheve seldom in-
deed has the Churcli ( xperienced so heavy a calamity."
They subsccpiently erected a inonunuMit on the east wall,
south of the chancel, with this inscri])tion :

Sacred

(<) the Mciiiory of

The Kk:iit Rf.v. 'I'HKODOKE ni.IIOX. Tf.lt.

Late Rector of tliis Chu'ch, iiiid Bi.^liop iif ilic Diocese,

Who I cased to he mortal, on the fith (lu> of Aiigiist, 1817,

in the 41.-t year of his Life, aad the liuiii of his ministry,

Gknils, Lf.akninc, and ELoaiENCE,

added lustre

To a Cliaracter for^iied hy Christian principles,

and a constant study of the Christian s IMoiiel.

Mr.KK : He \ as swift to hear, slow to sp"-ak, slow to wrath,

IIlmiu.e: He csleenied others better than himself.

Mkrcui'I. : Uf sought out the poor and the afflicted.

Devotkd to Goii: He counted his liiV not dear to himself,.

so that he niiglit finisli his cours" witli joy, and the

Mini-try, w hic'i !)'• had receJMMl of llie Lord Jesus

to testify tlie Gospel of tlie Grate of God.

Zkai, fo'tificd by Discrf.tion,

and FiR.MNF.ss by Mooicration, ,

SvNCTirv unit»'d witli rcr.ANiTY,

Hnd GooDNKss with ("uei^rfclness,

Rendered iiini

The DF.Lir.uT of his friends;

The admiration of his country ;

The Glory and Hope of the Church.

His dc;ith uas considered a public cal Mnity.

Tbf pious Itimcnted him as a primitive liishop,

The Clergy as a Father,

And youth and age lingered at his grave.

lie was buried under the Chai;rel by direction of

the Vestry, who also caused this Moi'iument lo be

erected in testimony of Tnt:iR Afiection, and jus Merit.

Qnis dcsiderio sit pudor. aut moibi*
Tamchari capitiH!

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 267

On the 31st of January, 1819, " the vestry anxious to
avail themselves of every suitable occasion to evince their
unabated respect and esteem for their late worthy rector,
resolved, that the chairman be authorized to offer to Mrs.
Sarah Dehon her choice of the pews directed to be sold ;
and that the same be reserved for her at the average price
for which the remainder may sell." .

" Proceedings of the Standi ?ig Cojnmittee of the Diocese
of South- Carolina^ at a meeting held in St. MichaeVs Church,
August 20, 1817. — The committee appointed at the last
meeting, to express the sentiments of this Board in rela-
tion to the loss sustained by the Church in the death of its
bishop, and to consider what proceedings are rendered
necessary by that unexpected and distressing event, beg
leave respectfully to submit the following observations :

" In the Christian Church, the bishop is the chief coun-
sellor in spiritual matters, the guardian of its unity of faith
and worship, the only dispenser of the apostolical and use-
ful rite of confirmation, and the only means of preserving
the succession of the sacred ministry. Without a bishop,
the Church is in an imperfect state, as a body without a
head.

" The diocese of South-Carolina had been for more than
ten years without this important officer, and an indiffer-
ence to the distinguishing principles of our Church was
gradually extending itself. By a happy union of senti-
ment in both the clergy and the laity, the Rev. Dr. Dehon
was elected bishop, and the difficulties, in his own mind,
in the way of his acceptance of this office, being happily
removed by a kind providence, he was consecrated on the
15ih October, 1812. To the duties of this station he im-
mediately devoted himself.

" He administered confirmation to a great number in
most of the parishes of the diocese. He visited every
parish under his care, and, by particular request, the
Church in Georgia ; and considering that he had the sole
charge of a very large congregation in this city, that our

268 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

climate permitted him to travel only during half of the
year, and that many of the churches were reiiiote from
his residence, his visitations were very frequent. He con-
secrated several churches, and was active in endeavouring
to revive the worship of the Church where it had been
neglected, and to establish it in those places where it was
unknown, and particularly in Columbia, the capital of the
State and the seat of its college. He presided in the Con-
vention of this diocese with singular dignity, judgment and
impartiality, and in his annual addresses enforced the best
cautions and directions in the most affectionate and per-
suasive manner. He guided the conduct of the clergy by
the influence of affection, and encouraged them by his
example to love each other and their sacred calling more
and more. He took every opportunity to encourage capa-
ble persons, and particularly pious and intelligent youths,
to devote themselves to the ministry ; su])erintended, in a
detailed and i)articular manner, the studies of the candi-
dates, and before he ordained them, strictly examined
their proficiency in every branch required by the Canons.
He uniformly attended the meetings of the General Con-
vention of the Clinrrli, altli<>ii_:li, from thr remoteness of
this diocese iVom llic place of session, and the season in
which th(\v were held, \w was subjectiHl to much incon-
venience and hazard of health and life. He dischariied
the various t'nnctious ot" the apostolical otiice with a dignity
and feeling nl'the most euL^aging character.

'' l)(M'plv aillicted by the loss ol"ser> ices so valuable, and
of an example so instnirtive, the ecclesiastical authority of
the diocese have dcMMned it pr(»per to adoj)t the following
resolutions :

*' Resolved, that the Standing Committee feel tiieir re-
sponsibility greatly iiicreased Iw the death of their bishoj),
and they now engage themselves to the Church to do all
they can to promote her welfare.

" Resolved, that the Secretary of the Standing Com-
mittee be requested to write to the Right Rev. X^'illia-n

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 269

White, D. D., presiding bishop of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the United States, informing him of the melan-
choly loss which the Church has sustained in the death of
the late Right Rev. Theodore Dehon, D. D., bishop of the
diocese of South-CaroUna, on the 6th of August, 1817.
And that the jjresiding bishop be requested, when he com-
municates this mournful bereavement to the venerable
House of Bishops, to solicit tlie prayers of our Right Rev-
erend Fathers in behalf of the clergy of this diocese, that
the Almighty would graciously bestow upon them a double
portion of his spirit, that they may daily increase in wis-
dom, piety and zeal, and so faithfully and diligently dis-
charge their sacred functions, that God may be glorified
and man be saved.

*' Resolved, that it be respectfully recommended to the
ministers, the vestries, and the congregations in this dio-
cese, to meditate seriously on this afflictive dispensation of
divine Providence, to humble themselves before God, and
to beseech him fervently and frequently, through Jesus
Christ our Lord, ' to rule and govern his holy Church in
the right way.'

" Resolved., that the ministers and people of our Church
in general be requested to supplicate the divine mercy in
behalf of an afflicted Cimrch.

" Resolved, that a copy of these proceedings be trans-
mitted by the Secretary to the Right Rev. Bishop Whit€,
and also to the rector and vestry of every parish in this
diocese, that it may be read in their respective churches."

The Convention of the diocese, February 18, 1818,
unanimously adopted the following expression of their
regard :

" It has pleased divine Providence, in his inscrutable
wisdom, to take from this Church its bishop. ' He was a
burning and a shining light, and we rejoiced for a season
in his light.' Talents of the first order, knowledge deep
and extensive, virtue pure and exalted, zeal happily tem-
pered by discretion ; in fine, the distinguishing exceilenciee

270 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

of the sincere Christian, and the devoted minister, render
his removal a signal calamity to the Church and to society.
Time has not weakened, in. the smallest degree, the im-
pression of his uncommon merit ; and the recurrence of
this meeting has opened anew, the wounds of our Church.
The members of this Convention would mingle their sor-
rows on this occasion, and in expressing their feelings, (fee.

" Resolved, that this Convention retain a Hvely recollec-
tion of the invaluable life, and the distinguished services to
this diocese, and the Church in general, of our late revered
and beloved diocesan."

The vestry and wardens ofthe German Lutheran Church,
in their letter to the vestry of St. Michael's, say : *' The
loss of this eminent minister, whose talents were as pro-
found as his benevolence was extensive, must be deeply
felt by the Christian Church, which was within the influ-
ence of his. example. Bishop Dehon was distinguished
by that apoi^tolic dignity of charattcr, and humility of
deportment, which marked the pi iniitive Christians, and
which are revered for their beauty aiul excell<*nce, and
held up as a model to Christians. I'o say we symj)athize
with you for such a loss would be a cold expression. We
lanient him as a friend to rnankiud, and shall rver grate-
fully remember the attention he paid to our spiritual wants
for many years, while our Church was without a minister.
As a testimony of regard, that Church in which he oflici-
ated with so nuich kindness and toleratitui has been hung
in mourning."

The following expressions of public esteem and respect
may also be properly introduced here.

'' At a special meeting ofthe ' Society for the Itelief of
the Widows and Orjthans ofthe Clergy ofthe Protestant
Episcopal Church in the State of South-Carolina,' the fol-
lowing resolution was unanimously adopted :

"The members of this Society, deeply lanirnting the
death ofthe late Right Rev. Dr. Theodore Drhon, are anx-
ious to unite with their fellow-Christians of the Episco])al

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 271

Church, in expressing the feelings excited by this mourn-
ful event, and giving a public testimony of their character
of that virtuous pastor and most excellent man. Wliilst
it behoves them patiently to recognize, in this afflicting
bereavement, the dispensation of a wise Providence, they
cannot but recur to the many eminent and useful qualities
which rendered a continuance of his life so truly desirable,
and which now enhance the soi'row of this community for
his departure.

" On this occasion they sympathize with the Protestant
Episcopal Church for the loss of its beloved bishop, ' a
steward of God, just, holy, blameless' — whose zeal was
directed with a stedfast and unceasing ardour to the spirit-
ual interests of his diocese — whose time was cheerfully
spent, and whose talents were actively employed in pro-
moting the cause of religion, and imparting its comforts.

" They dwell with grateful emotions upon the example
of humility, godhness and charity, which characterized his
deportment, and which gave success to his pious labours.
To this they attribute much of that influence which- enabled
him to harmonize the interests of the Christian Church ;
to extend and strengthen, and to unite the love and reve-
rence of all who were connected with him in the service^'
of the sanctuary.

"For the 'little children' of his flock, who were the
objects of his most tender and afl*ectionate concern, they
deplore the removal of a friend and instructor, who de-
lighted to teach them that wisdom ' which is ft'om above,'
and to inspire them with a love of whatsoever things are
just, pure, and of good report.

" His charity, which was often without any earthly wit-
ness but himself and its object, is now revealed, and de-
picted in the sorrows of the widow and the orphan. It
was a favourite exercise of his calling to infuse the balm
of comfort into the mourning and wounded in spirit, and
with his peculiarly mild and soothing eloquence^ to speak
to them ' that peace which passeth understanding.'

272 ESSAY Oi\ THE LIFE OF

" They lament him as an active and zealous member of
this Society, the object of whose institution is ' to gladden
the heart of the forlorn and mourning widow of the poor,
but faithful and honoured, minister of God, and to comfort
and support the destitute orphan.'

*' Under these circumstances, as the members of this
Society always valued his life as a public blessing, they
regret his death as a public calamity.

" Mesolvecl, therefore, as a tribute of respect for his me-
mory, that the members of this Society will wear crape
on the left arm for the space of thirty days ; and that they
will attend the funeral sermon to be dehvered by the Rev.
Dr. Gadsden."

Bible Society of Charleston. — " At a meeting of the meAxv-
bcrs of this Society, held on Monday, August 11, 1817, on
motion of the Rev. Dr. Furman, the following resolutions
were adoj)ted : viz.

" Remlivd, that the members of this Board, sincerely
lamenting the death of the late Right Rev. Dr. Theodore
Dehon, a member of this Society, and one of its lirst vice-
presidents, and sympathizing with his bereaved Church,
and the community at large, by whom he was so higjily and
justly valued, will wear the customary mourning for thirty
days ; and that they hereby reconiiuend to the members of
the Society, to unite with them in this testimony of respect.

" fhsolrcf/ (i/so, that the inemixMs of this Board will
attend at St. Michael's Ciiurch, on Tuesday, the liith jnst.
to hear the funeral sermon to be delivered by the Rev. Dr.
Gadsden, at the reipiest of the vestry and wardens of that
Church : and that they hereby further recon)mend to the
members of the Society to be present on the solemn and
mournful occasion.

" Ordered, that the above resolutions be published."

Protestant Episcopal Society. — " At an extra meeting of
the Board of Trustees of the Protestant Episcopal Society,
on M(M]day, An^nist 11, 1HI7, the following sentiments and
resolutions were unainmously adopted :

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 213

" The Trustees of the ' Protestant Episcopal Society
for the Advancement of Christianity in South-Carolina,'
feel tliemseh^es convened under circumstances of eminent
distress. The history of the Society is identified with the
life of Bishop Dehon. The idea of the institution, on its
present plan, originated with him. His understanding
has always directed its councils. His influence increased
its resources. His affection watched over its interests
with parental solicitude. Its present extraordinary pros-
perity is, under God, eminently the fruit of his intelligence
and unwearied activity. On this occasion the usual expres-
sions of sorrow seem out of place, and the Board believe
that they cannot offer to the memory of the deceased a
more respectful tribute than the following resolutions :

" Resolved, that, under a deep sense of the great loss
sustained by this Society in the death of its president, the
Trustees do enter into a mutual engagement to be more
and more zealous in pursuing the welfare of this institu-
tion, so important to the Church, and, as they believe, to
the ireiieral interests of the religion of Christ.

" tiesolved, hat it be recommended to the members, and
friends of the Society generally, to present to the Throne
of Grace tiieir humble and fervent supphcations, that God,
our Redeemer, would continue his care of this institution ;
that he would give to its officers the spirit of zeal and wis-
dom to preserve its principles ; to increase its resources,
and to extend its benevolent and pious influence.

" Resolved, that the Con-esponding Secretary write a
letter of condolence to the widow of our late President,
inclosing the foregoing resolutions.

" Resolved, that the Rev. Dr. Gadsden be requested to
deliver a funeral discourse, on Tuesday, the 19th inst."

In the eighth annual report of the same Society are
these remarks : " To the Society, and to the Church in
this diocese, the death of this great man has been one of
the most afl^ictive dispensations of the Divine Will. Well
may they say with the prophet, ' the joy of our heart is

35

274 ES.SAY 0.\ THE LIFE OF

ceased ; our dance is turned into mourning. The crown
is fallen from our head : woe unto us that we have sinned.'
From the earhest period of the Society, the name of this
distinguished prelate has been identified with its prosperity.
Moulded into its ])resent form by his judgment ; influenced
by his wisdom, and supported, greatly, by his zeal, it has
grown in str3ngth, and has already attained to a prospect
of usefulness, equal to the wishes, and beyond the expecta-
tions, of its most sanguine friends.

'' The life of this excellent and learned man, was one
continued scene of virtue, piety and benevolence. From
his earhest years Religion marked him for her son, and as
he 'increased in wisdom' and 'waxed strong in spirit,'
the influence of her divine precepts controlled all his de-
sires, and directed all the aflcctions of his soul. His zeal
and perseveranre in the cause of the Redeemer, were only
equalled by the fervour and sincerity of his devotion.
Wherever duty or afl'ectlon called him, the same amiable-
ness of disposition and active piety animated his conduct
and adorned his character. AMiether performing the high-
est functions of the apostolical oflice, or exercising the or-
dinary duties of a parish jjriest ; whether in the midst of
his family, his clergy, or his friends, unfolding the mysteries
of religion, illuminating the pages of science and of secular
learning, or discharging all the tender duties of domestic
life ; whether enlivening tin* board of hos|)itality, or admin-
istering to the wants and comforts of the poor ; whether
presiding at the liead of the Society, or superintending
the details of its operations, the same beneficent and pious
principles filled his heart and guided all his ways."

A variety of obitu;iry notices apj)eared in the public
papers, and l!ie following extracts from them are now i-e-
publisluMl, Ix^cause they are such as the death of few j)er-
sons would have called for.

"We record, with deep melancholy, the lamented
death of the Right Rev. Dr. Dehon, bisho|) of the diocese
of South-C^arolina. lie departed this lite on \\ ednesday

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 275

evenino^, after an illness of a few days. In the shock oc-
casioned by so calamitous an event, we cannot properly
estimate the loss our Society has sustained. Sorrow per-
vades the city, and all other considerations are absorbed
in the death of this pure and spotless man."

" ' Bring the rathe primerose. and the neglected violet,
And all the flowers that sad embroidery wears.'

" Our community is in tears ; our churches are clad in
mourning ; and woman's eye is wet, and man's cheek is
pale. The Christian, the divine, the scholar and the phil-
anthropist, has left our circle forever. The unhappy oc-
currence which has shrouded our countenances in grief,
has deprived a numerous congregation of their father and
their friend ; the wretched of their supporter ; the afflicted
of their consoler ; our community of one of its ornaments ;
the gospel of a faithful and sedulous disciple ; youth of its
example; infancy of its protector; and conjugal love of
its partner and helpmate."

" ' Sacred are the sorrows for departed w^orth. Just
and manly is the sigh which escapes from the bosom, for
goodness and greatness is no more ! Ye sons of my coun-
try, ye cannot but mourn ; ye daughters of America, ye are
amiable in tears ; '■for the beauty of our Israel is fallen.^ '*

'' Such was the impressive exordium on an event, which
seventeen years ago shrouded our country with the mournful
emblems of unavailing sorrow, when the youthful minister
at the altar was required to canonize in death the vener-
able and illustrious Father of his Country. And who
amongst us does not feel, that at present it is no le'ss ap-
plicable to the blameless servant of God who then uttered
it? He too, alas! is now no more! ' The heauiy of our
Israel is fallen :' a worthy successor of the Apostles of
Christ is gathered to his fathers." "In the lamented

* Dehon's Sermon on the Death of Washington.

276 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

death of Bishop Dehon, it is not the bosom of friendship
or of love alone that is wounded. The ani^uish of both is
beyond the reach of human consolation. Feeble must be
any attempt to mitigate the poignancy of their sorrows.
Their consolation must proceed from that Being, whose
mercy is over all his works. By this event, society is be-
reaved. Weep ye daughters of affliction ; your consoling
friend is no more ! Ye sons of adversity bring the tribute
of your grief; for he who mitigated your sufferings, sooth-
ed you in affliction, and relieved you in distress, is en-
tombed ! Ye Churches of the Most High God ! in vain
ye look for your spiritual father in Christ, at the altar or
the pulpit. His form mingles with the clods of the val-
ley; he sleeps beneath the altar whence* his prayers and
supplications have so often risen to the Throne of Divine
Grace. His spirit has ascended to Him who gave it — to
his "Father and his God. Ye venerable clergy, associates
with him in the ministration of holy things, your guide
and friend has departed, and there only remains to you
his blameless example for your guide, and his blessing
for your consolation. iMay his spirit inlluence, and his
example animate and console you." " He ex-
pired, not in the fuhiess of years, but in the maturity of
kno\vl(;d"re and vvisdom — in the fulness ol' the Christian
graces. — His example and his life conformed to the doc-
trines he taught ; and the purity of his writings, resembled
the purity of his life; his was indeed n flnishid chftrniUr,
combining, in an eminent degree, all the varied endow-
ments of moral and intellectual excellence, which the sta-
tion he tilled re^piires. To the Church, his loss is pecu-
liarly afflicting. Its prosperity was the leading object of
his life ; and for its present enviable condition, how much,
under God, is it indebted to his unceasing etforts — his
example — his wisdom — his /cal and piety! By his ex-
ertions, the truths of the gosj)el have been widely diffused ;
and, ns if conveyed on the wings of ai^uels, the voice of in-
spiration is heard in the recesses of the wilderness."

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 277

"As a writer and j3reacher, his style and manner were
peculiarly impressive. With the utmost humility of heart,
were combined all the graces, and power, and persuasion
of eloquence ; perfection of language ; beauty of imagery,
and sublimity of thought ; blended with an endearing per-
fection of character, in which no virtue suffered an eclipse.
As a preacher, he was fervent in his devotions — argumen-
tative and engaging in his discourses — forcing conviction
on the minds of the learned, and awakening contrition in
the hearts of all. Hebron."-

" Never has the temporal habitation of a purer spirit
been again mingled with the dust. Public affection has
never wept one more worthy its tears ; never has friend-
ship lamented sincerity more real ; nor a Church been
visited with a bereavement heavier, or more afflictive.
From his tenderest years, this ornament of religion was
remarked for a veneration and obedience to the precepts of
his God. He seemed to have delineated a course of -cease-
less piety, which was pursued with a zeal at once succes-
ful and attractive. Youth was touched at his unfeigned
holiness, and approached the altar at which he administer-
ed ; age, as it knelt, was supported, and confirmed in its
hopes of that life which should never decay. By his exer-
tions, the good and the opulent ha^e been animated to

rear temples, and to invigorate Episcopacy." " The

parent on whose infant the grave had closed — she whose
consort had sunk into death's gloomy sleep, can attest,
that despair fled and the abode of distress brightened at
his presence.

" To speak of him as a preacher — we saw another
Fenelon. Learning warmed with piety, appeared in all
the decorations of fancy. He was disposed to persuade us
to love, rather than to agitate us with a dread of our com-
mon Father, whose wish is to save and not to destroy ; he
therefore generally pourtrayed the beatitude awarded the
worthy, and not the horrors to which vice was destmed.

278 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

The scholar was charmed by his style, and the Christian
loved him for exhibiting truth so enchantingly beautiful.
His life was given to his congregations, and their manifes-
tations of attachment evince they were not insensible to
his merits. In the chancel, under the sacred altar where
his accepted labours have been so often witnessed, rests
his body ; and the worshij^per while bendinii to the cross,
shall drop a tear of remembrance on the memorial of him,
by whose hand the bread of comfort has been so often
presented. E."

" Seldom has jiublic sentiment received a more severe
and unexj)ccted shock, than from the death of Bishop
Dclion. Few have, at any time, departed from among us
who held a more conspicuous ])lace in public o])inion, and
whose death has awakened a Jarger share of public sym-
pathy. A variety of circumstances have combined to
render this recent catastroj)he one of ihe most awfnl and
affecting that has ever visited our city. It has touched the
heart of numbers who never hoard the words of salvation
from his lips; it has drawn f«)rtli cvcIiMMutions of regret
fioin tliost' \vIh» iH>\('r cMmc witliin llic splicie of liis be-
nign iullneiice." In pri\ate lit'e, he was r<'mark-

able lor a placid cliccrfniuoss, a serene yet dignified
gravity, wliicli awakened otccin, wliilc tlirv insnred a
spontaneous res|)('(l. In all tlie i('lati(»n< of the social and
<loinestic circles, lie a|>peared to the highest advantage,
iVoni tlie |niiity ol" iiis morals, the admirable equanimity of
his temper, and the lively interest he felt in the welfare of
all around him. Tew men, perhaps, have carried about
them, in the discharge of the common offices of life, such
a j)r;;ctical sens(» ef duty : and. accordingly, few have ex-
celled liim in their exemplary fiillilment. Let that aff<"ction
which rejoiced to hoiumr and bless him while li> iuir — that
veneration which shall consecrate his memory ' through all
the chanues and chances of this transitory life' — that for-
titude which, attesting the power of religion, left nothing

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 270

to be wished for in the chamber of sickness and on the bed
of death, bear witness of his virtues as a husband. And,
although the tender years of his offspring had not called
for the discharge of the most arduous and solemn duties of
a parent, yet we will trust that his anxiety to know ' what
manner of child shall this be,' will not have been in vain.
Yes, we will believe that, as youth expands into manhood,
he will often look down with approving smiles on his chil-
dren from the habitations of the blessed, and exclaim with
the rapture of a saint, ' For this child I prayed.'

" In the relation of a friend and benefactor, he was
too much beloved, and shall too long be regretted, not
to deserve the most liberal praise. Few, comparatively,
knew him in the former capacity ; for, from the nature of
the human heart, and the pursuits of human life, the circle
of friendship is never large. But, uithin that sphere, the
magic of his influence was deeply felt, and shall be remem-
bered to the last hour of life, as one of the richest blessings
of heaven. He was not satisfied merely with the inter-
change of endearing attentions, and the delightful conver-
sation of congenial minds : he asked, for he was willing
to give more. He opened the rich fountains of sympathy
and confidence, and invited his friends to taste largely of
the precious streams. Hence, while he charmed them by
the amiableness of his temper, and the aftability of his
manners ; while he animated them by his example, and
improved them by his cultivated understanding, he won
their tenderest affections, their purest esteem. Very many
have now lost their adviser in the hour of perplexity and
temporal trouble, the soother of their affliction, their guide
in the dark season of adversity. For he would enter into
the private concerns of his friends — w^ould delight to hear
the history of their sorrow s, and the vicissitudes of their
lives — would invite the most liberal disclosures of confi-
dence, and repay them tenfold in the sympathy of his
feelings, or the wisdom of his advice. To his clergy par-
ticularly, these characteristics of his friendship appeared

280 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

with a winning grace, an affecting tenderness that kindled
the warmest emotions of the heart, and commanded the
highest approbation of the understanding. Such friend-
ship is so far above all price, and so rare, that those wha
have tasted its blessings, can hardly expect in this vvorld
to ' look upon his like again.' How is the mournfvd re-
flection, that ' they shall see his face no more,' enhanced
by the belief, that all the future years of life, though a
good old age await them, can never repair the loss. What
but the convictions of religion can reconcile them to ^^n.ch
bereavement, and duly impress them with the solemn
truth — that

* Smitten friends
Are angels sent on errands full of love:
For us they languish, and for us they die."

* Charity vannteth not itself,' Ji"d, therefore, the good
works of the benevolent man arc known to but few. But,
when the snn of life is set, and the death of their benefac-
tor has removed the \aiinii< motives to secrecy, fii. Jidsliip
feels that it is no loniirr a breach of confidence, and the
fear of oflVMidiiii: no Iniincr suppresses the overtlowiugs of
gratitude. Then tlir seals that humility had arfi.\ed are
broken with a holy violence. 'I'he good man's charity in
all its \aiiely of forms, comes forth to adorn the close of
his life, aii'l brighten the memory of his \irtues.

" 'J'iie charity of l5i>ho[) Dehon (lowed tVom the feelings
ol* an e.vcellent heart, but was not with him tiic mere
indulgence of feeling. ii»- >yni|)atlii/ed with the unfor-
tunate, and relieved their wants fr(nn a principle of duty,
because he l)elie\e<l this virtue to be one of the most ac-

cej)table in the ey« s of (iud." "When we turn to

his public charactiM-, we behold him discharging duties
among the most weighty, ])erpleving, and arduous, that
fall to the lot of man. — \\ ith what uniform steadiness,
with what nnailected sincerity, with what interesting fer-
vour, did he ])erform all that was re(|uir(Ml of him as the
nnmster of a Church, and the bisliop of a diocese.

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON* 281

** In the former capacity, let his congregation who had
the best opportunity to know, and the best reasons to love
him, bear testimony to his exemplary conduct as their
spiritual guide. Let those who know but little of him as
a preacher and minister at the altar, regret that they know
no more ; let them be assured, that the lively attachment
between himself and his people, is a most honourable tes-
timony to his merits, and is among the best rewards that
heaven bestows in this world on the labours of ' the earthly
shepherd.' * The numbers whom Dr. Dehon had induced
to partake of the sacrament, and the manifest increase
of piety in his Church, entitle him to the praise of every
Christian, and the permanent gratitude of his congrega-
tion. They justify faith in the belief that he has already
heard those animating and consoling words, ' Well done
good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy
Lord.'

" In contemplating his character as a bishop, we feel
that the Episco[)al Church has sustained a loss, that per-
haps half a century may not repair. Most rarely have
we seen a man, take him all in all, so fitted to fill a station
that requires the union of so many uncommon qualities.
We beheld in him a combination of moral excellence that
adorned, and dignified, and recommended the office. To
the happiest sense of propriety, he added the most delicate
impartiality ; to admirable equanimity of temper he added
self-command, that, like a guardian genius, never stept
aside ; to steadiness, as inflexible as the principle that de-
cided him, he added purity of motive, too conspicuous to
be mistaken ; to zeal, which was ever active and equal to
the object, he added humility, that never forgot to ' do all
for the glory of God.' Nor was this all ; for if ever man
carried about with him, as the daily subject of his thoughts,
and the very garment of his soul, a living sense of God's

* *' The writer not having been a member of St. Michael's Church, regrets
that he heard the bishop so seldom, as to be unable to do justice to his character
as a preacher,''

36

282 ESSAY Ox\ THE LIFE OF

presence, it was our lamented bishop. There was indeec^
a moral beauty and grace, a religious fervour and eleva-
tion in his piety, that touched, and improved, and exalted
the soul.

" Under such a man, the Christians over whom he pre-
sided, could not but prosper ; and we accordingly beheld,
with joy and gratitude, our ancient Church reviving and
flourishing ' like the green bay-tree.' The debt that we
owe him can never be fully repaid, and experience only
will shew its extent." # * * *

" Genuine Christianity is as far from superstition, as
true wisdom from ignorance. Yet religion does not for-
bid analogies taken from the vicissitudes of the seasons,
from the awful majesty of the storm, or the fascinating
loveliness of sj)ring. Indeed, the scriptures themselve&
draw copious illustrations from the beauty and sublimity of
the natural world ; while many of the |)rofound and elo-
quent defenders of ( 'liristianity have siu'ces^fnlly comjmred
the moral \vith the natural government of God. Guided
by such ligiits, J am i)riviieged to ask, who is not struck
by the remnikabh* state of the weather ;it the time of the
death and hurial of our (Icjiarlcd l)i>iioj) ? The awful
gloom that shroiulcd our city and darkened e\ery object:
the hurried (light of the cloud<, that rushed ' like a routed
army,' across 'the heaven's wide and pathless way:' the
torrents of rain, that streamed as though 'the windows
of heaven were again opened :' the wild and mournt'ul
cadence of the blast, that now stole on the ear as a still
small voice from the tomb, and then swept over us like the
wings of the destroyiiig anjrel — were indeed congenial to
the state of public sentiment. ITikuo.wmi s."

In token of respect and regard for the deceased, se\(Mal
<»f the churches in the diocese, and that at Savannah, were
huDir in moin irnin- : and many respectablr inchviduals aj)-
])cared in tlu^ hal)iliments usual on the death of a tVicnd.
Ill further illustration of the estimation in which he was

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 283

heM, and also as shedding light on his biography, we in-
sert the following papers :

Extract of a letter from the Rev. W, Cranston^ Rector of
the Church at Savannah. — " He was remarkable for his
docility, and ardent love of learning. It was, from his
earliest youth, his desire to become a minister of the gos-
pel ; and this wish, which was the prevailing one of his
heart, excited him to unremitted exertions. He never
took much delight in the common amusements of youth,
but devoted that period of life which is generally given to
juvenile sports, to such reading as was adapted to his
years. I learn from a lady who was with him at school
in Boston, that the scholars, even those who were some
years older than himself, looked to him as to a superior
mind. He had the approbation and love of his instructor,
and * Theodore' was often called on to assist him in teach-
ing his fellow-students. At the age of fourteen, he was
entered as a student in Harvard University, at Cambridge.
The promise of peculiar excellence, which had excited the
attention of those who knew him in his early youth, was
now seen and acknowledged. The years that he spent at
the University were an honourable testimony of his mora!
principles, and of his mental powers. Amidst the nume-
rous temptations inseparable from a seminary of youth, he
gave an example of persevering industry. He was natu-
rally possessed of a generous independence. But he never
failed to exhibit a perfect respect for his instructors, and
for the laws of the college. I have heard from those who
knew him there, that his love of piety and virtue, and his
hatred of vice were remarkably great. He possessed a
very correct and cultivated mind, and his amiable deport-
ment endeared him to all his acquaintances. At the
commencement in 1795, he received the honours of the
University, and performed the English oration, which is
considered the highest appointment in the exercises of the
day. In the summer of 1798, he received his second de-
gree in the Arts, and was appointed to dehver the Enghsh

284 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

oration. He was afterwards chosen to be the orator of the
' Phi Beta Kappa Society,' at their anniversary, in ibOT.
This oration, which obtained him much praise, was print-
ed in the ' Boston Anthology' of that year. In the year
1798, he was invited to preach in Trinity Church, New-
port, and I well remember, though I was then very young,
the delight with which his discourses were heard. The
Church at Newport had been, for some time previous,
agitated by unfortunate dissentions, and he became its
minister at a time when the situation would have been an
arduous one, even to the practised wisdom of age. Yet
so gieat was his gravity, piety, affability and prudence,
even at that youthful age, that he had the happiness im-
mediately to unite all its members, and produce a harmony
that was not afterwards interrupted. It was a delight
which he seemed to anticipate, and feelingly to solicit, in
the first sermon that he preached as a settled minister,
from the W(uds of St. Paul, (whose example as a faithful
and unwearied minister of Jesus Christ, he nuide the model
of his life) — ' Valjil i/r mif juij,''

" His mother spent much oi' her time at Newport with
her son, and two of liis sisters generally lived with him.
He was a must aliectionate son and brotlier. By un-
wearied a|)pli(ati()n to liis studies, he had injured a consti-
tution which was not naturally very strong. As he was
e\']H>sed to fre(|uent interru|)tion durini,^ the day, his studies
were protracted to the hours ot' midnight. 1 have heard
him say that the dawn of morning fr<Mpiei)tly found him at
his books. He did not approve of mi<Inight studies, yet
he could not overcome his love of conversing with the
oracles of (jod, and the living monuments of the mighty
dead, in the calm and siU'ni hours of night. May I not
say, that this was the only instance in which he practised
what he disapproved:

*' During the time of his residence in New|K)rt, he con-
stantlv grew in the aflections of liis peo))!e. He was an
example to age as well as to youth. He possessed the

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 2B5

same self-control which always distirioruishefl him. A«^ainst
the irreproachable integrity of his life, enmity never whis-
pered a suspicion, and it was a common remark that he
could not be censnred even for an act of imprudence. His
gentle manners, his piety and goodness of heart, secured
him universal esteem, and the benevolence and heavenly
charity which made his future bright career so useful, and
which will make his death so widely afflicting, were per-
manent traits of his character. Entertaining the most
grand and lovely apprehensions of the Deity, his devotion
yielded him his highest pleasure, and fitted him to kindle
the sacred flame in others. His devotion was as rational
as warm. It consisted not in occasional sallies and incon-
stant flashes, but was a steady divine flame, fed by the
clearest and strongest persuasion and most worthy appre-
hensions of the Divine perfections and providence, and it
animated his whole temper. His taste for the nobler
pleasures of literature, devotion and benevolence, made it
easy for him to observe the strictest temperance. He was
naturally of a cheerful temper. He seemed to look upon
cheerfulness as a kind of habitual gratitude to the Author
of his being, and while he constantly paid this homage him-
self, he enabled all about him, by his example, to pay it.

" His habitual hearers used to observe, that his sermons
were remarkably equal and always interesting. Such was
the satisfaction with which the word of God was heard
from his lips that they never were pleased to see his place
in the pulpit occupied by another.

"He was my minister — the only one of my youth. I
cannot express the feelings that crowd upon my heart,
when I think that he is no more. I cannot tell my sense
of his worth, or of our loss. We seem to lament the re-
moval of one of the higher order of beings, who had taken
his abode on earth for a time to teach us the way to liea-
ven, and is now returned to his native place. How in-
teresting and glorious is the path by which the righteous
ascend to God ! His was indeed the path of the just,

286 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

which like the shining hght shines more and more unto the
perfect day.

' O 't is well
With him, but who knows what the coming hour
Veil'd in thick darkness, brings for us.'

" * Sacred be the reflection (I use his own words* on the
occasion of a similar mournful event) which marks in his
exit the transitoriness of all human greatness. Complete
and entire be our resignation to the will of the All-wise
Disposer of events. Let us honour the memory of this
departed good man in the way which he would approve.
This is, by imitating his virtues, and by using his example
to animate otliers in the path which he jnnsued.' "

Exfract of a Sermon by the Rigid Rev. N. Boicen, D. D.
The Rev. Dr. Bowen having been invited by the vestry of
St. Michael's Church, immediately on the death of Bishop
Dehon, to resume the charge of it, declined determining
on their application, until he should visit Charleston, and
confer on the subject of it with his friends in that city. He
arrived in December, and on the Sunday following his
arrival, |)rc{H'tie(l in St. Michaers, from the words, "I
must work the work of Ifim that sent me, while it is day."
Having consitliird the cliaiactcr of the work in the case of
every fo'luwcr of Chiist, to wliicli these his words admit of
application, he proceeded to enforce the obligation of it by
several motives, th(,' last of which constitutes the subject
of the following extract. It is illustrated by a reference
to its influence and ettect, in the example of the lamented
bishop.

" It is, in the last place, a moti\ e to the utmost diligence
in improving the oj)j)ortunities we have, of doing the work
of our calling an<l ehu'tion in Christ, which the text may
be understood to ex]>ress, to consider that however short
may be tiie day in w hich it may be permitted us to be occu-
pied in it, yet in even that short sj)ace, much of it may be

" See his Sermon on the death of Washington, in Appendix No. II-

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 287

done. Were we as intent to consider how much we might
do for the honour of our Redeemer, and the good of our
fellow-men, as we, in general, are, to make conscience
acquiesce in the little we are wiUing to contribute, of our
care, our time, and ability, to such ends, it would be found
that even a short term of probation, might furnish the
soul with much occasion of humble, conscious satisfaction,
against the hour of its summons to return to Him who
gave it. There are few conditions of human life, in which
men may not, under the influence of the principles of a
truly religious character of mind and affections, do some-
thing, that shall get honour upon them in the sight of God,
in virtue of the tribute it renders to his glory. There are
few lives, however short, which may not carry with them
into eternity, the marks and characters of a service well
pleasing and acceptable to him who had appointed it.
Even in our youth we may diffuse around us the happy
influence of sound rehgious sentiment, that shall be felt
and recognized, when the life from which it emanated shall
have been ' cut down like the flower,' fallen beneath the
unsparing destroyer's hand. And ere the prime of matur-
ed life is attained, what may not a fervent love of what is
good, that devotes us to the service of our maker and man-
kind, effect, through the animating and instructive influ-
ence of holy, pure example, and the constancy of a gener-
ous, energetic, active virtue ? If before the middle space
of the common standard of the days of man upon the earth
was gained, empires have been created by individual en-
terprize, resolution and toil, or a name been won in the
fields of war, in the councils of states, or in the lists of
literary and scientific fame, at which, as it passes through
succeeding ages, mankind look with all the enthusiasm of
ever new and inexhausted admiration, what doubt can
there be, that in relation to the kingdom of God, and the
empire of his truth, in relation to interests of a moral,
spiritual and immortal nature, there is in general no rea-
sonable pretenee of insufficient time in the life of man, t<^

288 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

effect that which, while it crowns his hopes with gloryi
honour and immoriaUty beyond the grave, shall leave a
blessing behind it. with his survivors, ' even a thanksgiving
to our God,' for the good, which, through his instrument-
ality, he had imparted.

*' The example of names brio^ht with glory in the annals
of Christian piety and zeal, might illustrate the sentiment
I would convey. But the memory of mourning affection
hurries by them ail, to an example, the record of which is
in the hearts of all whom I address. What need is there,
brethren, of any thing but this, to make good the observa-
tion, that life, however short its career may come, of the
fond expectation and desire of men, may be full of the
honour which diligence and fidelity in the work of him who
calls us to his service, give. The figony of a yet recent
sorrow for his death, in so many bosoms, the sensibility
which at the thought of what he was, of what he did, and
what heaven in its goodness, seemed to have destined that
he should do, is scarcely yet capable of the restraints to
which faith bids it yield its repinings ; the legible, deep
impression, every wIumc around us, of ministrations, in
which he was the blessed instrument of imj)arting the
grace, the counsel and llic consolations of heaven to the
soul, many visible inouunients of his zeal tor the Church
which tiie Kedeemer purchased with hi> blood : and faith-
ful servants of the altar, tbrined by the lessons of his pious
wisdom, and the irresistibh* iufluence of his bright exam-
ple, to the work, to which, in behalf of the Lord, with the
high rcs|)onsibilities of whose chief ministry he was clothed,
he dedicated them ; so many souls won to the pursuit of the
salvation that is in Christ, through the constant, patient,
persevering fidelity of his labours, so many afflicted spirits
cheered, and revived I)y the tender soothin«rs of his pas-
toral sympathy and care, so many children of want and
misfortune, aided by his kind, gentle and liberal benefi-
cence, to pursue with gladdened hearts, the redeemed
expectation of usefulness and comfort — these all are our

THE RIGHt REV. t'HEODORE DEHON. :289

festimoHv founded in his example, that he who will work,
with faithful assiduity, the work of him who hath called
him, while it is day, however short that day may prove,
mav accomplish much foi»God and his glory.

•"It v/as the s'olemn impression of the indispensable ob-
ligation of*«his work of God, that made the late honoured
prelate ^vhom you have wept, still weep, and long must
w^ep — -called, in the prime of all human and Christian
excellance, and of the aSmired maturity of his usefulness,

. to^join the company of thos^ departed hence in the Lord),
it was the n]ost solemn impression of the indispensable ob-
ligation of this worlt, which made him what he Vvas^in your
eyes ; the zealous, active, indefatigable, enterprizing, holy,

. pure, blameless steward of the household of his Lord. It*
was this in)pression, which, before you were blessed with
his ministrations, made him (in all the distinguishing
powers of his mind, and all thfe laboui"^ of study which so
highly finished and so richly furnished it — in all he did — -
in all he thought, and all he meditated) sacred to the glory
of Gad^ and the Redeemer ; and it was this, whicii<^to the
^st hour of his invaluable life, in this portion of the vine-
yafd of the gospel, made duty his only business, and its
engfagements, however hazardous and laborious, his only
pleasitVe. It was this princi[ile, in a word, by whijch he
lived and died. And who will not receive our witness,
when we say, that were the suggestions of caution for his
own safety not received, when danger was in the path of
his anxious zeal for the Church of God, it was only because
he felt that he mud do the icork of Him that sent him, whij^t
it ifBs day.

" Brethren, I would not obtrude upon the sacr^dness
of your sorrow for this most eminently holy and excellent
minister of Christ, the poor tribute of inatlequate eulo-

* gium. Yet you will bear with that solicitude of affection,
which wo«ld mingle with its Sympathy in the sorrow of
your bereavement, the well-founde% sober testimony of
afflicted friendship, to the claim which his memory has to

37

290 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF

be cherished among you, {(fr thd uses of the salvatiofr>
through which you would foDovr tiira to the inheritance of
the saints in light. The office o^ his eulogist belongs not4o
me. I could not fulfill it. YSIil may avail myself of the
sensibiiitT, which I trust remains, to the memory of inter-
esting relations heretofore reciprocally sustaiwfed by us,*
to speak, to you the word of exhortation, which his spirit,
if permitted to be conscious of the scene^ would, I know,
m-efer to hear, and entreat you, fike him, to be diligent in
the work which God givgs yofti to perform. I* may sajnto
YOU, 'remember hun who had the rule ovcr^ou,' and so
aithfuHy, so fu*lly, so affectionately, aftd so wisely ' spoke
to you the word of God, following his faith,, aad consider-
. ing the end of his conversation.' I may say to yoii, let the .
doctrine of Jesus, which iii so much purity he taught, l^e
cherished in your minds : and let his counsel, founded only
in that doctrine, Abide with you, while lifc endures. 1
may say to you, let the labour oHiis love for your sowls —
his solicitude, so full of prayer and wat^hing, for the Im-
perislmblc interests of your iminorttd nftture, ncnin* 1)0
forgotten. iM not the im|)reSi*ion of tlie pure fervour oj'
his devotion — the unw (varied zeal of his ever active p<^>'
and beijevcrtence — the constancy and assiduity of his e*et-
tipns.in the catise of his heavenly iMastcr and His (^iiircli.
ever be effaced from your hearts.

"*My brethren, such a ministry as that, the idls of whidi
vou have been called to ntourn, is the richest bles.<iuu
which heaven can bestow u})o« a people. The enjoy nuist
ojits advantages is a hffppiness, as rare as it is great. It
lias been yours. God forbid that such, his distinguishing
goodness, should not find in your hearts a suitable sensi-
bility to the obligations it creates ! They are sugIi as this
one concluding- word of exhortation may embrace. Jhr-
fhren, he followers 1of>;vthcr of him, and nalli so as yc had him
for an example, lie followers of him, even ai^iie was of
Christ, ren)/embcrin|^liijn in all things, and keeping the
•

' Dr. Bovven liaviiiji belore been [vector of St. Micharrs Church.

THE RIGHT REV.'tHEODORE DEHON. 291

•

ordinances as he delivered them unto you. And, as his
^* heart's desire^ and prayer to God for you,' unceasingly
was, that ' you might be saved,' so labour to pass the tem-
porary, transitory time of your sojodrning upon earth, as
that you may be called whither you trust he ha^'gone
before, and- be the crown of his eternal rejoicing there, in tliie
presence oihis Father ^iwA'your Faflier, his G.od ^n&ymir
God."

# Exiracts from the Correspojidence of the Protestant Epis-
copal Societi/for the Advancement of Christianity in South-
Carolina,

LETTER TO MRS. SARAH DEHON.

. , '' Charleston, August \% 1817.

" MtMlaim, — It has been enjoined on me by the Trus-
tees of the Protestant' Episcopal Society to write to you a
letter of condolence,, on the melancholy death of your be-
loved husband, the late Right Rev. Theodore Dehqn, and
to furnish youMvith a copy of certain resolutions* which
were upanimously passed at a meeting of their Board, spe-
cially convened, in consequence of the decease of their
worthy president.' You will not only be pleased to regard
these communications -as grateful tokens of the high esteem
and cordial affection, which the Trustees have always felt,
and which they \\'ill never cease to entertain, for the gres^t
and good man, who was tile original founder, and a main
4>illar of their association. But you may also rest assured
that thc^j participsfte witli feelings of tfie most profound
sorrow, and *of the tenderest sympp.thy, in your sad and
oaexpected bereavement.. Although it is not to be ex-
pected, in your present situation, that any exl3ressions of
regret for the loss of the deceased, or any tribute of respect
paid to his memory, will immediately allay the grief, or
terminate the anguish with which your mind is overwhelm-
ed, still it is hoped by his friends, amon^- v/hom the Trus-
tees claim a pre-eminent rank, that the united declarations
of their regard and attachment, may, add some weight to

'^ .^ee the Resolutions, p. 273.

292 ESSAY ON THE LIFE OF ,

•

Other grounds of consolation to which you will resort in
this season of trial and afflictfon. The pdncipal sources
of* comfort being derived from religion, it haS|beeii your'
fortunate lot to have learned the use and value thereof,
from the excellent instructions of . him who knew so well
1k)w to expound and inculcate the principles of Christian
resignation, how to cllteer the drooping spirits of the dis-
tressed, how to raise their confidence in the prptectioh of
the Almighty, and how to confirm their acquiescence in th^
wise^but frequently incomprehensible, dispaaisations of
Divine providence. That you may live long to superin-
tend the education of your tender ofispping, and that you
may constantly experience the aid and blessing of God,
who is the Judge of the mdows and the Father of the
fatherle>*8, is the si^icere wish of those, in whose behalf 1
address you on this mournful occasion.

" Pernjit me to conclude with tiie assurance Qf^li^, high-
est resj)ect, with which I have the ^ionour tf^subscribje my-
self, madam, your nK)st ol^edient and humble servant,.- '

"J. C. Tader, Cor. SccreUiry,'".

EXrilACT OF A LETTER TO JOHN S. OOdDELL, CSQ.

' CUiarlejto/i, November J4, 181/.

" IJcdr Sir, — It has been enjoined on me bytbe Trus-
tees of the Protestant lipiscupal Society ft^r the ^Advance-
ment of (yhristianity in South-KJarolina, to connmmicato
to you the following resolutions, which were unaiiimouslfr
passed at a sj)ecial meeting of tl>eir Board, held on the
.I2th inst.

" Copi/ of the resolutions aUaJ,al tu^ — ' Whereas, it ap-
pears that.lT)hn S. Coardell, Esfj., a gentleman of the Bar,
influenced bv motives of frlciidrihij), a?Ki by a laudable de-
sire to gratify the jiublic, and jnore esjjecialiy the members
of our Church, has receutly, with much study and labour,
executed, from memory, an interesting portrait of our late
revered and beloved diocesan, the Right Rev. Dr. Dehon,
the president of this Society :

" ' Rrso/red, that the Corresponding Secretary he re-
quested to inform Mr. Cogdell of the ^reat sntl-^farliou

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 293

with which the members of this Board have witnessed the
success of his arduous undertaking.

" ^•Reso^ed, that the Corresponding Secretary be re-
quested, on the*|jatf and in the name of the Trustees of
this Society, to recommend to Mr. Cpgdell to have an en-
graving published from jiis portrait. •

" * Resohrtd, tliat the thanks of this Board be tendered
to Mr. Cogdell, for his unwearied endeavours to efl'ect a
correct h^eness of thaf distinguished man.'"*

EXTRACT OF A LET:TER TO IVIRS. SARAH DEHONt

" Charleston, April 2i, 1819.

"At a meeting of the Board, on the first of February
last ,Ht was resolved, that six copies of the Sermon on Con-
firmation, lately published by the Society, be respectfully
presented to you. In discliarging a duty so grateful to
me as an individual and an officer of this Board, I can but
faintly express our deep sense of veneration and gratitude
for the rich and affectyig exainpie of glory to God, and
^od will towards men, which our departed bishop set
before us. Whether we regard him as the head of our
Church, or as the founder, patron, and president of our
Society, we feel a siplemn and consolatory conviction, that
the memorials of his usefulness cannot perish, while that
Church and that Society survive. Accept, madam, the
volumes accompanying this, as a mark of mingled respect
f©r him and esteem for yourself. They are indeed very im-
perfect testimonials of our regard for him, since that cpn
be adequately expressed only by an emulous affection for
those institutions which he loved so much, and adorned so
well. Accept our thanks for your continued attachment
to our Society, and be assured, that the welfare of his
widow and his children is an object of tender solicitude to
the officers of this Society. By order of the Board.

" Thomas S. Grimke, Cor, Secretary^

''■ Besides this portrait, Mr. Cogdell has succeeded in making a bust of the
Bishop, which is a happy specimen of his great ability in this department of
the Arts, ' ♦

294 ESSAY 0]NrTHE»LIFE OF

LETTER FROM THE REV. GEORGE CASKINS, D. D.

" London, October 3, 1821.

" Dear Sir, — I now acknowledge the receipt of^your
kind and Christiail letter, written in Itehaflfof the Protest-
ant Episcopal Society for the Advancenient'*of Christianity
in So'4th-Carolina, dated the 5th ^f May, nit., and accom-
])anied by the very valuable sermons of the truf^ apostolic*!
Bishop Dehon ; it will be no unpleasant circumstance for
yoMito hear, and report,*^at an edition of Bishop Dehon's
Serins is -immediately to be put to the press her«, from
tKe copy which you have sent us, not indeed by the Society,
but on the suggestion of myself, and a pious Jay friend of,
minp, a Barrister at law, wtio formerly 'was a fellow ofAll-
Souls College, Oxford. We purpose to prefix to the ser-
mons, the excellent memoir of Bishop Dehon, contained
in Dr. Dalcho's Historical Account, and to affix to them
tho. sermon ]n"eached at his funeral, by Dr. Gij^lsden. If
any profit shall arise from this pui^lication in England,^it
shall be appropriated to the Protestant Ei)is(*opal SocietJ
^r the Advancement of Christianity in South-Carolina, of
which, it seems, your good bishoj) was one of the founders,
and its first i)rcsidcnt. Messrs. l^ivinaft|)ns, our book-sel-
lers, ^have been commissioned to gcj from Charleston, half
a.dozen copies of the bishop's two volumes, printed a^y^ur
tofvn ; and if you can, at the same time, sen(i a likeness
of Bishop Dehon, a plate of it shall he engraven here, anfl
the prijit j)re(i\ed to the volumes.

" Bishop Dehon's Sermons are calculnled to do great
credit to the writer, as a man of considerable talents, and
the soundest jirinciples ; and the republication of them is
likely to etiect much good, both in AmericA and in Eng--
land. I was introduced to your bishops, W hite and Pro-
vost, when they came hither for Episcopal consecration;
the former of whom, I find, still continues to credit and
adorn the American Episco])al bench, although he nmst be
a very old man. That it may please Cod, with a succes-
sion of able prelates, and a |)ious and laborious clergy, to

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 295^

bless your Church, is the earnest pH'ayer of, dear sir, your
affectionate brother in Christ, ^EO. Gaskins,.

" Sec. to the Soc. (in Eng.)for Promot. Chris. Knq//)l."
LETTER FROM 6. W. MARRlof Ty ESQ. ^

" Dear Sir,— To the latest hour of my hfe I shall rejoice
i^ the part I took in publishing Dehon's Sermons^ ii* Eng-
land ; and the only regret I can ever feel, is that the pub-
lisher did"mot, at an earlier period, malv^ a remittance to
the Society for the Advancement of Christianity in South-
Carolina, on the score of profits. I hope other sumi v/ill
be remitted, for when I last saw Messrs. Rivingtons, ?$>
third English edition vvas contemplated by them, and, as
you already know from me, they engage t6 be responsible
to the Society forlialf the profits, as often as they publish
the wofk. I am persuaded that it has greatly tended to
hfeal the spirit of controvers}^ on doctrinal points, v.ithin the
pale of our Church, and, consequently, to leave the zeal Mid
pqi^vers of her sftns to be exerted against her various ene-
mies, without the pale. And every member qf the American-^
Episcopacy may be justly proud of the marked attentioiif
and most favourable acc©j3taiice, which the work com-
manded for itself in this country, solely ty its intrinsic
merits. A leading bookseller Xpld me, that its sale at his
shop showed it to be equally esteemed by all parties in the
Church, andi'Scarcely less by dissenters ; and no less tli^n
tfv^enty-eight pages of the 'Christian Observer' were oc-
cupied by a veview of its contents. An intmiate friend of
mine, the Rev. Edward Berens, Vicar o^ Shriyenham in
Berkshire, has printed, separately, twelve of the .sermons, as
peculiarly suited to the edification of the young. And it is
within my own knowledge, that many of our most distin-
guished prelates have spoken of the work in terms of high
commendation. It v/as most natural, and thoroughly due "
to the Right Rev. Author, that his early transit to eternal
rest should be deemed an irreparable loss to his diocese,
to the American Church, and to the Christian vrorld. But
the spread of his incomparable sermons through Great-

1,296 ESSAY ON THE LlFE OF ^

Britain, and all her foreign dependencies, and the notifica-
tionof his most ]>rinptive example in the funeral discourse
of Dr. Gadsden (verified as it is, and proved to be correct,
in a renfifarkable degree, by the portrait Avhich his own ser-
mons afford of the departed prelate), may ijow tend to
convinccus tjiat human calculations were shortsighted, aj^
that God did not overlook the interests of his Church, wheJi
this faithful servant was so early called ' to ent^- into the
joy of his Lord.' Most faithfully j^ours.

" G.-W. Marriott."

* REPLY TO THE ABOVE.

" Mu dear Sir, — I am instructed by the Board of Trus-
tees of the Protestant Episcopal Scfbiety for the ilulvance-
ment of Christiiyifty in Sbuth-Carohna, to return you their
thanks for the disinterested and liberal part which you
have acted, in roltitiouto the jwiblication of the sermons di'
th# Right Rev. Theodore Dehon, bishop of this di6ce??e.
Although it should have been certain thfit without y^^ir
generous exeijions, these discourses \vould have l^e*n
•epnblished in England, yet wr cnunot but feel grgiteful, as
Ej)iscoj);iiiaus and AuH'ricaus, ♦hat tlicy should have been
mudr known to ihe Biitisii pul)lic in tRe mode in wliMi
they were introduced to Wie father-laud of our ancestors.
Had the natiniud prid<» of an American, or th^ hope*of
profit ill a bookseller, led to the euterprize, we should
Imve been far, far less gratified at the reprinting oif the'eer-
mons of our bishop in the country of [looker and Potter,
of Lowth, PortcMis, and Horsley. But the catholic spirit,
in a rhristiau poiut of view — the public spirit, in an eccle-
siastical point of view — and the dclicate,'generous spirit,
in an iudividiud poiut of view, manifested in the whole
conduct of this transaction, have connnauded our gratitude^
respect and esteem. Permit me, therefore, in conclusion,
to request your acce|)tance of the warmest acknowledge-
ments of the Board.

'* Yours, with much respect and esteem,

• ''Thomas S. Ghi.mke, Cor. Secretary:'

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHON. 597

EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO THE REV. GEO. GASKINS, D. D.
LONDON.

" United States of America, Charleston, S. C, July 22, 1827.

^^ Rev. and Dear Sir, — The Protestant Episcopal Soci-
ety for the Advancement of Christianity in South-Carohna
w^uld be altogether unworthy the station they hold, were
they not deeply sensible of the debt of gratitude due to you
by themselves, by the diocese of South-Carolina, and in-
deed by the Episcopal Church throughout our Union. The
liberal and benevolent zeal displayed in projecting and
completing the republication of Bishoi> Dehon's Sermons,
in England, entitle you, and the gentlemen concerned with
you, to our most grateful acknowledgements. It is a satis-
faction to know, that^whilst you have conferred on the
diocese of South-Carolina this signal favour and honour,
yDu have subserved, in a ^'eat degree, the dignity and in-
terests of the Episcopal Church in England and America.
Although we can venture to form no judgment of the ex-
tent to which the Church may have been benefited in your
country, by the reprinting of J)ehon's Sermons there, we
may be permitted to view it as one step towards the pay-
ment of that large and ancient debt of gratitude which the
Protestant Episcopal Church of these United States owes
to Mie Church of England, ' for her first foundation and a
long continuance of nursing care and protection.' How
dehghtful is ttie reflection, that such a debt should be re-
paid in the spirit and in the manner in which the educated
son repays the watchfulness and solicitude, the faithfulness
and love, of his parents. That the origin and nature of
this relation may never be forgotten by the elder Church
of the old world, or the younger Church of the new worlds
is the humble trust, the faithful prayer, the fervent hope,
of the latter. In conclusion, let me request your accept-
ance of the acknowledgement as expressed in the accom-
panying resolution. Yours, with great respect,

'5^ Thomas S. Grimke, Car. Secretary.
38

298^ teSSAY ON THE LIFE OF

" * At a meeting of the Trustees, July 2, 1827, it wa«
Resolved, that tlie thanks of this Board be given to the ^ev.
Dr. Gaskins, and the gentlemen associated with him, by
whose benevolence our Society has reahzed the sum of
£321, being the profit on the sale of Bishop Dehon's Seiy
mons, which those gentlemen caused to*be published in
England.'."

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM 6, W. MARRIOTT, ESQ.^OF
LOxNDON,' TO BISHOP BOWEN. *

" London, July 4, 1832.

" I have the pleasing task.of informing you, as president
of the Society for adv^incing •Christianity in South-Caro-
lina, that Messrs. Riv ingtons have paid to me (as the sur-
viving editor of Bishoj) Dehon's Seif mons) the sum of Jt81
12.S*. iSd. as the half profits of the third edition of tliose ex-
cellent sermons. Each edihoif was of a thousand copied,
and I know of no instance of such a sale for any Eng/ts/t
sermons. In any way yon will (liiect mo to ])ay the above
sum to your order, for the use of the Society, I will in-
stantly obey your direction^ ^ I cannot lielp now stating

that T had great satisfaction in destining one co|)y of

to Mr. Cogdell, whose wcuk, as a .selt-tauglit sculptor, 1
shall ever think wonderful, and, as preserving to *fiituit*
generations the likeness of Dehon, it; (jiiite iiiestimaWe-

"G. W. Marriott."

At a meeting of ihe 'I'liistees, Augu.st 31,*18f32, it was
'' Rcso/ird, imawimoudi/, that the bishoj) (the president of
the Society) he res])e(tfully requested to commfinicate to
Mr. (t. W. Marriott, their deep sense of gratitude to him,
and the other gentlemen wjio were poncerned, in having
fhroe editions of the .sermons of I^ishop Dehon printed in
England, wluMeby not only honour has been retlerted on
our Church in this country, and the cause of Cbri.stiaoity
in general promoti'd, but our Society in particular has
been nuich benefited, a large proportion ot" the profits,
arising from the sale of the books, having been generously
added to its funds."

THE RIGHT REV. THEODORE DEHOHV. 299

But there was no memorial, no expression of feeling,
more appropriate than tfie instituting of a scholarship,
bearing his name, at our General Theological Seminary.*
This undertaking on the part of a number of ladies, was
induced by his well known interest in 4;hat institution, of

* The following is a copy of the paper circulated to obtain subscribers for
the object: *

'^January 15, 1821. The ladies of South-Carolina desirous to do their part
in the excellent charity of assisting pious young men in their education for the
sacred office, propose to establish a scholarship at the General Seminary of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, to be called the Dehon Scholarship*

" Should the sum subscribed be more than sugicient for tiiis purpose, the
*ftalance shall be appropriated towards the endowment of a professorship at the
said Seminary, to be called the South- Carolina Professorship. The bishop
and the rectors of St. Paul's and St. Philip's Churches, Charleston, are hereby
constituted trustees of the money collected. The Episcopal clergy, and in the
vacant parishes, the chairman of the vestry, are respectfully requested to act
as agents for this collection. The subscription papers to be returned to the
trustees, at latest, in three months from this date.

" Some of the considerations tchich recommend thepresent and similar measures.

" 1. The greaUneed of an increase of clergy in our extensive country.

''2. The advancement of candidates in virtue and in knowledge to be
expected, under the Divines blessing, from the good examples, the pious habits,
and the systematic instruction in the Theological Seminary.

" 3. The preparation of candidates for the ministry is a high duty, which
belongs (as it respects the providing of unexceptionable and sufficient means,
and the exercise of uuappellate jurisdiction over it) most appropriately to the
supreme council of the Church ; and an united effort affi)rds the best promise of
an institution respectable for its endowment, its talent and learning, and the
number of its pupils.

" 4. I\Jore than one Theological Seminary in our Church, at present, would
appear to be an unnecessary expenditure of its resources, as the whole number of
candidates does not exceed seventy, t and even should that number be trebled,
one seminary would be sufficient.

"5. The General Seminary would be a bond of union to the confederated
dioceses, as common property, the acqui.sition of united zeal and perseveiance,
the object of united affection and care ; and the association of candidates from
the different dioceses, would moderate local feeling, lay the foundation of
friendship and unanimity, and in other respects promote the prosperity of the
Church.

" 6. A Theological Seminary, with a sufficient endowment and a complete
library, would naturally create a body of learned men, who would greatly
benefit the Church and mankind, by the publication of their researches."

" "This design originated shortly after the lamented death of this bishop, whose zeal for
the General Seminary is well known."

t " See Journals of the General Convention (1820), dPhd other documents.

300 • ESSAY ON THE LIFE, &c.

which, as we have before remarked, he deserved, more
than^any other individual, to lae considered the founder.
The scholarship was commenced in 1821, has now a capi-
tal of $3903, and has already had two beneficiaries. •
In conclusion, the author takes occasion to remark, that
if any persons have been interested by tiTis work — by this
imperfect picture, how much more would they have been,
had they been permitted, as he was (a privilege claiming
his devout gratitude), to contemplate-^ for so long a time,
and in so many aspects — the original.

APPEBTDIX,

No. I.

ORATION OxN TASTE:

^Ddivered atsHarvard University, on the occasion of taking his first degreejinni
■ ' the Arts : 1795.

The faculties of man are inejfiiaustible sources of observation. There are
no subjects which the mind contemplates with more substantial stitisfaction —
none which more earnestly interests curiosity, or more fully repay the fatigues
of attention. So different are their natures, so various their complexions, that
every eye may discern some agreeable object ; to every palate they afford its
proper dish. The poet, the philosopher, the disputant, and the orator, may
here choose an observatory congenial with his feelings ; where he may paint
with fancy, investigate with judgment, or with ima^rination soar. Each indi-
vidual faculty may be considered as a luminary in the firmament of intellect;
and they all may collectively be viewed as a system, beautiful, harmonious,
and sublime. The phases, motions, and eccentricities of the heavenly bodies,
are not more fertile of discoveries interesting and important, than are those of
the faculties which constitute man, and place him so high in the scale of pre-
ferment. When assembled to commemorate the birth-day of the thousancfs,
who, by improving these faculties, have rendered deathless Harvard's fame,
and added fresh trophies to the triumphs of Columbia, where shall we look for
a theme, appropriate, interesting, or amusing, but among the noblest energies
of Nature's skill, the boasted causes of man's superiority ? What though they
want the aid of novelty ? — an attempt at novelty would be an attempt at impos-
sibility. Politics have long since lost their novel attractive-power, and become
a jargon of dissonant sounds. The various branches of science have so fre-
quently and so forcibly been shaken, that scarce a blossom remains, to revive,
by its fragrance, the fainting spirits of a fatigued audience. So completely
has the rich, extensive wardrobe of art been rifled, that pot a veil remains to
cover deficiencies from the discerning eye of a literary assembly. Let us,
then, dedicate our attention to that faculty of the mind, whose pleasure and
utility, the present occasion, and present objects, so loudly speak.

302 APPENDIX.

While the uncommon effulgence of the galaxy of beauty, the appearance of
many of the characters who render resplendent our literacy hemisphere, and
the sublime ideas which our annual saturnalia are wont to inspire, exhibit,
promote, and gratify taste, a consciousness of the assistance which nature will
lend in rendering conspicuous the disadvantages ofit, recommend it as a theme
to despairing ambition.

' I\ature, lavish of her bounties to man, has perfected her benignity, by allow-
ing him the bliss to feel. There is in his constitution a certain power called
sensibility, which is a perpetual fund of exquisite felicity. So delicate is its
contexture, that like the almost uuimated plant which bears its name, it feels
most sensibly the slightest touch. One single unnatural gesture has awakened
it to torture; one gracefully uttered Sentence has yielded it bliss, "^lere is
scarce a nerve in the human system, which it has 'not at command : every
muscle has borne testimony to its resistless sway. It is a chord which vibrates
at every refined sentiment* and is in unison with the beautiful, the novel, and
the sublime, wherever they exist. At the same time, with an equally nice
discernment, it*discovers deformity, and, immediately on the perception, iii
agony recoils. This sensibility is the prolific parent of many of the passions
and affections of the human constitution. The lear of pity is but the ©ffeiing
yf sensibility ; and the gift of benevolence had rusted in the haqd, but for the
' pleading of this spirit of eloquence. Sutbce it. however, to observe, that con-
sidered as a powei capable of receiving with exactness, and transferring by
reflection, to the mind, the images of ol))ectsJust as they exist, is the founda-
tion of the fvcul'y denominated taste. It is the cement which unites the sab-
stratum with the numerous refined principles, which form in perfection this
delicate harmonica. But sensibility alone is far from constituting taste. The
enthusiastic Vaptures, which it frequently occasions, differ as widely froinihe
refined discernment of true taste, as the affected softness of Italian poetry frOm
the beauty of Virgil, or the sublimity of Homer. It is the province of sensibility
siiTi|)ly to lay the foundation. Thus, taste, lijie a ray of light, is compoaeU (tf
many primary colours, each of which individually*pleases thee}e, and tnfe
happy combination of all forms a bright intellectual sun. which darts its beams
on the objects of nature afld art, and thereby reflects to the mental eyecufh
beauty and defbrjnity with a critic's exactness.

Such being the nature of this superior sense, how ex(piisite must be its
gratification. The objects, with which it is particularly conversant, loudly
sj)eak the delicioutihess of its pleasures. These are to be found in the world
of nature, the volumes of science, and the repository of art. With the beauti-
ful and sublime, in each of these, taste is ever in unison. The study of nature
is the most agreeable recreation in which the mind can engnfe. Scarce caflk
we tread a step in her extensive field, withyatljeing with surrounding objects.
But here imagination herself, dazzled by their lustre, and confused by their
number, drops her too narrow wing, and forbears description. But why i.9-
this study, then, agreeald^ Because it affords a luxurious banquet to intel-
lectual taste. The perfect example of tfie beautiful, which nature presents,
when in her morning robes she ushers in the day, i'l'a-sting the eye with her
dewy lustre, ravishitig the ear with the carols of her feathered songsters, and
gently thrilling the pulse of bliss with ten thousand agreeable emotions, might
be viewed by a person devoid of this sense, without discovering a charm. In

APPENDIX. • . 303

fact, nature, when slie had completed the graa^ archetype of every thing
which genius could admire, or art attempr, endued man with this peculiar
sense, with taste to view, and viewi^ig to admire.

The pleasures resulting from the science of natwe are, then, the pleasures
of taste. These, however, are far from being its only pleasures. Taste is
the very key to the repository, in which is contained every utile ct duke of the
fine arts. 'What! excl^ms the idolater to nature, dares art attempt to rival
my God ? When did it create, or devise, *"a work so grateful, so astonishing,
so perfect, as the immeasurable amphitheatre which nature has set open to
the inspection of all ? How matchless are the colours of its carpet, how beau-
tifully varied. Its 'scenes defy the nicest touch of the painter, the most elal)b-
rate description of the muse. Its dome is sublimely magnificent, brilliantly
illumined with thousands of lamps, each lamp a lustrous world, aM all sus-
pended j^y one single chain, the fiat of th(j Architect ! Can art present to taste
a sight like this ? Certainly not. Reason herself subscribes to the declara-
tion, that in all things the perfection of nature has the pre-eminence. There
is, however, in man, a lively, insatiate curiosity, which grasps with avidity at
every thing novel. Like an instantaneous, unexpected smile from fortune,
novelty enlivens and transports. The objects of nature, grand as they are,
bein^ common to the '^ye, lose, by insensible degrees, thie essential charm.
While art, from the treasury of invention, produces things new aad old.

tt is laid down as an axiom in the principia of nature, that activity is the
soul of enjoyment. To this importance of activity to the mind, we must finally
refer that proneness to imitation, so universally characteristic of our species.
To each of these dispositions, the fin6 arts are happily accommodated. While
viewing the magnificence of nature, we have only to admire; but when con-
templating the works of art, taste has a double employment. Few of them,
alas, can boast perfection ; many are but models of the reverse. Wh^Ie,
therefore, it is equally active in relishing every beauty, the mind is exerted in
distinguishing the really beautiful, from deformity, open or concealed. .To
compare the difterent degrees of beauty critically, to distinguish the flov^^r
from the weed, to tear aside the veil wliich too keen sensibility, or too wairni
an imagination, might draw over blemishes, and to admit the rays of reason^
is an important part of the connoisseur's pleasure. From these circumstances,'
it is with diffidence suggested, that correctness of taste is more peculiarly
appropriate to the works of nature, than to those of art. But the passion of
the mind for imitation has collected the riches with which the coffers of art
are filled, and the mind, with a kind of parental fondness, is ever happy in
viewing the offspring of its own exertions, ^Vhat, but the desire to imitate,
influenced the fiither of sculpture to attempt to teach inanimate to speak.
Pleased with his success, he undoubtedly smiled at the first infant lispings of
his art. The gratification of a commendable pride, received fnmi the con-
sideration that this active disposition had so nearly approached perfection,
supported the raptures which Raphael must have felt, when he animated the
canvass with the life of nature, and, with all the eloquence of colour, taught it to
express the very passions of humanity. Indeed, most of the fine arts are founded
on inaitation, aided by the charms of description, and the power of association.
They almost surpass even nature herself, in the gratefulness of the entertain-
ment they have prepared for taste. The want of novelty, therefore, in the

304 ' AlTEXbTX.

displays of nature, and the groneness to imitation in mftn, must be assigned as
the principal causes of the vvdtl known fact, that the^abinet of art is the home
of taste.

Let us, then, enter this cabinet, and view, for a moment, its domestic plea-
sures. Here we shall find a feast not inferior to that of reason — here we may
quaff of joys not less exquisite than even those which are exhaled from the
jflow of souls. Here the eye may view with rapture rtie infinity of "figure, the
power of proportion, the uniformity amidst variety, which architecture rears*
H6re the imitative disposition may admire the magic of a Raphael's skill, or
gaze with rapture on a Pliidias' art. There gently flows the gentle Avon
stream ; while on its surface floats the Mantuan swan. "Now, tlife soft and
simple" strains of Virgil ravish the listening ear; anon, great Homer sings.
The charts of rhetoric here flourish in luxuriance. Language here heaves its
ocean of wealth. To add sublimity to the scene, eloquence lends her all
powefful aid.* The liglitning of Cicero renders livid the plain — presently the
thunder of Demosthenes roar.-?. In short, the grandest achievements of "the
greatest geniuses, who ever dwelt on earth, here f -rm a lianquet for refined
taste. Criticism, that ^eat source of rational amusement, moves at thei head
as lord of all. But criticism is deperfdent on taste. A critic devoid of laste,
would resemble ^am in his bachelbr state, before«natuP^ had refined his rofi^
for the joys ef paradise, Ly giving them a rest in the smiles of his Fve. Tiiese
are the objects, which yield jjleasures more easily felt than described. Thrive
hap})y iic, to whose improved taste these pleasures arise, when sqli^teU with
sensual enjO]^ments, (Chd wearied with the abstruseaess of iulellectual re-
searches. Here he may retire, and sip (flTa stre/im, whose effects are tieither
sUtiety nor fatigue. From this grand reservoir of refined .se^jtiyiient, flow tlie
eraotions which enrapture tlie soul, when Benevolence, in the luild ftstre of
her charms, exemp!ifi<\s (he beautiful, or. in sopie lofty fl**ign,"Vomagofllike
intention, gives birth <() the sublime. Shall, then, the sons of this iljustrious
IJniyersify ever cease chaunliiig the alleluias of gratitude to the manes o/Vits
founder, and generous benefactors ? While Time exist*, and .Science ha« a
■ Mt ir\ . F'aiiie shall echo witli pride thp name of Harvard. His nugust inten-
Mi'ii. Ill laying the cnrurr-stone of this now lofty temple, will «.tand engraven
on the tablet of memory, in characters capital and indrlible. And wheiTyime
shall cease — h^cience Be consummated — collected worlds^ill hear, with rap-
tur»;, the record iead, of a deed whicii reflects such honour on^umanity.
What though the ruthless hand of Tune has almost erased the tract, which
marked the spot, where once the bounty of a Stacghton stood. His deeda
were of an immortal nature. Tlie remembrance of tiiem will blunt tin' edge
of Time's despotic scytiie, and be heard in the acclamatiotis of latest posterity.
Science, perhaps, never knew a warmer patron, or more sincere fiiend. than
phe realized in the generous UoIIh. Unconfined by narrow principles, or
native shores, the gales of his benevolence were wafted over the Atlantic, and
in yon sacred enclosure nourished the then scarce budding twigs, which now
annually pour into the lap of ^olumfuaa harvest of supporters both of Church
and 8tate. Amiable man. While tl»e memory of his unparalleled goodness
rises sjtonlaneously,* and commands applause. We. this day, from the soul,
call him blessed. He;iven seems to i:ave endued the nami of Hancock with
a power attractive of respect. While we feel satisfied, that ftie memory of

«

APPENDIX. 305

ihe patriotism of his late Excellency will live co-eval with time, we cordially
hope that it will never survive the memory of the benevolence of his illustrious
ancestor. At the mention of Powdoin^ esteem awakens admiration. Memory,
with melancholy pleasure, will annually deck his hallowed urn with unfading
laurels and sacred tears. Science will weep, and Gratitude heave one continued
sigh, that he could no longer be spared from the regions above. The time would
fail me, to do justice to an Alford, Boylston, Hersey, Hubbard, Erving, and
Cummings, who, through benevolence, wrought deeds immortal, and obtained
places in Fame's catalogue of worthies. Their noble, generous, revered
names, will live immortal in the breast of every one, whose amiable idolatry
is paid to Science, whose heart is an Ararat to wandering philanthropy.

But these were men. In the catalogue of Harvard's benefactors, there
stands conspicuous' a Holden, and a Derby, from the fair sex. Are ye not, ye
lovely daughters of, Columbia, pleased with the consideration, that these
deathless heroines in the field of benevolence have performed exploits in
favour of Science, which, while they have endeared, have embalmed, their
memories, and rendered tributary to the sex every friend to literatur -. Have
we not heard Fame echoing, with pride, a Sr.pho's notes. Borne on the
bosom of the Atlantic, have not the strains of Matilda reached our ears ; and in
our native clime does not Phileuia sing? This day presents a satisfactory
proof, that Nature, after completing creation, hazarded principally on the fair
the reputation of her taste. Here, however, the harp of Gabriel might be
mute ; the collected Nine would lean to the willows. Be it then our highest
ambition, while united Columbia is smoking the calumet, to defend with
invincibility the rights of women; and should ever the higher claims of our
country call us to its defence, let us see that we leave them in the temple of
Minerva.

The heroic virtues, by the power of association, expand the mind with ideas
the most sublime. It is, therefore, gratifying to Taste, to behold the holy
veterans in our country's service adding dignity to the pleasures of our anrmal
quinquatria. While the wisdom of Washington, like the lustre of a sun, has
driven beyond our horizon the grim clouds of war, and our hemisphere is
enlivened by the day-star of peace, patriotism may add a sprig to the laurel
which now blooms on its brow, by advancing the improvement of Taste, and
the cultivation of the fine arts. These are of infinite consequence to our
country, as a rising republic. W^hat lustre does it add to the Grecian and
Roman names, that during the halcyon days of their republican existence,
they brought the fine arts to a perfection before unknown, and at the head of
the objects which arrested their concern, placed the improvement of Taste.
Our's IS the soil of freedom — our's is the clime of peace. Our country has,
indeed, for its age, been fertile in the productions of genius. There is scarce
a State in the Union, which cannot boast its hero in some one of the fine arts.
Our olmo, mater is now happy in a Longinus, who does honour to the chair
of criticism, and will shine perennial in the firmament of taste, as a star of the
first magnitude. The seeds of improvement are plentifully sown in our land,
and nothing is wanting but the hand of cultivation. May not many (-) mark
his figures in the sand without being noticed ? Does not genius too oflen
sweat at the anvil, while nihility struts in academic gown ? Fondly we hope.,
that, ere long, Benevolfmce will found a nursery, into which may be trans-

39

306 APPENDIX.

planted those embryo geniuses, who now "blush unseen, and waste their
fragrance on the desert air." While we speed to heaven a prayer, that Har-
vard's fame may be a stranger to decline — that Columbia's prosperity may
know no achme — we shout an amen to the equally patriotic wish, that such
may be the fate of Columbia's Taste.

No. II,

DISCOURSE ON THE DEATH OF WASHINGTON :

Delivered in Newport, Rhode- Island, before the Congregation of Trinity Church,
the Masonie Society, and the Neicport Guards, on the Sunday fullotcing tlu-
intelligence of his death : 1799.

II. Samuel iii. 3P.
" Know ye not tliat there is a prince and a great man fallen this day iu Israel."

Sacred are the sorrows for departed worth. Just and manly is the sigh,
which passes from the bosom at the remembrance of goodness and greatness
expired. \Vhen death diUuses uncommon horror by laying his wasteful hand
upon wisdom, valour, and every venerable excellence — when human naturf
loses its nobles, and a nation is in tears, it is virtue to weep.; it is religion to
be sad. Oh, sons of my country, ye cannot but mourn ! Ye daughters of
America, ye are amiably in tears ! For, the beauty of our Israel is fallen — the
staff of its renoicn is no more ! Death, giving his strongest proof that no
greatness can awe, nor entreaty divert him from his prey, has taken our
Washington fn.m among us ; and we arc left to strive to soothe or anguish, by
musing upon his virtues and paving our humble tribute to his name.

On this melancholy occasion, no words occur to me more; suitable to guide
the meditations of our agitated minds, than the passage I lia\e selected for tlir
motto of this discourse. It is the tender lamentation of the destined ruler of
Israel, at the death of the commander-in-chief of their hosts. While .-iiiiilarity
of characters gives peculiar pertinence to the words, they have, too, a plea iu
your feelings: for with the most plaintive pathos which nature can express,
sorrow sits speaking from countenance to rounlenance; and her yet repeated
theme is, " there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel."

Here let us consider, what, iir the eye of reason and Omniscience, imparts
lustre to the character of a prince, and constitutes tire emirrently great man.
We will then pause, and contemplate his exit from the world, with its cir-
cumstances and effects. And your hearts will expect what my feelings will
dictate, the obvious conclusion which the occasion requires.

In the first place — a broad basis of civil greatness is laid by him, who
becomes //w; nofc/c «n/Z rir^M^us founder of an empire. To gi\e existence to
an independent people, and establish their national being among the kingdoms

APPENDIX. 307

©f the earth, is the sublime work only of uncommon talents. It fills us with
lofty conceptions of the character by whom it is effected ; and obtains the
admiration of remotest prosperity. In all ages, nations, with assiduous pride,
have embalmed the memories of their founders. Time, the demolisher of
every glorious fabric, has generally respected their names. Base measures,
and selfish considerations, have sometimes disgraced this vast achievement of
man; and left us to admire the greatness of the work, without one sentiment
of regard for the agent. Rome's founder was ignoble. The Modes owed
their empire to a monster. But the man, who, animated by the generous
thought of extending the dominion of Liberty, and giving a distinct field to the
exertions of his countrymen, effects the independence and establishment of a
nation — who, without other motive than a desire to render his people great
and happy, founds their empire in right, and would have it grow by the vigour
of freedom, law and virtue — who, regardless of personal emolument, seeks
only to be loved by them as their affectionate civil-father — such a man must
be considered as raised up by heaven in a favoured land, to conduct one of
those grand operations, which involve almost an infinitude of interests ; to-
gether with the fate and character of millions of the human race.

To lay this unperishable basis of renown, is, indeed, a rare glory. It has
belonged only to a few distinguished beings, who have been endowed for the
work with uncommon powers and resources. Many have been protecting
rulers of a people, and raised them to eminent greatness and refinement. But
few virtaous founders of empires have ennobled the annals of the world.

In the ruler, however, there are definite characteristics of true greatness and
glory. Wisdom, firmness, and integrity, are the essentials of excellence in a
chief. An active, observing mind, enriched with a knowledge of human
nature, and of the experiments of past ages in governing men — a prudence,
inspiring calm surveys of the natures, prospects, dangers, and resources, of his
people — an uniform collectedness, guarding him against surprize and despon-
dence in urgent moments, ennabling him to assert and discharge his duty, and
rendering him unmoveable by the calumnies, to which the conspicuous must
ever be exposed — above all, an integrity, which scorns disguise; which, im-
penetrable and lustrous, like polished steel, holds not a moment the breath of
flattery nor abuse ; which, unaflfected by sinister considerations, is anxious
only to be faithful to its trust — these are properties which form the chief,
whose glory is pure, and whose greatness is real. In his station as ruler, he
stands likg a venerable colnnm raised by his people's hearts, concentrating in
himself and exhibiting to the world his country's triumphs, dignity and justice.

The seat of pow^er is not, however, the only place where we are to look for
the traits which form the glory of a prince, and constitute the truly great man.
In every act of his life, we may see love for his country influencing his con.
duct ; and eminent personal magnanimity. It is not power that he covets. It
is not for the sake of ruling that he holds the civil reins. In whatever station
he can most serve his country, w^hether as the leader of her hosts, as the guide
of her councils, or, as a fixed luminary, in private life shedding the affecting
lustre of unaspiring virtue, that station is his choice. Is he in the field ? The
love of conquest does not inflame his breast. His procedure is not governed
\^ an insatiate zeal for triumph. He is, indeed, courageous; aud aims, by
skill and kindness, to call forth all the prowess of his troops. But his only

308 APPENDIX.

object is to defend his country^s rights. So soon as her honour permits, his
language is that of the chief whom the text bewails : '• Shall the sword devour
forever ? Knowest thou not, that it will be bitterness in the latter end ? " * l»
he in the cabinet? No thirst for fame, no selfish ambition, no ignoble hopes,
instigate his connsels. His country's character is his own. Her prosperity is
his aggrandizement. His steady aim is to conduct her to greatnes and felicity,
by arts, frugality, order and virtue, under the blest influences of peace. If he
be raised to sovereign authority, no pomp of honours, nor pride of pre-
eminence, can debase his patriot mind. When he has established the empire
of his wishes, seen it in good organization, and can safely resign the superin-
tendence of it to another, he appears most truly great, if a rare magnanimity
prompt him to display the noblest act of public virtue, by relinquishing station
and power, and their flattering concomitants, to retire ; and exhibit, as a
citizen, an obedience to the laws, which, as a ruler, he enforced.

But public achievements and public honours will not finish the character of
a prince and great man. There are private virtues which, though of smaller
lustre, are of divine nature. Without these, no greatness is complete. Here is
the defect of many of the heroes of antiquity. Here is the imperfection, which
we must ever regret, in many renowned characters. They display grandeur of
exploit, great prowess in arms, deep skill in legislation ; but their noble virtues
are alone. They want attendants. We see none of the humble, humane,
domestic virtues ; without which all glory is deficient. They possess strength
of mind; but we have to deplore its rudeness. We find in them coUected-
ness; but we look in vain for hun«anify by its side. They show us integrity;
but we are (ibliged to mark the want of courteous ease, to render it agreeable.
Intent only upon being public heroes, some of them, alas! have been private
brutes. Without the amiable qualitie* of the heart, popular deeds purchase hut
a tinsel renown. He who is great in worth as well as name, endeavours to blend
with the glories of a chief, the virtues of a mun. One aim regul<<tes his life —
to exalt human nature, while lie serves his country. He is, therefore, studious
of every excellence ; and his private virtues soften the brightness of his public
accomi)lisiiments into the most endearing loveliness.

To crown the glorious properties of the truly f.'reat character, religion reigns
in his bosom. A prince or ruler without religion, wants the best glory of
humanity. He is destitute of that, which, as a princijile. gives worth to every
action; and, as an excellence, reflects a nobler lustre upon the most finished
human greatness 'I'he virtuous prince and real patriot, perceives in the
sentiment, which leads him to CJod for guidance, the most useful truth he can
exemplify to his country. For them, it is nece.-jsary to improvement and to
happiness. In him, it dignifies every applauded quality. Venerable, as of
etherial nature, is the jilory, with which the religious principle invests civil
greatness; and now that the I'lornal Father "hath spoken to us by his Son,*'
the Christian graces, more than the themes of ancient fame, ennoble the chief,
and perfect the man.

We have now .seen the properties which form a character, princely indeed,
and emini-nlly great. I^ei us pause, and contemplate the exit of such a man
from the world, with its circumstances and elfects.

' II. Samuel, ii. 36.

APPENDIX. 309

In itself, it is peaceful and glorious. Sweet is the review which he takes of
life. Soothing are the prospects which he sees in death. But for his country's
good, he would not wish to defer the hour of departure. He expects in it an
honourable rest from his anxious cares for his country's safety and improve-
ment. It promises him a freedom from that monstrous ingratitude, which (O
shame to our nature!) not celestial perfection could escape. He knows he
shall leave a spotless fame, which posterity will venerate. And a crown is
before him in a realm of eternal, peace. Resigned to the will of his God, he
waits his messenger. Death cannot deprive him of his lustre. The sun,
which shone bright through the day, sets in mild splendour at eve ; and, save
the beams which pensive reflection holds, carries its greatness and its glories
with it.

But, though the departure of such a character from the world is, in itself,
peaceful and glorious, deep shades of gloom pervtide the region he leaves;
and mournful darkness, fixed upon every object he illumined, speaks bereave-
ment. *

In the relatives and friends whom he loved, and in the societies with which
he was associated, the death of the truly great man touches every tender nerve
of sorrow. The ties with which nature, or appropriate affection, unites indi-
viduals with such a character, must be inexpressibly strong and dear. The
pride and pleasure which we feel, in being any way related to such great-
ness, renders him the glory and delight of each fraternity that enrols him
among its fellows. Every object connected with him, the near persons of his
household, the partners of his confidence, and companions of his life, the
societies, civil and religious, to which he belongs, all shine, distinguished, in
the lustre of his name. What a loss then do they sustain when he expires !
How involuntarily do their faces gathei anguis^h! They heave the sigh of
regret — they seek the sym|)athy of grief — they wear the insignia of sorrow.
But, alas! the heart of the relative is rent! — the boast of the societies is
gone!

To a nation, the death of such a prince and great man is one of the most
solemn bereavements it can sustain. In his country, such a man is a centre
of union, a source of light, and a reservoir of strength. In his country, such a
man is more treasure than all its revenues ; more glory than all its achieve-
ments. In his country, such a man is heaven's gift — the best ot national
distinctions — a kind of guardian angel. His name is a host. His renown is
at once the envy and the dread of every foe. His inhabitance is dignity and
defence. So long as she retains him, his country feels herself great. How
awful, then, the event which takes him from her. It is like the withdrawal
of light, when a cloud passes ovei the earth, whose portentous gloom fills every
one with dismay. His exit is felt by his country in every member; and
mournful are her aspect and thoughts. A solemn knell moans through the
bereaved land. Gaiety stops to muse on the sad tidings. Industry pauses
to wipe away a tear. The wise, with anxious sorrow, presage the conse-
quences. And the matron, with pious patriotism, tells her little ones who is
dead. The sorrowing fathers of the land assemble. Upon one object they
are all intent — how they may best honour the departed hero. While thus
they seek to soothe the public grief, even calumny ceases from her rudeness ;
iiushed by the solemnity of general mourning. Religion, sympathizing, sane-

310 APPENDIX.

tifies the affliction. The nation pays its funeral tributes to the worthy. And
long, long, is his country mindful of her lost. Long, very long, is she sad,
that her " prince and her groat man is fallen."

Finally, when such a character dies, the world is affected — the whole
family of man mourns. Snch great and good men ennoble human nature.
In all countries their names are honoured; and their virtues revered. Man,
wherever he is, will admire such conspicuous and uncommon worth. He
sees a dignity imparted by it t6 his species,- which produces in his bosom a
glow of noble emotions. Congenial greatness discovers in it a majesty
besjjpwed on eminent stations, not borrowed from them ; and is excited to an
imitation of its peculiar excellencies. The blow, therefore, which takes the
virtuous chief and truly great man from earth, is felt by the world. The
regret it occasions, is not confined to place: but is as extensive as human
interests and the bosoms of men. Man respects greatness: and his self-love,
as well as philanthropy, causes him to mourn when the luminaries of his
race expire. ^

Such are the properties which shed glor)- on a prince, and form the trnlv
great man. And such his exit from tins tenestial scene, its circumstances,
and its effects.

Have not your hearts, my friends, discerned at every step the lineaments
of Washington ? Have you not anticipated the remark, that all the solid
glory of a prince, and every property of the truly great man, existed in that
finished character? I avoided making the application as we passed, lest
your admiration of such illustrious greatness might be damped, by the chilling
emotions which come over the mind at every mention of his name. But it was
vain. His virtues were too dear to you not to have been instantly recognized.
Your listening griefs (juick felt and told that, in the qualities and exit of
eminent greatness, I described your departed hero. Yes; what was said,
was, in all parts applicable to him. I see him in the field, in the council, in
the temple, in his dignified retirement, and at death, displaying every virtue
which CUD adorn the soldier, the statesman, the citizen and the Christian.
But while we triuniph in the thought that it was reserved for our country, at
this late age of the world, to produce the man who should exhibit in his char-
acter an assemblage of all human excellencies, the blood retreats cold to the
heart, and the s|)irits faulter, at the recollection, that now —he is no more!
No more shall our country console herself under every prospect, that she has
in one man enoufih to render her more eminent than the nations of the earth.
No more " shall his name prove a rampart, and the knowledge that he exists a
bulwark, against the secret and open enemies of his country's peace ''* No
n«ore shall all earthly powers fear and respect our land, because he dwells
here; and rourt our alliance to be related to him. No more shall the old and
the young teel a pride in being his cotemporaries ; and point to beanis retained
by the Patriot Mount, t when the glory of their country is low. He is gone
from our admiration I We think heaven's council has called him home. The
noble cln«;f is buried from our sight — and the memory of the just is blessed.

* President Aduins' Ppccrh, at hi;; inauguration to thr Presideury olllie Utiiled State*.
I Mount Vernon in Vipinia — tlie residence of Wasliinqton.

APPENDIX. 311

Solemn to annual regret be the day on which he expired. Sacred be the
reflection, whicli marks in his exit the transiloriness of all human greatness.
Humble and entire be our resignation to the will of the All-wise Disposer of
events. Let us honour the memory of the departed great man in the way which
he would approve. This is by imitating his virtues ; and by using his example
to animate the sons of our land in the path which he pursued. Yes, thou illus-
trious spirit, each parent, in the empire thou didst found, shall teach his babes,
and bid them in future times teach theirs, that they are descended from' a noble
civil-father, who loved the glory of his country; and, while he sought it in
heroic deeds, forgat not the excellence of virtue, nor the holiness of religion.
Ye fathers, who hear me, ye confirm this declaration. Ye American mothers,
I but speak your intentions. If the sftuls of the departed have cognizance of
things below the skies, the glorified chief shall enjoy a reward of his labour for
his country's welfare, in beholding his work and virtues continued to her praise,
by the imitating gratitude of far distant descendants. Thus shall his name
be useful to his country for ages to come. Thus may each individual sanctify
the sorrows of his land. Thus may successive generations sooth the wound
which cannot be healed: till grief shall be lost in that sublime veneration
which history will exact of posterity, for the memories of the great and the
good — till the globe they ennobled is v.rapt in ruin.

>o. III.

SERMON ON EXODUS II. 6.

Delivered at the Charleston Orphan-House : 1803.

" And when she had opened it, she saw the child ; and behold, the babe wept : and bhe had
compassion on hira."

And who would not? If there be an object which can move all the tender
feelings of our nature, it is suffering innocence. And if upon our earth
suffering innocence can be found, it is in the desolate babe. You doubtless
remember the circumstances which occasioned the beautiful scene exhibited
in the text. The king of Egypt, jealous of the increase of the Israelites, had
given orders that every man child should be destroyed at his birth. While
this barbarous decree was in operation, the sou of Joohebed was born. Like
many an offspring of humble life he was a. goodly boy ; exhibiting in his
childhood the buds of those qualities which need but the smiles of fortune to
unfold them into excellent greatness. What could the distressed mother do?
As long as she could she concealed her child. And when she could no longer
hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and
with pitch, and put the child therein. In this slender vessel, with emotions
doubtless which no words can describe, she committed her babe to the river

312 APPENDIX.

and to God : an emblem this of the hapless many, who, deprived of parental
shelter by death or neglect, are left exposed upon the ocean of life, their ark
but a bulrush, and their only hope the protection of Providence, and the kind-
ness of the humane. Fortunately for the child, it was an hour in which mercy
beamed upon the banks of the river, through the blackness of cruelty which
overcast the land. Finished humanity, in a female form, came there to bathe.
It was the daughter cf the king. Amidst the flags by the brink she discovered
the ark — she sent her maids to fetch it — " and when she had opened it, she
saw the child ; and behold, the babe wept: and she had compassion on him."

We shall naturally be led by this affecting incidett, to consider the nature
of compassion, and ascertain the proper objects of it; and to contemplate its
pleasures and rewards. *

Man, in the perfection in which he came from the hands of his Creator, was
endowed with a portion of that benevolence which is the i)eity's darling
attribute and glory. Social in his nature and capacities, he required some
principle which would actuate him to diffus" the happiness he might find, and
make the feelings of others his own. For this was sympathy implanted in his
bosom. It was the mystic chain which should connect the heart of every
man with his brother's, and cause the shock, by which one was aftected. to
thrill through the whole. Glistening among the ruins of the fall, this heavenly
principle yet manifests the original greatfiess and beauty of the fabric, and
under the various forms of compassion, charity, mercy, is the most precious
relic of man's primeval excellence which we have left.

It is the peculiar merit and a principal object of tlie go«pel of Christ, to have
unfolded the worth of this principle — and given it proper direction. Soften-
ing all the asperities of the heart, and connoctmg l)y an eternal link man'tf
duty to his fellows with his love for God — the gospel has given to benevo-
lence new strength and an extended sphere.

The friend of the distressed, and the restorer of the diirnity of our nature, it
was the work of the Redeemer to free this virtue from the narrow views and
unfriendly passions which ol)structed its intlnence, and bid his diAiples wear
it as the evidence of their relation to liini, and passport to the mansions of
bliss.

Let not this heavenly principle be mistaken for that sickly sensibility which
IS the offspring of modern refinement — a sensibility which hastens to the
exhibition of fictitious wo, and weeps at the delusive scene, but is cold tff the
suppliant eye of real distress; yea, passes by on the other side — a sensii.ility
which fields transports of feeling and expressions of admiration when the
asylum of the wretched rears its fine front to the view, but never extends a
hand to give it that aid which is indispensably necessary to its support — a
sensibility, whose votaries feel a tender concern for oppressed humanity in
every clime, but are cruel in their families; do never sacritice their own viewi
and passions for the benefit ofinankind, and often seek the gratification of
their ambition by the ruin of other's reputation ; by the slaughter of multitudes
of their race. \Vould I impressively set before you the false nature of this
baseless sensibility, and the fascinating power of its pre»ensione. it should be
in the life of the refined, the exquisite, yet sceptical degenerate Rousseau.
Him it could ravish with every thing beantiful in seniiment or nature, and
raise to an admiration of himself while it left him treacherously to ruin

APPENDIX. 313

beguiled innocence, and abandon the offspring of his crime to the charitable
care of tliost;, vv+wm better principles had happily furnished with better and
more iiseful sensibilities.

No. This visionary feeling, which has no object and does no good, is not
the genuine compassion of the gospel. Christian benevolence is always*
efficient. It does not spend itself in sighs over the wounds of the unfortunate,
but bi .ds ttiem up and takes the sufferer to an inn. It was operative virtue
which the Saviour inculcated and exemplified. He wept, indeed, with the
bereavesl sisters ar the grave of Lazarus, but he restored their brother to them
from the dead. He beheld with pity the forlorn condition of fallen man j but
he came down from heaven and gave his life for their salvation. Aciive
benevolence was his character and command The most finished picture he
has left us, was drawn in its behalf. Its features are exquisitely wrought, and
its expression irresistibly impressive. And well they might be — for he took
it from an original of love, which the angels adore: he was himself the good
Samaritan he drew. It is, when the domain of misery is contracted, and the
.sufferings of her subjects mitigated — when we see individuals uniting and
combining their powers to feed the hungry, and clothe the naked — when
hospitals are erected, in which the indigent sick may find relief, and hoary
infirmity rest — when asylums rise to receive the guiltless, yet ill-fated foand-
ling, and to protect the desolate orphan — and, when the temple is reared
under the auspices of the liberal, in which the poor have the gospel preached
to them, that compassion is seen a real form: the loveliest and most useful
inhabitant of our globe. And let me observe, that these glorious institutions
are peculiar to the Chiistian era — scarcely any of them being found before
the promulgation of that religion, whose very genius forms us to weep with
those who weep, and the greatest of whose principles is charity.

The transition is here unavoidable, from the nature of compassion to the
proper objects of it. Whatever is vested by the Deity with life — whatever
he has made capable of misery or susceptible of joy, is, when it suffers, an
object of commiseration. For God doth take care for cattle.

" And the poor beetle that we tread on,
In corporal sufferance feels a pang as great as
When a giant dies."

It is, however, towards his brethren of the human race that man's compas-
sion should especially be extended. Among these, whoever suffers has a
claim to our sympathy; whoever wants, a title to our aid. The children of
misfortune are ever on our earth — Why should we indulge too severe an
investigation of the causes of their wo. They partake of our nature ; they
are afTlicted: and cold must be his charity, illy adapted to this region of
infirmity must be his religion, who can check the benevolent impulses of the
heart to scrutinize their merits. The cheering and invigorating influences of
genuine compassion, like the rays which the Deity distributes from the luminary
of day. are diffused over the whole region of infirmity — they fall, like the
mercies of heaven, upon the just and the unjust. There are, indeed, in the
lists of the unf irtunate, some classes, whose title to the best services of benevo-
leaco are peculiarly strong and affecting. The venerable aged, whose day of
rife has passed in honest industry, without furnishing them the means, or leav-

40

314 APPEINDIX.

ing them the ability, to render its evening comfortable ; the worthy poor, who,
born to better expectations, cannot dig, and fitted, but for some hard calantity,
for elevated life, to beg ai e ashamed ; the helpless children, for whom vo mother
watches and no father toils, who are left alone in this inhospitable world, stript of
the choicest, the only treasure of early life, a parent's care — these have a claim
upon compassion, which he who violates commits a sacrilege upon his nature.

If we argue from the course of the Deity's compassion, these last, the help-
less orphans, are the most powerful claimants upon the pity of the humane in
the whole mulJitude of the unfortunate For none of his creatures does 'the
Almighty Parent so affectingly express his care. He delights to style himself
the Father of the fatherless, and the angels of these little ones do always
behold his face in heaven.

Inc eed, every circumstance which can excite the compassion, every motive
which can call forth the charity of the benevolent, is combined in their condi-
tion. They partake of our nature wiihout any of its actual guilt; they suffer,
though innocent — almost unconscious of the cause of their misfortune. Upon
the world they must enter — they must enter alone, without the common
blessing of a parent's protection and guidance. It is a world in which temp-
tation waits for the unguarded, whose paths abound with penurious vice,
ruined innocence, and untimely death. Gracious God! What shall become
of them, if ihy offspring, Charity, do not descend and call the little innocent?
under her wings?

Perhaps from no exertion of compassion does so much good arise, as fronj
that which is applied to the benefit of fatherless children. Short and few are
the hours which benevolence may brighten for the aged at the verge of life.
Imperfect, though precious, is the solace which sympathy gives to the
afflicted, whose heart knovveth its own bi'terness, and the stranger cannot
intermeddle therewith. But it is the peculiar excellence of this charity, to
snatch a whole life perhaps from wretchedness and ruin. When we consider
that in the child of poverty, the seeds of genius, ofvirtue, of elevated useful
chaiacter may often be hid, ought one miserable foundling, who knows no
parent and has no crime, be unprovided for? — shall one poor orphan want a
shelter? Who was the child that but for Charity's exertions must have
perished in his basket ? What w;is the fruit of that tender compassion, which
has shed a lustre upon the memory of the liun)ane Egyptian wliich shall not
fade while the sun and moon endure? It was Moses — that Moses who was
the deliverer and benefactor of his nation, the scourge of error, and the
instructor of the world. Yes. this great and useful character owed liis pre-
servaticm, under (iod, lo the lovely tenderness and beneficence of Phanioh's
daughter. And often it has been thus, Frecpienlly from Charity's nurseries
have tho.se been transplanted into the world, who have shed a fragrance and
beauty upon human naluie, and been amon^g the choicest blosings of society.
In the wide tieUl wliich this earth,' alas! presents for the e:.eitions of bene" o-
lence, there are none of her w«)rks more admirable and useful than the pro\i-
sion she makes for the fatherless children — the perisliing babes.

But let us has; en to consider the pleasures and rewards which belong to
compassion. Those are happiness in the act — the love and admiration of
mankind — delight in the hours of letlection. and the joys of hea\ en. The
eternal father of all excellence hath so ordered onr nature, that the very exer-

APPENDIX. 315

cise of any virtue la attended in some measure with reward. This is eminent-
ly the case with benevelence. The glow, which suffuses the soul, when the
eye of relieved misery looks gratitude through its tears is a tiansport in which
angels might be happy. It is the purest and sublimest pleasure of which our
nature is capable. It is, indeed, the pleasure of God. The generous heart,
partakes in the moment of compassion, of that delight, which flowing eternal-
ly from his eternal exercise of charity and mercy, renders the deity supremely
happy in himself.

Tiie love and approbation of mankind follow this complacence — humanity's
charms irresistibly challenge admirers. We gaze with astonishment at the
deeds of an Alexander, we bow with reverence to the shade of Newton — but
the love of our hearts — the affection of the world rests upon the names of Ho-
ward and Rumford And let not those whose offices of compassion are more
secrer and confined suppose they will not partake of this reward. Who is
the man who is pleasant to our eyes and dear to our hearts in the social sphere?
Who is the person in whose character all its faults are lost amid the brightness
of one single excellence? With whom will the lone widow entrust the pit-
tance which she wishes kept sacred as a patrimony for her little ones or
safe as a resource ia a wintry day? On whose life does the anxious concern
of society wait — and on whose tomb do its tears descend? Is it not he whose
deeds of benevolence proclaim him the friend of the unfortunate — whose ac-
tive exertions and liberal contributions for public and private charities have
manifested him the ornament of his nature and pride of the community in
which he dwells ? Yes. The benevolent heart irresistibly wins esteem.
And from this esteem springs that good name, which is the saviour of life and
rather to be chosen, in the estimation of the wisest and wealthiest of mortals
than great riches.

Connected with this esteem are the delights to which compassion gives
birth in the seasons of reflection. There are some moments when most men
are compelled to retire into themselves, and review the course of their lives.
The hour of death will bring these moments to us all. Sweet at these seasons
is the remembrance of our benevolent deeds. The man, who has elevated
his nature by noble efforts to improve the condition of his fellow beings, has
now a pleasure peculiarly his own. He feels that he has not lived for himself
alone. It fills him with exalted satisfaction. The remembrance of some
generous charity comes over his mind in the day of adversity, like a sunbeam
breaking through the darkness of a cloud. His heart is refreshed wi:!; the
lecollection. It gilds with mild brightness his evenmg sky, and beauti:Ses the
approach of night. Even in the hour of dissolution next to that faith which the
gospel inspires, the best soother of the last pillow is the reflection which me-
mory has in store for the benevolent. The sorrows of death arie mitigated,
and the departing spirit of the good man cheered, while he knows that the
memory of his useful life will be fresh in the world, and the alms of charity
which covcis a multitude of sins are had in remembrance before God.

Bat the pleasures of the benevolent man do not terminate with his life.
While many rise up and call him blessed, he is gone to the consummation of
his reward. Fitted by a life of kindness, compassion, and liberality for the
society and employment of heaven, he is received by his God. The day ar-

316 APPENDIX.

rives of irrevocable doom. Bright with the radiance of compassion he stands
among his race.

Short is his time at the bar. The righteous judge awards him an exceeding
eternal weight ofglorv in the mansions of the father — and commences hisbiiss
with a rehearsal in the presence of the assembled universe of every deed of
benevolence he has done. " I was an hungered and ye gave me meat — I was
thirsty and ye gave me drink — I was a stranger and ye took me in, naked and
ye clothed me — I was sick and ye visited me — I was in prison and ye came
unto me. For verily I say unto you inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of
the least of these ye have done it unto me."

After what has been said, need I, my respected hearers, appeal to your feel-
ings in behalf of an institution which is already the pride and glory of your city,
and whose object is the or[)lian's protection and improvement. Pseed I ob-
serve that su-h an establishment, like the rescued babe in the text, should have
its mother, charity for its nurse, and the frequent smiles of the liberal for its
encouragement. Need I speak that the Trustees of such fin institution are
worthy of every support which a community can give them — or tell you !hat
each individual by extending hishand, will be himself instrumental in bestowing
upon society many great, and perhaps eminently useful members, who but for
this charity mi^hl have lived unconscious evt^n of their own endowments, or
sunk the victims of f)enury and vice. Need I carry you forward to the mo-
mentous day when the final consummation shall interest all earth and hea-
ven, and siievv you happy spirits in the realms of bliss, who in this asylum of
the wretched which your charity had supporfed. were formed to habits of
virtue, and shewn the path to heaven ! I need not. While you only look at
these little ones, and reflect that they are orphans, the emotions ari^e in each
of your bosoms, which swelled the heart of I'haroiih's daughter when the
resrued outcast, wept lier into tears. Indulge the generous feeling. It is
lovely in your nature. It is plivisant in the eyes of your God, as the light of
bis pure ubod -. The emotion is placed by him in your bosoms to secure to tliis
asylum that aid which it a^ks — and to leward your charity with a taste of his
choicest delight. Worthy Trustees, and superintending Ladies — lo whose
immediate cme this pride of the land is confided — be rejoiced in your employ-
ment by Its resemblance to the work of God — and an anlicipali(m of their bles-
sing wliom you li^e rescue from misery and ruin. Liule children love one
another. ' liemember your Creatoi in the days of your youth." Forget not
the kindness of your benefactors — and improve the advantages which they
hen; procure for you.

IMy faihers — friends — and ye re.«tpected females, to whose fair forms t!ie sup-
pliant look of misery was never lilted in vain, let not this hour pass until it
bless you with charity's pleasures and |)romise of reward. 1 place before you
a picture, sketched with the |)encil of the spirit of God, whose beauties you
cannot fail to admire, whose express!. >n your Christian character will induce
you to imitate. They brought young children unto Christ that he should
touch them — and his disciples rebuked those who brought tl:em. IhU when
the Lord saw it he was much displeased, and said unto them '• sufler the
little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom
of God. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them and bles-
sed them." Beneath this picture, there is an inscription, copied from xUe rt*

APPENDIX. 317

cords of truth in the archives of heaven, with which, iCyour hearts were not
ah-eady open for tiie -pliet of the innocents, I might powerfully enforce their
plei. Ye shall be leconipensed — foi these, indeed, cannot recompense you —
bat you shall be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Wo. IV.

A DISCOURSE

Upon the Importance of Literature to our Country, pronounced at Cambridge,
before the Phi Beta Kappa Society : 1807.

The importance of Literature to our country, is the subject which, with
much hesitation, I have ventured to select for that part of the customary exer-
cises of this day. which the committee of appointments has confided to my care.
It is a subject, for which every enlightened mind feels an instinctive affection.
And on ground, where the Muses have long held a favourite resort; at this
season of the celebration of our annual Panathenaea; before a Society profess-
edly literary in its character and pursuits, may I not flatter myself that it is a
sCtbject which no one will condemn as unappropriate or uninteresting. When
I consider its gre itness ;ind its extent. I am prompted by diffidence to pause —
and should turn with timidity from tlie course before me, did I not know that
candour 's always the presiding virtne of this festive week ; did I not feel that
I am speak' ng before bro(hers, who^^e bosoms are replete with that aflfection
for each other, which views even failid^s with an indulgent eye.

The power of letters to soften the manners and refine the sentimcmts of a
people, has attracted the notice of every investigator of the causes of national
character. As far as history and observation furnish us with lights, we discover
satisfactorily, that they are friendly to good feelings and elevated thoughts,
to, correct opinions and generous deeds. The barbarity of savage nature is
softened, heroism is cheiished, vice loses at leas', its boldness and its gross-
ness, public spirit is purified, and love is refined, wherever the influence of
correct literature is felt. What softened the manners of the originally bar-
barous Gaul ? The enterprizes of war called him to the regions where the
Muses had dwelt. He s^w at Byzantium the monuments of art. He breathed
in Asia the air which came over Parnassus. He returned to his country,
where the light of literature was beginning to dawn, and from that time the
manners of his country began to be refined. It is unnecessary for me to point
you to the quick sensibility, the enlightened elegance, the humanity, and the
polished delicacy of Athens ; and contrast them with the roughness and bar-
barity of some of her neighbouring States. I need not recall to your remem-
brance the lofty honour, the public spirit, the manly virtue* of Rome, when
ihe clothed herself with the splendour of literature and the arts; and contrast

318 APPENDIX.

them with her ferocity under her earliest rhiefs, or with her sluggishness and
imbecility under her last emperors. Upon this part of our subject ti^e annals of
the world are replete with examples and lessons of experience. They gene-
rally, if not invariably, exhibit barbarism connected with ignorance, and letters
with refinement. We may derive from them ample and impressive testimony,
that, as far as manners depend upon human means, the best feelings of human-
ity are unfolded, and the highest elevation of character attained, not amidst
the confusion and carnage of fields of war, nor the confounding din of domes-
tic contention, but in the mild seasons of peace, under the benign influence
of Pallas and the Muses.

I am aware it may be observed that ages of literary excellence have some-
times been ages of extreme dissoluteness. There is truth in the remark.
The fact has arisen from the infelicity of our present condition. In the same
bright sunshine which is favourable to the choicest vegetation, weeds will be
rank and numerous. It had indeed been happy, for Greece and Rome, if,
when letters freed them from the vices of barbarism, a pure and efficacious
religion might have freed them from the vices of refinement. But let not the
failings of a luxurious age be attributed to the spirit of literature, merely be-
cause they have been found together. Licentiousness has sometimes attached
itself to liberty; and persecution has been found in company with the religion
of peace. We are to look elsewhere, than to the expansion of man's mental
powers, for the causes of the voluptuousness and vice, which may have tar-
nished the glory of his highest literary attainments. In the distinguished
reign of Charles 11. whose manners have given poignancy to the cavil we are
noticing, the human mind 'mounded suddenly from the repellanl point of super-
stitious rigour, to which it had been unnaturally forced and confined, to the
opposite extreme. While it vibrated, there was indeed a triumph of disso-
luteness: but when Literature recollected herself and arose in her vigour to
regulate its movements, the profligacy of Greatness was abaslied, the temerity
of Vice was restrained, the absurdities of Ignorance were exposed, the pre-
sumption of Folly, and the venality of Ltttleness wore corrected, and the nation
was gradually prepared to listen lo the instructions, and pride its<'lfin the name
of that pre eminent votary of Wisdom, whose writings at once breathed the
purest spirit of morality, and were surrounded with the brighesl splendour of
literature.

Pass we from the influence of letters upon manners, to what is not less im-
portant to a people, and we trust will never be less dear to Americans, their
influence upon the interests of religion. And is it asserting too much lo say,
that between religion and letters there is a reciprocal service ? Let us look at
the ages in which that pnre and gracious religion which came down frono
heaven had its glory obscured; its etTicacj manacled, and the beauties of its
form marred by distortion, or covered with the drapery of absurdity. They
were the ages of midnight darkness; the ages in which man seems to h.ive
forgotten that he possessed a mind; the ages in which learning, disgusted
with the general apathy, retired to the cloister, and slumbeied unnoticed
amidst the poppies and night-shade, which Stupidity there cultivated with
leaden perseverance, persuaded by Superstition that they were "herbs of
grace." Let us look at tfie defenders of this religion, the noble champions
who have gone before her. bearing the shields which ha^■e repelled, and

APPENDIX. ^19

blunted and broken the shafts with which her adversaries assailed her. They
stood indeed in the spirit of their God. But ihey brought successfully to her
aid the force of improved reason, and were strong iu the fruits of their learned
researches. The very light of that stupendous reformation wliich restored to
Christianity its purity and freedom, was preceded at its dawn, and facilitated
in its progress, by the revival of letters. And it has been the opinion of many
eminent divines, among whom, if I mistake not, v.e may reckon the late
excellent pl-ofessor of divinity in this university, that, ordinarily speaking,
the arts of civilization and improvements of the mind will best open the way
for the extension of this light into savage lands. Such indeed is the constitu-
tion of man, so fine are the powers of association, and so indissoluble the links
of the mysterious chain which connects all his faculties with each other, that
a cultivated taste and improved understanding, an acquaintance with the per-
fections of nature and the beauties and sublimities of art, prepare his mind to
admire the harmonies of moral science, and to venerate the greatness of truth.
It is a high and important office of our holy religion to check the pride and
prevent the abuses of science ; to subject all human attainments to the wisdom
of God. But she disdains not the aid of those noble faculties with which the
beings are distinguished, to whom she is sent, nor of the acquirements which
are placed within their reach.

" Proxiraos illi tamen occupavif.
Pallas honores."

Biblical knowledge may correct and confirm her ancient records. Elo-
quence may be the most successful instrument in impressing her instructions
upon the mind, and conveying the b Im of her consolations to the heart. And
sound principles of criticism and taste are, under heaven, efficacious means to
preserve her votaries from the fantastic forms of superstition on the one hand,
and the wild reveries of fanaticism on the other. Could it be supposed that
in this enlightened country there are any who question the utility of learning
to religion, and with a spirit worthy of Omar would exclude the powers of
genius and literature from her service, we would point them to the dark ages,
and to many an unhappy region, in which ignorance and superstition are
found wedded together, and the best virtues of huinanity dead at their feet.
To these ages and regions let our country look; and, as she values the bless-
ing of a pure religion, she will estimate anew and more highly the importance
of our seats of learning, and consider it as a leading duty of national wisdom
to promote, by all practicable means, the cultivation of the minds of her citizens.

Besides this general influence of literature upon manners and religion, its
aid is important in the formation of the statesman, and enibellishinent of the
hero. It inspires and cherishes that love of glory, which is favourable to the
production of brilliant and useful characters; and the keys are in its keeping
of many of the sources of that liberal feeling and superior information, which
frees men from the confinement of contracted views, and raises them above
the influence of narrow considerations. A knowledge of the opinions of the
wise of all ages, an acquaintance with the experience of nations under differ-
ent forms of government, an enlarged perception of the nature and operation
of human passions, correct principles of criticism and reasoning, an intimacy
with the purest models of political wimdom and patriotic spirit, ability to bring

.320 APPENDIX.

the treasures of language ft the illustration and defence of truth, and that
magic power of eloquence, which in Cicero could detect and confound the
enemies of the commonwealth ; and in Demosthenes could rouse from their
delusion? the slumbering citizens; which in Chatham could gather glory
around a British senate, in the day of it? feeblest policy; and in Atnes could
control a whirlwind of passions at the moment when it would have prostrated
in its maddening course the veneiable ibther and the peace of his country;
these high attainments, wliich alone can qualify men to be entru^ltd with the
care of their country's prosperity and fame, are njost if them foimd, and all of
them improved, in the walks to which learning conducts t;er sons. They are
not innate: nor can it be supposed that they spring up to the iands of the
husbandman in the furrows of his plough ; or descend unsolicited upon the
savage, through the shades of his forest. They ;ire the gifts of ^fine!va, to
the assiduous votaries of her tem[)le; and the people are wise, who discern
their value and give scope to their influence. The sera of a nation's greatest
glory is generally the a?ia of its greatest iiterary splendour. Tiie most bril-
liant age of royalty was that oi Louis the Fourteenth, when literature and the
arts gave a lustre to the reign which was scarcely surpassed by the gl.irv of
that monarch's arms. Of republican felicity, where shall we find a more
interesting picture than Florence exhibited, when the love of K-tters wa^ the
pride of her chi»'f citizens, and the othces of state were filled with men of
genius and learning. Greece, with whose name is associated in the .sclioiar's
mind the claim of transcendant refinement : (ireece was iit the acme «ii her
glory when the letters and the arts poured the brightest beams of their powers
upon her states.. .\nd the conqueror of (ireece, the mistress of the world, rose
not to the complete ascendancy of her sup<;riority. till she had appropriated to
herself, not only the terrifoiies, but the spirit and literature oi the nation she
had subdued. Pale, then, as the beams of the waning moon in th*' light of
day. was Grecian spletidour, when in full oibed miiji'>ly I'ome stood at her
zenith, attracting by the combined elFulgenci- of letters and her arms, ibe
admiration of genius and the homage of the v\orld. Hut with the dedeiiriion
of this etfulirencc her greataess di^rlined. and Konn'. it is an observation ofllje
great Knglish poet, worthy for the instruction of nations, to be graven upon
the last stone of h«>r ruins;

'•die nf>p snw liuili Irariiiiip full iiid Rome."

The invention of fhr art of printing has iiitro(luie<l a new agent upon the
r^haracter and fortun-vs o( nations. A free press is esteemed, in this country,
the palladium of ou* liberty and dearest privileges. \Vell regulated, il may
have claim to this high estiina,tion. But a freedom to perpetuate falsehood,
licentiousness and malignity, without restraint, is the unhappy and dangerous
freedom of reprobate spii its. The interference of law is here difficult : and
has frequently been found dubious and inetfectual. The b«>t guardians of the
press are good j<ense and a cultivated tasle in the people ; and writers, \n ho
have imbibed at the high .sources of intelligence a spirit of manly virtue and
correct opinion. There is ever in republics a subtle advers;rry to national
ha(q>iness, by which the utility of the press is often prostituted or impeded.
Il IS the monster fiution. Of nase spirit, giovelinj:. yet ambitious, it fino.s its
way into the happiest regions, in the form of an angel of light. In the hour

APPENDIX. 321

of tranquillity and sleep it plants itself by the public ear, forging illusions for
the fancy, and inspiring venom to taint the animal spirits. The wori? of this
liend is destruction — desti action of the virtue and happiness which its own
Restlessness, envy, and malignity will not suffer it to endure. Among the
mo"st vigilant and successful spirits which heaven has sent to detect and con-
found this foe to public prosperity, is high-born satire. With its spear it
touches the monster, and

"Up he starts

In his own shape

Discovered."

This dread corrector of faction and folly is bred in the regions of Pieria. And
fastidious in the consciou^ness of superiority, it seldom vouchsafes ;o ap| ear
where letters are neglected. When it comes in its dignity and power, when
it acts upon passions which God has inipbnted, and is actuated by motives
which God will approve, when it aims to rouse the fear of shame and ihe love
of glory to the aid of truth, virtue, and the public good, it is at once the boldest
iisserter of the Press's freedom, and the firmest protector of its utility.

By ignorance, as well as faction, this new and important agent upon the
interests of nations may be impeded. It is an enlightened Press that is a
national blessing. Unless it be wise, in vain will it be free. With the aid of
Learning and Genius, it may cherish in our country the spirit of Freedom, and
promote her happiness and renown by the diffusion of knowledge and refine-
ment. Without their aid^t can give neither wisdom to her citizens, nor
celebrity to her characters.

But who loves his country? Would he have her honourable and happy
only while he spends in her lustre his own short life ? Would he have her
great and renowned only in the transient period which is generally allotted to
natiouf^l existence? The genuine patriot wishes for his country a present
and a posthumous fame, he would have her heroes admired, her statesmen
reverenced, her glory celebrated, her example quoted in far distant ages. If
the period must arrive, when she shall bow to the common fate of em{>ires, he
would have the places of her departed glory frequented with a generous sad-
ness by the geniuses of future times, and her very dust venerated by the
traveller, who in remotest ages shall pass by her tomb. And what but letters
and the arts can confer on our country this unperishable renown? Rome
owes more to her letters than to her arms The latter without the former
would not hav-e given immortality to her name. The arts which she fostered
have embalmed the proudest memorials of her glory ; and Time views with
increasing awe tliose relics of her greatness, which her Muses have taught him
to venerate. Our country in no other way can perpetuate the memory of her
reno'.vn. Her great men are mortal. Her existence is perishable. The
gratitude of her citizens does not demand, and the economy of her govern-
ment does not afford, monuments of brass or marble for the bones of her
worthies. To her poets and historians we must confide the care of embalm-
ing her celebrity. It is in the pyramids, which her sons of genius must build,
that the knowledge of her greatness and the fame of her heroes shall be pre-
^-served for ages.

There are obstructions to the progress of literature and the fine arts, which
if will not be 'foreign to our purpose to notice, and every lover of letters and

41

S22 APPENDIX.

his country should endeavour to remove. Conspicuous among them, an^l
frequently deplored, is tlmt want of patronage, which leaves in cold neglect
the exertions of ingenuity, and prefers to intellectual superiority more ignoble
attainments. Genius is often the grow.h of the rude forest or the obscure
glade. If it be nut brought into a genial soil, and invigorated with the enliv-
ening beams of attentive encouragement, it must wither upon its stalk, or give
its glory to the wind. It was in the distinguished age in which Pollio and
Mecaenas lived, and the public eye was turned with fond regard upon all the
concerns of letters, that Cicero spake, and Caesar, and Livy, and Sallust
wrote, and Virgil and Horace sang. It was in the celebrated days, when
Richelieu with affection and liberality wooed letters to France, and Louis
afterwards with prodigal caresses maintained and promoted them — when an
academy of l.elles lettres sprang up under the auspices of royal bounty, and
was presently followed by an academy of science, that Corneille and Moliere,
Racine and Boiieau flourised ; and Paris became the most splendid resort of
Genius and the Muses. What improvement of taste, and developement of
learning were effected in It:\lv under the beneficence of the Medici; whose
generous policy gave consequence to talents by bestowing employment and
honour upon ingenious and learned men. In Great-Britain, if the patrons of
learning have been partial, they have been numerous; and we* find her hap-
piest wits, and best scholars, either basking in the smiles of the court, or
reposin:; in the shades of private munificence. It is with extreme reluctance
we are compelleij to own that our country has nq^ yet been distinguished for
a generous cnrourauement of letters and the arts. Her painters seek in
foreign climes the animating rays of public favour. Her philologists and
historians havj not found the paths of their literary labours, the paths of ease
and preferment. And her poets — .Vpollo bltishes indignant, when he beholds
thetn cntuchiiig through necessity to fortune in some iniiospitable region; or
contemplating in sadness, over forgotten productions, the poverty they might
procure to themselves by freijuent efforts of their genius.

It has be n rcmark((l. and we fear there is too much ftuiiidation for the
remark, that the passion for wealtli, and the ardour of political contention,
which are perhaps the predominant traits in the character of our countrymen,
have retarded the ascendency of genius, and obstructed the progress of letters.
Wealth, which gives leisure and ease; which procures lh(> finest models ol"
art, and the best copies of aneient authors; which |iroinotes the intercourse,
and facilitates the researches of the learned, is unquestionably favourable to
the interests of literature. But when it is the absorbing passion of a people,
when it is pursued only for itself, and the extent of possessions is the measure
botli of merit and inlhience. there will be little emulation of superior attain-
ments. The soul, intent upon the ac(]Misiiion of sordid wealth, as the only
means of power and disiinction. will have for intellccM.d imrsuits neither
time nor regard.

" IVrv.t ;»varitia niisrrociiio cupiiliiio po( tii.s."

In like manner, that open discussion of public measures, and equal access to
put)lic honours, which aie the privileges of a free people, are not unfriendl>
to the developement of genius, and interests of learning. But there is a
warmth of contention, in which the ju«t cUimi* •ftaleal* and wi«<lom are dis

APPENDIX. 328

ifegarded ; and confidence, honour, and public employment are bestowed, not
upon the sage and the hero, not upon the ingenious and learned, but upon the
subtle leaders of the successful party, or the wretched minions of unprincipled
power. In each of these cases there is a deadly chill upon the exertions of
superior minds. The Muses in disgust retire to their groves, and their
votaries, disheartened, hang up their harps upon the trees that are therein.

Shall we be pardoned the expression, if we further observe, that through
the innovating spirit of the times the republic of letters may have its dignity
and prosperity endangered by sliding inadvertently into a democracy ? We
have heard the time lamented as lost, which students, who would attain to
legitimate honours, are compelled to spend in the retired walks of ancient
learning. In this sagacious and prolific age, men have discovered better
models than the Iliad and the yEneid, and better instructors than Cicero and
Quinctilian. A Bloomfield has sung from his bench — and what is the advan-
tage of a toilsome acquaintance with languages that are dead ? The Indian
is eloquent by the force of nature — and where is the necessity of models and
laws? Much to be deprecated is the spread of these wild sentimpnts, which,
like the irruptions of the barbarians upon the civilized world, would overturn
all that is great and beautiful in the walks of literature, and leave in their stead
the barrenness of desolation, or the uncouih productions of ignorance and rude-
ness. Let it be remembered, that whatever there is of correct critirism and
taste in the world is to be traced to the recovery of the classics from obscurity
and corruption. In the study of these commenced the revival of letters and
the liberation and improvement of the human mind. These masters of an-
tiquity were conducted to the Castalian fount by the goddesses of the spring
themselves. Let us discourse with them of the way; and not disdain to fol-
low their steps, when we are witnesses of their immortality. It is with litera-
ture as with government. Neither is a subject of perpetual experiment. The
principles of both are fixed. They spring from sources, and have relations,
which are unchangeable and eternal. Ifraen will despise the principles and
rules which are founded in nature, if they will disregard the models which
time has proved and hallowed, if they will be irregular in their literary appe-
tites, and arrogant in their designs — what wonder if they should be often left
by the justice of Olympus to delight themselves on the bosom of a cloud, and
the world of letters should be overrun with Centaurs?

Ignorance, or corruption, in the very important tribunals of criticism, would
unquestionably impede the progress and diminish the reputation of American
literature. If those should be permitted to erect themselves into literary
censors, whom the divinities of Helicon have not anointed, nor deep and
thorough acquaintance with ancient authorities and established principles pre-
pared; if indolence, friendship, or political partiality should pervert the judg-
ment of our literary courts, and athx the seal of unqualified approbation to
works of small or questionable merit; if proficients in the arts, and professors
of learning, in giving their opinion upon the productions of the day, sufl'er
their minds to be prejudiced by the clamour of the moment, and learn of the
multitude what to admire, instead of teaching them what is admirable — who
can anticipate all the eonsequences ? The pu"blic taste would be vitinted.
Thpre would be herds of imitators of the false excellencies, to which corrupt
criticism had given cnrrency. And instead of having our admiration excited,

324 APPENDIX.

and our attention fixed by distinct and splendid greatness, we aliould b?
obligated to turn away, wearied and confused, from the multifarious glitter of
countless ephemeral productions.

Heie let us be permitted to remark, the importance of an able and judicious
management of periodical publications. These miscellanies may undoubtedly
have a considerable influence upon the literature of a people. In the hands of
such men as Addison and Johnson, Goldsmith and Steele, they confounded
absurdity, and rectified opinion; tiiey roused attention, and engaged it in the
service of the Muses ; and formed and refined the public taste. Very great,
we are persuaded, would be the advantage to the literature of our country, if
the meritorious editors of these works were enabled, by the generous patronage
of the rich, and the liberal contributions of the learned, so to condncl them,
that Minerva would not blush to find her image in the frontispiece ; and the
streams which are conveyed by them into the circles of the fashiona'tle, and
the closets of the studious, might be brought, under her direction, from the
fountains of Ilys.sus.

America, in the freedom of her government, the face ol" her territorv, the
native powers of her citizens, the toleration which .subjects no reasonnble
efforts of the mind to penalty or dismay, and the rich capital of llngl.md's
learning, which community of language enables her with facility to use as
her own, has certainly opportunity and inducements to vie with any nation.
upi>n the earth in the pursuit of literary distinction. And let us not d( fraud
her of her just praise. Above the meleois which flit in great numbers across
her literary hemisphere, we may discern here and there a fi.xed star. It is
with new and peculiar delight, that we behold the professional chair of
Oratory and Rhetoric, in our iieloved University, now filled by a gentlem; n,*
whim, if he were not left upon Ifybla in his infancy, the bees found in his
youth, and having committcfl their treasures to his lips, left iiini to delight his
country with liis mellifluous elo(|uenre. and. by his wisdom and example, to
conduct her yoiilh to literary glor}'. In such ornann-nts of her academic insti-
tutions; in her advancing age and opulence ; in the increasing munificence
and taste of her citizens ; and ii\ the niulti[)lied number. t and growing respect-
ability of her literary associations, our eountry% we tru.st. will tind inducements
to emulate, in her course, the sniendour of (Irecian and Roman renown. In
the transport of hope we would fo.get, to-day, all presages of fearful hours,
and dwell upon this deliirhtful expectation. As yet, we trust, it is with our
country but the morning of her apitointed career. She will continue to rinc
and hritrhtcn — not. like the comet of other hemispheres, erratic in its eojr.se.
baleful in its aspect, and threatening to unhiuire the order and sniety of the
splieres — but, like the orb of day. moving on an.ong the nations of the earth
with steady progress .tnd increasing splendour. In her wisdom and virtue will
be " the greatness of her strength,' and her literature will i^ive radiance to her

*■ The Hon. John Qiiiiicy Ad.-ims.

t AmnnR thi !*o, n (li.-tinp'iishoil ru.ik will, in time, he tukcn .inri ;>- '>rrc(J l>y thn ' Uiv-ton
Athpn.Tuin' — an Jissocuuion IntHy formrH, after the inodol ofllic Athrnnnini at Liverpool,
for the promotion of litorature, .srirnro and jfcnrral knowlrdfro. It ha^at its head iho learned
Chief Justice of the State; and from llv rharaofor and w-w i>f many of its menil>er8,
promises to hr one of the ino«t useful and pleasant ia^itilutiuDs of the enlightened metropoll-
lyhirh h.'»« ijiven i( hirth.

APPENDIX. 325

beams. And when she shall have reached the meridian of her glory, that
point from which a nation's pro'^^perity begins to decline, may the God of
heaven, who assigneth to the nations their time and their place, command with
the voice, *to which even the fixed laws of nature will bow, that she long stand
still — a source of light, a centre of harmony, and a manifestation of His power
and glory to the admiring world.

No. V.

EXTRACTS

From his Annual Addresses to the Convention of the Diocese.

1813. He thus concludes a very short address: — "This brief statement^
brethren, is made, that the very useful canon, for providing for an accurate
view of the state of the Church, from time to time, might not seem, at any
time, to have been disregarded ; and in the hope, humbly entertained, that
future years may. through the blessing of God, exhibit a greater progress of
prosperity in the affairs of the diocese."

1814. ^'Brethren of the Clergy and Laity of the Convention, — In the view
which I am 'required, by an useful canon of the Church, to give you, ' of the
affairs of the diocese.' since the last meeting of the Convention, it will fall
within the scope of the regulation to congratulate you on the degree of concord
and Chrisiian fellowship, with which our churches are blessed. It is hardly
possibfe, that in any society, composed of many parts, and all the parts of frail
and fallible beings, there should exist such an entire unity of opinion and
community of feelings, as to produce always a perfectly harmonious co-opera-
tion towards the accomplishment of the same ends. As near an approach to
this happy state, as is compatible wi^h the condition and infirmities of man. is,
through the good blessing of God, at present enjoyed by us in this diocese. In
a degree, which it is gratifying to me to remark, as it has doubtless been
pleasing to you to notice, the clergy of the diocese are kindly afFectioned, one
to another, with brotherly love ; and their respective parishes being knit to-
gether, and compacted by that which every joint supplietli, are, it is humbly
hoped, making some increase of the body to the edifying of itself in love.
Thus far there is unity, and all will ever be concerned for the interests and
feelings of all, if we be actuated by the genuine spirit of the religion of Jesus
Christ." * ^ * * *

" Among the means, which would be most likely, under the blessing of God,
to increase 4he prosperity of the diocese, are the services of missionaries.
There are in the Slate many vacant parishes, and other places in which the
Episcopal population seems too small for the support of the ministrations of
the Church, but where are foimd many families, who, when they hear of the

326 APPENDIX.

,•

faith and worship of their fathers, express a desire to have them re-established,
and would, with happiness, and in all probability with improvement, welcome
the occasional services of clergymen, who were not stationary among them.
It comes within the design of this address to state, that the sendine of mission-
aries is one object of the ' Protestant Episcopal Society for the Advancement
of Christianity in South-Carolina ;" and that the importance of this object may
well claim for that institution the exertions of all the friends of the Church,
that its funds may be more proportioned than they at present are. to the extent
of its purposes, and the scope afforded by the exigencies of the diocese, for its
pious designs. Among the fruits which might be expected from the labours
of judicious missionaries, would probably be the repairing of the once goodly
churches, which ore now lying in ruins; an act, which, though the buildings
should not be immediately used, would, in a Christian land, be a becoming
expression of reverence for the Deity, and regard for whatever has relation to
his name." *****

"The purposes, brethren, for which this Convention is instituted, being
solely of a reli;iious character, and directed chiefly to the enlniging, strength-
ening, and adorning of the spiritual building in this part of the Saviour's kmg-
dom, whatever will facilitate, in your several parishes, the repairing of the
houses of worship, which are laid waste, and the obtaining and settling in the
cHocese of a greater nunibor of clergymen of piety, talents, and zeal, would be
favourable to the furtherance of the objects for which we here assemble. In
adverting to the situation of many of our parishes, the words of the Apostle
present themselves forcibly ti) the mind — hoic shall they call on hint in whom
they have not hcJicred ; and how shall thy believe in hi)n of tchinn they have not
heard; and how sluill Ihry hear icithoiit a preachtr^ In the character of the
Deity we worship, in the privilege of being called to a knowledge of the gos-
pel of the Redeemer, in the felicity of participating of ihe order and lituigy of
the Kpisropal Church, in the hope set before us by our Master, and in the
con'^ciousness of our past deficiencies, what inducements may be found to do
what we can in future /or the house of our Hod. and for the offices thuc of ! If,
while we an* looking to ' iho aflairs of the diocese,' we call to mind the ties
which bind us together, ami whose cause it is that we have in hand, we shall,
each one of us. adopt the language of tho man after God's heart — for my
brethren and companions' sake I tcill trish thee prosperity; yea, because of the
house oftlie JjOrd our God, I will seek to do thee ijood/'

181."), (February). ' In reviewing the affairs of the diocese in the year that
has elapsed, since we were last assembled in (Jonvenlion, it is a prominent
and pleasing fact, that the Church of this diocese has, after an interval of
many years, been again represented in the General Convention of the Pro-
testant Episcopal churches in the I'nited States. As a membf'r of this body,
this diocese has a joint interest with the other dioceses in the common pros-
perity of the Church. And you will learn with pleasure, tiiat the result of
this interview of the different |)arts of the whole body, was a grateful persua-
sion, that the churches in this country were rising in their strength, and put-
tiitg on their beautiful garments ; and that there was ground to hope that the
Lord (iod would dwell among them." # « #

" In the course of these visitations, it has been a source of much pleasure to
obscrvp. that the doctrines of the Church are. by those who take any lively

APPENDIX. 327

interest in her welfare, very generally embraced in their purity. The forra
of sound \V()rd>» is h'eld fast, it is believed, by the serious members of our com-
munity; and there is p'^rhaps as good a degree onmity of faith among them,
as exists in any part of tiie universal Church, of the same extent and means of
information.

" There is also a growing attachment to hor order. It is j^ratifying to
remark, with relation to this particular, that the ancient practice of administer-
ing baptism in public, has, in many parishes, been Happily restored. Whether
we consider the import of this sacrament, or the structure of the oflice for the
administration of it, or the beneficial effects upon our congregations oi' publicly
administering it, this restoration of the primitive usage of our Church is cause
for much gratulation to those who love her prosperity. Attention, too, is paid
by the clergy, in a degree which is higiily commendable, to the important
duty of instructing children in the catechism — a duty, in which parents and
guardians may advantageously co-operate with their ministers, by preparing
their children for this exercise and sending them to it. And not till the day of
the consummaiion, can it be manifest, how much both they and their off^ipring
may have cause to rejoice in the faithful discharge, through their co-operation,
of this part of the ministerial functions." >f ^ * *

"It isementioned with peculiar gratification, that the infant Society in
Columbia, under many difficulties and discouragements, have erected a con-
venient and re.-^pectable building, which has been duly consecrated to the
purposes of Christian worship, by the name of Trinity Church. From the
situation of this Church, near the college of the State, and at the seat of
government, the pleasing hope arises that in this temple will be reared many
future ministers of the Church; and that hence there will be diffused, into
regions which it has not yet reached, a knowledge of her faith and worship;
and also in time to come, a stated enjoyment of them.

''In this. city, the greater part of a century had elapsed since any Church
had been erected by the Epistopal community. An attempt has recently
been made by a zealous ptrt of this community to build here another temple
to the honour of Jehovah — and when we think of the number of members of
our denomination, who have no accommodations for attending public worship,
and behold other temples, under the zeal of their builders, rising up in rapid
succession around us, it is mournful to witness the silence which pervades the
unfinished walls of the third Episcopal Church. It stands, and in its silence
would seem to say, is it nothing unto you, all ye that pass by? As a common
concern, it is an object of the-charity of all Episcopalians— and in tiiis assem-
bly it need not be asked, what charity is more noble or more useful, than that
which builds churches for the worship of the Most High God, our Redeemer ? "

" So far, brethren of the clergy and laity, as my observation has extended, it
appears that one principal cause of the decayed state of many parishes in this
dioce.ss, is the want of funds. In one parish (that of St. John's, Berkley), a
laudable attempt has been made to provide a substitute for the funds (by
means of which the ministrations of the temple were formerly supported), by
a subscription of a por centage upon the produce of the current year The
attempt, it is probable, will succeed. Were some such phm adopted in the
vacant parishes, for atlording that decent and certain maintenance for the

"328 At»PENDiX.

ministers of the gospel, to which the gospel itself entitles them, it might,
under the blessing of the Almighty, facilitate the restoration, to these parishes,
of the ordinances and worship of our holy religion.

"Till funds for the purpose are provided, it would seem the business must
rest upon missionary labours, and the gratuitous services of the clergv of the
diocese. The latter, in the last year, have been cheerfully and frequ-^'itly
rendered, agreeably to an arrangement made by the cleigy among themselves,
that each one would visit 8ne or more of the destitute parishes, as often as
would be consistent with his obligations to the parish with which he was par-
ticularly connected.''

1815, (December). "The state of their houses of^orship will generally
indicate the degree of attention which is paid by any people to their reliirioua
concerns. There is undoubtedly manifesled in tliis diocese an increased sen-
sibility on this subject." " In some other parts of the diocese, attention

has been paid to the decency of enclosing with suitable fences the sacred spots,
where the ashes of those, who once worshipped in the chiyclies, rest — a
decency, to which it is to be wished a similar attention might every where be
paid — as indicating a pious regard for the bodies, which the Son of <.od hath
redeemed; and which there rest in hope; and as calculated to save our coun-
try from an opprobrium, to vvliich unfinished rliurches and unprotected graves
might tempt the uaveller justly in subject it.

"In the course of the visitations which have been made by me, there hae
been marked, as a cause of the decayed sta»e of dur Church in many places,
the want of active co-operatioii on th( jiart of the laity. The cler::y are,
indeed, the appointed guardians of God's spiritual tiouse. In this province,
there are concerns conimittod to them by the (ireat Head of the Church, with
which it would be improper for others to intorfr re. But these concerns are
nltogethi'r of a spiritual nature. To the tempoial affairs of the Church as the
clergy nether have, nor should Inn e. the care of tt'.em. so neither v^oultt their
occupations admit of their paying so judicioffs and etfectual attention a'* may
be paid to them by the laity. The joint exPrtionsf)f two or three influential
laymen, iri any parish, would go far towards restoring to use and to beauty
the temples which iire now seen in ruins.

" There is a consideration growing out of the nature of the climate in this
Stale, which, it is believed, has checked, in many |)nrishes. sucii exertions.
' We remain (il is said) in the country only six months in the year, and what
avails It to repair our churches and provide a ministry?' But surely men
should not refuse to render to the Deity in one pflrt of the year, what is lue
to him in every part of it, because tiiey cannot always pay it in the same
place. Surely they should not in any place neglect to provide for theniselvei
and their families those instructn)ns and comforts of his word, which they
every where need, because they cannot always receive them there. Let it
be considered, how many Christians in those six months. \vh«'re no Church is
found, are depriverl. in the Lords Supper, of the most comfortable ordinance
of their religi'Hi ; and. in the exercises of public worship, of the most valuable
and satisfactory occupation of their lives. Let it be consideied, how many
youths ill those six months may acquire the hubit of disreg -rdiiig the .sabbHtb
of the Almighty, and neglecting the services -the protecting' md snvin.^ ser-
vices— of his holy temple. Let it be considered, how many |»ersons in those

APPENDIX. 329

six months are arrested by the king of terrors, whose sorrows on the bed of
death are soothed with no kind office of religion ; with whom, on the confines
of eternity, there is no messenger of the Most High to warn them against per-
difion, and point them the way to heaven. How fatal would it have been
io the inhabitants oi the villages, in which our Saviour sometimes deigned to
reside a iohile, if tliey had rejected his ministrations because he would not abide
with them constantly ! How many were saved by him in places in which the
voice of his word was but occasionally heard ! If these considerations had
their proper weight, would they not induce the laity of every parish to provide
in their parish the ministrations of the temple, though they could enjoy them
only a part of the year?

" It is not. however, by attention to her outward concerns only, that the
laity may promote the prosperity of the Church. On their attention to many
spiritual duties depends much of her piety and respectability. There is, it is to
be feared, a neglect, too prevalent, oT the pleasant and very useful duty of family
worship — a duty, which has always been most attended to in the most pious
ages, and the intluence of which, upon the religious state of a people, must,
in the nature of things, be very considerable. Where there is att^^ntion paid
to this duty, as, blessed be God, there already is in many families in the dio-
cese, the choicest pleasures of the domestic circle are found and seen around
the domestic altar; and were it generally attended to, it is believed that it
would not only have the happiest influence upon the families which regarded
it, but also bring down a blessing upon the churches tu which those families
belonged. By promoting, moreover, the circulation of approved religious
books, and by an exemplary attendance on the worship and ordinances of the
sanctuary whenever they have opportunity, and above all by instructing their
children in the catechism, and making them acquainted not only with the
common principles of Christianity, but also with the distinctive principles of
our Chinch, the laity may do rnuch towards the restoration of her prosperity
and renown. To the want of this co-operation may be attributed, in a great
degree, the feeble state both of her spiritual and temporal building." *

" In adverting to the clergy, gentlemen of the Convention, I am brought to
a subject of great moment, not only to the churches in this diocese, but to
those of every diocese in our Union. Daily to be lamented is the difticulty of
obtaining ministers for those parishes whibh are willing to support them.
Daily to be desired is a supply of clergymen, able by their piety, their talents
and learning, to do honour to the Church, and advance the cause of God.
Sensible of these things, many of the clergy of the Cijurch in the United
States, have, for several years past, been meditating ihe establishment of a
Theological Seminary, for educating candidates for the ministry, which should
be the offspring and care of the whole Church, as the best means, under
heaven, of giving to our churches a body of enlightened, worthy and united
clergymen, thoroughly furnished for the work of tlie ministry, and bound to
each other with those ties, by w^ich individuals become connected, who, at
the same place, are engaged, in early life, in the same holy pursuits. During
the last General Convention, at the instance of the Church in this diocese, the
subject was brDiight before that body, and it was then referred to the bishops,
or, where there is no bishop, to the ecclesiastical authority in each diocese, to

42

336 APPENDIX.

ascertain the sense of their respective dioceses concerning the expediency
and practicability of this measure. Between the present time and the next
meeting of the General Convention, there will intervene anotlier meeting of
the Convention of this diocese. And though 1 can entertain no doubt con-
cerning the sentiments which will here prevail, yet, as a means of forwarding
to the General Convention the strongest support of our diocese in behalf of a
measure promising so much respectability and benefit to our Church, it is
recommended to the delegates of the several parishes, to request of their res-
pective parishes to furnish their delegates to the next Convention, with their
opinions concerning the expediency of this measure, and the probable aid
which would be obtained in their part of the diocese towards the accomplish-
ment of it. In this way, the next Convention of this diocese may be able to
furnish me with such views of the subject, as will be et^icient in aiding the
friends of this important design in accomplishing their wishes " * * *

" At every examination of the condition of the Church in this part of her
abode, there are apparent two causes, probably connected with each other,
which retard her prosperity — the want of clergy, and the want of funds.
With regard to the former, till such time as the measure just mentioned shall
remove the ditficulty, we must depend much in this diocese upon the oj'eration*
of the 'Protestant Episcopal. Society for the Advancement of Christianity in
South-Carolina.' And this cannot fail to be an additional inducement with
every fri-^nd of the Church, to promote, by all laudable efforts, the enlarge-
ment of the funds, and increase of the members of that institution. With
regard to the latter, the want of funds: endeavours are making in some
parishes, which might he advantageously imitated by all, to provide by means
of permanent funds that sure and sufficient maintenance for the n)inisters of
the gospel, to which the jrosptl itself entitles them. An<l may it not be hoped,
that while under the influences of pence, the silvtjr of the people of our com-
munity is mulliplif'd; and their gold is multiplied; and all that they have is
miilfipled; they will be anxious to devote a portion of the wealth which G(;d
is giving them to the support of the honour of his house and of the oflices
thereof? When it is remembered hov.- acceptably the piety of God's ancient
people was expressed by their care of his temple and its services, and how
lurjie a part of thnir property, rert.Tinly not less than a tenth, was appropriated
to this purpose; it ought not to be believed that Christians, in serlsons of pros-
perity, will be suipassed in generosity to the Almighty by Jews: and suffer
the institutions of religion to languish for want of funds. Were as much now
done in this way, as (Jod required his chosen people to do, we might reasona-
bly expect, that the prosperity of our Church would keep pace vvi'h the pros-
pcritv of our country ; and the latter might participate with the former of that
bleisedness, which, by the promise of the Almighty, rc^ts upon his Holy Hill
of Zion.

" If brethr.'Ti'of the clergy and laity, in adverting to ' the atTairs of the dio-
cese.' we find some things upon which to congratulate ourselves and to praise
our God, you will perceive, also, that scope remains for greater and happier
exertions. Of the Church it would be impious to despair. Sn.all, jndeed, it
is in this diocese. Hut small as it is, a little one may become a thousand ;
and a small Mie a creat peo[)le. To it. in its rollertive capacity here, he who
addresses you would apply the comfortable decluraUoD, which every cougre-

APPENDIX. 331

gation regularly associated for the purpose of acknowledgfing and serving the
Redeemer, however few in number or feeble in means, may also apply
to themselves, ' fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to
give you the kingdom.' May he, by the power of his grace, stir up the wills
and afe'^tiuns of his faithful people, that they, plentcously bringing forth to the
support and service of his Church Ote fruit of good works, may by himhe plen-
ttously rewarded through Jesus Christ our Lord.''^

1817. " Closely connected with the afi;\irs of the diocese, by reason of its
happy influence upon them, is the prosperity of the ' Protestant Episcopal
Society for the Advancement of Christianity in South-Carolina.' It is men-
tioned, therefore, as properly included in the object of this address, that Provi-
dence has continued to smile most graciously upon this institution, with which
the future strength and growth of the Church in this dioce?e, will in all proba-
bility be very intimately connected. A Theological Library founded, and
increasing, under its auspices, promises to be not only a valuable convenience
to the candidates for the ministry, but a source of useful knowledge to all the
members of our community. It is stated, moreover, with emotions of new
and very great pleasure, that, actuated by a desire of the prosperity of the
Church in this diocese, a pious female, who. while she lived, was one of its
purest and most exemplary members. Miss Theresa Julia De Tollinere, has
bequeathed to that Society, to be applied to. the purposes, by which it is aiming
to promote this prosperity, one half of a considerable estate, to be possessed
by them after the decease of an aged father ; to whose comfort her filial piety
led her to devote, in the first place, the use of all her property so long as he
shall live. A deed, so pious, so munificent, and likely to have uhimately so
great operation upon the interests of our churches, that I am sure you will,
with me, deem it due to her worth, that it should here ' be told for a memorial
of her.'" * * * *

"It is not among the least of the benefits which may be expected to result
from this comiug in of the churches to our association, that, by the best of all
possible means, a knowledge of facts, it will correct any ill-founded apprehen-
sion, that this Convention is pursuing, or can pursue, any other objects, than
the increase and religious prosperity of the Church in this part of her earthly
abode. God grant, that as in an auspicious season of primitive Christianity in
Judea, and Samaria, and Galilee, so here, under his gracious providence, his
churches may ' have rest;' strengthening, by communion and fellowship, their
sense of their joint relatimi. to their common head, Jesus Christ, the Redeemer
of them all; and their obligation to promote, as much as in them lieth, the
prosperity and happiness of each other — and that, ' walking in the fear of the
Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost,^ they may, to the glory of his grace,
be happily and abundantly 'multiplied.^ "

332 APPENDIX.

No. VI.

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL SOCIETY.

Address to the Members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in South-Carolina :
and Extracts from the first, second and siith Annual Reports of the Board of
Trustees of the Protestant Episcopal Society for the Advancement of Chris-
tianity in South- Carolina : from the pen of Bishop Dehon.

In presenting to you the constitution of a Society, formed for the promotion
of religious knovvl 'u;;e. learning, and piety, in this State, the committee,
appointed to publish and distribute this constitution, find themselves iinnble to
refrain from addressing you upon a subject, which, in every view of it. prfesents
itself to them, as worthy to interest the feelings and engage the favour of every
lover of our excellent Church.

The " pure :>nd undnfiled religion" of the gospel, is the most valutible gift
which the Almighty has bestowed upon the inhabitants of the earth. This
religion F.piscnpalians enjov in all its perfection; and they cannot be too
thankful to its adorable Author, for the sound faith, the useful, and happily
combined orders of ministry, and the rationr.l, decent, holy forms of worship,
with which their Church is di><tinguish«d. But it is a very important part of
that beneficence, which every man owes to his feIlow-m:in, and a highly be-
coming expression of that gratitude, wl.ich every Christian owes peculiarly to
his G<»d. to extend, as far as he is able, ihr enjoyment of the religious advan-
tages, with which he himself is i(lps<»'d. Actuated by this sentiment were the
members of the venerable Societv." to whose pi«ms and benevolent exertions
many of the churches in this country owed their origin: and under whose
patronage thev advancrd to maturity, and becam*- [tarent.*- of others; many of
which ;ire now nourishing, though some are falU'n asleep. The same benevo-
lent prinrijde is. in our age. giving birth to many 8t)cielies, which propose to
thettist'lvi's similar objects, however diveisificd th»ir modes of operation.
Aniiilsi the c-onvulsioiis. striO-s and carnage, for whirh the age is distinguished.
it is the pb-asante.st rolirf ubich the nnnd of the (^hristian, anW may we not
sav of ihe pbil.inthropist. c:Kn find, to turn from tlw <cenes of contending war-
riors and ronfused noise, arid be'iold the mild spirit of the religion of the
Redeemer, exciting hi-* disciples \o establish institutions, and amply endow
them for informing the minds, alleviating the miseries, increasing the virtues,
and promoting the salvation of the children of men. Upon these institutions
the eye rests with delight. They are as sunbeams, breaking here and there
through tlie dark and portentous clouds wlirh hang over the worhl. Around
them wiU be foimd the softest light, with which the future historian will
relieve the shades of tlio pages, on whirh he shall exhibit the events of our
day. While it is thus <lelightfnl to behold the operations of Christian bene-
volence for the promotion of faith, and virtue, and happiness, nmong man-
kind, shall the members of our Church be cold or inaclivp, when they have.

• Tbe Society jii Knjflaud for rroj)ag.iliiip llic Go pel in Furrign Part*.

APPENDIX. 333

in the increasing population of the State, tho difficulty of procuring clergymen,
and tb(: inelauciialy decny of sevend once-fl(»uiishiog ciiurches, such powerful
incifemenis to generous exertions?

T:i3 Society, which now presents itself to your notice, offers a channel in
which such exeitions may be combined and conducted to the best purposes.
It. iiieddles not with civil institutions, ft concerns not itseit with political
affairs, Its only object, as the constitution expresses it, is " the promotion
of Christian knowledge, learning and piety in this ^tate;" and this object,
the Constitution declares " shall never be changed." Here, then, the liberal,
who may be disposed, from their abundance, to make an offering unto God.
may defjosit their donations, in the fullest assurance that they will be preserved
with fidelity, and applied to the most beneficial uses. Here, too, the friends
of the Church, who love her prosperity and would extend the knowledge of
her faith and the parficipation of her joys, may give an ethciency to their
exertions, vviiich they cannot have alone, by combining them with the exer-
tions of their fellow-christians. And here the pious widow, who may wish
to cast her mite into the treasury of the temple, may do it in a way in which
she will advance both the glory of God and the happiness of men, by promot-
ing the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. Can there be an institution
which shall have purer motives, nobler objects, or more certain reward?

If .his Society sliall be enabled, by its funds, to bring youthful genius for-
ward from languishing in obscurity, and under the invigorating influences of
a benign patronage, to train it up for the service of the temple and the altar —
if it shall be successful, by its missionaries, in conveying the knowledge of
salvation, and the means of grace, and the consolations which spring from the
hope of glory, into regions where they are not sufficiently understood — nay,
if there shaii be found by the throne of God in the great day of the consumma-
tion, one individaal, rejoicing in the possession of eternal life, who, through
any of the means whicii the Society may use for the advancement of Chris-
tianity, shall have been brought, io a knowledge of the overtures of mercy
made to our sinful race in Christ Jesus, and induced to embrace them-r-if,
under the blessing of heaven, any oi't^jese happy effects shall result from the
establishment of this Society, who will not rejoice to have been among its
patrons at its formation, and in its infancy ; or to have added to its strength
and usefulness in the years of its muturity ? We commend it to your attention
and favourable regard; and devoutly hope, that through the good blessing
of our God upon it, the effects o*' its operations may be such, that posterity
shall be gratified, when they find the names of their ancestors among its first
supporters, and transmit it to their children to be cherished with perpetual
care. (Signed) Theodore Dehon, Chairman.

Charleston June 4, 1810.*

1811. "Measures have been provided for securing both the present and
permanent utility of the institution, as far as human care can extend. While,
by means of the common fund, the great works of Christian benevolence,
which the Society proposes to itself, will be carried on, and they who have

* This Society has a prior date the sof^ipties bearing the (?ame name in Pennsylvania and
other dioceses. — Editor.

334 APPENDIX.

contributed to the accomplishment of future deeds of charity may live to reap
some of the first fruits of their benevolence ; by means of the permanent fund,
if the blessing of the Almighty shall rest upon it, the Society will be per-
petuated ; and a strength and respectability, increasing with its age, given to
it; for which it could not, with wisdom, have allowed itself to depend upon
subscriptions which are precarious, and donations which are uncertain.''
*****
" Of which latter Society [the Society in England for Propagatmg the
Gospel in Foieign Parts], as this institution is thp first successor in this coun-
try, the Board of Trustees cannot refrain from indulging the hope that it will
not be less useful in the course of as long an existence, nor less happy in the
claim which its deeds shall establish for it, upon the gratitude of posterity."

'' The Trustees feel happy in the hope, that in having done this, they have
taken one of the most effectual steps for enabling those who shall hereafter
come forward in this State as candidates for holy orders, to qualify themselves
under the best instructors, for di:^charging the duties of the ministry with
ability, reputation and success. Pleasing to the members of the Society, the
Board of Trustees are persuaded, will here be the reflection, that with Jiving
waters, brought from streams which their beneficence will have rendered
accessible to future pastors of the Church, they themselves, and their children
afler them, may have their thirst for religious information satisfied, and their
spirits suHtiiined unto everlasting life." * * *

" In closing their report, the Board of Trustees have great pleasure in the
reflection, that though the shortness of the time and the infancy of the institu-
tion have not allowed them to accomplish more than has now been stated, yet
the work of the Society has been atispiriouslybrann. A foundation is laid, upon
which thoy trust a superstructure will be raised h} those who shall come afler,
which will l)e more durable than the wants, and as estimable as the principles,
of the excellent Church to whose benefit it is to be eutirely devoted. Neces-
sary, howevei. to the accomplishmrnt of all such works, especially in the first
years of them, a.re patient persercrcnce aad actire tea/."

1812. " By the inquiries whirh they have been led to make, and the steps
which th'\v have already taken, the Board have been rendered deeply sensible,
that, in the field which ihe Society have chosen f{»r their benevolent purposes,
there is very great scope for much good to be done ; and they have also felt a
gratification, of which they persuade theniselvfs every member of the Soei«'ty
will participate, that, in this age of institutions for the diffusion of religious
knowledge and virtue among men. the Church in Carolina has not been slow
to indulge the excellent spirit of Christianity, in \\ liich they all originate; but
has laid the foundation of an institution, to which there is reason to expect
posterity will look as the parent, under God, of great and lasting benefits to
this part of the Redeemer's kingdom." * * #

" According to an estimate submitted to them, it appears, that in the course
of five years after the collections now due shall have been made, the perma-
nent fund of the Society will amount to about eight thousand five hundred
dollars; and the Society will have expended upwards of live thousand five
hundred dollars out of the common fund — a sum which, if it shall be appro-
priated with judgment, cannot fail to produce very great benefits to tho cau^e

APPENDIX. 385

of true religion. And when it is considered how rapidly the permanent fund
will increase, after it shall have attained to the amount now staled, the Society
may perceive that in a few years more tliere will be secured to the members,
in all human calculation, a certainty of doing much good, even if any adverse
circumstances, which the Board of Trustees see no reason to apprehend,
should deprive the Society of a continuance of the number and liberality of
its supporters." * *

" With pleasure they advert to the establishments which are about to be
made, under the authority of the government of the State, of free schools, for
the dilFusion of education among all classes of its citizens. Grateful to the
members of this institution, the Board of Trustees are persuaded, will be the
reflection, that while this purpose, so highly honourable to the present rulers
of the State, shall be carrying into operation, books of the best character will
be provided, through the inslrftmentality of this Society, for distribution; and
other measures taken, which Any render the diffusion of religious and moral
information co-extensive with the diffusion of literary improvements. When
they, moreover, advert to the state of a large part of the world, and contrast
witii it the situation of our own land, there appears to the Board to be a solemn
obligation upon Americans, to manifest ihoir gratitude to the Supreme Dis-
poser of events for their religious and civil privileges, by every exertion in
their power for the advancement of his kingdom and glory. It is here, that
the gospel of his Son is enjoyed in its purity. Here are his temples filled by
devotion, not by the sword ; and his altars supported by faith, not by the stake.
Here are the scriptures possessed by every man, free from all human incum-
brances; and have no other influence in controling his mind or his life, than
that which arises from a belief in their authority, and an admiration of the
precepts which they inculcate, and the truths which they contain. And here,
in the Church to which the members of the Society belong, the ministry, the
ordinances, and the worship of Christianity are enjoyed in a degree of purity,
wliich is no where surpassed in all the world. These considerations, when
combined together, impose a most powerful obligation upon those whose lot
is so eminently happy, to endeavour to extend and perpetuate the blessiijfrs
with which they are distinguished. The Trustees are persuaded, that in
suggesting them to the Society, they oflfer motives to perseverance in their
laudable work, which will not be resisted ; but will increase their desire, and
invigorate their exertions, by the diffusion of useful books, by the maintenance
of able missionaries, and by the education of native youths of genius and piety,
for the service of the temples and altars of God, to accomplish, under his
blessing, the great end of their institution, 'the advancement of Christianity
in South-Carolina.' "

1816. " A copy of a sermon, preached recently by the Rev. Charles Blair
Snowden of Pineville, at the lecture founded by the honourable the late
Chief Justice Pinckney of this State, has been asked by the Board of Trus-
tees, to be printed at the expense and for the benefit of the Society. It is
stated with pleasure that the copy has been indulgently granted by the author.
And the Board assure themselves that the Society will feel a lively gratifica-
tion in being thus instrumental in brioging^to the public eye a discourse, which,
while it does credit to the piety and genius of the Church in this diocese, may

^iSi) APPENDIX.

be considered as the otFspring of a beneficence, kindred in its spirit to that by
which the Society is actuated." * * # ,

" There is a prospect of having published for the Society an edition of
Archbishop Seeker's Leclures on the Catechism of the Church (with the copy-
right secured to the Society \ by which measure the Board of Trustee^ • -pe
to promote, not only in this diocese, but among Episcopalians gene-io iv in
the^e Unied Sfates, the circulation of that very valuable work of one ofthe
ablest av,d most zealous friends to the churrhes in America." * *

"The generosity of an individual has commenced the gratification of their
wishes; and laid the foundation of a library for the Society, which may one
day be of unlimited utility to the Church in this diocese. It is with pleasure
stated to the Society, by the Board of Trustees, that soon after the restorbtion
of commerce with England, they received from General Charle.* Cotesworth
Pinckney a donation of books, jecently imported, towards the formation of a
Theological Library — most of them highly vjftiiable — and making together
a good foundation, on which the wisdom of the Society and tlie benevolence
of other iiidividuals may hereafter build." * * *

" Of the need of them [Missiooaiies] who can doubt that casts his eye over
the extensive territory in the upper country, becoming rapidly settled by an
important pojjulation; among whom tlie faith and worship of our Church are
scarcely known. Let n(»t exertions to carry them thither be damp-^d by appre-
hensions that the economy of the : piscopal Church is not adapted to that stage
and state of society. Where shall man. in ;iiiy state, tind a bener exiiibition
of his duties than in the Dcralotriir. ? VVherp more plain and sound articles of
faith than in the Crrcd ? VV here purer and more excellent forms of devotion
than in the Lord's Prayer, and ihe collcns which accompany it? And if im-
passioned sentiment ami impassioned language be necessary to rouse ihe k;el-
ings and kindle the desires of the pe(»plo, wlierc shall bo found more fervent
sentiments or more rapturous expressions, than in the impassioned parts of the
Jiturgy of the Church? It is believed by the Board, iliat a better economy
than that of the Church could not bi^ provifled for the distiirts. where she is, ag
y^t, in a great measure, unknown. How much plain and useful instrurtion in
true religion might be ronvpyed, through the medium of her services, to an
uninformed people ; while their dev(»tiuns, at the same time, were freed from
the offensive exuberances of unguided piety, ami conducted in a manner worthy
of the rational character of man.

" But to manifest the want and utility of missionaries, it was noi needful to
have adverted to the field for their labours in the upper country. H re, in
the lower country — here, where the Church has betn planted, and once
flourished — here, where parts of the flock of the Redeemer remain, wander-
ing upon every heath and exposed to every robber — the voice uf those who
sho'jid gathei them, is in many places never heard. There are none to feed
his 'sheep — to feed his laiobs." # ^^ •

"If the Society had in many years accomplished nothing more than the
establisliment o^ this Church in Columbia— near the college of the State —
where the youth of'the Episcopal community, and especially those who are
desi,;. ;d for the ministry, nny have the henent ot'the guidance and frit nd.-hip
of a clergyman of the Church, and the enjoyment of her services and all th«

APPENDIX. . 337

privileges of her hou5?ehold — this alone would be a compensation for all its
care, and a sfandin-^ monument of the eood it had done." * * *

" Ciiiidien. thus enrolled, will probably grow up attached to the Society;
and there will be added to the claims, which its good purposes will hnve upon
them in after life, the solemn obligation of parental will. Oh! could parents,
who are now before the throne of God, speak, would they not call upon their
children, who are in their places here, to aid liberally this Society in it.= efi'-its
to raise the Church, which they loved, to the highest degree of prosperity !
Children of those ancestors, who are now with the spirits of the just, made
perfect, cherish the Church which discovered to them a path to the tree of life,
in which no sword flames — and imparted to them, even iu this world, some
foretastes of the pardon, peace, and joy, which now give its worth to their
immortality in heaven! Children of those ancestors! cherish the Church!
And teach your children, and your children's children to cherish it." *

* # # # if

" But what are funds, and what are activity and wisdom, without the bless-
ing of Almighty God ? It was the first sentiment which impressed the Board
of Trustees, when they entered upon the review to which this report called
them (and the sentiment is stated with a confidence that it will be responded
by all the members of the Society) hitherto hath the Lord helped us. When,
therefore, the Board call upon the members of the Society to exert themselves
to obtain for it the necessary means of accomplishing its purposes, they still
look upon the blessing of God as its best treasure; nnd commend it most
anxiously to the intercessions of the friends of the Church. While they ask
of the liberal their contributions, they ask of the pious their prayers. And
may those prayers be heard, to ' the advancement,' through the operations of
the Society, of the glory of Him, who is the author and finisher of ail good
purposes; and to whom aiust be ascribed all that is right and happy among
the children of men, and throughout the universe."

Wo. VII,

CIRCULAR TO THE CLERGY,

On the Restoration of Peace.

vTo the Clergy of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocese of South-Carolina, and to
the .several Congregations thereof, grace, mercy and peace from God our Father, and
from our Lord Jesus Christ. •

Brethren, Reverend and Beloved, — It having pleased Almighty God, the
sovereign disposer of all events, to prosper the efforts of the government of
these Ur.iad States; to bring to an honourable termination the war in which
they have been engaged, and to restore to our country the blessing of peace,

43

338 APPENDIX.

And the President of the United States having, at the request of the Congress
thereof, recommended, by His proclamation of the 4th inst., to the good people
of these States the observ^ance of Thursday, the 13th day of April next, as a
day o{ Thanksgiving and Praise to God for this his signal mercy towards
them. And, whereas the Almighty Sovereign of all worlds hath, in his owu
most holy word, taught us that peace is among the most inestimable of all the
mercies which are bestowed upon the children of men, and that it is under
his gracious providence towards them that this blessing is given to the people
whom he regards, from which, his declaration, there ariseth an obligation,
binding upon all Christians, to recognize his hand in the restoration, to them,
of this mercy, and to offer unto him their grateful acknowledgments and praise
for the same. And, whereas the inhabitants of this State have great and
special cause for gratitude to the Most High, not only in their participation of
this common felicity of their country, but also in that spirit of patriotism and
unanimity, which, during the continuance of the war, was called forth in this
State, to strengthen tlie bars of its gates, and in its preservation from the terror
and sufferings, and unspeakable dangers, to which it might have been
subjected by contending armies and ruthless invasion. For these reasons,
brethren, ai -1 in conformity with the sentiments and wishes of our Ecclesias-
tical Conv*Mition, recently held in this city, you are called upon, and by these
presents exhorted, in obedience to the proclamation of the chief magistrate of
the nation, moving you thereto, to assemble on Thursday, the 13th day of
April next ensuing, in vour respective churches, with religious reverence and
holy joy ; that there may ascend lo hnaven on that day, as from one common
altar, the incense of hearts and lips penetrated with gratitude to the Great
Disposer of events, as for all his mercies to this our country, so especially for
this, his unmeriied goodness, in "giving unto his people the blessing of
peace." And in order that, according to the spirit of our Church in all her
public offices, we may then be as one jieoplo. using the same praises, speaking
the same words, and meditating on llie same portions of holy scriptures, the
morning and evening service shall be the same which i« apjjointed in the
Book of Common-Prayer, except as is hereinafter provided, viz. — Among the
sentences at the opening of the services shall be said the followmg :

*' llajtpy art thou. () Israel : who is like unto thee, (J people, favoured of the
Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency."

" Not unto us, () Lord ; not unto us, but unto thy name, give the praise for
thy loving mercy and for thy truth's sake."

"Praise the I.^rd, O Jerusalem; praise thy God. O Zion ; for he hath
strengthened the bars of thy gates — he hath blessed thy children withm thee —
he miik»'th peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat."

Instead of the Psalms for the day of the month, there shall be read in the
morning, the '29th, the 65th, and the 85th; and in the evening the 9th Selec-
tion. The first lesson in the morning service shall be the eighth chapter of
Deuteronomy — and the second lesson, the twelfth chapter of the Fpistle to the
Ronuins. with the thirteenth chapter as far as to the twelfth verse. The first
lesson in the evening service shall be the fourth chapter of the Prophet
INIieah — and for the second lesson, there shall be read the fifth chapter of the
first Kpistio to tho Thessalonians. from the twelfth to the twenty-fourth verse,
lininediatelv after the geiiernl thauksgivinjj sIihU be said the occasional

APPENDIX. d^i

thanksgiving for " peace and deliverance from our enemies," as it is set forth
in the Book of Common-Prayer. In the communion service, instead of the
collect for the day, shall be used the following :

O Almighty God, the sovereign and merciful ruler of the world, we bless
and magnify thy glorious name, for the peace which thou hast restored to our
country, the praise whereof we do, with all thankfulness, ascribe unto thee.
And we beseech thee to accept the oblations of gratitude, which thy people
in this land are this day offering unto thee in thy holy temples ; and to give
us grace to improve this blessing to thy glory, the advancement of thy gospel,
the mcrease in our country of wisdom, science, useful arts, and true hap-
piness, the cultivation of unity, grace, and kind affections among ourselves,
and, as much as in us lieth, to the good of all the human race. And earnestly
we pray thee, long in thy mercy to continue peace a blessing to our land ;
and to impress us with such a due sense of the goodness for which we praise
thee, as shall engage us to show forth our thankfulness in a humble, holy,
and obedient walking before thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom
with Thee and the Holy Ghost, as for all thy mercies towards our country, so
especially for this great blessing, with which thou hast blessed us, be all
honour and glory now and forever. — Amen.

For the Epistle shall be taken the fourth chapter of the Epistle to the Philip-
pians, from the fourth to the ninth verse. And for the Gospel, the eighth
chapter of St. John, from the thirty-first to the thirty -seventh verse.

Amidst our joy in our own happiness, it is meet and right — yea, brethren,
it is our bounden duty, to remember, with pious and affectionate sympathy,
the widows and children, and bereaved friends of those our fellow-citizens
who have fallen gloriously in their country's service ; and you will all be dis-
posed to- offer, in the appointed place, in behalf of those whose joy in the
peace cannot but be mingled with some emotions of sadness, the prayer which
the Church hath provided " for persons under affliction." There is also a
debt of sympathy, on occasions like this, with all the people of the earth.
The sense of our own felicity will induce you to offer, with redoubled fervor,
the petition in the Litany (which shall on that day be used), that it would
please the " good Lord," from whom we have received our blessing, '' to give
to ALL nations unity, peace and concord.^^

" Commending you, reverend and beloved brethren, in this your service,
and in all your concern, to the acceptance and blessings of Almighty God, I
remain ever.

Your affectionate Bishop,

Theodore Dehon.

Charleston, March 30, 1815.

340 APPENDIX.

No. Till.

PRAYER FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY.

Almighty God. who rulest over all the kingdoms of the world, and disposest
of thsm according to thy good pleasure, we yield thee unfeigned thanks, as for
all thy mercies, so especially for the national, civil and religious blessings with
which thou hast distinguished our land. We this day p; aise ihy name for that
independerice which thou didst enable us to establish among the nations of the
earth : and for the peace and prosperity with which, (while thy judgments are
awfully abroad in the world) thou hast been pleased hitherto to l^less her.
Take not, O God, thy loving kindness from us, and let not our iniquities turn
avviiy thy favours. Continue to us the freedom, peace and prosperity with which
thou only hast blessed us?; and grant that, through thy good providence, we
may be enabled to transmit them, unimpaired, to posterity. Let truth and
justice, liberality, kindness and charity, devotion and piety, concord and unity,
with all other virtues, so flourish among us, that they may be the stability of
our times, and make our country a name and praise in all the earth. All
which we humbly beg for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ, our most blessed
Lord and Saviour.

No. IX.

[The following Pr.iyer, which Rishop Dchon had seen in print, and altered iu
some degree, was one which he especially admired and frequently used. J

AN UMVERSAL PRAYER

For All Things Ncrcssary to Snlrtitio7i

O MV Gop, I believe in thee; do thou strengthen my faith. All my ho]»e^
are in thee ; do thou sefuro them. 1 love thee with all my heart ; teach me to
love thee daily more and more. I am sorry that I have offended thee ; do thou
increase my repentance. 1 adore thee as my first beginning; I aspire after
thee as my last end. i gi\e thee thanks as my constant benefactor; I invoke
thee as my sovereign protector. Vouch.^afe, O my God, to conduct me by thy
wisdom ; to restrain me by thy justice ; to comfort me by thy mercy ; to defend
me by thy power. To thee I desire to consecrate all my thoughts, words,
actions, and'sufferings; that hpuceror\vard I may think of thee, speak of thee,
and willingly refer all my actions to thy great glory, and suffer willingly what
thou shalt appoint

APPENDIX. 341

Lord, I desire that in all things thy will may be done, because it is thy will .
and in the manner thou wiliest. I beg of thee to enlighten my understanding,
to inflame my will, to purify my body, and sanctify my soul. Give nie strength,
O my God, to expiate my offences, to overcome my temptations, to subdue
my passions, and to acquire the virtues proper for my state. Fill my heart
with a tender affection for thy goodness, a hatred for my faults, love for my
neighbour, and a contempt for the world. Let me always remember to be
submissive to my superiors, condescending to my inferiors, faithful to my
friends, and charitable to my enemies. Assist me to overcome sensuality by
mortification ; avarice by alms-deeds ; anger by meekness ; and tepidity by
devotion.

O my God, make me prudent in my undertakings, courageous in dangers,
patient in afflictions, and humble in prosperity. Grant that I may ever be
attentive at my prayers, temperate at my meals, diligent in my employments,
and constant in my resolutions. Let my conscience be ever upright and
pure, my exterior modest, my conversation edifying, and my conduct regular.
Assist me that I may continually labour to overcome nature, to correspond
with thy grace, to keep thy commandments, and to work out my salvation.

Discover to me, O my God, the nothingness of this world, the greatness of
heaven, the shortness of time, and the lengih of eternity. Grant tliai I may
prepare for death ; that I may fear thy judgments ; that I may escape hell,
and in the end obtain heaven, through Jesus Christ. — Amen.

FINIS.