/' «v i ;fi- ».i i<< ' «* DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY T^reasure "Room ^//rr, ^ix^^^t./^ PUBLIC LECTURE OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF THE ^ Rev.3lDsepI) atttillam, s.t.d.ll.d. PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY IN CAMBRIDGE. BY ELIPHALET PEARSON ll.d. HAMCOCK PROFESSOR OF HEBREW. PRINTED AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS IN CAMBRIDGE BT triLLIAM HILLIAKD, MDCCCIV. TO the Students of the University, at whose request the following Lecture is published, it is now affectionately inscribed with the sincerest wishes of the Author for their welfare in time and eternity. LECTURE. Bereaved Friends and Pupils, x\S this is the first time, I have met you in the line of my appropriate public duty, since the death of our beloved and venerable President ; it will not, I trust, be thought impertinent, if on this occasion, we turn aside from our usual course, to contemplate the hand of Heaven. In doing this however it is no part of my design to delineate the character of the deceased, •which at the proper times has been twice publicly ex- hibited to you in a manner, highly grateful and satis- factory, and under circumstances puculiarly impress- ive.* Nor, even on this affecting event, should I pre- sume thus to deviate, had not death previously silenced that sacred tongue, whose proper ofHce and delight it v/ould have been, in soothing, pious accents to inspire your minds with heavenly counsel, and to pour the balm of divine consolation into your wounded breasts. f In his stead therefore permit me to invite your atten- tion, not only to the recent distressing event, which has covered us with sackcloth 5 but likewise to a series • By PinrtssoR Webber in an Eulogy, pronounced at the Funeral of President Willard on Saturday the "apth. November ; and by the RiiV. Abifi. Holmes in a Sermon', delivered the ensuing Sabbath. t The Rev. Dr. Tai-pan, Ilollii ProL-saor of Divinity, di«d 37 August 1804 of dispensations, that within a few jezrs have deeply aifected this Society. Uncommon events naturally ex- cite attention and sober thought. When the Angel of God appeared in a flame of fire in a bush, Moses said, " I will now turn aside, and see this great sight.** At such a period then, as the present, when, in the lan- guage of scripture, " the Lord is come out of his *' place,'* if not to consume us, yet surely for some important end ; shall we not seriously inquire, what this end is ? Not curiosity, but piety demands this. Singular phenomena in the natural world arrest the at- tention and excite the diligent investigation of the phi- losopher ; and shall mysterious, alarming events in the moral world pass unnoticed, and their final cause be unexplored by those, most interested in them ? Reli- gion, and even safety itself forbids it. The voice of Providence, now addressed to us, seems to be that of the Prophet, " come, my people, enter into thy cham? " bers, and shut thy doors about thee ; hide thyself, " as it were for a little moment, until the indignation ** be overpast.** Serious reflection on past and present afflictions is not more the duty or interest of individuals, than of societies. You will therefore lend a listening ear, while I recite some not far distant as well, as recent dispensations of Heaven toward the Students, Instruc- tors, and Governors of this Society. It is now a little more than thirty five years, since my connexion with this Society commenced. At that period the death of a Student by sickness was a rare occurrence ; but one such event taking place in the seven classes, with which I was acquainted, while an Undergraduate. Agreeably to our records it likewise appears, that from 1769 to 1796, a period of twenty seven years, but nine deaths toolc place among the Undergraduates. But from 1796 to the present time, a period of little more than eight years, sixteen Stu- dents terminated their probation for eternity, before they had completed their Academic course ; and, wliat deserves particular notice, most of them died of con- sumption. During the period, first mentioned, the deaths were to the years, as 9 to 27, or as 1 to 3, that is, one death in three years. During the last pe- riod, the deaths have been to the years, nearly as 16 to 8, that is, two deaths in one year. Hence it ap- pears, that the number of deaths among Under- graduates during the last eight years, compared with that of the preceding twenty seven years, has increas- fsd nearly in a sixfold ratio. A result, worthy of seri- ous consideration ; especially, when it is added, that four of these melancholy events took place in one year, and six of them in one class. In this connexion J am constrained to add that, during the two last years, and soon after receiving the first honors of this Universi- ty, four others have been numbered with their deccas-r ed companions. Newell, Palmer, Hodges, and Homer, alike victims to consumption^ still live in the memory and affections of many now present. Events these, which, as they respect the public as well, as their disappointed and aflhcted parents, may be reck- oned among the most melancholy. The arrows of death however have not been exclu- sively aimed at the Students and recent Alumni of our Alma Mater. They have been equally, if not mor? fatal, at the Board 6^ Overseers. "Within the last fif- teen years, that Honorable and Reverend Body has lost a large proportion of Members, who from their proximity, rank, and talents, had it in their power as well, as in their disposition, to render this University important services. Would time permit, I might here name the Reve- rend, pious, and benevolent Milliard ; whose inti- mate acquaintance with College, derived from three years connexion with it, as Tutor ; from his local situ- ation, as Minister of this Parish ; and from his long and confidential friendship with our late President ; qualified him, in a peculiar manner, for taking an ac- tive and useful part in the affairs of this College ; the illustrious Bowdoin ; whose eminent talents, dis- tinguished scholarship, exalted civil station, and seven years connexion with the Corporation, all united to render him singularly influential, as an Overseer of this Society ; whose interests he warmly and liberally es- poused, as his donations to the philosophical Apparatus and his legacy " for the advancement of useful and polite literature among Graduates and Undergraduates'* amply testify* ; the patriotic Hancock ; whose life was sacrificed to public energies ; whose bounty not only decorated our public rooms, but nobly enrich- ed our Library with more than a thousand volumesf ; • In the year 1758 Mr. Bowdoin presented to the Apparatus a very valua- 1>le Microscope ; in 1764 an Orrery, which cost £S6. 5 Sterling; and in his Will bequeathed £400, " the Interest whereof to be annually applied in Prenii- " Tims for the advaucem«nt of useful and polite Literature," &c. f The precise number is 1098 volumes, which completely fill one Alcove in the Library, distinguished by the name Hancock in golden letters. Their cost was £j54. 4 sterling. This liberal donation was made in 1764 ; to which ia whose preeminent station, happy address, and popular qualities secured him unrivaled influence ; all Vvhich he did not fail to exert for the benefit of this College in almost every speech, that he made to the General Court, during the twelve years, in which he was Governor of this Commonwealth ; the elegant Clarke ; whose classic taste and rare acquisitions of science and literature, not only qualified him to judge correctly of the course of instruction and reading, proper for young gentlemen at a seat of public edu- cation ; but also rendered him a model of good wri- ting, worthy of imitation ; in proof of which I will on- ly appeal to his compositions in print ; especially to his *' Letters to a Student in the University" ; \\hich are with much pleasure recommended to your frequent •perusal, not merely for their simplicity, purity, and ease of style ; but for the judicious advice, therein giv- en for the direction of your studies, and as evidence of the loss, you have sustained by his death ; the learned, beloved, and venerable Belknap, who in theology scarcely left his superior, and by his industry accumulated a fund of general information, superior perhaps to that of any other man of his age among us, of which his various writings furnish abundant proof ; who was warmly attached to the place of his early studies, and ever disposed to employ all the power, vvhich his genius, erudition, and extensive correspon- dence gave him, to promote the interests of this Insti- tution J the noble, generous, and judicious Sum- I77i he made a valuable addition. The same year he also signalized his boun- ty by a generous present of a set of the most elegant Carpets, to cover the floor* cf the I-ibrary, Apparatus, and I'liilosophy Chamber ; the Avails of the last of which he aiso covsred with the richest paper. 8 NER, whose dignified rank, as chief Magistrate, united to his prudence and weight of character, gave him spe- cial opportunities for advancing the welfare of this Sem- inary ; to which number we might also add a character of more recent date, and within the know- ledge of many now present, the Reverend and eloquent Thacher ; the music of whose voice still vibrates in our ears ; whose active zeal at the Overseers' Board, persuasive powers in the desk, extensive acquaintance and influence among persons of all ranks in our. me- tropolis, and also among the members of our State Le- gislature, of which he was many years Chaplain, justly enrolled him among the Patrons of Harvard College. These worthies all lived and died in this vicinity, and the recollection of them will long be precious. May I be indulged in calling to your grateful recol- lection a Benefactor of this Institution, whose greater distance lessened not his zeal, nor his activity in its ser- vice ? Not because he was my friend ; but because he Was the friend of letters, of science, of virtue, of reli- gion, of this University, of all literary Institutions, of all good Societies of men. Those, who knew him, have already anticipated the name of Phillips. En- dued with uncommon sagacity, tenacious memory, sound judgment, and persevering zeal ; talents also, which in him were improved by correct education and know- ledge of the world ; this extraordinary man was ad- mirably calculated for supporting the various impor- tant characters, he so honorably and through so many successive years sustained in the Legislature of this State ; in all which his inviolable integrity, indefatiga- ble exertions, impressive eloquence, and true patriotism gained him the unlimited confidence of his Constituents, and unequaled influence in the public counsels. Of his liberality and well directed charity no better proof can be given, than the two important Academies in this and a neighbouring State, both which owe their existence to his inspiring genius and disinterested be- nevolence. These Institutions however engrossed not his whole care. Other Academies, and the town Schools through the Commonwealth, engaged his atten- tion, and were benefited by his exertions ; Bow do in and Dartmouth College shared largely in his labors and patronage. But it was for this University, in which he was educated, that his thoughts, his time, his energies, and his prayers were principally employed, from the day of his matriculation to the day of his death. In all the important interests of this College he took an active and zealous part ; and nil th(i influ- ence, which twenty seven years connexion with the Le- gislature and sixteen years presidency in the Senate ac- quired him, was employed in the General Court as well, as at the Board of Overseers, for multiplying the advantages, increasing the funds, and extending the usefulness of this Institution. His last journey to the Capital, and this in so low a state of health, as would have confined most other men to their chambers, if not to their beds, was made to render a service to this College. Oh how rare is such a character ! How great the loss of such a man ! Within the last eleven years death has also removed a still larger proportion of Members from the Board of Corporation. Among these the Reverend and learned Dr. WiGGLESwoRTii hcld a distinguished place ; be- 10 ing happily qualified by his native quickness of appKC- hension, cultivated understanding, correct judgment, skill in mathematics, and fmancial talents, to guard our Charter, and to secure our Funds, at a period of revo- lutionary hazard * ; and likewise, by his intimate con- nexion with College from early life, to discern the best methods of improving its syntem of instruction and gov- ernment. The celebrated I.owei.l, eighteen years an active, energetic Member of the Corporation, and but recently removed from it ; whose force of genius, emi- nent scholarship, love of science, knovv^ledge of law, extensive connexionsj rpotless ca.ndor and integrity, warm attachment to this Institution, and commanding eloquence, rendered him a powerful advocate of our rights and interests, will long be had in grateful re- membrance. The loss of this distinguished friend of scienc^ w^as also soon followed by that of the Reverend, learned, benevolent, judicious, and upright Howard ; whose early residence at College, as Graduate and Tutor, and long connexion with the Overseers, as their Secre- tary, united to his constant attendance on College du- ties, gave him peculiar advantages for knowing the state of the Society, and for rendering it essential service.' But the cliastlsement of Heaven has not been con- fined to the Corporation and Overseers. Death has re- peatedly entered these consecrated walls ; and within the * It is Jiopeu, that none will misconstrue to the disadvantage of Dr. WiG- CLF.swoRTii, as Professor of theolog;)', in winch he was also emlnontly skil- led, the remarks ahove made ; which were intended to bring to light a trait of character in the man, to whose vigilance and activity the University and the Public are under everlasting obligations for the preservation of its Charter and Funds, at a period, wrhen the former was endangered by the ferment and inno- vating spirit of the American revolution, and the latter wellnigh ruined by the depreciation of our paper niediunt. 1 1 last five years has thrice signaHzecl his triumphs among the immediate Governors and Instructors of this Society. Though but few present were led to the Pierian fount by the benevolent Shapleigh* ; yet all will remember their lasting obligations to the man, who, like the pi- ous widow of old, gave all bis livi?ig, to increase our literary treasure ; and, wlicrever the blessings oi' this University shalt be proclaimed, there iet it be told for a memorial of him, that Shaplkigh gave three thou- sand dollars for the annual enlargement of our Librarv. Little more than a year has elapsed, since my beloved friend and official brother Tappan was unexpectedly called to the courts above ; an event, painful and dis- tressing to us, but happy and glorious to him. Those of you, Vvho personally knew his worth will never cease to lament, a;id others will ncy^r know, what they have lost. Possessing genius and judgment in happy pro- portion, a correct taste, amiable temper, fervent piety, and a copious fund of theological knowledge, by his discourses and prayers he at once enlightened the understanding, meliorated the heart, and enkindled the devotion of his attentive audience ; and to his admi- ring pupils recommended the religion, that in his lec- tures he so happily illustrated, by a correspondent life. Oh, when shall we see his place supplied by a man of the sam.c excellent spirit, and possessing like talents and sentiments \ Painful indeed it is, that 1 am not permitted here to close the sad recital. Thankful should I be, were I not compelled to add to the melancholy list the name of * Mr. Skapleiou was a native of Kittery in the District of Maine, graduat- ed at Cambridge in 17F9, whtie he resided till •zy August 1793, when he was •Iioscn Librarian, in which ofllce he centinucd till his death. 12 WiLLARD ; a name, which in your grateful minds will ever excite the venerable image of combined integrity, wisdom, and dignity, softened and adorned by parental tenderness and unaffected piety. But his character is al- ready dehneated in print ; and, what is more, is engra- ved en your hearts. For myself Iwill only subjoin that, as I many years shared his confidence, so I have never known a man of a more upright and noble mind ; and that no event of my life, one excepted, has ever caused me so much grief, anxiety, and distress, as the death of President Willard. This mournful list of important characters, which a few years have sv.epc away from our literary Re- public, might be too easily extended. " These hi^h aim'd darts of death, and these alone, ** Should I collect, my quiver would be full ; " A quiver, which, suspended in mid aii", " Or near Heaven's archer in the zodiac hun^;, " So could it be, should draw the public eye, *' The gaze and contemplation of mankind. " A constellr.tion awful, yet benign, " To guide the young thro' life's tempestuous wave.*^ But the instances given are sufBciently numerous and striking to convince every person of reflection, that the hand of God is stretched out against us, and that his anger is not turned away still. Especially, when it is observed, that of these fourteen worthies one only had reached the common age of man, another not half that age ; and that of the others two died at 43, three at 50, four averaged ^^, and three 64 years of age.* * To scxme the following particulars may be grateful. 'Rev. Mr. Hilliard - died 9 May 1790 - aged 43 years. Governor Eowdoin - - - - 6 Nov. 1790 - - - 64 Governor Hancock - - - . 8 Oifl. 1793 - - - 57 Professor WiGGLEswoRTH - - 17 June 1794 - - - 6z P-ev. Dr. Clarke a April 1798 - - - 43 13 To the same purpose we might also remark the ina'cased rapidity of their deaths ; the first sev^n being removed from us in ten years, the last se'^'^n in less than five, and three of these within thirteen jiLonths. Thus rapidly has death -multiplied his ravages among the Officers and Students of this Society. An aflcct- ing admonition to us, who survive ! Is it not time then to make a solemn pause, and to inquire seriously, wherefore is God thus contending wilh us ? Deaths of parents, friends, and companions are doubtless intended and powerfully adapted to affect and improve us in ou-r individual capacity, a« they verify and impress the threatening, " thou shalt surely die" ; as they teach us the diuigcr of building below the skies ; and as they lessen our attachment to temporal objects, and quicken our preparation for eternity. But man is not a solitary being ; he is intended for society ; and to his social state the dispensations of Providence are perhaps pri- marily adapted. When, therefore, the members of a- society, bound together by the endearing ties of mutual affection aud esteem, are in quick succession severed from each other by the stroke of death ; especiallyj, when its pillra-s are suddenly re^noved out of their places ; is it not evident, that sudi events demand the serious attention of such a society ? Rev. Dr. Belknap - died 20 June 1798 - ag( ?d 54 years. Governor Sumnkr - - - - 7 June 1799 - - - ja .Samuel Shaplf.igii, A. M. - 1-6 April 1800 - - - 34 Lieut. Governor Puilllps - - lO Feb. 180a - - - 50 Hon. Judge LowEti, - - - - 6 May i8oi - - - 58 Rev. Dr. Thacher - - - - i6 Nov. 1802 - - - 50 Professor Tappan - - - - ay Aug. 180.1 - - - 50 Rev. Dr. Howard - - - - 13 Aug. 1804 - - 70 President Willarb - - ■ 25 Sept. i?04 - - - 65 14 Permit mc then, my brethren and friends, af- fectionately to inquire, ought we, can we let the dis- pensationi), now recited, and particularly the recent solemn scenes, so interesting to the University and to the Public, pass by us unnoticed, unimproved ? I mean in our social capacity. Events so striking, so frequent-; ly repeated, v/earing so awful and so direct an aspect, seem by the finger of the Almighty pointed agains; us, as a Society. God has " broken us with breach " upon breach.'* To me indeed the ways of Providence with respect to us, during several years past, have ap- peared gloomy and threatening ; but of all the dark and mysterious dispensations of Heaven toward us the last is far the darkest. At no period perhaps within the last twenty years could our late worthy President have been removed, when so many important objects would have been so much affected by his death. Under the solemn impression, that the Lord has a controversy with us, let us be excited, each for himself and for the Society, to explore the cause ; and by re- pentance, prayer, and reformation, let each endeavor to avert in future the judgments of the Almighty. As every one, who looks within his own breast, discov- ers many things amiss ; so, if we seriously reflect on the moral and religious state of this Society, we may find much cause for regret and reformation. "O It is but just however to observe, and the observa- tion is made with much pleasure, that within the memo- ry of man the Students of this College have never been so highly distinguished for sobriety, industry, and gene- ral decorum, as during the last seven years ; and es- pecially, as at the present time. Nevertheless have we 15 iiQt all reason to lament many errors and falliircs in principle and practice ? Who can say that he ha;? im- proved his time and talents to the best purposes ? That his progress in knowledge and virtue has Veen correspondent to his advantages ? Or that he has done to others all tlie good in his power ? These are simple, but important questions, which concern us all, both in- structors and Pupils. • Admonished by Heaven, may I be permitted, my respected and beloved brethren in office, to ask you and myself; have we discharged with fidelity the official du- ties, respectively incumbent on us ? Have we felt, as we ought, the weight of our charge ? Has it been our ear- nest endeavor to advance oiir Pupils, not only in useful science and literature, but in iiirtue and piety ; and thus to train them up for immortality and Heaven ? Have we daily borne them on our hearts to the throne of grace, and earnestly implored for them a divine bles--^ sing on their researches after truth, God, and happi- ness ; security against the temptations and false max- ims of the world ; and the regenerating influences of the Divine Spirit ? If not, let us charge ourselves by that solemn account, we must one day give to the Judge of quick and dead, that we will neglect these duties no longer. Our time is short, our labor increas- ed, and the departure of some of us may be near, very near. Oh let us double our diligence ; let us unite our most vigorous endeavors, to promote the important and pious design of this Institution.* Let us encourage • This design is concisely and happily expressed in the motto of the College seal, «« CHRISTO ET ECCLESLtE." In unison herewith the first law in the College Code respecting the Students, enacted hy the Overseers in I