THE
LIFE AND CHARACTERI
OF THE LATE
REV. ISAAC M. COOK,
Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Bridgewater, Penn'a.
BY
JAMES ALL SON,
Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Sewickley, Pennsylvania,
PITTSBURGH:
PRINTED BY W. S. HAVEN, CORNER MARKET AND SECOND STREETS.
1854.








THE
LIFE AND CHARACTER
OF THE LATE
REV. ISAAC M. COOK,
Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Bridgewater, Penn'a.
BY
JAMES ALLISON,
Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Sewickley, Pennsylvania.
PITTSBURGH:
PRINTED BY W. S. HAVEN, CORNER MARKET AND SECOND STREETS.
1854.








SERMON.
"HIe was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much
people was added unto the Lord." ACTs 2: 24.
The Scriptures are remarkable for their depth and fullness of
meaning. A single phrase often expresses a most important
truth, which the combined wisdom of the world never discovered,
and which the utmost stretch of human thought cannot now fully
comprehend in all its bearings. Frequently a solitary expression announces the great fact on which the eternal destiny of
men depends; lights up the pathway of human life with an
unwonted radiance; gives a glimpse of the glory to be revealed,
and fills the soul with thoughts that wander through eternity.
It is not unusual for one passage, in a few words, to give a history, concerning which merely human authors would have written volumes.  But this peculiarity is most clearly seen in
descriptions of character, in which, for sententious brevity, correctness of delineation, and poetic beauty, the sacred writings
are altogether unrivalled. We have a striking instance in the
Scripture on which we propose to base our discourse to-day. It
is spoken of Barnabas, of whom honorable mention is made in
several other places in the Acts of the Apostles. He was a
Levite by descent, born of parents who dwelt in Cyprus: and
he at length became the principal associate of the Apostle Paul
in his travels and labors to propagate the gospel. After the death
of Stephen, a violent persecution arose against the Church at
Jerusalem, by which its members were dispersed abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles: 1" and
they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the
Word." Some went even as far as Phenicia, Cyprus and
Cyrene; " and the hand of the Lord was with them; and a great




number believed, and turned unto the Lord." Persecution
then, as often since, became the means of spreading the gospel
where it had not been previously known, and the blood of the
martyrs became the seed of the Church.  When the report of
these things " came unto the ears of the church which was in
Jerusalem," Barnabas was sent to learn the extent of the work,
and also to ascertain its true character-" Who when he came,
and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them
all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord."
He was not deterred from acknowledging the good that had
been done in these Grecian converts, by any Jewish prejudices
that might still be found lurking in his bosom; but he rejoiced at
seeing the happy effects of the grace of God, and exhorted
them, by the highest motives and strongest arguments, to a continued exercise of faith, and a bold profession of the name of
Christ, together with obedience to the gospel, whatever they
might be called to suffer on these accounts. Then, his character
is inimitably drawn by the pen of inspiration.  " He was a good
man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people
was added unto the Lord."  " He was a good man"-remarkable for natural affection and kindness: indeed, this is indicated
by his name, for it signifies " a son of consolation." He was
"full of the Holy Ghost and of faith"-that is, richly endowed
with spiritual gifts for the work of the ministry, and possessed of
a vigorous faith in the power of the gospel, and of great boldness
in time of danger and persecution. "And much people was added
unto the Lord"-that is, through his labors, large accessions
were made to the Church at Antioch, which became strong and
vigorous, afterwards sending forth many teachers to evangelize
the nations.
But such gifts and such results have not ceased; and it is our
duty to notice and admire them wherever found, to the praise of
the glory of God's grace, especially when those who possessed
such qualities, and accomplished such works, have been removed
beyond the reach of our praise or censure. To call to remembrance the virtues of the departed, whom we once knew and still
love, is a dictate of nature. This is seen in the care we take of
their bodies, the regard we manifest for their relics, the monu



ments we rear, and the eulogies we pronounce. True, indeed,
we will have a more correct image of those to whom we were
fondly attached, before our minds, than can be drawn by the most
skillful pencil; and in the profoundest depths of our heart will
be found a more faithful and imperishable record of their excellencies than can be written by the most truthful pen: but those
who were able to, influence men for good when alive, will also
benefit the living when dead.
Much of the Holy Bible consists of biography-not only of the
most distinguished, but also of the most humble. We read of
the glory of Solomon, and of the benevolence of the woman who
cast two mites —-all her living —into the treasury. We read of
the wondrous gifts, the amazing self-denials, and the great success of the great Apostle to the Gentiles; and also of the woman
who anointed her Saviour's feet, and wiped them with her hair.
We have the life of Jesus, and are also introduced to the home
of Martha and Mary.  The lives of those distinguished in
science, art, or literature, are written, and monuments erected
to their memory. Those noted for bravery in the army or navy,
or for high qualities in the State, are portrayed on the public
records and the historian's page; they stand in sculptured marble
or molten bronze, or are embalmed in immortal verse. And
shall not the Church recount the services and emulate the virtues
of those servants of the Lord who have been sent to fight his
battles and achieve his victories, "to preach good tidings to the
meek, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the
captive, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound."
She has not been slow to honor the memory of those who have
occupied high places and been called to an unusual work. The
praises of Luther, Calvin, Wesley, Whitefield, Edwards, Chalmers, Alexander and Miller are in all the churches.  But in
gifts and position they were so far removed from the ordinary
course of men's lives, that they can have but little effect by way
of leading to imitation upon the people at large. It is more
profitable for them to contemplate those who stood more nearly
on a level with themselves, and with whom they can feel some
kindred sympathy, and who are not so far removed from them as
to destroy all reasonable hope of imitation. Most biographies




treat of those so widely different in education, pursuits, and
traits of character from most men, as to be of little practical benefit to the popular mind: and most works on religious experience
are so highly colored as to be positively injurious to many sincere
Christians, who never attain to such exalted raptures. We
greatly need biographies of common men and women, attractively
written, and works on the religious experience commonly enjoyed,
prepared in a tasteful and scriptural method.  It is therefore
becoming in us to-day to view for our improvement the life and
character of one of our own aids, whom we well knew, and to
whom the words of our text may with great propriety be applied.
"For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of
faith: and much people was added unto the Lord." He was
with us, but he is not, for the Lord has taken him. He has laid
aside the " mortal " and " put on immortality."  He has ceased
ministering in the outer court, and entered the inner and upper
sanctuary. He has now entered upon the enjoyment of those
blood-bought delights on which he loved to meditate, and which
he so vividly described. Because of his early removal, the
materials from which to form a proper estimate of his life and
character, within reach, are comparatively few, but they are
sufficient to prove that what was said of Barnabas may also be
said of him.  He was so eager for heaven that he made but little
account of earth; he was so anxious to place jewels in his
Redeemer's crown, that he had but little desire to cultivate
flowers to be strewed upon his grave when his work would be
done. He knew that earthly memorials would fade and crumble,
and therefore secured an imperishable record on high. His life
properly consisted of two parts-his youth, and his public ministry. Children partake greatly of the physical, intellectual,
and moral features of their parents: and their whole course of
life is greatly dependent on parental pursuits and expectations.
Every child is a sacred gift from God to be trained for him.
And when the responsibility is duly felt and the training faithful
and scriptural, God will receive into his family and own the little
one committed to our keeping for a season. The rule is, "train
up a child in the way he should go;" and the promise is," when
he is old he will not depart from it." This promise is fulfilled




7
every day: because actual inquiry has demonstrated that by far
the greater part of the ministers, elders, and private members of
the Church, have sprung from a pious ancestry. It is no small
distinction to have had a pious parentage. Well sang the poet:
"'Tis not my boast that I deduce my birth
From loins enthroned, or rulers of the earth;
But higher far my proud pretensions rise,The son of parents passed into the skies."
On the 2nd of March, 1819, in the town of Chillicothe, Ohio,
an exceedingly feeble infant was born, giving but little promise
of ever reaching mature life. At the proper time he was presented before the Lord and baptized ISAAC MELANCTHON COOK;
where he was most solemnly dedicated to the Lord to serve Him
in the Gospel Ministry, if his life should be spared. He was
descended from the Scotch Irish, known the world over as the
implacable foes of all civil or ecclesiastical tyranny, and at the
same time as obedient subjects to all lawfully constituted authority; famed for their attachment to the Bible, the principles
of Protestantism, and the doctrines and polity of Presbyterianism:
who have impressed their character on a large portion of the
American people, and at this time exercise a healthful and conservative influence throughout the entire nation. At the early
age of five years he was deprived of both parents by death, and
committed to the care of his maternal uncle, the late John Nevin,
of Shippensburg, in this State. Here he was reared under
the influence of household piety, the Bible, the shorter catechism,
an orthodox ministry, and those works of solid worth which constituted the reading of intelligent Presbyterians of the past
generation.  And here no doubt were sown seeds that were
buried for a long season, but at length produced a rich harvest.
Principles were imperceptibly imbibed that were as lasting as
life itself, and aided materially in developing and moulding the
whole man. In youth he was characterized by an exuberance
of animal spirits, a readiness to engage in all the sports and
amusements of boyish pastime. And at the same time, he also
manifested great quickness of temper, but was easily pacified
and ever ready to acknowledge his error and to evince the reality




of his repentance by lavishing kindness upon those whom he had
injured or offended. Thus early did he exhibit a tenderness of
disposition and a depth of feeling that shone all the more brightly
when sanctified by grace. His body was never robust, and he
was subject to severe attacks of sickness: though whatever he
undertook was pursued with most determinate will, and as if
possessed of a giant's strength. When about nineteen years of
age, he went to Lacon, Ill. along with his sister and her husband.
Previous to this he had manifested no special concern with regard
to his own salvation. But in answer to the prayers of a few
pious females, the Holy Spirit came down in that place; and he
for whom special prayer had been made, was among the first
arrested. Although it was not till after a long and painful
struggle, under a deep conviction of sin, that he became a hopeful
and joyous convert, his surrender to the Lord Jesus seems to
have been more entire than is usual now among those who believe
themselves Christians. It was not according to his nature —nor
did he so understand the gospel —to attempt to serve God and
mammon at the same time. All the ardor and impetuosity of
his soul, excited and controlled by the highest of all motiveslove to the Lord Jesus Christ-was brought into requisition. He
looked upon himself as not "his own, but bought with a price."
He interpreted and adopted: in the true sense the teaching of
the Apostle when he says: "None of us liveth to himself, and
no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the
Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we
live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." The claims of Christ
superceded all others; the interests of the soul out-weighed all
others. Thus an entire change took place in all the views and
purposes of his life.  His own determination is most probably
expressed in advice given years afterwards to one who had just
made a profession of religion-" Remember that it is very important that you should set out in your Christian life with a
determination to make religion the great thing. Let it not bend
to other interests, but make other interests bend to it. Aim at
high attainments in the Christian life —and you will find your
profit and your pleasure in it.  The reason why so many have
so little comfort in Christ is because they do not look for happi



ness to him-but to the world."  The choice of a profession is
of most momentous importance to every individual: it is not to
be made lightly or without seeking divine direction, or from
merely worldly motives-however common this may be. Isaac
M. Cook wished to engage in that in which he might do most
for the glory of God; and accordingly he anxiously and prayerfully turned his eyes towards the gospel ministry. But through
the advice of his friends, on account of the feebleness of his
bodily health and an impediment at times in his speech, he turned
his attention to business; however, he was never satisfied with
this arrangement. While engaged in selling goods, a voice within
him not to be silenced seemed to be saying continually-" Wo
is unto me, if I preach not the gospel." He heard the command of the master, "go work in my vineyard."  He saw the
fields white unto the harvest and that the laborers were few.
He did not confer with flesh and blood: earthly pleasure and
honor, and glittering wealth, had lost all their attractions. He
pitied dying men, and the love of Christ constrained him. The
2nd of March, 1838, the anniversary of his birth, was a memorable day to him. Then he entered into solemn covenant with
God to become a preacher of the everlasting gospel: this was
not done without much self-examination and earnest prayer.
Henceforth for him to live was Christ. But he did not rush
into the battle without armor: he did not enter the harvest field
before he was able to wield the sickle. He entered upon a
regular and full course of preparatory study. Our Church has
always been the strenuous advocate of an able and thoroughly
educated ministry; her motto has ever been, "' the priest's lips
should keep knowledge." His academical studies were begun
in the Academy kept at that time by Messrs. Nevin and Champ,
in Sewickley, and completed at Jefferson College, Pa.-from
whose halls so many able heralds of the cross have gone forthwhere he graduated with credit in the autumn of 1841. During
the progress of his studies he abounded in active labor for the
salvation of souls, and was also assiduous in promoting the growth
of piety in his own soul. Many now living can bear witness to
the zeal and success with which he labored in the Sabbath
schools, in the social meeting, and in private intercourse, to
0.'h




10
bring sinners to repentance. And if the hand of death had
been then laid upon him, he would even at that time have accomplished more for the cause of Christ than most professing
Christians do, who are allowed to fill up their three-score years
and ten. After studying theology, partly at Princeton and
partly under the direction of the Rev. Daniel E. Nevin, at that
time pastor of the United Congregations of Fairmount and
Sewickley, he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of
Carlisle.
We come now to the second part of his life —his public
ministry.  This was the great work of his life, and in this capacity he is principally known to the world and the Church. The
"ministry of reconciliation," whether viewed in its origin, its
objects, or results, is the highest and most responsible vocation
to which man can be called; before it all other avocations sink
into insignificance in divine estimation. It was instituted by
God himself to make known his saving truth, to declare his
mercy and love, and to exhibit the glory and power of heavenly
grace. It has been appointed for planting and training the
Church, for converting sinners, and for comforting and building
up saints in their most holy faith. It is the first link in converting the sinner, and the principle means in "perfecting saints."
It has been dignified by prophets and apostles, by Christ himself,
and by good and holy men in every age. Those who bear this
office are styled " ambassadors for Christ," and upon their work
God has set peculiar honor.  " How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth
salvation; that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth."  " But we
have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the
power may be of God, and not of us." According to the appointment of God, the ministry is necessary to the very existence
of the Church.  Says Hooker-" Religion without the help of
a spiritual ministry is unable to plant itself." The Church
historian, Mosheim, observes, " that the best system of religion
must either necessarily dwindle to nothing, or be egregiously
corrupted, if it is not perpetually inculcated and explained by a
regular and standing ministry."  " Not even," says Calvin, "is




1 1
the light and heat of the sun-not even is meat and drink so
necessary for the support and cherishing of our present life, as
the apostolical and pastoral office for the preservation of the
Church on earth." The eminently pious Philip Henry, on the
day of his ordination over a church only numbering at that time
forty communicants, and which never during his whole labors
there exceeded seventy, wrote "' I did this day receive as much
honor and work as ever I shall be able to know what to do with.
Lord Jesus! proportion supplies accordingly." If Paul with all
his natural gifts, his varied and large acquirements, and his
miraculous endowments by the Holy Spirit, in view of the difficulties, greatness, and account to be given of the work, exclaimed,
" who is sufficient for these things?" how should we shrink from
the dread responsibility?  But the same encouragement and
strength is given us from on high, "My grace is sufficient for
thee." It is not to be supposed that with his deep views of his
own unworthiness and his high sense of the eternal responsibilities about to be assumed-with his warm feelings towards men
and his burning zeal for God —and departed brother-could enter
upon the sacred duties of the ministry, without being thoroughly
penetrated by a sense of his own insufficiency and need of divine
aid. Indeed, his dependence on the Holy Ghost, both with
regard to himself and the success of his labors, was always conspicuous. After licensur;, he preached occasionally in various
places with much acceptance. For several months he labored
in the congregation of Beaver and vicinity. When it became
evident that it would be impossible to heal the divisions existing
among the members of that congregation, a portion seceded, and
formed the congregation of Bridgewater, selecting Mr. Cook for
their pastor. The church at Bridgewater was organized by a
committee of the Presbytery of Beaver, on the 29th of January,
1845, with 60 communicants; at the first communion 25 more
were added by certificate. The field of labor to which he was
now called was extensive and peculiarly difficult; requiring
arduous and self-denying labors, great tact, and much of the
spirit of Jesus. The dissensions in the old church had been
violent and of long continuance, chief friends had been separated,
the truly pious were discouraged, and not only Presbyterianism,




12
but religion itself, had been brought into disrepute; and vigorous
attempts at proselytism to another connection, never over-scrupulous in such things, had well nigh succeeded. The population
was large, and the people upon whom he was to operate were
widely scattered, and closely interlaced in many cases with other
congregations. A new house of worship was to be erected, a
new church was to be reared from the fragments of the old, and
the people were to be moulded into the gospel pattern once more,
and the whole community brought to feel the power of the truth.
But through grace he was equal to the undertaking, and addressed himself to the work with characteristic energy. From
the first he determined not to know anything among them, save
Jesus Christ and him crucified. The great weapon he used was
".the sword of the spirit," and most vigorously was it wielded in
the sanctuary, in almost every school house within the bounds,
and from house to house. By his kindness of manner, his
evident devotion to his master, his determination of purpose, his
faithful proclamations of the gospel, his searching appeals to the
coniscience-followed by the meltings of the Spirit-opposition
disappeared like snow wreaths before the warmth of the sun.
Christians received a new and gracious impulse, and grew in
grace and attachment to him who was over them in the Lord:
enemies became friends of held their peace from shame, sinners
were awakened, "and much people was added unto the Lord."
His ministry deserves to be ranked with the most successful of
modern times, when all the circumstances are taken into consideration. At the organization of the church the communicants
received were sixty-five, and at the first communion held shortly
afterwards twenty-five more were received from the old church,
so that the number with which he started was ninety communicants. At the time of his death the membership amounted to
325, while the congregation embraced 160 families. From the
time at which the church was constituted until he rested from
his labors-a period of nine years-142 were received into the
church by certificate and 225 upon examination. According to
this, allowing the whole time in which lie labored in Beaver and
vicinity, both before and after the organization of the Bridgewater
church, to have been ten years, there was an average of over




twenty-two added to the church every year by profession of
faith! This was what would have been called a continuous
revival, in many places. The most received in any one year
were from March, 1845, to January, 1846, in which they reached
the number of sixty-one; the greatest number received at any
one time was in March, 1853, when thirty-one were received;
the next largest accession was in March, 1852, when twenty-four
were introduced to the visible Church. Nor were his labors
confined to his own charge. He preached frequently in the
neighboring congregations upon -sacramental occasions and in
seasons of revival, with marked effect. There are but few congregations in this region, and especially in the Presbytery of
Beaver, where some fruits of his ministry cannot be found. He
might decline to make visits when nothing higher than pleasurable enjoyment was intended, but when health and circumstances
would at all permit, he never refused to preach " the glorious
gospel of the Son of God."  His labors were many and unremitting-often performed in the midst of much weakness and
bodily suffering. He never expected long life for himself, therefore he redeemed the time allotted to him to the greatest
advantage. Not only did he strive to convert sinners, but also
to rear a vigorous and active church, and to train a consistent,
praying, and laborious membership. The requirements of the
Christian warfare were often and forcibly pressed upon their
attention; and he urged them to come " to the help of the Lord
-to the help of the Lord against the mighty."  The various
objects of Christian benevolence were regularly presented, and
especially the claims of Foreign and Domestic Missions were
urged with great fervor. The people were taught-and trulythat they had no more right to refuse to contribute of their
substance for the relief of human misery and building up the
Kingdom of God in the world, than to neglect prayer or any
other religious duty. He took great interest in the Sabbath
school and the religious training of the young. From desire to
elevate the standard of education in the county where he dwelt,
and extend its benefits, he consented to take charge of the Beaver
Academy in December, 1852: and it was so conducted as to
attain a degree of success never witnessed before, while his plans




14
for future operations promised the most happy results. During
the last years of his life he became anxious to be the means of
introducing young men of talent, learning and piety to the gospel
ministry, to which he attached increased importance, and looked
forward to the time when it would be more esteemed by the
world and better supported by the Church. So active was his
life and so much was he abroad, that but little time Uas left for
regular and systematic study, for everything else was made
secondary to honoring God and saving men, though the most
careful preparation was never considered unnecessary when
possible. And lately when he was no longer required to devote
so much time to purely missionary work, he began to provide
materials for enlarged study and a more thorough culture. The
greatness of pastoral work, the importance of correct Biblical
exposition, the many forms of error that continually appeared,
the many subtle enemies to be met, led him to value more highly
than ever an able and learned ministry as well as one " wise to
win souls."  He was always an efficient member of Church
Courts, and his correct business habits, and ready eloquence,
afforded him great facilities for usefulness there. Some of his
efforts in our Presbyteries, Synods and General Assemblies will
long be remembered by those who witnessed and heard them.
His circle of influence was rapidly extending in the community
and in the Church. As might be expected, his own people were
strongly and tenderly attached to him, and highly valued his
efforts for their good. So necessary did he seem to their welfare,
that notwithstanding his frequent attacks of severe illness, they
did not think it possible he could be taken away. He had
scarcely reached middle life: he had gone in and out before
them so long: he had benefitted them so greatly: they loved him
so much, and were so accustomed to meet him in the sanctuary,
in the social meeting for prayer, at their fire-sides, and in the
chamber of sickness, that they did not consider it possible to part
with him. But God's thoughts are not as our thoughts, neither
are his ways our ways.
The day of separation gradually approached. Disease, long
lurking in his slender body, and feeding stealthily upon it, now
assumed a fiercer character, and refused longer restraint. The




15
skill of physicians was exerted in vain. The anxieties, prayers
and tears of his people, who thronged his house and pressed to
his bed-side, were unavailing. Nor could the long watchings,
the tender soothings, the deep-drawn sighs, the almost breaking
heart, and affectionate gaze of the partner of his life, detain him.
Only he was calm and undisturbed. He knew on whom he had
believed, and was persuaded that he was able to keep that which
had been committed to him.  That gospel he had so often
preached, and which he so often commended to the sick and
dying, was now his own support, consolation and joy.  He
gathered his Session around him, and gave them his parting
counsel and blessing. He spoke of the preciousness of Christ,
and his salvation, to all who came near, and sent for some to
whom he had often spoken before of their immortal souls, entreating them once more to be reconciled to God. Dearly as he loved
wife and children, and gladly as he would have lived to cherish
her and rear them, and severe as were the pangs of nature in
parting, yet he was enabled to commit them to a covenantkeeping God, with the hope that they would at length all be
united again around the throne of God and the Lamb. The
dark valley lost its gloom. The waves of Jordan had no terrors.
Death was deprived of its sting, and the grave lost the victory.
Asnd when the shadows of the evening of the 10th of January,
1854, had gathered around his habitation, his disembodied spirit
ascended where " there shall be no night: and they need no
candle, neither light of the sun: for the Lord God giveth them
light:" " and there shall be no more death."  The people felt
they had lost their best earthly friend, and that their church had
been bereaved of a pastor whose place could scarcely be supplied.
The whole community felt that their most public-spirited and
enterprising citizen had been taken away. The churches round
about felt that'"a bright and shining light" had gone out.
Ministers mourned the loss of one greatly blessed of God, "a
brother beloved," and a most efficient co-worker, cut down in the
morning —before it was noon-when apparently just maturing
for the work to which God had called him. Two days afterwards, with heavy heart, we bore his body away from the place
of his principal labors and triumphs, and placed it in the friendly




16
soil of the beautiful valley of Sewickley, among the scenes and
friends he loved so well.
Having given this rapid survey of his youth and his'ministry,
we are prepared to form some proper estimate of his character.
In this there was much to admire, and many features that will
be long remembered by those who knew him best. As a man,
he was cheerful, kind and conciliating. His temperament was
warm and enthusiastic-leading to energy and zeal in whatever
he undertook. I He was frank and open —free from deceptionand affected nothing he did not feel. He was easy of access,
and winning in his address to others. These qualities did much
in attracting the people to him, and in preparing the way for
him to approach them, He enjoyed the social circle, and sympathized deeply with the poor, the afflicted, and the disconsolate,
while he could rejoice with the happy and prosperous. His
friends he loved with passionate fondness. He admired the
beautiful, the grand, and the sublime in nature, and could be
charmed by poetry and thrilled by eloquence. Nor was he an
inattentive observer of the course of the world, the changes of
public opinion, and the indications of the future. His relations
as a husband and father were most happy.  But here is a sanctuary too sacred for us to enter. Here are scenes too pure for
us to gaze upon. Here are memories too dear, tender and precious to be disturbed by us. They belong exclusively to those
who enjoyed them, and who feel, but cannot express, the worth of
these hallowed recollections.' To love, to bliss, their blended souls were given;
In magic transport heart with heart entwined,
And each, though happy, asked a brighter heaven."
As a Christian, his piety was sincere and genuine.  At his
conversion he had received a large measure of grace, and the
cultivation of personal religion by reading the Bible, by selfexamination, by prayer, by studying works of practical Christian
experience, and by attendance upon the ordinances of the Lord's
house, was his constant effort. Though comparatively weak in
physical strength, and subject to frequent attacks of alarming
sickness, there was nothing morose in his disposition: he was not




17
subject to that sullen melancholy and nervous instability which
so much interfere with the growth of piety, and hide the excellencies of practical religion from public observation. Physical
condition has much to do with mental state, and physical condition, combined with mental state, has much to do in the beauteous and harmonious development of grace in the soul.  Some
seem cast in a coarser mould, so that the most delicate and finely
wrought traits of Christian character never appear in them. In
some, the light shines through a medium so defaced and discolored, that much of its surpassing beauty is never seen. But
it was not thus with him; he was free and joyous in his nature,
and equable in his temper, surrendering himself cheerfully to the
transforming influence of heavenly grace; and his "profiting
appeared to all." He knew the need that one who dealt with
souls had of an experimental knowledge of the truths of the
gospel, and that we are in danger of neglecting our own vineyard when attempting to keep that of others. Much time was
given to secret praver and private meditation; the tendencies of
his own heart were closely watched, and every indication towards
departure from God became a subject of earnest prayer and
anxious endeavor: and he closely observed the effects of the
truth upon himself. It was his desire to deal as faithfully with
himself as with his people, and to bring every feeling, thought,
and purpose into subjection to Christ. Bold and uncompromising
before men when truth and right were at stake, yet he was
always ready to uncover the head and bow the knee in the pres.
ence of " the King of Saints."  The most striking feature in
his piety was his absorbing love for the Lord Jesus Christ.
This was his ruling passion; this lightened all his labors and
sweetened all his toils; this is the key to his life and character.
He cared for no question unless his Master cared for it; and the
older he became, the more did he desire to do everything in the
namfie of the Lord Jesus. He wished to preach to himself as well
as to his people.  On one occasion he writes: " Preached this
morning at Bethlehem, from 1st Timothy, 1: 16, resulting in
much comfort to my own mind, my heart being drawn out to
admire and trust in' God manifest in the flesh.' Oh, that my
own heart might be more and more refreshed with the savor of
3




18
the sweet truths that I preach."  He frankly acknowledges one
great hindrance to ministerial success.to be in ourselves. Speaking of favorable indications among his people, he says: "A
great trouble to me is my own heart; it is hard to keep; its
-want of liveliness is to me a grief and shame."  In one place
we find a record, describing, in a characteristic manner, his own
deep sense of his own unworthiness, and the greatness of the
love that redeemed him, and the grace that still supported him:
"Sin-grace-one is mine, the other God's.  Mine I see and
feel would ruin me, if His did not prevent.  How strange that
any should talk of human goodness: I am a stranger to it.
Once I thought I was a sinner-now I know it.  How rich the
grace that can save a wretch like me! Amazing —wonderful —
glorious grace!'In me there dwelleth no good thing.' Yet
4 He loved me and gave himself for me.' 0, the height and the
depth of redeeming love!'God forbid that I should glory save
in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,' or preach aught else than'Christ crucified.''Happy, if with my latest breath
I may but gasp his name,
Preach him to all-and cry in death,
Behold, behold the Lamb!"'
As a pastor, he was laborious, skillful, and successful.  One
of the most cheering promises of God to his people is, "I will
give you pastors according to mine heart, who shall feed you
with knowledge and understanding;" and one of our own poets
has sung"'Tis not a cause of small import
The pastor's care demands,
But what might fill an angel's heart,
And filled a Saviour's hands."
He is the messenger of God-an under shepherd of the flocka savor of life unto life, or of death unto death, in the message
hle delivers.  He saves or condemns —prepares for glory in heaven, or for fiercer pangs and gloomier darkness in hell.  The
godly Scougal says: " So holy is our employment, that were our
souls as pure as cherubs, as zealous and active as the blessed




19
spirits that are above, we should'yet have reason to cover our
faces, and to be swallowed -up in a deep sense of our own insufficiency for these things."  The pastor deals with all classes and
conditions-all grades of intellect and all degrees of morality,
and encounters every variety of prejudice; and however different in other respects, they all are or have been ignorant and out
of the way spiritually. Of some we must have compassion,
making a difference; and others we must save with fear, pulling
them out of the fire.  Our departed brother was heavily burdened with the crushing responsibility laid upon him in his pastoral charge. Concerning two individuals almost Christians, he
expresses himself: "I tremble at times lest they never become
altogether such. Oh, for wisdom to bring sinners to Christ!
What a meeting, O my soul, wilt thou have with this congregation at the judgment seat! Take heed, lest from the left hand
some, cry against thee." On the eve of a precious revival, he
writes: "I rejoice with trembling, I cannot but hope the Master
has come: I quake with fear lest we grieve Him away.  Oh, for
wisdom from on high to guide me aright-to keep me from doing
aught amiss, or leaving needful things undone." He watched
for souls as one that must give account, and was much in prayer
for his people, and that the blood of souls might not be found on
his skirts. He had-as every observant and conscientious Minister has, and as every Elder and private member of the church
should have-a list of persons professedly destitute of grace,
who were to be made the subjects of special prayer, and to save
whom all lawful endeavors were to be used. He studied to
interest his people in the subject of religion in every possible
way: never was ambitious politician more anxious to secure
votes than he to win souls.  Much time was spent in family
visitation, and in preaching the gospel from house to house, and
in destitute places, where the word was often blessed to the con
version of souls. He seized every opportunity of learning the
religious state of those providentially thrown in his way.  Impressed with the idea that his own life would be short, and of the
greatness of his work, in the scriptural sense he became "all
things to all men, that he might by all means save some."  It
was his custom to make much use of pungent tracts and books,




20
such as " Baxter's Call," "Alleine's Alarm," and " Pike's Persuasives to Early Piety," which he would leave behind him, to
deepen the impressions that had been made, and carry forward
the train of thought that had been excited. And like Rutherford and M'Cheyne, whom he resembled in spirit, it was his
habit to write letters and short notes, often accompanied with
suitable tracts, to those under concern, or for whose souls he
cared.  Some of these were peculiarly happy in conception, and
pointed in application. In one of these, directed to one who had
not yet given her heart to the Lord, and from whom a sister had
just been taken to heaven, he says: "Had death stilled your
heart instead of hers, might not our lips have hesitated in saying,'Our loss is her gain?'  Would there not have been much
room to doubt your happiness? Instead of being brightened
with the light of heavenly hope, would not your grave have been
overspread with gloom and filled with darkness? "  And it was
his constant effort to induce every Elder and every professing
Christian to " endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ,"
as well as himself. He could not understand how any one could
have any grace, and yet do nothing for the good of man or the
glory of God. But the public preaching of the Word was his
chief confidence in the way of means.  In this he acted wisely.
" For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew
not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save
them that believe." This is the great means appointed by God
to convey the truth to the hearts and consciences of men: He
has owned and blessed it in every age, and will never dispense
with it. He has made it alike necessary to the conviction of the
sinner and the sanctification of the believer. This was the work
which our brother loved above all others. And for it he had
some peculiar qualifications-a warm heart, a lively fancy, a
glowing imagery, and an impassioned manner, together with a
facility to make scriptural allusions, and use the figures of Scripture, which never fail to please and instruct. He never indulged
in fanciful theories or dry and abstract argumentation; for them
he had no liking. Every one before him was regarded as an
immortal soul to be saved or lost, and consequently in imminent
danger. The great doctrines of the Gospel were the themes he




21
discussed.  He could proclaim, in a startling manner, the terrors
of the law, and describe with terrific vividness the horrors of
hell. But he loved rather to speak of the mercy of God, the
love of Jesus, the riches of saving grace, and the rest and
glories of heaven.  Like his divine Master, he loved to woo sin
ners by compassion and tenderness; though, like Him, when the
occasion demanded, his denunciations of the wrath of God
against sinners were awful.
He was well acquainted with human nature-and knew the
secret springs of action and how to "commend the truth to
every man." It was his special delight to speak of Christ, his
infinite condescension, his life, labors, sufferings, and death; of
Christ in all his offices. And he had read, felt, thought, and
spoken so much of his blessed Saviour, that his representations
of him, like the ever varying hues of the kaleidoscope, though
substantially the same —were ever changing-ever new-and
always attractive. These are the truths best adapted to reach
the heart and affect the conscience.- By them did he most powerfully disturb the self-sufficient, awake thp careless, alarm  the
wicked, and call upon the impenitent to repent and believe in the
Lord Jesus Christ. The doctrines of the cross are those by
which sinners must be converted and saints edified. In this way
he always commanded attention, and never failed to make an
impression for good; his words were often like nails fastened by
the masters of assemblies.  "Christ crucified —.the great pervading theme of the gospel ministry, judiciously expanded, and
closely applied-is itself a complete system of doctrines, a connected succession of duties, an unfailing supply of motives, an
unexhausted treasury of hopes." So to speak of Christ and his
salvation as always to attract the mind and affect the heart, is
the real difficulty and the real triumph in preaching the gospel.
The pastorate was his delight, and he would not abandon it for
anything else. When urged by friends to resign his charge
and intermit the active duties of the ministry for a season, on
account of ill-health, he makes this significant remark-" I had
rather wait for the Master in preaching the glad tidings."  Success in his chosen work gladdened his heart and encouraged
him to persevere. On Sabbath, the 20th of March, 1853, he




22
makes this entry in his private journal: "Thirty-one received
on examination-nine of whom I baptized; very encouraging
and comforting is this day to me."  But success did not lead
him to forget his dependence on divine aid. Writing concerning
the hereditary chief of the Chippewas, with whom he had conversed on the subject of religion, he said —" A more oppressively
attentive auditor I have seldom had than he, as I tried to set
Christ before him as a Saviour. I hope the Spirit dealt with him
much more effectually than I." On a certain Sabbath he cries:
"Saviour! Jesus! help me."  Unworthiness and unfruitfulness
is continually deplored. Near the close of the year he gives
vent to his feelings-"-' Another year is almost gone! watching
its ebbing life, two things astonish me: God's goodness and my
ingratitude. May He forgive my follies past and mercifully
grant me grace for days to come." When taking charge of the
Beaver Academy he uses this language: " I must labor harder,
for the night cometh wherein no work can be done." During
the last year of his ministry he was more intensely desirous than
ever to devote himself to the glory of God and the salvation of
men. The fire within burned more intensely in proportion as
the frail tabernacle in which it was pent up was consumed. The
weaker the outward man became, the stronger grew the inward.
On January 2nd, 1853, he expresses this hope, " This year may
I increase in holiness, and more abound in works of piety and
love." The intense energy put forth no doubt did much to suppurt and buoy him up, so that he lived longer than he would
have done, had his days been spent "'at ease in Zion." This
record is made March 2d, 1853: " The anniversary of my birth!
How swiftly the night passeth away: Saviour fit me for the day."
He continued his beloved work of preaching the gospel until
exhausted nature gave way. Even when the " silver cord " was
breaking, he wrote " a word of exhortation and encouragement"
to one who had lately put on Christ, and in whose case he had
been greatly interested. To the last he was more anxious for
souls than the most greedy miser for gold. A few days before
his death he met with his Session, and that evening made this —
his last entry in his private journal, too sacred for common gaze:
"A sad thought that not even one should separate from the




23
world." Soon that friendly death, so familiar to him, and of
which he had so often thought and spoken, came to his relief:
and " he being dead yet speaketh." What was said of another
of kindred spirit may be said of him: "He has gone to the
mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense, till the day
break and the shadows flee away."  His work was finished! His
heavenly Father had not another plant for him to water, nor another vine for him to train; and the Saviour who so loved him was
waiting to greet him with his own welcome-" Well done, good
and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." For
"he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith:
and much people was added unto the Lord."
By what has been said, we are taught what a vast amount of
good may be accomplished in even a few years by one thoroughly
imbued with the spirit of Jesus and intensely devoted to his
service. It is not necessary for such an one to live long-his
work may soon be done-and he may be early called to receive
the crown. But his works do follow him. The slightest vibration of air is never altogether checked; the influence of a word
once spoken never dies; an impression upon the heart in favor
of the truth and holiness is never entirely removed. A " good
work " once begun in the soul never ceases! What an influence,
under God, for good has been sent forth in a short time by him
of whom we have been speaking to-day, in all the congregations
where he preached-in all the families he visited-in all the
converts brought to the knowledge of the truth through him —in
all with whom he conversed concerning eternal things-an influence ever widening and ever deepening as the endless ages of
eternity roll on?  How brightly will such servants of the Most
High shine in the kingdom of heaven when compared with those
who spend their days in grovelling among the things that perish,
or with those who have solemnly dedicated themselves to the
great work of saving souls, but who shrink back and turn aside
fearing to " endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ? "
We also learn that the distinguishing doctrines of grace so
clearly revealed in Scripture and so distinctly stated by the
Westminister divines —which were preached with such force and
success by Paul and all the Apostles, by Athanasius, Luther,




24
Calvin, Whitefield, Livingston, Edwards, and the Tennents, have
lost none of their power. However they may be misrepresented
and maligned through ignorance or design, they are still " mighty
through God to the pulling down of strongholds." They were
preached in all their fullness by him whose departure we mourn,
with undoubting mind, and they were sharp arrows in the hearts
of the King's enemies.
Again, we learn the responsibility of those who enjoy a preached
gospel. Christ said of those who did not receive the gospel —" If
I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin;
but now they have no cloak for their sin." Christian brethren,
it is a fearful thing to listen to the gospel from year to year, and
yet not " grow in grace and increase in the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." My impenitent hearers, it is
an awful thing to fall into hell from under the droppings of the
sanctuary; the burnings of the unquenchable fire and the
gnawings of the undying worm will be more terribly severe to
you than to others.








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