BX8080
S39B2
EMORY UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
THE
FUNERAL DISCOURSE
OF THJ5
REV. JOHN G. SCHWARTZ.
DELIVERED
SEPTEMBER 11, 1831.
BY THE REV. JOHN BACHMAtf.
1'-»»#©#«*•-
Gfjatlestow:
PRINTED BT JAMES S. B URGES,.
1831.
At a Meeting of the Congregation of the Lutheran Church
of German Protestants of this City, held on the 11th Sep¬
tember the following Preamble and Resolutions were
adopted:—
Whereas, It has pleased the Almighty Disposer of Human Events, to
remove from society, in the morning of his life, and from a scene of ac¬
tive and useful exertion in the Church of Christ, the Rev.,. JOHN G.
SCHWARTZ, who was brought up in this congregation under the kind
instructions of their Pastor—who was for a length of time an active and
successful teacher in our Sunday School—who frequently officiated in this
Church—who was engaged as a Missionary by a Society formed in this
Congregation—and who was endeared to us by his talents, his virtues and
piety. -i.
Sympathising as we do with his widowed Mother and Relatives, for the
loss of one who was so dutiful a son, and so affectionate a brother and
friend—duly sensible of the affliction of his Congregations, in being deprived
of an intelligent and pious Pastor—And, above all, deploring the irrepara¬
ble loss which the Theological Seminary, over which he presided as Pro¬
fessor, has sustained in the death of one who was so well qualified to advance
the interests of our beloved Church: %
Resolved, therefore, That the Congregation of the Lutheran Chunffi of
German Protestants in Charleston, deeply deplore the loss which the Lu¬
theran Church of South-Carolina, and the Seminary of the Lutheran Synod
of South-Carolina, and the adjacent States, have sustained in The death %f
their lamented friend, the Rev. John G. Schwartz. «•
Resolved, That they deeply sympathise with the Congijegations of
Bethlehem Church, St. Luke's Church, and St. Matthews "Church, of
Newberry District; also with the Congregation of St. Mark's Church, of
Edgefield District, in the irreparable loss which the Lutheran Church iffi
South-Carolina, and they in a more particular manner, have sustained,
the lamented death of their Pastor.
Resolved, That they fully commiserate the heavy affliction of his be¬
reaved Mother and family, and also of o'ur beloved Pastor, in the lamented
death of his pupil and friend.
Resolved, That the Church be clad in mourning for the space of three .
months, as a testimony of the deep regret of this Congregation for the great
loss which the Lutheran Church in South-Carolina has experienced.
Resolved, That a copy of these Resolutions be transmitted to the Con¬
gregations of Bethlehem, St. Lukes, and St. Matthews Churches, of New¬
berry District; to St. Mark's Church of Edgefield1; also, to the Students of
the Seminary of the Lutheran Synod of South-Carolina, and the adjacent
States; to his bereaved mother and family, and also to our distressed Pastor,
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Bachman be requested to give a copy
of the Sermon delivered by him this Morning on the lamented death of the
Rev t. G. Schwartz for publication, and that 600 copies be printed for
distribution. JACOB SASS, President,
JACOB F. SCHIRMER, Secretary.
FUWERAJL DISCOURSE.
Revelations ii. 10*
"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
The life of man is so full of difficulties and trials—his
happiness is so liable to interruption, either by his own
losses and pains, or by the afflictions and death of those
in whose fate he is most interested—his own period of
existence is so uncertain, and may so unexpectedly be
brought to a close, that he is reminded of the necessity of
looking beyond the confines of this uncertain world for
consolation and happiness.
On those solemn and mournful occasions when it has
pleased a wise and holy God to remove from us the ob¬
jects of our affection and love, we have insensibly yielded
to a law of our own nature, and shed the tear of sorrow;
we dwelt in fond affection on their virtues; we threw the
mantle of charity7 over their faults, and we endeavoured to
fortify ourselves by the religion of hope and of mercy,
to be enabled to bow with submission to the will of heav¬
en. But above all, we have felt, when the poignancy of
our grief was assuaged, that a lesson of instruction could
be derived on reviewing the characters of the lamented
dead, and that our eulogies, though they fell unheeded on
the graves of the departed, might yet prove incentives to
the living. It is on such an occasion, my brethren, that w^
are assembled in this sacred place to cherish the remem¬
brance of a dear departed friend, whose early life promis¬
ed^© fair, and who as a man and a minister, was every
day growing on our affections.
4
The task of pourtraying his amiable ancfpious qualities
of heart and life, has fallen upon one whose fond hopes
never allowed him to indulge the thought that such a duty
would ever devolve upon him, and whose feelings for his
own private loss render him but imperfectly qualified for
the task.
John G. Schwartz was born in this city on the 6th of
July, 1S07. His father, a native of Germany, was a
truly exemplary and pious man, a strenuous supporter of
our church, and a communicant with us till the day of his
death, which occurred in 1819, when the subject of this
address was not quite twelve years of age. His mother
is still living. How faithfully she discharged her duty to
her household, when the husband and father was removed,
is known to you all. The reflection that some of the
most talented and pious men, the ornaments and benefac¬
tors of society and the world, were indebted for those
early incentives to virtue and goodness which rendered
them so conspicuous in after life, to a mother's watchful
care and pious example, cannot fail to assuage the acute-
ness of sorrow, and offer supports to many a mourning
widow whilst anxiously revolving in her mind the fate of.
her now fatherless children.
But although the formation of the mind and the direc¬
tion of the life of this young man in the most critical pe¬
riod of his existence (from his twelfth year) devolved
solely on his mother, yet the principles of a noble emu¬
lation, and the seeds of virtue and religion, were instilled
into his mind at an earlier period. Like Zechariah and
Elizabeth of old, the piety of parents was rewarded by
the blessings of heaven, and like them, God encouraged
them with the hope, in answer to prayer, that their son
should also one day preach repentance to the people in
the sanctuary of the Lord.
It is now more than twelve years (although it seems but
as yesterday, so indelibly are the circumstances impressed:
5.
""On my mITO) since the father of Mr. Schwartz, reduced
almost to infant weakness by a lingering disease, called me
*to his bedside one evening and said, "This boy has given
me such proofs of possessing talents—he seems to be so
virtuously and religiously disposed, that I thought if I
should live I would try to give him an education, so that
by God's blessing, he might become a minister in our
church; but as I feel that I am but a short time for this
world, I will take it kind in you if you will encourage
him should he continue to feel so inclined, and I trust
God will bless you for this act of kindness to one who.
will soon be fatherless." Among the few acts of an im¬
perfect life that afford consolation in the review, the belief
that this promise has been faithfully fulfilled, now comes
in to cheer me under this unexpected and heavy bereave¬
ment.
At the death of his father, when he found the family
dissolved in tears, he in the most feeling and affectionate
manner comforted his mother with an assurance that he
would do all in his power to support her in life and cheer
her in her journey to the grave. That a mother's love
has been requited with no common filial attachment, is
well known to most of those who hear me.
His grief for his recent affliction had not yet subsided,
when he came to express a. desire that I would advise him
in his studies, as he was anxious, by the blessing of God,
if his life should be spared, to devote himself to the mi¬
nistry. I gave him such advice as I thought suited to a
person of his tender years, and fearing that his resolutions
might have been hastily made under peculiar excitements,
and perhaps by the persuasions of his relatives, I request¬
ed him to reflect on the subject for one year, and if his
resolutions still continued firm, I would then give him
farther directions. I met him frequently; but although
he was as studious and correct as before, yet he said no¬
thing farther on the subject, and our conversation had al-
0
most escaped my recollection, when he one day presented"
himself before me. It appeared an unusual visit at an^
unusual hour, for it was early in the morning of a rainy
day. He told me that he had come to remind me of his
promise to give me the result of another year's reflection;
that it was that day a year since I encouraged him to call,
and he had come punctually to say that his feelings and
wishes were still the same, and that his resolutions to devote
himself to the service of the church remained unchanged.
From that day till the time of his entering college he
•recited to me his lessons on Saturdays, and became like a
member of my family—the pride and joy of my house;
and from thence commenced an attachment which he ne¬
ver weakened by saying or doing any thing that ever gave
me offence or a moment's pain.
He received his academical education first at the school
of Dr. Jones of this city, but principally at the school of
the German Friendly Society, where he uniformily held
the first rank; and it must be remarked, that so well was his
reputation established that all of his classmates cheerfully
accorded to him the praise of deserving the highest hon¬
ours in the school.
In 1824, steady to his purpose of devoting himself to
the service of the sanctuary, he applied to become a mem¬
ber of this church, and was publicly confirmed. And here
let it be observed to the shame of many professors, that he
carried into practice and exhibited in after life to the world,
the vows and resolutions which he made at this altar. He
never neglected his communion. He never lost his attach¬
ment to the church or her ordinances. It grew with his
growth and strengthened with his strength. It was but a
short time before his death he expressed himself on this
subject in these words: "The book you have sent me on the
purity and orthodoxy of our church, places the subject in
a clearer light than I ever beheld it before. I wish we
could have it translated for the benefit of our people. The
9
At a meeting of the Synod of our church in November
last, he, together with three other young ministers, was
solemnly ordained and set apart according to the forms of
our church to the work of the ministry. It was one of
the most impressive sights that I have ever witnessed;
many tears were shed hy individuals in the concourse of
people who were present on that occasion—they were
tears of joy: God seemed to visit our Zion with his smiles,
and we anticipated a long train of blessings to our beloved
church. But alas! what a sad reverse have we been
doomed to witness. One of those young men of early
promise has removed to New-York, and we shall see him
only at very long intervals, and the grave has closed over
two others.
Mr. Schwartz took a lively interest in the trans?ctions
of the Synod. His modesty, his good sense and his cor¬
rect view of ecclesiastical matters, caused him to be looked
up to with deference, and his sentiments were generally
considered as correct and were sanctioned by the Synod.
He was of a very conciliatory spirit, and contributed very
materially to preserve that harmony which has reigned,
among the members of our ecclesiastical body.
It is well known to most of my hearers, that the great
obstacle to the increase of our church in this State was the
want of ministers. Our doctrines were generally approv¬
ed—new congregations were forming and new churches
building, but still the number of ministers did not keep
pace with the wants of the church. It was found impos¬
sible to procure clergymen from the North. Although
the Theological Seminary at Gettysburgh now contains
fifty students, yet we are informed that they can give us
no assistance. Our church in the Middle and Northern
States has increased so fast within a few years as to require
'all the assistance of those who are now entering into the
ministry. There appeared no other way opened before us
than that of establishing a Theological School of our own,
2
10
and affording the means of instruction to pious young men
of our own State who were habituated to our climate and
institutions, and accustomed to the people to whom they
were expected to officiate. There appeared to be many
difficulties in the way; we had no funds; few who either
had the ability to become, or could be spared as profes¬
sors, and we were doubtful whether we could obtain
young men of piety and talents who would feel themselves
Urged by a sense of love to the Redeemer's cause to enter
on the arduous duties of the.ministrv. Yet the object was
so important, no less a one than the preservation of our
church south of North-Carolina, that we determined pray¬
erfully and zealously to enter on the work. Many7 diffi¬
culties had to be surmounted in the very commencement.
A prejudice existed in the country against all institutions
of this kind. Many of our people had imbibed the ideas
which were entertained by other denominations by whom
they were surrounded, that an intelligent ministry was
not necessary—that no such institutions existed in the
early ages of the church, and that as our Saviour chose
his successors from among the fishermen and tent makers,
God would carry on his work under the preaching of un¬
learned men at the present day. They did not recollect
that the Apostles of our Lord were for three years under
the tuition of no less a personage than the Son of God
himself, before they entered into the ministry—that the
world has since undergone a material change—that the
days of inspiration and miracles have gone by, and that
the ministers of the Gospel are bound to keep pace with
the intelligence of the people, and must be ready to parry"
the weapons so successfully wielded by7 the advocates of
infidelity. By a judicious explanation of these subjects, the
prejudices against the institution were removed, and an un¬
usual zeal was manifested in its support. Liberal subscrip¬
tions were set on foot, and such promises of pecuniary aid
given, as authorized us to enter on the work immediately.
11
■ It was necessary that a professor to the institution should
he elected, and that he should enter at once upon the dis¬
charge of his duties. Every eye among the clergy and
laity was immediately directed to Mr. Schwartz. They
knew his education, his talents and piety. Although but
twenty-three years of age, he had made the best use of
his short life. There were few better Greek and Latin
scholars in our country—he had attended considerably to
the Hebrew language—he was a proficient in the French,
and he was studiously directing his attention to the Ger¬
man, and read and translated that language with consider¬
able ease. He had made an equal proficiency in the other
sciences. In theology he was probably as well read as
any young man of his age. He had attentively read all
the most important writings on the subject; and although
he preferred the doctrines of our church to all others, yet
his soul was the seat of Christian liberality, and it should
be spoken to his praise, that although surrounded by
Christians of other denominations, yet he never gave
them offence, and they generally attended with satisfaction
and improvement on his ministrations. The objections to
his youth were every day removing^ He received a una¬
nimous vote, as Professor of Theology. After the election
there was a pause of many minutes, when he arose to ad¬
dress us. For a time his feelings almost prevented the
power of utterance. He at length proceeded to thank us
for our favourable opinion; stated his sense of his incapaci¬
ty to discharge the duties of the station to which he had
been appointed; pointed out its difficulties, but signified
his willingness to undertake it by the help of God, and en¬
treated our prayers and intercessions, and those of all chris¬
tians in his behalf. The youth of the individual—the oc¬
casion—the importance of the subject, and the feeling and
eloquent address, melted the whole audience into tears, and
I am sure that few who were then present will ever forget
that impressive scene.
12
There was yet one difficulty to overcome. His congre¬
gations implored us not to deprive them of the services of
their minister for this year. He had organized and built
them up, and they thought without him they could not
prosper. He immediately stated that he could not consci¬
entiously leave the people of his charge, and although it
was making a great sacrifice, yet he must remain with them
another year, and would attend to such students as might
be offered to him, provided they would consent to remove
with him to the place where he should he located. His
friends consented to this arrangement under an impression
that during the sickly months he would comply with their
request and remove to a more healthy situation.
He soon after entered upon his arduous and important
duties. And it seemed as if Providence at once gave him the
fairest prospects of success. A library was fast accumula¬
ting under the patronage of the Synod, and the liberality
of individuals. Five students immediately entered the
institution; three more were promised on the first of Jan¬
uary next, and in one of his letters he states, that his fear
now began to be that more would offer than we could ac¬
commodate.
Of the character of the individuals who were to be in¬
structed for the ministr}7, he had a very correct conception.
In a letter dated May the 9th, he thus writes: "You per¬
ceive, my dear friend, that we have at length taken a deci¬
ded step, and may be said fairly to have made a start. God
grant his blessing to us in the commencement and through¬
out the continuance of our institution. How fervently
should we all pray to the great Head of the Church, that
he may give into our hands pious and zealous young men,
and enable us to send them forth in due season such work¬
men as need not be ashamed. I feel, my dear friend, that
I have taken on myself a burden of responsibility almost
greater than I can bear—yet God's grace is sufficient for
me, and I trust that under his blessing I shall at least per-
13
form my duty faithfully and conscientiously. I stand in
heed, however, of the prayers of my friends, and I call
upon those at whose request I consented to accept this sit¬
uation—I call upon my brethren in the ministry, to aid
me by their prayers and by their counsel."
He continued:—"All the young men now with me are
promising—and if their hearts be right in the sight of God,
I have no doubt they will prove a blessing .to our church.
The heart is known, however, only to God—we can judge
only by the outward appearance; but did I think that any
of these students were deficient, in proper views of reli¬
gion and of the ministerial office, I should feel it my boun-
den duty to advise them at once not toenter this institution.
I dread the idea of being instrumental in educating any
one for the holy office of the ministry, who through a
want of personal religion may bring disgrace upon our
sacred calling. Whilst I can testify to the consolations
and encouragements which the Christian minister will re-
ceivevat the hands of God, in the midst of the peculiar
discouragements and difficulties which belong to his pro¬
fession, I believe those difficulties and discouragements to
be of such a character as to drive any one from his office
who does not feel the supporting comforts of God's pres¬
ence. I could not, therefore, advise any person to enter
upon this office without being convinced that he realizes
the balm of religion to his own soul, and the importance
of that duty which commands him to preach this religion
to others."
Shortly afterwards he announced his resolution of not
removingfrom Newberry during the summer, ashis friends
had advised. He writes in these words: "I know it will
distress you to hear that I have determined to remain in
this district during the present summer, inasmuch as I can¬
not otherwise attend as I ought to my congregations.
Some of my people are increasing in their attention and
seriousness, and I trust I shall yet be permitted to seethe
n
fruit of my labours—my students also preferred being ill
the neighborhood of their homes for the present year.
I may be incurring some risk—but am I not in the hands
of God? Has he not hitherto helped me? If it please
him to remove me by any means from the church, will
he who is the Head of the church permit it to suffer there¬
by? I would not be presumptuous in my confidence, but
am I not autlmrised to commit myself and all my concerns
into tbe hands of him who hath said, <Lo I am with you
always?' Happy shall I be if I be made the humblest in¬
strument of glorifying his Almighty name."
To the farther remonstrances of his friends and family
he returned no answer. We knew that his resolutions
were taken, and we committed him to the care of Provi¬
dence.
He every day grew on the affections of his people—one
of them wrote to me: "We are just beginning to worship
your young friend." He wrote me on the 10th of Au¬
gust—detailed his labours—gave an account of the Sunday
schools he was establishing, and asked advice about the
best books he could introduce. Of his studies he says:
"Should Providence grant me the continuance of the health
I at present enjoy, I hope to note this summer as the most
profitable season of my life. I have a good course marked
out for my endeavours, and noble subjects for the exertions
of my powers. With the return of my health too, I feel
my mind invigorated, and I begin to realize that the coun¬
try is my home. My health is remarkably good. I feel
myself in the hands of Providence, and I find that the
more I can realize my dependence upon God, the more
cheerful, contented and happy I am."
Shortly afterwards, however, these bright prospects
were clouded with anxiety and sorrow. A letter from his
physician came to state that he had been ill.with fever,
but it was hoped that his symptoms were favourable to his
recovery.—To this letter were added a few fond lines die-
15
tated by himself, to which he wrote his name in a weak
and unsteady hand. lie stated that he trusted in and com¬
mitted himself to his God, and begged me to comfort his
family. This was probably the last time he put his hand
to paper. The next mail informed us that he was worse—
that three physicians were in attendance, and that there
was no hope of recovery. The next brought the sorrow¬
ful tidings that their friend and pastor had died on the
26th of August—that our fond hopes were all prostrate in
the dust—and that Zion mourned the loss of one of her
most .faithful and devoted sons.
You will naturally expect me to give a short detail of
the last hours of our departed young friend. Happily I
am prepared to do this, for he was blessed with the full
powers of his mind till the last hour; but if even his in¬
tellects had been clouded, and his life had terminated in
delirium, he would have still left behind him a higher con¬
solation than a dying testimon}^, even the memory of a
blameless, pious, well-spent life. As it is, we have the
additional satisfaction of knowing that death had no ter¬
rors for him, and of believing that he has gone to his rest
above. One of his physicians writes: "His mind was
calm, cool and deliberate throughout his painful illness,
particularly so a few moments before he died, when he
said, 41 shall shall shortly enjoy the glorious light of hea¬
ven, happiness and immortality.'—'I am not afraid to die,
for I know that my Redeemer liveth.' He expired with¬
out a struggle and without a groan, having the faculties of
mind and speech to the last." Another friend writes, that
when he visited him on his sick bed, he told him not to
be distressed on his account, for 'whether he lived or died,
all would be well.' Another writes: "He declared him¬
self ready and willing to go—and if he had any wish to
live, it was on account of his dear mother, who might
perhaps stand in need of him. But after that he never
mentioned any thing more about his relations and friends,
16
but was altogether engaged with himself and his own soul^
and the souls of others. One night he called them all
into his room, and after one of his students had read a
chapter out of the Bible, he prayed in his bed with a loud
voice for nearly half an hour. To one of his physicians
he said, 'See, Doetor, how much better it is to make our
peace with God in the time of health, than to wait till we
are laid on a bed of sickness; for repentance on a sick bed
is seldom of any avail.' " Another friend writes of the
calmness of his last moments, from which we learn—that
the nearer he approached to his end, the more composed
and resigned he became—that his face wore the expression
of calmness and submission—and that it seemed as if the
bright anticipations of the soul were settled on the linea¬
ments of his countenance.
The shock given to the people among whom he lived
by this event, was unusual, and the calamity was height¬
ened by its bereaving them of their fondest hopes. A
gentleman who attended the funeral writes: "No tongue
can express, no pen can describe the feelings of the peo¬
ple on this melancholy occasion. The remains of our
dearly beloved friend were interred this morning in Beth¬
lehem church yard; the largest concourse of people that
were ever assembled in this country attended the funeral.
The sad looks, the loud sobs and the tears shed on this
mournful occasion, amply testified the high esteem in
which he was held by all, rich and poor, old and young,
white and black—pardon me for introducing the word
black, but I must say, that even the poor Africans sym¬
pathised and sorrowed, saying, 'Dear Mr. Schwartz.'"
Three of the ministers of our church officiated at his fu¬
neral, and all bore testimony that never had an individual
departed in that community who was more beloved, or
whose loss was more sincerely lamented than was that of
our departed friend.
17
Should it be asked what was the peculiar trait in the
character of Mr. Schwartz, I would say that it was a so¬
lemn determination conscientiously to discharge his duty
to his God. For this he left his peaceful home and the
friends of his youth, and retired into a sickly part of our
country; and from thence he wrote: "Here in the woods
of Carolina I suspect my lot is cast—here I shall live and
here I shall die. To be instrumental in doing good and
enlarging the Redeemer's kingdom-, is all I ask."
That a man, who was so devoted to the duties of the
■Christian, should possess the amiable graces of benevo¬
lence, we cannot wonder. He felt it his duty to exert all
his powers to do good to the bodies and souls of men.
The great maxim, no man liveth to himself, was engraven
on his mind. Without profession or show, he engaged
in, and ardently devoted himself to every work of bene¬
volence. He became a member of the German Friendly
Society, and whilst in this city was an active member of
the School Committee. He became a teacher in our Sun¬
day School, and if he was but one Sabbath in our city, he
took his seat among our little children, and enquired of
their progress and improvement. He formed similar
schools in his *>wn neighbourhood, and interested his
young friends to become teachers in them. He was ac¬
tive in the distribution of the Scriptures, and was at the
time of his death the President of the Bible Society of
Newberry District. He saw the evils of intemperance in
the country—he aided in the formation of Temperance
Societies, and resolved to abstain even from wine, lest his
^example might be an encouragement to others. He con¬
templated, if his life should be spared, aiding in several
works of a practical nature for the use of our people, and
he had already commenced collecting the materials for an
improved catechism for our church; and a benevolent in¬
dividual from the country, who is better known by his
3
18
deeds of benevolence than by his professions, had offered
to defray the expenses of its publication.
Few persons discharged their duty to society more
faithfully and conscientiously than the subject of this dis¬
course. There could not have been a more affectionate
son and brother, and he strove in his frequent letters, and
by every fond and endearing act, to direct his kindred to
the true sources of happiness, and to convince them of
his affection and love. He who addresses you can testify
how firm and unaltered a friend he was, and how grateful
for the slightest favors. From his boyhood he Was en¬
trusted with every secret and every feeling of his heart,
and never in a single action, word or thought, did he evi¬
dence any other conduct than that of respect, gratitude and
affection. To all around'him he uniformly evidenced a
spirit of mildness, forbearance and charity. No feelings
of unkindness could keep possession of his soul beyond a
single hour. The language of acrimony was entirely fo¬
reign to him, and if he could not speak well of another,
he remained silent.
One great peculiarity in Mr. Schwartz, which was the
admiration of his friends, consisted in a well regulated
mind. His feelings, though warm, were under the con¬
trol of his judgment. He loved study, but was also an
interesting companion in society. His mind was harmo¬
nious, and from his looks and demeanour one could dis¬
cover that it was at all times under a religious influence.
There was nothing like religious cant in his conversation*
yet his thoughts were continually recurring to the mercy
and goodness of God, and when he was with his intimate
friends it formed the frequent subject of remark even
whilst in cheerful conversation. A beautiful flower or
bright day, a cool breeze, the beauties of nature which he
witnessed in his rides to his churches in the country, were
often the subjects of his remark in his conversations and
letters, and he always spoke and wrote as if he beheld in
19
every new beauty and charm of the world a subject of
love and gratitude to his Maker. In one of his last letters,
whilst speaking of the happiness of his mind in contem¬
plating these gifts of God's goodness, he says: "Excuse
me for expressing so frequently the feelings of my heart
on these subjects, but I cannot help it—it is almost like
being again in your study—I seem to he talking with my
friend who is near me."
As a minister, those who hear me had no fair opportu¬
nity of judging of the extent of his powers. He was
under many restraints whilst preaching in a city and
among his early associates. Unaccustomed in the country
to preach written sermons, he felt embarrassed when he
had to resort to it in cities. Those, however, who saw
him and heard him among his own people, were struck
with the clearness of his mind, with the arrangement of
his thoughts, the fervor of his eloquence, and the deep
feeling of piety which pervaded his discourses; and it
was remarked to me by one of our most eminent Judges,
that he was one of the most interesting and impressive
speakers that he had ever heard in that part of the country.
On the whjole, I feel confident that I will be borne out
in my assertions, by all who were intimately acquainted
with the character of that lamented young man, when I
state, that, in the faithful discharge of his duties as a son,
a brother and friend—in the improvements of his mind—
in every kind of knowledge that might render him an
ornament to his profession—in all the various occupations
of a herald of the Gospel of peace, he was an example
and a model to all who duty appreciate the importance of
the ministerial character.
To our young friends who now hear me, the high in¬
centives to the improvement of the mind, and the prac¬
tice of virtue and piety, and the solemn admonitions given
by his death, cannot fail to be deeply impressive. Behold
how much he effected in a short life. Yes! it was short
m
far us, for he died at twenty-four. But still in the best
sense of the word his life was long. He lived to discharge
with faithfulness the various relative duties of life—-he
lived to awaken sentiments of affection and esteem in the
breasts of thousands who will cherish his worth as long as
feeling'and memory shall last—he lived to place before
the young an example of youthful character which could
serve as a model for their own lives—he lived to direct
thousands of his fellow creatures in the way of salvation—
he died sincerely and deeply lamented by all who knew
him, and the tears of this audience testify how much his
character was venerated, and how fondly he was loved.
This then is an evidence that although existence may be.
brief, yet that the great object of man's creation may be
effected even in early life. ''Honorable age is not that
which standeth in length of time* nor that which is mea¬
sured by number of years, but wisdom is the grey hail'
unj» men, and an unspotted life is old age."
Permit me to close this part of my address by reading
an extract of one of the last letters of Mr. Schwartz, ad¬
dressed to a very young man, and one to wham he was
fondly attached; and it is to be hoped that in#this last ad¬
vice he may be considered, although dead, as still speak-
ing.
"You are now, my dear , upon the wide world,
as it were, and at liberty to do as you please. This with
all of us is a dangerous situation, more particularly with
the young and inexperienced. I think of you often, and
of the dangers to which )7our soul may be subject, how-;
ever good your intention, and I now sit down to address
you a few thoughts that may prove useful to you.
"1st. Never forget that }7ou have a soul that must live
after the body is dead—that is capable of eternal happiness
at Gob's right hand, or may be banished forever from the
presence of God, and consigned to darkness and everlast-
21
ing despair. The thought of this will help you to deny
yourself sinful gratification and sensual indulgence.
"2dly. Endeavour to keep the fear of God constantly
before your eyes. Remember that the Searcher of hearts
is always looking down upon you—that you are in his
hands, and that he is able to raise you to heaven or to sink
you down to hell. Remember that his eyes are always
upon you, and you will 'learn to do well st§d fear to do
evil,'
"3dly. Make it a rule, wherever you are, to let nothing
keep you from the house of God on the Sabbath, except
it be actual sickness. When we neglect the church our
souls begin to be in awful danger.
*'4thly. Make it a rule never to lie down at night, nor
to commence the labours of the day, without thanking
God for his mercies, and praying to him for his protection
and favor. This will be of immense advantage to you in
assisting you to do good arid in helping you to avoid sins.
"5thly. Keep out of the way of temptation. It is the
part of a wise man to keep at a distance from^anger. We
are so weak that if we give the least' Opportunity to our
besetting sins, they soon get the better of us. Alwaj^s
recollect then to avoid that kind of company and those
places where you know there is danger.
"6th. Seek good company, and avoid the society of
such as show themselves to be the enemies of God, by
cursing, profaning God's holy Sabbath, and by other im¬
moral practices.
('Lastly. Think always that you as well as all men are
fallen creatures—a rebel against God—and that you can
only be saved through the merits of that Saviour who
loved us and gave himself for us. Oh! never forget that
salvation is by the cross of Christ. Pray to God to help
you to believe in Jesus, and give your heart to him, to be
renewed and to be sanctified."
Brethren of this congregation! He who was brought up
in the midst of us—who ministered often at our altar
who had heroine the instructer of a number of pious
young men who we hoped would in a very few years go
forth into every corner of our land and carry there the
tidings of salvation—He who we believed was raised up by
Providence to be the glory of our church, is by the wise
but mysterious directions of Heaven removed from us.
Our fond 'hopes have been disappointed—the fair pros¬
pects which were before us are gone, and we are left in
perplexity and sorrow.
Shall we then despair? God forbid. The dying words
of our friend, who said "he hoped the church would gain
more by his death than by his life," forbid it. That pure
and gentle spirit which may now be hovering around us,
would chide us for such despondency. Thanks be to
God, the church is in his hands—he bringeth light out of
darkness, and he can cause these afflicting dispensations
of his Providence to be the commencement of a long train
of mercies and blessings to our church. Let us now,
even now, whilst our tears are not yet dried for this heavy
bereavement, rise up and call upon God to help us. Let
the two Societies which belong to this church, and which
I conscientiously believe have mainly contributed to the
excitement and exertions in the country which led to the
formation of so many new congregations, and to the es¬
tablishment of a school of instruction which promised so
much good to our beloved church, Be up and doing. My
brethren, try to increase the number of subscribers to our
Society, and add the names of your sons. My female
friends I trust will be eqaally vigilant. God is still on
our side. He has promised to be a wall of fire round
about his church, and a glory in the midst of her, and if
God be for us, who can be against us.
Young men, go and imitate his bright example, for you
too may be cut off' in early life like the flower in its bloom.
Ye middle aged and old, let the wisdom and piety of that
25
youth chide you for negligence in the cause of duty; and
may all of us here learn the importance of an early devo¬
tion to the improvoment of the mind, and the exercise of
every Christian duty in laying the foundation for the es¬
teem of men, for a peaceful death and a blessed immor¬
tality.
And now, beloved pupil and friend—thou faithful mi¬
nister of the Gospel, we bid thee farewell. Thy early
death was as full of regrets, as thy youth was of promise.
Thou art removed from us, but the influences of thy life
and example shall remain. From thy deportment we
will learn the excellency of piety and virtue—from thy
death we will learn the power of religion in preparing the
soul for the regions of the blest, and thy memory shall
long remain as an example of goodness on earth, whilst
thou art enjoying thine everlasting reward. Amen.
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