yfEM TtSf-f^r©?!?'' md42 II PRINCETON. N. J. J Part of the ^ ^ ADDISON ALEXANDER LIBRARY, % I which was presented by Messrs. R. L. and A. Stuabt. BX 8080 .M9 S8 1856 Stoever, M. L. 1820-1870 Memoir of the life and times of Henry Melchior LINDSAY &, BL A KiSTON'S PUBLICATIONS. THE SEPITLCHPvES OF CUE DEPARTED. BY THE REV. F. R. ANSPACH, A.M "As flowers which night, when day is o'er, perfume, Breathes the sweet memory from a good man's tomb." Sir E. L. Bulwer. Third Edition. In one Vol., 12mo. Price $1. Cloth, gilt. $1 50. This is a volume to comfort and to cheer; to render the grave familiar, and to derive from it« eM» Iwnplation the most encouraging hopes. A fine tone pervades the volume, and it abounds in jUst Ma Bmeats ornately expressed. We should be glad to see that general seriousness of feeling which woull oake such a volume popular.— Prfs6y The funeral services were conducted by Rev. \Dr. Helmuth and Rev. J. L. Yoigt; the latter delivering a discourse from the words of the Psalmist : " Lord, who shall abide in thy taber- nacle ? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill ? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteous- ness, and speaketh the truth in his heart." In many places the bells were tolled, the churches enshrouded in mourning, and funeral sermons delivered, in grateful remembrance of the de- parted, and as testimonials of the respect his worth everywhere inspired. The remains of the patriarch quietly rest near the church which was so long the scene of his active labors, and in which he had so often dispensed the symbols of the Saviour's love among the people of God, HENRY MELCIIIOR MUHLENBERG. 87 and animated them in their Christian pilgrimage by the hopes and consolations of the Gospel. A marble slab marks the spot of the grave, with the following simple inscription : — Hoc Monumentum sacrum esto Memoriae beati ac venerabilis Henrie Melciiior Muhlenberg, SacriTD Theologias Doctor et Senioris 3Iinisterii Lutherani Americani. Nati Sept^e, 1711. Defuncti Oct. 7, 1787. Qualis et quantus fuerit Non ignorabunt sine lupide Futura Ssecula.* CHAPTER IX. Dr. Muhlenberg was married, April 30th, 1745, to Anna Maria, a daughter of Colonel Conrad Weiser, celebrated in the colonial an- nals of Pennsylvania as confidential Indian , * Sacred be this Monument to the Memory of the blessed land venerable Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, Doctor of Sacred jTheology and Senior of the American Lutheran Ministerium. [Born Sept. 6, 1711. Pied Oct. 7, 1787. Who and what he was, future ages will know without a stone. 88 MEMOIR OF interpreter and magistrate of tlie province. She was a woman of great worth, and in every re- spect calculated to make her husband happy and useful. From this marriage, there were eleven children; four died in infancy; seven, wdth their widowed mother, survived the pa- triarch. John Peter, the eldest, having been educated for the ministry, was ordained by the Synod of Pennsylvania in 1768, and was, for a season, pastor of the Lutheran churches of New Ger- man town and the vicinity of the State of New Jersey. In 1772, he transferred his residence to Virginia, where many Germans from the Middle States had settled, and, forming them- selves into a congregation, requested Dr. Muh- lenberg to send them his son as their rector. These Lutherans, in consequence of the pecu- liar laws that, at this time, existed in Virginia on the subject of Church establishment, had organized as members of the Swedish branch of the Lutheran Church, and in order that their minister might enforce the payment of tithes, it was necessary that he should be invested with Episcopal ordination. Accordingly, Mr. Muh- lenberg repaired to England for the purpose, and HENRY MELCHIOR MUHLENBERG. 89 in connection with Mr. White, subsequently the venerable Bishop of Pennsylvania, was ordained as priest, by the Lord Bishop of London. On his return, he immediately took charge of the field of labor to which he had been invited, in Shenandoah county. He continued here until 1775, when his fondness for military life, and his ardent patriotism, induced him, at the solici- tation of General Washington, with whom he was on the most intimate terms, to accept a commission of colonel in the army. From the commencement of the revolutionary war, he had been very much interested in the contest, and deeply sympathized with those who had en- listed in the service of their country. It, there- fore, required very little effort to persuade him to engage personally in the work. It is said, that after he had received his appointment, he preached a valedictory to his congregation, in the course of which he most eloquently depicted the wrongs our country had suffered from Great Britain, and then remarked that " there was a time for all things ; a time to preach, and a time to pray ; but there was also a time to fight, and that time had now come." Then^ having 90 MEMOIR OF pronounced the benediction, he deliberately laid aside his gown, which had thus far concealed his military uniform, and proceeding to the door of the church, ordered the drums to beat for recruits. Being greatly beloved by the people, whom he had previously represented in the Vir- ginia House of Delegates, he had no difficulty in filling his regiment. Nearly three hundred men enlisted under his banner, with whom he imme- diately marched to the protection of Charleston, vSouth Carolina. He was present at the battle of Sullivan's Island, and performed a conspicuous part in all our Southern campaigns. Having been promoted by Congress, in the year 1777, to the rank of Brigadier-General, he held com- mand in the battles of Brandywine and Ger- mantown, and shared the dangers and responsi- bilities of Monmouth, Stony Point, and York- town. He continued in the service until the termination of the war, and was then appointed to the rank of Major-General, before the army was disbanded. Under the old constitution of Pennsylvania, he was elected A^ice-President of the State, with Benjamin Franklin as President. He was chosen, for several successive terms, as a representative in Congress, and also served as a HENRY MELCHIOR MUIILEXBERG. 01 Presidential Elector. In 1801, he was selected by the Legislature of the State as United States Senator. He was likewise honored with several Executive appointments, and, until his death, retained the confidence of the Government, and enjoyed the esteem of the community. He died at his residence, in the vicinity of Philadelphia, in the year 1807. Frederick Augustus, the second son of the patriarch, was educated at Halle, in Saxony, and was ordained to the work of the ministry before his return to this country. He was stationed, for a time, in Lebanon county, also at Eeading and New Hanover. Thence he removed to the city of New York, where he continued to reside, as pastor of the Lutheran Church, until the British entered the city. In consequence of his enthusiastic attachment to the American inte- rest, it was deemed unsafe for him to remain in a position in which he was exposed to imminent danger. It was supposed that if he fell into the power of the enemy, he would be the victim of cruel and vindictive treatment. He, therefore, departed to Pennsylvania, and, for some time, had charge of the congregation in New Hanover. Having been called into political life, he laid aside 92 MEMOIROF the duties of the ministiy. In 1779, he was elected a member of the Continental Congress. He was also sent as a delegate to the State Con- vention, which assembled to ratify the new Federal Constitution, and was selected by his colleagues to preside over their deliberations. He was repeatedly chosen as a representative to Congress under the new Constitution, and, on two different occasions, served as Speaker of the House. He was regarded as a leading and useful statesman. He was universally es- teemed, and died, greatly lamented, at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the year 1812. Henry Ernest, the youngest son of Dr. Muh- lenberg, spent several years in Europe in the prosecution of his studies for the sacred office. On his return to this country in 1770, he was ordained by the Synod of Pennsylvania, and immediately became assistant to his father, and third minister of the United Churches in Phila- delphia. He continued to occupy this position until the British obtained possession of the city. As he was threatened with the halter, because of his thorough republicanism and zealous de- votion to the cause of the Ke volution, he found it necessary to flee from the scene of danger. HENRY MELCniOR MUHLENBERG. 93 Disguised under a blanket, and with a rifle on Lis shoulder, he had nearly Mien into hostile hands, through the snares of an innkeeper, who had intentionally directed him to take the road by which the British were approaching. Warned, however, in season, by a Whig occupant of the house, he succeeded in making his escape, and reached New Hanover in safety. Relieved, for a time, from professional duties, he engaged with great zest in the study of botany, and acquired that love for this favorite pursuit which after- wards so strongly manifested itself On the elec- tion of his brother to a civil office, he succeeded him as pastor. In the year 1780, he removed , to Lancaster, where he labored with great effi- ciency until his death, in 1815, holding a high rank as a scholar, and distinguished as a min- ister of the gospel — enjoying the uninterrupted regard of his congregation, and exerting an in- fluence in the community which it is rarely the piivilege of the most highly favored to enjoy. Two of the patriarch's daughters married Lutheran clergymen; the one was the wife of Rev. C. E. Schultze, who immigrated to this country in 17G5, and labored so long and so faitlifully for the advancement of our Church, 94 MEMOIR OF and the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom ; the other was married to the Rev. Dr. Kunze, also sent from Halle to this land in 1770, and distinguished for his numerous excellencies ; who occupied a prominent position in the Church, and was deservedly eminent for his attainments as a scholar and a theologian. A third daughter became the wife of Major Francis Swayne ; and a fourth was married to Matthew Richards, the father of John W. Rich- ards, D. D., whose premature death, in the vigor of manhood and the meridian of his usefulness, the Church was called to mourn. CHAPTER X. In" stature, Dr. Muhlenberg was of medium height, thick set, and somewhat stooped. His frame was robust, his complexion florid, his tem- perament sanguine, with a mixture of the phleg- matic — his eye bright, and expressive of a kind heart — his countenance friendly and engaging, indicative of the warm feelings of his soul — his voice was full, penetrating, and melodious — his elocution clear and ejBfective. His personal II E N R Y M E L C 11 1 () R M U 1 1 E E N V> i: R G . 9 5 appearance and manner were altogether such as to produce the conviction that he realized the responsibiUty of the position which he sustained ; his whole aspect was becoming the holy office with which he was invested. From all that we have been able to gather in reference to the subject of our Memoir, we have no difficulty in concluding that he possessed a combination of qualities which peculiarly fitted him for the duties he was called to perform. Gifted by nature with strong mental powers, which had been brought under the influence of the highest cultivation — endowed with a noble heart, which had been sanctified by Divine grace, and disciplined in the school of affliction — and in the possession of a physical constitution which in early life had been inured to labor, with an ardent, active piety, an earnest and enthusiastic devotion to the w^ork, nothing seemed wanting for the successful accomplishment of his mission. He was the man kindly raised up by Providence for the particular emergency required, at this time, in this Western world. The most sanguine expectations of his success in the work w^ere en- tertained by those who selected him for the object. These expectations were not disap- 96 MEMOIR OF pointed. Tliey were more than realized. The se- quel amply j ustified the choice. Under God, he did great things for our Lutheran Zion. His praise is deservedly in all the churches. He has left a name fragrant with the highest honor attainable in this probationary state — that of a good man, sincere in his profession, and upright in his life, widely esteemed, and greatly beloved. But in attempting an estimate of Dr. Muhlen- berg's character, w^e must go a little into detail, and speak more fully of him in his private and public capacity, particularly as an earnest Chris- tian and a faithful minister of the gospel. He was a man of clear, vigorous intellect, and of varied and extensive learning. He was dis- tinguished for the versatility of his powers, and the range of his acquirements. His mind, natu- rally capacious, had been subjected to the most careful culture, the most rigid disciphne ; and in all his eftbrts he was regular, systematic, and in- dustrious. His memory was retentive, his per- ceptions quick, his judgment acute, and his knowledge of character wonderful. As a linguist he occupied a very high rank. He was an accu- rate and a finished Hebrew and Greek scholar. ' The German, English, Dutch, French, Bohemian, HENRY MELCIIIOR MUHLENBERG. 97 and SweclLsli, it. is said, he wrote with lluency. He could also preach in all the different lan- guages then spoken on the continent. With the Latin he was almost as familiar as with his ver- nacular tongue. At the meeting of Synod, in 1750, we find him delivering a Latin address to the brethren in the ministry ; also, at a subse- quent Convention, the exercises were introduced with a congratulatory discourse in Latin, by a Swedish Lutheran minister, to which Dr. Muh- lenberg replied in the same language. He had likewise devoted considerable atten- tion to the natural sciences. He was very much interested in the study of chemistry, and had given some time to the subject of medicine, which he found useful to him during his pastoral labors in his visitations to the poor. He was a fine musician, and performed wath much skill on the organ, the harp, guitar, and the violin. He, moreover, had a pleasant voice, and it is said sang most delightfully. A very high estimate w^as put upon the attain- ments of Dr. Muhlenberg by his cotemporaries. His society was sought and his influence courted by the learned men of the day. We find him 9 08 MEMOIR OF attending the commencement exercises of Prince- ton College by the special invitation of the Faculty ; and from the University of Pennsyl- vania he received the Doctorate in Divinity, a literary distinction in those days rarely conferred, and only upon those whose claims to the honor were unquestionable. He was fond of intellectual pursuits, and stu- died with great zest ; yet he never engaged in them for mere self-gratification, or influenced by a love of fame, or a desire to attain some sinister object. All his employments and pleasures were made subordinate to the great purpose to which he had consecrated himself, and were made to subserve the cause of righteousness and the glory of God. In the pulpit. Dr. Muhlenberg is said to have been exceedingly able. He never failed to arrest the attention, and always seemed to possess great power over his audience. He knew at once the way to the heart, and could concentrate and combine truth so as to bear with great energy on the soul. His own deep religious experience enabled him to describe the various exercises of the mind with wonderful clearness and correct- HENRY MELCHIOR MUHLENBERG. 99 ness. He had carefully studied human charac- ter, and thoroughly understood the workings of the heart. He could readily adapt his efforts to all classes, and secure the interest of the illite- rate as well as the most intelligent in the com- munity. Frequently during the services, the whole congregation was bathed in tears. His sermons were particularly impressive and in- structive, — of an analytical character, abounding with scriptural illustrations and facts, selected from the occurrences of every-day life. The truths of God's word were presented with ama- zing simplicity, meekness, and power. Faithful and fearless, he hesitated not to declare the whole counsel of God, and to rebuke sin, unawed by the presence of man. He never compromised principle for popular applause, or in any respect proved recreant to his high responsibilities, to his solemn obligations. He never uttered senti- ments unworthy the sacred desk, or intended to excite amusement. Never did he " Court a grin, when he should woo a soul," He kept constantly in view the great object of his vocation, — preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and pleading with sinners to be- 100 MEMOIR OF come reconciled to God. He acted as if lie felt he was commissioned bj God to make known to dying man — " The eternal counsels: in his Master's name To treat with them of everlasting things, Of life, death, bliss, and woe/' He went forth in the spirit of his Master, in re- liance upon the Divine strength and the pro- mised aid, to spread the triumphs of the cross, and to cause the waste places to flourish like cedars in the courts of the Lord. Dr. Muhlenberg was regarded a,s a model pas- tor. This was very generally acknowledged. The public ministrations of the Word were faith- fully accompanied with suitable efforts in private for the conversion of the soul. The spiritual welfare of his flock occupied his constant thoughts and engaged his unwearied efforts, his watchful care. He never faltered in his labors of love. He sought every opportunity afforded him to lead sinners to Christ. He went about doing good in the name of the Lord. The rich and the poor, the high and the low, the learned and the unlearned, welcomed him as the minister of consolation. He was ever ready to alleviate the HENRY MELCHIOR MUHLENBERG. 101 suffering, and to sympathize with the afflicted — to pour oil of gladness into the troubled soul — to reclaim the erring, and to raise the fallen. He had a heart of compassion for his fellow-men. In the hour of darkness and trial, he was with them, soothing their sorrows, and ministering unto them comfort and instruction. At the bed-side of the dying, and mingling his tears with the afflicted, his people always found him such a pastor as they needed. To their relief he w^as ever willing to devote himself; in their service he was willing to lose even his own life. " Needy, poor, And dying men, like music heard, his feet Approach their beds; and guilty wretches Took new hope, and in his prayers wept and smiled, And blessed him, as they died forgiven." I Dr. Muhlenberg was deeply interested in the rising generation, and took great delight in in- structing them in the principles of the Christian religion. " His love for children," says a cotem- porary, " had scarcely its equal ; and with un- tiring zeal did this pious man think of their sal- vation." He devoted a considerable portion of his time to their improvement, and earnestly labored to promote their hio:hest good. 9* 102 MEMOIR OF The Lutheran Church, in its early history, was distinguished for the provision it made for the religious instruction of the young, and pas- tors laid themselves out specially for the work. Our fathers generally valued catechetical instruc- tion most highly, and improved every occasion afforded them to urge its importance upon the attention of the people. Those who sat under their ministry appreciated the service, and re- garded it as a great privilege that they could enjoy this means of grace. It is much to be re- gretted that the practice so prominent in our Cliurch at the beginning, is, at the present day, in many of our congregations, so sadly neglected, or performed with heartless indifference. Al- though it has, we know, sometimes failed to accomplish the designed result, yet it is a valu- able instrument of good. It has been owned of God, and blessed to the salvation of precious souls. If a deeper concern were manifested in the youth of the Church, and more earnest efforts employed for their recovery from sin, their attachment to their own communion would per- haps be stronger, their interest in religious sub- jects greater. If they were more thoroughly HENRY MELCHIOK MUHLENBERG. 103 instructed in the doctrines and practices of Chris- tianity, they would find it more difficult to wan- der from the fold, — and, in the morning of life, they would be more likely to consecrate them- selves to the service of the Redeemer. Dr. Muhlenberg is represented as possessing extraordinary skill in giving catechetical instruc- tion. This was acquired in early life in the various positions in which, in the Providence of God, he had been placed. Of the faithful manner in wdiich he conducted the exercises preparatory to admission into the Church, we .may give some idea from the following extract, taken almost at random, in connexion witli his labors, as found in the Hallische Nachrichten : " In the month of November," says he, " I con- firmed and admitted to the Lord's Supper the young people wdiom I had instructed. There were twenty-six in number, chiefly adults, one of whom was a married man. They had com- mitted to memory the questions on the plan of salvation with considerable accuracy ; I earnestly labored to impress them with the proper import of what they had learned ; and without ceasing, admonished them to frequent prayer and the 104 MEMOIR OF practice of what they had heard. They, there- fore, cannot present as an excuse before God that they had not been sufficiently impressed and urged. The greater part had also assured me, in the personal conversations I had with them, that they have frequently been upon their knees in private prayer at home, and that they have experienced in their hearts the influences of the Spirit of God through his Word." The UalUsclie NachricJiten abounds in interest- ing illustrations and detailed narratives of Dr. Muhlenberg's anxious solicitude for souls, and the various means he employed for the spiritual improvement of his congregations. The follow- ing account of the exercises preceding the admi- nistration of the Lord's Supper in one of his churches, will be read with interest. It is found in a communication forwarded to Halle, in the year 1746 : '' The week before, all who would partake of the sacrament, must meet the Pastor at the parsonage or the school-house, when the opportunity is embraced to ascertain the spirit- ual condition of each individual, and to afford him the necessary warning, or comfort and en- couragement. The day before the celebration HENRY MELCIIIOR MUHLENBERG. 105 of the Eucharist, all such meet in the church ; an appropriate discourse on repentance is preached and applied, without mentioning names, to each one's condition. Then all sur- round the altar in a semi-circle, and if there be any who have been a public offence, or an open stumbling-block, they must each come forward. The Pastor again reminds them publicly of their sins, admonishes them to true repentance, and demands of them contrition, faith, and reforma- tion of life. When they have promised this, the Pastor asks all present whether they will forgive the offence caused by those thus confessing their sins, and will help to pray for them to God through Christ. Then all are admonished not to think themselves better than these sinners — for every one has reason to watch over his own heart, and that the grace of God is alone suffi- cient to restrain them from sin, and to reform their life. After this, the usual confession is made kneeling, pardon being promised to the truly penitent, and condemnation declared from God's word to all impenitent persons, hypocrites, as well as open sinners, all are yet once asked whether they cherish any ill-will one towards 106 MEMOIR OF another ; and if any misunderstanding between members exist, such remain after the service, for- give one another, and become reconciled." We give one or two more passages from the Hallisclie Naclirichten, for the purpose of exhi- biting his pastoral character, the profound and earnest interest he took in the spiritual w^elfare of all W'ith whom he came in contact. There seemed to be " a word fitly spoken" for every one he met. On one occasion he writes, " I visited a female of the Reformed Church, who seems to be truly pious, — and a colored woman, a slave, entered the room, evidently a friend of true religion, and possessing an experimental acquaintance with it. I conversed with her in the English language, and endeavored to encou- rage her in the work in which she was engaged." On another occasion, he says : " I this day, after an examination, baptized three negroes." Again he remarks, during his sojourn in New York, " This morning I preached in Low Dutch, on the 'Ujijust Steicard ;' and in the afternoon, in Ger- man, from the text, ' I am crucified to tlie icorld! A widow of the congregation had a mulatto slave, who was in the habit of attending our HENRY MELCIIIOR MUHLENBERG. 107 English and Low Dutch meetings, and by her consistent walk had put many nominal Chris- tians to the blush. She brought me my dinner from her mistress. I offered her a piece of mo- ney, as an evidence of my gratitude, but she absolutely refused to take it, and began to weep bitterly, because she heard I was about to leave them. She said she had experienced in her heart the power of the word preached, and had never before obtained so much consolation for her soul ; and now I was about to leave them. I must confess my heart was ready to break. I urged her to cling closely to the Lord Jesus, who shed his blood for her. On the same day, after the afternoon service, three inquiring sinners visited me at my house, and desired a word of instruction. At night, I preached in the Enghsh language, on the condition of the Church at Laodicea." He was indefatigable in his labors, instant in season and out of season, abundant in promoting the Divine honor and the spiritual good of his fellow-men of all classes and conditions-in society. "With all of patience and affection taught, Rebuked, persuaded, solaced, counselled, warned, In fervent style and manner." 108 MEMOIR OF The constraining love of Christ continually urged him forward in the discharge of his numerous and responsible duties. In com- munion with his God in secret, he sought and obtained those qualifications for the active la- bors of his calling, which he possessed in so eminent a degree, and which were developed in all his intercourse. Says Dr. Helmuth, "The Lord w^as truly with him, upon whom alone he depended for success. The word, spoken by inspiration, was in his case verified — ' Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see where heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green ; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.' " God did truly bless his efforts. Precious fruit was the result. There were evidences of usefulness and of the Divine blessing upon his labors, sel- dom surpassed in this or in any other land. The amount of his influence cannot be mea- sured. Eternity alone can reveal the result. The personal character of Dr. Muhlenberg HENRY MELCUIIOR MUHLENBERG. 109 was such as to gain the hearts of all who knew him. He possessed those excellencies of charac- ter, which always win the affections and secure warm and devoted friends. His manners were such as to inspire confidence, and to prepare the way for the most unrestrained communication. The timid and diffident felt no embarrassment in his presence. All approached him with the feelings which children manifest in their ap- proaches to a kind and tender parent. He had the faculty of attaching to himself all who came within the circle of his influence. He exercised a charm, which few could resist. He was full of kindness, ever ready to do good, and always consulting the happiness of others. His benevo- lence was a habitual exercise. Acts of goodness were performed whenever occasions presented. He knew " that good, the more Communicated, the more abundant grows.^' No one ever came to him needing assistance, whom he was not willing to take to his home, and assist to the utmost of his ability. To all who required his advice or counsel, he most 10 110 MEMOIR OF cheerfully devoted his time and his services. In conversation he was pleasing and instructive, frequently facetious and playful, yet always dig- nified, easy, and affable. He never let himself down by invading the character of others, nor was he unmindful of the position he occupied as an ambassador of the Most High. No w^ord ever fell from his lips which w\as intended to wound the feelings or needlessly to pain the heart. He had learned effectually in the school of Christ, that the courtesies of life were not to be disre- garded, that genuine politeness is an essential ingredient of the Christian character. He was also distinguished for his unaffected simplicity, so prominent in the sincere German, who from infancy has been reared by pious parents, and whose whole soul is imbued with Christian prin- ciple. He was mild and gentle, patient and forgiving; yet he possessed great energy and decision — a firmness of character and integrity of purpose which nothing could intimidate or shake. So much confidence, we have seen, was reposed in his justice, that our congregations throughout the country, when involved in trouble or difficulty, appealed to his judgment, and cor- v/ HENRY MELCIIIOR MUHLENBERG. Ill dially submitted to his decision, whether it was fa^^orable or unfavorable to their interests. His influence was boundless ; his opinions in all ques- tions carried with them great weight. The affec- tion and love which all cherished for him were unlimited ; the regard and veneration, which all entertained for his character, most profound. In all the relations of life he was honored, esteemed, and admired. " Oh, who can speak his praise ! Great, humble man V His life was a beautiful illustration of the rever- ence all men feel for exalted piety and active benevolence. s The secret of Dr. Muhlenberg's wonderful influence and success, was his eminent, warm- hearted piety. The spirit of Christ was in him. It beamed from his eyes — it breathed from his 'lips. He was a sincere, devoted Christian — beautifully exemplifying in his life the truth of his principles and the power of the Gospel. His actions always corresponded with the les- sons he inculcated from the pulpit — the duties he enforced in his pastoral visitations. His claims to discipleship none questioned. His 112 MEMOIR OF qualifications for the joys of the eternal world all admitted. Dr. Muhlenberg's piety was pure and elevated. It burned with a clear and steady flame. It was so free from those human infirmities which often adhere even to a good man. It pervaded his whole character, and was seen in a uniform course of holy living, and a persevering system of labor in the cause of Christ. Religion entered into all his plans of life, and into all his arrange- ments. It was the topic of his conversation — the object of all his efforts. He w^as a man of prayer — of peculiar and earnest prayer. He prayed, not as a matter of form, or merely from a sense of duty, but because he loved to pray, and because he had faith in God, the hearer and answerer of prayer. He was a man of strong I faith, and acted as if he believed the promises of God. He was never disturbed by the clouds and storms which gathered around him. He knew his Father was at the helm. He trusted when he could not see — he adored when he could not complain ! It is said that he often spent whole nights pleading at the throne of grace with earnestness and with tears, yet with HENRY MELCHIOR MUHLENBERG. 113 unwavering faith in God, especially when in doubt or perplexity, or Avhen difficulties or strife existed in any of the churches, and pressed hea- vily upon his mind. He was a man of great humility. All that he had done he regarded as worthless. He looked to the Kedeemer as the only ground of acceptance with God. Clothed with his righteousness, justified by faith in the blood of the atonement, he had peace with God. He knew in whom he believed, — and he felt assured that when the "earthly house of this tabernacle," which he inhabited, was dissolved, he had '' a building of God, — a house not made with htmds, eternal in the heavens." His piety w^as of that calm, rational, cheerful type, which seemed to spring from the heart, and which in every difficulty was wont to look directly to God for help. It inspired him with fortitude in trial and intrepidity in danger. It was " as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil." In his theological views. Dr. Muhlenberg was most evangelical. This might naturally be in- ferred from what has already been said. He cordially embraced all those distinguishing truths 10- 114 MEMOIR OF which are so vital to the Christian system, and so precious to every believer. The doctrine of man's depravity, justification by faith in Jesus Christ, salvation by grace, the necessity of the influence of the Holy Spirit in the work of re- generation, and the constant need of Divine aid in the faithful discharge of our Christian duties, w^ere topics upon which he loved to dwell, and which exerted an influence upon all his move- ments. He venerated the standards of his Church, and defended them from misrepresenta- tions ; but he did not receive them as an abso- lute rule of faith. All the Lutheran churches of his day were built on the Augsburg Confes- sion, yet he did not desire this symbol to super- sede the word of God. The Bible he regarded as the only infallible rule of faith and practice. He was not averse to confessions ; but he pro- posed to rest upon human declarations only so far as they derive their light from the sacred Scriptures. He was never disposed to contend for those points of doctrine which are not con- sidered fundamental, for their minor and verbal diflerences of belief which have so frequently been the occasion of controversy and strife HENRY MELCIIIOR MUULENBERG. 115 among the brethren. Claiming respect for his own views, he w\as disposed to respect the views of others, and was willing to allow liberty of thought. He was no bigot. He had no sympa- thy with sectarian prescription so prevalent in the land, which is disposed to exclude from Christian fellowship everything which does not originate with itself, or which is not carried on under its own auspices. He condemned the spirit of intolerance, which is the reproach of any church in wdiich it is found. His views were liberal and comprehensive. He lived on the most intimate terms wdth hiscotemporaries, and highly esteemed the servants of Christ con- nected wdth other Christian denominations. He was walling to unite with them in any effort for doing good, and ready to co-operate most heartily; with all who loved the Lord. His intercourse! with brethren of different creeds was pleasant ' and profitable. In referring to a visit made him by the Rev. Mr. Tennent, of the Presbyterian Church, he remarks : " It was to me a season of spiritual refreshing." This feeling was recipro- cated by those with whom he was brought in contact. Rev. Mr. Davies, in his Journal, uses 116 MEMOIR OF the following language : " Waited on three Lu- theran ministers (one of them was undoubtedly the subject of our sketch), and was not a little pleased with their candor and simplicity. How pleasing it is to see the rehgion of Jesus appear undisguised in foreigners! I am so charmed with it, that I forget all national and religious differences, — and my very heart is intimately united with them." He attended, by special in- vitation, a convention of the Episcopal Church, and was received wdth marked kindness. In 1763, we find Kev. Messrs. Durkee, Peters, and InglisS; of the Episcopal Church, and Kev. Messrs. Findlay and Tennent, of the Presbyte- rian Church, and Rev. Mr. Whitfield, present at a Synodical meeting of our Church, and by a vote of Synod, Mr. Whitfield preached a sermon. Mr. W. likewise attended an examination of the children of the congregation on the truths of Christianity, and at the close of the exercises, delivered an address. Dr. Muhlenberg loved all true Christians, because he recognised in them the likeness of his Master; because he saw them possessing sub- stantially the same great objects which animated HENRY MELCHIOR MUHLENBERG. 117 liis own soul, which enlisted his own sympathies and efforts. He had no fondness for theological wai^flxre. He protested against a useless separa- tion between brethren. He thought that the bonds of confidence, that ought to bind them to- gether, should not be sundered; that efforts against the common foe should be united and strengthened. Whilst sinners were perishing, and spiritual death prevailed, they should con- sult for the improvement of the Church, and adopt measures to build up the waste places and increase the efficiency of Zion, that Christ's king- dom might come, and be extended to the ends of the earth. Such was the character of this venerated ser- vant of Christ, wdiose memory we love to revere, whose virtues the Church desires to transmit to posterity. His name is written in heaven, — his worth is cherished on the earth ! Let us praise God, that the pioneer of the American Lutheran Church was so devoted a Christian, so faithful a laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. Let us be grateful to the Great Head of the Church for the services he rendered — for the example he has left us. The memory of such a man cannot die. 118 MEMOIR OF The influence of his character death cannot de- stroy. It survives the dissolution of the body, and continues unfading and immortal. What he did for God will live when the memorial of the wicked has passed away. " The memory of the just shall live." " The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance." " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, — they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them." We should continue to hold in affectionate remembrance the excellencies of the good man, and strive to cultivate his pure, peaceable, ele- vated, and active piety. We should imitate his fidelity — his devotion to the cause of the Re- deemer. We should earnestly and fervently pray that his mantle may descend upon us — that, like him, we may prove a blessing to the com- munity, " a burning and a shining light" in the Church, and an instrument of much good to the world ; — that like him, we may die and our sun set without a cloud, leaving behind it an undy- ing radiance; that survivors may discover, in their recollections of us, springs of comfort, testi- monies to the power of religion, encouragement to virtue and piety, and pledges of immortality. HENRY MELCIIIOR MUIILEXBEKG. 119 The piety of this patriarch may be ours ! We possess the same means for its culture which he did — the same precious gospel which is '^ the power of God unto salvation to every one that belie veth," — the same Holy Spirit — the same Saviour — the same mercy-seat. If we fail, it is because we are unfaithful to our privileges, un- fiiithful to ourselves, and unfliithful to our God; because we do not '^ run wdth patience the race that is set before us;" because we do not "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." The same blissful departure from this world may also be ours ! If we live the life of the righteous, w^e may die his death — our last end will be like his ! Only those, however, who look to Jesus as the author and finisher of their flxith, and rely upon his merits, can walk unfalteringly " through the valley of the shadow of death," fearing no evil. He will be with them ; — his rod and staff will comfort them. The same eternal glory likew^ise may be ours ! The Saviour has promised it to every true be- liever : " In my Father's house are many man- sions. I go to prepare a place for you." If our 120 MEMOIR OF 11. M. MUHLENBERG. " life is hid with Christ in God, when Christ, who is our hfe, shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory." When life's journey is over, and the world recedes from our vision, w^e shall behold his glory and abide with him forever. " They that are wdse shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness^ as the stars, forever and ever." THE END. IINOSAY &, BLAKISTON'S PU BLIC A 1 IONS. AN ILLUSTRATED LIFE OP MARTIN LUTHER, THE GREAT GERMAN REFORMER. "With a Sketch of the Reformation in Germany. Edited, with an Introduction, by the Rev. Tiieophilus Stork, D.D., late Pastor of St. Mark's Luthern Church, Philadelphia. Beautifully Illustrated hy sixteen designs, printed on fine paper. A handsome octavo volume. Price) In clothf gilt liacks^ ■ ■ > ■ ■ $3 00 full gilt, ...... a 50 . In em'bossed leather, marble edges, gilt backs, &'C*, fi 25 The wirld owes much to Luther, and the Reformation of which he was the prominent leader, a)i4 •otnin^, sav« the pure, simple word of God, will do more towards securing the prevalence and per petuatins the influence of the principles of religious liberty for wliich he and the other Reformert contended, than the circulation of a book in which tlie mental processes by which he arrived at tui conclusions, are set forth. We can safely recommend this book as one that is worthy of a place m •very dwelling, and we hope its circulation may be as wide as its merits are AeseTving.—Evanffelicai Magatine. THE LIFE OF PHILIP MELANCHTHON, THE FRIEND AND COMPANION OF LUTHER, According to his Inner and Outer Lif% Translated from the German of Charles Frederick Ledderhose, by the Rev. Q. F. Krotei, Pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Lancaster, Pa. With a Portrait of Melaachthon. In one Volume, 12mo. Price $1 GO. THE PARABLES OF FRED'K ADOLPHUS KRUMMACHER. From the seventh German edition. Elegantly Illustrated by Twenty-six Original Designs, beautifully printed on fine paper. A handsome demy octavo volume. Hlegantly bound in clotli, gilt backs, ... Price $1 75 full gilt sides, backs and edges, 3 .50 Turkey morocco, antique, . 4 00 The simple and Christian parables of Krummacher, chiefly the productions of his younger years, have acquired a wide popularity, and have long afforded a fund on which our periodicals have freelj drawn. In their collected form they have passed through various editions in Germany, but we doubt Whether any of them have been so tasteful and beautiful in all their appliances as the one before us. The typography is very chaste, and the illustrations neat and appropriate.— PrcsZ>3/