A DISCOURSE ON OCCASION OF THE DEATH OF THE REVEREND WILBUR FISK, Di D., PRESIDENT OF THE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY ■i rt .,£PSirrof-^^ DELIVERED IN THE GREENE-STREET CHURCH, NEW-YORK, ON THE EVENING OF THE 29th OF MARCH, 1839. BY NATHAN BANGS, D. D. rUBLISHED BY THE BEQUEST OF THOSE WHO HEARD IT. NEW-YORK : PUBLISHED BY T. MASON AND G. LANE, FOR THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, AT THE CONFERENCE OFFICE, 200 MULBERRY-STREET. J. Collord, Printer, 1839. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT IJRBANA-CHAMPAIGN 3 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 https://archive.org/details/discourseonoccasOObang DISCOURSE. fc F 53/ “ Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season ?” Luke xii, 42. We mourn to-night, my brethren, the loss of no ordinary man ! Dr. Fisk, whose thrilling accents you heard for the last time in this church, when he so feelingly and eloquently plead the cause of missions, is no more 1 Did I say, no more? I correct myself. He is no more among us. That noble figure has ceased to live and move on the theatre of this life. That countenance, beaming with intelligence, and smiling with bene- volence, is for ever hid from our sight. Nor will that voice, which has so often been heard in accents of warning and in- struction, ever more be heard in our earthly sanctuaries. Its last echo within these walls, on the eve of the departure of the mission family for Africa in December last, seems still sounding in our ears, while its dying cadences are wasted in the sur- rounding atmosphere. Yet he lives ! He lives in the recollection of thousands, to whom he was endeared by the strongest ties of affection, and who will long venerate his memory as an able minister of Jesus Christ. He lives — and will long live and speak in those vo- lumes which he has left as records of his worth, and as an evidence of his deep devotion to the cause of God — of his ability to expound and defend the truth, while he stretched his thoughts over a wide field in search of theological, moral, and philosophical science. But he lives in a still higher sense. Though his body is committed to the tomb, and the monuments of his worth al- ready alluded to should cease to exist, yet that immortal mind which once actuated the one, and by its native energies, under the gracious influence of the Divine Spirit, produced the others, lives in perennial bliss. No longer shrouded by that mortal body, nor impeded in its expansive powers by its sluggish na- ture, nor dependent upon its functions either for the reception 4 of its ideas or for the exercise of its energies, that undying soul, purified by the blood of the Lamb, is now enjoying the fruits of its labors and sufferings in the full fruition of that life which shall never end. But, though in this sense he lives, and will for ever live, he is in another sense dead to us. And we mourn his departure from among us the more exquisitely, because we find it so difficult to supply his place. On this topic, however, it does not become the speaker nor the occasion to dwell. “ Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” And without anticipating evils which we may never live to realize, permit me to call your attention, I. To a brief exposition of the text. II. To show, by a short account of the life and character oi the Rev. Dr. Fisk, that he comes under the denomination of a “ faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord appointed ruler over his household.” The text directs our attention to the following particu- lars : — 1. The household. By this expression, I shall understand the Church of the living God. This is composed of various members, of different ages, sexes, capacities, dispositions, and pursuits in life. These require food / that is, instruction, ad- monition, reproof, or encouragement, suited to their respective ages, capacities, dispositions, and their several callings. To enumerate these, and to speak of the mode of instruction suited to each class, would require more time than can be devoted to a single discourse. Suffice it therefore to say, on the present occasion, that it is the business of a faithfid and wise steward to seek out these several members of God’s household, to ascer- tain their wants, and to furnish them with the needful “ food” — or that system of instruction, which is suited to their various conditions and circumstances in life,— that they may be directed aright, and be amply supplied with all things essential to their intellectual, moral, and spiritual welfare. 2. The faithful and wise steward , I shall understand as designating that minister or pastor whom God hath appointed over his household. That man may be denominated wise who perfectly understands the peculiar duties of his profession. He is a wise statesman who understands the condition, the wants, the rights and privileges, as well as the dangers of his country, 5 and knows how to adapt his measures and laws to its circum- stances, so as to supply its wants, defend its rights, protect its privileges, and secure to it the greatest amount of prosperity and happiness. He is a wise jurist who understands and knows how to administer the laws of his country, so as to secure to its citizens the ends of justice and equity. The same may be said of every other professional man. If he understands the principles of his profession, so as to be able to carry them into execution intelligibly, to apply them to the various exi- gencies which may arise in the discharge of his duty, he is a wise man, and his judgment may therefore be safely trusted. So a wise minister of the gospel is one who is “ thoroughly furnished unto every good work” — fully understands the law and the gospel — is able to explain and defend them, and suit- ably to apply them to the variety of cases which may come within his observation. He must, moreover, have a thorough knowledge of the human heart, be able to analyze the character of man, so as to understand the wants, moral and spiritual, of the various classes and conditions of those immortal beings who may be intrusted to his watchful oversight. A superficial knowledge of God’s plan of redemption by Christ Jesus, of his government, as revealed in the sacred Scriptures, and as indi- cated in the workings of divine Providence, will by no means fit a man for a wise ruler over God’s household. His know- ledge of these things must be deep, accurate, and compre- hensive. How else can he apply the various classes of truths, too numerous to name here, to the great variety of characters, conditions, and circumstances of the several members of God’s household ? St. Paul, speaking of an overseer, says, “ Not a novice, lest, being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” How will a novice in the great doctrines of God our Saviour mar the beautiful simplicity, symmetry, and divine harmony of the system of truth revealed in the sacred Scrip- tures ! How will he misinterpret the indications of divine Providence, and thus foster a blind superstition, on the one hand, or engender an ignorant credulity, on the other, unbe- coming a rational Christian, or destructive to an enlightened piety ! How often misapply the threaten ings of God’s law or the promises of his gospel ! And then how ridiculous will he render himself by his ignorance of spiritual things, his inability 6 to explain and enforce the truth, and the inefficient manner in which he attempts to carry out, in his administration, the moral discipline of the church ! If it bo the part of a wise man, as it unquestionably is, not to undertake to explain what he does not understand, nor to do that for which he is incompetent, then it becomes a minister of Jesus Christ to make himself thoroughly acquainted with all those principles of divine truth which are to govern his belief and conduct, fully to comprehend, so far as they are compre- hensible by our limited faculties, the gracious designs of God toward the human family, and especially his method of saving mankind through the gospel of Jesus Christ. A wise steward , therefore, is one who has so applied himself to the study of divine truth that he has a comprehensive know- ledge of the economy of salvation, of the law and the gospel, and of all those helps afforded by the providence and grace of God for the furtherance of his cause among the inhabitants of our world. 3. A faithful steward is that minister of Jesus Christ who applies his wisdom to experimental and practical purposes. A man may have acquired an accurate knowledge, so as perfectly to comprehend the theory of things, and yet he may so fail in the right use of this knowledge as to come under the condem- nation of the “slothful servant.” This quality, therefore, of a steward over God’s household is essential to the completion of his character. Fidelity in the improvement of time, in the right application of attainments, whether intellectual or spi- ritual, is the “ one thing needful” to entitle a minister of Jesus Christ to become “a ruler over his household.” Of what use is it to us to know, simply, to do good ? “ He that knoweth his master’s will, and doeth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes.” And that very justly. His want of faith- fulness is the very thing which renders him obnoxious to the divine displeasure. And the criminality of that unfaithfulness is enhanced in an exact proportion to the extent of our know- ledge and our opportunities of improvement. The faithful steward watches with diligence over the several members of this household, adapts his instructions to their different ages, circumstances, variety of dispositions, and pecu- liarity of callings in life. He rebukes the obstinate, warns the unruly, instructs the ignorant, encourages the feeble-minded, 7 and, with the well informed, delightfully ranges through the field of argument and illustration, while he presents to all the strong motives of the gospel, to incite them forward in the path of obedience to God’s commands. And while he sympathizes with the afilicted, bears the infirmities of the weak, and ten- derly expostulates with the unhappy wanderer, he “ lifts up his voice like a trumpet,” in accents of warning to the ungodly. At the same time that he rejoices with all such as “ run well,” and strives to bring those who have “ turned aside to folly” back “to the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls,” he is equally vigilant and faithful to cut off the incorrigible offender from the communion of the faithful, knowing full well that “ one sinner destroyeth much good,” and will therefore, by his pesti- ferous example, if suffered to remain in the household, corrupt the minds and morals of many. This then is a “ faithful steward.” He diligently employs all his time and talent in doing good. His knowledge he uses for practical ends. He makes his theory have a practical bear- ing upon himself and others. He watches over those intrusted to his care with the tender solicitude of a father, giving them all a “ portion of meat in due season.” 4. Such a man is rewarded by being made a ruler over the household of God. Being eminently fitted, by both wisdom and fidelity , for this high and responsible station, God puts him in his place, and makes him a ruler over that portion of his family where his talents may be most usefully employed for the improvement and salvation of immortal souls. By a ruler , I understand one that takes an oversight of some particular department of the church, and is therefore held responsible for whatever may be transacted by those placed under his care. Here his wisdom and fidelity are eminently brought into practical operation. II. Whether or not Dr. Fisk was thus qualified for a “ faith- ful and wise steward,” whom God made ruler over his house- hold, to give them their meat in due season, will appear from a review of his life and character. Wilbur Fisk was born in Brattleborough, Vermont, August 31, 1792. His parents were devoted Christians, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and they early instilled into his infant mind those principles which governed their own hearts and conduct. To his pious and affectionate mother 8 especially, who watched over his juvenile years with maternal solicitude, was he indebted for those early lessons of instruction which laid the foundation of his usefulness in after life. She, no doubt, saw, in the buddings of his infant mind, indications of those expansive powers which, under the culture of riper years, and the blessing of God on his efforts, were so beneficially employed in the cause of human improvement, and happiness. The death of a beloved brother was a means of awakening him, when in his twelfth year, to serious things, and soon after he embraced the Saviour by faith, and obtained the forgiveness of sins in his blood. Subsequently, however, while at a pre- paratory school, he lost the enjoyment of religion, and remained in a backslidden state until after he left college. From the preparatory school he entered the University of Vermont, in the town of Burlington, whence he removed to Brown University, in the state of Rhode Island, where he graduated. Some time after leaving the university, by means of a severe fit of illness, his former religious impressions were revived, and he again sought and obtained “ redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Very soon after this joyful event he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and finally devoted himself to the itinerant ministry, in which he continued to the end of his life. In 1818 he was received on trial in the New-England Con- ference, and graduated to elders’ orders in 1822. The wisdom and fidelity with which he discharged the duties of his office commanded the approbation of his brethren, so that in 1823 he was appointed presiding elder of the Vermont district. The next year, notwithstanding his youth, he was elected a delegate to the General Conference, vrhich assembled in the city of Baltimore. In 1826 he was appointed principal of the Wilbraham Aca- demy. Here his talents were eminently displayed, in governing and training the youth who were committed to his care ; and the influence he exerted upon that, institution gave it a high character in the community, from which it has reaped the be- nefit even to this day. At the head of this seminary he remained until the establish- ment of the Wesleyan University in 1830, when he was called to be its president. 9 In 1828, after the Canada Conference had become separated from the jurisdiction of the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Fisk was, on the declination of another to accept of that office, elected by that body as their bishop. This office, however, he declined. In 1836, from a hope that it might benefit his health, by the advice of the joint board of Trustees and Yisiters of the Wes- leyan University, he visited Europe, and returned in the latter part of the year 1837. YVffiile there, the General Conference of 1836 appointed him as a delegate to the YYesleyan Methodist Conference, which office he fulfilled highly creditably to him- self, and mutually satisfactory to the two bodies of Methodists. At the same General Conference, he was elected to the epis- copal office, which, however, after his return from Europe, he conditionally declined, believing that, unless called by more urgent circumstances than existed at the time, he could be more useful to the Church generally in the station he then filled. In this conviction he was doubtless strengthened by the opinion of the more immediate friends of the university, who fully be- lieved that its interests must suffer if he were to withdraw his services. On his return from Europe, he re-entered upon the duties of his station with the same distinguished zeal and eminent abi- lity by which he sustained himself from the time of his entrance upon that important trust. In addition to exerting himself to sustain the interests of the university by presiding over its des- tinies with fidelity and wisdom, and soliciting pecuniary aid to meet its pressing demands, he was employed in preparing an accoGnt of his European tour for the press, which finally made its appearance in a large octavo of about 700 pages, much to the satisfaction of the friends of literature and science on both sides of the Atlantic. But his foreign travels did him no good, physically. Those symptoms of pulmonary disease which had accompanied him for more than twenty years, suffered no abatement on his return to his native land. The hectic flush upon his cheek, the deep and hollow cough with which he was afflicted, while neither the one nor the other seemed to alarm himself, were mournful indi- cations to his friends that a premature death would deprive the Church and the world of his most valuable services. It was, indeed, fondly hoped by some that a voyage to E^ppe ^ ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 10 might be a means of lengthening out his life. But alas ! the effect was quite the reverse. The excitement arising from new objects perpetually recurring — from the continual drain upon his intellectual resources as an intelligent American traveler to satisfy the inquiries of those with whom he came in contact — the demand upon his public labors as a minister of the sanc- tuary, and as the representative of the American to the Wes- leyan Methodist Conference — his own eager curiosity to see objects and to make observations upon passing events, while traveling over the classic soil of Italy and other states of Europe — the constant application of his mental energies and physical powers in treasuring up for future use whatever might be con- sidered interesting and useful — his assiduous attention to the purchase and transmission of apparatus for his beloved uni- versity — together with the humid atmosphere of England, so uncongenial to an invalid laboring under a disease so deeply seated — all these things must have tended rather to weaken than strengthen a frame already shattered by the combined in- fluence of disease and the constant wear and tear of labor, tottering as it did under the infirmities of premature debility and decay. It is believed, therefore, that his European tour diminished rather than augmented his physical strength. While it sharp- ened and called forth his intellectual powers, by adding fresh stimulants to a mind already sufficiently excited by the various topics of discussion which engaged his attention, it made fear- ful inroads upon a frame which had been shaken by the blast of many an adverse wind. Indeed, it was evident to those who observed him closely, and felt milch interested in the prolonga- tion of his valuable life, that Dr. Fisk returned from this tour a much older man in appearance than when he left his native shores. I confess, that when I had the pleasure of saluting him again as a friend— for such I had the honor of calling him — I felt no little alarm, as it appeared that disease had made fearful advances upon his constitution, and must soon, unless arrested by some means, prostrate him in the dust. And al- though I knew he was safe in the hands of his heavenly Father, yet I could but feel and anticipate with mournful sensations the loss the Church must sustain by his death, and more especially our infant institution at Middletown. But these forebodings, however well or ill founded, I dare hardly whisper to my friends, 11 lest they might be interpreted into a distrust of divine Provi- dence, or the expression of despondency and groundless fears. One to whom he was more endeared than to any other, on account of the intimate relation she held to him, said, at the last commencement of the Wesleyan University, “This is the last at which he will ever preside !” — and then alluded to an agitated controversy in which he had been for some time en- gaged, as exerting a most deleterious effect upon his feeble frame. Her words have proved prophetic. Yet who could look upon that dignified form on that occasion, and behold that countenance which beamed with benignity and intelligence, and not be struck with melancholy forebodings by the antici- pation of such an event? It was indeed, hoped, that such an announcement, though it has proved oracular, was but the expression of a fear which arose from a strong desire to retain him as long as possible in this world. But in this, as well as in other things, u coming events cast their shadows before,” and proclaim their near approach. As the winter approached, more alarming symptoms began to appear ; such as swelling of the joints and limbs, increased cough, and greater difficulty of breathing. These were fearful signs to his friends that his disease was assuming a more radi- cal character, and admonished them that death had fixed on its victim. As long, however, as he was able, he moved about, attended to his duties, and conversed with his friends. While in this feeble state, during the winter vacation, being requested to meet with a committee of the managers of our Missionary Society on important business, he came to New- York ; and, though scarcely able to stand on his feet, delivered, at a missionary meeting, one of those thrilling and heart-stirring addresses for which he was so eminently distinguished. On his return to Middletown, the symptoms soon assumed a yet more alarming aspect, and a medical council decided that the probabilities of recovery were fearfully against him. On receiving information of his dangerous state, your speaker was one of a deputation from the managers of our Missionary So- ciety to repair to Middletown, and, if yet alive, to convey to him the Christian sympathies of his brethren ; or, if dead, to offer their condolence to the bereaved and afflicted widow, and likewise to attend the funeral. Contrary to our expectation, 12 on our arrival, we found him still living, calm and peaceful in his mind, and free from those painful sufferings with which he had contended for some days before — for at times his physical sufferings, arising from spasms in his lungs, and the collection of water in the chest, had been indescribably severe, and tended greatly to exhaust his remaining strength. The interview was affecting, and tended not a little to heighten our admiration of the power and excellency of that religion of which he had been such an able and eloquent advocate. When informed of the circumstances and object of our visit, he seemed very grate- fill for this instance of respectful attention, and remarked, “ That it was an evidence of that Christian sympathy and brotherly affection which he had so long beheld among his brethren. 5 ’ An unusual brilliancy seemed to lighten up his countenance, and to beam forth from his eyes, while with great composure of mind, and with frequent pauses from extreme weakness, in low but intelligent whispers, he expressed his unwavering con- fidence in God, remarking, that, though he did not enjoy those ecstacies which he had expected, yet he had an unclouded witness of God’s favor, and a bright expectation of future bliss. Adverting to the severity of the physical sufferings which he had endured a few days before, he remarked, “ I have been in sight of the port, and thought to have entered it ere this — but, O ! what a rough sea I had to contend with ! But I am driven back, and now feel myself in a calmer sea. What I may be called to contend with I know not, before I enter the harbor of rest. But all is right which God orders. The distance be- tween the two worlds is exceedingly short. It is but a step from one to the other.” This effort seemed to exhaust him for a season. On recover- ing a little strength, referring to the interests of the university, which lay near his heart, he said, “Tell the New-York Con- ference, that I give it as my dying request, that they nurse the Wesleyan University — that they must exert themselves to sus- tain and carry it forward.” Thinking that to prolong the interview would be taxing him too heavily, as he seemed much exhausted, after praying with him, the deputation bade him farewell, never expecting to see him again in this world, it being thought inexpedient to remain longer, as it was probable he might survive some days. 13 I cannot give the closing days of Dr. Fisk better than by inserting the following letter of Professor Holdich , who was with him much during the few last hours of his life. His ac- count is as follows : — “ During his entire illness, his mind, whenever possessed of consciousness, which was uninterrupted until a few days before his death, was in a most delightful state. On Friday, Satur- day, and Sunday, his chamber was a continued scene of the moral sublime. His body was not then worn out by disease, and his mind retained its perfect vigor. His testimony to the truth, and power, and triumph of Christianity, was enough, one could. think, to make infidelity blush, and be silent for ever. I was absent at the vacation ; and though I returned instantly on receiving intelligence, I did not reach home until Tuesday, the 12th. Consequently, I did not hear his remarks prior to that, and the memoranda which were taken down are not in my possession. After my return, I was with him much of the time, and with very great satisfaction. Previously to my return, however, I understand he said, “I am full of imperfec- tions, but Jesus Christ is my Saviour, and through him alone I expect eternal life — not of right, but of gift. Rights ! I have no rights ; but Jesus Christ has, and he confers rights upon me.” When Mrs. F. was weeping at his side, he said, “ Some tell us the body and soul both go down into the dust together. But it is not true : so far from my body pressing my soul down to the dust, I feel almost as if the soul had power to raise the body upward, and bear it away !” Then turning to Mrs. F., he said, “ Think not, my dear, when you see this body laid in the grave, that that is your husband. No ; he cannot be bu- ried, though his body may— he will be in heaven.” The day after my return, I was sent for, as he was supposed to be dying. When I came, he took my hand and said, “ I believe I am going.” After a pause, he said, “ There is my house and portion fair, My treasure and my friends are there, some of them, and the rest are on their way.” Afterward he said, “ I am dying, not in my bed, but on a chair. (Owing to his disease he could not lie down.) But my Saviour died on the cross.” At another time he remarked, “ From the chair to the throne.” Several times, “ If I have been instrumental in a little good, I thank God for it. I have been an unprofitable 14 servant, and all my trust is in Jesus Christ.” On reviving from a paroxysm, he said, “I feel like a citizen of another country, driven back again to a foreign shore.” The university lay very near his heart. He spoke of the perfect harmony in which the faculty had lived and labored, and charged them all to stand by it, and be faithful to its inte- rests. In reply to his remarks about the affection of the faculty, one said, “Yes, doctor, you were the magnet that drew us to- gether. We all loved you.” “ Yes,” said he, “ but not because I was worthy of it.” His patience was wonderful, as his sufferings were uncom- mon. Not a murmur, or a peevish expression, not a word or look that indicated a spirit discomposed. To the last he was considerate of others, and anxious to give no trouble or fatigue. Often he said to his attendants, “ And have you left your own dear homes, and even your beds, to come and wait on me — poor, unworthy me ! I am sure I do not know what I am kept here for, unless it is to exhibit the patience of my kind friends. Sure, man never had such friends.” A day or two before he died, I asked him if he still had the same views of Christianity as ever, and of our doctrines, &c., to all which he assented. I then observed that he had been a great sufferer, but there was a world “ where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest.” He responded — “ Bless God for that.” After this, he became so drowsy that it was difficult to wake him ; yet when roused, he was perfectly sensible. Coming into his room after this, I went up to him and said, “ Well, sir, I have come to see you once more — do you know me ?” He pressed my hands and whispered, “ Yes — glorious hope !” I believe these were the last words he con- sciously uttered. There was one scene which I did not witness, that would require a pencil rather than a quill to do it justice. Thinking himSelf going, he said to his wife and adopted daughter, “ We must pray together once more.” Then throwing an arm around the neck of each, as he sat in his chair, he put up a prayer, which for pathos, fervor, and sublimity, was truly asto- nishing.” Though greatly desirous to comply with the invitation to attend the funeral of this great and good man, yet we were denied this mournful satisfaction by an occurrence beyond our 15 control, and therefore give the following from the pen of one who did attend, and who participated in the exercises on the solemn occasion : — “ The last sad tribute has been paid to departed worth by a bereaved and sorrowing community. All that is mortal of our revered and beloved friend, the late president of the Wesleyan University, was yesterday deposited in the house appointed for all the living. As you may well suppose, a gloom overspreads the city of Middletown ; the conviction having taken a deep hold upon the minds of all that 1 a prince and a great man has fallen in Israel,’ and that not only their flourishing institution is deprived of its head, but that they have lost a common fa- ther, counsellor, and friend. “ 1 need scarcely say to you that he died as the Christian dieth, 1 full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.’ ‘ Having served his own generation by the will of God, he has fallen asleep,’ and now rests from his labors among the blessed and illustrious dead. “ Truly a bright light is extinguished. A star of the first magnitude is seen no more in the firmament of the visible church; and yet it has not fallen from heaven, but is now taking a higher, holier, and wider range in the unseen distance, even within the veil of that glory into which we cannot look. * Though dead, he yet speaketh — having left us an example that we should walk in his steps.’ And surely the name and memory of Wilbur Fisk will be fondly cherished as long as human minds can estimate high intellectual, moral, and reli- gious worth.” The following- was the arrangement of the funeral procession : — Joint Board of Trustees and Visiters of the University. Missionary Committee from New-York. Mayor and Common Council. Physicians. Clergy. Officiating Clergymen. Company of Artillery, of whom Dr. Fisk was Chaplain, who requested to bear upon their shoulders his body to the grave, (in citizens’ dress.) Twelve Assistant Bearers. Six clergymen, pall bearers, of the several churches in the city. Relatives of the deceased. Faculty of the Wesleyan University. Students of the University. 16 Preparatory School of Rev. Mr. Saxe* Young Men’s City Lyceum. Mr. Webb’s School. Citizens.- After prayer at the house, the procession moved to the Methodist Epis- copal church, where, after a funeral dirge from the choir, the funeral service was read by Rev. L. Clark, of Hartford district. An eloquent and appro- priate address was delivered by the Rev. Professor Means, of Emory College, Georgia. Concluding prayer by Rev. E. E. Griswold, of New-Haven. The procession then proceeded to the college cemetery, and, after the burial service, by Rev. H. Bangs, of Hartford, the body was committed to the grave till the resurrection morning. Thus ended the labors, the sufferings, and the mortal exist- ence of the Rev. Wilbur Fisk, D. D., President of the Wes- leyan University — a man who united in himself the graces of the Christian, the gentleman, and the scholar, as well as the purity and dignity of the minister of Jesus Christ. It now only remains to present some of those excellent traits of character by which he was distinguished. 1. His learning, though, perhaps, not so deep and thorough as that of some others, was nevertheless sound, various, and of the most useful character. He graduated with honor to him- self in the Brown University, and was highly respected by his fellow students and the faculty under whom he studied. And such was his love of letters in subsequent life that he held a distinguished rank among the literati of his country, and filled with high reputation the stations he occupied at the head of literary institutions. 2. His religious experience was deep and genuine. This was fully evinced by the uniformity of his piety, the humility of his mind, and his ardent devotion to the cause of his divine Master. It was this also which created that inextinguishable thirst for the salvation of a lost world, which led him forth as a preacher of the gospel of Christ, as a powerful and fearless advdcate of the cause of missions, temperance, and all those institutions of benevolence which aim at human melioration, or look to the universal spread of the gospel of the Son of God. Though at an early period of his ministry he was called to preside over institutions of learning, which officially confined him to a more limited sphere of action than that which was marked out by an itinerant ministry, yet he by no means circumscribed his labors to these narrow limits, but as oppor- 17 Utilities presented, extended the sphere of his labors, in the pulpit and on the platform, wherever and whenever, so far as his time and strength would allow, calls were made for his services. And in these labors he was eminently useful, and his services were highly appreciated by all lovers of human improvement. He was therefore never “ straitened in his own bowels,” but stretched the line of his labors in every direc- tion, making his voice to be heard in favor of the cause of Christ, in all those diversities of operations by which the pre- sent age is distinguished for the diffusion of gospel light and love. In this work that fountain of Divine grace which can be opened in the human heart only by a deep and genuine ex- perience of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit, gushed out in the purest streams of the most charming eloquence, distilling “ as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass.” His efforts to do good were limited only by his means. On a certain occasion he was heard to say, “ As I have no children of my own to provide for,* I feel it my duty to do all I can for the benefit of others.” Acting on this principle, he devoted all his energies of soul and body to the best interests of his fellow men. 3. Though deeply interested in the cause of education, yet he considered it only so far important as it was made sub- servient to the spiritual and eternal welfare of men. Having suffered much in his religious enjoyments while at the prepa- ratory school and at college, on account of the irreligion which prevailed at these institutions at the time he was there, he was, when he came to feel the responsibility of his station, exceed- ingly solicitous to see seminaries of learning established and conducted strictly according to the principles of the gospel. Hence, when placed at the head of the University, as well as while Principal of the Wilbraham Academy, he exerted all his powers to banish immorality and irreligion from their precincts, and bring the influence of Christianity, in its experimental and practical parts, to bear upon the students, and upon all con- cerned. And in this he succeeded even beyond what might have been expected. The holy influence which was collected around the Wes- leyan University, by the power of his precept and example, seconded as he was by his associates and the official board, * Dr. Fisk, though married, died without issue. UNIVERSITY OF 3 ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAWIPAIGN 18 was extensively felt on the surrounding population, and gave it a commanding character in the community, exempting is from those exceptions which have frequently been made, with too much truth, against literary institutions. The frequent revivals of religion, which were witnessed among the students, furnished an evidence to its friends that a college may be so conducted as to insure the blessings of God on its labors, and tended powerfully to impress upon the minds of all, the spiritual as well as literary benefit, to be derived from placing their sons under the wing of the Wesleyan University. I may say indeed, with confidence, that on no department of God’s vineyard has his Spirit been poured out more copiously, and the number of genuine converts been more numerous, in proportion to the population, than in this nursery of learning and religion. How much the labors and example of its venerated president contributed to this happy result, those can testify who have borne witness to his assiduous attention to these things. The wisdom and fidelity with which he inculcated the truths of the gospel upon the minds of the students, and the fatherly manner in which he led the inquiring soul to Jesus Christ for pardon and salvation, and likewise rejoiced over the happy believer, attest the interest which he took in the spiritual as well as lite- rary welfare of those intrusted to his care. His invariable maxim was, that sanctified learning only can he useful to mankind. And acting on this maxim, he diffused through every circle in which he moved, the hallowing influ- ences of Christianity, exhibiting in his own temper and spirit the superior excellency and claim it has upon the hearts and homage of mankind. 4. His talents as a preacher of the gospel were of a high order. He entered deeply and systematically into theological truth, and was thoroughly Wesleyan in his views of the gospel, and the methods of diffusing its blessings among mankind. Though never boisterous in his manner, but calm and collected, he was energetic, plain, and pointed, and evinced that he spoke from the fulness of his heart — a heart thoroughly imbued with the spirit of his Divine Master. He was an original thinker. Though the field of theological truth has been so frequently surveyed, that little seems to be left for us to do but to follow on in the beaten track, yet it was evident that when Wilbur Fisk “occupied that holy place, the pulpit,” he thought and arranged for himself, and clothed his thoughts in language of his own selection, which, by its appro- priateness, expressed what he wished to communicate in words plain, chaste, and classical. In him there was no ostentatious show of learning, though it was evident to all who heard him, with attention, that he was no stranger to literature and science. His sermons were generally of a didactic character, and on this account might have appeared to those who did not fully enter into his views, and follow his chain of reasoning, some- what dry and dull. His discourses, however, were far from being dull and monotonous. Though much accustomed to con- secutive reasoning, to sustaining his propositions by logical deductions, yet his ultimate appeal was to the holy Scriptures ; and often his addresses to the conscience were of that pungent character, and delivered with that flow of eloquence which made the sinner tremble, while he saw swept away all “his refuges of lies. 5 ’ On one of these occasions, I remember to have heard him in this city, in the Forsyth-street church, when, after having substantiated the truth of his doctrine by apposite texts of Scripture, and a close chain of reasoning, he suddenly turned upon his audience, and commenced one of those elo- quent and pathetic appeals, which poured upon them like a resistless torrent, and bore them away upon the stream of truth almost whether they would or not. A minister, sitting within the railing of the altar, found himself unconsciously extending his arms to snatch the sinner from his impending ruin, and to carry him to the Lord Jesus for salvation. His manner in the pulpit was solemn, graceful, and dignified ; his enunciation clear and impressive ; and all his gesticulations corresponded to the purity and importance of the cause in which he was engaged. Perhaps, when unembarrassed, he came as near to the perfection of a Christian pulpit orator, as any which can be found among the ministers of the sanctuary. He never demeaned himself nor degraded the dignity of the place and the subject, by descending to quirks and witty say- ings to tickle the fancy of the facetious, nor spoke with a view to produce a momentary effect, or to elicit the shout o applause. To this disgraceful finesse, so unbecoming the time, the place, the subject, and the end of preaching, Dr. Fisk never stooped ; but his air was solemn, his attitude grave, his words sober, his arguments sound, and his entire object seemed to be to bring sinners to God, and to build believers up in all holy living. 5. Dr. Fisk wielded a powerful pen. The few printed sojy 20 mons he has left behind him bespeak for him the sound divine, the able advocate of revealed truth, and the fearless defender of experimental and practical religion. In his controversial writings — and who can avoid contro- versy? — while he manfully combatted error and defended what he considered the truth in a style of independence becoming the ambassador of Jesus Christ, he was respectful and courte- ous toward his antagonists. Though it may be admitted that in some instances he was careless in stating his arguments, and not sufficiently guarded against the insiduous attacks of some with whom he was called to contend, yet the acuteness of his intellect and the force of his genius were never more eminently displayed than in his Calvinistic Controversy, and in his Address to the Members of the New-England Conference. He wrote, indeed, as one who believed what he put to paper, breathing into his sentences the inspiration of truth and sincerity, and pouring forth the streams of argument and illustration with that earnestness and logical precision which cannot but enlighten and convince the judgment. Toward the close of his life he was engaged in a very deli- cate controversy, in conducting which he sometimes suffered no little reproach. Though Dr. Fisk was the last man who should have provoked reproachful language, yet he bore it with that meekness and submission which became the Christian mi- nister, and finally testified on his dying bed, that, though he may have erred in some of his expressions, he was fully con- firmed in the truth of his doctrines, as it was principle , not victory , for which he had contended. We may therefore safely commend him as a writer for an example to others, and his writings as worthy of being read and had in remembrance. 6. Instead of towering above his fellows by an exhibition of any one talent of superior strength and brilliancy, in him were concentrated that cluster of excellencies which constituted a nicely balanced mind, admirably adapted to the variety of calls which were made upon his time and abilities. This concentra- tion of excellences created that symmetry of character which so beautifully displayed itself on all occasions, and so eminently fitted him to move in the various circles of usefulness in which he was called to exercise his gifts. Though he may not have been so thoroughly versed as some others, who had devoted themselves more exclusively to any 21 one department of literature, in metaphysics, in a knowledge of the languages, or in mathematical science ; yet he was suffi- ciently acquainted with these branches of knowledge to enable him to unravel the sophistry of error, to detect the fallacies of subtle antagonists, and to state and defend the truth with clearness and precision. With this well-balanced and well- disciplined mind, was combined that moral worth of character which at all times commanded respect and inspired confidence, and that fitted him for the various fields of usefulness in which he was called to labor. And in the exercise of these gifts, it was evident that he studied to be useful rather than great , though it is equally manifest that his greatness of character resulted from the usefulness of his life and labors. 7. But that which characterized Dr. Fisk among his fellows, and rendered him so eminently useful, was the deep vein of evangelical piety which ran through all his performances, and exerted a hallowing influence over his own mind and the minds of others. This, as I have before remarked, blended itself in his private studies, mingled in his social intercourse, graced and sanctified all his public administrations, whether in the pulpit, on the platform, or in the discharge of his duties as pre- sident of the university. And though no stranger to the weapon of satire, which he wielded sometimes with tremendous eflect 3 yet it was manifest that the same hallowed end was had in view in the use of this sharp and dangerous weapon, as when he dealt in the more sober and dignified accents of direct truth and argument. 8. In his social intercourse he sweetly blended the meekness of the Christian and the gravity of the minister with the urba- nity of the gentleman and the graces of the scholar. Though too conscientious and independent to compromise the truth from deference to the opinions of others, yet he always treated their judgment with becoming respect, and uttered his dissent with that modesty and diffidence which indicated a sense of his fallability and sincere desire to know the right. To the common courtesies of life he was never inattentive, well know- ing that Christianity distinguishes her children no less by the “ gentleness” of their manners, and the delicate attentions to the niceties of relative duties, than she does by the sternness of her requirements in favor of purity of motive and conduct. He was therefore equally removed from that vulgar rudeness which marks the clown, and that disgusting familiarity which 22 obtrudes itself, unasked and undesired, into the privacies of others. In him were united the delicacies of refined life, with the strong and unyielding principles of Christian integrity and ministerial gravity. 9. Though inspired with that spirit of Catholicism which embraces all denominations as constituting one Christian bro- therhood, he was, nevertheless, cordially attached from principle to the doctrine, discipline, and usages of the Church to which he belonged, and of which he was such a distinguished orna- ment. Wesley he venerated as the first man of his age, as the greatest of modern reformers, as a sound divine, and as one of the most evangelical, laborious, and successful ministers of Jesus Christ. He fully believed that the doctrine and discipline of the Church Wesley was instrumental of founding in America were orthodox and Scriptural, and therefore admirably calcu- lated to spread holiness and happiness through the land. Hence he labored indefatigably to promulgate its doctrine, to establish its government, and to extend its influence. He loved the itinerant ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church. No more conclusive proof could he have given of this than he did, by adhering to it “through good and evil report,” so long as the church called him to labor in that field ; and when called by his brethren to a more restricted sphere of action, his official duties by no means deprived him of the privilege he prized so highly of going forth as an itinerant minister in quest of the “ lost sheep of the house of Israel.” He who might have commanded thousands of dollars, had he chosen to attach himself to another ministry, “ chose rather to suffer affliction” with these comparatively poor “ people of God,” “ esteeming the reproach of Christ,” as borne by a Me- thodist itinerant “greater riches than the treasures” he might have secured to himself in another department of ministerial labor. And though, after he accepted of the presidency of the Wesleyan University, he had a most luring offer, so far as pecuniary consideration was concerned, to take charge of an- other literary institution, yet he declined the honor because he loved that which bore the name of Wesley, from a hope that he could there more effectually build up Wesleyan Method- ism, by training its sons in the principles and practice of that apostolic man, and because he had already pledged his best endeavors to promote its literary and religious interests. While therefore he gave the right hand of fellowship to all, of every 23 name, who “loved the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity,” he mani- fested his preference for the ministry and doctrines of his own church, by cleaving to them to the end of his life. 10. It remains only that we look at him as the head of the Wesleyan University. Here he seemed to be the centre of attraction to all connected with the institution, whether as professors, directors, or as students. His counsel was respected, his precepts observed, and his example considered worthy the imitation of all. He ruled more from the love and respect which were felt and entertained for his character, than from a fear of his frown, though the latter was dreaded in exact pro- portion to the esteem felt for his exalted worth. His inaugural address developed the principles on which the government of the university would be conducted; and the paternal manner in which these principles were practically illustrated gave a character to the institution which secured the affection and commanded the respect of all interested in its prosperity ; and perhaps no student ever left his alma mater without being impressed with a deep sense of his obligations to its President for the fatherly solicitude he had manifested in his literary, intellectual, and religious welfare. Placed thus at the head of an institution which must tell for good or ill on the destinies of so many immortal beings, he felt the responsibility of his station, and acted in view of that day when he must render an “account of his stewardship.” And such was the success with which he presided over the literary and religious interests of those committed to his oversight, and discharged the duties of the high trusts confided to him, that he inspired the respect and confidence, not only of those imme- diately connected with the university, but of the public at large, as well as those who held a kindred relation to similar institutions. Hence his death is considered a loss to the entire community, The impression he was making upon the public mind generally was of the most favorable character, and the lamentations made on hearing the news of his death, and the tones of sym- pathy expressed by others than those connected with him in church fellowship, show that the community generally felt a lively interest in his welfare, and therefore sorrowed “ most of all that they should see his face no more.” Finally, we may say, that “ Whatsoever things were lovely pure, and of good report,” in religion and morals, in learning 24 and science, in spirit and conduct, were, in an eminent degree, concentrated in him, and sweetly and harmoniously blending t heir united influence in his heart and life, gave a symmetry; a finish and polish to his character, worthy of love and admi- ration ; and although as a human being he must have felt and exhibited the common infirmities of our nature, yet, having- been disciplined by education, refined by grace, and improved by reading and extensive observation, he may be safely held up as an exemplar for the imitation of the Christian, and the minister of Jesus Christ, as well as those to whom are commit t ed the interests of the youth of our land. Having thus given evidence of his wisdom and fidelity, God made him “a ruler over his household, to give them their por- tion of meat in due season.” If we may rely upon the voice of the church as indicating the allotments of divine Providence we are warranted in the conclusion, that He made Dr. Fisk a “ ruler over his household.” In the fifth year of his ministry, as we have already seen, he was appointed to rule over a district as a presiding elder, and the next year was sent as a delegate “ to make rules and regu- lations” for the church of his choice. He then was selected by the voice of his brethren to rule over the Wilbraham Academy whence he was transferred to the presidency of the Wesleyan University. Finally, the highest gift in the church was offered him in his election by the General Conference to the office of a bishop. The doctrine of the text then has had an illustration in the life and conduct of Dr. Fisk. He furnished the most indubit- able evidence of being a faithful and wise steward in whatever relation he sustained to the church ; and hence he became, in the order of divine Providence and grace, a ruler over God’s household, and he gave them their portion of instruction suited to their various relations and circumstances in life, until his Lord said unto him ; — “ Well done, thou good and faithful ser- vant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things ; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Amen.